February 18, 2010, 9:56 PM CT

Stitching together lab-on-a-chip

Researchers in Australia are reporting the first use of ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles to literally stitch together a microfluidic analytical device microscopic technology that can transport fluids for medical tests and other purposes in a lab-on-a-chip. The chips shrink room-sized diagnostic testing equipment down to the size of a postage stamp, and promise revolutionary applications in medicine, environmental sensing, and other areas. Their study is in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, a monthly journal.

Wei Shen and his colleagues note that the development of low-cost "lab-on-a-chip" diagnostic tests has become an attractive area of research. Existing devices require etching microscopic channels onto slivers of silicon, glass, ceramics, or metal in a costly, complicated process. The researchers set out to find an alternative, and did so with cotton thread, which wicks fluids along its tiny fibers.

They stitched thread into paper to form microfluidic sensors capable of detecting and measuring substances released in the urine of patients with several human medical conditions. "The fabrication of thread-based microfluidic devices is simple and relatively low cost because it requires only sewing needles or household sewing machines," the report said. "Our results demonstrate that thread is a suitable material for fabricating microfluidic diagnostic devices for monitoring human health, environment and food safety, particularly for the population in less-industrialized areas or remote regions"......... Posted by: John      Read more         Source

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:22:16 GMT

Epson Artisan 810 Multifunction Printer

For most people space is at a premium and even though they have become household necessities, a computer printer, fax machine, digital scanner and a photocopier take up too much room.

So the answer is the popular, "all-in-one unit", or "multifunction device", as they are now called, but are they as good as separate units?

The latest entry by Epson in this crowded field is their Artisan 810 and it looks like an all around winner.

This puppy does everything, except scan negatives, and is Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectable so check out Epson's Artisan 810 Multifunction Device.

Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.

Photo Source: www.imaging-resource.com Posted by: Karen      Read more     Source

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:42:32 GMT

Photo service for parents

Grow Show is a cool new service which lets you upload photos of your children to build a physical time-lapse photo frame which shows off your little ones as they grow up. The clever bit comes with the magnetic frame system called Grow Frame Timelapse, which lets you add, arrange and group images in all sorts of interesting ways, as well as cope with multiple siblings.

The only thing we can confidently say is that this will eventually embarrass your adult child/s immensely, but that’s half the fun right? Priced from $11.95 for a single frame or $29.95 for a sequence frame of 6 images. There’s probably also a charge for the photo printing service itself, but the company cunningly refuses to display it on the website, which is seriously naff.

 GrowShow is the only web service with a focus on time-lapsing the growth of a child. Time sequencing is automatic and easy, because GrowShow reads the date of capture on your photos so correct time ordering “just happens”. It’s fun to build your timelapse sequence (called a “GrowSlide”), amazing to visualize the change of a growing child, fun to share, and free to use. You can then use this timelapse sequence to build a “GrowPrint”, which is delivered to you framed in whole new way. Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

January 12, 2010, 8:53 AM CT

Faster and More Efficient Software for the Air Force

Scientists at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln have addressed the issue of faulty software by developing an algorithm and open source tool that is 300 times faster at generating tests and also reduces current software testing time.

The new algorithm has potential to increase the efficiency of the software testing process across systems.

The project, funded in part by an Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Young Investigator Award and through a National Science Foundation Early CAREER Award, is of particular interest to the military because of the potential to reduce errors in theater. This technology will also be helpful to the private sector where some agencies are reporting financial losses of up to 50 billion dollars per year because of poor software.

"Software failures have the potential to cause financial, environmental or bodily harm," said lead researcher, Dr. Myra Cohen. "Our techniques will help to improve the quality of software in the military to help ensure that those systems behave properly in the field".

"The ultimate goal of research like this is not just to reduce software testing costs, but to do so while maintaining or even increasing confidence in the tests themselves," said AFOSR Program Manager, Dr. David Luginbuhl who is overseeing Cohen's work......... Posted by: John      Read more         Source

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:16:38 GMT

Free Online Digital Photography Magazine

Here's a stocking stuffer type of gift for the digital photographer compliments of "Whatdigitalcamera.com".

"Whatdigitalcamera.com" is a website you should know about if you're looking for a place with information about virtually every aspect of digital photography.

They are also offering a free subscription to their interactive magazine which is not only fun to use but it contains valuable information.

Here's the link to the "Whatdigitalcamera.com" website, and this link takes you to the fascinating interactive online magazine "Better Digital Photography".

Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.

