Robot Can Read Human Body Language

Posted by CmdrTaco on Thursday December 10, @11:35AM
from the we-are-the-robots dept.

science

An anonymous reader writes"European researchers have developed a new approach to artificial intelligence that could allow computers to respond to behavior as well as commands, reacting intelligently to the subtle nuances of human communication. It's no trivial feat – many humans struggle with the challenge on a day-to-day basis."

Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks

By Thomas Ricker posted Dec 10th 2009 6:59AM

Crazy huh? Sure, but if your company just launched a commercial vacuum cleaner so quiet that it's called the "UltraSilencer" then what better way to drive that point home than by adding an "iPod dock" (though that's no iPod we've ever seen) and speakers to the damn thing? In fact, Electrolux has taken this Silence Amplified concept so far that they've conducted a lab study to prove that "music assisted vacuuming increases the number of nozzle sweeps, improves the cleaning result and leaves a general feeling of happiness." Duh. Now go check the video evidence after the break.

Electrolux "Silence Amplified" vacuum with iPod dock and speakers probably sucks

Electrolux

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Are Holiday and Weekend Eating Patterns Affecting Obesity Rates?

ScienceDaily (Dec. 10, 2009) — The holidays can be challenging for even the most diligent dieters. But are weekends just as detrimental? Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., found that weekend eating patterns change significantly.

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Electromagnetic Fields as Cutting Tools

ScienceDaily (Dec. 10, 2009) — The bodywork on motor vehicles must be sufficiently stable, but processing the high-strength steels involved -- for example punching holes in them -- can prove something of a challenge. A new steel-cutting process will save time, energy and money in the future.

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Hops Compound May Prevent Prostate Cancer

Drink More BEER:)

ScienceDaily (Dec. 10, 2009) — The natural compound xanthohumol blocks the effects of the male hormone testosterone, therefore aiding in the prevention of prostate cancer.

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UK man builds life-sized Dalek, furthers intergalactic evil

By Joseph L. Flatley posted Dec 8th 2009 3:54PM

Sci-fi fandom and the DIY ethic go hand in hand -- and for evidence, you need only look at the large number of Star Trek and Star Wars-themed projects we've seen in this space over the years. Still, few of them have achieved the scope of the full-sized Dalek that Rob Bosher built for about £700 (roughly $1,140). Powered by an electric wheelchair and constructed mostly from wood, this guy can be piloted via remote control and even features working lights, a moving eye (a reconstituted magic eight ball) and a voice modulator for the creepy, alien order to "exterminate." When not trying to slowly (very slowly) populate the earth with a robot army bent on universal conquest and destruction, Bosher hopes to use his project to make money for regional charities.

Extreame Sheperding

Sea Level Could Rise from 0.75 to 1.9 Meters This Century

ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2009) — A new scientific study warns that sea level could rise much faster than previously expected. By the year 2100, global sea level could rise between 75 and 190 centimetres, according to a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Craving Hinders Comprehension Without You Realizing It

I wonder if this translates to strong food cravings too? My experience says yes.

ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2009) — A new University of Pittsburgh study reveals that craving a cigarette while performing a cognitive task not only increases the chances of a person's mind wandering, but also makes that person less likely to notice when his or her mind has wandered.

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A Greener Way to Get Electricity from Natural Gas

ScienceDaily (Dec. 8, 2009) — A new type of natural-gas electric power plant proposed by MIT researchers could provide electricity with zero carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, at costs comparable to or less than conventional natural-gas plants, and even to coal-burning plants. But that can only come about if and when a price is set on the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases -- a step the U.S. Congress and other governments are considering as a way to halt climate change.

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Linux Reaches 32% Netbook Market Share

Posted by kdawson on Monday December 07, @10:07PM
from the one-third-of-world-domination dept.

portables

linux

christian.einfeldt writes"Linux netbooks have captured 32% of the global netbook market, says Jeff Orr, an analyst with consumer computer research firm ABI Research. The largest share of netbook sales is in the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, according to Orr. ABI's latest figures align with a statement by Dell executives in February of this year, to the effect that Linux netbooks comprised about 33% of Dell shipments of Dell Inspiron mini 9s netbooks. These data points cast doubt on claims by Microsoft that Windows XP has captured 98% of the netbook market (a figure Microsoft later revised to 93%). In an interview with DesktopLinux.com, Orr made clear that the 32% Linux netbook market share did not include either user-installed Linux or dual-boot systems, but was confined to just pre-installed Linux shipments."

Many Parents Encourage Underage Drinking, Australian Study Finds

ScienceDaily (Dec. 7, 2009) — Half of Australian adults and 63 per cent of Australians on a higher income believe 15- to 17-year-olds should be allowed to consume alcohol under parental supervision at home, according to the latest MBF Healthwatch survey.

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