Prenatal surgery promises brighter future for babies with spina bifida

For expectant parents, the 18-week ultrasound marks an exciting milestone. For most, it is the first time they get to see their child, they can learn the sex of the baby and the doctor makes sure development is progressing normally. Mike and Katherine Mulligan of Cincinnati, Ohio, went for their first ultrasound in September 2000, and like most parents-to-be, expected to hear only good news. Instead, their dreams were dashed when they learned their unborn baby had spina bifida. But there was hope. Read More

Tips for choosing tax preparation software

Instead of paying a professional hundreds of dollars to do their taxes, an increasing number of U.S. taxpayers are doing it themselves. The IRS reports that 9.8 million tax returns were self-prepared and e-filed last year, a 14.2 percent increase over the previous year. Not only have more affordable do-it-yourself tax preparation software solutions become easy enough for tax novices to use, they allow consumers the luxury of doing their taxes at their leisure from the comforts of home. Read More

Get motivated with smartphones

If you're setting a goal for this semester, make it a double: be productive and engaged, all while staying socially connected on campus. Smartphones let you do it all, from staying on top of your academic work and never missing a social event to helping to nail down the perfect internship opportunity. Read More

Distracted driving laws quickly changing use of smartphones while driving

Distracted driving is receiving lots of attention - in the media and in the legislature. One cause of distracted driving is use of electronic devices. Due to quickly advancing technology, people are more reliant on mobile phones for both personal and business use. Hands-free devices are allowing people to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, while still being able to take calls and handle email using their voice. Read More

How your smartphone relates to home security

'Techorating' trend harmoniously marries technology and interior design

Some interior design trends are hard to understand. That jagged piece of cement that is supposedly a chair or headache-inducing paint color may look great in the glossy pages of a design magazine, but would average people really want it in their own living room? Fortunately, one growing trend trend in interior design is easy to understand, totally relatable and applicable in almost every home - and this trend is techorating. Read More

Trend alert: The future of in-store shopping goes high tech

Gone are the days of loading the station wagon and heading to the local mall to spend the entire day getting everything the family needs. Today, American shoppers are savvy and smart. They know exactly what they want and how they'll get it. As a result of this fast-paced shopping evolution, the retail environment is transforming, too. The next time you visit your favorite store, don't be surprised if you see high-tech innovations that enhance your experience and make shopping easier than ever before. Read More

Tired of offensive TV? Programming heads back to the heartland

An increasing number of television viewers are turning away from rude gestures during half-time shows, lewd early evening sitcoms and dark, extreme crime dramas in search of more wholesome viewing options. Fortunately, some in the entertainment industry seem to have heard and heeded the loud sound of remote buttons clicking and are now promoting family-friendly programming options. Read More

How automotive technology lightens the burden on drivers' budgets

Now more than ever, car buyers are focused on fuel efficiency. At the same time, they have demonstrated no desire to sacrifice performance, safety and style. To satisfy car buyers' tastes, automakers have been busily developing ways to squeeze more miles out a gallon of gas. In addition to better engine design, an often overlooked transformation has led to increased fuel efficiency: more and more, automakers are replacing heavier materials with lighter-weight plastics. Read More

Tips for top tech gifts Mom is sure to love

Moms on the go are all about saving time and money. Anything that helps her stay in touch, maintain mobility, get organized and improve efficiency is something Mom is sure to love this Mother's Day. If you're at a loss for what to get her this year, it's hard to go wrong with a technology gift that will help her find more time for her family - and for herself. Read More

Five money-saving moves for smartphone users

Smartphones are quickly gaining in popularity. With a virtual world in the palm of users' hands, they can easily access email, social networking sites, news, videos, music, images, files, mapping and more. While the possibilities may seem endless, consumers should consider one limit: their budgets. Taking a few precautions can help keep costs under control. Read More

Protecting personal information extends beyond the Web, to mobile devices

How to significantly cut your TV-viewing costs

With the average cable and satellite monthly bills running around $70 and steadily rising, millions of TV viewers are looking for some relief. How can you save money on your TV viewing? Ask yourself these questions. Read More

Dating safety: Don't let them steal more than your heart

Plenty of people find love online every year, but when you're dating a stranger, it's important to take steps to ensure the only thing they steal is your heart. Read More

Why technology careers are in such high demand

Technology professionals continue to be in high demand across a wide array of industries. Health care, technical consulting and computer system design are just a few of the growing career directions grads can choose with a technology degree. Read More

Digital cameras: creating masterpieces with each click

With warm weather luring us outside for fun outdoor activities, using a digital camera ensures timeless memories with family and friends are captured in a snap. Even with increased smartphone usage, - a recent Consumer Electronics Association report stated that 43 percent of consumers have used a smartphone in the past year to capture images - digital cameras remain the most common devices for capturing photos, with 73 percent having used a digital camera over the same time period. There are many reasons why a dedicated digital camera captures the best photos. Read More

Colleges upgrading technology to improve learning opportunities

Chalk and blackboards just do not cut it in today's schools. Young people grow up exposed to the Internet, smartphones and television on demand - and research suggests that many youth are now addicted to the constant interactions and amusement that technology gives. However, many schools and universities are finding ways to harness technology's capabilities to re-engage students in learning. Read More

