Monday, June 30, 2008
Sythetically Designed 'Wimpy' Polio Virus Protects Against Disease
Scientists' creation of the weak virus signals the beginning of a new era in vaccination.
A team of molecular biologists and computer scientists at Stony Brook University have designed and synthesized a new class of weakened polioviruses. They have used a synthesizing method with computer software to systematically re-code the poliovirus genome.
In order to artificially synthesize a virus the genome has to be decoded first. But decoding a polio virus that had almost (10442) possibilities isn't a simple task. Therefore, using a powerful computer algorithm, the team found particular re-codings of the genome predicted to weaken the virus.
"The researchers made hundreds of small mutations in the genome that perfectly preserved the viral proteins but changed the way those proteins were encoded by RNA (ribonucleic acid), so that pairs of amino acids were added by transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that rarely work together in normal proteins. They call the process “Synthetic Attenuated Virus Engineering,” or “SAVE.” The resulting virus contains completely authentic, wild-type poliovirus proteins."
The most highly decoded virus will be weakened, so it will no longer infect cells anymore. Thus a virus modified using ‘SAVE’ technology might act as a vaccine by providing immunity against the normal virus. The innumerable alterations in the code ensures that the virus would never regain its wild nature.
Positive results have emerged from testing done on mice. Currently researchers are keen on using it in animal vaccination, after further exploration it can be used in human vaccines too.
Synthesis of an artificial virus throws open the possibilities of mutating other virus strains too. That surely looks like a giant leap for Molecular Genetics and vaccination.
Source - Commcgi.cc.stonybrook.edu
A team of molecular biologists and computer scientists at Stony Brook University have designed and synthesized a new class of weakened polioviruses. They have used a synthesizing method with computer software to systematically re-code the poliovirus genome.
In order to artificially synthesize a virus the genome has to be decoded first. But decoding a polio virus that had almost (10442) possibilities isn't a simple task. Therefore, using a powerful computer algorithm, the team found particular re-codings of the genome predicted to weaken the virus."The researchers made hundreds of small mutations in the genome that perfectly preserved the viral proteins but changed the way those proteins were encoded by RNA (ribonucleic acid), so that pairs of amino acids were added by transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that rarely work together in normal proteins. They call the process “Synthetic Attenuated Virus Engineering,” or “SAVE.” The resulting virus contains completely authentic, wild-type poliovirus proteins."
The most highly decoded virus will be weakened, so it will no longer infect cells anymore. Thus a virus modified using ‘SAVE’ technology might act as a vaccine by providing immunity against the normal virus. The innumerable alterations in the code ensures that the virus would never regain its wild nature.Positive results have emerged from testing done on mice. Currently researchers are keen on using it in animal vaccination, after further exploration it can be used in human vaccines too.
Synthesis of an artificial virus throws open the possibilities of mutating other virus strains too. That surely looks like a giant leap for Molecular Genetics and vaccination.
Source - Commcgi.cc.stonybrook.edu
Labels: Bio-engineering
PermaLink - Sythetically Designed 'Wimpy' Polio Virus Protects Against Disease posted by Vanessa : 4:06 AM
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Ford Says Goodbye to Fuel Tank Screw Cap; Easy Fuel, Easy Go
'Every time a fuel cap is either lost or not screwed on properly, that equates to evaporative emissions entering the environment,' said Brian Aitken, a Ford fuel systems supervisor.
That's not it. It dirties your hand too.
Engineers at Ford have developed a product known as Easy Fuel to keep your hands clean. Easy Fuel is a capless fuel-filler system - it eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap.
The novel design uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door that is held closed by two latches that can only be released by a standard-size unleaded fuel nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into the filler neck, the latches release to open up the flapper door. When the nozzle is removed, the doors close automatically.
This innovative system prevents the loss of fuel and also saves time. Positive response from customers has prompted them to to offer the Easy Fuel system as standard equipment across the Ford.
Easy Fuel was introduced on the 2008 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, and will be offered as standard equipment on the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS.
Source - Ford
That's not it. It dirties your hand too.
Engineers at Ford have developed a product known as Easy Fuel to keep your hands clean. Easy Fuel is a capless fuel-filler system - it eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap.
The novel design uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door that is held closed by two latches that can only be released by a standard-size unleaded fuel nozzle. When the nozzle is inserted into the filler neck, the latches release to open up the flapper door. When the nozzle is removed, the doors close automatically.This innovative system prevents the loss of fuel and also saves time. Positive response from customers has prompted them to to offer the Easy Fuel system as standard equipment across the Ford.
Easy Fuel was introduced on the 2008 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, and will be offered as standard equipment on the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, Ford Flex and Lincoln MKS.
Source - Ford
Labels: Design-Engineering, Logistics-Transportation-Engineering
PermaLink - Ford Says Goodbye to Fuel Tank Screw Cap; Easy Fuel, Easy Go posted by Vanessa : 3:48 AM
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New Food inspection technology Detects Unwanted Particles in Packed Food
New inspection X-ray technology developed by European researchers is helping to ensure that the only thing in people’s dinners is the food itself.
A perfect dinner at home can be spoiled when you start seeing things that you aren't supposed to see. I'm not talking about spooky sixth sense stuff here. It's about the plate in front of you.
What you see is not what you always get when you open food packed in containers. You order a boneless fillet but find a fish bone in it. Small foreign bodies and packaging defects are frequently not detected by food producers, but things could change with the new X-ray technology.
"The technology developed by the Modulinspex project uses low-energy X-rays to produce highly detailed images of food products and packaged goods. The images are then scanned via inspection software that can automatically detect any irregularities accurately and quickly.
The X-ray images have a resolution of 0.1 millimetres – 16 times better than existing high-power systems, making it possible to detect objects as small and fine as a herring bone."
The technology is similar to the X-ray inspection systems used in airports. In the food industry, the system is customized for various foods as the requirements of the food products varies significantly.
This X-ray inspection is sure to improve the quality of the food on your plate. And what you see is what you'll get. There would be no surprises.
Source - Science Daily
A perfect dinner at home can be spoiled when you start seeing things that you aren't supposed to see. I'm not talking about spooky sixth sense stuff here. It's about the plate in front of you.What you see is not what you always get when you open food packed in containers. You order a boneless fillet but find a fish bone in it. Small foreign bodies and packaging defects are frequently not detected by food producers, but things could change with the new X-ray technology.
"The technology developed by the Modulinspex project uses low-energy X-rays to produce highly detailed images of food products and packaged goods. The images are then scanned via inspection software that can automatically detect any irregularities accurately and quickly.
The X-ray images have a resolution of 0.1 millimetres – 16 times better than existing high-power systems, making it possible to detect objects as small and fine as a herring bone."The technology is similar to the X-ray inspection systems used in airports. In the food industry, the system is customized for various foods as the requirements of the food products varies significantly.
This X-ray inspection is sure to improve the quality of the food on your plate. And what you see is what you'll get. There would be no surprises.
Source - Science Daily
Labels: Manufacturing-Production-Engineering
PermaLink - New Food inspection technology Detects Unwanted Particles in Packed Food posted by Vanessa : 3:20 AM
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
Miracle Material Shields Against X-ray And Gamma Emissions
Exposure to ionizing radiation is considered to be dangerous for humans. But all humans are exposed to some radiation simply by living on earth. When an exposure occurs over an extended period of time, it is referred to as "Chronic Exposure". This can be reduced by creating a barrier between the radiating source and the individual known as shielding.
Radiation Shield Technologies (RST) has achieved a breakthrough in personal radiation protection using nanotechnology. This revolutionary technology is currently produced as full body suits, gloves and boots and is marketed under the name Demron, but is commonly known as the miracle material.
Demron not only protects against particle ionizing/nuclear radiation (such as Beta and Alpha), but does what no other full body radiation protection can do: shield against X-ray and low-energy Gamma emissions. Demron is also non-toxic and completely Lead-free.
Lead aprons are used currently by medical professionals. But it tends to crack when bent or folded. Demron rectifies all these problems and ensures protection for the wearer.
The only downside is the weight of the material - a 36” x 30” blanket weighs approximately 60 lbs.
Source - Radiating Shield Technologies
Read the report of the test here.
Radiation Shield Technologies (RST) has achieved a breakthrough in personal radiation protection using nanotechnology. This revolutionary technology is currently produced as full body suits, gloves and boots and is marketed under the name Demron, but is commonly known as the miracle material. Demron not only protects against particle ionizing/nuclear radiation (such as Beta and Alpha), but does what no other full body radiation protection can do: shield against X-ray and low-energy Gamma emissions. Demron is also non-toxic and completely Lead-free.
Lead aprons are used currently by medical professionals. But it tends to crack when bent or folded. Demron rectifies all these problems and ensures protection for the wearer.
The only downside is the weight of the material - a 36” x 30” blanket weighs approximately 60 lbs.
Source - Radiating Shield Technologies
Read the report of the test here.
Labels: Material-Sciences, Textile-Engineering
PermaLink - Miracle Material Shields Against X-ray And Gamma Emissions posted by Vanessa : 9:19 AM
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Airless Tires Designed For Military Purposes
“Developing tires that will allow vehicles to continue to roll no matter what is thrown at them — even roadside bombs — is a real priority for the military and could be the difference between life and death for our troops in the field,” says U.S. Rep. Dave Obey.
Fueled by the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense, Resilient Technologies,LLC in collaboration with The University of Wisconsin-Madison has worked on a $18 million project to develop an airless tire. For two years they have tested out hundreds of prototypes before hitting the jackpot.
