Theo Jansen creates new creatures | Video on TED.com
Check out TED talks for more videos like this one. They will blow your mind~
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Rodeo bull goes head-to-head with zoo dolphins in a study of balance
Rodeo bull goes head-to-head with zoo dolphins in a study of balance
Guess this solves the question once and for all- what do dolphins and rodeo bulls have in common. Not that anyone really wanted to know the answer to that.
Guess this solves the question once and for all- what do dolphins and rodeo bulls have in common. Not that anyone really wanted to know the answer to that.
How marine mussels grip rocks: Iron atoms convey mussel fibers with a robust but stretchy covering
How marine mussels grip rocks: Iron atoms convey mussel fibers with a robust but stretchy covering
In the latest edition of KNOW Magazine, I wrote an article about glue. I mention that because it is fascinating how various creatures adhere to surfaces. I would love to write a book about how geckos, mussels and other living things stick.
In the latest edition of KNOW Magazine, I wrote an article about glue. I mention that because it is fascinating how various creatures adhere to surfaces. I would love to write a book about how geckos, mussels and other living things stick.
In search of the magnetic monopole: Large Hadron Collider experiment could rewrite laws of physics
In search of the magnetic monopole: Large Hadron Collider experiment could rewrite laws of physics
A great many years ago when LJ and I were writing our first book on Magnetism, the editor asked us for a photograph of a monopole. LJ told her that if we could do that we would probably win a Nobel Prize. No matter how we tried to explain to her that this was not possible, she kept nagging us for the picture.
A great many years ago when LJ and I were writing our first book on Magnetism, the editor asked us for a photograph of a monopole. LJ told her that if we could do that we would probably win a Nobel Prize. No matter how we tried to explain to her that this was not possible, she kept nagging us for the picture.
Friday, March 26, 2010
What Makes Your Cereal Go Snap, Crackle, and Pop? -- Food Chemists Find that Milk Pushes Air to Break Crystallized Sugar
What Makes Your Cereal Go Snap, Crackle, and Pop? -- Food Chemists Find that Milk Pushes Air to Break Crystallized Sugar
Why does your cereal go Snap, Crackle, Pop? Find out the answer to this breakfast question.
Why does your cereal go Snap, Crackle, Pop? Find out the answer to this breakfast question.
The $150 Edge-of-Space Camera: MIT Students Beat NASA On Beer-Money Budget | Gadget Lab | Wired.com
The $150 Edge-of-Space Camera: MIT Students Beat NASA On Beer-Money Budget | Gadget Lab | Wired.com
Check this out! It's hard to believe that you can take photos that are NASA quality from a simple, home-made device. Hooray for nerds.
Check this out! It's hard to believe that you can take photos that are NASA quality from a simple, home-made device. Hooray for nerds.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pulling power points the way to world's strongest insect -- a dung beetle
Pulling power points the way to world's strongest insect -- a dung beetle
Although we have written about this several times, it's nice to know someone else thinks it is interesting. What is hard to believe is that scientist actually spent time proving this fact about a dung beetle.
Although we have written about this several times, it's nice to know someone else thinks it is interesting. What is hard to believe is that scientist actually spent time proving this fact about a dung beetle.
Spiraling Flight Of Maple Tree Seeds Inspires New Aerial Surveillance Technology
Spiraling Flight Of Maple Tree Seeds Inspires New Aerial Surveillance Technology
This is a great science activity for the fall. Save this blog for later!
This is a great science activity for the fall. Save this blog for later!
Pure maple syrup contains medicinally beneficial compounds, pharmacy researcher finds
Pure maple syrup contains medicinally beneficial compounds, pharmacy researcher finds
Stephen Colbert may have made fun of Canadians for loving maple syrup, but the joke's on him. Maple syrup is good for you.
Stephen Colbert may have made fun of Canadians for loving maple syrup, but the joke's on him. Maple syrup is good for you.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mysterious stone spheres in Costa Rica investigated
Mysterious stone spheres in Costa Rica investigated
Does the John Williams theme song to Raiders of the Lost Ark start playing in your head as you read this article? I, for one, have always wondered about artifacts like this one.
