The idea of a self chilling can isn’t exactly new.  In fact, word of an actual beverage manufacturer using such a piece of tech has been circulating for longer than we can remember.  Aside from the technological hurdles, price is a massive deterrent since it could very well increase the cost of a $1 soda three to four fold.  However, all these speed bumps haven’t stopped Joseph Company International (who?).

They’ve got plans to release the first self chilling can (no outside power source needed) to the commercial marketplace by the end of March.  The beverage will be called West Coast Chill.  Each can of West Coast Chill will cost $3 and with the push of a button can drop the temperature of the can’s contents by 30 degrees in just 3 minutes time.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: you’re worried about to the green house effects of such an apparatus.  Well don’t.  According to Gizmag they’ve used “activated carbon derived from organic renewable vegetable materials, and carbon dioxide reclaimed from the atmosphere.”  In other words they’re harmless to the Earth’s atmosphere and can apparently be easily recycled into future West Coast Chill cans.

Solar powered chargers for your portable gadgets are far from an original idea.  But that isn’t to say they aren’t effective or useful.  Case in point is Quirky’s Ray.

Unlike other solar powered chargers, which lay flat, the Ray includes a suction cup mount allowing you to optimize and capture the most energy possible.  That’s all well and good if your in a vehicle, and super convenient if you’re on a plane (case in point, the pics) but what about for flat surfaces?  For that they’ve also built-in in a kickstand that let’s you angle it accordingly, though the suction cup mount is probably optimal in terms of energy collection.

And let’s not overlook portability.  The USB cord tucks neatly into the kickstand and a battery means you can recharge at night, which you’ll know is fully charged thanks to an LED status light.

So how much would you pay for this handy gadget?  Quirky is a crowd funded project.  They want to know how much you’d be willing to pay for this gadget.  We’re saying $35.  Thoughts?  Below is a tally of what Quirky users have said so far.

Collect small trinkets?  Are they piling up on your desk and you just don’t know which one to feature this week?  Boy, do we have the answer.  The Levitron Revolution.  This device, which is no larger than a cup warmer, uses “EZ Float Technology” to suspend your precious objects, that weigh no more than 12oz, in mid air.  Yes, mid air!

Feel free to place a mini skateboard on there, but don’t think for a second that you’ll be able to ride it Marty McFly style.  The objects need to remain in its magnetic field to keep afloat. Fortunately, adding new objects is ultra simple as is setting it up.  Four LED lights at the corners of the device will illuminate once you have centered the included disc, which supports whatever objects you place on it.  After that you can remove and add new objects.  An internal processor makes up to 1,000 calculations a second to adjust for variations in weight, or say if you spin the object, enabling it to seamlessly stay afloat until you disconnect the power source.  You can even float water mid air and call yourself the next Messiah or turn it on its side.

Vat19 sells this awesome contraption for $99.99.  However, they’re currently sold out until 11/28.

We’ve all heard of water proof or water resistant clothing, but generally that involves a special material that is lined into the fabric.  Gortex is a good example of this tech, which is both waterproof and breathable.  But that’s costly and not all that practical.  And while you can spray your shoes with a “water proofing” it will never equate to the same benefits as Gortex.  So what’s your resolve?

Ross Technology’s has developed a 100% waterproof spray called NeverWet.  But it’s not just waterproof, it’s superhydrophic, which as the name suggests, makes whatever you spray the chemical on impenetrable or nonporous to liquids of any type.

Now we don’t know what would happen if you submerged the item sprayed with NeverWet, but as you can see from the above video it completely prevents the liquid from squirreling its way into the fabric’s crevices.  Pretty damn impressive, right?

We can’t help but wonder what would happen if you sprayed this onto your skin?

The idea of a Spherical Flying machine may not be all that exciting at first blush, but if you hit the above video you’ll see that it is in fact an extremely agile aircraft.  Unlike a quadricopter, or more importantly a helicopter, this machine can travel forward using wings.  Conversely, it can land at any angle thanks to its spherical shape and roll around on the ground using the rotors to power it in any direction.

The machine was developed by Japan’s Ministiry of Defense for a little over $1000.  And while it appears to be largely a prototype, we can’t help but wonder if they’ll develop a version large enough for a human to fit inside.

It’s been an interesting week in the tech world! To sum up everything for you, we’ve compiled some of the coolest tech videos and products for the week so that you don’t have to scour the Internet looking for them. Enjoy!

4. CAT-LIFT

Cats have a mind of their own, which makes this Cat-Lift contraption even more hilarious. Fully operated by the cat, the tiny elevator allows for easy outside access and is fitted with a special “infrared catflap.”

