Author: Beth Anne Macaluso

If you’re considering grad school, don’t expect it to be a repeat of college. Working towards your master’s degree, PhD, MBA, JD, or MD is a completely different experience from undergraduate life, both socially and academically (although you might still eat lots of instant noodles and prefer sweatshirts to suits). Here are six distinctions you should be aware of before committing to several more years of higher education.

1. NOT EVERYONE WILL BE THE SAME AGE AS YOU

For the most part, college students tend to be in their late teens or early twenties. But in graduate school, you’ll find a wide array of ages. Some of your classmates will have just earned their bachelor’s degrees, but others might be mid-career. A few of them might even have spouses and kids, or be closer in age to their professors than their cohort. These individuals might be in a different stage of life (no closing a bar at 3 a.m. for them!), but they also bring diverse viewpoints and strengths to class discussions and projects. Given the range of experiences they have, they may also be able to help you gain perspective about the path you’re on, either by offering advice, or by introducing you to members of the professional network they’ve built through the years.

Your grad school colleagues and professors will someday become a vital part of your professional network. The relationships you form are nearly as important as your classes, so make sure to be polite and professional with everyone you encounter. After all, they might someday provide you a reference—or even hire you.

2. YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLES TEND TO BE SMALLER IN GRAD SCHOOL.

You’ll make new friends in grad school, but chances are you won’t be the social butterfly you were in undergrad. For one thing, many graduate students don’t reside in on-campus student housing. They typically commute to school, leaving fewer occasions for social interaction outside of class. Plus, you’ll likely be so involved with your particular academic department that you won’t have as much time or opportunity to participate in campus-wide activities and events.

3. SEASONAL BREAKS DON’T MEAN YOU’LL GET ‘TIME OFF’

In college, spring vacation was code for “beach time” and summer provided a precious three months to unwind. Your academic year will likely be similarly structured in grad school, but keep in mind that you’ll probably be just as busy—if not more so—during seasonal breaks as you are during a typical semester. Instead of attending classes, you’ll be working, completing internships, performing research, attending academic conferences, submitting articles for review, or simply studying for upcoming exams.

4. NOT ALL LEARNING TAKES PLACE IN THE CLASSROOM

Not a fan of long classes or cramped lecture halls? Good news: In grad school, a lot of your learning takes place outside the classroom. Some programs require you to work closely with a professor on their research or teach undergrad classes. In others, you’ll spend more time in the library. Plus, students enrolled in PhD programs typically only take classes for the first few years and focus on a dissertation during the final stretch. There’s a lot more opportunity for independent work, but the flipside of this, of course, is that grad school demands excellent time management skills. If you’re thinking about applying, know that you’ll be responsible for juggling your (intense) workload, without as many external deadlines as you’re used to.

5. GRAD SCHOOL IS MUCH MORE SPECIALIZED THAN UNDERGRAD.

College curriculums tend to provide students with a broad educational experience. You’ll take courses in history, math, English, and the arts—but in grad school, you’ll be focusing on one area of expertise, so your classes will be much more specialized. They’ll also be more advanced—think of all the 300-level courses you took in college, but with even more reading.

6. THERE ARE MORE PROS AND CONS TO GRADUATE SCHOOL THAN COLLEGE.

College might be expensive, but it pays off in a competitive economy: According to one 2013 projection by Washington, D.C.-based researchers, 65 percent of all jobs in America will require postsecondary education by 2020. The economic benefits of grad school aren’t as cut-and-dry.

You’ll have to get a graduate degree if you want to work in fields like law, medicine, social services, and higher education. But in other professions, hiring managers often view work experience among applicants as favorably as they do advanced degrees. And while many grad programs provide students with partial or full funding, other programs are very expensive—and the field they provide entry to might not be enough to pay off any debt you incur as a student.

In short, there are pros and cons to higher-higher education that you won’t necessarily have to consider as a college student. Will a master’s degree or PhD help you stand out among other applicants, score a raise or promotion, or break into a competitive field? And more importantly, will you be able to pay for your tuition and living expenses? Think carefully before investing your time—and money—in a program.

Ready to learn more? Visit Prudential.com for tips and tools on budgeting, overcoming procrastination and more.

In an effort to give the U.S.’s growing elderly population a boost, a California-based smart clothing company called Superflex is working on a new robotic exoskeleton designed to increase mobility.

According to The Verge, the lightweight wearable is meant to be worn under clothing and features a number of computer-controlled sensors which track the wearer’s posture and movement, which are all readable via a companion mobile app. Data is then sent to the suit’s motors, which can offer assistance sitting up, standing upright, and raising one’s arms.

