Researchers at Kansai University in Japan have developed a machine that has the capability to scientifically measure the quantity of a person’s laugh as well as the sincerity. The device works using a series of electrode sensors that monitor the amount of bioelectricity generated by various muscles involved in laughter. The data is then whisked away to a computer where it is analyzed an assigned a numerical score based on its quantity.
Furthermore, the difference between real and fake laughter is determined by monitoring the movement of the diaphragm. If the muscle vibrations are high, that would be an indicator of a genuine laugh. Interestingly enough, the researchers are looking to make a portable version for heath and entertainment devices—which means that Carrot Top’s performing days are numbered. [Pink Tentacle]
Original post by Sean Fallon
We love us some big ass glass. Here’s an amazing set of the homemade variety, a 400mm binoscope (a honkin’ set of binoculars basically) painstakingly hand-crafted over the course of three years by a hardcore French dude. The detail on it really makes this thing a DIY engineering marvel. [MAKE]
Original post by matt buchanan
Ken-ichi Horie, a 69 year old Japanese sailor, is planning a solo 4,350 mile trip from Hawaii to Japan using the most advanced wave powered boat on the planet. If successful, the trip would earn him a Guinness record while simultaneously proving the viability of wave powered propulsion. His boat, the Suntory Mermaid II, turns wave energy into thrust using two fins mounted beneath the bow. These fins move up and down with the waves and use them to generate “kicks” that propel the boat forward.
The problem is that all of that new fangled technology will only manage to scrape together a top speed of 5 knots. Therefore, it will take about three months to achieve what a diesel powered boat can achieve in only one. Plus, all of the radios and electrical equipment are solar powered. Sounds pretty dangerous, but this is the same dude that made a […]
Original post by Sean Fallon
The iStick concept is the size of lipstick tube. But it has four touchscreens for four times the Coverflow. I don’t really get the white cube eating up a quarter of the stick though—why not just make the whole thing a solid tube of touchscreen, with the bottom and top holding the single button and earphone jack? It also has Wi-Fi, for browsing the iTunes Store on a screen the size of your finger. galleryPost(\’istick\’, 3,\’\');[Yanko Design]
Original post by matt buchanan