For some people, just the sound of a dental drill is enough to cause panic--but the good news is that this barbaric procedure may be a thing of the past. UK researchers have developed a technology that spots tooth decay before it begins using a technology based on Raman spectroscopy--a method that is currently used to identify chemicals. A new study has determined that harmful bacteria can be detected by analysing how light is scattered when a laser is fired at the tooth.

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We all know that sensitive data left on a discarded hard drive can be a security risk, but would you be willing to drop upwards of US$11,500 on a machine that ensures its destruction? EDR's Hard Disk Crusher gets down and dirty by drilling through the hard drives' spindles/rippling the platters to make data recovery impossible. The device runs off a standard 110V outlet, but if you are ever caught in a disk-destroying emergency and the power goes out, just bust out the optional US$895 hand pump accessory and keep on crushin' in the dark.

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This is what tools are for, my friends. Ronald Long of Deepwater, MO, was trying to install a satellite dish in his bedroom. He was having trouble putting the necessary hole in the wall and, thinking himself quite clever, decided to use his gun to get the job done quickly. Unfortunately, his wife was outside and caught the bullet in the chest. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. On the upside, Ronald now has DirecTV. Silver linings, people. [KCTV via Boing Boing]

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The following is not the plot to an upcoming Bond film: Russian bootstrap billionaire and Chelsea soccer club owner Roman Abramovich announced that his construction company, Infrastruktura, would spend US$160 million on the world's largest drill. The drill, five meters wider than the current champ, built by the same German concern, Herrenknecht, would be used to improve the grounds around the Black Sea resort of Sochi, site of 2014 Olympics and favourite hangout of both Stalin and Putin. The company says it will not be used to drill a subterranean roadway from Far Eastern Russia to Alaska. Not yet, at least.

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Bongkun Shin's concept design Smart Guide keeps your drill at right-angles to the surface, meaning no more badly-placed and mis-aligned holes. It also keeps your aim right on target by collapsing smoothly as you advance the drill bit forwards. It looks like it acts as a guard to protect you from flying debris, as well. The idea seems so simple I'd love someone to make it soon, please—building my new computer desk would be so much easier. I am hoping, though, that, if it becomes reality the Smart Guide is separate from the drill in the pics, which just looks like something that Buck Rogers' pastry chef might use to whip up a meringue. [Yanko designs]

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