In what could be described as the ultimate memento mori – a genre of art that reminds us of our own mortality – Dutch sculpture Caspar Berger has reproduced an exact copy of his own skeleton. He underwent a CT scan, which provided detailed anatomical data, which was then output on a 3D printer.
via gizmag

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Yesterday, at approximately 7:22 p.m., local time, the Moscow’s Mission Control experienced something you never want to happen when the mission you’re controlling is playing out outside the planet: silence. Complete, utter silence. Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, had lost contact with its satellites — all of them. Which meant, as well, that it had lost contact with the International Space Station, and with the cosmonauts who call it home.

“Our specialists lack the ability to control the civilian satellites or send commands to the Russian segment of the ISS,” a Roscosmos worker  … Read More → "Construction crew cuts a cable, Russia loses access to all its satellites"

Physicists have teleported quantum information from one ensemble of atoms to another 150 metres away, a demonstration that paves the way towards quantum routers and a quantum internet.

One of the enabling technologies behind a quantum internet will be quantum routers capable of transmitting quantum information from one location to another without destroying it.

That’s no easy task. Quantum … Read More → "First teleportation from one macroscopic object to another"

Using a grab bag of novel nanomaterials, researchers at Stanford University have built the first all-carbon solar cells. Their carbon photovoltaics don’t produce much electricity, but as the technology is perfected, all-carbon cells could be inexpensive, printable, flexible, and tough enough to withstand extreme environments and weather.

The goal is not to replace solar cells made from silicon and other inorganic materials, says Zhenan Bao, professor of chemical engineering … Read More → "First all-carbon solar cells"

The people behind the ultimate driving machine are building the ultimate sledding machine.

BMW of North America has invested more than a year developing a “truly improved and innovative” prototype two-man bobsled for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation. The goal is to have a race-ready ride finished in time for the 2014 Winter Games in Soichi, one that team officials said might bring the U.S. squad its first two-man … Read More → "BMW builds the ultimate sledding machine for the U.S. bobsled team"

Yesterday was a big day for Tesla as it celebrated the arrival of its second major award with Motor Trend naming the Model S its 2013 Car of the Year. After receiving the award, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was interviewed by Motor Trend, in which he provided more details about Tesla’s future, which may include a pickup truck.
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You might not have ever heard of Misfit Wearables but you’ll want to pay attention starting now that its first gadget has made its debut.

Founded by Agamatrix founders Sonny Vu and Sridhar Iyengar, the Redwood City-based company also credits former sugar water peddler and Apple CEO John Sculley as a co-founder. And its backed by Khosla Ventures, … Read More → "Watch out Fitbit, this badass new activity tracker is out to eat your lunch"

It’s easy to assume that robots are a relatively recent invention—but in fact, the history of robotics stretches back well over 2000 years. The first, a steam-powered “pigeon,” was created around 400 to 350 BCE by the ancient Greek mathematician Archytas.

Archytas constructed his robo-bird out of wood and used steam to power its movements. The bird, suspended from a pivot bar, was at one point able to fly about 200 meters before it ran out of steam—which makes Archytas’ experiment not just the first known robot, but was also one … Read More → "The first robot, created in 400 BCE, was a steam-powered pigeon"

Yes, you read that correctly. The Puzzlebox Brain-Controlled Helicopter ($250) lets you control a floating orb using nothing but your brain power. The package includes a NeuroSky MindWave Mobile EEG headset, a Pryamid that serves as a home base and remote control, and the Orbit helicopter/orb itself. Simply select a flight path, slide on the headset, and focus — the software in the Pyramid will interpret your levels of concentration … Read More → "A brain-controlled helicopter"

The 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year is one of the quickest American four-doors ever built. It drives like a sports car, eager and agile and instantly responsive. But it’s also as smoothly effortless as a Rolls-Royce, can carry almost as much stuff as a Chevy Equinox, and is more efficient than a Toyota Prius. Oh, and it’ll sashay up to the valet at a luxury hotel like a supermodel working a Paris catwalk. By any measure, the Tesla Model S is a truly remarkable automobile, perhaps the most accomplished all-new luxury … Read More → "Tesla Model S wins 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year"