Archive » Technology

NSA director: Surveillance programs disrupted dozens of attacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The director of the National Security Agency said June 12 that once-secret surveillance programs disrupted dozens of terrorist attacks, explicitly describing for Congress how the programs worked in collecting Americans’ phone records and tapping into their Internet activity.

Kenai man donates stem cells, saves life

KENAI — Every time he was asked “are you sure you want to move to the next step?” Chris DesOrmeaux’s answer was always “yes.”

Companies look to “reshore” IT workforce

Ken Behrendt had already had his fill of the hidden costs of offshoring, but the Eagle Creek Software Services chief executive was having trouble finding enough qualified consultants to expand the company’s development and technical support business in the Dakotas.

3-D printing goes from sci-fi fantasy to reality

Invisalign, a San Jose company, uses 3-D printing to make each mouthful of customized, transparent braces. Mackenzies Chocolates, a confectioner in Santa Cruz, uses a 3-D printer to pump out chocolate molds. And earlier this year, Cornell University researchers used a 3-D printer, along with injections of a special collagen gel, to create a human-shaped ear.

Archive » Telecom

Verizon turns on Alaska 4G LTE network

Another telecommunications provider has entered the Alaska market.

Alaska telecoms hope to close infrastructure deal this quarter

To compete with the new wireless player Verizon, Alaska Communications and GCI are trying to merge their infrastructure into the Alaska Wireless Network, or AWN.

Quintillion project seeks to build Arctic telecom network

Amid the increased activity in the Arctic is a project that could improve telecommunications in rural Alaska.

ACS, GCI wait for regulatory approval on new network

Alaska Communications and General Communication, Inc. are working toward merging their infrastructure as the Alaska Wireless Network, a deal meant to better position both companies when Verizon Wireless enters the Alaska market.

Archive » Science

Kenai man donates stem cells, saves life

KENAI — Every time he was asked “are you sure you want to move to the next step?” Chris DesOrmeaux’s answer was always “yes.”

Wearable robots getting lighter, more portable

CHICAGO (AP) — When Michael Gore stands, it’s a triumph of science and engineering. Eleven years ago, Gore was paralyzed from the waist down in a workplace accident, yet he rises from his wheelchair to his full 6-foot-2-inches and walks across the room with help from a lightweight wearable robot.

Wind farms gets pass on eagle deaths

CONVERSE COUNTY, Wyo. (AP) — The Obama administration has never fined or prosecuted a wind farm for killing eagles and other protected bird species, shielding the industry from liability and helping keep the scope of the deaths secret, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Group to sue to force polar bear recovery plan

An environmental group has given formal notice it will go to court to force the federal government to complete a recovery plan for threatened polar bears.

Difficulties plague biomass-burning generators

Experimental biomass-burning generators aren't working out as lucratively and efficiently as a Fairbanks area businessman had hoped when he launched the idea to turn waste paper into electricity more than two years ago.

Archive » Tech Gallery

From text to touch, a look at Microsoft Windows 8

From text to touch, a look at Microsoft Windows 8

NEW YORK (AP) — With the Nov. 2 release of the touch-centric Windows 8 software, Microsoft continues more than three decades of making operating systems for personal computers.

Navajo council online stream draws new viewers

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — When the Navajo Nation Council met for its fall session, it had a whole new set of eyes watching. From behind their computers, people around the country were listening as tribal lawmakers discussed a tax measure, adding land to the reservation and their fondness for rock music.
5 more minutes? New clock answers resounding 'no'

5 more minutes? New clock answers resounding 'no'

There is no snooze button. If you unplug it, a battery takes over. As wake-up time approaches, you cannot reset the alarm time. It could be the world's most exasperating alarm clock.