The United Nations has declared that the human population will hit 7 billion Monday, and an expanding percentage of those people are in the market for reading glasses.

The aging of the human race has been faster than anyone could have imagined a few decades ago. Fertility rates have plunged globally; simultaneously, life spans have increased. The result is a re-contoured age graph: The pyramid, once with a tiny number of old folks at the peak and a broad foundation of children, is inverting. In wealthy countries, the graph already has a pronounced middle-age spread.

This is, in many respects, very good news. Longer life is a blessing of modern medicine and improvements in nutrition. Lower fertility rates have corresponded to more educational opportunities for women and greater prosperity for societies in general.

But the unexpectedly abrupt demographic transition has created economic upheaval. For the countries that hit the fertility brakes the hardest, the graying of society has become a full-blown crisis. They’re suddenly desperate for babies. They need more workers to provide goods and services to huge numbers of pensioners.

The United Nations has declared that the human population will hit 7 billion Monday, and an expanding percentage of those people are in the market for reading glasses.

The aging of the human race has been faster than anyone could have imagined a few decades ago. Fertility rates have plunged globally; simultaneously, life spans have increased. The result is a re-contoured age graph: The pyramid, once with a tiny number of old folks at the peak and a broad foundation of children, is inverting. In wealthy countries, the graph already has a pronounced middle-age spread.

This is, in many respects, very good news. Longer life is a blessing of modern medicine and improvements in nutrition. Lower fertility rates have corresponded to more educational opportunities for women and greater prosperity for societies in general.

But the unexpectedly abrupt demographic transition has created economic upheaval. For the countries that hit the fertility brakes the hardest, the graying of society has become a full-blown crisis. They’re suddenly desperate for babies. They need more workers to provide goods and services to huge numbers of pensioners.

There are many effective methods of teeth whitening available, but some come with heavy price tags. Here are some steps you can take at home to whiten teeth naturally without breaking the bank.
Things You’ll Need:
•Straw
•Toothbrush
•Lemon Juice
•Salt
•Baking soda
•Hydrogen peroxide
•Strawberries

Step 1:
Limit your consumption of drinks that stain tooth enamel. A few of these include coffee, tea and red wine. If you simply can’t cut back on these beverages, consider drinking them though a straw to limit the amount of liquid that actually comes in contact with teeth.
Step 2:
Brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if eating foods that stain easily, such as berries.
Step 3:
Rub raw strawberries on your teeth, preferably pureed. There is an enzyme in strawberries that acts as a whitening agent. You’ll want to brush and rinse after applying the strawberries to remove the natural sugars and acids they may leave behind.
Step 4:
Eat crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing such as carrots, celery, broccoli and apples. These foods are abrasive and will remove built up plaque, which dulls the appearance of teeth.
Step 5:
Dip your toothbrush directly into baking soda and brush. The results are worth the lousy taste.
Step 6:
Combine lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt to make a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth and rinse. Again, not so pleasant on the palate, but your teeth will thank you.
Step 7:
Use hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth. Dip your toothbrush into a small capful of the peroxide and brush as you would with regular toothpaste, being careful not to swallow. Rinse with water.

- Tips -
•Consider using one of the several whitening toothpastes on the market that have all-natural ingredients.
•Brushing after every meal and flossing regularly are the first steps in maintaining a healthy smile.

There are many effective methods of teeth whitening available, but some come with heavy price tags. Here are some steps you can take at home to whiten teeth naturally without breaking the bank.
Things You’ll Need:
•Straw
•Toothbrush
•Lemon Juice
•Salt
•Baking soda
•Hydrogen peroxide
•Strawberries

Step 1:
Limit your consumption of drinks that stain tooth enamel. A few of these include coffee, tea and red wine. If you simply can’t cut back on these beverages, consider drinking them though a straw to limit the amount of liquid that actually comes in contact with teeth.
Step 2:
Brush your teeth immediately after eating, especially if eating foods that stain easily, such as berries.
Step 3:
Rub raw strawberries on your teeth, preferably pureed. There is an enzyme in strawberries that acts as a whitening agent. You’ll want to brush and rinse after applying the strawberries to remove the natural sugars and acids they may leave behind.
Step 4:
Eat crunchy foods that require a lot of chewing such as carrots, celery, broccoli and apples. These foods are abrasive and will remove built up plaque, which dulls the appearance of teeth.
Step 5:
Dip your toothbrush directly into baking soda and brush. The results are worth the lousy taste.
Step 6:
Combine lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt to make a paste-like substance. Brush your teeth and rinse. Again, not so pleasant on the palate, but your teeth will thank you.
Step 7:
Use hydrogen peroxide to brush your teeth. Dip your toothbrush into a small capful of the peroxide and brush as you would with regular toothpaste, being careful not to swallow. Rinse with water.

