Bacteria Powered Cellphone Charger

A bacteria-powered cellphone charger could keep people in developing countries talking, even when they live far from the grid. Cellphones are increasingly vital to everyday life, and the economy of many developing countries. But in some areas electricity to charge them can be hard to come by. To tackle the problem, a team of students from MIT has designed a microbial fuel cell (MFC) that runs on plant waste. Their prototype won the $5,000 first prize in a contest called MADMECNew Scientist via Gizmodo] permalink (October 5th, 2007)

The Average Mobile Phone Contains More Bacteria Than A Toilet Seat

New research published today which reveals that there's actually more filth on our phones than the average loo - and they come into contact with more parts of our body and a wider range of bacteria than toilet seats. Mobile phone retailer Dial-a-Phone conducted the study taking swabs from everyday objects and analyzing the bacteria found on them. The shocking results found that there's more bacteriaon our mobiles than the average door handle, keyboard, and bottom of a shoe or even a toilet seat. The research confirmed the presence of skin bacteria including staphylococcus aureus on the phone, keyboard, toilet seat and door handle. [Press release] Related: -- Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling -- Cellphone bug killer -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs -- Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream permalink (January 18th, 2007)

Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling

Some cultures have an inherently high awareness (or paranoia depending on your perspective) of bacteria and its perceived consequences, writes Jan Chipchase, "These photos are taken in carrier shops in Seoul, South Korea - where you can irradiate, air-brush, wipe and scent your phone." Our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria, LG Telecom stated in 2004 and accordingly, the mobile operator decided to provide customers with free cleaning service to raise brand awareness and take care of customers' health by getting rid of dirt stuck in slits, killing bacteria, disinfecting and providing anti-bacterial coating. In the Western world, hygiene has not yet been an issue with consumers, but has very much been a concern in hospitals where mobile phones used by healthcare personnel are known to spread dangerous infectious agents. Related: -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs - Taking their cue from the South Koreans, Motorola has created a next-generation germ-resistant multimedia phone. The company's i870 mobile device, which boasts MP3 player, video recording, GPS and two-way radio functions, also protects against bacteria with silver ion technology from Agion Technologies -- Is Your Handset Clean? - Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system" presented at Expo Comm Wireless Korea 2005. -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. permalink (November 19th, 2006)

Cellphones-home to deadly bacteria

Beware of that cellphone, warns Trinidad News. It could be harbouring the deadly MRSA bacteria which affected three patients at the San Fernando General Hospital earlier this month, one of whom suffering with throat cancer, died. "Cellphone should be regarded and used as a personal piece of equipment, similar to one's toothbrush, and lipstick. It should not be shared with others. It is difficult to clean because of the configuration of the equipment," said Dr Hari Maharajh, from the University of the West Indies at St Augustine. Maharajh said some women carry cellphones in their handbags where other items are kept and that made it a risky device. "Phone calls are answered in crowded places where people are coughing and sneezing and the risk is even greater there," Maharajh added. He also referred to the danger of children using cellphones in toilets and resting them in infected areas. His warnings are backed up by a recent study in Arizona, USA, which found that nearly a quarter of cellphones tested came up positive for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). "These things (cellphones) are very germy, especially the keypads and mouthpieces and everytime you dial a number or send a text message, you are transferring the germs on your hands to your phone and then straight to your mouth," one researcher involved in the study said. Maharajh also did not dismiss the possibility of meningococcal meningitis being spread through indiscriminate use of cell phones. Maharaj said there was need to have public health education on the use and abuse of cellphone. A microbiologist attached to the Ministry of Health, who requested anonymity, said: "When a cellphone user clears his nose through sneezing it is not easy for the bacteria to dry up easily on the equipment and this could easily be a means of spreading diseases." Related stories: -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals, -- Mobile phones used by healthcare personnel in the hospital can spread dangerous infectious agents permalink (August 1st, 2006)

