Google patent for ocean-based sustainable data centers
October 25, 2008 by UltraFuture · 2 Comments
Google filed a patent in February that documents a concept for designing data centers that could be powered and cooled by the ocean. The centers are shaped like a submerged pontoon, and could be located in large lakes or 3 to 7 miles off shore. The pontoons would require depths of around 50-70 meters. They are arguably sustainable as they could be powered by wind, wave and solar energy, and cooled by low temperature waters. There may be potential for OTEC power, an modular islands such as Energy Island may be suitable as housing or ‘docks’ to tether the data centers. Ocean based data centers may even be able to tap directly into submarine optical fiber cables.
The design has financial advantages beyond sustainable power: Offshore centers would presumably avoid property taxes, and building rights may be more easily obtained than those for existing data centers (which often occupy 2 or 3 football fields of land).
Larry Dignan (Editor in Chief of ZDNet) notes that wild-cards abound:
Jurisdiction issues will occur. Are states really going to allow Google or anyone else place these pontoons offshore without some tax hit? And the logistics of making this rollout happen are daunting. However, Google has the capital to make it work. More importantly, Google’s ocean data center model can scale. Once the first efforts are deployed best practices will emerge quickly.
Visit here to see the patent filed by Google.
Floating Data Center from Google US Patent Application
Some considerations:
-Who will ensure the security of these floating data centers (from natural disasters, terrorism) and how?
-Could these structures have adverse effects on ocean currents, ocean temperatures or marine life?
Robotic ants building homes on Mars
October 22, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
Recent discoveries of water and Earth-like soil on Mars have set imaginations running wild that human beings may one day colonise the Red Planet. However, the first inhabitants might not be human in form at all, but rather swarms of tiny robots.
India Moon probe ready for launch
October 22, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
India is counting down to the launch of its first mission to the Moon. On Wednesday, the unmanned Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft will blast off from a launch pad in Andhra Pradesh to embark on a two-year mission of exploration.
End to Paralysis with Artificial Brain-to-Muscle Connectors
October 16, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
Using a computerized connector between the brain and muscles in the body, scientists have been able to restore movement to paralyzed limbs. A group of neuroscientists report in Nature today that they used a brain-computer interface to join the motor cortex of an ape to the muscles in its wrist.
New Chips Poised to Revolutionize Photography, Film
October 16, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
For the first time, professional-grade single-lens reflex cameras are gaining the ability to record high-definition video. That capability, photographers say, has the potential to transform both still photography and moviemaking
25 US Cities To Get Their Own Solar Power Potential Maps
October 16, 2008 by UltraFuture · 2 Comments
There are a couple of online utilities that help you calculate the solar potential of your building, and one of the coolest ones is the San Francisco Solar Map. Developed by C2HM Hill for the city and county of San Francisco, the map allows you to enter in your address, and estimate the size and cost of putting a solar PV system on your roof.
Bubbletecture H by Shuhei Endo
October 16, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
Endo Shuhei’s Bubbletecture H is constructed almost entirely from locally-sourced Japanese cypress trees - an exceptionally durable and lightweight wood. The bubble’s exterior is shielded with a 1.2mm layer of steel that acquires a thin layer of rust-red coloring as it ages, and up top it features a partial green roof made with local moss.
Prescription drugs increasingly used as ‘cognitive enhancers’
October 13, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
Up to a fifth of adults, including college students and shift workers, may be using cognitive enhancers, a poll of 1,400 by Nature journal suggests.
Many of these enhancers include prescription drugs like Ritalin, the drug used to treat hyperactive children. Users say the drug is helpful in boosting alertness and concentration.
Neuropsychologist Professor Barbara Sahakian of Addenbrooke’s Hospital said safety evidence is urgently needed.
Read more in this article from the BBC.
Berlin Announces World’s Largest Electric Car Infrastructure
October 13, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
Electricity provider RWE will install 500 power-points, where electric cars can charge up. Daimler AG and Smart are partnering in the project, which aims to have100 electric Smart Cars on the streets of Berlin by the end of 2009.
Retro-futurism: fashion predictions from the 1930’s
October 9, 2008 by UltraFuture · 1 Comment
The following video features predictions by top American fashion designers from the 1930s. The designs created ‘futuristic’ garments and accessories for ‘Eve’ and the ‘well-dressed man’ in the year 2000.
An amusing and very cool piece of retro-futurism. Some of the forecasts, like climate control and mobile phones, are very accurate. CuteCircuit has designed a dress called Mystique that changes shape and length during the course of an evening. It grows longer as the evening progresses (though some may want to program it to do the opposite!)
Ooh… Swoosh!
