Archive for May, 2007

Cool Neurotainment Video Game Systems Emerging

Thursday, May 31st, 2007

It was only a matter of time that the $28 billion video game industry latched on to neurosensing technologies and tied them to futuristic video games.

2_0prod5.jpgEmotiv Systems has developed a new interface for human computer interaction. Project Epoc is basically a beautifully designed EEG system that connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. Neurosky is another developer of sexy brain sensorware that collects brainwave signals, eye movements, and other bio-signals which are captured and amplified via their patented dry-active sensor technology. While NeuroSky's headset has one electrode, Emotiv Systems has developed a gel-free headset with 18 sensors. Besides monitoring basic changes in mood and focus, Emotiv's bulkier headset detects brain waves indicating smiles, blinks, laughter, even conscious thoughts and unconscious emotions. Players can kick or punch their video game opponent - without a joystick or mouse.

While most gamers won't be saying goodbye to their joysticks any time soon, these neurotainment technologies will surely pump up the extremely cool factor of cutting edge game experiences.

Cool Neurotainment Video Game Systems Emerging

Thursday, May 31st, 2007
Posted by Zack Lynch

It was only a matter of time that the $28 billion video game industry latched on to neurosensing technologies and tied them to futuristic video games.

Emotiv Systems has developed a new interface for human computer interaction. Project Epoc is basically a beautifully designed EEG system that connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. Neurosky is another developer of sexy brain sensorware that collects brainwave signals, eye movements, and other bio-signals which are captured and amplified via their patented dry-active sensor technology. While NeuroSky's headset has one electrode, Emotiv Systems has developed a gel-free headset with 18 sensors. Besides monitoring basic changes in mood and focus, Emotiv's bulkier headset detects brain waves indicating smiles, blinks, laughter, even conscious thoughts and unconscious emotions. Players can kick or punch their video game opponent - without a joystick or mouse.

While most gamers won't be saying goodbye to their joysticks any time soon, these neurotainment technologies will surely pump up the extremely cool factor of cutting edge game experiences.

Bold Future of Neurotechnology in San Francisco Chronicle

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007

ZC%20SFChron%20pic.pngBernadette Tansey, staff business reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote an impressive article that appeared on the front page of today's business section about how I became involved in neurotech and what Casey and I are doing to help accelerate its development. Here is part of the article, but you should really read the whole piece. Brainstorming about the brain - Entrepreneur pioneers systems to allows to allow neuroscientists to share their discoveries:


"If you're Zack Lynch, you look for the next technology poised to take off like a rocket.

Lynch, 35, is betting that brain scientists will unleash the next waves of world-transforming discoveries. Since 2001, he has founded a flock of enterprises to track and accelerate the field of neurotechnology, which develops drugs and tools that influence the brain and nervous system. His ventures include conferences, neurotech investment analyses and a fledgling trade association.

The San Francisco entrepreneur began his career working for software companies after writing his UCLA master's thesis on the business transformations caused by the Internet. But he wanted to focus on a technology revolution that was just beginning. His wife and a brother were neurobiologists, and he got hooked on the field's possibilities.

Lynch saw the potential for rapid leaps in the understanding of the central nervous system with the rise of automated research tools such as biochips and brain imaging devices. That scientific progress, he said, could help tackle the psychiatric illnesses and nerve disorders that create an economic burden he estimates at roughly $1 trillion in the United States. Beyond disease treatments, Lynch could envision neurobiology breakthroughs that might improve memory and change emotion and communication.

"The societal implications are profound," he said.

But Lynch decided that neurotechnology businesses weren't coordinating with each other enough to advance their own interests in areas such as government research funding and private investment. No industry group represented the whole sweep of neurotech applications, which covers drugs, devices, diagnostic tests and software, he said. Like his father, Lynch started bringing competitors together to get them talking."

Seriously, read the whole article here. Kudos to Bernadette for her exceptional reporting.

Bold Future of Neurotechnology in San Francisco Chronicle

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007
Posted by Zack Lynch

Bernadette Tansey, staff business reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote an impressive article that appeared on the front page of today's business section about how I became involved in neurotech and what Casey and I are doing to help accelerate its development. Here is part of the article, but you should really read the whole piece. Brainstorming about the brain - Entrepreneur pioneers systems to allows to allow neuroscientists to share their discoveries:


"If you're Zack Lynch, you look for the next technology poised to take off like a rocket.

