This slime mold conquered (a miniature map of) America
A yellow goo has invaded the world’s motorways, spreading from capital cities to the furthest reaches of the transport network and devouring everything in its path. The infestation was unleashed by Andrew Adamatzky, a researcher of unconventional computing at the University of the West of England in Bristol, along with colleagues from universities around the…
How to turn caves into giant batteries
How do we build a world that’s less dependent on fossil fuels? One solution is right under your feet. Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a very boring name for a very awesome system that turns the Earth itself into a giant battery. Experts say it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to store energy…
Everything Your New iPad Needs Right Now
FedEx came through, or you survived an ungodly Apple Store line, or you mugged someone who just did. However you got your hands on a new iPad, congrats! Here’s everything you need to get started off right. Step One I’ll assume you’ve successfully removed the iPad from its box, yes? Good. You’re a natural! Now…
The Real-Life Libyan Ocean’s Eleven
The treasure was kept mostly in two wooden chests, and locked away in a bank vault: thousands of coins, jewelry and figurines, some around 2,600 years old. For decades it sat in the bank, unattended despite the historical and monetary value. Then, as a popular uprising erupted around the downtown bank last winter, someone entered…
