How Interesting : i - Snake will "Transform Surgery"

Experts are developing a flexible surgical robot, known as the i-Snake, which they say could revolutionise keyhole surgery.

It could enable surgeons to do complex procedures previously possible only through more invasive techniques.

A team at Imperial College London has been granted £2.1 million for the work.
They envisage using the i-Snake - a long tube housing special motors, sensors and imaging tools - for heart bypass surgery.
But it could also be used to diagnose problems in the gut and bowel by acting as the surgeon's hands and eyes in hard to reach places inside the body.
The Imperial College team, which includes health minister and surgeon Lord Ara Darzi, will test the device initially in the laboratory before it is used on patients.


Minimally invasive surgery has obvious advantages - it can mean smaller scars, reduced hospital stays and shorter recovery times.
Surgeons are also looking at ways to avoid skin incisions altogether.
One approach is Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery or Notes. This means operating in the peritoneal space through natural orifices or cavities, such as the bowel.
Lord Darzi said: "The unrivalled imaging and sensing capabilities coupled with the accessibility and sensitivity of i-Snake will enable more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures than are currently possible.
"The cost benefits that i-Snake will introduce include earlier, cheaper and less invasive treatment, faster recovery and procedure times and intangible benefits through an increase in patient care and quality of life."
Dr Ted Bianco, director of technology transfer at the Wellcome Trust, said: "Gone are the days when the surgeon's knife ruled in the operating theatre. The future of surgery is in smart devices like i-Snake."

KEYHOLE SURGERY MILESTONES 1900s -
Mirrors, lights and lenses attached to endoscopic tubes are used to examine bodies' interiors1930s - Fibre-optics offer an essential light source; endoscopes now thinner and more flexible1970s - Cameras attached to endoscopes mean that surgeons can operate from images on a screen. Lasers developed which can perform surgerySource: Ghislaine Lawrence, Science Museum, London


Taken from BBC News

Something Really Knowledgeable Part - 2

:: Some General Knowledge ::

How many states have active volcanoes?

Four states have active volcanoes: Washington, California, Alaska, and Hawaii, whose Mauna Loa is the world's largest active volcano. Hawaii itself was formed by the activity of undersea volcanoes.

What does moussaka consist of?

Coined about 1930, the popular Greek dish moussaka consists of layers of seasoned ground lamb and eggplant, and is usually topped with a custard or cheese sauce and baked.

Which state is most hazardous materially?

Tennessee leads the United States in hazardous material mishaps with 15.4 accidents per 100,000 people, a 1996 federal report showed. The national average is 6.3 accidents per 100,000 people.

What would you see in the Bo-Kaap Museum?

In Cape Town, South Africa, a must-see for tourists is the Bo-Kaap Museum. This house, built in the eighteenth century, portrays the lifestyle of a typical Malay family in the nineteenth century. An exhibition of carts and coaches can be seen in the courtyard of the museum.

Which is the oldest pro-sports franchise?

The Chicago Cubs are the oldest original franchise in professional sports, dating back to the founding of the National League by team president Walter A. Hubert in 1876. Nicknamed the "lovable losers" of the North Side, the Cubs have not won a World Series since 1908 and have not played in the fall classic since 1945.

Something Really Knowledgeable Part - 1

:: Some Informative things about Christmas ::

How long have we had the Yule log?

During the ancient 12-day Christmas celebration, the log burned was called the "Yule log." Sometimes a piece of the Yule log would be kept to kindle the fire the following winter, to ensure that the good luck carried on from year to year. The Yule log custom was handed down from the Druids.

When did Eastern Europe have its first Christmas?

On Christmas Day, 1989, Eastern Europe was permitted to celebrate Christmas freely and openly for the first time in decades. Church masses were broadcast live for the first time in history.

What does an Armenian Christmas dinner consist of?

In Armenia, the traditional Christmas Eve meal consists of fried fish, lettuce, and spinach. The meal is traditionally eaten after the Christmas Eve service, in commemoration of the supper eaten by Mary on the evening before Christ's birth.

How long should that Christmas log burn?

In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure a plentiful harvest the following year.

Where would you want a spider web in your Christmas tree?

An artificial spider and web are often included in the decorations on Ukrainian Christmas trees. A spider web found on Christmas morning is believed to bring good luck.

Looking For Cool Technology Toys?

