Plankton are a source of oxygen on Earth

Tiny creatures called plankton in the oceans largely considered as food for whales and other large marine animals. But a four-year global study found, among other things, that the plankton is the source of oxygen on the planet.

Plankton are animals, algae, bacteria and other microscopic organisms invisible. They inhabit the upper layers of the oceans, seas and freshwater in the world.

Lake Ontario in North America, where the growth of plankton summer, seen from the International Space Station at NASA. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HxxpVg)

In a project named "Tara Oceans", which led by the French non-profit organization Tara Expeditions, there are 200 scientists from 45 countries who alternately examines plankton on a ship.

They set sail in September 2009, the Tara's vessel visited 210 locations, where scientists collect 35,000 samples, examining life, genetic composition and movement of these tiny creatures.

Chris Bowler, scientific coordinator of Tara Oceans, said the researchers found that plankton contribute much to the welfare of our planet. Creatures that "produces the oxygen we breathe, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generally maintain the condition of the Earth in order to live a decent human being," he said.

Bowler said that nearly half of the oxygen we breathe comes from diatoms, or mini photosynthetic algae that occupy all the layers of water that gets sunlight.

"Basically it means that every fifth breath, you inhale oxygen that can be directly traced back to the diatom," he said.

"So they are just as important as tropical forests in global contribution."

Executive director of the expedition, Romain Troublé said the study clearly showed that the oceans are Earth's climate machine.

"We believe that the oceans are also a major driver of climate change, the main organizer in the storage of carbon dioxide and heat," he said.

"And these machines work because the sea is in good health."

Different groups of scientists researching different things. One group, for example, makes the catalog to more than 40 million genes previously unknown plankton. Others find that the majority of plankton are parasitic interactions.

The data collected will be used to determine which of these organisms are most able to adapt to the conditions of the water change. The results of the first studies were published in the May issue of the journal Science, and many other analyzes will follow. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOA NEWS]
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10 Most Unique German Concept Cars (Part-1)

Germans renowned have produced some incredibly interesting concept cars over the years. Now we were talked about the unique German concept cars, we will take a look at 10 of their most unique.

The rules for the list are as follows: no concepts produced after 1985 are up for consideration, and any cars considered must be either prototypes or true concept cars – not custom-built coaches for individual buyers. Also excluded were homologation cars, like the Porsche 904. Besides, a car like that deserves it's own space in a future piece.

Here are the 1st part of 10 the most unique German concept cars.

1. 1939 Porsche Type 64

Many consider the Type 64 to be one of the first true Porsches. The heavily reinforced chassis provided a foundation for the formed aluminum skin. The body design was molded in a wind tunnel. Three cars were built, and in one of them the flat four engine was reworked to produce around 100 hp. It was built purposely for the 1939 Berlin to Rome race as a public relations tool.

1939 Porsche Type 64. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ADImHH)

Even though the proportions changed, it is not difficult to see what would ultimately become the 356 and other early Porsches in this purpose built car.

2. 1939 Mercedes-Benz T80

Perhaps one of the most unusual concepts, the T80 was a six wheeled vehicle built by Mercedes, and designed by Ferdinand Porsche for the purpose of breaking the world land speed record.

T80 had a tuned Daimler-Benz aircraft engine. The inverted V12 (crank up, cylinders down) with 44 liters displacement developed 3,000 hp. The engine ran on a mixture of 7 different chemicals. The streamlined body achieved a drag coefficient of an astonishing 0.18. Kurb weight: 2,900 kg (6393 lbs).

1939 Mercedes-Benz T80 (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1PTZbFo)

The car was targeted to achieve a speed of over 340 mph, but never made the attempt before the outbreak of World War II. Even prior to the war, Hitler envisioned the T80 as a powerful propaganda tool, and even increased the target speed of the car to 470 mph.

3. 1969 BMW 2800 Spicup Concept

Marcelo Gandini, working for Bertone day at the time, designed this concept for BMW. While it was based on a BMW 2500, outside of a highly modified chassis, the only parts carried over from the original car were the gauges and pedals.

1969 BMW 2800 Spicup Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1QgDZEw)

The concept was powered by a 2.8 L six-cylinder engine producing 170 hp through a four-speed manual pushing power to the rear wheels. The fully functional prototype proved very entertaining, but was too big a leap for BMW, relative to its product lineup and strategy at the time.

4. 1969 Opel CD Concept 
Opel's own in-house designers, under the guidance of long time General Motors designer Chuck Jordan, created the CD concept.

1969 Opel CD Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HTPC4T)

The CD concept was largely an exercise in aerodynamics, even spending some time in the wind tunnel – pretty common for production cars, but highly unusual for concept cars, especially in the late 1960s. It featured a canopy-like cockpit, with one piece of glass acting as both the windshield and side windows.

5. 1970 Porsche Tapiro Concept

Giugiaro designed car, built on a 914 platform, was considered a potential solution for mass production for Porsche. The very abrupt and straight lines were an indication of a larger design trend that was coming. Gullwing doors were used for both passengers as well as the engine.

1970 Porsche Tapiro Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1dCOeaf)

As an interesting aside, the Tapiro concept car was purchased by a private collector years ago, and in the 1980s, was found completely burned after it was involved in an accident. (Moving to the next-part.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95 CUSTOMS]
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From the Video game go down to Motorcycle

Inspired by the Konami's Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain video game, Triumph present 'Venom Triumph Bonneville VTB.1', a model which is ridden by one of the characters called ‘Snake’ in the video game at the MCN Comic-Con event in London, which was held from Friday, May 22, 2015. The special custom Triumph Bonneville based on the Bonneville T100.

Venom Triumph Bonneville VTB.1 ridden by a model at the MCN Comic-Con event . (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HKFNn5)

The big motorcycle modification is only built one unit and not sold to the public. And comprehensive changes have taken possession of all over its exterior body which is now turned into a tracker. The frightening impression instantly recognizable from its black wheels that wrapped with a pair of Continental TK80 tires.

Venom Triumph Bonneville VTB.1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HKFNn5)

Then the body of the motorcycle covered by black matte color. With the release of the front fender makes the front view becomes more fierce. Featuring a good mix of colours, yellow on the headlight glass, red on the cylinder heads, red disc brake callipers and yellow chain sprocket; the visitors to the Comic-Con gave a thumbs up the custom job. 

Left side view of Venom Triumph Bonneville VTB.1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HKFNn5)

There's no rear view mirrors, rev counter or speedometer. Then there is the special seat made of carbon kevlar leather, inspired from Snake’s combat wear and custom saddle bags made of jute. Even the exhaust pipe is covered with jute.

Right side view of Venom Triumph Bonneville VTB.1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HKFNn5)

Detailing too is commendable. On the tank you will notice Diamond Dogs logo, inspired from the video game. The makers say that the Venom Triumph Bonneville is a mission-ready motorcycle, reflecting Snake’s world.

"Here! one-off Triumph Bonneville, as a celebration of the new game from Konami UK - Metal Gear Solid V: The Panthom Pain," said Triumph in their twitter chirp. "Look in detail. One of the 'arm' steering rod metallic red," they added.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RUSHLANE]

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Finally, six of the Jag E-Type Limited Edition cars reborn

For more than half a century, the Jaguar iconic car, E-Type had becoming a rich man's vehicle collection. (See the previous article). And now, Jaguar has created a limited edition of six E-Type ever built, completed with its light aluminum engine which has gave as much 26 victories for the World's racing legends such as Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart.

The new Lightweight E-type is the first recreation to come from Jaguar Heritage. Just six of the lightweight cars will be built, each assigned one of the unused chassis numbers from 1963. (Picture from: http://dailym.ai/1RjerZE)

The British company that based in Coventry, England, was originally planned to make 18 units of E-Type, and only 12 units are up to the production line in between 1963 and 1964 and present in the streets. As a result, the remained car is very rare and worth at least £7 million.

Now, over 50 years later, as reported by the Daily Mail on Sunday, May 24, 2015, Jaguar has completed production to fulfill up to 18, with painstakingly they created six new cars with the original design, and give them the unused chassis numbers.

Those new cars are handmade by a team of 'Jaguar Heritage' in Browns Lane, with a cost of £1.2 million per unit and sold to six Jaguar's fans. One is the US car collector, John Breslow. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL]

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Studebaker Viente Victorias

Recently a Miami-based Gullwing America (GWA) officially introduced their latest project, Veinte Victorias, a retro-modern cars created as a tribute to Studebaker. 

GWA Studbaker Viente Victorias on Yellow racing liveries. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LGxsl9)

As reported by the Worldcarfans, Studebaker 1954 has managed to record 20 wins in the Carrera Panamericana race, in which 9 victories of them achieved in a row from 1993 to 2001.

