Disc

Chronic Pain

Injectable hydrogel treats back pain from damaged discs in human trials

Human trials have shown that hydrogel injections are a promising, effective treatment for chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease (DDD). The treatment is far less invasive than other surgeries, and has been given FDA approval.

A new optical disc uses QR codes etched in tungsten to achieve extreme levels of heat resistance (Image: de Vries/University of Twente)

Electronics

New optical disc can store information "for a billion years"

A researcher at the University of Twente in the Netherlands has developed a new optical memory disc out of tungsten and silicon nitride that he says could store data safely for extremely long periods of time – up to a billion years.

Music

Amazon AutoRip CD buyers also get MP3 version

Amazon has launched a new service where customers who buy an AutoRip eligible CD will get an MP3 version for free.

A prototype of the BYU artificial spine disc replacement

Chronic Pain

Artificial spinal disc designed to treat chronic lower back pain

A team from BYU has developed an artificial disc to treat chronic back pain

The new dual format 'flipper' discs feature standard DVD format on one side, and Blu-ray on the other

Home Entertainment

'Flipper' discs to contain both Blu-ray and DVD formats on a single disc

Universal Studios Home Entertainment’s new ‘flipper’ discs take the hassle out of deciding between tried and true DVD or new kid on the block Blu-ray format movies.

Good Thinking

Research highlights environmentally friendly nature of digital music distribution

Research shows that significant environmental savings can be made by buying music online

Computers

Pioneer BDR-205 12x Blu-ray disc writer the fastest so far

The Pioneer Electronics BDR-205 Blu-ray Disc Computer Writer is the industry’s first and fastest model to feature up to 12x write speed for single and dual-layer Blu-ray disc.