HAPPY 20TH, LINUX: 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the Linux operating system. What started as a hobby for one person, Linus Torvalds, now powers much of the Internet, and devices and gadgets of all kinds. Buy your penguin suit now. Details at the LinuxFoundation and video on YouTube.
BACK TO THE 80S: Were you a fan of the Commodore 64? Well, it's back after a couple of decades. The new model looks like the old one, but inside are a 1.8 gigahertz dual-core processor, ethernet and HDMI ports and an optional Blu-ray player. It runs Linux, but a Windows option is available. There's one for the nostalgics. More at the NYTimes.
SILVER LINING: Silver has anti-bacterial qualities, but in high enough concentrations can kill you. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that they can rubber stamp skin with a layer of silver nanoparticles that's only a few molecules thick. Tested on cadavers and mice against common skin bacteria the coating was successful in killing 99.999% of the bacteria after 12 hours. Sounds ideal for sticking plasters. More at Gizmodo.
GO NORTH: Before your mouth and lips actually speak any words, certain parts of your brain are active. Scientists from Washington University have been able to temporarily implant interfaces into those parts of the brain so people could control a cursor on a computer screen by speaking (silently or aloud). Control was up to 90% accurate. This offers hope for those who've lost their speech through brain injury. Say Yes! More at ScienceDaily.
ARM HELPER: The Myomo mPower 1000 neuro-robotic arm brace fits like a sleeve around the arm. A sensor detects even very faint muscle signals when the wearer intends to move their arm, then uses a motor to assist them to move. It's intended to help retrain people who've had a stroke or who've been affected by multiple sclerosis or similar conditions. This should be able to apply to legs too, surely. More at Myomo and video on YouTube.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz
Tech Universe: Wednesday 13 April
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