Friday Linkapalooza -- May 16, 2014

CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY

Curious how much time you spend on your smartphone? There’s an app for that.

Trying to quit smoking? The Quitbit lighter keeps track of how many cigarettes you smoke each day, and the matching smartphone app can tally the data collected from weeks and months.

This reusable, sticky rubber wrapper—Cover Blubber—could be used to cover leftovers instead of plastic wrap.

CURRENT EVENTS

Minnesota is the first state to require mobile phones to be equipped with anti-theft functionality.

Be aware that thieves have been planting skimmers to steal credit card information on US post office stamp vending machines in several states. Always take a close look at a credit card reader before swiping your card!

Are electronic bicycles—e-bikes—the next big trend among American commuters?

HUMAN INTEREST

Quadriplegic Sam Schmidt will drive a specially equipped race car before the start of the Indy 500.

Take a look at how human tears appear under a microscope.

A man bought a condemned property in order to restore it. What he found there will amaze you.

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Scientists at the famed Mayo Clinic are investigating the effects of a measles vaccine on cancer cells.

Is it possible that too much fruit could be a bad thing?

A recent study conducted at Goethe University in Germany suggests that an electric current could influence how people see and experience their dreams.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Students at Ohio’s Columbus College of Art and Design have been creating inspirational and beautiful works of art in chalk, and in secret.

Japanese farmers are growing square watermelon. You kind of have to see it to believe it:

In 1950, Life magazine photographer Allan Grant shot a fascinating series of photographs of ballet dancers on a film set depicting the surface of the moon.

JUST FOR FUN...

Presenting the fabulous dancing bat brothers!