- Shrinking Blob Computes Traveling Salesman Solutions
A blob of “intelligent” goo can compute solutions to one of the most famous problems in mathematics and produces a route map as well, say computer scientists.
The traveling salesman problem is one of the more famous challenges in mathematics. This is the problem of finding the shortest route for visiting a number of cities once and then returning to the place of origin.
- Amazon’s Head of Mobile Interfaces
The man responsible for Amazon’s mobile shopping strategy talks about app design, shopping habits, and how to make it easier to act on your impulses.
Sam Hall doesn’t just eat his own dog food, as the Silicon Valley saying goes. He also orders it on his mobile phone.
- Microchip Adapts to Severe Damage
An integrated circuit that adjusts to damage shows a way to make ordinary chips more efficient and reliable.
- Are Your Doctor’s Hands Clean? This Wristband Knows
An RFID-reading, motion-sensing wristband buzzes to tell health-care workers if they are washing their hands properly.
A startup called IntelligentM wants to make hospitals healthier by encouraging workers to clean their hands properly. Its solution is a bracelet that vibrates when the wearer has scrubbed sufficiently, giving employees a way to check their habits and letting employers know who is and isn’t doing things right.
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