Popular Science - New Technology, Science News, The Future Now

• This Week in the Future, May 14-18, 2012
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 22:05:16 +0000
  
  This Week in the Future, May 14-18, 2012 Baarbarian A lot of people didn't agree with us that multitouch is magic. But we think those people are all doing it wrong, because this is literally what happens to us when we swipe. Our hands become instantly magnetic and we gain the power of telekinesis. ...
• Your Very Own Cleaner, Faster Plane, Now on Kickstarter
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 20:29:09 +0000
  
  Synergy Aircraft John McGinnis The Synergy aircraft, propelled by a fan in back and buoyed by a boxy tail, promises to be cheaper, safer, quieter, and vastly more efficient than a jet airplane. The hitch is that it doesn't quite exist yet, but it's nearly halfway to its goal on Kickstarter, so now ...
• Book Review: Why You Are the Future of Video Games
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:33:02 +0000
  
  Lesbian Spider Queens from Mars Anna AnthropyIn Rise of the Videogame Zinesters, Anna Anthropy wrests gaming out of the hands of the mainstream The internet revolution has changed the way we create and showcase work. Amateur videos recorded on cellphones are getting more eyes than the latest ABC mi...
• The Most Amazing Science Images of the Week, May 14-18, 2012
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:51:44 +0000
  
  Blastoff Launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome (how come we don't have a cosmodrome? That is the greatest word) in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-04M rocket heads to the ISS with astronauts in tow. For more photojournalism like this, head over to American Photo. NASA Got a space-heavy lineup for you guys th...
• The Dawn of the Commercial Space Age is (Probably) Happening This Weekend
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:25:28 +0000
  
  SpaceX's Falcon 9 Takes Off SpaceXSpaceX's Dragon heads for the ISS in a historic first flight for the commercial space industry Tomorrow morning, whether they realize it or not, Americans will likely wake up to a new era. Though nothing will be outwardly different, a fundamental shift in the natur...
• Archive Gallery: Beauty Secrets of Popular Science
  posted on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:52:48 +0000
  
  The Science of Beauty Get gorgeous with the cutting edge of twentieth-century technology Despite having a readership made up mostly of men, Popular Sciences of old knew their way around a beauty parlor. Especially from the 20s to the 40s, PopSci offered makeup tips and advice to female readers, say...
• What Is Google's Semantic Search?
  posted on Thu, 17 May 2012 21:30:16 +0000
  
  Google Semantic Search Google's new Knowledge Graph dives into the semantics of your search, putting questions in context so you can find what you want. Andromeda the galaxy, or something else? GoogleYou searched "Kings." Do you mean the hockey team, basketball team, or something else? One of Google...
• Buried Since the Jurassic Era, Ocean Microbes Are Still 'Barely Alive'
  posted on Thu, 17 May 2012 20:30:23 +0000
  
  Opening the Sediment Core Hans Røy opens a sediment core. The mud in the opening of this core is from the last ice age 10,000 years ago. The mud sampled from the Knorr was from the time when dinosaurs walked the earth. Bo Barker Jørgensen/© Science/AAAS With no meal for 86 million years, and barel...
• Phineas Gage, Neurology's Most Interesting Case, Gets His Head Re-Examined With a New Neural Map
  posted on Thu, 17 May 2012 19:35:51 +0000
  
  Getting Inside Phineas Gage's Head Copyright John Darrell Van Horn and the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, 2012 Scientists are getting another chance to get inside Phineas Gage's head. The 25-year-old Gage was a railroad supervisor back in 1848, using a 13-pound, 3-foot-7 iron rod to pack blastin...
• PopSci Q&A: NASA Just Gave You A Telescope. What Will You Look At First?
  posted on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:13 +0000
  
  Galaxy Evolution Explorer NASAFor the first time, NASA turns over the reins to a functioning spacecraft If you follow NASA at all, you know the agency has had some funding troubles of late, forcing changes to its manned spaceflight and Mars exploration programs. Among more high-profile woes, the st...

