The Malaysian Insider :: Features

Japan develops technology to stop standby waste

Posted: 14 Jun 2011 08:02 AM PDT

A new technology that stops electronic devices from consuming power when in standby mode could significantly reduce electricity consumption. — AFP pic

TOKYO, June 14 — Japanese researchers said yesterday they had developed the technology to stop power being consumed by personal computers, televisions and other electronic devices when they are in standby mode.

NEC Corp. and Tohoku University said they aim to bring the new semiconductor technology into practical use within five years, potentially reducing the estimated two percent of household electricty wasted through the standby mode.

Currently, electronic devices that are plugged into power outlets receive a constant flow of electricity to hold data — even when switched off.

The new technology is based on "spintronics" which exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons and its associated magnetic moment. Electrons act as magnets that can read and write data.

The data is retained even if the flow of electricity is completely cut off.

NEC said it hoped that the new technology would help cut power consumption by "around 25 per cent at large data centres" equipped with many computers. — AFP-Relaxnews

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Nail polish and hair straighteners found to contain carcinogens

Posted: 14 Jun 2011 03:19 AM PDT

Government agencies report that hair straightening treatments such as the Brazilian Blowout can come at a high price to your health. — AFP pic

NEW YORK, June 14 — On June 10, the US government issued a report declaring formaldehyde, used in a variety of consumer products including nail polish and hair-straightening solutions, to be a carcinogen. Another chemical cited as a potential cancer trigger is styrene, commonly found in plastic and rubber products.

Consumers are advised to do what they can to avoid the harmful chemicals, but The New York Times reports that the risks are far greater for those who work with the chemicals on an industrial scale.

Formaldehyde is found in products ranging from plywood, paper product coatings, and plastics, as well as nail polish and nail polish removers and hair straighteners. Experts advise using formaldehyde-free beauty nail polishes and removers. To find out suggested brands, visit the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website to search a database of beauty products, review ingredient listings, and see safety rankings.

The Brazilian Blowout, the costly, frizz-free hair treatment favored by celebs including Jennifer Aniston, has recently been under scrutiny by government officials for containing up to 12 per cent formaldehyde.

After receiving complaints from customers and stylists about burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of the product, the government agency Health Canada conducted tests on the solution and issued a news release on the dangers of the product last year.

In the US, the Oregon Health and Science University's Center for Research on Occupational and Environment Toxicology (Oregon OSHA) also warned salon workers to use caution when using the product, with some salons following suit by wearing masks and informing clients of the risks.

Read tips on ingredients to avoid in your beauty treatments and cosmetics: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/beyond-parabens.php

Access Skin Deep's database: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/browse.php?category=nail%20polish

Access the US government's just-released report of known or suspected carcinogens: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/roc12. — AFP-Relaxnews

Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price.

Kredit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com

Selasa, 14 Jun 2011

The Malaysian Insider :: Features

The Malaysian Insider :: Features

0 ulasan:

Catat Ulasan