Over 20 million babies are born premature each year. Since many of them are in rural areas access to life-saving incubators is usually not available. Thanks to the simple technology behind the new Embrace baby incubator, this problem can be solved for as little as $25. Watch the video above for more details.
-JH
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Lots of companies are trying to figure out effective ways to recycle old consumer electronic devices, but the new ecoATM looks like the most convenient by far. All you have to do is put your old phones, etc. in the machine and it will estimate the value of your device and give you cash or store credit from whatever retail venue its located in.
In addition the machines have a charity option where uses can designate funds from their devices to go toward nonprofit organizations of their choice. So far, the only one is in Nebraska, but they should be everywhere soon.
-JH
via TreeHugger
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Maybe the best way to protect homes from flooding is to make them float. That’s the idea behind the new FLOAT House which was unveiled yesterday as part of Brad Pitt’s Make It Right rebuilding project in New Orleans.
The home’s innovative design allows it to break away from its gas and electrical connections and rise with the flood waters up to 12 feet. In addition it contains a backup battery which could power the house for three days, and most importantly, its inexpensive enough to manufacture, that it can used for low-income housing. You can read more about the specifics here in this article from Inhabitat.
-JH
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The University Of Washington is hosting a first-of-its kind summer program designed to encourage deaf or hard of hearing students explore careers in computer sciences. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Academy selected 10 outstanding students from across the country to take college level programming courses and go on field trips to Microsoft, Google, and other Seattle-area tech firms where they’ve had the chance to meet with deaf professionals and find out first hand what its like to work in the industry.
-JH
via Seattle Times
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Engineers at MIT have created a new technology that allows for quicker transfer of electrical energy through batteries. The advancement is likely to lead to smaller and lighter batteries for many devices, that will recharge in seconds instead of hours. There is also hope that the technology will be able to increase the efficiency and power of electric cars.
If you want to read up on the specifics you can check out the full report here.
-JH
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With a solar-powered battery, an exterior made from recycled water bottles, and a special eco mode, the new Blue Earth from Samsung is definitely the greenest phone yet. Set to hit stores in Europe later this year, the Blue Earth also features a touch screen, a variety of useful apps, and an energy saving charger to use when there isn’t enough available sunlight.
-JH
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For a few years now doctors have been using scanner laser opthalmoscopes (SLO) to help some legally blind people see temporarily. While the progress is encouraging, the high cost ($100,000) and large size limit SLO’s usability. The good news is MIT researcher Elizabeth Goldring may have come up with a solution. Her new device, which consists of a digital camera and mini LCD screen allows for more portabliliy and costs less than $500 dollars. While this new “seeing machine” is still in testing, many blind people are hopeful for the amazing opportunities it will provide.
-JH
via TG Daily
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This past week Continental Airlines pilots successfully completed a 2-hour test flight using an algae-based alternative fuel. The fuel, which has also been tested by Air New Zealand, has been reported to deliver the same or more power than the industry standard, and its lighter as well.
Later this month Japan Airlines will do similar tests with fuel from a plant called Camelina that can be easily grown in the same places we grow wheat. It still may take a few years to see widespread use biofuels, but at leats we’re moving in the right direction.
-JH
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In an attempt to harness the energy produced by the millions of riders passing through the turn styles each day, the East Japan Railway Company has installed piezoelectric elements in the floors of Tokyo Station.
Early testing has shown great results leading the company to believe that in the near future, the power generated through the system will be able to run automatic ticket gates and electronic displays in stations across the city.
-JH
via alldaybuffet
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There is a new high impact/low cost weapon in South Africa’s fight against AIDS… text messaging. Its one of the nations most popular methods of communication and thanks to partnerships with some the leading mobile service providers Project Masiluleke will connect millions of people with HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services.
With the negative stigma attached to the disease, many are afraid to seek help for fear of being shunned by friends and neighbors. The text messages provide access to more private means of getting help; and with the National AIDS Helpline receiving triple their daily call average, it seems to be working. The pilot program put together by the team at PopTech, is in its initial stages, but if it proves successful in South Africa it could be used worldwide.
-JH
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