Bacteria Art for Mobile Phones

A series of wallpapers based on light micrographs of bacteria and mould spores found on mobile phones during normal everyday use shown at 1000x magnification. Beurk! These are part of a major sci-art collaboration lead by artist Anna Dumitriu entitled The Normal Flora project, which involves culturing bacteria and moulds from the artist's domestic environment, a multimedia installation is planned for 2006. Anna Dumitriu is an artist whose work is heavily inspired by science, in particular medical science and the concept of immortality. permalink (June 7th, 2005)

Bacteria batteries for mobile phones

Two different articles today on alternative technology for batteries. Bacteria batteries for mobile phones Mobile telephones and other portable electronic devices could one day be powered with the help of bacteria, thanks to an advance in energy technology, reportsFuel Cell Works. "A team at the John Innes Centre, Norwich, reports in the journal Nature that it has built the active part of a bacterial enzyme that works like a miniature hydrogen fuel cell." A new power source Developments are under way that could wipe batteries off the face of the Earth. Researchers at the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI), say they have made significant breakthroughs in a power source that essentially turns 20 pounds of batteries into 8 ounces of fuel the size of a cigarette lighter, reports The Washington Times. "The immediate aim is to use nanotechnology — science on the tiniest scale — to replace cumbersome military batteries and eventually power everything "from cell phones up to systems that run a tank," said Kevin Drost, ONAMI's co-director of research. " permalink (February 10th, 2005)

Cell-All Could Put Chemical Sensors Everywhere

New technology that would add chemical sensing capabilities to cell phones has been developed by three researchers as first-generation laboratory prototypes that will be demonstrated at the San Diego State University Regional Technology Center on Tuesday October 27. OH&S reports.

This program, named Cell-All, "is designed to provide greater detection capabilities in areas where people congregate," according to the announcement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. "The concept allows for chemical agent detectors to ultimately be everywhere where there are cellular telephones. At the option of the cell phone owner, the GPS in the phone could provide sensor location information to emergency operation centers. While still years from implementation, researchers are working on the proof of concept before attempting full-scale miniaturization. This demonstration will provide a look at the state of the science to date."

Related: -- Radiation detectors in your cell phone (2008) - Purdue University is developing sensors which fit inside a cell phone that can detect radiation, and thus perhaps stop the detonation of a nuclear bomb by terrorists is a bit outlandish to my way of thinking. -- Saving the World With Cell Phones (2005) - As cell phones evolve to include souped-up games, streaming video and MP3 players, some University of California at Berkeley professors and graduate students want to slip a pollution detector into the mix. -- Phones that detect terrorist attacks (2003) - A newly opened research center at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA is developing a cell phone that can also detect "dirty bombs" by containing detectors that then upload their information to a central database. -- PCell phone could warn of gas leaks (2003) - A mobile phone able to warn against fire, leakage of methane or other types of toxic gas has been submitted to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for patent. -- 2003: Cell Phones - For so much more than just talking ... And down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). permalink (October 26th, 2009)

Swine Infection from Cell Phones?

A company in Los Angeles that sells "Cleen Cell Wipes" has sent out a "health alert" saying their product is a preventive measure against swine flu. They probably have a point as cell phones are riddled with bacteria. "95% of cell phones in a random test alarm doctors and infectious disease specialists. Modern flu and viral prevention tip: keep cell phones clean and practice good "mobile hygiene". [via PR Web] Related links to cell phones and bacteria. permalink (May 14th, 2009)

Cell phones help spread hospital superbugs

Researchers at Ondokiz Mayis University in Turkey blame cellphones as a significant source of infections such as MRSA, which seems to have become an increasing danger in hospitals all over the world. News.com reports.

In researching the cell phones and dominant hands of 200 doctors and nurses, the researchers found that 95 per cent of the phones were home to at least one bacterium. Nearly 35 per cent hosted two. And 11 per cent enjoyed three or more bugs of various descriptions. What is perhaps most stunning is that 1 in 8 were found to harbor the potentially deadly MRSA bug, which is said to be the cause of 60 per cent of all hospital infections.

Related: -- Cellphones-home to deadly bacteria -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals -- Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling -- Bamboo phone with nanotech self cleaning coating -- The Average Mobile Phone Contains More Bacteria Than A Toilet Seat -- Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling -- Cellphone bug killer -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs -- Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream permalink (March 6th, 2009)

Invention turns cell phone into mobile medical lab

According to CNN, a device may be available in the near future that could turn a cell phone into a mobile medical lab -- and change the way doctors treat patients in rural areas far from hospitals.

