Scientists Jolt Brain Back to Consciousness
Wire electrodes planted deep inside a man’s brain have safely stimulated him to speak and eat on his own after six years trapped in a minimally conscious state, researchers are reporting in this week’s issue of the journal Nature. Scientists are optimistic about the procedure but warn that it still needs additional study and may work only in limited cases.
TECH WATCH: Gaming with Your Thoughts
PLUS: The Upgradeable Human Body
Diesel Honda Accord May Head to U.S. Shores
While Europeans have been stuffing super-efficient diesels into compact cars to squeeze out extra gas mileage for years, Honda may be getting in on the game with a diesel-powered Accord that could make it to America by 2010. If it hits 62 mpg as claimed, we’ll gladly welcome it alongside its German brethren.
TEST DRIVE: VW’s 70-mpg Polo Ready for U.S.?
DRIVE GREEN: Special Reports, Test Drives and Video on Our Clean-Fuel Future
Space Junk, Weather Nag NASA
More than 12,000 pieces of trash now sling around in Earth’s orbit, posing a threat to satellites and spacecraft (the International Space Station recently raised its altitude to keep it from smacking into an ammonia tank). While minding the debris above, NASA is having trouble with the weather below: Storms have pushed back the Phoenix Mars Lander launch by a day.
PLUS: China’s Space Arsenal Throws Debris Around Globe
TECH WATCH: Inside NASA’s Phoenix Lander