Friday, November 18, 2005
Scientists make first pure brain stem cell
British scientists have made the world's first pure batch of brain stem cells that can help fight neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, reports the online edition of The Guardian.
Austin Smith of Edinburgh University's institute for stem cell research bathed stem cells taken from mouse embryos with two proteins called epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, both of which are known to be involved in the normal development of the embryonic brain.
After his team had shown the process turned embryonic mouse stem cells into brain stem cells, they repeated the experiment on human embryonic stem cells.
Brain stem cells have been grown before but the results have been impure. "You end up with a mixed culture at the end which has not just neural stem cells, it has a lot of contaminating embryonic stem cells," said Steve Pollard, one of the co-authors.
The work comes three months after scientists at Newcastle University cloned a human embryo using donated eggs and genetic material from stem cells. Human embryos were first cloned last year by South Korean scientists.
In the short term, the technique will allow scientists to develop cell cultures for their research.
"We'll use them in the basic biology sense to try to understand how stem cells work," Pollard said. "It's a good opportunity to understand what the difference is between an embryonic stem cell, which can make anything, and a brain stem cell, which can just make brain."
In the long term, the technology raises hopes of growing cells to replace damaged parts of the brain. But Smith said there was a long way to go: "We know these cells can survive if we put them back in the brain but whether they can do anything useful is a much more complicated question."
Through genetic modification, scientists will also use the technique to mimic brain diseases.
Austin Smith of Edinburgh University's institute for stem cell research bathed stem cells taken from mouse embryos with two proteins called epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, both of which are known to be involved in the normal development of the embryonic brain.
After his team had shown the process turned embryonic mouse stem cells into brain stem cells, they repeated the experiment on human embryonic stem cells.
Brain stem cells have been grown before but the results have been impure. "You end up with a mixed culture at the end which has not just neural stem cells, it has a lot of contaminating embryonic stem cells," said Steve Pollard, one of the co-authors.
The work comes three months after scientists at Newcastle University cloned a human embryo using donated eggs and genetic material from stem cells. Human embryos were first cloned last year by South Korean scientists.
In the short term, the technique will allow scientists to develop cell cultures for their research.
"We'll use them in the basic biology sense to try to understand how stem cells work," Pollard said. "It's a good opportunity to understand what the difference is between an embryonic stem cell, which can make anything, and a brain stem cell, which can just make brain."
In the long term, the technology raises hopes of growing cells to replace damaged parts of the brain. But Smith said there was a long way to go: "We know these cells can survive if we put them back in the brain but whether they can do anything useful is a much more complicated question."
Through genetic modification, scientists will also use the technique to mimic brain diseases.
Molecules that move objects
Scientists have made a breakthrough in nanotechnology which could hasten the development of molecular machines that could act as artificial muscles or drug delivery systems in the body.
Chemists at Edinburgh University said on Wednesday they had built molecules that can move objects larger than the size of an atom in an advance in the technology that deals with manipulating materials on a minuscule scale.
"Although man's understanding of how to build and control molecular machines is still at an early stage, nanoscale science and engineering could have a life-enhancing impact on human society comparable in extent to that of electricity, the steam engine, the transistor and the Internet," Professor David Leigh told a science conference.
The chemists used ultra-violet light to stimulate the man-made molecules to propel small droplets of liquid across flat and sloped surfaces.
The achievement, according to the researchers, is equivalent to a conventional machine lifting an object to more than twice the height of the world's tallest building.
"It is only a very small droplet and it only moves a millimetre but in terms of extrapolation of length scales this is huge," Leigh told the British Association science conference.
Nature uses molecular machines to perform all biological functions from moving muscles in the body to photosynthesis. Scientists are trying to unravel its secrets.
"When we learn to do the same, we really will have materials that today just sound like science fiction," he added.
The technology involves altering matter on a incredibly tiny scale -- a billionth of a metre, or about 80,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
Nanotechnology is already being used in cosmetics, computer chips, sunscreens, self-cleaning windows and stain-resistant clothing.
Researchers predict the technology could lead to more powerful computers, very light but strong materials, advanced medical techniques and longer lasting, more effective medicines.
