Monday Marvels: Human DNA, Reversible USB, and Carbon Computer Chips

1. Reversible USB
Perhaps a small change, but one that racks huge benefits, will be the Reversible USB, Type C. Said to be available by the middle of next year, this device is meant not only to simplify usage, but will also facilitate the production of smaller devices. The idea is to eventually have the Reversible USB capable of utilization across all devices.

2. Oldest Human DNA Found in Spain

In the Atapuerca Mountains of Spain, in the Sima de los Huesos or “The Pit of Bones”, the oldest DNA to date has been discovered. Matthias Meyer and his team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, found a femur nearly 400,000 years old, beating the previous record by 300,000 years! The team will continue their analysis in hopes of uncovering more of the mysteries regarding human evolution.

3. Carbon Chip Could Transform CPU’s

A team of researchers from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois have created a new kind of chip made from carbon nanotubes that will possibly replace silicon chips in the near future. Consuming just 1/1000^th of the power that silicon chips do today, this could lead to less wasted heat during operation. So what does this mean for you? For one, your smart phone will require much less battery power to run, and thus will increase the life of your phone usage. What’s more, computing power throughout the world could be dramatically transformed with the transition to carbon chips.

4. Tablet’s for Every Table

Coming soon to a restaurant near you: fun and games for you and the kids, while simultaneously ordering food at your convenience. Chili’s and Applebee’s intend to transform the dining experience entirely for their customers by having a tablet at every table in every restaurant throughout the country. But what happens to the majority of the staff?According to Chili’s and Applebee’s, they maintain that all employees will remain despite the installation of ‘tablets for every table’, however only time will tell. Meanwhile, get ready for the chance to play Angry Birds with the family whilst enjoying your next meal!

5. Space Travel Just Got Faster

Rocket technology just got better thanks to the development of an idea not pursued since the 70s by Franklin Chang Díaz. This latest rocket, known as VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) will be able to travel to Mars 6 times faster than traditional rockets, with speeds estimating at 35 miles per second. Yah, that’s ridiculously fast. With such technology, deep space might be explored sooner than many may have anticipated!

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December 9, 2013 By Stephany Novak

About the author

Stephany, also know as "The Techno Chic" is a Futurist, Philosopher, Singer, and Journalist. She is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Arizona State University and enjoys long walks on the beach and holding hands.