By grappling with the messy and unpredictable side of existence, machine learning can have impact beyond the digital.

Capcom has provided a sales update on Resident Evil 4 remake, which launched in March 2023. A recent tweet by the development team (dated December 19th, 2024) revealed that its sold over nine million units in its lifetime.The last major sales figure for the title was revealed in October, with over eight million copies sold. The sudden jump could potentially have been from holiday sales throughout last month. Of course, the titles universal acclaim from critics and fans for the base game and Separate Ways expansion also probably helped.Resident Evil 4 remake is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, PlayStation VR2, iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Its based on the 2005 classic and sees Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to save the US presidents daughter, Ashley Graham, from a mysterious cult. Check out our review for the title (which we gave a ten out of ten) and for Separate Ways, starring Ada Wong.900To you, the 9 million-plus agents,Happy New Year and thank you for your support.RE4 Team2024/12/19 pic.twitter.com/2Nk6quXNDh Capcom Dev 1 (@dev1_official) January 6, 2025

Following its launch of DOOM 1 + 2, id Software looks to be bringing DOOM 64 to modern platforms. The Entertainment and Software Ratings Board (ESRB) in the United States recently rated the remaster for Xbox Series X/S and PS5. The excessive blood and gore earned it a Mature 17+ rating.DOOM 64 is available for Xbox One, PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch, with backwards compatibility support for current-gen consoles. Check out our review here. Perhaps the native version could add more features and support for higher resolutions, though its unknown when the port could actually launch.Based on the 1997 Nintendo 64 title, DOOM 64 is a remaster with Achievements, a new save system, and The Lost Levels expansion. The latter is a collection of seven new levels, while the story links Doom 64 with DOOM and DOOM Eternal.With DOOM: The Dark Ages serving as a prequel to DOOM, it makes sense why id Software would release DOOM 64 for modern platforms. Stay tuned for more updates in the meantime.

When Grand Theft Auto 6s in-development material leaked in September 2022, it was one of the biggest in the industry yet (eclipsed only by Insomniac Games massive leak). Another leak has seemingly emerged courtesy of Reddit user JustLovett0, though its only a single image showcasing Lucia near a shipping container yard.However, the image was captured off-screen inside a studio by someone I am close to, per the user, and allegedly dates back to mid-2021. The developer kit console says SAND, potentially referring to Rockstar San Diego. The individual is seemingly super far from Rockstar and doesnt work there or in any related field.While the Reddit user isnt worried, he remarked, Hopefully, theres no camera footage from 3.5ish years ago. Though the post was deleted, you can view the image separately here.Grand Theft Auto 6 launches this Fall for Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Its considered one of the biggest games of the year, with analysts predicting $3.2 billion in revenue in its first year (with pre-orders contributing $1 billion to that total). Rockstar didnt release a new trailer or gameplay details last year, though a representative said the team is working on absolutely mind-blowing things. As always, stay tuned for more updates.

