Forgetting my Computer Glasses

I forgot to bring my Gunnar computer glasses to work a few times this week. This episode of absent-mindedness gave me an opportunity to remember what it was like before having glasses and noticing some very subtle differences between wearing and not wearing them (besides the obvious experience of seeing everything with a yellow tint). 

LG G5: Auto mode

Been using this mode for the past year, so I thought I had a pretty good handle on it. Normal or wide angle lense depending on how far or close I am to the object. To force or disable the flash, tap the lightning symbol. Turns out, I am still a beginner.

I tapped on the various icons at the top/left of the screen and tried out each option. To share what I see, I finally learned how to take a screenshot of my phone. Honestly, as a computer scientist and millennial, you would think I was more tech savvy than this.

The grid overlay is amazing! Normally, I have to take multiple photos because I rarely hold the phone level. With this overlay, I can immediately see if an object will stand up straight when I take the picture.

The icon of the old camera film allows me to change the filter of the image. I was wondering how people make black and white photos!

I always see photo submission sites specify a 16:9 aspect ratio. To me, it seemed like the rule was unnecessary. When you submit a photo, you would want the object to fill the entire view. Turns out, a user can change the ratio. Thanks to exploring this setting, I see why random gifs on the Internet don’t use the entire screen. Its possible, they might have forgotten which ratio they were on in the heat of the moment.

Here is a list of the other things I learned (or am about to learn) about the LG G5 camera.

Prosthetics and Skin Sensors

About a year ago, I read “‘Digital skin’ activates brain cells” by Jonathan Webb. This article is about a polymer that contains sensors. When the sensors detect pressure, they send electrical signals. The researchers connected these sensors to a sliver of rat brain and were able to observe a different rate of pulses when applying various pressures. The idea is to develop this technology enough that it can be added to prosthetic limbs. The material is already thin enough that it can bend easily to act as a skin covering.

As I read the article, my mind kept flashing back to the scene in Star Wars where Luke’s artificial hand is pricked and we can see a flinching reaction.

Today, I watched a CNN video, “Great Big Story: For Amputees, Reactivating the Sense of Touch” about adding similar sensors to prosthetic limbs. It is an amazing and uplifting video.

I’m glad people are working in these areas. Every step of progress means more help for people who lost a limb or are born without one. I wish everyone the best of luck in finding a solution.

More Pictures!

Smile! 3, 2, 1, click!

I am thrilled about my new LG G5 phone – mainly the new camera. My life is going to be filled with more pictures.

Another Step to Reversing Paralysis

I love reading articles about new techniques created to help paralyzed patients regain mobility. The technique I discovered today was the use of virtual reality in conjunction with robotic walkers.