Left side view of GWA Studbaker Viente Victorias on Yellow racing liveries. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LGxsl9)

Rear side view of GWA Studbaker Viente Victorias on Yellow racing liveries. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LGxsl9)

To celebrate this achievement, GWA has decided to give the tribute to the vehicle by developing Studebaker Veinte Victorias (which means "20 victories") which will be limited to 20 cars. And 19 of them will wearing yellow racing liveries while one unit will using black livery to serve as the pace car.

GWA Studbaker Viente Victorias on Black livery. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LGxsl9)

This retro style car body has a modern touches, with the supercharged LS9 V8 engine equipped with 6.2-liter capacity, which is able to burst the power of 620 bhp (462 kW). The power is channeled to all wheels through a six-speed manual transmission system.

Studebaker Veinte Victorias also constructed with a tubular chassis which has been strengthened, and has received Brembo HPK brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped with 4 Bridgestone tires. Gullwing America said Veinte Victorias will also feature a special suspension and equipped with the Fabspeed's exhaust systems. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WORLDCARFANS]

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Clays more dimensional, but endangered

Before the advent of computer technology in 3D or virtual reality headset, automotive manufacturers always make prototypes of new cars using clays. Supposedly, after the two technologies rose, the clays is no longer used.

But they are not. As quoted from Fast Code Design on Monday, May 25, 2015, using the ancient art of clay which is spent many months in order to form a new car body is still preserved.

Using the ancient art of clay that spent many months in order to form a new car body, still maintained by automotive manufacturers. (Picture form: http://bit.ly/1Hvqi3d)

Why did it happen? According to Joe Dehner, head of exterior design of the Dodge & Ram Truck, this was due to several things. "One is because it can not effectively evaluate the performance," he said.

Something similar is said by Chris Svensson, director of Ford's North American design. "Digital Projection can not accurately show how the light would play on the surface of the car. You can not mimic the sun," he said.

3D design technology indeed reduce the amount of clay in the production of a new car. (Picture form: http://bit.ly/1Hvqi3d)

Nevertheless, 3D design technology indeed have reduced the amount of use of clay. One European manufacturer, for example, has saved 70 percent clay as building new models with digital workflows.

Thus, although clay is still used in the production of a new car, it remains an endangered process, though not in the near future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FAST COMPANY]

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BMW's latest concept calls for the elegance of 1970's era

From time to time, BMW has always released the concept car which incidentally is the way of the design team to commemorate the classical model. Currently, BMW surprised the media with a teaser of their new concept called '3.0 CSL Hommage' adaptation of the classic coupé models of the 1970s and appear before its debut in the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2015.

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept stands along with the original version of BMW 3.0 CSL. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HK2R8r)

At first glance, the design looks very promising and now German car manufacturer has revealed the full manifestation of Hommage. "Our Hommage cars not only demonstrate how proud we are to our heritage, but also the importance of the past in determining our future," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.

Front three quarter of BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HK2R8r)

Coated with 'Yellow Golf,' a touch of classic design, an aggressive lighting elements and the use of carbon fiber, making the 3.0 CSL Hommage look modern without compromising its traditional characteristics. This concept car is not intended to highlight the technology, but rather the racing cars that rely on high-performance engine.

Interior view of BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HK2R8r)

Judging from some particular side, Hommage concept hinted clearly the legacy of the past. While the modern front face looks adopt from i8. In theory, mixing both styling will give the birth of stunning form, but in fact actually produce a rather strange appearance. Apart from that, if we observed carefully, two-thirds of the back of the concept car has a sleek shape and very stylish.

Right side view of BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HK2R8r)

Of course, CSL should have a light weight, according to the meaning of the 'L' letter as the last letter from CSL which has meaning 'lightweight'. Materials made from aluminum and Flexiglas used in the classic version is replaced with a material made from Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) on all over its body.

Rear view of BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1HK2R8r)

The interior is also made and dominated by CFRP that combines minimalist design with futuristic details like the use of cutback F1-style steering wheel and a digital dashboard and wood trim layers behind the dashboard as well as sleek sports seats covered with stitched leather.

Other elements of the design include the headlights are inspired by the BMW 7 Series 2016, then the front and rear wheel arches that looked chapped, as well as the spoiler on the roof and trunk that resembles the classic version of 3.0 CSL exterior. For its own body is made of plastic reinforced by carbon fiber, so the weight becoming 200 kg lighter than the original 3.0 CSL.

One thing that remains a question today is concerned about the hood and existence of overlapping shape on it that has added a bit of glamor, but it seems impossible to be able to open the hood. This probably explains why BMW did not release any information about the engine stored underneath. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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