intelligence information

ICX-SKN can replace human skin

2007-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

There is a virtually impeccable option stem cells. Yes, only certain patients had nowhere to take them. Because scientists working in a person then, a prototype artificial human skin. Alas, until the skin is not very well take root. But experts have not given up, so they came over to say about this breakthrough.

British scientists from Intercytex (company, which for many years was the restoration of hair and skin), a model of imitation leather, which can be used for transplantation in human wounds. This development, according to its authors, ahead of its previous performance in the field.

What? you ask. And you answered : firstly that ICX-SKN (namely the so-called scientists is) much better allowed into the wounds of this skin. Другие материалы, используемые ранее как трансплантаты, деградировали in situ в течение нескольких недель после наложения на рану, что приносило пациенту и его врачам множество проблем.

As scientists recount in a press release, ICX-SKN in composition is very similar to human skin and therefore not be destroyed and not ottorgaetsya organism. That fact greatly simplifies the use ICX-SKN.

ICX-SKN Artificial skin is a matrix of fibrin (protein vyrabatyvayuschegosya body for healing), which introduced fibroblasts (cells responsible for the development and the formation of new collagen tissue).

They say ICX-SKN transferred to the damaged site in the same way as if it was a real skin. After transplantation "sky" on the surface of the wound fibroblasts become a collagen (as happens in the human organism with small skin lesions). The latter is a matrix of elastic and firm in defending the damaged section from external shocks.

Because the matrix is in a stable condition, it is not destroyed in the process heal.

It is a form of artificial skin was transplantirovana six healthy volunteers in the upper arm (laboratory sample sequence at the skin of the oval, which was removed healthy skin).

After 28 days visual and histology tests showed that the artificial skin is not razlozhilas not rastreskalas, it flourish capillaries and skin cells of patients. Damaged sections of skin wounds (in some cases experimenters observed small scars).

Leading specialist Intercytex Paul Kemp (Paul Kemp) joyfully surprised : "The speed healing wounds, surprised even me. If further tests will be held as well, we will produce a revolution in the treatment of wounds and burns. "

In fact, on further testing. While the first test is very impressive, it should be noted that the product has not yet been tested on these wounds (not made artificially), as well as extensive damaged.

Despite this, Dr. Kemp and his colleagues, of course, hope that a quality product that will be the alternative procedure of skin transplants.

But at the moment transplant donor skin is the best way to treat severe burns and large wounds. Luchshiy- it better, but far from ideal, so scientists from different countries and making attempts to create artificial skin.

There must remember previous studies in this area : genetically modified implant skins, tissues wounds polymer with cell culture and assay gel, as well as fantastic as yet skin from the printer.

However, there is no universal solution. But they want.

For example, a patient enters the hospital with third-degree burns, which is more than 50% of burnt skin. In such a case, his own skin regeneration is not possible, let scientific language, due to slow migration epithelium, and the only salvation can be a transplant donor skin (sometimes used by the human skin, but the skin of animals, such as pigs, the closest of its properties ), or via artificial.

Moreover, even if the transplant skin of the same rights with one body to another, there is mass additional problems : the patient's hospitalization, his immobilizovannoe state, anesthesia, additional wounds to the sites, which transferred to the skin. Not to mention that in some cases there are complications and rejection of the transplanted.

In this sense, the product company Intercytex think the best solution. Medik and patients would have been much calmer if such cases were shelved pripasen universal transplant.

As we have said, artificial leather ICX-SKN will be a further clinical tests, and are not clear all its advantages and disadvantages. We, on our terms, I would like to clarify two points.

The company claimed that all its products produced from unmodified human cells, but then it is not clear in what quantities developers can make a skin, and how much it would cost to patients.

Another of the photos is not clear whether the field of transplantation of artificial skin cosmetic defects (such as red patches) or scars.

In any case, most recently ended the first phase of testing in the second half of this year, scientists will conduct a second during which scheduled transplantation ICX-SKN long wound. If these tests will give a good result, the developers will be able to obtain a business licence for mass production of artificial leather.

Meanwhile complacent as a result of preliminary testing, the authors article published in the journal Regenerative Medicine (Regenerative Medicine).

In summary, we can say that the novelty of course, (if mass production) will be widely used by surgeons, in particular, plastic, and other specialists in hospitals and clinics. It is estimated that by 2010 regenerative medicine, peace will spend almost $ 500 billion.

The terms "consumers" as a more or less clear : in the first place that adults and children are affected by various injuries and burns, in addition, would like to believe that over time, this will facilitate the development of life and older people, who often suffer from chronic illnesses skin.

Spaniards in stress misconception hotel anvils

2007-09-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Third June eight people, suited in white suits, helmets, masks and goggles, in broad daylight defeated entire floor hotel in Madrid. They went from room to room with sledgehammers and methodically laid in the dust all that their way. Upravivshis with 21 rooms for two hours, the pogrom promised to return to the hotel in September.

Hosts a four-star hotel NH Alcala, which has 146 comfortable rooms, know that after eight unichtozhiteley satisfied they will have 22 people with sledgehammers Jinpho too, and that will break all the bands. And for that nothing will!

But owners of a network of NH Hoteles, a 335 hotels in three continents, is not upset occurred. On the contrary, they are very pleased that this meant : "Who among us has not dreamed of in times of severe stress divided in disease all around?" with a smile, they said, looking at zhmuschihsya in door frames television, photographers and journalists. Meanwhile, a wise finished with TV and switched to writing, and sounds of hammer heard from the other bathroom, where life is surrounding end wall mirror.

But all began with that NH decided to reconstruct Alcala : although the hotel was opened in 1996, its interior is more in line with the 1970-m, as a new millennium, and the whole hotel clearly behind the Madrid today.

Scale "restayling" has been scheduled for this summer, and owners of establishments were gathered to hire workers, as they have clients wishing to "help in the reconstruction" : "Give us at least cracked furniture," they asked.

Marketing Division hotels have weighed the disadvantages, pros and decided that the volunteer company will benefit : on the one hand, you can save on the payment of professional destroyers, the other from all this might have loud headlines and nedurnoy PR.

"To the best advertising has, NH involved in the project team of psychologists, who threw Let throughout Spain, has been declared a" command destroyers from the stress especially brutalized people.

Not surprisingly, responded to the call of a one thousand, and each tried to convince the "jury" that his hard life has been completely black lines. People were very different : and corporate leaders and bankers, and youth with low salaries, and couples preparing for the wedding, and working mothers with young children, as well as Actor-achievers, taxi drivers, teachers, the unemployed, in debt, and so forth.

On the walls, you can see the logo and shares its name , educated English" room "(room) and Spanish verb "derrumbar" destroy (Reuters Photo / Sergio Perez).

On the walls, you can see the logo shares the name "Deroombing, educated English" room "(room) and the Spanish verb" derrumbar "destroy (Reuters Photo / Sergio Perez).

It should be noted that, according to the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Ministerio de Trabajo y Asuntos Sociales), suffer from stress ordinary workers and businessmen-to 10-point scale of "napryag" estimated at 6.7, while On average level of 5.6. The most "stress" is a Spaniard aged between 30 th and 54 years (estimate 5.9), and women suffer more than men : middle from 5.8 to 5.5.

