Another update

After my meeting on Tuesday my three core chapters are now in the review process. I expect the bulk of changes will be in Chapter 4 because Chapter 2 and 3 have already been extensively edited (Chapter 2 was submitted as a journal paper so is essentially finished, Chapter 3 expands on stuff already submitted to three conferences). I'm now in the process of writing the Introduction and Conclusion, and have editing changes to implement in the Abstract.

Tentatively, we have a schedule toward graduation:
- January 18: have final copies of thesis ready for the committee
- late February: defend thesis
- March: thesis editing, submit final copies, apply to graduate
- June: Graduation ceremony (I'll consider attending, just for the sense of closure)

Mini-Tech post: Carbon-based transistors.

Researchers at the University of Manchester in England have developed a transistor using a graphene ribbon 0.1 nanometers thick and 10 nanometers long. The material holds the promise of faster electronics that require far less power to operate, as well as being relatively simple to produce. The researchers believe that this approach could eventually replace silicon-based transistors.

Mini tech post: Electric cars as grid storage

Scientists University of Delaware are testing the feasibility of using electric automobiles as power storage when they are not in use. The car batteries would serve as extra storage for the power grid, potentially improving the overall efficiency of energy storage and distribution. For this approach to work, thousands of automobiles would need to be in active service with owners willing to let their batteries be used by local power companies while sitting idle. More than 100 cars are required to store 1 megawatt of power, but this approach could mean each car would save the power company more than $4,000 in storage costs for a $600 per car investment. If some of these saving were passed on to the consumer, it could make electric vehicles more cost-effective.

Mini-tech post: Chimps faster memorizers than humans

Young chimpanzees were found to outscore human university students in short-term memory speed tests, although their results were no more accurate. The scientists believe that we may have lost some of our speed in memorizing environmental cues in return for developing language. They next plan to put the chimps against children, theorizing that some of the student's speed deficit might simply be age.

Mini tech post: Dino mummy

Recently-discovered 67-million year -old dinosaur remains included petrified tissue within an uncollapsed envelope of petrified skin. The remains provide an unprecedented and detailed view into the soft-tissue structures of a typical dinosaur. Remains of this type are rare because the conditions under which the dinosaur died had to have result in it being mummified, so that the soft tissues were mineralized before they had a chance to decay.

Mini tech post: Passport Canada security breach

Last week, a security flaw was discovered in Passport Canada's online application site. The breach was discovered when an applicant, out of curiosity, changed a letter in the URL and found that he was able to see confidential information from another applicant, including social insurance and driver's license numbers. He informed Passport Canada who closed down the site until the source of the problem could be determined. They reported that the breach was fixed as of Friday.

Mini tech post: Parkour

Parkour is the art of moving through an environment in the fastest and most efficient manner possible. The sport originated in France but has hit the US, encouraged by Youtube videos of practitioners jumping from building to building and scaling walls, often adding flips and twists to make the run more flamboyant. Practitioners caution that the sport requires intensive training and focus, but can be an exhilarating workout. 

Mini tech post: stackable car

MIT is working on stackable rental cars as a way of providing energy-efficient in-city travel. The vehicles would picked up and deposited at train stations, airports, and bus depots. The key to the device is that each wheel contains a motor, suspension, breaking and steering rather than placing them in the chassis.

Mini tech post: Bubble cars

"Bubble cars" were popular in Europe in the 1960's, and are now making a come-back.

Mini tech post: Model X-Wing

Model enthusiasts have built and flown a replica (unmanned) X-Wing fighter. Follow the link to see the model in flight (no video, but plenty of photos). Unfortunately, the model began flying erratically so had to be detonated remotely.