Category: News

by Jonathan Hiskes

Texas oil companies are funding an attack on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s signature environmental accomplishment, the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act.Gov. Schwarzenegger’s OfficeBig Oil is nothing if
not brazen, so while BP works to protect its tattered reputation in the Gulf,
two Texas oil companies are on the attack in California. Their target is Assembly Bill 32, the most
ambitious cap-and-trade climate plan in the nation, which was signed into law
by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) in 2006 and is set to really kick into gear
next year. Their weapon is a ballot initiative that would mothball the plan
until state unemployment drops to below 5.5 percent for four consecutive
quarters (from a current 12.6 percent), which would effectively kill the plan
for the time being.

Last week, a group
turned in 800,000 signatures in support of the initiative, ensuring it a place
on state ballots in November. Texas refinery companies Tesoro and Valerog an attack on Gov. Schwarzenegger’s signature and
private donors have poured more than $1 million into the campaign. Clean-air
advocates worry that figure could reach $50 million by year’s end.

The group works under
the name California Jobs Initiative,
which is ironic given the threat it poses to jobs in the state’s growing
cleantech industry. The clean-energy sector has noticed the threat, and it’s partnering with green groups and venture capital firms to build up its own war chest to
defend the climate plan.

Schwarzeneger, for his
part, has stuck to his guns: “We have to do everything we can to fight
back and push back those greedy companies and make sure we protect our
environmental laws,” he
said last week.

Two ways this could
play out:

Worst-case scenario: Defeat. A successful ballot initiative would
be catastrophic, and not just for clean-energy workers in California. The fight
is a symbolic proxy for the national battle over fossil-fuel pollution and
climate legislation, and a victory for polluters in the nation’s most populous state
would embolden them to try to repeal climate plans in other states.

“People see
California as ground zero in this fight,” Ann Nothoff, California advocacy
director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the L.A. Times. “Polluters will do
anything to defeat climate legislation in Washington, D.C., even if it means
using California as a pawn.”

Best-case scenario: A long, expensive distraction. Even if the
measure fails six months from now, it still forces environmental groups to
spend scarce money and attention on defending an existing law when they want to be proactively campaigning for more progress.

In this way it works
the same as concerted attacks on climate science or climate action plans.
Polluters don’t have to win public
arguments over science or the best climate solutions. They just have to
continue attacking, keeping the public confused and the media covering the
“debate.” For them, the best defense is relentless series of attacks.
Clean-energy advocates are stuck playing defense.

The silver lining: Cleantech gets tough. If there’s a bright side
here, it’s that California’s politically inexperienced clean-energy companies
and venture firms may learn to use their considerable funds and intellectual
capital in the political arena. In February, cleantech executives traveled to Washington
for a “fly-in” crash
course on lobbying and media strategy. The attack on California’s climate
plan could hammer home some of the same lessons on the need for businesses to
engage with policy. Now Climatewire
reports that cleantech firms and environmental groups are working to craft
a unified response plan to the oil-company attacks. Both groups may emerge
stronger from that partnership.

Related Links:

Obama admin overhauls MMS, the agency in charge of offshore drilling

Rand Paul’s Copenhagen rant and other election notes

Robert Redford and green groups tell Obama to step up on Gulf oil leak

The world’s largest study into the link between mobile phones and brain tumors is inconclusive according to a Canadian scientist. Over 10,000 people took part in the study led by epidemiologists from more than ten countries but the findings, according to University of Montreal professor Jack Siemiatycki, are “ambiguous, surprising and puzzling.”..
Continue Reading Global study on link between cell phones and brain cancer ‘inconclusive’

Tags: Cancer,
Health,
Mobile Phone

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Air Liquide Welding launches NERTAJET HP – CPM 400/450. This equipment is designed for plasma cutting applications on carbon steels and stainless steels in workshop, machining, boiler making and shipbuilding applications.

