Foamy Sneakers? Facial Recognition for Payments?

Foamy Sneakers
Source: BAST.com
Manufacturers are permanently on the lookout for cutting edge technologies and innovative materials. adidas is also constantly further developing its running shoes. The company, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, has been supported by BASF materials experts for more than 20 years. Using BASF’s new foam Infinergy™, adidas has now developed the Energy Boost, a thoroughly new running shoe with unique spring and cushioning properties. Its outstanding feature is the midsole, the central element of every running shoe. It is made from a new particle foam which absorbs the shock impact on the foot during jogging, while simultaneously cushioning the foot. The high rebound effect of the material provides the runner with an energy return not offered by any other running shoe.

Human Brains Are Hardwired for Empathy, Friendship
Source: ScienceDaily.com
Perhaps one of the most defining features of humanity is our capacity for empathy -- the ability to put ourselves in others' shoes. A new University of Virginia study strongly suggests that we are hardwired to empathize because we closely associate people who are close to us -- friends, spouses, lovers -- with our very selves.

Do You Make These 7 Energy Mistakes?
Source: NathanFwww.offthegridnews.com
Energy efficiency is vital to the success of any off-the-grid homesteading project. When you try to make a go of it without the phony sense of dependability offered by your local utility company, power resources become so precious that every bit of energy you waste undermines your chances of ultimate success.

PayPal Tests Mobile Payments Using Your Face for Verification
Source: Lance Whitney, cnet.com
A new trial in the U.K. lets people pay for items using the PayPal app, a mobile phone, and a photo to prove their identity. Using the PayPal app for iOS, Android, or Windows Phone, shoppers can see nearby participating merchants highlighted on their mobile phones. They can then "check into" a certain store by clicking on its name and pay for an item by sliding an animated pin down the screen. The person's name and photo then pops up on the store's payment system. After the customer agrees to pay for the item, the cashier clicks on the person's photo to send the payment through.