Smart Takes

Archive: 08-2011

• IBM claims cognitive computing breakthrough

  IBM has prototypes of two experimental semiconductors that aim to match the human brain and its ability to interpret its surroundings and learn.

  August 17, 2011, 9:01 PM PDT | By Larry Dignan

• NASA Aeronautics works toward carbonless silent aircraft

  NASA’s Aeronautics division has been working to knock out two of the biggest problems with airplanes today: noise and carbon emissions.

  August 17, 2011, 5:51 PM PDT | By Rachel King

• Connect Lab convenes scientists virtually to tackle environmental problems

  Scientific collaboration is required to combat some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, according to Connect Lab, a project founded by NASA Ames and Lockheed Martin.

  August 17, 2011, 5:32 PM PDT | By Rachel King

• Engineers band together to improve sanitation, infrastructure abroad

  There have been doctors and journalists. Now meet Engineers Without Borders, who are committed to improving the everyday lives of people in developing countries.

  August 17, 2011, 4:06 PM PDT | By Rachel King

• B612 Foundation working to prevent ‘biggest threat’ possible: asteroids

  The biggest threat to Earth? Something hitting it, said Ed Lu, a former NASA astronaut and chairman of the B612 Foundation.

  August 17, 2011, 3:13 PM PDT | By Rachel King

• Evergreen Solar’s bankruptcy: Sign of bad decisions, not industry’s demise

  Is Evergreen Solar’s bankruptcy a sign of solar ind

  August 17, 2011, 7:39 AM PDT | By Larry Dignan

• 5 ways to imagine transportation for tomorrow, today

  Monocle magazine evaluates today’s transportation situation and imagines another for tomorrow. On tap: future car design, improved stations, electric bikes, denser parking and high-speed...

  August 17, 2011, 4:26 AM PDT | By Andrew Nusca

• Lockheed Martin shows off nature-inspired Samarai handheld drone

  The Samarai drone, inspired by the maple seed, made its public debut at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference.

  August 17, 2011, 2:19 AM PDT | By Larry Dignan

• SpaceX, private space flight steps up its game for NASA

  SpaceX could launch Nov. 30 and dock its Dragon ship with the space station nine days later.

  August 16, 2011, 5:34 PM PDT | By Larry Dignan

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  August 16, 2011, 2:13 PM PDT | By Andrew Nusca