Leigh and his colleagues, whose work is published in the journal Nature Materials, said the ultra-violet light causes a chemical reaction to occur that drives the droplets of liquid.
The movement is tiny but it represents a large step forward because scientists are just beginning to learn to make machines with artificial molecules.
Chemists at Edinburgh University said on Wednesday they had built molecules that can move objects larger than the size of an atom in an advance in the technology that deals with manipulating materials on a minuscule scale.
"Although man's understanding of how to build and control molecular machines is still at an early stage, nanoscale science and engineering could have a life-enhancing impact on human society comparable in extent to that of electricity, the steam engine, the transistor and the Internet," Professor David Leigh told a science conference.
The chemists used ultra-violet light to stimulate the man-made molecules to propel small droplets of liquid across flat and sloped surfaces.
The achievement, according to the researchers, is equivalent to a conventional machine lifting an object to more than twice the height of the world's tallest building.
"It is only a very small droplet and it only moves a millimetre but in terms of extrapolation of length scales this is huge," Leigh told the British Association science conference.
Nature uses molecular machines to perform all biological functions from moving muscles in the body to photosynthesis. Scientists are trying to unravel its secrets.
"When we learn to do the same, we really will have materials that today just sound like science fiction," he added.
The technology involves altering matter on a incredibly tiny scale -- a billionth of a metre, or about 80,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.
Nanotechnology is already being used in cosmetics, computer chips, sunscreens, self-cleaning windows and stain-resistant clothing.
Researchers predict the technology could lead to more powerful computers, very light but strong materials, advanced medical techniques and longer lasting, more effective medicines.
Leigh and his colleagues, whose work is published in the journal Nature Materials, said the ultra-violet light causes a chemical reaction to occur that drives the droplets of liquid.
The movement is tiny but it represents a large step forward because scientists are just beginning to learn to make machines with artificial molecules.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Xbox 360: It's fast, it's slick, it's pricey
The battle for video-game supremacy starts in one week.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, is when Microsoft begins selling its newest -- and highly anticipated -- console, the Xbox 360.
Featuring lightning-quick load times and hyper-realistic graphics, it smokes every other console out there -- just as you'd expect. Be prepared, though, to shell out a lot of cash.
The core Xbox 360 system runs $299, and the upgraded premium model goes for an extra $100. But both will do more than just play games; they also are able to play DVDs, download music and store photos.
While serious gamers and novices will see little difference in game play, the hefty price tag (the current Xbox runs about $150) is worth it because of the upgrade in graphics and power. Most gamers will probably want to splurge and buy the premium edition, which includes such must-have accessories as a wireless controller, headset and detachable hard drive that lets you take the game with you. Sold separately, those accessories would cost an additional $225.
The new console is much sleeker than its predecessor. The original Xbox never really caught on in Asia, and many analysts blamed its bulky design. Microsoft partnered with two design firms for the 360, Astro Studios in San Francisco and Hers Experimental Design Laboratory in Osaka, Japan.
Like the Sony PlayStation 2, the 360 can stand vertically or horizontally, and it's only slightly larger than a digital cable box. Optional faceplates -- a great way to customize your Xbox -- also will be available at launch.
Grass is greener on high-def TV
The new unit was designed for high-definition TV. We tested the unit at home on both a standard television and an HDTV on the highest resolution possible. On the standard TV, the graphics were better than those on the current Xbox, but things were really noticeable on the HDTV.
In "Madden," snowflakes randomly fell during a Bears game at Soldier Field, and it was cold enough to see the players' breath. With "Tiger Woods" you could make out the individual blades of grass better in high-definition. Everything was just crisper, which means if you don't currently own an HDTV, this could prompt you to buy one now.
Xbox 360 is built to be online every minute you play, making a broadband connection essential. Both the premium and core 360 units come with a free Xbox Live silver membership that will enable you to send and receive voice and text messages as well as download free game demos and premium content such as vintage arcade games. If you want to play your friends around the globe, you'll need to upgrade your Xbox Live account to the gold package ($69.99 a year).
Tuesday, Nov. 22, is when Microsoft begins selling its newest -- and highly anticipated -- console, the Xbox 360.