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• 7 Unique Green Mother's Day Gifts
  posted on Mon, 07 May 2012 01:18:00 EST
  
  Whether you're looking for a traditional gift, or something more special, you'll find ideas here to please both Mom and Mother Earth....
• Even in Tough Economic Times, Environmental Investments Pay Off
  posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:56:00 EST
  
  In New York, Gov. Cuomo is setting a good example....
• Congress, Don't Short Change Our Family Farms
  posted on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:50:00 EST
  
  Last fall, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $1.8-million grant to Scenic Hudson, a private regional land conservation organization in New York's Hudson River Valley, to permanently protect 10 farms, among them major suppliers to greenmarkets in one of America's fastest growing metropol...
• 8 Facts and Myths About Warming Up Your Car in Winter
  posted on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:04:00 EST
  
  Old habits die hard, and one of the oldest—still rigorously enforced by many drivers—is that "warming up" the car for a few minutes is necessary to avoid some kind of unspecified damage. But idling is totally unnecessary, which is why many communities have enacted ordinances against the ...
• Electric Car Parade
  posted on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST
  
  Santa Monica, California drew the stars and cars early on Sunday, Oct. 16 to help celebrate National Plug In Day. The event, a joint effort between Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association, was held in 21 cities, with electric vehicle owners participating in parades, tailp...
• The Snobbish Wine Guest Switcheroo and Other Cheapskate Wine Tips
  posted on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:48:00 EST
  
  As you might have heard, it's a controversial element the NCPP ("National Cheapskate Profiling Program"). Many, but not all, cheapskates like me love box wine. In fact, I'm fond of "recanting"—as opposed to "decanting"—the wine I serve our dinner guests. "Recanting: Secretly funneling in...
• How to Preserve Family Farms, and Critical 'Foodsheds'
  posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:05:00 EST
  
  Just as watersheds provide drinking water for thirsty cities, "foodsheds" provide safe, secure food....
• 5 Frugal Fall Gardening Tips
  posted on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:23:00 EST
  
  Sure, everybody's green thumb seems to blossom with the first warmish day of spring, just about the same day the green blades of the daffodils pop up in the flowerbed. But by autumn, most fair weather gardeners have long ago hung up their hoes for the season and planted their butts firmly in front...
• The Latest Organic Cotton Jeans and Sustainable Denim Styles
  posted on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST
  
  Tips for buying the right sustainable or organic cotton jeans for you....
• Natural Eye Makeup: Brands and Buying Tips
  posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:06:00 EST
  
  For sensitive skin around the eyes, natural and organic eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara offer an alternative to traditional eye makeup....

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• Hack a Cardboard Box into a DIY Solar Oven
  posted on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:50:00 EST
  
  This week's hack: Make a solar oven Shade of green: Adolescent spruce Items needed: Cardboard box at least 18" square and as deep as whatever you want to cook, black construction paper, tin foil, clear plastic, non-toxic glue, pen, tape, scissors or utility knife (put down the beer first, ok?), ruler, piece of dowel or stick or whatnot Why this hack: Because it's as fun and simple and cheap as they come. Hey, that sounds like the personal ads I've been running lately. In a few simple s...
• How to Install a Tankless Water Heater
  posted on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:39:00 EST
  
  This week's hack: Install a tankless water heater (aka on-demand or instantaneous water heater) Shade of green: Verdant pine Items needed: One on-demand water heater, miscellaneous plumbing bits including copper pipe (1/2" and/or 3/4"), pipe cutter, propane torch, solder Why this hack: Because you can cut your hot water bill in half. Yes, I said "in half." As in 50%. Tankless water heaters, like this one from Rinnai, are generally sleek. Heart of the hack: Ok, folks, this is an advanc...
• Optimize Computer Energy Settings and Save 50%
  posted on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:45:00 EST
  
  Shade of green: Minty fresh Items needed: A computer Why this hack: Because it's free, easy, and tons of fun (ok, so two outta three ain't bad) Heart of the hack: Did you know that 90% of desktop computers are not optimized for energy efficiency? If yours is the one-in-ten that is, then pat yourself on the back, and get back to darning your handknit socks by the flickering light of a candle. If you're like the rest of us, however, read on. It's stupid-simple to utilize the powe...
• DIY Super Energy Efficient Refrigerator
  posted on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 03:08:00 EST
  
  Shade of Green: 100-year old pine tree Items Needed: Stack of 2x4's, 4 sheets of 2-inch foamular "pink board," 4 sheets 1/2-inch CDX plywood, enough cedar tongue-in-groove paneling to cover the inside of your framed walls (exactly how much will depend on the size of your "fridge"), 2 small 24v computer fans, 1-3/4-inch hole saw, nails, general carpentry tools. Why this Hack: Because you live in the north. Because it drives you nuts that you're using electricity to chill your food when it's...
• Hack a Wood Stove into an Efficient Water Heater
  posted on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:57:00 EST
  
