Mad scientists turn roaches into cyborgs, control them with Kinect, laugh at nature

We'd love to tell you that the researchers at North Carolina State University aren't monsters who implant circuits on living things so that those living things do their bidding, but we'd be lying. They totally do that, roaches are their primary victim, and now they're using Microsoft's Kinect to help them control the insects. Sure, why not!

As Dr. Alper Bozkurt of NCSU says in today's new release, "Our goal is to be able to guide these roaches as efficiently as possible, and our work with Kinect is helping us do that." Apparently the researchers are employing Kinect for data collection as well, determining how effectively the cyborg survivors respond to electrical impulse-motivated control. They say the end goal is to use the partially mechanized arthropods to, "explore and map disaster sites." For now, there's some very weird stuff happening in North Carolina. Head below for a video of the roaches in action.

Filed under: Misc, Robots, Science, Software, Alt, Microsoft

Comments

Source: North Carolina State University

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/XnL53S9xLXY/

Dick Morris Daily Show provisional ballot rush limbaugh rush limbaugh karl rove Election 2012 Results

Lawyer: More phone hacking claims could come out

NEW YORK (AP) ? The lawyer for a stuntwoman suing Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. over alleged phone hacking said Tuesday that other people have reached out to his team with their own claims.

The attorney, Norman Siegel, told the media in New York that his legal team is researching "a bunch" of allegations from people in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Those claims are in addition to the lawsuit filed earlier this month in Los Angeles by Eunice Huthart, who has worked as a stunt double for Angelina Jolie. Her lawsuit claims she was a victim of phone hacking attempts to get information about the actress.

Huthart, of Liverpool, England, is the first person to sue the media company in the U.S.

News Corp. has declined comment on the lawsuit.

In her lawsuit, Huthart claims her phone was hacked beginning in 2004 while she was living in Los Angeles and working on Jolie's film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

Huthart, who became a close friend of Jolie and is the godmother to her first biological child, said she was unaware that she was a victim of the phone hackers until British police came to see her last year.

Her lawsuit said she had complained to her phone company at the time about missing voicemail messages that contacts said they had left for her but that she said she never heard.

News Corp. has spent $388 million in settlements, legal fees and other costs associated with ongoing investigations in the U.K. since the hacking scandal came to light in 2011. Last year, the company settled 36 lawsuits by hacking victims including actor Jude Law and soccer player Ashley Cole.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/lawyer-more-phone-hacking-claims-could-come-195223485.html

megamillions winning numbers lotto winner jerry lee lewis winning lotto numbers lottery tickets mega lottery sag aftra

Feeling stressed? Oxytocin could help you reach out to others for support

June 25, 2013 ? The next time someone snubs you at a party and you think hiding is the solution to escape your feelings of rejection, think again. Scientists have shown that reaching out to other people during a stressful event is an effective way to improve your mood, and researchers at Concordia University suggest that the hormone oxytocin may help you accomplish just that.

Mark Ellenbogen and Christopher Cardoso, researchers in Concordia's Centre for Research in Human Development are taking a closer look at oxytocin, a hormone traditionally studied for its role in childbirth and breastfeeding, and more recently for its effect on social behaviour. Their latest study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, shows that oxytocin can increase a person's trust in others following social rejection.

Explains Ellenbogen, "that means that instead of the traditional 'fight or flight' response to social conflict where people get revved up to respond to a challenge or run away from it, oxytocin may promote the 'tend and befriend' response where people reach out to others for support after a stressful event. That can, in turn, strengthen social bonds and may be a healthier way to cope."

In a double-blind experiment, 100 students were administered either oxytocin or a placebo via a nasal spray, then subjected to social rejection. In a conversation that was staged to simulate real life, researchers posing as students disagreed with, interrupted and ignored the unsuspecting participants. Using mood and personality questionnaires, the data showed that participants who were particularly distressed after being snubbed by the researchers reported greater trust in other people if they sniffed oxytocin prior to the event, but not if they sniffed the placebo. In contrast, oxytocin had no effect on trust in those who were not emotionally affected by social rejection.

Cardoso, who is a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, says that studying oxytocin may provide future options for those who suffer from mental health conditions characterized by high levels of stress and low levels of social support, like depression. "If someone is feeling very distressed, oxytocin could promote social support seeking, and that may be especially helpful to those individuals," he says, noting that people with depression tend to naturally withdraw even though reaching out to social support systems can alleviate depression and facilitate recovery.

For Ellenbogen, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Developmental Psychopathology, the contribution of stress the development of mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder has long been a research focus. "I'm concerned with the biological underpinnings of stress, particularly interpersonal stress, which is thought to be a strong predictor of these mental disorders. So, oxytocin is a natural fit with my interests," says Ellenbogen. "The next phase of research will begin to study oxytocin's effects in those who are at high risk for developing clinical depression."

Cardoso says reactions to oxytocin seem to be more variable depending on individual differences and contextual factors than most pharmaceuticals, so learning more about how the hormone operates can help scientists to figure out how it might be used in future treatments.