Does the John Williams theme song to Raiders of the Lost Ark start playing in your head as you read this article? I, for one, have always wondered about artifacts like this one.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dogs likely originated in the Middle East, new genetic data indicate
Dogs likely originated in the Middle East, new genetic data indicate
If I can find a better chart, I will blog that, too. Somehow I find it difficult to believe that my boys, Cry and Havoc, came from the Middle East. Really- what says Mediterranean more than a long, fluffy fur coat?
If I can find a better chart, I will blog that, too. Somehow I find it difficult to believe that my boys, Cry and Havoc, came from the Middle East. Really- what says Mediterranean more than a long, fluffy fur coat?
Scientific Basis The 'Golden Rule' Of Pairing Wines And Foods
Scientific Basis The 'Golden Rule' Of Pairing Wines And Foods
The International Wine Festival is coming up next month and this is something is should read before I go. Oh, who am I kidding. I'm just going to drink everything they pour for me and take a taxi home.
The International Wine Festival is coming up next month and this is something is should read before I go. Oh, who am I kidding. I'm just going to drink everything they pour for me and take a taxi home.
Smelling scenery in stereo: Desert ants perceive odor maps in navigation
Smelling scenery in stereo: Desert ants perceive odor maps in navigation
Perhaps it's because I'm writing an article about desert plants that this article caught my eye, or perhaps it's because it's a really cool factoid. Regardless, it is worth reading.
Perhaps it's because I'm writing an article about desert plants that this article caught my eye, or perhaps it's because it's a really cool factoid. Regardless, it is worth reading.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tablecloth Trick
Tablecloth Trick
I've been swamped with work and haven't had much time to blog, but this video is worth taking time to watch.
I've been swamped with work and haven't had much time to blog, but this video is worth taking time to watch.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Discovery of 'fat' taste could hold the key to reducing obesity
Discovery of 'fat' taste could hold the key to reducing obesity
Some years ago we wrote about Senses. At the time I remember a long discussion we had about the taste of "fat", which was not recognized as being something you could taste, like sweet, bitter, salty etc. Anyone who has ever been on a diet can tell you about the taste of fat, which is something you really miss as that is what is eliminated when restricting calories. There's one more taste that has not been formally identified, which most people studying electronics can tell you about, but it is probably not the kind of thing I'd like to post in a blog that can be read by children.
Some years ago we wrote about Senses. At the time I remember a long discussion we had about the taste of "fat", which was not recognized as being something you could taste, like sweet, bitter, salty etc. Anyone who has ever been on a diet can tell you about the taste of fat, which is something you really miss as that is what is eliminated when restricting calories. There's one more taste that has not been formally identified, which most people studying electronics can tell you about, but it is probably not the kind of thing I'd like to post in a blog that can be read by children.
Heat-radiating bees keep hive buzzing
Heat-radiating bees keep hive buzzing
And this is the story about heater bees. Frankly it's probably the insect equivalent of menopause and hot flashes as the job of the heater bees could be performed by most of my women friends.
And this is the story about heater bees. Frankly it's probably the insect equivalent of menopause and hot flashes as the job of the heater bees could be performed by most of my women friends.
How Bees Hold Onto Flowers: 'Velcro'-like Structures On Flower Petals Help Bees Stick
How Bees Hold Onto Flowers: 'Velcro'-like Structures On Flower Petals Help Bees Stick
There was a terrific story about bees whose job it is to keep the hive warm. This is not that story, but it was so interesting that I decided to post it. I will keep looking for the other story.
There was a terrific story about bees whose job it is to keep the hive warm. This is not that story, but it was so interesting that I decided to post it. I will keep looking for the other story.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Gigantic Rube Goldberg - OK Go - "This Too Shall Pass"
Gigantic Rube Goldberg - OK Go - "This Too Shall Pass"
I decided to take a month off blogging. Why? Well, life got in the way of putting things on to a blog. I do have to post the rest of my olympic photos and videos, but I seem to have an inordinate amount of real work to do. So when I have a spare moment, I will start writing here again.
As for this video, my mother used to always say, "this too shall pass" whenever something terrible happened in my life. It stayed with me all my life and the song made me smile. Enjoy the day.
I decided to take a month off blogging. Why? Well, life got in the way of putting things on to a blog. I do have to post the rest of my olympic photos and videos, but I seem to have an inordinate amount of real work to do. So when I have a spare moment, I will start writing here again.
As for this video, my mother used to always say, "this too shall pass" whenever something terrible happened in my life. It stayed with me all my life and the song made me smile. Enjoy the day.