Future pacemakers might be completely biological
It’s pretty amazing that humanity has invented a small electrical device that can be used to ensure a heart keeps a steady beat, but pacemakers have to be maintained, replaced — sometimes they can even become infected. Researchers say they’re working on a less invasive solution: a “biological pacemaker.” It’s a form of gene therapy that implants the heart with a gene-carrying virus that creates a “sino-atrail node,” a collection of neurons that acts as a natural metronome for the body’s most important muscle.
In a recent study, Researchers were able to improve the heart rate of 12 pigs with heart conditions by injecting the gene into a specific area of their hearts. Within two days of injection, the animal’s hearts started keeping a regular pace, and were reporting stronger heartbeats than those of the pigs in the pacemaker-equipped control group. After two weeks, however, the pig hearts started to regress to their irregular repetitions — the gene is delivered via virus, and the animal’s natural immune system eventually tries to fight off the therapy.
Eugenio Cingolani, the study’s author, says that the team is working on long-term experiments to assess the viability of the technology, and hopes to start human trials in the next few years. If successful, the therapy could be used to treat unborn infants with heart defects while still in the womb. Eventually, it may even replace pacemaker technology altogether — virtually eliminating the possibility of infection. Just think: you’ll never have to replace your heart’s batteries ever again.
[Image credit: Shutterstock / beerkoff]
Filed under: Science
Source: Washington Post, Science
Perform a Nandroid backup online with this App
A Nandroid backup is a process which is performed in recovery mode to take a snapshot of the current state of your Android Operating System, along with data, settings, and a whole bunch of other information to create a backup file. This backup can then be used to restore to if you flash a bad ROM, or install a bad App, restoring with it not only a known-working Android Operating System, but all your data and Apps with it.
With this new tool you’re able to perform a Nandroid backup without having to turn off your device to enter recovery mode – perfect for backing up on the fly before installing a questionable App or changing a developer setting. That means no more missed calls or messages whilst you’re booting into recovery and performing the backup.
Do not get confused with the naming of the App however, since an online backup here is referenced not in the uploading or downloading of a backup connected to the internet, but instead in the ability to perform a backup with your phone live.
Features
* Creates backups in the CMW 5 and 6 style or TWRP!
* Full support of the onandroid script.
* Create custom names for your backups.
* Choose what partitions get backed up.
* Scheduled backups.
* Tasker support.
* Upload backup to FTP after creating backup.
Requirements
1. Rooted android phone
2. Latest version of Busybox
Online Nandroid is a free App in the Google Play Store based off a script originally developed over at XDA.
The post Perform a Nandroid backup online with this App appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC One M8 getting 4G LTE support in India on August 15
When HTC launched the One M8 in India in April, the company promised that the One M8 will be compatible with TDD-LTE networks. During the launch of HTC Desire 616 and HTC One E8 in India, the company has once again announced that they are planning to roll out 4G LTE support for One M8 starting August 15.
It was quite puzzling to see smartphone brands launching non 4G LTE devices in India even though phased roll out of fast connections have started over 2300MHz band. Nevertheless, the list of 4G compatible smartphones in India is growing, thanks to LG G2 4G, LG F70 4G, Oppo Find 7, Oppo Find 7a, Samsung Galaxy S5 4G, Xolo LT900 and now the HTC One M8.
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Galaxy Note 4 TouchWiz APKs leak in form of a list
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is one of the most anticipated devices this year. There are many people out there who just can’t wait to get their hands on Samsung’s new phablet, I know a bunch of them who belong in this category. We’ve seen some leaks when it comes to this device, but that is nowhere near over it seems.
This time we have Note 4′s leaked APK list, courtesy of @evleaks. Alongside the list in form of an image, the leaker wrote the following: “Some interesting Samsung Galaxy Note 4 APKs”. If we take a closer look we can find some interesting stuff here. SStudio_WQHD_K suggests the device will have a 2K screen, this was to be expected though. SHealth3_5 confirms S Health will be once again a part of TouchWiz, with some new features probably. The list also mentions a fingerprint service and a few APKs which suggest all kinds apps/features to make your inner photographer happy.
Check out the list for yourself and see if anything appeals to you. Unfortunately this list also suggest another heavy version of TouchWiz, we’re still hoping that won’t be the case, but… Anyhow, are you one of those people who’re waiting for this device to launch? That will probably happen at this year’s IFA in Berlin this September.
Source: @evleaks
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Denon Music Maniac AH-C50MA In-Ear Headphones Review: Cheap, but definitely not Nasty
If you have read any of my audio product reviews, you will know that I am not a huge fan of in-ear headphones. More than just the tight fit most earphones need to stay in your ears, I find that having the speaker so close to your ear is a recipe for trouble, often leaving my ears sore and sometimes giving me a headache. However, the Denon Music Maniac AH-C50MA In-Ear Headphones have changed my perspective on in-ear headphones, from their comfy ear buds to the very balanced sound to the very affordable $59.95 AUD/$49.99 USD, I think I’ve found the first pair of earphones that I actually like. Let’s check them out.
