Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ZeroN slips surly bonds, re-runs your 3D gestures in mid-air]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/zeron-levitation-mit-media-labs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/zeron-levitation-mit-media-labs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/14/zeron-levitation-mit-media-labs/#comments zeron-levitation-mit-media-labs

Playback of 3D motion capture with a computer is nothing new, but how about with a solid levitating object? MIT's Media Lab has developed ZeroN, a large magnet and 3D actuator, which can fly an "interaction element" (aka ball bearing) and control its position in space. You can also bump it to and fro yourself, with everything scanned and recorded, and then have real-life, gravity-defying playback showing planetary motion or virtual cameras, for example. It might be impractical right now as a Minority Report-type object-based input device, but check the video after the break to see its awesome potential for 3D visualization.

Continue reading ZeroN slips surly bonds, re-runs your 3D gestures in mid-air

ZeroN slips surly bonds, re-runs your 3D gestures in mid-air originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 May 2012 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Delectromagneticelectromagnetic fieldElectromagneticFieldinput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDeviceslevitationmagnetmagnetic levitationMagneticLevitationmassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyMITMIT Media LabMitMediaLabOptical trackingOpticalTrackingphysicsResearchSciencetrackingZeroNMon, 14 May 2012 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/man-illuminates-electromagnetic-waves-using-coffee-cans-and-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/man-illuminates-electromagnetic-waves-using-coffee-cans-and-leds/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/16/man-illuminates-electromagnetic-waves-using-coffee-cans-and-leds/#commentsElectromagnetic radiation is all around us, but we're largely unaware that our bodies are constantly bathed in waves of the stuff because our eyes aren't equipped to see most of it. Dr. Gregory Chavat decided to give us a glimpse of an EM waveform, however, by using a coffee can radar system, a couple of LEDs, and long-exposure photography. The setup consisted of a radar emitter made out of one coffee can and a second can with a couple of LEDs attached to serve as a tethered receiver antenna. Those LEDs were then set to that light up red or green to illuminate the EM wave peaks and valleys. By moving the receiver closer and further away from the emitter while taking a long exposure photo, the good doctor was able to capture the wavefront radiating on film, and let you see the unseen with a bit of Christmas-colored flair. Check the video below for a fuller explanation, and hit the more coverage link to learn how to build a coffee-can radar and perform some basement black magic yourself.

Continue reading Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues

Man illuminates electromagnetic waves using coffee cans and LEDs, Christmas-colored science ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charvatcoffee canCoffeeCandr. gregory charvatDr.GregoryCharvatelectromagneticelectromagnetic radiationelectromagnetic wavesElectromagneticRadiationElectromagneticWavesem radiationem wavesEmRadiationEmWavesgreg charvatGregCharvatgregory charvatGregoryCharvatledledssciencevideoFri, 16 Dec 2011 02:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/11/artists-hack-sony-ericssons-xperia-phones-to-see-the-unseen-uni/#comments For most of us, cellphones are for texting, calling and maybe the occasional tweet, but what happens when you hand them over to some of the world's most creative minds? Giving hackers, artists and intellectuals free reign to mess with the various Xperia phones, Sony found out just how capable its handsets really are. Using a few tweaks and hacks, artists were able to create an installation that breathes fire when you snap a photo, a remote-controlled boat with GPS and a bike that uses colored lights to spell out secret words only visible when captured on camera. When Sony asked astrophysicist Joshua Peek to give it a go, he took full sky maps and telescope image data to build an app with an up-close view of electromagnetic patterns in the sky. To round out the project, musician Annabel Lindquist composed a song based on the sounds of Paris she recorded with an Arc. Now, if they could just mod one to avoid dropped calls, we'd be all set. Videos of their ingenuity in action after the break.

