Boffins
Do you need to constantly refer to scientists as "boffins"?
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have come up with a way to improve the power output of fuel cells by more than 50 per cent: a better membrane. The material was developed specifically for direct methanol fuell cells (DMFCs) and sits between the cell's two electrodes. It prevents current flowing directly …
I wouldn't mind if the word Boffin was actually used as slang for research scientists, but these days, your average tabloid journalist uses it for any body who does any kind of research or might vaguely be called a scientist.
In fact the red tops seem to think anyone more intelligent that their readership is a Boffin, which makes my cat Einstein.
this 50% increase in fuel cell tech is great but why are they looking to use flamable methanol fuel cell tech for laptops and other small portable kit, when theres already distilled water hydrogen PEM fuel cell tech ?
http://www.h-tec.com/education/english/technologie_brennstoff.asp?id=314
http://www.h-tec.com/education/english/sub_produkte/demonstration_exhibition.asp?id=221-
sure hydrogen is more flamable in bulk ,BUT, these units only convert and use tiny amounts at a time compared to the far higher amouts required in carrying Methanol canisters...
and at a pinch you can make your own distilled water for use in these water PEM very easlly.
perhaps it comes down to no margins in it for the distributers, as per petrol there needs to be a profit in it perhaps.
OC in this single PEM case, your average users might not mind paying a premium in less expensive distilled water, as apposed more expensive methanol fuel cell tech running costs.