Biometric implant monitors transplant patients for organ rejection

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a bioelectric implant that can detect temperature fluctuations that typically happen right before a body rejects an organ transplant. The sensor is smaller than a fingernail, and a mere 220 micrometers thick.

This new sensor technology is thin enough to sit directly on a kidney’s fibrous layer — called the renal capsule — which surrounds and protects the organ. The device works by continuously monitoring changes to blood flow and temperature. The built-in thermometer can sense increases as minuscule as 0.004 degrees Celsius. Once an irregularity is detected, the sensor, which contains a micro coin cell battery for power, uses Bluetooth to alert a patient or physician via a smartphone or tablet. Any increase typically signals inflammation which is a potential sign of transplant rejection.

After any surgery that involves an organ transplant, the risk of rejection is high. The sensor was developed specifically for kidney transplants but it could also work for other organs, including the liver and lungs. Kidney transplants in the US are on the rise and are usually recommended for people who will not be able to live without dialysis. The American Kidney Fund cites that an acute rejection of a kidney transplant one month after surgery happens in about five to twenty percent of patients that go under.

That’s why it is critical to detect transplant rejection, which occurs when your body’s immune system treats the new organ like a foreign object and attacks it. If a healthcare provider detects signs of rejection early enough, medical intervention can preserve the new organ in the new host. Northwestern researchers said that the device detected warning signs of organ rejection three weeks earlier than current monitoring methods. The current “gold standard” for detecting rejection is a biopsy, where a tissue sample is extracted from the transplanted organ and then analyzed in a lab. However, biopsies are invasive and can cause bleeding and increase the risk for infection.

An infrared camera glows red where the thermometer detects a subtle source of heat.
Northwestern University

Despite developing an innovative first-of-its-kind product, researchers at Northwestern University still have a long way to go. It still needs to be tested on humans in a clinical setting before it can make any impact in the surgical market. Northwestern’s John A. Rogers, a bioelectronics expert who led the device development, said in a statement that his team is now evaluating ways to recharge the coin cell battery so that it can last a lifetime.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/biometric-implant-monitors-transplant-patients-for-organ-rejection-180045215.html?src=rss

ASUS Introduces The ExpertBook Series B9 OLED And B5 Laptops

ASUS has introduced the latest additions to its ExpertBook Series, focused on the work environment. The new offerings include the ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED and ASUS ExpertBook B5, available in both traditional clamshell and 360°-convertible forms.

The ExpertBook B5

The ExpertBook B5 machines come with a 14-inch display featuring thin bezels and offer high-performance capabilities, including up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 P-series processor with Intel vPro support. Security-conscious users will appreciate features like the TPM 2.0 security chip, face and fingerprint login, and a physical webcam shield.

These laptops are built with premium materials, ensuring durability while remaining lightweight, making them suitable for everyday use, both in and outside the office. Their battery life can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, and the B5 Flip version includes a quick-charging garaged stylus.

ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip

Specs

  • Display:
    • 14”, 16:9, FHD (1920×1080), Anti-glare, IPS, Flat, 400nits, sRGB 100%, DPST, 60Hz
    • 14”, 16:9, FHD (1920×1080), Anti-glare, IPS, Flat, 400nits, sRGB 100%, DPST+ PSR2, 60Hz (1W)
  • SoC:
    • Intel Core i7-1370P (24MB cache, up to 1.9 GHz, 14 cores) (vPro Enterprise)
    • Intel Core i5-1350P (12MB cache, up to 1.90 GHz, 12 cores) (vPro Enterprise)
    • Intel Core i7-1360P (18MB cache, up to 2.2 GHz, 12 cores) (vPro Essential)
    • Intel Core i5-1340P (12MB cache, up to 1.90 GHz, 12 cores) (vPro Essential)
    • Intel Core i7-1360P (18MB cache, up to 2.2 GHz, 12 cores)
    • Intel Core i5-1340P (12MB cache, up to 1.90 GHz, 12 cores)
  • Graphics:
    • Intel Iris XE Graphics
    • Intel UHD graphics
  • Memory:
    • 8GB DDR5 onboard + 8GB/16GB/32GB SO-DIMM up to 4800 MHz
  • Storage:
    • 256GB/512GB/1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
    • 512GB/1TB/2TB PCIe Gen 4 Performance SSD
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x Thunderbolt4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0)
    • 1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A
    • 1 x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A
    • 1 x HDMI 2.1 (TMDS)
    • 1 x microSD card reader
    • 1 x 3.5 mm combo audio jack
    • 1 x RJ45
    • 1 x Kensington Nano lock slot
  • Camera:
    • HD+IR with webcam shield, supports Windows Hello
    • FHD with webcam shield
  • Audio:
    • Integrated digital microphone *2 on the CMOS module
    • ASUS two-way AI Noise-Canceling Technology
    • Cortana voice-recognition/Dolby Atmos/Wake on Voice (ISST)/Intel smart sound technology
  • Network: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ac) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5
  • Battery: 63Whr, 3-cell, Li-polymer
  • Weight: Starting at 1.27kg (2.79 lbs)
  • Dimensions: 32.34 x 22.31 x 1.79 cm (12,73″ x 8.78″ x 0.70″)
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

