| The new Chromecast comes in different colors (Credit: Google) On Tuesday, Google announced that it has sold over 20 million Chromecasts the past few years and now hopes to sell more by launching an improved second generation HDMI streaming dongle alongside a streaming audio-only version. The company introduced the new Chromecast and the Chromecast Audio at its big media event alongside new Nexus phones and a new Pixel convertible tablet
The new, circular Chromecast is even smaller and more compact than the first generation and for some reason it comes in new colors – lemonade and coral – despite the fact that it should always be hidden out of sight behind your TV. Besides the snappy new look, the improvements in Chromecast 2.0 are basically incremental on the hardware side. Google's Chromecast head Mario Queiroz talked about improved antennas, better WiFi connectivity and showed a few graphs demonstrating the new Chromecast's ability to deliver higher throughput, even from a weak WiFi signal. That was about it. The new Chromecast gets improved WiFi antennas The more interesting piece of new Chromecast hardware is the new Chromecast Audio, which is similar in concept and look to its namesake, but instead plugs into your existing home speakers via 3.5 mm, RCA or optical ports. Like the original Chromecast with video, the idea here is to take whatever audio you control via your phone or tablet and "throw" it to a Chromecast Audio-connected speaker via WiFi. Get a sense of how both pieces of new hardware work in the below promotional video: Chromecast and Chromecast Audio enabled apps enclude Google Play Music, Pandora, TuneIn and most notably, Spotify, which has long been lacking the Chromecast support that was finally announced at the Google event. Like with the video Chromecast, the audio dongle supports guest access so there's the potential for new DJ battles, including from connected Android Wear devices. For apps that aren't Chromecast compatible, Chromecast Audio can also simply mirror whatever audio is playing on a connected device. It connects pretty simply once everything is powered up and there's also the ability to play the same audio simultaneously on multiple Chromecast Audio-connected speakers, possibly creating a poor man's solution to the multiple-room wireless audio system a la Sonos. In addition to the Spotify news, Google announced that Showtime programming is launching on the video Chromecast today and Sling TV is coming in the next few weeks, with support for NBA and NHL apps in the near future as well. A new and updated pair of apps for Chromecast Audio and Chromecast, respectively, were a big focus of the presentation. The revamped Chromecast app focuses on content discovery, acting as a sort of TV Guide for the available programming from the Cast-friendly apps installed on your device. There's also new programming search functions and playback controls, which guests can also control, built right into the app. The new app also pre-loads apps onto a connected Chromecast as soon as that app is open on the mobile device and Google says it is also working on a content pre-loading function that will attempt to predict what you want to watch and start to cache it before you even press play to reduce initial buffering. Google is also apparently excited about Chromecast's potential for gaming, providing an extended central display for games that can then use the connected phone as a controller or second screen for gaming. A demonstration of Angry Birds Go on stage was particularly compelling in displaying the casual group gaming potential. Both Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are available for online purchase today from the Google Play store for US$35 each. Source: Google
http://www.gizmag.com/new-chromecast-chromecast-audio-details-2015/39639/ |
terça-feira, 29 de setembro de 2015
New Chromecast, Chromecast Audio want to stream everything for you
Endocrine Society releases scientific statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals
 Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more. Credit: © Voyagerix / Fotolia Emerging evidence ties endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to two of the biggest public health threats facing society -- diabetes and obesity, according to the executive summary of an upcoming Scientific Statement issued today by the Endocrine Society. The statement's release comes as Society experts are addressing a global meeting, the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4), in Geneva, Switzerland, on the importance of using scientific approaches to limit health risks of EDC exposure. The statement builds upon the Society's groundbreaking 2009 report, which examined the state of scientific evidence on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the risks posed to human health. In the ensuing years, additional research has found that exposure is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Mounting evidence also indicates EDC exposure is connected to infertility, hormone-related cancers, neurological issues and other disorders. EDCs contribute to health problems by mimicking, blocking or otherwise interfering with the body's natural hormones. By hijacking the body's chemical messengers, EDCs can alter the way cells develop and grow. Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more. An economic analysis published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in March estimated that EDC exposure likely costs the European Union €157 billion ($209 billion) a year in actual health care expenses and lost earning potential. "The evidence is more definitive than ever before -- EDCs disrupt hormones in a manner that harms human health," said Andrea C. Gore, Professor and Vacek Chair of Pharmacology at the University of Texas at Austin and chair of the task force that developed the statement. "Hundreds of studies are pointing to the same conclusion, whether they are long-term epidemiological studies in human, basic research in animals and cells, or research into groups of people with known occupational exposure to specific chemicals." The threat is particularly great when unborn children are exposed to EDCs. Animal studies found that exposure to even tiny amounts of EDCs during the prenatal period can trigger obesity later in life. Similarly, animal studies found that some EDCs directly target beta and alpha cells in the pancreas, fat cells, and liver cells. This can lead to insulin resistance and an overabundance of the hormone insulin in the body -- risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies of EDC exposure in humans also point to an association with obesity and diabetes, although the research design did not allow scientists to determine causality. The research offers insights into factors driving the rising rates of obesity and diabetes. About 35 percent of American adults are obese, and more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Society's Endocrine Facts and Figures report. The Scientific Statement also examines evidence linking EDCs to reproductive health problems, hormone-related cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer, prostate conditions, thyroid disorders and neurodevelopmental issues. Although many of these conditions were linked to EDCs by earlier research, the number of corroborating studies continues to mount. "It is clear we need to take action to minimize further exposure," Gore said. "With more chemicals being introduced into the marketplace all the time, better safety testing is needed to identify new EDCs and ensure they are kept out of household goods." In the statement, the Society calls for:
The statement also addresses the need to recognize EDCs as an international problem. Society members are currently meeting in Geneva for the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4). Attending members, including Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Liège in Belgium, emphasize key principles of endocrinology that are confirmed by recent research need to be taken into account when developing policies for identifying and regulating endocrine-disrupting chemicals. "Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during early development can have long-lasting, even permanent consequences," said Bourguignon. "The science is clear and it's time for policymakers to take this wealth of evidence into account as they develop legislation."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150928124400.htm
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Akiak The Adventure Dog
Posted: 26 Sep 2015 10:00 AM PDT
Henrik Vikse fait partie de ces aventuriers qui ont quitté leur travail pour partir vivre la vie en plein air. Accompagné de son fidèle Husky prénommé Akiak, Henrik explore des contrées sauvages de la Norvège. Pour immortaliser sa nouvelle vie, Henrik a choisi de photographier son chien au jour le jour, à travers les paysages vastes et enneigés. Plus sur son Instagram.
www.fubiz,net
A walk around the office can reverse vascular dysfunction caused by hours at a computer
 The findings of this study indicated that blood flow in the popliteal -- an artery in the lower leg -- was greatly reduced after sitting at a desk for six hours, but that there is a simple way to reverse this. Credit: © StockRocket / Fotolia Across the country, many employees are seated at desks for the majority of an eight-hour workday. As technology creates an increase in sedentary lifestyles, the impact of sitting on vascular health is a rising concern. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have found that when a person sits for six straight hours, vascular function is impaired -- but by walking for just 10 minutes after a prolonged period of sitting, vascular health can be restored. "It's easy for all of us to be consumed by work and lose track of time, subjecting ourselves to prolonged periods of inactivity," said Jaume Padilla, Ph.D., an assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the MU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. "However, our study found that when you sit for six straight hours, or the majority of an eight-hour work day, blood flow to your legs is greatly reduced. We also found that just 10 minutes of walking after sitting for an extended time reversed the detrimental consequences." During the study, the researchers compared the vascular function of 11 healthy young men before and after a period of prolonged sitting. The findings indicated that blood flow in the popliteal -- an artery in the lower leg -- was greatly reduced after sitting at a desk for six hours. Researchers then had the participants take a short walk, and found that 10 minutes of self-paced walking could restore the impaired vascular function and improve blood flow. "When you have decreased blood flow, the friction of the flowing blood on the artery wall, called shear stress, is also reduced," Padilla said. "Moderate levels of shear stress are good for arterial health, whereas low levels of shear stress appear to be detrimental and reduce the ability of the artery to dilate. Dilation is a sign of vascular health. The more the artery can dilate and respond to stimuli, the healthier it is." Many workplaces are sedentary environments, and the researchers said it's important that people understand the effects of sitting on their vascular health. By breaking up desk time with a short walk, workers can offset the harm caused to vascular blood vessels. "Studies have shown that sitting less can lead to better metabolic and cardiovascular health," Padilla said. "However, more research is needed to determine if repeated periods of reduced vascular function with prolonged sitting lead to long-term vascular complications." Story Source: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Missouri-Columbia. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150928155906.htm |