Month: May 2012

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From Popular Science – New Technology, Science News, The Future Now: Paralyzed Woman Completes London Marathon in Bionic Suit After 16 Days

Claire Lomas Finishes the Race The Telegraph

This is one of the most inspiring stories we’ve ever seen: Claire Lomas of the U.K. was paralyzed from the chest down in a horse-riding accident five years ago. Yet today, she accomplished something difficult for anyone: she finished the London Marathon. It took 16 days and one impressive bionic exoskeleton, but she did it. Watch the video and try not to tear up a little, I dare you.

Claire suffered a severe spinal injury when thrown from her horse in 2007, breaking her neck, back, and several ribs. The bionic suit, made by Israeli firm ReWalk, is an FDA-approved motorized skeleton replacement that straps onto the sides of the legs and hips, with power in a backpack, that senses movement and delivers power to the motors as needed. We’ve listed it in the Best of What’s New, and it’s actually been featured on the TV show Glee, but this is the first time it’s been used to complete a marathon. See the video below:

[The Telegraph]

from Popular Science – New Technology, Science News, The Future Now

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From Droid Life: Nevada Gives Google License to Test Driverless Cars in Their State

Google isn’t giving up on their vision of seeing cars driving themselves and passengers in the near future. After Nevada passed legislation regarding the requirements for driverless cars, Google has been granted a license to test their new pet project out in the desert. There are a few rules however, to make sure that these Priuses (Prii, Prioria, Priores?) don’t go rogue and cause some major damage.

Nevada has said that if you want to test these cars you need to have an insurance bond of $1 million and that the testing time and area for these cars must be laid out thoroughly. Don’t expect to be driving down the highway and seeing one next to you in rush hour anytime soon. The cars even get their own license plate, featuring a red back with an infinity symbol on it. Nevada DMV Director Bruce Breslow says, ”I felt using the infinity symbol was the best way to represent the ‘car of the future.’” Anyone ready to give up their lead foot to let the car drive itself?

Via: Arstechnica

from Droid Life