On This Day in HistoryHow Trailblazing Teacher Maria Montessori Transformed the Realm of Childrens EducationThe Italian physician and educator opened her first school in Rome on this day in 1907 A 1913 photograph of Maria Montessori Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsMaria Montessori stood before a crowd of 60 underprivileged children, her students. It was January 6, 1907, and the 36-year-old educator was opening her first school: the Casa dei Bambini, or Childrens House, a preschool that would revolutionize childrens education.I had a strange feeling which made me announce emphatically that here was the opening of an undertaking of which the whole world would one day speak, Montessori later recalled.Today, the legacy of the Italian woman behind Montessori schools lives on in preschools around the globe. But at the time, the theory that providing children with stimulating activities would help them more than rote learning and academic drills was revolutionary. Kindergarten students at a Montessori school in Hamburg, Germany Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsThough her innovations inspired a movement in young childrens learning, Montessori saw her work more simply. I did not invent a method of education, she wrote in 1914. I simply gave some little children a chance to live.Montessori was passionate about education from a young age. Born in 1870 and raised in Rome, she took a path that defied the eras expectations for women. Montessori studied engineering, then applied to medical school at the University of Rome, telling a professor during her interview, I know I shall become a doctor. The school refused her, so Montessori enrolled in the general university; studied physics, mathematics and natural sciences; and reapplied to medical school. She was admitted, becoming the first woman to enter the universitys Faculty of Medicine, and in July 1896, she became one of Italys first female doctors.Montessoris medical work led her to the University of Romes psychiatric clinic. As part of her job, she visited asylums for children with mental disorders, searching for patients eligible for treatment at the clinic. It was here that her interest in child development intensified. She read extensively about children with learning differences, including the writings of Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard, a 19th-century French physician who worked with deaf children and the wild boy of Aveyron, a teenager whod famously raised himself in the woods.Montessori School EducationWatch on In 1898, Montessori spoke at Italys National Medical Congress in Turin, advocating for the idea that lack of adequate provisions and care for children with mental and emotional disorders caused them to misbehave. She continued her advocacy at the 1899 National Pedagogical Congress, where she proposed special training for teachers working with special-needs childrena component of her idea that better education would lead to social progress.Montessoris interest in early childhood education strengthened over the next few years. She developed her own teaching materials, and in 1907, she opened her first school.Her method revolved around engagement. Though Montessori introduced her students to many activities and materials, she retained only those the kids were interested in. She realized that activities could help children socially develop, and she theorized that, surrounded by such activities, students could educate themselves. Montessoris self-dubbed auto-education approach soon had the 5-year-olds at Casa dei Bambini reading and writing. Maria Montessori receives an honorary doctorate in 1950. Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsNews of Montessoris success spread quickly, and by 1908, her name was known around the world. By the fall of 1908, five Case dei Bambini were operating in Italy. Her method soon crossed borders as kindergartens in Italian-speaking Switzerland adopted her methods. A couple of years later, Montessori published a book, The Montessori Method, which was printed in English in the United States in 1912; over time, it would be translated into 20 different languages. In the following decades, Montessori schools and teacher training programs sprang up around the world.Before her death in 1952, Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times, though she never won it. She lived to see her educational theories enacted around the globe, as more and more awakened childrenas she called activity-stimulated studentssuccessfully learned their letters.As Montessori biographer E.M. Standing notes, Montessori proved that the awakened child develops a higher type of personalitymore mentally alert, more capable of concentration, more socially adaptable, more independent and at the same time more disciplined and obedientin a word, a complete beinga ready foundation for the building up of a normalized adult.This is Montessoris great achievement, Standing writes, the discovery of the child. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: children , Italy, On This Day in History, Psychology

