Bourne Research : Podcast

#130 – Spider Webs (14 June 2009)

Imagine that – coating spider web silk with metal nanoparticles makes it three times stronger than steel. Time: 3 min, 23 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.1 MB)

#129 – Back Pain (7 June 2009)

If you suffer from back pain or the aggravation of a pinched nerve, MEMS devices may soon help provide some relief. Time: 4 min, 32 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.17 MB)

#128 – Fake Tans (10 May 2009)

Thanks to some ingenious work at the molecular-level, the bad smell of self-tanning products is now a thing of the past. Time: 2 min, 32 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.33 MB)

#127 – Bionic Penguins (26 April 2009)

The field of bionics is so cool! But forget the six-million dollar man - how about bionic penguins instead? Time: 4 min, 22 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.02 MB)

#126 – Hot Wheels (12 April 2009)

It’s time to re-think transportation, courtesy of GM and Segway, as well as the use of MEMS sensors and nanobatteries. Time: 4 min, 23 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.02 MB)

#125 – Smart Jar Lids (5 April 2009)

Do you have a hard time opening jars? Shape-memory alloy may someday alleviate that struggle (especially for seniors and those with arthritic hands). Time: 3 min, 38 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.34 MB)

#124 – Staying Warm (21 Dec 08)

Here’s a very cool “green” use of nanotechnology that can keep things warm – from toast to people. Time: 3 min, 18 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.03 MB)

#123 – Clothes that Don’t Get Wet (14 Dec 08)

Wouldn’t it be fun to play in the snow, or water, and not worry about your clothes getting wet? Time: 3 min, 36 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.31 MB)

#122 – Educating Kids (and Teachers) about Nanotech (7 Dec 08)

The best way to teach our children about MEMS and nanotechnology is to start by educating teachers first; here’s a few of my ideas. Time: 8 min, 07 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 7.45 MB)

#121 – The Future of Healthcare (30 Nov 08)

MEMS and nanotechnology are revolutionizing medicine; here’s a peek at our future. Time: 4 min, 29 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.11 MB)

#120 – Ten Coolest Consumer Products of 2008 (23 Nov 08)

Here’s my short list for the ten coolest consumer products of 2008 that use MEMS, nanotech and other emerging technologies. Time: 5 min, 02 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.62 MB)

#119 – Product Liability, Part 2 (16 Nov 08)

A really cool perfume concept just hit the market, and raises questions about product liability. Time: 3 min, 11 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.92 MB)

#118 – Batteries/Fuel Cells (9 Nov 08)

Nanomaterials, MEMS and other alternatives to next-generation power. Time: 4 min, 52 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.47 MB)

#117 - Drinking Water (2 Nov 08)

MEMS and nanotechnology are playing some interesting roles in desalination and drinking water. Time: 5 min, 26 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.98 MB)

#116 – Bones (26 Oct 08)

From back surgery to damaged knees, nanomaterials (and MEMS sensors) are making a real difference in orthopedics. Time: 3 min, 28 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.18 MB)

#115 – Infection Control (19 Oct 08)

Films, paint and even new metal surfaces are being looked at in the quest to kill E. coli. Time: 4 min, 51 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.45 MB)

#114 – Smart Fabrics (12 Oct 08)

Electronic textiles and smart fabrics continue to evolve; here’s a quick update. Time: 4 min, 39 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.27 MB)

#113 – Cancer (5 Oct 08)

When it comes to cancer, here’s five ways that MEMS and nanotechnology are making a difference. Time: 5 min, 20 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.9 MB)

#112 – Solar Cells (28 Sept 08)

Nanomaterials can not only make solar cells more efficient, but pretty, too! Time: 3 min, 56 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.61 MB)

#111 – Fuel Efficiency (21 Sept 08)

Can nano-based engine oil treatments really improve fuel efficiency? Time: 3 min, 47 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.48 MB)

#110 – Elder Care (14 Sept 08)

Here’s some unique ways wireless MEMS sensors might make a real difference in the care of our aging parents. Time: 5 min, 54 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 5.41 MB)

#109 – Product Liability (7 Sept 08)

Are class-action lawsuits pertaining to nanomaterials, MEMS or other emerging technologies just around the corner? Time: 3 min, 43 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.4 MB)

#108 – College Football (24 August 08)

MEMS accelerometers are playing an increasingly important role in monitoring the safety of football players. Time: 5 min, 01 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.6 MB)

#107 - Shape-Shifting Ballet Slippers (17 August 08)

What do Terminator 2 and the toe shoes ballerinas wear have in common? Intelligent molecules. Time: 4 min, 34 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.19 MB)

#106 – Listener’s Challenge: School Supplies (10 August 08)

It’s back-to-school time, so let’s take a look at the role that nanomaterials are playing. Time: 6 min, 56 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 6.35 MB)

#105 – Home Energy Costs (3 August 08)

Reducing energy use isn’t just up to the consumer – MEMS sensors are helping utilities make the electric grid smarter. Time: 4 min, 37 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.23 MB)

#104 – Programmable Tattoos (27 July 08)

Fact or fiction: are programmable tattoos, based on carbon nanotubes, for real? Time: 5 min, 01 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.61 MB)

#103 – Night Vision (20 July 08)

Imagine having night vision in your car; MEMS microbolometers are now making thermal imaging available to everyone. Time: 5 min, 14 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.8 MB)

