Applications
Dual-color lasers could lead to cheap and efficient LED lighting
May 3, 2013 9:18 am | by Eurekalert! | News | CommentsA new semiconductor device capable of emitting two distinct colours has been created by a group of researchers in the US, potentially opening up the possibility of using light emitting diodes (LEDs) universally for cheap and efficient lighting.
The most technologically-advanced toilet in the world
May 3, 2013 9:02 am | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsThough people often refer to the toilet as “the throne,” the euphemism has never been taken quite this literally before. Kohler, the family-owned bath and kitchen company and inventor of all around fancy bathroom fixtures, has really gone all out with their newest creation, Numi.
Given tablets but no teachers, kids teach themselves – having never seen advanced technology before
May 3, 2013 6:28 am | by Curious Cat Science and Engineering Blog | Blogs | CommentsIn a repetition of an experiment I have posted about here on the Curious Cat Science and Engineering Blog before (Letting Children Learn – Hole in the Wall Computers): Given Tablets but No Teachers, Ethiopian Children Teach Themselves The experiment … Continue reading →
NASA rover prototype set to explore Greenland ice sheet
May 2, 2013 2:32 pm | by Eurekalert! | News | CommentsNASA's newest scientific rover is set for testing May 3 through June 8 in the highest part of Greenland. The robot known as GROVER, which stands for both Greenland Rover and Goddard Remotely Operated Vehicle for Exploration and Research, will roam the frigid landscape collecting measurements...
Bonding with your virtual self may alter your actual perceptions
May 2, 2013 2:28 pm | by Eurekalert! | News | CommentsWhen people create and modify their virtual reality avatars, the hardships faced by their alter egos can influence how they perceive virtual environments, according to researchers.A group of students who saw that a backpack was attached to an avatar that they had created overestimated the heights of virtual hills...
On-site asbestos detector offers promise of better workplace safety
May 2, 2013 2:27 pm | by Eurekalert! | News | CommentsAsbestos was once called a miracle material because of its toughness and fire-resistant properties. It was used as insulation, incorporated into cement and even woven into firemen's protective clothing. Over time, however, scientists pinned the cause of lung cancers such as mesothelioma on asbestos fiber inhalation.
Consider IEC61000 EMC performance criteria when selecting your power supply
May 2, 2013 11:30 am | by Lorenzo Cividino, SL Power Electronics, www.slpower.com | Articles | CommentsChoosing the right power supply design is imperative for an overall successful product. With the ongoing goal of increased density, reliability, and efficiencies, power ratings need to be reviewed carefully. Product life, temperature, input voltage, load, and cooling are vital considerations,
Muzzle flash sensor detects muzzle flash from over 100 m awa
May 2, 2013 10:01 am | Product Releases | CommentsCal Sensors announced an optical detector technology capable of detecting muzzle flash from over 100 meters away, while minimizing false alarms. Operating at the speed of light, an optical flash detection system provides an almost instantaneous response to a gunfire event, providing
Tele-what? YouTube touts itself not as a TV alternative, but a new-generation video platform
May 2, 2013 9:35 am | by JAKE COYLE AP Entertainment Writer | News | CommentsYouTube vs. TV? YouTube says the battle - if there ever was one - is over. In a flashy presentation to advertisers Wednesday night, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt declined to forecast that Internet video will displace television watching. Instead he declared: "That's already happened."
HEALTHBEAT: Not 'Star Trek' tricorder, but new smartphone tools may help people monitor health
May 2, 2013 9:34 am | by LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer | News | CommentsIt's not a "Star Trek" tricorder, but by hooking a variety of gadgets onto a smartphone you could almost get a complete physical - without the paper gown or even a visit to the doctor's office. Blood pressure? Just plug the arm cuff into the phone for a quick reading.
Police and politicians push for more surveillance cameras after Boston bombings
May 2, 2013 9:33 am | by TAMI ABDOLLAH Associated Press | News | CommentsPolice and politicians across the U.S. are pointing to the example of surveillance video that was used to help identify the Boston Marathon bombing suspects as a reason to get more electronic eyes on their streets. From Los Angeles to Philadelphia, efforts include trying to gain police access to cameras used to monitor traffic,
French industry minister denies country closed to foreign investment after vetoing Yahoo deal
May 2, 2013 9:31 am | by GREG KELLER Associated Press | News | CommentsThe French government has defended its veto over Yahoo Inc.'s attempted takeover of video sharing website Dailymotion, even as the move draws jeers for discouraging much needed foreign investment. Yahoo this week abandoned plans to take a 75 percent stake in Dailymotion, a deal sought by the managements of both companies, after the government blocked it.
Alan Alda wants scientists to cut out the jargon
May 2, 2013 9:30 am | by FRANK ELTMAN Associated Press | News | CommentsAmong the procedures Army surgeon Hawkeye Pierce performed on "M.A.S.H." was an end-to-end anastomosis. Most of the viewers, actor Alan Alda concedes, had no idea he was talking about removing a damaged piece of intestine and reconnecting the healthy pieces.
Light curing adhesives speed mass production of microelectronics
May 2, 2013 9:14 am | Product Releases | CommentsDELO Industrial Adhesives’ new light curing DELO-KATIOBOND product lineup has been engineered for fast seal-bonding functions in the production of microelectronics including micro switches widely used in the automobile industry. Curing to initial strength in just seconds with
ECN's interview with the Wireless Power Consortium
May 1, 2013 4:51 pm | by Chris Warner, Executive Editor | Articles | CommentsThe Qi standard is the only non-proprietary solution for wireless charging available in products today. It works by generating a safe electromagnetic field between a charger and a device through a well-established process called magnetic induction. Qi chargers have a built-in transmitting coil, so any Qi device will work with any Qi charger, now and in the future.
Wireless charging: An interview with the Alliance for Wireless Power
May 1, 2013 4:38 pm | by Chris Warner, Executive Editor | Articles | CommentsWireless power is slowly evolving to help make charging second-nature to the consumer. In Japan, for instance, several portable devices are available that support wireless charging.As more portable devices that offer wireless charging capabilities enter the market, the need for standards naturally will follow.
Rugged four-port mini USB hub from B&B Electronics mounts anywhere
May 1, 2013 4:10 pm | B & B Electronics | Product Releases | CommentsB&B Electronics Manufacturing expanded its family of industrial-grade USB 2.0 hubs with the UH104, an affordable, four-port mini USB hub used to connect multiple peripheral devices to a single USB port. Powered exclusively by the host USB port, it provides downstream devices with 100 mA of power and High Speed USB connectivity at 480 Mbps.
Vector signal generator creates complex multichannel scenarios for highest demands
May 1, 2013 3:09 pm | Rohde & Schwarz | Product Releases | CommentsThe R&S SMW200A high-performance vector signal generator from Rohde & Schwarz enables faster time-to-market, improves end-device quality, and exceeds important 2G, 3G and 4G digital standards and applications. Featuring versatile configuration options...
Roboteq backs Raspberry PI-based Robot Navigation Computer project on Kickstarter
May 1, 2013 2:53 pm | Roboteq, Inc | Product Releases | CommentsRoboteq is collaborating on a kickstarter project named RIO (for Raspberry IO) and aimed at creating an intelligent I/O card that stacks over the $35 Raspberry PI Linux Single Board computer. The RIO card includes a rich set of I/O and connectivity features.
10 MUST READ posts from April
May 1, 2013 2:44 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Managing Editor | Blogs | CommentsHere’s a rundown of the most read, most popular, most awesome articles on the web. Take a look at what you missed the first time around or check up on an old favorite to see the conversation in the comments. Keep checking out the Lead at www.ecnmag.com and follow us on Twitter @ecnonline for our most up-to-date articles.
Dual bayonet locking connector designed for industrial Ethernet applications
May 1, 2013 2:17 pm | Conec | Product Releases | CommentsCONEC has advanced its IP67-rated RJ45 family of connectors to include Ethernet I/O ports with a dual bayonet in-line coupler that can be used as a true in-line extension. The dual bayonet coupling mechanism is in compliance with IEC 61076-3-106 and provides increased protection for the connector system against contamination and moisture.
Cutting the fat: The case for a microcontroller-less capacitive touch screen controller
May 1, 2013 12:13 pm | by Eric Siegel, Touch Screen Control Business Development Manager, Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Articles | CommentsTouchscreens are everywhere! While the means by which they detect a touch has evolved over the years, more recently you might say they have revolved as old technologies are reopened and rechristened anew. (I’m looking at you, optical touch.) Touchscreens are finding their way into our homes and our everyday consumer devices.
Single-stage LED driver promises highest levels of dimmer compatibility
May 1, 2013 11:55 am | Cirrus Logic -- Apex Precision Power | Product Releases | CommentsCirrus Logic, Inc. has introduced a first family of single-stage LED drivers, the CS1615/16, targeting the incandescent lamp replacement market. Through patented technology, the CS1615/16 consistently outperforms competing single-stage LED drivers in dimmer compatibility while offering
Smart protocol converter translates avionics messages in real-time
May 1, 2013 11:47 am | Product Releases | CommentsData Device Corporation (DDC) introduced the AceXtreme Bridge Device to translate avionics messages in real-time between MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and Ethernet in any direction, without a host computer. With an onboard Intel Atom processor, two Ethernet channels, two
A Text Message A Day Keeps the Asthma Attack Away
May 1, 2013 11:14 am | by Georgia Tech | News | CommentsSimply sending children with asthma a text message each day asking about their symptoms and providing knowledge about their condition can lead to improved health outcomes. In a study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, pediatric patients who were asked questions about their symptoms and provided information...