Photo Source: www.whatdigitalcamera.com Posted by: Karen      Read more     Source

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:57:32 GMT

Automatically record every phone call

This USB Recording Box may look like nothing, but it’s chunky enough to automatically record all the telephone conversations coming in and going out from your building. Throw in some sophisticated call management and related information software, backup and line testing smarts and you’ve got yourself a right fancy package. And available in multi-colours too?

 Telephone recording system is widely used, for call recording, in a variety of commercial, industrial and services applications, with unique value in recording real scenes and increasing working efficiency. There are many typical scenarios of Telephone recording system’s applications. For example: communication recording in business negotiations, recording and playback personal calls, call recording in service industry — such as hotlines, customer complaint, paging service, telephone sales, financial and securities services etc… Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:18:20 GMT

Cooking on the Road

People and lawmakers complain that drivers don"t need additional distractions from the task at hand and hence love to crack down on talking on the phone, texting, or even putting a cell near one"s head. As such, as hard as it is top believe, one company believes there will be a market for those individuals who wish to make a grilled cheese sandwich on their way to work.

There are no laws on the books about driving and cooking sandwiches so why not? The Road Pro 12-Volt Sandwich Maker let"s anyone with a car become a quick-order chef. The unit plugs directly into the cigarette lighter socket, features non-stick cooking plates, has a 5-foot power cord & a 90-day manufacturers warranty. Best of it all it goes for only $20.

And to think, a few years ago it was suggested that listening to the radio while driving was too dangerous to consider!

Here"s one of several online retailers hoping the Road Pro will appeal to the driver on your shopping list this holiday season. Posted by: Jeff      Read more     Source

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:55:37 GMT

Cheat sheets galore for free, just print and go

Oh, boy, here"s a treasure. TechPosters offers hundreds of printable cheat sheets for nearly any piece of software, and some hardware too.

For free.

Lots of this stuff is nerd nirvana, but there"s plenty for lesser mortals too: everyday programs from Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, you name it. Also an incredibly deep trove of all things Google. You can even brush up on elderly classics like ASCII.

Look in the right-hand column for links to all this and more.

TechPosters says it"s technical posters and cheats for IT guys. But apparently any visitor is automatically one of the guys. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

September 23, 2009, 7:17 AM CT

Exposing dangerous invisible pollution

Worried that dust from a nearby construction zone will harm your family's health? A new Tel Aviv University tool could either confirm your suspicions or better yet, set your mind at rest.

Prof. Eyal Ben-Dor and his Ph.D. student Dr. Sandra Chudnovsky, of TAU's Department of Geography have developed a sensor called "Dust Alert" - the first of its kind - to help families and authorities monitor the quality of the air they breathe. Like an ozone gas or carbon monoxide meter, it measures the concentration of small particles that may contaminate the air in your home. Scientific studies on "Dust Alert" appeared recently in the journal Science of the Total Environment, Urban Air Pollution: Problems, Control Technologies and Management Practices.

"It works just like an ozone meter would," says Prof. Ben-Dor. "You put it in your home or office for three weeks, and it can give you real-time contamination levels in terms of dust, pollen and toxins." Functioning like a tiny chemistry lab, the device can precisely determine the chemical composition of the toxins, so homeowners, office managers and factories can act to improve air quality.

Using the measurements, Prof. Ben-Dor can sometimes find a quick remedy for a dusty or pollen-filled home. The solution could be as easy as keeping a window open, he says. "We've found through our ongoing research that some simple actions at home can have a profound effect on the quality of air we breathe"......... Posted by: John      Read more         Source

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:47:46 GMT

Leica M9 Digital Rangefinder Camera Introduced

I recently said that some of the latest P&S digital cameras were mimicking the appearance of rangefinder film cameras of the 1940's-80's.

Well, the king of rangefinder film cameras, Leica, has just introduced their latest gem, the model M9.

Pretty simple name/designation, M9, for a camera boasts an 18mp sensor and a shutter speed range of 1/4000 - 32 seconds.

Oh yeah, it costs about $7,000.00 bucks, and Amazon is taking pre-orders right now.

You owe it to yourself to at least take a look at what that kind of paper will get you. Here's the link to the Leica M9 story.

Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.

Photo Source:www.digitalphotographyschool.com Posted by: Karen      Read more     Source

September 15, 2009, 7:59 AM CT

Dual simulation improves crash performance

Crash tests often produce startling results. A new simulation process which factors in deformation during production as well as preliminary damage can predict the results of a crash test more accurately than ever.

