Confira o significado do nome de 20 marcas famosas

 

Algumas marcas têm nomes que explicam a origem ou os valores da instituição de maneira bem óbvia, enquanto em outros casos é preciso entender sobre curiosidades históricas ou mitologia para o nome fazer algum sentido. Nós já falamos aqui antes sobre a origem do nome de algumas marcas famosas. Abaixo você pode conferir mais algumas empresas que têm nomes com um significado bem interessante ou, no mínimo, curioso.    Cadillac A Cadillac é uma divisão da General Motors especializada em carros de luxo. O nome é uma homenagem ao explorador francês Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, o fundador da cidade de Detroit, em Michigan, nos Estados Unidos.   Durex A fabricante de preservativos que chegou recentemente ao Brasil tem origem britânica, e o nome deriva de “DUrable Reliable EXcelence”, ou excelência em durabilidade confiável. Etsy O fundador do site estava assistindo a filmes italianos e acabou interpretando errado quando ouviu “eh, si” (ah, sim) como “etsi”. Ele achou a palavra bonita, modificou um pouquinho e acabou usando.    Fanta Durante uma reunião na sede alemã da Coca-Cola para decidir o nome do novo produto, o chefe da equipe pediu para que os funcionários usassem sua “fantasie”, que significa imaginação em alemão. Os funcionários não foram tão criativos assim quando sugeriram “Fanta”, mas o nome pegou.    Häagen-Dazs A marca americana de sorvete é o caso de uma história bem contada com o intuito de deixar os sorvetes com uma cara mais premium por dar a ilusão de serem de origem estrangeira. O nome não significa nada, mas foi inventado para soar dinamarquês. Curiosamente, não se usa trema em palavras que são originalmente da Dinamarca.   Hyundai Traduzindo literalmente do coreano, a palavra significa “modernidade”. A empresa foi fundada em 1947, mas a divisão responsável pela produção de carros só começou em 1967.   Jägermeister A garrafa dessa bebida traz poemas por um caçador e até referências aos santos patronos dos caçadores, São Humberto e São Eustáquio. Isso porque Jägermeister em alemão quer dizer “mestre dos caçadores”.   Kodak Em busca de uma palavra sem significado, curto, fácil de escrever e de pronunciar, o fundador da Kodak, George Eastman, inventou esse nome. Ele também gostava muito da letra K.   Nike O nome veio da deusa grega que era a personificação da vitória. Bem inspirador para os atletas, que são o foco da marca.   Nikon Fundada inicialmente como Nippon Kogaru Kogyo, foi rebatizada apenas para uma forma mais abreviada em 1988: Nikon Corporation. O nome originalmente significava algo como “indústria de lentes ópticas japonesas”.   Nivea Em latim, Niveus significa “branca de neve”. As letras em branco contrastando com um fundo azul conseguem refletir bem isso.   Pantene O principal ingrediente dos produtos da Pantene é a pro-vitamina B5, pantenol, então a empresa suíça decidiu destacar isso para se diferenciar no mercado, e o nome do ingrediente acabou virando a marca.   Reddit Em inglês, “read it” significa “leia isso”, e a pronúncia é quase idêntica ao nome do site. Bem óbvio para um fórum voltado para textos e discussões entre os usuários.    Samsung A empresa de origem coreana tem um nome que pode ser traduzido literalmente como “três” (sam) e “estrelas” (sung). Porém, os ideogramas usados para escrever a palavra também podem significar respectivamente “grande, numeroso e poderoso” e “eterno”.    Subaru Na mitologia grega, a constelação das “sete irmãs” eram as sete filhas de Atlas, o titã da astronomia e da navegação. Em japonês, esse agrupamento de estrelas é conhecido como “subaru”.    Toyota Inicialmente o nome era Toyoda, em homenagem ao seu fundador, Kiichiro Toyoda. A mudança ocorreu em 1937 porque Toyoda significa “campos férteis de arroz” e não combina nada com uma fabricante de carros.    Tresemmé Em francês, a frase “très-aimé” quer dizer “muito amado”. A grafia levemente diferente foi para fazer uma homenagem a uma especialista em cuidados capilares chamada Edna Emmé.   Venus Ramificação da Gillette voltada para mulheres, o nome Venus é inspirado pela deusa romana do amor, sexo e fertilidade.   Volkswagen A empresa surgiu como uma alternativa popular em um período em que carros eram acessíveis apenas para os ricos. O nome significa “carro do povo” e é bem condizente com a proposta inicial da empresa.   Volvo Em sua origem no latim, a palavra significa literalmente “eu rodo”, conjugado do verbo “volvere”. O nome foi registrado em 1911 para ser usado em uma linha de rolamentos automotivos.

