Hasta La Gadget!

“There’s an app for that…”, or so the saying goes, and we are quite sure that iPhone as well as Android owners have far more installed apps than stock apps on their respective handsets. While Apple might seem to be on the backpedal when it comes to their iPhone at this point in time in terms of market share compared to the expanding Android footprint, do bear in mind that Apple’s App Store is a well respected cash cow for the Cupertino firm, so to speak, as the App Store still outsells Google’s Play Store by a rather hefty ratio in comparison – and we all know that there is money at the end of the apps rainbow. What happens when you take into account hardware accessories as well? This is where this unique iPhone microscope accessory would come in handy for the medical field.

An international team of researchers recently reported in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene that they managed to make use of a very simple microscope which was self-constructed, where thanks to a lens that costs just $8, it has been placed over the iPhone 4S’s camera and held in place with some sticky tape, and it was successfully used to detect the eggs of soil-transmitted parasitic worms, otherwise known as helminths, if you want to get technical about it. When compared to the results shown by a proper microscope when diagnosing children in rural Tanzania, it was discovered that for some nematodes, the iPhone microscope is more than capable of detecting worm eggs.

Well, what can we say about that? It would be nice if this makeshift solution was able to measure up to the kind of performance found in actual microscopes, but I guess that further refinements need to be made to ensure that this will happen sometime down the road.

Source
[ iPhone microscope helps out the naked eye copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

I know that we live in an age where medical advances abound, but we are still not quite on the same level as that of Star Wars or Star Trek yet, where neural implants and cybernetics have advanced to such a point, where even a severely weakened Darth Vader could still end up being an imposing Sith Lord with the help of Emperor Palpatine and his reconstructive medical center. Having said that, here is a new age device that has debuted at HIMSS13, where it is known as the Griffin MouthStick Stylus and was specially designed after receiving the necessary input from medical professionals.

The Griffin MouthStick Stylus intends to expand the world of tablets, where it will bring touchscreen and button interaction to those who are living with manual disabilities. Yes sir, have you ever wondered how a disabled person, especially one who has lost their limbs or use of them, be able to make use of all current generation touchscreen handsets? The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will fit the bill nicely, where it was specially designed to provide comfort, stability and control while being held in the mouth.

According to Melissa Lapsley, B2B Education & Assistive Technology Product Specialist at Griffin Technology, “Everyone wants access to tablet technology. With our MouthStick Stylus, we’re providing a customized tool that allows people with motor disabilities the ability to have complete control and access to modern-day technology.”

The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will play nice with touchscreen interfaces, laptop keyboards, and Apple’s Magic Trackpad, where those who lack fine motor skills are still able to easily access and control touch-technology. Thanks to a well-balanced design, the stick can be held comfortably in the mouth without causing any form of strain or discomfort. The Griffin MouthStick Stylus will comprise of four parts, including a food-grade stainless steel mouthpiece, BPA- and latex-free silicone rubber mouthpiece sleeves, a conductive silicone rubber tip, and an adjustable aluminum gooseneck shaft.

Expect the Griffin Mouthstick Stylus to be available to the masses this coming Q2 for $29.99 a pop.

Product Page
[ Griffin MouthStick Stylus copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Blindness is arguably one of the worst afflictions one can have, making life exceedingly difficult. Nine people have been liberated from the from their blindness, however, thanks to a retinal implant that restores light to an eye that otherwise can’t see it. Called the Alpha IMS, this device utilizes the eye’s own neurons, unlike some other devices.

The device is implanted in the patient’s head and is powered via a separate battery pack that is wireless and located outside of the body. Underneath the retina, a grid containing 1500 electrodes is implanted, a method said to provide the patient with a higher resolution sight than other options.The implant works by detecting light.

The amount of light detected can be controlled by the patient via a dial that is located behind the ear. The grid works in much the same way as the light-detecting cells in the eyes, and for this reason it does not work for just any type of blindness. Rather, it works for those who have lost their vision due to a condition that has destroyed the eye’s ability to detect light.

The biggest advantage to the Alpha IMS over other camera-based methods is that it is more natural, and doesn’t require the patient to wear a camera. Because the implant is under the retina, the eye can be moved naturally to look around, giving the patient more freedom and a more natural vision. The patient’s own eye is responsible for detecting contrast and other such things.

[via New Scientist]

Retinal implant allows the blind to see again is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
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There is the real deal, and then if you do not have the kind of financial muscle that would make you the envy of the rest of your peers, then a replica of something that is highly sought after will have to do. What am I talking about? Just about everything, but if you so happen to be a fan of the Game of Thrones series, then you might want to check out this highly affordable $299.99 Game of Thrones 1/6 Iron Throne Replica.

Yes sir, this is the throne for extremely tiny kings, being just 14” in height. Just what kind of material is it made out of? It is sculpted from resin, and hand-finished to boot, which means no two replicas are alike in this world. Even if your last name is not a Lannister, you will be able to get hold of one of these bad boys, now how about that? This is definitely a surefire way to own a conversation starter at home or at the office. Bear in mind that this is an officially licensed HBO Game of Thrones series collectible, so don’t worry about picking up a cheap knockoff.

[ Game of Thrones 1/6 Iron Throne Replica copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Have you tried your darndest best to kick the smoking habit all this while, but with very little chance of success? Well, perhaps you might have your skeptical view about electronic cigarettes, but assuming you do not want to leave any stone unturned in your quest, there is the Disposable Electronic Cigarettes from Prosmoke Electronic Cigarettes, where the latter prides itself in being the industry leading tobacco alternative. The new Disposable Electronic Cigarettes range has been thrown into the mix, hoping to help the company maintain their edge in this industry as the manufacturer of the best electronic cigarette products on the market.

Those who want more bang for their hard earned buck will find that fortune smiles on them with the ProSmoke Disposable Electronic Cigarettes since they last longer compared to the rest of the competition, but in the long run, they will most probably also cost less. Chances are smokers will find the Disposable Electronic Cigarettes to deliver a more realistic smoking experience, while tasting better compared to other e-cigarette brands that are available, letting customers choose from a couple of delicious flavors, or if you find that money is hard to come by these days, why not save up with bundled packs?

According to a ProSmoke representative, “If you are looking to try electronic cigarettes for the first time or you want an easy alternative to buying a pack of regular cigarettes, then the ProSmoke Disposable Electronic Cigarette is for you. If you are on the edge, trying to decide if electronic cigarettes would be a successful tobacco alternative for you, this is the perfect place to start. The ProSmoke Disposable e-cig makes your transition to e-cigarettes easy.”

It is said that the new ProSmoke Disposable Electronic Cigarette is roughly the equivalent of two packs of traditional cigarettes, and it comes with a real cigarette taste of tobacco and menthol flavors, ensuring you will be able to smoke the tobacco alternative every day. Just which is the most effective way, in your books, to quit smoking?

Press Release
[ Disposable Electronic Cigarettes from ProSmoke copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]