Kansas University students develop solar-powered sterilizer
by: Ecofriend, 2011-07-13 09:41:47 UTC
Tanweer Azam:

The world is full of people who are tirelessly working for the betterment of the humankind and Ronald Dougherty, professor and chair of the Kansas University Mechanical Engineering Department, is one among them. Dougherty is guiding a project under which four engineering students at the University have developed an autoclave, which is powered by solar energy. Once the group succeeds in creating the sterilizer, it will be delivered to a medical camp in Sanyati, Zimbabwe.

The model which is made of metal, measures five feet in height and is shaped like a funnel. Presently, it rests at a laboratory on the West Campus of the university. Dougherty is hopeful that the sterilizer could benefit the people in developing countries because the medical instruments will be sterilized using solar energy, which means there is no need for electricity supply. It is a well-known fact that electricity is scarce in developing countries and this solar sterilizer will definitely prove a boon for the health officials in those countries.

The students wanted to have an impact on the world. They didn’t want to do another washing machine or something like that. They wanted to do something that would have a big impact on the lives of people, Dougherty said.

Kayla Dill, Stewart Bernard, Brian Hatesohl and Travis Rowe worked under Dougherty’s supervision to develop the sterilizer last year. The students developed the solar-powered autoclave as part of a senior design course. The idea to develop the sterilizer came to Dougherty when he met Scott Hoffman, a Honeywell engineer, who was willing to help his friend, Dr. Mark Byler, who works as a medical missionary in Zimbabwe and needed an autoclave, which can work without electricity.

It’s difficult for us to comprehend how terrible it is over there under the government. If you have a broken leg or need to deliver a baby and there’s no electricity at the moment to sterilize the instruments, you are kind of screwed, Hoffman said.

After meeting Hoffman, Dougherty decided to work on developing the sterilizer with the four students and Hoffman decided to fund it. Instruments are sterilized in autoclave at extreme temperatures, which kill viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms, but the instruments need to be kept inside autoclave at temperatures above 285 degrees for minimum three hours for proper sterilization.

Dougherty is happy that his students have developed the first solar-powered autoclave in the world. Though the autoclave is operational, but Dougherty is taking no chances and is now set upon fine tuning it for reliable performance.

Via: WellCommons

Broo-ver by Ben Fursdon
by: Dezeen, 2011-07-12 18:25:35 UTC

New Designers 2011: product design graduate Ben Fursdon has created the Broo-ver, a broom converted into a vacuum cleaner. (more…)

10 futuristic eco vehicles with shape shifting capabilities
by: Ecofriend, 2011-07-12 10:29:43 UTC
Rasna Sayan:

There has been a great change in the way our transportation – both personal and public – has improved technologically, looking after individual and varied requirements of the modern-day commuter. Automobile designers have become extremely innovative and have come out with vehicles that have futuristic features, making the designs and technology more dynamic and customer-centric as we are living in a fast-paced world. Given below are some awesome cars with features that enable them to change shape – making them the ultimate futuristic vehicles.

1. Scarab:

Deriving its name from the Scarabaeid beetle, which is considered divine by ancient Egyptians, this shape shifting aerodynamic car is the creation of David Miguel Moreira Gonçalves. Assuring environmental safety, this vehicle is equipped with sensors, a radar, GPS and EW brakes, apart from a set of assorted components that can be exchanged to alter its appearance. To make it more efficient, the wheels of the car have electric motors fit within them, while you have the option of running it on biofuel, battery and fuel cell.

2. Peugeot 888:

This piece of machinery will definitely appeal to lovers of high-end technology because of its ability to become totally flat on the road giving you the feel of a sports car. The solar panel make it environmentally-friendly. It can equally sustain a smooth ride midst a busy road by recoiling to a convenient size that also facilitates better parking. The master craftsman behind this extremely clever design is Oskar Johansen, hailing from Norway. This funky car will always be at your service should you decide a trip down the countryside. Perfectly spacious for two, it also accommodates your luggage with much ease.

3. Enyoii:

This breathtaking design basically caters to nature lovers who find it hard to quench their thirst for stylish cars and was unveiled by designer Gerardo Delgado Martinez. Driven by battery which is restored by a generator, this vehicle comes in a body of plastic, though a few components are metallic. The unique feature of this model is its ability to attain any form desired by its driver. You can modify the shape of this car by positioning the pistons differently. Another amazing feature is its steering which can be operated using a touchpad which in turn functions using Wi-Fi. The car is claimed to achieve a maximum speed of 40 kilometers per hour.

