Lifeboat News: The Blog – Safeguarding Humanity

FDA approves first Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality system for surgical use

Posted by Nancie Hunter in augmented reality, biotech/medical

Oct 29
2018

The FDA has recently given 510(k) clearance to the OpenSight Augmented Reality System, the first augmented reality (AR) medical solution for Microsoft HoloLens cleared for use in pre-operative surgical planning.

The technology projects 2D, 3D and 4D images of patients interactively by overlaying them onto the patient’s body, according to a Novarad press release published Oct. 24.

OpenSight specifically utilizes the Microsoft HoloLens headset that allows simultaneous visualization of the 3D patient images in AR and the actual patient and their real-world surroundings. The technique may decrease operative times and improve surgical planning and the understanding of anatomic relationships.

First Emitrati-made satellite launched into space

Posted by Genevieve Klien in satellites, sustainability

Oct 29
2018

KhalifaSat, the first-ever Emirati-manufactured satellite successfully launched into space from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre on October 29.

As well as KhalifaSat, the H-2A rocket also launched carrying Japan’s environment satellite, GoSat-2.

KhalifaSat is an Earth observation satellite set to monitor environmental changes, such as the effects of global warming in the North and South Poles.

Bitcoin trading uses so much power that it could push global temperatures up past a threshold that yields deadly consequences

Posted by Genevieve Klien in bitcoin | 1 Comment on Bitcoin trading uses so much power that it could push global temperatures up past a threshold that yields deadly consequences

Oct 29
2018

The bitcoin industry could push global temperatures past a 2 degree Celsius rise in less than two decades.

This is the surprising link between cataract surgery and your brain health

Posted by Genevieve Klien in biotech/medical, health, neuroscience

Oct 29
2018

A study found that cognitive decline decreased by half in adults who wore hearing aids or had cataract surgery.

Scientists Extract DNA From Seabiscuit’s Hooves To Figure Out How He Was So Fast

Posted by Genevieve Klien in biotech/medical, genetics

Oct 29
2018

Eighty years ago, the horse famously trounced Triple Crown winner War Admiral. Did genetics make him an unlikely success?

The How, Why, and Whether of Custom Digital Avatars That Live on After We Die

Posted by Mike Ruban in life extension, neuroscience

Oct 29
2018

Imagine a digital avatar of ourselves living on after we die. They could help comfort our loved ones, and they could also preserve expertise and experience. There’s some benefits, but it’s still questionable if this is comforting, or just creepy.

A digital afterlife may soon be within reach, but it might not be for your benefit.

The reams of data we’re creating could soon make it possible to create digital avatars that live on after we die, aimed at comforting our loved ones or sharing our experience with future generations.

That may seem like a disappointing downgrade from the vision promised by the more optimistic futurists, where we upload our consciousness to the cloud and live forever in machines. But it might be a realistic possibility in the not-too-distant future—and the first steps have already been taken.

Continue reading “The How, Why, and Whether of Custom Digital Avatars That Live on After We Die” | >

The best astronomy pictures of the year are gorgeous reminders that we live on a rock that drifts through space

Posted by Michael Lance in space

Oct 29
2018

Look at the beauty of the universe!

Looking up at space reminds us that everyone and everything on Earth is stuck together on a big space rock that’s drifting through an infinite black void.

Unfortunately, terrestrial concerns like work, dinner, and getting enough sleep tend to keep us facing down.

Thankfully, some people not only take the time to appreciate the night sky, but are also talented enough to capture its thrilling splendor in mesmerizing pictures that remind us of our cosmically fragile existence.

Continue reading “The best astronomy pictures of the year are gorgeous reminders that we live on a rock that drifts through space” | >

Models may show how brain layout affects performance

Posted by Genevieve Klien in life extension, neuroscience

Oct 29
2018

Using computational models of individual brains could shed light on how brain stucture affects how we perform language-related tasks.

T-Mobile becomes 1st U.S. wireless company to carry the new 6T ‘superphone’ from China’s OnePlus

Posted by Genevieve Klien in computing, mobile phones, security

Oct 29
2018

T-Mobile will carry the new OnePlus 6T, the first time a phone from the popular Chinese manufacturer has been offered by a U.S. wireless provider.

The 6T launches exclusively on T-Mobile starting Thursday, the company said during an unveiling event in New York City. But the company is offering an early sale at its Times Square store in New York City starting at 5 p.m. Eastern today.

In a press release, T-Mobile called OnePlus’ offerings “superphones packed with flagship specs at a fraction of the flagship price.” The 6T boasts 128GB of internal storage, fingerprint security functionality, 8GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 845 processor, a 20 mega-pixel dual rear camera and 16 mega-pixel front facing camera and a 6.41-inch OLED screen.

DJI’s new drone features swappable search and rescue accessories

Posted by Genevieve Klien in business, drones, government

Oct 29
2018

DJI is taking one of its newest drones and turning it into something small businesses and government agencies might want to use. The Chinese drone maker just announced the Mavic 2 Enterprise — a modular $1,999 version of the Mavic 2 Zoom — that is better suited for tasks like inspection or search and rescue.

Mavic 2 Enterprise comes with three different accessories. There’s a 2,400-lumen spotlight, a 100-decibel speaker, and a flashing strobe. The loudspeaker allows operators to remotely blast up to 10 custom recordings, and the strobe is visible from three miles away. DJI says the accessories help move its products “beyond imaging” and “into configurable platforms that enhance aerial productivity.”