Shelly Palmer Radio Report – July 14, 2014

Can a blanket gauge your mood? British Airways certainly thinks it can. The airline is testing out a “happiness blanket” to help make its passengers more comfortable on flights. Loaded with fiber optics, the blanket connects to a neurosensory device and acts like a big, cozy mood ring. Not every passenger flying British Airways will get to try out the blanket, though. The limited experiment, being tested on some flights between London and New York City, also requires a headband loaded with electronic gear to measure activity in the brain, which sends that signal to the blanket via Bluetooth. The blanket then turns blue if you’re relaxed or red if you’re anxious. That way, flight attendants can immediately tell whether or not they need to check on you. What has the study proved so far? Passengers are anxious when they first board a plane, but calm down after falling asleep being served food or drinks. So next time you fly somewhere, grab a snack, take a nap and relax.