Tech Universe: Wednesday 20 October

Displax Overlay Multitouch is a transparent polymer film that adds interactive features to any screen. Photo / Displax

A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.

TOUCHING DISPLAY: Displax Overlay Multitouch is a transparent polymer film that adds interactive features to any screen. Made from flexible and transparent electronics polymer it detects the touch of a finger. My Little Touchscreen. More at Displax.

WIND STALKERS: The Windstalk wind farm concept doesn't use
conventional turbines. Instead 55 metre high 'stalks' sway in the
wind, producing energy from alternating layers of electrodes and
ceramic discs made from piezoelectric material. The wind compresses
the discs and generates power. I'd have a windstalk in my back yard. More at DiscoveryNews.

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE: US materials scientists created networks of LEDs only 2.5 microns thick. The arrays can be stretched and twisted, are flexible and soft. Such arrays of light sensors and LEDs could be used for targeted drug delivery and other health care applications. And
interesting body art. More at ScientificAmerican.

FLY BY WIRE: Gondolas are a handy way to travel up mountains. The world's longest gondola line has just opened in Armenia, where the 5.6 Km trip to an ancient monastery takes 11 minutes each way at 37 Kph. Each cabin can carry up to 25 passengers. A fun way to see the country. More at DiscoveryNews.

DRUG ROBOTS: The Forth Valley Royal Hospital is using robots to stack and dispense drugs. The new system is more accurate and cheaper. Prescriptions are written on tablet computers and sent straight to the
pharmacy where a robot fills and dispenses what's needed. Nurses can
check what's happening from ward computers. Tablet computers is right. More at BBC.

- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz