Miscellaneous news compiled by Jim Haseloff http://www.synbio.org.uk/ Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:53:23 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.synbio.org.uk/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.synbio.org.uk/ Miscellaneous news compiled by Jim Haseloff http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1575.html <p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/23/cambridges-proforma-does-3d-scanning-with-any-stationary-webcam/#comments">Cambridge's ProFORMA does 3D scanning with any stationary webcam</a>: "<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mi.eng.cam.ac.uk/~qp202/my_papers/BMVC09/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/11/proforma-11222009.png" alt="" /></a></div> Never mind that silly name: ProFORMA (which stands for 'Probabilistic Feature-based On-line Rapid Model Acquisition', if you must know) is some cool system that turns any ordinary webcam into a powerful 3D scanning tool. In fact, a camera is pretty much all you need for some 'on-line' modeling action -- no <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/22/david-software-turns-your-webcam-into-a-3d-laser-scanner/">laser</a> or green screen necessary -- meaning the 3D models are constructed on the spot while you slowly rotate the objects, although ProFORMA can also track fast moving objects... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:25:19 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1573.html <p><a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/11/lego_inspired_digital_watch.html">LEGO Inspired Digital Watch</a>: "<center><img style="MARGIN: 0px" title="LEGO Inspired Digital Watch" border="0" alt="LEGO Inspired Digital Watch" src="http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/2009/11/jcdc_lego_watches.jpg" /></center><br /> <p>Here’s a watch that will certainly be an eye-catcher. The LEGO-like design of the watch from Jean Charles de Castelbajac is not an officially licensed LEGO product, but not many people will probably care about that. After all, it looks like LEGO, and that’s good enough to make it look cool! Pricing isn’t available just yet, but the good news is that the watch should be available by the end of the year, so stay tuned!</p> <p>Permalink: <a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/11/lego_inspired_digital_watch.html">LEGO Inspired... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:20:08 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1571.html <p><a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/11/new_in_the_maker_shed_ollo_kits.html">New in the Maker Shed: OLLO kits</a>: "<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ollokits.jpg" src="http://blog.makezine.com/ollokits.jpg" width="599" height="300" class="mt-image-none" style="" /></span> New in the Maker Shed, <a href="http://www.makershed.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=OLLO+robot&Click=37845">OLLO kits</a>! What are <a href="http://www.makershed.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=OLLO+robot&Click=37845">OLLO kits</a>? OLLO is a reconfigurable construction kit for beginner robot enthusiasts. Using an easy to build plate and rivet system, you'll be on your way to making your own robots in no time! We carry the <a href="http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKOL1&Click=37845">Motorized Action kit</a>, which allows you to build 12 different types of robots. Also, we carry the more advanced <a href="http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MKOL2&Click=37845">Bug kit</a> where you can make robots that trace lines, detect objects,... Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:16:47 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1568.html <p><a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/11/lightbulb_terraria.html">Lightbulb terraria</a>: "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="lightbulbterrarium.jpg" src="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/11/23/lightbulbterrarium.jpg" width="600" height="400" class="mt-image-none" style="" /></span></p> <p>Our own Brookelyn spotted this awesome lightbulb terrarium <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Reusing-Lightbulbs-as-planters-or-mini-terrariums/">over on Instructables</a>. [via <a href="http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/11/lightbulb_terrarium.html">CRAFT</a>]</p> Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:17:53 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1566.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; "><img src="http://www.kitchencontraptions.com/pictures/41KG6T9RBCL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" width="280" height="280" alt="41KG6T9RBCL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" title="41KG6T9RBCL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-width: 0px; border-left-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(192, 192, 192); " /> <p>It's totally time to bake the donuts or cakes as some folks call them. The pan comes coated with a high quality nonstick surface for easy release and cleaning. We're thinking the best way to get started is with some straight up apple... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:13:13 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1561.html <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 15px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; "> <div id="entry-68458" class="entry-asset asset hentry" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 640px; position: static; clear: both; height: 552px; "> <div class="asset-header" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "> <h1 id="page-title" class="asset-name entry-title" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; ">USB grenade flash drive</h1> </div> <div class="asset-content entry-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right:... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:01:11 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1553.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; "> <h1 style="margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 28px; font-family: helvetica; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(243, 96, 49); line-height: 28px; ">mPower Emergency Illuminator lights up after 20 years</h1> <div id="hero_box" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; height: 386px; width: 530px; "><a id="hero_link" href="http://www.gizmag.com/mpower-emergency-illuminator/13360/picture/105151/" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 204); background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><img... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:34:13 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1546.html <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "> <h2 class="PostHeaderIcon-wrapper" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; color: rgb(64, 64, 64); margin-top: 0.2em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.2em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; letter-spacing: 1px; word-spacing: normal; font-variant: normal; text-transform: none; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; line-height: inherit; "><span class="PostHeader"><a href="http://www.gadgettastic.com/2009/11/20/bolt-interactive-pet-laser-toy/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Bolt Interactive Pet Laser Toy" style="font-family: verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: left; ">Bolt Interactive... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:01 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1541.html <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; font-weight: bold; "> <h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; ">Blackbird fly TLR camera</h1> </span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; ">Lomography is big in Japan, but they aren&rsquo;t just copying what&rsquo;s going on abroad!&nbsp;<b>Blackbird, fly</b>&nbsp;from Superheadz is a new twin lens reflex camera from Japan that&rsquo;s as stylish as it is, well, sexy. It&rsquo;s... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:14:13 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1540.html <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; font-weight: bold; "> <h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; ">Denshi Hotaru Electric Fireflies</h1> </span></p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; ">Fireflies are becoming increasingly rare in Japan and around the world, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean that you can&rsquo;t still enjoy their beautiful lights without collecting them in jars!&nbsp;<i>Denshi Hotaru</i>&nbsp;(<b>Electric Fireflies</b>) from Sunnoda are realistic... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:12:18 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1538.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; "> <h1 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 20px; ">Oyako Microwave Taiyaki Maker from Takara Tomy</h1> </span> <table border="0" width="95%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="main" style="font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times,... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:09:19 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1537.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; ">The&nbsp;<strong>Plus Minus Zero LCD Television</strong>&nbsp;is another fun release by the guys at &not;&plusmn;0 Design. They interpret the heart of an old cathode-ray TV using a compact, energy efficient liquid-crystal display, giving us a retro device that would have been impossible to build in the time that inspired it. Carrying on the minimal design, the TV has a separate wireless receiver that can beam images to it from anywhere in the house- all you have to do is... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:03:57 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1536.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; "><strong>GUNHOOK</strong>: Not only do these pistols serve as stylish wall hooks for your clothes, hats, and other small items, but they also make great home decor for those who like a bit of mischief.&nbsp; <p><br /> The design house responsible for this unique home decor started in 1958 as an advertising company, then began focusing on graphic design. This unique item is the Winner of several design awards in 2007 including Good Design Award and Small and Medium Enterprise... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:02:58 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1535.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; ">This gift set box combines two colorful things that we all love - crayons and ice cream.</span><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: Helvetica, 'Trebuchet MS', 'Bitstream Vera Serif', Utopia, 'Times New Roman', times, serif; "><img src="http://www.japantrendshop.com//img/misc/rich-color-crayon-set-3.jpg" alt="Rich Color Crayon Set" title="Rich Color Crayon Set" border="0" /><br /> <p>Opening it up, the&nbsp;<strong>Rich Color Crayon Set</strong>&nbsp;looks like a box of sweets but these crayons are not for eating! Coming as they do in unique... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:01:56 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1533.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial, 'helvetica neue', helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 24px; line-height: 21px; ">Mac mailbox</span> <div class="asset-content entry-content" style="font-size: 1em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> <div class="asset-body" style="font-size: 1em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "> <p style="font-size: 1em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; "><img src="http://blog.makezine.com/88847257_9068d9789d_b.jpg" height="733" width="550" border="0" hspace="4" vspace="4" alt="88847257 9068D9789D B" style="margin-bottom: 1ex; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitaldust/88847257/in/pool-tuawrigs" style="color: rgb(0, 72, 131); ">Mac mailbox</a>&nbsp;from Te Atatu in Auckland...</p> <p style="font-size: 1em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); margin-top:... Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:43:56 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1480.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(107, 189, 70); font-size: 20px; line-height: 25px; "><a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/06/adobe_inspired_coasters.html" style="color: rgb(127, 193, 28); text-decoration: none; ">Adobe Inspired Coasters</a><br /> </span><span id="intelliTxt"> <div style="float: right; "><img title="Adobe Inspired Coasters" border="0" hspace="5" alt="Adobe Inspired Coasters" vspace="5" src="http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/2009/6/ps-coasters.jpg" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; " /></div> <p style="margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0%; ">While the iPhone has had its fair bit in the limelight&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/12/iphone_coffee_table_looks_inviting.html" style="color: rgb(127, 193, 28); text-decoration: none; ">when it comes to coasters</a>, here's another set from Meninos that will feature icons of Photoshop,... Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:20:53 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1479.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(107, 189, 70); font-size: 20px; line-height: 25px; "><a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/06/laser_for_bikes.html" style="color: rgb(127, 193, 28); text-decoration: none; ">Laser For Bikes</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /> </span></span><span id="intelliTxt"><center><img title="Laser For Bikes" border="0" alt="Laser For Bikes" src="http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/2009/6/bicycle-laser.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; " /></center><br /> <p style="margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0%; ">No, this laser won't be able to mow down wayward motorists who don't give you way on the road, but instead it will shoot an elliptical beam... Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:19:53 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1477.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(81, 100, 107); font-size: 30px; line-height: 33px; "><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5286337/artsick-decals-turn-your-wall-into-a-custom-clock" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 100%; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: underline; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Artsick Decals Turn Your Wall Into a Custom Clock</a></span> <div class="entry" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width:... Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:59:33 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1476.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(81, 100, 107); font-size: 30px; line-height: 33px; "><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5279354/frozen-mentos-and-coke-parlor-trick" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 100%; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: underline; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-color: initial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Frozen Mentos and Coke Parlor Trick</a></span> <div class="entry" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px;... Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:56:42 +0100 http://www.synbio.org.uk/miscellaneous-news/1475.html <p>&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(84, 84, 84); font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; "><a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/06/10/beanzawave-%e2%80%93-the-usb-powered-microwave/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Beanzawave &ndash; The USB-Powered Microwave" style="font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 20px/normal Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(84, 84, 84); text-decoration: none; ">Beanzawave &ndash; The USB-Powered Microwave</a></span> <div class="entry"> <p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(67, 64, 57); font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; "><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25900" title="heinz-beanzawave" src="http://www.ohgizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/heinz-beanzawave.jpg" alt="heinz-beanzawave" width="500" height="384" /></p> <p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left:... Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:21:11 +0100