Loud noise can change how brain processes speech

New research says loud noises such as sirens of fire trucks or ambulances even loud noise of an mp3 player can damage the brain and ears. About 15 percent of Americans between the ages of 20-69 years of hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises. Scientists know that loud noises can damage the hair cells in the ear that receives the voices.

Patrick Kanold, a neuroscientist at the University of Maryland who was record neural activity in auditory cortex of adult rats, which is a part of the brain that produce the hearing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1tEELnC)

Regular exposure to sounds greater than 100 
decibelsfor more than a minute at a time may 
lead to permanent hearing loss, according to 
the National Institute of Deafness and Other 
Communication Disorders. (Picture from:  
http://bit.ly/1oFGUb9)

Research recently said that hearing damage can also affect the brain's ability to process sounds into words and conversation. Scientists from the University of Texas at Dallas gives voice loud noises that cause mild and severe hearing damage in rats.

After that, scientists examine the parts of the brain that processes sound rat, which is called the auditory cortex. In mice that severely damaged his hearing is less than 1/3 cortex showed no reaction when the given stimuli. In the sections that showed the reaction, the reaction is slower.

Brains of mice that had mild hearing damage also change, responds more slowly and require more stimulation than normal mice hearing function.

This is important, because as it is delivered to the researchers in the journal Ear and Hearing, hearing is a complicated process. They said the sound heard only the first step of the process is very complicated nerve, which the brain uses to convert it into speech sounds that could be understood.

Scientists also indicate if the hair cells are damaged ears will not grow back and the damage can not be repaired. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCEDAILY | VOA NEWS]

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New generation of MX-5 Miata

Details of fourth generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata began to unfold, this iconic figure of lightweight roadster will greet the public for the first time less than a month away. Mazda Australia boss, Martin Benders confirmed, that the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be changed completely, and is different from the current version.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (Picture form: http://bit.ly/1plNzMG)

As reported Inautonews, on Friday, August 8, 2014, although adopted the Kodo design language, but the 2016 MX-5 Miata looks is considered as an evolution of the other Mazda models that commonly found in the CX-6, Mazda3 and Mazda6.

Mazda has announced that, the Mazda MX-5 Miata will make its global debut on September 3, 2014 in three simultaneous launches across the world. One new place is known, is at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, USA.

But it is merely the details, Benders not want to reveal more details in. Remarks that could be justified, the latest generation of the MX-5 will use Skyaktiv-Chassis that allows the car weight is reduced dramatically to more than 100 kg compared to its predecessor.

In addition, a new generation of Mazda MX-5 Miata will have a low center of gravity, front mid-mounted engine and driven through its rear wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INAUTONEWS]

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They changed Smartphone into Drone

Lot Amorós, an artist along with two engineers, namely Cristina Navarro and Alexandre Oliver were winning the Next Things Award 2013 for having created a flying (drone) phone.

Flone, the flying (drone) phone. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1sSNy2P)

Dubbed Flone, this device has `H` shaped and act as fuselage that allows smaprtphone can fly like a flight instrument. Flone claimed to be able to fly up to 20 meters, and has the ability remotely to take photos and record video from the top.

Lot Amorós and Cristina Navarro with Flone. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/UqeNW3)

As reported by the Guardian on Monday, August 4, 2014, Flone designed to be a simple and inexpensive device, with a fuselage made ​​of wood as well as battery powered and four propellers. "We are trying to simplify all the drone technology and we tried a new way to control it," Amorós told BBC.

Interesting Flone features while on the flight is the smartphone can be controlled remotely by other smartphones using the Android application via a Bluetooth wireless connection. "What we have done is to change the concept that little drone is not something that can only be owned by people who have a lot of money," said Oliver.

Broadly, the drones used by the military on the battlefield. But now, people are starting to realize that the drones could be used for things that are more positive and creative. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GUARDIAN | BBC]

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Candidates for the world fastest supercar

Although they have made Venom GT which once grab the title of the world fastest cars, but Hennessey, one of the American supercar builders seems not quickly satisfied. Now, Hennessey is preparing a new hypercar is able to penetrate the targeted speeds of up to 467 kph.

Hennessey Venom F5. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1kv8Q6f)

As quoted from TopGear, on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, the previous speed record of Venom GT was successfully deposed by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. The French hypercar from Strasbourg was scored a new speed record i.e 431 kph.

Apparently, this is become the main reason for Hennessey to create new hypercar. "I think it's possible to break through the range of speeds at 467 kph," said John Hennessey, the founder and CEO of Hennessey.

Right side view of Hennessey Venom F5. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1kv8Q6f)

For their latest hypercar, Hennessey Venom will be dubbed with the name F5. These manufacturers feel confident if they would come back to beat the speed record belongs to the Bugatti Super Sport on the NASA's Kennedy Space Center runway.

Rear three quarter of Hennessey Venom F5. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1kv8Q6f)

According to Hennessey, Venom F5 will carry a 7.0 liter, V8, twin turbo engine. The engine will be mated to a single-clutch paddle shift. It is estimated that the engine is capable of spewing power up to more than 1,400 hp.

Hennessey confirm that the Venom F5 production version will be introduced next year. In the meantime, consumers can have it starting in 2016. Later, Hennessey will only produce 30 units of Venom F5. For the price, the tag of this jets land estimated at no less than U.S. $1.2 million, or about Rp. 14.11 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR] 

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The newest Kawasaki naked bike

Many fans of naked bike apparently also made Kawasaki evocative. In an effort to attract market, Kawasaki has created a special edition of its flagship streetbike, namely Z1000.

