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Happy People Dancing on Planet Earth
Crescent Rhea Occults Crescent Saturn
High Cliffs Surrounding Echus Chasma on Mars
What created this great cliff on Mars?
What are these humans doing?
The Colliding Spiral Galaxies of Arp 271
What will become of these galaxies?
Soft hues, partially lit orbs, a thin trace of the ring, and slight shadows highlight this understated view of the majestic surroundings of the giant planet Saturn.
M16 and the Eagle Nebula
Young star cluster
A brilliant Jupiter shares the sky with the Full Moon tonight.
Extra Galaxies
A careful look at the full field of view for
"Greenhouse" bees spread disease to wild bees
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Disease spread to wild bees from commercially bred bees used for pollination in agriculture greenhouses may be playing a role in the mysterious decline in North American bee populations, researchers said on Tuesday.
EU agency to express doubts on cloning
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Meat and milk from cloned animals may
not be safe to be sold in the European Union after all, the
bloc's top food safety agency will say on Thursday after a
rethink on the issue, EU sources said.
Baby bottle chemical levels safe, EU agency says
MILAN (Reuters) - The amount of a controversial chemical
bisphenol A (BPA) found in baby bottles is tiny and cannot harm
human health, the European Union's top food safety body said on
Wednesday reacting to recent health concerns.
Parasitic worms may help fuel AIDS epidemic: study
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - People infected with parasitic worms
may be much more susceptible to the AIDS virus, according to a
study published on Tuesday that may help explain why HIV has
hit sub-Saharan Africa particularly hard.
School failure harder on girls than boys: U.S. study
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Academic failure appears to trouble teen-age girls more deeply than boys, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
Germans find Olympic course where Nero raced chariot
ATHENS (Reuters) - German archaeologists using radar
technology believe they may have discovered the ancient horse
racing track at Olympia where Roman Emperor Nero bribed his way
to Olympic laurels.
Day care babies gain more weight: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Infants cared for by someone
other than mom or dad are more apt to be exposed to
"unfavorable" feeding practices and to gain more weight during
their first year of life, a new study shows, which could
contribute to childhood weight problems.
Viagra helps depressed women get satisfaction too
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Viagra, a popular anti-impotence pill, may help some women on antidepressants have better sex, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
Laser resurfacing fixes wrinkles, study finds
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Laser treatment can remove wrinkles better than some newer procedures, dermatologists reported on Monday.
Remains of vast Neolithic site found in south China
BEIJING (Reuters) - Thousands of ancient artifacts and wooden poles more than 3,000 years old have been unearthed in China's southern Yunnan province, possibly the world's largest site of a Neolithic community, local media reported on Tuesday.
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EU proposes ban on seal products
The European Commission proposed on Wednesday to ban products made from seals killed in inhumane ways in a measure fuelling tensions with major seal skin exporter Canada.
Hurricane Dolly swirls toward US-Mexico border
Hurricane Dolly churned over the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday toward the US-Mexican border, forcing thousands in Mexico to evacuate as US oil rigs put staff ashore and the US Navy sheltered aircraft.
World's first IVF baby marks 30th birthday
The birth of Louise Brown, the world's first IVF baby, hit headlines around the globe three decades ago -- but the married mother-of-one wants to keep her 30th birthday Friday low-key by contrast.
Los Angeles bans plastic bagging in stores
The city of Los Angeles announced it will ban all plastic bags from retail stores as of July 1, 2010, following similar anti-pollution regulations already enforced in San Francisco.
Consumer spending: Why nine is the magic number
Retailers' belief that customers like a price ending in a nine rather than a rounded-up zero -- 199.99 instead of 200.00, for instance -- has been borne out by scientific research on a restaurant menu.
Dino diversity had a long pedigree, says study
The belief that dinosaurs underwent explosive species diversification just before they were wiped out is an illusion, for the beasts' main evolutionary shifts took place millions of years before, a study says.
