http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/201 ... innovation
Technology may not be able to save us after all, especially if we run out of the stuff used to create it.
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$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', '[')b]Shortage of Rare Earth Elements Could Thwart Innovation by Jeremy Hsu, TechNewsDaily Contributor
LiveScience.com Jeremy Hsu, technewsdaily Contributor, livescience.com:
Silicon may represent one of Earth's more common elements, but it transformed Silicon Valley into a high-tech corridor and helped usher the world into the Information Age.
Now rare earth elements with exotic names such as europium and tantalum hold the key to hybrid cars, wind turbines and crystal-clear TV displays - that is, if a looming supply shortage doesn't stop innovation in its tracks. …






