Wearable PC will be controlled by facial movements, such as winking or grinding the teeth. The tiny computer will weigh just 17 grams and will be equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. Infrared sensors in the ear clip will monitor the small movements in the ear, which vary according to the movements from the eyes or mouth. Once linked with other gadgets via Bluetooth, such as an iPod or smartphone, the device will allow users to...

A new fiber capable of removing toxins from blood could provide a wearable alternative to the large, expensive machines currently used for kidney dialysis. The fiber could be developed by electrospinning a blood-compatible primary matrix polymer made from polyethylene-co-vinyl alchohol (EVOH) with different forms of zeolites. A naturally occurring aluminosilicate, zeolites feature a microporous structure that will absorb toxins from the blood. The amount of toxins absorbed by the...

The i-port injection port will make dealing with diabetes a bit more comfortable by allowing multiple insulin doses to be delivered through the same hole. The quarter-sized i-port will attach to the skin like an adhesive bandage and make the initial skin puncture when it is first attached. The device can remain in one spot for three days, allowing the user to inject their insulin directly into the port instead of needing to puncture the skin several times in one day. Each i-port...

The new system will identify the Salmonella bacteria on food within 24 hours--a significant reduction in time from the previous requirement of several days--which could help prevent tainted food from reaching consumers. The technology will detect the bacterial colonies grown on agar plates by scanning them with a red diode laser. Penetrating a bacterial colony will cause the red light to form a unique scatter pattern, which will then be compared to a library of images to identify...

To take some of the guesswork out of waxing skis, the smart skis from will be equipped with microchips that will allow the user to know exactly where they should apply the wax. For elite cross-country skiers, the placement of the wax can make the difference between a gold medal and an honorable mention. The smart skis will feature an embedded microchip that will contain information about the ski's design and material, which can be accessed via the accompanying app. When the user is...

The dry erase notebooks will combine the flexibility and convenience of paper with the green-friendly, reusability of whiteboards into one portable bundle. The notebook line will covers a range of sizes, from the small 3"x 5" to the large 11"x 17". Each notebook will contain 25 sheets of white paper that will be coated using a UV gloss spray technique to create an exceptionally smooth writing surface, which will be the key to an enjoyable writing experience. The notebooks can be...

A new low-cost, paper-based method of disease detection could lead to earlier diagnoses and treatments, and could be particularly beneficial to people living in undeveloped, rural areas. The test could detect cancer from a urine sample within minutes, as well as a host of other diseases. The method works in conjunction with nanoparticles coated with peptides that trigger tumor proteins to release biomarkers, which can be easily detected in the patient's urine. However, the...

A new material that harnesses the vibrations from a surface, such as inside a moving vehicle, could allow drivers to charge their phones simply by placing them inside the car. The material is made of a piezoelectric polymer called ployvinylidene fluoride (PVFD). By depositing nanoparticles of zinc oxide onto a thin film of the polymer and the etching them off, it is possible to create pores in the polymer that gave it a sponge-like consistency. It is this spongy consistency that...

A stimulation glove designed for the elderly and stroke victims will help to improve their motor skills and tactile perception. A diminishing sense of touch is common among stoke patients and the aging. To help treat the problem, I suggest developing a glove that will passively stimulate certain nerve cells to improve the communication between neurons.

The skier airbag will be able to detect a crash and inflate to protect the skier from injury. It will be necessary to create an algorithm that will allow the system to differentiate between the normal forces of ski racing, such as a jump or hard turn, and an actual fall. The airbag will only inflate when the data received from at least seven sensors exceeds a designated threshold. Once the signals of a fall have been detected, the 8-liter airbag will inflate using a cold gas...