Tag: technology
Scientists can now manipulate brains using smartphones: study
Mind control has never been so high-tech.
Scientists have created a tiny, smartphone-controlled brain implant capable of selectively manipulating brain cell circuits — and uncovering neurological problems, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, addiction and depression, a new study finds.
A team of engineers with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and neuroscientists from the University of Washington published their joint research Monday in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.
“We are eager to use the device for complex pharmacological studies, which could help us develop new therapeutics for pain, addiction and emotional disorders,” says University of Washington professor Michael Bruchas.
Using “Lego-like replaceable drug cartridges and powerful Bluetooth” energy, the tech works by targeting specific neurons using drugs and light, Science Daily reports. The replaceable cartridges allow the same brain circuits to be studied for months.
The tech has only been studied in mice so far, with the implant inserted into the rodents’ brains via a hair-thin probe. Scientists then controlled the implant with their smartphone, changing drug quantities and light sequencing with the touch of a finger and manipulating the mice’s movement for over a month.
Previously, the most cutting-edge neuroscience tech required bulky metal tubes and optic fibers that caused brain lesions and didn’t last as long.
Article via NYPost
Lenovo unveils the ‘world’s first’ foldable laptop with a 13-inch bendable screen that folds in half to become the size of a book
Article via DailyMail
- The as-yet-unnamed PC features a 13.3-inch all-screen display in the interior
- In laptop mode, it has an on-screen keyboard for typing notes or writing emails
- When closed, it becomes about the size of a book, allowing for portability
- The device is still in the early stages of development, but could launch in 2020
Lenovo isn’t letting Samsung’s folding phone woes prevent it from taking a crack at flexible screens.
The Chinese tech giant is bringing bendy screen technology to a totally new gadget, releasing what it’s calling the ‘world’s first foldable PC.’
Laptops can already fold in half, but instead of a screen and a keyboard, the interior of Lenovo’s as-yet-unnamed PC features a 13.3-inch OLED display that, when unfolded, transforms the device into a sizable tablet.
‘This is not a phone, tablet, or familiar hybrid; this is a full-fledged laptop with a foldable screen,’ the company said in a statement.
The device is ideal for consumers who are on the go and want the benefit of a full-screen tablet, but with all the computing power of a standard laptop.
When it’s in laptop mode, an on-screen keyboard appears to let you type emails, write documents and more.
Users can also connect a Bluetooth keyboard to use with the device when it’s folded open, to make use of the screen’s maximum real estate.
One promising detail is that there doesn’t appear to be an unsightly crease in the middle of the display – an issue that plagued review units of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold.
Early hands-on reviews of the device by Gizmodo, Engadget and others noted how the interior screen appears to be pretty seamless.
Similar to the Galaxy Fold, the laptop latches closed magnetically and has a small gap where the hinge is located.
Lenovo says the form-factor makes the device ideal for ‘day and night’ use.
Users can fold it in half to read their favorite book in bed, unfold it and stand it up using the built-in kickstand to watch their favorite videos hands-free, or use it as a full-screen tablet to take notes during a meeting at the office.
When folded in half, it becomes about the size of a large hardcover book.
Lenovo claims it’s pretty lightweight, too, weighing in under 2lbs.
The device also features a built-in infrared camera that can power things like Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric security system that lets users sign in using facial recognition technology.
There are two USB-C ports located on the device, in addition to stereo speakers and ‘all-day battery life,’ according to Lenovo.
The company says the device is still an early prototype, with more details about it coming in 2020.
Lenovo hopes to be able to include a Wacom pen and cellular support in future versions of the device, according to the Verge.
It didn’t provide many specific details about specifications or price, other than noting it will be a part of the ThinkPad X1 lineup.
WOMAN CLAIMS FITBIT EXPLODED ON HER WRIST ” I got pieces of plastic burned into my arm”
Diana Mitchell had only owned her Fitbit Flex 2 for two weeks when the alleged incident occurred as she was reading a book. She said there was no indication that there was anything wrong with the device.
“The Fitbit itself is totally melted. The bracelet melted, and I got pieces of plastic burned into my arm,” she told WTMJ-TV.
Mitchell said her doctor had to pick pieces of plastic out of her wound. A local emergency care provider confirmed that Mitchell was treated the day after she said the explosion occurred.
The Fitbit does come with a warning, cautioning consumers that “the device contains electrical equipment that could cause injury if not handled properly.”
Fitbit officials have issued a statement saying that they are investigating the incident. They said they are not aware of any similar complaints.