Science & Tech

"Neutrality" ruling says FCC can't regulate how Comcast, ISP's manage Internet traffic

On April 6, 2010, in Science & Tech, Technology, by Rusty Ray, Executive Editor

Calling it a lemon of a decision, FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps pledged to change how broadband services are classified after a federal appeals court in the District of Columbia sided in favor of the nation’s second largest ISP, Comcast.

The legal decision — which said the FCC has no authority to regulate how internet service provider’s manage their networks — is viewed by some as a setback for so-called “net neutrality” principles, where American consumers have easy access to the Internet without discrimination…

Wi-Spy: Class action lawsuit claims school used security feature to watch students at home

On February 28, 2010, in Science & Tech, by Rusty Ray, Executive Editor

When do technology, education and privacy issues clash?

The Lower Merion School District (LMSD) in Pennsylvania has been accused of using laptop computers sent home with students to spy on their activities.

In a class action lawsuit filed on February 11, 2010, lawyers for Blake J. Robbins, a student at the high school, allege school administrators violated students privacy and civil rights by secretly activating an unknown security feature on the Apple laptops…

Health watch: American College of Surgeons says death "extremely rare" in gallbladder procedures

On February 9, 2010, in Health, by Rusty Ray, Executive Editor

Considered one of the most common and safest methods used to removed gallstones or to remove an infected or inflamed gallbladder, cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that has some risks associated with it.

According to the American College of Surgeons, infections, bile duct injury, bleeding, or injury to the intestines or abdominal organs are all possible health conditions that may result from the procedure. Death, however, is an “extremely rare” consequence in healthy people, with 0 to 1 per 1,000 patients reported…

CRYONICS: Is the scientific quest for ‘life after life’ giving false hope to the dying?

On October 4, 2009, in Featured, Health, by Rusty Ray, Executive Editor

A terminal disease is ravaging your body. Doctors have given you less than three weeks to live. Your cryonics membership is paid up, all of your legal affairs are in order, and your family understands your last wishes. A standby team is ready to step in once the attending physician pronounces you legally dead. You are about to be preserved, an act of faith in the hopes of being revived to live a healthy life sometime in the future…

A closer look inside health care reform

On August 12, 2009, in Featured, Health, by Rusty Ray, Executive Editor

It’s often said that the attention span of the average America is extremely limited when it comes to a discussion of in-depth issues. If it doesn’t fit in a 30-second commercial, a nightly news sound bite, or a quick discussion at the office cooler, conventional wisdom says most people aren’t interested. However, the past few weeks have proven that Americans are intensely engaged when it comes to the health care debate…