Earlier this year I read about repping your favorite restaurants as a way to show who you are. Or at least where you eat. Now that I need new t-shirts, I'm giving it a shot.

Anyone know if it's ok to try on clothes in a coffee shop?

-Steve

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Radioactive Evolution

If you’re ever lost in Chernobyl, follow the brightly-colored tree frogs. Researchers found these color-coded amphibians are the result of evolution within the exclusion zone.

• Exclusion zone = 1k sq. mile area surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant

• Native eastern tree frogs are typically neon green

• Those living in the exclusion zone averaged to be ~43% darker for radiation protection

After the nuclear disaster, darker frogs had a competitive advantage. 10+ generations later, and we can see natural selection at work. Check out the link below for a side-by-side froggy gradient.

Ribbitioactive Sunscreen

Robo-Pup 

For animals lovers that aren’t able to have a pet: KEYi Tech’s Loona packs all the relevant smarts from larger robo-dogs into a more affordable and adorable pup.

• ~7” tall with a 2.5” LCD screen face

• Navigates on 4 wheels that can also act as arms

• Roams around until called

Loona’s sensors react to voice and visual commands, she can even snuggle into a charging dock on her own. When not playing fetch, she's also a remote sentry to help check if you really shut off the stove. For the Targaryans, an included dino-outfit basically turns her into a dragon.

Digi-Doggy Daycare

Squirmy Seas

Over 500 million years ago, an armored worm squirmed the seas to lay the foundation for future species. Researchers discovered the first fossil evidence of Wufengella bengtsoni in Yunnan, China.

• W. bengtsoni was the “parent” to brachipods, bryozoans, and phoronids

• These 3 filter-feeding species evolved specialized features from “Wuffy”

• Taxonomists used living context clues to predict the worm’s appearance

Discovering W. bengtsoni's fossilized remains that match predictions is proof we can semi-reverse-engineer evolution. As more “missing links” are discovered, we can improve accuracy and fill in the blanks. Or at least come up with realistic sci-fi beasts.

dO tHe WoRm

Clickables 

• Tour a massive hidden bookstore

• Juno takes us close to a Jovian moon's scarred surface

• $25m super-yacht can take the cruise underwater

• Apex predator: Watch Orcas hunt a great white shark 

• Beautiful pro panoramic pics from around the planet

st3v on site

How to Train Your eDragon

Don't worry, he just wants to light birthday candles in the coolest way possible.

Thank you for reading!

Missed last week’s Convo?

Catch-up here: Space DARTs | Toilet Fire | Mag-Grown - The Convo Kit #68

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