Research company SRI International initially developed the technology for the military as a way to help soldiers avoid injury while carrying heavy loads in the field. Recognizing the suit’s commercial potential, they formed Superflex, a new company focused on making the technology accessible to aging consumers. (As The Verge points out, the population of Americans over 65 years old is expected to almost double in the next 30 years.) Although designed with seniors in mind, the exoskeleton could also be used by athletes, construction workers, and people with physical disabilities.

“Our origins are in robotics, our future is as an apparel company,” Superflex co-founder and CEO Rich Mahoney said in a statement. “Our powered clothing will give people the ability to move more freely, to gain strength and confidence, to be more injury-free in the workplace, to achieve higher levels of wellness and social engagement, and to stay in the home longer.”

Still in the early stages of development, the Superflex smart suit should be ready to ship to consumers in 2018.

[h/t The Verge]

Your home should be a place of comfort and ease. Yet between space constraints and the absurd pace of modern life, our living spaces can get a little chaotic. Here are 11 ways to make the most of what you’ve got.

1. GO DARK.

Studies have shown that both natural and artificial light can interfere with our ability to fall and stay asleep. Most curtains filter the glare but don’t prevent it. Invest in a set of light-blocking curtains and get ready for some seriously satisfying snoozing.

2. STOP VACUUMING.

You have better things to do than pushing around a noisy, heavy beast. Today’s robotic vacuums are easy to program, fun to watch, and are serious time-savers.

3. GET VERTICAL.

You’ve got so much more room than you realize; all you have to do is change your orientation. Clear space on your kitchen counter by installing magnetic strips on the wall for your knives. And hanging organizers, the kind you generally store in your closet, can sort more than just shoes—think dry goods, kids’ toys, or tools.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR WI-FI.

The placement of your router has a huge effect on the strength and success of your wireless internet. Routers are sensitive to all kinds of surfaces, including glass and brick, so the best spot is often in an open area at the center of the house, as high off the ground as possible.

5. MIRRORS, MIRRORS.

Not only will mirrors create the illusion of a larger space, but they also scatter light, instantly (and cheaply) ramping up the brightness in a room.

6. THINK BOTANICAL.

Houseplants make incredible roommates. They clean and oxygenate the air, act as humidifiers, decrease stress levels, require little attention, and make fantastic accent pieces. Not sure where to start? Try an easy-care variety like a spider plant.

7. STOP LOSING YOUR KEYS.

You know that three-minute period before you leave the house, when you walk around muttering, “where did I put my keys”? Nip that in the bud by designating a hook, bowl, or basket for keys, headphones, transit passes, and other last-minute, out-the-door grabs. You could also attach a smart tag to your keys, which will allow you to hunt them down using your smartphone—provided you haven’t lost that as well.

8. MOOCH OFF THE SUN.

Sunlight is powerful energy and it doesn’t cost you a thing. Find the sunniest spot in your house and set up a few solar USB chargers, then feel smug as you power up all your devices for free.

9. EXPECT MORE FROM YOUR FURNITURE.

Double-duty pieces are where it’s at, especially in cramped conditions. Look for expandable tables, ottomans that moonlight as storage bins, and armchairs that fold out for overnight guests.

10. GET SMART (BULBS).

Smart lighting setups save both energy and hassle. You can program your lights to work on timers, change color temperature to soothe yourself to sleep, or even shut off the bathroom light once you’ve gotten into bed. And who doesn’t want that?

11. TREAT YOURSELF TO A WARM WELCOME.

Sometimes all it takes is a little homey touch to soothe the stress away. What’s the first thing you see when you walk in the door? If it’s a wall, try hanging your favorite poster or work of art. A hallway? Add a comfy rug, a strand of soft lights, or a brightly colored garland. Make your house someplace you want to come home to.

Smart spaces are all about efficiency. Maximize your time with a robotic vacuum from Neato Robotics. Neato’s family of Wi-Fi enabled, smartphone-connected robot vacuums let you clean your home—even when you’re busy doing something else. Visit Neato Robotics to learn more.

Robots are omnipresent in pop culture. Since the term was coined nearly a century ago, robots have played the role of sidekick, villain, and protagonist in some of the greatest science fiction works of all time. But there’s a lot that books and movies get wrong about our mechanical companions. Here are 11 myths about robots that your favorite TV shows and films have helped spread.

