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This funky helmet makes brain-scanning more comfortable
See that helmet in the photo up there? That's not a prop for a new sci-fi/horror flick -- it's a magnetoencephalography (MEG) helmet that can scan the brain and map its activity. MEG machines are used to look for pathological activity in patients with epilepsy and for brain tumor patients' surgical planning. The machines are typically, humongous, heavy and can't do their job if subjects don't stay perfectly still, which means it's hard to scan kids with epilepsy or people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders. This helmet designed by scientists from the University of Nottingham and University College London will work even if the patient is moving.
Scientists create first solar cell with over 100 percent quantum efficiency
Researchers over at the National Renewable Energy Lab have reportedly made the first solar cell with an external quantum efficiency over 100 percent. Quantum efficiency relates to the number of electrons-per-second flowing in a solar cell circuit, divided by the number of photons from the energy entering. The NREL team recorded an efficiency topping out at 114 percent, by creating the first working multiple exciton generation (MEG) cell. Using MEG, a single high energy photon can produce more than one electron-hole pair per absorbed photon. The extra efficiency comes from quantum dots 'harvesting' energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. The cell itself uses anti-reflection coating on a transparent conductor, layered with zinc oxide, lead selenide, and gold. NREL scientist Arthur J. Nozik predicted as far back as 2001 that MEG would do the job, but it's taken until now for the concept to leap over from theory. The hope is, of course, that this will lead to more competitively priced solar power, fueling the transport of the future.
White Stripes get their own Lomography cameras
Don't look now, but Jack and Meg are at it again. Yep, the White Stripes are once more reaching out to the retro lovin', geeked-out crowd by offering up a set of "all-plastic," limited edition Lomography cameras. The JACK Holga and MEG Diana+ seem to only differ from their standard counterparts externally, but fans of the band are sure to appreciate the Rob Jones-designed motifs. Notably, the JACK Holga Starter Kit includes "an additional Fisheye lens, three filter set and a custom Peppermint lens filter," while MEG's version comes with the "Nobody Knows How To Talk To Children" ringflash and a custom Peppermint Film Mask filter. Both kits are available as we speak for $180 apiece, but you better make haste, as only 3,000 of each camera were constructed. Check out a few more looks after the break.[Thanks, Favian]
