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[Scientists build logic gates out of gut bacteria, then hopefully wash their hands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/scientists-build-logic-gates-out-of-gut-bacteria-then-hopefully/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/scientists-build-logic-gates-out-of-gut-bacteria-then-hopefully/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/scientists-build-logic-gates-out-of-gut-bacteria-then-hopefully/#comments Ever thought about upgrading your PC by breeding more cores? Or planting a few GBs of extra storage out in the yard? Us neither, until we heard that scientists at Imperial College in London have succeeded in building "some of the basic components of digital devices" out of genetically modified E.Coli. We've seen these germs exploited in a similar way before, but Imperial's researchers claim they're the first to make bacterial logic gates that can be fitted together to form more complex gates and potentially whole biological processors. Aside from our strange upgrade fantasies, such processors could one day be implanted into living bodies -- to weed out cancer cells, clean arteries and deliver medication exactly where it's needed. So much for Activia.

Scientists build logic gates out of gut bacteria, then hopefully wash their hands originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ANDbacteriabiologicalbiological computingBiologicalComputingbiologycomputingE.ColigermgermsgutImperial collegeImperialCollegelogiclogic gatesLogicGatesNANDNOTorganicorganic computingorganic processorOrganicComputingOrganicProcessorprocessorstomachMon, 24 Oct 2011 01:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Thanko's USB kitty mask might get you noticed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/thankos-usb-kitty-mask-might-get-you-noticed/#comments You know why he's so happy? Because he's Japanese, and being Japanese is awesome. Trains run on time, robots do the work, and you get to wear kitty-faced masks with a USB- or battery-powered fan to circulate the atmosphere in front of your air holes... and nobody cares. ¥1,980 (about $24), or ¥2,190 gift wrapped for someone special.

Thanko's USB kitty mask might get you noticed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>catcat maskCatMaskdiseasefangermsjapankittymaskthankousb maskUsbMaskvirusThu, 03 Feb 2011 04:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists attempt to predict flu spread, give ZigBee radios to 700 high school students]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/scientists-attempt-to-predict-flu-spread-give-zigbee-radios-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/scientists-attempt-to-predict-flu-spread-give-zigbee-radios-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/scientists-attempt-to-predict-flu-spread-give-zigbee-radios-to/#comments This is the Crossbow TelosB wireless remote platform, and it did an important job for science in January of last year -- it monitored the close proximity interactions among 788 students and staff at one US high school to track a virtual flu. After collecting over 762,000 sneeze-worthy anecdotes among the module-toting teachers and teens, Stanford researchers ran 788,000 simulations charting the path the virus might take and methods the school might try to keep it in line. Sadly, the scientists didn't manage to come up with any easy answers, as virtual vaccination seemed to work equally well (or poorly) no matter who got the drugs, but that if only we could actually monitor individuals in real life as easily as in a study, prevention would be much easier. But who will bell the cat, when it's so much less political to ionize?

Scientists attempt to predict flu spread, give ZigBee radios to 700 high school students originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.15.4coldcrossbowdiseaseflugermshealthIEEE 802.15.4Ieee802.15.4infectioninfectionsoutbreaksciencesicksicknessspreadstanfordStanford UniversityStanfordUniversitytelosbTPR2400viruszigbeeMon, 20 Dec 2010 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Shocker! Cellphone touchscreens are dirty]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/shocker-touchscreen-cellphones-are-dirty/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/shocker-touchscreen-cellphones-are-dirty/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/shocker-touchscreen-cellphones-are-dirty/#comments If you have even the slightest inclination towards Mysophobia then please, do yourself a favor and stop reading now. A Stanford University study found that if you put a virus on a touchscreen surface then about 30 percent of it will make the jump to the fingertips of anyone who touches it. From there it goes into the eyes, mouth, or nose -- whichever face-hole is in most urgent need of a rub. And just to drive the point home, the Sacramento Bee adds this little nugget from an unspecified British study: "Mobile phones harbor 18 times more bacteria than a flush handle in a typical men's restroom." Eww. You know, sometimes it's best not to know how the sausage is made.

Shocker! Cellphone touchscreens are dirty originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriagermsshockerstanfordStanford UniversityStanfordUniversitystudytouchscreenvirusFri, 15 Oct 2010 05:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Violight goes ultraviolent on your gadgets, leaves germ corpses in its wake]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/violight-goes-ultraviolent-on-your-gadgets-leaves-germ-corpses/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/violight-goes-ultraviolent-on-your-gadgets-leaves-germ-corpses/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/22/violight-goes-ultraviolent-on-your-gadgets-leaves-germ-corpses/#comments Violight has been in the business of UV-based germicide since way back in 2004, but now it's bringing its wares closer to our geeky hearts. Its new Cell Phone Sanitizer will nuke 99 percent of all germs and bacteria slithering around your phone or MP3 player, and it'll do it in under 5 minutes too. Or such is the claim, anyhow. Alternative applications for this ultra-versatile product include using it as gift packaging or as a display stand in stores -- you've got to love that added value right there. Some patience will be required before you lay down $49.95 for your very own UV zapper, as Violight's Sanitizer isn't hitting the market until at least October. Video teaser's ready right now, though, just after the break.

Continue reading Violight goes ultraviolent on your gadgets, leaves germ corpses in its wake

Violight goes ultraviolent on your gadgets, leaves germ corpses in its wake originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriacell phone sanitizercellphonesCellPhoneSanitizercleancleanlinessdisinfectdisinfectantdockgermicidalgermicidegermshygienehygienicphonessanitarysanitationsanitizerstarckstarck violightStarckViolightUltravioletultraviolet lightUltravioletLightuvvideoTue, 22 Jun 2010 02:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Medigenic Infection Control keyboard will be easy to clean when the zombies attack]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/medigenic-infection-control-keyboard-will-be-easy-to-clean-when/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/medigenic-infection-control-keyboard-will-be-easy-to-clean-when/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/15/medigenic-infection-control-keyboard-will-be-easy-to-clean-when/#comments
We don't have a phobia about germs or anything, but this keyboard still really strikes our fancy. Designed by Esterline Advanced Input Systems for use in hospitals, the Medigenic Infection Control keyboard boasts a couple of features that make it less likely to be infested with disgusting germs, as well as easier to clean. First off -- it's a flat surface, and has no "keys" -- just the 3D-looking printed keyboard layout -- so that you don't get crumbs, dirt, or anything else trapped in there. It also has a disable key, so that you can turn off the keys for quick cleaning, and a customizable reminder system to let you know when it's ready for a wipe down. A companion mouse is also available. The keyboard is available for $140, and the mouse is $80.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

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Medigenic Infection Control keyboard will be easy to clean when the zombies attack originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-germEsterline Advanced Input systemsEsterlineAdvancedInputSystemsgermshealthhospitalshygeinekeyboardmedicalmedigenicMedigenic Infection ControlMedigenicInfectionControlWed, 15 Apr 2009 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, skin infection edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-skin-infection-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-skin-infection-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/17/cellphones-are-dangerous-not-dangerous-skin-infection-edition/#commentsWell, it seems cells are bad for our health once again but this time the culprit is bacteria, not risk of cancer. Considering that our handsets travel everywhere we do and get dumped and used in some pretty gross spots, it really isn't a big surprise that they are filthy. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona ran eleven handsets through his "germ meter" and half failed with thousands of types of bacteria on them. He went on to say that the risk of skin infection isn't a problem as long as the grime being scraped off onto the handset is yours, other folk's germs are where the problems lie. Engadget Mobile Labs can offer two quick fixes for this problem: bring along some alcohol wipes to keep your mobile clean, or just don't lend it out.

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Cellphones are dangerous/not dangerous, skin infection edition originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Culturedangerous/not dangerousDangerous/notDangerousgermsmobileskin infectionSkinInfectionTue, 17 Jul 2007 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[People ruining microwaves, creating a stink because of Reuters report]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/people-ruining-microwaves-creating-a-stink-because-of-reuters-r/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/people-ruining-microwaves-creating-a-stink-because-of-reuters-r/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/people-ruining-microwaves-creating-a-stink-because-of-reuters-r/#commentsThe humble microwave: source of hot cups of water, stinky popcorn, and now, apparently, sterile kitchen sponges. A Reuters article recently reported that microwaves are great tools to sterilize bacteria-laden kitchen sponges -- but unfortunately for the not-so-sharp, it turns out that Reuters didn't tell the witless that the sponges should be wet before getting their nuke on. Apparently, more than one person threw his dry sponge into the kitchen microwave only to discover that the thing melted, burnt, stunk up the joint like hot bacteria, and reeked like burnt tires. One more for the Darwin awards. So for the uninitiated: yes, you can throw your kitchen sponge in the microwave for a few minutes to sterilize it. Do make sure it's wet, though, k?