1. ROBOTS ARE A MODERN INVENTION.

It’s hard not to associate robots with visions of the future, but we’ve been building artificial helpers to complete tasks for us for thousands of years. In 400 BCE, long before the advent of electricity, the inventor of the pulley and the screw built a wooden pigeon capable of flight. Centuries later the Roman writer Petronius Arbiter built a doll that moved like a person and in 1557, inventor Giovanni Torriani constructed a wooden bot to pick up the Holy Roman Emperor’s daily bread. Some early concepts more closely resembled the metal machines we know today, including designs for a mechanical knight published by Leonardo da Vinci in 1495.

2. THE MAJORITY OF ROBOTS ASSEMBLE CARS.

If you had cited this as fact a few decades ago, you would have been correct: The automotive industry once accounted for 90 percent of all robots in use. But today they’re good for a lot more than assembling cars. Half of the world’s robots can be found in diverse environments including hospitals, labs, and energy plants, with the other 50 percent still working in auto manufacturing.

3. ROBOTS ARE EXPENSIVE.

Home robots have been around for a while, but the steep price of some flashier products has put the technology out of reach for many households. Believe it or not affordable home robots do exist—buyers just have to know what they’re looking for. Smaller, simple robots like kids’ toys, rolling alarm clocks and smart security cameras can all be purchased for less than $50. If you’re willing to set your price ceiling a little higher, more interactive robots that do everything from keeping you company on walks to encouraging you to exercise can be found for under $200.

4. ROBOTS WILL LEAD TO MASS UNEMPLOYMENT.

While it’s true that increased automation will lead to the extinction of many jobs, this issue often gets blown out of proportion. Americans have had anxiety over being replaced with new technology since the 1800s. As has been the case throughout history, future technological developments will likely also play a hand in job creation. So while bank tellers, telemarketers, and loan officers may be taken over by computers in the not-too-distant future, new jobs we can’t yet predict will likely take their place.

5. ONLY PROFESSIONALS CAN BUILD ROBOTS.

You don’t need an engineering degree to build a robot of your own. With the right tools and an urge to tinker, anyone can build a basic robot at home for around $100 or less. After assembling your bot, you can program it to complete simple tasks like lighting up or rolling around. If gathering the components yourself sounds like too much effort, there are plenty of robot-building kits available online.

6. ALL ROBOTS ARE HUMANOID.

Robots are often portrayed in film with at least some human-like features, whether it’s a face, voice or set of arms and legs. But gadgets don’t have to follow this familiar model to qualify as robots. Robots are defined as machines that do the work of humans, but a humanoid form isn’t always the best design for the task at hand. Bipedal locomotion is hardly the gold standard in the animal kingdom (as anyone with back problems can tell you), which is why roboticists who try to replicate this movement sometimes run into trouble. Even when humanoid designs are successful, they may not always be preferred by the people who use them. According to experts, we don’t like robots that look too much like us because they threaten our sense of identity.

7. ROBOTS ARE SMARTER THAN HUMANS.

With AI machines besting people at chess, trivia, and other mental competitions, it’s easy to believe that we’ve already been surpassed in terms of intelligence. But intelligence is a complex beast: Even if a computer can process information faster than the human mind can, that doesn’t mean it’s smarter. The ability to learn from our experiences, recognize patterns and respond to unfamiliar situations are other necessary measures of intelligence, and robots haven’t caught up to us in those categories just yet.

8. ROBOTS ARE DANGEROUS.

It’s easy to see why Hollywood would embrace the trope of the hostile robot antagonist: It makes for a compelling story. But even in real life, some of science’s brightest minds can’t resist indulging in doomsday scenarios when speaking of artificial intelligence. One aspect of robotics that gets less coverage than it should is how the technology can be used to save lives. Robots are already assisting in surgeries, detonating landmines, and embarking on search-and-rescue missions. Researchers are also working on nanorobots that could be used to fight diseases within our bodies.

9. ROBOTS HAVE FEELINGS.

Most people know that projecting feelings onto machines is illogical, but that doesn’t stop us from doing it anyway. Multiple studies have shown that we feel empathy for robots we perceive to be in pain. When shown videos of a human woman and a robot dinosaur being hurt, participants in a 2013 study showed the same cognitive reactions to both. Physical sensations aren’t the only feelings we imagine robots to have. When a robot expressed regret after making mistakes in a study from earlier in 2016, subjects actually felt bad for him and graded him easier than they did the robot that showed no emotion. Regardless of how we perceive them, though, given that robots lack self-awareness and a nervous system, these gut instincts are 100 percent false.

