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Posts with tag radiation

Researchers Developing Cell Phone Radiation Detectors



As folks have become increasingly concerned with the threat of chemical terrorism, research teams are rushing to develop radiation detectors that are as reliable, compact and inexpensive as possible. Newsweek reports that one group of Purdue University researchers may very well be at the vanguard of these developments, offering inexpensive radiation detectors that fit discreetly inside cell phones.

Known collectively as Distributed Nuclear Detection by Ubiquitous Cell Phone (catchy, isn't it?), these researchers have designed a computer chip that can detect radiation and -- through its host phone's cell transmitter -- communicate with other similarly equipped phones in order to closely approximate the radiation's location.

At present, lobbyists for the Purdue group are pushing for a federal mandate that would require all cell phone users and providers to implement the chips. As there are other groups developing similar technology (and although we find this proposal to be pretty 'Blade Runner'-esque), the Department of Homeland Security has promised to support the best candidate.

Our question is this: If cell phones come to detect harmful radiation, could it be that they'll just wind up detecting themselves? [From: Newsweek]

Popcorn Popping Cell Phone Clip Outed as Advertisement

Remember the popcorn video clip we posted earlier this week, in which a trio of cellphones arranged in a circle supposedly caused a handful of kernels to pop? We knew the vids were fake, and speculated that they were part of some sort of marketing scheme. Now we have confirmation: The clips are indeed part of a viral advertising campaign, put together by a company called Cardo Systems, which markets a Bluetooth headset designed to "reduce power output by up to 99 percent."

So, no real surprise there, nor is there any surprise that these videos have spawned a series of knockoffs and parodies. Our favorite is above, which shows an iPhone surrounded by kernels that cause the iPhone itself to pop! Still fake, but funny at least. [Source: The Underwire]

Injectable Tumor Probe Tracks Cancer Treatments

Injectable Tumor Probe Tracks Cancer TreatmentsRadiation, in strong enough doses, is deadly. A short exposure can certainly kill, but controlled exposures can be useful, targeting cancer cells and helping patients to fight their disease and recover. However, the administration of radiation for cancer treatment has always been a bit of a black art, with doctors having to wait for days, weeks, or months after a treatment to check on whether a tumor has been affected. Now, a new radiation-detecting probe can let doctors know exactly how much that tumor has been affected, and can do so instantly.

The probe can be inserted directly into the tumor and report the exact dose of radiation received. From that information, doctors can calculate just how much radiation they need to apply to the patient and can more specifically target the dose, thereby decreasing the debilitating side-effects so common with cancer treatment. The probe is also RFID-enabled, meaning it can be identified and read wirelessly (in the same way that RFID technology wirelessly charges drivers with tolls when they pass through toll booths).

Right now the prototype probe is about the size of a pin -- long and narrow -- but future versions are expected to be shrunk to the size of a grain of rice. Trials are expected to begin in 2010 and, if all goes well, could usher in a new era of precision cancer treatments -- which could come in handy if all the doom and gloom about cell phone-induced cancer turns out to be true!

From Engadget

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Scientists Create Tumor-Tracking Implant

Scientists Create Tumor Tracking ImplantScientists at Purdue University have created a device -- no larger than a needle -- that can locate tumors and detect radiation levels in chemotherapy patients.

The small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip is sealed hermetically in glass and powered by placing electrical coils next to the patient. When powered up, the device can send the exact dosage of radiation being received by the tumor along with the location of the tumor. This makes treatment more efficient and less dangerous to surrounding tissue and organs.

Scientists hope to enter clinical trials in 2010 with a version smaller than a grain of rice.

From Engadget

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Are Wi-Fi Laptops Dangerous for Kids?

Wi-Fi Laptops: A Danger for Kids?
Dr. Lawrie Challis, of the U.K.'s Mobile Telecommunications Health Research Program, is cautioning parents to keep laptops off of kiddie laps. Though he admits there's no direct evidence that children are getting ill from resting a laptop right where its name suggests you rest it, Challis warns that the jury is still out on whether or not Wi-Fi radiation (comparable to the amount emitted from a cell phone) is dangerous to children or adults. If we're already discouraging our kids from using cell phones for health reasons, he says, why not Wi-Fi as well?

Wi-Fi radiation isn't the only reason to keep a notebook computer off of your most sensitive of areas, though. Last summer, a massive recall of defective Sony laptop batteries began after six reports of them smoking and even catching fire. Researchers also believe warm laptops can raise scrotal temperature in men, which could possibly lead to fertility problems.

Scary stuff for anyone who doesn't own a pair flame-retardant, lead-lined Fruit of the Looms...

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From BBC News

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