- Tips -
•Consider using one of the several whitening toothpastes on the market that have all-natural ingredients.
•Brushing after every meal and flossing regularly are the first steps in maintaining a healthy smile.

Are you shocked to hear on the survey India being the 2nd worst country where taking leaves are concerned?
The first thought comes to mind..is it because of work stress…

Survey Conducted across Australia, China, France, United Kingdom, India, Mexico and the United States, the survey found the booming economy of China taking first place at 71 percent, followed by India at 62 percent and then Australia, the Courier Mail reported.

Feeling stressed was the number one reason for sickness, according to the survey by workforce managers Kronos. Almost 40 percent of people surveyed would like to see the introduction of summer Fridays where staff could take either a half-day or full day off during the summer months and make the time up during the rest of the week.

The option of flexible working hours, choice to take unpaid leave if required, and the ability to work from home were the three most desired attributes when it comes to what employers can offer their staff in order to help them manage work/life balance, reduce stress and address the number of sickies taken, Kronos general manager Peter Harte said.

It said a third of people chuck a sickie to take care of a sick child or family member, while 10 percent cited a heavy workload as the motivator. Furthermore, 61 per cent ofworkers felt their employers should introduce flexible working hours in order to reduce the number of sickies that are taken.

Share with us your experience which makes you fall sick often and what suggestions you have to escape from sickness.

Are you shocked to hear on the survey India being the 2nd worst country where taking leaves are concerned?
The first thought comes to mind..is it because of work stress…

Survey Conducted across Australia, China, France, United Kingdom, India, Mexico and the United States, the survey found the booming economy of China taking first place at 71 percent, followed by India at 62 percent and then Australia, the Courier Mail reported.

Feeling stressed was the number one reason for sickness, according to the survey by workforce managers Kronos. Almost 40 percent of people surveyed would like to see the introduction of summer Fridays where staff could take either a half-day or full day off during the summer months and make the time up during the rest of the week.

The option of flexible working hours, choice to take unpaid leave if required, and the ability to work from home were the three most desired attributes when it comes to what employers can offer their staff in order to help them manage work/life balance, reduce stress and address the number of sickies taken, Kronos general manager Peter Harte said.

It said a third of people chuck a sickie to take care of a sick child or family member, while 10 percent cited a heavy workload as the motivator. Furthermore, 61 per cent ofworkers felt their employers should introduce flexible working hours in order to reduce the number of sickies that are taken.

Share with us your experience which makes you fall sick often and what suggestions you have to escape from sickness.

According to a recent Mashable article, Facebook has revealed their most checked-into establishments. Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chili’s topped the list. So, there you have it; Facebook users love free wi-fi and so-so coffee, wings, and jalapeno poppers. Sounds about right! Keep reading, the list is incredibly American!

1. Starbucks

Not surprising. Who doesn’t like a consistently mediocre latte? It’s hard not to check in to a Starbucks, they’ve got free internet and they’re literally on every block. America loves coffee and free things, especially when they’re grossly accessible.

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

Huh? Who keeps doing this? Who is ok with letting all of their friends know that they’re gorging themselves with cheese fries and chicken wings? And why are these people so ok with touching their phones while their fingers full of buffalo sauce?

3. Chili’s

Have you tried their nachos? They’re incredibly unremarkable. Just like the franchise itself.

4. Applebee’s

You can get anything you want at Applebee’s! Except a better life, one tat’s free from the burden of a nagging wife and those unwanted children.

5. McDonald’s

Stop it already.

According to a recent Mashable article, Facebook has revealed their most checked-into establishments. Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chili’s topped the list. So, there you have it; Facebook users love free wi-fi and so-so coffee, wings, and jalapeno poppers. Sounds about right! Keep reading, the list is incredibly American!

1. Starbucks

Not surprising. Who doesn’t like a consistently mediocre latte? It’s hard not to check in to a Starbucks, they’ve got free internet and they’re literally on every block. America loves coffee and free things, especially when they’re grossly accessible.

2. Buffalo Wild Wings

Huh? Who keeps doing this? Who is ok with letting all of their friends know that they’re gorging themselves with cheese fries and chicken wings? And why are these people so ok with touching their phones while their fingers full of buffalo sauce?

3. Chili’s

Have you tried their nachos? They’re incredibly unremarkable. Just like the franchise itself.

4. Applebee’s

You can get anything you want at Applebee’s! Except a better life, one tat’s free from the burden of a nagging wife and those unwanted children.

5. McDonald’s

Stop it already.

