Rat learns to fly

Thomas DeMarse of the University of Florida has created a “brain” from 25,000 rat brain neurons, connected it via a grid and a desktop computer to an F-22 flight simulator. Using a $500,000 from the National Science Foundation, the “underlying goal is a more fundamental understanding of how neurons interact as a network.”

So far the “brain” has learned to control the pitch and yaw of the simulated craft in both good and adverse flying conditions.

Remember the rough landing of your last flight? Maybe there’s hope.

Arnold has gas, hydrogen that is

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired GM to build a hydrogen powered Hummer. He’s using it to promote his plan to create a “hydrogen highway,” a network of hydrogen fuel stations across California as part of a plan to move towards alternative fuels.

No one’s saying how the fuel economy of the specially built vehicle compares to the standard Hummer. However, it has a range of only 50 miles. With only a dozen hydrogen fuel stations currently in the state, the “Hydro-Hummer” won’t be going far.

Doesn’t seem to be any word from the environmental front on this. Maybe they’re holding out for one driven by a rat brain. Couldn’t be any worse than the current California traffic situation.

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