In any case, after reviewing questionnaires applicants identified 100 pereutomlennyh finalists. They had to undergo medical examinations and deliver "a psychological examination, included the beating" chavkayuschego cigars boss "full size. During the massacre of doll test should shout phrases that reflect their emotional state, 'I zasluzhivayu respect! " and "Where is my money away? ! "

The result was the selection of 30 sufferers, who gave clothing, hammer and pickaxes, and exactly two hours to raspravitsya two dozen rooms.

No restrictions for destroyers, in fact, was not : break windows and mirrors, sryvayte curtains, prolamyvayte Wall rasscheplyayte furniture, grohnite TV, in a word, a message in this room as a rock star.

One of the psychologists, Laura Garcia (Laura Garcia), speaking of this innovative therapy, observed that the physical effort "to produce nervous, reducing tension in the body" and the destruction "to demonstrate the effect of the release of adrenaline."

So it is, in fact happened : the pogrom left the hotel tired, and yet stayed with shoulder-Hill, as the saying goes.

And, of course, they were happy, it is not the ability to produce a pair of "leadership Alcala issued" rekonstruktoram "invitation in September, when the hotel will be completely refurbished, the participants will be able to share it for free lunch and spend the night.

However, hammer this time will not do.

Live snails vstryali in electronic mail

2007-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Snail Mail" is a joke called the delivery of letters to the Post Office paper : namely, mail than e-mail works at the speed of snails. Now, with the phrase "Snail Mail" has a new meaning-enthusiasts use live snails for the delivery of electronic correspondence.

"This ulitochnaya mail (RealSnailMail) - The new British draft. Its authors, researchers from the Computer Animation Bournemouth University (NCCA), calling its work "boring" (boredomresearch), and activists from the organization Space Media Arts. About essence project later. First, the principle of action.

It all starts with a site that is short (maximum 100 characters) reports from Internet users. Filing asked to take into account that in the process of delivering letters involved the tiny mussel : "Appreciate it work and not send bad, but it will be important messages," the authors stressed RealSnailMail.

Yet they warn the sender that the letter might not get to the addressee. But few if that can happen with snails in the way : for example, meet carnivore and perehvatit message. "

In any case, with a letter arrived at the site RealSnailMail server, which is in turn wait in the slow-postman.

Now officials describe ulitochnoy mail. They live in a fish bowl, in a nursery or maybe even in the water. In general, mollyuskov- messenger for a comfortable environment in which there are two points A and B.

In both installed scanners for reading data from chip Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) that each snail is at its sink. Such chips are introduced into the skin, as originally intended for "marking" pets, and the creators of unusual mail chose these microchips because they are small, light and waterproof and work on 125-134,2 kilohertz frequencies.

When the snail with the chip is in the range of the RFID scanner (point A), its check-it is not already carries a different message. If the mussel is free, it has become a virtual party and sent to the user. "Virtual" because the entire body of the message could not be placed in the chip-only ID letter.

This is the number snail-certainly not aware of itself, as postman walks sent in paragraph B. understood that although snail and Donlon in the technological wasteland "(definition sponsors), sooner or later it will reach a scanner at the point B, and then mail server RealSnailMail be good at sending a message recipient. Indeed, that was all.

Oh yes. Just remember to tell about the message. The authors' ulitochnoy mail saying that they "physical and biological interrupt the flow of continuous digital transmission", so users are accustomed to the e-mail.

This is the era of inanimate Internet, and developers RealSnailMail hope that the short break will help us better understand the characteristics of modern communications, think that they are instant and virtually invisible. And that in the face of increasing the speed and efficiency of investing in the messages less sense.

In turn, "ulitochnaya mail, the low rate of opposing artificial world RFID technology and the Internet natural world, could in theory make a difference in respect to the communication. , Or may not? This, among other things, identify and meet the creators RealSnailMail.

E-bankrupt fleeing boycott of e-flux

2007-09-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

"Want to e-bankrupt? Please let me know! We e-obankrotim you as quickly as possible and qualitatively. e-file application for bankruptcy right now, get 10% of discount! A friend of lead-all 20! " This ridiculous ads may soon zapestryat every street walls and pillars : the case must be profitable.

About a month ago, a New York businessman Fred Wilson (Fred Wilson) with unprecedented pride and joy stated that he is bankrupt. And not usual, a special-bankrupt XXI century.

The idea of such a step, a simple one : Fred is an active user of the Internet and its many services, including, of course, e-mail. But, no, of course not, because Mr. Wilson is a bankrupt e-mail. How? Easy!

"I have so much behind their e-mails that declare bankruptcy," Fred wrote in his blog. Simply put, refused to respond to all the letters that have come to his electronic mailbox.

At first glance, nothing special in this action, not even eccentric to be called. But this public "antipochtovy gesture" is not really a rarity.

For example, musician Moby created something similar back in September, sending in response to all incoming letters reported that the remainder of the year have almost no. Same periodically and make some professors, suddenly abandon their elektroyaschikov necessarily declaring his decision publicly.

Of course, scholars and musicians is essentially a very delicate and fragile souls, and they can allow some beating. But it was not in particular personality.

Indeed, analysts say Permessa corporations, postal traffic in the past two years doubled (interesting that the "double in two years' suspiciously recalls Moore's Law). It is not because all were crappy business, but because of the spam messages from viruses and other unwanted Web creations. Read all the same messages are sometimes just impossible. In short, e-mail was one of the benefits of technology, which has become "too much".

This state of affairs generally, it is extremely regrettable. So some or even drop out of their e-mail, or plyunuv all unopened letters stroke remove them and come to the box from scratch. "

David Ferris (David Ferris), the head of the firm Ferris Research, said that in 2006 the total global number of emails were six trillion pieces. A waiver David explained very simply. He said that by the end of the working day people feel pleased that the case made; But heaps left unanswered letters do not have the feeling. It can be e-your threat.

This is how many and had to resort to old media-type phone. "Since then I went back to the voice communication as a primary means of communicating with people," the statement made by CEO Teqlo Jeff Nolan (Jeff Nolan), which joined the boycott decided to undergo electronic mail. Or, as in "e-mail bankruptcy."

The term "bankruptcy electronic mail (e-mail bankruptcy) put into circulation professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sherri Terkl (Sherry Turkle).

Certainly, it was among the fatigued "Soap" and even made a discovery that so many people dream Mail reset its heavy burden. And it happened this inspiration after she accumulated 2.5 nechitannyh thousands of letters. Incidentally, the scholar will soon issue a book. Work on it has been for ten years, but, according to Mrs. Terkl, "if it did not interfere with e-mail, it would have been sufficient and five.

"So I can be reached, but e-mail is not the best way to do this", in the opinion of another e-bankrupt Sean Bonner (Sean Bonner), a network news blogs.

Professor, Stanford University (Stanford University), Lawrence Lessig (Lawrence Lessig), in 2004, also joined the ranks of E-obankrochennyh. Then he said that the choice before them : "Either that all the time, responding to e-mails or to work." As it is, after all, prefer easy-guess.

"Excuse me, but I am announcing my e-mail bankruptcy," a letter containing these words, he was sent to all those who could not answer. And he apologized for his "lack kibervezhlivost." What courteous!

A best-known and long-time e-bankrupt is not you believe! another famous Stanford special-Donald Knuth (Donald E. Knuth), which has made an enormous contribution to programming, mathematics, the theory of algorithms and other hard sciences.

