Archives: ‘Sci/Tech’ Category

High-resolution photos of Fukushima Daiichi

01 Apr 2011

These high-resolution aerial photographs of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were taken on March 20 and 24, 2011 by a small unmanned drone operated by Air Photo Service, a company based in Niigata prefecture. Click [Enlarge] under each image for the full version.

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 3 (left) and Unit 4 (right) - March 24

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Left to right: Unit 4, Unit 3, Unit 2 and Unit 1 - March 20

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 3 - March 24

Hi-rez birds-eye view of Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 4 - March 24

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 4 (left) and Unit 3 (right) - March 20

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Top to bottom: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3 and Unit 4 - March 20

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 4 (left) and Unit 3 (right) - March 24

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Unit 3 - March 24

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Left to right: Unit 3, Unit 2 and Unit 1 - March 20

Hi-res aerial photo of Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant --
[Enlarge] Left to right: Unit 1 (partially visible), Unit 2, Unit 3 and Unit 4

[Via: Cryptome]

Cute ‘Pluto-kun’ cartoon dispels plutonium fears

29 Mar 2011

In the early 1990s, Japan's Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC) -- a nuclear energy research organization which is now part of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) -- created a pro-nuclear PR cartoon entitled "Pluto-kun, Our Reliable Friend." The aim of the animated film, which features the company mascot Pluto-kun, is to dispel some of the fears surrounding plutonium. Scroll down for a rough summary.


+ Video

[~1:30] The video begins with Pluto-kun disguised as a ghost. He explains that much of the fear surrounding plutonium is due to misconceptions. He says that it is very unfortunate that plutonium is used in nuclear weapons [like the one dropped on Nagasaki]. But he hates war! He loves to work for peace. He aspires to be like dynamite, whose power has been used for the benefit of mankind.

[1:30] Pluto-kun provides some basic information about plutonium. He explains that plutonium is created from uranium in nuclear reactors. He also says it was discovered by the US scientist Glenn T. Seaborg in 1940, and that it was named after the dwarf planet Pluto. (See Wikipedia for more.)

[2:30] Misconception #1 -- Pluto-kun addresses the fear that criminals could obtain plutonium and build a nuclear weapon. He explains two reasons why this would be virtually impossible. First, weapons require plutonium with a purity of at least 93%, but plutonium from reactors is only about 70% pure. A high level of technology would be required to produce weapons from this plutonium. Second, a high level of security is maintained around plutonium in Japan, making it all but impossible to steal.

Pluto-kun -- Pluto-kun --

[4:00] Misconception #2 -- Pluto-kun addresses the fear that plutonium is deadly and causes cancer. Plutonium's danger to the human body stems from the alpha radiation it emits. Because alpha radiation is relatively weak, it does not penetrate the skin, and plutonium is not absorbed into the body if it comes into contact with skin. He explains that you would not die instantly if you were to drink plutonium. If swallowed, the vast majority simply passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed. If it enters the blood stream (through a cut, for example) it cannot be removed easily from the body. It accumulates in the lymph nodes before ending up in the bones or liver, where it continues emitting alpha radiation. Plutonium can also get into the liver or bones if it is inhaled into the lungs. It is important not to breathe it in or allow it to enter the blood stream.

[6:00] No human is ever known to have died because of inhaling or ingesting plutonium.

[7:00] Pluto-kun explains what would happen if criminals dumped plutonium into a reservoir that provides our drinking water. Plutonium is heavy and it does not dissolve easily in water, so most of it would sink to the bottom. Even if you were to drink plutonium-laced water everyday, the vast majority of it would simply pass through the digestive system without being absorbed by the body.

Pluto-kun -- Pluto-kun --

[7:30] Pluto-kun suggests that the dangers of plutonium are often overemphasized, making it seem scarier than it actually is. He explains that most people associate plutonium with deadly radiation and nuclear weapons, but he likens this to a fear of non-existent ghosts.

