Archived News for IT Professionals - February, 2014
The Federal Government has placed itself under tight new controls for using social media sites.
Chip helps bring bionic hearing inside
New developments have been made in the quest for a fully-internal cochlear implant.
Experts unite for digital science upgrade
High definition 3D models and real scientific data will be used to create astounding virtual recreations of significant sites for students.
Gains in gathering power from good vibrations
Researchers are trying to crack open an extremely common source of electricity – vibrations.
Health site stars for one day, just enough to impress
A website with detailed information on Australia's new labelling system for food and beverages was launched, welcomed by health experts, and then taken offline just 24 hours later.
Mind control goes multi-coloured
Algae have provided a new tool to enhance optogenetics – a technique using light to watch and control neurons in the brain.
New maps show species threats and pressure worldwide
An international team has developed a series of maps showing how fast and in which direction local climates have shifted, to illuminate species at risk worldwide.
Rock scan pays off in spades
A university project using advanced technologies to look for crude oil has sold for $76 million.
Electronic losses lead to sale and sacking
Sony’s failure in the PC market has led to big losses for the electronics giant, which must now cut thousands of jobs to stay alive.
Feeling bionic hand makes mechanical sense
A Danish man has become the first in the world to be fitted with a prosthetic hand that can feel.
Moves to run rat race out to regions
A Rural and Regional Committee has called for forced public service teleworking quotas, to push government jobs into regional areas.
Red nation changes favourites in new OS
North Korea has updated the one operating system available in the country, moving from an interface pinched from Microsoft Windows toward one resembling Apple’s OSX.
Big bump for online housing lister
Some insiders are unsure what to make of a big jump in profits for an online real estate advertiser.
New field, new ideas as data and science mingle
Just as answering one question leads to several more, developments in one scientific field often create entirely new areas of study.
Single molecule LED leaps to miniature extreme
Engineers have created an LED consisting of a single molecule, reaching the end point on the race to make miniature light sources.
Tests to find we can really know in weird quantum world
A team from the University of Queensland is not so sure about Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.
Search for life in space descends to smaller scale
A new technique could help scientists sift through space dust for the ingredients to make life.
Snake spine secrets de-coded for undersea design
Engineers are once again referring to the great catalogue of nature for their next robotic design.
Big front-wheeler brings bizarre to work commute
A new device will provide the best of several worlds for people who are severely indecisive about the way they travel.
Crypto-currency pinned for hard cash transfer
Soon, adopters of the much-touted yet highly-confusing new currency 'Bitcoin', will be able to convert their digital dollars to Australian hard currency from the convenience of an ATM.
Foreign offices need IT fix to match modern diplomacy
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has asked for hands to be raised to build a $216 million replacement global communications network, as our current diplomatic cables strain under the weight of modern interactions.