Hope for Paralyzed Patients!

Article: In Breakthrough Study, Paralyzed Patients Move a Robotic Arm With Their Own Thoughts

Source:http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-05/video-breakthrough-study-paralyzed-patients-move-robotic-arm-their-own-thoughts

Author: Rebecca Boyle

(Pop Science)

     This story is about a paralyzed patient named Cathy Hutchinson. Cathy Hutchinson has been paralyzed for fifteen years. Basically, the BrainGate interface aided Cathy to drink a cup of coffee by moving a robotic arm with her thoughts. This was done by using a cup-shaped dome which powered her neural implant. Since she was thinking about holding the cup of coffee, signals were captured from her motor cortex. These signals were sent to the robotic arm. In response, the robotic arm followed the commands and moved the coffee cup towards Cathy's mouth. Then, Cathy took a long sip of coffee. She felt as if this was the first time in fifteen years where she could drink coffee on her own. This idea can change the lives of people who are paralyzed. This breakthrough study occurred at the Brown University and Massachusetts General Hospital. The robots were developed in Germany. Also, this study probably started months ago, but it was most recently noted on May 16, 2012. Neuroscientis and engineers from the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics created the robotic arm with the purpose to eventually help people with paralysis live a more independent life. They also intend to provide technology which will help movement by using brain signals. In other words, scientists desire to connect the brain's power to limbs.

Source:http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2012-05/video-breakthrough-study-paralyzed-patients-move-robotic-arm-their-own-thoughts

            In my opinion, this topic of study is very beneficial for paralyzed patients. I feel that by using robotic arms, it will make their lives easier. These robotic arms are professional and are designed to help those who suffer from paralysis. I feel that the idea of robotic arms is unique and can definitely make a difference in many people's lives. Also, this is a great feat for neuroscience and engineering. These scientists can finally understand that they have the power to control the thoughts of one's mind. In this manner, they can use the brain to help people with other disorders. Therefore, I believe the idea of robotic arms will help paralyzed patients with daily tasks and will change the science world.

Robotic Arm

http://cdn.coolest-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/darth-robotic-arm

Bricks Cut Carbon Emissions

Article: Bricks Cut Carbon Emissions

Source: http://news.discovery.com/tech/bricks-cut-carbon-emissions-120503.html

Author: Jesse Emspak

(Discovery Channel)

Picture Sources:

Carbon-Negative Picture #1: http://news.discovery.com/tech/bricks-cut-carbon-emissions-120503.html

"Go Green" Picture: http://www.gogreenscene.com/

"Carbon-negative....Earth Positive" Picture: http://eclipseoh.com/gogreen.html

Carbon-Negative Picture #2: http://www.dothegreenthing.com/blog?tag=poo+bricks

Ceramic Brick Picture: http://www.easybizchina.com/

Current Event Summary-    

     This fascinating story is about a British company named Encos that makes bricks. This company is no ordinary brick-making company. As most us know, brick-making is carbon-intensive because lots of energy is needed while firing the bricks. Instead of taking this usual path of brick-making, Encos is "going green". Encos has found a way to build bricks that are carbon-negative. Because of Encos' effort to produce bricks without carbon, the company has become well-known throughout Britain. How were they able to develop bricks without emissions of carbon? Well, Encos says they use particlulate matter, waste from coal, and sewage slurry. These three matters are then mixed with vegetable oil. The interior of the vegetable oil consists of the molecules glycerides and triglycerides, which are essential for the making of carbon-negative bricks. Next, the mixture (not chemically combined) is heated, and as a result, a chemical reaction occurs. Basically, the heat forces the glycerides and triglycerides to bond, forming carbon atoms. These carbon atoms cause the particles inside a brick to come together.

       Well, what makes this process carbon-negative? In this process, old material is recycled and heat energy is not wasted. As a matter of fact, carbon-negative bricks use 1/5 the energy of a ceramic brick. This proves that carbon-negative bricks are more useful and efficent than ceramic bricks. Also, the making of carbon-negative bricks is taking place in Britain.(The exact location is uncertain.) Encos' production of the bricks was last noted on Friday, May 4, 2012, but it must've started months earlier. In addition, this carbon-negative brick-making process has started for the cause of reducing carbon emissions. Also, next week on May 9 and 10, Encos will be showcasing its sustainable bricks at the Greenbuild EXPO 2012 in Manchester, England.

         In my opinion, making carbon-negative bricks is a savior to our Earth. I indeed admire Encos' effort to save our planet. For example, Encos has been reducing carbon emissions in our atmosphere. As a greenhouse gas, carbon is released into our atmosphere and absorbs infrared radiation, which can harm us humans. Secondly, Encos is saving heat energy that would be used for a traditional ceramic brick. For these reasons, I agree with Encos' idea to make carbon-negative bricks. Finally, I feel that Encos' carbon-negative bricks will influence other companies to "go green" and recycle what is left on Earth.

So, what is the better option?





Ceramic





Carbon Negative













                    (or)