3. GRAPPLING HOOK LAUNCHER

Homemade stuff is the best! This grappling hook launcher video shows a very Batman-like gadget that you can make at home.

2. BILLABONG V1 FLOATATION WETSUIT

Billabong has created a wetsuit that’s equipped with a floatation device so that surfers (or anybody, really) won’t drown when they become fatigued out in the water. Patent is still pending though, but it’s a cool concept!

1. BIONIC HAND

Chole Homes lost her fingers as a toddler when she suffered from septicaemia after contracting chickenpox. But now at 15, she traded in her prosthetic hand for some bionic fingers, making for one hi-tech hand!

4. Sony NEX-7 DSRL CAMERA

Sony has officially taken their compact cameras to the next level with its NEX-7 DSRL model. While it features things that other compact cameras have (HD video and pictures, 24.3 megapixels, etc.), the camera now has interchangeable lens that allows you to take pictures like a pro without having to carry around bulky equipment.

3. HEX CODE WALLET FOR IPHONE 4

Someone has finally created a stylish wallet that also functions as an iPhone case! Not only does it secure your phone in place, but it also holds a select number of credit cards so that you don’t have to overload your pocket.

2. OLYMPUS PEN E-PM1 CAMERA

Olympus has finally released info on a release date for it’s latest camera. It’s actually the smallest and lightest of the PEN series, but can still do loads of cool stuff like capture HD video and photos and works with Olympus’ interchangeable lens system.

1. CINESKATES

A tripod with wheels? Yup, that’s exactly what CineSkates is. Although it looks a bit strange and robot-like, it was designed to be used by everyday people to achieve professional dolly-like shots.

Every day we wake up, wash our hands, brush our teeth, fix something to eat and drive to work.  We take all of these simple tasks for granted.  But not one teenager in London.  Chloe Holmes, now 15 years of age, contracted Chicken Pox as a toddler, a virus most if not all children survive unscathed.  Unfortunately, she suffered from septicaemia (blood poisoning) during the virus and as a result she lost most of her fingers, leaving her without a complete hand…that us until now.

For $62,000 her family invested in a bionic hand from Touch Bionics in Scotland.  Although it will never provide Chloe with the same range of motion and dexterity as a human hand, it does enable her to pick up items, or small blocks as seen in the below video.  The hands usefulness clearly extends beyond this example, but nonetheless it demonstrates to what level of dexterity has been accomplished.  Chloe even says that “she didn’t expect it to work as well as it does and that she’d get as much good use out of it.”

The bionic hand isn’t hard wired into Chloe.  Instead a set of sensors detect movement in her arm, enabling her to control the futuristic device. We’ve seen other devices, such as the Luke Arm, that offer a similar, but greater range of motion, and can be wired into the muscles or nerves, or controlled using a footpad.   However, the Luke Arm isn’t yet available for retail purchase, so the Bionic Hand will have to suffice until now.

Hair loss regrowth, on a mythical level, is probably equitable to that of the Holy Grail.  And while there are a myriad of pills and shampoos available, none have achieved full hair regrowth and an alarmingly positive rate.  So can this machine, the ARTAS, actually succeed where pharmaceutical companies have failed?

The machine just received FDA approval and some day might pop up in your dermatologist’s office.   It combines a physician-controlled, interactive, computer-assisted system that allows doctors to more easily harvest hair follicles and plant them in areas that lack growth.

So what’s the catch? The machine only works for men with black or brown straight hair.  How much each procedure will cost is unknown, but hopefully it will be more effective than the current gen procedures which are done by hand.

ARTAS SYSTEM RECEIVES FDA CLEARANCE FOR GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY TREATING HAIR LOSS

Restoration Robotics, Inc., a medical device company that pioneered the first robotic follicular unit harvesting system, today announced that it has received FDA 510K clearance for its revolutionary ARTAS System

Mountain View, CA – April 14, 2011 – Restoration Robotics, Inc. a privately-held medical device company, today announced that its revolutionary technology, the ARTAS™ System, has received 510K clearance from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) with black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS™ System was developed in close collaboration with several leading hair restoration physicians to enhance the quality of follicular unit harvesting for the benefit of physicians and their patients.

“We are thrilled to receive FDA clearance, and look forward to rolling out the ARTAS™ System to leading hair restoration physicians,” said Jim McCollum, Chief Executive Officer, Restoration Robotics. “Hair loss is a very real issue for millions of men in the United States. We’re pleased to offer a powerful new technology for patients who are interested in a safe new way to enhance their quality of life.”

ARTAS™ is a physician-controlled, state-of-the-art, interactive, computer-assisted system that enables harvesting of hair follicles during hair restoration procedures. It combines several features including an image-guided robotic arm, special imaging technologies, small dermal punches, and a computer interface. The ARTAS™ System is capable of identifying and harvesting individual follicular units to implement the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique.