One option he has been using e-mail sales in 1975 - m, but after 15 years decided to end this affair. Knut said that it's much better to write a book than to suffer from the continuous flow of communications (this was it - we add the grounds of democracy).

Moreover, the scientist recalls that when he needed three hours to review emails before they can begin work (today it is a normal practice). This is the time when about spam is usually thought, perhaps opening the refrigerator!

"But from January 1, 1990, I decided to become happy," said Knuth, hinting at his e boycott. Yes, certainly if Knuth says, it is something that is ...

Here are just not clear whether any particular prospects of e-bankruptcy, and whether it could, for instance, a new kind of subculture. Will e-obankrochennye in Knight collected on Bald Mountain for zaklaniya prints pending letters and ritual cleansing inbox, we know. Although all can be.

Impossible Gömböc reverses itself

2007-08-31T00:24:00.000-07:00

All is well represented, as nevalyashka works : a combination of specially shaped and heavy bottom is a funny effect. But is it possible to create a facility that would have the same properties as internally homogeneous, without deposed centre of gravity? This seems unlikely, but such a body exists.

The problem nevalyashki seem trifling, yet wonders that the toys have very interesting character. So it is only one of balance and the only one of the delicate balance (in the head). Almost any other body, no matter how difficult it may be, can be sustainably deliver several ways.

Creating a homogenous body, with properties nevalyashki is this challenge mathematical minds. And, indeed, two Hungarian mathematician take up this trivial task : Gabor Domokosh (Gábor Domokos) from Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) and Peter Varkoni (Péter Várkonyi), now at Princeton University (Princeton University).

Is there only one form of it alone was raised after the rollover? Friends began with the permission of the tasks for the two sites, they cut out of plywood complex pieces, put them on edge and watched how they behave in overturning.

After all, the experimenters could mathematically prove that any form of a flat, at least two points of balance and a minimum of two points of unstable equilibrium.

But Gabor and Peter intended to create an improved version nevalyashki, and thus need to think about the three-dimensional objects.

They tried to extend its "two -" theory of the higher dimension and realized that the three-dimensional object samovosstanavlivayuschiysya might exist. But he will have only one point of equilibrium, and only one of the delicate balance. But the format of such a body?

First, in the search for an answer to your question, the researchers turned to nature. So Domokosh, resting in Greece during the honeymoon, tested balance 2000000 kamushkov the sea, but no copy of pebbles does not want himself "vskakivat" as nevalyashka. "Why he was still married to another question, laughing Varkoni, is not able to make each woman."

Thanks to the patience of whether Domokosha wife, or because of the talent of two mathematicians, but also bring the facility was built. First, a purely mathematical. Then fellow of the equation, which were massacred unique body.

It really only regained its strong position in overturning and turn whatever way. And he really the equilibrium point was only one, and there was only one point delicate balance.

The object called "Gömböc." A lot of people go to visit the office of Peter, where is this thing now, is not naigratsya with remarkable object. While those who understand this unique body is not a plaything.

In autumn 2006 the second Gömböc yawns on the cover of the prestigious journal Mathematical Intelligencer, Domokosh says, "the first time since 1979, by the time of the dice Rubika, Hungarian invention again ranked in the magazine.

Interestingly, after manufacture Gömböc 'and Domokosh Varkoni, and immediately thought : "something he reminds us." And quickly found a very similar object in nature. It turned out to the Indian fashion Turtle featuring unusual species.

Indeed, no turtles unwilling jams on the back. And why not give it to the evolution of nevalyashki?

However, in reality shell turtle fashion is not as perfect as Gömböc. If Turtle overturn it back, it may roll back only a small trigger feet. But then the process is completed quickly naturally, and in this respect, these turtles were better than those of their fellow other.

As once with pebbles scientists decided to check the practice of "work" for both blanket. Friends experienced "samoperevorachivaemost 30 Cyanobacteria turtles and found that many of them actually overturned on the back of the abdomen just after the very small initial push.

This, however, puzzles tel nevalyashek have not been exhausted. Researchers drew attention to the fact that Gömböc 'and the edge of the complex, skruglennuyu form. What gives him so unusual properties. But is it possible to build a homogeneous (no inside), the body that he had only flat dimensions, and that it also came after the rollover?

Hungarian experimenters were unable to find such a facility, although they put, the body can exist. And since this is not an object of our heroes sleep, they announced a prize to anyone who would find such an unusual form.

$ 10,000 divided by the number of phone lines desired. This award. Tempting? But Domokosh and Varkoni know that almost no risk. По их оценке, такое тело, если оно вообще возможно, должно обладать тысячами граней. So prize winner of a few cents. Но ведь, на самом-то деле, искателей экзотической самоуравновешивающейся формы должен привлечь вызов интеллекту.

And if the inventor is still a commercial orientation, it is able to produce its toys. "Неваляшки 2.0" (или даже 3.0, если за 2.0 посчитать Gömböc). Why not? Famous same Rubik its conundrum for the light, pre-disaster polomav head himself.

Tail wagging the dog in the mood

2007-08-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

Every owner and a dog lover knows how they know about his mood. If ears pressed to the head, torso in all voltage and tail draw, which means "So I can not communicate." Mules are torchkom your cats, but he never stopped, weaves under your feet and the tail car so that the fact and behold sorts? It should be clear what that means "I am so glad to see you!" .

May and the time when the dog will give more readable signals (with LED nozzles on the tail and mechanical poo), but we have to learn to understand dog "gestures".

But recently, scientists have found a very interesting feature of the conduct of dogs, which do not know is not only the best dog handlers (and recommendations), but even the experts kinologi.

After a series of experiments on 30 different breeds of dogs, it became clear that if the dog is generally positive, he says more tail to the right side. If it is anything Angry or upset, the movement shifted to the left side of the rib. See video.

Yes, the results of the study are published in the March issue of the journal Current Biology.

Alright, interesting observation. But where are these sciences?

The fact is that many scholars still argue - whether manifested emotional brain asymmetry in any of the animals except man whose left part of the brain became evolve with the development of speech.

Previous work of the various scientists have shown that the majority of animals, including birds, fish and frogs, the left hemisphere of the brain responsible for positive emotions and so-called enrichment of energy. For example, people left hemisphere is linked to those feelings of love, affection, peace and security, if you have a heart rhythm slows down, and the body feels calm and satisfaction.

Right Hemisphere, by contrast, is responsible for conduct involving the expenditure of energy output. For this : fear, depression, flight, physiologically terms from heart palpitations and stopping work digestive system.

Since the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, a left-right side, the asymmetry of the body opposite hemisphere brain activity.

Perhaps for that reason, many birds looking for food, using more right eye (the left hemisphere, soak the body), and a predator control around the left.

The right part of the human person tends to express happiness, while the muscles of the left shows all the unhappiness and sorrow. A left-handed, right from the truth.

"No dogs tail is the median line torso, or to the left or the right half. Can it be emotional imbalance? " - asked Dr. Richard Davidson (Richard J. Davidson), Chief, Laboratory of Neurophysiology emotional University of Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin).

