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The frame of the Silk Pavilion is made up of 26 metal hexagons. On each side of every hexagon are a series of metal teeth. A computer numerical control (CNC) machine threads silk about these teeth to create a silky lattice. By determining patterns for the machine to follow, “windows” in the lattice can be made, or, more accurately, left out. These were strategically placed to let direct light into the pavilion from the south and … Read More → "Robots and worms join forces to spin silk pavilion (video)"

… Read More → "NASA’s magic thermal tiles: hold 2,200 degree heat in your bare hands"

Researchers have discovered than an ancient Egyptian bead was made out of iron taken from a meteorite. In a paper published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science, they write that the piece of jewelry dates back to roughly 3,300 BC. It was one of nine such artifacts found in 1911 — at a cemetery roughly 70 kilometers south of Cairo — and its origin has been a point of contention for some time. … Read More → "Prehistoric Egyptian jewelry made from a meteorite, say researchers"

Molecular self-assembly, whereby molecules position themselves into defined arrangements, is commonplace in biological systems and nanotechnology. But researchers at MIT are working on so called “4D printing” technology that aims to bring the process up to the macro scale, enabling 3D-printed materials to be programmed to self-assemble into predefined shapes and structures. Just imagine buying some flat-pack furniture, bringing it home and enjoying a coffee whilst you watch it assemble itself.

< … Read More → "Move over 3D printing, self-assemblng 4D-printed materials are on the way"

There are robots that walk around like spiders, there are robots that avoid objects, and there are robots that talk, but what about a robot spider that talks while avoiding objects? Hobbyist Kevin Ochs’ creation, Charlotte, is just that. Charlotte is a hexapod robot with a talking head that lets it narrate its progress as it avoids collisions.

Charlotte is an in-progress project started by Ochs as a way of … Read More → "Charlotte the robot talks its way around obstacles (video)"

… Read More → "Pigeons are smarter than you might think and can use touchscreens (video)"

The A.C.Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo is recruiting superheroes in an attempt to help young patients better understand and cope with chemotherapy — a complex, daunting medical treatment irrespective of age. With the help of ad agency JWT, the medical facility is touting chemo to a “superformula” for kids that can help them overcome cancer. Rather than have kids stare at a cold, sterile chemotherapy bag, the Cancer Center has … Read More → "Children’s cancer center leverages superheroes to help patients through chemotherapy (video)"

Science fiction is filled with cherished seats of power, workstations that put the universe a finger-touch or a mere thought away. Darth Vader had his meditation pod, the Engineers of Prometheus had their womb-like control stations, and Captain Kirk has the Captain’s Chair. But no real-life workstation has quite measured up to these fictional seats of power in the way that Martin Carpentier’s Emperor workstations have.

The latest “ … Read More → "Seat of Power: the computer workstation for the person with everything"

Traveling across the country or the world via any modern mode of transportation is a time-consuming affair. It can also be really annoying with the long lines, crying babies, armrest hogs, cramped space, etc. Would it not be the most awesome invention ever if some new type of transportation could cut that travel time significantly?

Get ready, because it may only be a few … Read More → "Futuristic high-speed tube travel could take you from New York to Los Angeles in 45 minutes"