The practice submitted plans in September to transform the 8,690m leisure centre site just west of Old Street station, with a mixed-use scheme including nearly 200 homes (50 per cent for social rent) for Islington Council.Levitt Bernsteins design replaced a 2017 competition-winning scheme by Pollard Thomas Edwards, which the AJ understands was deemed too expensive to deliver and did not include enough homes.But Islington residents insist the latest plans for the site, next to the Grade I-listed St Lukes Church, would squeeze existing public outdoor space. A petition against the loss of football pitches and community facilities has received more than 4,000 signatures. It claims the scheme would be destructive and would be an overdevelopment of the plot.AdvertisementLocal resident and urban designer Francis Moss told the AJ that the community felt powerless against a local authority seemingly determined to grant itself planning permission for a scheme that works against many of its own objectives and policies.Residents main grievances with the Levitt Bernstein plans centre around the scale and height of the proposed buildings, the loss of open space and the net loss of outdoor leisure space, removal of mature trees, and overall unacceptable change in the character of the area. Source:Levitt Bernstein (taken from planning documents)The proposed scheme consists of a new leisure centre, a medical centre and 198 new homes in two blocks arranged over seven, eight and 20 storeys including 100 council homes for social rent. The buildings would replace the existing Finsbury Leisure Centre and neighbouring Tim Ronalds Architects-designed Bunhill Energy Centre.A separate Open Space Assessment (OSA) submitted by HTA Design on behalf of Islington Council in September 2024 stated that the development would result in a 2,013m overall reduction in outdoor sports facilities and an overall net reduction of 683m in open space.Four existing football pitches would be demolished and four new, smaller, pitches built on the roof of the new leisure centre a move which the OSA says will provide overall higher-quality leisure facilities but residents feel would make the pitches inaccessible to the local community.AdvertisementMoss told the AJ: While we all support the need for more affordable housing, it cannot not come at the expense of essential community infrastructure for our children and the environment.Plans to redevelop the site have a long-running history going back to an initial consultation brought forward by the council in 2007, and including a competition to masterplan the site which was won by Pollard Thomas Edwards in 2016.Eva Guerra, local resident and member of EC1, the campaign group leading the opposition to the development, told the AJ that, in each of the councils proposals for the site, the balance has been off between seeing the site as a primary place for sports and leisure versus a place to develop and build housing.Guerra, a former architect, said the Levitt Bernstein proposal would see 'the destruction of rare social infrastructure' which forms the heart of a community in the central London borough.She added: Once [the existing open space is] gone and developed, its gone forever. This is not something that can be recovered or replaced.In November, footballer Les Ferdinand joined EC1s campaign to save the four existing football pitches threatened with redevelopment under the proposals.Guerra said that, if permitted, the scheme would set a horrible precedent for overdevelopment across the rest of the UK, given the governments 1.5 million homes target.Despite many consultations spanning almost two decades, Guerra said residents felt there had been a lack of meaningful engagement by Islington Council with respect to the plans and that the council had given residents the impression that it was going to go ahead with or without [your support].She added: At the moment we probably have a proposal that is the worst of all we have seen in the last 20-odd years.The Levitt Bernstein proposal has been in the pipeline since before May 2022, developed alongside ongoing discussions between the council, Levitt Bernstein, Islington planners, the GLA, Sport England, Historic England, and local residents and adapted following feedback from three design review panels.Islington Council told the AJ it had carried out a comprehensive programme of community engagement on the project before submission of a planning application in late September. Public consultations on the planning application are currently open and will remain open until a decision is made on the application in early 2025, the council confirmed.Councillor John Woolf, executive member for homes and neighbourhoods, said: With more than 15,000 people waiting for a council home in Islington and a leisure centre that's well past its best, were proposing the redevelopment of Finsbury Leisure Centre.Our proposals include building 100 much-needed council homes, a first-class leisure centre, and an NHS GP surgery, which wouldnt be possible without a taller building and the moving of the football pitches to the roof of the new centre.We have carefully considered the layout of the new buildings to minimise the impact on our neighbours, while the new rooftop football pitches will be higher-quality than the existing ones, and part of a whole leisure centre with much better facilities for everyone who uses it.This is the biggest investment in the areas public services for a generation and a unique opportunity to change thousands of lives.An expansive design team on the project includes Levitt Bernstein as architect, landscape architect and masterplanner, Pick Everard as project manager, HTA Design as planning consultant, and Evolve, Hoare Lea, Aecom, and Buro Happold in various consultancy roles.The site is next to the Grade I-listed St Lukes Church, designed by John James and Nicholas Hawksmoor and completed in 1733, and on the edge of the St Lukes Conservation Area.A design and access statement explains: This scheme completes Islingtons vision for a civic square centred around the historic St Lukes Gardens while enhancing the setting of the adjacent St Lukes Conservation Area.Complementing the cultural and artistic offerings of LSO St Lukes to the south, health wellbeing facilities of Ironmonger Row Baths to the north and important opportunities for outdoor play at Toffee Park to the east the grouping of these and improved connectivity between them represents a significant public benefit.

