As Published In May/June 2006

New Technology, Inside and Out

Combating worms, wearable technology, and disposable engines

The Good Worm of the West

Worms are a source of concern for most computer users, and especially companies with thousands of computers. A computer worm is a self-propelled replicating program designed to wreak havoc on computers and networks. Worm creators program them to exploit weaknesses in software and network infrastructures.

Why not create a worm that actually finds and fixes software and network flaws, proposes security company Immunity. "We're talking about fighting fire with fire," says programmer David Aitel, who developed controlled worms called Nematodes that can be used for beneficial purposes and can make networks self-protecting. Nematodes can be programmed to invade a computer by exploiting the same weaknesses that bad worms target. But instead of delivering malicious software, the worms close up weak spots and render the computer impervious to further attack.

Blogging Your Heart Out

Web Locator Nematode worm Heartbeat Hoodie Elastic polymer cylinder engines

Wearable technology—from iPods to Bluetooth headgear—has become commonplace in our tech-crazed society. Seamless, a fashion show produced by the MIT Media Lab earlier this year, took this concept to the next level, with wearable technology that replaces everyday clothing. The show featured innovative and experimental works in computational apparel design, interactive clothing, and fashion.

One standout: the Heartbeat Hoodie, which explores the idea of involuntarily documenting parts of life using a camera to take photographs at moments of interest or excitement. The camera, strategically placed above the eyes, takes photos whenever the wearer's heart rate increases. It is wired through the seams of the garment to a microprocessor that communicates with a wireless heart rate monitor. The microprocessor uses an algorithm to analyze the heartbeat for increases that might signify a moment of interest, rather than physical exercise.

At the end of the day, why not download the photographs, view them, and blog about your experience? You might even gain new insight into your interests.

Elastic Polymer Cylinder Engines

Imagine cutting your grass with a lawn mower that uses a combustion engine that employs an elastic polymer cylinder engine, instead of one made from solid metal. SRI International has developed a prototype of exactly this sort of combustion chamber.

In a traditional engine, a crank arm rests on the outside of the cylinder and moves from the force generated by a small explosion inside the cylinder, generating mechanical power. In SRI's engine, the explosion inside the elastic polymer cylinder makes it swell like a balloon, resulting in a transfer of mechanical power similar to what's produced by a moving piston.

One advantage, says an SRI spokesperson, is that it prevents fuel leakage in the cylinder. Bigger cylinders are efficient because gas leakage around the piston wastes only a small percentage of the total power. However, in a smaller cylinder the leakage loss is proportionately higher, so efficiency is poor.

SRI's technology breakthrough will enable lightweight, quiet, low-cost, disposable engines. Currently, the U.S. government is interested in using the polymer engine in small, inexpensive air and ground reconnaissance droids. Future uses span anything from lawn mowers to cars.