Archive for October, 2010
Google says cars driving themselves would reduce crashes, but who is liable if they do crash?
Using cameras, radar and lasers, a fleet of Google robot cars have racked up 140,000 miles on California roads and developers believe the vehicles will not only reduce fuel consumption, but also reduce accidents, says an article in The New York Times. Seven Toyota Prius vehicles make up the Google autonomous fleet. The cars are [...]
Mercedes-Benz Recalls 85,000 Cars Due to Steering Defect
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, part of Daimler AG, has announced a recall of 85,078 2010 Mercedes Benz C-Class and 2010-2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class vehicles because the power steering system in the subject vehicles may fail due to the loss of power steering fluid. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), after vehicle owners complained [...]
Meridia Weight Loss Drug Pulled from U.S. Market
Abbott Laboratories announced today that the pharmaceutical company is voluntarily withdrawing the weight loss drug Meridia (sibutramine) from the U.S. market at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug withdrawal was in response to an FDA request after the agency recommended against the continued use of Meridia (sibutramine) due to [...]
How Laptop Users are at Risk for “Toasted Skin Syndrome” and Low Sperm Count
Often the very reason people purchase a laptop computer is for their portability and ease of use on a lap. However, some laptop computer users can develop a condition called “Toasted Skin Syndrome” or experience a drop in sperm count due to repeated exposure to high heat from using the computer on their lap. Erythema [...]
PA Town Plagued by Gas Migration in Water Supply from Drilling to get Public Water Service
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that residents of Dimock Township, whose well water supply suffered contamination by methane gas migration from Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. natural gas wells, are to receive public water service from Pennsylvania American Water in the future. The state of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania American Water Company have agreed [...]
Does the Popular Brazilian Blowout Contain Chemicals Hazardous for Hairdressers? OSHA Says Yes.
After a worker at a Portland, OR salon reported nosebleeds, eye irritation and respiratory problems after applying the hair-straightening product Brazilian Blowout on customers over the course of a month, testing found the products contained high levels of formaldehyde, even on bottles labeled “Formaldehyde Free.” Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Research on Occupational [...]
