44938755
submission
revimg writes:
A New Scientist blog post describe a tool allowing anyone to collect and visualize Google Autocomplete suggestions for every country, for any query.
The source code is released on github as part of a research described in an ACM WebSci13 paper to be presented in May in Paris.
Authors decribe some interesting semantic and geographical pattern of suggestions. For example, "how to" suggesting "how to tie a tie" for northern countries, and "how to kiss" for southern countries.
44938363
submission
ewolfson writes:
Bioglass bone grafts may soon be a common fix for regeneration of broken bones. A Spanish research team's work paves the way for a type of glass that helps heal fractures, and then safely dissolves when its work is done.
Bioglass, a type of biologically active glass that binds to bone tissue, has long been a promising target for bone regeneration research. Healthy bones can heal themselves after slight damage, but major fractures or degeneration diseases like osteoporosis limit their ability to mend. Fasteners like metal nails can hold fractures together long enough for them to heal, but require two invasive surgeries: one to insert them and a second to remove them after the bone mends. Bioglass bone grafts, with chemical qualities that stimulate cell growth, would remove the need for a second surgery because they dissolve as bone tissue grows back.
44542665
submission
ewolfson writes:
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is pledging $100,000 to promising ideas and up to $1 million for ideas that have been deemed to have huge potential to be game changers. They are encouraging inventors, scientists and just about anyone to submit a two page proposal.
The attempt is to bring together people from different backgrounds (neurobiology, vascular biology, etc) or inventors who will have ideas about different designs that may work better and be more durable. They feel that using new materials may preserve or even enhance sensation while preserving the integrity of the protection a condom offers.
Condoms have been used for around 400 years; with people originally using dried animal intestines as a sheath to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last few centuries and condoms are now produced and distributed worldwide. Latex condoms were introduced in the early 1900's and the design has barely changed in the last 50 years. This is one reason that that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation see the potential to make large strides in public health.
Innovative ideas for condom design don't need to be high tech or made of some exotic material. For example Origami Condoms offer a design improvement that replicates the sensations of unprotected sex, with no loss of safety.