I'd like to think the research we're doing is going to end up in airframes and will potentially save lives. We crash-tested the helicopter by suspending it about 35 feet (10.7 m) into the air using cables. Then, as it swung to the ground, we used pyrotechnics to remove the cables just before the helicopter hit so that it reacted like it would in a real accident.

The test—which imitated the conditions of a "relatively severe helicopter crash"—appeared to be a success, although NASA is still going through the data collected by the 160 sensors on board, and the four crash test dummies with torsos specially designed to simulate the behavior of internal organs.

Created by engineer Sotiris Kellas at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Viginia, the kevlar honeycomb is not permanently deployed: It's always flat until it expands in the case of emergency, much like an airbag but using a flexible hinge instead of inflating. [NASA via PopSci]

The Price: $39.99

The Verdict: Alright. It does what it says, which is giving you a small cushion between your laptop and your thighs. It's better than a normal pillow because it's flat, and gives adequate airflow for proper ventilation. The little hiding hole is enough for you to shove your iPod, wallet, or various computer accessories into, but it's really meant for you to put your laptop into for storage when you're not using it.

The only thing we have a problem with is the price. $40 seems to be too high for something like this (it was listed incorrectly as $64.99 on their press release) when you can get something like the Kangaroom Bamboo Laptop station for $45. Or, you can wait for Belkin's other laptop cooling devices like the Cooling Lounge, which cost the same but have a fan on board for extra ventilation. [Belkin]

Update: The version commenters are seeing at Costco for $19 is actually the previous design, not this current one which retails for $39.

Ah... I can picture sitting on them now. Designed by Sternform Produktgestaltung, they're made of Loden, which is 100% new wool, and come in four colors ranging from light gray to dark sand. Sadly, it's "price on application" time, so I suspect they might damage my wallet before they soothed my aching limbs. [Plingcollection via ApartmentTherapy]

Kobe Bryant, Brittany Spears, Shakira, and 50 Cent. 2005 found itself riddled with trifles like "tsunami" and Hurricane Katrina, but it's promising to know that even in the face of such tragedies, Man still found time to search for Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Britney Spears again...Needless to say, the pillow becomes a greatest hits list for everything that truly matters in the world.

2003 will run you a steep $250, with other years costing a slightly more reasonable $120. Each pillow is signed for authenticity that it's expensive. [product via bltd]

Picture that red glow on her heaving chest. And, this pillow will stay lit all night—its included batteries will keep that fiber optic fire burning for 10 hours. Although money can't buy you love, 139.00EUR ($180) takes this telltale heart. The rest is up to you.

A few more pics:

Looks like a sure-fire V-Day score. – Charlie White

Luminous fiber optic hard pillow [LumiGram]