Responsive "Bionic Bra" adjusts to breast movement

 

Newly developed actuators and 'smart yarn' have been used to create the Bionic Bra (Photo: University of Wollongong) According to a recent University of Portsmouth study, almost one in five women avoid exercise because of breast-related problems, such as pain, embarrassment about excessive breast bounce and not being able to find the right sports bra. That’s around 20 percent of women who may be missing out on the health benefits of physical activity. Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of the Bionic Bra, which quickly adjusts to breast movement, providing more – or less – support as required. The bra has been in development for more than 15 years at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia, where researchers have been investigating problems associated with sports bras and women's breast movement during physical activity. The researchers say technology is only now catching up with their vision, providing enhanced opportunities to use intelligent componentry and “smart yarn” to build a responsive and comfortable sports bra. "We were inspired to make a bra that could respond to the needs of women – to tighten up when there is a need for more breast support but to relax when additional support is not required, so women could enjoy the health benefits associated with an active lifestyle in comfort," says Professor Julie Steele, Director of Breast Research Australia (BRA) at UOW. Research shows that around 85 percent of women wear an incorrectly fitted bra, which can lead to headaches, backaches, neck pain and even ulnar nerve dysfunction (numbness in the little finger), caused by bra straps digging in to the nerves that cross the shoulders. “Advances in materials science that enabled advanced sensing and actuating technologies with soft materials, means we are in a unique position to tackle this problem,” says Professor Steele. The Bionic Bra integrates novel sensing materials, including newly developed customized fibers created using wet spinning techniques. The fibers are "knitted" into wearable structures, and the sensing components detect when a women’s breast starts to move more or faster, for example if you suddenly stand up and start to run for a bus. "The advent of approaches such as 3D printing has enabled us to assemble structures containing new sensing technologies to more accurately monitor movement and new artificial muscle technologies to control it,” says Professor Gordon Wallace, Executive Research Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science based at UOW. The integrated actuating technology is based on the use of fibers made from coiled fishing line to develop “artificial muscles.” The artificial muscles receive messages from the sensors telling the bra to tighten up and contract to help provide additional breast support. In the proof of concept prototype, the actuators are located on the back of the bra, but Professor Steele says it is likely they will be located elsewhere in the final version. In its prototype state, the bra looks rather large and cumbersome, but now that proof of principle has been demonstrated, designers will be brought in to ensure the final product is aesthetically pleasing – because although functionality and comfort are essential, most of us also want to wear something that looks good, too. Using 3D printing technologies, coupled with advanced fiber knitting and braiding, the UOW team say they are in a position to rapidly prototype different componentry depending on the needs of the designer. There is still quite a way to go to get the Bionic Bra from the bench top to the washing machine. The researchers don't anticipate that all componentry will be washable, so here too design will be critical to ensure functionality as well as aesthetics. While the Bionic Bra will initially be aimed at active women, as well as the one in five women who would like to be active but can’t find a supportive, comfortable exercise bra, it will ultimately be suitable for any woman who needs a responsive bra for work and play. While other manufacturers have used technology to develop bras that provide early warning of breast cancer, prevent emotional eating or, at the more bizarre end of the support garment spectrum only unlock for true love, the Bionic Bra has the potential to transform bra design for daily life. The bra was discussed at the Opening Keynote Address of the 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference. Source: University of Wollongong

5 processos quase mágicos que seu corpo está fazendo nesse exato momento

 

