Computer America

Computer America

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Computer America episodes

  • Sustainable Tires, Laser Displays, and More w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 7 February 2025

    Story 1: More Sustainable Tires in Sight as Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Bridgestone Team Up
    Source: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Story by JoAnna Wendel
    Link: https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/more-sustainable-tires-sight-pnnl-and-bridgestone-team
    Story 2: Scientists Develop Printable Droplet Laser Displays
    Source: Photonics Spectra
    Link: https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Scientists_Develop_Printable_Droplet_Laser/a70594
    Story 3: US firm to bury nuclear reactors 1-mile underground to power data centers
    Source: InterestingEngineering.com Story by Aman Tripathi
    Link: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/bury-nuclear-reactor-1-mile-underground
    See also: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/why-this-startup-wants-to-bury-nuclear-reactors-a-mile-underground/
    See also: https://deepfission.com/
    Story 4: New biomaterial offers treatment for central nervous system injuries
    Source: ScientistLive.com
    Link: https://www.scientistlive.com/content/new-biomaterial-offers-treatment-central-nervous-system-injuries
    See also: https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/piezoelectric-biomaterial-offers-new-treatment-potential-for-central-nervous-system-injuries/


    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    39 min
  • 3D Printed Food Research, Haptic Sleeves, New Quantum Processors w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 31 January 2025




    Story 1: Scientists use plasma to enable futuristic 3D-printed food — here's how it could revolutionize an industry


    Source: The Cool Down Story by Leslie Sattler


    Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/scientists-use-plasma-to-enable-futuristic-3d-printed-food-here-s-how-it-could-revolutionize-an-industry/ar-AA1wXca4


    See also: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-3d-pea-gels-potential-food.html


    See also: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429224004802?via%3Dihub



    Story 2: Koreans Create EV Battery That Puts Out Its Own Fires and Holds 87% Power After 1000 Cycles


    Source: CarScoops.com Story by Brad Anderson


    Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2025/01/korean-researches-create-ev-battery-that-can-extinguish-itself-in-a-fire/


    See also: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smll.202406200




    Story 3: Quantum computers that are actually useful and 1 step closer thanks to new silicon processor that could pack millions of qubits


    Source: LiveScience.com Story by Owen Hughes


    Link: https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/quantum-computers-that-are-actually-useful-1-step-closer-thanks-to-new-silicon-processor-that-could-pack-millions-of-qubits



    See also: https://www.equal1.com/post/equal1-new-major-quantum-computing-breakthrough



    Story 4: New knit haptic sleeve simulates realistic touch


    Source: Stanford University News 


    Link: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/12/new-knit-haptic-sleeve-simulates-realistic-touch


    See also: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.ado3887


    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    40 min
  • 3D Printed Microneedles, Solar Balloons, Sweaty Robots w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 10 January 2025




    Story 1: A new catalyst can turn methane into something useful - MIT chemical engineers have devised a way to capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and convert it into polymers.
    Source: MIT News Story by Anne Trafton
    Link: https://news.mit.edu/2024/new-catalyst-can-turn-methane-into-something-useful-1204
    See the research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41929-024-01251-z





    Story 2: Balloon system can produce localized solar electricity for the ground below
    Source: TechXplore.com Story by Bob Yirka
    Link: https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-balloon-localized-solar-electricity-ground.html
    See also: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/21/balloon-integrated-pv-system-for-emergency-power-needs-at-low-altitude/
    See also: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S036054422403500X?via%3Dihub



    Story 3: Future robots could one day tell how you're feeling by measuring your sweat, scientists say
    Source: LiveScience.com Story by Owen Hughes
    Link: https://www.livescience.com/technology/robotics/future-robots-could-one-day-tell-how-youre-feeling-by-measuring-your-sweat-scientists-say
    See also: https://www.shiningscience.com/2024/12/future-robots-could-one-day-tell-how.html



