In a past life, I did some exam proctoring and had the unfortunate occasion to catch someone cheating. It was a simple, blatant, and decidedly low-tech affair of looking at the answer sheet of another test-taker. (There were also a set of identically-dressed, identical twins for that test, but that is another story.) Anyway, things have gotten much more high tech since then, and if this Reuters report is to be believed, possibly even life-threatening.

Students in China are inserting microscopic earphones into their ear canals in order to cheat on tests. Problem is, not all of these devices would get FCC approval. In one case, the device perforated the student's ear-drum. Please remember kids, nothing smaller than your elbow, alright? That is bad, but it gets worse.

Another student's earphones required an operation for their removal, the paper said, while an electronic device connected to headphones and strapped to a third student's body exploded, leaving a bleeding hole in his abdomen.

Umm, yuck.

I've heard of collecting your DNA to wear around your neck or even making art out of it to hang on the wall. Now there's another way to display your DNA and your X-rays, too. 

Inspired by cancer-immunology researcher Jahan Khalili, the X-Ray Lamp displays DNA or proteomic x-ray films on the exterior of the shade. It measures 16 in (H) x 12 in (D), weighs 3 lbs., and comes with a 16 foot white electrical cord and 2 hooks for hanging.

The best thing about the X-Ray Lamp is that it's significantly cheaper than the DNA Pendant or DNA Art. The X-Ray Lamp sells for $70.

[via Ubergizmo]

Babies? Me? Not for another 10 years I hope, but for those of you who are carrying around little bundles of joy will find comfort with this baby monitoring system.

Owning a standard baby monitor just doesn't cut it anymore. Sure they're cheap, but all you can do is monitor a baby's cry. Now, there's a device that allows you to not only hear, but see your baby.

The Palm Watch II Baby Monitoring System can support up to three cameras. All you do is place the camera in front of your baby. Then connect the included cable from the monitoring device to a TV, VCR, or DVR and voila! You can watch your baby's movements!!

The monitor works within a 300 feet range of the camera. It dons a 1.5" color screen and operates for 2.5 to 3.5 hours on 4 AA batteries or a single charge.
 

The camera is 3.75" W x 4.25" H x 2.45" D with a color integrated lens. It comes with 8 IR LEDs for night vision and operates on a 9V included adapter.

The Palm Watch II Baby Monitoring System sells for $149.99 on SmartHome.com.

Summer Gadgets: Cal Flame Smart Grill

If you've never heard of Cal Spas products, you'll learn the name now. Cal Spas manufactures not only spas, hot tubs, and saunas, but also grills.

Design: Unlike most grills and barbecues with knobs and valves, the new Cal Flame Smart Grill is controlled digitally: Its touch-panel interface is made up of digital controls. The controls are operated by an integrated computer that automates the grilling process. This stainless-steel Smart Grill is said to be 25% larger than comparable grills, too.

Features: The Smart Grill offers many security features, including electronic shut-off valves, 8-second time-out, and a "No Flame" shutoff.

How It Works: There's a button for each of the following: on/off switch, temperature gauge, timers, convection controls and lighting. To light the grill, press two buttons simultaneously (which prevents the grill from being lit accidentally).

Price: The Cal Flame Smart Grill will be available in Fall 2006 (bummer) for $2,999. You can find a local dealer by visiting calspas.com.

Check out Gearlog's other ideas for summer gadgets.

My little friends are back, and they're cuter than ever!

Mimoco announced its newest USB keys: the Ginchy Series, starring Ramona, Link, and Betty-Lou. They are designed by animator and artist Lili Chin.

The Ginchy Series looks very reminiscent of the 50s lifestyle. I mean, just check out Link (pictured in the middle): does he remind you of anyone? And Ramona: a photographer probably for the Stars. And strangely, there's Betty-Lou, who looks out of place with her pink hair. (Although she does resemble the beauty-school dropout Frenchy from Grease.) 

Each USB Key comes in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB capacities, and are priced $49.95, $69.95, $99.95, $144.95 respectively.

Preorder the Ginchy Series now!