Scientists build world’s first single-molecule car
Rice University Scientists have done it. After BMW announced the possibility of producing a car that would utilize nanotechnology practically for all functions, Rice University scientists developed the world’s first single-molecule car- the car that was driven on a gold microscopic highway. It a small coupe that is devoid of any plush seating or conventional steering system. But it is a real solution for the grid locked cities. With a wheelbase of less than 5 nm, parking it is a cakewalk. The nanocar consists of a chassis and axles made of well-defined organic groups with pivoting suspension and freely rotating axles. The wheels are buckyballs, spheres of pure carbon containing 60 atoms apiece. The entire car measures just 3-4 nanometers across, making it slightly wider than a strand of DNA. A human hair, by comparison, is about 80,000 nanometers in diameter.
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Sony announces new packages for the Sony PSP called Giga Pack in Japan. The PSP-1000 G1 contains the black Sony PSP bundled with a 1GB Pro DUO Memory stick. Now Sony also bundles a USB cable in this package along with the usual stuff known from the value pack. Only thing missing is the white strap. Sony thinks consumers want custom straps and released a set of Sony PSP straps in different design. The PSP-1000 G1CW is the same packages just featuring the white Sony PSP. The new Sony PSP Giga Pack will be selling starting November 17th for 29,800 Yen (~$260). Via 
Gizmondo USA has announced its games lineup for the North American launch, set for October 22. The 14 titles are the first in what’s hopefully a long line of releases for the versatile handheld game platform. Mike Carrender, CEO, Tiger Telematics, says: “This line-up has something for everyone. We’re thrilled to be introducing the first two titles under the co-publishing partnership with EA to the US audience, and development is continuing at pace with titles from our other publishing partners, SCi, Microsoft Games Studios, and Disney Buena Vista.” These 14 titles will be followed by seven more over the coming weeks. Gizmondo owners can expect to see games like Chicane, Hit & Myth, Conflict: Vietnam, and Carmageddon at retail outlets carrying the system. The SD card-based Gizmondo games will be priced between 19.99 and 39.99 US, and are supplied on SD card.
Suitcase-sized satellite phones may make way for standard cell phone handsets, according to Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), which said Wednesday it has successfully tested a satellite link to a standard CDMA cell phone. MSV said it used its existing satellites with minor modifications to CDMA 2000 and base station gear to prove the concept of its planned hybrid wireless network. MSV used two geosynchronous satellites in the demo and said both voice and data content were transmitted successfully with 99.96 percentage of call completion “with exceptional voice quality and with virtually no delay.” Via – 
LG. Philips LCD has revealed a 10.4-inch flexible electronic paper module. Using E Ink Corp.’s electrophoretic ink and LG Philips LCD’s thin-film transistor (TFT), the company achieved the flexibility by forming a TFT on a stainless substrate. The stainless substrate is thinner than 100 μm, resulting in an overall module thickness of only 300 μm. Volume production is slated to start in 2007. The key application of the “Electronic paper” is e-book terminals, although the company intends to develop other applications as well. LG. Philips LCD newly developed the stainless substrate in an effort to create “flexible” electronic paper. According to the company, TFT forming on stainless substrates is available without upgrading its current TFT manufacturing line. The module displays monochrome images at four tones, with a contrast ratio of 10:1 and a resolution of 800 x 600 pixels. Operating voltage is 15 V. Via – 
Maximum fun, minimum consumption. That’s the philosophy behind Volkswagen’s neat mid-engined EcoRacer, which has made its public debut at the Tokyo motor show. Based around a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque, the new Volkswagen is described as a research vehicle and its mission is to deliver Porsche Boxster handling with Smart fuel consumption. With an overall weight of just 850kg, the EcoRacer manages an impressive 160bhp per tonne, which propels it from rest to 62mph sprint at 6.3secs, with the top speed at 143mph. In an indication of the engine’s efficiency, it’s all achieved at an average 83mpg.