ASUS ExpertBook B5

Specs

  • Display:
    • Touch screen, 14.0-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 (1W), Wide view, Anti-glare display, 400nits, sRGB: 100%, Screen-to-body ratio:85 %, With stylus support
  • SoC:
    • Intel vPro Essentials with Intel Core i7-1360P processor 2.2 GHz (18M Cache, up to 5.0 GHz, 12 cores)
  • Graphics: Intel UHD graphics
  • Memory: 8GB DDR5 on board, 8GB DDR5 SO-DIMM, Memory Max Up to 40GB
  • Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 Performance SSD
  • I/O Ports:
    • Up to 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    • 2x Thunderbolt 4, compliant with USB4, supports display / power delivery
    • 1x HDMI 2.1
    • 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    • 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
    • Micro SD card reader
  • Camera: 720p HD camera with IR function to support Windows Hello With privacy shutter
  • Audio:
    • Dolby Atmos
    • Built-in speaker
    • Built-in array microphone with Cortana support
  • Network: Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Card (Vpro)
  • Battery: 63WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion Long life rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
  • Weight:1.39 kg (3.06 lbs)
  • Dimensions: 32.34 x 22.31 x 1.79 ~ 1.80 cm (12.73″ x 8.78″ x 0.70″ ~ 0.71″)
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED

The ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED takes the spotlight as the flagship model, weighing just 2.18 lbs, it features a premium magnesium-lithium alloy construction, an eco-friendly design, and a 16:10 OLED display. This machine is powered by the latest Intel Core vPro processor, offering great performance and up to 11 hours of battery life, making it a good option for executives and frequent travelers.

Despite its slim profile, it is still able to offer comprehensive connectivity with options for Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm combo jack (for external microphone or headphones).

Asus Expertbook B9 OLED

Specs

  • Display: Non-touch screen, 14.0-inch, OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Wide view, Glossy display, LED Backlit, 400nits, sRGB: 100%, Pantone Validated, Screen-to-body ratio:90 %
  • SoC: Intel vPro Essentials with Intel Core i7-1355U Processor 1.8GHz (12M Cache, up to 5.1GHz,10 cores)
  • Graphics: Intel Iris XE Graphics (available for Intel Core i5/i7/i9 with dual channel memory)
  • Memory:
    • 16GB LPDDR5 on board, Memory Max Up to 16GB
    • 32GB LPDDR5 on board, Memory Max Up to 32GB
  • Storage:
    • 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD
    • 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 Performance SSD
  • I/O Ports:
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
    • 2x Thunderbolt 4, compliant with USB4, supports display / power delivery
    • 1x micro HDMI (RJ45 lan)
    • 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
    • 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
  • Camera: 1080p FHD camera with IR function to support Windows Hello
    With privacy shutter
  • Audio:
    • Dolby Atmos
    • Smart Amp Technology
    • Built-in speaker
    • Built-in array microphone with Cortana support
  • Network: Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Dual band) 2*2 + Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Card, vPro
  • Battery: 63WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
  • Weight: 0.99 kg (2.18 lbs)
  • Dimensions: 31.10 x 21.50 x 1.57 ~ 1.57 cm (12.24″ x 8.46″ x 0.62″ ~ 0.62″)
  • OS: Windows 11 Pro

Designed for The Future of Work

ASUS claims that the entire ExpertBook Series was designed to support the future of work, featuring 13th Gen Intel Core processors, robust security options including Intel vPro, NFC, facial recognition, fingerprint sensor, webcam shield, and a TPM 2.0 security chip.

