Entry #49: Cheaper Tesla

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has announced that their Model 3 electric car will go into production 2017 and will only cost $35,000. This is a big announcement as that is about the price a brand new car costs so basically it is being made mainstream. Finally the average consumer can buy a Tesla. I think this is a smart move for Elon Musk and that in the future many people will be driving the new Model 3 around.

For more info: Cheaper Tesla

Entry #48: Welding Neurons

Scientists have discovered a way to physically attach two neurons to each other through artificial means. They use a laser to basically weld two neurons together. This can be used to help people who have had strokes or other brain damage. I can see it being used to perhaps enhance people to help them think even faster.

For more info: Welding Neurons

Entry #47: Roach Robots

Researchers have been looking into new ways of creating robots that will help in disaster situations. One of the newest creations is a cockroach type of robot that is just a little bit bigger than an actual cockroach. They will be mounted with cameras and sensors and will be able to fit into small cracks to get about in situations such as earthquakes. This will help to find survivors and surveyors will be able to tell if the area is stable or not. It sounds like a cool idea from something of nasty origin.

For more info: Roach Robots

Entry #46: Brainprints

Researchers at Binghamton University have recently come up with a new method of security and are calling it brainprints. It is like fingerprints but with the brain instead. They say a machine will record the responses a person makes to specific images or words and then can use them to 94% accuracy to determine that person later on when they try to gain access. It provides a much more intense sense of security as a person's fingerprints can be stolen but brain patterns aren't so easily stolen. I think it'd be pretty cool, but like the article says it is very expensive and would only be practical for high security places such as the pentagon.

For more info: Brainprints

Entry #45: Veggie Factory

The first farm completely run by robots is going to begin production soon in Japan. Boasting very high efficiency and little waste, this automated farm is said to be able to produce 30,000 heads of lettuce a day. It is supposed to reduce labor costs by 50%, cut energy use by 30%, and recycle 98% of water needed to grow the crops. This sounds like a pretty cool idea and I think they would be a benefit wherever they are built.

For more info: Veggie Factory

Entry #44: Power Trees

A team at The Ohio State University has proposed a new type of way to harvest wind energy. They want to create a device that resembles a tree. They say that trees shake a certain way that can produce plenty of electrical energy. The scientist want to use the trees to power sensors in structures such as bridges that monitor the soundness of the structure.

For more info: Power Trees

Entry #43: Gene Editing

Recently scientists in the UK (United Kingdom) have gotten the go ahead to proceed with altering the DNA of embryos. Scientists in China have already done the gene editing in order to correct a blood disorder. If successful future babies could be immune to many things and not get sick as much.

For more info: Gene Editing