Think Like A Scientist

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of nano-textured, functional glass that resists fogging, virtually eliminates glare, and self-cleans. MIT researchers Kyoo-Chal Park, Hyungiyul Choi and colleagues looked at nature for their idea, specifically the Zebra plant. The Zebra plant contains conical structures that repel water. The MIT researchers developed a method to embed an array of steeply angled cones on the surface of glass. The material can be used for anything from solar panels to future car windshields, and gadgets with screens. For more information about the latest use of biomimicry check out the Popular Science article by Rebecca Boyle here.

The Sun erupted with one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle on March 6th, 2012. Such a coronal mass ejection (CME) could result in a  severe geomagnetic storm, causing havoc to high frequency radio communication, GPS systems, and power grids. Check out the updates on the NASA website. Cool video of the actual coronal mass ejection too.