The main features are as follows:
• Quality:
o dimensional and geometrical accuracy of cut parts and/or holes in a wide range of materials,
o consistent surface condition and quality of the cut faces.
• Productivity:
o adjustment of electrical power to suit the speed required for each thickness,
o facility to combine several ranges of speed in a single geometry,
o possibility to combine cutting and marking operations with the same torch.
o higher cutting speed (+35% at equivalent power)
o maximum thicknesses 35 mm for mild steels and for stainless steels (piercing)
o user friendly HMI (Human Machine Interface) with a touchscreen monitor
o efficient nesting software to optimise the cutting process
• Operating costs:
o extension of the life of consumable parts or reduction of the number of consumables,
o lower gas consumption
o lower electrical consumption
o Direct weldability of cut parts

Finally, regarding other plasma technologies, the CPM 400/450 torch shows a wide range of benefits which make the difference:
• Higher cutting capacity (thicknesses and materials)
• Range 3-4 cutting quality according to standard ISO 9013
• Cut with no attached burrs
• Improved productivity with threefold cutting speed
• Versatility of marking and cutting operations
• Ease of use due to a removable torch and digital process HPC control
• Longer life of consumables

The NERTAJET HP – CPM 400/450 installation can be mounted on the following cutting machines of the Air Liquide Welding range: OPTITOME 15 – OXYTOME – PLASMATOME – ALPHATOME – CYBERTOME

Plus d’informations sur www.airliquidewelding.com

The controler of temperature and speed monitors the required operating condition of the fluid coupling contactlessly and requires no maintenance. Spraying and loss of operating fluid if the coupling overheats and the pollution of the environment associated with it can be avoided. In thecase of internal-gear drives the output speed (minimum value), in addition to the temperature, can be monitored. In this case the controler of temperature and speed cuts out immediately the output speed falls below its required value or the drive stops even before the coupling overheats. The controler of temperature and speed can be used on coupling and upward at peripheral speeds > 15 m/s. The transmitter is fitted to the coupling in place of the screw plugifusible plugj
While the coupling is rotating and below the response temperature of 125Ž, each time the pick-up is passed the transmitter emits an impulse signal which is transmitted to the evaluating instrument. The pulse number is compared in the evaluating instrument with the required value set on the front plate and, when the pulse number is fallen below, causes the output relay to cut out….

The Integral Finned Tube has been applied successfully to a wide range of heat transfer applications to assure the highest efficiency with long life and reliable service. The continuous helical fins are radially extruded from thick-walled base tubes in a cold rotary process. The result is an extended surface that has no fin attachment, no dissimilar metal joints and no possibility of fins becoming loose or losing heat transfer capability. As well, the liner is protected against oxidation and galvanic corrosion in the presence of water, air and air borne impurities at the fin-to-tube interface.

The liner material that may be utilized are copper, copper alloys, steel, stainless steel, titanium or any variety of special metals to handle specific aggressive environments. The finned portion is as corrosion resistant as the alloy from which it is produced. Bimetal type hifin tube is classified as an «interference fit» finned tube. There is more than an ordinary mechanical engagement between the liner tube wall and the fin tube base. There is, in fact, an elastic deformation of both metals to maintain intermetallic heat transfer contact by virtue of the contact pressure. Thermofin finned tube is further unique in that it provides a continuous sheath or «muff» at fin material over the liner tube.

As fabricated, our finned tube has an extremely high contact pressure at the interface liner tube and outer finned tube. It is this pressure that permits the Bimetal Tube to operate safely at elevated temperature without loss of heat transfer capability. Where extreme temperatures are encountered, heat transfer design safeguards are used to ensure design conditions are continuous met.

The superior qualities of our finned tubes are readily apparent from operating experience. The results of in-service evaluation comparing Integral Bimetal Hifin to other type of extended surface confirm that only the integral finned tube could retain heat transfer capability very near the original design requirement. The embedded type and the helically wrapped type suffered serious corrosion conditions between fins and liner tube and as result were unable to maintain thermal capability.

The mechanical process of manufacturing an integral finned tube make that the fins are more rigid and can withstand high impact without losing their form. This ensures good efficiency that is expected when using an extended surface for heat transfer.

