The list brings companies like augmented reality pioneer Layar to a wider public and introduces Novomer, pollution chemistry, and Serious Materials, energy reduction.

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Serious Materials, a venture-backed company, has been selling better-insulated windows.

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Steve serves on the board of directors of SunRun, Akiban, and Sentient Energy, and he is actively involved with eMeter, EnerNOC, and Serious Materials.

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Making a more serious point, smart materials DIY-er Catarina Mota explained why it was important to open up new technology to the general public.

BBC: TEDGlobal: Burns portrait comes alive at TED

Southwark Council was responsible for a "serious failure" over materials used in Miss Hickman's flat that were below the required standard for fire safety, the jury found.

BBC: Lakanal House fire victims' families seek compensation

Securing nuclear materials must be a serious and sustained global effort.

WHITEHOUSE: Nuclear Security Summit: Presidential Press Conference

Neither has economic growth been accompanied by serious moves to diversify the economy - from exporting raw materials to developing industries that would boost employment.

BBC: Viewpoint: Will South Africans' anger boil over?

They sold Arcon, and in 1988, after reports of serious latex allergy reactions, they launched Rochester Medical to develop catheters made of other materials.

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"In a serious lapse of my own and professional judgment and ethics, I solicited and received additional materials directly from the Heartland Institute under someone else's name, " he wrote.

BBC: Confessions of a climate gate-opener

Already pummeled by higher costs for raw materials and a dramatic shift away from highly profitable trucks, carmakers now are facing serious liquidity challenges.

FORBES: GM-Chrysler?