There are components that save lives: if a car rolls over during an accident, the 'B-pillar' plays a key role. It forms one of the connections between the floor and roof of the vehicle and is designed to prevent the passenger cell from deforming too much. The materials from which the B-pillar is manufactured therefore need to meet very exacting requirements: to save fuel they need to be ultra-lightweight, yet at the same time need to be tremendously strong and must not break. Yet what does the optimum component actually look like? With the aid of countless experiments, simulations and crash tests, the auto industry has been getting nearer to answering this question. Now Fraunhofer scientists are providing further impetus to development.

Engineers will commonly carry out a range of virtual tests. Known materials properties provide the basic knowledge in such a scenario. "We are well aware of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the materials in their original state," says Dr. Dong-Zhi Sun, Group leader at the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM. Yet during the course of the manufacturing process, the components change: with a B-pillar, for instance, the material goes through a complicated manufacturing chain. As it is deformed and stretched, minor damage such as pore formation may occur. "If you're going to fit these kinds of parts into vehicles, you need to take into account their deformation history during manufacture," explains Sun. That's why the scientists have developed a special method: "With our failure model, we can simulate manufacturing processes more effectively," explains Sun. "To ensure we understand the manufacturing processes inside out, we work together closely with automakers and materials producers." Thanks to the simulation, the scientists can precisely model and analyze the deformation of the component during manufacture. So they know to what extent the process affects the properties of the end product, and whether the manufacturing process gives rise to potential preliminary damage such as pore formation and microcracks. The engineers combine the results of the process simulation with a crash simulation, which is conducted using a newly developed material model......... Posted by: John      Read more         Source

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:20:01 GMT

Rumors of a BMW Electric Scooter

Unnamed sources at BMW report that a new electric scooter could debut at an upcoming motorcycle show sometime in late 2010 and put in production in 2011, according to Spain’s Solo Scooter website. If the rumor mill is right, this new scooter would sport a lithium ion battery pack, have a range of about 155 miles or three hours of continuous use and a top speed of 75 miles per hour.

No word on the exact body style of the alleged scooter, though it could be modeled after their failed C1. The image here by the well-known Oberdan Bezzi may or may not be what the BMW scooter will look like. It’s a mystery we’ll have to wait to solve.

Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:56:57 GMT

10 Awesome Flash-Animated Interactive Websites

Ever wanted to draw a song or discover more about how the ancient Egyptians mummified their dead? How about learning about cocaine from Pablo the pooch, who just happens to be a talking doggy drug mule? No? Then what about connecting up the stars to create your own constellation then see it wrap around your screen in 3D?

There must be something you will like from this selection of flash based websites.

(via Robert-John) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:36:58 GMT

Washable Keyboard - join the scrub-a-dub club

The Washable Keyboard has got to be awesomeness incarnate. No more digging dead McNuggets out from under the spacebar, or wiping old rancid Mountain Dew stains from the numpad, just drop the whole dang thing into the sink and give it a good scrubbing. Lovely. It’s also dishwasher safe, and anti-bacterial, which puts it one step ahead of Windows Vista, eh? £39.95.

 As well as being fully washable, this sparkling peripheral features Silver Seal™ Antimicrobial Protection to resist microbial growth and combat the spread of whiff-causing bacteria. We’re not entirely sure how this works but boffins tell us it’s got something to do with the silver ions embedded in the keyboard’s plastic. And that’s just as well because most keyboards contain nearly 400 times as many yucky microbes as the average toilet. Blurgh! Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:25:56 GMT

PNG compressor makes your images teeny

PNG Gauntlet is a .NET freeware program that optimises the size of PNG image files. Actually it’s a front end for the PNGOUT command line program, but the end result is the same – your images get made smaller. Oh and most importantly, it does this impressive feat without losing image quality. If you have a lot of images and file size and disk space is important to you, then you’ll probably want to take a look at this.

 PNGGauntlet is a .NET program that uses Ken Silverman’s PNGOUT to optimize PNG files. Many PNG files output by popular graphics software packages like Photoshop or even Fireworks are not as small as they could be - PNGGauntlet squeezes the last bit of size out of them. Furthermore, no information is lost during this process - the only thing that changes is the file size. Just select the files you want to optimize (or drag them onto the window), select where you want them to go, and click the button. PNGauntlet can also be used to convert JPG, GIF, TGA, PCX, and BMP files to PNG. Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:22:23 GMT

I-O Data Fills DVD Burner Hole In Netbooks

Netbooks are all the rage, and who can blame them. They are cheap, light, small, and ultra-portable. They do lack certain amenities such as DVD/CD drives and burners. It does make sense then that drive manufacturers would rush to try and fill the holes dug by netbooks, and that is exactly what I-O data is trying to do with their new Slim DVD-Burner. The DVRP-U8XLE2 is a slim, well-designed, and light DVD burner that can handle all of your media needs when you need your netbook to do a bit more.

