Corgi-Rottweiler Mix Is Key to Discovering ‘Cuteness Gene’

A group of researchers at the Newcastle University in England made significant strides in their groundbreaking research into puppy cuteness. They’ve been attempting for years to quantify cuteness by searching for an elusive genetic marker nicknamed the “aww gene.”

“You know how the Large Hadron Collider at CERN smashed particles together at 99% the speed of light in order to glimpse the Higgs-Boson?” said lead research Benedict Reed. “This is really nothing like that.”

According to Reed, the group has been focused on mapping the genome of a specific puppy named Rufus. The dog, a Corgi-Rottweiler mix, measures “off the charts” on every cuteness scale known to science.

“We think, because of his extreme cuteness, Rufus represents our best hope of cracking the cuteness code,” said Reed. 

The group has already made significant progress and plans to release a preliminary report in June.

Via yessircapntightpants.

Nikon Introduces Puppy Nose Camera Lens

Camera maker Nikon has introduced a new lens made specifically for taking photos of puppy noses. Officially called the “AF Puppy-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8D,” the lens is a modified fisheye that is specially calibrated for nose shots.

“We found that puppy nose photos are much funnier when shot with a fisheye lens,” said Nikon product manager Ashley Ortega. In fact, Nikon’s internal research indicates that fisheye puppy nose shots are 10x funnier than those shot with a macro lens, and 35x funnier than those taken with a standard 50mm lens.

“But fisheye lenses on the market weren’t designed with dog noses in mind,” said Ortega. 

Nikon has spent the past year developing the technology that goes into puppy nose lens – mainly a better autofocus sensor able to deal with the rapid, frenetic movements of puppies.

The lens goes on sale today and retails for $199.99. 

Via jillbui.