In the News, September 2009, Part I

Recent tests from a research team led by Stanford and the University of Illinois have led to a “structural system that holds a building together through a magnitude-seven earthquake.”

The process limits the damage through flexible and replaceable areas in the building’s frame. The apparent key is embracing the shaking, as opposed to trying to limit it.
Read the full article at Popular Science

Τ

Advancements in robotics continue as engineers at MIT announced a new generation of “robofish.”

The newest robotic fish are capable of exploring underwater terrain, mimicking the movements of real fish, and are sleeker than the first robotic fish developed 15 years ago.
Read article for more information

Β

The San Francisco Chronicle recently explored Iceland’s geothermal power stations.

Recent interest in these stations has been sparked by oil prices and interested parties from California. Northern California actually has the largest complex of geothermal power plants on the planet.

There are hopes that U.S. plants could learn from Iceland’s geothermal production and better utilize resources.
Read the article

Π