It?s so obvious when you think about it. The iPhone has a microphone, a computer that can process audio, and earphones ? why not use it as hearing aid? That?s just what a group of scientists from the University of Essex have done, with their BioAid app. It has the potential to replace thousand-dollar hearing aids with a free download ... as long as users don?t mind keeping their phone close at hand.
BioAid works with the iPhone (it?s optimized for the iPhone 5), iPod touch and iPad. Once users have installed the app, they start by going through a setup procedure in which they determine the settings that best address their particular type of hearing loss. There are six fixed settings to choose from, each one of which has four fine-tuning sub-settings. These allow users to target the specific frequencies that they have difficulty hearing.
No hearing tests or visits to hearing aid specialists are required.
The app doesn?t simply boost all audio levels within a given frequency, however, as that would make loud sounds extra unpleasant. This boosting of already-loud sounds is one of the reasons that some hearing aid-users avoid noisy settings such as social gatherings, or simply choose not to use their hearing aids.
Instead, BioAid is able to bring up low sounds, while turning down loud noises in the user?s earphones. It?s inspired by the biology that allows the human ear to do the same sort of thing, hence its name.
Down the road, it?s hoped that BioAid could be incorporated into tiny behind-the-ear devices or smartwatches, and that its settings could be tweaked remotely by people such as audiologists. For now, though, a beta version is available free of charge on iTunes.
Source: University of Essex, BioAid
Original Post
Authored by:
Ben Coxworth
An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain ...
India's Supreme Court on Monday rejected drug maker Novartis AG's attempt to patent an updated version of a cancer drug in a landmark decision that health activists say ensures poor patients around the world will get continued access to cheap versions of lifesaving medicines.
Novartis had argued that it needed a patent to protect its investment in the cancer drug Glivec, while activists said the drug did not merit intellectual property protection in India because it was not a new medicine. In response to the ruling, Novartis said it would not invest in drug research in India.
The court's decision has global significance since India's $26 billion generic drug industry, which supplies much of the cheap medicine used in the developing world, could be stunted if Indian law allowed global drug companies to extend the lifespan of patents by making minor changes to medicines.
Once a drug's patent expires, generic manufacturers can legally produce it. They are able to make drugs at a fraction of the original manufacturer's cost because they don't carry out the expensive research and development.
Pratibha Singh, a lawyer for the Indian generic drug manufacturer Cipla, which makes a version of Glivec for less than a tenth of the original drug's selling price, said the court ruled that a patent could only be given to a new drug, and not to those which are only slightly different from the original.
"Patents will be given only for genuine inventions, and repetitive patents will not be given for minor tweaks to an existing drug," Singh told reporters outside the court.
Novartis called the ruling a "setback for patients," and said patent protection is crucial to fostering investment in research to develop new and better drugs.
Ranjit Shahani, the vice chairman and managing director of Novartis India, said the ruling "will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options."
He said the court's decision made India an even less attractive country for major investments by international pharmaceutical companies.
"Novartis will not invest in drug research in India. Not only Novartis, I don't think any global company is planning to research in India," he said.
The Swiss pharmaceutical giant has fought a legal battle in India since 2006 to patent a new version of Glivec, which is mainly used to treat leukemia and is known as Gleevec outside India and Europe. The earlier version of Glivec did not have an Indian patent because its development far predated the country's 2005 patent law. Novartis said Glivec is patented in nearly 40 other countries.
India's patent office rejected the company's patent application, arguing the drug was not a new medicine but an amended version of its earlier product. The patent authority cited a provision in the 2005 patent law aimed at preventing companies from getting fresh patents for making only minor changes to existing medicines ? a practice known as "evergreening."
Novartis appealed, arguing the drug was a more easily absorbed version of Glivec and that it qualified for a patent.
Anand Grover, a lawyer for the Cancer Patients Aid Association, which led the legal fight against Novartis, said the ruling Monday prevented the watering down of India's patent laws.
"This is a very good day for cancer patients. It's the news we have been waiting for for seven long years," he said.
Aid groups, including Medicins Sans Frontieres, have opposed Novartis' case, fearing that a victory for the Swiss drugmaker would limit access to important medicines for millions of poor people around the world.
Glivec, used in treating chronic myeloid leukemia and some other cancers, costs about $2,600 a month. Its generic version was available in India for around $175 per month.
"The difference in price was huge. The generic version makes it affordable to so many more poor people, not just in India, but across the world," said Y.K. Sapru, of the Mumbai-based cancer patients association.
