57150835
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
The BBC reports that insurers are denying coverage to energy producers because of weak defenses against cyber attack. Lloyd's of London reports a 'huge increase' in demand for such policies, but audits they commissioned found 'protections were inadequate'. To quote Ed Skoudis 'War games' expert, '... it's surprising no big incident has happened given how weak the infrastructure is. It's very hackable.'
57059721
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Reuters reports Google has initiated lobbying efforts to stymie attempts by some states to enact distracted driver laws aimed at wearable technologies, such as Google Glass. Given the toll on our highways shown to arise from distracted drivers, is this responsible corporate behavior or "doing evil"?
56923457
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
John Cryan, a researcher at the University College Cork, explains the relationship between the bacteria in your gut and your intelligence. It seems the flora in your intestines can influence brain development as well as aspects of health and nutrition which affect such things as hormones and neurotransmitters.
Note: Please hold the George W. Bush jokes until after the break.
56885467
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Spike Aerospace, designers of the S-512 supersonic passenger aircraft, plan to replace windows with camera-fed viewscreens. Touted as giving passengers control over the view, it raises questions about keeping passengers in the dark, perhaps literally.
56607251
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
The BBC provides some insights into the next generation satellites being built for Google, by contractor DigitalGlobe in Colorado. The resolution of these satellites' cameras is said sufficient to provide clarity down to 10 inches. Unfortunately, the public will be allowed only half that image quality, the best being reserved for the U. S. military.
56372861
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
The commercial aviation industry is scrambling to get ahead of a new threat to air travel, burning or exploding lithium batteries. As portable devices have become more popular, improperly stored or defective lithium batteries have caused a number of incidents on airliners. The BBC article includes a short video showing the remarkably violent force even a small battery can produce. Important safety tip: this is one electrical fire you want to fight with water.
56186197
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Researchers from Virginia Tech are reporting they have uncovered the secrets behind the genus Chrysopelea's aerodynamic feats. These ophidians are capable of gliding some distance while appearing to slither through the air. The BBC's article on the revelations hosts a short video of the phenomenon. At the heart of Chrysopelea's feat is a remarkable ability of the snakes to alter their body's cross-section. Finally, snakes that don't need to be on no stinking plane.
56139917
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Reuters is reporting that concessions by the Internet giant have paved the way for a resolution to the long-standing European Union investigation into Google's alleged anti-competitive practices.
55833813
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Patterns appearing in images taken by the ESA's Cryosat program at first baffled agency scientists. Fearing malfunction, they poured over the data. It turns out that patterns in ice features known as sastrugi were affecting the reflection of the polarized radar used by the satellite. The sastrugi have been formed by Antarctica's prevailing katabatic winds. The BBC reports.
55046435
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
In what is being touted as a milestone, Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fighter jets, have flown with 3-D printed parts. The announcement came from defence company BAE Systems, and it depicts the programme as a model for cost-saving.
54988899
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Reminding us of beer's pivotal role in the civilisation of humankind, the BBC comments on the discovery of an Ancient Egyptian tomb, belonging to the distinguished "head of beer production" in the Pharaoh's court.
54477153
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
TechFlash is reporting on articles from TechCrunch and the Wall Street Journal indicating that Amazon is scooping up San Francisco startup, mobile-payments provider GoPago, to compete with the likes of PayPal and Square. Opinions differ as to whether this is a speculative deal or a fait accompli.
54476967
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
The BBC reports on research that points to the possibility of using inkjet technology to print retinal ganglion and glial cells. While the research is preliminary, it is thought to hold great promise for treating certain kinds of eye problems.
54154135
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, at ZDnet, is reporting on a decision in a German court that Microsoft's File Allocation Table patent is invalid due to "obviousness". This threatens MS revenues from the mobile OS that generates the most profits for them, Android.
54149303
submission
Rambo Tribble writes:
The BBC reports that Google is making available a new tool that will allow individuals to create their own Street View panoramas. Using photos from an Android device or digital camera, the user will be able to stitch together these custom 360-degree views of their favorite places.