Photo: The honeycomb design of tires (Resilient Technologies LLC)
An airless tire cannot resemble a normal one. It has to be specifically designed to handle the pressure. And when they were on the lookout for inspiration, a bee buzzed in to act as their muse. The bee's humble honeycomb became the inspiration behind the design of the tire. They narrowed down on this design because it helps to ease the stiffness of the tire and also enables it to transmit loads uniformly.
"The patent pending Resilient design relies on a precise pattern of six-sided cells that are arranged, like a honeycomb, in a way that best mimics the “ride feel” of pneumatic tires."
Right now they just want to satisfy the requirements of the military, but soon hope to create airless tires for all the riders around the world.
Source - The Wisconsin Idea
Fueled by the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense, Resilient Technologies,LLC in collaboration with The University of Wisconsin-Madison has worked on a $18 million project to develop an airless tire. For two years they have tested out hundreds of prototypes before hitting the jackpot.
Photo: The honeycomb design of tires (Resilient Technologies LLC)
An airless tire cannot resemble a normal one. It has to be specifically designed to handle the pressure. And when they were on the lookout for inspiration, a bee buzzed in to act as their muse. The bee's humble honeycomb became the inspiration behind the design of the tire. They narrowed down on this design because it helps to ease the stiffness of the tire and also enables it to transmit loads uniformly.
"The patent pending Resilient design relies on a precise pattern of six-sided cells that are arranged, like a honeycomb, in a way that best mimics the “ride feel” of pneumatic tires."
Right now they just want to satisfy the requirements of the military, but soon hope to create airless tires for all the riders around the world.
Source - The Wisconsin Idea
Labels: Logistics-Transportation-Engineering
First Accessibility Tool Lets Blind Surf The Net From Anywhere
Tool converts written text to an electronically generated voice.
Visually impaired people surf the net with the help of special screen-reading software which they install in their desktops. But they cannot use the net on the go.
A new software, called WebAnywhere, tackles this problem effectively. The tool developed at the University of Washington turns screen-reading into an Internet service that reads aloud Web text on any computer. It will run on any machine that has a sound card.
Under Richard Ladner's supervision, Jeffrey Bigham, a UW doctoral student in computer science and engineering was able to create this tool that has become the first accessibility tool to be hosted on the Web.
Usually free screen readers have to be downloaded and installed before you can use it. But in some places like public libraries or museums there could be download restrictions. Webanywhere doesn't have to be downloaded. It processes the text on an external server and then sends the audio file to play in the user's Web browser.
Because there is no installation involved, there is no need for technical support. Everytime you visit the site you get the latest version.
You can access WebAnywhere here.
Visually impaired people surf the net with the help of special screen-reading software which they install in their desktops. But they cannot use the net on the go.
A new software, called WebAnywhere, tackles this problem effectively. The tool developed at the University of Washington turns screen-reading into an Internet service that reads aloud Web text on any computer. It will run on any machine that has a sound card.
Under Richard Ladner's supervision, Jeffrey Bigham, a UW doctoral student in computer science and engineering was able to create this tool that has become the first accessibility tool to be hosted on the Web.
Usually free screen readers have to be downloaded and installed before you can use it. But in some places like public libraries or museums there could be download restrictions. Webanywhere doesn't have to be downloaded. It processes the text on an external server and then sends the audio file to play in the user's Web browser.
Because there is no installation involved, there is no need for technical support. Everytime you visit the site you get the latest version.
You can access WebAnywhere here.
Labels: Computer-Science
PermaLink - First Accessibility Tool Lets Blind Surf The Net From Anywhere posted by Vanessa : 7:18 AM
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Fireproof Wool Clothing Offers Protection Against Fire Related Injuries
One fine day Jeanette received a request from the U.S. military. No, she wasn't entrusted to save the world single handedly from the bad guys. She had to find a heat-resistant material that can be worn by the troops. With great determination she embarked on this interesting mission.Now Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemist Jeanette M. Cardamone has discovered and patented a heat-resistant material that can be incorporated into wool and other fabrics to match the flame resistance of commercial firefighters' uniforms.
Earlier she had created the "biopolished" wool that is both machine-washable and itch-free. Now, " working with visiting scientist Anand Kanchagar, Cardamone improved the flame retardancy of the biopolished wool by treating it with a heat-resistant polymer that is stable, easy to process and highly tolerant of extreme temperatures.Early tests have shown that the burning behavior of the polymer-treated ARS wool compares to a 50/50 blend of wool with Nomex, the fabric currently used in protective firefighting gear."
Synthetic materials can stick on to the wound, whereas wool turns to ash. This makes it an ideal choice for the troops and firefighters. Biopolished wool aims to make the attire much safer. Currently they are collaborating with interested companies to enhance its virtues.
Source - Science Daily
Labels: Textile-Engineering
PermaLink - Fireproof Wool Clothing Offers Protection Against Fire Related Injuries posted by Vanessa : 6:43 AM
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Saturday, June 28, 2008
Face Acts As Remote Control, Speeds and Slows Video Playback
A computer science Ph.D. student Jacob Whitehill can turn his face into a remote control that speeds and slows video playback.
The inception of online teaching has drastically changed the education field. Face-to-face interaction is minimised in this approach. Robotic technology hopes to take it one step further by introducing robotic teachers.
The only drawback is that a robot cannot understand the expressions of a confused student.It would go on teaching even if the student looks puzzled with the lesson. In order to tackle this Whitehall's pilot study explores the utility of facial expression as a feedback signal from student to teacher.
To achieve this he has studied the facial expressions of people who participate in a lecture. Using video conferencing software he collects the facial expressions of the students.
From here, Whitehill would then train a user specific model that predicts when a lecture should be sped up or slowed down based on the spontaneous facial expressions a person makes.
Their results have shown that automatic facial expression recognition is already a useful feedback signal for intelligent tutoring systems for two concrete tasks:perceived difficulty estimation, and preferred speed prediction. As expression recognition technology improves, its usefulness in ITS will continue to grow.
The work is being presented in June 2008 at the Intelligent Tutoring Systems conference and at the IEEE International Workshop on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition for Human Communicative Behavior Analysis.
Read the Abstract of the project here.
Image Credit: UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
The inception of online teaching has drastically changed the education field. Face-to-face interaction is minimised in this approach. Robotic technology hopes to take it one step further by introducing robotic teachers. The only drawback is that a robot cannot understand the expressions of a confused student.It would go on teaching even if the student looks puzzled with the lesson. In order to tackle this Whitehall's pilot study explores the utility of facial expression as a feedback signal from student to teacher.
To achieve this he has studied the facial expressions of people who participate in a lecture. Using video conferencing software he collects the facial expressions of the students.
From here, Whitehill would then train a user specific model that predicts when a lecture should be sped up or slowed down based on the spontaneous facial expressions a person makes.
Their results have shown that automatic facial expression recognition is already a useful feedback signal for intelligent tutoring systems for two concrete tasks:perceived difficulty estimation, and preferred speed prediction. As expression recognition technology improves, its usefulness in ITS will continue to grow.
The work is being presented in June 2008 at the Intelligent Tutoring Systems conference and at the IEEE International Workshop on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition for Human Communicative Behavior Analysis.
Read the Abstract of the project here.
Image Credit: UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Labels: Automation, Robotics
PermaLink - Face Acts As Remote Control, Speeds and Slows Video Playback posted by Vanessa : 4:23 AM
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World's First Power Assisted Suitcase
'Wheelie cases were a great step forward, but they came out 25 years ago, and this is the first real innovation since then,' says Clive Hemsley, the case's inventor.
Live Luggage (liveluggage.com), a small firm from Henley-on-Thames, has created the world's first power assisted suitcase. A flat motor technology has been built into the wheels which makes a case loaded with 30kg of luggage as easy to move around as a conventional wheelie case holding 3kg.
This is possible because of the way the handle and the wheels have been designed. The handle centers 85 per cent of the weight centered around the wheels and doesn't transfer it into the user's arms. The battery holds on for a mile and a half. Then it can be easily recharged with a plug in charger.
It has an inbuilt live locator ID system that helps you to locate the suitcase in the event of loss. Nothing can put you off from getting your hands on this innovative case except the price.Yes, you've got to shell out £700 to get one. But researchers are already working on creating affordable cases for all.
Therefore from now on, travel with ease not with a burden behind your back.
Live Luggage (liveluggage.com), a small firm from Henley-on-Thames, has created the world's first power assisted suitcase. A flat motor technology has been built into the wheels which makes a case loaded with 30kg of luggage as easy to move around as a conventional wheelie case holding 3kg.This is possible because of the way the handle and the wheels have been designed. The handle centers 85 per cent of the weight centered around the wheels and doesn't transfer it into the user's arms. The battery holds on for a mile and a half. Then it can be easily recharged with a plug in charger.
It has an inbuilt live locator ID system that helps you to locate the suitcase in the event of loss. Nothing can put you off from getting your hands on this innovative case except the price.Yes, you've got to shell out £700 to get one. But researchers are already working on creating affordable cases for all.
Therefore from now on, travel with ease not with a burden behind your back.
Labels: Design-Engineering
Novel Device halts a Migraine Right In Its Tracks
According to the American Headache Society:
* Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to the emergency room with a headache or migraine.
* More than $1 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications to treat headaches and Migraines.
* The lost work due to migraine disease costs more than $13 billion every year in the U.S.
These mind boggling statistics are enough to trigger a headache. But don't lose hope. Technology has stepped in to meet the needs of the headache prone society. Scientists at The Ohio State University Medical Center have invented a novel electronic portable device that stops it right in its tracks.
"The noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) device sends a strong electric current through a metal coil, which creates an intense magnetic field for about one millisecond. This magnetic pulse, when held against a person's head, creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain, interrupting the aura before it results in a throbbing headache."
Side effects and other complications are common in most drugs used for headaches. Whereas the TMS device offers a safe and painless solution. Since clinical trials do not indicate any adverse complications arising from the use of the device, one can look forward to the portable headache arrester to make its way into our homes soon.
Source - OSU Medical Center
Related Links
Crying as a precipitating factor for migraine and tension-type headache.
Aspartame consumption strongly associated with migraines and seizures.
* Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to the emergency room with a headache or migraine.
* More than $1 billion is spent on over-the-counter medications to treat headaches and Migraines.
* The lost work due to migraine disease costs more than $13 billion every year in the U.S.
These mind boggling statistics are enough to trigger a headache. But don't lose hope. Technology has stepped in to meet the needs of the headache prone society. Scientists at The Ohio State University Medical Center have invented a novel electronic portable device that stops it right in its tracks."The noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) device sends a strong electric current through a metal coil, which creates an intense magnetic field for about one millisecond. This magnetic pulse, when held against a person's head, creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain, interrupting the aura before it results in a throbbing headache."
Side effects and other complications are common in most drugs used for headaches. Whereas the TMS device offers a safe and painless solution. Since clinical trials do not indicate any adverse complications arising from the use of the device, one can look forward to the portable headache arrester to make its way into our homes soon.
Source - OSU Medical Center
Related Links
Crying as a precipitating factor for migraine and tension-type headache.
Aspartame consumption strongly associated with migraines and seizures.
Labels: Bio-engineering, innovation
PermaLink - Novel Device halts a Migraine Right In Its Tracks posted by Vanessa : 3:12 AM
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tartalo - Polite Robot Knocks to Enter & Works Where GPS Fails
Explores Places Where GPS Doesn't Work
Knock! Knock! The wolf rapped on the door.
"Who's there?" cried Grandma from her bed.
"It's me, Little Red Riding Hood..."
In the 21st century there's going to be a twist in the tale. Grandma opens the door to let in Tartalo, an autonomous robot designed by Basilio Sierra's team in the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). This 1.5-metre tall robot can find its way around a new building, identify doors and ask permission to enter.(Very polite robot isn't it?)
"The biomimetic algorithms mean Tartalo gains information on a new building by exploring and taking in points of reference. As this would normally require huge amounts of data, this has been simplified by programming Tartalo to recognise common structures: room, corridor, front hall and junction. After learning the position of all of these, the machine creates a topological map that the operator can then give specific labels to."
Infrared lasers helps the robot in avoiding obstacles in its path. It gauges the size of the corridor or doorway with the help of a single-eye camera. This enables it to negotiate its way through narrow spaces. But it cannot open doors. That's why it stops by to knock with its feet.
Currently the Autonomous Robotics and Systems research team is keen on increasing the prowess of Tartalo. They want it to follow the instructions carefully and also learn to recognize faces, voices and objects. This robot would be extremely useful in places where GPS doesn't work.
Wonder if parents of the future would use Tartalo's story to teach good manners to their kids.
Source - The Engineer Online
Interesting Robotics
Wearable Biomechatronic Exoskeletons: the Future is Already Here
Future of Robotics - Robots Uses, Trends, Applications
Knock! Knock! The wolf rapped on the door.
"Who's there?" cried Grandma from her bed.
"It's me, Little Red Riding Hood..."
In the 21st century there's going to be a twist in the tale. Grandma opens the door to let in Tartalo, an autonomous robot designed by Basilio Sierra's team in the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). This 1.5-metre tall robot can find its way around a new building, identify doors and ask permission to enter.(Very polite robot isn't it?)"The biomimetic algorithms mean Tartalo gains information on a new building by exploring and taking in points of reference. As this would normally require huge amounts of data, this has been simplified by programming Tartalo to recognise common structures: room, corridor, front hall and junction. After learning the position of all of these, the machine creates a topological map that the operator can then give specific labels to."
Infrared lasers helps the robot in avoiding obstacles in its path. It gauges the size of the corridor or doorway with the help of a single-eye camera. This enables it to negotiate its way through narrow spaces. But it cannot open doors. That's why it stops by to knock with its feet.
Currently the Autonomous Robotics and Systems research team is keen on increasing the prowess of Tartalo. They want it to follow the instructions carefully and also learn to recognize faces, voices and objects. This robot would be extremely useful in places where GPS doesn't work.
Wonder if parents of the future would use Tartalo's story to teach good manners to their kids.
Source - The Engineer Online
Interesting Robotics
Wearable Biomechatronic Exoskeletons: the Future is Already Here
Future of Robotics - Robots Uses, Trends, Applications
Labels: Robotics
PermaLink - Tartalo - Polite Robot Knocks to Enter & Works Where GPS Fails posted by Vanessa : 4:47 AM
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No Pain, No Blood - Chip Monitors Diabetes Easily
Traditional methods to monitor the blood sugar level are usually painful. Patients have to prick their skin to squeeze out a blood sample on to a test strip. When this strip is inserted into a blood meter it reveals the level of blood sugar in their body. Most patients do this twice a day, but some have to do it several times per day. It is sure to test anybody's patience and endurance level.This will be a thing of the past if one starts using the B-FIT a tiny prototype chip (Bio-Flips Integrable Transdermal MicroSystem) invented by the researchers at Georgetown University. B-FIT is a small biosenser device that can be worn anywhere in the body.
It painlessly removes a patient's outer-dermis, by using a 'micro-hotplate' (or micro-heater), which measures about 50 microns square. For 30 milliseconds, the hotplate is turned on to a temperature of 130oC. Then it makes a tiny pore in the skin, through which interstitial fluid can rise. The biosensor then reads the glucose levels in the sample fluid through tiny electrodes coated with a substance that reacts specifically to the glucose.
Sounds hot and painful. In reality the patient doesn't feel a thing. Being funded by the DARPA this was initially designed for military purposes and now it is being designed for normal use too.
Hope to see you soon little chip. For you are sure to win the hearts of diabetics all around the world.
Source - Georgetown University
Labels: Bio-engineering, Instrumentation-Engineering
PermaLink - No Pain, No Blood - Chip Monitors Diabetes Easily posted by Vanessa : 4:31 AM
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Robotic Shadow Caddy Follows You Wherever You Go
Every move you make
Every step you take
I'll be 'following' you
(If the Shadow caddy had a voice it might be singing this.)
Golfers love to play golf i.e. concentrate, aim and shoot the ball into the hole. Carrying the clubs for a long distance, hunting for the lost balls are some of the distractions that toughens their game.
To make things easier for the golfer,the robotic shadow caddy has been designed. Mary had a little lamb that followed her wherever she went. The shadow caddy acts on the same principle. You can enjoy your game while it takes care of the luggage.
Shadow caddy is operated by a simple transmitter, which the golfer clips to their belt and the robot will automatically follow a few feet behind them. An intelligent infra-red collision system enables it to navigate the turf easily. It automatically dodges bunkers, trees, water features, golfers and other caddies.
Without a heavy baggage on your shoulder you can enjoy a brisk walk. Employing a professional caddy is another option. But it comes with a high price tag.
The robot runs on long-life batteries which let it complete two 18-hole rounds between charges. The 19kg robot is also fitted with wide turf tyres to prevent it damaging greens and fairways.
Golf clubs can equip themselves with this robot caddies that cost £3,000 each and rent it out to players to lessen their burden.
The Shadow caddy is on its way to become a golfer's best friend.
Source - Dailymail
Interesting Robotics
Future of Robotics - Robots Uses, Trends, Applications
Jumping Micro-robot Inspired By Grasshoppers
Every step you take
I'll be 'following' you
(If the Shadow caddy had a voice it might be singing this.)
Golfers love to play golf i.e. concentrate, aim and shoot the ball into the hole. Carrying the clubs for a long distance, hunting for the lost balls are some of the distractions that toughens their game.
To make things easier for the golfer,the robotic shadow caddy has been designed. Mary had a little lamb that followed her wherever she went. The shadow caddy acts on the same principle. You can enjoy your game while it takes care of the luggage.
Shadow caddy is operated by a simple transmitter, which the golfer clips to their belt and the robot will automatically follow a few feet behind them. An intelligent infra-red collision system enables it to navigate the turf easily. It automatically dodges bunkers, trees, water features, golfers and other caddies.
Without a heavy baggage on your shoulder you can enjoy a brisk walk. Employing a professional caddy is another option. But it comes with a high price tag.
The robot runs on long-life batteries which let it complete two 18-hole rounds between charges. The 19kg robot is also fitted with wide turf tyres to prevent it damaging greens and fairways.
Golf clubs can equip themselves with this robot caddies that cost £3,000 each and rent it out to players to lessen their burden.
The Shadow caddy is on its way to become a golfer's best friend.
Source - Dailymail
Interesting Robotics
Future of Robotics - Robots Uses, Trends, Applications
Jumping Micro-robot Inspired By Grasshoppers
Labels: Logistics-Transportation-Engineering, Robotics
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Stunning Solar Powered Plant Pot Glows In the Dark
Until now, the fragrance of fresh flowers or the splash of nature's colors would have enticed a passer by to stop by and take a look at your well maintained garden. This time your flowers are going to take the backseat. Your pot is going to bask in the spotlight. The humble clay pot has had a makeover. It has turned into a stunning solar powered plant pot that glows in the dark.
"As its name suggests, this stylish designer pot soaks up the sun's rays in order to charge an internal battery that powers several built-in LEDs.
As night falls the entire pot begins to glow, adding an enchanting touch of magic to your garden/patio. You can even choose between a pot that glows constant white or one that gently phases through a kaleidoscope of gorgeous colours."
It comes with a ground spike and a solar cell which enables the pot to be placed in shade too. A 3m cable connects the pot and the solar cell that is stuck to the ground. It comes with an eco-friendly tag; cos it doesn't require any electricity to function. Prices range from $39 to $45.
