Do Now: Wiki 3/31

A wiki is a collaborative website that can be used to learn new information and answer people's questions. I have used Wikipedia before to help me with my homework and projects. People can edit the information on a webpage and add new things that they know. Wikis summarize a lot of important information on a subject matter, making it easier to learn about that particular topic. Wiki Answers is also a very helpful website that is based off of Wikipedia.

Tech Discussion 3/28/14: NASA's JPL Develops Space Flowers

 

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL, in Pasadena, California has started developing its starshade spacecraft that opens up like a blossom, resembling a sunflower. This spacecraft is aimed to help astronomers study exoplanets, including taking the first actual pictures of planets outside of our Solar System. The starshade acts as a shield to block out starlight, therefore making it much easier for astronomers to see any planets near by. After orbit insertion, the starshade and telescope separate and the shade unfolds into a disk with petals on the rim. The petals cannot be seen from far away, creating a softer edge that causes less bending of light waves. This makes it easier to see planets and take pictures without being overwhelmed by starlight. The space telescope and starshade move in formation and line up with any star. It is currently being tested at Princeton University and JPL. 

Do Now 3/17/14 Invisibility

If I were to wear an invisible cloak for one day, I would help out the town in any way possible. I would help the policemen. I would help put a stop to crime and help prevent it from happening, but criminals would not know that it's me. Also, they would not run away from me because I would be invisible. This would be a great help to the police force of Wood-Ridge. Being invisible would make me a hero by fighting crime in Wood-Ridge.

In addition to helping catch criminals for crimes that have been noticed by the police, I would help catch criminals that have carried out crimes that went unnoticed. I would be able to see what was going on even if the police do not. Usually if someone is about to complete a crime and they see the police, they stop immediately so they do not get caught. I would be invisible, so my presence would not stop anyone from committing a crime. I would be able to catch crime that normally the police would not by being invisible. 

Tech Discussion 3/14/14: EyeGo Adapters

Two scientists at Stanford University have created the EyeGo system, which allows a lens to be attached to a smartphone in order to examine eyes. This system consists of two adapters that are attached to the camera of a smartphone. One of them get shots of the front surface of the eye, while the other lens focuses light through the pupil to get pictures of the retina and the back of the eye. EyeGo is designed to be easy for anyone with not a lot of training to take a picture of the eye. These are now being tested in a clinical trial at the Stanford Emergency Department. In the near future, there will be a study so they can be used to track the development of eye disease in diabetics. To read more Click Here.

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Tech Discussion 3/7/14: Apple CarPlay

Apple has launched CarPlay, which brings the iOS software to the dashboard of the car. CarPlay enables drivers to access their iPhones safely while driving. Using voice control, drivers can make calls, use maps, send messages, and listen to music. This week, CarPlay will be debuted in Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. In the near future, it should be in brands such as BMW, Ford, Honda, and much more. CarPlay will link with the existing dashboard interface and users will be able to access the functionality of their iPhone through the touch-enabled interface or by activating Siri on the steering wheel. By voice instruction, users can make calls or send messages and play music. Siri will read out directions, traffic conditions, and messages. Directions and route information will also be shown on the device. CarPlay compatible with iOS 7 and the iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s. Select car brands will begin to put CarPlay into affect this year. For more information on the different brands that will be including CarPlay Click Here.