Lifeboat Foundation

In Brief

• A team of engineers at Brigham Young University have designed a bulletproof shield prototype that is inspired by origami.
• This new prototype is much lighter weight than previous models and could prove extremely useful in the field.

A new origami-inspired bulletproof shield prototype that can withstand shots fired from 9mm, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum pistols was created by a team of engineers from Brigham Young University (BYU).

Most bulletproof shields or barriers weigh almost 100 pounds, making them difficult to use and transport. A lightweight version would a useful alternative. Weighing only 55 pounds (25 kilograms), this new shield is made up of 12 layers of Kevlar with an aluminum core, and it is so light it can be folded.

Continue reading “This Lightweight Origami Shield Can Withstand Gunshots from a 9mm” »

Foam armor for the future.

In the George Lucas classic Star Wars, hero Luke Skywalker’s arm is severed and amputated during a lightsaber fight and consequently fitted with a bionic arm that he can use as if it were his own limb. At the time the script was written, such a remedy was pure science fiction; however, the ability to manufacture bionic arms that have the functionality and even feel of a natural limb is becoming very real, with goals of launching a prototype as soon as 2009. Already, primates have been trained to feed themselves using a robotic arm merely by thinking about it, while brain sensors have been picking up their brain-signal patterns since 2003. The time has come for implementing this technology on paralyzed human patients and amputees. This article will provide a brief explanation of the technology, its current status, and the potential future it holds.

Want your own lightsaber? with this printer you can have your own.

This 3D-printable custom lightsaber is truly a thing of beauty. Here’s how you can make your own.

Scientists have just found a way to make use of plasma, the fourth state of matter, to improve bone development. Using cold fusion, researchers were able to initiate increased bone growth.

It is a bit ironic that plasma is the least known state of matter, when in fact it is the most abundant in the universe. It is found in our Sun and all other stars, lightning, in our TVs, fluorescent light, and neon signs, and (purportedly) even in our favorite fictional weapon in the Star Wars universe, the lightsaber.

Plasma can be classified according to the degree of ionization, temperature, etc, but whatever form it may take, plasma has been used in various fields, such as in spacecraft propulsion, agriculture, and quite recently, in medicine.

Continue reading “Regenerative Medicine: Plasma Being Used To Improve Bone Healing” »

“At the possible brink of a new nuclear arms race, questions answered during the Cold War will need to be reopened.”

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“Modern life relies on satellite sytems but they are alarmingly vulnerable to attack as they orbit the Earth. Patricia Lewis explains why defending them from hostile forces is now a primary concern for states”

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Very nice. I am looking forward to seeing it more utilize to help citizens and especially kids.

Gunfire or Car Backfire? Most people don’t know the difference however Shooter Detection Systems and Desktop Alert do.

Rowley, Massachusetts (PRWEB) February 09, 2016.

Continue reading “Desktop Alert, Inc. and Shooter Detection Systems, LLC Announce Successful Integration” »

In case you’re wondering…

There IS a big, goofy and stupid smile on my face!

Continue reading “BB-8 Speaks, Chewie Roars, and Kylo Ren Threatens Rey in New ‘Star War: Force Awakens’ Trailer” »