Boston has got the newest and the more energy efficient, third generation version of the solar trash compactor, The BigBelly to keep-away from the problem of overstuffed public trash cans. The self-compacting, solar-powered trashcan developed by a Jamaica Plain inventor is powered by photoelectric panels, which supply power to motor-driven compactors inside. The green-colored boxy trashcan can hold some 150 gallons of trash, which is about five times more than a standard city receptacle and it even smells less. The solar-trashcan costs $4,300.

via BoingBoing
from CoolBuzz

As people age and develop ocular diseases such as glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa, an unfortunate side effect is the gradual inability to locate and recognize objects not directly in front of them — a condition more commonly known as tunnel vision. Previous gadgets designed to combat this problem, such as so-called reverse binocular glasses, have indeed been successful in providing patients with additional visual data; however, their miniaturizing effect took much of the detail away from peripheral objects, making them uncomfortable and ultimately ineffective for everyday use. Fortunately for tunnel vision sufferers, a new, higher-tech option may soon be available to aid them in their plight, in the form of an innovative device designed by a team at Harvard Medical School affiliate Schepens Eye Research Institute. Developed in conjunction with MyVu HMD manufacturer MicroOptical Corp., the augmented vision device consists of a video camera and transparent display attached to a pair of glasses and tethered by wire to a small computer. The computer processes the incoming visual data from the camera and projects a real-time outline of the wearer’s surroundings right onto the center of the glasses, effectively “filling in the blanks” for the peripheral objects that would not normally be viewable. In tests conducted by the team, affected patients with only an hour of training were able to significantly increase the directness of their searches, while at the same time reducing the amount of time necessary to locate an object by about 22%. Further long term studies are necessary to determine how effective the device would be with more training and regular usage, but with such promising initial results, tunnel vision sufferers may finally be able to step out of the shadows and literally see the light.

[Via Medgadget]
more info
from engadget

The Standing Wheelchair concept design allows wheelchair users to stand upright in the wheelchair, allowing them to see the world as they did before. It looks similar to a Segway, but has more features to help the user keep upright and hold on to the wheelchair.

One of the many lifestyle adjustments paraplegic wheelchair users have to make is getting used to viewing the world sitting down. It really makes a difference, we hear, when you can no longer talk to people face to face. With the standing wheelchair, users can interact with people and generally regain some of their former “perspective”. – Jason Chen

Standing Wheelchair [The Cool Hunter via Coolest Gadgets]
from gizmodo

In addition to being a mode of transportation, “The Treadmill Bike” by Bike Forest also functions as a calorie burning, exercise machine.

The Treadmill Bike’s hard wearing belt offers a sure grip while protecting your feet from dirt and other contaminants commonly found on the earth’s surface

(Thanks, Zipped)
[via Make - Gizmodo]
from techeblog

We always said those sophisticated tracking tags had to be good for something other than data processing and jazzing up passports, and as the list of applications continues to grow, a study at Stanford University is showing how RFID chips can be used to potentially save lives. 1 out of 10,000 surgery survivors will experience the misfortune of having a foreign object remain in them after they’re all sewn up, and nearly 67% of those remnants are surgical sponges. The traditional tracking system (eyes and careful counting) has failed enough times to cause 57 deaths since 2000, definitely not something you want to hear when you’re going under the knife. Researchers have determined that tagging sponges (and other supplies) with RFID tags allows for a chip-reader to scan the body and detect any remaining, erm, used paraphernalia, yet to be removed. Volunteer-led studies have shown a perfect success rate in discovering leftovers thus far, and hopes are to have every instrument in the OR RFID’ed. This may make a few folks queasy, but we’re all for keeping our innards a sponge-free environment.

More info
from engadget

We’re looking for a way to put the hurt on clouds of bloodthirsty mosquitoes, something a mosquito-repelling T-shirt or necklace probably can’t do very well. Enter the Mega-Catch Ultra Trap, a serious-looking contraption that lures in the little buggers with a combination of flashing LEDs, an ultraviolet light and a strip of octenol. After attracting those bloodsuckers, it vacuums them up to their well-deserved deaths. The trap’s maker claims it can murder 3707 mosquitoes per night. If that’s not enough, you can add on a CO2 tank for extra killage.

That “3707 mosquitoes” death toll sounds pretty impressive until you figure that in your yard there are probably thousands more than that out for blood every night. We’re skeptical of any device being able to handle that kind of threat. Wondering if it works? Pony up $499 and you can find out for yourself. – Charlie White

Product page [MegaCatch, via uber-gizmo]
from Gizmodo

Motiva is a kind of backwards TiVo for the elderly. It transforms the TV into a way for nurses and doctors to monitor patient’s level of knowledge and track their lifestyle and medication habits. Then health care providers can give feedback to the user if there’s any changes to be made or reminders about future doctor’s visits.

For every patient, Motiva monitors ongoing health status, usage patterns and regularly queries patients about changes in their knowledge, motivation and confidence levels – insights nurses can use to adapt care plans and gauge impact on long-term behavior…

Nothing says “great mother’s day present” like looking out for your mom’s health!

Product Page

Motiva is Watching You [Medgadget]
from Gizmodo