May 2016

Asus Zenbo Attempts to Convince Us That We Need a $600 Home Robot

This robot can do everything your phone or tablet can do, and a little bit more, but is it enough?
via Asus Zenbo Attempts to Convince Us That We Need a $600 Home Robot

Special Report: Trusting Robots

Robots will soon have the power of life and death over human beings. Are they ready? Are we?
via Special Report: Trusting Robots

Robot Surgeons Are Taking Over the Operating Room

Watch six of the coolest surgical robots in action
via Robot Surgeons Are Taking Over the Operating Room

This deep-sea creature could be the world’s oldest living animal

We use them to lather and exfoliate while bathing, but the largest of these marine animals wouldn't fit in a bathtub - or even a Jacuzzi
via This deep-sea creature could be the world’s oldest living animal

World’s environment parliament agrees 25 steps to save the Earth

A major meeting of world environment ministers has adopted resolutions to tackle global problems, but most of these are unlikely to usher in much change
via World’s environment parliament agrees 25 steps to save the Earth

Google plans to replace smartphone passwords with trust scores

Goodbye, Password1. Goodbye, 12345. You've been hearing it for years, but now it might really be happening: the password is dead
via Google plans to replace smartphone passwords with trust scores

Can We Trust Robots?

Robots will soon have the power of life and death over human beings. Are they ready? Are we?
via Can We Trust Robots?

How to Build a Moral Robot

If robots are going to drive our cars and play with our kids, we’ll need to teach them right from wrong
via How to Build a Moral Robot

Do We Want Robot Warriors to Decide Who Lives or Dies?

As artificial intelligence in military robots advances, the meaning of warfare is being redefined
via Do We Want Robot Warriors to Decide Who Lives or Dies?

I slept for just 20 minutes at a time for 6 months

Marie Staver has been following a polyphasic sleep cycle for years in a bid to cheat Morpheus. But are those extra hours in the day really worth it?
via I slept for just 20 minutes at a time for 6 months

Would You Trust a Robot Surgeon to Operate on You?

Precise and dexterous surgical robots may take over the operating room
via Would You Trust a Robot Surgeon to Operate on You?

Orcas are first non-humans whose evolution is driven by culture

Genomes of 50 whales from different social niches reveal that their varying cultures are also genetically distinct
via Orcas are first non-humans whose evolution is driven by culture

Relax – your phone probably isn’t going to give you cancer

A study in rats suggests high cellphone radiation exposure is linked to tumours, but the experiment can't tell us much about how we normally use phones
via Relax – your phone probably isn’t going to give you cancer

‘Agitated’ gorilla had to be shot as it was acting unpredictably

As Cincinnati Zoo defends its decision to kill a gorilla after a child fell into its enclosure, gorilla expert says the silverback was clearly agitated
via ‘Agitated’ gorilla had to be shot as it was acting unpredictably

Vintage computers take on fresh shine in retro photo project

Six beautfully retro computers are part of a new project that combines nostalgia for Cold War era technology with the look and feel of an iPhone advert
via Vintage computers take on fresh shine in retro photo project

Meet Zenbo, the Asus robot that costs no more than a smartphone

Voice-controlled companion, whose touchscreen face shows its emotions, can entertain kids and control the lights

The Taiwanese electronics manufacture Asus has unveiled a home robot called Zenbo that can talk, control your home and provide assistance when needed – all for the cost of a top-end smartphone.

The $599 (£410) robot rolls around on two wheels in the shape of a vacuum cleaner ball with cameras an oblong head extruding from the top with a colour touchscreen displaying a face with emotions. It is capable of independent movement, can respond to voice commands and has both entertainment protocols for keeping kids amused and home care systems to help look after older people.

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via Meet Zenbo, the Asus robot that costs no more than a smartphone

The lost women of Enlightenment science

It was the era that ushered in new ways of thinking. Yet most women weren't expected to have a voice in the debate. Here are some who made themselves heard.
via The lost women of Enlightenment science

Vaccines might be able to stop Alzheimer’s plaques from forming

The plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease seem to be made by the brain defending itself from attack. Dialling down this defence may stop the disease
via Vaccines might be able to stop Alzheimer’s plaques from forming

Drop in Google searches reveals success of chickenpox vaccine

It can be difficult to gauge the success of an immunisation programme, but declines in searches for "chickenpox" show they work
via Drop in Google searches reveals success of chickenpox vaccine

The bold, brilliant woman who championed Newton’s physics

Emilie du Châtelet was a talented mathematician and experimental physicist who took on France's intellectual establishment. But history hasn't done her justice
via The bold, brilliant woman who championed Newton’s physics

Pothole Detection for the Visually Impaired

An early prototype applies machine learning algorithms to identify uneven surfaces
via Pothole Detection for the Visually Impaired

Exclusive: Effect of CO2 on warming is worse than we thought

Recent record-breaking temperatures mean estimates of how much warming will result from CO2 emissions will have to be revised upwards, New Scientist can reveal
via Exclusive: Effect of CO2 on warming is worse than we thought

Do you get your best work done in coffee shops? Here’s why

It isn't the clattering of plates and the whir of the coffee machine that makes you work better – it's the contagious concentration of the other people
via Do you get your best work done in coffee shops? Here’s why

How to nap like a pro

Napping isn’t lazy – it’s a smart way to reap the rewards of sleep. Here's the science behind the secrets of the true power nappers
via How to nap like a pro

Can video games really create new knowledge?

In Knowledge Games Karen Schrier argues that games can tackle some of the thorniest problems, from global warming to lack of food and clean water
via Can video games really create new knowledge?

How the corporate well-being trend can lead to discrimination

To boost health and profits, companies are offering wellness programmes that gather data on staff including steps, calories and even genetic information
via How the corporate well-being trend can lead to discrimination

Far from recovering, tigers may be in worst decline in a century

We all crave a good news conservation story, but claims of a global tiger recovery look wide of the mark, says Elizabeth Kemf
via Far from recovering, tigers may be in worst decline in a century

How mental health needs sleep – and vice versa

Sleep and mental health are intricately linked, so Russell Foster wants to use sleep for diagnosing and treating troubled brains and minds
via How mental health needs sleep – and vice versa

What does ‘natural’ mean? Time to ditch a dangerous concept

The US regulator wants to define "natural" so it can decide which foods can use the label, but the word is also abused by Greens and fans of alternative medicine
via What does ‘natural’ mean? Time to ditch a dangerous concept

New Scientist Live

Welcome to New Scientist Live, a four-day festival of ideas and discovery. Here, you’ll find the best, latest and most provocative science, guaranteed to touch all aspects of human life
via New Scientist Live

Can you catch up on missed sleep?