Professor Aydogan Ozcan of UCLA has taken a typical Sony Ericsson phone, and by adding a few off-the-shelf parts that cost less than $50, he can get it to produce a remarkable image that shows the thousands of cells in a small fluid sample such as human blood. "It is a new way of doing images of cells and bacteria," said Ozcan, an assistant professor in UCLA's electrical engineering department. While other small imaging systems use bulky optics, his group's invention offers "true miniaturization of a laboratory" because there are no lenses and the results are quick and accurate, he said.

[via Med Gagdet] permalink (February 5th, 2009)

LAVENDER DESIGN Phone & fragrance dispenser concept

The LAVENDER DESIGN phone conept by Andrew Seunghyun Kim has a built-in perfume dispenser of you guessed it, lavender. If that were not enticing enough, the LAVENDER DESIGN also features a built-in “LAVENDER LIGHT” that coats your phone in a bath of bacteria killing UV lights while charging. [via Yanko Design] permalink (October 8th, 2008)

Samsung Makes Mobile Phones Out of Corn

Samsung Electronics announced the planned launch of an environment-friendly mobile phone (SCH-W510) made from Cornflour for later this month. Telecoms Korea reports. "W510 uses natural-dissolved bio-plastic made from corn starch for the battery cover and other parts, according to Samsung. Besides the plastic parts, the company applies other environment friendly materials such as anti-bacterial surface coatings to minimize harmful effects of mobile handsets on the nature and the human body. " Related: -- NEC’s ECO corn-based phone - The phone body is made up of 75 percent plant materials, including corn and potatoes. -- Japanese mobile phones to get corny -- and eco-friendly - Japanese firms NEC and Unitika have developed a plastic made of corn for mobile telephone bodies. permalink (June 16th, 2008)

Sony Ericsson patent for a Self Cleaning Phone

Sony Ericsson has filed a patent application that adds a cleaning slider to the display which works when you open the phone. "When the phone opens the slider sits at the top of the display then when you close it simply slides down to the bottom wiping the screen clean." [pocket-lint via product review] Links to articles related to cell phones and germs. permalink (December 17th, 2007)

Cell Phones Cause Skin Infections

Here's one more ailment that can befall cell phone users: skin infections. Switched on reports. According to Professor Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, cell phones "are dirtier than a toilet seat". He figured out, like many others, that cell phones are riddled with germs and bacteria. And he believes that they can cause skin infections. "In an informal on-the-street test he ran 11 phones through his "germ meter" test, which counted the number of nasties on the phones. Five of the phones failed that test, meaning they had thousands of types of bacteria. Gerba says that isn't necessarily a problem so long as they all come from your own skin. Once you start sharing a cell phone is when things can get ugly." Watch the video on CNN. Related: -- The Average Mobile Phone Contains More Bacteria Than A Toilet Seat -- Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling -- Cellphone bug killer -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs -- Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream permalink (July 17th, 2007)

Bio-Tracking: A mobile phone based exhibition

Bio-Tracking is a mobile phone based exhibition presented by Anna Dumitriu , artist and Director of the Institute of Unnecessary Research. Using GPS and a leading edge new smart phone software (suitable for Nokia Series 60) called Socialight which enabled the placement of virtual sticky notes around various locations in Brighton. Anna sampled and cultured various locations in the city for normal flora bacteria and moulds, revealing this incredible, unseen and sublime world to us through a series of beautifully enhanced digital micrographs. Luciana Haill, Ian Helliwell Ollie Glass and Juliet Kac created a series of sound works to accompany the images. Microbiologist John Paul wrote scientific text descriptions of the microbes. [via we-make-money-not-art.com who interviewed Anna Dumitriu] permalink (June 7th, 2007)

