US Customs can search phones but not data stored in the cloud

If you’re entering or exiting the US anytime soon, take note: border officials can search your devices with or without probable cause, but they can’t touch anything stored solely in the cloud. Acting US Customs and Border Protection commissioner Kevin McALeenan has revealed the limit of the division’s power in a response to Senator Ron Wyden’s letter to Homeland Security.

Back in February, Wyden asked Homeland Security to explain why CPB has been conducting more searches than ever before — it looked through 5,000 travelers’ electronic devices in February alone, whereas it only did 5,000 total in 2015. The surge in border searches also prompted the senator to conjure up a bill that would require a warrant to search a US citizen and would forbid officials from asking them for their passwords.

On June 20th, McALeenan finally replied, admitting that the division authorizes officials to conduct searches without warrants to determine if a device contains child pornography or anything that could be a threat to national security. However, he also said officials can only look at data stored on the phone itself:

“CBP’s authority to conduct border searches extends to all merchandise entering or departing the United States, including information that is physically resident on an electronic device transported by an international traveler. Therefore, border searches conducted by CBP do not extend to information that is located solely on remote servers.”

The word “solely” is a bit concerning and makes the statement quite vague. It could mean officials can still look at your emails, Facebook posts and the files on your cloud storage apps, so long as they’re already on the device itself. Unfortunately, you might only get the answer to that if you experience it yourself.

In addition to revealing that customs and border officials can’t look at data stored on the cloud, McALeenan also clarified that you can refuse to give the password to your phone or computer. They have the right to detain your device, though, and you might risk not being able to get into the country if you’re not a citizen.

What the acting commissioner didn’t address in his letter is the total number of searches conducted thus far, an info Wyden requested in his letter. The senator’s spokesperson told the NBC News that he “will continue to push both for an answer to that question and a statistic on the number of Americans searched.”

Via: The Verge, Consumerist

Source: NBC News

Carry your computer in your pocket with the best stick PCs

Ever since Intel first released the Compute Stick, we’ve seen a rush of tiny PCs built into HDMI dongles. Some take advantage of the free-to-manufacturers Windows with Bing offering, while others use more traditional operating systems such as Android and Linux. While a number of stick PCs use Intel’s reference design and specs, there are also unique options from third-party manufacturers, and the good news is there’s room for all under the stick PC tent. Here are our picks for the best stick PCs on the market.

Our pick

Intel Compute Stick

Why you should buy this: You need a good, all-around stick PC.

Intel Compute Stick CS125

The Intel Compute stick offers a good balance between price and performance, without sacrificing its svelte form factor.

$149.95 from Amazon.com

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to turn their TV into a PC.

What will it cost: $123

Why we picked the Intel Compute Stick:

Intel launched the first iteration of the Compute Stick back in March 2015, and ever since, a number of other stick PCs have picked up on the Intel’s standard specs and carried them. The most recent version of the Compute Stick is powered by an Intel Atom Z8300 processor, 4GB of RAM, with 32 or 64GB of eMMC storage, and a MicroSD slot if you need a bit more space. As for connectivity, it attaches to a TV or monitor via HDMI, is powered over Type-C, with one USB 3.0 Type-A port on the unit itself, and two more on the power adapter.

The Intel Compute stick comes in a few other flavors as well, including a top-end version kitted out with an Intel Core M processor, so you can actually get a stick PC that might be a little faster than your laptop. That model will run you $485, though, but for all that horsepower it could be worth the cost.

Read our full Intel Compute Stick review

The best under $100

Asus Chromebit

Why you should buy it: You need a low-cost stick PC

Asus Chromebit CS10

The Asus Chromebit offers an excellent entry point into the world of stick PCs, at an affordable price to boot.

$82.04 from Amazon.com

Who it’s for: Students, families looking for an ultra-affordable PC

What will it cost: $85

Why we picked the Asus Chromebit:

If you’ve used Chrome OS recently, you know it has become a robust and utilitarian operating system with a large variety of uses. The Asus Chromebit puts all of the functionality of the OS into a small dongle that plugs right into your HDMI port for less than $100. The Chromebit is powered by a RockChip RK328, an increasingly popular quad-core chip, and connectivity is bolstered by Wi-Fi, built-in Bluetooth, and a USB port. Chrome OS makes for an excellent portable computing solution, the cloud-based nature of which can’t be rivaled.

Read our full Asus Chromebit review

The best for real PC use

Kangaroo Mobile Desktop Plus

Why you should buy it: You need a lightweight but capable PC alternative

Our Score

Kangaroo Portable Desktop

The Kangaroo Plus is one of the most capable mini-PCs on the market with enough ports to do just about anything.

$169.99 from Amazon

Who it’s for: Anyone who needs a powerful PC they can take anywhere.

What it will cost: $170

Why we picked the Kangaroo Mobile Desktop Plus:

Even though it’s not technically a stick PC — it’s more of a rectangle — the Kangaroo’s tiny form factor renders it perfectly suitable for many of the same uses as the other systems on our list. This is the one you’ll want if you’re looking for a small, portable desktop that can handle everyday work and play.

While the specs under the hood are fairly standard — it houses an Atom Z8500 CPU — there are two configurations with a respectable amount of RAM and storage. The Plus model features 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of on-board storage space, while the Pro model features 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage space, and comes with a stationary dock which increases the number of ports available. The Pro Dock features three additional USB ports, and an Ethernet port.

The Pro dock also features a hard drive bay, making it an excellent choice if you need a stick PC capable of competing with a typical PC. Though it won’t hold a candle to our best laptops, you’ll still be able to get some serious work done.

Read our full Kangaroo Mobile Desktop review

The best for streaming

Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick

Why you should buy this: You want a streaming device more versatile than an Apple TV or Roku.

Azulle Quantum Access LAN

The Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC stick offers all the connectivity you’ll need to set up your own mini-media server, right from your TV.

$97.99 from Amazon.com

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to kick back and stream straight from their TV.

How much will it cost: $100

Why we picked the Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick:

The Azulle is a take on the original Intel Compute Stick, and has most of the same hardware, right down to the Intel Z3735F quad-core processor. However, unlike the Compute Stick, this particular model of the Quantum Access has an Ethernet port. That’s a handy extra, particularly if you’d like to use your stick to set up a Plex server.

That Ethernet port also makes media streaming from services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now a lot more reliable — a quicker connection means a lot less buffering. Also, unlike a lot of other Compute Stick variants, this particular model ships with Windows 10. It’s free to upgrade from 8.1 anyway, but it’s nice to have that taken care of beforehand.

Updated 7/11/17: updated all products to reflect current prices. 

Use Alexa to control Sony 4K TVs with your voice

Another day, another Alexa skill, right? Well the latest set is pretty useful if you feel like talking to your TV actually responding when you yell at it. With Sony’s 2017 4K models with HDR and Android TV you can turn them on and off, adjust volume, input and even start and stop playback with your voice. You can change the channel too, if your cable box is attached to your TV with an HDMI cable. The folks at Logitech Harmony has gotten in on the voice-control action too, in addition to BroadLink and its collection of Hubs.

Like skills before this, now they’re a part of the broader Alexa ecosystem and developers can do whatever they want with them. Some of the partners already using ’em beyond those listed above include Crestron, Definitive Technology, Denon, Marantz and Polk Audio will support Bezos’ smart speaker soon, according to Amazon. Hey, if this means less time spent fumbling for the remote regardless of who makes the A/V gear we’re all for it.

Source: Amazon

Energy-recycling stairs could replace stairlifts

For most people stairs are a minor inconvenience, but for those with mobility issues they’re a nightmare. However, the tedious ascent is set to get a lot easier thanks to new “energy-recycling stairs” that are currently in the works. The idea is that the steps will help folks reduce the effort they expend in their journey by cushioning or boosting their efforts.

The design is the work of a group of mechanical engineers, biomedical engineers and computer scientists at Georgia Tech. The spring-loaded stairs compress when stepped on, absorbing impact and saving 26 percent of a person’s energy. This energy is then stored to provide a boost of 37 percent when stepped on going upwards.

The technology has mainly been designed to benefit the elderly and those who have difficulty getting around. Each step contains springs and sensors, essentially providing a cushion and brake to reduce the amount of effort and impact usually caused by using stairs. The system can be installed on existing staircases on a temporary or permanent basis, and the researchers hope that, if developed further, it could replace stairlifts and even elevators.

Via: Wired

Source: PLOS One

Latest Windows 10 Insider preview build tightens up the Windows Shell

Why it matters to you

If you’re a Windows Insider, then you’ll want to hit that update button for some nice Windows Shell, Task Manager, and Mixed Reality improvements.

Windows 10 continues its trek towards its next major revision, Fall Creators Update, that’s expected to arrive later in 2018. If you’re a Windows Insider, however, you don’t have to wait until Microsoft officially releases it, but rather can gain access to the latest bits as long as you’re willing to put up with some bugs as well.

Today, Microsoft released another Windows Insider preview build, 16241, that continues the company’s trend lately of pushing out some significant new features and fixes. This time around, Microsoft focused on the Windows Shell user interface components, along with a smattering of Task Manager and mixed reality improvements.

Windows Shell

First up is the Windows Shell, which also received some refinements in the last build, 16237. Microsoft is adding a way to recover your pin and password from the lock screen and is making it available to its commercial customers. Now, users can recover access to their managed service accounts (MSAs) and Azure AD Premium (AAD) accounts without needing to go through their IT administrators.

Another refinement in build 16241 is a softening of the Acrylic Material that’s part of Microsoft’s Fluent Design System that will make its debut in Fall Creators Update. The change will soften the noise layer, as demonstrated in the images below.

Task Manager

The new GPU section of the Task Manager Performance tab is getting some additional attention in this build after being introduced two builds ago. The GPU name will now be shown on the left-hand side of the tab for each GPU, more information will be displayed given the new multi-engine view, including 3D, Copy, and Video Encode, and Decode Engine information, and a total GPU memory text counter has been added.

Task Manager will also now do a better job of showing Microsoft Edge processes. Specifically, each Edge tab process will now be labeled with the Web page that’s running for each tab, to make it easier for users to see which tabs are using the most resources.

Mixed Reality

The Windows 10 Mixed Reality feature set has received quite a list of enhancements in build 16241. Here are the highlights:

• Support for Mixed Reality Motion Controllers or USB has been added.
• Connection reliability has been improved.
• The Mixed Reality Portal icon has been updated.
• The Teleportation experience has been updated to be more intuitive and direct.
• Headset stability during Mixed Reality sessions has been improved.
• Speech commands will now work during exclusive app sessions.
• Support for ASMedia and other third-party USB controllers has been improved.
• The system now supports 4K 360 video streaming.
• A black screen should no longer be shown during environment loading.
• The headset’s sleep cycle will now function according to user activities.
• Users can now share Mixed Reality captures to Facebook.
• You can find out more details about the latest changes by checking out the Mixed Reality Flight Notes.

Delivery Optimization

Microsoft has been working hard to make update delivery more efficient and less taxing on networks. Delivery Optimization has been improved in build 16241 to include a main settings page where users can enable and disable peer-to-peer (P2P) functionality. You can access the new page at Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and then select “Advanced Options and then “Delivery Optimization.”

There, users will find the ability to configure how updates are delivered. The new settings let users limit the impact that downloading updates has on their systems and networks and will provide an overview of how much of a monthly quota has been met. While Download Optimization attempts to minimize its impact generally, these new settings let users account for network activity that the system doesn’t know about.

Microsoft has also added an activity monitor that will provide an overview of update download activity. The information provided includes the overall bandwidth utilized along with a breakdown of how much data was provided from Microsoft, from local machines, and from other internet PCs.

Windows Console & Bash on Windows

Microsoft also reminds us that Ubuntu Linux is now available from the Windows Store. As long as you’re running a Windows Preview build that’s 16215 or later, you can download and install Ubuntu Linux and access it from within Windows 10. All Windows 10 users will receive this functionality starting with the official release of Fall Creators Update.

As usual, there are a number of general fixes in build 16241, along with the usual known issues to keep an eye on. You’ll need to be a Windows Insider on the Fast Ring to install this build, and the typical cautions about bugs and potential data loss apply.

Free robot lawyer can now help you with 1,000 different legal scenarios

Why it matters to you

Forget pricey lawyer fees! This free legal chatbot can answer at least 1,000 of your questions.

You may be familiar with DoNotPay, the free “robot lawyer” created by a teenaged British whizkid named Joshua Browder. Having previously helped people appeal $4 million worth of parking tickets and access invaluable access to government housing, Browder has now given his automated attorney the motherload of upgrades.

“People would message me asking if I could help them fight their landlord or dispute an airline charge,” Browder, who is currently studying Economics and Computer Science at Stanford University, told Digital Trends. “I couldn’t do that at the time. I realized that the only way to take this to the next level would be to expand to a huge number of areas all at once. About eight months ago, I started working with four lawyers to do exactly that. This week we delivered by starting to offer advice in 1,000 legal areas in every state in the U.S., and all across the UK as well.”

These 1,000 legal areas cover a myriad of consumer and human rights issues — ranging from claiming maternity leave to getting a refund for a faulty product, as well as the old favorite of fighting a parking ticket. The technology works like a chatbot, with users asked to type in their problem, and the bot then answering with a list of suggested solutions to the problem.

“So much of the tech world gets hung up on the technology,” Browder said. “People talk about chatbots or VR or artificial intelligence, and get very excited about it. My big thing is to make tools that are actually useful for ordinary people. In terms of the law and legal technology, there’s been almost no innovation over the past ten years. When it comes to submitting legal documents, for example, it’s still trapped in the Stone Age. This is about helping people to lead easier lives, and to stop having to pay hundreds of dollars to exploitative lawyers.”

For the immediate future, he suggests that there are still going to be times when it’s necessary to consult a breathing, flesh-and-blood lawyer — but those use-cases may be more limited than you might imagine.

“Obviously my chatbot is not going to be arguing in the Supreme Court anytime soon,” he quipped. “For that reason, I think barristers will still be needed. When it comes to preparing legal documents, though, the sky is the limit. Over the coming months, we’re going to be working in new areas — such as marriage and divorce. Ironically, it’s also really expensive to go bankrupt, so that’s something we want to help with. Ultimately, I want this to be able to offer the same service a real lawyer would provide.”

Free robot lawyer can now help you with 1,000 different legal scenarios

Why it matters to you

Forget pricey lawyer fees! This free legal chatbot can answer at least 1,000 of your questions.

You may be familiar with DoNotPay, the free “robot lawyer” created by a teenaged British whizkid named Joshua Browder. Having previously helped people appeal $4 million worth of parking tickets and access invaluable access to government housing, Browder has now given his automated attorney the motherload of upgrades.

“People would message me asking if I could help them fight their landlord or dispute an airline charge,” Browder, who is currently studying Economics and Computer Science at Stanford University, told Digital Trends. “I couldn’t do that at the time. I realized that the only way to take this to the next level would be to expand to a huge number of areas all at once. About eight months ago, I started working with four lawyers to do exactly that. This week we delivered by starting to offer advice in 1,000 legal areas in every state in the U.S., and all across the UK as well.”

These 1,000 legal areas cover a myriad of consumer and human rights issues — ranging from claiming maternity leave to getting a refund for a faulty product, as well as the old favorite of fighting a parking ticket. The technology works like a chatbot, with users asked to type in their problem, and the bot then answering with a list of suggested solutions to the problem.

“So much of the tech world gets hung up on the technology,” Browder said. “People talk about chatbots or VR or artificial intelligence, and get very excited about it. My big thing is to make tools that are actually useful for ordinary people. In terms of the law and legal technology, there’s been almost no innovation over the past ten years. When it comes to submitting legal documents, for example, it’s still trapped in the Stone Age. This is about helping people to lead easier lives, and to stop having to pay hundreds of dollars to exploitative lawyers.”

