The rise of the mountain's more horrible than the nuclear threat?

It turns out there is more terrible than the North Korean nuclear threat, which is a force of nature. The international team is now researching Mount Paektu, which is located in the North Korean border with China.

Last eruption of Mt. Paektu happened thousands of years ago and the second largest in recorded in the human history, after the eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia in 1815. In recent years the volcano showed signs of rise. If that happens, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Mount Paektu, on North Korea’s border with China. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"If until the eruption happens, the impact will be felt by Korea and China," said James Hammond, one of the scientists of University of London who involved in the study, as quoted on the New Scientist on Monday, April 18, 2016.

In 946 AD, the eruption of Mt. Paektu is the highest mountain in the Korea, threw about 96 cubic kilometers of material into the sky. The number is 30 times that of a burst of material from Mt. Vesuvius that buried the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. At that time Mt. Vesuvius throws 3.3 cubic kilometers of material.

Although the size and impact of the eruption is enormous, but little information is known about the mountain that is considered 'sacred'. Why is sacred? North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (Kim Jong-un's father) touted was born in the secret camp near Mt. Paektu. That said, his birth was full of the supernatural signs like appearance of bright stars, the season suddenly changed from winter to spring. The founder of North Korea, as well as lifetime president Kim Il-sung also reportedly born in the mountain.

Need cooperation across the country to uncover the mystery of Mt. Paektu. The researchers of western countries was involved in the study, because the North Korean investigation team, led by Ri Kyong-song of the government’s Earthquake Administration in Pyongyang, requires access to extra scientific equipment and know-how.

The China volcanologist who also monitors the mountain that they call as Changbaishan, also require information from the Korean side. Both the China and North Korea are continuing to monitor Mt. Paektu more closely since the mysterious bulge visible in and around the mountain between 2002 and 2005. The GPS study shows there are the ground deformation, increasing of emission gases, and seismic rumble.

The mysterious bulge visible in and around the mountain between 2002 and 2005. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"It is a priority for both countries. Both have volcano monitoring networks, to keep watch over Mt. Paektu," said Hammond.

Hammond and other researchers from Western countries who were invited to North Korea in 2011, to install six seismometers within 60 kilometers from the mountain -- to detect seismic waves from earthquakes elsewhere in the world through the ground beneath Mt. Paektu.

The seismic waves propagate at different speeds through rock solid and liquid, giving information to the scientists on related what was on the bottom of the mountain. The results show that there is a vast magma beneath the volcano. "It's a mushy mixture of rocks and crystals that melt down through the crust in the depth of about 35 kilometers," says Hammond.

Yet there is no liquid magma pools that form near the surface -- which can be considered as the early symptoms of the eruption. And the researchers should continue to answer many questions about Mt. Paektu, such as where is magma pools formed, how much, and what the implications are.

In 946 AD, the eruption of Mount Paektu, Korea’s highest mountain, blasted 96 cubic kilometres of debris into the sky. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"When the amount of magma reached a certain point with the appropriate pressure, then the volcano may erupt," said Hammond. Until now, researchers have not been sure how much magma accumulated up to Mt. Paektu could erupt.

That's why, Hammond says, the collaboration will continue for some time. "We will discuss what we will do during the next 12 months, and long-term for 5 to 10 years into the future," he said further. After many years of working together, both teams should know each other well, talking about the geology through a translator. There is no political content at all, solely to science.

"There is no political element at all. We are working together to understand a huge volcano. The fact we are entering into a dialogue is a good example that science transcend political differences," said Hammond.

Even Ri Kyong-song spent about a month in the UK completed the study results and draft for publication. North Korea intends to open the door for scientists, through an agency called Piintec. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSCIENTIST]

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The Chery's future concept car finally revealed

As promised previously through the teaser image circulated widely on the Internet, so at the Beijing Auto Show 2016 is used by  Chery Automobile to show a concept car named Future Vision (FV) 2030. This car carries the theme of "Fun to Drive, Enjoy Future with Chery".

The Chery Automobile's future concept car named Chery FV2030 exhibited at the Beijing Auto Show 2016. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqXOg)

Of the 12 products brought by Chery Automobile to the China's biggest automotive event, the FV2030 arguably got the most attention of the event spectators. Because the car carrying futuristic body design and quite unique look. 

Right side view of Chery FV2030. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqXOg)

The automaker of the future car concept with the gullwing doors even used the word 'super cool' to describe its overall design, such as the 'fantasy' 3D holographic screen on its body as well as the use of large-diameter wheels and unique rims. The car maker seems to be trying to show the world a young and vigorous Chinese vehicle brand; and that’s coming from Cherry.

Rear side view of Chery FV2030. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqXOg)

As quoted from Carscoops, the FV2030 name itself contains the expectations of this Chinese automobile manufacturer so that their products could be the best vehicles in the next 20-30 years.

Chery equip the FV2030 with three future technological concepts, ie intelligent, internet, and eco-friendly energy. From the concept, it can be known that the FV2030 can be connected with other vehicles through a network as well as its driving forces relies on electrical energy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS]

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Soon a hybrid scooter of Honda will become a reality

Honda reportedly is building a hybrid automatic scooter. It is known after their patent drawings spread across the internet. As quoted from Car and Bike on Friday, April 22, 2016, in the picture looks a gasoline engine will be assisted by an electric motor. Both work in turns so as to minimize exhaust emissions.

Honda has recently released a blueprint of sorts, for scooters with hybrid engines. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZmqAD)

This scooter was allegedly a Honda SH Series are sold in Southeast Asia automotive market, one of which Vietnam. In the country, SH used an engine capacity of 125 and 150 cc. And Honda SH also sold in several European countries, such as Britain.

The figure of hybrid motorcycle on Honda's patent drawings has a similarity with Honda SH Series are sold in Southeast Asia automotive market, one of which Vietnam that used two engine option ie 125 cc and 150 cc. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1Zmrvn)

The image also shows that the hybrid engine using the start/stop technology which can be changed easily. This is not the first time Honda developed a hybrid motorcycle. In 2011, Honda released the GoldWing that implement a similar system.

Honda has recently released a blueprint of sorts, for scooters with hybrid engines. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZmqAD)

In addition to Honda, another two-wheeled vehicle manufacturers that also developing a hybrid technology is Suzuki. Unmitigated, they reportedly is developing a hybrid motosport which is also known through the patent drawings leaking on the internet.

2011 Honda Goldwing Hybrid Concept. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZmrY1)

The development of hybrid engines actually have first conducted a four-wheel vehicle manufacturers, and then following a two-wheeler. This was done to meet higher emissions standards, also for reasons of environmental safety. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR AND BIKE]

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Scientists found the origin of the human hands and feet

A recent study showed that the human hands and feet have the same genetic program with the gills on some types of fish such as sharks and stingrays.

The results of this study then revive a 138 years old theory, which says that the human limbs initially evolved from the gills of fish. The theory was first expressed in 1879 by a German anatomy expert, Karl Gegenbaur. He said, that the fish fin and even human limbs evolved from a structure of cartilage in the gills of fish.

Fish fins and limbs in mammals may have an evolutionary link to the gill arches of cartilaginous fish such as sharks, skates and rays. The link comes down to a gene called "Sonic hedgehog." (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZigPW)

Indeed, unlike other fish, the fish with cartilaginous skeleton such as sharks and stingrays have a series of skin folds to protect their gills. These folds formed by some arch cartilage.

A skate embyro examined in the study to prove the Sonic gene. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZihHh)

For about 100 years the Gegenbaur theory did not get much response, because at least the fossil record supports this theory. Now scientists are re-thinking the Gegenbaur while using cutting-edge genetic research techniques. This time in a study they examined the stingray embryos.

Researchers have used the latest genetic techniques on embryos of the little skate and found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used in the development of its gill arches (shown above) and those in human limbs. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZigPW)

The results were startling, because they found similarities in the genetic mechanisms of the gills growth on fish embryos with the growth of human limbs. The similarities of mechanism was found in a gene called "Sonic Hedgehog". This gene is very important in the growth of the hands and feet of humans. It serves to determine the identity of each human finger and keep the bones growth of hands and feet.

The new study shows the functions of the Sonic hedgehog gene in human limb development - dictating the identity of each finger and maintaining growth of the limb skeleton - are mirrored in the development of the branchial rays in skate embryos. A stock image of a model of a human arm is shown above. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZigPW)

This mechanism was also discovered by scientists in the growth of stingrays embryo. The study was led by Andrew Gillis of the University of Cambridge, UK, and has been published in the Development journal on April 18, 2016. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL]

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A unique mini car made by Shell

Has it ever occurred by you that an oil company is even planning to produce a fuel-efficient vehicle? Probably not, but Shell did it. The Netherlands-based oil company, in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design and Geo Technology to designed and made the Shell Concept Car, a gasoline-powered urban car yet highly fuel efficient. Thus reported by the Engineer, last weekend.

As we all knew, Gordon Murray is a Formula 1 car designer who had worked for Brabham and McLaren, while the Geo Technology is the automotive specialist company established by former Honda F1 director, Osamu Goto.

Project M City Car Concept is the efforts of Shell to create an urban car that is fuel efficient. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoMHk)

This concept car is part of Project M, which is managed by Shell started on last year to improve the urban people movement in the city today and in the future. Therefore, this car also given a name as 'Project M City Car Concept.'

