Research points to full-screen braille reading possibilities

From: Robert Jaquiss (rjaquiss@earthlink.net)
Date: Tue Mar 30 2010 - 07:51:42 PDT


Hello Colleagues:

     I am forwarding a copy of today's Gizmag newsletter. See the article entitled: Research points to full-screen braille reading possibilities.

Regards,

Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine
To: rjaquiss@earthlink.net
Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 7:34 AM
Subject: Gizmag News - 787 Dreamliner completes wing-bending test

       
      Welcome to the newsletter for gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine.

      These are the headlines for March the 30th, 2010.

       787 Dreamliner completes wing-bending test

      If you've ever felt a little queasy watching your plane's wings flex under the strain of being at 10,000 feet, rest assured that they can bend a lot further. Just how much pressure modern airliner wings can take is demonstrated by the latest 787 Dreamliner news from Boeing. During a recent "ultimate-load wing up-bending test," the 787 was subjected to loads 150 percent greater than it can expect to endure during service with the wings flexed upward by approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) over a period of two hours. Read More

       Research points to full-screen braille reading possibilities

      When most of us are surfing the Web we generally do it in much the same way we read a newspaper. We scan the entire page looking for information that interests us before focusing our attention on that area. But imagine if your computer display only allowed you to see one line at a time. Finding that relevant nugget of information suddenly changes from a simple exercise to a time consuming chore. That's the problem facing blind computer users today who are forced to rely on expensive electronic Braille displays that only show one line of text at a time. Researchers have now developed a concept that could enable a full-page, refreshable Braille display that would allow the blind to take full advantage of the Web and other computer applications. Read More

       Self-healing materials could lead to safer nuclear reactors

      One of the key challenges when designing nuclear reactors is finding materials that can withstand the massive temperatures, radiation, physical stress and corrosive conditions of these extreme environments. Exposure to high radiation alone produces significant damage at the nanoscale, so scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, have been working on a mechanism that allows nanocrystalline materials to heal themselves after suffering radiation-induced damage. This gives hope for materials that will improve the reliability, safety and lifespan of nuclear energy systems. Read More

       Nanosatellite to help keep space clean

      We've looked at the problem of orbiting space junk before and the threat it poses to the future of space exploration and the use of satellites. Now scientists have devised a miniature "nanosatellite" fitted with a "solar sail" that can be used on satellites or upper stage launch vehicles. Once the equipment that has reached the end of its mission, the solar sails can be deployed to successfully achieve de-orbit. While it won't cut the amount of debris already whizzing around above our heads, it will help stop future missions adding to the problem. Read More

       Mercedes Vito electric-taxi heads for the streets of London

      It seems that hailing a fuel-cell powered black cab won't be the only option for Londoners looking to grab a green fare. Now ready for trials, this plug-in electric conversion of the Mercedes Vito can carry up to six people and has a range of 120 kilometers on a single six hour charge. Read More

       Giving robots a sixth sense to see in the murky depths

      Currently robots need to be precisely programmed for each step of a given task, but the move towards autonomous systems will see robots reacting intelligently to their surroundings and performing tasks largely independently. To do this they will need to rely on their own sensory perceptions. However, in harsh environments, laid low by fumes, dust, water, high temperatures or low visibility, new senses are called for - perhaps even sensory organs that humans lack. Researchers have fitted an underwater robot with an artificial sensory organ inspired by the so-called lateral line system found in fish and some amphibians that lets it orient itself in murky waters. Read More

       Century Gothic is the 'greenest' font

      If you're looking for an easy way to make your contribution to saving the planet, then it could be as simple as switching your font to 'Century Gothic'. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (UWGB) has rolled out the change this semester, saying it uses 30% less ink than its default font Arial when printed. Read More

       iPad news roundup #2

      We're still holding on to the firehose of iPad news as the official April 3 release date approaches. Our second installment this week covers the latest on iPad availability, apps and accessories. Read More

       Toshiba announces 750GB laptop-sized HDD

      More storage for laptops is now possible thanks to Toshiba managing to squeeze 750GB into a two platter 9.5mm form factor. Boasting the industry's highest areal density, the MK7559GSXP is also joined by a slightly bulkier 1TB three platter HDD and both hold the promise of greener manufacture and improved power efficiency. Read More

       The Panel laptop display adds screen real-estate

      MEDL Technology recently showed off its fully functional, multi-purpose 13 inch display at the Spring DEMO conference in California. With its own power source and a number of connectivity options, The Panel not only offers extra screen real-estate to business and consumer laptop users but also to anyone wishing to show off a photo collection direct from a digital camera or watch a movie on the move or make gaming less reliant on complicated timeshare schedules being drawn up for the family TV. Read More

       Honda's new generator is powered by butane gas canisters

      Scheduled to go on sale at Honda dealers throughout Japan this May, the ENEPO EU9iGB is pretty compact as far as generators go. It's powered by common butane canisters, which makes for safe and easy storage in contrast with gasoline-fueled alternatives. A fold-down handle makes transport dead simple, as the design is reminiscent of carry-on luggage with two wheels at the base. Read More

       Augmented reality hits the catwalk

      It's not unusual to see some bizarre and extraordinary creations at the London Fashion Show and this year Cassette Playa continued this fine tradition with a live augmented reality catwalk performance. CGI animations on screens behind the models on the catwalk were triggered by different symbols on the clothing being shown, transporting the audience into a rich, colorful digital world where the boundaries separating reality and the virtual are blurred. Read More

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