Four Short Takes

#1 - Scientists Identify 'Ground Zero' for Alzheimer's Disease

Fox News | February 17, 2016

<See original article at: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/02/17/scientists-identify-ground-zero-for-alzheimers-disease.html>

Researchers have identified "ground zero" for Alzheimer’s in the brain: the place the disease appears to strike first and a region they say may be more important to keep sharp than previously thought.
The locus coeruleus, a small part of the brainstem, is the first region of the brain to exhibit tau pathology— a well-known marker for Alzheimer’s.

Cross sections of the brain show atrophy, or shrinking, of brain tissue caused by Alzheimer's disease. Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet 

#2 - Lost on a Hike? There's a Drone for That

Tom Brant | February 18, 2016

<See original story at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2499434,00.asp>

Drones and artificial intelligence are a powerful combination. They can already be used to kill, but in the near future they might also be used to save you when you take a relaxing hike and end up getting completely lost.
Researchers from several universities in Switzerland published a whitepaper last week that explains how "deep learning" technology can empower drones to find and follow hidden trails with more accuracy than human rescue teams.

New software enables drones to search forests for lost hikers. Source: http://www.slashgear.com/new-software-enables-drones-to-search-forests-for-lost-hikers-11426589/

#3 - Scientists Can Now 3D Print Otzi The Mummified Ice Man

John biggs | February 18, 2016

<See original story at: http://techcrunch.com/2016/02/17/scientists-can-now-3d-print-otzi-the-mummified-ice-man/>

Otzi, for those not up on their 5,300-year-old mummified men, died and was frozen in the Alps near Hauslabjoch on the border between Austria and Italy. His body is one of the best preserved human mummies in Europe and now he’s getting a 3D-printed makeover.
Researchers and engineers have worked together with 3D-printing firm Materialise to perfectly scan Otzi. This allows researchers to 3D print his tortured frame over and over again and, in an interesting episode of Nova, an artist will create a perfect replica of the mummy for study by researchers and potential museum-goers. Otzi, for his part, his hanging out in a climate-controlled vault in Italy so he doesn’t degenerate.

Source: https://www.dnalc.org/programs/otzi.html

#4 - Nissan’s self-parking office chair is here to make your Monday better (+Video)

Chris Plante | February 15, 2016

<See original story at: http://www.theverge.com/2016/2/15/10996234/nissans-self-parking-chair-car>

Technically, today is a holiday. You should probably have the time off, but you don't. You're here at the office, trying to catch up on email and a glut of busywork. I feel you. And so does Nissan. The carmaker has made this Monday slightly better by publishing a video of its self-parking chairs.
Inspired by the technology and learning behind its self-parking cars, Nissan designed what it calls the "Intelligent Parking Chair." 

Source: http://www.syracuse.com/business-news/index.ssf/2016/02/nissan_self_parking_smart_chair.html