    Story 4: World’s first 3D-printed microneedles pave way for hearing loss treatments
    Source: Interesting Engineering via MSN Story by Kapil Kajal
    Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/world-s-first-3d-printed-microneedles-pave-way-for-hearing-loss-treatments/ar-AA1wtZPv
    See also: https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/most-interesting-needle-world




    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    38 min
  • Electronic Tattoos, Making Tech Green, Artificial Photosynthesis w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 3 January 2025


    Story 1: Solar-powered plasma technology offers a sustainable solution for seed germination challenges
    Source: Phys.org Story by Frontiers Journals
    Link: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-solar-powered-plasma-technology-sustainable.html
    See also: https://journal.hep.com.cn/fase/EN/10.15302/J-FASE-2024573





    Story 2: Circuit boards made from leaves could green up electronics’ act
    Source: Anthropocene Story by Anthropocene Team
    Link: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2024/12/circuit-boards-made-from-leaves-could-green-up-electronics-act/
    See also: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq3276




    Story 3: Artificial photosynthesis could transform power generation
    Source: Earth.com Story by Rodielon Putol
    Link: https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/



      
    Story 4: 'Electronic' scalp tattoos could be next big thing in brain monitoring
    Source: LiveScience.com Story by Emily Cooke
    Link: https://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/electronic-scalp-tattoos-could-be-next-big-thing-in-brain-monitoring
    See video here: https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/VOXuFPvf
     



    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    36 min
  • End of Skype (credits), Blue-ray Death w/ Popzara.com
    Computer America Stories 12/13/2024

    Throughout Popzara you’ll find views on gaming, movies, technology, cultural icons and so much more. Reviews and previews, in-depth analyses, opinion pieces, conversations, and a regularly updated Podcast keep things interesting and always entertaining. Our diverse editorial staff is committed to bringing this cornucopia of editorial goodness in fair-minded and positive ways, with minimal snark and maximum fun. A little bit of everything for the discriminating reader and curious listener is what you’ll find at Popzara.

     LG stops making Blu-ray players

    https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/lg-stops-making-blu-ray-players-marking-the-end-of-an-era-limited-units-remain-while-inventory-lasts 

    Microsoft kills off Skype credits and phone numbers in favor of subscriptions

    https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320322/skype-credit-number-discontinued-microsoft 

    Bluesky now has more than 25 million users

    https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320334/bluesky-now-has-more-than-25-million-users 

    Misc. CES 2025 Coming!

    The Game Awards 2024

    https://www.theverge.com/24319637/the-game-awards-2024-trailers-annoucements





    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    1 hr 10 min
  • Google Willow, Vehicle Maker Survey, Solar Paint w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 27 December 2024


    Story 1: Google 'Willow' quantum chip has solved a problem the best supercomputer would have taken a quadrillion times the age of the universe to crack


    Source: LiveScience.com Story by Afifi-Sabet


    Link: https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/google-willow-quantum-computing-chip-solved-a-problem-the-best-supercomputer-taken-a-quadrillion-times-age-of-the-universe-to-crack


    See also: https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.13687




    Story 2: IBM Study: “Vehicles Believed to be Software-Defined and AI-Powered by 2035”


    Source: AutoTechNews Press Room


    Link: https://autotech.news/ibm-study-vehicles-believed-to-be-software-defined-and-ai-powered-by-2035/


    See also: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/automotive-2035





    Story 3: Mercedes is working on "solar paint" that could drastically reduce the need for charging - Enough juice for 12,000 km per year in sunny areas


    Source: TechSpot.com Story by Zo Ahmed


    Link: https://www.techspot.com/news/105884-mercedes-working-solar-paint-could-eliminate-need-charging.html
     


    Story 4: Noninvasive imaging method can penetrate deeper into living tissue - Using high-powered lasers, this new method could help biologists study the body’s immune responses and develop new medicines


