Mark Stone/University of WashingtonBlowing dandelion seeds into the wind isn't just a pretty little way for kids (and adults) to waste away a warm afternoon outside.

Wind-powered ‘toy’ blows up land mines. ... When it rolls over a land mine, the explosive detonates, blowing off a few of the ball's dandelion-puff-like bamboo stems. ...

Dandelion seeds can fly for incredible distances despite the fact that their tiny parachute-like bristles are broken up by large ... allowing wind to catch the seeds and carry them for long ...