Source: Newlaunches

There are far more people than just parents that have to worry about the changing of diapers.  There are the obvious ones within daycare and preschool.  Then there are those that work within hospitals that take care of young children as well as the elderly.  This diaper monitor system was developed for the elderly to make life easier on those caring for them.  However, there are plenty of other areas in which a device like this could easily be used.

The sensor kit is placed within the diaper.  Then in the presence of urine it causes a chemical reaction that can generate electricity.  It generates just enough to send a signal to a receiver unit.  The kit can transmit signals to the receiver as long as it’s within 3 meters.  This comes from a research laboratory at Japan’s Ritsumeikan University.  It was co-developed in collaboration with Seiko Epson.  Right now it’s still in the works, but hopefully it’ll be mass produced for hospitals soon.

Source: Crunchgear

Yes, it is supposed to make your head feel better, but I guarantee that it won’t make it look better. In fact, if you were to look at the inside of the helmet, you might not feel so good at all.

There is about 29 silicon balls for acupressure and 34 ceramic balls. I believe that these little spinners have these soft spikes on them. I believe that the purpose of it is to spin and soothe your aching brow. Apparently, this is much better than someone else rubbing your head to relieve you of your pain. I’m guessing that it won’t get caught in your hair, or only bald people like Lex Luthor could use it.

By the way, there is a sound therapy speaker inside which can provide the user with natural sounds including creeks, rain, birds, and waves. It also has “LED lighting that help to find mental stability”.

I’m not certain what that last part means, but there is apparently a remote control for the user to set to his or her personal soothing controls. There doesn’t seem to be a price or availability date on this for now.

Source

This UV wand eliminates the H1N1 virus from surfaces using safe UV-C light – the same technology trusted to sanitize hospital surfaces. Tests performed by an independent antimicrobial testing laboratory showed the wand destroyed 99.98% of the H1N1 virus after a five-second exposure when held 3/4″ above the contaminated surface. Also capable of killing MRSA, mold, and dust mites, the UV-C light penetrates viral and bacterial membranes and destroys their DNA, rendering the microorganisms incapable of reproduction and survival. Unlike liquid disinfectants, UV-C light can sanitize keyboards, upholstered furniture, cell phones, or any delicate surface that harbors germs. The cordless wand shuts off automatically if the light is turned upward. Operates for 90 minutes after an eight-hour charge via AC.

$69.95 for the H1N1 Destroying UV Wand sure beats paying hefty hospital bills if you were to be admitted, but what are the odds of you catching it? Also, isn’t this a case of being a little too late? We’re pretty sure it might’ve done much better when released at the peak of the virus’ spread.

This digital microscope made from a cellphone and $10 in parts could revolutionize bush medicine.

First there was the One Laptop Per Child laptop for under $100, now an engineer has created a $10 do it yourself microscope out of a cellphone!

The vision of engineering professor Aydogan Ozcan of UCLA, the microscope uses a cellphone and ten dollars ($10) of off the shelf parts. The idea is pretty groundbreaking and could help doctors who seek to diagnose illnesses in the “bush” areas of the third world where sophisticated lab equipment simply isn’t available.

The idea is pretty ingenious. Rather than take a slide and magnify it, the cellphone microsope can image the slide sample and send it wirelessly to the nearest hospital laboratory. But with special “app” software developed by Ozcan, the cellphones can also detect abnormal shaping of bloodcells which could show signs of infection.

And there’s even a special microscope box which can connect to a cellphone which can then transmit the data where it needs to go.

“There’s no need for regular microscope lenses anymore because the software can magnify the cells electronically,” said Ozcan, “by creating a hologram that can image several cells at the same time and analyze how they interact. We can learn a lot in seconds.”

And in a world where infectious disease can strike hundreds in a few hours, this invention can save lives to boot. My only question is, when will we see the iPhone app?

Hat Tip – the NYTimes via The Giz

Measuring roughly 2mm thin, the 911 Medical ID is small and compact enough to fit in your wallet similar to how a credit card nestles comfortably within. It offers a simple and convenient method to store and carry important medical information, ranging from health history to allergies and prescriptions, where medical personnel are able to access the easy-to-understand format. This card has been a work in progress for three long years, and the result is nothing short of fantastic with it being a potential life saver, as the crucial information stored within will help reduce misdiagnoses, save valuable time and perhaps even help reduce the cost of medical care as the health care industry moves toward electronic records.

When plugged into a computer’s USB port, the 911 Medical ID’s pre-loaded software will launch, helping users go through the relevant steps to enter information such as emergency contacts, doctors, medical conditions, prescriptions, a living will, medical tests and family history. It comes with a 2GB storage capacity that boasts password protection to prevent unwanted eyes from prying into what’s stored within. You can also back up the information within automatically onto a secure password-protected website for free for added peace of mind.

Press Release

Application of the vaccine can get rather tricky however, as one is required to scrape off some of the keratinized epithelium in order to gain access to the Langerhans cells. For that to happen, the level and amount of abrasion is required to be consistent, painless, and easy enough so that one can perform a self-administration procedure. Currently, a design firm has already been hired to develop the application technique for the transcutaneous vaccine patches. IDEO has decided to look towards a band aid-like device complete with a bulls eye and an attached tab. A simple press at the center while pulling the tab will help draw an abrasive strip across the skin, leaving an ink mark simultnaeously so that one knows the exact place to put the vaccine patch. Currently, the application device and patch are being manufactured via standard processes and materials in order to make them cheaper to manufacture in developing countries – hopefully a high level of quality control will be maintained then.

Source: Medgadget

Optimized in form, function and price for physical therapy clinics, athletic training and leading fitness facilities, the AlterG M300 is able to bear the weight of pro football players, move in tandem with the speed of Olympic runners, while accommodating the specific requirements of world-class teams and athletes, which means for the ordinary fit Joe, this ought to be not a problem to use at all. In addition, it will remove most impact on the body and the pain and difficulty of recovery that will definitely go a long way in helping people achieve their training and rehab goals. The AlterG M300 will enable people to run and walk at a fraction of their body weight (up to 80% according to tests) thanks to the use of AlterG’s Differential Air Pressure technology that applies a precise and comfortable lifting force to the body for pain-free movement.

Shipping of the AlterG M300 commences this November, where prices start from $24,500 onwards. Hmm, at that price point, we’re guessing most people would opt for a regular treadmill and take an extended holiday off their fitness regime when injured.

Press Release

The implementation of Sweep Technology ensures that there is no mechanical movement required for activation, and you won’t have to suffer from grappling with pushing buttons to gain the right access, or buttons that oxidize and fail with time since there are no openings whatsoever around the volume control wheel that will give rise to the opportunity for moisture and dirt to enter the said hearing aid, creating havoc down the line. The surface offers a single seamless control, where wearers will be able to gain full access to volume, memory and standby controls. To increase the volume, just sweep your finger upwards, while doing the opposite direction if you find it to be too loud for your taste. Memory settings can also be adjusted easily with but a single touch on the surface.

According to Jerry Ruzicka, President of Starkey, “This technology makes hearing aids both smarter and simpler. We have spent three years researching and developing a way to package this advanced touch surface technology into a hearing aid – and it paid off. Patients in our clinical trails have overwhelmingly preferred Sweep Technology to traditional controls.”

Press Release

Treadmills and I don’t exactly get along and I imagine I’m not the only one that detests them.  My hatred started after a back injury, the jarring steps you take on a treadmill hurt far more than they help when you’re injured.  Well if my gym had one of these treadmills I wouldn’t have had that problem.  This Anti-Gravity Treadmill makes it feel as if you’re jogging in zero gravity.  That makes it ideal for anyone with an injury that keeps them from jogging.

Although jogging on the moon isn’t exactly a feasible option for most of us, it still seems like a fun idea.  This treadmill is probably the closest the average man will come to that.  Most people with injuries learn to exercise in other ways, like in the pool or my personal choice is an elliptical machine.  If you miss your precious treadmill though, this would allow you to get that experience back.  Sadly when it comes out next month, it’s going to be out of most of our as well as our gym’s price range.  You’ll be able to find the AlterG M300 for $24,500.

Source: BornRich

GE is the pioneer of this new mobile device called the Vscan. It is designed for doctors who are making house calls. Instead of bringing the patient to the hospital or doctor’s office, the device can come to the mother. I’ll bet that they have to use that really cold creamy stuff that is the bane of pregnant mothers everywhere.

GE has just unveiled this device at the Web 2.0 summit, and they estimate that its cost will be about $250,000. That is not enough for every expectant father to own one of these, but at least low enough so a hospital could have at least one handy.

Personally, I like the idea of every expectant father owning an ultrasound device. I heard Tom Cruise purchased a Sonogram machine when he was about to have baby Suri, and I think every new dad should watch with expectation the birth of their children. Perhaps the technology will improve and the ultrasound will be an iPhone app in a few years.

Source

I am one of the many that has a job that puts me in front of a computer for a large part of my day.  I try my best to find ways to get some extra exercise to compensate and so far have not had any health issues.  However, I often worry that what I do is not nearly enough.  I could buy one of those silly pedometers, but it just tracks how many steps I take.  This tracks quite a bit more than that and allows for you to evaluate your progress over time.

It will take into consideration your age, gender, height and weight.  Then it uses that data and converts how many calories you burn with each activity that you do.  The monitor is waterproof, so it can even be worn while you’re swimming.  The device is extremely accurate in measuring your daily expenditure and can be worn on your belt or as a necklace.  It’s also small enough that it could easily slip into your pocket.  The Philips DirectLife can be purchased for $79 up until Oct 30th and it’ll come with a 4 month membership.  After that 4 months the monthly cost will go to $12.50.

Source: TechChee

Depsite how small misquito bites happen to be, they still are quite capable of making you crazy.  Not to mention all of the other rashes and things that make you itch.  Anything that has that itchy effect has a way of making your day a little more irritating.  Well instead of picking up a cream that barely works, you can try out a different method.  This Itch Stopper is electronic and won’t leave you with a gooey mess that seems to always rub off on your clothing.

It is said to stop itching entirely by producing mild electronic energy.  That energy destroys the toxins beneath the skin and stops histamine release.  All of that making it so that you won’t be quite so itchy.  It’s of course FDA approved and will not cause any DNA damage or skin cancer.  For something this good it is going to cost you a little extra, but thankfully not too much extra.  You can purchase the Itch Stopper for $59.95 through Amazon.

Source: CraziestGadgets

The Jedi Lightsaber is one step closer to reality ...

Remember in Empire Strikes Back when Han Solo takes Luke’s light saber and cuts up a TaunTaun in order to stuff Luke in it and save him from frost bite? Pure fiction, to be sure, but news has come that a plasma knife – or scalpel – has passed field tests with the US Army.

The plasma knife contains a beam of glowing, ionized gas for a blade and will be able to slice and cauterize a wound that soldiers suffer on the battlefield, effectively closing off any bleeding immediately. The plasma knife can accomplish this by creating an “impermeable layer of necrotic tissue” around the wound. Translation – you seal the wound by searing it, effectively killing the tissue that gets exposed to the blade. Plasma is particularly effective because it can penetrate the porous outer layer of tissue without damaging it, thus cutting off serious bloodflow from major blood vessels without doing major damage to surrounding tissue. Aside from every Star Wars geeks fantasy, the potential of saving lives due to “bleeding out” is immense.

The plasma knife is also field friendly in that it is low power, not requiring a major power connection to run it and implying a separate portable power pack.

Strictly speaking, the plasma knife isn’t a mini light saber. But it’s the first steps in what is surely life imitating art.

Hat Tip – Wired via The Giz

Apart from that, the wristband tag would also be at home when used in other places including amusement parks, cruise ships and other hospitality venues – basically anywhere where there is a potential for children or adults to be separated from their group. This got me thinking as well – it would be great for tour operators to slap their ‘party’ with one of these each just in case the more independent minded tourists chart out their own trail, especially in crowded places. Businesses can also keep track of visitors to make sure they remain off-limits to sensitive areas, hence preventing unwarranted snooping around.

The T301W tag will function similarly to Ekahau’s other tags, offering an unprecedented degree of location accuracy, movement tracking and workflow visibility. Accuracy can be measured down to a few feet regardless of being in a confined area or open space. Features include a programmable push button that will send a pre-determined message to the RTLS system when pressed, following by processes that result from a sophisticated set of business rules. Expect the T301W tags to be out sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, retailing for approximately $60.

Press Release

Vioguard’s proprietary UVKB50 self-sanitizing keyboard will harness the power and properties of ultraviolet light in order to get rid of those nasty germs, bacteria and other threatening lifeforms that can only be seen when magnified many hundreds of times over. Its release could not come at a better time, since it is being introduced at a time when healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), including MRSA, strike an estimated 250,000 hospital patients in Canada each year. These “superbugs” were estimated to be the reason for death in an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 patients in Canada annually, so hopefully the UVKB50 self-sanitizing keyboard will be able to reduce this rate somewhat.

After all, ultraviolet light is famous to be effective against harmful microorganisms such as H1N1 flu, MRSA and molds. Independent laboratory testing have shown that the ultraviolet light generated by the unit’s two powerful 25-watt germicidal fluorescent lamps managed to finish off over 99.99% of harmful bacteria and viruses – where among these include MRSA and flu, in under a minute and a half. It will retail for $899 a pop and is now available in Canada. Sure beats having to disinfect the keyboard manually after each use, and it won’t cramp your productivity either since it will boast a high quality laptop style keyset alongside an advanced state of the art multi-touch track pad.

Press Release

I think we are all aware of date rape drugs such as GHB and Ketamine, and a cosmetic company called 2 Love My Lips is fighting back.

This Liverpool-based company is marketing their lip gloss with a drug testing kit for “party girls who want to play hard and feel safe”. The drug-testing kit includes a pink taper that has been treated to detect the common date rape drugs like litmus paper tests acids. If a woman finds that her drink tastes odd, then she can dab her finger into a drink and rub each end of the taper. If the taper turns blue, then the drink has been tampered with. She can then call her friends or security for help.

It is nice to see that a company is taking steps to prevent drug rape. These 2LoveMyLips Glosses can be purchased at boutique salons across the United Kingdom, and the company is planning on expanding to other countries as well. It can also be purchased at the company website.

In addition to the drug detector kits, these glosses “plump lips and freshen breath with a strong minty flavor”. You know, the usual stuff that lip gloss is supposed to do.

Source

So what does it do? The DynaFlex Powerball is designed for hand and wrist exercises. Go ahead and read that last sentence and see if you can figure out why I didn’t use that as a headline. Perhaps I should have forgotten the innuendo and gone with it, and I might end up on Jay Leno’s headlines section of his new show.

Seriously, the Powerball has a gryoscope built in that can spin at 18,000 RPM. As a result, it generates 40 pounds of torque which helps exercise the wrist and prevent repeated wrist injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). I will do my best to describe it below.

You see, the gyroscope has to be spun, and I found it was best done with a string that you pull like a motorboat motor. Once the gyros are spinning, it is like the ball has a life on its own. The user must move his or her wrist in order to keep it spinning, and a light inside of it that glows brighter the faster it spins.

If you like to find out more about it, go to the DynaFlex website and pay $45.95 for it now.

No one likes being the one no one wants to sleep around, thanks to their obnoxiously loud snoring.  Well for those that haven’t found a way to get their snoring to stop, here’s another miracle gadget to try.  It claims to at least lessen your snoring, but does it in an odd way.  It uses acupuncture to achieve this goal.  Of course there’s no way to confirm whether or not this actually works without trying it, but at least the gadget isn’t too expensive.

The watch doesn’t actually tell the time, so it’s a little silly to call it a watch.  However, it does have a sensitive micro-sound detector that will detect when you’re snoring.  Once it does that it will send a very mild electronic signal.  Apparently it’s even capable of distinguishing between snoring and just other noises in general.  This device will make slow down the frequency of your snoring as well as make it so you don’t snore quite so loudly.  You can purchase the gadget for $36 from Amazon.

Source: GadgetGrid