Featuring lightning-quick load times and hyper-realistic graphics, it smokes every other console out there -- just as you'd expect. Be prepared, though, to shell out a lot of cash.
The core Xbox 360 system runs $299, and the upgraded premium model goes for an extra $100. But both will do more than just play games; they also are able to play DVDs, download music and store photos.
While serious gamers and novices will see little difference in game play, the hefty price tag (the current Xbox runs about $150) is worth it because of the upgrade in graphics and power. Most gamers will probably want to splurge and buy the premium edition, which includes such must-have accessories as a wireless controller, headset and detachable hard drive that lets you take the game with you. Sold separately, those accessories would cost an additional $225.
The new console is much sleeker than its predecessor. The original Xbox never really caught on in Asia, and many analysts blamed its bulky design. Microsoft partnered with two design firms for the 360, Astro Studios in San Francisco and Hers Experimental Design Laboratory in Osaka, Japan.
Like the Sony PlayStation 2, the 360 can stand vertically or horizontally, and it's only slightly larger than a digital cable box. Optional faceplates -- a great way to customize your Xbox -- also will be available at launch.
Grass is greener on high-def TV
The new unit was designed for high-definition TV. We tested the unit at home on both a standard television and an HDTV on the highest resolution possible. On the standard TV, the graphics were better than those on the current Xbox, but things were really noticeable on the HDTV.
In "Madden," snowflakes randomly fell during a Bears game at Soldier Field, and it was cold enough to see the players' breath. With "Tiger Woods" you could make out the individual blades of grass better in high-definition. Everything was just crisper, which means if you don't currently own an HDTV, this could prompt you to buy one now.
Xbox 360 is built to be online every minute you play, making a broadband connection essential. Both the premium and core 360 units come with a free Xbox Live silver membership that will enable you to send and receive voice and text messages as well as download free game demos and premium content such as vintage arcade games. If you want to play your friends around the globe, you'll need to upgrade your Xbox Live account to the gold package ($69.99 a year).
Monday, November 14, 2005
G8, emerging powers agree to harness clean energy technology
The world's leading economic powers and emerging countries have agreed to use clean energy technology to combat climate change at a meeting in London, host Britain said Wednesday.
The Group of Eight industrial nations engaged in talks on Tuesday with countries including China and India to thrash out ways to develop sustainable energy sources and clean technology ahead of a key United Nations climate conference later this month in Montreal.
The meeting tried to emphasise technological solutions rather than target-setting as a way to combat climate change.
Delegates agreed to ramp up cooperation between developed and developing countries, as put forward by China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico at the G8 annual summit in Gleneagles, Scotland in July.
The 2005 British G8 presidency has focused on environmental issues, and the idea for Tuesday's dialogue emerged at Gleneagles.
Alan Johnson, Britain's Trade and Industry Secretary, co-chaired the informal gathering of the 20 nations expected to consume the most energy in the coming 30 to 40 years. The World Bank and the International Energy Agency, named as key partners, were also involved.
Johnson said in a statement Wednesday: "The meeting underlined that there is a broad consensus that we need to accelerate the deployment of technologies to tackle climate change while maintaining economic growth and sustainable development."
The ministers agreed to work together on deploying clean technologies, such as renewable energy technology and carbon capture and storage, to eventually reduce global emissions, Britain's environment ministry said.
They also decided to bring in incentives for large-scale private sector investment in low carbon technologies, working with the World Bank.
Johnson said: "We now need to identify priorities for cooperation, in both the short and long term. And we need to set a clear context for the private sector to invest in low carbon technologies with signals that are loud, long and legal."
The UN climate conference in Montreal from November 28 to December 9 is to explore the future climate negotiations once the current Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Dropping into the London meeting, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the world needed to find "a better, more sensitive set of mechanisms to deal with this problem" once Kyoto expires.
"The solutions will come in the end, in part at least, through the private sector in developing the technology and science," he said.
Kyoto commits signatories to trim their output of six greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, by 2012 compared with 1990 levels. But its impact has been limited by the United States having opted out.
Mexico offered to host the next round of dialogue in 2006 between the G8 and up-and-coming economies.
