Seedbomb Vending Machine Makes the World Greener, One Seedbomb at a Time

The world is a better place if it’s greener. It looks better, too. So as part of a campaign by Greenaid, Seedbomb vending machines are being rolled out where anyone can become a green agent of change for the world.

SeedbombBut first, what’s a seedbomb? Well, it’s a mixture of clay and compost with native California grass and wildflower seeds that has been rolled up into a ball. So all the person needs to do is toss it onto a patch of earth and let nature take its course.

They’re cheap, too. The vending machine dispenses the seedbombs at just $0.50 each, so for less than a dollar, you can now be a part of the green revolution.

Seedbomb1

And if you’re looking to add some more greenery to your arsenal, don’t forget to pick up some flower grenades to go with.

[via Like Cool]


Researchers capture a single atom’s shadow, has implications for quantum computers

Researchers capture a single atom's shadow, has implications for quantum computers

A very small atom can cast a very large shadow. Well, not literally, but figuratively. Researchers at Griffith University have managed to snap the first image of a single atom’s shadow and, while the dark spot may be physically small, the implications for the field of quantum computing are huge. The team of scientists blasted a Ytterbium atom suspended in air with a laser beam. Using a Fresnel lens, they were able to snap a photograph of the dark spot left in the atom’s wake as the laser passed over it. The practical applications could improve the efficiency of quantum computers, where light is often used to transfer information. Since atoms have well understood light absorption properties, predictions can be made about the depth of a shadow cast, improving communication between the individual atoms performing calculations. The research could even be applied to seemingly mundane and established fields like X-Ray imaging, by enabling us to find the proper intensity levels to produce a quality image while minimizing damage to cells. For more info, check out the current issue of Nature.

Researchers capture a single atom’s shadow, has implications for quantum computers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Nature’s Forms And Sounds Help The Sleepless?

Cocoon rocking sleep chairWe know that art has been inspired by nature at least as far back as the
Cave Man. Technology too has had a love affair with nature for
thousands of years, though we are just recently experiencing a
resurgence with a new ‘biomimicry’ movement. 
But besides biomimetic art and technology, there are biomimetic
exercises, such as those we find in certain yoga positions… and now,
an NYU design student and insomniac, has employed the shapes and sounds
of nature to help the sleepless sleep.


Calling All Inventors! Discovery Expedition Wants Your Outdoor Electronic Inventions

Discovery Expedition video clip

Discovery Expedition isn’t looking for a new kind of hiking boot –
unless it’s electronic.  But it is looking for new ways to enhance
hiking, sky-diving, camping, mining, surfing… whatever, your outdoor
lifestyle needs to take it to the next level to improve your outdoor
experience.

 


New wireless transmission tech hits 2.56Tbps, leaves WiFi feeling inadequate

New wireless transmission tech hits 256Tbps, leaves WiFi feeling inadequateStoked about the gigabit speeds your new 802.11ac WiFi router is pumping out? One group of scientists hailing from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and universities in the US, Israel and China isn’t so impressed, having generated a wireless signal clocking in at 2.56Tbps. Proof of the feat was published in Nature Photonics, which details their use of orbital angular momentum (OAM) to make the magic happen. Current wireless protocols alter the spin angular momentum (SAM) of radio waves to hold info, and by combining both methods the team was able to pack eight data steams into a single signal, resulting in the mouth-watering number noted above. The best part is, applying different levels of OAM twist to SAM-based transmissions theoretically allows an infinite number of streams per signal, meaning seriously increased bandwidth without the need for additional frequency. So far the wireless tests have only been conducted over a measly 1m, but the scientists reckon it’ll work at distances up to 1km and that the concept could also be used to boost speeds in existing fiber-optic cables. As with many scientific advances, it’s unlikely hardware capable of such speeds will be available any time soon, so 802.11ac will have to suffice… for now.

New wireless transmission tech hits 2.56Tbps, leaves WiFi feeling inadequate originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 05:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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