Continue reading Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash

Artists hack Sony Ericsson's Xperia phones to see the unseen universe, use fire as a flash originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Annabel LindquistAnnabelLindquistappappsarcartartistartistsastrophysicistelectromagneticGPShackhackathonhackershackinginstallationJoshua PeekJoshuaPeekmodmodsmusicmusicianplayrcremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledsmartphonesmartphonesSonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsoundXperiaxperia arcxperia playxperia studioXperiaArcXperiaPlayXperiaStudioSun, 11 Sep 2011 04:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Biofeedback anti-stress pen: a great idea that's not so great at reducing stress]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/biofeedback-anti-stress-pen-a-great-idea-thats-not-so-great-at/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/biofeedback-anti-stress-pen-a-great-idea-thats-not-so-great-at/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/biofeedback-anti-stress-pen-a-great-idea-thats-not-so-great-at/#comments
We've all known for quite some time that the pen is mightier than the sword, and now science has given us a pen that is mightier (sort of) than the stress of that TPS report your boss needs right now. A student at Delft University in The Netherlands will receive his PhD this week for research that led him to create just such a pen. Based upon the obvious premise that people play with their writing utensils when anxious, the pen uses motion sensors instead of more conventional means of stress detection. When the pen detects stressful movements, internal electromagnets provide corresponding counter-motion feedback to stop your nervous tics. During experiments, the pen did diminish test subjects' heart rates around five percent, but according to feedback none of them actually "felt" less stressed. The pen isn't yet commercially available, and given its dubious value as an actual stress reliever, we would look to more satisfying methods to aid the relaxation process.

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Biofeedback anti-stress pen: a great idea that's not so great at reducing stress originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Delftdelft universityDelft University of Technologydelft-universityDelftUniversityDelftUniversityOfTechnologyElectromagnetelectromagneticelectromagnetismelectromagnetshealthheart rateHeartRateMiguel Bruns AlonsoMiguelBrunsAlonsopenpensrelaxrelaxationstressStress Reductionstress reliefstressedstressfulStressReductionStressReliefThu, 23 Dec 2010 02:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Santa Fe WiFi foe strikes again: sues neighbor for using wireless devices, lives in a car]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/santa-fe-wifi-foe-strikes-again-sues-neighbor-for-using-wireles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/santa-fe-wifi-foe-strikes-again-sues-neighbor-for-using-wireles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/12/santa-fe-wifi-foe-strikes-again-sues-neighbor-for-using-wireles/#commentsNo, this isn't him, because the real Arthur Firstenberg (with or without a cat) would probably need more than an aluminum helmet to cure his "electromagnetic sensitivity," symptoms of which allegedly include stomach pains and memory loss. In fact, this man -- an active member of the anti-wireless group in Sante Fe -- has taken one step further by suing his bewildered neighbor 25 feet away for refusing to switch off her wireless devices, which he claims has forced him to stay at friends' or live in a car. We'd say just chill out, find some place in the middle of an African desert, and then fly out. Oh, wait.

[Photo courtesy of Wally Glenn]

Santa Fe WiFi foe strikes again: sues neighbor for using wireless devices, lives in a car originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allergyArthur FirstenbergArthurFirstenbergDisabilities ActDisabilitiesActelectro-sensitivityelectromagneticelectromagnetic allergyelectromagnetic sensitivityelectromagnetic-sensitivityElectromagneticAllergyElectromagneticSensitivityemem allergyEmAllergylawsuitnew mexicoNewMexicoradiorfsanta feSantaFesuewi-fiwifiTue, 12 Jan 2010 06:12:00 EST<![CDATA[First electromagnetic 'black hole' built on earth, nobody raps about it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/first-electromagnetic-black-hole-built-on-earth-nobody-raps-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/first-electromagnetic-black-hole-built-on-earth-nobody-raps-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/first-electromagnetic-black-hole-built-on-earth-nobody-raps-a/#comments
An electromagnetic black hole -- which sucks in the light surrounding it -- has been built at Southeast University in Nanjing, China for the first time. The device works like cosmological black holes in that it has gravity which is intense enough to bend the surrounding space-time, causing any matter in the neighborhood to spiral inward and create the hole itself. The earth-built 'black hole' for microwave frequencies is constructed of 60 annular strips of meta-materials (yes, that's the stuff of invisibility cloaks). Each strip is an intricately etched circuit board which seamlessly and smoothly connects to the strips next to it, creating both a shell and absorber section to the device. When an electromagnetic wave hits the device, it is trapped and guided through the shell region toward the core, where it is absorbed. The device, which was created by Tie Jun Cui and Qiang Cheng, converts that absorbed light into heat, meaning that future possible applications could include new ways of harvesting solar energy. Hit the read link for a fuller description of this truly bad dude.

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First electromagnetic 'black hole' built on earth, nobody raps about it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This could either be that one giant leap, or just another in a long sequence of multidirectional small steps on the Quixotic quest for undetectability. So-called dc metamaterials are the chief culprit for inciting our interest anew, as researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona have found a way to use them to render metallic objects invisible to low frequency electromagnetic waves. Composed of irregular networks of superconductors, the metamaterials are capable of granting superpowers altering the magnetic field of materials, and in theory, this advance could aid magnetic imaging in medical settings and also help cloak military vessels from magnetic detection. Of course, there's still the whole "oh, now we need a working prototype" conundrum, but hey, at least we've got the gears turning in the right direction.

[Via PhysOrg]

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Electromagnetic invisibility a precursor to the real thing? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barcelonadc metamaterialsDcMetamaterialselectromagneticelectromagnetic wavesElectromagneticWavesinvisibilityinvisibility cloakInvisibilityCloakmagnetic detectionmagnetic imagingMagneticDetectionMagneticImagingmagnetismmedicalmetamaterialsSpainsuperconductorsundetectableMon, 20 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY coilgun gives clever hobbyists the risk of permanent injury]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/diy-coilgun-gives-clever-hobbyists-the-risk-of-permanent-injury/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/diy-coilgun-gives-clever-hobbyists-the-risk-of-permanent-injury/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/diy-coilgun-gives-clever-hobbyists-the-risk-of-permanent-injury/#comments
What's not to love about coilguns? They bring together electromagnetics and DIY-ing for what may be our favorite juvenile pastime: shooting things. The bad boy pictured above was put together by a Mr. Daniel Eindhoven for €100 (that's about $133). A semiautomatic single stage gun that boasts a 14 shot capacity, the weapon's capable of firing a 42 gram projectile at speeds up to 110km/h, with a charge time of 8 seconds when plugged into mains power (or if you're on the go, the internal batteries will light up in about 90 seconds). It also sports a digital voltage display and a laser pointer. Just as we predicted when we saw the Nerf chain gun, the inter-office arms race is definitely on. Be careful! One more pic after the break.

Continue reading DIY coilgun gives clever hobbyists the risk of permanent injury

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DIY coilgun gives clever hobbyists the risk of permanent injury originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 May 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coil gunCoilGunDaniel EindhovenDanielEindhovendiyelectromagneticgunhackhacksmodmodsThu, 07 May 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Keyboard "eavesdropping" just got way easier, thanks to electromagnetic emanations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/keyboard-eavesdropping-just-got-way-easier-thanks-to-electrom/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/keyboard-eavesdropping-just-got-way-easier-thanks-to-electrom/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/20/keyboard-eavesdropping-just-got-way-easier-thanks-to-electrom/#comments
We always knew those electromagnetic emanations would amount to no good, and now here they go ruining any shred of privacy we once thought to possess. Some folks from the Security and Cryptography Lab at Switzerland's EPFL have managed to eavesdrop on the electromagnetic radiation shot off by shoddy wired keyboards with every keystroke. They've found four different ways to listen in, including one previously-published general vulnerability, on eleven keyboard models ranging from 2001 to 2008, with PS/2, USB and laptop keyboards all falling to at least one of the four attacks. The attack works through walls, as far as 65 feet away, and analyzes a wide swath of electromagnetic spectrum to get its results. With wireless keyboards already feeling the sting of hackers, it's probably fair to say that no one is safe, and that cave bunkers far, far away from civilization are pretty much our only hope now. Videos of the attacks are after the break.

