![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
News and tech stories for 16 June
Jun. 16th, 2008 01:42 pmCompany claims to have developed oil-generating bacteria - California-based LS9 uses genetically modified bacteria to convert agricultural waste into crude oil, albeit at a rate of 1 barrel per week using 40 square feet of floor space. They hope to have a demonstration commercial-scale plant in operation by 2010.
The optimal amount of sleep is between 6.5 and 7.5 hours - according to one sleep researcher who, in 2002, studied the death rates of 1 million US citizens. He discovered that those with the longest lifespans slept between 6.5 and 7.5 hours, while those with the shortest lifespans slept either more or less than this amount. As usual, apply the caveat that correlation does not equal causation before taking this data internally.
Cloak of silence a theoretical possibility - A team of Spanish researchers have shown mathematically how meta-materials similar to those that have already been used to make things invisible to microwaves, may also be used to shield them from sound waves. Specifically, a structure would be covered in several layers of this meta-material, each which would handle a different range of frequencies. The meta-materials would redirect the sound waves away from the surface so that anything enclosed by the material would be free of those sound waves.
Scientists tests penetrator technology - A team in Wales demonstrated the viability of using a penetrator to drive an instrument package deep into the planetary crust. The device recorded an impact velocity equivalent to 20,000 earth gravities; yet, the instrument package survived. This approach may have an "impact" on future interplanetary missions by allow them to study the crust of planets or moons.
Stay clear of people with bumper stickers - Researchers in Chicago have observed a correlation between those who display bumper stickers and other adornments on their car and those who are prone to road rage. They theorize that those who customize their cars with things like bumper stickers are "marking territory" and that road rage may be an extension of defending their territory. This, they suggest comes from confusing private space (their car) with public space (the road) such that they act as if they have extended ownership over a section of the public space.
The optimal amount of sleep is between 6.5 and 7.5 hours - according to one sleep researcher who, in 2002, studied the death rates of 1 million US citizens. He discovered that those with the longest lifespans slept between 6.5 and 7.5 hours, while those with the shortest lifespans slept either more or less than this amount. As usual, apply the caveat that correlation does not equal causation before taking this data internally.
Cloak of silence a theoretical possibility - A team of Spanish researchers have shown mathematically how meta-materials similar to those that have already been used to make things invisible to microwaves, may also be used to shield them from sound waves. Specifically, a structure would be covered in several layers of this meta-material, each which would handle a different range of frequencies. The meta-materials would redirect the sound waves away from the surface so that anything enclosed by the material would be free of those sound waves.
Scientists tests penetrator technology - A team in Wales demonstrated the viability of using a penetrator to drive an instrument package deep into the planetary crust. The device recorded an impact velocity equivalent to 20,000 earth gravities; yet, the instrument package survived. This approach may have an "impact" on future interplanetary missions by allow them to study the crust of planets or moons.
Stay clear of people with bumper stickers - Researchers in Chicago have observed a correlation between those who display bumper stickers and other adornments on their car and those who are prone to road rage. They theorize that those who customize their cars with things like bumper stickers are "marking territory" and that road rage may be an extension of defending their territory. This, they suggest comes from confusing private space (their car) with public space (the road) such that they act as if they have extended ownership over a section of the public space.