Introduction:

EHM Series slurry pump is mainly using for handing strong abrasive, high density slurries and low density, high head slurries in the metallurgical, mining, coal, power, building material and other industrial departments etc. The head of EHM-4D is ranging from 12 to 65 meters and the capacity is from 162 to 360 cubic meters per hour accordingly.

Structure:

The frame plates of this kind of slurry pump have replaceable wear-resistant metal liners. The impellers are made of wear-resistant metal. The frame plate liner and impeller for EHM slurry pump are adoptable of hard metal only.
Bearing assembly of this kind of slurry pump use cylindrical structure, adjusting the space between impeller and front liner easily, being removed completely when being repaired. Bearing assembly use grease lubrication.
The shaft seal of this kind of slurry pump could use the packing seal, expeller seal and mechanical seal. The discharge branch can be positioned at intervals of 45 degrees by request and oriented to any eight positions to suit installations and applications.
Here are the drive types, such as V belt drive, gear reducer drive, fluid coupling drive, and frequency conversion drive devices. The pump of this type may be installed in multistage series to meet the delivery for long distance.

Application:

This kind of slurry pump mainly applies in coal washer processing, handling with the fine ore and tailings in metal mine, handing combined bottom and fly ash in a thermal power station etc. .

Model Explanation and Performance Chart:

EHM-6E
E:Excellence Brand
H:High Concentration
M: Metal lined
6: Discharge size (inch)
E: Frame type with maximum power

This flush mounted Pull Handle is designed specifically for entrance doors on RV and specialty vehicles that require remote actuation. Offering automotive styling, it provides greater ease of operation (ergonomics) than conventional paddle handles and can be used in FMVSS 206 applications.

Features/Benefits

– Automotive style pull handle and latch mechanism
– Smooth opening/closing action
– Comfortable finger access
– Adaptable for power door lock actuation
– Non-handed design
– The pull handle can be mounted in vertical orientation (please inquire)
– Molded gasket for flange of housing and paddle leg provides resistance to water infiltration

Finish

– Black powder coated housing with black powder coated paddle or chrome plated paddle
– Optional chrome plated housing

Material

– Sturdy die cast zinc alloy paddle and housing
– Molded gaskets (included)

Carl Zeiss presents CALIGO, the new measuring software specially developed for car body parts and freeform surfaces. Its modular system architecture offers a high degree of flexibility for the requirements of the future. Optimum use of the available system resources means that the results are available quickly. CALIGO is the successor to widely used HOLOS® freeform measuring software.

We listened to our customers and implemented their wishes into CALIGO. The functions incorporated in CALIGO provide users with a high level of support and optimize the entire measuring process.

CALIGO accelerates programming with intelligent functions such as change management via feature lists. The simulation function provides an extensive array of tools for the analysis of the measuring program before the real sequence starts. This makes it even easier to identify and correct programming errors and further optimize programs using tools such as collision control, travel path track and collision ball.

A new navigation concept (Path In/Path Out) has also been integrated into CALIGO. It enables specification of a safe path into and out of an interior space. These functions enable the operator to measure only the required features from an extensive measuring plan.

Quickly from the measuring plan to the measuring results
The evaluation and reporting functions can be integrated to enable the flexible use of the measuring results. For example, CALIGO can create different views (false color display, results banners) in the measurement plan and insert them into the measurement log. Measurement plans programmed in HOLOS can simply be imported into CALIGO and used there.

Carl Zeiss now offers the 5th generation of contact scanning. The new VAST® Performance Kit is available for the top-of-the-line PRISMO®, CenterMax® and GageMax® coordinate measuring machines. It incorporates various elements of optimized hardware and software to increase the performance of measurements. A new generation of active probes delivers very high speed and thus considerably improved measuring productivity. The Performance Kit offers high result reliability and a clear reduction of the measuring time for many applications.

The outstanding benefit of VAST Performance is the ability to scan over interrupted contours (FlyScan). In the past, 16 scanning paths were required to measure a flange that has a plane surface interrupted with boreholes. VAST Performance reduces this number to one. The existing method for this measurement required extensive programming that resulted in a measuring time of 75 seconds. VAST Performance not only considerably simplifies programming, but the measuring time for the feature is also reduced nearly 70% to 23 seconds – with absolutely reliable measuring results.

