Digital musical instrument to help quadriplegics create music using their eyes
A professor in music technology created a new musical instrument called EyeHarp, which allows quadriplegics to create music using their eyes.
EyeHarp's creator, Zachary Vamvakousis, became interested in the field of disabled musicians after his guitarist friend lost the ability to play music due to a motorcycle accident.
Similar to the Guitar Hero video game, EyeHarp has impacted more than 600 people, including Joel Bueno, who suffers from cerebral palsy and who expressed an interest in playing music.
'When EyeHarp appeared, we felt ... if we can do this we can do anything,' Bueno's wife said.
Pandemic creates opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs
More Americans are looking into starting their own business, as the COVID-19 pandemic creates opportunities for new entrepreneurs.
The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to some people quitting their jobs and dedicating their time to their 'side hustle.' It made others notice the advantages of remote work, and for some, it helped them reevaluate their priorities and leave the corporate world.
With the national labor's shortage, some economists attribute this phenomenon to the increase of people who have recently started to work for themselves.
'The pandemic, as much as it's been awful, has been an opportunity for innovation,' woodwork Etsy seller Darin Mays said.
Spain's minister makes a stand for gender equality
Spain's economic affairs minister made a stand for gender equality on Feb. 3 by announcing she will not be participating in debates where she is the only woman.
'I go to a lot of events where I'm the only woman there because I'm the minister,' minister Nadia Calvino said. 'We can't keep thinking it's normal that 50% of the population isn't present.'
The socialist-led Spanish government has emphasized women's right and gender equality, and has a Cabinet formed by 12 women and 10 men.