The laptops also provide extensive connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, and HDMI ports, making them versatile tools for various business needs. They are MIL-STD 810H US military certified for durability, ensuring they can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and dust.

Availability and Price

The ExpertBook B5 and B5 Flip models start at $1699.99 and are available through certified resellers, while the ASUS ExpertBook B9 OLED starts at $2149.99 and can be purchased directly from the ASUS Store.

ASUS Introduces The ExpertBook Series B9 OLED And B5 Laptops

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Honda will use Tesla’s EV charging standard in North America

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“We’re excited to announce that Honda will expand fast-charging access for Honda & Acura #EV customers by adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS),” Honda in America posted today on X (formerly Twitter). The company said it plans to launch a new EV model in North America in 2025 that includes the NACS port; all Honda EVs will use Tesla’s standard after that point.

Honda is also part of a recently formed group aiming to create a new charging network across North America with BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes and Stellantis. Honda and the other automakers said in July they wanted to “accelerate the transition to electric vehicles” and “make zero-emission driving even more attractive.” Honda’s press release today describes the NACS adoption as existing “in addition to” those plans, but we asked Honda to clarify if or how today’s NACS announcement might affect that coalition’s strategy. (We’ll update this article if we receive a response.)

Other vehicle manufacturers announcing NACS adoption in North America include Ford, GM, Mercedes, Polestar and Volvo. In addition, Texas announced in June that state-funded EV charging stations would need to include NACS.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/honda-will-use-teslas-ev-charging-standard-in-north-america-164539111.html?src=rss

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Nintendo is said to be showing the Switch 2's DLSS and ray-tracing capabilities to developers

The Nintendo Switch isn’t dead quite yet. Nintendo has a solid-looking slate of games lined up for its console stretching well into 2024, including Super Mario Bros. Wonder (which I absolutely cannot wait for), Detective Pikachu Returns and maybe, possibly Metroid Prime 4. But there’s no denying that the 6.5-year-old console is getting long in the tooth, so Nintendo is gearing up for what’s next. To that end, the company reportedly showed developers tech demos for its next-gen system behind closed doors at Gamescom last month.

One of the Switch 2 demos was a beefed-up version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. That’s according to Eurogamer, which points out that this was a tech demo and there’s no guarantee of a remastered or upgraded version of BOTW coming to the Switch 2, so don’t get your hopes up. That said, the demo was said to show BOTW running at a higher frame rate and resolution than the original Switch can handle.

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It’s unlikely that the Switch 2 will compete with the Sony and Microsoft systems in terms of pure horsepower. It definitely won’t if Nintendo retains the hybrid handheld format of the Switch, unless the company is content with a battery life of about 20 minutes. DLSS support is key, as that could help Nintendo run games at higher frame rates and resolution without having to jam more powerful components or an oversized battery into the Switch 2.

Nintendo is expected to release the Switch 2 (or whatever the console will actually be called) in 2024. It will be doing so in a far different gaming landscape than the groundbreaking Switch ventured into due to the likes of the Steam Deck and more advanced mobile gaming experiences. We’re seeing a new handheld PC gaming system show upalmost every week at this point. Thanks to emulation (and poor piracy protections on the original Switch), it’s not exactly difficult to run Nintendo games better than the company’s current console can handle, even while you’re on the go.

Nintendo might have its work cut out to convince gamers that both an upgrade from the original Switch is worthwhile and that the Switch 2 is a better option for them than a handheld gaming PC. Still, more advanced hardware, the company’s stellar track record of exclusive games and quality-of-life features like an easy way to transition to the Switch 2 could make the next-gen system enticing enough for those who might have been on the fence about snagging the upcoming console.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/nintendo-is-said-to-be-showing-the-switch-2s-dlss-and-ray-tracing-capabilities-to-developers-161050817.html?src=rss