10. BREAKTHROUGHS IN ROBOTICS ARE MADE BY LONE GENIUSES.

This is a trope that comes up in science fiction again and again: The robotics breakthrough that drives the plot was made quietly by a single scientist working out of their garage. This is also one of the misconceptions professional roboticists hate the most. That’s because they know any significant leaps in the field will likely come from large teams collaborating over long periods of time. To be fair, although this scenario is more realistic, it wouldn’t make for the most compelling big-screen plotline.

11. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS A FAR-OFF DREAM.

When AI is portrayed by the media, it usually involves human-like robots that have been programmed with artificial intelligence so lifelike, they’ve become aware of their own existence. In reality, machine intelligence covers a broad spectrum. AI is simply defined as the power of a computer to copy intelligent human behavior. The virtual assistant on your phone that’s learned to recognize your speech, a smart thermostat that adjusts itself and even a music-streaming service that suggests songs you may like are all examples of artificial intelligence. None of these cases approach human-level cognition, which means a robot uprising is still the stuff of sci-fi. For now.

The future is here—especially when it comes to vacuuming. Neato Robotics’s line of D-shaped, smart navigating Wi-Fi enabled robot vacuums make it possible to clean your home even when you’re miles away. Visit Neato Robotics to learn more.

Humans have a wide spectrum of reactions when it comes to light sources. If you’ve ever wondered how changes in color, intensity, or exposure can affect you, take a look at these 9 illuminating facts about the human body and its fascinating responses to light.

1. A TYPE OF SKIN CANCER CAN BE SENT PACKING.

Actinic (also known as solar) keratoses are bumpy, precancerous lesions that develop as a result of sun exposure, and approximately 10 percent of these growths can become squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. To prevent that from happening, dermatologists look to blue light therapy. When the lesions are treated with a photosensitive chemical and exposed to the wavelength, oxygen radicals are created that destroy problematic precancerous and cancerous cells.

2. LIGHT CAN WAKE US UP.

Exposure to blue light can also help us feel more alert, according to one 2006 study. Study participants were divided into two groups, exposed to either blue or green light, and then asked to rate their energy levels. The subjects shown blue light described themselves as feeling more awake, and demonstrated quicker reaction times and longer attention spans than those exposed to green light.

3. IT CAN ALSO COMBAT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER.

When the human eye is exposed to a bright light, cells in the retina connected to the hypothalamus region of the brain (which controls circadian rhythm) are stimulated. For people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), those rhythms can become disrupted once the days get shorter and there’s less sunlight to take advantage of. Artificial light exposure can help restore the balance, offering relief to people who experience symptoms of depression as a result of that disruption.

4. LIGHT MIGHT BOOST MEMORY.

Some exciting research is being done investigating how light-sensitive cells called ipRGCs and the melanopsin protein within can influence how our brains process information. In one study, subjects were shown blue, orange, or green light while they performed a memory assignment, then were asked to sit in the dark. After that, they did the memory test again, this time in green light. Those who viewed orange light first had more activity in their brains’ prefrontal regions—that’s the area associated with problem solving and complex thought processes—than the groups exposed to other colors.

5. TASK FOCUS GROWS SHARPER.

You might be surprised at how an increase in lumens (the measurement of light intensity) can affect your accuracy when it comes to focusing on tasks and fine motor control. One study indicated that pharmacists who used a light source with at least 1500 lux (measuring light concentration spread over a specific area) had an error rate of only 2.6 percent compared to the 450 lux group’s rate of 3.8 percent.

6. LIGHT EXPOSURE COULD BE A PAIN RELIEVER.

A 2005 study that compared hospital patients with varying exposures to sunlight found that those who received 46 percent more of the sun’s rays than those who were stationed away from hospital windows needed 22 percent less pain medication on an hourly basis than those who didn’t have as much access to light.

7. WE PROCESS MORE VITAMIN D.

While sunlight is a common source for this valuable vitamin, our bodies may be able to metabolize it with help from exposure to artificial light containing UV radiation as well. The finding may be beneficial to shift workers or those who have only limited access to sunlight.

8. RED LIGHT CAN HELP US SLEEP.

Warmer lighting, as opposed to blue light, tends to be less effective at suppressing melatonin production, which allows us to settle into a more routine sleep/wake cycle. Ensuring your night lights are dim, red bulbs could improve your rest.