After designing the F1 racing car, Murray makes the Gordon Murray Design company that introduced the concept of iStream to manufacture a vehicle. This concept is also applied to the Project M's. And as the basis for its design, Project M has made the Murray's T.25 car in 2010 as inspiration. Shell himself calls the Project M as "a total rethinking of T.25." 

As wrote by This is Money, there are almost no difference in terms of design between the two cars. And Shell claims the car can run about 38 km on just one liter of gasoline, if it is run in a constant speed of 70 km/h. This figure does not seem surprising, but very impressive when considering that the Project M is not a hybrid car. It fully rely on gasoline as the fuel of its engine.

The oil giant has released information and images of its new Project M concept car featuring a forward-folding roof (Clam-Shell design). (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoMh4)

There are several factors that make Project M can reach the level of fuel efficiency as such. First, according to Gizmag, materials are chosen very selectively and the vehicle sizes downsized on a section that allows, regardless of the size of parts. It is intended to the weight of the vehicle to be light and minimize the air resistance when the vehicle moves so that the fuel is more efficiently.

Dashboard view of the Shell concept car. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoMV9)

A number of car components are also created using the 3D printing in order to accelerate the development of a prototype of this vehicle. This vehicle also uses recycled carbon fiber to saves a quarter of the price of the car body design in general. Another added value, this car has a weighs of 550 kg and fully recyclable when no longer used. Then Shell also set up a special lubricating oils that can make this mini urban car became 5 percent more efficient than when using regular lubricants.

The Project M has a top speed of 156 km/h (97 mph), but this is limited to 145 km/h (90 mph) by design. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoN2u)

The mini urban car of Shell is powered by a three cylinder 660 cc engine, which its supporting components is designed specifically by Geo Technology to reduce friction. Shell stated that engine can spew the power up to 43 hp and 64 Nm of torque, and has a maximum speed of 110 km/h, but the best performance obtained at a speed of 50-70 km/h. This car also can be filled three people, namely the driver in front of the central part and two passengers behind.

Seat configuration of the Shell concept car. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoNSH)

The Engineer also reported, that the concept car has been conducted the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) emission tests, and produces lower CO2 emissions record of 28 percent compared to similar mini urban car and 32 percent lower than a hybrid car. According to This is Money, though tiny, the car's safety can be guaranteed as keep in mind the T.27 (the successor of T.25) has passed the Euro NCAP crash test in 2011.

"This is a significant achievement in an automobile engineering," said Mark Gainsborough, the executive vice president of Shell global's lubricants business. "The results of this project could change the way we use energy in the road transport sector."

One thing that is highlighted by Gainsborough is increased the fuel efficiency due to the use of special lubricants developed with engine designers and the car as a whole. "It proves the important role of lubricant in order to reduce CO2," he said. Shell has not announced when the car is going to try to be produced, but will be introduced to the public for the first time at the Beijing Motor Show 2016 held on April 25 to May 5, 2016 in China.

"This car may be small," said Andrew Hepher, the vice president of Shell lubricants research team, was quoted as saying Autocar.co.uk. "But a lot of potential in it. In the coming weeks, we will share our research results with the designers of engines, vehicle manufacturers, academics, and other experts," he said further. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GORDON MURRAY DESIGN | THE ENGINEER  | THIS IS MONEY | GIZMAG | AUTOCAR]

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Harley Davidson Sport Jet

Harley Davidson with a jet engine?? Yes, that's 1929 Harley Davidson motorcycle that uses the twin pulsejet engine. The motorcycle dubbed 'Harley Davidson Sport Jet' which has a body that is low, but more length and stay slim. It looks like this is not a good thing, because the shape looks quite strange..

Harley Davidson Sport Jet built by Bob Maddox. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZhF8c)

But do not underestimate the motorcycle. This bike is found to have used the twin pulsejet engine, in which the left and right side of the body looks a pair of big pipes that serves as the exhaust gases.

Bob Maddox was the one who managed to change the look of 1929 Harley Davidson Board Track Racer to be thin but looks solid. Bob Maddox deliberately put the pulsejet engine on the motorcycle.

Rear side view of Harley Davidson Sport Jet. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZhF8c)

Bob Maddox build a package of motorcycle with the twin pulsejet engine includes pipes and tubes of pressure that he thought could thrilling window of the house, at least in a five-block radius. Sportjet has a very large torque is 340 Nm and is able to run more than 320 km/h.

This jet bike has a very light weight of only 113 kilograms, and red colored Harley Davidson bike was able to accelerate from 0-100 km per hour in 5 seconds.

For once the operation, this motorcycle cost about US $20 for the purchase of fuel, unfortunately Maddox did not give details of what fuel is used and the proportion of fuel usage and mileage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PIPEBURN]

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