The idea is to create a microchip to block delivery of pain messages to the brain. The chip will be imbedded in the body between the source of pain and the brain. It will be wired to a larger implanted device which will contain a battery and a computer processor. If the chip detects a pain signal headed to the brain, it will send out small 10-volt pulse to block the signal and relieve the user of the pain.

Self-steering tractors that can travel the fields with the same skill as trained drivers may soon make farms more efficient. The tractor will rely on a GPS system and other sensors to maintain its positional awareness. Specific sensors calibrated for different terrains will allow the tractor to traverse a variety of areas, and the 'smart steering' system will be able to calculate the optimal speed and turning radius.

A new cat door will only open for approved microchipped pets, preventing strays and random animals from entering the home. The door will include an integrated microchip reader that will store the information of up to 32 cats. The door will open when the cat lowers its head to enter, automatically locking again once the pet has passed through. The reader will be compatible with most microchips. A larger version for small dogs could be developed as well.

The idea is to design designed cargo ships with retractable sails, which could eventually help to cut fuel use by up to 30 percent. The tall, narrow sails, measuring 64 feet wide by 164 feet tall, would be constructed from tubes of strong, lightweight aluminum and a fiber-reinforced plastic. Reacting independently and automatically, they would be able to harness the winds along the optimum route, even taking advantage of difficult crosswinds. Taking the load off the ship's...

Why not use the single celled algae to experiment with extracting lipids from it and using the lipids to make biodiesel. Because algae grows very quickly and does not require much land, it can provide a more continuous source of material at a lesser cost than conventional plants.

A newly developed sensor-equipped compression shirt will monitor the performance of an athlete and even broadcast the information for the fans to enjoy. The shirt will consist of a small disc container the sensors, power source, Bluetooth transmitter, and memory storage. It will measure performance indicators such as heart rate, metabolism, and lung capacity, as well as allowing doctors to spot the early warning signs of dehydration. The information will help coaches and...

The idea is to create a blue-tooth enabled speaker which will be water-resistant enough to use in the shower, and will stream from an Apple or Android device up to 200 feet away. The device will stream for up to 15 hours off three AA batteries and will include a 3-watt speaker. The detachable mount will be installed without tools, and will hold the speaker about half an inch off the wall to allow the sound to reverberate off the tile. Freestanding and hanging mounts will be...

The vacuum climber will use suction to enable the user to scale walls more quickly and with more dexterity than ever before. The climber will be based around a pair of rear-mounted carpet extractor motors that will create a suction strong enough to support a climber with the connected handheld pads. The pads will be easily attached and removed as the climber moves up the wall, and the stirrups hanging beneath each pad will provide a foot rest that will encourage a motion much like...

Why not create a remote control that will allow the user to operate their television by bending and twisting the device. The controller will consist of two layers of piezoelectric sensors that can detect the flexing of the device. Bending the film will adjust the volume, while twisting will change channels and shaking will turn the device off.

The water resistant nanocoating will protect smartphone from water intrusion without affecting usability or adding bulk. The coating will be applied to the device as a vapor, which will penetrate the entire device and all its nooks and crannies. It will be bonded to the surface at the molecular level, which will create an extremely long life-span.