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China produces 95% of the worlds supply of the rare earth metal, dysprosium, a key metal in magnets used in the drive motors for hybrid electric vehicles - up to 100 grams of dysprosium per hybrid car produced, according to a Wikipedia reference. Dysprosium's magnetic properties also make it an important metal for wind turbines and electric vehicles. Could be vital for MagLev trains, too.
Scarcity of the metal is a sustainability and a political issue, according to a recent article in the TimesOnline, Crunch looms for green technology as China tightens grip on rare-earth metals. This does not look good.
Android-based home energy monitor
MOTO Labs will be unveiling their "DIY Android Home Energy Monitor" today at Maker Faire. MOTO's Daniell Hebert will be giving a talk, "Android Beyond the Phone," at 3:30pm Sunday, on the main stage. The MOTO Labs booth is 113 in Expo Hall.