The World’s First Oral Care Robot Brushes Your Teeth Automatically

If you’re one of those people who hates having to brush your teeth but fear that not doing so will result in damaging your pearly whites, you’re in luck. Japanese scientists have created a high-tech toothbrush that requires no effort apart from putting it in your mouth. Just bite down on a mouthpiece and the machine will automatically start the brushing process in about a minute. Using technology developed by the Waseda University Robotics Laboratory, the “g.e.N” robotic toothbrush features multiple small brush heads that move up, down, left, and right, powered by a small but powerful motor. It’s designed to simultaneously clean both sides of the teeth while minimizing uneven brushing, with is apparently a problem that comes with manual brushing. The g.e.N robotic toothbrush weighs just 8 ounces, has a USB port for charging, and features multiple operating modes, including easy, careful, special care and children. Research has shown that it achieves cleaning effects equal to or better than conventional tooth brushing, without requiring any hands-on effort. The device is currently patent pending, but will sell for an estimated $199 when approved.

 

 

Continue Reading...

Here’s What All the Buttons on a Microwave Really Mean and How to Use Them the Right Way

Most people would be lost without their microwave, but they might not be using it to its full potential. If you’re skipping most of the buttons, you may be missing out on features that could make your microwave even more useful. To sort out the button conundrum, you’re about to get the keys to the kingdom. Below you will find all the information you need to know about those confusing buttons and how they can help you to cook your food exactly as it should be.

POTATO: This button is designed to cook one or more RAW potatoes. Most microwaves ask you to enter the number of potatoes you’re cooking. The average cooking time per potato is 4-7 minutes depending on size. Make sure you pierce the skin first so the potato doesn’t burst.

POPCORN: The popcorn button will run a preset amount of time, based on a standard 3.2-ounce bag of microwave popcorn. The average time is 2-4 minutes, but don’t rely on the button alone. Listen for pops slowing to about 2 seconds apart and stop then, even if there’s time remaining. 

PIZZA: This button is mean for reheating a slice or two of pizza, but it’s often too strong. Just so you know, reheating pizza in the microwave won’t restore a crispy crust. If you have a bit more time, you can pop it in the oven for a better result. The average time in the microwave per slice is 45-90 seconds at 50% to 70% power.

FROZEN MEALS: This button assumes you’re heating a traditional 10- to 12-ounce frozen entree. Don’t microwave the meal in the plastic container, as it will release microplastics into your food. Instead, transfer the food to a microwavable dish or plate with a lid and microwave for 4-6 minutes.

BEVERAGE: This present button is meant to warm a cup of liquid, but you have to be careful. The microwave doesn’t know how big your mug is or how full it is. Depending on your microwave and how cold your cup is, it will likely take somewhere between 20 and 60 seconds to reheat.

SOUP: Similar to the BEVERAGE button, the SOUP button is meant to warm liquid. It will likely heat for longer, since a bowl of soup is bigger than a mug of tea. Make sure you stir the soup halfway through the time to ensure even cooking. Also make sure the bowl is covered to prevent pops and splatters. The average time is 1-2 minutes.

DEFROST: This button uses low power to thaw frozen food gradually. You’ll typically need to enter the weight or volume of food, but don’t guess. If you don’t know, estimate the weight and enter half of that. Make sure you pause often to flip the food or separate pieces as they thaw. Typically, it’s 1-2 minutes per half pound of food. Beware……most chefs steer clear of the defrost button.

REHEAT: This is a setting for leftovers. Make sure you cover the food with a vented glass lid for the best texture. The time is 1-3 minutes.

FROZEN VEGETABLE: This button assumes you’re putting a bag of frozen vegetables in the microwave to cook. You may be asked to enter the size of the bag. Again, take the extra step to put the food in a microwave safe dish. The time is generally 2-4 minutes per cup, but start with less and then check on it.

FRESH VEGETABLE: This button is reserved for fresh vegetables, but it’s impossible to for the microwave to know what you’re cooking or how big the pieces are. Cover with a vented glass lid and under-cook slightly. They’ll keep steaming after. The typical time is 2-5 minutes per cup.

Continue Reading...

Meet the Cat Who Chooses to Live Among the Capybaras at a Malaysian Zoo

In Malaysia, the word “oyen” is used to describe ginger-colored cats, and it’s believed to have come from the word “orange.” One particular cat has been making headlines since he found a home at Zoo Negara among a herd of capybaras. If you grew up watching cartoons of Tom chasing Jerry, video footage of the cat zookeepers named Oyen cuddling or taking a snooze with capybaras might just change your thinking about the relationship between a cat and a  mouse. After all, capybaras are the largest species of rodent in the world. Oyen first appeared at the zoo in 2020 and is believed to have been abandoned there, along with a few other cats. Zoo authorities didn’t have the heart to turn them away, so they decided to let the cats stay. They currently monitor their health to ensure they don’t pose a threat to the other animals. Curiously, Oyen hasn’t formed a friendship with the other felines, preferring instead to stay close to his capybara family. When it comes to humans, Oyen remains cautious and won’t allow zookeepers to hold him. Zoo officials say that 90% of visitors are coming to see Oyen, which prompted them to install signage with the word “Oyen” in front of the capybara enclosure. Zookeepers say Oyen seems to understand his celebrity status and freely strikes a pose when visitors snap his photo. As for the future, zoo officials say they’re planning to find a partner for Oyen to ensure continuity. As for the criteria for the new “wife,” there’s only one: She must be ginger-colored like him. 

 

 

Continue Reading...

The Side Hustles Paying Over $500 a Week and the Ones to Avoid

January is when the damage becomes clear. Gifts have been opened, food has been eaten, Christmas decorations have been put away………and then the credit card bills begin to arrive. For many Americans, that means  tightening the belt for a few months, while others opt for a part-time job. If you’re looking for a side hustle, there are plenty out there, but you have to be careful. Here are the ones that work and how much money they really bring in. 

 

RENTING YOUR DRIVEWAY OR PARKING SPACE: Typical earnings: $50-$300 a month. If  you live near an airport, stadium, cruise terminal or busy downtown area, your empty driveway or unused parking spot could earn you some extra cash. Hosts set their own rates, averaging $10-$25 a day during peak periods. Make sure you check HOA rules and leases before listing.

RESELL WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN: Typical earnings: $200-$2,000 a month. Americans are selling clothes, shoes, electronics and toys on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, and many more. Casual sellers may make a few hundred dollars, while more active sellers can clear 4-figure earnings. Competition is fierce and margins depend on sourcing smartly.

PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING: Typical earnings: $15-$30 per walk, $30-$75 per night. Pet care remains one of the most reliable side hustles, with some sitters earning $500-$1,000 a month boarding dogs in their homes. Beware, insurance is required and there are local regulations regarding the number of dogs you can host before having to take out a business license.

MYSTERY SHOPPING AND MICRO-TASKS: Typical earnings: $10-$25 per task. Mystery shopping won’t replace a paycheck, but it can provide small, steady payments. Apps such as Field Agent, MarketForce and BestMark pay users to visit stores, answer surveys, or photograph displays. Most tasks take under an hour and can generate $100-$200 a month. Experts warn consumers never to pay to apply and avoid any opportunity involving check cashing, a common scam.

CLEANING AND ORGANIZING: Typical earnings: $30-$60 per hour. Many Americans build steady income with just one or two regular cleaning clients, often sourced through word of mouth. Those who focus on move-out cleaning only can earn as much as $400-$800 per cleaning job. 

Continue Reading...