COVID Is Inspiring Smell Scientists To Explore Exciting New Frontiers

Plus, how 'The Matrix' inspired a new generation of hackers.

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. /money APPLEBEE'S RELEASES METAVERSE MEAL NFTs FOR ITS METAVERSE MONDAYS CAMPAIGN Applebee's has recently released the 'Metaverse Meal' NFT as a part of the restaurant's 'Metaverse Mondays,' which will only be available this December. A new menu-inspired NFT design will be available every Monday. The handcrafted burgers inspire the most recent NFT on the menu as it is an image of a multicolored burger created by Amber Vittoria. The NFT sold for $25, and according to Restaurant Business, "the buyer also got an Applebee's gift card loaded with $1,300, or enough to buy a year's worth of burgers." Trendhunter /lifehack HOW THIS SINGLE SCREENSHOT TOOL SAVED MY LIFE AS A PROJECT MANAGER One of the biggest issues facing the modern workforce, in my opinion, is digital clutter and miscommunication. Sure, working remotely made us realize how easy it can be to stay in touch with the office while away. I love that WFH freedom, but I absolutely hate how many pointless conversations get stretched out due to confusing emails, overly dense processes, and general disorder of all sorts. Because platform fatigue is real, I've avoided adding anything to the mix to address the situation — until I heard an especially compelling pitch about not another project management app but an extremely handy tool. Boing Boing /wild CLIMATE CHANGE IS GOING TO BE GROSS It's called marine mucilage, but the world knows it better as "sea snot," thanks to the tsunami of stories that went viral when it overtook the Sea of Marmara in May. The internet marveled at the mess and moved on, but here in Istanbul, the sea snot hijacked the summer. Its unearthly, unavoidable presence closed down beaches and dominated conversations. If the story of the Sea of Marmara in the summer of 2021 is a preview of what's to come, the effects of climate change will be not only terrifyingly destructive but also weird, uncomfortable, and unbearably gross. The Atlantic /inspire START SPEAKING A NEW LANGUAGE IN JUST THREE WEEKS Whether you're embarking on a trip soon or have had ambitions of learning a new language for years, odds are you want to start speaking it confidently sooner rather than later. Turn to Babbel, the top language-learning app that helps users start speaking a new tongue in just three weeks. That's because Babbel goes far beyond just vocabulary; it's about preparing to have real-life exchanges with locals through lessons (podcasts, games, articles. and live online classes) built by expert language instructors (read: not AI). Take up to 60% off when you start your language learning journey today. [Partner] /festive @stillplaysoutside /tech HOW 'THE MATRIX' INSPIRED A NEW GENERATION OF HACKERS The Matrix isn't necessarily about hackers the way Hackers or Sneakers is, but it may well be the movie that most embodies the hacker ethos and the one that has influenced hacker culture the most in the last two decades. Vice /style SCORE KILLER DEALS ON COZY CLOTHES AND ATHLETIC GEAR As we head home and try to forget 2021, it's time to get cozy for the winter. Close out this dreadful year with some killer deals from adidas. We're talking hoodies, comfort slides, and essential shorts for the homebody in all of us. Plus, bestselling athletic gear and shoes for the more motivated folks looking to get a head start on New Year's resolutions. Save up to 40% on select styles at adidas now through December 31st — no coupon code required. While supplies last. adidas /health COVID IS INSPIRING SMELL SCIENTISTS TO EXPLORE EXCITING NEW FRONTIERS For most people, this wave of smell loss is just one more line in the litany of pandemic pain and suffering. But many smell scientists see a silver lining within this mass misfortune: The dire public health need to understand the dynamics of this unprecedented and likely enduring problem has generated a surge of interest in — and new funding for — their long-neglected field of research. And the size and nature of the Covid patient pool has opened up novel and promising research opportunities. Mic /posted @rockettstgeorge /bites Get a handle on your privacy in 2022 with this portable smart safe's Bluetooth and biometric scanning Film and TV buffs: Open the gates to Hollywood by investing in Legion M's fan-owned movement Create unique articles, social media posts, and ads plus find profitable niches and manage your content with this AI-powered service rated 5 stars on AppSumo THE FUTURIST Advertise |  Talk to Us  |  Shop |  Unsubscribe |  Our Friends @ The Fanny Pack Powered by StackCommerce 21 Market Street | Venice, CA 90291 View this email in your browser