[9:40] Pluto-kun explains that he is not a monster, and he asks you to understand who he truly is. As long as people use him peacefully and with care, there will never be any danger or anything to fear. He will provide an endless source of energy for a long time to come. He will be a reliable friend.

Video: SWITL magic goop scoop

28 Mar 2011

SWITL -- an impressive "robot hand" tool developed by factory equipment manufacturer Furukawa Kikou -- seems to defy the laws of nature by picking up deposits of gels, sauces and other soft semi-liquids without smearing them or altering their shape. This demo video shows how well the tool handles mayonnaise and ketchup.

Details about the technology are not available on Furukawa Kikou's website (perhaps because the patent is pending), but the tool appears to incorporate a conveyor belt design. According to the company, the magic goop scoop was originally developed for use in bakery production lines, but its unique ability to cleanly handle semi-liquids makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Elfoid: Humanoid mobile phone

04 Mar 2011

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --
Elfoid -- a REAL android phone

Robotics researchers from Osaka University have teamed up with NTT Docomo and Qualcomm to develop a handheld humanoid phone that brings a new dimension to mobile communications. A prototype of the device -- called "Elfoid P1" -- was unveiled at a presentation in Tokyo on March 3.

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --

The Elfoid phone is a miniature version of the Telenoid R1 robot developed last year by a research team led by Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro. The current prototype measures 20 centimeters (8 in) long, is covered in a soft fleshy urethane skin, and has the same genderless and ageless appearance as the Telenoid. The control buttons are embedded in the chest, which glows green when the Elfoid is in use.

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --
Dr. Ishiguro with Telenoid and Elfoid [Photo by: eSeL.at]

Like the full-sized Telenoid robot, the Elfoid handset is designed to add an element of realism to long-distance communication by recreating the physical presence of a remote user.

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --
[Photo: Ars Electronica]

Equipped with a camera and motion-capture system, the Elfoid phone will be able to watch the user's face and transmit motion data to another Elfoid phone, which can then reproduce the face and head movements in real-time.

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --
[Photo by: d_&_r]

The current prototype is unable to move, but future versions will incorporate tiny motors and parts made from shape-memory alloys, allowing the Elfoid to move its eyes, mouth, neck and arms. Other features will include a temperature sensor, accelerometer, and an easy-to-use voice and gesture based interface.

Elfoid humanoid mobile phone robot --
[Photo by: antjeverena]

The developers hope to have a fully operational Elfoid mobile phone within five years.

[Sources: ATR, Gizmodo Japan, Yomiuri]

Video: Siberian tiger ‘escapes’ from Tokyo zoo

23 Feb 2011

A person disguised as a Siberian tiger ran wild through Tokyo's Tama Zoo yesterday in an exercise to prepare zookeepers for dangerous situations involving escaped animals.


+ Video

Yesterday's dramatic simulation involved a Siberian tiger that escaped its pen following an earthquake. The mock animal wandered freely through the park, attacking zoo workers and visitors before it was surrounded with nets, shot with a tranquilizer dart, and transported back to its cage.

Theatrical exercises involving people in animal costumes are conducted each year in Tokyo at either Tama Zoo or Ueno Zoo. In addition to providing hands-on experience with capturing escaped animals, the drills force zookeepers to administer first aid, usher visitors to safety, and coordinate with local emergency services. Here are a few videos of past exercises.


+ Rhinoceros - Ueno Zoo, 2004


+ Polar bear - Ueno Zoo, 2002


+ Orangutan - Tama Zoo, 2007


+ Tiger - Ueno Zoo, 2010



+ Zebra - Ueno Zoo, 2008

Photos: ‘Snow monsters’ of Japan

04 Feb 2011

Ghostly trees covered in snow and rime ice -- known as "snow monsters" or juhyou (frost-covered trees) in Japanese -- are a celebrated feature of the winter landscape in mountainous areas of northern Japan. Here are a few photos.

