Science & Mathematics - 21 July 2006

I remember reading a Q asking if it was possible for a human to wear a suit to produce electricity from what they do everyday (move).

I recently ran across this article…

Bob Komarechka, a geologist from Sudbury, Ontario, spends many tedious days in the field lugging rock samples and electrical instruments. Two seemingly unrelated desires—one for a pair of comfortable gel-cushioned soles, the other for an alternative to frequently changing his instruments’ failing batteries—led to an epiphany.

In May 2001, Komarechka received a U.S. patent for a shoe design that uses the rolling motion of walking to produce a steady flow of electric current. When a person steps forward, fluid is forced out of a sac in the heel through the blades of a small turbine into another sac in the toe, where the fluid is held by a check valve. When the foot rolls onto its toe, the fluid is squirted back through the turbine and into the heel. Both the turbine and a microgenerator are located between the sacs, in the center of the sole, and a socket connects a wire to electrical devices.

Using calculations based on the average person’s weight, Komarechka believes that the shoes could generate a steady three watts of electricity—enough to power a hand-held computer, a GPS device, or a radio, or to continuously recharge batteries.
No prototype exists yet, although Komarechka is waiting for replies from Reebok, Nike, and the U.S. military. “I know I can make it work,” he says. “It’s fairly straightforward.”


So now the question is, is harnessing human movement possible in the future to create energy?

(even if it only powers my batteries for my MP3 player I’ll be thrilled! Endless MUSIC!)

2006-07-21 16:09:59 · 3 answers · asked by Am 4 in Physics

I know winter is a long ways away, but do you think more wildfires will be sparked off in the US?

2006-07-21 16:09:29 · 2 answers · asked by Michael R 3 in Weather

2006-07-21 16:07:58 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Weather

I got bite by a spider that way gray and it had a little bit of blue on it. I don't know what kind of spider it is or could it be posionous. Should I go see my doctor about it? Or can I take care of it by using home care?

2006-07-21 15:58:20 · 13 answers · asked by Laura 1 in Biology

I was thinking a higher amount of Positive/ Negative Ions. I have heard of people being struck a bunch, like 7+ at least. I am sure people have been struck more. Maybe after it gets you once it is more likely to strike again?

2006-07-21 15:47:45 · 12 answers · asked by Seerin 4 in Earth Sciences & Geology

2006-07-21 15:46:24 · 4 answers · asked by Golgo-13 2 in Chemistry

2006-07-21 15:45:05 · 4 answers · asked by robellison01 2 in Chemistry

I am a cancer my birthday is june 26 and i am 11.

2006-07-21 15:42:53 · 22 answers · asked by Mz.ATL 2 in Astronomy & Space

2006-07-21 15:39:05 · 14 answers · asked by D mack 1 in Earth Sciences & Geology

WHat formula formed the number e and why is it important? Is there any other use for that formula other than finding e?

2006-07-21 15:33:56 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Mathematics

Leaving aside the argument of whether they are made by a divine, extraterrestrial, or even earth-centered unseen force, or are a work of pure human artistic genius, do the symbols, geometric and mathematical messages of crop circles provide any meaning to us? Can we learn anything from them? Are there any serious studies of this phenomena?

2006-07-21 15:30:57 · 21 answers · asked by Pushy Buttafly 2 in Physics

Most elevators have a 7' or 7.5' ceiling. If one could jump up just slightly just as the elevator starts its decent, will you bump your head? You would have to time it just right I'm sure. My wife says no, you won't bump your head, but I disagree.

Just for fun: Next time you get on an elevator filled with folks, make sure you're the last person to get on. When you step inside, don't spin around and face the doors. Keep facing the crowd and watch their reactions. They will all be quite nervous as you are doing something that's not usually done. I learned it in a class I attended and I tried it. It's a blast!

2006-07-21 15:16:13 · 16 answers · asked by gablueliner 3 in Physics

Ok, if the jet fuel caused the towers to collapse, which I do not believe, what then brought down WTC7 in your opinion? This wasn't hit by any jet there was no jet fuel in the building, so what caused every support colume to give way at the exact same time for it to collapse onto it's own footprint?

It might have had slight damage to one side but this would not cause every support colume to fail at the same time.

2006-07-21 15:15:19 · 10 answers · asked by <•>U4IK ST8<•> 2 in Engineering

Does the critter itself see "in color"? Is it simply a chemical change in the skin? Can it change color in response to fear? How does it do it? How rapidly can it change color? I've read somewhere that when a chameleon was put on a piece of wallpaper, it changed its skin color to that of the wallpaper!

2006-07-21 15:14:38 · 4 answers · asked by Joya 5 in Zoology

2006-07-21 15:08:43 · 7 answers · asked by thisisme 2 in Physics

I didn't know which category to use in classifying this question.

2006-07-21 15:07:10 · 6 answers · asked by TarasBoutiqueAtEtsy 4 in Other - Science

I am looking to head to college to study physics, engineering, and ultimately any of the several fields of nanotechnology. How and where could I make my mark in a field that is already growing figureheads a few years before I may make my debut?

2006-07-21 15:06:09 · 1 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Science

2006-07-21 15:03:11 · 10 answers · asked by JEZZIE10 2 in Biology

Do you actually use the physics and calculus in this field? Which topics in math are used most in this?

2006-07-21 15:02:38 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Engineering

I know this sounds really stupid but I am confused. According to einstien, matter can be converted to energy. Why then cant plain oxygen or carbon atoms be converted into energy? Why must uranium be used in nuclear explosions?

2006-07-21 14:57:39 · 15 answers · asked by Marce t 1 in Physics

2006-07-21 14:54:56 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Physics

2006-07-21 14:46:59 · 9 answers · asked by M.McNulty 2 in Other - Science

2.45am and it's just started thundering. Too hot to sleep with the window open though. Will the thunder keep me awake and will the rain pour in through my window! Suggestions?

2006-07-21 14:46:49 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Weather

This is a Scientific question that may include many disciplines. If you believe it belongs under a different catagory, please let me know.

2006-07-21 14:41:14 · 4 answers · asked by TommyTrouble 4 in Biology

5 1/3 + 2 1/4+ 3 1/2=

12 3/8 % of intrest and went up 14 1/4%. how much precentage points did the interest rate increased.

2006-07-21 14:41:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Mathematics

2006-07-21 14:39:36 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Biology

2006-07-21 14:37:13 · 8 answers · asked by j-janik@sbcglobal.net 1 in Geography

Would you object to this practice? Give your views on the above ethical issues, support your answer with reasons.

2006-07-21 14:31:53 · 9 answers · asked by Jack 2 in Biology

I mean sexually (not the stupid raver E-tard drug)
why is it when we orgasm or are in the heights of
ecstacy we moan or whimper? Im sure there is
some sort of scientific explanation but i can't
think of what it could be.

2006-07-21 14:18:05 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Science

2006-07-21 14:17:37 · 5 answers · asked by ? 5 in Zoology