The improvement for the measurement of a pinion is even more evident. A single-point measurement delivers a satisfactory statement, but the measuring time is at least 286 seconds, or around five minutes. Scanning with VAST Performance enables an in-depth statement on the form and diameter with a measuring time of only 71 seconds.

3/2 and 4/2 multi-way valves; servo assisted; DN 4; flow rate: 300 l/min.; G 1/8 legris ø 6 mm port connections.

Type 5470 includes high switch reliable diaphragm seat valves as 3/2
and 4/2 way version. The valve consists of three modules, valve
body with servo-diaphragm, plungers and seat seal as well as
numerous connection possibilities for the service ports 2 and 4.

The body and valve internal parts are made of high quality thermoplastic,
the return spring of Stainless Steel. A 16 mm rocker solenoid valve type
6106 with rectifier is used as pilot. Tag connectors are used as electrical
contact (acc. DIN 43 650 Form C) with the cable plug type 2506 or with
female connectors on the available valve blocks of Burkert.

The extendable type 5470 can be used for block modules (tag connectors
in front) or for entire valve blocks (tag connectors at the back,
coil spacing 19 mm).

The available valve block can be controlled by various fieldbus systems, Multipole or common terminals.

The block assembly is made with pneumatic modules type MP05
through integrated lock technology and screwing.

Type 6106 impulse version is a bistable valve used as pilot valve for type 5470. The operation has to be done through external pole reversal (e.g. PLC).

The advantages of the impulse version are functional safety at short
time power failure, saving of energy and low heat generation.
It is applicable for switching systems with impulse control.

Advantages / Benefits

Optimal system solutions due to high level of modularity

High flow rate at compact design

Long service life even with non-lube conditions

With manual override

Extendable due to modular assembly

Various options for the service ports 2 and 4

High switch reliability

Fieldbus compatible

Wide range of cable plugs with circuitry as accessories

Low weight

An anonymous ex-member of the Human Terrain System, the team of social scientists deployed with the US Military, is now writing on the Wired Danger Room blog about role of the service in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The first article notes how in several recent operations the HTS has been notable by its absence.

As we’ve discussed before, the HTS project has been a source of some considerable controversy with fellow social scientists denouncing the project as ‘weaponised anthropology’ that violates the ‘do no harm’ principle.

The military intend the service to help understand the local population and complex alliances that define the social landscape in which they’re fighting but the Wired piece suggests that the Human Terrain System is being sidelined, either due to ignorance of its purpose or dislike of its approach amid the ranks.

How do you properly vet the insurgents you’re trying to “win over” to your side? Is simply promising not to attack your forces enough, or should you press for a formal integration with the government? At what point do a militant’s activities make him irredeemable?

Those are just some of the difficult choices facing U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan – questions explored in a fine, fine dispatch by the Washington Post’s Greg Jaffe. In it, he tells the tale of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Brown, who led a group of soldiers during last year’s insurgent assault on Camp Keating, in Kamdesh district of Nuristan province. After the attack, Lt. Col. Brown faced a difficult choice: whether or not to align himself with a local warlord and militant, Mullah Sadiq, who promised to repel future Taliban attacks.

It seems like the sorts of question were designed to be answered by the Human Terrain System. HTS is the famously controversial U.S. Army program to embed various types of social scientists with Brigade Combat Teams in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ostensibly, these Human Terrain Teams should be out, canvassing the local population to gauge their interests, feelings, and preferences. The local HTT is conspicuously absent from Jaffe’s account of the events following the Kamdesh attack…

In theory, the HTTs would able to offer advice and informed analysis to the various commanders making decisions about how to relate to these communities. Often, the commanders don’t even know enough to ask, and in at least a few cases, the HTTs don’t know how to “pitch” their services. As events in Nuristan indicate, even if there is an HTT in the area, their advice could fall on deaf ears. Worse still: if they are deliberately or even unintentionally excluded from the very process they were deployed to influence—then HTS as a whole is facing a much more serious problem: just what, exactly, are they expected to do?

