‘Water bears’

These guys (water bears, aka tardigrades) rock hard.  This is my inner power animal.

‘Water bears’ are first animal to survive space vacuum – space – 08 September 2008 – New Scientist Space

That don’t make no sense

There are still many mysteries in the universe for us to solve.  Some right here in our own bodies.  Others lie at the end of the unknown regions of the universe.  Here’s a quick run down of a few things (13 to be precise) thats still baffle us today.  We’re working to unravel the mysteries, but more just keep popping up.

Science is fun

This video shows a bunch of really cool and intriguing behaviors from some toys we are familiar with.  The rattleback turtles were unknown to me until I saw this video.  Crazy stuff!  Embedded for maximum fun.

Things that make your brain hurt

Stumbled upon this Google talk recently. It is entitled Supersymmetry, Extra Dimensions and the Origins of Mass. However, the subtitle more appropriately describes the talk: Exploring the Nature of the Universe Using PetaScale Data Analysis. Its not a physics talk, though it contains some elements of physics. Its more of a talk about handling extremely large amounts of data and performing analyses against that dataset.

Larger version here.

Fun with the brain

I’m always looking for ways to improve my thought processes and abilities. Consequently, I’ve stumbled on this article which claims to be able to help you develop independent thought. While I haven’t gotten a chance to try the technique, I use a method similar to the one presented. I have a feeling their system is probably credible.

Semi-related video: V. S. Ramachandran speaks about synesthesia, brain functioning and other related topics. Very good watch. Big version here.

Things that make you go hmmm…

I’m not sure if I posted this video before, but its an interesting watch. Its about a mysterious building like structure under the sea off the coast of an island near Japan. There are of course two sides to this whole story. Some claim its a man-made structure, which puts its creation date at the beginning of the Ice Age; well before civilized societies are supposedly existent. Others claim its the natural fracturing of rock formations from tidal forces. Only time and research will tell.

Finding things out…

I’ve always enjoyed learning and I am not the only one. Here’s a great interview with one of the most brilliant men to walk the earth. I speak of Feynman. He talks about the joys of learning and Finding things out. He’s a pretty cool dude.

Embedded for your pleasure.  This is 1 of 5 pieces, click through to get the rest of them.

Those that came before us

It is probably well known that the “ancients”, have been more advanced that we had initially suspected.  The great civilizations in China, Egypt, India, The Americas, etc, have a lot of secrets still yet untold.  I found this documentary entitled “What Ancients Did for Us” fascinating, and perhaps you will to.  It seemed to focus on the Harappa peoples of India, who seem to have a very interesting civilization.

Forensics

Forensic science has given us many things, one of which is the ability to put names to faces.  This documentary takes a look at murders and the possibility of a perfect murder.  Although the title seems a bit sensationalized, the documentary is not.  Big version here.

The all seeing eye…

Well i haven’t posted in a while and thats due to being pressed for time.  It doesn’t look like I”ll be getting any more time to post these days, so I will be cutting back on updates.   I’m shooting for twice a week now.  Most likely on tuesdays and thursdays, time providing.

Here’s a national geographic documentary about the Freemasons for you to enjoy.  Big version here.