Radiactive Fungi and Flexible Silicon

Source: National Geographic Researchers had previously observed that fungus displayed enhanced growth inside the Chernobyl nuclear facility. Subsequent work has revealed that fungi containing melanin grow faster and larger when exposed to radiation. They believe that the melanin traps ionizing radiation, much like chlorophyll traps sunlight in plants, and uses it as "fuel" using an as-yet unknown mechanism. They hope to adapt this knowledge to raise fungi as food in space where radiation is abundant.

Source: MIT Technology Review University of Illinois researchers have succeeded in producing sheets of stretchable silicon. This should allow them to place transistors on complex surfaces, or even to flexible surfaces like rubber. One application they envision is a smart surgical glove that could provide information such as the pH of the surgical environment. They also envision wrapping silicon-based photodetectors around a sphere to create an electronic eye.

Source: ABC News This week, two members of a cell linked to the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and Animal Liberation Front (ALF) have been charged with committing acts of domestic terrorism. The sentences have generated a storm of controversy about whether deliberate acts of arson and vandalism, even when nobody has been killed, can be considered acts of terrorism. The ELF and ALF claim to have committed more than 1,100 acts of arson and vandalism without killing a single person, of which the defendants' cell group claimed 20 acts of arson resulting in more than $40-million (US) in damages. The question remains, is it terrorism when those performing the acts take care to avoid killing people?

Source: Manchester Evening News Britain has added another piece of technology to their police force: head-mounted video cameras. The article discusses outfitting traffic wardens with the devices, but they have already started testing them out with police officers.

Source: Wired Dutch scientists have developed a polymer-based bullet-proof vest that is thinner, lighter, and more effective than Kevlar. Unlike previous polymer-based vests, this one does not degrade when exposed to moisture.

Bonus tech note: As of May 25th, Star Wars is 30 years old. The film was first released on this date in 1977. I remember when the movie was released. Does that make me old?