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Bathrooms have come a long way over the years. Way back when, they were only found outside the home. Today, they're poised to become the epicenter of high technology inside the home. At least in Japan. (June 23)

Turning off electronic devices is standard practice at many schools, but at the London Cooking School, the Nintenedo DS is a welcome gadget. (June 18)

TechnologyFocusing the Sun for Cheaper EnergyFocusing the Sun for Cheaper EnergyThe Associated PressWith fossil fuels pushing electricity costs ever higher, bringing solar power to the market is looking more attractive every day. This solar array in the Israeli desert is testing technology for solar plants under construction in California. (June 16)With fossil fuels pushing electricity costs ever higher, bringing solar power to the market is looking more attractive every day. This solar array in the Israeli desert is testing technology for solar plants under construction in California. [Notes:SOT: John Woolard CEO, Brightsource Energy:]"IT'S ALL ABOUT HIGHER EFFICIENCY DRIVING LOWER COSTS AND THAT CAN HELP MAKE SOLAR THERMAL COMPETE DIRECTLY WITH FOSSIL FUELS." The computer-guided mirrors - called heliostats - can track the sun and focus its rays on a boiler at the top of a 200-foot tower. Water inside the boiler turns to steam, which powers a turbine and produces electricity. Woolard estimates that the technology could cut costs associated with solar energy by 30 to 50 percent, which makes deploying the solar farms much more feasible. [Notes:SOT: John Woolard CEO, Brightsource Energy:]"IF YOU LOOK IN TO THE FUTURE, BRIGHT SOURCE ALREADY HAS TO BUILD OUT, OR IS READY TO BUILD OUT, ABOUT ONE GIGAWATT OF POWER PLANTS WHICH IS ROUGHLY THE SIZE OF A COAL OR A NUCLEAR FACILITY, WE ARE NEGOTIATING MANY MORE GIGAWATTS OR HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF MEGA WATTS OF POWER PLANTS NOW AND WE INTEND TO MOVE OUT FROM THE U.S. IN TO OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS". The concept is in the final testing stage. Results from the experimental facility, a fraction of the size of commercial plants, are expected by the end of the summer. Full-sized facilities are expected to be operation in California's Mojave desert by 2011. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits focusing sun cheaper energy Added: June 16, 2008

With fossil fuels pushing electricity costs ever higher, bringing solar power to the market is looking more attractive every day. This solar array in the Israeli desert is testing technology for solar plants under construction in California. (June 16)

TechnologyMizPee.com Offers Ratings for Public ToiletsMizPee.com Offers Ratings for Public ToiletsThe Associated PressWhen nature calls, it can happen at anytime. Now there's a Web site that users can access on their cell phone to help guide them to a clean, accessible toilet. (June 2)When you're on the go and you gotta go, finding a bathroom can be difficult. And when you do find one that's accessible, sometimes you'll get stuck with this, rather than this. (shows clean vs dirty bathroom.) MizPee dot com is a new a Web site that can direct you to the nearest bathroom and rates it according to tidiness. Five tissue rolls is an indication of cleanliness, less than that, well, it could be a mess. [Notes:SOT Peter Olfe, Yojomobile Corp, president]"IT STARTS OFF WITH THE HIGHEST IS ROYAL FLUSH. WE HAVE: GOOD TO GO, NOT SO BAD, SEEN WORSE, PRISON TOILET AND THESE ARE INDICTED ON FOR EACH TOILET WITH THESE MINI LITTLE TOILET PAPER ROLLS I.E. THE HONOUR ROLL. " Navigating your way around MizPee is fairly straightforward. By entering your location into the browser, MizPee will get a list of establishments in the area. In addition to the Honor Roll rating, the site will also list available amenities such as handicap access or diaper changing areas. [Notes:SOT: Carrie Lloyd, writer, MizPee user]"I LOVE MIZPEE BECAUSE I CAN ENTER MY INTERSECTION AND IT WILL GIVE ME A LIST OF SIX DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, HOW MANY FEET I AM FROM THOSE LOCATIONS, HOW GREAT THE BATHROOMS ARE ON THEIR HONOUR ROLL SYSTEM, AND ALSO LIKE IF IT'S TWO IN THE MORNING AND I REALLY NEED TO GO, IT ONLY SHOWS ME THE BATHROOMS THAT ARE OPEN AT THAT TIME." As convenient as MizPee may be, there is that one variable - Mother Nature - that can often determine what facility you're likely to use. [Notes:SOT: David Lazarus, columnist The Los Angeles Times] YEAH, IT SOUNDS NICE THAT YOU TAKE OUT YOUR CELL PHONE, FIRE UP YOUR BROWSER AND DO A SEARCH FOR A PLACE, TRY TO SELECT A GOOD SPOT, BUT IN REALITY IF YOU GOTTA GO YOU GOTTA GO!". MizPee dot com is currently available in 20 U.S. cities as well as parts of Canada and Europe. ___ ___, The Associated Press. (****END****) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits mizpee.com offers ratings toilets Added: June 2, 2008

