The gravity model of the North Atlantic ocean basin reveals tectonic history in sharp detail.
It’s like someone pulled a plug in the oceans and drained them away as a sea-floor map has exposed thousands of never-before-seen underwater mountains and ridges. The map was generated by the highest-resolution gravity model ever made for the oceans and will guide deep-sea research for years to come. (Video)
Continue reading… “Gravity map exposes mysteries of the deep oceans”
The multidirectional “perfect paraxial” cloak bends light around the hand to show the grid on the wall.
Two University of Rochester scientists have taken invisibility cloaking back to basics. Their novel arrangement of four standard, off-the-shelf lenses keeps an object hidden (and the background undisturbed) as the viewer moves up to several degrees away from the optimal viewing angle. (Video)
Continue reading… “Scientists develop 3D, continuously multidirectional cloaking device”
High Concentration PhotoVoltaic Thermal (HCPVT)
A cutting-edge solar system that resembles a 10-meter-high sunflower has just been unveiled by IBM Research and Swiss solar technology company Airlight Energy. The High Concentration PhotoVoltaic Thermal (HCPVT) system can concentrate the sun’s radiation 2,000 times and convert 80 percent of it into useful energy, generating up to 12 kilowatts of electrical power and 20 kilowatts of heat on a sunny day—enough to power several average homes. It can also produce clean, fresh water as a result of the process used to cool the solar cells. (Video)
Space elevator
The Japanese construction giant Obayashi has announced they will have a space elevator up and running by the year 2050. If successful it would revolutionize space travel and potentially transform the global economy. (Video)
Continue reading… “Japanese company Obayashi plans to have a space elevator up and running by 2050”
“Cognitive ecstasy” is one reason humans persevere in science, art, and invention.
Humans are curious because discovery is pleasurable. In Jason Silva’s latest video. he says humans don’t care about spectacle—what we care about is ecstatic understanding: “In other words, cognitive ecstasy defined as an exhilarating neurostorm of intense intellectual pleasure.” (Video)
Continue reading… “Progress in technology is driven by our growing addiction to ‘cognitive ecstasy’”
Nick Hanauer, venture capitalist and author
An unrepentant capitalist and rich guy, Nick Hanauer has something to say to his fellow plutocrats: Wake up! Growing inequality is about to push our societies into conditions resembling pre-revolutionary France. Hear his argument about why a dramatic increase in minimum wage could grow the middle class, deliver economic prosperity … and prevent a revolution. (Video)
Continue reading… “Beware, fellow plutocrats, the pitchforks are coming: Nick Hanauer”
Automatic sperm extractor.
A hospital in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, China, has introduced a new machine that makes sperm donation even easier- an automatic hands-free sperm extractor. Have scientists gone a little too far with this invention? (Video)
Continue reading… “Chinese hospital introduces hands-free automatic sperm extractor”
The machine hitching a ride on the Space X cargo shuttle isn’t your average, off-the-shelf MakerBot printer.
The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida last week carrying something that’s never been taken into space: A 3D printer. When it docked with the ISS, it delivered the first machine capable of making things in orbit—a huge step forward for exploration. (Video)
Continue reading… “NASA blasts first 3D printer into space”
Talking to your digital twin could one day be like looking in the mirror.
“When you and I die, our kids aren’t going to go to our tombstones, they’re going to fire up our digital twins and talk to them,” says John Smart, futurist and founder of the Acceleration Studies Foundation. Smart uses many names for the technology he predicts — digital twin, cyber-self, personal agent — but the concept stays the same: a computer-based version of you. (Video)
Continue reading… “We could all have ‘digital twins’ that make decisions for us within 5 years”
Ant-sized chip.
The Internet of Things has been around for awhile. As chips get smaller and cheaper, we should be able to embed them in everyday items. Appliances, lighting, doors, climate control—all these things (and many more) get a chip and an internet connection. They can send data and receive commands. (Video)
Continue reading… “Internet of Things gets a battery-free chip the size of an ant”
Water bicycle
An innovative bicycle designed by Schiller allows people to safely ride on water. It is the world’s most advanced water bicycle with a responsive steering mechanism, multi-speed drive train, twin propellers, and dual chamber pontoons. (Video and pics)
Continue reading… “Schiller X1 water bicycle allows riders to safely ride on water”
Wearables may improve clinical outcomes in the OR.
Healthcare is one of the ripest markets for Google Glass and Glass-based apps. While patient care has become increasingly data-driven, doctors need a way to receive the data while remaining hands-on with patients. (Video)
Continue reading… “Google Glass makes doctors better surgeons: Study”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.