Blog Blender

Wi-Fi measuring heartbeats

Apparently, there is a way for Wi-Fi to measure heart rate with clinical accuracy.

Traditionally, measuring heart rate requires some sort of wearable device, whether that be a smart watch or hospital-grade machinery. But new research from engineers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows how the signal from a household WiFi device can be used for this crucial health monitoring with state-of-the-art accuracy—without the need for a wearable.

Their proof of concept work demonstrates that one day, anyone could take advantage of this non-intrusive WiFi-based health monitoring technology in their homes. The team proved their technique works with low-cost WiFi devices, demonstrating its usefulness for low resource settings.

PJH Studios artwork, Portrait of a sun

PJH Studios

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  • Wi-Fi measuring heartbeats

    Apparently, there is a way for Wi-Fi to measure heart rate with clinical accuracy. Traditionally, measuring heart rate requires some sort of wearable device, whether that be a smart watch or hospital-grade machinery. But new research from engineers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, shows how the signal from a household WiFi device can…

  • AI teaches college English

    A long but insightful article where a college English professor allowed students to use ChatGPT for assignments. What makes the usage interesting is that he encouraged to evaluate and compare human centered writing versus the AI output. In the end, still began to critically evaluate how to use a technology. There are valid reasons why…

  • The complete Ansel Adams

    Widely known for his landscape, photography, Ansel Adams took amazing photos, regardless of the subject matter and location. The photos still contain his trademark composition and contrast techniques.

  • Competitive jigsaw puzzle solving

    Sometimes, as they say, the algorithm delivers. In this case, a YouTube video of competitive jigsaw puzzle solving popped up from one of the more well known puzzlers, Karen Puzzles. There is a surprising intensity to the competition, especially when the competitors are near completion and each only have a dozen or so pieces left.…

  • Depression and circadian rhythm link

    An interesting possibility: depression may be linked to circadian rhythms being out of sync. The study had a small sample size so obviously more research is needed. The study, led by Dr Joanne Carpenter and Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney, is the first to look simultaneously at three key measures of body…

  • Cats and water

    Most cats don’t like water, and there are reasons for that. Some evolutionary, some biological.

  • Moving on from Dr. Seuss?

    A literature professor examines, Dr. Seuss’s complex history, and where his books fall in children’s literature. Still, Seuss dominates so much of our imaginations around childhood. It may take another generation or two to reset our perspective so that Seuss isn’t synonymous with children’s literature. I spoke with Kesi Augustine, PhD, a debut children’s author…

  • Art History hidden in Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement photos

    There are too many coincidences for this not to be intentional, but some of these are not commonly referenced artworks. Art historians found numerous references to classical paintings in Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s engagement photos.

  • Traveling Third Spaces

    A third space is a social gathering place that isn’t home or work. Bars, coffee shops, civic organizations typically served as these places. But what if a third space didn’t have to rely on a specific location? Athena is among several young people creating what I call “traveling third spaces”: new communities that are people-first,…

  • Jimmy Eat World’s perfect three album run

    The Quietus makes the case that Jimmy Eat World’s three album run from 1996 to 2001 perfectly encapsulates early to modern emo. Released between 1996 and 2001, Jimmy Eat World’s second, third and fourth albums – Static Prevails, Clarity and Bleed American – bridge emo’s past and present. They illustrate its story as a cultural…