Lynch, 35, is betting that brain scientists will unleash the next waves of world-transforming discoveries. Since 2001, he has founded a flock of enterprises to track and accelerate the field of neurotechnology, which develops drugs and tools that influence the brain and nervous system. His ventures include conferences, neurotech investment analyses and a fledgling trade association.

The San Francisco entrepreneur began his career working for software companies after writing his UCLA master's thesis on the business transformations caused by the Internet. But he wanted to focus on a technology revolution that was just beginning. His wife and a brother were neurobiologists, and he got hooked on the field's possibilities.

Lynch saw the potential for rapid leaps in the understanding of the central nervous system with the rise of automated research tools such as biochips and brain imaging devices. That scientific progress, he said, could help tackle the psychiatric illnesses and nerve disorders that create an economic burden he estimates at roughly $1 trillion in the United States. Beyond disease treatments, Lynch could envision neurobiology breakthroughs that might improve memory and change emotion and communication.

"The societal implications are profound," he said.

But Lynch decided that neurotechnology businesses weren't coordinating with each other enough to advance their own interests in areas such as government research funding and private investment. No industry group represented the whole sweep of neurotech applications, which covers drugs, devices, diagnostic tests and software, he said. Like his father, Lynch started bringing competitors together to get them talking."

Seriously, read the whole article here. Kudos to Bernadette for her exceptional reporting.

How is Green Tea Used

Thursday, May 24th, 2007

Green tea is an herb that comes from Japan, China, and other Asian countries, known officially as “Camellia sinesis”. The leaves of the plant are harvested and then steamed. When consumed as a beverage or through powder made from dried leaves, green tea has shown to provide tremendous health benefit. An active ingredient found in green tea is called epigallocatechin Gallate, more commonly referred to as EGCG.

How green tea is used varies slightly from one part of Asia to another, as well as within other countries. For examples, green tea is usually consumed as a hot tea in Japan and China, often enjoyed in formal settings of a teahouse. However, when asked, “How is green tea used” referring to the United States, you will find that the powder is used for baking, to make fruit smoothies, as a cold beverage, and more.

Now, how green tea is used is not as important as making sure it is used. In other words, whether steaming, boiling, or using the powder form of green tea will provide antioxidants that have been proven through one study after another to boost health. For instance, is has been shown that green tea helps fight cancer, lowers LDL or bad cholesterol, prevents tooth decay, and even serves as a dietary supplement for people wanting to lose weight.

Since there are so many different ways for using this type of tea, we wanted to provide some tips on how green tea is used in our culture. For athletes, good carbohydrates, proper level of fat, and many nutrients are required to compete. Green tea is loaded with rich bioflavonoid elements that can improve performance. In other words, consuming the right amount of green tea daily would keep a person healthy and when used in smoothies, boost energy.

Okay, how is green tea used in fighting weight? Well, we know that Americans are currently fighting an epidemic of obesity. More than any other time in history, our society is eating worse exercising less, and walking around with excessive weight. As a result, we see a significant increase in heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, boosted blood pressure, joint pain, and more. By using green tea, appetite is often suppressed, which means less food consumption.

Next question would be how is green tea used for benefiting children? Again, when taken in the right quantity, green tea is harmless to adults and to children. You could introduce green tea into your child’s diet, knowing you are doing something positive for his or her health while also providing food rich in nutrients. For example, instead of sending your child to school with chocolate chip cookies, why not make carob and green tea cookies. The flavor is delicious and your child will be thrilled.

The bottom line is that how green tea is used is multifaceted. With so many proven benefits, we see dentists recommending it to patients to help prevent and fight bacteria in the mouth that causes plaque. We see stressed out businesspeople using green tea as a soothing drink to relax. Finally, we see green tea used in the battle against cancer. Therefore, when you hear, “How is green tea used”, you know the answer is in many forms, all helping to improve overall health.

Julie Health writes about the benefits of drinking green tea and other beneficial green tea products at her website.

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