Skipping sleep can hurt both body and mind, but there are ways to make amends
via Can you catch up on missed sleep?

Can you cheat the sleep system with a smart napping schedule?

Some people get extra hours awake by hacking their sleep patterns – be careful, though
via Can you cheat the sleep system with a smart napping schedule?

Let’s take a knife to the world’s rising tide of type 2 diabetes

Surgery is now a proven but underused treatment for type 2 diabetes. Time to unleash its full potential around the globe, say Francesco Rubino and Paul Zimmet
via Let’s take a knife to the world’s rising tide of type 2 diabetes

Syzygy exhibition squeezes cosmic wonders into everyday objects

Katie Paterson's deceptively stark new show in Manchester finds her redefining the sublime
via Syzygy exhibition squeezes cosmic wonders into everyday objects

How to sleep better

There’s a big difference between dozing and getting proper refreshing sleep. Here’s how to make the most of your shut-eye
via How to sleep better

5 tips for beating insomnia

Struggling to get to sleep? Do you wake up too soon? We can help you master your slumber
via 5 tips for beating insomnia

Video Friday: Swarming UAVs, Perching RoboBees, and Skydiving Kamigamis

Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
via Video Friday: Swarming UAVs, Perching RoboBees, and Skydiving Kamigamis

Packing for space flattened NASA’s inflatable space hotel

The blow-up BEAM habitat had its first test run on the International Space Station on Thursday, but the constraints of being packed for the trip kept it from inflating sufficiently, NASA says
via Packing for space flattened NASA’s inflatable space hotel

Building blocks of life spotted around comet for the first time

The Rosetta spacecraft has detected biological components glycine and phosphorus emerging from its comet - suggesting life on Earth could have arrived on a ball of ice
via Building blocks of life spotted around comet for the first time

UK to trial HPV vaccine in gay men but no plans yet for all boys

The HPV vaccine is to be offered to 40,000 men who have sex with men, but campaigners have repeated the call to offer the jab to all adolescent boys
via UK to trial HPV vaccine in gay men but no plans yet for all boys

Trump would deliver fatal blow to fight against climate change

A Donald Trump presidency would disrupt the fight against climate change in a way that threatens to snuff out all hope, warns Matthew Nisbet
via Trump would deliver fatal blow to fight against climate change

Controversial software claims to tell personality from your face

A start-up says its face-recognition tech can identify people's personality type from photos – and spot terrorists, paedophiles and poker players in crowds
via Controversial software claims to tell personality from your face

How much sleep do you really need?

We are used to hearing that 8 hours is the magic number – here's the truth
via How much sleep do you really need?

Feedback: A quantum mystery – where do missing teaspoons go?

Plus trees that smell of manure, vomit, and worse, passive aggressive laundry labels, a lawn fish, a cucumber snake, and more
via Feedback: A quantum mystery – where do missing teaspoons go?

Family or science: women shouldn't have to choose

Things have changed for women in science since the times of 18th century physicist Emilie du Chatelet, but barriers to progress remain
via Family or science: women shouldn't have to choose

World's first robot gallery guide: led by a high-tech Furby, it's hard to know what to look at

Next week Aggie the robot begins tours of Perth’s Art Gallery of Western Australia. But relax human guides – she isn’t ready to take your job just yet

The writing is on the LED screen: our jobs are ours for as long as the robots don’t want them. But no one could have predicted they’d come for the gallery guides first.

The world’s first humanoid robot has started taking tours at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) – two a month, for now. It seems a cruel twist of fate to have art history graduates among the first to be made redundant by robots; they have a hard enough time finding work as it is.

Down the rabbit hole with Aggie the engagement robot http://pic.twitter.com/sGudNs0D8V

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via World's first robot gallery guide: led by a high-tech Furby, it's hard to know what to look at

JumpRoACH Is a Robotic Bug That Leaps and Flips Just Like an Insect

This little robot can make targeted jumps and then flip itself over like a real bug
via JumpRoACH Is a Robotic Bug That Leaps and Flips Just Like an Insect

Not all surgeons follow checklists that prevent bad mistakes

Surgical checklists prevent avoidable mistakes, but one audit in a UK hospital found they were completed only 50 per cent of the time – empowering nurses could improve this
via Not all surgeons follow checklists that prevent bad mistakes

Far from recovering, tigers may be in worst decline in a century

We all crave a good news conservation story, but claims of a global tiger recovery look wide of the mark, says Elizabeth Kemf
via Far from recovering, tigers may be in worst decline in a century

Schrödinger’s cat alive and dead even after you saw it in half

A clever experiment preserves the quantum nature of a set of electromagnetic waves even when they're split apart, a stunt that could help make working quantum computers
via Schrödinger’s cat alive and dead even after you saw it in half

Blogging cells tell their stories using CRISPR gene editing

Engineered cells can use gene editing to monitor your health - a potentially revolutionary technique that could allow us to spy on infections and cancer
via Blogging cells tell their stories using CRISPR gene editing

Rare cosmic balancing act makes Perseid meteor showers brighter

The gravitational pulls of Saturn and Jupiter may make meteor showers more spectacular, and could explain 1993's "night of the howling dogs"
via Rare cosmic balancing act makes Perseid meteor showers brighter

Robots are only making lives easier for the few | Letters

Those of a certain age may remember a BBC TV programme called Tomorrow’s World that reported on technological, scientific and medical innovations (If robots are the future of work, where do humans fit in? 24 May). The way these were described suggested an end to drudgery – soul-destroying jobs like stacking supermarket shelves. We’d all have shorter working hours and longer holidays; the production of abundant food would abolish famine; medical advances would eradicate deadly diseases like malaria and cholera. Science and technology would be used for the benefit of all humanity. We would all have longer, healthier, happier lives. It sounds like a utopian pipe-dream now that several of the advances talked about in Tomorrow’s World have come to pass. The patents and rights to these scientific, medical and technological advances have been acquired by big business and big pharma and used solely to make huge profits for the shareholders. Too many of us are now slaves to technology, working longer hours for less pay, with no holidays because of zero-hours contracts, living in glorified rabbit hutches, eating unhealthy, mass produced convenience foods and, in what free time we have, kept docile by TV talent shows, soap operas, football and endless repeats of Friends – the modern day equivalent of bread and circuses, the Roman emperors’ means of pacifying the plebs. Yes, the future may be brighter. But only for the few.
Robert Ross
London

• Robots are not just for the future – the proving is already here and has been long under way. I regularly access my bank account electronically, compliantly scan my selections at the supermarket, check out the goods myself, fill up the car with petrol, recharge and dab my travel pass, stand dutifully to have my biometric mug scanned, fill in my tax return online, buy online and am moving nearer to contactless transactions. Sold to me on the basis of control, economy, convenience and flexibility, I have been programmed to conspire in the redundancy of fellow human workers and hasten the age of the machine. The tinman is here.
Alan Gledhill
Leicester

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via Robots are only making lives easier for the few | Letters

See-through brains reveal memory pathways for pleasure and fear

Pleasure and fear memories are laid down using different neuronal pathways, a discovery that could lead to more targeted treatments for depression
via See-through brains reveal memory pathways for pleasure and fear

The pipes powering the internet are nearly full – what do we do?

