Cosmic radiation is one of the most serious dangers to human spaceflight and hence a serious issue for space colonization. Consequently radiation protection is no luxury for space settlers and without this space colonization is unlikely to succeed.
Researchers at the Australian National University have developed a new nano material that could reflect cosmic radiation. A thin film of the material could provide radiation protection of astronauts and space settlers. Compared to other shielding techniques this material appears to offer a light-weight protection.
Apparently there are plans to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation in England, after the Scottish government has announced to introduce such system there. An opt-out system means that every person is automatically an organ donor unless he/she or his/her next of kin objects. Continue reading Organ donation→
Apparently there is a new trend in the world of architecture: building with wood. Though one might think timber construction is old-fashioned, wood is back. There are even skyscrapers of wood! Continue reading The Comeback of Wood→
Washing your clothes with just one cup of water? According to UK professor Stephen Burkingsaw is that quite possible. He has invented a new type washing machine that uses nylon polymer beads which can absorb dirth from clothes with only a minimal amount of water. Continue reading Dry washing→
A mass driver is a device that uses a linear motor to accelerate a mass to high-speed, hence the name. Electromagnetic catapult is another name for mass driver and refers to physical principles behind this system. Continue reading Solar sails or mass drivers?→
Most people will be familiar with portable vacuum cleaners, but those are not the only type of vacuum cleaners. A central vacuum cleaner is a fixed structure that collects dirt through pipes in the walls. In order to use such system each room needs one or more vacuum inlets – one has to put the hose on the inlet. Continue reading Should central vacuum cleaners be mandatory?→
Around the world underground waste containers are an increasingly common feature of the street scene. These containers allow people to dispose of their domestic waste when needed rather than having to wait for the garbage truck. Continue reading Waste collection in space settlements→
