Wednesday, April 9, 2014

New Technology Is Huge Accomplishment for US Navy

The United States Navy has finally figured out how to best utilize seawater...by turning it into fuel. Coined liquid hydrocarbon fuel, this new technology will relieve the militaries dependence on land based fuel sources. Called a "game changer," turning seawater into fuel will allow naval ships to be 100% operational at sea. The only time a ship will have to return to land are for maintenance and the transportation of sailors or soldiers. Priced at only $3 per gallon, Vice Admiral states, "It's a huge milestone for us."


This breakthrough is a result of military scientists figuring out a way to extract carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas from seawater. Using catalytic converters, the gas is converted to liquid form. Now that the technology is feasible, it is only a matter of time before it is adopted by the entire US Navy. But first, the Navy needs to produce the gas on an industrial level. One of the coolest parts about this development is the gas "looks and smells" no different than normal fuel. I bet in the next 10 years the process of turning seawater to fuel will be brought to the masses, and create another form of energy for America. I just hope this process is done in a sustainable manner, as increasing our carbon footprint is not an option. 


Friday, April 4, 2014

Tech Review: Amtrak Impresses With Announcment Of New Trains

Amtrak has announced plans to update their infrastructure by adding 70 new trains to their arsenal. The electric trains will be built in the U.S. at a Siemens solar-powered plant. These trains will use advanced technology to improve performance and increase safety. They will have regenerative brakes that will generate energy to be used to power other trains. Amtrak predicts this feature will create approximately 3 billion kilowatt hours of energy, or $300 million in electricity to be returned to the power system.
Amtrak ridership grew by 55% over the past 15 years and is predicted to continue increasing, as train travel is growing faster than any other transportation mode. Introducing these new trains is a smart move by Amtrak to ensure they stay at the forefront of high-speed rail. The trains will average a speed of 125 miles a hour, similar to the high-speed trains in China. This announcement proves that America is not falling behind China in infrastructure as much as we thought. The government should incentivize companies to invest in advanced technology so that more companies can follow Amtrak's path.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Tech Review: SmartMio Allows You To Workout From Literally Anywhere

The SmartMio is a wearable device that connects to the users smartphone and uses electric muscle stimulation (EMS) to engage the part of the body the device is placed on. The device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and is meant to enhance workouts by releasing small doses and electrical stimulation to the muscle groups being targeted. SmartMio is built by Smartmissimo, a startup based in Singapore that builds wearable technology. This product will be the first EMS to hit the market, as units cost $69 and are expected to ship out in November 2014.
SmartMio is a brilliant product that will definitely find success among the niche audience being targeted. Users can wear the device at work, during their commute, while watching TV, or literally anywhere they want. The product is meant to enhance preexisting workout routines as the company "insists" that it be used in conjunction with exercise. SmartMio is targeted at athletes and health enthusiasts looking to stay fit with innovative technology. I would 100% use it and may very well place an order before I finish this blog post.