Unveiled last month by the New York-based art museum and her Mexican-based practice, Frida Escobedo Studio, new images show what the new wing could look like.Escobedos scheme would increase the current gallery space of the five-floor modern and contemporary wing at the Met by 6.500m2, or almost 50 per cent, while keeping within the current buildings footprint.The reimagined gallery space would match the original height of the 1880 wing at the centre of the Museum complex, the Met said of the proposals, which will also address accessibility, infrastructure and sustainability issues.AdvertisementEscobedo, the Mexican architect behind the 2018 Serpentine Pavilion in Hyde Park, London, has been working on the project for two years.She replaced David Chipperfield Architects as lead architect of the Mets Modern Gallery overhaul in 2022.David Chipperfield Architects was named as the winner of an international competition, which also involved another UK heavyweight, Foster + Partners in 2015.In 2018, the Met suggested it was finally pushing ahead with Chipperfields as yet unseen vision. However, the project was never realised and it remains unclear why the Chipperfield scheme stalled.Escobedo, founder and principal of Frida Escobedo Studio, said: Our goal has been to create a building that fully meets the needs and aspirations of The Met, weaving together vital connections between the Modern and Contemporary Art galleries and other areas of the Museum and at the same time expressing the special significance of the Tang Wings place in the city.AdvertisementShe continued: The wing is in New York, yet of the world; it reflects the global nature of this great collection and also draws inspiration from The Mets unique surroundings. Such an ambition can be realised only through close and consistent collaboration. We are deeply grateful to our extraordinary partners at The Met and to all the members of the expert design team.The Mets new wing is scheduled to open in 2030.In October 2018, the AJ reported that Escobdeos Serpentine Pavilion had been acquired by technology firm and spa operator Therme Group for an undisclosed sum. The company said at the time that it intended to display the structure in selected locations globally.

Our Experts Written by Pamela Vachon Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall space heater Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heater View details $106.44 at Walmart View details Best budget space heater Lasko Ceramic Heater 754200 View details $32 at Walmart View details Best space heater for bedrooms Honeywell HHF360V View details $35 at Walmart View details Best designed space heater Vornado VHeat Vintage Metal Heater View details $128 at Amazon View details Best space heater for bathrooms Dreo DR-HSH004A View details $60 at Amazon View details Best dual heater and air purifier Dyson HP01 Pure Hot + Cool View details $450 at Walmart View details Best space heater for large spaces DeLonghi Ceramic Tower Heater View details $100 at Amazon View details Table of Contents What is the best space heater overall?Winter is the perfect time to gather your warm layers, cold-weather boots and electric space heater. Even if you rely on central heating, a quality space heater can keep you just as warm while saving energy. From advanced safety features to quiet performance, these are the top space heaters to heat your home. A space heater is a no-brainer if you're looking to save money on your energy bill this winter. HoneywellOur top pick for the best space heater under $70 is theVornado VH2 Whole Room Heater. It's a quiet and small machine that packs a punch with consistent performance during those cold nights.Also note, space heaters come with somerisk of fire. We encourage you to read thisspace heater safety guide before you plug one in.Read more:Ready to Pull Out Your Space Heater? Here's How Much It'll Cost YouBest space heaters of 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $106.44 at Walmart Pros Consistent temperature Quiet Safe for pets and children Cons On the larger size Size 9.5 x 11.8 x 11.9 in. (DWH)Heat Element Forced airAdditional Features Tip-over protection, 2 settings, adjustable thermostat $106.44 at Walmart Vornado's models topped just about every best list out there where space heaters are concerned, so you can't go wrong with a variety of Vornado products, no matter your space or heat needs this season, with the VH2 being its most consistently singled-out performer. This whole-room space heater circulates heated air throughout a medium-sized room, like a furnace in miniature, maintaining a consistent temperature without a significant space requirement. It is reported to be among the quietest models available, with several users remarking that it was quiet enough to sleep with while operating. Its plastic exterior stays comparatively cool to the touch, making it among the safest bets for households with pets and children. Vornado also offers a 5-year support term, making it easy to address technical issues should any arise.

Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad Best overall mattress pad $244 at Slumber Cloud Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad Best cooling mattress pad $175 at Sijo Home Bear Protector Most protective mattress pad $110 at Bear Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad Best down alternative mattress pad $190 at Parachute Home Saatva Organic Mattress Pad Best organic mattress pad $265 at Saatva Linenspa Mattress Pad Best budget mattress pad (Update: Out of stock) See at Amazon Nectar Mattress Protector Best no-slip design mattress pad (Update: Out of stock) See at Nectar While a good mattress is key to a comfortable sleeping experience, your bedroom is more than that. You need the perfect sheets, a cozy comforter, pillows that match your firmness preference and, for some, a weighted blanket may be a nice touch. However, one often overlooked upgrade is a mattress pad. The right mattress pad can be that extra layer that enhances your experience, adding support or comfort to your bed and giving it that little bit extra oomph.Mattress pads fit over your mattress snugly and add a bit of cushioning to the sleep surface. In addition, you get some of the benefits of a mattress cover, since a mattress pad will also help keep your mattress dry, clean and protected from wear and tear. Having a mattress pad will also help keep your sheets in place. Our sleep experts hunted for the best mattress pads and put together this list of the best of the best. Explore our favorites and find the best mattress pad for your budget and sleep style.The best overall mattress pad Slumber CloudThe Slumber Cloud Core Mattress Pad tops our list thanks to its high-quality materials, comfort, plush feel, temperature-regulating properties and overwhelmingly positive reviews. The bedding company is known for its cooling products that include NASA-approved fabric. We think this mattress pad will work for almost every sleeper, especially hot sleepers.How we chose the best mattress padsOur team of sleep experts have tested countless mattresses, pillows, blankets, comforters, sheets and mattress toppers -- we know what products make for a good night's sleep. The mattress pads on this list were carefully chosen. Our team considered each mattress pad's materials, feel, price, sizes, level of protection, special features such as cooling properties and whether it was waterproof or machine-washable.Best mattress pad of 2025 Slumber Cloud Effective for even the hottest sleepers, the Slumber Cloud Core mattress pad keeps you at the ideal temperature for you. This cooling mattress pad is made of a blend of cotton and Outlast, the company's NASA-approved fabric that regulates temperature so that when you're too hot, the heat is absorbed away. Created for spacesuits, this impressive technology is included in both the mattress pad's top cover and lining fabric for your sleeping comfort.The Core mattress pad is also highly breathable and super soft, with a 300-thread count. Additionally, it fits any mattress with up to a 20-inch depth and can be washed in cold water on a delicate cycle. If you aren't sure what detergent to use, Slumber Cloud makes its own, available for purchase in packs of 20 pods.Pros:Highly breathable and softTemperature-regulating and available in white or light blue60-night trial period, 180-day warranty and free shippingCons:ExpensiveNot waterproofHot sleepers might enjoy the Performance Mattress Pad more $244 at Slumber Cloud Sijo If you are a hot sleeper, you need a mattress pad that won't trap in any unnecessary heat at night. Enter the Sijo TempTune Mattress Pad, a soft, temperature-regulating and waterproof mattress pad for all seasons. Made with patented Sijo Clima technology, its blend of Tencel lyocell and nylon fibers is designed to help wick away moisture, such as sweat, and when you are hot, disturb excess heat. It also may help keep you warm when you are cold. This fabric feels silky to the touch.This mattress pad is machine-washable, waterproof and Oeko-Tex 100 certified. Look out for sales that Sijo will occasionally have.Pros:Made of eucalyptus Tencel lyocell and Mica nylon blendWaterproof and naturally moisture-wickingFits mattresses up to 18 inches thickCons:The cool-to-the-touch sensation is not very strongOn the expensive sideTwin and Twin XL sizes not available $175 at Sijo Home Bear The Bear Protector waterproof mattress pad features a breathable, soft top covered in a hexagonal design and an innovative protective backing crafted using the company's proprietary technology, "HeiQ Adaptive."The HeiQ Adaptive backing is remarkably impenetrable by liquids, spills, bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs and allergens, and this remains true regardless of how long the spill stays on it. It's also moisture-wicking