4. Plus concept:

The brainchild of David Vega is a truly green car that promises a variety of features and utilities without harming its immediate environment. Fuelled by electricity, this vehicle allows you to alter its shape depending upon the number of its riders and the amount of traffic. Rightfully called “Plus” this machine can offer multiple options to suit your likes. The curled floor of the car facilitates expansion to accommodate seats for more occupants. All four wheels are run by electric motors. Defying the norms of a traditional car, this one is managed by Wi-Fi.

5. Rinspeed iChange:

The epitome of innovation, Rinspeed has been a part of Geneva Auto Show held last year. This model is claimed to have features as unique as its preceding model that acquired fame as a diving car. Named “iChange”, the car is a perfect machine for those who love a combination of eco-friendly vehicles with high-tech designs. Equipped with solar panels that never let you run out of batteries, this stunning car allows you to alter its appearance and space depending upon how many people you wish to seat. One-time charge can take you as far as 90 kilometers. The minus point: It may not appeal to those who are willing to go for a mileage not less than 100 kilometers, that too in an electronically run car.

6. Audi Concept:

Here’s a car that will give you the feel of a spacecraft on wheels!! Engineered for Audi and designed by Małgorzata Hop , the car has a sleek body carried by two wheels that runs on bio-diesel. Maneuvering is well taken care of since the rear wheel splits into two transforming it into a tri-wheeled machine. A similar convenience is offered while parking as it recoils its body and stands only 1.5 meters long. It can accommodate two people, sitting one after the other. The hallmark of Audi makes it extraordinary a car.

7. SKUDI:

The sheer design of this quasi-bird car makes it extremely desirable for those who refuse to settle for conventional cars. Conceptualized by Ahmad Moslemi Far, this next-gen car has looks and design to die for. Propelled electronically, this super bird derives its inspiration from mythological epic heroes. Extremely efficient in saving space and fuel, this car can accommodate two passengers with ease. It can be maneuvered smoothly, thanks to the shape of its wheels which further help in its speed and overall performance. The SKUDI is truly a fantasy car for the young.

8. Maserati Fractal:

Sophisticated looks of a sports car and eco-friendly at the same time, the Maserati Fractal is a design brought to you by Liviu Tudoran. Though it appears to have landed straight from the Transformers, it nonetheless has features that are essentially similar to one. A defining model of futuristic technology in automobiles, this car can easily be dismantled into various single components. Put together, these parts combine to give you an amazingly fashioned car that can accommodate more than two people.

9. The Cell:

A head-turner and termed rightfully as the “Cell”, this car showcases a huge transformation in the concept of travel itself. An innovation by Tom Kent, the model highlights a number of solutions to problems like fuel emission, space and roads chocked with huge amounts of traffic. With an in-built facility to charge its batteries, this car is a perfect companion for two passengers and offers a unique driving style.

10. Metromorph:

Roman Mistiuk is the mastermind behind the design of “Metromorph” that serves both as a fuel-efficient car and a balcony! Now experience the thrill of climbing a multistoried apartment on your wheels. This car is truly amazing in its variety of features apart from its astonishing looks. The car ensures all safety measures while riding up the wall, resembling an elevator or while functioning as an ideal car on road. It claims to have won many hearts. Considered externally, effective use of space has lent a high degree of utility to this model since its doors open up easily even in a constricted area while internally, the seats are positioned and managed such that they remain leveled irrespective of the angle at which the vehicle is. The battery backup makes this astonishing design a green car that respects the need to reduce pollution.

Newspapers Recycled Into Paper Timber & Furniture by Mieke Meijer / Vij5
by: TreeHugger Design, 2011-07-12 15:03:40 UTC
Photos: Vij5 website From do-it-yourself cat litter to hand-rolled jewelry beads and mulch, newspapers can offer versatile options for re-use after they've been read. From Dutch designer Mieke Meijer comes what she calls "NewspaperWood," which can actually be made into furni... Read the full story on TreeHugger

ASK A TECH GEEK: What Are Some Easy Ways to Reduce My Laptop’s Energy Consumption?
by: Inhabitat , 2011-07-09 15:27:25 UTC

Each week renowned gadget expert Peter Rojas from gadget Q&A site GDGT.com answers your questions about green technology in our Ask A Tech Geek Series. Read on for this week’s installment and submit your questions below!

