NASA’s studying how zero gravity affects the brain

Because there’s no up or down in zero gravity, the way our brains calculate 3D space stops working. As it turns out, that can be problematic, with astronauts finding it hard to complete basic tasks. It’s a phenomenon that NASA wants to learn more about, which is why the agency has started to test a crew’s spacial awareness before, during and after their trips to space. Whilst on the ground, participants are subject to MRI scans, and on the ISS they’re asked to complete various tests requiring thinking and co-ordination. The reason that this is so interesting isn’t just because the testing is going on above us right now, but because of what conclusions have already been drawn.

For instance, researchers are increasingly certain that humans can’t think as well in space as they can on a planet. In which case, Star Trek’s idea of just beaming down to a strange new world was missing the bit where they struggled to stand up. In addition, any crew that’s sent to Mars might have difficulty conducting emergency repair work after a landing, especially if they can’t pick up a wrench. The study will also have real-world consequences, too, since people undergoing treatment for chemotherapy can suffer a similar reaction — so it’s not just astronauts who’ll benefit from its findings.

[Image Credit: University of Michigan]

Source: NASA, (2)

NASA details its plans to reach and explore the red planet

NASA once said that no private company’s reaching the red planet without its help. If that’s true, then private space corps should be thankful that the agency has a solid plan to get us there. America’s space agency has published a document that details the steps it’s taking to reach Mars. In it, NASA outlines the three phases of its journey, starting with a step called “Earth Reliant,” which is comprised of conducting experiments aboard the ISS and studying how long-duration missions affect the human body. This phase is already ongoing, with the agency testing out different materials and 3D printing on the space station and conducting appropriate research on human behavior and health for the first batch of lucky astronauts.

The next phase is called “Proving Ground.” As the name implies, it’s the stage when NASA needs to put its technologies to actual use and prove that they work. SLS’ and Orion’s first flight together (scheduled for 2018) is part of it, along with the 2020 Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission. The latter aims to take an asteroid chunk to the moon’s orbit in order for the agency to test the new technologies, like Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP), it plans to use for future Martian missions.

For the third and final stage called “Earth Independent,” NASA wants to apply the technologies it’s developed and tested to send astronauts near the vicinity of Mars and its moons before (finally) landing on the planet’s surface. The agency expects to have developed the technology needed for humans to live on the Martian surface by then and to harvest resources from the planet, such as oxygen, water and fuel. You can see an overview of the three-stage plan below, but if you need something long to read this weekend, you can find the full document (PDF) on NASA’s website.

Source: NASA

Toyota’s hydrogen concept car could power your concept home

While we’re stuck working out the mpg of a practical family sedan, Toyota’s off playing with our dreams (or nightmares) with cars like the above. The latest round of concepts from the Japanese auto-maker are being shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, and include a diminutive, sporty-looking Scion S-FR (reverse-world FR-S?), the hot rod-esque Kikai and the hyper-futuristic FCV Plus (pictured). Slideshow-327688

While the S-FR and the Kikai are cool (I’d love to roll up to work in the latter), it’s likely the FCV Plus that speaks to us most. Not only does it look exactly how cars from the future should, it’s designed to run on hydrogen. Like its predecessor, the FCV Plus can also be used as a general-purpose electricity generator (by connecting external fuel cells), and used to power, well, anything really.

It’s not just about cleaner power, the design of the FCV Plus puts the fuel cell and tank at either end of the car, and the four individual electric motors are embedded inside each wheel. This means our ride of the future might only measure 150″ x 69″ x 60″, but pretty much all the interior space is for you (and your robot butler).

Via: Auto Blog

Source: Toyota

Google Play offers discounted games at just 10¢

Google has been known to throw the occasional sale for users, giving big discounts on some popular titles. This time they’ve got thirteen games that have been marked down to only $0.10 each. Even if you aren’t a big gamer, it’s hard to pass up some of these games when they’re nearly free. We’ve compiled a list of those games below, along with individual links to each game’s Google Play page, in case you want to take advantage of the great discount. Here are the gaming titles you can get for just a dime:

• Monopoly
• Spider Jack
• Need for Speed: Most Wanted
• Wake the Cat
• Dead Space
• In Fear I Trust
• Fleece Lightning
• Harry the Fairy
• Robbery Bob 2: Double Trouble
• Power Ping Pong
• Bloodstroke
• Incredible Jack
• Contre Jour

It’s worth noting that we haven’t found any indication of when the sale ends, so if you want to snatch one of these games up, time is limited!