The Benefits

“Many patients are seeking less invasive alternatives to the current hair restoration techniques,” said Miguel Canales, MD, Medical Director, Restoration Robotics. “There is growing interest in FUE because of its many patient benefits, such as less discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities. The ARTAS™ System solves many of the technical challenges experienced by physicians currently attempting the FUE procedure which gives physicians and patients an exciting new choice.”

Hair restoration is performed as an office-based procedure. Implanted hairs develop their own blood supply, begin to grow and new hairs are seen a few months after the procedure. New hair continues to grow over the course of a full year, making the change in the patient’s appearance gradually noticeable to others.

“I believe the ARTAS™ system will make hair restoration more attractive to a broader group of patients,” said James Harris, MD, of the Hair Sciences Center in Denver, CO. “In my practice, I have seen a significant increase in patients asking for FUE because of its minimally invasive approach. They really liked the rapid healing and lack of a linear scar, which makes this procedure different from the strip method.”

Hair Loss By The Numbers

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS)[1], at least 35 million men in the United States are affected by male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. By age 50, approximately 50% of men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss. Approximately one in four men suffer from male pattern baldness (MPB), which has psychological, professional and social consequences for these patients, such as:

· 68% of men feel helpless about their hair loss

· 73% of balding men feel they are less attractive than they were when they had hair[2]

· 77% of balding men would feel very or somewhat concerned if they were in their 20s, just starting their career and experiencing hair loss[3]

While prescription remedies, such as Propecia® and Rogaine®, offer some benefits to existing hair, hair restoration moves healthy, functioning follicles to the areas of the patient’s scalp most impacted by baldness for more dramatic results. Hair restoration is a popular cosmetic procedure, with an estimated number of procedures exceeding 100,000 in the U.S. in 2009. Hair restoration is the only permanent solution for hair loss and can result in a natural, undetectable outcome.

We’ve been hearing about the Martin Jetpack for well over 2 years now, and unfortunately it still hasn’t gone into production.  However, the company has released a new video of the jetpack hovering mid air for 7 minutes, a new record according to NewScientist.  In this particular demonstration the device has been fitted with a dummy – we assume for safety reasons – and is being controlled from the ground via a radio link.

The production model is intended to reach up to 60mph for up to 30 minutes.  The gear itself weighs over 200lbs and can support a pilot who weighs more than that.

When the Martin Jetpack finally reaches production, it said to cost about $100,000, though we initially heard last February that it would be below $80,000.

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Back in the day if you lost a hand you were SOL.  Not any more.  This young woman in SoCal received a donor hand after losing her’s a number of years ago.  It’s not clear how much dexterity she’ll achieve, but as soon as surgery was completed she could wiggle her fingers.

The hand trasplant involed connecting two bones, 23 tendons, 2 arteries, 4 veins, and at least 3 nerves.

You have to watch it to believe it, and even then you’ll be in complete awe.  Scientists have developed a gun that saves lives.  That’s right, SAVES not TAKES lives.

It effectively sprays healthy skin cells (stem cells) onto burn victims and rapidly increases healing.  Stem cells is the core of the science, but before you get all George W. Bush, consider that it uses the victim’s own skin cells, so there are no fetuses to protest about.

The gun is still in the prototype stages and to this day has been used on up to 12 patients successfully.  In the video below you’ll meet a man who suffered 2nd degree burns and thanks to this tech was sprayed Friday and left the hospital the following Monday, despite looking like a charred hot dog 4 days prior.

Via: Reddit

Differential thrust from eight main horizontal rotor blades allows the Draganflyer X8 UAV helicopter to both hover and change directions easily. The X8 also has eight brushless electric motors, which let it carry heavier photo and video equipment than previous models from Draganfly. And in case one of them stops, the remaining seven are enough to keep it flying.

Draganfly’s X6 was able to fly with a 500g (1.1lb) payload, so the X8 prototype should be able to enter the realm of some of the higher end, bulkier DSLR’s. It even accepts an optional military grade load bearing system, which allows it to move non-photo equipment to various inaccessible places.

Its carbon fiber frame folds down to backpack carrying size. An onboard processor runs proprietary software to control flight through inputs from three gyros, three accelerometers, a barometric sensor, three magnetometers and a GPS receiver – which, Draganfly claims, allows even relative novices to pilot the X8.

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Yves Rossy is a Swiss adventurer slash dare-devil, known for flying across the English Channel in nothing but office clothes and a winged jetpack.

Office lies aside, sporting a new version of his jet-pack and the right kind of flight attire, on Friday he managed to pull of two aerial loops, presumably consecutive.

