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Rube Goldberg: The beautiful and timeless appeal of complex, useless contraptions

Beyond their entertainment values, these complex machines offer a unique insight into physics and human engineering.

M&Ms on checkerboard trick your brain

You might think you see the world as it is—flat surfaces, straight lines, and true colors. But our minds are constantly playing tricks on us.

The simple Victorian tool that's still important (and accurate) at weather stations

A small, white box with horizontal slats is a familiar sight at weather stations around the world.

Titanium: how we use the metal of the titans

Beyond its remarkable properties, titanium minerals also look spectacularly.

Extreme Rescue: The mountain lion caught in a trap edition

What would you do if you found a cougar caught in a trap? You should call these guys, that's what.

Caribbean drunken monkeys act surprisingly much like humans

Monkeys are just like humans -- when they drink.

The ancient world of crinoids: Stunning photos of these flower-like fossils that are not flowers

Have you ever seen this type of fossil?

Richard Feynman explains the scientific method in 10 minutes

Feynman was not only one of the most accomplished physicists in history. He was an amazing teacher.

The rainbow eucalyptus: the most colorful tree in the world

At first glance, this tree almost seems like it fell victim to graffiti vandalism. But if you look closer, you’ll see that it hasn’t been spray painted — the tree is colored like this naturally. Eucalyptus deglupta is a tall tree, commonly known as the rainbow eucalyptus, Mindanao gum, or rainbow gum. It’s the only […]

Russian chess player is accused of poisoning her opponent

The heinous act was caught on tape as well.

Money Does Buy Happiness. Life Satisfaction Rises In Concert With Wealth, New Study Shows

There's no "ceiling" apparently to how much money can contribute to happiness.

Solid knitting: a different spin on 3D printing that can make furniture out of yarn

Meet solid knitting, 3D printing's close cousin that makes sophisticated solid objects out of yarn that are both sustainable and reconfigurable.

Secretary of the Treasury Voices Concern Over U.S. Dollar’s Future Amid Bitcoin’s Rise

The relationship between crypto and "conventional" currencies is growing increasingly uneasy. But how big a threat are cryptos?

These drawings were made by Onfim, a 7-year-old boy in the 13th century

The artifacts tell us a lot about life in medieval times in the area.

So you think wind turbines are ugly?

Ah, yes, wind turbines are such a blight on the landscape. These oil fields look much prettier.

This cat is a highly-cited researcher — and it's a problem

The cat itself isn't doing anything wrong, obviously. But the fact that the system can be gamed so easily is concerning.

Taylor Swift's concerts are so popular in Europe they're triggering short-term inflation

Although it's likely a temporary effect, it goes to show just how much of an impact Swifties can have.

Codex Silenda: The Wooden Book You Have to Solve to Read

Codex Silenda has only five pages but it will take you longer to read them than any other book.

Stunning geological folds at Mount Head in Canada

Geological folds, exemplified by the striking features of Mount Head, offer a window into the dynamic processes that shape our planet.

Beautiful bismuth crystals: why this mineral can look so surreal

Despite its beauty, bismuth is rarely the main attraction. Most commonly, it's a by-product. d

Meet the world's smallest snowman -- Nanotechnology's microscopic miracle

The snowman was created more than a decade ago.

This invisible mask removes 99.8% of germs from the air

Respiratory diseases are on the rise among industrial workers, and regular masks just don't cut it.

Meet the Inflatable Bike Helmet That Fits in Your Bag

Who's been waiting for a foldable helmet?

Japan's Olympic athletes will wear outfits designed to block infrared — and the reason is disturbing

Voyeurism is the last thing we want at the Olympics, and Japan's team is taking it very seriously.

The magnificent beauty of Mount Fuji as seen from space

Space photos of Mount Fuji Mount Fuji stands standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet). It’s is Japan’s highest and most iconic peak, as well as a vital part of both natural and spiritual heritage. Its snow-capped summit can be seen from great distances, offering a breathtaking view that has inspired countless works of art and […]

Muzzle flash photography shows the striking power of a modern tank

There's some interesting physics behind it.

This stunning photo of the Devil's Tower was taken in 1900

Talk about a spectacular monument of nature!

AstroPicture of the Week: The remarkably diverse suits worn by astronauts

A visual history of our space suit exploration.

Anime waifus are helping to build a nuclear fusion reactor

The same company is working on some very different projects.

Archelon: The largest turtle in history

This is one of the most amazing creatures you probably haven't heard of.

Is online shopping really more sustainable?

Buying stuff has never been easier. The convenience of buying virtually anything with a few clicks and having them delivered to your doorstop is something our ancestors couldn’t have even dreamed of. But online shopping opens up a whole can of worms. Do you know what you’re actually buying without seeing it? What are the […]

The mysterious monoliths are back: another one just appeared in the Nevada desert

Have you ever seen such a monolith?

Planned tallest building in the US receives approval for 'unlimited' height

The tallest skyscraper in the US won't be in New York or Chicago.

Real photo wins award in AI-generated photo competition and it's all the irony we needed

We've come full circle.

Universal Basic Income Could Double Global GDP While Cutting Carbon Emissions

New analysis reveals potential for economic and environmental benefits of global basic income.

A 1901 Map of the Undersea Cables that Shaped Global Communication

The Atlantic really looks like a pond, doesn't it?

How a lizard tail inspired a new building system that sheds parts to escape catastrophic collapse

How a trick used by lizards can help us make safer buildings.

Crab museum crowns the world's best "crabby" jokes

Several jokes were disqualified for "scientific inaccuracy," said organizers — "and rather a lot for lewdness."

Who is Melinoë (the main character in Hades II) in Greek mythology?

Melinoë is usually regarded as a goddess or nymph that brings nightmares and madness to souls. But her story is complex.

This pianist soothes elephants by playing them classical music

Paul Barton used to walk two miles to a village that had a piano. Now, he plays classical music to elephants in Thailand.

This Indian teenager could become the youngest chess champion in history

Chess history is fraught with striking events -- this could be another one of them.

Sailors rescued from remote island after writing big "HELP" on the beach

It's not just for movies. Writing 'HELP' can really help.

How AI is coming for Wall Street and slashing jobs for analysts

Is the financial job market on the brink of a dystopia?

AI development is spurring more PCB demand than ever

It's not just semiconductors. Even the basics of electronics are being put to the test.

Four decades of canned fish are helping researchers write salmon history

It's literally history in a can.

Economists sent 80,000 fake resumes to see which U.S. companies discriminate the most. They ranked the top 100 companies

On average, presumed white applicants received callbacks 9.5 percent more often than their Black counterparts.

Everyone in Japan could be named "Sato" in 500 years, professor warns

Japan has always had its demographic quirks, but this one is something else.

Feathered and fabulous: photographers show the overlooked beauty of chickens

Chickens are natural models. Don't believe it? Here are some cool chicken photos that will convince you.

Song lyrics are becoming simpler and more repetitive

Music as a whole is getting sadder and simpler.

70% of the land in Britain is still owned by 1% of the population, largely descended from William the Conqueror's army

Norman descendants are still doing very fine in today's Britain.