#102 – Glue (13 July 08)

Next-generation adhesives are now being made from nanoparticles of sugar! Time: 4 min, 56 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.53 MB)

#101 – Listener’s Challenge: Ice Cream (29 June 08)

Is nanotechnology really being used to make ice cream? Time: 4 min, 26 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.06 MB)

#100 – NASCAR vs. Students (22 June 08)

I couldn’t decide this week’s topic: the use of MEMS and nanotechnology in racecar driving or some seriously innovative ideas from University students. So, here’s a peek at both. Time: 4 min, 25 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.05 MB)

#99 – Smart Homes (15 June 08)

Smart homes aren’t all about electronics. Here’s how nanotechnology can help you create your own “house of the future” today. Time: 4 min, 15 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.9 MB)

#98 – Pico-Projectors (8 June 08)

Thanks to optical MEMS, your cell phone will soon double as a portable projector. Time: 3 min, 52 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.54 MB)

#97 – Colonoscopy (1 June 08)

An easier way to view the gastrointestinal tract is here: camera pills! Time: 3 min, 28 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.19 MB)

#96 – Electronic Textiles (25 May 08)

Nanomaterials may be resulting in “smart” fabrics, but MEMS sensors and other electronics are taking textiles to a whole new level of intelligence. Time: 3 min, 19 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.04 MB)

#95 – Smart Stickers (18 May 08)

These are no ordinary stickers – they have brains! Time: 3 min, 10 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.9 MB)

#94 – Lottery Tickets (11 May 08)

You might be surprised what nanotechnology has to do with lottery tickets. Time: 2 min, 36 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.38 MB)

#93 – 2008 MEMS Forecast (4 May 08)

In my annual MEMS market forecast, we’ll take a brief look back at 2007 and see what’s in store through 2012. Time: 6 min, 35 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 6.04 MB)

#92 – Gardens (27 April 08)

Nanomaterials and MEMS sensors are playing a very cool role in gardens, nurseries, vineyards and other agricultural applications. Time: 3 min, 55 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.6 MB)

#91 – Listener’s Challenge: Keys (20 April 08)

What do MEMS (and/or nanotech) have to do with keys – and locks? Time: 4 min, 03 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.72 MB)

#90 – Drinking Water (13 April 08)

Here’s how MEMS are being used to keep our water supply safe. Time: 3 min, 39 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.35 MB)

#89 – Renewable Energy (6 April 08)

Is renewable energy still hot? Or not? Time: 4 min, 40 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.28 MB)

#88 – Robotics (30 March 08)

From collective thinking to artificial skin, the androids of the future are on their way. Time: 4 min, 32 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.16 MB)

#87 – Hair Care (23 March 08)

Here’s how nanotech is making a difference to conditioners, hair coloring, flat irons and even styling products. Time: 2 min, 24 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.21 MB)

#86 – March Madness (16 March 08)

March madness is all about basketball, and wouldn’t you know, accelerometers might be a contender here too. Time: 2 min, 57 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.72 MB)

#85 – Listener’s Challenge: Bakeware (9 March 08)

There is indeed a nanotech connection to bakeware – but not quite what the challenger had in mind. Time: 2 min, 59 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.74 MB)

#84 – Fake Dirt, Smart Dust (2 March 08)

What more can I say? The title of this week’s episode speaks for itself. Time: 3 min, 00 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.76 MB)

#83 – Stroke Recovery (24 Feb 08)

Learn how MEMS accelerometers are assisting those recovering from a stroke. Time: 3 min, 31 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.22 MB)

#82 – Listener’s Challenge: Diapers (17 Feb 08)

Diapers plus nanotechnology makes for a surprisingly green product – maybe. Time: 4 min, 34 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 4.19 MB)

#81 – Kids and Future City (10 Feb 08)

Future City is a great way to get kids interested in science and engineering – and this year’s theme is nanotechnology. Time: 3 min, 04 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.82 MB)

#80 – Listener’s Challenge: Super Bowl (3 Feb 08)

From diamonds to “nano” trophies, here’s some fun ways MEMS and nanotech are connected to the Super Bowl. Time: 3 min, 13 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 2.95 MB)

#79 – Dentistry (27 Jan 08)

Nanomaterials make sense for dental veneers and tooth sensitivity, but MEMS and braces? You bet. Time: 3 min, 25 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.14 MB)

#78 – Nanosilver, Part 2 (20 Jan 08)

In Part 2 of our on-going series about silver and infection control, we’ll take a look at hospital textiles and medical devices. Time: 5 min, 34 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 5.11 MB)

#77 – Tire Pressure Monitoring (13 Jan 08)

All new cars in the US now have tire pressure monitoring systems; here’s how you can tell which use MEMS sensors and which don’t. Time: 4 min, 21 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.99 MB)

#76 – Counterfeit Currency (6 Jan 08)

Learn about the role MEMS and nanotech might play to make the counterfeiting of money more difficult. Time: 3 min, 45 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray

(audio/mpeg; 3.45 MB)

#75 – Staying Fit (30 Dec 07)

MEMS and nanotech can help you stay physically and psychologically fit in the New Year – from exercise gear to solutions for stress incontinence. Time: 4 min, 21 sec. Music courtesy: Podshow Podsafe Music / Artist: Nick Murray