"For cancer sufferers, this ruling will mean the difference between life and death. Because the price at which it was available, and considering it's the only lifesaving drug for chronic myeloid cancer patients, this decision will make a huge difference," Sapru said.
Leena Menghaney of Medicins Sans Frontieres said India would continue to grant patents on new medicines.
"This doesn't mean that no patents will be granted. Patents will continue to be granted by India, but definitely the abusive practice of getting many patents on one drug will be stopped," Menghaney said.
The judgment would ensure that the prices of lifesaving drugs would come down as many more companies would produce generic versions.
"We've seen this happening with HIV medicines, where the cost of HIV treatment has come down from $10,000 to $150 per year. Cancer treatment costs have come down by 97 percent in the case of many cancer drugs," she said.
"This decision is incredibly important. The Supreme Court decision will save a lot of lives in the coming decades," Menghaney said.
A road map: High efficiency bulk-micromegas based neutron imaging detectorPublic release date: 31-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: YAN Bei yanbei@scichina.org 86-106-400-8316 Science China Press
To increase the neutron detection efficiency of Bulk-Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) neutron detectors, researchers from Lanzhou University (China), IRFU-CEA (France), and the University of Tennesse-Knoxville (USA) have proposed three novel converters (Fig. 1). When validated using Monte Carlo simulations, the design shown in Fig.1 C results in a threefold increase in neutron detection efficiencies. This work is described in detail in SCI CHINA: Tech. Sci. 2013, 43?3?.
The team have now made a Bulk-Micromegas based neutron imaging detector with a traditional thin-film neutron convertor. The dimensions of the detector's sensitive area is 57.4 mm 88.6 mm, which is composed of 1,728 rectangular pads (36 pads in the X direction and 48 pads in the Y direction). Each pad has an area of 1.50 mm 1.75 mm (http://mpgd.lzu.edu.cn/research.html). Although the detector has a relatively low neutron detection efficiency, very good mask images are obtained (Fig. 2). Without any modification, the detector can be used as a 2D neutron beam monitor for projects that require low detection efficiency (detectors with high detection efficiency cannot operate with high intensity neutron beams). At the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, CA, USA (2012), Dr. Xiaodong Zhang presented this work on behalf of the FNI collaboration.
The team is currently collaborating with companies to make detectors using micro-machining and new printed circuit board techniques.
Additionally, the novel detectors can be used to improve thermal neutron, cold neutron and ultra-cold neutron efficiencies, through simply changing the detection conversion material from polyethylene to boron-10, or lithium-7. Dr. Zhang is optimistic about the impact of these detectors in different research fields: "By choosing different conversion materials I envisage that at least a 10% detection efficiency can be achieved for thermal neutron detection. Our detectors can be used to replace the current neutron detectors which use helium-3, and hence reduce the demand for helium-3." Currently, his team is developing this technique at Spalation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.
###
Corresponding Author:
ZHANG, XiaoDong on behalf of FNI collaboration*
xzhang39@utk.edu zhangxd@lzu.edu.cn
See the article: AN LvXing, SHEN HuaYa, ZHANG ChunHui, WAN ChengLiang, CHEN YongHao, HO ZhanYing and ZHANG XiaoDong. Optimization of neutron convertor inside Bulk-Micromegas based fast neutron imaging system with Geant4 simulation. SCI CHINA Tech. Sci, 2013, 43(3): 315-319.doi: 10.1360/092012-1271
* FNI (Fast Neutron Imager) collaboration:
1) ZHANG XiaoDong, WAN ChengLiang, ZHANG ChunHui, WANG WenXin, SHEN HuaYa, AN LvXing, CHEN YongHao, HE ZhanYing, and WEI Kun, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P.R. China; 2) ZHANG XiaoDong, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA, 37996; 3) Paul Colas, David Attie, WANG WenxXin, M. Rillot, IRFU-CEA, Saclay, 91191, France.
Science China Press Co., Ltd. (SCP) is a scientific journal publishing company of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For 50 years, SCP takes its mission to present to the world the best achievements by Chinese scientists on various fields of natural sciences researches.
http://www.scichina.com/
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
A road map: High efficiency bulk-micromegas based neutron imaging detectorPublic release date: 31-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: YAN Bei yanbei@scichina.org 86-106-400-8316 Science China Press
To increase the neutron detection efficiency of Bulk-Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) neutron detectors, researchers from Lanzhou University (China), IRFU-CEA (France), and the University of Tennesse-Knoxville (USA) have proposed three novel converters (Fig. 1). When validated using Monte Carlo simulations, the design shown in Fig.1 C results in a threefold increase in neutron detection efficiencies. This work is described in detail in SCI CHINA: Tech. Sci. 2013, 43?3?.
