Solar cells thinner than a thread of spider silk.
On Wednesday, researchers from Austria and Japan unveiled solar cells thinner than a thread of spider silk that are flexible enough to be wrapped around a single human hair.
Continue reading… “Scientists develop solar cells thinner than spider silk”
Vanilla is a hot commodity at the moment.
At our current rate of consumption, we’re driving vanilla prices sky-high. The price for a kilo of the brown stuff has jumped from $25 to $40 in a single day, which means your summer ice creams might be an even more expensive treat than usual.
Virtually all of the world’s vanilla supplies are grown in Madagascar, Mexico and India. But in the last year, Mexico’s yield has dropped by a staggering 90 per cent, reports Management Today. In fact, India’s yields are struggling too, leaving Madagascar as pretty much the sole source…
Continue reading… “A worldwide vanilla shortage is making ice cream a luxury”
Now your dogs weight won’t impede his mobility. Is that a good thing?
With news that more and more pets are joining the growing ranks of the obese (spurred by too much processed food, sedentary culture and architecture) it’s only a matter of time before someone thought of designing a stairlift for these unfortunate animals, just like their human counterparts.
In a country where observers are predicting over half of its dogs will be obese by 2022, the Daily Mail reports that a UK-based insurance company is prototyping a device that will help pudgy pets climb stairs, which they’re calling “Stair Lift of the Dog 2022″…
Continue reading… “World’s first stairlift for obese pets”
Robotic hands uses artificial tendons.
While the quest for robotic grippers with a light, yet firm touch has led to innovative approaches, such as the universal jamming gripper, it’s still hard to go past the four fingers and opposable thumb form factor honed by millions of years of evolution. While the technology is available to create a robotic hand that is both powerful and delicate, cramming it inside a compact arm is still difficult. But European researchers have done just that by using a novel string actuator to act as an artificial tendon.
Continue reading… “Robotic hand uses artificial tendons consisting of strings”
Bendable e-reader.
One big disadvantage to e-readers is that they’re made of breakable glass and sensitive electronics that can get damaged when dropped. Books, by contrast, are pretty durable.
Continue reading… “XGA – bendable e-reader goes into production”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fV7BGl9M4[/youtube]
Terrafugia, makers of Transition — the world’s first flying car — has released video of a production-type prototype flying over Plattsburgh, N.Y. today. (Video)
Continue reading… “World’s first flying car goes for test flight”
The worlds biggest mouth doesn’t hold a candle to some of these crazy sex world records.
From an 82-year-old prostitute to a 500 people orgy and the world’s gang bang record, meet some of the weirdest sex world records you may not see in the Guinness Book…
Continue reading… “10 Bizarre Sex World Records”
Eating fast food will not only make you likely to put on weight but may give you the blues as well.
Eating junk food has a negative effect on mental health, making those who consume it regularly feel depressed, new research has revealed.
Musical chairs is much trickier this way.
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Quote of the Day – “My belt holds my pants up, but the belt loops hold my belt up. I don’t really know what’s happening down there. Who is the real hero?” – – Mitch Hedberg
Continue reading… “Top 10 Photos of the Week”
This song does what it says in the title, and will make you laugh. It was meant as a study aid, but it didn’t help me memorize the elements at all. How about you?
Continue reading… “Periodic Table SYMBOLS in Order Song”
A urine-soaked egg.
At the end of the school day in the eastern Chinese city of Dongyang, eager parents collect their children after a hectic day of primary school. That is also the start of busy times for dozens of egg vendors across the city, deep in coastal Zhejiang province, who ready themselves to cook up a unique springtime snack favored by local residents.
Continue reading… “Urine-soaked eggs a spring delicacy in China”
The full results of the 1940 census was released online today by the National Archives, and the Census put together some intriguing full-page graphics to illustrate how the country has changed over the past 70 years.
Continue reading… “1940 census graphics show dramatic changes in America over past 70 years”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.