Paralyzed body tracking technology

Scientists at the the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland claims to be able to stimulate the spinal cord of paralyzed mice with an appropriately electrical stimulant so as to control his limbs immediately.

Illustration of the experiments of paralysis tracking technology which is conducted on mice. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1pDdhYH)

As reported by Cnet on Monday, September 29, 2014, a research project named NEUWalk and has been tested and proven to move the damaged rat spinal cord. The project motivated the idea that the human body needs an electrical signal in order to function.

This project becomes important when the electrical signals of the brain responsible for moving the spinal cord is interrupted due to spinal cord damage. That is, the electrical signal paralyze parts of the body.

However, the electrical signal is sent directly to the spinal cord and not through the first brain signals sent to replace the brain, as the team at EPFL, led by neuroscientist Grégoire Courtine, has discovered.

The workings of this project is to cut spinal cord and make some mice paralyzed parts of the body underneath. Then, a team of scientists put electrodes into the spine flexible right at the cut nerve. This allows scientists to send electrical signals to the damaged bone.

However, this method is not sufficient to make mice run leg. That is because, the way the brain sends electrical signals are not purely arbitrary shaped flow, but more towards the measured frequency electrical stimulation that can set certain gestures mice.

By studying all aspects of how electrical stimulation affects the movement of the feet of mice, such as gait, a team of scientists were able to find a way to stimulate the spinal cord to be able to pass through obstacles such as stairs.

"We have total control of the hind paws of rats," said Courtine. These mice do not have voluntary access to his limbs, but the injured spinal cord can be activated to stimulate their natural gait. We can control in real time how the rat moves forward and lifted his legs, "he said.

Clinical trials on humans can be started from the beginning of June 2015 The team plans to begin testing to patients with spinal cord injury using a research laboratory named Gait Platform, located at the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland.

This laboratory contains a custom treadmill and other support systems, such as fourteen infrared camera that reads the sign on the patient's body and two video cameras to record the movement of the patient.

Silvestro Micera, co-author and neuroengineer says the importance of this discovery. "Simple scientific discoveries about how the nervous system works can be deepened with the purpose of building a neuroprosthetic technology more effective," said Silvestro.

"We believe that this technology may someday significantly improve the quality of life of people affected by neurological disorders," he added.

This project as well as supporting the claim that using the outside to move the paralyzed part of the body that is no longer needed. However, stimulation of the device that does not require heavy and cumbersome to be used is the main option.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CNET]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Salt water-fueled concept car

A number of car companies in the world continue to innovate to bring environmentally friendly vehicles that do not consume fuel. This time, a German technology research company, nanoFlowcell AG was managed to create an eco-friendly sports car is named Quant e-Sportlimousine.

Quant e-Sportlimousine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BycA9L)

As reported by the Dailymail on Monday, September 1, 2014, this car was designed in order to reach full speeds up to 350 kph. Interestingly, this car apparently fueled saltwater.

To be able to power its four motors, Quant e-Sportlimousine installed the power system which has a flow cell electrolyte. This technology is similar to the so-called hydrogen fuel cells. Only, the liquid that is used to store energy derived from brines. This fluid passes through the membrane apparently between two tanks and create an electrical charge. This electricity is then stored and distributed by the super capacitor.

Quant e-Sportlimousine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BycA9L)

The concept car which had showed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, is also said to be able to accommodate two saltwater tank with a capacity of 200-liters, and is able to travel a distance of 600 km.

Powertrain chart of Quant e-Sportlimousine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rGYIsP)

For the acceleration, Quant e-Sportlimousine said to be able to accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 2.8 seconds. If synchronized, the speed of the car is the same as the McLaren P1.

Right side view of Quant e-Sportlimousine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/ZmA7yQ)

Overall, the car with four passengers capacity is 5.25 meters long, 2.2 meters wide and 1.35 meters high.

Rear view of Quant e-Sportlimousine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/ZmA7yQ)

The concept car was came with a very sporty looks. Because, on the legs attached measuring 22-inch alloy wheels complete with double gull-wing doors style, and wrapped with 'Chrystal Lake Blue' color.

But unfortunately, the company is not going to sell and determine the price. However, some people who involved in the making of this concept car predicted the price of the car could reach £1 million, or equivalent to Rp. 19 billion.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DAILYMAIL | AUTOEVOLUTION]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Has the identity of 'Jack the Ripper' been revealed?

A DNA study on ancient stuff, finally able to unravel the mystery of a serial killer in London, who has become a myth for more than 120 years.

In 1888, the murder of five women terrorized residents of Whitechapel district of London. Although various investigations have been carried out, the culprit behind the famous murderer with the name Jack the Ripper was still dark.

