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Evasive Beeping Thing

Evasive Beeping Thing

The Evasive Beeping Thing is appropriately named, since it dutifully does exactly what its name implies: it sends out a 5-second, high-pitched beep every few minutes. The source is extremely difficult to locate because of the way that high frequencies can penetrate objects and trick our ears. You’ve probably encountered something similar in the real […]

Bacteria Battery from MAKE Volume 30

Bacteria Battery

Microbial fuel cells generate electricity from “metal-breathing” bacteria in ordinary mud.

Custom Ice Pops

Custom Ice Pops

In the height of summer, there’s nothing like an ice pop to cut through the heat. Though store-bought ones do the job, pops made by hand — both the molds and the juicy refreshers — will taste that much better. Ice pops can be cast in any shape you envision. You can make simple pop […]

Kona Kai Jewelry Stand

Kona Kai Jewelry Stand

My lovely wife has been collecting vintage jewelry for most of her adult life. Some pieces she considers “too good to wear” and keeps stashed in jewelry boxes, waiting for those special occasions that never seem to come. Others she keeps in rotation, wearing favorites often, then switching them out for other favorites. One of […]

Hypertufa Planter

Hypertufa Planter

The ultimate Zen garden accessory is the stone urn. Filled only with water and a few fallen leaves, it defines tranquility. Unfortunately, these stone beauties cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, a concrete mix called “hypertufa” was developed that has the look of stone, specifically the volcanic rock called tufa. In England, farmers carved watering troughs […]

Home Molecular Genetics

Home Molecular Genetics

Working directly with DNA isn’t only for the labs of CSI, agribusiness, and headline-grabbing research institutions. It’s basic chemistry, but it uses the molecules of life. You can even do it at home. This project explains how you can isolate and even “fingerprint” some of your own DNA.