Italians Giorgio Vallortigara (Giorgio Vallortigara) neyrofiziolog from the University of Trieste (Università degli Studi di Trieste) and his fellow veterinarians from the University of Bari (Università degli Studi di Bari), Angelo Kuaranta (Angelo Quaranta) and Marcello Siniscalchi (Marcello Siniscalchi) responded to a question Davidson and showed that-could.

To do so, they placed household pets in cells equipped with cameras to accurately measure the angle of deviation from the median of the tail of the body. Then they were four different incentive : their boss, unknown individual, a cat and a strange "dominant" dog.

In each case, the dog followed the man or animals in one minute. Then experimenters have adjourned for a half minutes, and further followed by the image. The experiments lasted 25 days and 10 sessions each day.

With a masters heavily white-tailed dogs moving in the right side, in the form of unknown individual movement also shifted to the right, but were not as frequent. Kind cat movements caused the tail, tilted to the right, but with lower amplitude. If the same number appearing aggressive unfamiliar dog (large Belgian Shepherd Dog), tails immediately respond movement left.

Thus, it may be assumed that the right of the tail muscles responsible for the expression of positive emotions, and the left-negative.

Australian neyrofiziolog Leslie Rogers (Lesley Rogers) from the University of New England (University of New England) added that brain asymmetry is not only in mammals, but many lower animals, which have evolved to a higher life forms.

For example, bees learn better if used the right ties, said Leslie, a male chameleon show aggression, changing colors body, which looked at another chameleon left eye. Jabe more likely to try to escape from a predator if it appears to the left (right hemisphere fear), it prefers to dispose of the language right in catching insects (left hemisphere-saturation).

Hens have left eyes to find food, and the right to supervise the sides and dangerous situations. But if the chickens grown in the dark, notes Rogers, the normal brain asymmetry have not evolved.

Sheep very distinguished person and to distinguish from Molly Dolly, they use the right hemisphere of the brain.

"The chimpanzee emotional brain asymmetry is the same as in humans," says William Hopkins (William D. Hopkins), a researcher from the National Center Yerkskogo primates (Yerkes National Primate Center). According to him, when the monkeys filed, it often seems as if the left part of his body, thereby issuing a strong negative emotions. Moreover, shimpanze- looking more remote than for right. Their dominant right hemisphere makes them more cautious.

The asymmetric brain appears to be the ancient feature makes the overall conclusion Rogers. This asymmetry provides the organism an advantage for the survival of a species. For animals, which can make two important cases at the same time (for example, a monitor and predators), survive better than those who consumed only one thing. In addition, the animal with two brain hemispheres are not duplicated functions and brain tissue used to the maximum advantage.

As you can see, study, which at first glance claimed maximum Shnobelevskuyu Prize, revealed some secrets of the evolution of animal life. And the dog tail not only showed scientists what it is a canine mood, but possibly pushed to a new study, since no one has yet proved that no dog language.

These radish find on the Internet better Vegetable Garden

2007-08-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Dogs - bad people? Not at all, the gentlemen of fortune in this case was not appropriate. There needs good people, hard-working and loving. And they needed a true dogs! Attention, announced an international competition ogorodnikov- fans capable of raising dogs on the Internet!

Actually, Jardiland is a large network of French magazines like "Everything for the garden and kitchen garden." But the network is so ubiquitous, and perhaps helpful that the French have decided without any selfish interest described in her honour unusual project. Its message, according to the authors, "this race redisok Web" (real radish races on the Internet).

The project was initiated by artist Frans Kade (France Cadet), and electrical engineer Jean-Pierre Mandon (Jean Mandon). Both are professors robot laboratory arts school Aix-en-Provence (Ecole d'Art d'Aix-en-provence).

Incidentally, Kade already known to our readers, it is cloned and robotics mutants created by a gentle way of killing arrested. Now, her new work.

So, Jardiland is a combination igrushek- and Tamagotchi virtual pets (like those dogs), only to replace those and other plant life is Raphanus sativus minor.

Despite the existence of similar American project Telegarden allowing users group caring for the living ogorodikom through network through Scissorhands manipulator, Kade and Mandon be called innovators : the installation Telegarden different from the mere fact that each party has its own competition-dogs, zapakovannaya a special module.

Jardiland precursor installation project Telegarden - has been developed at the University of Southern California (University of Southern California) and launched in June 1995 Set-Go. Already in the first year of life ogorodika little more than 9,000 users, managing rukoy- robotic assisted plants. After 9 years, in August 2004, the project was shut down, and the experiment to be successful

Jardiland precursor installation project Telegarden - has been developed at the University of Southern California (University of Southern California) and launched in June 1995 Set-Go. Already in the first year of life ogorodika little more than 9,000 users, managing rukoy- robotic assisted plants. After 9 years, in August 2004, the project was shut down, and the experiment to be successful

But let us order. To become a participant (and it will be more than once : in addition to France, the plans appear Britain, Portugal and the United States), users must fill out a form on the site.

Then organizers, in the possession of the principles for each contest will select six "Ogorodnikov. These people, in whatever in the world they may be, are virtual keys to the modules.

At the beginning of "race" all boxes will be simultaneously closed and placed in a secret location, access to which is exclusively through the Internet, will be only the players, each of whom will be "manager" a small ecosystem.

First "gardener" will be planted radish seeds using automated arm (she also handy), then it would have to carefully look after plants : watering of it, fertilize, publicity, Ventilate box and monitor its temperature. All this within the module equipment available.

But it is not so simple : water, fertilizer and electricity will be limited early in the competition and then the jury will take into account how cleverly the resources-party evaluation of these factors will largely critical.

Monitor the growth of its radish "gardener" will result in a box camera, but will be allowed to make only three pictures a day. And so that the dogs can see "trees" is not only full-Roots.

Competition will continue in exactly 21 days. As a result, all the modules will be open simultaneously, radish excavated, deciding the winner, and the one who raised the largest fruit receive a prize. What is unclear. But the rest of the competition will be issued radish, which they holili and cherished.

According to the authors, Jardiland poses several meanings : it concerns civilization on the day their daily bread mixed with pleasure and fun experiment with the latest technology, which, ironically, is a single dogs, giving it extraordinary importance.

"Nature through the dogs are precious. Let us help nature, and offer Kade Mandon. Let's wait for the start of competition.

Singing programmer unites Europe in a virtual choir

2007-08-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Petya itself well. For Peter, moreover, capable of making even better. Petya for themselves and others with knowledge of the case, so even with the most advanced technologies ... Net No, it would not present "stars" and "plywood, and modern inspired by the people who dream towards any obstacles wasted.

Dr. Barry Chitem (Barry Cheetham), a specialist in computer science and passionate lover singing in the choir, decided to merge their two hobbies, and the first in Europe to create a "virtual choir" (Virtual Choir), by combining Internet and poluprofessionalov lovers in "living" concerts.

Dr. Chitem working in the research group APT (Advanced Processor Technology), and already 10 years as a first instalment sings bass in the choir at Manchester University (The University of Manchester Chorus). In addition, he is in the British choral community Holmfirth Choral Society.

All these years singer is also digitizing and transfer of voice recordings on different types of networks at the University of Manchester (University of Manchester). And, judging by the list of his publications, the doctor asked how the physiological side of this issue, and technical.

And, of course, he is well aware that modern computer networks are not yet ready for full implementation of his ideas. To make individual singers singing in various parts of a single whole of Europe, that is such that they are singing in a concert hall-needed "ultrashirokopolosnye" network. And they should be made public.