    Source: MIT News Story by Adam Zewe


    Link: https://news.mit.edu/2024/noninvasive-imaging-method-can-penetrate-deeper-living-tissue-1211




    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    33 min
  • Diamond Battery, New Recycling Tech, Stroke Patient Scanning w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 20 December 2024




    Story 1: Scientists and engineers produce world's first carbon-14 diamond battery with potential lifespan of thousands of years


    Source: University of Bristol News release


    Link: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2024/december/diamond-battery-media-release.html


    See also: https://gizmodo.com/the-forever-battery-worlds-first-diamond-battery-promises-power-for-thousands-of-years-2000536275
     


    Story 2: From scrap to strength: Solid phase manufacturing transforms aluminum waste into high-value alloys


    Source: TechXplore.com Story by Karyn Hede, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory


    Link: https://techxplore.com/news/2024-12-scrap-strength-solid-phase-aluminum.html


    See also: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53062-2


    See also: https://www.pnnl.gov/shape




    Story 3: US scientists probe potentially massive energy source buried deep underground — and it has potential to power the globe for thousands of years


    Source: The Cool Down via MSN Story by Rick Kazmer


    Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/us-scientists-probe-potentially-massive-energy-source-buried-deep-underground-and-it-has-potential-to-power-the-globe-for-thousands-of-years/ar-AA1vTyWt


    See also: https://research.unl.edu/blog/husker-scientists-exploring-hydrogen-energy-potential-from-underground-rift/#:~:text=University%20of%20Nebraska%E2%80%93Lincoln%20researchers,reduce%20reliance%20on%20fossil%20fuels


    See also: Model suggests Earth's subsurface may hold up to 5.6 × 10⁶ million metric tons of natural hydrogen https://phys.org/news/2024-12-earth-subsurface-million-metric-tons.html


    See also: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/hidden-hydrogen-reserves-could-power-world-for-200-years/ar-AA1vXWXy
     



    Story 4: New type of medical scanner shows promise for stroke patients


    Source: MedicalXpress.com Story by Laura Graham, University of Aberdeen


    Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-12-medical-scanner-patients.html


    See also: https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/10.1148/radiol.232972



    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    35 min
  • Blackbird Flying Taxi, AI Wind Turbines, AI 3D Scenes w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 13 December 2024




    Story 1: Meet 'Blackbird': A flying taxi that spins and moves in any direction thanks to new propulsion system -- My add -- inspired by the kind of propulsion widely used on tugs and ferries


    Source: LiveScience.com Story by Rory Bathgate


    Link: https://www.livescience.com/technology/electric-vehicles/meet-blackbird-a-flying-taxi-that-spins-and-moves-in-any-direction-thanks-to-new-propulsion-system


    See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqDNSV7kqnk


    See also: https://www.cyclotech.at/


    See also: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/flying-taxi-blackbird-uses-boat-inspired-propulsion-system/ar-AA1v8HqI
     
     


    Story 2: Researchers present the first fully AI-designed wind turbine — it’s 7x more efficient in cities


    Source: ZME Science via MSN Story by Mihai Andrei


    Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/researchers-present-the-first-fully-ai-designed-wind-turbine-it-s-7x-more-efficient-in-cities/ar-AA1vc9xl


    See also: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/the-birmingham-blade-the-worlds-first-geographically-tailored-urban-wind-turbine-designed-by-ai



    Story 3: World Labs’ AI can generate interactive 3D scenes from a single photo


    Source: TechCrunch Story by Kyle Wiggers


    Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/02/world-labs-ai-can-generate-interactive-3d-scenes-from-a-single-photo/


    See also: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/something-previously-impossible-new-ai-makes-3d-worlds-out-of-a-single-image/ar-AA1v9jQL


    See also: https://www.worldlabs.ai/about


    See video demo here: https://www.worldlabs.ai/blog



    Story 4: 3D-printed hydrogel enables continuous drug delivery via contact lens


    Source: MedicalXpress.com Story from University of Waterloo


    Link: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-11-3d-hydrogel-enables-drug-delivery.html


