Good Thinking
Sometimes there are things that defy easy categorization, but that are simply good ideas. Here is where you'll find them.
Latest News
-
App uses a smartphone's camera to guide the blind to bus stops
January 30, 2024While there are already apps that guide blind users to a bus stop's GPS coordinates, those people may unknowingly end up standing too far away from the actual stop. A new app addresses that shortcoming, by letting the phone's camera in on the act. -
Facial recognition app helps scientists identify rabies-vaccinated dogs
January 25, 2024In regions where dogs often run loose, don't wear tags and aren't chipped, it can be hard for authorities to keep track of which ones have been vaccinated against rabies. A new app could help, by identifying dogs via facial recognition technology. -
Simple cellulose filter thoroughly purifies syringe-injected water
January 24, 2024While we've seen quite a few filtration systems for making polluted water drinkable, many are quite complex, or utilize costly materials. By contrast, an experimental new setup simply requires users to inject dirty water through a layer of cellulose. -
Attention, multitaskers – scientists create a belly-controlled third arm
January 22, 2024There have doubtless been times when you've had both hands full, and wished that you had a third arm. Well, scientists have discovered that a robotic third arm can in fact be quite easily controlled via movements of the diaphragm muscle. -
Hedgehog "crash test dummy" may save the critters from being robo-mowed
January 16, 2024It's a sad and gruesome fact that robotic lawnmowers sometimes run over hedgehogs, maiming and even killing them. That's why scientists have recently developed a rubber hedgehog stand-in, for safety-testing such mowers. -
Kim-e electric wheelchair gets users standing and rolling
January 15, 2024For many wheelchair users, one of the biggest problems with using a chair is not being able to stand as tall as other people. The Kim-e wheelchair was designed with that fact in mind, as it raises its user to an upright stance in just a few seconds. -
Study reveals which Zoom background items make you look more competent
January 10, 2024Before you hop on your next Zoom call, you might want to tailor your background in a very particular way, says a new study. Doing so could make everyone else on the call perceive you as being more competent – whether or not you really are. -
Assistive "anti-freeze" exoskeleton keeps Parkinson's patients walking
January 08, 2024People with Parkinson's disease often develop a problem known as "gait freeze," in which their legs simply stop stepping forward as they're walking. A new exoskeleton, however, has proven to be very effective at keeping such individuals' legs going. -
Efficient construction system stacks self-contained modules like Legos
December 27, 2023Erecting an entire building from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive, which is why many companies look to factory-built prefabricated structures. A new technology takes that idea further, with prefab blocks that are stacked like Lego blocks. -
Student-designed system could allow the blind to play table tennis
December 06, 2023Table tennis is one of those sports that most people would likely assume is simply unplayable by the blind. An Australian student, however, is now using cameras and speakers to get unsighted individuals in on the ping pong action. -
Plant-fiber menstrual pads may help end "period poverty"
December 01, 2023Women and girls in industrial countries may have ready access to inexpensive menstrual pads, but such is not always the case in developing nations. That may soon change, however, thanks to the sisal plant. -
GUIDi belt uses computer vision and haptics to guide the blind
November 27, 2023The traditional white cane may never become completely obsolete, but there certainly are a number of devices that could give it a run for its money. One of the latest is the GUIDi, which guides blind users via cameras and buzzers on a belt. -
Wood-eating shipworms may soon be farmed for shipworm-eating humans
November 20, 2023For centuries, shipworms have vexed mariners by boring into – and consuming – the hulls of wooden ships and boats. Soon, though, we may actually be eating those "worms," as they have successfully been farmed for the first time. -
Off-road ambulance, glass coating, and novel IV drip win Dyson Awards
November 16, 2023The 2023 James Dyson Award global winners have been announced. The prizes have gone to three different student teams, each of which offers novel solutions to modern issues including global warming and providing care in war and disaster zones. -
TiSpanner puts an adjustable spanner wrench on your keychain
November 14, 2023Yes, you're right, there has been a glut of titanium multi-tools on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the past few months. The TiSpanner is a bit different, though, in that it features a little adjustable spanner wrench.
Load More