9. WE EVEN REACT TO LIGHT THAT ISN’T THERE.

In 2012, scientists discovered a peculiar quirk of our pupils: They’ll constrict when presented with graphic designs that give off the appearance of having a bright center, even when no actual light is being transmitted into the eye. The illusory perception may be part of our bodies’ efforts to protect us from exceptionally bright light sources. Whatever the reason, it’s clear we have a relationship with light that continues to be surprising.

From what we’re feeling to the details we notice, light can transform the everyday into something extraordinary. Click here to see how GE’s reveal lightbulb—and its clean beautiful light—can transform every room in your home.

The Yule Log, a looped video of a wood-burning fireplace set to classic Christmas songs, has been a holiday staple for 50 years. But in a TV landscape dominated by angry pundits and Real Housewives, how did the sleepy footage become such cherished Christmastime viewing? 

In 1966, Fred Thrower, the manager of WPIX-TV Channel 11 in New York City, wanted the station to do “something a little different and special” that Christmas Eve. On November 2, he circulated a memo to his station’s staff, proposing that the station cancel all programs and commercials in order to air a WPIX Christmas Card, consisting of a video loop of a holiday-inspired fireplace. Thrower also suggested asking WPIX’s affiliated radio station, WPIX-FM, to provide an accompanying festive soundtrack.

Thrower’s concept came to life on December 24, 1966, when WPIX first aired three hours of a continuous 17-second film loop of an ornate fireplace. WPIX had filmed the fireplace at Gracie Mansion, the home of New York City’s mayor, and paired the film loop with Christmas hits from singers like Percy Faith and Nat King Cole. The Yule Log was a huge ratings success, and turning viewers’ TVs into makeshift fireplaces also turned out to be a win-win: New Yorkers in apartments without fireplaces could feel cozy and warm, and more WPIX employees could spend Christmas at home with their families instead of working at the station.

A few years later, in 1970, realizing the original 16mm film of the Gracie Mansion fireplace was deteriorating, WPIX filmed a similar-looking fireplace in Palo Alto, California. Shot on 35mm film, the new video was seven minutes long, making the fireplace loop footage less jerky than the original. For the next two decades, WPIX aired the Yule Log every Christmas—and won its time slot year after year.

Fred’s son, Mitch Thrower, told mental_floss that his dad “was the most creative man I have ever known.” Explaining the log’s appeal, Mitch says the program came to have “sentimental value for millions of people … The Yule Log allowed us all to gather around the same fireplace, and listen to the same music. There has always been something uniquely comforting in that shared moment.”

FANNING THE FLAMES

In 1990, the Yule Log’s fire finally went out after network executives deemed the commercial-free program too expensive to air. But folks who grew up beside the log’s glow just couldn’t let go. Fast-forward a decade, and fans of the Yule Log created an online petition, appropriately titled “Bring Back The Log.” In December 2001, nostalgia won out, and WPIX resumed airing the Yule Log. Since 2003, WPIX’s parent company, Tribune Broadcasting, has aired the show not just in New York City, but on stations across the country.

In 2009, the Yule Log expanded from a three-hour program to four hours, after Lawrence “Chip” Arcuri produced a new fourth hour of classic Christmas music for the WPIX show.

Over the years, the Yule Log has taken on a life all its own. Besides ambient fireplace copycat videos on YouTube, Netflix, and iOS/Android apps, the Yule Log now has a strong social media presence. Whatever device you watch your Yule Log on, the flames are an annual opportunity to pause and reflect, to be together with family, and to feel the (figurative) warmth of the holiday season.

We’ve all lamented that there aren’t enough hours in the day or laughed at memes that tell us the road to productivity is paved with cups of strong coffee. (They’re funny because they’re true.) But researchers contend that completing work on time—and well—doesn’t have to be a constant race against the clock. Add these tried and true action items to your to-do list for a more successful day—caffeine drip optional.

1. GET PLENTY OF REST

Most people require between seven and eight hours of sleep per night for optimal mind and body function. Anything less, scientists say, and cognitive skills become impaired.

2. BLOCK YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES

Forget the multitasking myth: Several studies have shown that attempting too many activities at once causes loss of focus and productivity. Having trouble resisting the temptation to check your social media feed for the hundredth time? Certain browsers offer add-ons that will limit the time you spend on distracting websites. There are also many free or low-cost downloadable programs that allow you to designate times to block certain pages completely.

3. START A JOURNAL

Can’t figure out where the time goes? One expert suggests taking a week to plot out your daily activities—but honesty is key. Gym visits, phone calls and lunch dates add up. No one needs to know how many hours you spend mindlessly binge-watching your favorite show, but being aware of your habits can help you keep perspective and make more intelligent decisions.

