Patients' bodies message smartphones

New Scientist reports that a team of Dutch researches from IMEC have demonstrated a new type of wireless body area network that will allow people's bodies to communicate with their smartphone, reveals Tom's Guide.

The technology uses a dongle that plugs into a phone's SD card slot, runs on the Android OS and utilises RF24L01+ radio wireless standard. According to New Scientist's Duncan Graham-Rowe, the platform converts electrocardiogram sensors into wireless nodes in a short-range network. The ECG electrodes are connected to a small necklace, containing the transmitter and battery.

Physiological data is transmitted from the necklace to the patient's cellphone and the patient can then pass the information along to their doctor. The phone can also be programmed to sound an alarm when things are about to go wrong.

Gartner has released its latest 'Hype Cycle' report, which tackles all of the hyped technologies to try and determine where they fit into the classic cycle of new, overhyped, crash, or commonplace, reports VizWorld.com.

“The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies features technologies that are the focus of attention in the IT industry because of particularly high levels of hype, or those that may not be broadly acknowledged but which we believe have the potential for significant impact,” says Jackie Fenn, VP and Gartner Fellow.

Some relevant technologies on the chart include augmented reality - just about to hit the peak before the crash, with mainstream adoption in five to 10 years; virtual assistants and public virtual worlds - nearly through the trough of disillusionment, about to enter mainstream in five to 10 years; and interactive TV - well on the way to productivity, less than five years to mainstream.

A new report from four transportation organisations demonstrates how existing and emerging technologies can squeeze more capacity from over-burdened US highways, says Docuticker.

It can also help commuters avoid traffic delays and expand and improve transportation options, all while saving money and creating jobs.

'Smart mobility for a 21st century America' shows why improving efficiency through technology is critical as the population grows and ages, budgets tighten and consumer preferences shift.