The Danger Room series from the pseudonymous writer of piece, named ‘Security Crank’, should be an interesting insight into the project although the byline mentions that he or she is currently working in the ‘national security establishment’ so we can probably expect that criticism will only go so far.

Link to Wired Danger Room on HTA in Afghanistan.

French government forwarded a bill that prohibits wearing any form of clothing to hide the face in public. President Nicolas Sarkozy strongly believes it is against the fundamental right of citizenship the country observes. A full covering of the face, he reiterated, is a threat to the values of human dignity. “Citizenship has to be lived in an uncovered face. There can therefore absolutely no solution other than a ban in all places.”

Although they are not directly addressed in the bill, Muslim women obviously are no exception. There are around 5 million women living in the country, only 2,000 wear burka or niqab. Sarkozy stressed the ban is not a form of discrimination and disrespect for a particular religion. Justice Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie argues the prohibition has already been practiced in some Islamic countries even in Mecca.However, in a statement presented in Reauter’s blog, this is not the case. Niqabs are allowed in Mecca.

“Those who breach the ban will be fined 150 euros (£129) or sent on a course to learn the values of French citizenship. Those who force someone to cover their face because of their sex will be jailed for a year and fined 15,000 euros (£12,900),” cites Telegraph.

Related posts:

1. Obama Urges UN Sanctions on Iran
2. The French President threatened to pull France out of the EU
3. Battle of Puebla: French Intervention in Mexico

Last year, we brought you the story of tech company AeroVironment’s life-size artificial hummingbird, that flies solely by flapping its wings. Now, a group of Japanese researchers has successfully built and flown a flapping-wing-powered swallowtail butterfly. Besides looking incredibly cool, the life-size “ornithopter” has also proven a principle that could have big implications in the field of aerodynamics…
Continue Reading Japanese researchers create artificial butterfly

Tags: Aerodynamics,
Aircraft,
biomimetic,
Butterfly,
Flight,
Insect,
UAV,
Wings

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More details are trickling in for Def Jam Rapstar. It looks like Europe will be getting some snazzy tracks exclusively.
 
 
 
 

You’ve got to feel for the Cleveland sports fan these days. The Cavaliers punched the city in the gut, LeBron James Paranoia is going to last into the summer, and now it’s the Indians putting bad news on the doorstep: the franchise player is hurt, the shortstop is injured as well, and there’s the ninth inning to worry about. If you’re from Northeast Ohio and want to skip this entire blog post, feel free.

Indians reliever Kerry Wood(notes) entered 2010 as a closer on the brink and that theme has stayed with him every step of the way. A back injury from spring training cost him six weeks; his hefty contract makes him a constant trade candidate; and his performance on the field hasn’t been a treat either.

Wednesday night Wood blew a save in bombastic fashion, allowing four hits and five runs to the Royals of all teams. There was nothing cheap about the rally – Kansas City collected two doubles and a triple, and most of the balls were hit sharply. Wood was still getting decent velocity on his fastball – routinely in the 95-to-97 range – but the pitches were straight and the Royals were connecting.

Wood saved his best throw for last – as he was removed from the game, he chucked his glove into the stands, where it was caught by an Indians fan. Perfect mechanics, perfect location – it was just seven batters too late.

Maybe this rocky outing was just a blip on the Wood radar, but given his history of physical problems we have to at least put him under the microscope. If you’re hedging the Indians bullpen behind Wood, consider that lefty Tony Sipp(notes) hasn’t allowed a run over his last 13 appearances and Chris Perez(notes) hasn’t given up an earned run over his last 12 games. They did their jobs Wednesday – Perez worked a scoreless seventh, while Sipp posted a bagel in the eighth – and they’re both widely available in mixed leagues. Your speculation needs will vary; the save chase is different for all of us.

