Benq amazes us once again with the launch of the new compact classy digital camera. The DC X725 is as small as 12.5 millimeters, and the material from which it is made of is steel, so it is stainless and more resistant. It comes in four different colors, black, red silver, or pearl. It has a 1/2.5 CCD and can go up to 3x optical zoom. The ISO sensitivity can go up to 1600 on photos and 4000 on videos. You can also increase the memory, as it has an SD/SDHC memory card support. The range of mega pixels is, for the time being, unknown, but we can assume it has more then the previous release of Benq that had 7.2. We also have no information regarding the price.
Non-Surgical Autopsy Technique Set to Revolutionize Post-Mortem Practice
Hospital & Healthcare Management/ Healthcare Technology Advancements & Trends/ 04th March 2011 :- A new non-surgical post-mortem technique that has the potential to revolutionise the way autopsies are conducted around the world has been pioneered by forensic pathologists and radiologists at the University of Leicester in collaboration with the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
The technique developed by a team in the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, at the University of Leicester, has been published March 1 in International Journal of Legal Medicine. This paper presents the development of the methodology and protocol for this technique from independent research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The study has taken another step towards a minimally invasive autopsy for natural and unnatural deaths, for either single cases or mass fatalities. It could also potentially allay qualms from certain faith groups that object to autopsies.
Professor Guy Rutty, Chief Forensic Pathologist to the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit, which is part of the Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, said the pilot study had demonstrated the potential of the technique to change the future of post-mortem procedures.
He said: "Autopsies are not popular with the general public and are viewed with great distaste. There are a number of faith groups who voice objections to the autopsy. The development of a minimally invasive autopsy technique would reduce the overall number of invasive autopsies performed in the UK but would still provide a service to the Coroner and determine the cause of a person's death. Currently, without the use of angiography, cardiac related death cannot be reliably diagnosed using a post mortem CT (Computed Tomography) scan so we needed to develop a system that could do this."
"In collaboration with the radiology team, lead by Professor Bruno Morgan, we have successfully developed a quick and simple technique of 'minimally invasive targeted coronary angiography' where we inject contrast into the body of a deceased person through a small incision in the neck and then perform a full body CT scan. Using this method we are able to determine the cause of death in up to 80% of cases (in the series analysed to date).
"Basically, the technique is used to highlight and examine the vessels of the heart in people who have died. The technique is inexpensive, easy to use and applicable to natural and unnatural death, both single and mass fatalities."
Professor Rutty explained the technique was novel because it uses catheterisation, contrast and imaging techniques that have not been reported previously. "Developing a new catheterisation system and using two different types of contrast to highlight the coronary vessels (air and standard coronary radio-opaque contrast media) sets us apart from other research groups," he said.
Professor Rutty added: "We were the first Unit in the world to our knowledge to propose targeted angiography as the way forward, and are now the first to describe the development, methodology and protocols involved for cadaver cardiac CT angiography. Other groups have done whole body angiography which is time consuming and expensive and is unlikely to be implemented in the UK for everyday autopsies.
"We are incredibly excited about the potential of this new research. This technique could see the beginning of a permanent change in autopsy practice in the UK, with fewer autopsies being performed. This technique could be used in other centres across the world.
Drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria linked to a wide range of human diseases, are present in meat and poultry from U.S. grocery stores at unexpectedly high rates. Nearly half of the meat and poultry samples -- 47 percent -- were contaminated with S. aureus, and more than half of those bacteria -- 52 percent -- were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics.
Does everyone remember that ground-breaking piece of Sony hardware? Here’s a clue: it was released over a decade ago and played computer games. Since then, Sony’s hardware has never reached those lofty heights. Can they recreate that success with the world’s newest, popular gadget, the tablet? Let’s look at their offerings.
The Tablets
The tablets are due this Autumn, so with many months ahead, anything can happen to the designs. What we know right now is that they’ll run Android 3.0, with WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatibility. They will also look to run content through Sony’s premium network services, such as music streaming on demand via Qriocity, or books through the Sony Reader Store and so on.
Sony Tablet S1
Aimed at rich media entertainment, the S1 has a 9.4-inch display. It’s been ergonomically designed to have an off-centre of gravity, making the device more stable and easier to hold.
Sony Tablet S2
Developed for mobile communication and entertainment, the S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded together for greater portability. The screens can work together as big display, or split into independent functions, such as playing a game on one screen, while showing control buttons on the other – it’s the Nintendo DS of tablets.
And
Both devices will also work as remote controls for any Sony Bravia device, doing away with the need for multi-purpose remotes. The built-in DLNA functionality will also allow consumers to send content from the device onto compatible televisions or wireless speakers – a real winner, if Sony’s content network proves affordable.
One particular area of interest is gaming. The company may have peaked with the PS2, but they’re definitely one of the top three names when it comes to home consoles or mobile gaming. A release from Sony stated:
“Sony is introducing “Sony Tablet” to deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with network services that deliver rich content.”
As a touch-screen Android system, we could see Xperia PLAY games available on the tablet – although integration with the much more powerful NGP might be a stretch. Maybe it could be used as a larger screen?
Sony Ericsson Announces Xperia Arc with Mobile BRAVIA Engine
We liked the Sony Ericsson Arc so much, that we decided to put it through its paces – on wedding-day. The question was, for a whole day of intense, outdoor media coverage, could the Arc outperform the iPhone 4?
Screen
The huge 4.2-inch touchscreen is huge – which meant viewing the route map for the procession was easy.
The humble LED-backlit TFT, it doesn’t have the pizzaz of the AMOLED – however, the 480×854 resolution meant that we didn’t miss the iPhone’s outstanding Retina display – a surprise to us.
It was equally poor in bright sunlight, though. When will anyone fix this?
Camera
The 8.1MP resolution takes a great photo – rivalling that of the iPhone. The reason for that is the Exmor R CMOS sensor. It’s back-illuminated to take smoother, better-quality shots in low light than normal phone cameras. For darkness, it even outperforms Apple’s offering. And in normal light, it’s no slouch either.
It also comes with Smile Detection technology – which automatically snaps when a smile gets big enough (i.e. anytime anyone glanced at Pippa Middleton). Video recording is 720p.
Internet
The web-browser was snappy – partially due to the 1GHz processor, and partially due to Three’s excellent coverage in Hyde Park. All the media-rich Flash content for the wedding loaded without a hitch – although sometimes the interface could be a pain, Flash Mobile still isn’t perfect.
Speaker
The Xperia Arc failed the “playing phat tunes in park” test. It’s loudspeaker works fine, it’s just a bit unrefined and muffl-y. The iPhone has it here – despite Sony’s music pedigree.
Form
It’s very thin – which is refreshing. Despite the huge screen, there’s no bulk, making the Xperia pocket friendly.
The plastic case feels a bit cheap, however, which really takes away from the whole experience.
On the plus side, it does make the device incredibly light – a helium balloon compared with the weight of the iPhone. You’ll hardly notice it in your pocket – which left us free to carry more Will & Kate flags.
Battery
The battery-life is average. After a full day of Royal activities, it limped home, complaining about its tired legs and sub-10% remaining power.
Conclusion
If the iPhone didn’t exist, then the Arc would be our mobile of choice. The camera is great, it’s light, powerful, has Flash. The only issue is the speaker – but who really uses the loudspeaker function, anyway?
If it were a straight choice between the two… Well, it’s impossible. Sorry.