[Thanks, Dave]

Continue reading Keyboard "eavesdropping" just got way easier, thanks to electromagnetic emanations

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Keyboard "eavesdropping" just got way easier, thanks to electromagnetic emanations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eavesdroppingelectromagneticelectromagnetic emanationsElectromagneticEmanationshackkeyboardkeyboard hackKeyboardHackkeyloggerwired keyboardWiredKeyboardMon, 20 Oct 2008 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's EMF detector bracelet takes all the fun out of radiation poisoning]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/mits-emf-detector-bracelet-takes-all-the-fun-out-of-radiation-p/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/mits-emf-detector-bracelet-takes-all-the-fun-out-of-radiation-p/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/22/mits-emf-detector-bracelet-takes-all-the-fun-out-of-radiation-p/#comments
We've seen our fair share of EMF detectors and other tin foil hat apparel, but no endeavor is complete without the MIT stamp of approval. Cati Vaucelle's EMF sensor bracelet is designed to pick up on any potentially harmful electromagnetic fields, allowing you to dance around the veritable minefield of computers and cell phones in your workplace, unscathed by the -- maybe, maybe not -- lethal effects of radiation being emitted. Nevermind about looking like a freak -- better safe than sorry, right? The bracelet, sensitive up to 14-inches, features an integrated LED that's illuminated whenever an EMF field over 50kHz is detected. If you'd like to see this prototype in action, a video will be presented today at Ubicomp in Seoul, or save your air miles and see it here after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading MIT's EMF detector bracelet takes all the fun out of radiation poisoning

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MIT's EMF detector bracelet takes all the fun out of radiation poisoning originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braceletCati VaucelleCatiVaucelleelectromagneticelectromagnetic fieldelectromagnetic radiationElectromagneticFieldElectromagneticRadiationemfEMF braceletEmfBraceletHiroshi IshiiHiroshiIshiiJoe ParadisoJoeParadisomassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologyMITMon, 22 Sep 2008 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Santa Fe group allergic to RF wants WiFi banned]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/santa-fe-group-allergic-to-rf-wants-wifi-banned/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/santa-fe-group-allergic-to-rf-wants-wifi-banned/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/24/santa-fe-group-allergic-to-rf-wants-wifi-banned/#commentsWe've been hearing for years of that certain elusive breed of human that is extra-sensitive to certain radio frequencies and electromagnetic fields, so it was only a time before those wire-tethered folks took shot across our wireless-loving bow. According to a local NBC news affiliate, Sante Fe resident Arthur Firstenberg (not pictured right) has organized a group of electro-sensitive citizens to rally against WiFi and cellphone use in public space, claiming it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. No doubt it is indeed a sticky situation, but we're pretty sure Firstenberg and co are going to have to do a little better than claiming to "get chest pain and it doesn't go away right away" if they really expect an entire city (or country) to cease using wireless communications.

[Via Fark]

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Santa Fe group allergic to RF wants WiFi banned originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 May 2008 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allergyArthur FirstenbergArthurFirstenbergDisabilities ActDisabilitiesActelectro-sensitivityelectromagneticelectromagnetic allergyelectromagnetic sensitivityElectromagneticAllergyElectromagneticSensitivityemem allergyem sensitivityEmAllergyEmSensitivitynew mexicoNewMexicoradiorfsanta feSantaFewi-fiwifiSat, 24 May 2008 00:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Electromagnetic can crusher can crush cans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/17/electromagnetic-can-crusher-can-crush-cans/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/17/electromagnetic-can-crusher-can-crush-cans/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/17/electromagnetic-can-crusher-can-crush-cans/#comments
Sure, we know you and your toga-wearing fraternity brothers are plenty good at smashing "beverage" cans against your forehead, but haven't you ever wanted to crush those cans using something with a little more... power? Enter the electromagnetic can crusher, a device which stores energy in a bank of capacitors, and then releases it in a quick -- yet powerful -- burst of pressure. Some folks out there on the internets have lovingly posted their experiments (perhaps so that other can-crushing aficionados can follow in their footsteps) complete with warnings like "This device involves extreme voltages, possibility of fire, explosion, violent ruptures of components and other risks." Sounds like fun, right? Hit the links and read all about it.

[Via Hack a Day, thanks chainofcommand02]

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Electromagnetic can crusher can crush cans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminum canAluminumCanburstcan crusherCanCrusherdiyelectromagneticelectromagnetic can crusherElectromagneticCanCrusherelectromagnetsenergyWed, 17 Oct 2007 02:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers use magnetic fields to manipulate light]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/14/researchers-use-magnetic-fields-to-manipulate-light/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/14/researchers-use-magnetic-fields-to-manipulate-light/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/14/researchers-use-magnetic-fields-to-manipulate-light/#commentsWe've seen magnetics used in everything from closet improvements to insomnia treatments, but researchers at the University of Alberta and the United States Naval Research Laboratory have found that "by manipulating electron spin using magnetic fields, they can turn off and on light that's being guided through metals." By looking deeper into the fields of plasmonics and spintronics, the gurus have discovered that this on-off light switch could be used for tasks such as routing infrared light in optical communications or processing radio signals in cell phones. Additionally, this system could potentially decrease power requirements for the devices it invades, and while a finalized product isn't quite ready, the team is already anxious to "build devices that can act as switches in a chip."

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Researchers use magnetic fields to manipulate light originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlling lightControllingLightelectromagneticlightlight switcheslightsLightSwitchesMagnetmagneticMagnetsNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratoryoptical devicesOpticalDevicesplasmonicsresearchspintronicsuniversityThu, 14 Jun 2007 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[DESK EOS rids your workspace of evil electromagnetic waves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/13/desk-eos-rids-your-workspace-of-evil-electromagnetic-waves/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/13/desk-eos-rids-your-workspace-of-evil-electromagnetic-waves/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/13/desk-eos-rids-your-workspace-of-evil-electromagnetic-waves/#comments
Sure, you may have already been suckered into buying one of those cutesy USB air purifiers before, but Pure Air is hoping to fill up yet another one of your connectors as its DESK EOS fends off evil electromagnetic waves. Of course, this is bound to spark up another one of those "dangerous / not dangerous" debates, but this looks to be the device for you if you're not keen on taking chances. The debatably stylish unit can be had in red, silver, or blue color schemes (shown after the break), and the blue LEDs that glow once plugged in are an admittedly nice touch. Still, you'd probably be better off just holding onto that ?60,900 ($65) and donning a tin foil cap instead.

[Via AVing]

Continue reading DESK EOS rids your workspace of evil electromagnetic waves

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DESK EOS rids your workspace of evil electromagnetic waves originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air purifierAirPurifierdeskdesk eosDeskEoselectromagneticharmfulpure airPureAirradiationusbusb air purifierusb-poweredUsbAirPurifierWed, 13 Jun 2007 23:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Brit allergic to cellphones, electromagnetic fields]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/#comments
Sure, we've heard of cellphones causing all sorts of medical troubles when not conjuring cancer in your ear, but the latest report of everyday consumer electronics wreaking havoc on humans comes from where else but the UK. Curiously, this isn't the first time England has been the site of allergic reactions to electromagnetic fields (EMF), and Manchester's Debbie Bird has been forced to make outlandish alterations to her home (and way of life) in order to avoid intense headaches, painful skin rashes, and bizarre eyelid swelling. Among the items she can't use are microwaves, BMWs (saywha?), and cellphones, and she has also coated her walls in pricey black carbon paint, covered her windows in "protective film," and weirdest of all, sleeps under a "silver-plated mosquito net" in order to curb her reactions. Now, what type of hidden superpowers are in her arsenal to counter such strange deficiencies?

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Another Brit allergic to cellphones, electromagnetic fields originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allergicallergybritainelectromagneticemfenglandeshealthillillnessradiationsickukThu, 22 Mar 2007 06:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Brit allergic to cellphones, electromagnetic fields]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/another-brit-allergic-to-cellphones-electromagnetic-fields/#comments
Sure, we've heard of cellphones causing all sorts of medical troubles when not conjuring cancer in your ear, but the latest report of everyday consumer electronics wreaking havoc on humans comes from where else but the UK. Curiously, this isn't the first time England has been the site of allergic reactions to electromagnetic fields (EMF), and Manchester's Debbie Bird has been forced to make outlandish alterations to her home (and way of life) in order to avoid intense headaches, painful skin rashes, and bizarre eyelid swelling. Among the items she can't use are microwaves, BMWs (saywha?), and cellphones, and she has also coated her walls in pricey black carbon paint, covered her windows in "protective film," and weirdest of all, sleeps under a "silver-plated mosquito net" in order to curb her reactions. Now, what type of hidden superpowers are in her arsenal to counter such strange deficiencies?

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Another Brit allergic to cellphones, electromagnetic fields originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allergicallergybritainelectromagneticemfenglandEShealthillillnessmedicalmobilesickukThu, 22 Mar 2007 06:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini-Z T-ray imaging device takes home the gold]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/17/mini-z-t-ray-imaging-device-takes-home-the-gold/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/17/mini-z-t-ray-imaging-device-takes-home-the-gold/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/17/mini-z-t-ray-imaging-device-takes-home-the-gold/#commentsWe're all about giving golf claps where they're due, and a healthy round is certainly in order for Mr. Brian Schulkin. The doctoral student in physics developed a breakthrough terahertz imaging device, dubbed a T-ray, that has already demonstrated its ability to "detect cracks in space shuttle foam, image tumors in breast tissue, and spot counterfeit watermarks on paper currency." The Mini-Z marks the first time such a powerful device has become portable in nature, weighing just five pounds and taking up about as much space as your average laptop. Taking home the first Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize ($30,000), Schulkin explained that this device didn't pose the same health risks as typical X-rays, and unlike ultrasound, terahertz waves can provide images and spectroscopic information without contacting an object. As expected, the patent-pending technology is already up for licensing, and has already received quite a bit of fanfare and commercial interest from larger companies. So while you may never personally encounter Brian's earth-shattering invention, we're fairly sure this young lad's working days are already drawing nigh if he so chooses.

[Via Physorg]

Mini-Z T-ray imaging device takes home the gold originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Feb 2007 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardelectromagneticexplosivesimagingLemelson-Rensselaermicrowavemini-znasapatentpatentedpatentsphysicsprizeradiationsciencesecuritysensingsensorsshuttlespacespectrometerstudentt-rayterahertzultrasoundx-raySat, 17 Feb 2007 06:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Gauss' GP-219 electromagnetic pistol fires steel projectiles silently]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/23/gauss-gp-219-electromagnetic-pistol-fires-steel-projectiles-sil/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/23/gauss-gp-219-electromagnetic-pistol-fires-steel-projectiles-sil/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/23/gauss-gp-219-electromagnetic-pistol-fires-steel-projectiles-sil/#commentsSure, mechanical sentries and AirSoft turrets are novel, but there's nothing like whipping out an electromagnetic pistol to show folks you mean business. The Gauss GP-219 looks like it came straight from level 5 of Duke Nukem 3D, and rocks a PIC microcontroller, dual coils with "precision pulsing" to fire steel projectiles, twin infrared sensors to assist in positioning, and even a laser sight to keep your enemies pegged. Powered by an NiCd battery pack, this bad boy also features a bar display to track "capacitor bank charge progress," battery and fault LED indicators, and is "completely silent" when fired. The wildest part about this science-fiction dream come true is how effective it actually is, so be sure to click on for a few more pictures, and hit the read links for all the nitty gritty and even a few live action videos.

Read - Gauss Pistol GP-219
Read - Pistol whipping in action, Nukem-style

Continue reading Gauss' GP-219 electromagnetic pistol fires steel projectiles silently