For the immediate future, he suggests that there are still going to be times when it’s necessary to consult a breathing, flesh-and-blood lawyer — but those use-cases may be more limited than you might imagine.

“Obviously my chatbot is not going to be arguing in the Supreme Court anytime soon,” he quipped. “For that reason, I think barristers will still be needed. When it comes to preparing legal documents, though, the sky is the limit. Over the coming months, we’re going to be working in new areas — such as marriage and divorce. Ironically, it’s also really expensive to go bankrupt, so that’s something we want to help with. Ultimately, I want this to be able to offer the same service a real lawyer would provide.”

Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 review

Research Center:
Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050

If you, like us, spend a good portion of your life banging on computers, the first thing you do after buying a new PC is replace the stock USB keyboard, and mouse that comes with it. Upgrading to aftermarket peripherals such as, say, the Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 review unit we have here, not only improves the aesthetics of your desktop and increases comfort, but can also be a wise investment in the well-being of your wrists and hands.

Compared to some other keyboard and mouse combos we’ve looked at recently, including the Logitech Performance MK850 Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Combo ($80), Microsoft’s Desktop 5050 is relatively inexpensive. It lists for $70, but we found it at several outlets for $50. While the Logitech MK850 specializes in allowing you to pair with multiple devices simultaneously, the Desktop 5050, in addition to its ergonomic design, comes with several additional keys for assigning shortcuts in Windows. Does it, however, provide enough comfort and convenience to warrant laying out half a C-note?

Classier than the price suggests

The first thing we noticed while unpacking the Desktop 5050 was the somewhat unorthodox shape of both the keyboard and mouse. The top edge — which holds an extra row of keys, or buttons, we’ll get into in a moment — conforms to the ergonomic curve of the keys. And the mouse is a bit plumper on in the palm than many of its competitors.

William Harrel/Digital Trends

William Harrel/Digital Trends

William Harrel/Digital Trends

William Harrel/Digital Trends

With its removable feet attached, the keyboard measures just under 2 inches high, by 17.8 inches across, by 8.6 inches from top to bottom, and it weighs 1 pound 13 ounces. Made primarily of plastic, the color scheme consists of three complementary shades of black. The keys are flat black, the deck and row of shortcut keys across the top are glossy black, and the wrist rest, which is coated in a rubberlike material embossed with a diamond pattern, is yet another shade of flat black. The underside, where you’ll find a small compartment that houses two (included) AA batteries  and slots for attaching the feet, is the same plastic as the keys.

In addition to its ergonomic design, it comes with several additional keys for assigning shortcuts in Windows.

The two detachable feet, designed to elevate the keyboard, can be inserted at either the top or bottom. In other words, you can use them to incline the back edge of the keyboard, or to elevate the wrist rest. While this is a great idea—some people do find comfort in inclining the keyboard toward them—we found the incline itself not quite steep enough for maximum comfort, and there’s no way to adjust it.

The mouse also comes in three shades of black. Its right and left buttons, as well as the underside, are made from the same glossy black plastic as the keyboard deck, the four-way scroll wheel is the same flat black plastic as the keys, and the palm rest and side thumb and finger indentations are coated with the same rubbery material as the wrist rest. In addition to a compartment for two AA batteries, the bottom of the mouse has a small indentation that holds the included USB dongle, to stow it away for easy travel. Unfortunately, the dongle is required. The keyboard and mouse don’t pair over Bluetooth.

Comfort and Convenience

Switching from any keyboard to another usually requires a short adjustment period, but transitioning to the Desktop 5050 shouldn’t take long. Key travel is quiet and comfortable, and we overall found it quite easy to type on. However, the Escape, function, Print Screen, and other keys in the top row are less than half the size and height than on most other keyboards. Using them, especially the ESC key, feels awkward and unnatural, requiring concentrated effort.

William Harrel/Digital Trends

We found the row of 19 shortcut buttons across the top edge to be exceptionally handy. Most of them are already assigned with tasks such as opening a browser, opening your email client, opening Windows Explorer, and so on. The last seven are media control keys, such as Play, Pause, Volume Up, and Volume Down. Six of them, though, are unassigned, and, like most keyboards (and mice) nowadays, you can remap all of them, as well as the function keys, to any tasks you want. There’s also a small button just above the Numpad lock key for opening the Calculator app. Remapping and other configuration tasks are handled from Microsoft’s downloadable Mouse and Keyboard Center app.

Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 Compared To

Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire

Brydge 12.3

Logitech MK850

Corsair Tenkeyless K63

Aukey KM-G3

Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming…

Microsoft Universal Foldable…

Logitech G213 Prodigy

Razer Blackwidow X Chroma

Cougar Attack X3 gaming keyboard

Logitech K400

Cooler Master Storm QuickFire

Logitech iPad 2 Keyboard Case by…

Cherry JK-0300

Logitech K750 Wireless Solar…

The mouse buttons, too, are completely remappable, and the mouse itself is ambidextrous—it’s the same shape and size on both sides. Instead of two buttons along the top left indentation, both the right and left indentations have just one button, mapped by default to Back (left side) and Forward (right side). As mentioned, the mouse itself is a little broader and higher at the back, filling more palm space, which we found significantly more comfortable than mice with lower and slimmer profiles. The scroll wheel is four-way, meaning that in addition to up and down, you can also scroll right and left, or reassign those positions to do something else.

Warranty information

Microsoft warrants the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 for three years under normal use, which is unusual for this type of product. Most offer a one-year warranty.

Our Take

The Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 is an attractive, comfortable to use, and feature-rich set of input peripherals for your desktop or laptop. It’s ergonomically designed, and it comes with a slew of extra keys for setting up shortcuts to your favorite programs and documents. We did find the redesigned function keys awkward. However, the $50 street price makes this combo a solid value.

Is there a better alternative?

If you’re looking for a comfortable, affordable keyboard and mouse combo, we don’t know of many with this quality at this price point. There are costlier solutions out there, but this one comes with a set of shortcut keys you won’t find on many other comparably priced competitors. If you need a wireless mouse and keyboard combo for switching back and forth between multiple computing devices, the Logitech MK850 is a better choice, but otherwise the Desktop 5050 is a good value.

How long will it last?

Both the mouse and keyboard are very well built and should easily last for five to ten years. Microsoft guarantees it for three years, which is plenty long enough to get $50 worth out of it.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 makes using Windows comfortable and easy. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a keyboard combo for working with multiple computing devices, we recommend the Logitech MK850.

Naval architect predicts 3D-printed yachts and superyachts by 2030

Why it matters to you

The boat of your dreams could finally be affordable through the proliferation of 3D-additive printing.

You may have heard of 3D printing to produce airless tires, furniture, food, or even marijuana treats. Those applications may be awesome, but how about something a lot bigger, like an entire superyacht? According to Naval architect Greg Marshall, the technology for 3D-printed yachts and superyachts could be in place by 2030, it’s only a matter of scaling up from current 3D printer designs.

Marshall’s views on 3D printed yachts are from an article in Futureyachts, a Boat International bookazine. The interview itself sprung from a presentation Marshall gave at the 2017 Superyacht Design Symposium.

According to Marshall, entire superyachts, including the interiors, could be created with 3D-additive printing. One of the greatest advantages of 3D printing over conventional construction technologies is waste reduction. “Additive manufacturing is changing the playing field. In the very near future, we will be using it to build superior yachts that have significant material reductions and much smaller carbon footprints,” Marshall said.

“Typically in a shipyard, you see about 15 to 20 percent raw material wastage,” Marshall continued. With 3D printing, it’s around 2 percent, so it’s a huge savings in material, a huge savings in labor.”

Marshall also says yachts will be 3D-printed using titanium. Titanium is relatively lightweight compared to steel, which means higher boat speed with less power. If the metal was also used to 3D print yacht interiors, which could later be covered with wood veneers and stone work, fire protection is an added benefit. Titanium’s melting point is about 300 degrees centigrade higher than steel. Titanium also doesn’t corrode and is bio-compatible — that’s why titanium can be used in human bone replacement implants – so maintenance won’t be as much of an issue.

How soon can we expect to see 3D-printed yachts and superyachts? Marshall said the technology for 3D printing with titanium is available now but needs to scale up.

A next-generation 3D printer due in late 2017 will be ready to print large-scale parts. According to Marshall, an even larger scale printer coming online in 2020 will jump up the size considerably. In the mid 20’s he thinks the yacht industry will be printing entire six-meter (19.6 feet) yacht tenders in one step.

“We picture by 2030 we’ll probably be fairly close to 3D printing full-scale metal structures on boats and interiors will come after that,” Marshall said.

Faster construction with 3D-printed yachts could mean a reduction from two or three years to as short as 90 days to print a 45-meter (148-foot) superyacht.

6th-grader invents water-testing device that could help get the lead out

Why it matters to you

Eleven-year-old Gitanjali Rao is one of just 10 finalists for the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, and her invention just might save lives in the future.

“My name is Gitanjali Rao and I like finding solutions to real problems,” says the 11-year-old girl finalist in one of the most distinguished science competitions in the U.S. Her invention, a sophisticated method for testing for lead contamination in water, could significantly improve the response to chemical disasters like the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. In fact, Rao’s water-testing device was partially inspired by stories of chemical contamination like the situation in Flint.

“Imagine living day in and day out drinking contaminated water with dangerous substances like lead,” Rao explains in her entry. “Millions of people around the world are exposed to water containing lead and its harmful side effects. There are over 5,000 water systems in the U.S. alone with lead contamination issues. Timely detection and preventative action can help mitigate the problem, but today it takes a long time because of chemical labs and expensive equipment. My solution addresses a core issue of speedy detection of lead contamination, allowing preventative action and even saving lives!”

Rao is a student at Brentwood Middle School in Brentwood, Tennessee, and one of 10 finalists in the 2017 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. It’s a one-of-a-kind video competition aimed at sparking the imaginations of students across the country.

Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her solution is positively radical. In reading through materials on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s material science department website (as typical sixth-graders are not known to do), Rao learned about a new type of nanotechnology — and made the correlative leap to recognize a new practical application for it.

Her test device, which she has dubbed “Tethys,” uses a disposable cartridge containing chemically treated carbon nanotube arrays. This connects with an Arduino technology-based signal processor with a Bluetooth attachment. The graphene within the nanotube is highly sensitive to changes in flow of current. By treating the tube with atoms that are sensitive to lead, Rao is able to measure whether potable water is contaminated with lead, beaming the results straight to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. When it detects levels higher than 15 parts per million, the device warns that the water is unsafe.

Even the name of the device is clever — in Greek mythology, “Tethys” is the Titan daughter of Uranus (Earth) and Gaius (Sky), and the mother of river gods.

Rao’s Tethys device offers real innovation in allowing live testing for chemical contaminants. Homeowners currently have to ship a kit to a chemical lab and wait a week or more for results. Most of the testing device is reusable, meaning it could potentially be produced at mass-market costs. Rao estimates that a Tethys kit could potentially cost as little as $20 or less. She’s working with a mentor at 3M to explore developing a product that people can buy.

“Clean water always makes you feel good,” she says. “The tool allows easy testing at home and by agencies for quick detection and remedial actions. It can be expanded in the future to test for other chemical contaminants in potable water.”

Tethys isn’t even Rao’s first invention. She was the first girl in Middle Tennessee to earn the designation of STEM Scout of the Year from the Boy Scouts of America — Middle Tennessee Council for inventing a device that can determine the kind and amount of toxin in a snakebite. She also placed third in the EngineerGirl Essay Contest with her essay, “Saving Mountain Gorillas with Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics,” and she’s won the National Association of State Aviation Officials Tennessee Art Contest three years running.

In October, Rao will travel to the 3M headquarters in Maplewood, Minnesota, where she’ll compete against the other finalists for a grand prize of $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” In future years, she hopes to become a geneticist or an epidemiologist, working in the field of disease theory.

On the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge website, Rao offers advice for other kids. “Just have fun,” she says. “There’s never a limit to how many times you want to keep trying and tweaking your projects. Keep trying, and one day, you’ll figure it out.”