This fashionable garden accessory is sure to make heads turn.
Source - Firebox
Labels: Design-Engineering, Energy-Environment-Engineering
PermaLink - Stunning Solar Powered Plant Pot Glows In the Dark posted by Vanessa : 4:47 AM
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Scientists Spot 'Invisible' Gold In Nanoparticles
Major gold rushes occurred in the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa in the 19th century. Looks like the scientists from Australia are on their way to trigger the next one with their latest findings. Nanoparticles of gold too small to be seen with the naked eye have been created in laboratories, but up until now, have never been seen in nature.The CSIRO Scientists in collaboration with scientists from Curtin University and the University of Western Australia successfully sighted the elusive particle. Their research reveals that salty and acidic groundwater dissolves primary gold and re-deposits it as pure gold crystals on fracture surfaces and in open pore spaces.
Initially they took the clay from the fracture surface and analyzed it. They spotted a dark band across the crystals, not gold. But reports suggested that the clay contained up to 59 parts-per-million of gold.
Intrigued by the finding they subjected the crystals to high magnification imaging. Now the band showed its true colors. The band revealed the hidden, unseen world of gold nanoparticles. These are identical to those being manufactured in laboratories around the world for their unique properties.This finding will help give us a deeper understanding of how gold can be transported and deposited by geological processes, and therefore help explorers to find new gold deposits in Australia.
Australian scientists seem to have struck gold, literally.
Source - Net News Publisher
Other Nanotech articles:
Can Nanotubes Be A Source of Energy?
Nanoworms Find, Treat Cancer Tumors Much Better
Labels: Chemical-Engineering, Metallurgical-Engineering
PermaLink - Scientists Spot 'Invisible' Gold In Nanoparticles posted by Vanessa : 3:54 AM
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Solar Curtains-Absorb Sunlight, Converts It Into Electricity
“Never underestimate the power of the architectural imagination.” says Kennedy
Curtains play an important role in any household. They don't just filter dust and heat, they spice up a room with their colorful vibrancy. Thanks to the adventurous spirit of Shiela Kennedy, now they have an additional role to perform - absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Sheila Kennedy a visiting lecturer in architecture teaches Sustainable Strategies for Textile Construction at MIT. And she has found a way to enable solar textiles made of semiconductor materials and organic photovoltaics(OPV) to generate electricity.
In a project named Soft House, Kennedy has transformed household curtains into mobile, flexible energy-harvesting surfaces with integrated solid-state lighting. These curtains powered by the sun can generate up to 16,000 watt-hours of electricity--more than half the daily power needs of an average American household.
Currently she is keen on creating affordable prototypes that will demonstrate the efficiency of her ideas.
Source - MIT
More textile innovations
Scientifically Designed 'Butterfly Dress' Reveals What You Feel
Curtains play an important role in any household. They don't just filter dust and heat, they spice up a room with their colorful vibrancy. Thanks to the adventurous spirit of Shiela Kennedy, now they have an additional role to perform - absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
Sheila Kennedy a visiting lecturer in architecture teaches Sustainable Strategies for Textile Construction at MIT. And she has found a way to enable solar textiles made of semiconductor materials and organic photovoltaics(OPV) to generate electricity.
In a project named Soft House, Kennedy has transformed household curtains into mobile, flexible energy-harvesting surfaces with integrated solid-state lighting. These curtains powered by the sun can generate up to 16,000 watt-hours of electricity--more than half the daily power needs of an average American household.
Currently she is keen on creating affordable prototypes that will demonstrate the efficiency of her ideas.
Source - MIT
More textile innovations
Scientifically Designed 'Butterfly Dress' Reveals What You Feel
Labels: Electrical-Engineering, Engineering-Education
PermaLink - Solar Curtains-Absorb Sunlight, Converts It Into Electricity posted by Vanessa : 3:10 AM
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Tiny Fridges To Keep Future Computers, Laptops Cool
Researchers at Purdue have put their minds together to create tiny refrigerators. This tiny little thing isn't going to store your foodstuff. Instead it's getting inside a computer to keep it cool.
Conventional methods:
In most computers, fans circulate air through finned devices called heat sinks attached to computer chips. And they do a pretty good job of keeping electronic components cool. But when a computer generates too much heat, liquid cooling, also known as water cooling has been looked upon as a good solution.
Indian American Suresh Garimella, of Purdue University takes it one step further. He believes that tiny fridges will be placed in future computers to keep it cool.
How it works:
The researchers developed an analytical model for designing tiny compressors that pump refrigerants using penny-size diaphragms and validated the model with experimental data. The elastic membranes are made of ultra-thin sheets of a plastic called polyimide and coated with an electrically conducting metallic layer. The metal layer allows the diaphragm to be moved back and forth to produce a pumping action using electrical charges, or "electrostatic diaphragm compression."
Why miniature refrigeration?
Trends suggest that future computer chips will generate 10 times more heat than today's microprocessors. So it makes sense to find ways to increase the efficiency of the machine.
Refrigeration is doubly efficient because it can cool the chips below the surrounding temperature which is not possible with conventional methods.
Hope this cool computer finds its way to the shelves soon.
Source - Purdue University
Photo Credit - Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger
Conventional methods:
In most computers, fans circulate air through finned devices called heat sinks attached to computer chips. And they do a pretty good job of keeping electronic components cool. But when a computer generates too much heat, liquid cooling, also known as water cooling has been looked upon as a good solution.
Indian American Suresh Garimella, of Purdue University takes it one step further. He believes that tiny fridges will be placed in future computers to keep it cool.
How it works:
The researchers developed an analytical model for designing tiny compressors that pump refrigerants using penny-size diaphragms and validated the model with experimental data. The elastic membranes are made of ultra-thin sheets of a plastic called polyimide and coated with an electrically conducting metallic layer. The metal layer allows the diaphragm to be moved back and forth to produce a pumping action using electrical charges, or "electrostatic diaphragm compression."
Why miniature refrigeration?
Trends suggest that future computer chips will generate 10 times more heat than today's microprocessors. So it makes sense to find ways to increase the efficiency of the machine.
Refrigeration is doubly efficient because it can cool the chips below the surrounding temperature which is not possible with conventional methods.
Hope this cool computer finds its way to the shelves soon.
Source - Purdue University
Photo Credit - Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger
Labels: Computer-Science, Engineering-USA
PermaLink - Tiny Fridges To Keep Future Computers, Laptops Cool posted by Vanessa : 6:20 AM
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lifesaver Bottle Purifies Water Instantly, Removes Bacteria & Virus
'The pores are 15nm and the smallest virus is 25nm. There's nothing smaller than a virus — it pretty much stops everything,'
"Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink", lamented the ancient mariner who was stuck in the middle of the sea. People stuck in disaster prone areas or warzones echo the words of the mariner even today. The arrival of the lifesaver is sure to break this universal chant.
The 2004 Tsunami inspired UK entrepreneur Michael Pritchard to create the Lifesaver bottle that uses the innovative nanoscale filtration membrane to remove bacteria, viruses, and all other water-borne pathogens from water instantly.
The operation is quite simple. One just has to fill the bottle with water, unlock the pump handle at the base and build up pressure inside the filter with a few quick pumps. Contaminated water flows through a membrane to become sterile.
The ultrafiltration technology isn't entirely new. It has been used by the water processing industry already. The genius of Pritchard's invention lies in incorporating this technology in a 12in plastic bottle.
Pritchard has also invented a FAILSAFE technology that shuts off the bottle’s cartridge upon expiry, preventing contaminated water from being drunk. Proper handling and maintenance makes it last for five years.
Though it would be extremely useful in warzones and disaster prone areas, it would also be a innovative accessory for hikers and campers.
Source - Lifesaver systems
"Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink", lamented the ancient mariner who was stuck in the middle of the sea. People stuck in disaster prone areas or warzones echo the words of the mariner even today. The arrival of the lifesaver is sure to break this universal chant.
The 2004 Tsunami inspired UK entrepreneur Michael Pritchard to create the Lifesaver bottle that uses the innovative nanoscale filtration membrane to remove bacteria, viruses, and all other water-borne pathogens from water instantly.The operation is quite simple. One just has to fill the bottle with water, unlock the pump handle at the base and build up pressure inside the filter with a few quick pumps. Contaminated water flows through a membrane to become sterile.
The ultrafiltration technology isn't entirely new. It has been used by the water processing industry already. The genius of Pritchard's invention lies in incorporating this technology in a 12in plastic bottle.
Pritchard has also invented a FAILSAFE technology that shuts off the bottle’s cartridge upon expiry, preventing contaminated water from being drunk. Proper handling and maintenance makes it last for five years.Though it would be extremely useful in warzones and disaster prone areas, it would also be a innovative accessory for hikers and campers.
Source - Lifesaver systems
Labels: innovation, Instrumentation-Engineering, Safety
PermaLink - Lifesaver Bottle Purifies Water Instantly, Removes Bacteria & Virus posted by Vanessa : 4:48 AM
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Anti-infection Keyboards Warns When Dirty;Helps Hospitals
"The keyboards incorporate a flashing light to remind users to regularly clean the surface and sensors to measure the effectiveness of cleaning them."
99,000 people die each year because of infections acquired in the hospital. That's a scary scenario. One steps into a hospital to get cured not acquire new diseases. In recent times we have come across startling reports about a Superbug infection that shows hospitals in poor light.
Toilet seats vs Keyboards
Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona has found that office toilet seats had an average of 49 germs per square inch. Germ counts on computer keyboards were more than 60 times higher, averaging 3,295 bacteria per square inch. Even worse were the tops of desks (21,000) and telephones (25,000).
Makes sense to invest in a Medigenic medical keyboard isn't it?