"Previous studies have shown that natural oxytocin is higher in distressed people, but before this study nobody could say with certainty why that was the case," Cardoso says, "In distressed people, oxytocin may improve one's motivation to reach out to others for support. That idea is cause for a certain degree of excitement, both in the research community and for those who suffer from mood disorders."

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/bFfgd4haaRI/130625092003.htm

dianna agron million hoodie march tebow trade mike the situation jacksonville jaguars jacksonville jaguars benjarvus green ellis

Duchess Kate: Kate Antique Shopping in Hungerford + A Heartfelt ...

Hello Duchess Kate readers,

Photos emerged yesterday of Kate shopping in Hungerford for antiques on Saturday. (I've been away, so apologies for the late post, thankfully it wasn't the birth of Baby Cambridge. Phew!). Unfortunately photos are not available with any of the agencies I use because they were exclusively taken by IKON Pictures. The photos can be viewed?at Popsugar. Scoot over and take a look and let us know what you think. :)

I know many of you were disappointed not to see the Duchess at the Northumberland wedding of Thomas Van Straubenzee and Lady Melissa Percy which William and Harry attended while Kate was browsing in the Berkshire town.

With just three weeks until Baby Cambridge's due date Kate is spending time with her family in Berkshire. Kate was photographed leaving?Youlls Antiques, No doubt Kate is searching for pieces for the couple's apartment at Kensington Palace and their reported country home Anmer Hall.
A look at an antique clock currently for sale at Youlls.
Antique shopping has been something the Duchess has enjoyed for years. She and Carole have been spotted visiting the?Hungerford Emporium?and the?Hungerford Arcade?numerous times since 2005.
From Hungerford Arcade's?website:

'Browsing is an encouraged pastime in this centre, and customers are not bothered with 'can I help you?' interruptions unless needed, at which time a member of staff will make every effort to meet the customer's requirements.

?Some dealers are in the centre each day, but others can be contacted by the permanent staff is customers have any specific queries. At the top of the building, in a particularly attractive setting, there is a family run cafe offering a wide range of snacks and drinks throughout the day.'

Kate looked lovely in a trench coat. Initially it was thought to be the Burberry trench she wore in 2011 but on closer inspection it appears to be an entirely different garment.
The Duchess carried her?Tod's D-Styling Bag.
The Duchess wore black nkit trousers a black top and her black French Sole (also known as London Sole) Henrietta Ballet Flats?(the flats are currently reduced from 125 to 75?at Asos)?to complete the look.
As you can see Kate looks radiant, her hair and make up look amazing and I particularly?like this photo?where Kate has her hand on her bump.

************

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have sent a heartfelt message to those affected by the terrible floods in Alberta, where the couple visited in 2011 on their first joint royal tour.

The message from William and Kate reads:

'Catherine and I have been saddened to learn of the deaths and destruction caused by the unprecedented flooding throughout the Province of Alberta.

?Please pass on our best wishes to the Lieutenant-Governor and Premier of Alberta and to the brave emergency services and all those volunteering to help their neighbours during this in-going period of intense efforts. Please be assured of our continued thoughts and prayers for all those caught up in the flooding.'

On that note, I hope none of our Canadian readers or their families have been affected by the dreadful flooding. Sending best wishes to you all!

In other news, there is quite a bit of take about Kate becoming Wimbledon ambassador from next year, I hope it's confirmed soon, it would be a perfect fir for her.

Source: http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.com/2013/06/kate-antique-shopping-in-hungerford.html

US weekly Sally Ride Ichiro minka kelly James Holmes court Rupert Sanders penn state

Square Market: An Online Market For All Your Artisanal Needs

Having already convinced small businesses and folks to use their phone to buy and sell goods, today Square is announcing Square Market, an online marketplace to, well, buy and sell goods.

Read more...

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/y8t5SrILKMI/square-market-an-online-market-for-all-your-artisanal-578454017

east of eden weather radio indiana autoimmune disease news channel 9 insanity workout mass effect 3 launch trailer

Avoid 4 pitfalls when you're choosing a headhunter ? Business ...

Because it?s not something they do every day, hiring and negotiating with an executive recruiter makes many HR pros nervous. The stakes are high indeed: Slip-ups can result in excess costs, a painfully prolonged hiring process and bad hires.

You?ll increase the odds of making a good hire by avoiding these common headhunter mistakes:

1. Automatically picking a big firm

Sure, a big firm may be able to provide a large pool of candidates. However, a small recruiting firm may offer more personalized service?and charge less.

Find the firm with the best networks and expertise in your market, whether it?s large or small. Seek recommendations from HR colleagues.

2. Neglecting to check references

Request references from clients who requested job searches in the same occupational areas that you need filled.

Ask how satisfied they were with the degree of hands-on help they received.

To access all the great content on TheHRSpecialist.com, become a Premium Plus subscriber today!

3. Accepting a replacement guarantee in the contract

A replacement guarantee calls for the search firm to find another candidate if the person you hire leaves the job after a certain period, usually 90 days.

Search firms prefer replacement guarantees, which call for finding another candidate if your new hire quits or doesn?t work out.

