CELEBRATING

scitech
Plugged into
back-to-school savings at
Forest City Surplus
It’s a digital world, and with students (and teachers) headed back to the
classroom, there’s high demand for affordable, reliable technology. Give your
kids, or yourself, an edge on learning this year with a Dell laptop from Forest
City Surplus (1712 Dundas Street East). This off-lease Dell Latitude 13 allows
users to create, organize, store and retrieve school notes with ease and efficiency.
Single USB and SD card ports are standard with this model; 2 GB of RAM
and 160 GB hard drive onboard (expandable); as well as 90-minute battery
life. At a weight of 1.6 kg and sized 23cm x 33cm x 2cm, it’s perfectly proportioned
for the commuting student, no matter your age or level of experience.
Get the laptop advantage with Forest City Surplus’ off-lease Dell Latitude 13 for
only $149.95. For more information or to purchase this product, check out the
store’s website or visit Forest City Surplus at 1712 Dundas Street East.
How “free” mobile games
bring in billions
Mobile game revenue in 2016 will reach nearly $37 billion, according to research
firm Newzoo BV, mainly from in-app purchases allowing users to avoid
advertisements, gain items, or make their game characters more powerful. Inapp
spending is “changing the mobile-entertainment landscape”, said Andrew
Phelps of the Rochester Institute of Technology, as users pay small amounts
FREE MOBILE GAMES MAKE BILLIONS EVERY YEAR
THROUGH IN-APP PURCHASES
over a longer period instead of a one-time game purchase. To encourage inapp
spending, some games use a countdown clock, which forces users to wait
before continuing a game unless they pay for additional turns, while others
exploit the fear of missing out on time-limited events or in-game social contact.
Newer games also apply algorithms that incorporate user habits to make
each user’s experience unique and determine more effective way to offer inapp
purchases. By 2019, Newzoo BV expects mobile game revenue will top
$52 billion.
Natural immunities offer
hope against cancer
New research is demonstrating how the human immune system may provide
lasting and effective treatment for cancer. Anecdotes of tumors melting
away and terminal illnesses going into remission – all backed by solid data
- have prompted an explosion of interest and billions of dollars of investments
in the field of immunotherapy. The human immune system is a network of
cells, tissues and chemicals that defends the body against viruses, bacteria
and other invaders. Cancer often eludes immune system responses or blocks
its ability to fight. Immunotherapy helps the patient’s own immune system to
SCI-TECH DIGEST
attack cancer cells. Two major types of immunotherapy have shown promise.
One approach involves creating an individualized treatment for each patient by
removing some of the person’s immune cells and altering them genetically to
kill cancer. The cells are then infused them back into the bloodstream. The second
technique, used far more widely, involves mass-produced drugs that fight
the disease by blocking a mechanism - called a checkpoint – which cancer uses
to shut down the immune system.
Give old digital
devices a second life
As North Americans upgrade their smartphones and tablets, it is increasingly
common for older devices to accumulate in a dusty drawer or landfill,
prompting owners to develop creative ways to reuse. Old phones with WiFi
can become an online security camera, allowing users to monitor things when
away, while devices that no longer hold a battery charge can be plugged in
and used as an alarm clock, or even a sleep habit monitor. Free apps can turn a
phone into a universal remote control that offers suggestions for future viewing,
and the high screen resolution of most tablets makes them ideal frames
for static pictures or electronic slide shows. Taking advantage of such suggestions
can help users of electronic devices - especially those who frequently
upgrade to the latest and greatest - to save money, reduce clutter, and help
the environment.
Pot stays Schedule I,
more research needed: DEA
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced marijuana
would remain a Schedule I drug, maintaining restrictions on the substance
at the federal level. This is in spite of the fact that more and more
American states are loosening restrictions on medicinal and recreational use
of marijuana. DEA criteria for a substance being placed in Schedule I is that it
is both addictive and has no accepted medical use. Establishing marijuana’s
medical efficacy requires testing cannabis plants, and though there is interest
in marijuana as a way to treat pain and conditions like PTSD, there’s not a lot
of research available - in part because there is only one approved supplier of
pot for scientific research purposes in the whole country. Though the DEA has
refused to change marijuana’s Schedule I rating, their decision does leave the
way open for reclassification at a later time by allowing other research facilities
to receive approval to grow cannabis for research purposes.
Beauty makeover apps
A number of new and popular apps promise to help apply makeup and other
beauty products by taking advantage of a smartphone camera and screen to
suggest colours, placement, accessories, and future purchases. After L’Oréal’s
Makeup Genius app assesses user features, it gives suggestions for looks
and products, and provides a live view of the user’s face wearing the chosen
makeup. A similar app from ModiFace, simply titled “Makeup”, doesn’t offer
live video but gives greater control over effects applied to a still photo, as well
as popular celebrity styles for consideration. More accessorizing options can
be found in “YouCam Makeup Virtual Makeover and Beauty Studio”, which
includes automation to better detect facial contours and detail. Most beauty
apps are free for iOS and Android phones, but offer additional in-app content
and features for a price.
An “electronic Watergate”?
Recent cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee (DNC) represent
a “Watergate-like electronic break-in” by Russian hackers, according to
American House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi. A new report from Reuters,
however, said several high-ranking members of Congress were made aware
of Russian attempts to breach DNC computers more than a year ago, but
kept silent because the information was deemed too sensitive. The release of
DNC emails by WikiLeaks proved an embarrassment for the party during last
RUSSIA “CLEARLY” BEHIND EMBARRASSING LEAK OF
DEMOCRAT EMAILS, SAYS NANCY PELOSI
month’s Democratic National Convention, and appeared to show party officials
unfairly supporting Hillary Clinton over rival Bernie Sanders. While the FBI continues
investigating the data leak, they say hackers may have also penetrated
other party organizations attached to DNC servers. A cybersecurity advisory
board created by DNC officials even before the Convention leaks should help
prevent future attacks.
- Adam Shirley and Amie Ronald-Morgan
AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 21 • 2016 CELEBRATING 27 YEARS
7
If you would like
more information on how
to be part of
London’s Million
Tree Challenge,
please contact
Sheila Creighton at
sheila@reforestlondon.ca
or phone
519-936-9548 x228