Tips for working smarter outside of the traditional office environment

For many professionals, life in a cubicle is a thing of the past. Going into work could very well mean taking a stroll down the hall to your home office or heading to the coffee shop down the street. For those who are used to working in a traditional office environment, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are working at peak efficiency in your flexible work environment. Read More

Go farther and play harder with your summer big kid toys

The summer season is a great time to bring out the big kid toys. Out come the boats, lawn mowers, four wheelers, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for plenty of fun and excitement all summer long. While summer doesn't have all the freezing, thawing or salt of colder months, which can cause a bit of havoc on equipment, it's still a good idea to protect your toys and gear from the elements so they go farther, and you can play harder. Read More

Diagnose your computer problem first before reaching for your wallet

Five trends to consider when buying your next digital camera

Why you don't have to think twice about boarding an elevator

For people who live or work in multi-story buildings, elevators are an integral part of our everyday lives. A century of innovation and popularization has opened previously unimagined possibilities for human transportation and revolutionized building design capabilities. Originally intended to carry freight in low-rise factories, mines and warehouses, the technological advances seen in today's elevators were once inconceivable. Now technologies exist that identify passengers and direct them to an elevator to help them quickly reach their destination. As elevator technology evolves to meet ever-taller buildings, demand for improved safety and performance remains in lock-step. Read More

Six apps to help bring out the photographer in you

Five lighting tips to make your everyday photos shine

Simple diagnosis, treatment and prescriptions now a click away

Consumer access to medical information is also easier than ever. Since the first medical websites emerged in the late 1990s, people have flocked to them in skyrocketing numbers. Today, an estimated 80 percent of Americans go online to search for health information. Still, most health sites, while informative, can't diagnose or treat you. A new breed of "online clinics" connects customers directly with experienced practitioners who can treat them safely - and very conveniently - wherever they are. Read More

Watching television on the go with new technology

Cable and satellite providers know their customers are people on the go. With modern technology advances like mobile TV, DVRs, tablets and streaming television on the Internet at your convenience, TV companies know they need to stay up to date on the latest technology in order to stay relevant in such a competitive market. Read More

Going green has never been more high tech

Think going green will cost too much or take too much time? You might be surprised at how much time, energy and money you can save by making a few changes in your home to make it more energy efficient. And don't worry that it will be too much work because some new high tech tools are making it easier than ever. Read More

Growing career field provides vital support to businesses

Communication is the backbone of all businesses - regardless of size or industry. In the modern business environment, the ability to transmit and store information is vital to productivity - and thus, success. But no communication system runs itself - it's the people behind the scenes who ensure that a business thrives. This means huge career potential for individuals who can design, implement, secure and manage communication networks and keep them running smoothly. Read More

How your smartphone can help you care for your car

If you can resist the temptation to reach for it while you're behind the wheel, your smartphone can be a great asset as you care for your vehicle. A smartphone can give you instructions for maintenance procedures while you are under the hood, help you find a part that needs fixing and get you to a trusted mechanic quicker and easier than ever before. Read More

Surprising facts you should know about hearing loss

When it comes to our health, many Americans have two realities: what we know and what we think we know. When what we think we know is less than accurate, it can be as harmful to our health as the things we don't know at all. Perceptions about hearing loss are a good example of this phenomenon. Read More

Spring cleaning your small business technology

Spring is a great time for small businesses to focus on cleaning up and organizing their technology. Doing so can make a business more productive and efficient and also reduce costs. Read More

Join the club: Why small organizations need to prioritize membership management

The almost infinite number of small clubs and organizations that exists tells you a little something about how people like to spend their free time. After all, when you're passionate about something, you get involved, pitch in and lend a hand. And for each club that exists, there's a group of members that is willing to devote time, money and energy to the group's cause. Read More

Financial savings and more when shopping online

Saving money is a hot topic these days, from television shows about extreme coupon clipping to stores advertising huge savings for specially marked and bulk items. But you might be surprised to discover how much money you can save while shopping online. Read More

Secrets to online shopping: How to access the best designer deals

Food: Where does it come from? Straight answers to consumers' questions

Is the food we're eating healthy long-term? Is the planet able to sustain the amount of food we're producing? Americans are asking questions and thinking more critically when it comes to the food they eat. They want to know where it comes from, how it's grown and produced, and what effects this process has on our health as well as the health of the planet. Read More

Keeping kids safe online: What every parent should know

By now, most parents are aware that the entertainment and educational value of the Internet also comes with risks, particularly for children. Protecting children from those risks is a vital concern for any parent whose child uses the web and any web-enabled device. Read More

Five things to consider before sharing photos and videos online

Whether you are an aspiring professional photographer, videographer or just someone who wants to share your unique content with others while still getting credit for it, here are five things you should consider before sharing your work online. Read More

What you don't know about eyeglasses could affect your vision

For most people, selecting eyeglass frames is the highlight of the eye appointment and the lenses are seen as pieces of plastic or glass that don't involve a lot of buyer choice. But on the contrary, the best eyeglass lenses today are as hi-tech as any smartphone, and the visual difference between adequate lenses and great lenses can be as pronounced as the difference between a standard TV and your new HDTV. Once you've experienced the latter, you'll never want to watch TV the old way again. Read More