Tech: Florescent cats

Korean scientists have genetically engineered cats to glow under florescent light. Skin cells from their mother were genetically modified using a virus to make them fluoresce under UV light, which were then implanted into the ova that eventually emerged as three kittens. One was stillborn, but the others have grown to more than 3 kg and appear healthy.

Perfect for anyone who has encountered their pet's furry body as they attempt a late-night trip to the loo.

Found on Improbable Research

Tech: Gliese 581 has 1 planet within its Habitable Zone

Scientists believe that at least one planet in the Gliese 581 system might remain within the habitable, but the harsh conditions would make it unlikely that complex life would have evolved. Gliese 581d is a super-earth, more than 8 times that of Earth. 

Gadgets: Flying Humans

Looking for an eXtreme Sport? Try flying. The link has a video of people flying above skiers in the Swiss Alps.

Found on Slashdot.

Update: meteor watching

For those planning to view the Geminid shower, keep an eye on the eastern sky after 10 pm this evening. The best show should be at 2 am when the constellation Gemini is directly overhead. They are predicting two shooting stars per minute at its peak.

Tech: Mice engineered to not fear cats

Japanese researchers have genetically engineered mice by switching off genes that drive its instinct to fear cats. This begs the question of whether they next plan to engineer cats not to find mice tasty, or whether this is part of a plot by our feline overlords.

Tech: Arctic to be ice-free by 2013

American researchers predict that the Arctic Ocean be ice free during at least part of the summer by 2013, based on the current rate of ice loss. They model did not include data from the past two summers that could make even this prediction appear conservative. The rate of ice loss has been accelerating due to a feedback effect: less ice means less energy reflected back into space, resulting in more heat energy being absorbed, resulting in less ice.

Tech: 12 years of light between charges

A company has developed a material that will glow continuously for up to 12 years without recharging. The glow is the result of beta particles released by the radioactive decomposition of tritium, which then causes phosphor-coated microspheres to fluoresce, what they refer to as betavoltaics. The material is reasonable inexpensive, flexible, and is relatively unaffected by heat, cold and pressure.

Voyager 2 photo

I nice photo of Voyager 2 from before it's launch in 1977 (yes, it's been that long). At last count it was 12,680,021,376 km away from Earth, traveling at 56,327 km per hour. It's a bit large so I put it under a cut.

( Voyager 2 photo under the cut )

Found on "Greg Laden's Blog", courtesy of ScienceBlogs.

Gadget: Recycled chopstick folding bowls

Folding bowls made from recycled chopsticks.

Amusing: Segway polo

Segway polo. Yep, can't you just feel just feel that excitement. Any minute now. 

Gadget, Colour-changing shower head

Colour-changing showerhead, lets you know if it's hot or not.

Tech: Underwater turbine generators

Researchers at the Florida Atlantic University propose using 20 kW turbines anchored to the ocean floor to draw energy from the Gulf stream. 

Tech: Hydropalace

Some time this month, the 220 room Hydropalace is expected to open in, or more precisely under, the Arabian Gulf near Dubai. The hotel is, for the most part, located 60 feet under water.