Sciencetech

It should come as no surprise to learn that colors are perceived in different ways, each invoking their own unique set of emotions. But, as research shows, even these associations differ depending on where the observer is from. A new survey set out to learn how different colors are perceived around the world, resulting in responses from roughly 2,200 people from over 50 countries. While the answers varied, there was one thing in particular most people seemed to agree on – the color green is ‘universally’ associated with the natural world. Responses to other colors such as purple were more complex; the most common association in this case was the word royal/royalty. This could be why it's become so common in chocolate packaging, as the sweet was once considered a luxury. File photo In a post published this week on the Medium blog Modus, content marketer Cassandra King details the findings of a survey sent to 2,200 entrepreneurs. The survey asked participants to … [Read more...] about What do these colors mean to YOU? Survey reveals differences in how people perceive color around the world

Advanced technology systems that track drivers' eyes when they are in danger of falling asleep are set to become mandatory for all cars within five years. The cutting-edge devices could prevent hundreds of deaths on the road each year. Already available in some manufacturers' cars, the monitoring systems measure the percentage of time a driver's eyes are closed. Cutting-edge: Cars will have advanced technology systems to stop drivers from falling asleep at the wheel within five years under new plans If they appear to be getting drowsy, an alert sounds urging them to take a break. In the most advanced versions, if the warning is ignored, a car will enter an emergency state with its speed automatically reduced and a message sent out to a call centre requesting that a phone call is made to the driver. Should the driver still not respond, an emergency stop can then be activated, with the on-call system staying on the line and sending further help if needed. The European Parliament has … [Read more...] about All cars to have tracker that wakes up drivers falling asleep at wheel

Amazon has announced a new program for its Echo smart speakers that will put anyone with an Amazon account in charge of answering search queries.   The program, called Alexa Answers, will let users browse a list of unanswered questions like 'What is the state snack of Texas?' (an example provided by Amazon's own web page) and submit their response. After the answer is entered into the database, the Echo's voice assistant, Alexa, will start relaying it to other users with the same query and an addendum stating that the data is 'according to an Amazon customer.'  Amazon is now crowd-sourcing answers to users' search queries through its popular smart-speaker, the Echo (pictured above) Participants will accrue points for response that receive good ratings from users and will earn badges the more users vote in favor of their answer Participants will enter their answers -- 300 characters or less -- on a dedicated website where they will then compete with other participants … [Read more...] about What could go wrong? Amazon testing crowd-sourced ‘Alexa Answers’ that will let strangers submit responses to users’ questions

Rats may carry out certain activities just for the fun of it, says new research on the animals' behavior.   In a study published in the journal Science researchers found that rats were capable of not only learning how to play social games -- in this case hide-and-seek -- but that doing so was a reward in and of itself.  Neuroscientists from Berlin taught six rats between 5 to 23 weeks to play the game both from the hiding and seeking role by using social interactions as positive reinforcement.  Once a rat was found by researchers or successfully discovered its playmate, the researchers would interact with the animal, tickling its belly or petting it on the back. Scroll down for video.  The games played with the rats (pictured above) were recorded and studied. Researchers also used microphones to capture verbal cues As the game progressed, they noted, those interactions tended to matter less and less as the rats started to enjoy the game rather than social … [Read more...] about Hide and squeak! Rats can learn to play social games and will do so just for fun, study shows

A new FCC filing shows SpaceX is ready to launch into the next testing phase for its experimental spacecraft, Starship. In the request, the Elon Musk-owned aerospace company is requesting permission to fly Starship more than 12 miles into orbit and then land the craft back down in the same spot. The feat would mark a significant leap for the company, which recently completed a successful series of tests on Starship prototype, Starhopper, and gives new insight into just how close the company is to completing the vehicle. Scroll down for video  Musk hopes that eventually, Starhopper will pave the way for a craft called Starship (rendered above) meant to bring humans to Mars Musk has previously alluded to an event later this month which could act as the unveiling of the craft and foreshadow a test launch in October.  SpaceX employees in Texas have been hard at work building the first iteration of the craft, the MK1, while a concurrent team in Florida is also in the midst … [Read more...] about SpaceX files for FCC permission to fly its Starship prototype 12 MILES into the air this fall as ambitious craft moves closer to completion