    See also: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsabm.4c00901



    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    35 min
  • Cloth Radios, Janus Crystals, Morphing Wheels w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 6 December 2024



    Story 1: Columbia Engineers Knit a “Blanket” of Sophisticated Radio-Frequency Antennas


    Source: Electronicsforu.com Story by Akanksha Gaur


    Link: https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/sophisticated-blanket-of-radio-frequency-antennas


    See also: https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/about/news/columbia-engineers-knit-blanket-sophisticated-radio-frequency-antennas


    See also: Flat‐Knit, Flexible, Textile Metasurfaces - Carter - 2024 - Advanced Materials - Wiley Online Library


    See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIb2evFmk3U&t=1s



    Story 2: Revolutionary New Material Harvests Water from Thin Air Without Energy


    Source: SciTechDaily Story by New York University


    Link: https://scitechdaily.com/revolutionary-new-material-harvests-water-from-thin-air-without-energy/


    Story 3: Turning waste into fuel: Bourbon industry offers new path for renewable energy


    Source: University of Kentucky


    Link: https://www.research.uky.edu/news/turning-waste-fuel-bourbon-industry-offers-new-path-renewable-energy


    See also: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479724019613


    Story 4: This ‘Morphing’ Wheel from South Korea Could Transform Lives and Robots


    Source: WonderfulEngineering.com Story by Shaheer Shahzad


    Link: https://wonderfulengineering.com/this-morphing-wheel-from-south-korea-could-transform-lives-and-robots/


    See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uodsxXLTByg


    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    38 min
  • Techy Toy Gifts, Hyundai Tank, Epilepsy Glasses w/ Ralph Bond
    Show Notes 29 November 2024



    Story 1: Bye bye microplastics new plastic is ocean degradable and recyclable


    Source: SpaceDaily.com Story by Riko Seibo


    Link: https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Bye_bye_microplastics_new_plastic_is_ocean_degradable_and_recyclable_999.html


    See also: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microplastics-crisis-solved-scientists-create-plastic-that-vanishes-in-seawater/ar-AA1uzaF7


    See also: https://phys.org/news/2024-11-durable-supramolecular-plastic-fully-ocean.html#google_vignette




    Story 2: Hyundai’s Futuristic Hydrogen Battle Tank Is Fit for A Video Game


    Source: Carscoops.com Story by Brad Anderson


    Link: https://www.carscoops.com/2024/11/hyundais-next-gen-tank-is-fit-for-a-video-game-and-has-hydrogen-power/


    See video here: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=Hyundai%e2%80%99s+Futuristic+Hydrogen+Battle+Tank+Is+Fit+For+A+Video+Game&&mid=F20532E8ED0A95390883F20532E8ED0A95390883&&FORM=VRDGAR



    Story 3: MIT researchers say nanoscale 3D transistors made from ultrathin semiconductor materials promise more efficient electronics; quantum mechanics offers a path beyond silicon limits


    Source: TechRadar.com Story by Wayne Williams


    Link: https://www.techradar.com/pro/mit-researchers-say-nanoscale-3d-transistors-made-from-ultrathin-semiconductor-materials-promise-more-efficient-electronics-quantum-mechanics-offers-a-path-beyond-silicon-limits


    See also: https://news.mit.edu/2024/nanoscale-transistors-could-enable-more-efficient-electronics-1104




    Story 4: Liquid crystal glasses filter out epileptic-seizure-triggering light 


    Source: New Atlas Story Michael Irving


    Link: https://newatlas.com/medical-devices/epilepsy-seizure-light-filtering-glasses-liquid-crystal/



    For more info, interviews, reviews, news, radio, podcasts, video, and more, check out ComputerAmerica.com!
    43 min

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Computer America is the nation's longest running talk show on Computers and Technology, spanning 25+ years of industry guests and analysis.