Rfid The roughly two thousand people walking around with glass-encapsulated RFID chips in their bodies are probably suffering from some headaches this week. Not because of the chips themselves, but the recent news that they might pose a health risk.

Though the chips are approved for use in humans by the FDA, the AP revealed recently that a number of animal studies, conducted from 1996 to 2006, showed that the implants can induce malignant tumors. The FDA stands by its approval, and implant-maker VeriChip says its products are perfectly safe. But scientists who reviewed the research had mixed reactions.—Gregory Mone

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June 2012: Invent Your Own Anything

The 6th annual Invention Awards are here, from an inflatable tourniquet to a better lobster trap to spring-loaded hocket skates. This issue is all about the celebration of invention.

Plus: Making synthetic biology breakthroughs in a garage, building a constantly-moving ping-pong table, and a ridiculously overpowered barbecue.

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