Packing their computers with everything from foam insulation to cooking oil, these quiet-crazed modders are pursuing the holy grail of a noise-free PC.

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In 2001 Aspen Aerogels--a Northborough, Massachusetts spinoff of Aspen Systems--figured out how to use aerogel blankets instead of fiberglass as insulation in undersea oil pipelines.

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In 2001 Aspen Aerogels--a Northborough, Mass. spinoff of Aspen Systems--figured out how to use aerogel blankets instead of fiberglass as insulation in undersea oil pipelines.

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This June it broke ground in Paterson, New Jersey, just east of its U.S. headquarters, on a prototype family home with insulation that reduces the amount of oil required for heating and cooling by 80%.

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Depending on an applicant's needs, it will pay for things such as loft insulation, draught proofing, gas room heaters with thermostat controls, gas, electric or oil central heating.

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