Tech universe: Friday, 9 July

Pedal powered USB charger could give geeks a reason to ride. Photo / Supplied

A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.

GET THE SHAKES: Care for a massage while you drive? The safety car seat vibrates for the entire ride, but if a vehicle moves into your blind spot one part vibrates more intensely to alert you. Driving home in rush hour could be more relaxing than you'd ever thought. More at TechNews Daily.

WIRELESS PARKING: Sick of driving round and round the block to find a carpark? In Barcelona wireless sensors report vacant parking spaces to displays on the street or an in-car Navigator device. Network
problems: the new cause of road rage. Log on at Science Daily.

OOPS, IT STUCK: Researchers accidentally found a pressure-sensitive adhesive made from soya beans while trying to create an adhesive for wood. It's cheaper and more eco-friendly than existing petroleum-based adhesives, and could be used for packaging tape or stick-on notes. Another in the grand tradition of accidental adhesive discoveries.

ON YOUR BIKE: So long as you're pedalling you might as well charge up your cellphone. The USB Bike Generator rubs against the bike wheel, produces electricity and provides power to USB devices. With a USB kettle you could make coffee while cycling. Pedal power at instructables.com.

SMART BANDAGE: A Bacteriosafe smart bandage will detect and treat infection in wounds. Nanocapsules release antibiotics if a wound becomes infected and change colour to show harmful bacteria are present. Sickly green takes on a new meaning. Details at BBC.