There's only so much data you can cram down an optical fibre – unless you get rid of its insides. We need maverick solutions to save the internet
via The pipes powering the internet are nearly full – what do we do?

McDonald's CEO: robots won't replace workers despite tech opportunities

His comments came days after one of the fast-food giant’s former US CEOs suggested that a higher minimum wage could lead to using robots for jobs

McRobots are not coming to a McDonald’s near you just yet, according to Steve Easterbrook, the company’s chief executive officer.

His comments came just two days after one of the fast-food giant’s former US chief executives suggested that a minimum wage of $15 an hour could lead to McDonald’s replacing its workers with robots. Easterbrook was speaking at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting when he said that technology is not likely to lead to “job elimination” at McDonald’s.

I don’t see it as being a risk to job elimination. It might change the nature of the jobs in our restaurants

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via McDonald's CEO: robots won't replace workers despite tech opportunities

The pipes powering the internet are nearly full – what do we do?

Invasive trash-eating jackals save Europe €2 million a year

The wolf-like animal now spreading across Europe may not be all bad - it feeds on trash and pest rodents, providing millions in ecosystem services
via Invasive trash-eating jackals save Europe €2 million a year

Rad Solo Accessories from Polar Pro

The good folks at Polar Pro were some of our first Made for Solo partners, and they’ve developed the most Solo accessories, including the first to use the open accessory bay. If you haven’t checked this company out on our Made for Solo page, or their own, here’s a quick breakdown of what they (/we) have to offer.

3DR-Solo-LED-Headlight

LED directional lights

The 3DR Solo LED lights from PolarPro securely mount to Solo for increased visibility while flying. Headlights are white and taillights are red to allow pilots to determine which way Solo is facing in low light or at a distance. This was the first product to utilize the accessory bay on the 3DR drone.

3DR-Solo-Prop-Guard-PolarPro

Prop guards

PolarPro’s prop guards for Solo add an extra element of protection to your drone. The Solo Prop Guards slip onto each Solo arm, with a retaining clip that locks them in place. The prop guards for Solo will not prevent all crashes; however, they’re a great way to reduce the risk of damaging your drone.

GoPro Filters

These filters not only improve image quality, but they also protect your GoPro lens outside of the housing. They were designed to be extremely low profile and ultra-light, weighing only 5.5 and 6.1 grams to ensure smooth and safe gimbal operation. Use these filters to capture the most epic content possible. Visit the Polar Pro site to buy and learn more!

The post Rad Solo Accessories from Polar Pro appeared first on 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology.

via Rad Solo Accessories from Polar Pro

Mongol hordes gave up on conquering Europe due to wet weather

A soggy winter in the 1240s turned parts of central Europe into a swamp, forcing the Mongols led by Genghis Khan's grandson to retreat to feed their horses
via Mongol hordes gave up on conquering Europe due to wet weather

Sleep better to be better. It’s a no-brainer for doctors

Doctors routinely encourage us to eat better and exercise more - they could do just as much good by advising us on the right amount of sleep
via Sleep better to be better. It’s a no-brainer for doctors

Explore a map of London’s extraordinary archaeological finds

From the grisly aftermath of a distant volcanic eruption, to the huge amphitheatre where criminals met their deaths, dig into one of the world's greatest cities
via Explore a map of London’s extraordinary archaeological finds

Alzheimer’s may be caused by brain’s sticky defence against bugs

The amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease may be the brain’s way of trapping invading microbes that have crossed the blood-brain barrier
via Alzheimer’s may be caused by brain’s sticky defence against bugs

Exclusive: Effect of CO2 on warming is worse than we thought

Compare the meerkat: Animals size each other up in race to top

In the competitive world of meerkats a bit of extra weight goes a long way - they compare their own size to that of rivals and try to match it by eating more
via Compare the meerkat: Animals size each other up in race to top

Neanderthals built mystery underground circles 175,000 years ago

Rings of stalagmites on a cave floor were arranged by our extinct human relatives, hinting at their sophistication and intelligence
via Neanderthals built mystery underground circles 175,000 years ago

To Recycle, or Not To Recycle? This Trash Robot Knows For Sure

The TrashBot aims to prevent recycling mistakes by doing the sorting
via To Recycle, or Not To Recycle? This Trash Robot Knows For Sure

Bloated baby black holes spotted in the distant universe

Two blobs detected in the distant, ancient universe may be the seeds of the supermassive black holes that now dominate every galaxy
via Bloated baby black holes spotted in the distant universe

So many reasons why sleep is too important to miss

Getting enough sleep is arguably one of the best things you can do for your health. How can you make the most of it?
via So many reasons why sleep is too important to miss

World’s largest sponge discovered in deep sea is as big as a car

We use them to lather and exfoliate while bathing, but the largest of these marine animals wouldn't fit in a bathtub - or even a Jacuzzi
via World’s largest sponge discovered in deep sea is as big as a car

Ex-McDonald's CEO suggests replacing employees with robots amid protests

Ed Rensi mentions bringing in robots as thousands of McDonald’s workers demand a union and $15 an hour minimum wage at the shareholders meeting

As thousands of low-wage workers plan to protest McDonald’s annual shareholder meeting in Chicago on Thursday the company’s former US boss has warned them: if the minimum wage goes up, McDonald’s is likely to replace them with robots.

“I was at the National Restaurant Show yesterday and if you look at the robotic devices that are coming into the restaurant industry – it’s cheaper to buy a $35,000 robotic arm than it is to hire an employee who’s inefficient making $15 an hour bagging french fries,” former US chief executive Ed Rensi told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo.

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via Ex-McDonald's CEO suggests replacing employees with robots amid protests

Two-way trust is needed to make the most of health data

A lack of transparency breeds concern over projects using digital health data. Only open discussion can allay fears, say Ellen Broad and Tom Sasse
via Two-way trust is needed to make the most of health data

What does ‘natural’ mean? Time to ditch a dangerous concept

The US regulator wants to define ‘natural’ so it can decide which foods can use the label, but the word is also abused by Greens and fans of alternative medicine
via What does ‘natural’ mean? Time to ditch a dangerous concept

Behind the scenes at London’s urban archaeology warehouse

From scrubbing skulls to cataloguing counterfeit coins, pulling artefacts out of the ground is just the start for London's archaeologists
via Behind the scenes at London’s urban archaeology warehouse

Reboot: Adidas to make shoes in Germany again – but using robots

Company unveils new factory in Germany that will use machines to make shoes instead of humans in Asia

Adidas, the German maker of sportswear and equipment, has announced it will start marketing its first series of shoes manufactured by robots in Germany from 2017.

