Technology

The Logitech company is about to launch the Washable Keyboard K310 keyboard. According to its creators, in addition to removing the dust, it can be cleaned with a good soak, since it is prepared to be submerged in up to 30 centimeters of water. And it dries quickly thanks to the practical drainage holes on the back.

For the first time in 25 years, Microsoft has changed its logo. As a typeface they have used the Segoe font, which they also use in their products and in their marketing communications. The symbol, made up of colored squares, tries to "express the wide range of the company's products" as explained in a press release.

Until now the idea that a star could devour its inner planets was only a theory, but for the first time scientists believe they have firm evidence of this type of cosmic cannibalism on their hands. Specifically, the evidence comes from a star called BD + 48 740, specifically an old red giant from the constellation Perseus with 1.5 times the mass of our Sun, which has turned out to have more lithium than normal.

To be able to do space tourism it will not be necessary to wait long. Virgin Galactic obtained permission from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 2012 to conduct an experimental rocket-powered launch and suborbital flight before making its first voyages with crew.

The Vecmap initiative of the European Space Agency (ESA) has the mosquito Ochlerotatus Japonicus in its sights. This species, capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue fever or chikungunya or West Nile fevers, was first detected in Belgium in 2002. That is why Vecmap is testing techniques to accurately determine its distribution in Europe using space technology.

That we need to receive hugs and caresses to survive is more than evident during the first years of life. Studies in babies suggest that in the absence of physical contact millions of neurons die in their brains. Without gestures of affection in childhood, not enough growth hormone is produced, as scientists from Duke University (USA) have shown, giving rise to what is known as "psychosocial dwarfism".

NASA's Curiosity spacecraft has for the first time launched a laser beam on the red planet to pulverize a fist-sized stone in order to analyze its mineral content. The robotic science lab's ChemCam instrument fired 30 laser pulses at the rock in a ten-second period.

Evan Williams and Biz Stone, co-founders of Twitter, believe that there is still much to invent in the field of social networks. That is why they have launched Branch and Medium, two new platforms that expand some of the functions of Twitter. In both cases, an invitation is required to join.