The document discusses two innovations: 1) Edible films developed by University of Illinois researchers that can be used to coat foods like French fries or replace plastic packaging for items like yogurt. The soy and oregano-based films are biodegradable alternatives to synthetic materials. 2) The "i-unit", a single-seat electric vehicle developed by Toyota that changes form for low-speed and high-speed operation. Inspired by leaves, the pod-like vehicle aims to balance individual mobility needs with environmental harmony. 3) Toyota's net profits fell in the last quarter even as sales reached record highs, showing the financial toll of extensive research and development for innovations.

1. Edible Films and People Pods
Imran H. Khan

2. Edible Films and People Pods
Talk about getting two birds with the same stone. If you're one of those
health freaks who gets nervous when your food is not covered or a
nature lover who is opposed to synthetic packing, there is hot, fresh-
out-of-the-oven news for you. The researchers at University of Illinois
have developed an edible film made of soy protein and oregano
(yummy!) that might be used for casing sausage and other such
edibles. The film might be used to coat French fries before frying or
replace the foil safety packaging layers covering the tops of yogurt
containers, said Soo-Yeun Lee, a professor at the University of Illinois.
There is no need for picking or peeling. No more eating bits and pieces
of the coverings. The solution is simple. What you see is what you eat!
Graduate student Edel Pruneda-Olguin developed the edible film with
Lee, under an exchange programme with Mexico to do research at the
university. Any type of proteins can pretty much make films, Lee said.
The research could lead to replacing synthetic packing materials with
materials that tend to be more environmentally friendly because they're
either biodegradable or edible. Talk about a tasty solution.

3. Edible Films and People Pods
As I see it, two of man's greatest problems of today are what to eat (next)
and how to get to places where you can eat. Japanese auto giant Toyota
Motor has apparently solved my latter problem. Welcome to the world of
the 'i-unit', a single seat electric vehicle that changes form in upright
position in a low-speed mode and a reclined position in high-speed mode.
This gadget, more than a vehicle, is also called a people-pod. The
prototype unveiling took place last year but the actual automobile was
launched at a Tokyo showroom this August. Toyota says the 'i-unit',
inspired by the form of a leaf, seeks to express the power of the unknown,
the logic of living things and the simple beauty of waste-free functionality.
The unit is a form of personal mobility that seeks to attain a greater balance
of meeting individuals' wishes to enjoy freedom of movement, harmony with
society, and harmony with the Earth's natural environment. I would like to
say that I'm old fashioned. I simply want to get to Café Zam Zam without
having to change my Rickshaw twice. All this high-tech research and
development is draining a lot of dough from Toyota as it announced that its
net profit in the June quarter fell 6.9 percent. Nonetheless, their sales are at
an all time high and that's good news for all of us who cannot wait to see
that they'll come up with next.

4. Edible Films and People Pods
 Define
– Edible Films
– People Pods

5. Edible Films
 A film (thin layer of coating) capable of being consumed by
humans which is applied to various foods in order to lengthen
the shelf-life.

6. i-unit
Reclined Position in High-Speed Mode Upright Position in Low-Speed Mode

7. i-unit
The i-unit is a four-wheel personal-transportation system that looks
like a space-age sports car. "This is designed to be an extension of
the human body," says Yoshiaki Kato, chief engineer of the fully
electronic, drive-by-wire concept vehicle, which is powered by
lithium-ion batteries and has an exterior made of biodegradable,
plant-based materials. The 3-ft.-wide, leaf-shaped i-unit is nearly 6
ft. tall when positioned upright but drops its center of gravity and
reclines into a sports-car position for traveling at speeds of up to 25
m.p.h. Sensors allow the vehicle to detect obstacles. Place the
steering unit to the left or right—or even at the feet of those with
special needs.

8. i-unit