4. GET YOUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER

Overwhelmed by your list of to-dos? Some experts suggest breaking it down into manageable categories, such as one thing I MUST get done today, two things I SHOULD get done today and three things I would LIKE to get done today.

5. LEARN TO SAY NO

Once you’ve made your journal and prioritized daily tasks, it’s important to set personal boundaries and not extend past what is realistic, stresses one time-management consultant. Knowing what you have time to do is key, but what’s more essential is declining anything that falls outside that scope. This strategy helps you focus on your goals and only take on those things that are most important.

6. TRY “POMODORO”

No, not the pasta sauce. The idea behind the pop-psychology technique is simple: Set a timer and work for 25 minutes straight, without any interruptions or distractions, then take a five-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer, 15 to 20-minute break. Repeat until your task is finished. By giving yourself built-in break times, this tactic helps keep you on task and focused.

7. TIME BLOCK PROJECTS

Similar to “pomodoro,” another researcher suggests mapping out how much time you will devote to certain activities or projects. For instance, you could block out one hour each morning to read your favorite blogs or answer emails. Once you’ve settled on the aforementioned time blocks, stick to your schedule—even if what you have done isn’t perfect. A New York-based researcher warns that excessive attention to detail is a form of procrastination and can ultimately be counter-productive.

8. PLAN PRE- OR POST-WORK EVENTS

To strike the ever-important work-life balance, one productivity expert holds himself accountable to his daily end time by scheduling activities immediately after work. (Use this trick in the morning if you’re one of those who would rather press the snooze button a half-dozen times.) This can be as simple as scheduling a phone call or planning a gym date with a friend, but the important part is knowing that not sticking to your own schedule will end up being an inconvenience to someone else.

Thinking about going back to school, but not sure you’ll have the time? With these productivity tips, plus access to a number of in-demand advanced degrees from Florida Tech, it’s easy to fit a Master’s into your busy life. Click here to learn more about Florida Tech’s online graduate degrees.

We may not have robot maids just yet, but you can still outsource a surprising number of household chores to machines. There are specialized robot cleaners that can do just about everything, short of putting your dishes in the dishwasher and making your bed. Here are 10 ways technology can help you keep your house tidy, no elbow grease involved:

1. VACUUMING YOUR HOUSE

Robot vacuums have been on the market for more than a decade, and they’ve gotten pretty savvy. Autonomous vacuums can work on carpet or hard floors and can be set to run on a preset schedule, so by the time you return home, your floors are clean and your vacuum is back at its charging station. Sensors and bumpers help the vacuum map the room, avoid obstacles and figure out the dirtiest spots to focus on. These days, a robot can do most of your maintenance cleaning for you, especially if you’re worried about pet hair.

2. MOPPING YOUR TILE

Your robot vacuum might handle carpets well, but it’s not going to scrub those tomato sauce splashes near your stove. For that, you’ll need a floor scrubber. Robot mops can spray down your floors and scrub away grit. Most come with a dry functionality to vacuum up dust before the mopping session begins in earnest, and can be set to stay within certain invisible boundaries so they don’t go tearing through your house willy-nilly.

3. CLEANING THE GUTTERS

No one wants to climb up on the roof and clear out the leaves and debris stuck in the gutters—so why not let a battery-powered robot do it for you? One submarine-like model can clean a 30-foot-long gutter in five minutes. No need to climb up and down the ladder multiple times—just climb up, set the gutter cleaner on the roof, and it will travel back and forth for you.

4. STERILIZING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

If you’re particularly worried about germs, you don’t need to break out antibacterial washes (which can breed supergerms). Instead, try a UV wand that sanitizes dirty surfaces with light. The same technology is used to disinfect hospitals to prevent infections, but the domestic versions can sterilize mattresses, toothbrushes and more with just a wave of the wand. Some vacuums also come equipped with the technology, so you can get rid of dust and germs at the same time.

5. CLEANING YOUR WINDOWS

Glass-cleaning robots can get at those high windows and shower doors that you strain to reach. Instead of obsessing about streaky glass, just attach a cleaning pad to the robot, spray some solution on the surface of the glass, and let go. It’ll figure out the best pattern to clean in to reach the whole window, washing with microfiber cleaning pads and squeegeeing the surface clean. These kinds of robot helpers even work on mirrors.

