In the tech world, a lot happens in a week. So much news goes on that it’s almost impossible for mere mortals with real lives to keep track of everything. That’s why we’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of this week’s top 10 tech stories, from a potential cure for Parkinson’s and Alzheimers to a solution to insomnia — it’s all here.
Emmy-winning actress, feminist icon Mary Tyler Moore has died at age 80
Just days after the largest single-day protest in American history was held to advocate for women’s rights, one of the earliest actresses to challenge female characters’ roles in pop culture has died. Oscar-nominated actress Mary Tyler Moore, who starred for seven seasons in her self-titled, Emmy-winning series The Mary Tyler Moore Show, died Wednesday due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 80.
The SolPad Mobile solar panel can recharge your phone up to 60 times
A new device called the SolPad Mobile looks to demystify the use of solar energy both at home and on the go. The large, yet still portable, solar panels come equipped with everything you need to set up and install a solar charging solution within a matter of minutes. Despite its simplicity, however, the system is still efficient enough to provide power to a wide variety of gadgets, including mobile devices, laptops, and small appliances.
Trouble sleeping? You can treat your insomnia online
A new online treatment may help people who suffer from insomnia. SHUTi, or Sleep Health Using the Internet, is a cognitive behavioral therapy-insomnia (CBT-I) internet course that aims to retrain your mind and body for better sleep. CBT-I focuses on a variety of factors to retrain your sleep cycle, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.
HP announces a major expansion to its ongoing battery recall
HP has announced an expanded recall of batteries used in its notebook computers. The company has apparently learned of an incident where a battery overheated to the point of melting and charring the surrounding area, causing around $1,000 worth of property damage. The voluntary recall pertains to lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Panasonic. They’re compatible with HP, Compaq, HP ProBook, HP Envy, Compaq Presario, and HP Pavilion laptops.
Harvard’s robotic exosuit uses science-fiction smarts to put a spring in your step
Thanks to science fiction, we can’t think about artificial intelligence without summoning the ghost of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s killer AI HAL 9000; we have to make the obligatory Terminator reference in any story about cutting-edge robots, and the picture that immediately springs to mind when we mention robotic exoskeletons are bulky pieces of kit straight out of Iron Man or the underrated Tom Cruise flick Edge of Tomorrow.
White House adds press room ‘Skype seats’ for remote reporters
Announced earlier today during a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that four “Skype seats” will be added for members of the press that aren’t located in Washington D.C. Specifically, the virtual conferencing seats will be reserved for members of the press without a permanent White House press pass and live more than 50 miles away from the nation’s capital.
Michelin’s new ultra high performance tire can make any car feel like a supercar
How does a tire manufacturer introduce the successor to one of the most celebrated products of the last six years? Evidently, with ranks of supercars, an autocross course, and giddy social media influencers. Such was the atmosphere of Michelin’s Pilot Experience, a two-day affair that previewed the company’s all-new ultra high performance (UHP) rubber: the Pilot Sport 4 S (PS4S).
Deep Brain Stimulation treats Parkinson’s, could soon do the same for Alzheimer’s
Deep Brain Stimulation, in which electrode-tipped wires are inserted into the brains of participants, is being used to treat patients with Parkinson’s — and could soon do the same for other neurological disorders. “We offer DBS surgery to Parkinson’s patients who continue to have difficulty with motor symptoms despite the best available medications,” Dr. Andres Lozano told Digital Trends.
Want Booze in a hurry? Postmates will deliver alcohol in 30 minutes or less
Ready to sit down to dinner but forgot to pick up a bottle of wine? Postmates has the perfect solution. The San Francisco, California-based company – which already delivers everything from lunch from your favorite restaurant to groceries to office supplies — is offering alcohol delivery in certain markets. To compete with other booze delivery services like Drizly, Postmates is including an added bonus. They promise to have the party at your front door in 25 minutes or less.
It’s in the genes: This company uses DNA to craft your ultimate fitness plan
Dr. Dan Reardon is tired. His brutal schedule – which allows for just four hours of sleep each night as he shuttles to and fro, from airplanes to meetings and back again – should leave him unresponsive in a hospital bed somewhere. And yet, Reardon – founder and CEO of UK-based personal genomics company FitnessGenes – consistently finds the energy to travel across the globe, speak at wellness conferences, and give cheerful interviews to faraway journalists.
