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How Pet Microchipping Works
Pet microchips are supposed to ensure recovery of your lost animal. But these chips have received as much opposition as they have praise. Find out when the devices work and when they fail.
EVERYDAY INNOVATIONS
Have you ever wondered how black lights, or mirrors work? This collection of articles will explain the workings of some of the most common inventions and innovations you come into contact with everyday.
Stuff You Should Know
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Are patent trolls smothering innovation?So-called "patent trolls" buy patents from others and use them to make money from companies that have built a successful market for a product. Have their tactics created a kind of tax on innovation? See more »
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How Mirrors Work
For such a pedestrian item, mirrors resonate deeply in the human psyche. They represent truth and illusion at the same time, and this dichotomy has shown up in literature time and again. See more »
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How Aerosol Cans Work
They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping. See more »
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How Artificial Blood Works
Swapping out a non-functioning organ for a manmade replacement usually makes sense, but what about a manmade replacement for blood? Learn all about artificial blood. See more »
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How Artificial Hearts Work
On July 2, 2001, heart failure patients gained new hope, as surgeons performed the first artificial heart transplant in nearly two decades. The AbioCor Implantable Replacement Heart is the first completely self-contained artificial heart and is expected to at least double the life expectancy of patients. See more »
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How Artificial Vision Will Work
There was once no cure for blindness, but artificial vision systems implanted directly on the retina may restore sight. Is a silicon microchip the answer to combating retinal disease? See more »
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How Black Lights Work
Black lights look like normal lights, but they do something completely different. Switch one on, and fingernails, laundry detergent, highlighters, money and teeth will glow in the dark. Find out what why. See more »
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How Breast Implants Work
Breast implants are becoming a popular high school graduation present for parents in the U.S. to give their teens. Learn all about breast implants and the surgical process of augmentation. See more »
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How Breast Pumps Work
Breastfeeding is a healthy way to feed young children, but busy schedules and other factors may keep mom from being available when baby's hungry. Breast pumps can help bridge that gap. See more »
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How Cornucopia's Digital Gastronomy Works
The term "digital gastronomy" conjures up images of space-age kitchens, but it may not be so far in the future. Marcelo Coelho and Amit Zoran are proposing the Cornucopia, three devices that would revolutionize food technology. See more »
