[From the New York Times]

TV Sports

In 3-D, Masters Does Have Extra Dimension

By RICHARD SANDOMIR
Published: March 31, 2010

If the test footage shot recently at the Augusta National Golf Club is an authentic gauge, the Masters in 3-D will look terrific. Only a few thousand early adopters with 3-D television sets will be able to see the tournament in this manner, but they will be fortunate: one look at Augusta in 3-D will make high-definition seem obsolete.… read more. “In 3-D, Masters does have extra dimension”

[From Gizmag]

First advanced prototype revealed for the Australian bionic eye

By Loz Blain
March 31, 2010

Researchers at Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) have produced a prototype version of a bionic eye implant that could be ready to start restoring rudimentary vision to blind people as soon as 2013. The system consists of a pair of glasses with a camera built in, a processor that fits in your pocket, and an ocular implant that sits against the retina at the back of the eye and electronically stimulates the retinal neurons that send visual information to the brain. The resulting visual picture is blocky and low-res at this point, but the technology is bound to improve, and even in its current form it’s going to be a major life-changer for those with no vision at all. And the future potential – even for sighted people – is fascinating.… read more. “Looking to the future with advanced prototype of Australian bionic eye”

[From the Pink Tentacle blog; watch a :42 minute video here]

[Pictured: Geminoid F and her human counterpart, wearing outfits by fashion designer Junko Koshino]

Geminoid F: Remote-control female android

05 Apr 2010

Researchers from the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory at Osaka University have teamed up with robot maker Kokoro Co., Ltd. to create a realistic-looking remote-control female android that mimics the facial expressions and speech of a human operator.

Modeled after a woman in her twenties, the android — called Geminoid F (the “F” stands for female) — has long black hair, soft silicone skin, and a set of lifelike teeth that allow her to produce a natural smile.

According to the developers, the robot’s friendly and approachable appearance makes her suitable for receptionist work at sites such as museums. The researchers also plan to test her ability to put hospital patients at ease.… read more. “Geminoid F: Remote-control female android”

[From The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Tweed blog]

April 2, 2010

Our Math Class Was Never Like This

Matthew Weathers, the Biola University faculty member whose Halloween stunt made us smile last fall, has done it again for April Fools’ [watch the 2:13 long video here]… read more. “A professor’s clever April Fools Day illusion”

[From Jaunted (“The Pop Culture Travel Guide”)]

Tour Pennsylvania’s Civil War Trails From Inside Google Earth

April 2, 2010 at 5:05 PM | by Omri

If you’ve ever wanted to tour Pennsylvania’s historic Civil War sites but can’t imagine navigating the perennially-unfinished death trap that is the Turnpike, we’ve got good news! A new project spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office aims to deliver the state’s Civil War Trails right to your desktop, blending Google Earth technology, historical information, and incredible high-def GigaPan panoramic photos. The images are so detailed that you can literally zoom in on gravestone inscriptions, to say nothing of the centuries-old houses and towns that users are able to navigate.… read more. “Tour Pennsylvania’s Civil War Trails from inside Google Earth”