More than 20 years after Adidas ceased production activities in Germany and moved them to Asia, chief executive Herbert Hainer unveiled to the press the group’s new prototype “Speedfactory” in Ansbach, southern Germany.

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via Reboot: Adidas to make shoes in Germany again – but using robots

Treating cows with antibiotics doubles dung methane emissions

Antibiotic-treated cows are bad news for climate and possibly ecosystems, because the drugs play havoc with microbes living inside dung beetles
via Treating cows with antibiotics doubles dung methane emissions

Researchers Teaching Robots to Feel and React to Pain

An artificial nervous system could help robots avoid damaging interactions
via Researchers Teaching Robots to Feel and React to Pain

UK’s first fracking since 2011 may not be as bad as feared

This is bad news for climate, but environmentalists' fears that it will usher in a new area of fracking in the UK may be premature
via UK’s first fracking since 2011 may not be as bad as feared

Zika is now on the doorstep of Africa and the US mainland

The virus could soon start spreading locally on the US mainland, and has been reported in Cabo Verde, a group of islands off the coast of Africa
via Zika is now on the doorstep of Africa and the US mainland

Spectacular archaeology in the shadow of London’s skyscrapers

Before the next Shard or Gherkin can go up, urban archaeologist Sadie Watson gets to dig down into the city's history, from Roman times to the Great Fire
via Spectacular archaeology in the shadow of London’s skyscrapers

World’s parliament for the environment to tackle global issues

The world's environment ministers are meeting in Nairobi this week to discuss major issues plaguing the planet, from wildlife trade to plastic in the ocean, and possibly agree on remedies
via World’s parliament for the environment to tackle global issues

Let’s take a knife to the world’s rising tide of type 2 diabetes

Petrified rocks sent back by visitors who stole them from park

These chunks of ancient petrified trees proved irresistible to light-fingered visitors. But was it guilt or a mystical curse that prompted their return?
via Petrified rocks sent back by visitors who stole them from park

India’s reusable space plane takes its first test flight

The Reusable Launch Vehicle, which resembles a mini space shuttle, splashed down in the Bay of Bengal on Monday after a successful first launch
via India’s reusable space plane takes its first test flight

Mars was once devastated by giant 50-metre tsunamis

Massive waves once crashed over the shores of the Red Planet, which could explain why we struggle to see its coastlines today
via Mars was once devastated by giant 50-metre tsunamis

If robots are the future of work, where do humans fit in? | Zoe Williams

We need to rethink our view of jobs and leisure – and quickly, if we are to avoid becoming obsolete

Robin Hanson thinks the robot takeover, when it comes, will be in the form of emulations. In his new book, The Age of Em, the economist explains: you take the best and brightest 200 human beings on the planet, you scan their brains and you get robots that to all intents and purposes are indivisible from the humans on which they are based, except a thousand times faster and better.

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via If robots are the future of work, where do humans fit in? | Zoe Williams

5000-year-old beer-brewing kit found in China

Pottery from China has revealed the secrets of some of the oldest known beer makers, who may be linked to the rise of hierarchical societies in East Asia
via 5000-year-old beer-brewing kit found in China

Pinball planets: How life could start in a violent solar system

We assumed habitable planets couldn't exist in solar systems where gas giants ricochet around. So why do we keep finding them?
via Pinball planets: How life could start in a violent solar system

Monkey seen caring for dying mate then grieving after she dies

The actions of a snub-nosed monkey in China appear to be rare evidence of compassionate care in the wild, hinting that animals may comprehend mortality
via Monkey seen caring for dying mate then grieving after she dies

Tentacled sea creatures are taking over the Earth’s oceans

Warming seas and overfishing may be behind the global rise in populations of squid, cuttlefish and octopus
via Tentacled sea creatures are taking over the Earth’s oceans

Checklist of worst-case scenarios could help prepare for evil AI

What should we do if a powerful future artificial intelligence goes rogue? Thinking of the worst that could happen might be a good start
via Checklist of worst-case scenarios could help prepare for evil AI

Cranky young sun could have kickstarted life on Earth

Giant solar storms may have turned early Earth's atmosphere into a cosy blanket and also helped life get going
via Cranky young sun could have kickstarted life on Earth

See the best new species discovered over the past year

A ghostly cave critter that builds shelters and perhaps the ugliest fish ever are among the species discovered in 2015
via See the best new species discovered over the past year

Breaking bad sniffles: Crystal meth made cold medicine rubbish

To crack down on criminal chemists, many cold medicines have had their active ingredient removed, now many are potentially no better than placebos
via Breaking bad sniffles: Crystal meth made cold medicine rubbish

Jungle tales: the real King Louie was the biggest ape of all

Disney's remake of The Jungle Book features an ape of fantastic proportions. This King Louie is more rooted in reality than you might think
via Jungle tales: the real King Louie was the biggest ape of all

Why cheap green energy could derail the renewable revolution

Renewable energy sources are finally becoming competitive on price. Unfortunately that creates a serious problem, says Michael Le Page
via Why cheap green energy could derail the renewable revolution

Seven nature-writing books that capture the spirit of animals

A selection of some of the best new writing, covering apes, coyotes, fish, birds and bees, shows that the lives of animals, caged or wild, can captivate us
via Seven nature-writing books that capture the spirit of animals

Cure: Can the power of our minds help us heal ourselves?

A meticulously researched book about the healing power of the mind has much to offer, but with quacks aplenty we shouldn't abandon proper scepticism
via Cure: Can the power of our minds help us heal ourselves?