The new model is aerodynamic, and Rossy tested it by jumping from a hot-air balloon at a 2,400 meter altitude, and 18 minutes of flight and a parachute landing later, he’s probably the first man to perform two loops in a winged jet-pack.

The new model has a 6.6 ft wingspan, 1.6 ft smaller than the first one, has no detachable parts, and is both more aerodynamic and more stable. There had been a plan by Rossy to fly a complete circle around the balloon, but despite the safety improvements of the new model, eventually he didn’t feel it was technically doable.

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What’s a bullet look like penetrating a variety of materials?  Cool.  What’s a bullet look like penetrating a variety of materials slowed down to 1,000,000 frames per second?  Not safe for work.  Catch my drift?

Is it a kitchen or is it a lab. Looking at these pictures you’re more likely to guess lab, what with the icy sheen of metal and the cold blue numbers of the LCD.

But it’s a kitchen faucet, designed by Japser Hou to look good (if a bit unfriendly) and be environmentally sound by reducing water usage.

There’s a knob you turn to establish the amount of water you want poured, and this techno-faucet, also known as “No More No Less”, measures the time it takes to reach the desired quantity according to the volume of the flow.

The LCD screen also shows how much water you’ve consumed (presumably throughout the life of the gadget) and the current temperature. And get this, it’s not connected to the electricity grid, but rather does its own thing as a sort of mini hydroelectric dam, using the energy of the water flowing through it to power itself.

This last bit might annoy some people – if you leave the water on for more than 30 seconds, it shuts down automatically.

One thing I don’t get is why the photos show a measuring cup collecting the already measured water coming from the “No More No Less’. If this is indeed a kitchen and not a lab, why the double measuring ‘fun’? Very strange.

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Form meets function and medical technology meets fashion with Manel Torres’s spray-on futuristic fabrics making their debut at the Science in Style fashion show at Imperial College London, during Fashion Week.

Manel Torres, a Spanish fashion designer, worked together with Paul Luckham, professor of Particle Technology, in creating a sprayable material for clothes without seams – literally seamless – called Fabrican Spray-on.

The final goal is however not fashion-related, but rather a new breed of sanitary spray-on bandages which could cover wounds and burnt skin without the need for a qualified nurse.

“As an artist I spend my time dreaming up one-off creations, but as a scientist I have to focus on making things reproducible. I want to show how science and technology can help designers come up with new materials,” said Torres.

Polymers in the spray bind short fibres together once the solvent that holds the fabric in liquid form evaporates immediately after delivery on a surface. Linen, wool and acrylic fibers are the base of the fabric, and any garment you adorn yourself with, you can later take of and wash together with the more normal items in your wardrobe.

But unlike those, it’s cold when it first hits your skin.

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Can watching too much Star Trek make you sick? Find out almost instantly with this gadget from the future…of Britain.

The handheld device, reminiscent of the Dr Spock’s ‘tricorder’ but baptized CliniHub, was developed by British scientists and can identify major diseases from breast cancer to MRSA in just minutes.

It uses a small input of blood, saliva or urine placed in one of its five ports. Depending on the antibodies and biological agents present, the sample then reacts to chemicals inside the device that change color to indicate the presence of an ailment, much in the way a pregnancy test does.

Unlike a pregnancy test, a LED light analyzes the chemical results which are then displayed on a small screen. Also unlike a pregnancy test, CliniHub is laptop-sized and can save lives. It will costs under $100, making it an option all over the world, with plans for a home-use CliniHub which could detect flu and other bacterial or viral infections. The current version will eventually be able to diagnose around 20 diseases and become a common tool in surgery.

CliniHub was developed by Cambridge Consultants working alongside Californian company XenBio Fluidics.

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This Death Star Planetarium is awesome, if nothing else than its a Star Wars toy that teaches kids something about our galaxy. Yeah, your kids do learn about the adventures of Han and Luke — but you know what I mean. And even if your little one is tired of learning about astronomy, it’s still an awesome night light to have. Fire the laser cannon!

The Death Star Planetarium is available in August for $29.99.

In news both awesome and terrifying, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh implanted a monkey’s brain with sensors that allow it control a seven-axis robot arm. Two implants control the arm and hand controlling areas of the robot. The study is being used for development of robotic control systems for disabled humans. Check out the video to see the monkey in action.

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I always love a good innovative technology story, and here’s a new one for you: Researchers at UCLA’s Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology have created a vest which helps those with impaired mobility walk. Sensors in the vest help to measure the person’s upper body movements, while silicon balloons inside the device inflate when the person begins to tilt. Thanks to accelerometers, the device adjusts the wearer accordingly to keep them standing. Those scientists are always so inventive, don’t you think?

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