World's Sea Life Is 'Facing Major Shock'

Life in the world's oceans faces far greater chance of large-scale extinctions than at any previous time in human history, a team of the world's leading marine scientists has warned. The researchers from Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, Panama, Norway and the UK have compared events which drove massive extinctions of sea life in the past with what is observed to be taking place in the seas and oceans globally today.

Three of the five largest extinctions of the past 500 million years were associated with global warming and acidification of the oceans -- trends which also apply today, the scientists say in a new article in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution.Other extinctions were driven by loss of oxygen from seawaters, pollution, habitat loss and pressure from human hunting and fishing -- or a combination of these factors. "Currently, the Earth is again in a period of increased extinctions and extinction risks, this time mainly caused by human factors," the scientists stated.

While the data is harder to collect at sea than on land, the evidence points strongly to similar pressures now being felt by sea life as for land animals and plants. The researchers conducted an extensive search of the historical and fossil records to establish the main causes of previous marine extinctions -- and the risk of their recurring today. "We wanted to understand what had driven past extinctions of sea life and see how much of those conditions prevailed today," says co-author Professor John Pandolfi, of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies.

Marine extinction events vary greatly. In the 'Great Death' of the Permian 250 million years ago, for example, an estimated 95 per cent of marine species died out due to a combination of warming, acidification, loss of oxygen and habitat. Scientists have traced the tragedy in the chemistry of ocean sediments laid down at the time, and abrupt loss of many sea animals from the fossil record. "We are seeing the signature of all those drivers today -- plus the added drivers of human over exploitation and pollution from chemicals, plastics and nutrients," Prof. Pandolfi says.

"The fossil record tells us that sea life is very resilient -- that it recovers after one of these huge setbacks. But also that it can take millions of years to do so." The researchers wrote the paper out of their concern that the oceans appear to be on the brink of another major extinction event. "There may be still time to act," Prof. Pandolfi says. "If we understand what drives ocean extinction, we can also understand what we need to do to prevent or minimize it. We need to understand that the oceans aren't just a big dumping ground for human waste, contaminants and CO2 -- a place we can afford to ignore or over exploit."

"Even though we cannot easily see what is going on underwater, we need to recognise that the influence of 7 billion humans is now so great it governs the fate of life in the oceans. And we need to start taking responsibility for that." He adds "The situation is not hopeless. If fact we have seen clear evidence both from the past and the present that sea life can bounce back, given a chance to do so. "For example, in Australia we have clear evidence of that good management of coral reefs can lead to recovery of both corals and fish numbers.

"In effect, we need to stop recklessly polluting the environment that would lead to these massive extinction events, curb the toxic and nutrient-rich runoff from the land that is causing ocean 'dead zones' manage our fisheries more sustainably and protect their habitat better. "All these things are possible, but people need to understand why they are essential. That is the first step in taking effective action to prevent extinctions."

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Lamborghini Urus Concept Unveiled

After nearly three decades of waiting Lamborghini has taken the wraps off of a second rendition of an off-road vehicle. This time called the Urus, the look is much sportier than their previous attempts and will likely appeal to a much wider audience. It's also quite a necessary step, says Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. Stating that supercars alone cant maintain a business.

Winkelmann thinks the Urus will be very profitable. It's scheduled to enter production about four years from now, and could sell 3000 units a year; a huge number considering the company sold a combined 1600 Gallardos and Aventadors last year. Unlike Lamborghini's first SUV, the infamous LM002, it would not be ridiculously expensive to build. Rather, it would share the same basic architecture as the next Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Pricing would likely start at about $100,000, which is roughly the same as a Cayenne Turbo, and go up to around $200,000.

A very futuristic interior; a hint of things to come?

How much Lamborghini DNA can run through an Audi-bred SUV is uncertain. The Urus certainly promises the over the top power we expect from the Italian sports car maker; more than 600 hp. But it won't come from a screaming V-12 engine. The crossover will likely feature a turbocharged V-8 shared with other Volkswagen products, possibly teamed with a battery-powered electric motor. That's right, a Lamborghini hybrid.

