So some engineers at Duke University have developed a robot capable of performing simple surgical procedures completely on its own. Obviously this an incredible creation that pushes the envelope of modern medicine, but, for me, it begs the question of even though we can use robots to perform surgeries, should we?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for using robotics to help make people’s lives easier, but there’s something about removing the human element from medicine that just seems… wrong. Yes, a robot could (in theory) be far more precise and accurate in performing the procedures, but there’s no telling how it would handle the situation should something go awry. I don’t know, maybe it’s just that any time I hear about automated medical care all I can think of is Roujin Z.

My own hyperactive imagination aside, it will be quite exciting to see what kind of advances this helps bring about.

Mad Medicine (via io9)

By Stewart Smith

The DIY modifications for classic videogame icons and consoles will probably never end, though it’s hard to think about what may top this baby. This modder turned a storage chest into a NES controller big enough for Godzilla to use, filled it with his classic game collection, and then topped it all off by making it a fully functioning controller. For the increasing number of people that grew up on video games, perhaps this will one day be the epitomy of retro chic style. If you are reading this, perhaps that day has already come for you! Check the video below to see it in action.

The Great NES Coffeetable Project (via Destructoid)

By Jesse Mann

© 2008 TOHO/NTV/J STORM/SHOGAKUKAN/YTV/CTV/YOMIURI SHINBUN/DENTSU

Shinji Higuchi’s remake of Akira Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (screened in LA last week) starts off with a bang. Literally. It’s a startling deviation from the original, almost as if director Higuchi was throwing down a gauntlet and defiantly stating that this was his version of the 1958 blockbuster that had inspired George Lucas’ Star Wars.

IKEA has just partnered with EA for a furniture expansion pack, tailor made for the Sims mega-franchise. Available on June 24th, SIMS 2™ IKEA Home Stuff is not the first example of product placement for the Sims, and we can be sure it is far from the last. EA will be milking this franchise for a long time to come, especially while creator Will Wright continues to polish and shine his next opus, the long-delayed Spore.

The Sims & Ikea (via Kotaku)

Image of IKEA superstore in Simcity 4 courtesy of BSC

By Jesse Mann

Streetwear mecca Alife, already a staple in NYC and LA, just opened a beautiful new store in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Tons of Alife clothing and shoes will be available there, and with their impeccable reputation worldwide, it’s a pretty safe bet that Alife’s Tokyo venture will be plenty successful.

Alife Tokyo Flagship Store (via Hypebeast)

By Jesse Mann

New York-Tokyo is looking for some new writers to join our team.

Do you obsess over the latest in Japanese film or fashion? Do you scour the gadget blogs every day looking for the latest robotic creation? Then you may be the right one for the job. We’re looking for smart, passionate, culturally and technically savvy people to contribute to the site on a regular basis. We are particularly interested in people who want to contribute to our daily news postings, specializing in one of the five subjects of Film, Music, Gaming, Lifestyle, and Robotics. More details after the jump.