Via the latest Carnival of the Space Geeks hosted at Colony Worlds comes word of a new design of space suit, created by Louise Riofrio. Although, as Ms. Riofrio admits, it’s actually quite an old design, at least in principle; the suits given to the X-1 test pilots were based on the same theory of using mechanical counter-pressure as opposed to inflating the suit with air. Riofrio’s suits are allegedly lighter, safer and more comfortable than the ‘bubble suits’ currently in use … and they look a bit more stylish, too.
Defense Looking For Human Scale Power System
Gargoyles and uber-geeks begarlanded with gadgets may have the Department of Defense to thank for improvements in portable power supplies. They’re sponsoring a new $1 million prize to encourage the development of a power system that weighs less than 4 kilograms and provides 96 hours of power for soldiers in the field. [image by moria] [defense tech]
Will cleaner fuels raise the cost of food?
The shift toward the use of biomass fuels is good news for the environment, or so we hope. But it may have other knock-on effects – like raising the price of staple foodstuffs by a significant degree. Maybe the wiser solution would be to reduce our dependence on all fuels, not just the ones that come from fossil deposits.
Changes to Fiction Submission Process
Potential fiction contributors have surely noticed by now the absence of a submission webform at the new site. This is one of the features of the old site that didn’t get transferred over. Rest assured we are still open for business as a fiction market; this is merely a brief hiatus while we get a new submission process in place. I’ll continue to review the stories we received before the shut-down, and we’ll be back accepting new submissions shortly. Thanks for your patience!
Tour de Earth
Got a few centuries under your belt? Think you could handle the Tour de France some day? You might want to check out the 2007 route on Google Earth before you get too cocky. Make sure you make the appropriate cheering noises as you zoom down the Champs Elysees for the finish. [wired]