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Gauss' GP-219 electromagnetic pistol fires steel projectiles silently originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coilsdefenseduke nukemDukeNukemElectromagneticgaussgp-219gunkillpistolsci-fiscience fictionScienceFictionscifishootingweaponSat, 23 Dec 2006 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Philips patents razor light technology to zap hair growth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/11/philips-patents-razor-light-technology-to-zap-hair-growth/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/11/philips-patents-razor-light-technology-to-zap-hair-growth/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/11/philips-patents-razor-light-technology-to-zap-hair-growth/#commentsWhile most folks aren't exactly fond of going bald on their noggin, eliminating the pesky hair on faces and legs doesn't sound half bad. Aside from the gazillion topical treatments scams available at your local Wally World, there's always the uber-expensive "laser hair removal" option, but Philips seems to think it has a less costly, less intrusive solution. The firm has recently patented razor light technology, which utilizes "low doses of electromagnetic radiation" to kick active follicles into the dormant catagen phase. By sending pulses "between 1 and 100 milliseconds" apart just above the skin, it offers up a relatively safe, easy, and (hopefully) pain free experience to putting a halt to shaving every other day (or more). Obviously, the method isn't aimed at immediate hair removal, as plans are to implement numerous treatments over "two week intervals," but it could slowly eliminate the regrowth of hair once treated. So while we're not exactly sure when you'll be replacing that bag of disposables with a newfangled light gun, a little help in the hygiene department is never a bad thing.

[Via NewScientistTech]

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Philips patents razor light technology to zap hair growth originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electromagneticfolliclehairhealthinfraredpatentpatentedphilipsrazor lightRazorLightshavingMon, 11 Dec 2006 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Human WiFi sniffer is every geek's dream woman]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/human-wifi-sniffer-is-every-geeks-dream-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/human-wifi-sniffer-is-every-geeks-dream-woman/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/27/human-wifi-sniffer-is-every-geeks-dream-woman/#commentsAlright Europe, things were dubious enough when you erased children's rights to wireless access after believing that the radiation a good chunk of internet users have been subjecting themselves to for years is suddenly cause for concern, but this is a bit much. Undoubtedly crossing the line between caution and hypochondria, a British author now claims that "electromagnetic waves" emitted by the WiFi setup in her crib "left her feeling exhausted, nauseous and sleepless." Moreover, she even states that she is so sensitive to 802.11 radiation that "she can instantly tell whether it is installed in a particular room." Aside from the above symptoms, Kate Figes (pictured) described a feeling of being "prodded by 1,000 fingers" when entering a room laced in WiFi, which presumably garnered all sorts of (understandable) skepticism. Sure, we could understand the backlash associated with cellphone signals causing all sorts of turmoil in your noggin, but if WiFi is the true brain cell killer, we're all pretty much on death row.

[Via TechDirt]

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Human WiFi sniffer is every geek's dream woman originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11electro-magneticelectromagneticeuropehealthnauseousradiationsickukwaveswifiwirelessMon, 27 Nov 2006 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Electricity may cause cancer, leukaemia, depression, etc.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/08/electricity-may-cause-cancer-leukaemia-depression-etc/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/08/electricity-may-cause-cancer-leukaemia-depression-etc/http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/08/electricity-may-cause-cancer-leukaemia-depression-etc/#commentsOk everyone, get your alarmist hats on tight over your already firmly planted tin-foil ones. We've heard the argument made before -- and believe us, it's a tough sell to us gadget dorks, but two official Department of Health reports, a Health Protection Agency (HPA) meeting, and the UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) have all convened on today's scary gadget-related disease du jour sure to make the hypochondriacs and "electric allergics" cringe with self-justification. The bend is to convince everyone that electromagnetic "smog" -- excessive electrical, radio, and microwave pollution -- could "interfere with the tiny natural electrical currents" of our nervous systems, as concluded by a National Radiological Protection Board survey that found children living close to power lines were developing leukaemia. Sure, that study might be getting a little post hoc ergo propter hoc on us, but the WHO and other health specialists are now beginning to blame electromagnetic fields as being a "likely cause" of up to 30% of childhood cancers, adult leukaemia, depression, brain cancers, possibly breast cancer, and even up to 1/10th of all miscarriages. Bold claims, and they kind of lost us when they got into the "allergic to electricity" argument, but hey, who are we to argue with peoples' gadgety ailments? Perhaps it's time for Engadget to pack up shop and move to the mountains to. Who's with us -- post-Engadget gadget-recovery commune? Nobody? Aight, we'll see this one through, then, like the rest of them.

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Electricity may cause cancer, leukaemia, depression, etc. originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 May 2006 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancerdangerouselectricityelectromagneticstudiesMon, 08 May 2006 16:14:00 EST