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March 28, 2007

Electrochemists Create Fuel Cell Powered by Pop

At the 233rd American Chemical Society National Meeting, Saint Louis University scientists presented their study of a battery powered by liquid sugars. The research described as blend of biology and chemistry provides a glimpse at the future of renewable biodegradable energy.
The theme of the conference is Sustainability of Energy, Food, and Water and other research topics, including biodegradable plastics, “smart” sunglasses and healthier Chicago-style pizza can be explored at the society’s press webpage.

Posted by hinsdalereference at 11:47 AM

March 23, 2007

Shutdown Day, March 24, 2007

How have computers changed your life? For the better? Are you addicted to the Internet? Can you live without Google and YouTube? Even for one day?

Try this little experiment. Don’t turn on your computer Saturday, March 24th and follow your mom’s advice: “Go outside and play.” Perhaps you could speak face to face with your chat buddies.

Learn more about Shutdown Day and sign up for the experiment on their homepage.

Posted by hinsdalereference at 8:07 PM

March 21, 2007

World Water Day, March 22, 2007

Designed to raise awareness of the global scarcity of safe drinking water, World Water Day is an annual event created by the United Nations in 1992. This year’s events include a “Walk for Water,” where participants walk 3-6 miles carrying a jug of water. This symbolizes the daily experience of children in water-stressed areas, who must fetch water for their families. These children, usually girls, are often denied an education due to this time-consuming labor.

Chicago will not be hosting a “Walk for Water,” but concerned Chicagoans may join the “virtual walk” or attend a water-themed film. All events are free but registration is suggested.

Posted by hinsdalereference at 3:50 PM

March 20, 2007

Plane Spotting Discouraged – The Airbus A380 Comes to Chicago

The new super-jumbo airliner, the Airbus A380, continues its demonstration tour Tuesday. The plane leaves New York’s Kennedy International Airport and arrives at O’Hare International Airport shortly before 1 pm.

For local aviation enthusiasts this is a mixed blessing. The police will not allow plane spotters to park on the roads surrounding O’Hare and unlike the aircrafts’ stopovers in New York and Los Angles there are no public viewings.

Until the expansion of O’Hare is complete in 2009 sightings of the super-jumbo class of airliners will be rare. The Chicago Tribune website offers several virtual A380 experiences and comparisons to jumbo airliners. The Airbus website provides more background material on the development and testing, as well as the press kit for the A380 promotional tour.

Posted by hinsdalereference at 12:14 PM

March 14, 2007

Lucky and Flo Versus Video Pirates

The Motion Picture Association added teeth and powerful noses to their efforts to curb DVD piracy. As reported in the New York Times, Lucky and Flo, a pair of Black Labs, have been trained to track the chemical signature of DVD and CD polycarbonate medium.
After training in Northern Ireland, Lucky and Flo’s first tour of duty is a one month trial in Malaysia.

Learn more about the MPA’s anti-piracy efforts and read their introduction of Lucky and Flo, entitled K-9 Pirate Smackdown, at their Web site.

Posted by hinsdalereference at 3:04 PM