Scientists from Princeton, University of Southern California and University of Michigan have published a paper in the scientifc journal Nature about their potentially revolutionary invention, an organic material that emits natural appearing light when attached to an electrical source. The material can be printed in wafer thin sheets and could potentially transform walls, furniture, and ceilings into lights. The (OLED) material does not heat up, lasts much longer, and is significantly more energy efficient than light bulbs.

[via BBC]

Inspired by outdoor cafe tables, which often wobble or are sloped due to uneven ground, the patent-pending FLAT (Fluid Locking & Adjustment Technologies) system has a number of potential applications, including helicopter landing gear, ladders, industrial crane bases, and mortar launchers for the military. An interconnected series of hydraulic actuators provide horizontal support on uneven surfaces and then locks to provide stability at the chosen level or angle the user requires. Demonstration videos are available here.

FLAT is seeking a partner to commercially develop the technology.

[thanks, gizmag]

Sharper Image today announced an exclusive collection of FresherLonger Miracle Food Storage Containers (TM), which Sharper Image claims can keep food up to four times longer than conventional containers because of their patent-pending silicone gasket locking system, and antimicrobial silver nanoparticles, a safe antibacterial agent, in the polypropylene material, which reduces the growth of microorganisms. Another benefit: reduced freezer burn, in a container that’s easy to open and close. The containers are shatterproof and safe for the dishwasher, microwave, and fridge. The $69.95 set includes 12 pieces in 6 sizes that conveniently store inside each other.

O*ZoneLite, a Deerfield Beach, Florida company, has developed an innovative, energy efficient light bulb that’s coated with titanium dioxide to effectively reduce airborne pathogens including mold, bacteria, fungi, and even odors. The bulb was featured this week in a segment by an NBC affiliate in South Florida, which tested the effects of the bulb on mold spores in a home rendered uninhabitable after Hurricane Wilma. According to the report, O*ZoneLite killed 82% of the airborne mold spores in the home.

O*ZoneLite products are Ozone-free.

For years, I have helped carry down boxes filled with Holiday decorations from the attic after Thanksgiving, and then hauled the boxes back up after New Year’s. It’s a dangerous job because maneuvering heavy boxes up and down a conventional fold-down attic ladder is awkward, and I often thought how great it would be if we had a lift.

Space Lift Products, a startup company that publicly launched last week at the International Builder’s Show in Orlando, Florida, has an innovative solution: an elevator lift system that’s attached to an integrated telescoping stairway.

Check out how it works!

I was a little reluctant to write about this for obvious reasons, but several bathroom experience innovations are worth noting. We do, after all, spend a rather significant amount of time in the bathroom, over the course of our lives, and the experience should be more interesting than it is today.

First, why does toilet paper always have to be plain, boring white? Why not black toilet paper? Or, why not toilet paper that looks like a roll of 100 dollar bills? A European company, Renova, is introducing solid, black toilet paper in the United States, and my guess is that it’s only a matter of time before you can buy Charmin in a plethora of colors and patterns! [Thanks, Deidre Woollard]

Secondly, there’s a new movement to move beyond simply placing advertisements above public urinals, which makes eminent sense because an ad has 45 seconds in front of a captive audience! Innovation Solutions Oceana has developed an innovative advertisement solution that offers an interactive experience to urinal users: high definition, color graphics, which are printed in “disappearing ink,” are activated when the urinal is used. [Thanks, Ilya Vedrashko]

Finally, brilliant businessman Mark Cuban recently invested in Brondell, a startup company that makes technologically advanced toilet seats. The seat, which retails for $550, features a heated seat, a retractable, warm water spray nozzle to clean, and a warm air blower to dry. The San Francisco based company, founded by Dave Samuel and Scott Pinizzotto, recently forged distribution deals with Home Depot and Bed Bath and Beyond. [Thanks, Forbes]