The team have now made a Bulk-Micromegas based neutron imaging detector with a traditional thin-film neutron convertor. The dimensions of the detector's sensitive area is 57.4 mm 88.6 mm, which is composed of 1,728 rectangular pads (36 pads in the X direction and 48 pads in the Y direction). Each pad has an area of 1.50 mm 1.75 mm (http://mpgd.lzu.edu.cn/research.html). Although the detector has a relatively low neutron detection efficiency, very good mask images are obtained (Fig. 2). Without any modification, the detector can be used as a 2D neutron beam monitor for projects that require low detection efficiency (detectors with high detection efficiency cannot operate with high intensity neutron beams). At the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, CA, USA (2012), Dr. Xiaodong Zhang presented this work on behalf of the FNI collaboration.
The team is currently collaborating with companies to make detectors using micro-machining and new printed circuit board techniques.
Additionally, the novel detectors can be used to improve thermal neutron, cold neutron and ultra-cold neutron efficiencies, through simply changing the detection conversion material from polyethylene to boron-10, or lithium-7. Dr. Zhang is optimistic about the impact of these detectors in different research fields: "By choosing different conversion materials I envisage that at least a 10% detection efficiency can be achieved for thermal neutron detection. Our detectors can be used to replace the current neutron detectors which use helium-3, and hence reduce the demand for helium-3." Currently, his team is developing this technique at Spalation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.
###
Corresponding Author:
ZHANG, XiaoDong on behalf of FNI collaboration*
xzhang39@utk.edu zhangxd@lzu.edu.cn
See the article: AN LvXing, SHEN HuaYa, ZHANG ChunHui, WAN ChengLiang, CHEN YongHao, HO ZhanYing and ZHANG XiaoDong. Optimization of neutron convertor inside Bulk-Micromegas based fast neutron imaging system with Geant4 simulation. SCI CHINA Tech. Sci, 2013, 43(3): 315-319.doi: 10.1360/092012-1271
* FNI (Fast Neutron Imager) collaboration:
1) ZHANG XiaoDong, WAN ChengLiang, ZHANG ChunHui, WANG WenXin, SHEN HuaYa, AN LvXing, CHEN YongHao, HE ZhanYing, and WEI Kun, School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P.R. China; 2) ZHANG XiaoDong, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA, 37996; 3) Paul Colas, David Attie, WANG WenxXin, M. Rillot, IRFU-CEA, Saclay, 91191, France.
Science China Press Co., Ltd. (SCP) is a scientific journal publishing company of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For 50 years, SCP takes its mission to present to the world the best achievements by Chinese scientists on various fields of natural sciences researches.
http://www.scichina.com/
[ | E-mail | Share ]
?
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
PARIS (AP) ? Police say the Eiffel Tower has been evacuated after an anonymous caller phoned in a bomb threat.
A Paris police official says nearly 1,400 people have been evacuated following a request from tower operators after the warning Saturday. Police then searched the monument with sniffer dogs for possible explosives, and set up a broad security perimeter.
French authorities have stepped up counterterrorism measures in recent weeks amid heightened concern about threats to France over its military campaign against al-Qaida-linked fighters in Mali which began more than two months ago.
The tower is occasionally evacuated because of such warnings ? at least once last year and twice in 2011. The 324-meter (1,063-foot) tower is one of the world's top tourist attractions, with millions of visitors a year.
One of the great things about Melbourne is that you don?t have to pay a fortune to eat well. ?Enter Cantina della Casa, open only two weeks this cafe/bar is already one of my absolute favourites. ?The cantina is the newest brainchild from the same people who brought you Bar Lourinha in Lt Collins Street (one of my favourite wine bars for great food, wine and service) and the restaurant?Casa Ciuccio (located next door to the cantina).
The cantina (which can be loosely translated as ?refreshment room?) is amiable from the word go. ?Super friendly staff, lots of choices for food and drink, indoor/outdoor seating and a ?modern decor with a whimsical latin influence, all situated on one of the hottest culinary streets in Melbourne; Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
The menu comprises of beautiful salads (you can have your choice of three salads for a very reasonable $11), empanadas (pastry with filling), artisan sandwiches and home-made sweets to finish. ?Of course there are several libations to enjoy along with the excellent food.
