To get drivers to slow down at crosswalks, India is experimenting with painted optical illusions instead of speed-bumps. Created by artists Saumya Pandya Thakkar and Shakuntala Pandya, the street paintings appear to be 3D road blocks as drivers approach, forcing them to slow down in their confusion. As they get closer, it becomes apparent that the blocks are actually flat, … Read More → "Optical illusions make drivers slow down for crosswalks"

The study, by DeCelles, who is an associate professor at the University of Toronto, and Michael Norton of Harvard Business School, analyzed thousands of flights on a large international airline over several years and found that not only were incidents in economy more likely if there was a first class cabin, and more so if economy passengers had to walk through it — but incidents were also more likely in first class … Read More → "Fights on planes 400% more likely when there’s a first class section"

A new project is using a classic children’s toy to increase literacy among visually impaired children, according to Adweek. Braille Bricks feature raised studs on top of a box base, similar to LEGO bricks. However, unlike those on LEGO pieces, the studs on each brick form the letters of the Braille alphabet … Read More → "LEGO-style Braille Bricks help visually impaired children learn to read"

The Japanese X-ray telescope Hitomi has been declared lost after it disintegrated in orbit, torn apart when spinning out of control. The cause is still under investigation but early analysis points to bad data in a software package pushed shortly after an instrument probe was extended from the rear of the satellite. JAXA, the Japanese space agency, lost $286 million, three years of planned observations, and … Read More → "Software update destorys $286 million Japanese satellite"

Whether they travel a lot or just pull the occasional late shift at the office, it’s difficult for parents to make sure they’re at home to tuck in their kids every night. That can be tough on both parents and children who’ve grown accustomed to the comforting ritual of the goodnight hug or bedtime story. But … Read More → "This app lets parents read their children bedtime stories in virtual reality"

After years of speculation, the search for the elusive creator behind the Bitcoin cryptocurrency may have reached a conclusion.

Revealing his identity to the BBC, among a handful of other publications, Australian entrepreneur and computer scientist Dr. Craig Wright today confirmed rumors that first surfaced in December, stating that he is, in fact, Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous individual who introduced Bitcoin to the world way back in 2009.
via Read More → "Bitcoin creator unmasked: Australian computer scientist Craig Wright says he is Satoshi Nakamoto"

You’ve probably heard of Dunbar’s Number which suggests that human beings can only maintain meaningful relationships with between 100 to 230 other people, and that number is typically 150. It’s been demonstrated to hold true in all kinds of situations—from ancient armies to big business.

But you might not know that … Read More → "New data suggests you only have five close friends"

The world’s smallest thermometer is 20,000 times smaller than a single human hair. Oh, and it’s made out of genetic material.

Researchers from the Laboratory of Biosensors and Nanomachines at the University of Montreal report that they’ve created a thermometer out of DNA in a recent article in the journal < … Read More → "Scientists create the world’s smallest thermometer out of DNA"

What do Viagra, popsicles, Corn Flakes, Ivory soap, the kitchen microwave, and champagne have in common? They were all discovered by accident. Add ultra-long-lasting nanowire batteries to that list, thanks to a team of researchers at the University of California Irvine. The average laptop battery is rated anywhere from 300 to 500 charge … Read More → "UC Irvine accidentally invents a battery that lasts forever"

The German city of Augsburg has taken a novel approach to dealing with pedestrians too buried in their smartphone screens to notice traffic signals. By embedding flashing red LEDs in the sidewalks at busy pedestrian crossings, the city has moved those signals right into their line of sight.
via Engadget

Read More → "German city designs traffic lights for oblivious pedestrians"