Features of Medigenic Medical Keyboard
1) Uniquely helps monitor its own cleaning status to safeguard both patient and staff; 2) Features a flat design to enable quick wipe downs with hospital-grade disinfectants; 3) Provides standard conventional keyboard tactile feedback for high-speed data entry capability. It comes in two models - Essential and Compliance.
Testing Results
Testing of the product has revealed a significant log reduction in bacterial contamination in the range of 0.5 log - 1.4 log (71% - 96%) at cleaning alert settings ranging from 1.5 to 12 hours. Hospitals hope to bring down the levels of MRSA and hospital acquired infections with this product.
P.S - A Reminder
While cleaning one just hopes that hospitals stick to ‘one wipe – one application – per surface’. For A recent study has revealed that current protocols utilised by hospital staff have the potential to spread pathogens after only the first use of a wipe, particularly due to the ineffectiveness of wipes to actually kill bacteria.
Source - Esterline Advanced Input Systems
Related Links
In Hospitals, Simple Reminders Reduce Deadly Infections
Don't let a hospital kill you CNN (May 1, 2008)
Gut superbug causing more illnesses, deaths
Hospital mortality rates continue to drop across New York, but infections are increasing
99,000 people die each year because of infections acquired in the hospital. That's a scary scenario. One steps into a hospital to get cured not acquire new diseases. In recent times we have come across startling reports about a Superbug infection that shows hospitals in poor light.Toilet seats vs Keyboards
Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona has found that office toilet seats had an average of 49 germs per square inch. Germ counts on computer keyboards were more than 60 times higher, averaging 3,295 bacteria per square inch. Even worse were the tops of desks (21,000) and telephones (25,000).
Makes sense to invest in a Medigenic medical keyboard isn't it?
Features of Medigenic Medical Keyboard
1) Uniquely helps monitor its own cleaning status to safeguard both patient and staff; 2) Features a flat design to enable quick wipe downs with hospital-grade disinfectants; 3) Provides standard conventional keyboard tactile feedback for high-speed data entry capability. It comes in two models - Essential and Compliance. Testing Results
Testing of the product has revealed a significant log reduction in bacterial contamination in the range of 0.5 log - 1.4 log (71% - 96%) at cleaning alert settings ranging from 1.5 to 12 hours. Hospitals hope to bring down the levels of MRSA and hospital acquired infections with this product.
P.S - A Reminder
While cleaning one just hopes that hospitals stick to ‘one wipe – one application – per surface’. For A recent study has revealed that current protocols utilised by hospital staff have the potential to spread pathogens after only the first use of a wipe, particularly due to the ineffectiveness of wipes to actually kill bacteria.
Source - Esterline Advanced Input Systems
Related Links
In Hospitals, Simple Reminders Reduce Deadly Infections
Don't let a hospital kill you CNN (May 1, 2008)
Gut superbug causing more illnesses, deaths
Hospital mortality rates continue to drop across New York, but infections are increasing
Labels: Bio-engineering, Safety
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Honda's Clarity - A Car That Runs on Hydrogen and Emits Only Water
A car which runs on hydrogen and electricity and emits only water from its exhaust pipe has started to come off a production line.
The first recipients of this technological marvel are Hollywood celebs Jamie Lee Curtis, husband Christopher Guest, '24' actress Laura Harris and film producer Ron Yerxa.
Hybrids require conventional gasoline, but the Honda Clarity is powered entirely by hydrogen.The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct the FCX Clarity leaves behind.
Currently Honda aims to roll out just 200 cars a year. You don't have to be a celebrity to afford them, you can lease them out for $600 per month, including insurance.
Honda's creation FCX Clarity cars ushers in a new era of eco-friendly cars.The day isn't far when fuel cell cars will be a part of the mainstream and not just limited to celebrities.
Source - Honda
The first recipients of this technological marvel are Hollywood celebs Jamie Lee Curtis, husband Christopher Guest, '24' actress Laura Harris and film producer Ron Yerxa.
Hybrids require conventional gasoline, but the Honda Clarity is powered entirely by hydrogen.The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct the FCX Clarity leaves behind.
Currently Honda aims to roll out just 200 cars a year. You don't have to be a celebrity to afford them, you can lease them out for $600 per month, including insurance.
Honda's creation FCX Clarity cars ushers in a new era of eco-friendly cars.The day isn't far when fuel cell cars will be a part of the mainstream and not just limited to celebrities.
Source - Honda
Labels: Energy-Environment-Engineering, Logistics-Transportation-Engineering, Mechanical-Engineering
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Innovative Paint Purifies Air, Clears Foul Odor
"It is about imitating the marvellous process of photosynthesis and, in a similar way to how a plant does it, causes a reaction based on sunlight that eliminates harmful substances," Horst Kisch, professor of chemistry and head of the inorganic chemistry team at Germany's University of Erlangen, told Tierramérica.
Some love it, while others don't. The smell of freshly painted rooms evokes such a response. But everyone's going to love this innovative paint that isn't just interested in making a decorative statement, it also wants to purify the air in the room.
Titanium dioxide is a pigment used in this paint that acts as a photocatalyst, triggering certain chemical reactions stimulated by light. The pigment absorbs energy from UV rays and makes the surface active. In the presence of air it produces oxygen links that breaks down toxic molecules into completely harmless particles.
The paint breaks down compounds like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, dichloroethylene, benzene and nitrogen oxides without producing contaminants.
It is being marketed under the name StoClimasan (for interiors) and StoPhotosan (for exteriors). Initial tests reveal that there is an 80 percent reduction in the concentration of harmful substances in a room. The only disadvantage with this product is the price. You've got to shell out an amount that's five times higher than that of conventional paints.
Kisch and his team has been able to achieve this remarkable feat within five years. Their invention was honoured with the latest Innovation Prize, sponsored by the German Ministry of Economy.
Apply this paint and say goodbye to foul odor and cigarette smoke. Let your homes be filled with fresh air forever.
Source - Ipsnews
Image Credit - Valspar
Some love it, while others don't. The smell of freshly painted rooms evokes such a response. But everyone's going to love this innovative paint that isn't just interested in making a decorative statement, it also wants to purify the air in the room.Titanium dioxide is a pigment used in this paint that acts as a photocatalyst, triggering certain chemical reactions stimulated by light. The pigment absorbs energy from UV rays and makes the surface active. In the presence of air it produces oxygen links that breaks down toxic molecules into completely harmless particles.
The paint breaks down compounds like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, dichloroethylene, benzene and nitrogen oxides without producing contaminants.
It is being marketed under the name StoClimasan (for interiors) and StoPhotosan (for exteriors). Initial tests reveal that there is an 80 percent reduction in the concentration of harmful substances in a room. The only disadvantage with this product is the price. You've got to shell out an amount that's five times higher than that of conventional paints. Kisch and his team has been able to achieve this remarkable feat within five years. Their invention was honoured with the latest Innovation Prize, sponsored by the German Ministry of Economy.
Apply this paint and say goodbye to foul odor and cigarette smoke. Let your homes be filled with fresh air forever.
Source - Ipsnews
Image Credit - Valspar
Labels: Chemical-Engineering, Industrial-Engineering
Friday, June 13, 2008
Medical Invention - Remote-controlled Pills
Pills work in different ways due to the presence of enzymes in our body.The rate of passage through the body can vary, and some individuals have higher levels of digestive enzymes than others. This variation lowers the effectiveness of the drug.When capsules were invented in the mid-19th century, they provided a significant improvement in the palatability of medications.Since their discovery the consumer has come to perceive this as the most efficient method of taking medication. The consumer is in for a huge surprise.
Philips seeks to scale new heights with its latest patent - the remote-controlled pill. The electronic drug delivery capsule has RFID technology for authentication and identification purposes.The remote-controlled pill has a cavity for carrying a drug which can be opened by a remote signal.The passage of the pill can be followed by MRI or ultrasound and the drug dispensed with an electronic trigger at the appropriate location.
The drug can also be released according to other external factors. For example, if atmospheric pollen reaches a certain level or the patient's blood pressure hits a predetermined number.
It is not meant to be recycled, therefore Philips is trying to keep the cost factor down. Hope we can look forward to a cheap, disposable, geeky pill in the near future.
Related links:
Philips
Newscientist
Labels: Electronics-Communications-Engineering, Robotics
Superman Bicycle For Paraplegics Prevents Lifestyle Illnesses
“It’s the circulation problems that are the most difficult for them, and it’s circulation problems that kill them”, says Jan Hoff, a professor of medicine at NTNU.
Paraplegics who are confined to the chairs are susceptible to both mental and physical illnesses such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems. In order to rouse them out of their sedantary condition a new type of excercise equipment has been developed at NTNU.
The equipment, which was partly developed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, was first designed for the American actor Christopher Reeve - who himself played Superman in fims.
The Ergys 2 is a stationary training bicycle, where the patient’s legs and feet are strapped to a leg holder and pedals. Electrodes are then fastened to the patient’s thigh and seat muscles, and electrical impulses trigger the muscles to contract and relax. The impulses are computer controlled to guarantee the best possible effect.
Not content with leg excercises, NTNU researchers came up with the arm cycle which is intended for patients who can use their arms without help.
Excercise studies show that paralysed patients experienced an average increase in their oxygen uptake by 25 per cent and in their heart pumping volume by fully 37 per cent – after just eight weeks of training.
Currently researchers are trying to create an unplugged version of Ergys 2 in a wheelchair. Their success would surely have a huge impact on the lifestyle of many patients.
Source - Alphagalileo
Paraplegics who are confined to the chairs are susceptible to both mental and physical illnesses such as weight gain, diabetes and heart problems. In order to rouse them out of their sedantary condition a new type of excercise equipment has been developed at NTNU.
The equipment, which was partly developed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, was first designed for the American actor Christopher Reeve - who himself played Superman in fims.The Ergys 2 is a stationary training bicycle, where the patient’s legs and feet are strapped to a leg holder and pedals. Electrodes are then fastened to the patient’s thigh and seat muscles, and electrical impulses trigger the muscles to contract and relax. The impulses are computer controlled to guarantee the best possible effect.
Not content with leg excercises, NTNU researchers came up with the arm cycle which is intended for patients who can use their arms without help.
Excercise studies show that paralysed patients experienced an average increase in their oxygen uptake by 25 per cent and in their heart pumping volume by fully 37 per cent – after just eight weeks of training.
Currently researchers are trying to create an unplugged version of Ergys 2 in a wheelchair. Their success would surely have a huge impact on the lifestyle of many patients.
Source - Alphagalileo
Labels: Engineering-Education, innovation
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Thursday, June 12, 2008
Innovative Glasses Spot a Hidden Golf Ball In The Turf
If you love play golf but hate to spend time searching for the elusive ball that lies hidden in the turf, all need to do is invest in a pair of glasses. Visiball Golf Ball Finders helps you to find your lost golf balls quickly.The Visiball lens technology combines basic principles of physics, visual physiology, and perception to significantly enhance the visibility of your golf ball.
The underbrush of a golf course is predominantly made up of browns, greens, and blacks (mostly reflecting from dirt, grass, bushes, twigs, etc). Visiball Golf Ball Finders use special blue filters that eliminate all visible wavelengths except those at the blue end of the spectrum. These special filters virtually eliminate light reflecting off grass and the dark objects of the underbrush, thus high lighting white golf balls. Most dark objects show up only as outlines while the white golf ball appears to glow with a slight blue tint.
This patented technology is marketed by a Canadian company. Get hold of this golfing accessory to play golf and not hunting on the turf.
Source - Golf Ball Finders
Labels: innovation
PermaLink - Innovative Glasses Spot a Hidden Golf Ball In The Turf posted by Vanessa : 3:13 AM
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Famous Five's Cool Invention - Air-Powered Go-Kart Race Cars
Mr. Langille and his four colleagues are thrilled with their project. “It was an awesome experience, very fulfilling. We’re excited to see it work so well because there were a lot of people who were doubtful and it was exciting to get an A+.”
The Famous Five in Enid Blyton's stories were popular for their investigative skills that kept the little readers spellbound throughout the world.
Dalhousie University's Famous Five are sure to keep Racing fans and scientists spellbound with their latest invention - air powered go-kart cars.Five Dalhousie mechanical engineering students David Alderson, Scott Allan, David Langille, Michael Roy and Dave Spencer had set upon an ambitious task for their year-long research project. They planned to develop a air powered go-kart cars. That's definitely a tall order.
To achieve it the students modified a 40-year-old snowmobile engine and ran compressed air through the engine to produce power similar to a gas engine. They attached the engine to a refurbished go-kart using two scuba tanks to house the air. The air is released through a standard scuba fitting with a high-flow regulator. The released air travels through tubing to a ball-valve connected to the foot pedal and throttle. “It operates much like a normal rotary engine,” says Mr. Langille.
The students are currently working on setting right the drawbacks. The major drawback is that it runs out of air quickly. But once the engine's capacity is refined one can look forward to a successor to conventional gas-powered engines.The students officially unveiled their air-powered go-kart at Kartbahn Racing in Bayer’s Lake Business Park last week and invited members of the media to take it for a spin.
Source - Dalhousie University
Catch the exciting drive here.
Image credit - Nick Pearce
Labels: Energy-Environment-Engineering, Engineering-Education, Logistics-Transportation-Engineering
PermaLink - Famous Five's Cool Invention - Air-Powered Go-Kart Race Cars posted by Vanessa : 10:56 PM
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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
RepRap - A 3D Machine That Replicates Itself
The major difference between a living and an inanimate object is its ability to reproduce itself. This theory is shattered with the arrival of RepRap (Replicating Rapid-prototyper). It's a machine that can replicate itself. 100 researchers have worked on this project since 2004 and have now showcased their product at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK.
Image - RepRap
Adrian Bowyer (left) and Vik Olliver (right) with a parent RepRap machine, made on a conventional rapid prototyper, and the first complete working child RepRap machine, made by the RepRap on the left. The child machine made its first successful grandchild part at 14:00 hours UTC on 29 May 2008 at Bath University in the UK, a few minutes after it was assembled.
Adrian Bowyer (left) and Vik Olliver (right) with a parent RepRap machine, made on a conventional rapid prototyper, and the first complete working child RepRap machine, made by the RepRap on the left. The child machine made its first successful grandchild part at 14:00 hours UTC on 29 May 2008 at Bath University in the UK, a few minutes after it was assembled.
RepRap is the first 3D printer that can reproduce its own components. Instead of printing on bits of paper this 3D printer makes real, mechanical parts. The existing technology costs $30,000. The RepRap team has cut down the cost by designing a cheaper machine. Their version which is available for free under the GNU General Public Licence can be built within $400.
People already "run their own CD burners, printing presses and photographic laboratories", said Adrian Bowyer, the University of Bath mechanical engineer who launched the RepRap project. "There's no reason they shouldn't run their own factories as well."
Find more information, including instructions for building your own replicating RepRap printer at RepRap.org
People already "run their own CD burners, printing presses and photographic laboratories", said Adrian Bowyer, the University of Bath mechanical engineer who launched the RepRap project. "There's no reason they shouldn't run their own factories as well."
Find more information, including instructions for building your own replicating RepRap printer at RepRap.org
Labels: Instrumentation-Engineering, Manufacturing-Production-Engineering
Monday, June 9, 2008
Scientifically Designed 'Butterfly Dress' Reveals What You Feel
You are at a party. And you are hoping to make an impression on the person who has just caught your eye. Unfortunately the butterflies in your stomach prevents you from speaking up. And people pass on wondering if you are a snob who doesn't believe in socializing. All you needed at that moment was an ice-breaker to open up a conversation.
The next time you attend a party, wear a Butterfly dress that's designed by Alex Reeder, a grad student at NYU. This dress can convey your feelings to the people around you. The Butterfly dress is aware of what's happening around the wearer and also knows the heartbeat of the wearer. Using the data the butterfly starts to flap its wings. It also rises to greet the person who approaches. A fashionable ice-breaker isn't it?
The dress that's made of white fabric houses the electronics and motor system.A switch is present for the wearer to easily turn the dress on and off. Once it is turned on the heartbeat of the wearer is monitored and eight IR sensors are used to track people moving around the wearer. As people approach the wearer, butterflies extend from the dress to surround her, and offer a friendly greeting.
Technology meets fashion in a beautiful way.Neither form nor function dominate in this creation. Each complement each other to create a beauty. The dress itself is light and does not sacrifice form for function. The battery and butterflies are removable, making the dress washable - essential for wearability.
This fantastic dress that combines fashion and technology also makes a cool philosophical statement about the way we interact with the world around us.
Related Links:
Source - Alex's site
Catch Alex Reeder's interview here.
The next time you attend a party, wear a Butterfly dress that's designed by Alex Reeder, a grad student at NYU. This dress can convey your feelings to the people around you. The Butterfly dress is aware of what's happening around the wearer and also knows the heartbeat of the wearer. Using the data the butterfly starts to flap its wings. It also rises to greet the person who approaches. A fashionable ice-breaker isn't it?
The dress that's made of white fabric houses the electronics and motor system.A switch is present for the wearer to easily turn the dress on and off. Once it is turned on the heartbeat of the wearer is monitored and eight IR sensors are used to track people moving around the wearer. As people approach the wearer, butterflies extend from the dress to surround her, and offer a friendly greeting.Technology meets fashion in a beautiful way.Neither form nor function dominate in this creation. Each complement each other to create a beauty. The dress itself is light and does not sacrifice form for function. The battery and butterflies are removable, making the dress washable - essential for wearability.
This fantastic dress that combines fashion and technology also makes a cool philosophical statement about the way we interact with the world around us.
Related Links:
Source - Alex's site
Catch Alex Reeder's interview here.
Labels: innovation, Textile-Engineering
PermaLink - Scientifically Designed 'Butterfly Dress' Reveals What You Feel posted by Vanessa : 11:45 PM
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Urgent! Water Me - SOS Phone Call From Plants
Everyone loves to own a rose plant. OK. If not a rose, it's a dahlia or lily or any other flower by any other name.
But not everyone has the time to look after it. The neglected plants cannot voice out their concerns. They just wither away hoping you would notice. Alas by the time you turn your attention to the plant, it would have reached the point of no return.
If only it had been able to ask for help it would have survived.Botanicalls tries to do that. It helps in establishing a contact between plants and people. When a plant on the Botanicalls network needs water, it can call a person and ask for exactly what it needs. You must be wondering how a voiceless plant can 'talk'. The techie stuff below tells you how it's possible.
Each plant on the Botanicalls system is equipped with sensors connected to an Arduino microcontroller which contains code particular to that plant type. When a plant's microcontroller determines that the plant needs to make a phone call based on current sensor information, it sends data through an Xbee wireless radio to an Xport gateway. This gateway connects to the internet, where it contacts a PHP script with the plant's ID number and type of need. PHP then packages this information and passes it on to Asterisk, an open-source telephone system, which generates the call. When the call is placed, a prerecorded audio file is played, expressing the particular desire of that plant.
Spider plant, scented geranium, pothos, chives and Cuban oregano were some of the plants that were used for testing. Looks like one has to wait for the rose plant to send an SOS.
Till then these plants that have asked; shall receive.
Related Links:
Botanicalls
Twitter messages from pothos plant.