The Group of Eight industrial nations engaged in talks on Tuesday with countries including China and India to thrash out ways to develop sustainable energy sources and clean technology ahead of a key United Nations climate conference later this month in Montreal.
The meeting tried to emphasise technological solutions rather than target-setting as a way to combat climate change.
Delegates agreed to ramp up cooperation between developed and developing countries, as put forward by China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico at the G8 annual summit in Gleneagles, Scotland in July.
The 2005 British G8 presidency has focused on environmental issues, and the idea for Tuesday's dialogue emerged at Gleneagles.
Alan Johnson, Britain's Trade and Industry Secretary, co-chaired the informal gathering of the 20 nations expected to consume the most energy in the coming 30 to 40 years. The World Bank and the International Energy Agency, named as key partners, were also involved.
Johnson said in a statement Wednesday: "The meeting underlined that there is a broad consensus that we need to accelerate the deployment of technologies to tackle climate change while maintaining economic growth and sustainable development."
The ministers agreed to work together on deploying clean technologies, such as renewable energy technology and carbon capture and storage, to eventually reduce global emissions, Britain's environment ministry said.
They also decided to bring in incentives for large-scale private sector investment in low carbon technologies, working with the World Bank.
Johnson said: "We now need to identify priorities for cooperation, in both the short and long term. And we need to set a clear context for the private sector to invest in low carbon technologies with signals that are loud, long and legal."
The UN climate conference in Montreal from November 28 to December 9 is to explore the future climate negotiations once the current Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Dropping into the London meeting, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the world needed to find "a better, more sensitive set of mechanisms to deal with this problem" once Kyoto expires.
"The solutions will come in the end, in part at least, through the private sector in developing the technology and science," he said.
Kyoto commits signatories to trim their output of six greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, by 2012 compared with 1990 levels. But its impact has been limited by the United States having opted out.
Mexico offered to host the next round of dialogue in 2006 between the G8 and up-and-coming economies.
Venus Express probe launched
The Venus Express probe, the first space mission in over 10 years to Earth's closest neighbour, was launched on Wednesday aboard a Soyez-Fregat rocket from Baikonur cosmodrome.
The rocket lifted off at 9.03 hours IST and the probe was to separate from it two hours later to embark on its 163-day journey to Venus.
The launch of the probe, originally scheduled for October 26, was delayed due to "contamination" detected inside the fairing -- the bullet-shaped hood that covers the payload on the top of the rocket -- in final checks at Baikonur.
Venus Express, the European Space Agency's (ESA) first probe to the planet, will explore its unusual stormy atmosphere and runaway global warming in the hope of better understanding Earth's greenhouse-gas problem.
Venus, the second planet from the Sun, is similar in size, mass and age to Earth but has a vastly different and ferociously hot weather system.
Also known as the Evening Star, thanks to the bright light it reflects from the Sun, the planet is blanketed by thick clouds of suffocating gas driven by often hurricane-force winds and a surface pressure and temperature high enough to crush and melt lead.
The planet's clouds reflect back 80 per cent of the Sun's radiation and absorb another 10 per cent, leaving just 10 per cent to filter down to the surface.
But the clouds provide such effective insulation the surface zone becomes a pressure cooker capable of melting metal.
The rocket lifted off at 9.03 hours IST and the probe was to separate from it two hours later to embark on its 163-day journey to Venus.
The launch of the probe, originally scheduled for October 26, was delayed due to "contamination" detected inside the fairing -- the bullet-shaped hood that covers the payload on the top of the rocket -- in final checks at Baikonur.
Venus Express, the European Space Agency's (ESA) first probe to the planet, will explore its unusual stormy atmosphere and runaway global warming in the hope of better understanding Earth's greenhouse-gas problem.
Venus, the second planet from the Sun, is similar in size, mass and age to Earth but has a vastly different and ferociously hot weather system.
Also known as the Evening Star, thanks to the bright light it reflects from the Sun, the planet is blanketed by thick clouds of suffocating gas driven by often hurricane-force winds and a surface pressure and temperature high enough to crush and melt lead.
The planet's clouds reflect back 80 per cent of the Sun's radiation and absorb another 10 per cent, leaving just 10 per cent to filter down to the surface.
