mice

In the aftermath of superstorm Sandy, researchers are discovering the damage the done to one of New York University's research facilities and mourning the loss of lab animals and of scientific data that could take years to rebuild.

After the New York Daily News reported on Tuesday that flooding and power loss claimed the lives of thousands of lab mice as well as wiping out enzymes, antibodies, and DNA used in cancer and other research, the NYU Langone Medical Center confirmed in a statement released yesterday that its Smilow building was "adversely impacted" by the speed and severity of the flood surge.… Read more

A cure for blindness could be brewing at a Cornell University laboratory.

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York say they've successfully decoded the brain signals that allow mice to see. Using this information with a new type of prosthetic retina, they were able to restore vision in mice.

Next up, the researchers say they've cracked the code of a monkey retina, which is nearly identical to that of a human. If the prosthesis works on monkeys too, the researchers think they may eventually be able to help people who've lost their eyesight.… Read more

Not to be left out of the coming Windows 8, tablet-focused excitement, Microsoft's hardware group has an assortment of new mobile input devices to show off this morning.

The four new devices, all Bluetooth-driven, are aimed squarely at mobile Windows 8 tablets and laptops. Microsoft says they will also work with iOS and Android tablets, which helps explain why it made sense to release them before Windows 8's debut on October 26.

Wedge Mobile Keyboard Of the three new products, the Wedge Mobile Keyboard is the most interesting. The thick rubber sleeve helps protect the keyboard in transit. Once you take the keyboard out, the sleeve then folds in half to create an adjustable tablet stand.… Read more

It's the gaming mouse you deserve, but not the one you need right now. Because it's the middle of the morning and you probably have business to attend to. But when it's fragging time, you could do worse than the Razer Ouroboros, a frightening new peripheral that channels The Bat, Batman's ludicrous flying tank.

It might look like a wee version of Bruce Wayne's latest runabout, but it's packing serious firepower of its own. Just like a superhero's supervehicle, the Ouroboros can extend its body and arch its back to fit your hand, … Read more

Computer peripheral maker Razer posted a question on its official Facebook page late last month asking if fans wanted another mouse built for left-handed gamers. The company requested at least 10,000 "Likes" on the post within a month to give the idea serious consideration. It only took a week to reach that number.

Several years ago, Razer launched a basic five-button gaming mouse for left-handed folk, the DeathAdder, giving everyone an equal opportunity at the perfect headshot.

Now, after the recent affirmative votes from Facebook-ers, Razer plans to release a left-handed mouse based on the Naga, which is designed specifically for massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs).… Read more

Fancy a fancier mouse?

Microsoft today announced five new additions to its lineup of artist-edition mice. The artists behind the bedecked peripherals, hailing from around the globe, include Kenzo Minami, Stina Persson, Tchmo, Sally Zou, and Oh Joy (that's the artist's name, not necessarily an editorial comment on the new products). … Read more

Samsung executive Hankii Yoon said at Mobile World Congress, "The best thing to survive in the market is to kill your products."

He was referring to new Samsung Android tablets cannibalizing older ones, but let's take that comment even further. The first tablet demonstrating Windows 8 at Mobile World Congress was a Samsung one. Sure, Samsung is playing the field, and it's made Windows tablets before. However, it only goes to show that if you're not the one vertically integrating software and hardware, it's a free-for-all as far as where tablet hardware might evolve next. … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Razer seems to have mastered the art of launching its input devices in time with the release of anticipated PC games.

Its new gaming mouse, the Naga Hex, is ostensibly designed for all action RPGs. Its six thumb-side buttons looks perfect for mapping to the litany of commands common to the genre. Given the assumed first-quarter release of Diablo III, it seems clear that Razer has that particular game in mind. Razer also mentions the Naga Hex as a fit for the MOBA genre (multiplayer online battle arena), which includes competitive multiplayer games like Riot Games' popular League of … Read more

What do you get the James Bond villain who has everything?

Let's see... He's already got the $560,000 iPod dock. And the $2.1 million diamond-dipped iPad (which he had customized with bits of secret agent bone). Hmmm...

Ah: here's something! How about a gold-plated spherical computer mouse that looks elegant and sinister at the same time? That might be just the thing!… Read more