Radical insights from The Seven Pillars of Statistical Wisdom

In a world awash with big data and struggling with the questions it poses, a new history of our statistical foundations could hardly be more timely
via Radical insights from The Seven Pillars of Statistical Wisdom

Video Friday: Whiskered Robot, Haptic Jamming, and Humorous Humanoid

The best robot videos of the week, ICRA edition
via Video Friday: Whiskered Robot, Haptic Jamming, and Humorous Humanoid

Say hello to Allo – and the AI assistants set to run your life

On Wednesday, Google unveiled an artificially intelligent assistant that will field requests. Soon, we’ll all be chatting with bots like this one
via Say hello to Allo – and the AI assistants set to run your life

Robot ranchers monitor animals on giant Australian farms

'Farmbots' will herd livestock, keep an eye on their health, and check they have enough pasture to graze on
via Robot ranchers monitor animals on giant Australian farms

Physics killed free will and time’s flow. We need them back

Modern science has taken a wrong turn – and it's all because real numbers aren't real at all, argues quantum physicist Nicolas Gisin
via Physics killed free will and time’s flow. We need them back

Volcano in Chile dampened lunar eclipse’s glory

Last September's lunar eclipse was a third dimmer than expected, and a relatively small volcano could be to blame
via Volcano in Chile dampened lunar eclipse’s glory

What your social media profile photo says about your personality

An attempt to correlate profile pic styles with personality traits has produced a few insights
via What your social media profile photo says about your personality

This Robot Uses Machine Learning to Take Care of Absent-Minded Humans

Watch-Bot will never let you forget to put the milk back in the fridge
via This Robot Uses Machine Learning to Take Care of Absent-Minded Humans

Incoming asteroids could crumble harmlessly before they hit us

Stand down, Bruce Willis. Space rocks are much more brittle than Earth rocks, suggesting that asteroids on a collision course are more likely to burn up as fireballs in the sky
via Incoming asteroids could crumble harmlessly before they hit us

Feedback: The delicious aroma of dogs’ feet, and more odd smells

Including a bird that smells like clarinet cases and a candy floss tree. Plus: Australian children on negative sleep, and George Eliot's views on Hyperloop
via Feedback: The delicious aroma of dogs’ feet, and more odd smells

RoboCop is real – and could be patrolling a mall near you

There’s a new sheriff in town at the Stanford shopping center, and he has high-definition infra-red cameras and can process 300 license plates a minute

At the Stanford shopping center in Palo Alto, California, there is a new sheriff in town – an egg-shaped robot.

Outside Tiffany & Co, an unfortunate man holding a baby finds himself in the robot’s path. It bears down on him, a little jerkily, like a giant Roomba.

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via RoboCop is real – and could be patrolling a mall near you

Next-gen microwave ovens are small enough to sling on your back

New microwaves herald an era of ovens you can camp with and the customised cooking of different foods simultaneously
via Next-gen microwave ovens are small enough to sling on your back

Thomas the marine engine set to explore UK ocean fronts

The hotspots of biodiversity where bodies of saltwater meet are poorly understood. Now a robotic boat and its submarine buddy are set to change that
via Thomas the marine engine set to explore UK ocean fronts

Culture picks: Time to spring-clean your mind

From nerve dictators to pointy eggs, tune in to some of the most interesting book ideas around
via Culture picks: Time to spring-clean your mind

Can food get you high? We try a meal of psychoactive substances

New Scientist is invited to a meal cooked up to expose the flaws in an upcoming UK law intended to ban all psychoactive substances
via Can food get you high? We try a meal of psychoactive substances

UK’s harbour porpoise strandings linked to rising starvation

More and more porpoises are stranding around the UK because of starvation. Paradoxically, this may be down to better fishing practices
via UK’s harbour porpoise strandings linked to rising starvation

'Robobee': the tiny drone designed to perch and save energy - video

This little flying machine, dubbed a “RoboBee”, has been designed to perch on a host of different surfaces, opening up new possibilities for the use of drones in providing a bird’s-eye view of the world, scientists say. The total weight of the robot is about 100mg - similar to the weight of a real bee

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via 'Robobee': the tiny drone designed to perch and save energy - video

Meet 'Robobee' - the tiny drone designed to perch and save energy

Flying robots could be invaluable in emergencies, but there’s a hitch: flying takes a lot of energy. Robobee’s ability to perch could make a big difference

Flapping two tiny wings, the small, thin robot wobbles its way towards the underside of a leaf, bumps into the surface and latches on, perching motionless above the ground. Moments later, its wings begin to flap once more and it jiggles off on its way.

The little flying machine, dubbed a “RoboBee”, has been designed to perch on a host of different surfaces, opening up new possibilities for the use of drones in providing a bird’s-eye view of the world, scientists say.

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via Meet 'Robobee' - the tiny drone designed to perch and save energy

Green light found to ease the pain of migraine

White, blue, red and amber light all worsen migraine pain, but green light seems to reduce it, perhaps by triggering less brain activity
via Green light found to ease the pain of migraine

Gut bacteria influence the birth of new brain cells in mice

Wiping out a mouse's gut bacteria with a long course of antibiotics hinders the growth of new brain cells – but exercise and probiotics can reverse this
via Gut bacteria influence the birth of new brain cells in mice

Gigantopithecus: The story of the greatest of the great apes

Millions of years ago, the jungles of Southeast Asia were home to a veritable King Kong. Yet all we have left of it are a whole load of teeth
via Gigantopithecus: The story of the greatest of the great apes

Tadpole galaxy spawns stars after eating invisible gas cloud

New Hubble observations suggest a nearby tadpole galaxy collided with a gas cloud and started to grow – the same thing may have happened to the Milky Way
via Tadpole galaxy spawns stars after eating invisible gas cloud

Harvard Launches Robot Moth

A robotic tobacco hawkmoth joins Harvard's collection of artificial insects
via Harvard Launches Robot Moth

Legal right to fast internet won’t heal the UK’s digital divide

Universal internet access sounds great, but empowering 12 million digitally excluded adults requires a major skills gap to be plugged, says Martha Lane Fox
via Legal right to fast internet won’t heal the UK’s digital divide

Mars was once devastated by giant 50-metre tsunamis

Massive waves once crashed over the shores of the Red Planet, which could explain why we struggle to see its coastlines today
via Mars was once devastated by giant 50-metre tsunamis

BB-8's Windows XP makeover is the stuff of nightmares

Star Wars: The Force Awakens mascot droid turned from inspirational robotic pal into a 2001 disaster with the help of Microsoft’s operating system

Everyone knows that Star Wars: The Force Awakens is actually an uplifting story about a little robot named BB-8 overcoming adversity with the help of his human servants. But that feelgood film quickly turns into a horror movie with the introduction of Windows XP.

YouTuber Brian Elder took BB-8 and gave him a 2001 makeover, complete with Microsoft’s best hits such as critical stop, Windows XP shut down, Clippy and even the classic ImgBurn “I’ve just made a coaster out of your recordable CD” error.

