CERN's Large Hadron Collider: Looking for the theoretical Higgs boson

I hated Physics in college. As far as I could remember, it was a unilateral relationship between the Three Laws of Acceleration and me. I never understood it, much less learned how to apply it in real life. Which is why I'm writing about CERN--the European Organization for Nuclear Research--instead of working there. Thank God.

About a week ago on September 10, the first beam of protons that was fired in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) traveled a full 27km in the tunnel. What does it mean to you? Probably nothing. What you should know is, although the LHC is the highest energy particle accelerator on Earth according to CERN director general Robert Aymar, the universe has far more powerful ones.

The LHC has one very important mission: To confirm that Higgs boson (some call it the God particle)--a hypothetical particle that is said to exist in the Standard Model of particle physics--exists. Finding which would help explain how elementary particles gain mass and complete the Standard Model theory.

Four major experiments will be carried out once they start making the beams collide with each other. One, to explain the mechanism that generates mass. Two, to learn more about dark matter in the universe. Three, to find the reason for nature's preference for matter over antimatter. And, four, to understand matter from the beginning of time.

In the words of Nigel S. Lockyer, director of Canada's TRIUMF laboratory: "One short trip for a proton, but one giant leap for mankind." Well said there and hopefully we'll get more than just answers. Results of the experiments are expected in around a year.

Credit: CERN

Mazda to show Kiyora concept, MX-5 face-lift in Paris

While Mazda waits on the cost of batteries to decrease before entering the hybrid/electric-vehicle market, the company is focusing on increasing the fuel economy of their standard internal combustion powered vehicles. The Kiyora concept, set to be officially revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, is a lightweight, urban compact concept car that showcases Mazda's developments in the area of efficiency.
Mazda Kiyora (meaning "clean and pure" in Japanese) is equipped with Mazda's next generation four-cylinder direct injection engine and features the company's Smart Idle Stop System to boost fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. Mazda also claims the Kiyora features improved aerodynamic performance and an all-new platform designed to maximize weight reduction and a high level of safety.

Since the Kiyora is just a concept vehicle that most likely no one will ever drive, Mazda can claim whatever it pleases. However, the Kiyora likely represents the broad strokes of Mazda's future design and engine tech direction for the Mazda3, so it's worth investigation.

Mazda also plans to reveal the face-lifted Mazda MX-5, which has already leaked onto the Internet, and two new diesel vehicles, the Mazda6 equipped with Mazda's newly developed MZR-CD 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine and the Mazda2 powered by a MZ-CD 1.6-liter diesel engine.

Via CNET Car Blogs

Mini's latest CUV concept to debut in Paris

The magic number for Mini's concept CUV (crossover utility vehicle) is four. Its new Mini's fourth body variant follows the Cooper, the Convertible, and the Clubman. It has four doors, four-wheel drive, four bucket seats, and is about 4 meters long. Perhaps this recurrence of the number four is a coincidence, or perhaps it's the work of an obsessive-compulsive Mini engineer. Whatever the case, Mini has revealed the first round of photos of its new Mini Crossover Concept, set to debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October.

The Crossover Concept packs SUV proportions into a vehicle that's only slightly longer than Mini's Clubman, but it doesn't stop there. Mini attempts to give the crossover some SUV cred by equipping it with an all-wheel-drive system.
Read more »

Edible paper makes "my dog ate my homework" more convincing

With the current economy inflation and food getting more and more expensive, it's only a matter of time before someone tries to recycle daily items such as paper into edible products.

This is what designer Hafsteinn Juliusson has conceived--Slim Chips. Not only are they healthy (zero calories if you must know), it is friendly to the environment, too. Today's newspaper may be tomorrow's meal.

Packed in three organic flavors--sweet potato, blueberry and peppermint--Juliusson mentioned on his Web site that the experience will be akin to "eating tasty air".

Before you rush to the supermarket for the lightweight snack, we have to tell you Slim Chips is still but an idea. I guess all Juliusson needs now are savvy investors to make this tasty paper a reality.

Spark Lamp that's energy aware

Here's a lamp with a conscience, in case you're lacking in that area. The Spark Lamp by designer Beverly Ng is an LED lamp that can recharge itself by lying on its head. Which supposes that the solar panels are below and rather oddly placed since, in her place, I would have sited the panels on the frame and stand for maximum exposure. But since I'm not Beverley, that's moot.

Here's the twist. The lamp is also Wi-Fi-capable and can tap the wireless to access your home's power usage information. When you hit the On switch, the lamp will flicker in different colors to signal what your power consumption is at the time, a cool way to constantly keep aware of your energy usage. This is still just a spark of an idea, but it's one bright spark in Mother Gaia's favor.

Via Designzen | Picture source: Beverly Ng

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