What's the point?
Scientists in Japan have finally discovered an answer to one of life's big questions, 'what is the point of a mosquito?'
A team at Osaka's Kansi University has developed a new design for a hypodermic needle, based on the mosquito's penetrating proboscis.
A proboscis is the long mouth piece of a mosquito. It consists of six parts, two pairs of sharp, flexible cutters surrounding a pair of fine tubes, one used for sucking blood and the other used for dripping a chemical which prevents the blood from clotting.
Just like a proboscis, the needle's design has a serrated outer edge. This may sound excruciating, but the jagged shape allows for only a small amount of the surface of the needle to come into contact with nerves of the skin. This reduces pain and allows for drugs to easily be delivered or blood to be taken through a tube in the needle's sheath.
It is hoped in the future this design may be of help to diabetics, who require frequent insulin injections.
For more information you can read the New Scientists article online.
Where we're going, we don't need roads
A flying car may sound like something pulled from a Harry Potter movie, or 80s sci-fi classic but this Hollywood dream may soon become reality with the release of the 'Transition', the first commercially produced flying car.
For only US$194 000, this versatile vehicle can give you a unique convenience; to drive from your garage to the runway and take off into the air.
The 'Transition' has the capacity to fold its wings in half and stow them securely for on-road driving, where it can reach highway speeds. The wings can then be conveniently deployed from the cockpit once you are at the airport.
Engineers were not only conscious of designing a convenient vehicle, but they were also concerned about its carbon footprint. The 'Transition' therefore uses unleaded fuel, a more environmentally friendly choice than aviation fuel.
It also comes with a storage area large enough to carry an overnight bag. Perfect for that quick getaway!
To fly the 'Transition' you need to be 16 years old and have just 20 hours of air time experience. But until you get your driver's licence, you may still need your parents to pick you up from the airport!
For more information visit Terrafugia's website.
Waterless washing
Gone are the days of being caught in the rain with washing on the line thanks to the new 'waterless' washing machine.
The machine, designed by engineers at Leeds University, uses nylon beads to attract stains.
The beads are added to the wash with a cup of water and a drop of detergent. In the humid environment the beads become absorbent and soak up the water along with the dirt.
The beads are automatically removed at the end of the wash and can last for up to 100 loads or six months.
The machine does not require a spin or rinse cycle therefore it uses just 2% of the energy of conventional washing machines. Not only does this save water and reduce effluent production, but also cuts CO2 emissions. Clothes also come out dry, negating the need for a power hungry tumble dryer.
The machine is currently being trialled in commercial laundry facilities in the United States.
For more information visit Xeros's website.