Researchers simulate schizophrenia in a computer

Researchers simulate schizophrenia in a computer: "One of the theories regarding the cause of schizophrenia suggests that, due to an excessive release of dopamine, the brain remembers too many irrelevant things. Schizophrenics are then overwhelmed by the vast amounts of facts, thoughts and memories all crammed together in their heads, and start processing them into conclusions that aren't based in reality."

Farseeing inventor pioneered computer music

Farseeing inventor pioneered computer music: "Renowned computer generated music innovator Max Mathews has died at the age of 84. Back in 1957 Mathews wrote the program that enabled an IBM 704 mainframe computer to play a composition lasting 17 seconds – an achievement recognized as one of the first examples of digital synthesis of music on a computer."

Water-propelled Jetlev-Flyer personal jetpack set for release

Water-propelled Jetlev-Flyer personal jetpack set for release: "We first came across the water-propelled jetpack from JetPack International early in 2009 and since then the company has changed its name to Jetlev Technologies and teamed up with German company MS Watersports GmbH to get the machine to market."

As BlackBox goes global, we go hands-on with its C18 earphones

As BlackBox goes global, we go hands-on with its C18 earphones: "Armour Home recently announced that it has been appointed worldwide distributor of Phitek System's BlackBox range of Active Noise Rejection (ANR) headphones and earphones. Phitek says that the level of ambient background noise can reach 60dB in a busy street, 80dB in the office and up to 94dB in the cabin of a passenger jet."

Sound-absorbing curtains let the light shine through

Sound-absorbing curtains let the light shine through: "Heavy curtains made from thick material such as velvet are often needed to keep noise out of indoor environments, but Swiss researchers have come up with another option. The Empa researchers, in collaboration with textile designer Annette Douglas and silk weavers Weisbrod-Zurrer AG, have developed lightweight, translucent curtains which are five times more effective at absorbing sound than their conventional counterparts."

US$200,000+ Convertible SLS AMG Roadster breaks cover

US$200,000+ Convertible SLS AMG Roadster breaks cover: "Though the SLS AMG Roadster is now in showrooms, and we've just seen the first images of the 563 bhp convertible version a few minutes ago, they were developed in parallel and they're apparently so close in so many ways that choice will boil down to personal preference, not driving dynamics."

New type of rechargeable battery – just add water

New type of rechargeable battery – just add water: "Scientists at Stanford have developed a battery that uses nanotechnology to create electricity from the difference in salt content between fresh water and sea water. The researchers hope to use the technology to create power plants where fresh-water rivers flow into the ocean"

US$200,000+ Convertible SLS AMG Roadster breaks cover

US$200,000+ Convertible SLS AMG Roadster breaks cover: "Though the SLS AMG Roadster is now in showrooms, and we've just seen the first images of the 563 bhp convertible version a few minutes ago, they were developed in parallel and they're apparently so close in so many ways that choice will boil down to personal preference, not driving dynamics."

G-Form Extreme Sleeve - the 'world's most rugged' laptop case

G-Form Extreme Sleeve - the 'world's most rugged' laptop case: "G-Form has taken its expertise in protecting the bodies of cyclists and skaters and applied it to consumer electronics, first with a case for iPad that's tough enough to withstand a bowling ball attack and now with what's billed as 'the world's most rugged case for laptops."

Hydromax wearable water supply for football players

Hydromax wearable water supply for football players: "When you think of the hazards involved in playing American-style football, things like being slammed to the ground and buried under a stack of bulky opponents probably come to mind. One of the big dangers, however, is dehydration – this is particularly true for children, or athletes in southern states."

New vintage: MXL introduces UR-1 USB ribbon microphone

New vintage: MXL introduces UR-1 USB ribbon microphone: "The relentless march of technology has delivered much of the audio quality once available only in a professional recording studio into the home. For those who desire a return to the classic mellow warmth of the golden age of terrestrial radio and broadcast television, MXL is about to introduce what is said to be the world's first USB ribbon microphone."

Seagate unveils 1 Terabyte per platter HDD

Seagate unveils 1 Terabyte per platter HDD: "Seagate has set a new commercial benchmark for HDD storage by breaking the 1 TB areal density barrier. The company has announced it will bring the world's first 3.5-inch hard drive with 1TB of storage capacity per disk platter to market in its GoFlex Desk product line, with the 3 TB Barracuda XT desktop hard drive (3 x 1 TB platters) expected to hit shelves in mid-2011"