ARPA-E is Long on Promise – Short on Specifics

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) recently held its annual conference, where investors and scientists gather to discuss the future of energy. The agency’s director Ellen Williams said the battery storage technology developed under her organization’s oversight is “on the verge of transforming America’s electrical grid” within the next five to 10 years.

ARPA-E researchers are exploring new materials as a potential alternative for lithium-ion batteries, as well as the development of more efficient super-conductors. Since energy sources like solar and wind don’t guarantee a consistent stream of power, a more capable storage system could help the world transition to more sustainable energy supplies.

The lack of specifics from ARPA-E prompted one skeptic to comment “Much cackling. No eggs. Wake me up when you have a product.”

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

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When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




An Empire Building Eleven Year Old

Parker Krex started Brick Loot a little over a year ago. He is likely the youngest company CEO around. As a Lego fan, Parker was disappointed by a package he received through mail order. This inspired Brick Loot which offers the latest and greatest in brick-themed toys every month.

Parker together with his mom and dad initially shipped about 500 boxes a month. Last year they sold over 13,000 boxes. Parker does the research, contacts designers, and the creation begins with the purchase of bricks from all over the world. “We order so many bricks a month we probably order from 15 different countries each month so it’s quite a feat to get all those bricks,” says Parker.

Parker is in his office on the weekends and occasionally after school. “School comes first because I have to do my homework and I can’t bring homework in late then I can work in the office,” he says. Since he was a very little boy, Parker has been product testing. Now he travels to brick conventions, does some packaging and selling. But mostly Parker is coming up with new ideas. “We’re thinking of multiple possible other things we can do with it. But we can’t say those right now because they’re confidential!” he says.

Parker hopes this is just the beginning of a long and successful career in brick building. Brick Loot is not associated with LEGO, although its product is LEGO compatible. It is also created, in part, by LEGO designers.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




New Bladeless Turbine

Bladeless turbines are 53% cheaper to manufacture and 51% cheaper to operate than traditional wind turbines according to company Vortex Bladeless. Their product is designed to vibrate like a guitar string. Those vibrations can be used to convert wind energy into electricity. Their current model, the 41-foot Vortex Mini tube, captures around 30% less energy than a traditional wind turbine, but can also be packed more densely into a given space.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




Spinning 3d Printing

It was only a matter of time before 3d printing technology would produce something that touches all of us every day. The Electroloom 3D printer makes seamless fabric from liquid by using a process known as electrospinning.

The team came up with the idea for the Electroloom after working at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, to 3D-print artificial blood vessels. liquids are turned to tiny fibers that are sprayed onto a mold where they gather and bond together thanks to an electrical field created inside the machine.

Once the mold is covered, the fabric can be carefully peeled off, and voila − you’re ready to set a new fashion trend. The creators say they’re currently working with a polyester cotton blend and that the Electroloom will ship with enough liquid pods to make at least seven beanies, four tank tops or three skirts — or anything else you can design. They also say that they’re working on new silk and acrylic fabrics.

So far the Kickstarter campaign is doing well, with more than half the $50,000 goal raised well in advance of the June 15 end date. If the campaign succeeds, Electrolooms are expected to ship — worldwide — in March 2016.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




3 GW of Wind Power

Australia achieved 3 GW or 3,000 MW of wind power generation for the first time. The largest wind power inputs came from South Australia with 1066 MW, and Victoria with 1021 MW. Australia’s largest wind farm contributed 388 MW.

Australia has excellent wind power potential, especially in some of the coastal areas. A study found that it could generate about 30% of its electricity from wind by 2025, if it maintained the pace of installing new turbines.

Renewable energy has many advantages, and in some cases it is cheaper to install than fossil fuel plants. When the energy storage industry catches up to wind power, there will not be any reason to resist either one of them. Costs are within reach and energy storage will mean there will be a way to accumulate electricity for use when winds die down.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




$9 Computer with Built-in WiFi

Its Kickstarter description says CHIP is a computer for students, teachers, grandparents, children, artists, makers, hackers, and inventors. It includes a fully integrated battery power circuit that allows you to make your project mobile with just a 3.7v LiPo battery. The dev board-looking device has specifications at par with standard traditional computers: 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of onboard storage and Bluetooth to connect cordless peripherals.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




Color 3D Printing

Mosaic Manufacturing recently made waves with the launch of the Palette, a system for printing multi-colored 3D objects. It prints in multiple colors by cutting snippets of colored filament from different spools and then melting them together inside the device’s plain enclosure. A separate sensor can tell the current filament position and ensures that the colors are accurately placed.

The printer can extrude different-colored layers to make multi-colored objects or create a melded color that can change from one color to the next with various gradients. While it’s not true “full color printing,” it’s about as close as you’re going to get these days for the early-bird price of $850.

The Palette has already raised $145,569 on Kickstarter. The team expects to ship in January 2016.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




A 3D-Printed Jet Engine

Researchers at GE recently built a miniature, backpack-sized jet engine that they made entirely from 3D-printed parts. And not just for looks, either. They were able to fire it up and get it moving to 33,000 rpms. The engine was built over the course of several years, using a 3D printing technique that melted thin layers of metal powder to build each individual part.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




3d Print from Ultrasound

3d Print from Ultrasound
3d Print from Ultrasound

In a video that’s been viewed nearly 500,000 times, Tatiana is at an ultrasound exam. She asks the doctor what her son looks like. You see, the mother has been blind since she was 17 years old.

The doctor says: “His nose looks like yours. His two little eyes are closed.”

Meanwhile, a 3D printer is transforming ultrasound images of Murilo’s face into a sculpture.

“If you could touch him, would that let you know what he’s like?” her doctor asks in the video.

She says yes, and then the doctor presents her with the sculpture of her unborn son’s face wrapped in a white cloth.

“That’s an image of your son. See if he feels the way you think he does,” the doctor says.

Overcome with emotion, Tatiana says, “I’m very happy to meet Murilo before he’s born.”

The mother-to-be was given a 3D image of Murilo’s face with the words “I am your son,” written in braille at the top.

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

When we align our objectives with the Divine will, when we strive for the attainment of a worthy goal, when we begin our work with a well defined plan, and when we have ability to work together with others effectively, we have already achieved the trajectory for success. For we know that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Learn how to enjoy boundless opportunity and unlimited progress!




Game Changing Battery

Tesla will finally be passing along details on its long-awaited batteries designed for home use, plus a “utility-scale” battery. They will likely be manufactured in its new Gigafactory in Nevada.

A Tesla spokesperson has confirmed the announcement:

“We have decided to share a bit about what we will announce on the 30th,” Jeff Evanson, Tesla’s VP of investor relations wrote in a message. “We will introduce the Tesla home battery and a very large utility scale battery. We will explain the advantages of our solutions and why past battery options were not compelling.”

According to Elon Musk the “Major new Tesla product line — not a car — will be unveiled at our Hawthorne Design Studio on Thurs 8pm, April 30.”

Consider the Source

 Consider the First Source!

abstract-rainbow

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word choreographed an assembly of amino acids into an exquisite array of specific proteins. Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” In so doing God demonstrated a penchant for genomic writing, preceeded by an amazing series of prebiotic events, in a highly orchestrated presentation of evolutionary overcontrol.

More about God’s Handiwork!