Excellent Video On Change Blindness December 17, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in cool, science, videos.add a comment
I’ve written before about Change Blindness, what is perhaps my favorite little psychological quirk, and I think this video does an fantastic job of showing how truly mind blowing it really is. Just think for a second about the implications of this video: 75% of people were did not realize the person right in front of their eyes turned into someone else. What does that mean for our society? Our systems of commerce and trade? Our systems of justice?
(Via Boing Boing)
Octopus Knows How To Use Tools; What’s Next? Sentience? NUCLEAR WEAPONS?!?!? December 16, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in animals, cool, science, videos.add a comment
This is actually pretty big news since tool use has only been seen in a few bird and primate species (and of course, humans), but never in a cold-blooded invertebrate. I for one welcome our new cephalopod overlords.
The Year In Ideas December 15, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in animals, cool, earth, politics, science, space, technology.add a comment
The New York Times has a great web feature called “The Year In Ideas” from their magazine (this is the 9th year they’ve done it). Basically it’s just a lot of interesting stuff from a wide range of fields. For example, the picture above is a genetically modified glowing puppy. (Picture was found here).
Don’t Know Much About Rocket Programs December 9, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in cool, history, pictures, science, space.add a comment
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading these two stories from the website of Air and Space Magazine. They’re both about space flight and cover things I didn’t even know existed.
The first is on Soviet Union’s version of the Star Wars missile defense program. Most have heard of the futuristic system proposed by President Reagan to shoot down ICBMs with space based lasers. However, I’ve never heard of the program the USSR worked on, which was nearly tested in orbit. Also, some of its legacy is still in use today.
The other story is about the semi-confidential X-37 unmanned space plane. This mini-space shuttle rides atop a classic Atlas V rocket and while its existence is unquestionable, its purpose remains a mystery. Reminds me of the secret military space shuttle from the West Wing. Also, China may or may not have one too.
Apparently Butterflies Can’t Fly In Space December 7, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in animals, cool, science, space, videos.add a comment
This science brought to you by my University.
Timelapse Star Fish Feeding Frenzy December 6, 2009
Posted by raxdakkar in animals, cool, science, videos.add a comment
I really wish I got the BBC here in Kansas.