But not everyone has the time to look after it. The neglected plants cannot voice out their concerns. They just wither away hoping you would notice. Alas by the time you turn your attention to the plant, it would have reached the point of no return.
If only it had been able to ask for help it would have survived.Botanicalls tries to do that. It helps in establishing a contact between plants and people. When a plant on the Botanicalls network needs water, it can call a person and ask for exactly what it needs. You must be wondering how a voiceless plant can 'talk'. The techie stuff below tells you how it's possible.
Each plant on the Botanicalls system is equipped with sensors connected to an Arduino microcontroller which contains code particular to that plant type. When a plant's microcontroller determines that the plant needs to make a phone call based on current sensor information, it sends data through an Xbee wireless radio to an Xport gateway. This gateway connects to the internet, where it contacts a PHP script with the plant's ID number and type of need. PHP then packages this information and passes it on to Asterisk, an open-source telephone system, which generates the call. When the call is placed, a prerecorded audio file is played, expressing the particular desire of that plant.Spider plant, scented geranium, pothos, chives and Cuban oregano were some of the plants that were used for testing. Looks like one has to wait for the rose plant to send an SOS.
Till then these plants that have asked; shall receive.
Related Links:
Botanicalls
Twitter messages from pothos plant.
Labels: Agricultural-Engineering, Electronics-Communications-Engineering
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Locate Stolen PC, Camera, Mobile With Anti-Theft Software
After having spent a fortune on acquiring addictive gadgets such as a mobile phone, laptop or camera you can't let it slip away so easily. But there are thieves out there waiting for an opportunity to outwit you and escape with your precious gadget.
Not anymore. Even if it gets lost on a jungle it will find its way back home. Thanks to anti-theft software installed inside. This post looks at the latest options available to protect your gadgets.
Eye-Fi Card Catches Camera Thief
Eye-Fi user Alison DeLauzon lost $1,000 worth of photo gear while on holiday in Florida. An ordinary camera would be lost forever. The camera and the memories stored inside.
The Eye-Fi SD card, a virtual private eye sprang a surprise on her.Equipped with a special memory card with wireless Internet capability it automatically sent her holiday pictures to her computer and also uploaded photos of the miscreants who had stolen it.
Eye-Fi is a 2-gigabyte SD memory card that is priced at $100. Get one and find the culprits yourself.
Source - Reuters
Locate Stolen PC
LocatePC is a free theft recovery software for your PC. Don't lose sleep over a stolen PC. Locate its existence without even seeking help from the men in blue.
LocatePC is free software, and runs unobtrusively on your computer, with no icons, popups or saved emails. If your computer is stolen then the thief will not even know that LocatePC is running, and as soon as they connect to the internet a secret email is sent to you containing the details that you need to track your hardware.
LocatePC runs on Windows Vista/XP/Me/98. You just need a POP email account for LocatePC to send you email.
Anti-Theft for Mobile Phones
A group called GadgetTrak, of Beaverton, Oregon, has developed PhoneBak, a software that allows phone owners to have their phones "call them" in the event they are lost or stolen. It gathers all the info for you. As soon as another SIM is inserted into your phone, you would know the new number, the GSM Area Code and the Cell ID that gives you the exact location of the phone.
The starting price of this software is $24.95
Source - GadgetTrak
Not anymore. Even if it gets lost on a jungle it will find its way back home. Thanks to anti-theft software installed inside. This post looks at the latest options available to protect your gadgets.
Eye-Fi Card Catches Camera Thief
Eye-Fi user Alison DeLauzon lost $1,000 worth of photo gear while on holiday in Florida. An ordinary camera would be lost forever. The camera and the memories stored inside.
The Eye-Fi SD card, a virtual private eye sprang a surprise on her.Equipped with a special memory card with wireless Internet capability it automatically sent her holiday pictures to her computer and also uploaded photos of the miscreants who had stolen it.Eye-Fi is a 2-gigabyte SD memory card that is priced at $100. Get one and find the culprits yourself.
Source - Reuters
Locate Stolen PC
LocatePC is a free theft recovery software for your PC. Don't lose sleep over a stolen PC. Locate its existence without even seeking help from the men in blue.
LocatePC is free software, and runs unobtrusively on your computer, with no icons, popups or saved emails. If your computer is stolen then the thief will not even know that LocatePC is running, and as soon as they connect to the internet a secret email is sent to you containing the details that you need to track your hardware.
LocatePC runs on Windows Vista/XP/Me/98. You just need a POP email account for LocatePC to send you email.
Anti-Theft for Mobile Phones
A group called GadgetTrak, of Beaverton, Oregon, has developed PhoneBak, a software that allows phone owners to have their phones "call them" in the event they are lost or stolen. It gathers all the info for you. As soon as another SIM is inserted into your phone, you would know the new number, the GSM Area Code and the Cell ID that gives you the exact location of the phone.The starting price of this software is $24.95
Source - GadgetTrak
Labels: Electronics-Communications-Engineering, Safety
PermaLink - Locate Stolen PC, Camera, Mobile With Anti-Theft Software posted by Vanessa : 10:57 PM
0 Comments
Friday, June 6, 2008
Smart Carpet Alerts Caregiver If a Senior Falls
“This is an unobtrusive monitoring system that will increase the safety of seniors and improve their ability to live independently,” Tyrer said.
Harry Tyrer, a University of Missouri electrical and computer engineering professor alongwith MU nursing Associate Professor Myra A. Aud is exploring the use of sensor technology in construction.
They have introduced a new type of sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using organic ink. Organic ink sensors are flexible and inexpensive. This would be placed on the sensor sheet that is layered between the room's carpet and the carpet pad.
Once this is done, it will be easy to spot the movement of the person. This technology would be very helpful in hospitals, care taking institutions and homes of senior citizens. A caregiver can easily track the movement of the patients and can be immediately alerted if someone falls.
It can also provide additional info about the changes in gait or behaviors that can indicate a fall. This is not possible with the current sensor technologies. Because current floor sensor systems depend on vibration readings to monitor a person's activity. But it is not dependable and easily prone to misinterpretation.
Source - University of Missouri
Harry Tyrer, a University of Missouri electrical and computer engineering professor alongwith MU nursing Associate Professor Myra A. Aud is exploring the use of sensor technology in construction.
Image courtesy of Harry Tyrer
This fantastic duo has come up with the creation of the smart carpet that promises to help the elderly people who have trouble while walking.They have introduced a new type of sensor that can be printed on thin, flexible sheets using organic ink. Organic ink sensors are flexible and inexpensive. This would be placed on the sensor sheet that is layered between the room's carpet and the carpet pad.
Once this is done, it will be easy to spot the movement of the person. This technology would be very helpful in hospitals, care taking institutions and homes of senior citizens. A caregiver can easily track the movement of the patients and can be immediately alerted if someone falls.
It can also provide additional info about the changes in gait or behaviors that can indicate a fall. This is not possible with the current sensor technologies. Because current floor sensor systems depend on vibration readings to monitor a person's activity. But it is not dependable and easily prone to misinterpretation.
Source - University of Missouri
Labels: Computer-Science, Electrical-Engineering
Thursday, June 5, 2008
MIT Award Winning MoneyMaker Pressure Pump Boon For Farmers
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
Dr Martin Fischer, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, has applied this principle in real life. Instead of collecting funds for poor Africans, he has created a profitable tool that would pull them out of their poverty.
Dr.Fischer's Super MoneyMaker Pressure Pump is a mini-irrigation solution for the farmer with a small plot, up to a few acres of land. This invention is a boon for farmers who can't go in for costly options. The pump can pull water from 30 feet below the ground and draw water up to 46 feet above ground through pressurization. This means the water can be sprayed from the source for up to forty-six feet.
To can be easily operated with the hands,legs and body weight. Three models are available and the price ranges from $33 to $100. Currently Super MoneyMaker Pressure Pump is marketed only in Africa.
It is being marketed by Fischer's non-profit organisation Kickstart. KickStart is a non-profit organization that develops and markets new technologies in Africa. Kickstart helps out the farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mali.
Dr.Fischer's has been awarded the Lemelson-MIT Award for sustainability for his invention.
Dr Martin Fischer, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, has applied this principle in real life. Instead of collecting funds for poor Africans, he has created a profitable tool that would pull them out of their poverty.
Dr.Fischer's Super MoneyMaker Pressure Pump is a mini-irrigation solution for the farmer with a small plot, up to a few acres of land. This invention is a boon for farmers who can't go in for costly options. The pump can pull water from 30 feet below the ground and draw water up to 46 feet above ground through pressurization. This means the water can be sprayed from the source for up to forty-six feet.To can be easily operated with the hands,legs and body weight. Three models are available and the price ranges from $33 to $100. Currently Super MoneyMaker Pressure Pump is marketed only in Africa.
It is being marketed by Fischer's non-profit organisation Kickstart. KickStart is a non-profit organization that develops and markets new technologies in Africa. Kickstart helps out the farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mali.
Dr.Fischer's has been awarded the Lemelson-MIT Award for sustainability for his invention.
Labels: Agricultural-Engineering
PermaLink - MIT Award Winning MoneyMaker Pressure Pump Boon For Farmers posted by Vanessa : 1:30 AM
0 Comments
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Grandpa Develops Web Browser For Autistic Grandson
"Some parts of the Web have so much extraneous material that it can be distracting, and for the nonverbal child, there might not be an ability to negotiate that information," adds Stephen Sheinkopf, an autism researcher at Brown University.
ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. It has a high chance of increasing a child's ability to do things independently.
Zackary, the 6-year-old grandson of John LeSieur was diagnosed with autism in 2005. Being in the software business John LeSieur wanted his grandson to play games and use the computer. Unfortunately Zachary found it hard to navigate inside the world wide web.