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People ruining microwaves, creating a stink because of Reuters report originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriagermsmicrowavesterilizationMon, 29 Jan 2007 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Domtar launches antimicrobial office paper, Scranton moans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/domtar-launches-antimicrobial-office-paper-scranton-moans/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/domtar-launches-antimicrobial-office-paper-scranton-moans/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/domtar-launches-antimicrobial-office-paper-scranton-moans/#commentsNarrowly edging out Dunder Mifflin as the "world's first" paper company to deliver antimicrobial office paper to North America, Domtar is ready to crank up the winders in order to deliver its specialized paper to healthcare agencies, educational facilities, and dysfunctional offices everywhere. The paper, which can purportedly be written and printed on without any special accommodations, is coated in a silver compound that protects it from "he growth of bacteria, odors, fungus, mold and mildew." Furthermore, laboratory studies reportedly show a 99-percent reduction of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and K. pneumoniae compared to unshielded sheets, adding to its shelf life and keeping those secretaries free from lingering germs. While we're not exactly certain when reams of this germ-free paper will hit your local Office Depot, we're well on our way to a perfectly sterile office environment -- well, aside from that chewed up pen cap you handle each day.

[Via Wired]

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Domtar launches antimicrobial office paper, Scranton moans originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antimicrobialbacteriadomtargermgerm-freegermsmicrobesofficepaperThu, 25 Jan 2007 08:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Study says cellphones dirtier than toilets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/study-says-cellphones-dirtier-than-toilets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/study-says-cellphones-dirtier-than-toilets/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/study-says-cellphones-dirtier-than-toilets/#commentsSeems as though the attack of the cellphones has escaped our hospitals and entered our homes. According to research done research by UK retailer Dial-a-Phone, our mobile devices contain more bacteria than the bottom of our shoes and even the ol' porcelain throne. Apparently, between coming in constant contact with our hands and face, and being tucked away in our dark pockets and purses all day -- the perfect breeding ground for germs -- cellphones build up an astonishing amount of skin bacteria. So unless having your immune system fight off diseases caused by staphylococcus aureus is your thing, take heed and wipe your phone with an antibacterial wipe once in a while. Or, do like us and just invest in a phone cleaner.

[Via Wired]

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Study says cellphones dirtier than toilets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bacteriadial-a-phonegermsmobilestaphylococcus aureusStaphylococcusAureussterilizestudiesWed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Handheld germ zapper uses nanotechnology to nix parasites]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/02/handheld-germ-zapper-uses-nanotechnology-to-nix-parasites/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/02/handheld-germ-zapper-uses-nanotechnology-to-nix-parasites/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/02/handheld-germ-zapper-uses-nanotechnology-to-nix-parasites/#commentsIf you're the type who rocks latex gloves everywhere you go, or you're just tired of toting around that messy liquid hand sanitizer, Hammacher Schlemmer has your solution. Posing as a flip-phone wannabe, this handheld germ-eliminating light reportedly eradicates "99.99-percent of E-Coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, and germs that cause the flu and the common cold." Aside from resembling a bevy of Nokia handsets, the device purportedly utilizes "UV-C light and nanotechnology" in order to "disinfect workplace keyboards or telephones (or mice), as well as items in the home that sustain germ vitality such as toothbrushes and cutting boards." Notably, it must be held just so above the germ-infested area in order to sterilize it, but an internal timer signals when the process is complete. So while we aren't apt to load down our knapsacks anymore with something so petty, the highly susceptible out there can get their own portable germ-slaying handheld now for $79.95.

[Via Slashgear]

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Handheld germ zapper uses nanotechnology to nix parasites originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleanergermgerm zappergermsGermZappergunHAMMACHERHAMMACHER SCHLEMMERHammacherSchlemmerhealthlight gunLightGunnanotechnologysanitationsanitizerultravioletuv-czapperTue, 02 Jan 2007 04:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Bosch unloads LEGO Edition dishwasher to clean toys / dinnerware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/27/bosch-unloads-lego-edition-dishwasher-to-clean-toys-dinnerware/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/27/bosch-unloads-lego-edition-dishwasher-to-clean-toys-dinnerware/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/27/bosch-unloads-lego-edition-dishwasher-to-clean-toys-dinnerware/#comments A childhood isn't complete without a healthy stash of colored blocks to play with, but let's face it, the miniaturized (and LEGO-branded) version of Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 will eventually end up in the depths of a youngster's mouth one way or another. Taking a stand for germ-free toys (and the right to chew on nearly anything) is Bosch's LEGO Edition dishwasher, which sports a special "Toy cycle" to rid Tonka trucks and NERF blasters of microbial buildup without harming their "shape and integrity" (read: melting them into a pile of goo). While it sports the same grime-busting action as most high-end dishwashers out there, the additional cycle runs at 40 degrees Celsius in order to eliminate germs without destroying the plastic. The device comes in "freestanding, under the counter, and fully integrated" flavors, and can be found (only in Europe, curiously) now for €649 ($816), €749 ($942) and €899 ($1,130), respectively.

[Via Slashgear]

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Bosch unloads LEGO Edition dishwasher to clean toys / dinnerware originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceboschdishwashereuropegermshomehousekitchenlegotoysukFri, 27 Oct 2006 14:17:00 EST