COVID-19 Lockdowns Have Led to a Huge Spike in Sex Doll Sales

Plus, a bunch of pissed-off astronomers and a bird massacre mystery The Futurist uncovers unique and inspiring topics that feed your curiosity. Curated articles on technology, science, and culture delivered to your inbox. Not for you? Unsubscribe anytime below. /science [AI bird watcher solar farm | Futurism]( [Scientists are using an “AI bird watcher” to solve a solar farm bird massacre mystery]( Solar energy! ‘Might be completely renewable and green and great for the planet, sure. It could also, however, be deadly — if you’re a bird. A 2016 study found that large solar farms in the US accounted for the death of almost 140,000 birds every year. For a while, we only had our best guess as to why solar farms were killing birds at such a scale — for instance, they may have mistaken the reflective panels as the surface of water. These theories are far from confirmed. But we may soon know a lot more, courtesy of an artificial intelligence-powered birdwatcher. [Futurism]( /innovation [PliimPRO | Mashable]( [This $10 program can help you avoid embarrassing Zoom mishaps]( Working from home may be easier and more convenient, but having to present virtually to your colleagues can be such a pain. Maybe you accidentally shared a photo of your cat instead of last week's numbers. Maybe you have 1,000 unread emails in your inbox. No one needs to know your private business. Thankfully, in 2017, PliimPRO was born. Their affordable software is an easy fix that eliminates the stress that can come with presenting on Zoom or other meeting software. [Mashable]( /health [Showering without soap | The Guardian]( [Soap dodger: meet the doctor who says we have been showering wrong]( When James Hamblin tells people he has not used soap in the shower for five years, they tend not to hold back in expressing their disgust. Yet despite people’s “clearly moralising judgments”, Hamblin is no hygiene slouch. Hand-washing aside, he has not used soap for five years. In fact, he warns that our obsession with being clean is actually harming the microbiome that keeps us healthy. [The Guardian]( /lifehack [Geologie Skincare for Men]( [Get rid of your maskne for good with this super simple skincare solution for men]( Wearing a mask all day can start to take a toll on your face — and if you've never put much thought into your skincare regimen before, you may not know where to start. [Geologie]( makes it almost too easy, getting you set up with a personalized, simple skincare routine in just 30 seconds. Use code SUMMER25 for 25% off their trial set. [Partner] /flavortown [@flavortownusa]( Guy Fieri started an official meme page, and it’s the best account you’ll follow on Instagram this week. [@flavortownusa]( /vice [Sex doll sales | Vice]( [COVID-19 lockdowns have led to a huge spike in sex doll sales]( In many ways, the advent of a global pandemic has been a stroke of luck for the sex doll industry. With most of the world under strict government instruction to self-isolate in the privacy of one’s own home, consumer interest in hyperrealistic, silicone-based sexual partners is at an all-time high. And it’s not just lonely singles who are contributing to the boom in business. Maybe “Lars and the Real Girl” wasn’t such a quirky movie after all. [Vice]( /gadget [PIQO Powerful 1080p Mini Projector | StackSocial]( [Missing the movie theatre? Bring it home (or anywhere) with this pocket-sized projector]( Recreate the magic of the big screen from your own home or backyard with this small-but-mighty projector. You can watch all of your favorite movies, shows, and sports on up to a 240” screen in 1080p resolution, and the built-in hi-fi speakers make it easy to set up and start streaming no matter where you are. You might never step foot inside a movie theatre again. [StackSocial]( /wtf [Amazon Satellites | Mic]( [Amazon wants to launch thousands of satellites into space, and astronomers are pissed]( The night sky is starting to fill up with satellites. Last month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gave Amazon approval for Project Kuiper, a massive constellation of satellites that the company plans to launch into space with the intention of creating a network that can beam down high-speed internet service to millions of people in rural and underserved areas. While the goal of the project seems useful, the [New York Times]( reports that astronomers and scientists are pissed that the influx of new satellites in orbit will make it harder to study the sky. [Mic]( /posted [Posted by @ganesh.andy⁠]( [@ganesh.andyâ]( THE FUTURIST [Advertise]( [Talk to Us](mailto:letschat@getthefuturist.com) | [Shop]( | [Subscribe]( Like what you see? [Forward The Futurist to a friend]( Powered by StackCommerce 21 market street venice, ca 90291 [unsubscribe](