When nature calls, it can happen at anytime. Now there's a Web site that users can access on their cell phone to help guide them to a clean, accessible toilet. (June 2)

Technology'Telectroscope' Allows View Across the Atlantic'Telectroscope' Allows View Across the AtlanticThe Associated PressA transatlantic portal has opened in New York and London - not a means of transportation, but an art project that links the two cities in real time via fibre optic imaging. (May 23)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] London seemed just a stone's throw away for people visiting the Brooklyn Bridge on its 125th Anniversary. And Londoners near the Tower Bridge, well, they could see a tree grow in Brooklyn, all thanks to a visionary artist and two "telectroscopes." The "telectroscopes" - one set up on each side of the "pond" - allow people to see and communicate with their counterparts in real time via fibre optic imaging. [Notes:Andy Slater, British citizen working in New York:]"IT WAS FANTASTIC HAVING A PROPER WINDOW ON ENGLAND, THAT'S SORT OF FAMILIAR. HAVING A POCKET OF SOMETHING FAMILIAR HERE, JUST BY NEW YORK AND I CAN TURN AND LOOK AT ONE SKYLINE AND LOOK AT THE OTHER. IT'S NICE TO SEE THE TWO TOGETHER LIKE THAT."Paul St George devised the art display because of his fascinations with illusion and reality, optical effect and perception. Peter Kohlmann, who helped set up the exhibit, reveled in its simplicity. [Notes:Peter Kohlmann, Telectroscope producer:]"WE HAVE ALL THIS TECHNOLOGY. PEOPLE ARE STILL AMAZED TO SEE ONE ANOTHER JUST STANDING THERE LOOKING THROUGH THIS DEVICE. AND THEY ARE EXCITED AND HOLD UP LITTLE SIGNS TO COMMUNICATE, THERE'S NO AUDIO. THEY COMMUNICATE AND LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND CALL EACH OTHER ON A CELL PHONE. YOU CAN SPEAK TO ONE ANOTHER THAT WAY AND THAT'S WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT, SOMETHING DIFFERENT, SOMETHING UNUSUAL." And in the age of computer tele-conferencing and on-the-go mobile communications, getting folks to stand still - even for a moment - is a feat in and of itself; let alone on two sides of the Atlantic. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits 'telectroscope' allows across atlantic Added: May 23, 2008

A transatlantic portal has opened in New York and London - not a means of transportation, but an art project that links the two cities in real time via fibre optic imaging. (May 23)

TechnologySolar-powered Plane Readies for FlightSolar-powered Plane Readies for FlightThe Associated PressSolar-powered flight is a step closer to reality. A group of Swiss adventurers are hard at work on the Solar Impulse, a zero-emission airplane powered entirely by the sun. (May 22)Solar-powered flight is a step closer to reality. Several Swiss adventurers are hard at work on the Solar Impulse, a zero-emission airplane powered entirely by the sun. They promote renewable energies as they push technology to new limits. Testing on the aircraft is being conducted with computer simulations. And pilots are able to maneuver it in a variety of environments - including night flight - a considerable challenge for a plane powered by sunlight. The plane itself is little more than a giant wing - a giant array of solar cells - and a tiny compartment for the pilot. [Notes:SOT Andre Borschberg, pilot]"TODAY WE CAN TRANSPORT ONE PERSON WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND OF COURSE WE HOPE IN THE FUTURE, MAYBE WITH DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES WE CAN TRANSPORT 300 PERSONS USING ONLY RENEWABLE ENERGIES TO PROPEL THE AEROPLANE."But for now, the Solar Impulse has only one seat. It is hoped that it will be ready for its maiden flight later this year, with the first night flight scheduled for 2009. ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits solar-powered plane readies flight Added: May 22, 2008