A newspaper picture depicting the death of Catherine Eddowes. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/YETPEO)

However, eventually the detection of DNA sequence in an ancient shawl be able to uncover who was the mysterious serial killer in that time. The sadistic killer known as the 19th century Polish immigrants.

As reported of The Independent, Monday, September 8, 2014, the results of DNA studies mentioned Aaron Kosminski, a Polish Jew known as the mastermind behind a series of mysterious murders. Kosminski at that time migrated to London, to escape from the serial killer.

A newspaper report on the Jack the Ripper mystery. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/YETPEO)

Known, Kosminski while butchering his victims aged 23 years and then died at the age of 53 years in a mental hospital.

"I have the only forensic evidence in the entire history of the case. I have spent 14 years working, and we have definitely solved the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Only unbelievers who want to perpetuate the myth that will not hesitate. Now, we have opened his cover," said Russell Edwards, the author of the latest speculation book of this serial killer.

The key of Kosminski's guise is an old shawl which was purchased by Edwards in 2007 from the auction in Bury St Edmund, Suffolk. The shawl was claimed as a large piece of cloth found at the scene of the murder of Catherine Eddowes, known as one of the victims of Jack the Ripper.

The shawl also has a letter to 'prove' it from a descent of Sergeant Amos Simpson, the police officer were on duty the night when Eddowes was killed. Known, it is then brought by Simpson and then given to his wife.

Given horrified by the bloody scarf, Simpson's wife never wear or wash it. By his wife, the shawl was kept and became the family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation and eventually sold to the auction site.

Russell Edwards (left) and Dr Jari Louhelainen looking at a shawl found by the body of Catherine Eddowes. (Picture from: http://ind.pn/1vqUC77)

To ensure that scarf is key,  Edward tracing the surviving descent of Eddowes and Kosminski offspring DNA sequences and found two men in accordance with the DNA samples were recovered from an ancient shawl. Mentioned, the DNA on the scarf may be came from Eddowes blood or Kosminski seminal fluid.

Certainty the suitability of DNA was aided by Jari Louhelainen, a molecular biologist of John Moores University Liverpool.

Responding to the doubt of possibility of cross-contamination while testing the DNA sequences in the laboratory, Louhelainen convincing during the study, has implemented procedures to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination.

Louhelainen and Edward also claimed to work with the 'blind' samples to make sure they know where the samples were analyzed. In fact, the researchers claimed have conducted a copy testing in two different laboratories.

Unfortunately, so far Louhelainen not publish the study results in a scientific journal, so it was impossible to verify the claims or analysis of the study methodology.

Although Louhelainen studies have a very strong claim to uncover the mysterious butcher, another scientist ie Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, doubted that claim. Jeffreys was known as the inventor of DNA fingerprinting technique 30 years ago.

"An extraordinary claim, but it is necessary to study by other experts (peer review of), with a detailed analysis of the origin of the scarf and the nature of the DNA conformance claim descent actor, there is no actual evidence that was available at this time," said Sir Alec.

Sir Alec asserted, the study was not to uncover the mystery of the murder, because it had long since Kosminski strongly suspected as the mastermind behind the murder.

"If my memory is correct, when I visited the Black Museum at New Scotland Yard, Kosminski has long been regarded as the most likely the murder perpetrators," he said.

If so, who's the real 'Jack the Ripper' will remain a mystery and needs further research to uncover. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE INDEPENDENT]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Newest Toyota's crossover

After being flaunt it in the form of silhouettes on the internet last week, Toyota finally unveil the concept model, before formally exhibited at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. Toyota C-HR concept car is prepared to compete with the Honda HR-V or Vezel in the compact SUV or crossover segment.

New Toyota C-HR Compact Crossover concept teased. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Czk0vy)

From its appearance, the figure of C-HR glance much like the Nissan Juke character with a compact body, but with a high ground clearance. At the front, the dominance of a typical pair of ellipses Toyota emblem is centered and large.

On both sides, futuristic lamp with LED layer and a light blue beam of light radiating from the center of illumination. A great bumper, with a stylish sporty air dam at the bottom of a wasp nest. On either side of the bumper there are also three pairs of point LEDs lined up vertically.

The figure of the latest concept from Toyota is ready to display at the Paris Motor Show, on October 2, 2014. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Czk0vy)

Overall body design was stocky with a curved body lines. The rear bumper looks like layered and charactered matching with its front side, that focused on the Toyota emblem in the middle. Its taillights, fin-like the fighter jet with a layer of LED lights. The rear spoiler is also fitted with LED brake lights.