Meanwhile, the sound and picture transfer to the Network in real time rather difficult, every digital delay various online services to make singing punctuated in the cacophony.

There are, of course, very fast broadband network, but now it specializes in working with a limited number of applications. Because Doctor Chitem hopes that his initiative is not only enjoys minded, but also spur development of the Internet.

Therefore enthusiast looking for potential sponsors for its ambitious project. Indeed, apart from improving network capacity, the need to create software that would be fast and qualitative characteristics vote horistov digitized, and then transferred it to the network.

But there is another difficulty. A system by which a conductor can control each member and choir rehearsing can (work) so that all stand side by side.

"We hope to establish online collaboration among choirs of Europe. And we are keen to contribute to the integration of the European Union people, "says Chitem. - Unfortunately, distance and speed information is not allowed and is likely in the coming years will allow us with our project beyond Europe. "

The current aim is to combine the existing church and school choirs singing groups various religious organizations into one, but a virtual choir. Initially Doctor Chitem plans to focus on classical and popular choral music, different songs.

"In Europe, there is an enormous number of community choirs, many of which have very high standards. Some even supported by professional orchestras, such as the Hallé Orchestra, "explains the doctor. - This community is an important part of the European social culture. They usefully fill leisure, and participation in them is fun most ordinary people, as young and old, rich and exotic. "

While the developers of "virtual choir" no plans to connect the project to develop professional orchestras, as well as pop and rock band, because of this interaction will most certainly require a huge capacity and performance.

And what if Chitemu can turn dreams into reality? There can be trumpeted on the European association of general idea of records for the Guinness Book (especially if gather in the "virtual choir, a lot of people) that the name of the creator of history, of the triumph of computer technology and much more ...

But perhaps the real joy and admiration of the project experience elderly and disabled people who participate in the project, may return the meaning of life.

However, with one important condition : they must be good quality computer and Internet connection. And so happens

Farmers have experienced signs of AD rice patties

2007-08-28T01:21:00.001-07:00

Say, outsiders from space again spoilt your field of their community and others cheered? Do not rush rasstraivatsya and before jumping to conclusions : perhaps there you are not any circles, a simple Bill AD. In some quarters, these pieces appear in rice fields every year strictly in the same time. A result of this, incidentally, is not as bad as it seems and it is diagnostic.

Previously, we pro ricefields you told almost nothing. Only once advised that, as one of them bryaknulos heavenly sign, and all.

Therefore, this time with joy povedaem a tremendous presentation, which each year farmers little Japanese town Inakadate (Inakadate) suit in Aomori prefecture (Aomori). They paint a picture of the giant rice fields. The fruits of their work, however, is seeing some time because, unlike some of the Dutch, they have been without coca carnival. But ultimately simply enormous.

on May 27 this year, a team of a couple of hundred local farmers went to the local field covering a total area of about 15,000 square meters. Then those brave selskohozyaystvenniki day, standing knee in the water, rice sown. None of this is not remedied, this would be the "preview", which are features of this plant hygrophilous culture.

But before something there, the patient town residents and all others who watched the "developments" had to wait for almost a month. Now, in the second half of June, a miracle happened, more precisely, no miracle has not happened - a figure calmly proros so, as had been planted in the form of the same paintings, which are on the field because there was a lack of Japanese farmers.

Residents Inakadate razukrashivayut their rice fields this way since 1993. The theme of these cereals have different sequences of art - until Mony Lisa (admittedly, this lady came not without typical Japanese "emphasis"). Although, of course, prevalent in the subjects own culture.

In 2007, farmers painter decided to infringe on the most obvious thing about the arts of Japan Governor of BC That word is called engravings created in the Edo period in Japan's history - phase, which lasted from the beginning until the end XVII XIX century. In this genre created works with a wide variety of stories, from urban scenes of daily life to nature.

Japanese Governor-e translates as "wanton world picture." These words have a philosophical subtext, speaks of allowing routine life. But this title is particularly accurate and somewhat ironic when applied to rice crops : pictures of them, of course, do not last forever.

This year showed that the rice art (name of this activity is not) is thriving.

Aside from the fact that this time the farmers started playing so well-known for, and so they have decided to emulate the most popular artist working in this style-Katsusike Hokusayu (Katsushika Hokusai; Born in 1760-m, died in 1849).

Elgin produced numerous engravings, which are far beyond Asia. One of the most famous series of signs AD, it created, called the "Thirty-six species of Mount Fuji" (1832). Out front the farmer Inakadate and chose a couple of exciting.

Once in some graphics (that such treatment had occurred, photos fields would not have doubts), made a simple scheme, in which the paintings are in the form of image contours.

All that then you need to do is adapt them something to do to keep from gryadok and closing figures at their own discretion. As a "paint" using different rice varieties.

For example, grain conventional rice yellow watched from afar light green and brown, almost black.

By August, the image is particularly contrasting. In the fall, it is time to harvest. One reason, I do not understand : how to call the rice, which on September 30 gathered in these fields? Probably, "Assorted"

Experiments to withdraw from the body to re-establish the weird phenomenon

2007-08-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

What you want people out of the body? No mystery left alone. Well, for this strange feeling fairly uncomplicated experience. But how to interpret and explain it in terms of the physiology and psychology of these scientists would have to think long.

Two independent teams of researchers, using almost the same methodology, played by volunteers feeling out of the body and tried to find out what the causes of such feelings among people, for example, experienced okolosmertelny experience under the influence of drugs or alcohol, caught in a dangerous, stressful or located in the state of meditation, subjected to extreme physical stress or suffered some neurological nature of violations.

Some experiments conducted Olaf Blanke (Olaf Blanke) of the Federal Polytechnical School of Lausanne (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) and his colleagues from other institutions and universities Switzerland and Germany. Second-Henrik Ersson (Henrik Ehrsson) from University College London (University College London) and his colleagues at UCL.

Coincidentally, Blank constant readers "diaphragm" sign. That he and his comrades launched from the patient hallucinations type terrible ghost behind. "

This time researcher turned its attention to the feeling out of the body (Out-of-body experience - OBE). If the experiments with the "ghost" used electrodes placed in the brain at this time was far prozaichnee.

In the experience of artificial reproduction OBE-displays and camera lenses to remove people from and transmitting the picture.

I guess the experience of a fan of games, which have entrenched themselves behind at some altitudes, and the camera was showing a picture of her on his computer screen helmet, yes and walked the city feel player in hodilku "of a third person (with video this guy can see here).

But in the case of experiments scientists all been worse. Researchers have tried to find a neurological explanation for the phenomenon OBE. And have, in general, to similar conclusions : this phenomenon is important disagreements and choose visual information.

Swiss police authorities to test virtual helmet and handed him a picture from a camera installed at some distance (about two meters) behind.

But it was still half the story. Next testers touched pen back to volunteer. And the system was designed so that the camera can transmit a picture of glasses tested as a synchronized, and some delay in time.

This delay is possible to assess that test before the gaze of their own body image perceived as a real body, which they left while now elsewhere.

Further experiment complicated. Man does not show his back, and back dvoynika- dummy. And the subjects also felt good "double forgery" as the body from which they "jumped", including in the stunt with a pen (on this page, you can see the spot, as they carried out experiments).

Then screens in the helmet tested fully turn, gave him "oslepshego", a few steps back and asked to return to the starting position. And people back, but not at its present location, and the place in which through the helmet earlier proetsirovalsya virtual double.

Ersson of UCL had similar experiences with the camera and computer vision. Although there have been differences.

So he, in particular, found that the test demonstrated a physiological response (with the notable sweat), in response to the threat of virtual double, that is - in "strike" a hammer on the place where it seemed people, he was leaving the body. Testers mahalla hammer before the camera. This man is well seen that the fact that he is sitting on a chair, at a distance of two of metr- hammer.

"Experience shows that the perception of the body critically depends on visual information. In other words, we feel that our identity is located where the eye, "explained these experiments Ersson.

Ersson an experiment reported in an article in Science, a team from Switzerland in the same issue published its report.

Сьюзен Блэкмор (Susan Blackmore), психолог из университета Западной Англии (University of the West of England), комментируя данные работы, сказала: "Учёные давно подозревали, что ключ к этому экстраординарному опыту, иногда меняющему жизнь, находится в разрушении обычной иллюзии того, we stand behind our eyes, and replaced it with a new point of view from above or behind. "

Here, however, should make a reservation. There are stories of leaving the body in clinical death, when a man allegedly saw itself. And the important point in this experience is, allegedly, the fact that people saw what could not see (reanimatorov efforts, for example) and, besides, it proves that he left his body.

Because the test is, to put it mildly, difficult, is to keep such reports on the conscience of the tellers. But experiments Bri
Farmers have experienced signs of AD rice pattiestish and Swiss researchers, with a "solution" was re-established means of technology, raise an interesting question - where a person experiencing a phenomenon OBE, visual information?

Let us think together : can be, in some small minds (almost unconscious in the oxygen starvation brain, cardiac arrest, for example) sees the world patient himself, but damaged brain leads to a different look at a number of Tactile feelings emanating from the body . If nerve chain responsible for the transfer of this information, picking up piecemeal.

And this discrepancy, as the form and Ersson, a feeling out of the body. The rest our brains may well domyslit itself.

Form, in particular, says that his experience shows : multisensorny conflict (a term the authors experience) is that the test moves to "I" in the position of the observed double its present outside the body. Hence, allegedly, OBE can not only reproduce, but also experimentally studied, scientific methods. There is likely to be opened many subtleties.

In any case, the authors of these studies suggest that the results will come not only in medicine and, more generally, to understand the secrets of the brain, but in the computer game (where you can invent new ways to enhance the image of the) system, or Remote Management anything (a robot surgeon, for example).

One postanovschikov experiments in Switzerland, Thomas Metzinger (Thomas Metzinger), argues that the experiments are challenging existing perceptions not only in physiology, but, to some extent, and in philosophy. As the sense of "I" is traditionally seen as something metaphysical, can learn, reflect a world-something makes us unique.

Cheating and "dissections" this sense of "I", scientists have shown that our brains are in the business of processing information from the outside, comparing a visual replicas and Tactile sensations, thereby creating a sense of "geographical" Unity physical body and self / personality.

And unity is easy to break. The mind simply "does not like" wrong not consistent "sensors" (vestibular apparatus, Tactile sensations view), and perhaps linked to a reasonable way, creating the illusion out of the body or, if you like, illusion of a second body.

But because of the deception was enough "to make the body from the eyes, according to Metzinger, Blank and their colleagues on the work needed to be rephrased wrote René Descartes :" Video Ergo Sum. "

In monstrous kommunalke was normally 50 to thousands of Chinese

2007-08-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

Terrible place! ... Here you can remove the dark Thriller, fantastic fighters, bloody uzhastiki or even melodrama the torment urban poor - but not comedy. For a decade and a half is not anything like this : Everything blooms and green. However, old memories and zhelteyuschie images do not forget the past strashnovatom the area.

Nevertheless, zavyazka history was not as dreadful.

The earliest days of this historical site lost somewhere in the era of the Chinese Song dynasty rulers, decades from 960 th in 1279 years.

The last emperor of the dynasty Bin (Bing) did what was to be simple to the Chinese Emperor : he gave nine mountains of the peninsula in the south Chinese names, one of them, of course, calling your name. All the nine mountains called Kowloon (translated from Chinese, "nine dragons"), and one of them also called Kowloon, strangely enough.

Soon word called a Kowloon district, and later the entire peninsula, and then has been making. Now, and not catch any of Koulunov is Kowloon, and which of them, indeed, Kowloon and the Kowloon ... In general, we are a little bit confused and gaze.

So at the end of the dynasty Honourable Mr. Sun, please, Emperor Bin ordered a small military outpost in the vicinity of any of Koulunov designed to protect against different bandits. At the same time, this paragraph (it is called, of course, the Kowloon-how else?) Engaged in salt.

After successfully Sun dynasty collapsed with the death of Bina and the advent of the Mongolian Empire and the Khan dynasty Yuan, Kowloon (who outpost) has been virtually forgotten. He said, more or less further strengthened in 1668-m, but its role was not very big, it has been just three dozen soldiers.

Now all these Kouluny belong to a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong (Finally, a new name!) , Which was seized by Britain in 1842. Further developments are not very conducive to China-way power Britons increasingly intensified, and they are demanding more and more territory.

In June 1898 between then last monarchy Qin dynasty and the British government signed a document in which the latter have the right to establish his colony of Hong Kong, a region covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and some adjacent territories.

The only place that the Chinese have not lost is the same outpost in Kowloon, fenced protective wall. Chinese authorities would thus leave a small territory from which it could exercise a degree of control to the colonists, so that they are not very raspoyasyvalis.

However, in the very convention about this strengthened item silent - this was not your place. While agreeing with this, and suffered for decency until 1899, treacherous Britons gathered forces and captured in Kowloon.

News absorption seems to be worthwhile for the brick walls they have not found anything interesting : a territory within a densely built low Little House, which occurred about seven people, most of whom were fearful that of some Chinese chinushi.

Generally, the "invasion" get a man, and the question of Kowloon and hanging in the air. The only change that happened then is the new English name of Kowloon Walled City "walled city in Kowloon.

And since all are still, despite lot of passion that kids around, Britons have not squander Kowloon. Instead, they engaged in an urban area, the nearby; They are the already well - not surprising - called Kowloon.

As for the building in Kowloon, and it remained in the hands of China, in its various "options", and when he became the Republic of China in 1911, and in 1949, when he became a People's Republic of China.

But objectivity to be noted that before the authority "is too strong word. Rather said that China believed that its territory, but in reality, no fortress in Kowloon or the people it is not needed. This became evident during the most critical moments.

For example, during the Second World War, the Japanese occupied territory with impunity evicted people from the castle and even destroyed the ancient wall, part of which used an airport nearby.

По окончании войны и образования Китайской Народной Республики город стали потихоньку заселять преступники, а также беженцы из основной части Китая.

And in 1959, when the castle was assassinated in Kowloon, the situation is quite ridiculous : the Chinese government tried to shift responsibility for the incident in Britain (which in the meantime tried not to pay attention to the castle Kowloon), a British-China.

В 1970-х город-крепость (в самом деле уже не крепость) стал настоящим раем для мафиозных группировок, наркоторговцев и наркоманов… Так как за Коулуном никто не присматривал, то подобные лица стекались туда тысячами. Although, of course, there were quite decent citizens who lived there and returned long after the Japanese.

In any case, but the population has grown rapidly, and by the early 80-s of the last century had reached 30,000. The housing issue is addressed simply : it built more and more Qidwa, pristraivali new floors. Places were little, but the people became more and more.

In 1984, Britain agreed to recognize the city of Hong Kong. Nothing particularly terrible is not it : the convention, the British territory have the right to possess only 99 years left to bear for some 10 years.

But that does not keep carrying this wicked lair, the colonists decided to destroy the city and its residents resettled. The British long been preparing for the move and was able to do it only in 1993-meters

Incidentally, the task was not a simple one : the destruction at the time of this terrible place to live in the city of 50 thousand. At a time when the Kowloon was minor outpost, the population was less than a thousand times, and it was just a vast stretch of land - the size of a large stadium.

But in 1990 the "stadium" was tesnovat. It is easy to calculate, in the area of 0,026 square kilometres in population density reaches two million (!) Persons per square kilometre. Compare with an average population density in London about five million people per square kilometre, or in the same Hong Kong, where it is a little more than 6 million ...

Nevertheless, until the last moment people become more. In one tiny room sometimes lived across several people; Sometimes there were even any institution. Companies, however, were not what Ahti remarkable : next to the ordinary shops and places catering lives casino diseases, infectious opium, narkolaboratorii.

As told in Kowloon was somehow especially famous for countless dental surgeries, which itself had been unsanitary conditions and, consequently, doctors worked without licences ...

At the scene destroyed the capital city broke the park and restore some historical buildings, such as charge-old homes long Chinese officials.

This updates the site was again returned to power in China in 1997, when Britain returned it to the Hong Kong government.

And still there only park, and there is nothing like a bandit in Kowloon, often served biking venue for film spectacular scenes, such as in the film "Crime Story" (Crime Story). But now, but directors, it seems, few spares.

The immense hole in the universe requires explanation

2007-08-27T02:03:00.000-07:00

"I am appalled by the eternal silence of these spaces" - Blaise Pascal these words often recall astronauts and astronomers. But recently astrophysicists terrified silence is not so much how much emptiness, complete emptiness. A huge proportion of the space in the length of a billion light years away has no completed. Although can contain many millions of galaxies ... Where all gone? !

Physicists had long known that the matter in space is very unevenly distributed. Usually, talk of the "rough" distribution of matter in space. As for the radiation-these are the so-called relict radiation, it is distributed far more regularly, but there are some notable variations.

The most glaring anomalies such scientists discovered in the cards relict radiation, calling them cold spots. A number of astronomers identified, data processing apparatus Wilkinson Microwave Anisotopy Probe (WMAP), launched specifically to survey the background.

Cosmic microwave background radiation is a little "residual" microwave radiation after the Big Bang, which, according to official science, started the universe (some, however, believe this event merely Bum). Therefore, the study neregulyarnostey radiation and so interesting that allows something to learn about the incident in the very first century and millennium.

These images in the radio show the same square on the side of the sky about 25 degrees. Photographs taken at different wavelengths apparatus WMAP (left) and radio telescopes Very Large Array - VLA (right) (illustration Rudnick et al. , NRAO / AUI / NSF, NASA).

These images in the radio show the same square on the side of the sky about 25 degrees. Photographs taken at different wavelengths apparatus WMAP (left) and the Very Large Array radio telescopes - VLA (right) (illustration Rudnick et al. , NRAO / AUI / NSF, NASA).

The most famous part of the sky where radiation severely weakened, it is considered a so-called "cold spots WMAP" WMAP Cold Spot, located in the constellation Eridani. His research and became professor Lawrence Rudnick (Lawrence Rudnick) from the University of Minnesota (University of Minnesota), along with its employees.

They did not expect to find in this spot anything special, but what they found there, put them in shock. What is it? Strangely enough, nothing, just nothing. Scientists have not been able to find in this area or space galaxies or gas.

At first glance, this claim is not particularly impressive. It is the current researchers, the majority of the substances available for observing the universe, because it is composed largely of dark matter. So far, the only possibility is to find her - on gravitational effects on ordinary matter and electromagnetic radiation.

Dark Matter pieces strange : scientists do not know what it is, but they know its basic properties. Recently revealed that the substance can behave very strangely, and all the same to her whereabouts no problem.

But within WMAP Cold Spot Rudnick, the group did not even find it. This means that the region is nothing. Generally.

This is a huge cavity 6-10 billion light years away. Its size simply stunning : the researchers, it has a diameter of about a billion light years! Interesting to compare this with a diameter of our galaxy, which is classified as a giant, "only" one hundred thousand light years.

The size of the void impressive even in comparison with the most optimistic assessment of the size of the universe.

More on the study of the "cold spots" and posed for her hiatus will soon be eligible to learn from the article that will appear in astrophysics journal (Astrophysical Journal). Preprint- version of the publication is available on the server arXiv.org.

Astronomers still do not know why there is such a "failure". But about a mechanism that supports it, they already have conjecture.

Rather, the problem is in a dark energy. According to the astronomers, it is in effect megamasshtabah and opposite gravity : it rastalkivaet substance in all directions. This leads to different effects, and one of the most notable is the expansion of the universe.

Is that the dark energy, for unclear reasons, is rampant within the huge volume, which is available to us in the form of WMAP Cold Spot, "evicting" away all substance. As astronomers explain, microwave background photons, passing through the zone, the rich dark energy, lose its energies. As a result, the area on the map of microwave radiation is a little more cold.

In general, Aristotle, asserting that nature abhors a vacuum, again proved wrong. The fact that the idea was an ancient philosopher incorrect, scientists have long known, but no one could imagine that this problem can be so monstrous scale.

Duty robotic woodlouse wait fire in the forest

2007-08-26T01:48:00.000-07:00

"OLE! OLE-OLE-OLE! .. " It is strange to have shouted during the fire? No, not strange if the forest fire. However, the fire in the bush, where you can issue such cries, can not begin. Indeed, if such forests zapahnet fried or simply burnt, as if from the land there Orava steel monsters to a person terrible, but inside dobreyshih. And a moment usmirit flames.

Robots are increasingly similar to living beings. Why? Because animals and insects adapt to the world for many centuries, so it knows the ropes. A more or less intelligent robots were introduced only in the last century, they (or more precisely, their creators) and decided to emulate adult-to save many millions or even billions of years of progress.

Usually such simulation engineers use to make their machines to do some work. But researchers from the Institute of Industrial Design (Institut für Industriedesign) in the Graduate School Magdeburga- Shtendalya (Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal) proposed to make robots that will replicate nature not for the sake of a focus, but for the sake of their own salvation. And emulate these robots are not the most pleasant character-woodlouse.

However, it may be too shy and woodlouse - is not, because the purpose of these machines is to save forests good fire. Specifically, fire prevention.

These robots cited OLE - Offroad-Lösch-Einheit that the transfer of a mixture of German angliysko- can be translated as "Off tushitelny machine."

OLE is a robot that does not move on a pair of legs, not on the wheels, and even at kolesonogah. Indeed forests is a complex area that requires a complex movement. Therefore, it was decided to equip the robot once six feet, feet like an insect. And it is not natykalsya the obstacles to it pridelyvaetsya couple of metres behind bars for the road.

