Tech post for 23 July 2008
Jul. 23rd, 2008 04:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracodraconisParts of Batman shot in IMax - Director Christopher Nolan shot 30 minutes of the 152 minute film using IMax cameras. Previously, movies were adapted for Imax by converting film shot using regular cameras. When shown in IMax format, the picture expands to IMax size for scenes shot using IMax, then return to regular size for non-IMax shots.
Graphene proven stronger than steel - A recent experiment proved that graphene sheets are 200 times stronger than structural steel. Previously, graphene's strength could only be inferred using models because nobody knew how to make a graphene sheet pure enough to perform physical testing.
Canadian satellite spies on asteroids and other satellites - The suitcase-sized NEOSat, due to be launched in 2010, uses a unique system of reaction wheels to turn quickly and target an object precisely. Unlike other satellites, the reaction wheels are power by solar energy so no propellant is required. The system was designed by Defense Research Development Canada (DRDC) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), but after it's first year in operation it will be handed over to the Canadian Armed Forces to assist in its NORAD duties.
Microwave crowd control may be overhyped - A variety of experts in the field suggest that the microwave auditory effect could never become loud enough to disperse crowds. In fact, they suggest that the amount of energy required to generate noise loud enough to disperse crowds would cause significant burn damage.
Archea may be a model for life on Mars - Massive colonies of single-celled microbes living deep below the ocean floor metabolize food so slowly that they barely register as alive. Scientists theorize that a similar type of organism could survive on Mars or even Europa, Jupiter's second moon.
Graphene proven stronger than steel - A recent experiment proved that graphene sheets are 200 times stronger than structural steel. Previously, graphene's strength could only be inferred using models because nobody knew how to make a graphene sheet pure enough to perform physical testing.
Canadian satellite spies on asteroids and other satellites - The suitcase-sized NEOSat, due to be launched in 2010, uses a unique system of reaction wheels to turn quickly and target an object precisely. Unlike other satellites, the reaction wheels are power by solar energy so no propellant is required. The system was designed by Defense Research Development Canada (DRDC) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), but after it's first year in operation it will be handed over to the Canadian Armed Forces to assist in its NORAD duties.
Microwave crowd control may be overhyped - A variety of experts in the field suggest that the microwave auditory effect could never become loud enough to disperse crowds. In fact, they suggest that the amount of energy required to generate noise loud enough to disperse crowds would cause significant burn damage.
Archea may be a model for life on Mars - Massive colonies of single-celled microbes living deep below the ocean floor metabolize food so slowly that they barely register as alive. Scientists theorize that a similar type of organism could survive on Mars or even Europa, Jupiter's second moon.
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(no subject)
Date: 2008-07-24 01:49 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2008-07-24 11:50 am (UTC)The latest findings indicate that Mars may have had extensive water about 3 billion years ago. Combined with tectonic activity, there is a reasonable chance that some form of life could have evolved and is still there, albeit in a form like Archea. Finding it, though, may prove to be a challenge.