The kilogram is getting a makeover
The way we define a kilogram (and pounds too) is basically a high-tech refinement of a medieval technology. That’s about to change as the most influential bar in Paris is shutting down.
science
The Permanent, Unmistakable Mark Human Beings Have Left on Planet Earth
Have we entered a new geologic era, the Anthropocene? Or put differently: hundreds of thousands of years from now, when future geologists sift the earth for clues about our present day, what lasting evidence of our existence will they find?
PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia is a very cool website partnership between PBS and WGBH Boston. They’re taking free PBS media content and adding a great discovery and filtering layer on the web that allows educators (or anyone, for that matter) to find compelling assets to compliment or supplement academic learning.
Science, Technology, and Invention in 26 Typefaces
Explore great inventions, technologies, and scientific discoveries in a series of typeface illustrations — one for each letter of the alphabet, corresponding to the inventor/discoverer! Scientific Typeface Illustrates 26 Great Inventions | Co.Design | business + design.
Time flies, but what is it anyway?
As the end of 2014 approaches, so many of us wonder where the year behind went. Time, as they say, flies by. But ever stop to wonder, “what is time?” Is it a physical dimension like distance? How is this “4th” dimension different? Why don’t the laws of physics care which direction time runs? An episode …
Explore the Milky Way from your computer
From the Google Chrome Experiments comes 100,000 Stars, a virtual tour of our Milky Way galaxy. This is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve ever had with a web browser. Go play and wonder. >> 100,000 Stars | Chrome Experiments
Hello, World! The Whole Universe In One Photo
From the frontiers of astronomy, a galactic bird’s eye view of the universe: Made up of more than 2.7 million images taken at four infrared wavelengths of light, the new image captures everything from nearby asteroids to distant galaxies. I must admit, it’s easy to get turned around. I’m still looking for the little “I …
Explore the Solar System and Night Sky in 3D
SolarSystemScope presents a very cool online interface for zooming around the solar system in a beautiful 3D model. The whole experience happens right in your web browser. Check it out! > Link: Solar System Scope | Interactive 3D model of Solar System Planets and Night Sky
World’s Most Beautiful Computer
The Spanish have been doing it for centuries–mixing cultures across time and heritage. The Alhambra, the Mosque of Cordoba, the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. Why not do it in the most modern of settings? The Barcelona Supercomputing Center features the MareNostrum: a supercomputer housed in an old Roman Catholic church! Even if you don’t …
Cosmic Origins: Birth, Life, and Death of the Universe
The University of Arizona presents a well-produced series of engaging lectures on popular cosmology: the origins of the universe, black holes, dark matter, the big bang, and the search for (and understanding of) life in the universe. It’s all free on iTunes U–a fantastic source for free audio and video courses online. >> Link: Cosmic Origins …
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