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via BB-8's Windows XP makeover is the stuff of nightmares

Pictures: Hyperloop gets a test run as first pod is unveiled

The first basic test of Elon Musk’s ambitious high-speed transport system for California has taken place – and it was over in an instant
via Pictures: Hyperloop gets a test run as first pod is unveiled

Health gurus, show us the evidence for your diet advice

Belle Gibson and her publisher have been held to account – so should all the other self-appointed lifestyle experts beloved of mass media
via Health gurus, show us the evidence for your diet advice

SoftBank Prepares Humanoid Robot Pepper's U.S. Debut, Unveils New Developer Tools

This chatty humanoid is finally coming to America
via SoftBank Prepares Humanoid Robot Pepper's U.S. Debut, Unveils New Developer Tools

Baby turtles work together to dig themselves out of a nest hole

Joint digging saves turtle hatchlings time and energy, leaving them in better shape to head down the beach and into the sea
via Baby turtles work together to dig themselves out of a nest hole

Sewage reveals crystal meth use has doubled in Australia

Analysis of Adelaide's wastewater gives a detailed picture of its inhabitants' illegal drug use, mapping seasonal trends and charting the rise of meth
via Sewage reveals crystal meth use has doubled in Australia

There might be a planet better than Earth – right next door

There should be worlds out there so balmy they make Earth look stale, and there are signs of one just four light years away. That's close enough to visit...
via There might be a planet better than Earth – right next door

Twins’ close bond makes them more likely to live to retirement

The close social bond of identical twins seems to protect them against life’s ravages, at least until they are in their 60s
via Twins’ close bond makes them more likely to live to retirement

Trees seen resting branches while ‘asleep’ for the first time

Birch branches droop by as much as 10 centimetres at night, and return to their usual positions at daybreak. It’s not yet clear whether the effect is deliberate or passive
via Trees seen resting branches while ‘asleep’ for the first time

India’s drought foretells of greater struggles as climate warms

Cracked soils, farmer suicides and desperate migration are at odds with the country's image as an emerging economic and technological power, says T. V. Padma
via India’s drought foretells of greater struggles as climate warms

Scan your doodles to find the perfect matching photo online

A computer program has learned to scan your sketches and find a photo that matches, paving the way for a new kind of search engine
via Scan your doodles to find the perfect matching photo online

Spiral Zipper Creates Robot Arm Out of a Strip of Plastic

A plastic band with zipper teeth can interlock into a cylindrical robotic arm
via Spiral Zipper Creates Robot Arm Out of a Strip of Plastic

Cheating cheetahs seen chasing hyena before stealing its prey

One of Africa's top predators can chase away other predators and eat their kill, instead of hunting down its own
via Cheating cheetahs seen chasing hyena before stealing its prey

Why would scientists want to build human genomes from scratch?

A secret meeting at Harvard Medical School last week discussed synthesising big genomes – and they could be planning to create designer human cells
via Why would scientists want to build human genomes from scratch?

Cancel the Olympic Games in Brazil because of Zika? No way

It is fear of the Zika virus, not its true threat, that is causing some people to call for the Olympics to be pulled from Brazil, says Marc Siegel
via Cancel the Olympic Games in Brazil because of Zika? No way

Another Colin Guinn Webinar!

It’s time for the next chapter in our pro video webinar series, led by UAV expert Colin Guinn. (Register here! We’re running a special and secret promotion for current Solo owners and prospective owners alike.) The last installment laid the groundwork of using Solo for aerial video. If you couldn’t make it, or you want to revisit what Colin covered, you can watch that one here.

In the next installment — Thurs., May 26 at 11 a.m. — Colin will lead a detailed master class covering how working creatives and content makers can get the most out of Solo. We designed the smart drone specifically with the pro creative in mind — not just the pro drone pilot — and Colin will dive deep into filming and Smart Shot tricks, professional applications and opportunities, technical approaches and set-up. He’ll also go over the array of Made for Solo accessories and the new software we announced at NAB, and how to master and combine them to expand the possibilities of what the working can do with Solo. And for those wanting to get into the pro game

We’ll also host an “Ask Me Anything” about our NAB announcements via the comments section on this blog entry. See you on the other side of the camera!

About Colin

Colin Guinn is an inventor, entrepreneur, accomplished flight pilot, engineer and cinematographer. He’s a pioneer in drone cinematography, starting a decade ago with real estate aerial photography. His designs, concepts and influence are now seen in every major camera drone project launched in the last decade.

Colin is a prolific personality unrivaled in the UAV space. His instructional videos for multiple generations of drones have garnered millions of views, through which he’s educated hundreds of thousands of users, from their first experience with UAVs all the way to advanced flight and aerial filming tricks.

The post Another Colin Guinn Webinar! appeared first on 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology.

via Another Colin Guinn Webinar!

Microbiomania: The science behind the hype of probiotic regimes

In the wake of the White House’s new initiative to understand the microbiome, New Scientist reveals what is known about the microbes that live in our bodies
via Microbiomania: The science behind the hype of probiotic regimes

Prosthetic Hand Restores Amputee's Sense of Touch

Implanted electrodes make this haptic hand feel like the real deal
via Prosthetic Hand Restores Amputee's Sense of Touch

I never imagined a nuclear plant’s control system being online

John Matherly's search engine can find every single thing connected to the internet, and he's alarmed at how much infrastructure is open to online attack
via I never imagined a nuclear plant’s control system being online

La Niña to give some relief from warming after hottest April yet

A cooling La Niña cycle is on the way, and it will give an insight into how much of the recent warming has been down to climate change
via La Niña to give some relief from warming after hottest April yet

Giraffes got their long necks thanks to a few dozen gene changes

Comparing the genome of the giraffe and its shorter-necked okapi relative has pinpointed genes likely involved in the evolution of the long neck
via Giraffes got their long necks thanks to a few dozen gene changes

World’s smallest porpoise, the vaquita, may be extinct by 2022

The vaquita is down to just 60 individuals in the Gulf of California, and Mexico's temporary ban on the use of gill nets isn't enough to save them
via World’s smallest porpoise, the vaquita, may be extinct by 2022

Lethal injections under threat after US drug firm pulls plug

It has become a bit more difficult for US states to carry out the death penalty, thanks to an announcement by the pharmaceutical firm Pfizer
via Lethal injections under threat after US drug firm pulls plug

The diehards who survey the sky from a backyard shed

Amateur stargazers may be a dying breed in an age of computerised astronomy. Nick van Tiem has photographed them in their favoured haunts
via The diehards who survey the sky from a backyard shed

Reef fish get it on with other species at melting pot islands

Genetic analysis of colourful surgeonfish from the Indo-Pacific show that most of them are hybrids of fish that became separate species hundreds of thousands of years ago
via Reef fish get it on with other species at melting pot islands

Identity-crisis comet may really be closest asteroid to the sun

Observations of a supposed comet that skirts close to the sun reveal it doesn't really act like one – so may be a different kind of space rock altogether
via Identity-crisis comet may really be closest asteroid to the sun