  Editor's Note: The following hack carries a risk of explosion if not done properly. It will also likely void any warranties on your wood stove. Proceed with caution. Shade of Green: Burnt forest Items Needed: 1 wood stove (well, duh), 1 pressure relief valve, 1 hot water jacket or heat-resistant loop, miscellaneous copper pipe, miscellaneous copper fittings, 1 circulator (optional), 1 aquastat thermostat (optional), 1 pre-heat holding tank (optional), 1 plumber, stove gasket cement A view ...
• This Week's Hack: Green-Pimp Your Ride
  posted on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST
  
  Shade of green: Luscious lime Items needed: Air compressor, four to six quarts synthetic oil, common sense, willing mechanic Why this hack: Because you can't afford a Prius Heart of the hack: This one's simple, folks. First, you gotta check tire pressure. Consider: There's a 1% loss of fuel efficiency for every 2 PSI under maximum pressure (usually in the 35-psi range). So if you're running at 26 psi, you're giving up about 5% fuel efficiency. Why, on my 1990 one-ton Chevy pickup (4...
• Hack Your Own Super Fridge
  posted on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:00:00 EST
  
  ...
• Green Hacks RSS
  posted on Wed, 09 May 2007 12:47:00 EST
  
  Learn how to hack ordinary household systems to run cleaner and more efficiently. ...
• Green Hacks
  posted on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 10:57:00 EST
  
  Learn how to hack ordinary household systems to run cleaner and more efficiently. ...

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• The Snobbish Wine Guest Switcheroo and Other Cheapskate Wine Tips
  posted on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:48:00 EST
  
  As you might have heard, it's a controversial element the NCPP ("National Cheapskate Profiling Program"). Many, but not all, cheapskates like me love box wine. In fact, I'm fond of "recanting"—as opposed to "decanting"—the wine I serve our dinner guests. "Recanting: Secretly funneling in...
• 5 Frugal Fall Gardening Tips
  posted on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:23:00 EST
  
  Sure, everybody's green thumb seems to blossom with the first warmish day of spring, just about the same day the green blades of the daffodils pop up in the flowerbed. But by autumn, most fair weather gardeners have long ago hung up their hoes for the season and planted their butts firmly in front...
• Saving Money, Amish Style
  posted on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:57:00 EST
  
  I've always been fascinated with the Amish...
• To Repair or Replace? That is the Question.
  posted on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:29:00 EST
  
  Follow the 50% rule and these four other rules for determining when it pays to repair an item, rather than replace it....
• 17 Creative Things to Do with Phone Books
  posted on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:26:00 EST
  
  Is it just my imagination, or are they sending out updated editions of the phone book and Yellow Pages a lot more often than they used to? When I was growing up, it seemed like we had the same phone book the whole time. I remember it, because my Uncle George — who fancied himself the Human...
• 8 Perennial Vegetables Anyone Can Grow
  posted on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 10:33:00 EST
  
  I've confessed before that my enthusiasm for gardening usually dies on the vine long before the first cucumbers of summer are ready to harvest. I'm always looking for easy ways to satisfy my green thumb and, of course, ways to get the most broccolis for my gardening buck. That's why I'm a big fa...
• How Many Recycled Cans Does It Take to Make an Airplane?
  posted on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:54:00 EST
  
  February is the month I finally force myself to clean out and organize my office for the new year. It's an annual ritual worthy of a season-long special of Hoarders, a head-on collision between my weakness for made-to-be-broken New Year's resolutions and my deculttering phobia. The good news is tha...
• 10 Painless Ways to Save for Vacation
  posted on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 03:00:00 EST
  
  The average American family plans to spend about $1,650 on summer vacation, according to a study by Visa. That's more than chump-change, particularly in these hard economic times. Here are some simple ways to pump up your piggy bank so that your vacation is paid for before you ever leave home. ...
• 6 Ways to Go Green and Save Money in 2011
  posted on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:53:00 EST
  
  These New Year's resolutions from the Green Cheapskate show you how to build wealth by going green....
• 10 Handy Alternative Uses of Charcoal
  posted on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:51:00 EST
  
  [In his ongoing but sporadic series Don't Throw That Away!, the Green Cheapskate shows you how to repurpose just about anything, saving money and the environment in the process. Send him your repurposing ideas and challenges, but whatever you do, Don't Throw That Away!] Remember when you were a ...