O corpo humano funciona de uma maneira complexa e surpreendente e, não raramente, acabamos ficando perplexos com o que conseguimos fazer ainda que de maneira involuntária. O Cracked reuniu uma série de funcionalidades do corpo humano que vão deixar você de queixo caído. Duvida? Então confira as informações a seguir e se surpreenda:   Uma questão de cheiro e gosto Se você acha que apenas seu rosto tem células receptoras de cheiro e gosto, prepare-se para se surpreender: pesquisas realizadas na última década revelaram que partes do corpo humano como rins, coração, espinha, trato respiratório e até mesmo nossas células sanguíneas têm receptores de cheiro e gosto! Nos rins, cientistas encontraram receptores de cheiro dentro de um componente conhecido como “mácula densa”. Essa região é a responsável por regular a filtragem do sangue e a produção de urina, mas a presença dessas células relacionadas ao cheiro sugere que nossos rins literalmente cheiram e/ou sentem o gosto do xixi que produzimos, quase como se isso fosse uma análise química, digamos assim. Outro experimento indicou que nosso sangue também consegue sentir cheiro. Bizarro, não é? Para chegar a essa conclusão, os pesquisadores colocaram células sanguíneas em uma câmara e adicionaram à mistura um componente de odor. Acredite você ou não, as células sanguíneas se movimentavam em direção ao odor. E não é apenas o sangue que consegue detectar odores, não! O esperma também parece fazer a mesma coisa! Pesquisas indicam que as células reprodutoras masculinas usam seus receptores de cheiro para chegarem até o óvulo. Pelo visto somos muito mais eficientes do que imaginávamos, hein!    As sinapses O cérebro é um órgão espetacular que, basicamente, controla tudo o que você faz e, inclusive, o que você é. O órgão é tão complexo que a Ciência está longe de poder dizer que sabe tudo sobre ele e, por isso, cada nova descoberta é digna de comemoração. Por muito tempo o consenso era de que o cérebro humano tinha 100 bilhões de neurônios. Um estudo mais intenso revelou que esse número é, na verdade, menor: ao que tudo indica, temos “apenas” 86 bilhões de neurônios. A questão surpreendente no quesito neural não é nem o número dessas células, mas a quantidade de conexão feita entre os neurônios. A essas ligações a Ciência deu o nome de “sinapse”. A todo o momento seu cérebro está criando novas sinapses, e, se para você fica mais fácil entender a imensidão da coisa usando números, vamos a eles: seu cérebro é capaz de produzir 100 trilhões de sinapses – só para você ter ideia, esse número é equivalente a mil vezes o número de estrelas da Via Láctea. Se ainda não está fácil entender o poder da máquina que você carrega dentro do seu crânio, saiba que, em 2013, cientistas alemães e japoneses tentaram construir uma máquina que fosse capaz de simular o poder do cérebro humano. Para isso, foram necessários 82.944 processadores e, para arquivarem o mesmo número de informações que o cérebro processa em um segundo, essa máquina levou 40 minutos. Seu ouvido é um termômetro Evoluímos para nos adaptarmos melhor ao ambiente que nos cerca e, pelo jeito, até mesmo nossos ouvidos, com o passar do tempo, começaram a adquirir outras funções além da básica, que é escutar. O formato da orelha humana, com tantas dobraduras, não é apenas uma questão de estilo, mas uma forma que nosso corpo encontrou para conduzir melhor as ondas sonoras à nossa volta, de modo que possamos identificar a direção do som que vem até nós. O que muita gente nem faz ideia é que, pelo ouvido, conseguimos escutar a temperatura. Sim, você leu certo: escutar a temperatura. Esse conceito pode até parecer meio sinestésico demais, mas um experimento feito na Grã-Bretanha comprovou que os participantes conseguiam saber se uma xícara de chá continua a bebida quente ou fria apenas ouvindo o barulho do líquido sendo servido. Os resultados do teste mostraram que 96% dos voluntários conseguiram apontar com exatidão se o chá estava quente ou frio. Há quem acredite que isso acontece devido a diferenças de viscosidade entre o chá quente e o frio, afinal as moléculas do líquido gelado são menos enérgicas – isso faz com que o chá quente, quando derramado na xícara, produza um barulho mais suave que, sem nem nos darmos conta, conseguimos distinguir graças às nossas orelhas poderosas.    Ácido, ácido, ácido, muito ácido O processo de digestão envolve uma quantidade absurda de ácido clorídrico que derrete o alimento que você ingere. Esse ácido é extremamente corrosivo – capaz de corroer aço, só para você ter ideia – e, mesmo assim, nós vivemos com esse tipo de substância dentro de nós mesmos. Como será que esse ácido não nos derrete também? Bem... Na verdade, ele nos derrete, sim. Felizmente, nosso estômago é capaz de se regenerar diversas vezes seguidas – ufa! A verdade é que o estômago é formado por células especiais que secretam uma proteína capaz de nos proteger desse banho de ácido. Funciona assim: depois que o alimento é digerido, as células estomacais neutralizam o efeito do ácido, transformando-o em um material alcalino. Assim o alimento digerido não passa pelo intestino queimando tudo e seu estômago não derrete. A bizarrice nessa coisa toda está no fato de que mesmo a melhor proteção estomacal não é capaz de livrar o órgão da corrosão. Doses de ácido clorídrico estão, aos poucos, comendo você por dentro. A cada três dias a membrana que reveste seu estômago é substituída por uma nova, ou seja: a pele do seu estômago é completamente corroída duas vezes por semana e renasce ao fim de cada processo.   Câncer Você pode manter alguns hábitos saudáveis, como não fumar, praticar atividades físicas e tentar manter uma alimentação balanceada, mas a verdade é que mulheres têm 38% de chances de desenvolver algum tipo de câncer – nos homens, as chances sobem para 43%. As chances são assim tão altas porque, infelizmente, nosso corpo contribui para o desenvolvimento da doença, que surge quando uma célula é danificada de forma que seu DNA seja alterado e se programe para matá-la. Assustadoramente, isso acontece em uma proporção absurda: cada uma das muitas trilhões de células do seu corpo pode sofrer milhares de lesões por dia. Seu corpo é praticamente uma bomba-relógio. Biologicamente inteligente que somos, nosso corpo conta com a ajuda de algumas enzimas que fiscalizam o DNA das nossas células, na tentativa de deixá-lo saudável e não autodestrutivo. Essas enzimas conseguem identificar erros celulares e, felizmente, na maioria das vezes, dão conta do recado e reconstituem tudo, antes que essas alterações se transformem em doença. O fato de que algumas pessoas desenvolvem câncer nos prova que esse sistema de regeneração não é o mais efetivo de todos, mas ainda assim é um alívio sabermos que contamos com ele.

