Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

By a fairly wide 420-3 margin, the House of Representatives gave a nearly unanimous thumbs-up to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, which would "prohibit employers from using genetic information or test results when making employment and health benefits decisions" if it gets a similar nod of approval from the Senate. Fortunately for supporters, the Senate has been known to look fondly upon similar legislation in the past, and if the bill becomes law, health insurers couldn't use "genetic information to set premiums," nor could they require customers to submit genetic tests. Essentially, this could ensure that any future human mutation hacks you inflict on yourself, or more frightening, any robotic humanoid whose genes would find it out, will be safe from scrutiny come interview time. It's about time to order up that oh-so-keen intelligent carpet, right, hiring managers?

[Via Wired]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

An analysis argues that semi-closed agricultural systems could enhance global sustainability of biological resources, curtail greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination, and reduce farming's reliance on oil imports and water.

With the growing number of postpartum mothers reporting they were currently smoking or smoked late in their pregnancy, it has become more critical to involve health care providers such as pediatricians in educating parents about the consequences of secondhand smoke exposure for children. However, minimal formal medical training exists regarding how pediatricians can effectively speak to their patients about secondhand smoke-related issues, according to a recent article.

A new study using laboratory rats provides strong evidence that the effects of maternal smoking during the prenatal period of life can lead to cardiac vascular dysfunction beyond the formative years -- and into adulthood. What's more, the effect of nicotine shows a gender dichotomy with females being more susceptible than males.

Filed under: Household, Portable Audio

If you're one of those folks who genuinely feel that Philips' Ambilight technology adds a whole new level to your television viewing experience, we'll tell ya, these are going to be awfully hard to resist. Ceratec's CeraLight Xeno audio system consists of four Ceraplanar flat diaphragm transducers and one subwoofer, and besides the 100-watts or so of power you'll have at your fingertips, these column speakers should delight the lighting freaks in the crowd with their remote-controllable brightness and color. Apparently, the LED-infused speakers can emit a variety of colorful glows depending on your mood, ensuring that there's never a lack of rainbow going on in your living room. Unfortunately, there's no word on price or availability just yet, but be sure to click on through to see these vivid sound sticks in action.

[Via FreshCreation]

Continue reading Ceratec's CeraLight Xeno audio system offers adjustable LED lighting

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!