Molecular root of 'exhausted' T cells in chronic viral infection

Friday, November 30, 2012

When you get an acute infection, such as influenza, the body generally responds with a coordinated response of immune-cell proliferation and attack that rapidly clears the pathogen. Then, their mission done, the immune system stands down, leaving a population of sentinel memory cells to rapidly redeploy the immune system in the event of reinfection.

This is why vaccination works, and it's why, in theory at least, people who have had the chicken pox once will never get it again.

But what about chronic infection? In the case of such pathogens as hepatitis C, HIV, and malaria, the body and the pathogen essentially fight to a prolonged stalemate, neither able to gain an advantage. Over time, however, the cells become "exhausted" and the immune system can collapse, giving the pathogen the edge.

Now, a new study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, is showing just how that happens. The findings also suggest a novel therapeutical approach that might be used to shift the balance of power in chronic infections. The study appears in the November 30 issue of Science.

The team, led by E. John Wherry, PhD, associate professor of Microbiology and Director of the Institute for Immunology, used a mouse model of chronic viral infection to map the T-cell response that arises when the immune system is on an extended war footing. They found that two distinct classes of virus-specific CD8+ T cells ? one expressing high levels of the protein T-bet, the other expressing high levels of the protein Eomes, work together to keep the infection in check.

Specifically, they found that the two cell populations appear to have a progenitor-mature cell relationship. The T-bet-expressing cells appear to function as the progenitor cells ? that is, stem cells. These cells divide both to regenerate and maintain the pool of virus-specific T cells. But they also divide and differentiate to form mature, terminally differentiated Eomes-expressing cells. These cells are more effective at fighting the virus itself, but cannot replicate.

"There's a balance, an equilibrium, which allows you to maintain control over the infection but is insufficient to give you complete clearance," Wherry explains.

These two cell subpopulations tend to confine themselves to different anatomic regions in the infected animals, the researchers found. T-bet-positive cells were found in the blood and spleen, whereas Eomes cells were found in the liver, bone marrow, and gut.

Loss of either subpopulation, which the researchers modeled by deleting one or the other protein, reduces the immune system's ability to fight the infection, leading to a shift in favor of the pathogen.

According to Wherry, these data can help explain the gradual loss of virus-specific T cells observed in such chronic infections as hepatitis C.

"Our data suggest the reason for loss of immune control during some chronic infections is that the long-term pressure on this progenitor-mature cell relationship depletes the progenitor pool," he says.

What's more, the study suggests new therapeutic avenues that can be used to fight, or at least better control, chronic infections. For instance, he says, "If we can maintain these progenitor cells longer, or coax the terminal progeny to divide further, we may be able to shift the balance and maintain control of the infection," he says.

Wherry's lab is now studying candidate molecular pathways to determine their efficacy in controlling, and perhaps modulating, these two T-cell populations.

###

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine: http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/

Thanks to University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/125609/Molecular_root_of__exhausted__T_cells_in_chronic_viral_infection

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Combiform wants to change the way you view console gaming

Traditional console gaming never truly engages those participating in the game. Those playing the game on any given console, even a Wii, never actively work together or play a game in a given space away from the couch. Combiform looks to shatter conventional gaming with its new handheld-console system that even interacts with iPhone.?The system, which is a unique patented technology, encourages multimodal interaction because it is not only a toy, but also a video game accessory with exciting possibilities?

As the Kickstarter developers explain,

We look back fondly on all games, even those that we?ve played outside of the Television- games embedded in to the culture, like Freeze Tag, Twister, or Bop-it. Even party games like Beer Pong. These simple, people-oriented games are often just as fun as digital games.?That?s why we?ve created a controller that will allow for the best of both worlds.

The combinable controllers include a motion sensor, joystick, and 4-button traditional button layout, while rare earth magnets physically link up to four controllers for engaging gameplay. Thanks to an open SDK, there should be a plethora of games being added by individual developers after an official launch, further varying the personal interaction.

To involve Apple products, including both iOS and OS X, the Combiform controllers interact with Apple hardware to enhance gameplay and offer additional value. The controllers will be able to manipulate apps designed solely for use with official App Store apps and do so via cross-platform Bluetooth. In addition to using iPhones and MacBooks as an interactive device, they can also be used to pass video through from the Combiform controller to a TV using additional hardware components.

Combiform looks like a great new gaming system and a pledge of $92 will score you a complete set of four units and three games of your choice. The Kickstarter project needs $90,000 to reach its funding goal with only $4,000 currently pledged. With less than 20 days to go, act fast to support Combiform in its mission to transform gaming and the way we interact with our iOS and OS X devices.

What do you guys think? Personally, I would like to see one in person first, but the video looks like it could be a great new toy. Meet me in the comments below.

Source: http://www.idownloadblog.com/2012/11/30/combiform-console/

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Russian court bans "extremist" Pussy Riot video

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian court ruled on Thursday that video footage of the Pussy Riot punk group protesting against President Vladimir Putin in a church was "extremist" and should be removed from websites.

The demonstration last February offended many Russian Orthodox Christians. But Putin has been criticized by U.S. and European leaders over what they saw as disproportionate jail sentences imposed on three Pussy Riot members. Their trial was also seen by Putin's critics as part of a clampdown on dissent.

The Moscow court said it had based its ruling on conclusions by a panel of experts who studied the video, showing band members in colorful mini-skirts and ski masks dancing in front of the altar of Moscow's main Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Judge Marina Musimovich said the footage "has elements of extremism; in particular there are words and actions which humiliate various social groups based on their religion". She said it also had calls for mutiny and "mass disorder".

The verdict said that free distribution of the video could ignite racial and religious hatred.

The court's ruling applies to other videos released by the band, including a performance in Moscow's Red Square, where calls for mass disorder could be heard. Such calls were not made inside the church.

The websites are now likely to be included in a state register and could be blocked if the banned content is not removed.

The Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor said that once the court decision takes effect it will monitor how it is implemented.

Three members of Pussy Riot convicted in August of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred for their "punk prayer", which the Russian Orthodox Church has cast as part of a concerted attack on the church and the faithful.

The women said the protest, in which they burst into Christ the Saviour Cathedral and called on the Virgin Mary to rid Russia of Putin, was not motivated by hatred and was meant to mock the church leadership's support for the longtime leader.

Band members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina are serving two-year jail sentences over the protest last February. A third member, Yekaterina Samutsevich, walked free last month when her sentence was suspended on appeal.

"To me this is a clear attribute of censorship - censorship of art and censorship of culture, of the protest culture which is very important for any country, let alone for Russia," Samutsevich told reporters outside court.

"Now of course the fact that they will be blocking all Pussy Riot videos as I understand, all photos - this is horrible. Naturally, I will lodge an appeal and I will try to do it today," she added.

Putin, a former KGB officer who has cultivated close ties with the Orthodox church over 13 years in power, has rebuffed Western criticism about the prison terms meted out.

(Additional reporting Valery Stepchenkov; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/russian-court-bans-extremist-pussy-riot-video-103726874.html

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Affiliate Resources ? for Self-Publishing-Coach.com : Writing and ...

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Affiliate Resources - for Self-Publishing-Coach.comHi! Welcome to my ever-growing affiliate resources.? I truly do appreciate my affiliates and realize that YOU are the?lifeblood of my business.

I have many products that you can promote and will continue updating this blog and the?affiliate center?as I add new products. You can sign up as a new affiliate here.

If you have an idea of how we can work together on a particular promotion, please?contact me?and let me know your ideas!

Well, the main way I?d like to help you is by providing you with amazing content that you can give to your readers that?ll make you money in the process.

I thank you, in advance and look forward to working together with you to help many authors write, publish and market their books?AND I look forward to making money together!

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?So many of us have a great teacher to thank for our achievements ...

?We started this program nearly 10 years ago based on the belief that education is a fundamental human right and the single most important investment in our collective future. This has never been more true, and? I?m really pleased to see the continuing commitment to innovations that can help all students and teachers reach their full potential?, says Bill Gates.

A little over 10 years ago Bill Gates helped champion the idea of Partners in Learning with the goal to improve teaching and learning, and specifically the use of technology in education. He believed that by providing resources and support for teachers and students ? rather than devices ? the world as we knew it could be transformed. He continues this advocacy today, and as demonstrated in a recent New York Times article, remains one of the foremost experts on creating positive change in educational practices ? both at the policy level, and at the ground level.

As Microsoft has just announced the extension of the Partners in Learning Program for another five years and two hundred and fifty million dollars, Microsoft carries on the tradition that began with Gates: supporting the essential work of innovative educators throughout the world. I thought it would be a great time to do an interview with Bill, share the good news, and gain some perspective from him about the next five years!

It is my honor to share today?s Daily Edventure with Bill Gates.

ANTHONY SALCITO: You helped launch Partners in Learning 10 years ago. The program has now reached more than 200 million educators and students in 119 countries focused on building teacher capacity and developing students skills that have them better prepared for the demands of the 21st century. Do you remember what your early goals were for the program?

BILL GATES: As a leader in the technology industry, we were thinking quite a bit in the late 1990s and early 2000s about how we could improve education on a global level. We knew education was the cornerstone of social and economic opportunity. We understood from previous initiatives that just giving away software or offering computer training courses wouldn?t enable the kind of changes needed. We also recognized that a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn?t work with a global initiative. So the goal with Partners in Learning was to create an integrated set of resources that could be tailored locally to increase technology access for schools, encourage innovative approaches to pedagogy and professional development for teachers, and provide education leaders with the tools to envision, implement, and manage change.

ANTHONY SALCITO: What education projects are you most proud of?

BILL GATES: The decision a decade ago to fund a global program like Partners in Learning was bold, ambitious, and frankly something of a risk. The fact Microsoft is funding it for another 5 years is a testament to its success. As with any big unknown, some parts of PiL have worked better than others, but all of it is a success as far as I?m concerned, because it has helped improve and strengthen the program.

ANTHONY SALCITO: With your travels around the world what do you think are the opportunities for education and the challenges?

BILL GATES: Growing up, I was fortunate to have some great teachers who nurtured a love of learning and encouraged me to try out new things?like experimenting with computers. A lot of young people don?t have that opportunity?often because of the economic circumstances of where they live. Research has proven what my own experience taught me: that teacher effectiveness is one of the most important factors in determining how well students learn and whether they succeed in school. PiL has been focused on that since it was launched in 2003?providing teachers with great technology and the most effective teaching practices so they can nurture, inspire, and educate every student. When it comes to students and teachers in the developing world, they can face enormous challenges. Technology may lie beyond the reach of millions of students and teachers for some time to come. But those schools that do have technology need to be getting the most out of it possible and teachers need to understand the best possible ways those technologies can add to their effectiveness. That?s true progress, even if we still have a long way to go.

ANTHONY SALCITO: What advice do you have for us for the next 10 years of Partners in Learning or for me specifically as we continue the journey to work in partnership with educators around the world?

BILL GATES: There is no silver bullet to improve education. What works in a given country or region depends a lot on unique cultural and economic circumstances. At the same time, we?ve gotten a lot smarter about key factors, such as identifying and measuring effective teaching, helping teachers improve, and rewarding excellence. The challenge and the opportunity for PiL is to continue to be a learning organization as it works to empower educators and their students.

ANTHONY SALCITO: Microsoft was founded on what was at the time a bold vision for a PC in every home and on every desk. We?re still working to make this a reality globally?but projects are growing broadly in education with rise of tablets and 1:1 computing. What are you most excited about regarding impact on learning with this trend?

BILL GATES: When done right, technology can definitely help teachers be more effective and make learning more interesting. We?re seeing an explosion in the use of the Internet to broadcast and post teacher lectures and curriculum. The next step is teasing out the best of that. There are huge opportunities to create more engaging and interactive ways of learning, including personalized learning that gives students and teachers important real-time feedback. ?Blended learning? that combines the best parts of classroom teaching and online learning is still a work-in-progress, but an important and exciting one. And we?ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to the use of social networks to increase collaboration among and between teachers and students. We are in an extraordinary period of change in education. My hope and expectation is that PiL will continue to push the frontier over the next five years as it has over the last decade.

Read about the Partners in Learning Commitment here

Follow us LIVE at the Partners in Learning Global Forum?and participate in the Partners in Learning Network Global Forum Community discussion!
Use #PILGF on twitter

Learn more about?Why The Private Sector Needs To Invest In Public School Teachers here

About Bill Gates
@BillGates

William (Bill) H. Gates is chairman of Microsoft Corporation, the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

On June 27, 2008, Gates transitioned out of a day-to-day role in the company to spend more time on his global health and education work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He shares his thoughts about the foundation and other topics on Gates Notes, a Web site launched in January 2010. Gates continues to serve as Microsoft?s chairman and as an advisor on key development projects. In June 2006, Craig Mundie assumed the new title of chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft and is responsible for the company?s research and incubation efforts.

Born on Oct. 28, 1955, Gates grew up in Seattle with his two sisters. Their father, William H. Gates II, is a Seattle attorney. Their late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chairwoman of United Way International.

Gates attended public elementary school and the private Lakeside School. There, he discovered his interest in software and began programming computers at age 13.

In 1973, Gates entered Harvard University as a freshman, where he lived down the hall from Steve Ballmer, now Microsoft?s chief executive officer. While at Harvard, Gates developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the first microcomputer ? the MITS Altair.

In his junior year, Gates left Harvard to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop and in every home, they began developing software for personal computers. Gates? foresight and his vision for personal computing have been central to the success of Microsoft and the software industry.

Under Gates? leadership, Microsoft?s mission has been to continually advance and improve software technology, and to make it easier, more cost-effective and more enjoyable for people to use computers. The company is committed to a long-term view, reflected in its industry-leading investment in research and development each year.

In 1999, Gates wrote ?Business @ the Speed of Thought?, a book that shows how computer technology can solve business problems in fundamentally new ways. The book was published in 25 languages and is available in more than 60 countries. ?Business @ the Speed of Thought? has received wide critical acclaim, and was listed on the best-seller lists of the ?New York Times?, ?USA Today?, ?The Wall Street Journal? and on Amazon.com. Gates? previous book, ?The Road Ahead?, published in 1995, was at the top of the ?New York Times? bestseller list for seven weeks.

Gates has donated the proceeds of both books to non-profit organizations that support the use of technology in education and skills development.

In addition to his love of computers and software, Gates founded Corbis, which is developing one of the world?s largest resources of visual information ? a comprehensive digital archive of art and photography from public and private collections around the globe. He is also a member of the board of directors of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., which invests in companies engaged in diverse business activities.

Philanthropy is very important to Gates.? He and his wife, Melinda, started a foundation in 2000 to help reduce inequities in the United States and around the world.? The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports philanthropic initiatives in the areas of global health and learning, with the hope that in the 21st century, advances in these critical areas will be available for all people.? To learn more about the foundation, visit www.gatesfoundation.org

Gates was married on Jan. 1, 1994, to Melinda French Gates. They have three children. Gates is an avid reader, and enjoys playing golf, tennis and bridge.

Source: http://dailyedventures.com/index.php/2012/11/29/gates/

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Proton - Paul Tan's Automotive Blog

Sawadee krub! Hello from Impact Muang Thong Thani, where the 2012 edition of the annual Thailand International Motor Expo opens today.

Some may dismiss this show as a mere ?year end sales? event, but our trips here have been profitable ? Proton gave the Saga FL a world debut here in 2010, and the same event saw Honda unveil its Brio prototype to the world. There are a couple of interesting cars this year, not to mention the pretty ladies, but let?s kick off with the official launch of the Proton Prev? and Exora Prime for the Thai market.

When the Prev? was launched back home in April this year, it was billed as Proton?s global car, and it?s living up to the name, market-by-market. Last month, the C-segment sedan made its Aussie debut in Sydney and now Thailand becomes the Prev??s second foreign market. Like in Malaysia, Prev? doesn?t replace the Persona here, but will be sold alongside the older sedan as a more upmarket option.

In Thailand, the Prev? can be had in three variants, Standard, Executive and Premium. The first two are powered by a 109 hp/150 Nm 1.6 litre Campro IAFM+ engine, while the Premium variant is shipped with the 1.6 litre turbocharged Campro CFE engine with 138 hp and 205 Nm between 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.

The five-speed manual option is available to both Campro IAFM+ powered trim levels (Std and Exec), but the turbo engine is CVT-only. However, all three variants can be paired to a CVT gearbox, even the baseline Standard.

The Punch-sourced VT2 CVT for the Campro IAFM+ has six virtual ratios while the CFE motor is paired to a ?seven-speed ProTronic? VT3 unit with a higher torque limit. Only the Premium gets steering shift paddles.

No difference mechanically and in apperance between Prev?s sold in Malaysia, Australia and Thailand, but there are slight spec variations due to unique market requirements.

In Thailand, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and dual front airbags are standard across the board, with the Executive adding on side airbags. The Premium has the full package of front/side/curtain airbags and ESC. In Australia, every Prev? comes with six airbags and ESC, while in Malaysia, the Premium variant gets front/side airbags and ESC.

Proton?s deputy CEO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim tells us that moving forward, there will be a ?harmonisation of standards? spec wise, bringing global standards to the Malaysian market. This will benefit the local customer as Proton pushes its cars in developed markets like Australia and the UK. ?Safety should be the same for everybody. Going forward that?s the approach,? he said.

Safety kit aside, Thai-bound Protons are tuned to accept E20 fuel, and we also noticed a new Blaupunkt 2-DIN touch-screen head unit, which has a larger screen than the unit in our Prev? Premium. Check it out in the gallery.

Sold in Thailand by sole distributor Phranakorn Auto Sales, which also sells various marques from Chevrolet to Fiat, the Prev? range starts from 625,000 baht for the Standard M/T to 759,000 baht for the top spec Premium. Prices are on-the-road with insurance.

Meanwhile, Proton also introduced the Exora Prime variant to the Thai market. The 899,000 baht Prime will be the most luxurious version of the Exora MPV, which was launched in 2009 and is now Proton?s most popular model in the Land of Smiles. Unlike the regular Exora, the Prime is a six-seater with two individual seats in the middle row.

Exterior upgrades include a new front and rear bumper design, electric folding door mirrors, rear disc brakes, blacked-out headlamps, smoked rear combi lights, 16-inch gold-finished alloys and a rear garnish.

The meat inside consists of leather, walnut trim on the dashboard and metallic door switch covers and inner door handles. The front seat headrests incorporate 6.2-inch LCD screens for the DVD player and audio system with navigation and reverse camera.

Both new models are now on sale at 31 Proton dealerships across Thailand. A network expansion programme is ongoing as we speak, which will bring the dealer count to 35 by early next year, all 3S centres.

We managed to catch up with Proton?s new management at the show, so more details on the company?s Thai and export plans are coming your way. Stay tuned for more news from the Thai Motor Expo!

?

Source: http://paultan.org/2012/11/28/proton-preve-and-exora-prime-launched-at-thai-motor-expo-c-segment-sedan-priced-from-625000-baht/

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Social Customer Service (Featured in Airline Business ...

social CS

Editor?s Note: This article was featured in Airline Business (September Issue), contributed by CEO of SimpliFlying, Shashank Nigam. For a soft copy of the original article, please see here.?

?

Airlines that have innovated customer service though online media have elevated passenger expectations to a level that sets a high standard for others to follow, according to Shashank Nigram of SimpliFlying

Late last year a friend had a bad experience with Delta Air Lines during his honeymoon.

A number of things went wrong ? from being assigned a seat away from his new bride, to the couple being ignored by flight attendants. When he called the customer service hotline he was put on hold for a long time and transferred from one department to another. In the end, his concerns were hardly addressed by Delta staff.

Frustrated, he blogged about his encounter with Delta and dropped me a note asking for help. I suggested he tweet to @Deltaassist. Much to his surprise, he received a reply on Twitter within 10min, saying Delta was looking into his case. Within 24 hours, he was given a $100 voucher for the inconvenience he suffered during his flight.

Some might claim this to be a one- off case but thanks to social media real- time customer service is coming of age in the airline industry.

Social media benchmarking company Unimetric.com says that if you send a tweet to Delta Air Lines, you are likely to get a reply within 11min, while if you tweet JetBlue with a problem, it will address it within 17min. Also, KLM will reply within an hour and Virgin America is known to solve passengers? problems in-flight while they are connected to the internet at 35,000ft.

Through social media, airline customer service has become real-time and customers expect answers around the clock. In fact, travel social media company Eezeer says 71.4% of con- sumer tweets to airlines are customer- service-related. The growth of calls to customer service centres is projected to decline this year, with social conversation numbers occasionally equalling phone calls.

First and foremost, this is because customers no longer have to go through the hassle of holding on the phone to customer services and expect to get answers more easily, especially for queries that are not time sensitive.

The responsive, interactive and open nature of social media helps customers feel comfortable to ask more questions and get all doubts cleared ? not always possible on the phone. The airline can understand better what the most worrying issues for customers are and how its service can be improved.

Apart from the undeniable benefits social media provides, customers now expect most brands to respond to them on social media, an almost equally compelling reason for airlines to have social media customer service initiatives. As seen in the case of the Royal Brunei Airlines emergency landing of flight BI098 in April this year, the internet and social media are unmatched in providing speedy information, especially in times of crisis.

Consumers are often pleased to receive acknowledgement, even if the resolution is not immediate. Hence, the key to success in customer service via social media lies in a quick response before reaching resolution. Several airlines are now innovating in this space.

What can you learn from the airlines that provide the best customer service on social media?

Share local knowledge and provide personal attention

One of the most innovative tools being used by Ireland?s CityJet is its Twitter concierge. The programme aims to provide personalised recommendations to travellers who request them. This helps drive their goals in engagement, customer service and revenue. Goals of social customer service programmes need to translate back to the core metrics of the brand and marketing.

Prepare to scale

KLM and Delta Air Lines have more than 30 people dedicated to providing customer service through social media. That sort of commitment is often needed because once you set the customers? expectations that they can reach you online, that is the medium they prefer ? especially when something goes wrong. That is when all these resources come in handy. Of course, if you are unable to dedicate such resources, you might want to work with a social media call-centre provider such as InterGlobe Technologies.

Be where you are needed

Delta was one of the first airlines to dedicate resources to social media, recognising the importance of acknowledgement and resolution. The need to give its customers what they want led to a guaranteed reply within 10min on Twitter, plus a dedicated social media customer service and support in Spanish and Portuguese.

?

The post Social Customer Service (Featured in Airline Business) appeared first on SimpliFlying.

Author information

Li Guen heads the communications and marketing functions at SimpliFlying where she drives corporate branding efforts and industry research initiatives. A PR enthusiast, Li Guen returned to SimpliFlying after a stint with Weber Shandwick working with clients including Rolls-Royce, Changi Airport Group and P&G.In her free time, Li Guen likes trekking mountains in Asia. You can tweet her at @SimpliGuen or email her at guen@simpliflying.com.

Source: http://connect.phocuswright.com/2012/11/social-customer-service-featured-in-airline-business/

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Spotify Made You Listen To More Music, WillCall Gets You To Go To More Concerts

WillCall FeatureIn 1996, people in the U.S. bought about 2.3 albums per year. Today, thanks to services like Spotify and Rdio, some of us listen to that many albums a day. Last-minute concert ticket app WillCall wants to make live music just as accessible. This week it released version 1.5 of its iOS app, which?focuses on delivering push notifications to your feeds about what shows your friends are going to.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/UfoZ29xvCHg/

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Ground-based laser zaps rockets in tests

1 day

A portable, ground-based laser has successfully destroyed four rockets and zapped an unmanned aerial system in a series of tests designed to demonstrate the war-fighting technology, Lockheed Martin announced Tuesday.?

The security and aerospace company is building the Area Defense Anti-Munitions system to provide militaries with a defense against short-range threats. It could prove particularly useful as protection for forward operating bases.

ADAM?s tracking system can lock onto a target more than 3.1 miles distant and keep it in sight even in cluttered optical environments. Its 10 kilowatt laser can destroy targets up to 1.2 miles away.?

Earlier this summer, the company released a video showing the portable laser disable an Osprey UAV with an 11-foot wingspan at a range of 0.9 miles. The company today announced it has also ?destroyed four small-caliber rocket targets in simulated flight at a range of approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).?

The development adds to a growing list of high-tech weaponry that?s changing the face of war.?

Some systems, such as the Iron Dome, are already in use by the Israel Defense Forces to ground incoming rockets fired on densely populated cities. Others, such as killer robots, could reshape the battlefield in the future, unless a campaign to stop them prevails.?

John Roach is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. To learn more about him, check out his website. For more of our Future of Technology series, watch the featured video below.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/futureoftech/ground-based-laser-zaps-rockets-tests-1C7284867

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