As the co-founder of Ning, Gina Bianchini was a pioneer in social networking. As the current founder and CEO of MightyBell, she is continuing to help people use social software in a way that connects them both online and off. Bianchini is passionate about developing tools that allow people to share their ideas and interests by forging unique online identities and connect in intimate setting both on the web and in the real world. It is those themes that draw her to her favorite TEDTalks. Below are five talks that intrigue Bianchini and notes on why she chose them. Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone? “I particularly enjoy this talk as [my company] Mightybell just happens to answer the problem presented!” Daphne Koller: What we’re learning from online education “I like this talk as it got me thinking that for huge online classes, people could benefit from a private space for the class to break into study group spaces. Additionally, she speaks about active learning and discusses that there is not active learning online, which I think can and should be changed.” Matt Cutts: Try something new for thirty days “I enjoyed this talk as is an example of a tool one can use to plan and then track your progress over 30 day challenges and allows you to do it with friends.” Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action “I am fond of this talk as it is focuses on how the ‘why’ of a company is more important than the ‘what’ and inspires people to take action to change lives and the world.” Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability “This particular talk was exciting to me as it gives people the opportunity to create a new social identity based upon their interests, passions, and goals, and to have an intimate community that supports one no matter what, no matter how vulnerable. It discusses how to help each member grow as everyone in the intimate community accepts him or herself and the other members, and celebrates the members’ identities shown through their interests, passions, and goals.” Image via Flickr, JD Lasica Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/11/22/gina-bianchini-ted/
In a match made in movie trailer heaven, Disney villain Maleficent stalks victims as Lana Del Rey’s haunting vocals play ominously in the background. A 90-second trailer for the new movie Maleficent debuted during the Grammy Awards Sunday night, offering an extended sneak peek at the film. The movie features Angelina Jolie as the titular horned character and serves as both a prequel and retelling of the classic story of Sleeping Beauty, where the villainess will finally get to share her side of the story. Del Rey croons the classic Disney song “Once Upon A Dream” — the same song that appeared in the original 1959 animated version of Sleeping Beauty. Her haunting voice sets the tone for the movie, which promises to be be much darker than the original. Jolie perfectly fits the part of Mistress of All Evil, cracking wry smiles and generally looking foreboding. The film hits theaters on May 30. BONUS: 10 Disney Plot Points That Make No Sense Disney Plots That Don’t Make Sense 1. Hercules 2. Mulan 3. Pocahontas 4. The Aristocats 5. Lilo & Stitch 6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame 7. Robin Hood 8. The Sword in the Stone 9. Dumbo 10. The Rescuers Read more: http://mashable.com/2014/01/27/maleficent-trailer/
In the medical world, there’s no shortage of weird, creepy diseases. One of the most misunderstood conditions is a disease by the name of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or simply EDS. EDS is a connective tissue disorder that’s passed down genetically. Those suffering from EDS experience a wide variety of symptoms, and they often go misdiagnosed for years. Some also experience hyperflexibility, meaning that they can easily bend and dislocate their joints. This makes it possible for them to escape from sticky situations…like being cuffed by the police. My joints hurt just watching this. (source: Taryn Eason) While it’s a great trick for parties, those with EDS who continually abuse their joints can expect to suffer serious long-term consequences. Don’t try this at home. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/handcuff-escape/
For people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, checking insulin levels is just part of everyday life. And it can be seriously stressful. But what if there was a way to keep track of your health without the use of expensive devices and testing strips? Well researchers at Harvard and MIT have come up with a monitoring system that mimics body art. These color-changing tattoos can monitor not only diabetes, but other conditions as well. With the combined efforts of the two universities, researchers have developed a biosensing tattoo using DermalAbyss ink that changes color in response to things like blood sugar levels. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces DermalAbyss ink is also able to keep track of pH levels, as well as sodium and glucose in your bloodstream. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces Too much glucose in your system, for example, results in the tattoo turning brown, while too much sodium will turn the body art green. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces <div class="llcust" data-lltype="media" id="ll_59448febcc12d" data-source=" And if you’re experiencing a change in your body’s pH levels, your tattoo will change to shades of purple or pink. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces <div class="llcust" data-lltype="media" id="ll_59448febcc333" data-source=" The ink is so sensitive, in fact, that it monitors your interstitial fluids down to the lining of the cells. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces <div class="llcust" data-lltype="media" id="ll_59448febcc519" data-source=" The ink has only been tested on pig skin and human trials are pending. Vimeo / fluidinterfaces <div class="llcust" data-lltype="video" id="ll_59448febcc73e" data-source=" Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/sugar-level-tattoos/