But the clouds provide such effective insulation the surface zone becomes a pressure cooker capable of melting metal.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
EBay founder starts $100 million microfinance fund
EBay Inc. founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pamela on Friday said they gave $100 million in eBay stock to Tufts University to create a fund that will invest in international microfinance, or lending to people who are too poor to qualify for traditional loans.
Tufts will keep 50 percent of the fund's income, while the other 50 percent will be reinvested in new microloans.
The stock in the online auctioneer will be sold incrementally over time, according to a spokeswoman for Omidyar.
The couple expects the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund, in addition to supporting their alma mater, to spark a cycle of investment that could exceed $1 billion over the next decade, as loan capital is repaid with interest and lent out again.
"Microloans enable the poor to lift themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship," said Omidyar in a statement, adding that "the microfinance industry can be a profitable business."
The Omidyars are trying to boost investment in microfinance by showing institutional investors how profitable it can be.
Microfinance loans average $600 and are typically used by struggling entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their businesses.
The couple founded its investment group, the Omidyar Network, in June 2004, to invest in areas such as microfinance, open source technology and transparency in government.
mesothelioma lawyers
Tufts will keep 50 percent of the fund's income, while the other 50 percent will be reinvested in new microloans.
The stock in the online auctioneer will be sold incrementally over time, according to a spokeswoman for Omidyar.
The couple expects the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund, in addition to supporting their alma mater, to spark a cycle of investment that could exceed $1 billion over the next decade, as loan capital is repaid with interest and lent out again.
"Microloans enable the poor to lift themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship," said Omidyar in a statement, adding that "the microfinance industry can be a profitable business."
The Omidyars are trying to boost investment in microfinance by showing institutional investors how profitable it can be.
Microfinance loans average $600 and are typically used by struggling entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their businesses.
The couple founded its investment group, the Omidyar Network, in June 2004, to invest in areas such as microfinance, open source technology and transparency in government.
mesothelioma lawyers
Intel to AMD: Gimme 65!
On Nov. 1, Intel announced that its Fab 12, using the newest, 65 nm technology, began shipping in high volume. Fab 12 is the world's largest chipmaker's second 65 nm fab to ramp up; the first one that came online recently was a development fab in Oregon.
The announcement is another sign that Intel is playing catch-up to rival AMD and playing better than it's done before. AMD will likely be a year behind Intel in rolling out this 65 nm technology and, perhaps, it will take even longer to get to mass production.
An interesting tidbit: Bob Baker, who is in charge of Intel's manufacturing, says Intel might also use these 65 nm plants to produce parts other than the microprocessors. Indeed, Intel already makes Wi-Fi chips, chipsets and memory.
Perhaps we will see the company dip into new kinds of chips, too. I wonder what they would be? My bet is, Intel will start making more of the chips that communications chipmakers like Texas Instruments make.
The announcement is another sign that Intel is playing catch-up to rival AMD and playing better than it's done before. AMD will likely be a year behind Intel in rolling out this 65 nm technology and, perhaps, it will take even longer to get to mass production.
An interesting tidbit: Bob Baker, who is in charge of Intel's manufacturing, says Intel might also use these 65 nm plants to produce parts other than the microprocessors. Indeed, Intel already makes Wi-Fi chips, chipsets and memory.
Perhaps we will see the company dip into new kinds of chips, too. I wonder what they would be? My bet is, Intel will start making more of the chips that communications chipmakers like Texas Instruments make.
Italian experts claim first victory in AIDS vaccine testing
Scientists in Italy are planning to launch large-scale human testing of an AIDS vaccine after initial results have shown that it is safe, well tolerated and capable of stimulating a patient's immune system.
Barbara Ensoli of the Istituto Superiore Di Sanita (ISS) said she was in talks with both public and private investors to find the necessary funds needed to test her vaccine on hundreds of volunteers in Italy and Africa.
"We are looking for around €50 million ($60 million)," Ensoli said.
The vaccine has so far been successfully tested on 47 volunteers - 27 of whom were HIV positive - in four different clinics in Italy.
"Our data allows us to state that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated," Ensoli said in a statement.
"In all cases we have found a response from the immune system, both among the healthy and the HIV-positive subjects."
