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LONDON BRIDGES ROLLING DOWN (AND UP)

The world’s first “rolling” bridge is located on the Paddington Basin in London.

Rather than a conventional opening bridge mechanism, consisting of a single rigid element that lifts to let boats pass, the Rolling Bridge gets out of the way by curling up until both ends meet.

“It’s about time. Those old drawbridges were only good for dramatic car chases and drunk captains.”

by Gerard Blanton Brand Futurist The Republik Corporal Creative Ops

Photo Credit: via Toxel.com – Flickr

BREAKING GLASS

Scientists have made a breakthrough discovery in the bizarre properties of glass, which behaves at times like both a solid and a liquid. This discovery could lead to a new building material, capable of revolutionizing the aircraft industry.

“The revolution is at hand. Wonder Woman’s invisible plane is no longer a pipe dream.”

by Gerard Blanton Brand Futurist The Republik Corporal Creative Ops

Photo Credit: via FoxNews.com

PIMP MY WHEELCHAIR

University of South Florida college researchers built a motorized transport for wheelchairs, suitable for off-road adventures, including the beach. The vehicle secures to the user’s wheelchair, enabling a bird’s eye view of once unexplored territory.

“Just because someone’s handicapped, doesn’t mean they can’t experience all that life has to offer. Kudos to the USF team.”

by Ryan Cuthriell Brand Futurist The Republik Lieutenant Creative Ops

Photo Credit: via FoxNews.com

THE STUFF OF BUBBLE WRAP

Buildings that look like bubble wrap? Fiction? Nope. The Beijing Olympics featured one such building, which housed the aquatics center. Made out of a material similar to Teflon, ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafloroethlene) has been around since the ’70s but is now being used for construction. What you end up with basically is billowy walls of air that allow light in, retain heat, are sturdy, fire-resistant, easy to repair and economical (and look like bubble wrap).

“Bubble wrap: not just a party for your feet.”

by Jacqueline Stevenson Brand Futurist The Republik Corporal Strategic Ops

Photo Credit: Vector Foiltec via Livescience.com

TONGUE IN CHIP

“Georgia Tech researchers believe a magnetic, tongue-powered system could transform a disabled person’s mouth into a virtual computer, teeth into a keyboard – and tongue into the key that manipulates it all.”

Read More Here

“Yeah, but can it make my kitty purr.”

by Jacqueline Stevenson Brand Futurist The Republik Corporal Strategic Ops

Photo Credit: László Szalai via Wikimedia Commons – Licensed public domain

OF MICE AND ROBOTS

Researchers at the University of Reading in England have developed a robot that runs solely on rat brains. Primarily, the scientists hope their work will help neuro researchers in their quest to understand, identify and combat certain types of degenerative brain diseases and damage. On a creepy/cool note: be sure to check out the footage of the rat robot navigating a maze with predictable rat behavior.

“Next thing you know rat robots will be making ads… now that’s progress.”

by Dwayne Fry Brand Futurist The Republik Commander Strategic Ops

Photo Credit: via FoxNews.com