Numerous limbs need to OLE can move freely in the forest, and the patrol territory. He had only one concern : to learn, not on whether what where. "Uzret source of ignition could with the infrared sensors of strong heat sources.

If the source is in sight, "the Tushitelny machine" stremglav running to it and get reports CHP wireless to the focal point, Managing such robots.

Of course, if barely seen explosive fire extinguishing it is not very difficult. It uses OLE embedded in it pozharotushitelnuyu car vybrasyvayuschuyu water transverse mode is to reduce the amount of wearable with a liquid. However, what is the best agent fire is not yet known (can and dry water).

That draft Institute of Industrial Design began working in collaboration with the Institute of Industrial Automation and name Fraunhofer (Fraunhofer-Institut und für Fabrikbetrieb automatisierung-IFF) even in winter 2005-2006.

Addressing OLE prompted serious problem of forest fires every year in Europe alone burn on five million square kilometers of forest, bringing financial losses to 2.5 million euros, to say nothing of various environmental impacts, including mercury pollution.

So scientists and came to a rather banal conclusion that better prevent trouble than eliminate unpleasant and distressing results. This is not an altogether easy task. Regular surveys, say, using helicopters too expensive and ineffective. You can install sensors, which will be triggered quickly, but of course, no guarantee of a speedy arrival of fire brigade.

Here and there a simple solution-together in one machine and the detector, and fire truck.

OLE can fix location of fire at a distance of 50 metres to thousands, depending on the density of forests and weather.

However, it might be a good technique, but it has, in principle, may not have time to cope with the hotbed, to the middle of the flames. If suddenly with OLE is such causes, it is not so terrible : when you reach temperatures dangerous for electronic components, it is rapidly winding down in games, as do woodlouse-and draws in the leg.

His situation prevails in this heat really made of ceramic fibers and vyderzhivayuschy to 1300 degrees Celsius. Paul how stihnet fire, the robot can be deployed to patrol and go again - unless, of course, then left that patrol.

So far Offroad-Lösch-Einheit exists only in concept. And information from the laboratories of the institutions of the status of his physical manifestations, infiltrates scarce.

But when it comes, finally, to the mass production of these guards chaschob it will be very welcome news for the preservation of green areas will not worry. Sadly, but poor forest animals, which has to face these strashnovatymi mnogonogimi vagrants.

Unbreakable PC stood at the helm choppera Intel

2007-08-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

In describing this bright two-machine builders to pay attention to his computer nachinke so you can think, if we have an example moddinga extravagant. But no-bike is a real, workable, but it is the maker of processors.

30 years ago, the company began selling Intel controller chips for embedding in a wide range of technology (Embedded Technology). Today, tiny electronic components can be found in the elevator and industrial robots, aircraft and vehicles, machinery and many other complex products. Dortmund controlled ignition of DVS, turn signals at traffic lights, teeth checks in supermarkets and perform many other unheralded routine.

In order to celebrate this anniversary, Intel combine efforts with Orange County Choppers (motorcycle manufacturer) and producer of unusual PC company Black Diamond Advanced Technology, creating impressive, at least outwardly, Intel Chopper bike, sometimes called Satan's Ride, unofficially of course.

Unique bike equipped V-shaped pair of twin engines, a four-cylinder machine, namekayuschy one of the flagship Intel-processor technology chetyrehyadernyh Quad-Core.

Instead of the usual dashboard driver sees this monster neblikuyuschy sun screen with a diagonal 5.6 inches (14.2 centimeters) and 1024 x 600 pixels. Screen-contact, so that it can control mass functions. And it meant that the fun begins. Motorcycle any such bears the mark of Intel, so it can be seen not only as a tool but as a computer on wheels.

This screen "painted" big button "Start the engine, which after running into a button stops the engine." However, the press can be obtained only access to a motorcycle that provides fingerprint scanner. Yes there running engine, even this step motorcycle falls and rises drive when moving virtual rychazhka on the touch screen surface.

Also, the display can find all the necessary instruments (tachometer with the speedometer, for example), and then displays the image on the camera rear (instead of mirrors).

And you can find satellite navigation, internet access, games and music ... stop. This is not produced dashboards, and a PC.

SwitchBack weighs 1.36 kilograms. Hard disk at the base-40 gigabytes (and can be ordered 100). Hours of standard battery-2 to 5 hours, but if the connection to the bike is not important. Behind the computer can pristykovyvat different modules (such as GPS). Finally, as noted in the images, SwitchBack excellent resistance to harsh working conditions and denied involvement in the project (with pictures of sites and bdatech.com intel.com).

SwitchBack weighs 1.36 kilograms. Hard disk at the base-40 gigabytes (and can be ordered 100). Hours of standard battery-2 to 5 hours, but if the connection to the bike is not important. Behind the computer can pristykovyvat different modules (such as GPS). Finally, as noted in the images, SwitchBack excellent resistance to harsh working conditions and denied involvement in the project (with pictures of sites and bdatech.com intel.com).

It is, as the dashboard and, concurrently, "brain" of the motorcycle was ultra PC (UMPC) SwitchBack of Black Diamond.

This machine is equipped with a sound processor from Intel (in a Celeron-M), so involved in the development of the Jubilee no accident.

SwitchBack under the most modern operating systems. It is good for a laptop computer options, but above all it meets military standards for resistance to impact, vibration, dust and water, high and low temperatures.

The body of the computer is made of magnesium alloy reinforced rubber protective inserts, and the electronic components inside are suspended on rubber vibrogasyaschih same elements. Hard drive here to the words, nozzles and the same-quick. How are removable and batteries of the mobile PC.

In SwitchBack available Ends Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, GPS satellite navigation and a host of other useful things. In general, modular building SwitchBack to build a mass additional elements : from digital cameras and barcode reader to scan RFID chips and radio. Do I have to say that this machine can play MP3- files and generally do - what can an ordinary PC.

As established in Chopper, the company became the instrument panel, part-time entertainment and information center. In fact, all navigation, information and entertainment functions work through special computer software from StreetDeck same American company specializing in programs for car navigation, and entertainment complexes.

Second Life residents can climb into a fashionable motorcycles from Intel. And if, in reality, this was built in a single copy in the game they can be as long as you want (with illustrations site intel.com).

Second Life residents can climb into a fashionable motorcycles from Intel. And if, in reality, this was built in a single copy in the game they can be as long as you want (with illustrations site intel.com).
More on choppere and their equipment can be read in two PDF documents : 1 and 2.

We say that one of the most exciting features of this device is that SwitchBack easily removed from the motorcycle. The owner can carry it with them and use as a regular personal computer connected to the Internet, to send e-mail and other benefits - good, the assembly of the device is connected QWERTY- compact keyboard.

This is a good idea : to access the Internet in motion the driver of the motorcycle would be difficult.

Intel Chopper will be able to see visitors Conference on embedded electronics (Embedded Systems Conference), to be held in Boston from 17 to 21 September, as well as on a number of other exhibitions in the United States, Asia and Europe, to be held this year.

And can I buy this bike? You do not believe, but it's possible. However, we are rather virtual : Intel sales Chopper organized network known game Second Life, in which local residents can contact the shop Intel / Orange County Choppers.

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