Gizmodo: detection

Hands-Free GPS Device for the Blind Could Make You a Superhero

Andi Wang — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:07:51 EDT

The Navigation aid for the Blind headset is a GPS device, which not only works through speech recognition, but also uses obstacle detection technology that alerts the blind of any sleeping bums or other obstructions he could trip over as he is being guided to his destination.

In 2003, we reported on a GPS navigation device that led the visually impaired to their impending doom due to an "inaccuracy" of the system.

Although this new GPS device is not as cuddly as a guide dog, it is made up of one earpiece and microphone, which would allow the blind a certain anonymity, kind of like Daredevil, in that he would no longer need a cane or furry pet, which would leave both of his hands free ... to fight crime, perhaps? [create the future contest via gizmag]

Scientists Build Portable Life-Signs Detector: Tricorder 1.0

Kit Eaton — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:15:00 EDT

A team of US and UK scientists have invented a portable scanner that may be useful in the hunt for life on Mars. And it sounds a whole lot like a Star Trek tricorder: it uses a beam of ultraviolet laser light and detects fluorescence from organic molecules, so it works remotely and doesn't damage samples. Under simulated-Mars conditions, they've used it to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (found on comets, thought to be building-blocks of life) in masses as small as 1.5 micrograms. Plus they think the tech could be adapted to be rugged and fitted onto a future Mars rover. Just wait for the handheld version, and for an astronaut to start going "widdlywee..." as they stomp around Mars. [Eurekalert via IO9]

Portable Ghost Radar

Travis Hudson — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 17:25:00 EDT

It doesn't matter if ghosts are real or not, where there is speculation, there are products and potential to make money. It works really quite simply considering how complex of an issue ghost detection is. If there is a ghost in the area, the button lights up, easy as pie. This device is available for $18, which is a small price to pay to know where Grandma Gretta is haunting nowadays.

Translated Press Release [Via OhGizmo!]

Automatic Blood-Toxin Detection

Travis Hudson — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 14:21:24 EST

A pair of scientists from the University of California at Santa Barbara and two high school students have developed a sensor that can detect cocaine in the bloodstream along with other biotoxins. The sensor can be built into portable devices and can perform the entire detection process real-time in just a few minutes. It works by creating an artificial DNA molecule that will react when a blood sample is applied.

This project isn t just focusing on toxins either. There are a lot of potential health care applications. The artificial DNA could be modified to react to blood samples containing specific diseases or even to detect what kind of prescription drugs are being used in emergency situations when the patient isn t able to communicate for themselves. The group has already been in discussion with several companies regarding licensing.

Sensor instantly detects cocaine in blood [News.com]