Controversial nitrite hypothesis confirmed

 

In a paper published online ahead of print in the February issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, senior co-author Daniel Kim-Shapiro, professor of physics at Wake Forest, and others show that deoxygenated hemoglobin is indeed responsible for triggering the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide, a process that affects blood flow and clotting. “We have shown that conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide by deoxygenated hemoglobin in red blood cells reduces platelet activation,” Kim-Shapiro said. “This action has implications in treatments to reduce clotting in pathological conditions including sickle cell disease and stroke.” In 2003, Kim-Shapiro collaborated with Mark Gladwin, now at the University of Pittsburgh, who led a study that showed that nitrite (which is also used to cure processed meats), is not biologically inert as had been previously thought, but can be converted to the important signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO), and thereby increase blood flow. At that time, the researchers hypothesized that the conversion of nitrite to NO was due to a reaction with deoxygenated hemoglobin in red blood cells. The main goal of the latest research, Kim-Shapiro said, was to determine how red blood cells perform these important signaling functions that lead to increased blood flow. The researchers used several biophysical techniques to measure NO production from nitrite and red blood cells and examined the mechanism of NO production. “Importantly, this action was increased under conditions of low oxygen – so nitrite acts to increase blood flow in the body just when it is needed. What we’re showing with this research is what part of the red cell is doing this, and it’s consistent with our original hypothesis,” he said. “This speaks to the mechanisms and how they work – to how nitrite is dilating blood vessels and reducing clotting.” As director of Wake Forest University’s Translational Science Center, Kim-Shapiro and others have conducted studies that look at how nitrite and its biological precursor, nitrate (found in beet root juice) can be utilized in treatments for a variety of conditions. In a 2010 study, they were the first to find a link between consumption of nitrate-rich beet juice and increased blood flow to the brain. Kim-Shapiro said that next steps in the research include examining whether all red blood cells have this activation function and whether this function is diminished in red cell diseases like sickle cell disease, other blood diseases, or in the transfusion of older blood. “Does this important function that we can now attribute to the hemoglobin in the red cells get compromised under certain conditions? And if so, how can we enhance it?” he said. Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by Wake Forest University. The original article was written by Bonnie Davis. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: C. Liu, N. Wajih, X. Liu, S. Basu, J. Janes, M. Marvel, C. Keggi, C. C. Helms, A. N. Lee, A. M. Belanger, D. I. Diz, P. Laurienti, D. L. Caudell, J. Wang, M. T. Gladwin, D. B. Kim-Shapiro. Mechanisms of Human Erythrocytic Bioactivation of Nitrite. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2014; DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M114.609222

One of the most difficult challenges in weight loss is keeping the weight off over the long term

 

A new report combining perspectives from a range of obesity experts identifies genetic, epigenetic and neuro-hormonal differences between individuals as one of the key challenges associated with weight loss and long-term weight control. The authors, led by Paul MacLean, PhD, and Rena Wing, PhD, reinforce that maintaining weight loss over the long term can be a major challenge. They recommend a number of novel approaches to improve obesity therapeutics, including more emphasis on an individualized approach to weight-loss treatments and maintenance, and the integration of physiology and behavioral psychology to identify effective and sustainable interventions. "Despite advancements in our understanding of obesity, weight regain after weight loss remains the most substantial problem in obesity treatment -- with both the body and the mind conspiring against individual efforts to maintain weight loss," said Dr. MacLean, co-chair of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) working group who authored the report, "Innovative Research to Improve Maintenance of Weight Loss," published in the January 2015 issue of the journal Obesity. "There are many differences in individuals ranging from genetic to behavioral that lead some to do well on one approach, whereas others do not. Therefore, what works for a friend or coworker may be very different from a weight-loss program that's most effective and sustainable for you over the long term." The NIH Working Group report summarizes the results from a recent conference and includes various perspectives from experts in integrative physiology, genetics, endocrinology, and behavioral and cognitive sciences. The report is accompanied by a commentary in Obesity by research and treatment pioneers and TOS past presidents, George Bray, MD, of Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Thomas Wadden, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania. In their commentary, Drs. Bray and Wadden called individualized weight-loss strategies "promising," highlighting it as the most important issue identified by the working group to bridge the divide between basic and clinical sciences and better target obesity treatments. "In all weight loss trials, whether behavioral, dietary, exercise or pharmacological, some individuals lose a great deal of weight, others an average amount, and some even gain weight," they say in their response. Drs. Bray and Wadden go further to call the area of personalized treatment an "essential focus" that should be combined with political and societal actions to change our food and activity environments, which currently exacerbate the struggle for most people who are trying to lose weight and keep it off. "Personalized medicine is not a new idea; it is one that is applied and encouraged across many areas of medicine. Why not apply it to obesity treatment?" said Chris Ochner, PhD, TOS Public Affairs co-chair and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Weight loss is not a sprint; it's a marathon." Working group co-chair Dr. Wing also stresses that current treatment approaches to improving maintenance of weight loss often do not adequately counter the many physiological and behavioral changes that occur when a person loses weight. "Development of more effective approaches to weight-loss maintenance requires the integration of physiological and behavioral perspectives and a more concerted collaboration between basic and clinical researchers," she said. TOS agrees that collaboration between physiological and behavioral researchers is needed to advance the science behind individualized treatments and develop better weight-maintenance strategies. In 2013, the Society launched the Bio-Behavioral Research Section to encourage greater research into the complex interactions between biological, behavioral and environmental factors that influence obesity. The Section, led by Chair Myles Faith, PhD, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, strives to bridge people, ideas and methodologies from distinct scientific "silos." "Understanding individual differences in treatment response requires expertise in biology and behavior," Faith said. "Seasoned clinicians, who are keenly observing and working to harness the strengths of individual patients every day, are an integral piece of the puzzle. Individual responses to treatment are at the scientific 'heart' of the matter for understanding weight-loss maintenance." The NIH working group report in full seeks to identify barriers to successful weight loss, review strategies that have been previously employed to improve success, and recommend novel solutions that could be investigated in future long-term weight control studies. In addition to more personalized weight-loss strategies, the authors recommend further exploration into the following areas to improve weight-loss maintenance: • Pharmacological strategies to counter the physiological changes that occur after weight loss, which require adjustments to the drug development process (e.g. pairing different medications or combining medication and behavioral approaches). • New ways to improve adherence to physical activity programs. • Foods engineered to maximize palatability and satiation to improve long-term adherence to a lower-calorie diet. • Strategies to decrease the perceived reward value of foods and increase impulse control. • Technologies (e.g. smart phones, tablets, GPS) and social networking to keep individuals engaged and goal-oriented. Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by Obesity Society. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal References: Paul S. MacLean, Rena R. Wing, Terry Davidson, Leonard Epstein, Bret Goodpaster, Kevin D. Hall, Barry E. Levin, Michael G. Perri, Barbara J. Rolls, Michael Rosenbaum, Alexander J. Rothman, Donna Ryan. NIH working group report: Innovative research to improve maintenance of weight loss. Obesity, 2014; DOI: 10.1002/oby.20967 George A. Bray, Thomas A. Wadden. Improving long-term weight loss maintenance: Can we do it? Obesity, 2014; DOI: 10.1002/oby.20964

Body Dryer offers an alternative to the yucky ol' bath towel

 

Most people who use public showers will tell you to wear shower shoes unless you want athletes foot. They get rid of the towel as a potential source of bacteria but replace it with another object that can't be sanitized as easily. Wearing flip flops on it would restrict its airflow. From Dyson’s Airblade to more straight-forward designs, hand dryers are run-of-the-mill these days. Now a team of designers out of the US has turned the idea upside down to create the Body Dryer. According to Tyler Overk from the Body Dryer Team, the body dryer is designed out of a need to “replace bacteria filled and environmentally harmful bathroom towels.” The Body Dryer is sturdy enough to support a 325 lb (170 kg) person and is reportedly capable of drying a damp individual in approximately 30 seconds using compressed, ionized air. It has strategically angled vents to provide optimal removal of the water and the air stream can be personalized through different shaped nozzles on the footplate that develop a cylindrical tunnel of air around the user. There's also the option of hot or cold air and a digital scale is built into the unit The Body Dryer team has already more than doubled its US$50,000 crowd funding goal through Indiegogo. It's anticipated the unit will sell for US$250 should it make it to market. Product page: Body Dryer

Sunn Light: A smart light that mimics the sun's movements

 

Sunn Light has already surpassed its Kickstarter goal of US$50,000 Image Gallery (8 images) No device can really replace the feeling of being outside in the sunshine, but a good smart light could perhaps make spending time indoors more pleasant. Sunn Light is a smart and powerful LED light that changes its level of brightness automatically throughout the day to mimic the natural rhythm of the sun in your exact area. There are two sizes of Sunn Light: the smallest measures 48.6 cm (19 in), contains a total of 240 LEDs, and outputs a maximum of 3,300 lumens, while the larger measures 60 cm (24 in), features 330 LEDs, and outputs up to 5,500 lumens. Both can be hung on a wall like a picture frame or professionally fitted, and you can install essentially as many Sunn Light units as you'd want (at least 100). Once paired with an iOS or Android device via Bluetooth, a Sunn Light detects its latitude and longitude, and mimics the natural rhythm of the sun in that area. In addition, shaking a paired smartphone at night will activate Sunn Light's "midnight mode," which offers just enough illumination to navigate your way to the bathroom without waking anyone else up. Handily though, once paired, a Sunn Light will keep in sync with the sun for a year, so it doesn't require constant contact with your smartphone for its basic functionality. Once set up, Sunn Light slowly begins glowing early in the morning, so as to mimic a sunrise, and can wake you up like Philips' Wake-up Light and lots of other similar products out there. As the day progresses, the brightness automatically increases to emulate the afternoon, before it fades later in the evening. You can also program it to match another location's daylight hours, if you'd prefer a little more sunlight than would be on offer in your area, or as an aid to try and get over jet lag. The free companion app is compatible with Philips' hue and the LIFX, and will integrate into those lighting systems. A Sunn Light rep told Gizmag that both the hue and LIFX can be programmed to behave in the same way as the Sunn Light, and mimic the sun's rhythm with the app. Sunn Light has already surpassed its Kickstarter goal of US$50,000, and as of this writing has seven days left to run. The cheapest pledge point that should, with luck, eventually snag you a smaller unit is US$289, including shipping in the US (shipping worldwide is extra). Delivery is estimated for April, 2015. Check out the pitch video below for some more information on the Sunn Light. Sources: Sunn Light - Kickstarter

35 Items In Your Home That You Can Get Rid of Right Now

 

