Move over pinochle, Web surfing stimulates aging brains

The University of California at Los Angeles this week gave us the perfect antidote to Nick Carr's musings in The Atlantic about how the Internet is turning us into multitasking scatterbrains with diminishing attention spans.

A group of scientists found that searching the Internet doesn't make computer-savvy, middle-aged and older adults stupid. It actually triggers key centers in the brain that control decision making and complex reasoning. In other words, we might not have to resort to word puzzles and pinochle to fend off senility.

The study, reportedly the first of its kind to assess the impact of Internet searching on brain performance, will be published in an upcoming issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

"The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults," said principal investigator Dr Gary Small, a professor at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. "Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."
Read more »

Robotic planet that imitates photosynthesis

Even as the One Upstairs created Man, it looks like Man wants to play Creator by cloning himself in more ways than one. Researchers from Chonnam National University in Korea have managed to develop a robotic plant that functions like its biological counterpart. In short, it can produce oxygen, give out scents, emit moisture into the air, and even, yes, imitate photosynthesis. Just like the real thang.

According to writeups, the roboplant will lean toward anyone approaching within 40cm, complete with flowers blooming. Talking to the plant also causes it to bloom and shake to greet you. Like its cheap, retail counterparts, this cyberpot will also dance when you play music.

Of course, it's a pretty sterile attempt since this effort is unlikely to ever replace our fast-vanishing tracts of rainforest and the many possible cures for life-threatening ailments with it. Still, let's hope no mad scientist ever coughs up a Terminator Venus Fly Trap anytime soon.

Via Digital Chosun

Study reveals that Google is actually good for your brain

We know Google is going to take over the world one day (note how we write it as a matter of when, not how). And the fact that it gives its engineers so much free time to even come up with innovative (but sometimes nonsensical) apps like the Mail Goggles only makes it more apparent that the slowly encroaching tentacles of the search giant are hitting every aspect of our lives. But did you know that Google (as a verb) is actually good for your brain?

A study at the University of California, Los Angeles, showed heightened neural activity in the visual cortex and the areas that control language and reading when test groups were thrown tasks which required them to search for answers via a simulated online search. A magnetic resonance imaging scanner then measured the participants' brain activity.

Researcher Dr Gary Small did qualify that the test group of 24 people, aged 55 to 78 with the only difference being their technological experiences, was small "but adequate to see a difference between the groups". Apparently, the group with previous experience in the Internet showed more neural activity than the group which didn't.

The key takeaway is this: When you engage in mentally challenging tasks, it could improve brain health. Which is why we are deciding whether to go for a pint of Erdinger, a glass of gin and tonic, or a shot of tequila. Tough, but necessary choices we have to make here. Maybe we should ask Google.

Via CNN

Bandai unleashes a robot watchdog

Since Sony's Aibo cyberdog is history, this Wall-E-like robotic watchdog may have just enough kawaii to inherit the AI crown. Bandai's NetTansorWeb is designed to patrol your premises for intruders, with built-in surveillance cameras and sensors to do the job. You can even remotely monitor your home through its "eyes" and get it to blog. Though why you'd need a security robot to blog still stumps us. Hopefully, when this launches in Japan come December (for US$500), Bandai would have christened its robo watchdog with a more user-friendly name than NetTransorWeb. Meanwhile, it'll be interesting to see how the NetTransorWeb and iRobot get along when they meet face-to-face while on autopilot duty.

Via GearLog

Startup looks to extend battery life

Intel-backed start-up ZPower may be the first to introduce an alternative to the ubiquitous lithium-ion laptop battery, with a silver-zinc technology the company says will make its debut with a large laptop maker in 2009.

The company promises up to 40 percent more run time than current lithium-ion batteries, and says its batteries are 95 percent recyclable.

ZPower made the announcement ahead of the Batteries 2008 conference in Nice, France, which began Wednesday, and where ZPower's chief executive, Ross Dueber, will be presenting ZPower's take on silver-zinc technology, also known as silver-oxide.

Silver-zinc batteries were initially developed for aircraft, and were used to power the Apollo spacecraft, as well as finding their way into torpedoes and the U.S. Alfa class submarine.
Read more »

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2230)

» Digital Cameras (983)

» Notebooks (1233)

» PC & Peripherals (1311)

» Handhelds (585)

» Printers (82)

» Home AV (1145)

» Music & Play (893)

» Gadgets (1484)

» Future Tech (394)

» Green Tech (172)

» Lifestyle (157)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (99)

» Games and Gear (247)

» Software (94)

» Web (117)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads