The Wii Factor

The June issue of Eye on Innovation described the use of virtual reality and video games in medicine. Virtual reality techniques, involving three-dimensional imaging and surround sound, are increasingly being used in diagnosis, treatment, and medical education.

Virtual reality game technology using Wii™, created as a home video console which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detects movement in three dimensions, is now being integrated into treatments from stroke rehabilitation to Parkinson’s disease. Wiihabilitation, or the use of the Nintendo Wii in rehabilitation, has been successful in increasing patients’ motivation and encouraging full body movement. Several examples from Dialog databases illustrate Wii’s effects. Read more.

The Smart Grid?
The smart grid can be seen as an alternative energy source, a change from the current way of doing things. How does the cleantech movement come into play? How can the “smart grid” be made into a win-win-win situation for consumers, utilities, and the environment?

The CSA Discovery Guide “Plugging into the Future” brings together the smart grid and renewable energy in an interesting article describing smart grids, how they work and how they can be vital to the renewable energy revolution.

The spark can come from anywhere. Our e-newsletter, Eye on Innovation, illustrates innovation in action, covering new research and market trends.

In this issue:

Success Stories — Venture capital makes them come true!
If you are a new company with a great idea but you’re too small to raise capital in the public markets or secure a bank loan, perhaps it’s time to look into venture capital. Throughout its history, venture capital has developed numerous life-changing innovations into entirely new industries.
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