Canning Spam

SU professor teams with University of Kansas researcher to combat unwanted e-mail messages

By: Stephanie Musat

Posted: 4/1/08

In 2005, John Campbell, a senior political science major at the Texas Christian University, created the first liquid computer after a year of experimentation, 10 to 15 old computers and more than $500. It started out as an arcade machine-sized freezer, filled to the rim with liquids, ice and techno-pieces.

Since then, Campbell, along with his team of five specialists who focus on programming, chemistry and engineering, have reduced the size of the original liquid computer to that of a modern desktop.

The technology, which Campbell says is 70 to 90 percent unpatented, uses super fluidity and a frictionless flow of liquid at extremely low temperatures to increase the resistance of computer wires, which allows for a greater flow of electricity and higher efficiency.

"There hasn't been a fundamental change in computer technology since 1982, and since then, it has just been putting more things in smaller places," Campbell told The Daily Skiff, the TCU's student newspaper. "I think it's about time for something completely new that is so practical you can't ignore it."

Campbell says one benefit his technology, if adopted and funded, could bring to science is it could increase the speed of super computers used in medical research, such as those that take three years to pick out an aspect of the human genome.

"Whether it's developed next year or 20 years from now, for every new advance in technology, I can more than double or triple it," Campbell said. "I can completely change the rule. Everything will be twice as fast and faster for the global economy."

While Campbell calls the liquid computer technology "potential Nobel material," he realizes he must publish and patent his materials before he can develop a marketing plan.

He is attempting to be published in marketing, physics and political science.

After transferring to TCU from the College of Saint Thomas More, Campbell served in TCU's Student Government Association. In addition, he started a computer repair business in his home.

Campbell has a list of 27 inventions to patents.