2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1B7vlmZ)

Streetbike motorcycle flowing design is not only aggressive, but also strudy. As reported by the Autoevolution, on Monday, July 21, 2014, on this particular edition Kawasaki fused the Z1000 with a more elegant color combinations. Visible unity of two color metal accents that is Blazed Green and Metallic Graphite Grey.

Right side view of 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q4hB3R)

Meanwhile, at the engine section, Z1000 not much has changed compared to the previous edition. The streetbike is carrying a four-cylinder engine that has a capacity of 1,043 cc with liquid-cooled, and wedded with six acceleration manual transmission system.

Top view of 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1A6hqw5)

Z1000's engine capable of spraying power up to 142 hp and maximum torque of 111 Nm. Z1000's engine output was not hooked from the streetbike lot owned rival, the Ducati. As has been known that Duccati Diavel is capable of producing 162 hp of power.

Instrument panel view of 2015 Kawasaki Z1000 Special Edition. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1A6hqw5)

Despite glimpses have designs similar to the previous, is expressly Z1000 Special Edition also suffer modifications. In this particular edition, Kawasaki focused on improving the performance of the feet. Showa's Separate Function Fork that come with separately adjustable damping system.

Meanwhile, the Z1000's wheels are made of lighter material. Unfortunately, Kawasaki does not supply the ABS as standard features of this streetbike. Consumers should dive deeper their pockets for Z1000 ABS version. And for the lights component, Z1000 now use LED lighting technology known energy saving.

To spread the sale, Kawasaki begin marketing their Z1000 Special Edition in England first. Japanese motorcycle manufacturer will sold the Z1000 standard version for U.S. $16,610 or around Rp. 193.7 millions. Meanwhile, for the Z1000 ABS version is cast to the market price U.S. $17,290 or around Rp. 201, 6 millions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Unique three-wheeled Roadster

Polaris celebrates their 60th anniversary in the automotive world by launching the Slingshot. This is a three-wheeled roadster to provide driving satisfaction. The company did not call it a motorcycle, not a car anyway, but the ride of the future.

2015 Polaris Slingshot. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1AZ7SEw)

"The vehicle is a two-dimensional satisfaction. First, the joy that you see, hear, and feel when ride. Secondly, the joy that you feel when you see a design that is exotic and unique," said Mike Jonikas, Vice President of Slingshot, Polaris. This car is a new driving experience. There is no roof, and the driver will be free to feel the conditions around despite having to wear a helmet and driving gear is pretty complete as a racer.

Front view of 2015 Polaris Slingshot. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1u3W7L5)

Adrenaline will be driven when ride it, the distance of the body with ground is very short, the driver and passengers will feel the shock of the way up to the chest. Sport suspension installed in the body that allows very agile control, even claimed fun to maneuver.

Dashboard view of 2015 Polaris Slingshot. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1AZ8tpD)

This vehicle uses a 2,400 cc DOHC engine that capable of physical exertion up to 173 hp with 5-speed manual transmission. The chassis is made of steel, combined with an aluminum swing arm. Some components are made of carbon fiber for strength and rigidity. Total weight of this three-wheeled roadster was only 771 kg.

 

The other features, include traction control and electronic stability. And of course installed the three tires (two in front and one in back) has been fitted with ABS for security reason. It also uses the LED lights. Passengers were given protective shield made ​​of aluminum wrought and three-point seat belt.

The price for the standard type to U.S $19,999 (Rp. 235 million) with a metallic titanium color, 17-inch alloy rims in front and 18 inches in the rear. While the premium models priced U.S $23,999 (Rp. 282 million) in red, 18-inch front rim and 20 inch rear. There are luxury type air shield, a media console with a 4.3 inch LCD screen, camera, Bluetooth integration, and an audio system with six speakers.

Polaris notes, this vehicle is not a car that has air bags, and do not adhere to the safety pattern outlined for the car. Its control will be very different, especially in wet road conditions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORSPORTS NEWSWIRE] 

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The selfish Vespa scooter

Vespa 946 is a variant of the Piaggio scooter production can be called the most exclusive and sensational with prices ranging from U.S. $10,500 (Rp. 123.5 million) or in Indonesia sold nearly Rp. 150 million.

Vespa 946 Bellissima. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1u3ZMbK)

But there is more individual and selfish, called 946 Bellissima. Said, because only 100 units will be made and without pillion seat. A dynamic style of float seat is retained, only made ​​shorter. Added as a complement to the rear rack with chrome coating. Rims and given the choice of new body colors, namely metallic gray and metallic blue. And also more varied of the gas handle choice.

Front three quarter of Vespa 946 Bellissima. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1u3ZMbK)

However, Bellissima was not selfish. Vespa remains include a pillion seat which can be dismantled and reassembled in order to still be enjoyed of two. The fabric and the design is still the same, made in "float" style as the main seat.

Left side view of Vespa 946 Bellissima. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1u3ZMbK)

Its specification, no different from the standard 946. This scooter uses a 150 cc, 3-valve engine, with electronic injection. The braking system uses ABS two channels, supported with traction control that work electronically to maintain the stability and security of the 12 inches wheels rotation.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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