Electric Skin and Transforming Tires for Cars

A really neat technology has been demonstrated in a creative way in the struggle to use gas more efficiently in cars. The Mazda RX-9 is the most futuristic car I’ve seen in awhile. Specialized, “slick skin,” plastic body panels get an electric charge as air rushes by it, which in turn provides power to the electric motor.

The same car with slick skin also has slick wheels. The tires” feature Electroactive Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle’s electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance. “

‘Bloodless’ Surgery becoming more popular

Surgical techniques that do not require blood transfusions are becoming more and more popular, according to an article on MSNBC. Surgeons use a variety of techniques and technologies to minimize or remove the need for costly blood transfusions during surgery.

These bloodless operations were once only available to Jehova’s Witnesses, who’s religion prohibits blood transfusions, but are now being offered tothe general public at many hospitals.

Transfusions are very costly, and also carry a risk of rejection by the patient. Many people opt to have transfusions of their own blood, drawn in advance, before a surgery. Bloodless surgery techniques save money and are better for the patient.

IMF

Looks like a stalwart for backwards economic policy has decided to give in to some demands for democracy. The IMF is going to let almost-rich countries speak.

“The IMF has announced that it plans to boost the voting shares of big, rapidly growing developing countries, particularly China. And the IMF will organize multilateral consultations with top officials from large countries about how their economic policies affect each other and the world–going beyond traditional single-country consultations. The moves would boost the IMF’s legitimacy and relevance.”

Oil Pipeline Route Changed

Sure, the exploration, extraction, exploitation, transportation, and many other blank-tion realated to oil have done a lot of damage to the world, so it is nice to see that a little less damge will be done.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered that an oil pipeline be re-routed around an environemtnally sensitive area. The pipeline is still underconstruction.

“Greenpeace Russia, which has led demonstrations against Transneft’s proposed route, has welcomed Mr Putin’s decision.

Spokesman Andrey Petrov said: “It is victory for the whole of civil society in Russia, not just the ecological movement.”

He said environmental considerations would still have to be taken into account when the new route was planned, but moving it from the shore of Lake Baikal had been a key issue.”

The Most Fuel Efficent Thing in the Universe!

A new study has found out what the most fuel efficient thing in the entire universe is! The answer is a black hole!

“We already knew that powerful quasars are very efficient at making light. Now we know that black holes in elliptical galaxies are efficient as well,” said Kim Weaver, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center who was not involved in the study. “This suggests that being green is a trait that all black holes may have in common.”

Fun!!!