The 'elixir of life' to lengthen lifespan beyond 100yrs comes closer to realityOctober 5th, 2009 LONDON - Taking a step closer towards a wonder pill that could extend people's lifespan by up to 25 years, scientists have claimed that over half of babies born in the new future in the UK and other wealthy nations will live to 100 years. The drug, touted as the "elixir of life" drug, works by using a molecule called spermidine, which helps to protect the body against damaging chemicals known as free radicals.
Natural killer cells help keep immune system in balanceOctober 2nd, 2009 WASHINGTON - Natural killer (NK) cells, part of our immune system, kill cells infected with a given virus. Researchers have now found that the cells also help keep T-cells from over-responding.
Catalyst simulations for fuel cells may make clean cars a realitySeptember 18th, 2009 WASHINGTON - University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are working towards developing better catalyst for fuel cells in a bid to make clean cars a reality. If successful, the researchers could make a car that runs on hydrogen from solar power, and produces water instead of carbon emissions.
Now, cheap, efficient, flexible solar cells made from nanopillarsJuly 10th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists have found a new way to make cheap, efficient, and flexible solar cells by using nanopillars made of low-cost and flexible materials. The design by researchers at the U.S.
Artificial nerve cells come closer to realityJuly 8th, 2009 LONDON - Taking a step closer towards the creation of artificial nerve cells, scientists have now found that neurotransmitters can be used to communicate between the nerve cells in the body. Just like cochlear implants and electrodes, current methods to stimulate nerve signals in the nervous system are based on electrical stimulation.
Breakthrough opens way to developing tiny bio-fuel cellsJuly 1st, 2009 WASHINGTON - A breakthrough in making miniscule brushes potentially opens the way to bio-fuel cells that can power pace-makers, cochlear implants and prosthetic limbs. University of Georgia (UGA) chemist Jason Locklin and graduate students Nicholas Marshall and Kyle Sontag grew polymer brushes, made up of chains of aromatic molecules sometimes used as solvents, attached to metal surfaces as ultra-thin films.
'Electronic glue' promises less expensive semiconductorsJune 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Scientists at the University of Chicago and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed an "electronic glue" that promises development of less expensive semiconductors. The electronic glue could accelerate advances in semiconductor-based technologies, including solar cells and thermoelectric devices that convert sun light and waste heat, respectively, into useful electrical energy.
Lasers can make cheaper, better solar cellsMay 30th, 2009 LONDON - Using lasers to make solar photovoltaic cells that produce electricity from sunshine makes these cells cheaper and better, researchers say. Arnold Gillner, microtechnology head at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Germany, said: "Lasers work quickly, precisely, and without contact.
New electrical device can turn CO2 into biofuelApril 27th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers in the US have made a new electrical device that could improve fuel cell technology by turning carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane, a potential biofuel. According to a report in ABC News, the technique won't combat global warming directly, since both CO2 and methane are potent greenhouse gases, but it could help store alternative energies such as wind and solar more efficiently.
Atmospheric engineering scheme to fight global warming could diminish solar powerApril 20th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study has determined that a widely discussed "atmospheric engineering" scheme intended to combat global warming could have unanticipated consequences in reducing the effectiveness of certain kinds of solar power around the Earth. In the study, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Daniel M.
World's largest solar boat under construction in GermanyApril 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A team of scientists, engineers, and yachtsmen are making what they say will be the largest solar boat ever built, with a view to making a trip around the world. Planet Solar is being built at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel, Germany.
Microbes can produce abundant source of methane as fuelMarch 31st, 2009 WASHINGTON - A tiny microbe that converts carbon dioxide and water to methane with a bit of solar or wind power, can be a new energy source, according to a team of Penn State engineers. Methane is preferred over hydrogen because a large portion of the US infrastructure is already set up to easily transport and deliver methane.
Platinum nanowires may pave way for more efficient fuel cellsMarch 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Researchers at the University of Rochester have created long platinum nanowires that may lead to the development of commercially viable fuel cells. It is believed that the new wires could provide significant increases in both the longevity and efficiency of fuel cells, which have until now been used largely for such exotic purposes as powering spacecraft.
Indian scientists develop solar water heating system that pays for itself five times overMarch 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Indian scientists have developed a solar water heating system that will effectively pay for itself five times over, with an estimated working life of about twenty years. The solar hot water system used in the study is installed at the Jijau hostel, part of the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University campus, in Akola, Maharashtra state, India.
New approach helps solar cells harvest light more efficientlyDecember 23rd, 2008 WASHINGTON - Lacing solar cells with nano-sized metallic particles will vastly improve their ability to harvest light more efficiently and cheaply. Like plants, solar cells turn light into energy.
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