The Curiosity rover, like a hero in a Pixar film, continues to explore Mars. Bumbling along the Red Planet’s rocky terrain, the robot has sent home some incredible images. Here’s […]
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ETH Zurich University scientists borrowed from the bombadier beetle to create a defense system that would release hot nanoparticle-filled foam when the ATM is tampered with.
The only way out is to modify the laws of gravity, and new constraints rule those modifications out. “The discrepancy between what was expected and what has been observed has […]
Scientists are testing a combined smart pill and skin patch system that will track whether medication was taken, when it was taken, and how the body is responding to it.
US Geological Survey researchers say that by simply tracking the word “earthquake,” they’re able to pinpoint seismic activity much more quickly than with their own specialized equipment. However, because it’s Twitter, the method is far from perfect.
A forthcoming Nielsen report reveals that while Americans now have access to — and are paying for — an average of 189 channels, they only watch 17 of them consistently.
One of the few supposedly silver linings to be found in the dark cloud of global warming is its effect on agriculture (at least in some regions). As optimists and […]
Approximately three-quarters of cigarettes end up as butts on the ground, where they can eventually leach dangerous chemicals into soil and water. That’s just one of the problems caused by tobacco waste litter.
Doctor Stephen Schneider was genuinely surprised when he was sentenced to thirty years in prison in 2010. His wife, Linda Atterby, received thirty-three. Charged with unlawful distribution of controlled substances, […]
Students, faculty, staff and alumni helped convince the university’s board that it would be better to divert those funds to companies offering environmentally friendly energy alternatives.
The Sun has been quite dramatic lately. This image was captured only two weeks ago by NASA. It shows the Sun’s surface rippling with tumultuous activity, including the sunspots seen […]
What’s a good scientist to do when your theory predicts something absurd? “He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass […]
A consortium of universities and companies are working on ways to get a team consisting of robots, drones, autonomous vehicles and dogs to communicate with each other in a disaster scenario.
Human beings are naturally wired to contribute. Teamwork ensures survival for the group as well as the individual: the useful and collaborative are always welcomed in the tribe. But we’re […]
Modern formula’s formula, so to speak, includes certain components of breast milk. The government plans to spend US$1.6 million to create something that’s much closer to the real thing, revitalizing its domestic industry in the process.
When it comes to overall well-being, a new survey reports that regardless of whether it’s public or private, elite or obscure, the type of institution isn’t nearly as important as certain other factors, such as engaging professors.
As I’ve said before, my home away from home is Panera Bread. It has a fireplace with real gas logs, couches, and a leisurely and rather personal environment. It’s a […]
Review of Leta Hong Fincher’s Leftover Women – The Resurgence of Gender Inequality in China, Zed Books, April 10, 2014 – 5/5 stars BEIJING – I remember I read a The […]
The law, which goes into effect on July 1, lays down fines for individuals and organizations who use profanity in their works of art. It also requires existing works to carry special labeling.
German writer Timur Vermes’s 2012 bestseller is titled Er ist wieder da (‘Look Who’s Back’). The cover illustration leaves no doubt as to who the protagonist is: the trademark curtained […]
Etihad Airways plans to offer a private multi-room cabin — complete with living room, shower and butler service — on its Airbus A380 passenger planes. Cost for a flight from Abu Dhabi to London: about US$20,000.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is actually an ancient notion. Humans are wired to compare ourselves to others and, as a result, we suffer a sense of restlessness about our […]
Kohler is planning to offer an easy-to-install kit that converts a regular household toilet into one that flushes with a simple wave of the hand.
A study of global surface warming trends over the last 100 years has taken scientists by surprise by revealing that while some parts of the world were heating up, others were cooling down.
I’m not taking sides here, but after talking to a number of employers, I believe that that Affordable Care Act creates an opportunity for companies to examine some of the […]
“All the while, the glorious sun pours immaculate free energy down upon us, more than we will ever need. Why can’t we summon the ingenuity and courage of the generations […]
Eaten any cheese lately? It was probably made with genetic engineering. Anything with sugar in it? Good chance that was made with genetic engineering too. Anything with ingredients containing […]
In mice, the answer seems to be yes: Recent studies reveal improvements in memory and brain cell growth in older mice who received blood or plasma from younger mice.
Although we’re all under the same skies, those at Mexican latitudes will especially enjoy this one tonight! “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on […]
It hadn’t hit me before I saw it, but it’s true – we have 3-D printing pens, yet we still have to use bulky, stationary printers that don’t fit in […]