The Cleveland faithful will get over this Wood collapse, but the Grady Sizemore(notes) injury is enough to send the entire city into a depression. Sizemore has a left knee bone bruise and hit the disabled list Wednesday; it’s possible he might need surgery to fix the knee. It’s going to be a while before we know what the timetable is here. Post-hype outfielder Trevor Crowe(notes) is getting time in Sizemore’s absence and deserves consideration from the AL-only and deep mixed-league players; he’s off to a 7-for-20 start with a couple of steals, and he’s getting a look in the leadoff spot.

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera(notes) had surgery on his broken left arm Wednesday and will be out 8-10 weeks. Jason Donald(notes) joined the team Tuesday and is 2-for-7 through two games, batting in the bottom third of the order. Donald was hitting .277 with two homers and 10 steals when he was promoted from Triple-A.

There’s your lead (or lede) item from Wednesday, amigos. Check back in a little bit and I’ll add 800-900 words to the fray.

Adding a third wheel to bicycles not only improves safety, but also betters handling on rough terrains. Moreover, the addition of an extra wheel adds some more space which can be used for a second seat or a canopy for wet days. Since bicycles are often expected to rule the streets once fossil fuels sources are dry, modifications in existing designs will always be saluted. Here is a list of 15 such tricycles that do add more sense to pedal-powered transport.

• Urban Commuter Trike:

The Urban Commuter Trike by Tim Tobola features solar panels that can recharge the onboard batteries in just 2 hours, providing a 30-mile range. When the battery supply runs out, the user can go back to the conventional pedal mechanism.

• BamTrike:

Designed by Monash University student Alexander Vittouris, this zero-emission personal mobility vehicle is constructed from sustainable materials including bamboo. Dubbed the BamTrike, the recumbent trike also features side storage pockets that are sufficient to carry your personals. The use of bamboo not only betters the eco-credentials of the trike, but also betters safety as bamboo compares to fiberglass in woven form.

• Trik.E:

The Trik.E comes from the design house of Speed Studio Design and includes features that can allow it to be a true alternative to cars for around-town transportation. The Trik-E comes with weather protection to allow you to drive it year-round. The designers don’t state the operating range the vehicle is expected to have, but with the pedal-power system available as a backup, you’ll never be left stranded without a charge.

• Twin Trike:

The Twin Trike concept by designer Cikaric Dragan uses the additional wheel to make space for a second seat. The concept has been designed for those who love to share their green efforts with their family or friends. All the controls of the tricycle are operated by the front rider, while the tricycle features two transmissions to ease the commute. Most of the parts of the trike are to be made from carbon-fiber, making the concept extremely lightweight and durable.

• Tringa:

The Tringa is a collapsible trike for urban commuters. Designed by Gyula Tiszai, the Tringa has an alternative swinging level drive and a rope transmission that makes the vehicle easy to drive and more comfortable.

• Valetudo:

The brainchild of designers Alexander and Inga Peterson, the Valetudo is a three-wheeled commuter bike made from recycled plastic. The bike has a one-piece frame that has been made from recycled plastic. The plastic casing all over the bike’s body not only makes it look stunning, but also prevents the metal parts inside that include the gear and pedal mechanism, from rust. Rubber saddle bags are attached to this bike to keep your groceries and other items safe.

• STEM:

The STEM by Tobias Bexten is an electric commuter bike running on three wheels. The onboard electric motors are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged via a city-wide network of charging spots. The vehicle can also be rented to daily commuters, which allows them to do their bit for the environment without actually purchasing the vehicle.

• Try-Cycle:

The Try-Cycle has been conceptualized by the folks at Humo Design. The trike has been designed to displace the front wheel to incline the vehicle for changing direction, provoking new experiences of displacement.

• Byess Go-One Evolution:

The Go-One Evolution features superior ventilation, a canopy providing room for tall riders, less chain noise and a more sensitive and comfortable rear suspension. Just like its predecessor, the Go-One3, the Go-One Evolution also features an outer shell made from lightweight carbon fiber composite.

• Catrike 700 Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle:

The Catrike 700 Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle is light, low and has a 700c rear wheel for lower rolling resistance and smoother riding. The 700 has a direct steering and its longer wheel base helps eliminate brake steer.

