University of Michigan researchers are experimenting with turning insects into cyborgs.Photo / Thinkstock
University of Michigan researchers are experimenting with turning insects into cyborgs.Photo / Thinkstock
SHOPPING SPOTS: The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute have a gesture recognition system for interacting with a 3D display without gloves.
Lasers, cameras and other sensors track movements made in a defined area. Called an Interactive Shop Window the idea is that potential shoppers could interact with a window display tofind out more about a product or see variations on it. Although more and more shopping goes online I guess it wouldn't hurt to make those window displays more interesting. PC World.
OCEANS ALIVE: The US National Science Foundation are creating a high-power and high-bandwidth cabled ocean observatory in the Pacific Northwest. It will measure physical, chemical, geological and biological fluctuations in the ocean and seafloor.
The NSF aim to collect and connect data from around the world with permanent sensors in the ocean. The sensors will allow for maps, images and ongoing data such as sediment movement. Real-time data will be streamed online when the observatory goes live in 2014. Does it include a fishcam? Wired.
SHARED IMAGES: Toshiba's FlashAir SDHC memory card includes WiFi. It supports peer-to-peer transfers as well as uploads to and downloads from servers. The card in the camera can both send and receive photos and videos. This could mean you never have to connect the camera to a computer to get the photos from it. Unfortunately though, we can easily guess what might be the next target for malware. Imagine ads or porn inserted onto your images… eWeek Europe.
OUR INSECT SLAVES: University of Michigan researchers are experimenting with turning insects into cyborgs. They tethered a Green June Beetle and used piezoelectric devices to generate energy as the beetle flaps its wings. The power could be used to help control electrodes implanted in the central nervous system of the beetles, turning the insects into micro-air-vehicles under the control of a person. Which all seems so wrong on so many levels. PhysOrg.
OXYGEN ZAPPER: The core of some tumours contains low oxygen levels but radiation therapy and chemotherapy need oxygen to be effective. Purdue University have created a 1 cm long micro oxygen generator that can be inserted into a tumour. The device receives ultrasound signals which then generate a small voltage that separates oxygen and hydrogen from water. The oxygen increases the effectiveness of treatment. See, fresh air is good for you. Purdue University.