Doctors of America, you are free to counsel patients about guns

Let's bury the gun lobby myth that US medical professionals aren't allowed to discuss firearms risks with those they treat, say Marian Betz and Megan Ranney
via Doctors of America, you are free to counsel patients about guns

We're at ICRA in Sweden to Bring You the Latest in Robots, and Duckies

The best robotics research from the largest IEEE robotics conference
via We're at ICRA in Sweden to Bring You the Latest in Robots, and Duckies

Artificial spider silk mimics how it acts as liquid and solid

Inspired by the strange properties of spider silk, researchers have created "liquid wires" that could be used in soft robotics
via Artificial spider silk mimics how it acts as liquid and solid

Synthetic wine made without grapes claims to mimic fine vintages

The world's first fruit-free "wine" synthetically mimics expensive and iconic brands – but can it really be as good as the real thing? New Scientist takes a sip
via Synthetic wine made without grapes claims to mimic fine vintages

A history of love, art, power and religion in 10 graves

We are the only animal to bury its dead, and we have been doing it for a very long time. These moving, fascinating finds reveal how the human mind has evolved
via A history of love, art, power and religion in 10 graves

Time capsule galaxy can help probe conditions after the big bang

A galaxy with very low levels of heavy elements will enable astronomers to peer back in time
via Time capsule galaxy can help probe conditions after the big bang

Why cheap green energy could derail the renewable revolution

Renewable energy sources are finally becoming competitive on price. Unfortunately that creates a serious problem, says Michael Le Page
via Why cheap green energy could derail the renewable revolution

Everything you’ve heard about sniffing oxytocin might be wrong

A nasal dose of the cuddle chemical makes us trust each other more. Or so we thought, until unpublished data started to come to light
via Everything you’ve heard about sniffing oxytocin might be wrong

The impossible barber and other bizarre thought experiments

How inventing riddles has revealed the flaws in our grasp of reality
via The impossible barber and other bizarre thought experiments

Shooting stars show Earth had oxygen eons before we thought

Tiny meteorites discovered in Australia show that Earth's air had some oxygen in it at a time when no one thought it did – 2.7 billion years ago
via Shooting stars show Earth had oxygen eons before we thought

Is delight or devil in the detail of this hedgerow homage?

A Natural History of the Hedgerow explains everything you ever wanted to know about this classic feature of rural Britain – and perhaps a fair bit besides
via Is delight or devil in the detail of this hedgerow homage?

Five Pacific islands vanish from sight as sea levels rise

Solomon Islands are taking the brunt of sea level rise, with five of them already submerged – a picture of what we can expect elsewhere by the end of the century
via Five Pacific islands vanish from sight as sea levels rise

New Scientist Live

What is Paleolithic Art?: How to decode the shadows on the wall

Why did early humans cover caves with vivid images? Watching the great mind of Jean Clottes make sense of it all is a rare joy
via What is Paleolithic Art?: How to decode the shadows on the wall

This Turing machine should run forever unless maths is wrong

Two researchers have come up with computer programs that will run forever as long as the deep mathematical assumptions they are testing are correct
via This Turing machine should run forever unless maths is wrong

Video Friday: Soft Robot Challenge, Marshmallow Automation, and Dancing Hubo

Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
via Video Friday: Soft Robot Challenge, Marshmallow Automation, and Dancing Hubo

First Americans hunted big game in Florida 14,500 years ago

Tools and butchered mastodon bones challenge the idea that giant mammals went extinct soon after people first settled in the Americas
via First Americans hunted big game in Florida 14,500 years ago

White House stumps up millions to probe world’s microbiomes

A huge initiative aims to get to the bottom of the role bacteria and other microbes play in your body and on our planet, hoping to improve the health of all
via White House stumps up millions to probe world’s microbiomes

Cannibal stars explode violently – as predicted by Darwin’s son

We now think one star swallowing another causes rare, bright red novae, but George Darwin had worked out the key details in the 19th century
via Cannibal stars explode violently – as predicted by Darwin’s son

Fake mountains to make rain? It’s last-gasp geoengineering

That a desert nation such as the United Arab Emirates should even think about building a mountain to make it rain is a sign of desperate times, says Jamais Cascio
via Fake mountains to make rain? It’s last-gasp geoengineering

Exclusive: Google’s NHS deal does not have regulatory approval

DeepMind, Google’s AI company, wants to use data on millions of patients to save lives – but has not obtained ethical approval
via Exclusive: Google’s NHS deal does not have regulatory approval

Right to be forgotten online still divides the world

Two years after the right to be forgotten took root in Europe, the world is deeply split over the future of digital deletion, says Meg Leta Jones
via Right to be forgotten online still divides the world

Feedback: Oh boy! Mystic promises a masterclass in quantum leaps

Plus Bristol's plan for greener herbicide turns sour, floating ideas about beauty, mechanical child thrown overboard, giant bottles of wine, and more
via Feedback: Oh boy! Mystic promises a masterclass in quantum leaps

To solve a crisis of empathy we must first decide what it is

The empathy crisis, as identified by the pope and others, is too loosely defined for us to do anything about it, if it exists at all
via To solve a crisis of empathy we must first decide what it is

Embryo protein may warn before miscarriage and pre-eclampsia

A protein that seems to help embryos implant into their mother's womb may one day warn doctors that a women might encounter problems in pregnancy
via Embryo protein may warn before miscarriage and pre-eclampsia

Computer glitch has led to incorrect advice on statins

A software error means that around a third of UK family doctors have been miscalculating whether people need medicine to avoid a heart attack since 2009
via Computer glitch has led to incorrect advice on statins

Building blocks of life’s first self-replicator recreated in lab

RNA molecules are thought to be some of the earliest self-replicators that led to life. Now their building blocks have been made to self-assemble in a lab
via Building blocks of life’s first self-replicator recreated in lab

Earlier ice melt in the Arctic cuts survival of birds in Africa

Red knots are one of many animals shrinking in the face of climate change. This downsizing affects their feeding ability and means fewer survive
via Earlier ice melt in the Arctic cuts survival of birds in Africa

Unnamed dwarf planet may be third largest in the solar system

A body known only as 2007 OR10 has been given a boost by recent space telescope observations that peg it smaller than only Pluto and Eris
via Unnamed dwarf planet may be third largest in the solar system

How sharing other people’s feelings can make you sick

Everyone says we need more empathy – but too much of it can burn you out. Mind training lessons from monks and psychopaths could help us care without crumbling
via How sharing other people’s feelings can make you sick

Microspines Make It Easy for Drones to Perch on Walls and Ceilings

Perching drones can extend their useful mission life from minutes to hours or days
via Microspines Make It Easy for Drones to Perch on Walls and Ceilings

