Saturday, April 26, 2014

Biggest Remote Controlled Helicopter

"5.2-ton Blackhawk turned into the world's biggest RC helicopter". (Via H.R.)

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Escaping Viruses

"A Brief, Terrifying History of Viruses Escaping From Labs". (Via M.H.)

Dancing Robot

Wired: "Watch the Astounding Dexterity of Honda's Dancing Humanoid Robot".  (Via H.R.)

Nobody Lives Here

"Nobody lives here: The nearly 5 million Census Blocks with zero population"

(Green = unoccupied; click through to see larger version)

USB Type-C

"USB Type-C: Simpler, faster and more powerful"

Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Other Captain America Movie

"The other Captain America movie -- this 1973 Turkish version in which he teams up with a Mexican wrestler and fights evil Spiderman".

I'm guessing this wasn't authorized by Marvel Comics.

DNA Analysis Of Dollar Bills

WSJ: "Scientists are discovering a surprising number of microbes living on cash"

From the article:
In the first comprehensive study of the DNA on dollar bills, researchers at New York University's Dirty Money Project found that currency is a medium of exchange for hundreds of different kinds of bacteria as bank notes pass from hand to hand.

By analyzing genetic material on $1 bills, the NYU researchers identified 3,000 types of bacteria in all—many times more than in previous studies that examined samples under a microscope. Even so, they could identify only about 20% of the non-human DNA they found because so many microorganisms haven't yet been cataloged in genetic data banks.

Easily the most abundant species they found is one that causes acne. Others were linked to gastric ulcers, pneumonia, food poisoning and staph infections, the scientists said. Some carried genes responsible for antibiotic resistance.

"It was quite amazing to us," said Jane Carlton, director of genome sequencing at NYU's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology where the university-funded work was performed. "We actually found that microbes grow on money."
(Via Marginal Revolution.)

Professional Actors Reading Yelp Reviews

Professional actors reading Yelp reviews.

I especially liked this one and this one (below):



Dronies

Old: Selfie.
New: Dronie.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

5 Anamorphic Illusions

"5 Anamorphic Illusions"

Floating NYC Neighborhood

"How NYC's Newest Neighborhood Will Float Above an Active Train Yard". (Via H.R.)

Fast Chinese Eyes

"Faster eye responses in Chinese people not down to culture, study suggests". (Via Dave J.)

Beyond Quantum Computing?

Scott Aaronson: "Is There Anything Beyond Quantum Computing?"

Wine Decorker

The ultimate wine bottle uncorker and pourer for the man who has everything. Including patience. (Via H.R.)

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Beer Plus Barbecue

If you barbecue, you should add beer -- for health reasons. Doctor's orders.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Baby Names Ending in "N"

"America, Why Are You Naming All Your Boys Like This?"

Here's the trend over time:

Nanodiamonds

The many uses of nanodiamonds. (Via H.R.)

Transition Tips for Win XP Users

"Windows XP Isn't Safe to Use Anymore. Here's What to Do Next."

Update: Link was broken, now fixed!

Celebrities that Look Like Matresses

"Celebrities that Look Like Matresses"

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Google Glass In The Workplace

Google Glass being used in the workplace.  (Via Marginal Revolution.)

Adalja AMA on Infectious Disease, Antibiotic Resistance, and Biosecurity

Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert, recently did a Reddit Science AMA: "Ask me anything about biosecurity, emerging infectious diseases (e.g., Ebola, MERS, H7N9), influenza, polio, norovirus, antibiotic resistance, measles, mumps, STDS, and related history, science and policy issues".

Spinal Cord Repair?

New Scientist: "Pioneering implant revives legs of paralysed men". (Via H.R.)

Skydiver Meteorite Update

The skydiver "meteorite" may have just been a rock inadvertently packed in with the skydiver's parachute.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Visually Stunning Math Concepts

"Visually stunning math concepts which are easy to explain"

The Donut Of Power

The donut forged in the fires of Mount Doom:














One donut to rule them all,
One donut to feed them;
One donut to bring them all
And in the darkness fatten them.

(Via Neatorama.)

The Bovine Internet

"Why Farmers Are Connecting Their Cows to the Internet". (Via Marginal Revolution.)

Everything You Don’t Know About Tipping

"Everything You Don't Know About Tipping".

Lots of interesting information, especially towards the end. (Via Diana.)

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Differentiating Asian Scripts

"The itchyfeet guide to differentiating between Asian scripts"

Map Of Earthquakes

Corey Powell: "In one map: Every major recorded earthquake since 1898, showing how Earth is put together.".  More images here.

Cortana Is Clippy For Your Phone

This description of Microsoft's Cortana makes it sound like Clippy for your phone. (Via Diana.)

Cereal Box Psychology

"Why Cap'n Crunch Looks Down at Your Kid"

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Unusual Skydiving Hazard

"Norwegian skydiver nearly struck by meteorite":
Although Helstrup is still not completely convinced that it was indeed a meteorite that flew past him, the experts are in no doubt.

"It can't be anything else. The shape is typical of meteorites -- a fresh fracture surface on one side, while the other side is rounded," said geologist Hans Amundsen.

He explained that the meteorite had been part of a larger stone that had exploded perhaps 20 kilometres above Helstrup.

DST Blowup

Irish bomber accidentally blows himself up because he forgot about Daylight Saving Time. (Via R.G.)

More Light Blogging

Admin note: More light blogging for the rest of the week due to external obligations.