Unlike other vaccines currently being tested worldwide, the Italian one focuses on a protein called TAT and which plays an essential role in the virus' replication.
Because it seeks to stops AIDS from developing rather than preventing infection, the vaccine applies to any strain of the virus.
Phase two of the testing, which will focus on the effectiveness of the vaccine, is likely to conclude by 2010.
Barbara Ensoli of the Istituto Superiore Di Sanita (ISS) said she was in talks with both public and private investors to find the necessary funds needed to test her vaccine on hundreds of volunteers in Italy and Africa.
"We are looking for around €50 million ($60 million)," Ensoli said.
The vaccine has so far been successfully tested on 47 volunteers - 27 of whom were HIV positive - in four different clinics in Italy.
"Our data allows us to state that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated," Ensoli said in a statement.
"In all cases we have found a response from the immune system, both among the healthy and the HIV-positive subjects."
Unlike other vaccines currently being tested worldwide, the Italian one focuses on a protein called TAT and which plays an essential role in the virus' replication.
Because it seeks to stops AIDS from developing rather than preventing infection, the vaccine applies to any strain of the virus.
Phase two of the testing, which will focus on the effectiveness of the vaccine, is likely to conclude by 2010.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
US co develops nanotube chips
Future computers may require no time to boot up, thanks to carbon nanotube memory chips.
Nantero, the company which is developing these chips, presented its achievement at the Emerging Technologies Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nature magazine reported.
The new technology uses rolled-up tubes of carbon to make transistors, the on-off switches that carry digital information inside computing chips: strings of the nanotubes move up and down to represent the ones and zeroes of binary code.
But unlike the electrons in normal electrical transistors, these nanotubes stay in place even when a computer is turned off, Nature said.
Nantero has been working on the idea for years. Now they say they have made ground in the manufacturing process, pushing the chips closer to market.
The company, the magazine says, has succeeded in making circular wafers, 13 centimetres in diameter, that hold 10 gigabits of data. These are much bigger than equivalent memory cards used today.
But Greg Schmergel, chief executive officer of Nantero, was quoted as saying the nanotube chips are ten times faster than 'flash' cards, which are some of the swiftest ones now available.
Nantero, the report said, calls its technology NRAM, which is loosely short for nanotube-based, non-volatile random access memory.
Non-volatile components, which by definition keep all data even when the power is turned off, are currently on the market in the form of flash memory cards. These hold electrons in insulated cells to act as ones and zeroes. They can be found in many portable gadgets, from MP3 players to digital camera memory cards.
Schmergel was quoted by Nature as saying that his chips could come in handy on space ships.
The radiation in outer space can interfere with the electrons that store data in flash memory devices, so they have to be protected by lead. NRAM avoids this problem, providing the same computing power with much less bulk to loft into orbit.
The design, says Nature, involves suspending nanotube ribbons between points above a silicon chip, so that they form tiny bridges over electrodes lying below. When a charge is applied, the nanotube bridge curves downwards to touch the electrode. This deformation of the nanotube bridge remains even when the power is turned off.
Schmergel says that his firm is currently working with manufacturers such as LSI Logic. These companies have swapped some steps in the production of ordinary transistors for laptop computers for steps that make nanotube chips instead.
Nantero, the company which is developing these chips, presented its achievement at the Emerging Technologies Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nature magazine reported.
The new technology uses rolled-up tubes of carbon to make transistors, the on-off switches that carry digital information inside computing chips: strings of the nanotubes move up and down to represent the ones and zeroes of binary code.
But unlike the electrons in normal electrical transistors, these nanotubes stay in place even when a computer is turned off, Nature said.
Nantero has been working on the idea for years. Now they say they have made ground in the manufacturing process, pushing the chips closer to market.
The company, the magazine says, has succeeded in making circular wafers, 13 centimetres in diameter, that hold 10 gigabits of data. These are much bigger than equivalent memory cards used today.
But Greg Schmergel, chief executive officer of Nantero, was quoted as saying the nanotube chips are ten times faster than 'flash' cards, which are some of the swiftest ones now available.
Nantero, the report said, calls its technology NRAM, which is loosely short for nanotube-based, non-volatile random access memory.