On my first visit I had my choice of three incredibly beautiful salads comprising of tomato ricotta and basil, a chickpea and s?lish salad and a couscous cashew and parley combination. ?The staff mentioned that there are always several vegetarian options on offer so no worries for carnivore/vego groups of friends. ? The salads impressed me so much I returned the next day to sample a divine goat empanadas with aioli and the tomato salad as an encore. ?If you haven?t tried goat it is a wonderful meat extensively used in Caribbean and Latin cuisines. ?It is beautiful and well worth a try. ? The empanadas did not disappoint with flakey pastry and a rich meaty filling, perfect with the aioli.
This cantina can be easily tried without maxing out your credit card. ?It?s a perfect place to head out with friends for something to eat, some great wine or a few drinks. ?I know I will be back again and I am also certain I will be trying Casa Ciuccio?which is the cantina?s sister restaurant located next door.
Cantina della Casa is open Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and weekends from 10am to 5pm. ? The cantina is located at 13 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy and can be contacted on ?03 9090 7870 or on Twitter @Casa Ciuccio.
Enjoyed reading my post? ? Please subscribe to my blog by placing your email in the subscription box on the home page. ?Once subscribed you?ll automatically receive an email notifying you of each new post. ?Your subscription will always remain spam free. ? Thank you!
In his first Easter Sunday since his election, Pope Francis led an open-air Mass in front of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, offering a message of peace. He called for an end to violence across the world and an easing of tensions in the Korean peninsula. NBC's Claudio Lavanga reports.
By Alastair Jamieson, Staff writer, NBC News
Pope Francis called for worldwide efforts towards peace in his first Easter Sunday address, urging leaders to find diplomatic solutions in Syria and North Korea.
In his first "Urbi et Orbi" message from the balcony of St Peter?s Basilica, he also asked for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians solutions to conflicts in several African countries.
Earlier this month, the former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina stood on the same balcony after being elected as the first pope from the Americas in more than 1,300 years.
Francis, who has emphasized a humbler style to the papacy, said: "Peace to the whole world, torn apart by violence linked to drug trafficking and by the iniquitous exploitation of natural resources! Peace to this our Earth! May the risen Jesus bring comfort to the victims of natural disasters and make us responsible guardians of creation.?
Christopher Furlong / Getty Images
Pope Francis greets the faithful prior to his first 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Sunday.
He added: ?Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort.? How much blood has been shed!? And how much suffering must there still be before a political solution to the crisis will be found??
/
Cardinals from around the world gathered in the Vatican to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Earlier, the pontiff strode onto a flower-bedecked esplanade facing St Peter?s Square, into which tens of thousands of faithful had gathered from early Sunday, to lead the traditional open-air Mass.
Francis bowed his head in reflection as the Gospel was sung in Latin, The Associated Press reported, recounting what Christians believe is the central mystery of their faith ? the resurrection of Jesus after this death by crucifixion.
"Let the risen Jesus enter your life,? the pope told worshippers before the service via his Twitter account. "He will receive you with open arms."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related: The evolution of the Popemobile
This story was originally published on Sun Mar 31, 2013 5:08 AM EDT
MILAN (Reuters) - Customers' deposits at Italian bank Monte dei Paschi fell by "a few billion euros" after a scandal erupted in February over loss-making derivatives trades at the lender, the bank said in a document posted on its web site on Saturday.
Monte dei Paschi last week reported a higher-than-expected net loss for the whole of 2012 on the back of a rise in provisions for bad loans and 730 million euros in losses on the derivatives trades, which are at the center of a fraud.
But it has yet to make clear what impact the scandal itself had on its first quarter results.
"The illicit nature of the derivatives trades and their consequence on the bank's assets exposed the bank to reputational damage that was immediately translated into...the withdrawal of a few billion euros in deposits," the bank said in a document for shareholders attending its April 29 meeting.
The bank's chief financial officer said after the earnings were released on Thursday that it was "quick in recovering ground in March" on lost deposits in February.
"January started off well...we were somewhat impacted in February but we were quick in recovering ground in March," Bernardo Mingrone told analysts on a conference call.
But he declined to give a forecast on the level of deposits at the end of the first quarter of 2013 or to indicate the outlook for net interest income and loan loss provisions.
(Reporting by Jennifer Clark; editing by Naomi O'Leary and Patrick Graham)
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Public release date: 31-Mar-2013
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