 

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera LP-1000

Custom Lamborghin's are few and far between for a few simple reasons. Mainly there's not a lot to customize on a car that's built to turn heads right out of the box. Then factor in that customizing any vehicle can make it much more difficult to sell, especially if you plan on getting the majority of your capitol back. But that wont stop a few brave and wealthy people from creating a one off version of a car that's already one in a million. Specifically adding a twin-turbo to the Lamborghini's already tricked out engine will produce something akin to a jet engine.

So here we have a prime example of taking something that is already perfect and making it mind-blowing. Not only was this car fitted with a full Heffner twin turbo system but the engine was also fully built and fuel system upgraded for maximum performance. Producing 900hp on pump gas and over 1000 on race gas Im sure this thing is more than a handful to drive. Here's a list of the goodies...

LP570 Twin Turbo System:
Twin Precision Dual Ball Bearing Turbos
Twin Tial 44mm Wastegates
Twin Compressor Bypass Valves
Custom Ceramic Coated Stainless Steel Turbo Mid Pipes And Down Pipes
Polished Stainless Steel Air Inlet And Discharge
Twin Water To Air Intercoolers
Braided Stainless Steel Turbo Oil Feed And Drain Lines
Twin High Flow K&N Air Filters
Twin High Flow Mass Air Flow Meters
Custom Engine Controller Remapping

Complete Engine Build:
Carrillo Billet Steel Connecting Rods
Custom Forged Pistons
Heavy Dury Wrist Pins
Piston Ring Set
Connecting Rod and Main Bearings
Steel Cylinder Liners
Boring of Block With Torque Plate
Balancing of Rotating Assembly
Engine Blueprinting & Assembly
Cylinder Head Bolts
Main Cap Bolts
All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
Upgraded Low Side Fuel System

But thats not all...this beast also has a full custom IMSA carbon fiber wide body kit that give the car a one-off look and makes room for extra wide Forgiato center bolt wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

Virtually every trim piece on this Lambo is Carbon Fiber including all interior trim, rear view mirrors, spoiler, engine trim, air vents, rear/front diffusers, center console, door panels.

Lamborghini "Sesto Elemento" to be Produced

Lamborghini is constantly striving to outdo themselves, which is key for any technology based company. But even for the Raging Bull marque, some of its supercars have been more extreme than others. It broke new ground when it produced the Reventón, and then followed up with the Reventón Roadster, giving those lucky individuals with healthy bank accounts a chance at owning a machine even more exclusive than the company's "standard" offerings.

Sant'Agata is preparing to tap back into that customer base with the Sesto Elemento, a Gallardo-sized concept car that is set to enter limited production as an exclusive track toy for those with the means. But will Lamborghini stop going down this road when all 20 examples of the Sesto Elemento are signed, sealed and delivered? Hardly. According to the latest reports from the Old World, the Reventon and Sesto Elemento are destined to go down in history as the first in a long line of million-dollar exotics from the Bolognese automaker.

So what will the next billionaire's Lambo entail? Far too early to say, but according to reports citing CEO Stephan Winkelmann, don't expect it to follow the same extreme-lightweight approach as the Sesto Elemento, as improving on that formula would be too much even for Lamborghini. Given that a good three years separated the debut of the Reventón from the debut of the Sesto Elemento in 2009, it'll be 2013 at the earliest before we have any idea.
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The main component of the new Sesto Elemento is carbon fiber and more specifically Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics. Lamborghini has been able to successfully develop a process that takes the material from 3D design through simulation, validation, testing, and finally into production. Its collaboration with the Boeing company is perhaps one of the most important to the development of this vehicle. The two companies have been able to develop the CFRP design much further than ever before thanks to their ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center). Two of the most unique parts designed for the exterior are the wheels made entirely out of carbon fiber and the exhaust system which is made out of a material called Pyrosic. This is a glass ceramic composite that can withstand high heat. Fat Loss Factor Click Here!

Lamborghini has taken its carbon fiber knowledge and expanded it to the suspension as well. Carbon-fiber control arms help reduce weight while the rear subframe with the engine mount and rear axle suspension points are made from aluminum which is another lightweight material that is used extensively in high performance vehicle design. The glass composite material used for the tailpipes on the exhaust system, which is composed of ceramic powder and synthetic resin, makes this carbon material extremely heat resistant.
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Electric Cars, the Future is Here

Electric cars are on the rise. I wasn't even aware there were actually over ten companies manufacturing electric vehicles. SO here is a run down of the top 10 and what they have to offer.

Nissan is the first automaker to put over 20,000 pure all-electric cars on U.S. highways. 50,000 will be delivered globally by the end of 2012. The 2012 LEAF includes DC Fast Charge and backup camera and starts at $35,200 or $369 per month. The Nissan Leaf is battery-electric with a 100-mile range per charge. LEAF Test drive. This 5-door, 5-seat, hatchback has the right size and range for many who drive under 100 miles daily, or for households with more than one car. Nissan will open a 150,000 electric car plant in Tennessee in 2013.

General Motors wants to be the plug-in leader with the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid with 40 miles of electric range and 500 miles per gasoline fill-up range. The Volt has a starting price of $39,145. In 2013, deliveries start for the Cadillac ELR using a plug-in hybrid drive system similar to the Volt and for the Chevy Spark EV, GM’s first pure battery electric small city car. GM will delivered about 10,000 plug-in cars in 2011 and up to 65,000 in 2012.

Ford will be selling at least five all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars by the end of 2012. The best seller will be the Ford Focus Electric, an all-electric that will compete with the Nissan LEAF. The Focus Electric can now be ordered starting at $39,200. Ford will soon take orders starting at $33,745 for a 2013 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, an exciting Crossover SUV that seats 5. The Ford Fusion Energi is a plug-in hybrid version of the popular sedan. In the future, the Ford Focus and Fusion will be available any way the customer wants it: all-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or fuel-efficient sedan.

Toyota world-leading seller of hybrids, will offer both plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars. With a starting price of $32,000, Toyota hopes to sell 15,000 Prius Plug-ins in 2012. Toyota is also selling the new battery-electric SUV, the RAV4 EV, with a 100-mile electric range. As city cars grow in popularity, the new pure battery-electric Scion IQ EV will compete with the Mitsubishi i and the Smart ED with dealer sales starting in Summer 2012.

Honda is preparing the Honda Fit EV and a plug-in hybrid for sale. The 2013 Fit EV can soon be purchased for $36,625 or $399 per month lease. The new EV will use Blue Energy lithium-ion batteries. Honda’s plug-in hybrid is likely to to be a premium midsized sedan, similar to its Clarity FCX, and be priced in late 2012.

Mitsubishi i fits tight parking spaces and tight electric car buyer budgets. The Mitsubishi i can now be reserved starting at $29,125. This fun-to-drive 5 door, 4 seat hatchback, has a wheel base 5 inches wider than Japan’s popular iMiEV for the U.S. market, but the micro-compact will still be able to fit in those precious city parking spaces too small for most EV. The more powerful U.S. version of the iMiEV has an electric range of 62 miles (EPA adjusted) with a 16kWh lithium battery.

Smart is putting 300 of these electric city cars into the San Diego Car2Go car sharing program. Fleet leasing of the Smart Fortwo ED is also underway in the United States using Tesla battery packs, but these second generation cars are underpowered on steep hills. Dealer sales are likely to start with a more powerful generation-three 2013 model year with a 55kW EM-motive motor and 17.6kWh ACCUmotive lithium battery.

Tesla owners are the first to put 10 million electric miles on U.S. roads. Tesla is delivering the roomy Model S hatchback that starts at $57,400. Production of the Roadster has stopped, with deliveries totaling 2,500. The Model S is a luxury sedan with remarkable electric range options of 160 to 300 miles per charge. Tesla is working with shareholder Toyota to bring back the Toyota RAV4 EV, an electric SUV. Tesla has partnered with shareholder Daimler to put Smart EDs on U.S. streets. In the future, the Tesla Model X will be a Crossover SUV for those that want more premium styling and interiors than alternatives from Chevrolet, Ford, and others.

