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Tomorrow in Brief
edited by Cindy Wagner

Sports Car Breathes Air, Produces Water

A British partnership plans to produce the world's first environmentally clean sports car. The planned vehicle, called LIFECar, uses a fuel cell that converts hydrogen and ambient oxygen to create electrical energy; its only waste product is water, according to British automaker Morgan Motor Company and fuel-cell developer QinetiQ. Unlike current fuel-cell powered vehicles, LIFECar will use four separate electric motors at each drive wheel. Because it will only need 24kW of power rather than the 85kW needed for competing systems, the proposed model will require smaller fuel cells and will thus be lighter weight and more efficient. And designers hope the prototype car's sleek styling will make it all the more attractive to consumers.

Source: QinetiQ, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborogh, Hampshire GU14 0LX, United Kingdom. Web site www.qinetiq.com.

Herbal Supplements' Harmful Side Effects

Two major consumer-health trends may be on a tragic collision course. As more patients treat their own maladies with herbal supplements such as gingko biloba and ginseng, they are increasing their risk of complications during surgery. And as elective procedures such as cosmetic surgery gain popularity, even more patients could be at risk, warns the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In fact, about 55% of plastic surgery patients use herbal supplements, compared with just 24% of the general public. Because many consumers don't consider the supplements "medicine," they often fail to mention them to their surgeons. And yet, these natural herbs can have dangerous effects. For instance, echinacea, used to prevent infections, can trigger immunosuppression and inhibit wound healing for a surgical patient.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 444 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005. Web site www.plasticsurgery.

Lightening Up Our Moods

A hip new therapy for seasonal depression has arrived. The Dana Centre, part of The Science Museum in London, England, recently unveiled its "light lounge," in which visitors can relax on a large circular couch and enjoy a session of "light therapy" to chase away the winter blues. The lights, provided by the S.A.D. Lightbox Company, are designed to increase serotonin levels, essential for warding off depression. They are also intended to slow the production of melatonin, the hormone that causes sleepiness.

Sources: The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom. Web site www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
The S.A.D. Lightbox Company www.sad.uk.com.

Emotionally Sensitive Computers

Computer users' aggression toward their machines is a growing and increasingly costly problem. To address the issue, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research in Denmark are experimenting with ways to enable computers to pick up on their users' moods. The researchers have developed a glove that measures breathing rates and other biological signs of stress. "We are also working on techniques that will enable computers to interpret facial expressions and extract emotional elements from voice signals," says engineer Christian Peter. Once the computer senses aggression it could send a warning to the user. Alternatively, when the computer detects a happy user, it could store the experience in its log to better tailor its performance to its' users preferences. 

Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research, IGD-R, Joachim-Jungius-Str. 11, 18059 Rostock, Denmark. Web site www.fraunhofer.de.

Solution for Surfboard Crisis?

New research in materials science could save the surfing industry. Tougher environmental regulations banning certain toxic chemicals have made waves in the $200-million industry, and one leading manufacturer, Clark Foam, recently shut its doors. Traditional polyurethane foam used for surfboards has the ideal strength-to-weight ratio, but contains the prohibited chemical TDI (toluene diisocyanate). Having to work without this foam would be like "removing lumber from the housing industry," says surf historian Matt Warshaw. But a low-density, energy-absorbing foam developed by scientists at Sandia National Laboratories could prevent a wipe out. Dubbed TufFoam, the material was intended to protect sensitive electronic and mechanical structures from harsh environments. Besides keeping surfers afloat, the material could also be used in car bumpers and airplane wings.

Source: Sandia National Laboratories, California, P.O. Box 969, Livermore, California 94551. Web site www.sandia.gov.

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