New designs in cell phones equipped with GPS has given gaming companies new ideas on how users can interact with games. My mixing real-world locations with mobile games on cell phones, users will soon be able to move inside their virtual world as they move about their real one.

The idea of GPS games mixes the already popular design of the Nintendo Wii with GPS technology. As gamers move around in the real world, their mobile devices will display simulated worlds and show targets or game goals based on their GPS location. Treasure hunts, chases, trivia, and hunts can all take place using this mesh between virtual worlds and real life locations. Some games will even allow you to see where other gamers are located. Although this technology comes with some risks, game designers are finding that gamers are willing to risk a little for the rewards of interactive game technologies.

Hotels in Europe are already featuring elements that make them more energy efficient and environmentally friendly but ones in America are slow to catch up. Smaller rooms that require less energy to light, heat, and cool use up less natural resources yet still allow patrons to remain comfortable. Not only are they designed to be more energy efficient, these rooms also feature a key entry AND exit which triggers a switch that turns off electricity for the room when the occupant has left.

American hotels have been slow to catch on. Most American travelers expect a certain degree of luxury when staying in hotels and end up leaving lights and televisions on when they are not in the room. Brian McGuinness, the vice president of the company Starwood that owns the hotel chains Westin and Sheraton, has expressed concern over energy savings and environmentally friendly hotel rooms. Having frequently travelled to Europe, McGuinness is beginning to adjust his line of hotels to meet the standards of a more environmentally conscious society and an ever-changing clientele.

Scientists with the Salk Institute have created a way to enhance muscle tone without excess exercise. These remarkable drugs, one called Aicar and the other GW1516, make muscles think they have been exercised when, in fact, they may not have done much at all.

Aicar, the first drug, has been shown to improve endurance in mice by 44% while the second drug, GW1516, gave mice a 75% increase. These drugs do, however, have to be combined with some degree of movement and exercise in order to be effective, but could have potential major medical uses. For example, patients too weak to move or diabetics who need to help maintain their illness through exercise might find hope with these drugs in helping to overcome or manage their disease.