Joss Whedon on the F-Word

Genetically engineered plants, computer-generated children and artistic prosthetics in this week's look at the web

Screenwriter, producer, director, comic book author and everything between, Joss Whedon has earned a cult following and admiration for his kick-ass female characters. The man most famous for the TV version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer recently spoke at an Equality Now dinner where his speech centered around the word “feminist.” Whedon mentioned Katy Perry, The Lord of the Rings and put forward a pitch …

Computer-Generated “Sweetie” Helps Catch Pedophiles

Genetically engineered plants, computer-generated children and artistic prosthetics in this week's look at the web

Terre des Hommes (a network of organizations that fights for children’s rights) has created a “digital decoy” to help track down pedophiles online. The computer-generated model is a Filipino girl named “Sweetie” and she—operated by an adult—chats with webcam child sex tourists. Because these crimes are often not reported and are difficult to prove, Terre des Hommes found that the best way was to catch …

Artistic Limbs

Genetically engineered plants, computer-generated children and artistic prosthetics in this week's look at the web

With a background in art and special effects makeup, Sophie de Oliveira has brought her creative skills to the world of prosthetics. Her legs, feet and fingers are beyond bespoke limbs—they’re actual art. She designs alternative limbs oriented at representing the essence of the person in need of one. From legs with embedded stereos to the best in 3-D and animatronics, she aims to empower—whether …