You probably want a money-back guarantee, instead.

4. Negotiating the recruiter?s fee down too low

Fees generally range from 15% to 35% of the employee?s first-year salary. Headhunting is a process in which you tend to get what you pay for. Be cost-conscious but not cheap. Pay enough to allow the recruiting firm to succeed.

On the other hand, watch out for recruiters who justify a high-percentage with an offhand, ?Oh, that?s the industry average.? Don?t hesitate to negotiate.

Become a Premium Plus member and access all the great content on TheHRSpecialist.com today!

Like what you've read? ...Republish it and share great business tips!

Attention: Readers, Publishers, Editors, Bloggers, Media, Webmasters and more...

We believe great content should be read and passed around. After all, knowledge IS power. And good business can become great with the right information at their fingertips. If you'd like to share any of the insightful articles on BusinessManagementDaily.com, you may republish or syndicate it without charge.

The only thing we ask is that you keep the article exactly as it was written and formatted. You also need to include an attribution statement and link to the article.

" This information is proudly provided by Business Management Daily.com: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/35617/avoid-4-pitfalls-when-youre-choosing-a-headhunter "

Source: http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/35617/avoid-4-pitfalls-when-youre-choosing-a-headhunter

Katherine Webb Cut for Bieber AJ McCarron Johnny Manziel ups Aj Mccarron Girlfriend CES 2013

Brian Shaw Agrees To Be Denver Nuggets' New Head Coach: Report

DENVER -- At long last, Brian Shaw is getting his first chance to coach an NBA team.

The former guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson pupil has agreed to succeed George Karl as coach of the Denver Nuggets, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Monday night because the deal hadn't been officially announced.

Still, it was the buzz of the basketball world.

"I think the Nuggets are going to benefit from his tenure," Jackson tweeted.

"So great to see Brian Shaw rewarded with this long overdue opportunity," Pacers coach Frank Vogel told The AP in a text. "Congrats to Brian and the Nuggets. Denver just got one of the best head coaches this league will see for years to come."

The Denver Post first announced the agreement with Shaw, the Indiana Pacers assistant who told the newspaper he's been "prepared by the best of the best" for his first NBA head coaching job, adding "I feel like I've waited and paid my dues."

Shaw is a longtime assistant who has interviewed about a dozen times for head coaching positions but kept coming up short until Monday.

He beat out Lionel Hollins, the former Memphis Grizzlies coach.

The Nuggets called a news conference for Tuesday afternoon, where team president Josh Kroenke and newly hired general manager Tim Connelly will introduce their new coach.

Shaw replaces Karl, who was ousted June 6 just weeks after winning the league's Coach of the Year award.

Shaw inherits a young team loaded with talent that won a franchise-record 57 games but lost Danilo Gallinari to a knee injury down the stretch and bowed out in the first round of the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 years.

Gallinari recently underwent surgery and is expected back in December.

The Nuggets have been a state of flux all summer after they were knocked off by the Golden State Warriors in six games in the first round of the playoffs.

First, Masai Ujiri, who engineered the win-win trade of Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks, left the Nuggets' front office for the GM job in Toronto. Ujiri was the league's Executive of the Year.

Less than a week later, Kroenke fired Karl.

Ujiri's right-hand man, Pete D'Allesandro, then took the Sacramento Kings' GM job and took Denver executive Mike Bratz with him.

Also, the Nuggets' top perimeter defender, Andre Iguodala, decided to opt out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, although he could return to Denver on a five-year deal while the most he could get elsewhere is a four-year contract.

Shaw, 47, owns five NBA championship rings as a player and assistant coach. A first-round draft pick by the Boston Celtics in 1988, Shaw played for eight teams in his 14 NBA seasons.

As Vogel's top assistant, Shaw drew praise for his work with rising star Paul George last season. The Pacers forward was an All-Star and helped lead Indiana to the Eastern Conference finals, where they took the eventual champion Miami Heat to seven games.

Although he has deep roots with the triangle offense that Jackson featured with the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers, Shaw told the Denver Post he won't use that system with the Nuggets, who thrived in a fast-paced, free-flowing system under Karl.

Shaw played at St. Mary's and UC Santa Barbara before an NBA career that lasted from 1988 to 2003. He was a member of the Lakers' three championship teams in the early 2000s and Jackson hired him as an assistant after he retired.

He won two more titles with L.A. as an assistant coach and when Jackson retired from the Lakers in 2011, Kobe Bryant voiced his support for Shaw becoming Jackson's successor, but he was passed over for that promotion.

___

AP Sports Writer Michael Marot contributed.

Also on HuffPost:

"; var coords = [-5, -72]; // display fb-bubble FloatingPrompt.embed(this, html, undefined, 'top', {fp_intersects:1, timeout_remove:2000,ignore_arrow: true, width:236, add_xy:coords, class_name: 'clear-overlay'}); });

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/25/brian-shaw-denver-nuggets-coach_n_3495946.html

nfl draft 2012 whitney mercilus 2012 nfl draft picks andrew luck andrew luck trent richardson robert griffin iii