Source Google Play

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QUICK LOOK: Ventev portable power solutions

In the market for some new accessories to enhance your mobile experience? You’ve got a really sweet Android phone and now it’s time to add a few goodies.

There are a ton of companies out there offering up portable batteries, external power sources, cords, and other general smartphone accessories. We’ve played with a bunch of ’em over the years and have come to appreciate a handful of brands. One such company, Ventev, has been putting out one solid product after another; we have always been impressed with its offerings.

We recently had the chance to check out a number of newer items from the Ventev and think you’d enjoy learning a little bit about each.  Let’s get to it!

The Ventev wall charginghub 200 plugs into your existing outlet and adds a 2.4A output as well. Essentially, you’re adding a USB output to an existing outlet without giving up that existing plug in the wall. It takes up about twice as much space (width) as a normal plug however it’s practical and provides a convenient place to plug in your phone or tablet.

If you need to charge up on the go there are two options we reviewed: The powercell 3015c battery charger with micro usb cable and the powercell 10000+ battery charger. As the names likely tip you off, the former provides 3000mAh of juice that can be taken with you on the go. Not much thicker than, say, a small stack of credit cards, this guy comes with an integrated Micro USB port, on/off button, and an LED battery level indicator. You can push the power button to find out how much do you have left based on four indicator lights. We liked how shiny and sleek this one was, and appreciated the orange accents found in the sides.

For those who need more, the powercell 10000+ gives you 10,000mAh battery and features built in cords (a few inches) for both micro USB as well as lightning ports.  Simply peel out the one you want or need and plug it in.

The top of the unit has an LED power display which tells you how much juice is left using a scale of 0-100%. There’s a battery check button sitting directly next to it that can be pressed to pull up the current read out. A nice, albeit handy feature that we appreciate is that you can plug this one directly into the wall. No dock, no extra cords.

Note, you do have to push the power button to get this one enact charging. Don’t forget – when you plug your phone in, it wont start charging until you literally turn it on.

If you are like me, then you tend to charge two or three devices at a time, perhaps on the nightstand or office table. The usbcharginghub 400 takes an existing outlet and turns it into four USB ports. The cord is 5 feet long so there’s plenty of length to tuck this one behind the desk or in a moderately hard to reach place.

One of the four outlets is 2.4A while the other three are your standard USB outlets. If you need to charge a tablet or a quick charge-capable device, you will want to use the 2.4A port, however overnight charges work just fine on all four.

When it comes to charging devices at the wall, on the desk, or out and about,  we need to make sure we have the right cables. To that end Ventev offers a variety of options. On the absolute short end of things is a Universal 6-inch USB cable. On one end you have the standard USB port, on the other hand you have your micro USB port. Indeed, it’s 2.1A compatible so you can use it to charge up or sync your information to and from a laptop and a phone.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have a six foot cable that is also tangle-free. Not quite ribbon-like, it is still a flat cable that is offered in a variety of colors. We’ve played with gray, blue, and the traditional orange from Ventev. These are stylish and easy to identify. If you plug in a variety of devices, my recommendation is to choose different colors for different devices.

Head over to Ventev’s website and you’ll find a whole host of products that work with general smartphones and iPhones. Some are device-specific while others cast a wider net and work for just about anything you’ll use.

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The OnePlus X may have been spotted being certified in China, could launch October 12

It’s been rumoured that the OnePlus X could launch in October, with the handset maker even sending out invitations to its ‘Next Big Step’ event in India for October 12. If October 12 seems familiar to you, it’s also when OnePlus’ Open Sale is occurring, where you’ll be able to pick up a OnePlus 2 without an invite. Back to the OnePlus X though, and it’s believed to have been spotted being put through its paces on China’s Quality Certification website, with model number OnePlus E1001.

While it isn’t confirmed that the OnePlus E1001 is, in fact, the upcoming OnePlus X, it’s quite the coincidence. Especially considering the OnePlus CEO, Liu Zuohu, posted a teaser on his Weibo page that oddly enough had the letter ‘X’ written on it. The Oneplus X is believed to use either the Snapdragon 801 or MediaTek’s Helio X10 MT6795 processor, have a display that’s around 5-inches in size and a price tag of around $249.

It’s just a couple of days to wait until all is revealed, does the thought of a ‘Mini‘ OnePlus handset appeal to you? Let us know in the comments.

Source: cnBeta,
Via: GizmoChina, 2

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