Dolly grows into hurricane
Tropical Storm Dolly grew into a category one hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday as it headed toward the US-Mexican border, the US National Hurricane Center said.
More EU states eyeing ESA
Four countries that joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 are knocking on the door of the European Space Agency (ESA), French Research Minister Valerie Pecresse said here on Tuesday.
Alcohol industry may face binge-drinking curbs
The drinks industry may face tough new laws to deal with the country's binge-drinking culture, which costs the state health system an estimated 2.7 billion pounds each year, the government warned on Tuesday.
Scientists hail possible breakthrough in prostate cancer fight
Prostate cancer sufferers received a boost on Tuesday after scientists claimed that a new drug could be the most important development in the treatment of the disease for 70 years.
Russian Satellite Debris Poses Hazard
NASA is tracking some 500 pieces of debris from a Russian spy satellite that mysteriously exploded in March. Since then, it has broken up twice, including last month. Some of the pieces have come close to the international space station.
How Mars And Mercury Are Shaping Up
Scientists on both the Mars Phoenix and Mercury Messenger space missions talk about the latest news from the Milky Way and what it means for those of us on Earth.
Glass Beads From Moon Hint Of Watery Past
New analysis of tiny beads of volcanic glass collected by Apollo astronauts suggest the moon once contained enough water to fill the Caribbean Sea. The finding raises new questions about how the moon was born.
NASA Moon Missions Could Lead to Mars Travel
The next lunar rocket, Ares V, will be 38 stories tall and ready for passengers in 2020. Scheduled for completion in 2020, the lunar program may be a first step in getting to Mars.
Mars May Have Been Struck by Massive Object
There are competing reasons for why Mars' northern hemisphere is much lower in altitude than the southern hemisphere. Three papers in the journal Nature present new evidence that a massive object struck Mars, giving one of the theories a major boost.
NASA Helps Astronauts Cast Ballots from Space
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are far away from the action in the presidential race. Luckily for them, NASA and Texas understand the unique needs of space-traveling citizens, who want their votes counted.
NASA Lander Touches Ice on Mars
For the first time, a NASA lander has touched Martian ice. Scientists say they are convinced white chunks dug up by the Phoenix craft are in fact frozen water on the Red Planet.
'Clumpy' Dirt Muddies Mars Research
A mini-drama unfolded millions of miles away this week near the North Pole of Mars when NASA's robotic lander Phoenix had trouble with a shovel-full of dirt. NPR's science correspondent David Kestenbaum wonders if there is life among the dirt on Mars.
Shuttle Discovery Crew Back on Earth
Seven astronauts have wrapped up a mission to the international space station to deliver a Japanese science module. The Kibo lab is now the biggest room on the space station.
Digging in the Dirt, Scientists Succeed on Mars
Using a robotic arm on the Phoenix Mars lander Wednesday, scientists successfully gathered a sample of the planet's soil, clearing the way for further research on the possibility of life on Mars. The head of the Mars Phoenix mission joins Science Friday for an update.
Pluto Gets Consolation Prize after Demotion
Bodies like Pluto — which was demoted from being a planet — will now be called Plutoids in its honor. Plutoids are certain distant bodies too small for full planet status. That "oid" construction may be useful elsewhere.
NASA's Future Spacesuits Are Made for Walking
NASA picked a company to design and build a new generation of spacesuits — and the first sketches are in. The agency's goal is to make them flexible enough so moon explorers can climb ladders, walk long distances and scramble over rocks on much longer missions.
NASA Balks at Taking Physics Gear Into Space
NASA has scheduled just 10 more space shuttle flights before retiring its fleet for good. But the space agency may have to add one more mission, to bring a seven-ton $1.5 billion physics experiment into space. The House will vote Wednesday on a bill that would require NASA to plan an additional flight for the gear.
Life on the Space Station
Scott Simon speaks to U.S. Navy Commander Mark Kelly and Lt. Col. Sergei Volkov of the Russian Federation Air Force about life on the International Space Station and U.S. space shuttle's the mission to deliver the "Kibo" Japanese Experiment Laboratory.
Emergency Krulwich: Satellite Lucy
When something goes wrong on air, we turn to esteemed science correspondent Robert Krulwich. Here, Krulwich reports that we make a lot of noise on Earth with TV and radio broadcasts. Some of that sound escapes into space. Can Lucille Ball's laugh be heard across the universe?
Biotech bailing on stem cells?
Why is one of the first companies to focus on embryonic stem cells scrambling for operating funds?
Another biotech buy for Roche
After Monday's surprise bid for Genentech, Roche announces plans to acquire an RNAi-focused company
Irreverent genetics
At Merck, Eric Schadt takes an iconoclastic approach to drug discovery - and dressing
What about legal immigration?
Obtaining permanent residency in the US as a postdoc
"Pharmed" vaccine passes early test
Human trial of the first plant-produced vaccine for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma shows success
Roche shifts funding priorities
The Swiss drug-maker makes a bid for biotech giant Genentech and announces some changes in its research program
FDA funding future brightens
A Senate bill bumps the agency's budget more than $324 million above its 2008 levels
Pharma gets friendly
Pfizer, Merck and Eli Lilly come together to launch a new company that will create technologies to speed drug development
More articles, fewer citations
As more journals go online, are researchers citing a less diverse range of articles?
RNA in control
An ancient RNA molecule is the answer to a bacterial mystery
Story corps for scientists
An oral history project preserves tales of research and inspiration
Unifying journal disclosure rules
Will science publications adhere to a standard conflict of interest policy?
A Sultan's gift?
Pygmy elephants may have landed in Borneo thanks to the generosity of ancient rulers
The next Dorkbot SoCal is this coming Saturday, July 26, 2008, at Machine Project (1200 D North Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA). Presenters: Steven Gentner Gil Kuno Brett Doar You can subscribe to MAKE to get in on this project action (use code CMAKE for $5 off) and you'll also get access to the MAKE digital edition, it's exactly like our print magazine, but online (no DRM), shareable, printable and can be accessed from just about any computer. Back issues of MAKE are also available in our Maker store. Rag and Bone points us to the amazingly complex papercuts of Béatrice Coron. In addition to paper, she uses Tyvek, aluminum, and stainless steel. More: More from MAKE: Phuaalvin happened to be visiting the Taipei 101 on May 12, when the Great Sichuan Earthquake occurred. It must have been terrifying to see that damper moving like that; according to Wikipedia, the damper weighs 660 metric tons, and is suspended from the 92nd to the 88th floor. A tuned mass damper is designed to sway and offset movement in the building. The "Rug-Bug BEAM Photovore" by Ken Hill is an environmentally aware photovore robotic bug that rolls, creates chirping sounds in response to light levels, and can be charged with solar cells. The bot runs from a pair of 74ACT139 ICs to control two Hankscraft gear motors from pulsed signals and a dual 556 timer IC. The design is based off of Craig Maynard's Cybug 555. Artbus by Ed Bennett at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a hardware and communications protocol for low speed control of discreet sensors and actuators. Since it is distributed it can be placed around a space where centralized control is not as important as spatial integration. Check out the link for lots of details including where to get your hands on one of these. via Transatlab, ArtBus Interfaces for art, design, and multimedia This skeleton of melted audio cassette tapes was created by artist Brian Dettmer. Titled "Skull #11", we wouldv'e also accepted "Phantom of a Hot Summer's Dashboard" - Casette Tape Skeleton on Flickr More: This robot was built using the PICAXE controller and has a homebrew line sensor that uses light dependent resistors (LDRs) to find its way. The custom PICAXE board included an L293 driver chip and ran from battery power. Check out the link for details on the board and integration into the LEGO Mindstorms setup. More: Make your own Batmobile [Gizmodo] Learn more about DIY 3D Interface: Tic Tac Toe Leah Buechley, everybody's favorite e-textile expert, created this machine-embroidered LED matrix, alternating the top and bottom threads with conductive thread in order to use the fabric as a barrier between the two electrical traces. Very cool wearable display! Via Hackaday. More:
Next Dorkbot SoCal, July 26, 2008
Steven Gentner will be speaking about a robot project built using RoboRealm, a powerful free computer vision based application for use in machine vision, image analysis, and image processing systems.
Through careful social conditioning, the mind is guided to think within certain patterns. Gil Kuno tries to redirect the flow of the mind outside of the set patterns we are taught by society to construct. Most of his works displace natural activity from its context, revealing an otherwise hidden level of metaphorical absurdity within the ordinary patterns present before our eyes. Much of his work revolves around the experience of sound. Gil Kuno is based in Tokyo and Los Angeles.
Brett Doar is a "paratechnologist" who creates "idiosyncratic electro-mechanical creatures out of inappropriate materials."
MAKE Projects - Volume 06
In each volume of MAKE we have "major projects" these project pages are meaty step-by-step articles with start-to-finish photos, precise instructions and how-to learning that can range from making a VCR cat feeder to ariel kite photography. In MAKE volume 07 the projects are:
Two BEAMbots: Trimet and Solarroller by Gareth Branwyn. Solder together one simple circuit and use it to control two very different solar-powered robo-critters: a little satellite that scoots and bumps around, and a mini cart that just keeps a-rolling until the sun goes down.Page 76
Soccer-Playing Robot by Matthew Russell. Make an autonomous robot that can chase a ping-pong ball, push it into a goal, and take other programmable actions. When you're finished, you'll have a few more wrinkles in your brain and no more fears of robot attacks. Page 88
Building Tensegrity Models by William Gurstelle. Make a "needle tower" sculpture from dowels and elastic cord that seems to defy the laws of physics. Page 100
The MAKE Controller by Liam Staskawicz and David Williams. Announcing a just-maybe-revolutionary microcontroller for all things DIY. Page 164
Papercut art of Béatrice Coron
HOW TO - Make Paper Cuts with Skinny laMinx
Western Spaghetti
"Western Spaghetti" by PES - a lovely stop motion flick via Waxy.
Stop Motion Animation, the Easy Way.
LEGO for adults - make guns with LEGO?
Interesting, here's a book called LEGO for adults, it shows how to make crossbows, pistols and more -- there are only about 1,000 copies because (according to the author) "After 1050 copies were printed, the LEGO Group® forbid the further use of their trademark in connections with guns, so this is the first and only edition called "LEGO for ADULTS"!" via Boingboing gadgets.
Taipei 101 damper movement during earthquake
Rug-Bug crawls around your house
Artbus enables prototyping distributed electronic projects
Cassette tape skeleton
(Photo by Andrew Huff)
Old books sculptures (also by Brain Dettmer)
Build a PICAXE robot rover
DIY: Recycled Recumbent
The Recycled Recumbent has been updated for 2008. It looks like a few other people have had success following the free plans. I really like how the plans have little notes to help you build a really nice Recycled Recumbent Bicycle.
Read more about Brass Lion recumbent tricycle
Make your own paper-craft Batmobile
Now you can have your own Batmobile! OK, so you can't ride it around town, but you can assemble it and put it on your desk. I wonder how long this takes to build?
DIY 3D Interface: Tic Tac Toe
I have to try this out! Apparently all you need is an Arduino, a few resistors, some aluminum foil, and you can build a simple 3D interface. I really hope this works as well as it appears in the video.The basic goal here was to make a 3D position sensing system that most people can build, while still preserving some semblance of functionality. To get an idea of possible applications, check out the demo video. If you think you can build one that is simpler and equally accurate, or slightly more complex and more accurate, share in the comments!
HOW TO - Turn broken speakers into a snappy media cabinet
This is a good idea for those giant speakers when they (eventually) break beyond repair, or found in the trash -- turn them in to a nice media cabinet!
Embroidered LED matrix