What’s in the box
In the box of the Denon Music Maniacs, you will get the earphones themselves and an assortment of accessories. You’ll get 3 additional sets of earbuds in different sizes, extra-small, small and large (medium is included on the earphones). You’ll also get an additional cable add-on which is required for some devices; if you need this, you’ll likely know by now. I’m a little disappointed that there is no method for transporting the Maniacs with you or to even keep them neat, whether it be a bag or winding tool.
Despite being named “Music Maniac”, the Maniac’s have a very un-maniacal look. Almost all black with small silver highlights on the back of the earbuds, the Maniacs are extremely reserved and simple, which is perfectly fine, because the main event of these earphones is their performance where it really matters; more on that soon.
The Maniacs have one other notable feature, which is the inline microphone and answer button. The design of the inline unit has a very small footprint which is perfect for travelling. While it’s a bit disappointing there aren’t more controls on the inline unit, I do applaud Denon on keeping it extremely small and still functional.
How does it perform
For those who aren’t aware, Denon is a brand who has been involved in premium audio products for many years, though most recently have been making inroads with their consumer audio offerings. So the Music Maniac earphones have the pedigree, but do they have actual audio performance to back it up? Absolutely.
I mentioned in the introduction that the Music Maniacs are very possibly the first earphones I’ve liked, and partly thanks to its balance. The highs and mids are very clear and the bass is not at all overbearing, though some would say nonexistent. I really liked the audio balance that the Maniacs offer; it was right for almost every genre of music I listened to, and while rock and dance listeners may want a little more bass, that’s nothing a little equalizer tweaking can’t fix.
The other part that I really like about the Maniacs are the fact that the earbuds are superbly comfortable. I’m not exactly how these earphones are so different to other offerings, but I have happily used the Maniacs for hours on end without getting sore ears. The fit is just right, and doesn’t put any unnecessary pressure on your ear cavity, which for me is a huge plus
There is one more part of the Denon ecosystem which I haven’t mentioned yet. Denon has released an app that was supposedly designed to enhance the performance of the Music Maniac earphones. From my brief exploring of the app, it doesn’t do anything ground breaking; it’s useful for playlists and adjusting EQ, but that’s nothing you can’t already manage with other apps, and not that useful if you listen to music using a streaming app.
What I like about the Denon Music Maniac AH-C50MA In-Ear Headphone
As I mentioned earlier, there’s a lot I like about the Music Maniac earphones. The top two things are obviously the comfort and the audio quality, which should really sell it for anybody just looking for a simple set of earphones that get the job done. That’s exactly what Denon would want for their cheapest entry in the Music Maniac category: cheap and effective. And for $59.95 AUD, that’s a small price to pay for that kind of performance.
This point is a little less tangible, but I really appreciate how simplistic and reserved the Maniacs are. While they look at crazy as their name suggests, that all creates a nice contrast with the abilities that it hides beneath.
What I don’t like about the Denon Music Maniac AH-C50MA In-Ear Headphones
Despite liking the Maniacs a lot, I do have some concerns about the package you get. Chief among these concerns is the fact that you don’t get a means of transporting your earphones nicely. Obviously it’s not a dealbreaker, but transporting earphones is an absolute pain without a bag or something to wrap them around to keep them untangled.
Final Thoughts
The Denon Music Maniac earphones are by far my favourite earphones ever. They’re comfortable, cheap and the audio quality is extremely good given its price. They aren’t going to blow your mind, but if you’re in the market for something simple that does the job and does it well, without breaking the bank, the Music Maniacs are for you.
If you’re interested in picking up the Denon Music Maniac earphones, make sure to check out the product page here.
Gallery of Photos
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NASA says lunar caves could provide living spaces for future astronauts
It turns out that the Moon could be habitable. Sort of. NASA writes that some of the holes in our moon’s surface might actually be caves where future astronauts could hole up and guard themselves from radiation, micrometeorites and massive temperature changes when day turns to night, aiding future exploration. The aeronautics outfit says that these caves could be the result of a few different actions, including sub-surface lava draining away from an area and vibrations causing the roofs of resultant voids to collapse. The only way to know for sure, though, is to physically check them out — there’s only so much that photos from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter can tell us. Who knows, maybe once astronauts start delving below the lunar surface they’ll find a wizard or two.
[Image credit: Associated Press]
Filed under: Alt
Via: The Verge
Source: NASA
4.7-Inch iPhone 6 Front Panel Subjected to More Rigorous Scratch Tests, May Not Be Sapphire
Last week, a video posted by YouTube user Marques Brownlee showed the alleged front panel of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 being put through a number of scratch tests and significant bending. Now, Brownlee has released another video putting the same display through more rigorous scratch tests, this time with two different types of sandpaper.
