Tech Universe: Tuesday 7 December

Russia launched 3 GLONASS-M satellites to complete its global navigation system of 24 satellites for civilian and military use. Photo / Thinkstock

WHAT'S RUSSIAN FOR GPS?: A few days ago Russia launched 3 GLONASS-M satellites to complete its global navigation system of 24 satellites for civilian and military use. GLONASS rivals the American GPS system. Go Russia! More at HindustanTimes.

WHAT'S RUSSIAN FOR OOPS?: The 3 Russian satellites veered 8 degrees off course and crashed into the Pacific Ocean 1500Km from Hawaii. Fortunately 20 of 26 satellites currently in orbit provide pretty good GPS coverage already. Perhaps Russia could start an underwater GPS system. More at Rian.

PULP FACTION: Flexoresearch, a Thai firm, is using hungry enzymes to recycle laminated paper such as cigarette packets and fast food wrappers that other processes can't recycle. The enzymes turn the products into pulp that can be used to create new paper products, or building materials that can replace asbestos. The process also produces clean plastic. And gets the whole lot sparkling white! More at DiscoveryNews.

JIGGLE GENERATOR: It's the size of a coin, can sit in your pocket, and generates 1.56mW while you move. A Japanese researcher used a material called Galfenol which changes its magnetic flux when compressed, which generates voltage. Weights deform the material as it moves, creating electricity. Imagine artificial trees with leaves made of this, blowing in the wind. A new concept for wind power. More at NikkeiBP.

BUMPY SMOOTHERS: Humpback whales swim well because of the bumps, or tubercles, on the front of their flippers. The bumps cause vortices in the water, creating lift. The U.S. Naval Academy has shown that adding similar bumps to underwater turbines increases their efficiency. This could solve the severe problem of underwater power turbines stalling or failing to produce sufficient power. Some things are just
counter-intuitive. More at ScientificAmerica.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz