::: Star Weekend Magazine :::

Sci-tech

360 Degree Photos In Two Seconds
Seitz, the Swiss manufacturer known for making cameras with jaw-dropping designs and price tags, has unveiled the Roundshot D3. In just a couple of seconds, this 360-degree camera will capture 470 million pixels worth of colour and light. The D3 has an ISO range from 500 to 10,000 and works with lenses from 24mm to 250mm. The huge image files in produces are stored on a Mac Mini. Obviously for serious photos only, the D3 hits the streets in January running with a tag of USD 37,463 for the mobile version and USD 34,906 for the studio model.

"Dogz" mobile game
Dogz is the only mobile game that lets you develop a true emotional relationship with your dog and never let him out of your sight. Ten different places to visit, including outside environments that change with the seasons through synchronisation with the phone's clock! Eleven mini-games for unequalled game length and variety: dog shows, dog Olympics, classic games with balls and Frisbees, etc. Dogz pushes simulation even further though: you'll quickly realise that your puppy reacts exactly like the real thing! But meeting its needs food, petting, exercise, etc. will not be enough to raise him into the perfect dog. Thanks to all of these mini-games, you and your dog won't get enough of various unexpected challenges that will keep you both on your toes!

Green Rechargeable Battery
Moixa Energy, a London-based company that designs and delivers environmentally friendly technologies, has come up with an alternative rechargeable battery, the USBCell. You just pop the top and plug the battery into a USB port. Currently, the USBCell is only available in an AA battery, but AAA, 9-volt and handset formats are in the works. The batteries can be purchased for £12.99 each from the Moixa Energy site.

Mouse for Germy People
Did you know that the average desk has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat? Never fear, for USD 40, a company called IOGEAR can sell you a germ-free wireless laser mouse designed to curb the spread of pneumonia, flu, pink eye and strep throat, "among other extremely contagious viruses," according to a press release from the company. The company says the mouse incorporates some crazy nano-technology to "deactivate bacteria with 99% efficiency." But, an important caveat, from IOGEAR, just in case you thought you could skip the doctor by licking off the special antibiotic nanotech coating: This device cannot be used as antibiotic or anti-viral medication. Do not ingest the surface material of the device under any circumstances. This device does not eliminate the entire universe of bacteria or viruses. It is not a replacement for cleanliness and good personal hygiene.

Electric wheelchair
Japan's auto maker Suzuki Motor unveils the prototype model of fuel cell powered electric wheelchair "Senior car MIO" at the annual International Home Care and Rehabilitation exhibition in Tokyo. The MIO has direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) batteries and which enables it to drive more than 40km distance with a 4-litre fueling of methanol.

Shocking Behaviour
US researchers are using a seismological technology that promises to prevent stress fractures by detecting the formation of tiny cracks in bones. Purdue University scientists say bone fracture cracks generate waves similar to those created by earthquakes. The researchers, in collaboration with scientists at Ohio's University of Toledo, have created a prototype device that could be used to monitor the formation of such microcracks in bones that can lead to hairline stress fractures unless detected in time. The goal is to create a wearable device that would alert the person when a stress fracture was imminent so they could stop rigorous physical activity long enough for the bone to heal, said Ozan Akkus, an associate professor in Purdue's Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering. The system records acoustic emission data or sound waves created by the tiny bone fissures. The same sorts of acoustic emissions are used to monitor the integrity of bridges, other structures and mechanical parts like helicopter turbine blades. Akkus says the technology could help prevent stress fractures in racehorses and those exposed to undue bone stress, such as soldiers.

Compiled by IMRAN H. KHAN

Source: New Scientist, Wired and Webindia123