35 Items In Your Home That You Can Get Rid of Right Now. One of the biggest reasons we hold onto clutter is because we’re not sure when we can get rid of stuff. Most items don’t come with an expiration date, and once we take something into our home, we tend to want to make use of it--even if we clearly have no need for it. I’ve created a list of things you can get rid of right now. You have my permission to toss, recycle, donate, consign or even sell these items (not the ketchup packets, but maybe some old electronics). Go ahead and just get rid of this stuff.  It’s time! 1. Broken sunglasses. You say you’re going to buy one of those kits to fix them but you haven’t yet, so toss them. 2. Eyeglasses with the wrong prescription. Donate these immediately.  Someone else could be using them. 3. Pens with no ink. The ink has run dry, and you’re not going to take the time to refill. Toss. Easy. 4. Food storage containers you never use. You bought a set or were gifted a set. You use 2 out of 5 items in the set. The other 3 are not useful and can be recycled or better yet, donated. This is why I hate sets: if only part of the set is useful, the other part is just taking up space. Instead, buy doubles of the sizes you actually use. 5. Old clothing that no longer fits. 6. Soy sauce packets. This is my number one Why-Are-You-Keeping-This? item. You're not going to use these. Instead, buy a bottle at Trader Joe's, or your local market and keep it in the pantry. 7. Ketchup packets. 8. Mustard Packets. 9. Packets of salt. 10. Scarves you never wear. This is one of my personal hoarding blind spots. Everyone gives me scarves as gifts. I love them, but I'm picky about them and out of the 20 or so I own, I only wear 5. How many do I need? Probably just those 5. Donate ones you haven't worn in years, clean and store the ones you actually wear. 11. Newspapers more than 2 days old. If you want to hang on to the magazine insert (I’m thinking the Sunday Times Magazine) for a week, fine. But everything else goes after 48 hours. You’re never gonna read it! 12. Rubber bands. Why are you keeping these? 13. Plastic silverware. Especially those packets with a plastic fork, knife and napkin. Unless you entertain regularly, or eat on the go, you don't need theses packets taking up space when you already have proper silverware in your home. Take them into work and stash them in your desk for when you need extra silverware for your packed lunch. Or, just recycle them! 14. Old remote controls. Everything comes with a remote control these days: iPod speakers, my air conditioner, my fan. Why? If you don’t use it, trash it. 15. Miss-matched socks. Keep a small basket on top of your bureau for miss-matched socks. If after a month you haven’t found a match, either toss them or re-purpose them as dust rags. 16. Last season’s sunblock. Toss it. Sunblock slowly decays over time. 17.Waffle makers. I use waffle makers as a stand-in for all those kitchen appliances you never use.  If you don’t use it, don’t give up valuable storage space for it. Either recycle it, donate it, or consign it. 18. Miss-matched Tupperware. Why do we hold onto these for so long? Do we think the missing bottom or top is going to find its way home? It’s not. Recycle it. 19. Used tissues. 20. Random cords you’ve been holding onto because you’re not sure what they plug in to.  If you’re really not sure if you can throw it out, or, create a storage bin and label it "cords." But really, I think it’s safe to toss these. 21. Leftovers more than 5 days old. Duh. 22. Magazines more than 2 months old. Exceptions would be issues you really, really love and refer back to often. Examples: the first issue of Domino magazine is a favorite of mine, a Martha Stewart holiday-themed magazine you leaf through each year. Make sure you have these stored properly for the long term and not just hanging around in piles. Everything else, recycle. If you haven’t read it in two months, you’re not going to! 23. Loose staples. Especially if you don't own a stapler. 24. Containers that don't close properly. If it’s a pain to use, you’re either not going to use it, or it’s not doing its job. Recycle it. 25. Old makeup. Imagine slathering 2-year-old cream on your face? You wouldn’t do that. If your cosmetics have changed color, emit an odor not listed on the bottle (aka, lavender-scented), or have changed consistency, dump it. If you haven't used it in over a year, or if you can't remember the last time you used it, dump it. 26. Old packs of gum where the gum has started to harden, or worse, ooze. 27. Shoes that pinch your big toe. 28. Shoes that are uncomfortable. 29. Shoes that no longer project the image you want to project. 30. Shoes that you haven’t worn in five years. Bottom line: your shoes should fit well, feel good and have the right look. If they do not, donate or consign them. 31. Greeting cards. Caveat: I keep greeting cards for a few weeks, then I recycle them. Most of them. Some I tuck away into a file box. Unless you are committed to storing your cards, it’s ok to toss them after a few weeks. You don’t expect anyone to keep yours, do you? 32. Broken umbrellas. Let’s be honest here: you’re not going to take the time to fix that.  Toss it. 33. Expired coupons. 34. Old cell phones. There’s no good reason to keep these as they are likely outdated and just taking up space. Here’s a safe way to dispose of old cell phones:  donate it. 35. Last year's calendar.  People hang onto these, I think in the hopes that they will transfer important dates from one year to the next. If you do this buy January 31 of the new year, okay, but longer than that, recycle it. Interested in reading more about managing paper and paper clutter? Check out How to Set Up A Home Filing System You'll Actually Use. Photo Credit: Getty

Flow is designed to pick up where the mouse leaves off

 