and promotes cooling. This mattress protector is also comfortably thick compared to others of similar brands, making it pleasant to sleep on -- especially if the mattress beneath is overly hard or worn.Pros:Waterproof, machine-washable and breathableHelps to wick away moisture from the body30-night trial period, free shipping and 10-year limited warrantyCons:On the thin sideMight not fit over a mattress with a thick mattress topperThe hexagon-stitched pattern may be felt under the sheets $110 at Bear Parachute Home If you love the feel of down but have allergies, or if you object to the harvesting of it, the Parachute down alternative mattress pad has a layer of soft, hypoallergenic microfiber fill that mimics the cloud-like experience of down without any of the sneezing or guilt.Tucked inside a 100% sateen cotton shell, the Parachute down alternative mattress pad fits virtually any mattress up to an 18-inch depth. It's sewn securely with double stitching so none of the fill falls out. You can machine-wash it on cool using the delicate cycle, and you'll need to use wool dryer balls if you dry it at home. You could also dry-clean it.Pros:100% sateen cotton shell, down alternative fill and hypoallergenicPlush top and fits mattresses up to 18" high60-day trial period, free shipping and 3-year warrantyCons:On the expensive sideSome sizes tend to sell out fastNeeds to be fluffed regularly $190 at Parachute Home Saatva The Saatva organic mattress pad is a sumptuous experience, like most Saatva products. It features cooling and moisture-wicking properties, and it's made with 300-thread count organic and Fair Trade cotton. A diamond pattern is stitched on its surface to hold the cotton fill in place, while the airy cotton and spandex side panels stretch fully down over the sides of any mattress up to 16 inches high. An elastic band on each side helps keep it tucked securely in.According to the Saatva site, this mattress pad should last up to five years if cared for according to package instructions. Reviews on the site give it high praise for its high quality, plush comfort and thickness, and they loved that it comes with a handy tote bag.Pros:Plush and made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cottonMachine-washable, naturally moisture-wicking and fits mattresses up to 16 inches high45-day free returns, 1-year limited warranty and free shippingCons:ExpensiveNot waterproofNot cool-to-the-touch for hot sleepers $265 at Saatva Linenspa A high-quality product for the price, the Linenspa mattress pad features a comfortable microfiber shell, covered with diamond stitching to keep the hypoallergenic down alternative fill securely in place with no bunching. It fits most mattresses up to 18 inches snugly and is breathable with a fitted sheet style.This mattress pad has a plush quality and is surprisingly comfortable with an "overfilled" feel. The side panels stretch nicely over the mattress edges without ripping or tearing, even when you have a thick pillow top or an additional topper on your mattress. It's also a breeze to clean by just throwing it in the washer and dryer.Pros:Made of soft microfiber and down alternative fillEdges stretch to fit mattresses even 18 inches deep30-night trial period, 3-year warranty, free shipping and free returnsCons:Queen sizes sell out fastMay not feel as luxurious as other options on this listNot waterproof See at Amazon Nectar The Nectar mattress protector is crafted of waterproof material with an extra soft and breathable quilted mattress cover and a padded cotton top for enhanced comfort. Stain-resistant and noise-free, this mattress protector won't let liquid or dirt through to your mattress, nor will it make crinkly sounds when you move in your sleep.It has a no-slip design which keeps it in place with its stretchy cover, even on mattresses with higher heights of 22 inches. The airy cotton cover keeps the sleeper cool and comfy, and it's easily machine-washed and tumble-dried on low. It's allergen-resistant as well.Pros:Same price for all sizesWaterproof, machine-washable50-night trial period, 1-year warranty, free shipping and free returnsCons:More expensive than the Bear ProtectorThinNot temperature-regulating See at Nectar Factors to consider when choosing the best mattress padBefore buying a mattress pad for your bed, consider these four factors.FeaturesDepending upon your needs, the most important features of a mattress pad can vary. Folks that have allergies might opt for hypoallergenic features, such as natural latex for their mattress pad. A wool mattress pad is great for absorbing moisture, and a cotton mattress pad is good at blocking stains and preventing wear and tear, while the down filling regulates body heat to help keep sleepers warm in winter and cool in summer. Cotton terry can also be a good