The I-O Data DVRP-U8XLE2 connects to your device through a high-speed USB 2.0 connection and can burn DVDs with speeds up to 8X and CDRs up to 24X. The whole drive only weighs 28 ounces, and it is small enough to fit in what ever bag or sleeve you might be carrying your mini laptop in.

The drive runs $95, which might be too expensive considering you can find netbooks for a little more than twice that nowadays. None-the-less, if data burning is your need, then This I-O data drive might be your best bet.

via UberGizmo Posted by: Chris Matier      Read more     Source

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:21:16 GMT

Functional Notebooks

Omg, I’ve got it!!!! They are amazing! Many thanks to Arwey design team, and especially to my mate Burak for this beautiful present. Design You Trust official!

“Arwey will be your new accessory that you don"t want to leave. At Arwey, where our international design team that not only masters all global developments and trends but also likes to create one of those, works with a great enthusiasm, concepts at stage-base, through deep researches and sketches, come into being as designs. All the stages of the recent technologies, professional craftsmanship"s and the materials from the most qualified producers of the world are brought together and designed diligently within the concept of Arwey. Besides its unique design, the collection, with its motto "Functional Notebooks", also embodies the feature of being the most functional notebook thanks to its special information"s included and its different ease of uses. Arwey, with its design and functionality, will be your most beloved partner for your daily use, your office works and your travels.” Posted by: Dmitry      Read more     Source

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:56:08 GMT

Fujitsu ST6012 Tablet PC

I am a tablet user. In classrooms and in lectures I use tablets for both information delivery and capture. In fact, hone of my biggest problems being an Apple Fanboy is that (for now) there is no MacBook tablet. If there were, I would be in heaven. The Fujictsu ST6012 might just be the piece of equipment that wins me back to the PC world. It is a serious machine.

The Fujitsu ST6012 is a large and beautiful 12 inch tablet PC that has the muscles necessary to get some heavy lifting done. Under the hood, there is an Ultra-low Voltage SU9400 Intel Core 2 Duo processor, integrated webcam, active digitizer, and 1GB DDR3 RAM, 80GB hard drive. The specs may not stand out, but the device is staggeringly beautiful. It is both sturdy and sleek - exactly what you are looking for in a tablet.

Fujitsu is prepared to charge you $1999 for the base configuration, but if you move up to a SSD hard drive, and 4GB of RAM, be prepared to spend up to $2580. The ST6012 is out now.

via Gottabemobile Posted by: Chris Matier      Read more     Source

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:20:35 GMT

LG KP500- Yet another Affordable and Shiny Smartphone

LG has recently announced an affordable yet stylish touch screen Smartphone known as the LG KP500. It is meant for people who wish to have a Smartphone but can't afford or don't prefer to pay heavy bucks to buy one.

Not much is known about the device but the LG KP500 will come with a 3 inch display, a 3 megapixel camera, motion sensor and it will be operated via a stylus. It will come in black, brown, silver and gold colors and it will be launched initially in Europe and then globally. More coming on this soon.....

Source: Engadget Mobile Posted by: Umair Khalid      Read more     Source

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 03:15:35 GMT

Good looking camera carry-all from Acme Made

So this retro, bowling bag-style camera bag from Acme Made caught my eye at once. It''s designed for digital SLR users (although old-school non-digital SLRs will fit in just fine), and features a quilted satin lining and pockets for memory cards or other accessories. It''s made from high-quality polyurethane and the red version shown above will be available in November, with navy and black bags out by Christmas. They''re expected to cost just $40 each.

Via Boing Boing Gadgets.

Image: Acme Made Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:56:59 GMT

TrekStor Matches Two of My Passions - Data and Beer

I am all for multi-function devices. I have a printer / scanner / copier, I carry a Swiss-Army knife, and own an iPhone. If I am going to plop money down for a gadget or gizmo, it better do more than one thing. TrekStor has heard my demands and answered with a combination bottle-opener / USB flash drive.

The TrekStor USB stick CO comes in a rugged (I hope) brushed aluminum casing and features a sturdy Guiness beverage opener. It features high-speed USB 2.0 data transfer rates, it is bootable, and it is pre-formated and ready for use. It should be both Mac and Windows friendly, and it will support Linux (Kernel 2.6 or later).

The bottle opener is one-size-fits-all, but the USB flash capacity comes in 1GB, 2,GB, 4GB, and 8GB, and 16GB. They will range from $10 to $71 depending on size, and will be available in late October. Cheers!

Source. Posted by: Chris Matier      Read more     Source