History of Local Anaesthesia

These are the latest articles and videos I found most interesting.

History of Local Anaesthesia
Oxytocin – The Love Hormone
Lamborghini’s Brilliant Active Aerodynamics – Huracán Performante
Failed Inventions
Early Television: “Magic in the Air” 1955 General Motors; Golden Age of TV

History of Local Anaesthesia

Talk at Gresham College by Dr William Harrop-Griffiths
The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture

Most equate anaesthesia with general anaesthesia. This is likely because the introduction of general anaesthesia (1847) pre-dated that of local anaesthesia (1884). The drugs used for these first demonstrations, ether and cocaine, had been in existence for centuries before pioneers made the mental leap between the knowledge that they could cause respectively sedation and numbness, and the potential for these effects to be used for the benefit of humanity. Dr Harrop-Griffiths will put a humorous spin on a fascinating story.

Oxytocin – The Love Hormone

Dr. Najeeb Lectures

Role of Oxytocin hormone in Love by Dr. Najeeb. You’ll be surprised to know how hormones can effect your mood and influence your choices in life.

Lamborghini’s Brilliant Active Aerodynamics – Huracán Performante

Video by Engineering Explained

The Lamborghini Huracán Smashed The Nürburgring Record

From Lamborghini’s Press Release On ALA:

“The Huracán Performante adopts Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA): ALA is also the Italian word for wing. This patented active aerodynamic system developed by Lamborghini for the Huracán Performante provides an active variation of aero load for high down force or low drag.

The system is completely integrated into the vehicle in terms of design, weight and performance. The front spoiler integrates the electric motor of the front ALA system, built in a carbon forged frame with active flaps on the top exterior surface. The rear bonnet is designed around the air ducts to the rear wing as well as the wing pylons.

Lamborghini’s Piattaforma Inerziale (LPI) governs all the car’s electronic systems in ‘real time’ and is perfectly integrated with the ALA system, activating the ALA system flaps in less than 500 milliseconds to ensure the best aerodynamic set-up of the car in every driving condition.

When ALA is off, the active flaps inside the front spoiler are closed, generating the desired high downforce for high speed cornering and full brake conditions. When ALA switches to on the front flaps are opened by the front electric motor, reducing air pressure on the front spoiler and directing air flow via an inner channel and through the specially shaped underside of the car. This drastically reduces drag and optimizes conditions for maximum acceleration and top speed.

In the rear of the Performante four ducts are installed below the rear bonnet. The two central ducts are always open to allow underhood ventilation and exhaust cooling, while the two external ducts are connected to the inner channels of the rear wing. The air flow through the rear wing channels is controlled by two electro-actuated flaps. The entire system is 80% lighter than a traditional hydraulic system.

When ALA is off the rear flaps are closed, permitting the rear wing to act as a traditional fixed wing. Stability is enhanced in high speed cornering and full braking by creating maximum vertical downforce; 750% more than a Huracán coupé.

The LPI turns on the ALA in high throttle conditions, opening the rear flaps to allow air through the rear wing’s inner channels and directing air flow through ridges underneath the wing. This reduces drag and maximizes the car’s acceleration and top speed capabilities.

In addition, the rear wing’s inner air channel is split right and left, allowing aero vectoring for high speed cornering. Depending on the direction of the turn, the LPI instructs ALA to be switched on in either the right or left side of the spoiler, increasing downforce and traction on the inner wheel, counteracting the load transfer in rolling conditions. This in turn optimizes the chassis’ momentum, requiring a reduced steering angle and improving the car’s overall dynamic stability.”

Failed Inventions

Video 1 by Modern Marvels
Video 2 by Modern Marvels
History.com page

Dreamers and schemers try an odd assortment of flawed ideas for inventions. Not every invention is a winner. Look at some of history’s worst inventions including incompetent military weapons like the nuclear rifle and the Goliath tank. Also featured are the mechanical television, radiated medical products, and the odd looking Dymaxion house and car. Other cars featured where the Chrysler Turbine car and Ford’s Nuclear powered car.