Einstein’s brain now an iPad app
CHICAGO – The brain that revolutionized physics now can be downloaded as an app for $9.99. But it won’t help you win at Angry Birds.
While Albert Einstein’s genius isn’t included, an exclusive iPad application launched Tuesday promises to make detailed images of his brain more accessible to scientists than ever before. Teachers, students and anyone who’s curious also can get a look.
A medical museum under development in Chicago obtained funding to scan and digitize nearly 350 fragile and priceless slides made from slices of Einstein’s brain after his death in 1955. The application will allow researchers and novices to peer into the eccentric Nobel winner’s brain as if they were looking through a microscope.
“I can’t wait to find out what they’ll discover,” said Steve Landers, a consultant for the National Museum of Health and Medicine Chicago who designed the app. “I’d like to think Einstein would have been excited.”
Staples in high gear to close 15 U.S. stores
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. – Staples is speeding up the closure of about 15 of its U.S. stores and plans to close 45 stores and some delivery businesses in Europe.
The office products company also says it will invest more in its online and mobile efforts and will expand the product assortment that it offers to its business customers.
Staples Inc. said Tuesday that these moves and other actions are part of a strategic plan to better serve customers’ needs and accelerate growth.
Staples is trying to adapt to the evolving needs of its customers. Last month the company reported that its second-quarter net income fell as sales of computers, software and basic office supplies softened. Computer sales have been pressured by the introduction to many offices of the computer tablet and other mobile devices.
Tesla introduces roadside Supercharger
HAWTHORNE, Calif. – Tesla Motors Inc. unveiled a solar-powered charging station on Monday that it said will make refueling electric vehicles on long trips about as fast as stopping for gas and a bathroom break in a conventional car.
CEO Elon Musk said at a news conference at the company’s design studio that the company’s roadside Supercharger has been installed at six highway rest stops in California.
The innovation is “the answer to the three major problems that are holding back electrical vehicles, or at least people think are holding back electrical vehicles,” Musk said before a curtain was lifted from a giant model of one of the devices. “One is this question of being able to drive long distances conveniently.”
The free stations are designed to fully charge Tesla’s new Model S sedan in about an hour, and a half-hour-long charge can produce enough energy for a 150-mile trip, he said.
Iran blocks Gmail, citing court order
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s telecommunication minister says the government has blocked Google’s Gmail service following a court order to bar access to the popular email service.
The semiofficial Mehr news agency quoted Reza Taghipour as saying Tuesday that Gmail had not observed Iranian law. He did not elaborate but said if the court changes its decision his ministry will lift its block on Google’s mail service.
He said Google’s search engine remains available in Iran.