Shown with muscular design with the Toyota's emblem dominant on the front and rear. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Czk0vy)

This concept is part of the Auris family, looks to the character designs have the same common thread. Toyota will position the C-HR under RAV4. This two-door coupe version still feels far away from mass production, reportedly for the production version will be equipped with a five-door and compete with the Nissan Qashqai. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | DIGITALTRENDS]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The Bavarian taste on American motorcycle

It is very rare if the builder used Buell motorcycles as a base for their modifications. Most often they remodel its elder brother, Harley-Davidson. But Buchholz Custom, the motorcycle builder from Germany instead used the Buell X1 and chose to adopt a capacity of 1,200 cc engine from Harley-Davidson Sportster as their media creation this time.

Buell X1 modified by Buchholz Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ploCxh)

The Harley-Davidson classic technology ie air-cooled pushrod V-twin replaced by Thuderstorm cylinder heads with large valve and combustion chamber are painted over. The result is an increase in power of about 95 bhp or increase of 60 percent compared with Sportster conventional engine.

ForceWinder/K&N air intake use on Buell X1 modified by Buchholz Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ploCxh)

Not only that, Michi Heyer as the builder of this motorcycle also improve the performance through the replacement of standard carburetor with Mikuni, then Crane HI-4 Single Fire ignition system and ForceWinder/K&N for its air intake and also Akrapovic products for motorcycle exhaust.

Akrapovic exhaust system on Buell X1 modified by Buchholz Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ploCxh)

Although the Sportster frame is still maintained, but Buchholz Custom prefer the Honda VTR 1000 RC51 SP2's front end so that a more steady control like a sport bike. By handling more perfect after the Honda CB1100SF X11 swing arm paired with Ohlins shock absorbers. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUCHHOLZ CUSTOM]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Lamborghini Zagato Second Edition: Rare Speed Icon

Exquisite Velocity - Lamborghini, a name synonymous with luxury and speed, has introduced a stunning addition to its legacy of high-performance supercars: the second edition of the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato. This extraordinary vehicle, painted in a striking "glare" yellow, epitomizes Lamborghini's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and performance. With only five units available worldwide, the Zagato has already captivated enthusiasts and collectors alike with its exclusivity and craftsmanship.

The Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato Second Edition. (Picture from: Motorauthority)

The Zagato’s second edition was launched a mere two months after the debut of its predecessor, showcasing Lamborghini's dedication to meeting the demand for unique, high-end vehicles. Based on the Gallardo LP 570-4, this car carries a legacy of excellence while incorporating innovative design and performance elements. Lamborghini remains tight-lipped about the identities of the lucky individuals who will own this limited masterpiece, adding to the mystique of the release.

At the heart of the Zagato is an evolved V10 engine borrowed from the LP 570-4. This 5.2-liter powerhouse generates an impressive 562 horsepower and features an all-wheel-drive system that ensures exceptional traction and stability. The Zagato is a marvel of speed, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in a breathtaking 3.4 seconds. On the open road, this "super bull" can reach a top speed of 322 kph, making it a true contender in the world of high-performance sports cars.

Dashboard view of the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato Second Edition. (Picture from: Motorauthority)

The Zagato’s exterior reflects its unique identity, crafted by the renowned Milan-based design house that shares its name. The bodywork exudes sophistication and aerodynamics, with distinctive features that set it apart from other Lamborghini models. The large oval radiator grille and front grill give the car an assertive, modern look, while the shorter rear end and circular taillights add an unconventional yet elegant touch. This design language ensures that the Zagato is instantly recognizable and highly desirable among car aficionados.

Stepping inside the Zagato, one is greeted by an interior that embodies luxury and refinement. The dashboard and instrument panel boast an elegant, minimalist design that reflects the car's premium status. Every detail, from the materials used to the placement of controls, has been meticulously thought out to create an unparalleled driving experience. The interior is not just a space but an extension of the car's artistry and performance.

Rear three quarter of the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato Second Edition. (Picture from: Motorauthority)

The first edition of the 5-95 Zagato, introduced in May of the same year, was painted in a rich brownish-orange hue and was commissioned by Albert Spiess, a noted Swiss collector of luxury cars. Spiess’s Zagato set a high standard for this exclusive series, showcasing Lamborghini's ability to cater to the specific tastes of its most discerning clients. This second edition continues that tradition, with its bold yellow finish serving as a testament to Lamborghini's flair for vibrant and daring designs.

With only a handful of these masterpieces being produced, the Lamborghini Zagato is a shining example of automotive artistry and engineering excellence. Each unit is a collector’s dream, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design. For Lamborghini, the Zagato is more than just a car—it is a celebration of the brand's history and a glimpse into its future. As it roars onto the roads, this limited-edition supercar reaffirms Lamborghini’s place at the pinnacle of automotive innovation and luxury. *** [EKA [29092014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone