Methane is becoming a prized source of green energy—in fact, we are already harvesting it from alternative sources like landfills and cow manure to meet our energy needs. Along those lines, Professor Bruce Logan at Pennsylvania State University has developed an electronic fart machine that can collect and store energy from gassy single-celled microbes with 80% efficiency.

It works like this: giving small jolts of electricity to single-celled microorganisms known as archea prompts them to remove C02 from the air and turn it into methane, released as tiny "farts." The methane, in turn, can be used to power fuel cells or to store the electrical energy chemically until it's needed.

Thanks Professor Logan. Your knowledge, dedication, and willingness to come home night after night smelling of farts will lead to a brighter future for all of us. . [Discovery via Treehugger via DVICE]

The Kill-A-Watt is already one of my favorite toys, capable of telling me just how much of a juice hog the Pioneer first-gen Kuro plasma is when compared to any LCD anywhere ever (about twice), or the PS3 is when compared to a standard Blu-ray player (10X or more).

What our buddy Phil Torrone and Limor Fried of Adafruit have done as an entry in Core77's Greener Gadgets competition is made it useful as a tracker, or maybe a bragger.

When it gets a reading of your daily KWH usage, it blasts it via Xbee wireless transmitter to a PC "or internet-connected microcontroller, like an Arduino." (I did mention Phil Torrone came up with this, didn't I?) From there, it's just an easy hop from your Twitter account.

Why tweet your damn KWH? Here's what Phil says:

We feel there is a social imperative and joy in publishing one's own daily KWH - by sharing these numbers on a service like Twitter users can compete for the lowest numbers and also see how they're doing compared to their friends and followers.

So like, "Na na na-na na—my carbon output makes your carbon output look like a Chinese toy factory's carbon output!" [Make via CrunchGear]

Apparently, one hour of exposure to wind or sunlight will net you around 30 minutes on the phone. A full charge should be able to power up a typical cellphone five times over (LED lights indicate charge levels). There is even a handy clip to attach the charger to a bike or ATV to help generate wind. Obviously, this would be a seriously handy device for outdoorsy types or as an emergency backup. A release date had not been made available, but the Kinesis K2 is expected to retail for $100. [Kinesis and DVICE]

The new kit—because it may look like a race car but let's be honest, it's a science edu-toy—still comes with the solar panel and hydrogen station so that you can use the sun's rays to convert H2O to H2 and O2. But the car itself now has glowing LEDs, responds to an IR remote, and runs longer and faster with the same amount of fuel. Taking a cue from auto makers and gas companies who release literally green advertisements to convince the public they aren't part of the problem, Horizon decided to change the car's translucent tint from blue to, yes, green. The difference, of course, is that Horizon definitely isn't part of the problem. Only time will tell, however, if they are part of the solution. Meantime, here's a fun Christmas gift for anyone that still has $120 to spend on progress! [Horizon via Gizmag]

The system works by harnessing “vortex induced vibrations,” the thrumming caused by the flow of liquid or air over rounded objects. A cylinder placed underwater is subject to the current and starts to vibrate as liquid sticks and creates eddies on the object's opposite side. It's the same scientific principle that caused the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows bridge in 1940.

"For the past 25 years, engineers—myself included—have been trying to suppress vortex induced vibrations. But now at Michigan we're doing the opposite. We enhance the vibrations and harness this powerful and destructive force in nature," said VIVACE developer Michael Bernitsas, a professor in the U-M Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Just a few cylinders could possibly power an anchored ship or a lighthouse. An array of VIVACE cylinders about the size of a running track could produce energy at 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour and power about 100,000 houses. U of M is now working on possibly deploying a pilot project in the Detroit River within the next 18 months. [UMich via Gizmag]

The shape also offers less wind resistance than conventional flat panels, making them cheaper and easier to mount on roofs. These advantages ultimately reduce the cost of generating power from the sun, though Solyndra couldn't give a direct answer on how much.

Considering that everyone, from Google to the Vatican, is installing a solar roof these days, Solyndra's innovations could mean a serious boost for the industry. But what's with not actually giving figures? That seems a little... shady. [Technology Review via Dvice]

None of the key points are radical, except for asking for a $4.4 trillion investment—90 percent of new cars electric by 2030, 45mpg average fuel efficiency, efficient electricity use to cut demand 33 percent, replacing all coal with renewable electricity. I was hoping for something more innovative and exciting, like Google Power, which would be in beta for 22 years. Cause if Google can't save the world, who can? [Google via Alley Insider]

The Spremberg plant is tiny by most standards, pumping out just 30 megawatts while many plants can pull off 10 times that output. Even so, compressing and chilling the CO2 can be a real energy drain in and of itself, so the efficiency of the plant is seriously compromised by the green initiative.

Still it is worth tweaking the basic system for enhanced efficiency, as Vattenfall says that the system can theoretically gather up to 98% of the CO2 produced by the plant, making it nearly pollutant free.

Critics say that this is just a diversion from investing resources in truly non-polluting technologies. While I tend to lean with those critics, I am a fan of clean coal because the US uses so much coal to produce electricity for cities. Still, I'm not 100% clear on the whole pumping-greenhouse-gases-into-the-earth thing. I know it gets sealed away in places that previously contained massive amounts of natural gas, but still, isn't anyone concerned that this is just set up for massive CO2 geysers in decades or centuries to come? There, I said it—science nerds, please feel free to bludgeon me with the Stick of Enlightenment. [Technology Review; Vattenfall]

Ironically, a huge amount of trees were probably mowed down to get this thing up and running, but local agencies insist that "high environmental criteria" were maintained in the construction of the plant. Plus, they built it in Jumilla, a wine-producing region. That land could have been used to get me drunk. Damn you, solar power! [Technology For Life via Treehugger]

John McCain

The 100-Word Version:

McCain thinks the market should determine the fate of the net, so government-mandated "neutrality" would be too much of an intervention. He also voted against renewable energy. He voted in favor of federal funding to get more tech in classrooms, yet he wants to be hands off in closing the digital divide. This is also the same man who is self-proclaimed as computer illiterate, and almost went broke before primaries even began.

Bonus Bits: McCain expects to be in Iraq for over 100 years. No matter what opinion you have on the war, just think about all the crazy gadgets they'll be fighting with then!

If McCain were a gadget, he'd be: a Motorola StarTAC cellphone. Once relevant and desired, both are woefully underpowered now, and backed by a company in financial turmoil.

Mitt Romney

The 100-Word Version:

Romney suspiciously lacks a position on many prevalent tech issues; he offers no statements on net neutrality and vague, blanket statements about subsidized tech programs that might help the poor. He did propose $20 billion for the automotive industry to research alternative energy sources. But he's more concerned with becoming energy independent from other countries, as opposed to finding a replacement for oil. Given his lifelong commitment to capitalism, Romney probably won't take any big risks in the name of technology.

Bonus Bits: Romney probably wishes we weren't living in the YouTube era, so the public wouldn't be exposed to his grasp on cultural relevance.

If Romney were a gadget, he'd be: a Lenovo ThinkPad. Romney and the ThinkPad both are meant for the business sector, eschewing romanticism for a bottom-line mentality.

Mike Huckabee

The 100-Word Version:
Huckabee is the only candidate from the GOP who's in favor of net neutrality, picking up major points from us (in spite of ourselves). He also supports reducing CO2 emissions through renewable energy programs, though I wouldn't exactly call him a techie. Huckabee is mostly concerned with renewable energy so that CO2 emissions don't muck up his hunting grounds. As far as funding tech programs to bridge the Digital Divide, he lacks any stated position.

Bonus Bits: Huckabee has Chuck Norris, the ultimate internet meme, in his corner.

If Huckabee were a gadget, he'd be: a Big Mouth Billy Bass. Not only does Huckabee come off as a low-tech kind of guy who loves his nature, but he has a certain low-brow appeal to him. The Singing Fish embodies a similar characteristic.

Ron Paul

The 100-Word Version:

Paul, our Libertarian in wolf's clothing, is against net neutrality and thinks the FCC should stay out of 700 MHz spectrum auction. He also voted against funding for tech education, reducing greenhouse gases and increasing automotive fuel economy. Sure, he is against federal requirements for search engines to keep detailed search logs. But still, DO NOT WANT.

Bonus Bits: The users of Digg have taken a liking to Paul. Any story that mentions his name is almost guaranteed to hit the front page.

If Paul were a gadget, he'd be: the BugLabs BugBASE. Bug Labs is about letting people do whatever the hell they feel like with the gadget. Ron Paul thinks American citizens should be able to do whatever the hell they feel like with the country. Kindred spirits, they are.

And the winner is...: Huckabee. This may sound absolutely mad, but if I had to pick a GOP candidate based on his tech policies, it would be Mike Huckabee. McCain and Romney could potentially have better tech platforms, but neither has the balls to show their hand. Therefore, mostly by default, Huckabee wins.

Related Reading:
Mike Huckabee
• Chuck Norris Endorsement of Mike Huckabee
• Mike Huckabee on the Issues
• NY Times Magazine: "The Huckabee Factor"

Mitt Romney:
• Mitt on YouTube: Who Let The Dogs Out?
• Mitt on the Issues
• Tech Crunch interviews Mitt

John McCain:
• John McCain @ D5 Conference
• John McCain On The Issues
• John McCain interview with CNET

Ron Paul:
• Digg Nation Hearts Ron
• Ron Paul On The Issues
• CNET Interviews Ron Paul

Special thanks to TechCrunch and CNet.

Hillary Clinton

The 100-Word Version:
Clinton is progressive in several tech areas, including her support for net neutrality, plans for a Strategic Energy Fund to develop alternative resources, and providing tax credits for research and development. Unique to Clinton's manifesto is her desire to bring more women and minorities into math and science professions, where the groups are sorely underrepresented. However, she loses points with us for skirting issues of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, reserving opinion on a consumer's right to legally create backup copies of their media pending further review, and accepting the Bush administration's support of requiring ISPs and search engines to record the surfing habits of their users.

Bonus Bits: Clinton recently said that if elected, she would take the "radical step" of hiring bloggers for government agencies to write about what goes on in meetings. She didn't say how these government employees working under the eye of the president would remain watchdogs of the agencies.

If Clinton were a gadget, she'd be: a designer Taser. The pink outer case projects an image of charm and beauty, but it's the stun gun on the inside that is the true mark of its power. Just like Hillary.

Barack Obama

The 100-Word Version:
The only candidate with a dedicated technology section on his website, Obama has vowed to make priorities of ensuring net neutrality, affordable broadband access, and accelerating research and commercialization of biofuels and plug-in hybrids. In addition to this standard Democrat fare, Obama plans to redefine "broadband," calling the present definition of 200kbps "astonishingly low," reform the patent system to protect major innovations and prevent patent trolls from stifling development, and use the wireless spectrum for maximum public benefit. Finally, an Obama-led administration would include a Chief Technology Officer to oversee these issues and maintain communication between the government and the American people.

Bonus bits: Obama is likely the Apple fanboy's candidate of choice. On a recent episode of Letterman, he made one campaign promise we hope comes true: "I won't let Apple release the new and improved iPod the day after you bought the previous model."

If Obama were a gadget, he'd be: an iPhone. He's the new, sexy and popular candidate, but he still has a lot to prove.

And the winner is...: Barack Obama. From a purely technology-based standpoint, Obama is the more progressive of the two. He cares about topics as nerdy as broadband speed, and wants to protect the freedom that exists on the internet. Obama appears to understand technology on a deeper level than Clinton, and is our choice for the most tech-savvy Democratic candidate.

Further reading:
Hillary Clinton
• Clinton's technology plan
• "Hillary Clinton on Energy & Oil"
• "Clinton knows the value of research"

Barack Obama:
• Obama's technology plan
• "Obama pledges Net neutrality law if elected president"
• "Obama: No warantless wiretaps if you elect me"

Special thanks to TechCrunch and CNet.

Yes, Shawn Frayne's Windbelt was inspired by "Galloping Gertie," the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that collapsed in 1940, whose video is all over the net and occasionally shown on MythBusters. Wind passes over the Windbelt's taut membrane, and the vibrations it picks up (think leaf whistle) jiggle magnets on either end. The magnets, oscillating between metal coils, generate a current. And a substantial current, if you believe the reporting:

Prototypes have generated 40 milliwatts in 10-mph slivers of wind, making his device 10 to 30 times as efficient as the best microturbines.