That's when Grandpa LeSieur decided to create a special browser for the little kid.He has named it the Zac Browser For Autistic Children and is making it available to anyone for free.
The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.
Thanks to grandpa's gift, Zachary listens to music and plays puzzles - things he always liked before but hadn't been able to explore online.
The Zac Browser can be downloaded or run directly from: http://www.zacbrowser.com
ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. It has a high chance of increasing a child's ability to do things independently.Zackary, the 6-year-old grandson of John LeSieur was diagnosed with autism in 2005. Being in the software business John LeSieur wanted his grandson to play games and use the computer. Unfortunately Zachary found it hard to navigate inside the world wide web.
That's when Grandpa LeSieur decided to create a special browser for the little kid.He has named it the Zac Browser For Autistic Children and is making it available to anyone for free.
The Zac Browser greatly simplifies the experience of using a computer. It seals off most Web sites from view, to block violent, sexual or otherwise adult-themed material. Instead it presents a hand-picked slate of choices from free, public Web sites, with an emphasis on educational games, music, videos and visually entertaining images, like a virtual aquarium.Thanks to grandpa's gift, Zachary listens to music and plays puzzles - things he always liked before but hadn't been able to explore online.
The Zac Browser can be downloaded or run directly from: http://www.zacbrowser.com
Labels: Computer-Science
PermaLink - Grandpa Develops Web Browser For Autistic Grandson posted by Vanessa : 3:25 AM
4 Comments
Scientists Create Artificial Veins/Arteries for Coronary Bypass Surgery
London scientists have made a remarkable achievement in the field of bypass surgery. Doctors no longer have to rely on natural veins from the patient's body. They can opt for artificial veins and arteries that can act as grafts. The artificial graft tissue is made by combining man-made materials with human cells to make it elastic and durable and so it can attach to host tissue.
Compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane serves as an elastic scaffold that gives the artificial graft its shape. (Credit: Courtesy S. Tawqeer Rashid)"
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and colloquially heart bypass or bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Arteries or veins from elsewhere in the patient's body are grafted to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowings and improve the blood supply to the coronary circulation supplying the myocardium (heart muscle). In the United States, 500,000 procedures are performed each year.
Availability of a suitable vein has been a problem since grafting was introduced. The right internal thoracic artery (RITA), the great saphenous vein from the leg and the radial artery from the forearm are frequently used as grafts. But grafts can become diseased and may occlude in the months to years after bypass surgery is performed. Sometimes patients also complained of pain in the area where the vein or artery was removed.
These limitations in the current procedures have given rise to the need for artificial grafts.
In artificial grafting, human vascular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells from umbilical cords are incorporated with an elastic scaffold of compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane. The artificial grafts are then tested for durability in the lab by simulating blood flow in them. The testing has yielded positive results. The movement of fluid through the graft stimulates the smooth muscle and epithelial cells to release proteins that strengthen their ability to attachment to the elastic scaffold and other tissues.
Usage of artificial veins or arteries would reduce recovery time, reduce pain, and save lives by making this type of surgery more available to people who need it.
Related Links:
Tissue engineering of a hybrid bypass graft for coronary and lower limb bypass surgery. The FASEB Journal.
Physorg
Compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane serves as an elastic scaffold that gives the artificial graft its shape. (Credit: Courtesy S. Tawqeer Rashid)"
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and colloquially heart bypass or bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease. Arteries or veins from elsewhere in the patient's body are grafted to the coronary arteries to bypass atherosclerotic narrowings and improve the blood supply to the coronary circulation supplying the myocardium (heart muscle). In the United States, 500,000 procedures are performed each year.
Availability of a suitable vein has been a problem since grafting was introduced. The right internal thoracic artery (RITA), the great saphenous vein from the leg and the radial artery from the forearm are frequently used as grafts. But grafts can become diseased and may occlude in the months to years after bypass surgery is performed. Sometimes patients also complained of pain in the area where the vein or artery was removed.
These limitations in the current procedures have given rise to the need for artificial grafts.
In artificial grafting, human vascular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells from umbilical cords are incorporated with an elastic scaffold of compliant poly(carbonate-urea)urethane. The artificial grafts are then tested for durability in the lab by simulating blood flow in them. The testing has yielded positive results. The movement of fluid through the graft stimulates the smooth muscle and epithelial cells to release proteins that strengthen their ability to attachment to the elastic scaffold and other tissues.
Usage of artificial veins or arteries would reduce recovery time, reduce pain, and save lives by making this type of surgery more available to people who need it.
Related Links:
Tissue engineering of a hybrid bypass graft for coronary and lower limb bypass surgery. The FASEB Journal.
Physorg
PermaLink - Scientists Create Artificial Veins/Arteries for Coronary Bypass Surgery posted by Vanessa : 12:38 AM
1 Comments
Monday, June 2, 2008
Uno, The One-Wheeled Electric Unicycle
“The fundamental tech is figured out,” he says. “It just needs the right people to tweak it.”
Ben Gulak
Ben Gulak's Uno is an all-electric unicycle that would emit no fumes. With this eco friendly bike you can weave your wave through traffic effortlessly. To go forward you simply push your body weight forward to tilt the machine. To back up, just lean back on the seat to tilt it backwards and back it goes. The farther you lean, the faster it accelerates.
The trip to Beijing, the city filled with smog-spewing motorbikes inspired him to create the clean and compact Uno. His mission began at a motorcycle shop outside Toronto. Initially he started off with the modification of Yamaha's frame that could accomodate the side-by-side wheels.
As a 17 year old he was able to do these modifications but soon realized that he wasn't well equipped to handle the electronic requirements of an e-bike.
This is where Trevor Blackwell, a robotics engineer steps in. The Uno was fitted with a gyroscope and a control system that manages the suspension and prevents it from slipping out of control. The wheels are placed directly under the rider and during a turn the inside wheel lifts while the outside wheel lowers thus keeping the vehicle stable and firm.
The Uno runs on two wheelchair motors.And it is possible to achieve a top speed of 40 mph but Gulak hasn't taken it above 15mph yet.It has taken two years and $45,000 to create this electric unicycle.
Currently the 19 year old,is expecting help from all quarters to make it more efficient.
Ben Gulak
Ben Gulak's Uno is an all-electric unicycle that would emit no fumes. With this eco friendly bike you can weave your wave through traffic effortlessly. To go forward you simply push your body weight forward to tilt the machine. To back up, just lean back on the seat to tilt it backwards and back it goes. The farther you lean, the faster it accelerates.
The trip to Beijing, the city filled with smog-spewing motorbikes inspired him to create the clean and compact Uno. His mission began at a motorcycle shop outside Toronto. Initially he started off with the modification of Yamaha's frame that could accomodate the side-by-side wheels.
As a 17 year old he was able to do these modifications but soon realized that he wasn't well equipped to handle the electronic requirements of an e-bike.
This is where Trevor Blackwell, a robotics engineer steps in. The Uno was fitted with a gyroscope and a control system that manages the suspension and prevents it from slipping out of control. The wheels are placed directly under the rider and during a turn the inside wheel lifts while the outside wheel lowers thus keeping the vehicle stable and firm.
The Uno runs on two wheelchair motors.And it is possible to achieve a top speed of 40 mph but Gulak hasn't taken it above 15mph yet.It has taken two years and $45,000 to create this electric unicycle.
Currently the 19 year old,is expecting help from all quarters to make it more efficient.
Nanopaper - Clean Up An Oil Spill Instantly
"Containing or cleaning up an oil spill in sea ice remains difficult at best."
Reports point out difficulty in cleaning Arctic oil spills in Beaufort Sea - Oilweek Magazine
Not anymore. The nanopaper from MIT promises to clean up oil spills, difficult emulsions and other environmental toxins too.
Image courtesy / Francesco Stellacci, MIT, and Nature Nanotechnology
Normal writing paper,is made from cellulose whereas nanopaper is made from solid potassium manganese oxide nanowires. Each nanowire is about 20 nanometres in diameter, and together they naturally clump together to form strands several centimetres long.
Membranes made of manganese oxide nanowires can be used to selectively absorb oil from water through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action.
By coating the nanopaper with siloxane vapour, a common polymer, the researchers were able to make it repel water while attracting oil. It's the combination of the nanowires and the coating that creates oil-absorbing nanopaper.
The nanopaper absorbs the oil spill within five minutes. Then the paper would be boiled to separate the oil. After separation the nonopaper can be re-used.
Image courtesy / Francesco Stellacci, MIT, and Nature Nanotechnology
The MIT team that has invented this successful design has also applied for a patent. Once that happens they intend to launch it commercially.
Source - MIT
Reports point out difficulty in cleaning Arctic oil spills in Beaufort Sea - Oilweek Magazine
Not anymore. The nanopaper from MIT promises to clean up oil spills, difficult emulsions and other environmental toxins too.
Image courtesy / Francesco Stellacci, MIT, and Nature Nanotechnology
Normal writing paper,is made from cellulose whereas nanopaper is made from solid potassium manganese oxide nanowires. Each nanowire is about 20 nanometres in diameter, and together they naturally clump together to form strands several centimetres long.
Membranes made of manganese oxide nanowires can be used to selectively absorb oil from water through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action.
By coating the nanopaper with siloxane vapour, a common polymer, the researchers were able to make it repel water while attracting oil. It's the combination of the nanowires and the coating that creates oil-absorbing nanopaper.
The nanopaper absorbs the oil spill within five minutes. Then the paper would be boiled to separate the oil. After separation the nonopaper can be re-used.
Image courtesy / Francesco Stellacci, MIT, and Nature Nanotechnology
The MIT team that has invented this successful design has also applied for a patent. Once that happens they intend to launch it commercially.
Source - MIT
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