Flow aims to change the way users interact with their devices Image Gallery (5 images) When it comes to interacting with our devices, the mouse and the touchscreen are the predominant methods. Senic, the team behind a new device called Flow, is aiming to change that by adding quite a few new ways for users to interact with their computers, smartphones, and tablets. Flow is designed to be used in three ways. First, users can tap the top of the device. The second method is actually done in the air over Flow, as it reads users' hand movements and translates them to actions. The third interaction type comes from rotating the metal ring around Flow. Haptic feedback is used here to help the user feel precise increments of movement. Each of these actions can be customized to perform all kinds of different actions on a user's devices. Some examples of how Flow could be used include swiping over it to skip songs, or rotating its ring to zoom in and out while working in Photoshop. For video editors, the rotation could serve as a jog wheel for small movements through video files. There are a lot of possibilities, but it all comes down to whether users actually feel that a mouse and keyboard are incapable of getting these jobs done well enough. Senic already has support for a number of existing apps and devices, with plans to continue to add more as time goes on. So far, some popular ones listed include Spotify, Photoshop, Arduino, and Pandora. If an app is not officially supported by Senic, it doesn't matter, because the platform is open, meaning programmers can add support for almost anything once the device is released. This means that, provided Flow catches on, the possible uses for it could be far-reaching. As for the hardware itself, Bluetooth LE is used for communicating with connected computers and other devices. At first, only Macs will be supported, but the team is rapidly working on support for Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows. The device's battery should last about four months, and it is replaceable. Senic is seeking funding on Indiegogo to bring Flow to market. It is seeking US$50,000, and is about halfway there as of this writing. Backers who would like to preorder a Flow for a planned June 2015 delivery can do so for a minimum pledge of $99. The Indiegogo pitch video below provides more information and shows Flow in use. Sources: Senic, Indiegogo

Samsung Gear VR headset now available in US

 

Samsung's Gear VR headset is now availability in the US, aimed squarely at developers and early adopters Remember when we got some eyes-on time with Samsung's Oculus-powered VR headset earlier this year? Well, the Gear VR is now on sale in the US, though the company is making it clear that this is a product aimed at early adopters and developers, and not yet ready for mainstream consumption. If you missed it the first time around, the Gear VR is the fruit of a collaboration between Samsung and Oculus. Instead of using a tethered PC or console for the visor's brains, though, it uses a Galaxy Note 4. That means the Note's Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) display is split between the headset's two lenses. The headset has a 96-degree field of view from any given position, though of course the fun lies in rotating your head to explore full 360-degree environments. In our hands-on, we found the experience to be nearly identical to that of using an Oculus VR developer kit. Our other big observation from September was how underwhelming the demo content was (at the time, we only saw a non-interactive Coldplay concert). When you consider the challenge of creating content for not just a new platform, but an entirely new medium ... well, you can see why Samsung is downplaying the Gear VR as a commercial product (in fact, it's called the "Gear VR Innovator Edition"). The content condundrum may also be why the company is handing the content-downloading reins over to the Oculus VR app store. At launch, Samsung says early adopters can choose from a dungeon adventure game called HeroBound, a multiplayer space shooter called Anshar Wars, and demos like an undersea exploration and a Cirque du Soleil show, among others. The Gear VR Innovator Edition is available now from Samsung's and AT&T's websites. It costs US$200, in addition to the Galaxy Note 4 required to power it (it typically runs $300 on-contract, $700 full retail). No other smartphones are listed as being compatible. For more, you can revisit our eyes-on with the Gear VR from back in September. Product page: Samsung

US Navy successfully deploys laser weapon

 

The deployment of the laser weapon is a first for the US Navy (Photo: US Navy/John F. Williams) Image Gallery (9 images) The laser goes from the weapon of tomorrow to the weapon of today as the US Navy announces the completion of its successful deployment of the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Laser Weapon System (LaWS). The deployment is the first on a US Naval vessel and took place on the USS Ponce (LPD-15) in the Arabian Gulf from September to November of this year. Developed as part of the ONR's Solid-State Laser-Technology Maturation program, LaWS is part of the US military's effort to develop a cost-effective, combat-ready laser prototype. While LaWS is not the first laser weapon ever to have been deployed, it is the first on a US Naval vessel and is a considerable advance on previous laser weapons. According to the Navy, LaWS is capable of handling small attack boats, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and other asymmetric targets, and has a wide range of settings, ranging from the ability to "dazzle" people and sensors without destroying them, to being able to disable or destroy targets. It also has the advantages of being able to engage targets at the speed of light, not requiring ammunition, being able to operate so long as power is available, and has a cost-per-round of a about a dollar per shot – which is a considerable saving in an area when munitions can cost thousands or even millions apiece. Control system for the laser weapon (Photo: US Navy/John F. Williams) According to Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, chief of naval research, this helps to ensure that the US Navy and Marines are never in a "fair fight." This year's deployment was a joint mission by ONR, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and private industry. During its time at sea, the laser was used against a variety of targets, such as small boats and other moving targets at sea, and also managed to knock a flying Scan Eagle UAV out of the sky. The Navy says that the LaWS exceeded expectations not only in reliability, but in maintainability as well, and it integrated seamlessly with the Ponce's existing defense systems. In addition, sailors aboard said that it performed flawlessly in all weathers, including high winds, heat and humidity. The deployment is part of the system's development following demonstrations in 2011 and 2012. The results of this year's deployment will be used to assess the progress of the program and determine future development timeframes. The ONR sees the system as not only applicable for sea duty, but also as an effective defense against airborne and ground-based weapon systems. "Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations," says Klunder. "We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality." The video below shows the US Navy weapon in action. Source: US Navy