1. Elekit Robotic Arm - Everyone can use an extra hand and now you can actually get one. Elekit has created a fully programmable and workable USB Robotic Arm. It has five separate movements: grab/release, lift/lower, pivot sideways, and rotate wrist. Internal LED lights allow you to see it at work. This is a kit, so you actually have to do a small amount of assembly, but just keep thinking of the rewards of your labors when it passes you those Doritos that are not quite in reach. The Robotic Arm will be making its Japanese $80.00 debut in March in a limited addition from Elekit.
2. X7-G100 Game Board - Easy to Master... who needs a Joystick? The A4Tech X7-G100 Gaming Keyboard has 4 large swappable red rubber keys and a one-touch volume control. The G100 is heavier than a regular keyboard for stability and even better, it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about spilling your Bud while you thwart off the bad guys. It’s available at A4Tech for $29.00. Plug it into your USB and let the games begin.
3. USB Wireless Mouse - Just admit it... you'd much rather check your e-mail in the comfort of your own bed with a laptop than sit at some back-wrenching computer desk for hours on end. Thanko, most famous for their nifty plug-and-play warming gadgets, has developed the USB Wireless Mouse EZ that can actually be utilized in the air. Simply place and move your finger on the red light and watch the screen cursor respond. The button also functions as a single or double clicker. Compatible with both PC and Mac, it can be used as a normal optical mouse and can recharge its batteries while you work. Find this clever computer rodent at Thanko’s RareMono Shop for a price of $35.67.
4. USB Gadget Keeps Beverages Cool or Warm - There are cup warmers and then there are beverage coolers. USB.brando has managed to combine the two. Simply plug it into your USB connection, set it to chill for a 13 degree decrease or warm for a 29º increase, then wait 10 minutes. The gadget has a built-in fan and comes with a 98cm cable so you don’t have to worry about your coffee spilling into your keyboard if you're only mildly awake. Available at USB.brando for an inexpensive $24.00.
5. Kodak Easyshare AIO Inkjet Printers - The folks at Eastman Kodak are coming out with their own line of Easyshare All-In-One inkjet printers. Claiming to save up to 50% in professional printing costs, this translates into a 4x6 inch image for as inexpensive as ten cents a print. Kodak’s ink cartridges will cost you a mere $9.99 for black and $14.99 for color. You can get the 5100 and 5300 models at Best Buy beginning in March for $149.99 and $199.99 respectively. The deluxe 5500 will be available in April at the Kodak Store for $299.99.
6. Missile Launchers Cure Cubicle Boredom - Feeling claustrophobic in your Dilbertesque space at work? One alternative to hanging out at the water cooler is this missile launcher. With 3 feet of USB cable, this plug-and-play can move horizontally or vertically and comes with 3 foam missiles. It can shoot up to 20 feet, is compatible with Windows XP, and comes with sound effects software. Get two and not only will you save a few dollars, you can have wars with the cubicle next to you. The launcher can be found at Latest Buy for AU $39.99 (US $31.56) and the Twin Battle Pack is available for US $59.21.
7. ION Audio iTTUSB Turntable Converts Analogue to Digital - What top 10 list is complete without a musical gadget? The plug-n-play ION Audio iTTUSB Turntable connects to your PC or Mac and turns your vinyl collection into digital CD or MP3s. It will work with 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm records, and features high-speed recording, adjustable pitch, and anti-skate capabilities. It even includes an auxiliary line in to convert audio cassettes, and RCA outputs to play records through your speaker systems when you are done converting. The iTTUSB comes with stylus, 45 adapter, and 90-day warranty, and can be found at Sharper Image for $199.95.
8. Wood Contour Peripherals - This line of peripherals just oozes your inner CEO. Wood Contour offers luxury wood and stone keyboards, monitors, and mice. Each one is custom made from one piece of hardwood such as cherry, oak, ash, and mahogany, or Corian stone. You can even request personalizations such as your company’s logo or initial engraving. Class does not come cheap, but if you cannot afford a whole set, you can compromise with the company’s overstock of individual peripherals from prices beginning at $129.95. If you want to look like YOU should be the boss, visit Wood Countour for your own set of wood-be peripherals.
9. USB Lava Lamp - For a change of pace, hook up this nostalgic lava lamp to your computer. At a height of 6-inches and in colors of white, red, or blue, you can rest your eyes from the glare of your monitor for at least a few minutes. LavaWorld also carries USB glitter lamps, computer vacuums, and lava fans. The groovy gadgets are available at LavaWorld and various retail outlets at prices starting at $6.99.
10. Star Wars mimobots - Your new favorite USB storage keys just have to be mimobots. Launched in 2005, Mimoco has basically turned a simple concept into a collection with a cult following. In limited editions of 250 - 500 units, all are hi-speed and come in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB or 2GB capacities. You'll dig their Star Wars collection with Chewy and Darth Vader, now that they've recently added a Storm Trooper and R2-D2. Prices start at $79.95.

With Reference of: Bob Rankin