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These are the headlines for April the 11th, 2013.
 Researchers turn gray matter transparent to shed light on the brain's secrets
Many will remember the colorless colas that came and went in the early 90s. While they were nothing more than a gimmick, Stanford University researchers have developed a clear technology that should prove a little more beneficial to humanity. They have developed a process called CLARITY that turns a normally opaque brain transparent, allowing postmortem examinations to be done without slicing and dicing and opening the doors to a wealth of information about our least understood organ.
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Chill Puck designed to keep drinks colder, longer
Beer koozies (aka coasties, coldy-holdys, stubby holders and a multitude of other names) are a summer staple for keeping cans of drink colder, longer. Not satisfied with the cooling capabilities of these foam cylinders, Curt Peters created the Chill Puck, a small hockey puck-shaped disc that fits on the underside of a can.
Could the 7-inch Surface tablet be Xbox themed?
Microsoft's Surface tablets have been a mixed bag. The Pro version is a beast of a tablet, with slick hardware and Ultrabook power. But the RT model has a barren app selection and a confusing, bipolar operating system. With this less-than-stellar launch, it's no surprise that Microsoft has something new in the oven: a smaller 7-inch Surface tablet.
MoVI M10 – Steadicam smoothness for less than Hollywood-sized budgets
One of the most defining facets of any filmmaker's style is how they position and move the camera. Though the time honored "tripod or dolly?" choice expanded with the advent of the Steadicam operator-controlled motion system in the 1980's, the cost of even renting one (and the operator) have remained out of reach for the new breed digital filmmakers. Enter the MōVI M10 handheld gyroscopic camera mounting system from Freefly Systems – a motorized, triple gimbal system that provides rock-solid smoothness under ridiculous amounts of motion, both small and large, and for a fraction of its cost could offer what the Steadicam does – and potentially a whole lot more.
LG brings PayPal to its Smart TV platform
LG is making it easier for people to part with their cash from the comfort of their couches with the integration of PayPal into its Smart TV platform. The move is a first for a TV manufacturer and will allow viewers to purchase products, apps and games directly through the TV using the popular digital payment system.
PC shipments in Q1: steepest decline ever
When PC sales slumped last year, a common line of thinking was "wait for Windows 8." Well, we waited ... it came ... and now things are even worse. International Data Corporation (IDC) just released global shipment data for the first quarter, and PCs celebrated Windows 8's arrival by having their worst quarter ever.
Scientists create 3D-printed copy of living rat's skeleton
Researchers at Indiana's University of Notre Dame recently placed an anesthetized lab rat in a CT scanner, created a digital 3D model of its skeleton from the scan data, and then sent that model to a commercial MakerBot 3D printer. A highly-accurate plastic replica of the skeleton was the end result.
Deep Brain Stimulation shows promise as treatment for depression
Deep Brain Stimulation, in which a pacemaker-like device activates select regions of the brain via implanted electrodes, has been used to help people suffering from a variety of neurological problems. Just in the past few years, studies have explored its use for treating anorexia, Alzheimer's, and memory disorders. Now, perhaps not surprisingly, scientists from Germany's Bonn University Hospital have found that it also appears to do wonders for acute depression.
Panasonic DMC-GF6 brings NFC to interchangeable lens cameras
Panasonic has revealed its latest GF Series camera, the LUMIX DMC-GF6. With the addition of easier access to manual controls and a chunkier body, the new mirrorless digital camera looks set to take the series in a slightly more enthusiast direction. However, the standout feature of the GF6 is undoubtedly its wireless capabilities, which include Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC technology – meaning users can easily connect the camera to a smartphone/tablet with a simple touch.
Microsoft Office for Android and iPad coming ... in late 2014?
Apple often speaks of a "post PC era." Microsoft talks about a "PC plus era." Each company is framing the future around its strengths, so believe what you will. Whether post or plus, though, mobile computing is here to stay. And if Microsoft wants Office to remain the industry standard, it'll eventually need to offer it on the biggest mobile platforms. Just don't hold your breath for that.
High-speed camera system catches close-ups of snowflakes in mid-air
Falling snow can play havoc with radar systems, so the more that we know about the manner in which snow falls, the better that those systems can be equipped to compensate for it. That's why for the past three years, researchers from the University of Utah have been developing a device known as the Multi-Angle Snowflake Camera – or MASC. Using three cameras and two motion sensors, it captures 3D photos of snowflakes in free-fall.
Picking strings sends out the right message with the Email guitar
I must confess that the more time I spend tapping away on a computer keyboard, the more my guitars sit ignored and unplayed in the corner. This is also something that troubled Wieden+Kennedy's David Neevel. Unlike me though, he decided to do something about it. With a little help from a Roland GR-33 guitar synth, an Arduino Uno, some electronics and custom code, he managed to trick his laptop into treating his Flying V as if it was a standard keyboard input.
Nissan GTR sets ice speed record
The Nissan GT-R really didn't need a new speed record to remind us that it's a lotta car for a little buck – we remember that every time we look at its specs. But, in conjunction with LAV Productions company, Nissan went ahead and brought a specially outfitted GT-R to one of the coldest, least hospitable places on earth – Siberia – and returned with a new ice speed record.
Victorinox releases Swiss Army Bike Tool
Long before the Leatherman ever existed, the Swiss Army Knife became one of the first commercially-produced multi-tools. Now, no doubt aware of the increasing popularity of cycling-specific multi-tools, Victorinox has introduced its Swiss Army Bike Tool.
World's largest wind farm, London Array, brought fully online
Phase one of the London Array usurped the UK's Greater Gabbard to become the largest operational offshore wind farm in the world when its final turbine (its 175th) was commissioned on Saturday afternoon. Though construction was completed back in December, it is only now that all of the farm's turbines are supplying the UK's national grid with electrical power. The array has a total capacity of 630 MW.
Self-healing "artificial leaf" produces energy from dirty water
Back in 2011, scientists reported the creation of the "world's first practical artificial leaf" that mimics the ability of real leaves to produce energy from sunlight and water. Touted as a potentially inexpensive source of electricity for those in developing countries and remote areas, the leaf's creators have now given it a capability that would be especially beneficial in such environments – the ability to self heal and therefore produce energy from dirty water.
Maserati redefines the Ghibli for 2014
Way back in 1966, Maserati came to the Turin Auto Show with a new performance GT in hand. Sculpted by design legend Giorgetto Giugiaro the awkwardly named Ghibli, a long of nose GT, was one of Maserati's great successes in the 60s. After several questionable attempts to bring the name back in various forms, Maserati is set to release a redefined Ghibli – this time in sedan form.
Transforming-house designers launch transforming-coffee table to match
The designers behind the transforming D-Dynamic concept house have applied the same principle to a designer coffee table launching on Kickstarter.
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