Umbrellas with manners, &c.

by C. Fernsebner, concerning the matter of Technological Advances

New inventions and scientific discoveries are constantly making the world a Nicer Place for Nice People:

• Polite Umbrella. "A user can easily adjust their umbrella anytime by pulling a handle so that one can protect themselves from harsh winds or bumping into others. The shrinking movement is immediate and is capable of morphing shapes to that like of a jellyfish. Additionally, graphic images printed on the umbrella have animated effects which create gestures of politeness such as bowing or hand gestures." (Via We make money not art.)
• Dancing bacteria. "Michael Graham and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported in the November 11 issue of Physical Review Letters that coordinated swimming by bacteria need not be the result of communication between individuals. Fluid mechanics, rather than behavior, can create such patterns."
• Lego robots that fetch dog biscuits, sweep tables, draw, and sort bubblegum and Lego bricks. And other stuff, too. (Via Petistic.)
• The Eglu. A cutting-edge iMac-shaped chicken coop, available in five bright colors. "The eglu offers a standard of living not seen before in chicken house design. It is fitted throughout with wooden roosting bars and an integrated nesting box with privacy screen to preserve your chickens modesty when laying an egg." (Also via Petistic.)