Automakers Move Toward OTA Software Upgrades

Lucas123 writes: While some carmakers today offer over-the-air software upgrades to navigation maps and infotainment head units, Tesla became the first last week to perform a powertrain upgrade overnight. But as the industry begins adopting internal vehicle bus standards with greater bandwidth and more robust security, experts believe vehicle owners will no longer be required to visit dealerships or perform downloads to USB sticks. IHS predicts that in the next three to five years, most, if not all automakers, will offer fully fledged OTA software-enabled platforms that encompass upgrades to every vehicle system — from infotainment, safety, comfort, and powertrain. First, however, carmakers must deploy more open OS platforms, remove hardened firewalls between vehicle ECUs, and deploy networking topologies such as Ethernet, with proven security. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Automakers Move Toward OTA Software Upgrades

Behind the App: The Story of HabitRPG

What if you approached your life like a video game, treating your tasks as monsters to be battled and your daily goals as quests? That’s the idea behind HabitRPG , a site and community designed to be a role playing game for your to-do list. Read more…

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Behind the App: The Story of HabitRPG

Top 10 Backups Everyone Should Have (Not Just Computer Backups)

You’ve heard it a lot, but it bears repeating: you need to back up your computer , because your hard drive will fail one day. Beyond those file backups, though, are many other things we need to have a backup for—ranging from work and finances to personal needs. Read more…

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Top 10 Backups Everyone Should Have (Not Just Computer Backups)

We Are Running Out of the Nuclear Fuel That Powers Space Travel

Rosetta’s lander lasted just 60 hours on a comet before bouncing into the dark shadows of a cliff, where its solar panels couldn’t power the spacecraft. Why didn’t it carry a more reliable power source, say a nuclear battery like one that’s unfailingly fueled Voyager for decades? It’s a simple question with a fascinating answer, one that begins with the Cold War and ends with the future space exploration. Read more…

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We Are Running Out of the Nuclear Fuel That Powers Space Travel

You Get Free Red Bull or $10 If You Bought One In the Last 12 Years

A class-action lawsuit against Red Bull is being settled, and if you’ve purchased any Red Bull products in the last 12 years, you can get a piece of the pie. No proof of purchase required. Read more…

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You Get Free Red Bull or $10 If You Bought One In the Last 12 Years

This Graphic Shows the Perfect Ratios for 38 Different Coffee Drinks

Don’t know a ristretto from an espressino? Want to mix up your coffee options to include more uncommon drinks (some with names like the “dead eye” and “long black”)? Then here’s an infographic worthy of posting in your kitchen . Read more…

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This Graphic Shows the Perfect Ratios for 38 Different Coffee Drinks

Study Finds That Astronauts Are Severely Sleep Deprived

sciencehabit (1205606) writes “Researchers tracked the sleep patterns of 85 crew members aboard the International Space Station and space shuttle and found that despite an official flight schedule mandating 8.5 hours of sleep per night, they rarely got more than five. In fact, getting a full night’s rest was so difficult that three-quarters of shuttle mission crew members used sleep medication, and sometimes entire teams were sedated on the same night. Given that sleep deprivation contributes to up to 80% of aviation accidents, it’s important to better understand why sleep is so difficult in space, the authors say.” Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Study Finds That Astronauts Are Severely Sleep Deprived

Under Armour’s Suits May Actually Be Slowing U.S. Speedskaters Down

Heralded as “the world’s fastest speed skating suit, ” Under Armour’s all-in-one was hoped to give U.S. athletes the edge in Sochi. Now, though, it appears it could in fact be slowing them down . Read more…        

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Under Armour’s Suits May Actually Be Slowing U.S. Speedskaters Down

Exhale on Your Left Foot to Avoid Side Stitches While Running

A side stitch is a common ailment while running, where you feel a sharp stabbing pain under the lower edge of the ribcage. But you might be able to avoid that simply by changing your running gait to always breathe in and out on your left foot, suggests Dr. Tim Noakes in his book The Lore Of Running . Read more…        

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Exhale on Your Left Foot to Avoid Side Stitches While Running