QUESTION: What are some easy ways to reduce my laptop’s energy consumption?

- submitted by Cliff Champion

PETER ROJAS:
There are definitely a few very simple things you can do to reduce your laptop’s energy consumption and extend its battery life. Here are my suggestions:

1. TURN DOWN YOUR SCREEN

Turn down the brightness on your screen. The screen is one of the biggest power hogs on a laptop and reducing the brightness even just a bit will help. Read on for the other 4 super easy tips.

Read the rest of ASK A TECH GEEK: What Are Some Easy Ways to Reduce My Laptop’s Energy Consumption?

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How the Eco Index is Leading Apparel to a Green Future
by: Greener Design, 2011-07-06 05:08:46 UTC

The textiles and apparel industry, once considered far behind the building and consumer electronics sectors in sustainability, has taken the lead on the environmental front.

rebecca wilson: finest paperware
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2011-07-09 11:05:00 UTC

responding to the wasteful culture of convenience and consumption, rebecca wilson elevates the paper cup into an art object, with hand-drawn patterns and produced by slip-casting techniques.

read more

AME-LOT by Malka Architecture features beautiful exterior with reused pallets
by: Ecofriend, 2011-07-09 06:12:46 UTC
Babita Sajnani:

Bringing forth an exceptional definition to infrastructure, Stephane Malka of Malka Architecture has revealed his innovative project AME-LOT - a project that deals with material re-usability and restorative proposals on existing structures. Through this project, he aimed at minimizing the excess materials and utilizing them as they increase the carbon footprint. Hence it is better to use ready-made objects and juxtapose them to our existing structures and make them unique, rather than to dump them in landfills and produce new materials - a major environmental issue.

In this form of architecture, pallets - a very flexible building material that can be altered to create many geometrical shapes - are used connected by horizontal hinges. These pallets open upward, rather than sideways, in order to provide larger openings and more privacy. In the AME-LOT project, located on rue Amelot, the geometrical formations of the pallets on the outer wall or skin of the structure makes it unique and different. No pollution is generated, as material is basically reused without any processing, etc. and the carbon footprint is also largely reduced. The AME-LOT is a superb example of ecological architecture and an innovative way to keep out landfills from digesting excess material that is dumped ruthlessly.

Via: ArchDaily

Core77 Photo Gallery: RCA Design Interactions Show 2011
by: Core77, 2011-07-07 16:35:45 UTC

Photography by Sam Dunne for Core77

Sweating robots, human flesh neo-natal incubators and a happy man who no longer sits down: just some of the highlights we caught at this year's Royal College of Art Design Interactions graduate show in London. The course led by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby showcased a diverse range of high and lo-tech thought provoking design fictions, and all kinds of awesome future-thinking concepts.

Embracing the impact of our increased connectivity and mobile lifestyle, projects explored notions such as: How will we turn off and relax in an over-connected age? What if androids had birthdays? Could renewable energy be funded by extreme tourism? Could city smog become valuable? What if companies were striving to create human happiness rather than profit? And our favorite, can I legally clone Marilyn Monroe's left breast?

Find out, and see more highlights in our photo gallery!

(more...)

Aandeboom's "P-Tree" Takes Piss Out of Festivalgoers (in a manner of speaking)
by: Core77, 2011-07-06 19:45:10 UTC

Based on the popularity of the "P-TREE" at Denmark's Roskilde Festival, Dutch design studio Aandeboom is deeming their pilot program (Petri dish?) a success. The company "produced 50 P-TREES in the typical Roskilde Orange color, placed in 2 different spots near the main stage," to the delight (and utility) of "more than 100,000 visitors."

The P-TREE is a temporary tree-friendly urinal that can be fixed on every tree using straps and lashings. The P-tree gives a feeling of freedom during peeing. It is the same as peeing into the wild. The hoses from the urinal can be combined and connected on a waste pipe with container. The P-tree is very accessible for festivals, public gardens, events, etc. P-tree and Lashings are available in different RAL-colors.

The summer music festival setting is, of course, the most appropriate place for the "P-TREE"—its natural habitat, one might say. And lest we miss the forest for the trees (or the urinal for the pee): "By using the P-TREE the festivals problem with public peeing was significant reduced."

Teaser video and behind-the-scenes photos (or something like that) after the jump:

(more...)