Science

DIY science is the perfect way to use your creative skills and learn something new. With the right supplies, some determination, and a curious mind, you can create amazing experiments that open up a whole world of possibilities. At home-made laboratories or tech workshops, makers from all backgrounds can explore new ideas by finding ways to study their environment in novel ways – allowing them to make breathtaking discoveries!

Record-setting 33 MJ railgun test shot footage

From the US Navy’s YouTube channel:

The Office of Naval Research Electromagnetic Railgun located at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, fired a world-record setting 33 mega-joule shot, breaking the previous record established Jan. 31, 2008.

Target effects footage, almost certain to be classified, is conspicuously absent.

Video of the previous record-holding shot, which was reportedly “over 10” MJ is here. Per Popular Mechanics, the Navy is reportedly working towards a 64 MJ device for deployment. [via Neatorama]

Continue Reading Sean Michael Ragan
Ultra-minimalist laser microscope

Ultra-minimalist laser microscope

The laser microscope builds keep rolling in! This one from reader Steve Davee may not look like much, but it gets the job done with stuff you’ve probably got in your desk right now. The binder clip serves triple-duty by propping the laser pointer up at an angle, holding the button down, and supporting the bent paper clip that holds the sample drop out front in a loop. There are more pictures in Steve’s Flickr set. [Thanks, Steve!]

Continue Reading Sean Michael Ragan