Got dandruff? The bacteria living on your head might be to blame

Until now, we’ve been blaming a fungus, but it turns out that too much Staphylococcus in your scalp’s ecosystem could be the cause of flaky dead skin
via Got dandruff? The bacteria living on your head might be to blame

Old Scientist: How computers got everywhere

Buds of the future spotted by New Scientist in Mays past, from computer-controlled vehicles to digital media
via Old Scientist: How computers got everywhere

High antidepressant use could lead to UK public health disaster

Use of antidepressants has doubled in the past decade in the UK, and campaigners warn that it could lead to long-term withdrawal and worse mental health
via High antidepressant use could lead to UK public health disaster

The impossible barber and other bizarre thought experiments

How inventing riddles has revealed the flaws in our grasp of reality
via The impossible barber and other bizarre thought experiments

World War Zero brought down mystery civilisation of ‘sea people’

The Trojan War depicted in Homer's Iliad may have been part of a larger clash of civilisations – one of which has so far gone unrecognised by modern historians
via World War Zero brought down mystery civilisation of ‘sea people’

Our audience with the Pope revealed how glitz funds medicine

A distinguished crowd of philanthropists at the Vatican heard a well-crafted appeal for funds to boost regenerative medicine. Sumit Paul-Choudhury was there
via Our audience with the Pope revealed how glitz funds medicine

Let’s not drive blindly into the autonomous car revolution

First there was the horseless carriage, now the driverless car. The car revolution of the 20th century holds lessons for the next one
via Let’s not drive blindly into the autonomous car revolution

3D Robotics Selects Fast RTPS for System Infrastructure

We’ve been hard at work at 3DR on system architecture and looking into new ways of building adaptable UAV systems.

Solo in particular leverages a number of distributed systems—components that interact with each other over Solo’s computer network; vehicle, controller, and app—that continue to enable industry-leading flight autonomy, like Smart Shots and the modes of Site Scan. This complexity is only increasing, and it’s getting more challenging to handle messaging and data distribution between these systems in a reliable, high-performance way.

After evaluating a number of options, we have selected eProsima Fast RTPS, a messaging middleware developed by eProsima, to power system-level messaging and data distribution on our systems. Fast RTPS is an open-source implementation of the RTPS standard. RTPS (Real Time Publish Subscribe) comprises the transport layer of the DDS standard developed and maintained by the Object Management Group.

We selected eProsima Fast RTPS over other available implementations for a number of reasons. Fast RTPS is feature-complete, providing support for many of the advanced features available in Fast RTPS that we’re excited about. Also, given our history of contributing to and supporting open source projects, the open source nature of Fast RTPS was another compelling factor. Finally, Fast RTPS is more approachable than other options we evaluated, increasing our confidence that we could make any necessary modifications and contribute fixes back upstream.

In connection with 3DR’s adoption of Fast RTPS, eProsima intends to join the Dronecode foundation to encourage further adoption of Fast RTPS. We’re also happy to announce that upcoming licensing modifications will enable Fast RTPS to be distributed on mobile platforms. Although Fast RTPS is currently licensed under the LGPLv3, eProsima plans to provide an alternative license for Fast RTPS, enabling use of Fast RTPS under MPLv2, a license developed by the Mozilla Foundation. MPLv2 retains many attributes of LGPLv3 while allowing users to embed Fast RTPS in mobile applications.

3DR is not alone in the decision to use RTPS for data distribution on complex robotics platforms. The Open Source Robotics Foundation, developers of the ROS and ROS2 operating system, have also decided to use RTPS to power future systems. To further facilitate adoption and use of Fast RTPS, eProsima offers options for commercial support and development to companies seeking to use Fast RTPS in their platforms.

Looking for more information? Fast RTPS is available on Github and on the eProsima web site you can download the latest binaries. Discussions about Fast RTPS (and RTPS generally) have already started in the Dronecode forums.

More about eProsima

eProsima, The Middleware Experts, is a company focused on High Performance networking middleware. eProsima provides insight to develop your distributed systems recommending the right middleware products and supporting you in all the stages of the development.

The post 3D Robotics Selects Fast RTPS for System Infrastructure appeared first on 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology.

via 3D Robotics Selects Fast RTPS for System Infrastructure

Matter, energy… knowledge: How to harness physics’ demonic power

Running a brain-twisting thought experiment for real shows that information is a physical thing – so can we now harness the most elusive entity in the cosmos?
via Matter, energy… knowledge: How to harness physics’ demonic power

Shooting stars show Earth had oxygen eons before we thought

Do you have a secret? The way you write emails may give it away

The different ways we try to cover up the fact we have something to hide have been revealed by an analysis of 59,000 emails sent by people with secrets
via Do you have a secret? The way you write emails may give it away

The perfect heists that involve stealing nothing at all

Instead of making off with actual objects, thieves can now just pinch the data that describes them and recreate exact replicas of their own
via The perfect heists that involve stealing nothing at all

This Turing machine should run forever unless maths is wrong

Megacities Asia challenges the utopian view of smart cities

An international art show about big cities explores the changing face of urban development, and what we might lose in pursuit of the future
via Megacities Asia challenges the utopian view of smart cities

Silicon Valley cash is flooding into science – but is it useful?

Tech billionaires are falling over themselves to donate to science – as long as they can call the (moon)shots. Not everyone is happy about that
via Silicon Valley cash is flooding into science – but is it useful?

London is set for driverless car roll-out – so what comes next?

What's the difference between a guardian angel and a chauffeur? That's just one of the things you need to know about the robot-on-the-road revolution
via London is set for driverless car roll-out – so what comes next?

Super-salty Turkish lakes may hold key to spotting life on Mars

A new survey of extreme microbes living in salty and alkaline lakes could yield "fingerprints" that help detect the biological origin of rocks on Mars
via Super-salty Turkish lakes may hold key to spotting life on Mars

Let’s hope crowdsourcing will reveal the truth about Gaza attack

Social media videos and photos from ordinary citizens can reconstruct what really happened in conflicts where objectivity has become a casualty
via Let’s hope crowdsourcing will reveal the truth about Gaza attack

After the robot revolution, what will be left for our children to do?

More than 40% of jobs are likely to be automated by 2030 – but the good news is that those that remain will be in areas we enjoy

Jobs computers can't do have one thing in common – attentive, human qualities.

According to Oxford university economists Dr Carl Frey and Dr Michael Osborne, 40% of all jobs are at risk of being lost to computers in the next two decades. Though much has been said about the jobs that will be lost, Frey points out that we don’t know what type of new work automation will create.

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via After the robot revolution, what will be left for our children to do?