Plastic Blood and British Tsunamis

Source: Nature Pakistan has started a campaign to educate the public about what it should if it happens to find stray radioactive material. Although a good idea, Pakistan has a history of being somewhat, shall we say, lax about protecting its nuclear technology. As a result, the appearance of the campaign raised the hairs on the necks of many arms control experts in the West. Pakistan confirmed that no nuclear material is missing, as far as they know (or can say) so the campaign may be just what they claim it to be.

Source: National Geographic A new research study suggests that England had been struck by a tsunami on 30 January, 1607. Moreover, the researchers warn that one could strike again, this time with far greater loss of life. The source, they believe, is an impending collapse of a section of La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, should the volcano on that island erupt. This claim has been disputed by a second team of researchers so the situation remains unresolved.

Source: PhysOrg LG Phillips claims to have developed the first colour flexible electronic paper (e-paper). The A4-size sheet can display up to 4096 colours and uses energy only when the display changes. No word on either the resolution or the refresh rate.

Source: BBC News Sheffield University researchers have developed a "plastic" blood composed to plastic molecules with an embedded iron atom. They have demonstrated that the product can carry oxygen much like haemoglobin; however, the research is still in its early phase so is far from being ready for human trials. The artificial blood can be made cheaply and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods of time, making it useful for ambulances and battlefield medics.

Source: Network World Washington state has decided to ban text messaging while driving. While the law is a good idea, the fact that they felt the need to codify into law fines for what seems like an obviously stupid activity indicates that far too many people are doing this. Those caught will need to pay a $101(US) fine.