Inmate Coders

A million lines of code, an air pollution vacuum, NIGO for Uniqlo UT and more in our weekly look at the web

Two convicted felons at an Oklahoma prison (a murderer and a sex offender) have written a software program that could save the prison—and entire state of Oklahoma—millions of dollars by increasing efficiency in the food system. By tracking prisoners as they move through dining halls along with incoming shipments of food, the software records and looks for patterns in dietary habits and pricing data. Already …

NIGO For Uniqlo

A million lines of code, an air pollution vacuum, NIGO for Uniqlo UT and more in our weekly look at the web

Japanese designer and streetwear pioneer NIGO recently called it quits with his beloved brainchild A Bathing Ape (BAPE), and now he’s leading the charge with another Japanese outlet. The cutting-edge entrepreneur has been appointed Creative Director of Uniqlo UT, the clothier’s limited edition line. With NIGO’s decades of experience and such a unique artistic vision, the possibilities for upcoming offerings are endless and highly anticipated.

Scents and Flavors from Re-Engineered Yeast

Odor-proof underwear, 40 years of Virgin Records and a DIY digital microscope in this week's look at the web

Engineers at Amyris are growing the products used to make exotic scents and flavors—like patchouli, saffron and vanilla—from yeast, and at a very large scale. Makers are saying that the new process could help food and cosmetic companies—and ultimately consumers—by reducing crazy fluctuations in pricing, availability and quality that rise from our current dependence on farming. The switch would also ameliorate the impact of over-harvesting …