When the CERN particle collider goes online this summer, it could shed new light on how the universe was formed. (May 12) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits scientists hope recreate bang conditions Added: May 12, 2008

With consumers demanding more "green" products, the lobster industry stands to lose out if it doesn't get certified as eco-friendly. (May 9) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits lobster industry 'green" certification Added: May 9, 2008

A directional acoustic device is being used as a way to scare off potential enemies and disperse crowds. (March 28)

Researchers showed off prototype devices utilizing artificial muscles or electroactive polymers at the 10th annual Electroactive Polymer Conference in San Diego, California. (March 20) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits artificial muscles devices Added: March 20, 2008

Researchers showed off prototype devices utilizing artificial muscles or electroactive polymers at the 10th annual Electroactive Polymer Conference in San Diego, California. (March 20)

Robot enthusiasts have been showcasing some of the latest designs in Amsterdam. The annual International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction aims to bring humans and robots closer together. (March 19)

Art enthusiasts are being given the chance to talk to their favorite maestros about their work. Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci are among the virtual painters and sculptors that are on hand to answer questions at a new art exhibition. (March 18)

Flashing lights may be the last thing a patient would want to see while staying at a hospital. But a new therapy wall at an Arkansas hospital is making sick children's life a little more bearable. (March 3) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits led canvas sick recover Added: March 3, 2008

Flashing lights may be the last thing a patient would want to see while staying at a hospital. But a new therapy wall at an Arkansas hospital is making sick children's life a little more bearable. (March 3)

Data on the measurements of French children under age 5 is being collected for a research project aimed at standardizing clothing sizes. (Feb. 20)

Data on the measurements of French children under age 5 is being collected for a research project aimed at standardizing clothing sizes. (Feb. 20) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits 3d body scans aim fit Added: February 20, 2008

A trip to the gas station of the future may no longer require the driver to leave the car. Tankpitstop the Robot will do it all for you. (Feb. 5)

A trip to the gas station of the future may no longer require the driver to leave the car. Tankpitstop the Robot will do it all for you. (Feb. 5) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits hey robot. fill 'er up! Added: February 5, 2008

Scientists in Jerusalem have developed an interactive test based around a Virtual Reality game that they say could change the way schizophrenic patients are diagnosed (Feb. 4)

Scientists in Jerusalem have developed an interactive test based around a Virtual Reality game that they say could change the way schizophrenic patients are diagnosed (Feb. 4) Author: AssociatedPress Keywords: techbits scientists: vr test holds clues schizophrenia Added: February 4, 2008

Custom tailored spa treatments are promising to alleviate the stress caused by modern living. (Jan. 23)

Scorpions, cobras and black widow spiders are normally reason to worry - these creatures are dangerous and their venom kills. But now scientists are learning revolutionary ways to use these poisons to heal. (Jan. 22)

Lost drivers soon will be able to Google for help at the pump. The online search leader will dispense driving directions at thousands of gasoline pumps across the United States beginning early next month. (Nov. 12)

Gamers are being treated to an exclusive preview of Crysis. The game, which will be released globally on November 16, is expected to be a hit. (Oct. 10)

Bally, one of the world's most famous pinball makers is set to make a comeback after celebrating its 75-year anniversary. The company is returning to its game-maker roots with a new type of video slot machine. (Sept. 24)

Great numbers of whale sharks are congregating in the algae rich waters off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, a sight that attracts one of the species main threats... tourists diving and snorkelling with the sharks. (Sept. 21)