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
Category Archives: technology
Printing revolution
Two students at the Delft University of Technology have developed a printer that does not need ink:
Though their printer only produces black and white pages, the inventors argue that 80 percent of printing is black and white.
National security and open source software
On the site Why Linux is better there is an article about backdoors in proprietary software. The author writes that because the source code of proprietary software is secret: Continue reading National security and open source software
Dry washing
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
Solar sails or mass drivers?
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?
Should central vacuum cleaners be mandatory?
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?
Waste collection in space settlements
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
Developments in battery technology
Scientists at Stanford University (US) have developed a battery based on aluminum instead of lithium. According to the researchers their battery is fast-charging, long-lasting and inexpensive, which are desirable properties of a battery. Continue reading Developments in battery technology
Algae and in vitro meat
One objection, from an animal welfare perspective, against in vitro meat, is the fact that current blood serum is used to feed tissue cultures. Blood serum is a popular growth medium, because it contains the substances needed to culture cells ex vivo. Continue reading Algae and in vitro meat
PVC Rats
A fair number of experiments on animals is done for educational purposes. For instance aspirant-surgeons practice on animals before they are allowed, or animals are dissected just to teach students what an animal looks like from the inside. Continue reading PVC Rats
