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Human Brain Hacked, Banking PIN Codes Extracted with BCIs

Michael Kwan — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:13:01 +0000

In some ways, you could think of the human brain as a complex computer. And like any complex computer, with the right resources, it can be hacked. And now, researchers have apparently figured out a backdoor hack into the human brain, gaining access to your most private of information.

This comes by way of researchers from the Universities of Geneva, California (Berkeley) and Oxford. They connected a number of students with an off-the-shelf Emotive brain-computer interface (BCI). This device measures brain wave activity and through analysis of this data, scientists are able to glean some information for you. More specifically, they looked at the P300 brain signal.

When there is a target stimulus, the P300 signal spikes in recognition. For example, they might get the students to start thinking about the PIN code they have for their debit card and they start showing the different digits on a screen. Even on a subconscious level, the student’s P300 will spike when a familiar number (like the first digit in their PIN) is displayed. Researchers say that through this kind of methodology, they’re able to reduce the entropy (random data) by 10 to 40 percent, resulting in “marked improvements over random guessing.”

There’s more work to be done and the methodology is far from perfect, but it goes to show you that your brain can be “hacked” and your brain waves are already betraying your innermost secrets.

[Source]

Photo Credit: Mondolithic Studios

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Morgan 3 Wheeler Returns with Speeding Bullet Design

Michael Kwan — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:31:30 +0000

If you’re thinking that the three-wheeler thing has been done before, you’d be right. I remember seeing the T-Rex a few years back, or the most recent Manta concept, for example, as well as several other cars that put two wheels in the back and a driving wheel in the back. The Morgan 3 Wheeler continues that tradition, but it’s no copycat.

Morgan was apparently doing the three-wheeling thing before three-wheeling was cool. You could say that Morgan is a hipster of sorts, perhaps without the skinny jeans and indie music as it is a British operation. Perhaps you need a racing jacket, a giant mustache, a pair of goggles, and some scarf flowing in the wind instead.

They’re saying that they’ve designed the new Morgan 3 Wheeler, which made its debut in Geneva this week, with one purpose in mind: to make driving fun. Sure, the 1.9L V-twin engine is only good for 115hp and it uses a commuter-friendly Madza 5-speed transmission, but that retro British motorway appeal is undeniable, even if it’s not the fastest thing in the world.

I’d be a little concerned about the exposed engine and I’m not entirely sure how street legal such a vehicle would be, but it does look like it’d be fun to take it for a spin from Nottinghamshire to Southampton. The 3 Wheeler is being listed at 25,000 GBP before the government gets its cut.

THE NEW MORGAN 3 WHEELER: POD RACER/FIGHTER PLANE/SPEEDING BULLET OR CAR?

DESIGN

When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.

The iconic design of the Morgan Threewheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance. The car is a fusion of old and new.

Safety is paramount with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for driver and passenger. A sturdy V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre.

Some things have not changed. The Morgan Threewheeler still holds long distance speed records for one litre cars set in the 1930′s so why change the shape? The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear.

From the design viewpoint, the focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while retaining handy extra space for driver, passenger and a holdall in the rear. But above all the Morgan 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. The car is easy to control with compact dimensions offering a perfect view ahead and to the rear. The car seems to respond as much to thought as physical input.

Dynamism is further enhanced by what the Morgan design team calls a sporty “race on Sunday” design philosophy. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead flow organically and echo the smooth shapes of a racetrack. The smooth profile makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and boot enhance the aerodynamic feel and the short overhangs front and rear emphasize the sports car sense of purpose.

CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS

Morgan chassis experts have worked on the driving experience of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler with the same passion given to the development of any new Morgan. The result is a driver’s car with properties that do the sporting appearance full justice. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the passengers and the car has a planted feel with a very low centre of gravity to ensure it remains glued to the road.

During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new 3 Wheeler in parallel with the forthcoming Morgan EvaGT. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that affects a car’s cornering capabilities.

ENGINES

During its first year of production, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler will be available with a V twin from specialist engine builder S & S. The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions. With an economical 1 15 horsepower the motor provides maximum power at minimum revs. Big torque spells effortless hillclimbing ability. The current focus of the Morgan Motor Company to cut CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption is very much part of the rationale behind the launch of this car. The time is right for Morgan to take a new look at the combination of acceleration, on road performance and economy. The time is right for Morgan to relaunch the 3 Wheeler.

Price: £25,000 before tax

Bespoke extras

Bespoke leather and paint are available at extra cost as on the classic Morgan. A Polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl,headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for a more classic look.
Exciting graphic packs to compliment the Sport “race on Sunday” philosophy
High quality decals are available to give the owner the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. These include special designs including US military and British Air
Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.

For more information please visit www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk

[via Morgan 3 Wheeler]

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Fully-Electric Rolls Royce 102EX Phantom Debuts in Geneva

Michael Kwan — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:26:47 +0000

The whole concept of what it means to be an electric vehicle has really started to shift in the last few years. From the Tesla Roadster to Nissan’s electric concept, you can’t say they’re not fast anymore. With the annnouncement of the Rolls Royce 102EX, you can’t say they’re not luxurious anymore either.

Set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, the Rolls Royce 102EX is effectively a fully electric version of the company’s iconic Phantom. That’s the good news. The bad news, at least for electric-friendly wealthy landowners is that the 102EX is a one-off, at least for now.

CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos is quick to point out that the Rolls Royce 102EX is the “world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment.” Also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), the 102EX is being used as a testing bed for differnet drivetrains and other features so that they can refine the ride to suit their market.

Seeing how hybrids eventually made their way into luxury SUVs and other larger vehicles, I’m somehow not surprised that the whole EV thing has started to infiltrate segments that you wouldn’t otherwise consider for an electric vehicle. How the 102EX pans out could point toward an electric Bentley, Maybach, or any number of other luxury vehicles.

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