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Ray Kurzweil: KurzweilAI.net

A collection of news articles and stories relating to the accelerating nature of technology

First superconducting transistor promises PC revolutionYesterday

University of Geneva researchers have made the world's first superconducting FET transistor, a long-standing goal for applied physicists that could lead to dramatically faster microchips. (Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026856.600-first-superconducting-transistor-promises-pc-revolution.html)

First 'placebo gene' discoveredYesterday

The gene for tryptophan hydroxylase-2, which makes the brain chemical serotonin, is being linked to increased susceptibility to the placebo effect, based on an experiment at Uppsala University. The effect of the gene may extend to other conditions where the amygdala is involved, such as phobias, pain disorders and even depression. (Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026854.900-first-placebo-gene-discovered.html)

Efficient Thin-Film Solar CellsYesterday

MIT researchers have unveiled a new type of silicon solar cell that could be 15% more efficient and cost less than currently used solar cells. (Lirong Zeng) It combines a highly effective reflector on the back of a solar cell with an antireflective coating on the front. This helps trap red and near-infrared light, which can be used to make electricity, in the silicon. (Source: http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21755/?a=f)

Mobile broadband to hit 42Mb/sec in 2009Yesterday

Mobile broadband speeds could hit 42Mb/sec by next year, according to Ericsson's chief technology officer. (Source: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/240672/mobile-broadband-to-hit-42mbsec-in-2009.html)

Talk-powered cell phones? Nanoscale piezoelectrics could make it realYesterday

Scientists from Texas A&M University and University of Houston have discovered that by building a certain type of piezoelectric material to a specific thickness (about 21 nanometers), you can boost its energy production by 100 percent. A component built with optimally sized piezoelectric for maximum energy conversion could potentially run a cell phone based on vibrations from your voice, or other mobile devices, perhaps based on motion or typing on a keypad. (Source: http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/35879)