feature for waterproof mattress pads.MaterialsLook for quality materials with certifications, if applicable, as you browse. For example, organic cotton, wool or latex should have a certification from an independent third party like the Global Organic Textile Standard, which confirms the product consists of at least 70% organic fibers. For a product to be labeled organic, it must be 95% organic fibers.You may also want to find vegan, wool-free or down alternative fabrics if you prefer not to use animal products, which would each be labeled accordingly.Polyester and memory foam are occasionally found in mattress pads as well. Polyester is usually durable and affordable, while a memory foam mattress pad responds to heat and contours to the shape of the sleeper's body.Ease of careFor convenience, it's always helpful to find a machine-washable mattress pad, especially if you have kids or pets that require it to be washed often. Otherwise, make sure you have the time and space to wash your mattress pad by hand and hang it out to dry. Spot-cleaning doesn't seem to be a realistic option for mattress pads, but if you're convinced yours will stay clean and dry for the most part, you can certainly try it.Thread countThe thread count of a fabric is the number of threads woven into a square inch of it. While there is some disagreement about how important thread count is to bedding of any kind, the general rule of thumb is that higher thread counts (200 to 600) make the fabric more durable and softer over time. If your mattress pad lists a thread count, try to aim for 200 or higher.Best mattress pad FAQs What is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper? A mattress pad is thin (usually 1 to 2 inches) and made of polyester, cotton, down, down alternative, shredded foam, microfiber and/or wool. Mattress pads are used to provide more comfort and to protect the mattress from dirt, sweat, water, spills or other accidents. Mattress toppers are usually made of thick foam, purely intended to change the feel of a bed, yet provide little to no protection to the mattress underneath. Do you need a mattress pad or mattress topper? While you don't necessarily need a mattress pad or mattress topper, both can provide extra comfort and make your existing mattress more cozy. A mattress pad can also protect your current mattress from liquid spills, dirt, dust mites, allergens and sweat that can also add years onto its usable life and keep it from ending up in the landfill prematurely. Is a cotton or polyester mattress pad better? Polyester mattress pads are usually durable and more affordable. Cotton mattress pads are great for blocking stains and preventing wear and tear to the mattress. Cotton terry can also be a good feature for waterproof mattress pads.

Think of the noise that emerges from your lips when you blow on food that's too hot to eat. It probably sounds something a little like "fufu." It's from this onomatopoeic sound that the Nkojita cat FuFu robot takes its name, and on the CES show floor in Las Vegas, I experienced Nkojita FuFu's cooling breath for myself.Unlike my real cat, who only ever sneezes in my hot drinks, this little feline robot hangs over the side of your bowl of soup or coffee mug and blows gentle gusts of cool air onto anything you want to cool down. Inside is a fan that generates "breaths" in a randomized rhythm designed to mimic human breathing.As it silently breathed on the back of my hand with its button-sized cat mouth, it occurred to me that it would likely be much more effective at cooling hot food than warm human breath -- because it was genuinely cold. Unfortunately I wasn't able to taste test anything the robot had blown on to double check that it didn't burn my tongue, but it's supposed to bring your food and drink to the perfect temperature within 3 minutes."Nkojita" translated into Japanese means "cat tongue" -- a phrase used to describe an intolerance of hot food. Many adults have sensitive tongues, but the idea for the robot initially came from one Yukai Engineering's team members who wanted an easier way to cool down for food for his baby.The robot is small enough to sit easily in the palm of your hand, making it easily portable. There would be absolutely nothing stopping you from carrying it around in your bag to bring out at a cafe or a restaurant if you have a particularly sensitive tongue.When it becomes available on Kickstarter later this year, Nkojita FuFu will cost just $25. If you're the kind of person who buys Christmas gifts throughout the year rather than putting it off until the chaos of holiday shopping season, this would make an ideal 2025 stocking stuffer. I'm already earmarking it for some of my younger family members, who I know would be instantly charmed with a cat robot who can cool down their hot chocolate.