In an innovative effort to address the significant risks associated with falls among the elderly, Suzhou Yidaibao Intelligent Technology Co., a Chinese startup, has developed a groundbreaking solution reminiscent of car airbags. Motivated by the unfortunate experience of witnessing an elderly friend suffer a pelvic bone fracture from a fall in 2014, the team aimed to prevent such incidents and the ensuing period of Continue reading “Wearable Airbags Deploy in Milliseconds To Protect the Elderly From Falls” »

Nestled in the snow-covered landscapes of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, just 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, the iconic ICEHOTEL has emerged as a breathtaking testament to artistic innovation and engineering prowess. Established in 1989, it is the world’s first and largest hotel constructed entirely from ice. As winter envelopes the Nordic countries, the ICEHOTEL has transformed annually with new sculptures and installations crafted from ice, Continue reading “Sweden’s ICEHOTEL Reopens With Stunning New Ice Sculptures for 2024” »

Minnie Payne’s educational journey is a testament to the idea that learning knows no age limit. Returning to the classroom at the age of 68 after a fulfilling career, Payne defied conventional timelines to achieve her dream of obtaining a college degree. Her determination did not waver, and at the age of 73, she proudly earned her undergraduate degree. Unwilling to rest on her laurels, Payne continued her pursuit of knowledge at the University of Northern Texas, where, at the remarkable age of 90, she made Continue reading “90-Year-Old Becomes Oldest Person to Earn Master’s Degree From University” »

A team led by engineer Feng Guo from Indiana University Bloomington has developed a system called Brainoware, which integrates real human brain tissue with electronics. Brainoware uses brain organoids—three-dimensional mini-brains grown from human pluripotent stem cells—in conjunction with an array of high-density microelectrodes and artificial neural network technology known as reservoir computing. The electrical stimulation transports information into the organoid, where it is processed, and the system produces calculations in the form of neural activity. While slightly less accurate than a pure hardware computer running on artificial intelligence, the research marks an important step in a new kind of computer architecture.

The Brainoware system demonstrates the potential of using real human brain tissue to perform tasks such as speech recognition and math problems. The organoids, while not capable of thought, emotion, or consciousness, provide a more realistic environment for studying brain function compared to traditional artificial neural networks. This approach represents a novel way to advance neuromorphic computing, aiming to replicate the brain’s efficiency by combining biological processes with electronics. While the discoveries this new approach will lead to are significant, ethical considerations are emphasized by researchers, urging the community to examine neuroethical issues surrounding biocomputing systems that incorporate human neural tissue.

Researchers at Western Sydney University in Australia, in collaboration with tech giants Intel and Dell, are set to unveil a supercomputer named DeepSouth, designed to simulate neural networks at the scale of the human brain. The computer is capable of emulating networks of spiking neurons at a rate of 228 trillion synaptic operations per second, mirroring the estimated processing speed of the human brain. Instead of aiming to be the most powerful conventional supercomputer, DeepSouth is focused on simulating the brain’s network of neurons using a neuromorphic system, mimicking biological processes and making it more efficient and less power-hungry. The researchers hope the system will advance understanding of the brain and contribute to the development of brain-scale computing applications in fields such as sensing, biomedical research, robotics, space exploration, and large-scale AI applications.

The DeepSouth supercomputer, scheduled to become operational in April 2024, is expected to offer researchers unprecedented insights into how the human brain processes information. Neuromorphic computing, the basis of DeepSouth, involves performing numerous operations simultaneously with minimal data movement, leading to reduced energy consumption. The researchers believe that simulating spiking neural networks on standard computers using graphics processing units (GPUs) and multicore central processing units (CPUs) is slow and power-intensive, and they aim to address these limitations with their neuromorphic system. The project has the potential to significantly impact the development of advanced smart devices and more energy-efficient AI models, opening up new possibilities for research in neuroscience and AI engineering solutions.

George and Roxanne Miller, owners of the world’s largest collection of mechanical puzzles, have recently relocated their extensive collection from Puzzle Palace in Boca Raton, Florida, to a 15th-century, 52-room castle in Panicale, central Italy. The Miller collection comprises over 80,000 puzzles, including more than 5,000 Rubik’s Cubes, over 7,000 wooden burr puzzles, and 140 brass, bronze, and gold puzzle sculptures by Spanish artist Miguel Berrocal. The couple decided to embark on a road trip across the United States, visiting puzzler friends and acquiring additional puzzles along the way, before shipping their collection to Italy in five 40-foot containers. The road trip served as a “last hurrah” before settling into their new home in the Italian castle.

The Millers’ collection includes a diverse array of puzzles, ranging from Rubik’s Cubes and wooden burr puzzles to intricate sculptures by Miguel Berrocal. Puzzle Palace in Florida was dedicated to housing the vast collection, which occupied not only the mansion but also a nearby museum. The couple’s decision to buy a castle in Italy allowed them to house their extensive collection in a fitting setting. During their road trip, the Millers visited friends and puzzle enthusiasts, collecting additional puzzles along the way. The journey culminated in the shipment of the puzzles to Italy, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the world’s largest collection of mechanical puzzles in its new home.

The Noori Modular Barbecue Grill, particularly the Noori V01 model, stands out as an exceptionally attractive BBQ design that goes beyond conventional grilling capabilities. Its modular components make cooking a diverse range of meals possible, whether over a wood fire or charcoal embers. From juicy ribs and sizzling burgers to hearty pots of chili and wood-fired pizza, the Noori V01 is a versatile cooking solution. Serving as a permaculture vertical stove, BBQ grill, pizza oven, and fire pit, it adapts to various culinary needs and preferences, offering optimized fuel combustion for wood fires. The flexibility of the Noori extends to its mobility, storage, and arrangement, allowing users to easily move and configure the grill based on specific meal requirements or the nature of an event.

This modular barbecue grill enables the use of wood, charcoal, or a combination of both for the barbecue feature, providing users with diverse cooking options. The Noori V01 exemplifies a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering a versatile cooking experience that extends beyond the traditional BBQ. Priced at an average of $1,500, the Noori Modular Barbecue Grill represents an investment in quality, design, and the ability to create a wide array of delicious dishes in a single, stylish package.

Heartwood Saunas introduces the Arbor V outdoor sauna, a harmonious blend of traditional design and contemporary aesthetics, providing a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation. With its classic cedar shingle twin-pitched roof and modern glass front, the Arbor saunas offer a private yet expansive cabin-style haven. The emphasis on creating a connection with nature is evident through the full-height glass wall, central frameless hinged door, and post-box style windows along the side walls. This design choice allows for a panoramic view, enabling occupants to immerse themselves in the serenity of their surroundings, whether it’s the tranquility of a garden or a broader scenic landscape. The small porch not only frames the view but also offers cover and privacy.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Arbor V sauna is a peaceful retreat during the day, flooded with natural light through the glass wall and extended windows. The interior features clean lines and warm tones of vertical internal cladding, complemented by rounded benches with elegant fanned corners, creating a visually striking and inviting space. The sauna comfortably accommodates up to five people or offers the option for two people to lie down, ensuring a flexible and inclusive experience. Equipped with a HUUM sauna stove, the Arbor V combines modern convenience with traditional warmth. With features like subtle warm white LED down-lighting, overhanging porch area with towel hooks, and a thermally modified poplar internal cladding, this outdoor sauna provides a luxurious and inviting escape. Priced at £35,000 + VAT, the Arbor V from Heartwood Saunas represents a premium option for those seeking a high-quality and beautifully crafted outdoor sauna experience.  

Out of the Valley, an innovative architecture studio, has unveiled its first prefabricated sauna named Forest Sauna in Devon, England. The sauna is designed to promote the Scandinavian tradition of sauna bathing and offers a retreat in the heart of nature. Elevated on metal supports and clad in charred black larch using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, the six-square-meter Forest Sauna integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The prefabricated structure features a large square window framing views of the adjacent forest, emphasizing a connection with nature.

Founder Rupert McKelvie and his team at Out of the Valley crafted the Forest Sauna with a simple timber structure, clad in planks of charred larch. Inside, the sauna is lined with thermo alder wood, a popular choice for saunas, creating a calming atmosphere. The glass door provides easy access, and the interior includes two wooden benches flanking a central heater, which customers can choose to be either wood-fired or electric. The sauna’s portability is a key feature, allowing owners to relocate it easily, aligning with the studio’s commitment to adaptability and a harmonious integration with the landscape.

Out of the Valley’s Forest Sauna joins a collection of handmade cabins and shelters from the studio, each contributing to the ethos of embracing nature and escaping the demands of contemporary living. With Forest Sauna, Out of the Valley not only brings the Scandinavian tradition to the UK but also introduces a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, offering a tranquil space for relaxation immersed in the beauty of the natural environment.