Hasta La Gadget!

What’s the simplest way to improve fuel efficiency? Build a lighter car, of course. That’s GM’s plan, at least, and it’s taking its first step toward a more efficient future by investing in a nano-structured materials design firm called NanoSteel. “Over the next several years, light-weighting of vehicles will be a major focus area to improve fuel economy.” GM’s Jon Lauckner said of the deal. The nano-structured Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) GM’s betting on has the potential to shave excess pounds off of a vehicle without sacrificing structural integrity. It’s easier to work with too, and can be shaped and cut without being heated. The size of GM’s contribution to the cause hasn’t been disclosed, but NanoSteel CEO Dave Paratore seems encouraged by the partnership, stating that it will allow them to “accelerate the final phases of development” for its nano-structured AHSS. Maybe together, the two firms can meet President Obama’s 2025 mileage goal. Read on for the official press release.

Continue reading General Motors invests in NanoSteel, hopes to lighten its load

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation

General Motors invests in NanoSteel, hopes to lighten its load originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 15:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Wired  |   | Email this | Comments

At a size of just 100 nanometers, it may not be much to look at, but a new type of microwave oscillator developed by researchers at UCLA could open the door to mobile communication devices that are smaller, cheaper and more efficient. As PhysOrg reports, unlike traditional silicon-based oscillators (the bit of a device that produces radio-frequency signals), these new oscillators rely on the spin of an electron rather than its charge to create microwaves — a change that apparently bring with it a host of benefits. That includes a boost in signal quality, and a dramatic reduction in size. The new nanoscale system is fully 10,000 times smaller than current silicon-based oscillators, and can even be incorporated into existing chips without a big change in manufacturing processes. As with most such developments, however, it remains to be seen when we’ll actually see it put into practice.

UCLA researchers develop nanoscale microwave oscillators, promise better and cheaper mobile devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 05:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  PhysOrg  | Email this | Comments