Here's What's Awesome: New-Old Polaroids, Anti-Cancer Implants

By Brady Carlson on Sunday, January 11, 2009.

Polaroid photos

Here's What's Awesome brings you more weekend goodness than a slew of football playoffs - and since we're about sharing awesome links, you don't have to worry about us beating your favorite team.

Snap it, digitally transfer it
I was all but certain I'd be able to avoid any reference to the Consumer Electronics show in this week's HWA - after all, what could I tell you that you hadn't heard on Wednesday's show - but then I saw on Wired that the Polaroid insta-printing camera is back! Well, sort of - the new version has a miniature printer inside to replicate the digital photos. The old-school model remains extinct, likely to the disappointment of Peter Gabriel. [Wired]

Cancer: Next Right
Could cancer be cured simply by telling the immune system where to look for it? That may be a stretch, but a new study sure seems to suggest that the right kind of direction can help white blood cells find and target cancer cells. The direction comes from a small implant, which sends out chemicals that attract white blood cells. Once in the right location, they're lured toward the chemical "SOS" being sent by other cells being attacked by the cancer, and they rush to investigate. [New Scientist]

The real Doors of the 21st Century
Surely there is nothing left to web-enable now - lockmaker Schlage is offering a system through which you can open your front door on the web. And no, it's not just for those who refuse any task that can't be done without a few taps on the iPhone: the idea here is that you can open the door remotely for a repairperson (or for your teen who forgot his key AGAIN) without having to drive home from work. It'll also send you a text message if someone tries to open the door via keypad multiple times. [CNet]

Now it's your turn. Share an awesome link in the comments field. Would sending you a Polaroid of the WOM crew in action sweeten the deal?

(Photo by jaqian)

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Word of Mouth is all about what's new. Online and on-air, the show looks at our fascinating and ever-changing world, and puts the latest ideas under a microscope. Word of Mouth investigates everything from science and technology, to health and the environment, to new trends in popular culture. The show airs Monday through Thursday at noon and is hosted by Virginia Prescott.

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