A new NoMix toilet has been getting positive reviews in seven European countries. These toilets separate urine and feces before the sewer treatment plant. One benefit is that it reduces the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous nutrients which trigger algae blooms and can harm fish in the area. Separating the urine also allows its use as an agriculture fertilizer. This toilet has been used in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark and has been accepted and supported by most people, an 75-85% believed the design, hygiene, small and seating comfort of this toilet equaled that of a conventional toilet.
Read more at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100310134258.htm
Tel Aviv University has developed a bionic “nose” that can “sniff out” cancers, bombs, and impure water. This device magnifies the very small traces of these chemicals that normal technology cannot detect. Professor Doron Shabat, a bioorganic chemist, developed this technology to amplify these signals by millions and billions, and soon will be able to detect any of these chemicals that have a certain type of reactivity. This device can help to diagnose diseases such as prostate cancer.
Read more at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330154756.htm
A new invention can keep fruit, vegetables, and flowers fresher without using genetic engineering or pathogens. These microorganisms induce enzymes that extend the ripening time of fruits and vegetables, and are actually beneficial to them. The microorganism manipulates the organism’s diet so that it will express more of a certain enzyme and stay fresher for longer. This microorganism will help reduce the waste created by throwing away fruits and vegetables, will allow companies to ship easier, and will allow these fruits and vegetables to be stored in room temperature, thus reducing the energy.
Read more at:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111623.htm
BionicTile NOx from Martin Cox on Vimeo.
The toilet aspect is good idea, but I don't think it will be accepted by society because it might not be as comfortable as a conventional toilet. All these new inventions and discoveries are great, but will they assimilate into main stream society?
ReplyDeleteAll of these inventions seem to be a good idea. Now if we could convince people to just switch to using them. I think the toilet sounds like such a good idea! Also I think the "nose" could be really beneficial in today's medical state if it really works, it could really save some lives.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting that it seperates the waste. Is it expensive?
ReplyDeleteA bionic nose that can detect cancer! It amazes me how much technology has advanced, even since I was born. The toilet is a great idea too. In response to other comments I don't believe that society will deem it "uncomfortable" when 85% of the people who have it already think it matches that of a conventional toilet. Our society NEEDS to adapt to a more sustaining lifestyle or the world as we know will become just a ticking time bomb.
ReplyDeleteThese are all awesome. I love the toilet: we need more ways to stop pollution from our waste and cutting down on algae blooms is a huge deal. The fruit and flower saver is a wonderful thing, if we can save our fruits for longer periods of time we can save money and not waste as much. But I'm curious about the bionic nose! How reliable is this invention? Can we really trust something that "sniffs" out the bad things?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think the toilet is disgusting. Especially if it was used in public areas. I don't believe it would be accepted in American culture at all. The bionic nose could be incredible, but unless it is thoroughly tested and proven it could be detrimental. For example if it made a mistake and missed someone's cancer or diagnosed it wrongly.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great all the creativity that people are putting into all these news inventions. I think the toilet is a good idea, but a lot of people especially in our society might think it's weird. The bionic nose thing is incredible! But I hope they can prove that it works well and efficently.
ReplyDeleteI agree with ede, it's kind of gross to think about but if it's better for the planet then we should try and use it. I think that all of these things are a good idea but I think they could be improved still, and with more time and research I think it will all really work!
ReplyDeletehahah toilets!!! I think that our society could accept this, if 85% of the 7 countries that use these accept it. then why can't we? The bionic nose just shows what our technology has come to, it's really amazing to be living in this time period to witness such insane (in a good way) inventions!
ReplyDeleteEde why do you think this toilet is disgusting? It may be a little weird, but if it helps in the long run I think it's worth is. Now that all these cool inventions are around, we just need to get people to use them.
ReplyDeleteI actually love the idea of a toilet that is "Nomix." Having a toilet that does that will help lower our water consumption as agriculture takes up a huge amount of water. If we were able to use urine instead then it would be great for the environment. And maybe it could even turn out to be good for pest control.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the long term effects of the microorganisms that induce enzymes in fruit?
ReplyDelete