• Whike:

The Whike is essentially a tricycle attached with a 1.6m sail. It can ride on routes meant for bikes as well as normal roads. While the novelty factor with a Whike alone gives sportspersons their share of excitement, it proves an excellent alternative to petrol-driven bikes, cars and even public transport.

• The Hauler:

The Hauler is an all-terrain, mountain-bike style recumbent tricycle, which sports its own solar panel powering an onboard motor that provides electric assist riding. The tricycle can carry a load of up to 300 pounds and can hit speeds in excess of 20mph.

• DIY Solar Powered Trike:

The DIY Solar Powered Trike features three wheels and a set of solar panels that power onboard batteries. This renewable electricity can take the trike to a top speed of 18mph depending on the weight of the rider.

• INNESENTI Tricycle:

The INNESENTI Tricycle might not look to be the most comfortable tricycle you’ve ever ridden on, but does ensure that your backbone is able to rest on the comfortable cushioned chair. The trike is powered entirely by the pedal mechanism. The company states that they will be able to adjust and customize the seating system for each customer.

• XE Tricycle:

The XE is the brainchild of industrial designer Omer Sagiv and aims to double as an exercise cycle. The pedal mechanism charges the onboard battery pack, which can later be used as an electric tricycle.

Luke Timmerman wrote:

Get ready for a double-dose of your usual Seattle biotech roundup, as I was too slammed to give you the regular weekly shot of news last Thursday.

—Six months after Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) wrote a big check to Bothell, WA-based Alder Biopharmaceuticals, we can see why. Xconomy had the exclusive on how ALD518 generated “outstanding” results in a mid-stage trial of 124 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in the words of the lead investigator. This story was based on an abstract posted online in advance of the European League Against Rheumatism conference next month in Barcelona.

—Rheumatoid arthritis may be the really big market on the horizon, but Alder didn’t give away the whole store in the Bristol deal. Alder has retained the full rights to ALD518 for cancer, and the company is getting ready to present some other important mid-stage trial data next month at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference. The idea is that ALD518 can tamp down the excess inflammation that plagues cancer patients, making them vigorous enough to withstand more chemotherapy that kills tumors, which might help them live longer.

—Leroy Hood coined the term “P4 Medicine” as the tagline for his vision of predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine about seven years ago. Now he has clinched the first partnership with a major U.S. medical school, Ohio State University, which is setting up a demonstration project to put this idea to the test. The deal is for two years, and calls for Ohio State and the Institute for Systems Biology to contribute $1 million each to make this work.

—One intriguing Seattle connection jumped on my radar during my last trip to San Diego, when I met with Nobel Prize-winning chemist K. Barry Sharpless of The Scripps Research Institute. Sharpless is well known as a proponent of “click chemistry,” in which scientists seek out the simplest, easiest, most reliable, irreversible reactions possible for industrial processes, rather than just trying to do what’s most cool or exotic to impress their peers. This technology is at the heart of a prototype device that Lee Hood’s Seattle-based Integrated Diagnostics is using to gather reliable measurements from a pinprick of blood.

—Ikaria, the Clinton, NJ-based biotech company with an R&D operation in Seattle, is gearing up for a $200 million IPO to be underwritten by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and others. The company is profitable because of a drug that treats respiratory illness in infants, but its big swing for the fence is with technology licensed from Mark Roth’s lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center that seeks to induce a reversible hibernation-like state that could someday buy more time for doctors to treat traumatic injuries, or perform heart surgeries. Arch Venture Partners has a 10 percent stake in Ikaria, so Bob Nelsen is rooting for this to be a big win.

—While all this news was breaking, we somehow found a way to organize an event on health IT innovation at the Frye Art Museum, with support from event host Swedish Medical Center and a number of sponsors. You can catch up on what happened by checking out this photo gallery, the speakers’ slides, and Greg’s roundup of some of the pithy insights we picked up.

—Seattle Biomedical Research Institute has been itching …Next Page »