Brownlee cites the Mohs scale of mineral hardness in his testing, which is a scale rating mineral hardness from 1-10. The iPhone 5s’ Gorilla Glass display is rated at a 6.8, while sapphire crystal, which Apple uses for the iPhone 5s Touch ID home button, is rated at 9. The two sandpapers used for the test include garnet, which is rated at a 7 on the Mohs scale, and emery, rated slightly above an 8.
Upon testing, both types of sandpapers were able to scratch the iPhone 6′s front panel, but it did show better resistance than the Gorilla Glass display for the iPhone 5s. Notably, the sapphire Touch ID home button on the iPhone 5s did not display any marks after being scratched by the sandpaper. This would indicate that the alleged front panel from the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 is not sapphire crystal, but instead perhaps a next-generation version of Gorilla Glass. It is also possible that the panel could be a hybrid sapphire coated display, which was patented by Apple last year.
A report last month claimed that Apple would only be using a sapphire display in the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 over concerns about high cost and limited supply. Earlier rumors had indicated that Apple would have enough sapphire glass for production of both iPhone 6 models and the iWatch in 2014.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 6 in early September with a release coming a few weeks later. It is unclear whether the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions of the device will launch at the same time, with recent reports claiming that the larger iPhone 6 will be released later this year or in early 2015. In addition to a larger display, both models of the iPhone are expected to include a faster A8 processor, a thinner profile, an improved camera, and Apple’s new iOS 8 mobile operating system.
HTC Smartwatch Leaked?! Nokia X is No More! – The ManDroid Show
Happy Friday my Android friends. Time to talk some Android news with you. Evleaks has a couple of leaked images to show us today. One being the new Nvidia Shield Tablet, and one that is an apparent HTC Smartwatch render. Odds are the smartwatch render is a fake, but you never know, it could be real. Microsoft has decided that the Nokia X is no more, which shouldn’t be a shock to anyone. Enjoy the show!
Android News
Nokia X is no more
Nvidia Shield Tablet
Android Wear API
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Hello there: NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Controller get a thorough leak, prices and All
Looks like that render from yesterday was the real deal. Just a day after seeing a a possible render of NVIDIA‘s latest gaming hardware (and info about a possible controller), today we get a very detailed leak regarding what is expected to be called the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Controller.
Like the render we saw yesterday, the SHIELD Tablet looks a lot like the the Tegra Note 7 except that the SHIELD Tablet will instead be slightly larger at a Full HD 8-inches. Also different is the fact that the SHIELD Tablet will carry NVIDIA’s lauded Tegra K1 processor, which, with its 192 CUDA cores, can output some very un-mobile graphics. Rounding out the hardware of the SHIELD Tablet are 2GB RAM, 5MP cameras on the front and back, and come in 16GB Wi-Fi only or 32GB Wi-Fi + LTE models. The price for these variants will run you $299 and $399, which compared to other high powered tablets seem like pretty good prices.
Like we suspected yesterday, the SHIELD Controller is going to be a bespoke wireless controller for the SHIELD Tablet. Instead of the standard Bluetooth connectivity, the SHIELD Controller will instead use Wi-Fi to connect to the Tablet, which will reduce any noticeable lag, however means it will only be usable with NVIDIA products. Interestingly, the controller itself also has a headphone jack and microphone which suggests it might be best used in a lounge room setting (Chromecast mirroring, anyone?) and looks similarly designed to the original SHIELD handheld. Most impressively, the SHIELD Controller is allegedly going to cost just $59, which makes a bundle of the high performing SHIELD Tablet paired with the SHIELD Controller a very affordable prospect.
What do you think about the NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet and SHIELD Controller? Are you enticed? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
Source: VideoCardz via Droid-life
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Amazon UK rep says an Android version of its video app is ‘imminent’
Amazon’s video service is well-rounded, with both video-on-demand selection and Prime all you can eat viewing, but there’s one big hole — Android. Even though Amazon has apps for its Android-based Kindle family of devices (along with iOS, game consoles, Roku and other TV boxes), the rest of the Android family tree is left out of the party. That could change soon however, as PC Advisor reports Amazon UK Marketing & Merchandising Director said that an app for the platform is “imminent.” The news came at the firm’s Christmas show (yes, in July, just go with it), however it’s unclear if it will apply to both phones and tablets. He also indicated that work on 4K content is progressing, confirming what we’d heard at CES, but there’s no word on when the high-res video will hit Amazon’s service. Despite repeated attempts to contact Amazon PR in the US and UK we have not received a response concerning the report, but if an app arrives soon it would help make Amazon a much better competitor against the likes of Netflix and Hulu.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile, Amazon
Via: Droid-Life
Source: PC Advisor
AIVAnet 