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IBM debuts water-cooled supercomputer

Lezette Engelbrecht
By Lezette Engelbrecht, ITWeb online features editor
Johannesburg, 08 Jul 2010

IBM debuts water-cooled supercomputer

IBM has delivered a first-of-a-kind hot water-cooled supercomputer to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, marking a new era in energy-aware computing, says TTKN News.

The innovative system, dubbed Aquasar, consumes up to 40% less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. Through the direct use of waste heat to provide warmth to university buildings, Aquasar's carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85%.

The development of Aquasar began one year ago as part of IBM's 'first-of-a-kind' programme, which engages IBM scientists with clients to explore and pilot emerging technologies that address business problems.

Wii-style tech for pain relief

A new type of pain relief implant for chronic back and leg disorders which uses Wii-style technology has been used for the first time in Britain, according to BBC News.

Doctors at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London installed the neurostimulator in a patient left in pain from an accident. The device uses motion-sensing technology to adjust the level of pain relief being administered.

Wires implanted in the spinal cord deliver mild electrical signals which help to mask the body's pain signals with a tingling sensation.

Consumer confusion over 3D

Wile the buzz around 3D TV has seen interest heating up, as with any emerging technology, questions abound, writes TV Technology.

The Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) latest survey of 250 retail sales associates revealed “that many consumers are still confused about 3D technology”.

CEA said 3D content is 'pivotal' for most retail players. Nearly 80% of the associates interviewed believed sales of 3D technologies would not be strong until more 3D content becomes available. They said customer questions about 3D content were among those most frequently asked.

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