10 top inventions for 2011

Popular Science picks out this year’s best innovations

In the five years that Popular Science has run the Invention Awards, we’ve seen a lot of remarkable things come out of people’s garages. Some are designed to treat the sick or save the planet. Others are simply fun to play with. But no matter what the purpose, the brilliance of the inventions and the dedication of the individuals behind them are always inspiring.

This year’s 10 honorees carry on the tradition: a pen that can screen for prenatal diseases for less than a penny, a machine that uses a boat’s exhaust to treat onboard waste, and even a jet-propelled body board light enough to carry from your car to the water. Each of this year’s inventions takes on a different challenge—and solves it in its own ingenious way.

The Stark Hand

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

Created by Mark Stark, The Stark Hand prototype provides an ingenious, comfortable, and very inexpensive alternative to the hook his friend Dave Vogt had worn all his life. With the new hand, Dave can now catch balls and grip wine glasses.

You can read more about the Stark Hand, and watch the video of its throwing and catching abilities, here.

The BodyGuard

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

David Brown designed The BodyGuard, a crime-fighting armored glove, as built-in self protection. The demo model has a camera, a wrist mounted stunner and lots of room for future improvements. The idea came to David while talking to his friend, Kevin Costner.

Check out our full feature, and awesome video, on the BodyGuard here.

The PrintBrush

Jonathan Worth  /  Popular Science

Weighing in at less than a pound, Alex Breton’s PrintBrush easily fits in a laptop bag and prints on any flat surface, from wood to fabric to plastic. Alex worked on the project for 11 years, but a version with a bonus built-in camera comes out early next year.

Want to see this handheld printer in action? Check out our feature — and video — here.

The Katal Landing Pad

Jussi Grznar  /  Popular Science

Aaron Coret and his friend Stephen Slen came up with the Katal Landing Pad after Aaron had a nasty snowboarding accident. The board, which was used during the 2010 Winter Olympics, provides a giant cushioned landing for snowboarders and helps make the sport safer.

Check out our feature on the Katal Landing Pad, with bonus video interview, here.

Dynamic Eye Sunglasses

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

Unlike regular sunglasses, Chris Mullin’s glasses block glare instantly with liquid crystal lenses that darken the most where the sun’s light is the brightest. A particularly sunny commute inspired Mullin’s invention.

Want to see these glasses in action? Check out our feature, and video, here.

The Bed Bug Detective

10 top inventions for 2011

Popular Science picks out this year’s best innovations

In the five years that Popular Science has run the Invention Awards, we’ve seen a lot of remarkable things come out of people’s garages. Some are designed to treat the sick or save the planet. Others are simply fun to play with. But no matter what the purpose, the brilliance of the inventions and the dedication of the individuals behind them are always inspiring.

This year’s 10 honorees carry on the tradition: a pen that can screen for prenatal diseases for less than a penny, a machine that uses a boat’s exhaust to treat onboard waste, and even a jet-propelled body board light enough to carry from your car to the water. Each of this year’s inventions takes on a different challenge—and solves it in its own ingenious way.

The Stark Hand

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

Created by Mark Stark, The Stark Hand prototype provides an ingenious, comfortable, and very inexpensive alternative to the hook his friend Dave Vogt had worn all his life. With the new hand, Dave can now catch balls and grip wine glasses.

You can read more about the Stark Hand, and watch the video of its throwing and catching abilities, here.

The BodyGuard

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

David Brown designed The BodyGuard, a crime-fighting armored glove, as built-in self protection. The demo model has a camera, a wrist mounted stunner and lots of room for future improvements. The idea came to David while talking to his friend, Kevin Costner.

Check out our full feature, and awesome video, on the BodyGuard here.

The PrintBrush

Jonathan Worth  /  Popular Science

Weighing in at less than a pound, Alex Breton’s PrintBrush easily fits in a laptop bag and prints on any flat surface, from wood to fabric to plastic. Alex worked on the project for 11 years, but a version with a bonus built-in camera comes out early next year.

Want to see this handheld printer in action? Check out our feature — and video — here.

The Katal Landing Pad

Jussi Grznar  /  Popular Science

Aaron Coret and his friend Stephen Slen came up with the Katal Landing Pad after Aaron had a nasty snowboarding accident. The board, which was used during the 2010 Winter Olympics, provides a giant cushioned landing for snowboarders and helps make the sport safer.

Check out our feature on the Katal Landing Pad, with bonus video interview, here.

Dynamic Eye Sunglasses

John B. Carnett  /  Popular Science

Unlike regular sunglasses, Chris Mullin’s glasses block glare instantly with liquid crystal lenses that darken the most where the sun’s light is the brightest. A particularly sunny commute inspired Mullin’s invention.

Want to see these glasses in action? Check out our feature, and video, here.

The Bed Bug Detective