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!
Digital microscopy systems can cost thousands of dollars but a very useful model can be assembled by using one decent compound microscope and consumer products that cost less than $150. Many hopitals and universities have retired micorscopes that can be adapted to this task. The plans found here show how to modify a commonly found microscope. Thanks Dan! Link.
John Carmack is working a potentially disruptive technology: A throatless rocket engine. Its made from plain aluminum pipes with few machined fittings. Carmack says: “The great thing about these engines is that it only takes me two nights to machine the parts, so we can test two engines a week if necessary.” It scales too: “If this line of tube engine development works out, we can make a 5,000 lbf engine with very little more effort than the test engine. [via] Link.
This has been handy for me lately, as every flight I book is delayed or has some type of problem...For travellers who are REALLY on a budget and are looking for a way to skim a few bucks off their travel expenses, why not consider sleeping in an airport? Many airports are actually better than local lodging. And to top it off – IT’S FREE! Your friends and family may look at you funny when you return with your airport stories, but that’s only part of the fun. So now, sit back….get out your travel itinerary and plan which airports you’re going to sleep in (or avoid altogether) during your next trip. Link.
How to protect your night vision, from Astronomy Hacks.
The nation’s #1 Mock Newspaper for Make readers intersted in alternative fuels.
Ed Storms is leading the effort to take cold fusion off the back burner by moving it into the garage.
Science Friday’s latest audio is up. Joshua Bloom Assistant Professor of Astronomy and the University of California, Berkeley talks about the mysterious gamma ray bursters, they also talk about using elevators to get to space and then engineering needed, along with some really neat research in how our eyes work. The more rare an object is, the less likely you’re going to recognize when you’re looking for it… Link.