Snow monster --
Hakkōda Mountains, Aomori prefecture [via]

Snow monsters --
Hakkōda Mountains, Aomori prefecture [via]

Ice monster --
Mt. Moriyoshi, Akita prefecture [via]

Snow monster --
Hakkōda Mountains, Aomori prefecture [via]

Ice monster --
Mt. Zao, Yamagata prefecture [via]

Trees covered in rime ice --
Mt. Moriyoshi, Akita prefecture [via]

See more photos of Japanese "snow monsters" »

Video: Kirishima volcano eruption

27 Jan 2011


+ Video

Shinmoe peak (Shinmoe-dake), part of the Kirishima volcano group in southern Kyushu, began erupting yesterday (Jan 26) in dramatic fashion. The eruption, thought to be the largest at Kirishima since 1959, sent a plume of ash 1,500 meters into the air, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a Level 3 volcano warning for the surrounding area. This spectacular footage of the eruption was captured by an observer in the area.


+ Video

Last night's action was also captured on a webcam at Kirishima [click "霧島山 猪子石(新燃岳)" in the menu on the right to display the latest image], and the still images were pieced together into a time-lapse video.


+ Video

Pink Tentacle’s greatest hits – 2010

24 Dec 2010

As 2010 draws to an end, here's a look back at the year's most popular Pink Tentacle posts.

Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

- Old-school Tokyo subway manner posters: 27 train etiquette posters from the 1970s-1980s

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Best of 2010 --

- Custom scooters: Photos of 30 Japanese scooter mods

* * * * *

Best of 2010 --

- Post-apocalyptic Tokyo scenery: Fantastic photo manipulations by Tokyogenso

* * * * *

Best of 2010 --

- Macabre kids' book art by Gojin Ishihara: Not just for kids

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Best of 2010 --

- Concept cars: A look back at 50+ years of Japanese concept car designs

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Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

- Japanese town logos: 50 examples of kanji-based logos for Japanese towns

* * * * *

Best of 2010 --

- Kaikidan Ekotoba monster scroll: Mysterious mid-19th century scroll featuring 33 legendary monsters and human oddities

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Best of 2010 --

- Futuristic mega-projects: Shimizu Corporation's bold architectural plans for the world of tomorrow

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Best of 2010 --

- Horror illustrations by Tatsuya Morino: The great monsters of Gothic literature get a makeover

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Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 -- Best of 2010 --

Selections from the Japanese urban legend series

- Ningen: Giant humanoid sea creatures of the Antarctic
- Sony timer: Rumors of a secret kill switch in Sony products
- Severed samurai head in Tokyo: A head buried in Tokyo has haunted the city for 1,000 years
- Secrets of the Tokyo underground: Rumors of a hidden city under Tokyo
- Hanako-san: Girl ghost haunts restrooms across Japan
- Human-faced dog: Encounters with mysterious canines
- Okiku doll: A haunted toy with hair that grows
- Urban legends from Meiji-period Japan: Phantom trains, bloody chocolate, and more
- Cursed commercial: Infamous Kleenex ad that sparked fear across Japan
- Human pillars: Tales of human sacrifice for large-scale construction projects

* * * * *

Best of 2010 --

- Sci-fi illustrations by Shigeru Komatsuzaki: Fantastic art from the 1960s-1970s (bonus points for the comments)

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Best of 2010 --

- Manga farming: Nifty gardening technique by Tokyo-based artist Koshi Kawachi

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Best of 2010 --

- Paintings by Tetsuya Ishida: Surreal and provocative

Happy holidays, and thanks for reading. See you again in 2011!

Video: Glowing lips of electric flame scallop

12 Nov 2010

This video presented by the Enoshima Aquarium shows the bioluminescent mantle of a flame scallop (Ctenoides ales, a.k.a. noble file clam or electric eye scallop), a bivalve mollusk found around reefs in shallow tropical waters. The purpose of the flashing lips remains a mystery.