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5 surprising Kickstarters you didnt even know existed
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Its no secret that hundreds of Americans promote their new business ideas or projects on Kickstarter, a website that allows entrepreneurs to accept donations that can be used to help fund the new venture. - photo by Herb Scribner
Getting a leg up on your career may require you to sign up for a Kickstarter.

Its no secret that hundreds of Americans promote their new business ideas or projects on Kickstarter, a website that allows entrepreneurs to accept donations that can be used to help fund the new venture.

Weve seen some famous Kickstarter programs from throughout the years. There was that super awesome cooler for your camping needs, called the Coolest Cooler. The Pebble smartwatch has also been a popular device, as well as the best travel jacket a hoodie that comes complete with an insane amount pockets.

But new Kickstarters are starting all the time. Weve compiled a list of some of the most interesting Kickstarters out there to help you get in touch with your weird side.

The foot hammock and stand

Brigham Young University students recently announced a foot hammock and foot hammock stand that went live on Kickstarter Nov. 21 and will last until Dec. 18. The Kickstarter project has a fundraising goal of $10,000.

The BYU students held a previous campaign for the device that had a goal of $110,000.

We launched our first model on Kickstarter in January 2015. Now we want to give backers a chance to get their hands (and feet) on it before anyone else, says Foot Hammock co-creator Matt Hulme.

The project is just as it sounds. Its a hammock for your feet.

Foldscope: The original paper microscope

OK, so, this is a microscope thats made of foldable paper. As the Kickstarter page explains, the microscope, which works well enough that you can see individual cells, embryos and bacteria, is made of paper that can be unfolded and folded, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.

The project, which will end Dec. 21, already broke its $50,000 goal, earning $112,198.

AirSelfie

We live in a world where selfies and drones can be one thing.

The product AirSelfie, which already more than doubled its goal of $47,836 with $113,590 already pledged, works as a flying camera that allows you to snap a picture of yourself.

The fundraising effort ends Dec. 24 just in time for Christmas.

Freedrum

Who doesnt need a drum to go?

With Freedrum, thats exactly what you get a drum kit that can fit in your pocket and that you play while outdoors or even on your couch.

The kit, which includes a pair of drumsticks connected to your fingers through a bracelet, wirelessly connects to your smartphone. You can then bang on the drums with the sticks. Because it comes with a pair of headphones, no one can complain about the noise you make.

The project set a goal of $150,000. It has earned $423,591 with about two weeks left.

Comp

Comp is a unique Kickstarter because its, well, just a composition notebook with a new design. Thats really all it is.

Aron Fray, the designer of the new notebook, said he made his 21st-century redesign because he felt a new generation needed a different style of notebook.

With all the new advances in the fields of papermaking, printing and binding since the 1800s, I was interested in what it would be like to create a notebook that uses the new printing and binding technologies and the highest quality materials possible, while still maintaining the nostalgic pattern that we all know and love, Fray wrote on the Kickstarter page.

Comp has already earned $91,308 on a $79,500 goal. You can buy a new comp book by donating $19 to the page.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.