The Biomedical Center in Moscow has produced a vaccine that induces cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) clones and enables them to recognize and selectively kill Listeria- infected cells. As the lifetime of CTL clones is very long (three-seven years or more), the formulation could be used for both prophylaxis and treatment of Listeriosis, a serious bacterial infection often caused by eating contaminated foods. Respond to this Tech Need here.

NoZone technology has been developed to remove ozone from the environment. Ozone has harmful effects that are heightened for allergy sufferers. The technology emits a vapor, which is a constituent of natural essential oils from an absorbent pad/textile material. This material can be modified to release different levels of the ozone “busting” natural compound, greatly reducing the local ozone level and preventing it from returning to dangerous levels. Respond to this Tech Need here.

The Technologies of the Week describe inventions offered for license through the yet2.com marketplace. Search over $2.5 billion of licensable technologies at www.yet2.com.

Cars already automatically lock doors when they sense motion and turn on warning lights if they detect engine problems. But they are about to get a lot smarter.

A research team at Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM) is designing cars capable of analyzing human behavior. Future models may, for example, deduce from your driving pattern that youíre tiring, or, during critical situations, tell your cell phone to hold an incoming call so you wonít be distracted. The project started as an experiment with military vehicles and now Sandia is partnering with automobile manufacturers to bring the technology to the commercial market.

The researchers developed sophisticated algorithms using existing data from the car’s computer such as brake pedal force, acceleration, and steering wheel angle. And they employed specialized sensors including a pressure-sensitive chair and an ultrasonic head tracking system to measure driver posture.

“If our algorithms can identify dangerous situations before they happen and alert drivers to them, we will help save lives,” said Kevin Dixon, the principal investigator.

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Vertical Take-Off and Landing with Fixed-Wing Speed and Efficiency
This technology, already proven under a US Army contract, creates a hybrid aircraft that combines the best attributes of helicopters with the best attributes of fixed wing aircraft, i.e. VTOL and safe auto-rotation of gyroplanes with the efficiency, cost, and speed of fixed wing aircraft. The technology enables aircraft to achieve greater point-to-point (non airport) travel, at materially higher speeds and lower operating costs, while significantly enhancing safety standards. The design limit is 500 mph.

Disposable Electronic Alarms for Expiration Date and Compliance
This technology is applicable to any product or service that has a long-term time-tracking requirement, including bulk pharmacy medications, chemical drums, medications, prescription vials, or any other product or service that requires assistance with compliance management or perishables.

The Technology Business Briefs portray licensing or selling opportunities intermediated by NextTechs. NextTechs Technologies, LLC is a Global Technology Investment Bank engaged in technology offers and needs intermediation in over 41 industries and 141 research disciplines. Search NextTechs’ Technology Portfolio here.

A new turbulence detection system alerts pilots to patches of rough air as they fly through clouds. The system, designed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and tested by United Airlines on commercial flights, is designed to better protect passengers from injuries caused by turbulence while reducing flight delays and lowering aviation costs.

The system uses a mathematical method called the NEXRAD Turbulence Detection Algorithm, or NTDA, to analyze data obtained from the National Weather Service’s network of Next-Generation (NEXRAD) Doppler radars. The resulting real-time snapshot of turbulence can be transmitted to pilots in the cockpit and made available to airline meteorologists and dispatchers via a Web-based display.

“Pinpointing turbulence in clouds and thunderstorms is a major scientific challenge,” said NCAR scientist John Williams. “Our goal is to use these radar measurements to create a three-dimensional mosaic showing turbulence across the country that can help pilots avoid hazardous areas, or at least give them enough warning to turn on the ‘fasten seat belt’ sign.”

Depending on the results of the tests, the next step could be expanding the system to additional United aircraft or other airlines. Williams anticipates that, by 2011, the NTDA will provide input to a system over the contiguous United States that will update turbulence “nowcasts” for pilots and air traffic managers every 15 minutes.

Find out more here.

Your unique invention could win you $20,000 or other great prizes in the 2007 Create the Future Design Contest, presented by SolidWorks Corp. and NASA Tech Briefs. Innovative design ideas are being accepted in six categories: Machinery, Equipment, and Component Technology; Consumer Products; Medical; Safety and Security; Transportation; and Sustainable Technologies.

The sixth annual Create the Future design contest recognizes outstanding innovations in product design, awarding a Grand Prize of $20,000 and six First Prizes (one from each category) of Hewlett-Packard engineering workstations. Entrants may elect to have their entry posted on the contest Web site, and the 10 most-visited entries will each be awarded $250. All qualified entrants will receive a Create the Future Design Contest T-shirt.

The contest is co-sponsored by COMSOL Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. So, exercise your imagination and submit your innovative design ideas today. All entries must be received by October 15, 2007.

Click here for guidelines, tips on winning, and the official entry form.