PSU prof invents Parkinson’s monitor

Measuring the severity of Parkinson’s disease is difficult, which leaves doctors adjusting medications by “eyeballing” symptoms. James McNames, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Portland State University, thinks a little more precision might help.

Something fishy this way cometh

ben-blogJon Thenhaus’s latest business idea grew out of a simple desire to have an infinite supply of fresh basil within easy reach in the kitchen. That wish grew more complicated as he refined his ideas and followed his muse, from herbs to worms and fish. Nine prototypes and several “massive failures” later, the 37-year-old founder of Fishy Farm has developed an ingenious ecosystem for the kitchen or the back yard.

Leaders pull no punches at summit

Fiscal calamity or a decade of budget austerity loom for Oregon as the recession leaves thousands of Oregonians jobless and the demand for government money outpaces its ability to pay for services, business and political leaders agreed on Monday.

FedEx ramps up in Troutdale

FedEx’s new 447,000-square-foot shipping facility in Troutdale is humming with activity as the company prepares for the holiday madness. Local managers have hired part time and full time workers and employment at the facility is up to 550 jobs and growing.