Bamboo phone with nanotech self cleaning coating

Spotted onMad4Mobile Phones, a patent on an environmentally friendly mobile phone could be made from bamboo, featuring a nanotech coating. ... "Other high tech features include a camera which "may be in a range from 0.3 megapixels to 8 megapixels" and functions such as "sterilizing, deodorizing, antifouling and self-cleaning." Related bacteria fighting phones: -- Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling -- Cellphone bug killer -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs -- Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream permalink (May 9th, 2007)

Medical devices not hurt by cell phones

Yet another study, this time by U.S. Mayo Clinic researchers, that confirms that cell phone calls have no negative impact on hospital medical devices. UPI reports. " The team, led by David Hayes of the Mayo Clinic Rochester's Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, made calls on two cellular phones with different technologies and different carriers near 192 medical devices hooked up to patients. Three hundred tests were performed over a five-month period in 2006 and not a single problem occurred. The authors say their trial and two earlier studies prove that cell phones will not interfere with the operation of lifesaving medical equipment and hospitals should reverse their current policies that ban the phones from most hospital campuses. The study appears in the March issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, which also contains two reports detailing which technological devices do cause patient care equipment to malfunction." Related: -- Hospital Docs 'Should Use Mobiles Not Pagers' -- Using mobile phones reduces error rate in hospital care -- Mobile phones have no adverse effect on hospital equipment -- Cell Phones Interfere Less With Medical Devices -- Hospitals Ease Cellphone Bans -- Handsets Cause Glitch in Medical Equipment, argue Korean Researchers -- Handsets Cause Glitch in Medical Equipment, argue Korean Researchers -- Singapore Hospital may allow use of mobile phones -- Hospital mobile phone laws relax -- Hospital to permit cell phone usage -- Doctors want ban lifted on mobiles in hospitals A bigger fear is really Cellphones-home to deadly bacteria. permalink (March 10th, 2007)

Cellphone bug killer

Wonderful Barry Fox on New Scientist describes a Motorola patent to kill germs on cell phones. After reading this, you will feel differently about putting your phone to your ear. "The microphone and earpiece cavities in a cellphone make a warm and comfy breeding ground for bacteria. Squirting germicide into the holes can damage the electronics but now Motorola has a better way to kill bugs. Motorola patented a phone containing an LED that radiates ultra-violet light with a wavelength of 250 nanometres which is particularly lethal to bacteria. Optical guides inside the phone body steer the UV light into the cavities. Sanitising only takes around 3 minutes, the company claims. Related: - Bacterial Paranoia And Device Handling permalink (December 19th, 2006)

Hospital Docs 'Should Use Mobiles Not Pagers'

Hospital doctors would be better off using mobile phones instead of pagers to keep in touch with medical staff, reports Life Style Extra. "The most important concern with mobile phones is interference with sensitive medical equipment. But a study by the Medical Devices Agency found that, in general, the interference was merely an irritation and ultimately harmless to the patient. A recent survey of American Anaesthesiologists found just 2.4% had ever experienced interference between a medical device and a mobile. In contrast, 15 per cent suggested a delay in communication had led to a medical error or injury, and such delays were less frequent among those who used mobiles instead of pagers." Related: -- Using mobile phones reduces error rate in hospital care -- Mobile phones have no adverse effect on hospital equipment -- Cell Phones Interfere Less With Medical Devices -- Hospitals Ease Cellphone Bans -- Handsets Cause Glitch in Medical Equipment, argue Korean Researchers -- Handsets Cause Glitch in Medical Equipment, argue Korean Researchers -- Singapore Hospital may allow use of mobile phones -- Hospital mobile phone laws relax -- Hospital to permit cell phone usage -- Doctors want ban lifted on mobiles in hospitals A bigger fear is really Cellphones-home to deadly bacteria. permalink (October 13th, 2006)

Tech Innovation ‘Noses’ Into Phones

According to an article in The Korea Times, Jeong Kim, the head of Bell Labs, predicts technical innovations will bring cell phones that identify their owners by smell. [via [via MobHappy]] "By analyzing the properties, an electronic nose can smell. (When this technology is applied to phones) Your cell phone can identify you through the smell,’’, said Kim. Indeed, efforts are underway at Bell Labs to develop a highly-sensitive electronic nose with Quantum Cascade Laser, the unique material invented by several of Bell Labs researchers in 1994." Articles related to cell phones and fragrance: -- Phones that can smell, minus the breath mints -- NTT Communications Corp matches fragrances to movie scenes -- Transmitting fragrance by SMS -- New German Mobile Phone to Detect Bad Breath -- Marijuana mobile phone Articles related to facial recognition: -- Omron Designs New Facial ID Software For Mobile Phone Handsets -- KDDI R&D Labs Develops Facial Authentication System For Cell Phones -- Omron Produces Face Recognition for Mobile Phones Some other amazing applications: -- 2003: Cell Phones - for so much more than just talking - ... Down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). permalink (April 25th, 2006)

Hospital SuperBug Found on Mobile Phones

Cellular News reports that a study conducted at the Craigavon Area Hospital Group Trust in Northern Ireland has found that the majority of mobile phones used by doctors and other health workers are carrying infectious pathogens, including on some phones the deadly hospital "superbug", MRSA. ... "There was no significant difference between phone types - clam shells were no better or worse in the study than candy bar form handsets. While there is reason for concern, there is almost no chance of patents being infected from the mobile phones as health workers do not generally hand their phones to patients to use. The report does recommend that decontamination techniques are developed for mobile phones when used in hospital environments. This is the first published study to address the incidence of bacterial contamination of mobile phones." Related: -- New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs - Motorola has created a next-generation germ-resistant multimedia phone. -- Is Your Handset Clean? - Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system" presented at Expo Comm Wireless Korea 2005. -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004. -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals - The proliferation of Blackberries, PDAs and other types of information technology in hospitals poses a serious challenge for infection control in hospitals. -- LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free - As the mobile phone has become a part of our life, it is always exposed to touch of hands. As a result, our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. permalink (February 10th, 2006)

New Motorola Phone Fights Dirty Germs

Obviously taking their cue from the South Koreans, Motorola has created a next-generation germ-resistant multimedia phone. PC Magazine reports. The company's newest i870 mobile device, which boasts MP3 player, video recording, GPS and two-way radio functions, also protects against bacteria with silver ion technology from Agion Technologies, according to a recent news release. "The built-in anti-microbial coating of the i870 will help to ensure effective and long-lasting protection of the handset from damaging microbes." Related articles: -- Is Your Handset Clean? - Phone Clean is "the world first mobile cleaning system" presented at Expo Comm Wireless Korea 2005. -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004. -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals - The proliferation of Blackberries, PDAs and other types of information technology in hospitals poses a serious challenge for infection control in hospitals. -- LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free - As the mobile phone has become a part of our life, it is always exposed to touch of hands. As a result, our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. permalink (November 1st, 2005)

Phones that can smell, minus the breath mints

In the next five to 10 years, mobile phone users will be able to detect changes in the facial expressions and even in the smell of the person they are talking to, according to Jeong Kim, president of Bell Labs, the research arm of the U.S. firm Lucent Technololgies. JoongAndg Daily reports. "Elaborating on the new cell phone technology developed by the laboratory, Mr. Kim said that smell-transmitting sensors, lenses that follow the movement of eyeballs and microphones as narrow as a human hair already exist, and would be on sale within a decade. Articles related to facial recognition: -- Omron Designs New Facial ID Software For Mobile Phone Handsets -- KDDI R&D Labs Develops Facial Authentication System For Cell Phones -- Omron Produces Face Recognition for Mobile Phones Articles related to cell phones and fragrance: -- Transmitting fragrance by SMS -- New German Mobile Phone to Detect Bad Breath -- Marijuana mobile phone Some other amazing applications: -- 2003: Cell Phones - for so much more than just talking - ... Down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). permalink (September 14th, 2005)

Saving the World With Cell Phones

As cell phones evolve to include souped-up games, streaming video and MP3 players, some University of California at Berkeley professors and graduate students want to slip a pollution detector into the mix. Wired reports. "They are working to develop cheap wireless sensors that, once fitted inside cell phones, could sniff out anything from biological weapons to traffic patterns. W hile the sensors might not be a typical cell-phone add-on, those involved in the research claim the sheer number of mobile phones in use could make such a system a boon for worldwide data collection and problem solving." ... Right now, a phone is being put together with a carbon-monoxide sensor that R.J. Honicky, a computer science Ph.D. student, will begin testing in September. This type of sensor is being used first because they are easy to find, inexpensive and reliable, Newton said. Because carbon monoxide can be lethal in high doses, monitoring for its presence could immediately help save lives". Related: -- 2003: Cell Phones - For so much more than just talking ... And down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). permalink (August 11th, 2005)

Is Your Handset Clean?