Fisker Karma is a luxury sports plug-in hybrid for those who can afford over $100,000. With 20kWh of lithium batteries, you could go 50 miles before the 2L turbo engine is engaged. The Karma invites you to accelerate, using two electric motors that deliver 403 horsepower, so your mileage may vary. In theory it’s a 4-seater; with a tight fit in the back seat. With a naughty 900 lb/ft of torque, the Karma could rival the Bugatti Veyron, in theory. And lets face it this is one of the best looking cars ever made.

Apple iPhone 5 with LTE Technology

It certainly has been a long time coming—back in October of last year we all thought that we were going to get to see the iPhone 5, but were instead sold an updated version of the 4. The iPhone 4S, while a great phone, will likely be overshadowed by its successor which is now expected to be released in the second half of this year. More specifically, it is expected to come around the fall, either in September of October. This is interesting in itself as all previous iPhone models (except for the 4S) have been released in the summer. It is certainly possible that the 4S marked a new schedule that Apple will be going by in the future for iPhone releases. So while the release date of the iPhone 5 is certainly exciting and interesting, most of us are going to be looking for what goodies will be coming along with it. At this point a lot of the information surrounding the iPhone 5 is little more than speculation- there is next to zero concrete facts about it, just how Apple likes it. However, there is certainly no shortage of rumors surrounding the phone, with some sounding pretty likely that this point.

On top of a new battery and possibly a larger screen, the iPhone 5 will feature the latest and greatest version of Wi-Fi technology: 4G LTE. Currently the only Apple product with LTE technology is the new iPad, but that number is expected to grow enormously by the end of the year. So what exactly is LTE technology? LTE stands for “long term evolution”. LTE is a standard protocol for wireless technology, and specifies the frequency rate that the phone uses to communicate with wireless networks. Although LTE is often referred to as “4G” technology, LTE actually uses the same architecture found in 3G technology, and therefore is closer to it. Since LTE is essentially a communications protocol, that means it has to be adopted by networks across the globe. LTE technology can be found in both America and Canada, with it is being agreed upon in Mexico. So what is so special about LTE tech? This is simple- since all phones are going to be communicating on the some frequency rate, they will be communicating at a much improved rate. This means that when you are connected to a LTE network, your network speed will be improved enormously over 3G and 4G speeds.

APPLE IPHONE 5 CONCEPT GALLERY

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First Color Photo Form the Surface of Mars

The Mars rover Curiosity has sent back its first colour images of the red planet's surface.

And it turns out Mars is kind of... orangey.

The billion dollar, one-ton vehicle, which landed on Mars early Monday in what Nasa called its 'hardest ever' mission, sent the photos back via a satellite above the planet. The six-wheeled rover Curiosity was lowered to the Martian surface on three nylon tethers suspended from a hovering "sky crane" firing retro rockets. For the next 98 weeks - the length of one Martian year - Curiosity will explore a large Martian crater that billions of years ago may have been filled with water. The nuclear-powered rover is bristling with sophisticated technology designed to discover if the planet may once have supported life - including several cameras. The photo shows the rover's view north. The distant ridge is the north wall and rim of Gale Crater. The photo was in fact taken with the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager. It is blurry and indistinct because it was taken while the camera's transparent dust cover was still on. The fall of the rover left the camera coated in material, Nasa said, and some of the landscape has been enhanced with computer imagery.

Nasa explained: The peak seen on the left-side of the image is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) distant with a height of about 3,775 feet (1,150 meters) high. The box with arrows at the upper left indicates direction. The arrow pointing up is "up" with respect to the gravity of Mars. The arrow pointing to the right is east. North would be an arrow pointing into the image (that is, the view is toward the north).




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MARS COLOR IMAGE GALLERY

Mars from above showing a definite atmosphere. Amazing.
















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The following series is color enhanced but still give a better idea of the landscape than black and white.

This is a little closer to what the surface actually looks like.