Aug 27
The thought of someone being able to read your mind is frightening. And according to some new research presented at the 21st USENIX Security Symposium, brain hacking might be more realistic than we would assume. More »
Aug 25
Video of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves
Posted in: Today's Chili
If, like us, you spend most of your time wondering exactly what’s going on in other people’s heads, then this video is for you. Okay, so it might not reveal the reason why that jerk cut you off at the junction, or why that co-worder didn’t show up to your date exactly, rather, it’s a little more literal than that. This is video footage of proteins moving within a single neuron. The USC researchers were able to capture this video by using bioluminescent proteins from a jellyfish to visually track their movement. Not only is this mind-boggling to the layperson (just think how small these things are) it’s also mind-revealing. By that, we mean it gives scientists an opportunity to observe how these tiny, yet vital, cerebral elements restore themselves. Which, when you’re constantly worried about the amount of grey matter you were blessed with in the first place, can only be a good thing.
Video of protein movement within a neuron shows how our brains renew themselves originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Aug 16
Your brain needs to clean itself. Not because it’s cluttered with inane thoughts or clogged by your filthy sense of humor, but because—like every other organ—it creates waste products. Now, scientists have worked out how it keeps itself clean. More »
Aug 15
Morphine is just about the best painkiller out there, as any doctor or any person who’s ever been in an accident will tell you. There’s just one small problem—it’s incredibly addictive. But thanks to some researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Adelaide, we may have outsmarted that propensity for dependency. More »
Aug 08
US Government Accountability Office recommends FCC reassess radiation limits for mobile phones
Posted in: Today's Chili 
The topic of mobile phone radiation is once again on the burner in Washington D.C. Along with Representative Dennis Kucinich’s proposed legislation that would institute labeling requirements and extensive research into the health effects of RF exposure, the US Government Accountability Office has issued a recommendation that the FCC update its current exposure limits and reevaluate current testing methodologies. As is, the FCC’s radiation guidelines are based on research that was concluded in 1996, and while the US GAO concedes that this may lead to the adoption of higher SAR limits (in certain usage scenarios), the organization contends that it’s time to bring current research and international recommendations into consideration.
As potential cause for concern, the US GAO has also identified a failure of current testing methodologies. Put simply, manufacturers are currently required to submit specific absorption rates that reflect usage against both the head and body, however in the case of the body test, this is always done with the assumption of a holster. While a distance of 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters may not seem like much, SAR values increase with proximity, and many who use their mobile phones in their pockets — say, with a Bluetooth headset — are at risk of exposing themselves to RF limits that exceed current guidelines. The actual absorption rates are currently unknown.
For its part, the FCC has responded to the US GAO and asserts that it has independently arrived at many of the same conclusions, and adds that it has initiated the procedural requirements necessary for the reevaluation of RF safety rules. Those who’d like to learn more can scour the complete recommendation, along with Rep. Kucinich’s proposal, at the source links below.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless
US Government Accountability Office recommends FCC reassess radiation limits for mobile phones originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jul 31
Brain Corporation has developed a system that can individually identify all kinds of baked goods on a tray, in just one second. A trial has started at a Tokyo bakery store.
This technology was co-developed with the University of Hyogo. This is the world’s first trial of such a system in actual work at a cash register.
“Part-time staff sometimes can’t remember the names of baked goods. But with this system, the names of the goods appear on screen, so staff can work at the cash …
Jul 25
The Science of Power Naps [Video]
Posted in: Today's Chili
The concept of the power naps divides opinion: some people firmly stand by them, while others think they offer no tangible benefit at all. If you’re a doubter, this video may be enough to convince you that they really do work. More »
Jul 19
Taking the SAT, crunching through a tough problem at work, or even concentrating while driving in difficult conditions can leave you feeling physically exhausted. But does thinking really hard burn more calories, or does the exhaustion come from somewhere else? More »
Jul 18
Scientists Use Skin To Replace Brain Cells Destroyed By Parkinson’s [Science]
Posted in: Today's Chili
Parkinson’s is a horrible degenerative disorder of the central nervous system which is sadly incurable. But now a team of scientists from Johns Hopkins has been able to grow the brain cells which are usually destroyed by the disease from skin stem cells—and they’re confident it will help them develop new treatments. More »
Jul 13
Necomimi Launches the Product We’ve All Been Waiting for: Brainwave Cat Ears
Posted in: Today's ChiliI was sitting around the house the other day thinking what I really needed to make my life complete was a pair of articulated cat ears that I could wear on my head. I mean, I have a cool car, a gigantic television, and a sweet job (not this one mind you). The only thing lacking in my life is a nice set of giant plush cat ears. You can imagine how happy I was to notice that Necomimi has now officially launched its Brainwave Cat Ears in the United States.
We talked about these things last year and apparently you could previously find them at certain geek conventions. Apparently, they will now come to other retail locations for you to purchase for $99.95(USD). The idea is that the cat ears are on a headband that has a sensor that rests on your four head to read your brainwaves. The ears will tell other people what you’re feeling so you don’t have to bother with stupid stuff like talking to people.
The cat ears are able to show three emotional states. When something catches the wearer’s attention, the ears stand straight up. When the wearer is relaxed, the ears will droop down. When the user is both highly focused and highly relaxed the ears wiggle back-and-forth. Sadly it’s missing the indicator for “I’m going to dust you with bath salts and chew your face off.”
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