6. CLEANING YOUR GRILL

Scrubbing the gunk off your outdoor grill can be automated, too. Rather than attacking that blackened grime all night with a metal brush, try a robot pod equipped with multiple metal brushes. Put it on your grill and watch it go for 10, 20, or 30 minutes. When it’s done, simply remove the brushes and throw them in the dishwasher.

7. CLEARING UP AROUND YOUR TRASH CAN

A smart programmable trash bin is expected to start shipping in February 2017 that will rid your kitchen of any spilled debris on your floors. Featuring a built-in vacuum function, all you have to do is sweep crumbs and dirt toward the front of the can—the container will do the rest, sucking it up into the trash bag within. As if that wasn’t enough, it also features an air filter to keep things smelling rosy. If you’ve got a forgetful family, an associated app will remind folks when it’s time to take the garbage out.

8. CLEANING OUT THE AQUARIUM

Because the focus should be on your fish, not on whether or not you need to scrub out the aquarium. Once the aquarium-cleaning robot is turned on, it runs every 24 hours to keep the walls of the glass tank super clear. It can even charge itself as needed, and works with both saltwater and freshwater tanks.

9. CLEANING SOLUTION MIXER

There’s not much use in buying harsh chemical cleaning solutions when you can mix your own perfectly good cleaning solutions at home. One little gadget will mix salt, vinegar and water into a powerful cleaning solution that can tackle grease, soap scum, and more, without anything that will irritate sensitive skin or harm pets. The $90 capsule electrolyzes the liquid mixture to form sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid, which can then be used to scrub down your counters, bathtubs, windows and more. That means you can throw away the 50 different spray bottles of cleaners and bleach you have stuffed in the closet.

10. FOLDING LAUNDRY

Though there’s not a commercially available laundry-folding robot on the market just yet, there will be soon enough. A few different companies are working on automated laundry helpers that can remove wrinkles and fold your clean clothes better, in less time than it would take you, using artificial intelligence to recognize different types of clothing. At least two automated folding systems are due out in 2017.

You already depend on tech at the office to make your life easier—why not lean on it at home as well? Neato Robotics’s line of Wi-Fi enabled robot vacuums make it possible to clean your floors, wherever you are, without lifting a finger. (Except for the one you use to open the app on your phone, that is.) Visit Neato Robotics to learn more.

Optimizing your life may be as easy as changing your lightbulbs. Read on to find out how you can make the important things in life—from falling asleep to falling in love—even better.

1. SLEEPING

Light and sleep are inextricably linked. Our body clocks evolved to wake us at first light and send us to sleep when the sky grows dark. But electricity upended that scheme, and these days very few of us head to bed at sundown—a fact that’s messing up our circadian rhythms. But you can improve your sleep with two very easy tricks. First, cut down your exposure to blue light (the kind that comes from TVs, computers, and phones) in the hour before you lie down. Next, switch the bulbs in your bedroom or night-lights to red or pink; studies have found that these colors work with your body to help keep you asleep.

2. WORKING

Sometimes, less is more. Light levels in most American workplaces are twice as bright as the levels recommended by health and safety experts. This excess light can actually create a glare and make things harder to see. It’s also not great for our eyes or our minds and can cause headaches, eyestrain, and trouble concentrating.

Scientists suggest that the optimal workstation setup uses natural light as much as possible, and allows workers to adjust bulb brightness to the level that’s comfortable for them.

3. CREATING

Waiting for your muse or struggling with a complex problem? Turn your lights down low. Studies have found that dimming the lights can reduce people’s inhibitions, make them feel freer, boost creativity, and trigger a “risky, explorative processing style” that leads to out-of-the-box solutions. The relaxing, encouraging effects of low light are so pronounced in these experiments that even just talking about being in the dark made people more creative.

4. FALLING IN LOVE

Candlelight is romantic for some very unromantic reasons. Our eyes are not fixed, static entities; rather, they’re constantly working to make sense of what we see and control the amount of light we take in. Our pupils contract in bright light and expand in darkness. But light isn’t the only thing that influences pupil size. When we’re faced with something new or exciting, our pupils dilate so we can take it all in. Whether the cause for the dilation is dim lighting or attraction, the people around us subconsciously pick up on the signal. Because of this, our prehistoric ancestors learned to pay attention to one another’s eyes, and we’re far more likely to find someone interesting when their pupils are dilated.

So yeah, stock up on those candles.