Non-volatile components, which by definition keep all data even when the power is turned off, are currently on the market in the form of flash memory cards. These hold electrons in insulated cells to act as ones and zeroes. They can be found in many portable gadgets, from MP3 players to digital camera memory cards.
Schmergel was quoted by Nature as saying that his chips could come in handy on space ships.
The radiation in outer space can interfere with the electrons that store data in flash memory devices, so they have to be protected by lead. NRAM avoids this problem, providing the same computing power with much less bulk to loft into orbit.
The design, says Nature, involves suspending nanotube ribbons between points above a silicon chip, so that they form tiny bridges over electrodes lying below. When a charge is applied, the nanotube bridge curves downwards to touch the electrode. This deformation of the nanotube bridge remains even when the power is turned off.
Schmergel says that his firm is currently working with manufacturers such as LSI Logic. These companies have swapped some steps in the production of ordinary transistors for laptop computers for steps that make nanotube chips instead.
Student extracts bio-diesel from veg oil
A student of Madurai Kamaraj University helped by a research scholar, has successfully extracted bio-diesel from residual vegetable oil.
The fruits of research by post-graduate Energy Science student T Jincy got sweeter with the University officials organising a city-tour in one of the staff buses run on the bio-diesel produced by her on a trial basis with the objective of creating awareness about the merits of bio-diesel.
According to Jincy and A Ramalingam, research scholar, who assisted her in the bio-diesel conversion project, waste oil is trans-esterified chemically and then reacted with alcohol under alkyl condition after which the glycerine module was cracked to extract bio-diesel. The process would take two days as the oil contained fat.
The storage stability for the oil was high too. Crude glycerine, a by-product while manufacturing bio-diesel by the process, could be used for making genuine toilet soaps.
About the emission characteristics of the diesel they said, "They are very much within the norms. The waste oil from the vegetable oil refineries could be used to produce bio-diesel which is eco-friendly," said R Kasturi Bai, Jincy's guide.
The cost of fuel would come to Rs 30 a litre and could be brought down if produced on a large scale.
"We can extract half-a-litre of bio-diesel from each litre of waste vegetable oil. Unlike in the West where bio-diesel is produced from Soya bean oil and sunflower oil, we use waste vegetable oil," Ramalingam said.
Meanwhile Samuel Paulraj, a professor of the department said the bio-diesel yield from Jatropha, which has less fat, was higher.
About the benefit of the process, he said edible oil companies could not find a way to dispose their waste vegetable oil.
Very soon, a pilot plant would be set up for the production of bio-diesel from waste vegetable oil and a tie-up with edible oil manufacturing units would be soon made, he added.
The fruits of research by post-graduate Energy Science student T Jincy got sweeter with the University officials organising a city-tour in one of the staff buses run on the bio-diesel produced by her on a trial basis with the objective of creating awareness about the merits of bio-diesel.
According to Jincy and A Ramalingam, research scholar, who assisted her in the bio-diesel conversion project, waste oil is trans-esterified chemically and then reacted with alcohol under alkyl condition after which the glycerine module was cracked to extract bio-diesel. The process would take two days as the oil contained fat.
The storage stability for the oil was high too. Crude glycerine, a by-product while manufacturing bio-diesel by the process, could be used for making genuine toilet soaps.
About the emission characteristics of the diesel they said, "They are very much within the norms. The waste oil from the vegetable oil refineries could be used to produce bio-diesel which is eco-friendly," said R Kasturi Bai, Jincy's guide.
The cost of fuel would come to Rs 30 a litre and could be brought down if produced on a large scale.
"We can extract half-a-litre of bio-diesel from each litre of waste vegetable oil. Unlike in the West where bio-diesel is produced from Soya bean oil and sunflower oil, we use waste vegetable oil," Ramalingam said.
Meanwhile Samuel Paulraj, a professor of the department said the bio-diesel yield from Jatropha, which has less fat, was higher.
About the benefit of the process, he said edible oil companies could not find a way to dispose their waste vegetable oil.
Very soon, a pilot plant would be set up for the production of bio-diesel from waste vegetable oil and a tie-up with edible oil manufacturing units would be soon made, he added.