One company has adressed South Korea's concern over cell phones and "the 25,000 bacteria that inhabit them". Telecoms Korea reports on Phone Clean, the world first mobile cleaning system presented at Expo Comm Wireless Korea 2005. "Detergent used for Phone Clean is completely safe for human body and contains aroma essence oil so that the cleaner smells aroma fragrance, the company explained. The company patented the technology". Related articles: -- Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise -The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004. -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals - The proliferation of Blackberries, PDAs and other types of information technology in hospitals poses a serious challenge for infection control in hospitals. -- LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free - As the mobile phone has become a part of our life, it is always exposed to touch of hands. As a result, our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. permalink (May 20th, 2005)

Patents for hygiene treatment of cell phones on the rise

Patent applications for anti-germ technology applied to cell phones is on the rise, reports Telecoms Korea: "The Korean Intellectual Property Office announced Sunday the number of application for patent on hygiene treatment of cell phones rose from 8 in 2000, 12 in 2003 and to 22 in 2004." Related articles: -- Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals - The proliferation of Blackberries, PDAs and other types of information technology in hospitals poses a serious challenge for infection control in hospitals. -- LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free - As the mobile phone has become a part of our life, it is always exposed to touch of hands. As a result, our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. permalink (April 17th, 2005)

Dirty keyboard cause infections in hospitals

An interesting article from The Globe and Mail on how the proliferation of Blackberries, PDAs and other types of information technology in hospitals poses a serious challenge for infection control in hospitals. Keyboards can become contaminated and the contamination can be transmitted from the keyboard to the hands of health-care workers. Contaminated keyboard can "causes skin infections but can trigger life-threatening bloodstream infections such as cases of VRE and MRSA. Keyboards should be cleaned on a regular basis, more attention has to be paid to the cleanliness of hands — a suggestion no infection-control practitioner would argue against. Any contact with a keyboard in a hospital setting should be followed by hand washing, Dr. Noskin said. Bugs like VRE and MRSA aren't generally found outside hospitals, so people who share keyboards at work or home aren't likely to be at risk of running into them. But other bugs can persist on those keys, suggesting more frequent hand washing probably makes sense there, too. Though cell phone keyboards are not specifically mentioned in this article, this has come up in previous articles (see related links below). -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. -- A mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function - Crystal manufacturer Yoosung Global has developed a mobile-phone charger with a sterilization function, the first of its kind in the world, as well as lamp and air-purifying capabilities. -- LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free - Our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria, according to LG Telecom. -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. permalink (April 11th, 2005)

Oyster farming news by SMS

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research in New Zealand has found a way to keep a tab on bacterial pollution - placing salinity detectors directly beside oysters, writes New Zealand Herald. The key is to predict when it is safe to harvest. Water sample tests for bacteria can take 24 hours, by which time weather conditions may have changed and the results are meaningless. It is now possible to accurately determine a safe time to harvest with the sensors that return data 24 hours a day. Farmers who previously received harvesting notices twice a day now receive them every 15 minutes via text messages and pagers. Institute regional manager Ken Grange says the technology will continue to be developed and does not have to be confined to New Zealand. "We could run the same system in Australia or the United States." permalink (January 17th, 2005)