5. EATING

Different types and levels of light have very different effects on our bodies and behavior.  So what kind of light is best for eating? That depends on what you want from your food. If you’re trying to cut calories at home, bright fluorescent bulbs may be the way to go. One 2016 study found that diners in well-lit rooms were between 16-24 percent more likely to choose healthy foods than people in dimmer conditions. And the color blue, including blue light, like that emitted from fluorescent bulbs, is known to decrease appetite.

But if you think eating is about pleasure, throw all that advice out the window. A 2012 paper concluded that low lighting and soft music (like the ambiance you’d find in a fancy restaurant) made people both more relaxed and more likely to enjoy their food.

6. STUDYING

We know now that dim, warm light can help us relax and sleep, so it’s no real surprise that cool, bright light can do the opposite. A recent study from Korea tested three types of LED lights in the classroom: a warm, yellowish white light; a neutral light; and a cool, bluish white light that resembles daylight. Another classroom, the control group, kept its standard fluorescent lighting. Then all the students were given a difficult exam. Their scores were calculated, and the students interviewed about their experiences. The results showed that kids felt calmer and happier under yellow light—but their test scores improved under blue. The researchers concluded that the best classrooms would be equipped with both kinds: warm light for recess and other calm activities, and cool light to boost focus when it was needed most.

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Winter may not be great for weather, but the cold months propel professional football into heavy rotation in living rooms and bars across the country. Take a look at 15 things you might not have realized about the most popular sport on television.

1. IT’S BEEN PLAYED EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK.

While Sunday is pro football’s flagship day and Monday and Thursday nights get in on the action, there have been a handful of pro games played on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, usually as a result of weather delays.

2. OVER A THIRD OF REPLAY REVIEWS ARE OVERTURNED.

There’s a good reason coaches challenge official calls by demanding instant replay: they stand at least a one in three chance of having the play overturned.

3. COWS ARE IMPORTANT TO THE GAME.

To make sure that easily gripped “pigskin” is in high supply, equipment makers turn to cows. One cowhide can make roughly 10 footballs. If the balls aren’t made of pig leather, why is it still referred to as pigskin? Early players used inflated pig bladders for game balls.

5. QUARTERBACKS CAN HAVE RADIOS.

Originally seen as a method of cheating, radio devices in quarterback helmets allow them to stay in touch with coaching staff during plays. Helmets are expected to get more tech upgrades in the near future, including sensors that can measure the force of an impact so players can leave games to avoid further injury.

6. JERSEYS DIDN’T ALWAYS HAVE NAMES.

In football’s early days, it could be very difficult to identify players. While numbers have always been used, it wasn’t until the 1960s that jerseys were produced with the last names of the wearers sewn on.

7. THE HOME TEAM HAS A BALL QUOTA.

While playing in a home stadium has its perks, it does come with some responsibilities: Home teams are expected to have 24 game balls on hand.

8. THE ACTUAL GAME IS PRETTY SHORT.

Television coverage of games can last hours, but the ball can actually be in play for as little as 11 minutes in a given game.

9. THE HUDDLE WAS INVENTED OUT OF NECESSITY.

Players that gather in a tight circle to discuss the next play are a product of a college player who was legally deaf and needed his teammates to pack in closely so he could hear them.

10. THE GAME FOUND AN EARLY HOME IN BASEBALL STADIUMS.

Because baseball was the country’s premiere sport long before football rose to prominence, several pro teams were without home stadiums and were forced to play in major baseball venues—sometimes for decades at a stretch. Today, only one pro team shares its stadium with a baseball squad.

12. THERE ARE SPECIAL BALLS FOR KICKING.

When a punter tees up a ball for a kick, he’s not using a conventional game ball. Known as “K-Balls,” these balls are a little slicker because they’re brand-new, a step that is taken to avoid kickers making any modifications to them. (Some enterprising players used to microwave the footballs to soften the leather.)

13. THOSE ARM BANDS ARE JUST THERE FOR LOOKS.

While some fans may think bicep bands sported by players aren’t a fashion statement, they have no practical use. Athletes use them to make their upper arm muscles “pop” more.

14. THERE’S NO TAUNTING.

Players that want to antagonize opponents shouldn’t go too far. The pro leagues have rules in place that make verbal taunting a penalty that can be called by officials. Celebratory spiking or spinning of the ball at an opponent is another recipe for a 15-yard penalty.

15. ONLY 500 PEOPLE WATCHED THE FIRST TELEVISED GAME.

Granted, it was in 1939, when few people had televisions. But for a sport that would eventually draw well over a hundred million viewers for its championship games, that’s still a pretty modest start.

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