Seven life-changing surgeries made possible by 3D printing

 

3D printing technology has enabled some truly life-changing surgeries in the past year Image Gallery (17 images) Though printing items like chocolate and pizza might be satisfying enough for some, 3D printing still holds a lot of unfulfilled potential. Talk abounds of disrupting manufacturing, changing the face of construction and even building metal components in space. While it is hard not to get a little bit excited by these potentially world-changing advances, there is one domain where 3D printing is already having a real-life impact. Its capacity to produce customized implants and medical devices tailored specifically to a patient's anatomy has seen it open up all kinds of possibilities in the field of medicine, with the year 2014 having turned up one world-first surgery after another. Let's cast our eye over some of the significant, life-changing procedures to emerge in the past year made possible by 3D printing technology. Replacing the upper jaw Earlier this year, the removal of an Indian man's upper jaw due to cancer saw parts of both his nose and mouth left exposed. Things got worse for the 41-year-old after six weeks of radiotherapy, throughout which he developed radiation-induced fibrosis and lockjaw, severely impacting his ability to open his mouth. Specialists used a CT scan to create a 3D reconstruction of the man's face. A replica of his mouth was then 3D-printed and used as a template to produce a wax model, which was then hardened and fitted with teeth. With the prosthesis adjusted to fit snugly in place, the man's chewing, swallowing, speaking and other mouth movements are said to be considerably improved. Forming a new skull When a 22-year-old woman was suffering from a condition that caused her skull to thicken, specialists at the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht were of the opinion that a partial implant would be necessary. These had been used before when sections of the skull were removed to relieve pressure on the brain, but the cement versions were not always a good fit. The doctors worked with an Australian implant company to create a 3D model of the patient's skull and printed an implant that would be an exact fit. While the increasing brain pressure threatened to impair the patient's coordination and other brain functions, the 3D printed implant led her to a full recovery. Spinal fusion surgery Spinal fusion surgery is a complex procedure used to treat patients with conditions like disc degeneration and spinal instability. An important tool in this process is the spine cage, a medical device that serves as a replacement for damaged discs. By 3D printing a spine cage that had been tailored to the patient's anatomy, a team of French surgeons was able to implant the device in a woman back in May with great results. "The intersomatic cage, specifically printed by Medicrea for my patient, positioned itself automatically in the natural space between the vertebrae and molded ideally with the spine by joining intimately with the end plates, despite their relative asymmetry and irregularity," said Dr. Vincent Fiere, the surgeon who performed the procedure at Hospital Jean Mermoz in Lyon, France. Replacing cancerous vertebra It wasn't until a month after innocuously heading a soccer ball during a match that the entire body of a 12-year-old Chinese boy went numb. Spinal experts found that he had developed a malignant tumor on the second vertebra in his neck. In a five hour procedure conducted in August, surgeons removed the cancerous vertebra and replaced it with a 3D-printed implant. The artificial vertebra was secured in place by titanium screws and the specialists said it was an improvement on existing methods. Typically, the patient's head would need to supported by pins and cannot touch the bed while they are resting for around three months afterwards. But through 3D printing, the doctors could replicate the shape of the original vertebra, making it much stronger. Following the surgery, the patient was said to be in good physical condition and recovering as expected. A titanium heel implant Len Chandler, a 71-year-old man from Melbourne, Australia was faced with amputation below the knee after doctors diagnosed him with cancer in the heel bone. In exhausting all options, the surgeons had also been working with experts from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), exploring the possibility of producing a 3D-printed implant to save the patient's lower leg. Using schematics of the heel bone, a titanium implant was printed and inserted into Chandler's foot in July. Three months later, he was said to be recovering well and able to place some weight on his heel again. A 3D printed hip implant The doctors of a 15-year-old Swedish girl suffering from a congenital disease resulting in skeletal deformations in the left hip were uncertain if she would walk again. But they then approached an implant manufacturing company called Mobelife to see what options might be available. Mobelife used a tomography scan to create a detailed picture of the patient's unique bone anatomy, ultimately printing an implant that would be secured with screws to the bone surrounding the defect. The operation was performed in September 2012 and eighteen months later she was walking entirely unaided. Planning for complex heart surgery When surgeons were approached by the parents of a 14-month-old boy born with four heart defects at Kosair Children's Hospital in the US, they knew they had a task on their hands. But in planning for this surgery, they would be afforded the help of invaluable new-age medical tool. Using CT scans of the baby's heart, researchers at the University of Louisville were able to print a 3D model of the organ, measuring 1.5 times its actual size. This process took around 20 hours and cost US$600, but gave the doctors unprecedented opportunity to plan prior to a heart surgery, seeing them repair the heart's defects in a single operation. Following his release from hospital, the boy was said to be in good health. These are no doubt just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the benefits 3D printing will bring to the field of medicine in the coming years, so it will be interesting to see how the technology develops.