Cellphone sniffs out dirty bombs

New Scientist reports that a smart phone that can detect radiation may soon be helping the police to find the raw materials for radioactive "dirty bomb" before they are deployed. "LLNL engineers funded by the US Department of Homeland Security have turned a multi-function internet cellphone into a wireless sensor that will feed data into a new type of radiation monitoring network that they are calling a RadNet. The phone transmits radiation readings continuously over an always-on internet connection to a central computer. A GPS receiver in the phone labels the data with a time and location, allowing it to be used to build up a radiation map of a particular area." Related articles: -- Phones that detect terrorist attacks - A newly opened research center at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA is developing a cell phone that can also detect "dirty bombs" by containing detectors that then upload their information to a central database. -- Cell phone could warn of gas leaks - A mobile phone able to warn against fire, leakage of methane or other types of toxic gas has been submitted to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for patent. "In the future, the mobile phones might also include biosensors, which will warn about the presence of bacteria, viruses, toxins, micro-organisms, radiations, nuclear particles and explosive powder." permalink (December 9th, 2004)

New German Mobile Phone to Detect Bad Breath

Reuters in Berlin reports that Siemens is developing the first mobile phone that will detect unpleasant odors. "A research team in the southern city of Munich is developing the device using new sensor technology. It examines the air in the immediate vicinity for anything from bad breath and alcohol to atmospheric gas levels," the spokeswoman said. "Some people take smelling good rather seriously." Related: Pantech unveiled an Aero Phone just a few days ago - that measures air pollution. Cell phones have reportedly been used to repel mosquitos, log sunshine reports to avoid sunburn thanks to tiny ultraviolet light sensors, act as a smoke detector or be used as a lie detector. And down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). Wild. cf Cell Phones - for so much more than just talking . permalink (September 21st, 2004)

LG Telecom gets your handset germ-free  

As the mobile phone has become a part of our life, it is always exposed to touch of hands. As a result, our handsets are inhabited by about 25,000 bacteria, LG Telecom affirmed Tuesday, reports Telecoms Korea. "Accordingly, the mobile operator decided to provide customers with free cleaning service to raise brand awareness and take care of customers' health by getting rid of dirt stuck in slits, killing bacteria, disinfecting and providing anti-bacterial coating." Related articles: -- Sterlize your cell phone while having an ice cream - KTF customers have their mobile phones sterilized by ultra violet light while enjoying ice cream at the Drama House in Myongdong, in August. -- Cell phones carry germs in hospitals - Cell phones used by healthcare personnel in hospitals can spread dangerous infectious agents, according to researchers in Israel. permalink (September 14th, 2004)

2003: Cell Phones - for so much more than just talking

For the next couple of weeks, I will be posting a series of entries rounding up the most interesting mobile news (best and worst) reported this year. They will be filed away under a new category, Textually 2003 - The Year in Review. Cell Phones - for so much more than just talking Other than using a cell phone to communicate by voice and text messaging - features now commonly used by families and friends, industries, corporations, government, police forces, the media and the entertainment industry, marketing, sports, the arts, religion, fund raisers, retailers, colleges, scientists, terrorists, pornographers...- or to organize a busy life thanks to contact and calender features, in 2003, cell phones have been used to take pictures, view videos, follow a picture soap opera, watch TV, listen to real music, hear the radio, buy a coke from a vending machine, pay for transport fare, concert tickets or update a parking meter, translate a text message, play games with other people in real time, locate a child or a stolen car, search for a prostitute, remotely control a computer, a household appliance or the security system in a private home, detonate a bomb, open a locker door, display contemporary art on a cell screen or join a symphony orchestra. Cell phones have reportedly been used to repel mosquitos, log sunshine reports to avoid sunburn thanks to tiny ultraviolet light sensors, act as a smoke detector or be used as a lie detector. And a system used with earphones and camera phones could help blind people to see, thanks to soundscapes. And down the road, research is working on cell phones which can warn of gas leaks (thanks to sensors that verify changes in the atmosphere) and cell phones that will be able to warn about the presence of bacteria and viruses (thanks to bio-sensors) or detect dirty bombs (thanks to detectors that can upload information to a central database). Wild. permalink (December 11th, 2003)

Cell phone could warn of gas leaks

Cellular News reports on a mobile phone able to warn against fire, leakage of methane or other types of toxic gas. The alarm-telephone has been submitted to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for patent. "In the future, the mobile phones might also include biosensors, which will warn about the presence of bacteria, viruses, toxins, micro-organisms, radiations, nuclear particles and explosive powder." permalink (July 25th, 2003)