Alpha Core » Science

Levitron Omega

Tom — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:24:02 +0000

This is our Levitron Omega (by Fascinations) demonstrating spin stabilized magnetic levitation. The magnetic top levitates via magnetic repulsion above a magnetic base plate, stabilized by gyroscopic effect due to its spin.

The song is called “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” by the Bourbon Street Stompers.

Related: Putt Base

Take A Seat

Tom — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:16:46 +0000

Dutch designer Jelte van Geest created a rather special pouf for a library design project and called it “Take A Seat”. It’s a robotic chair that actually follows you around. The library cards have an embedded RFID chip, which the chairs use to find and follow their target. The designer says:

Robots are often seen as mean machines. However, they do have a more friendly side, which should have a more prominent place in our society.

You can see these chairs in action in the public library in Eindhoven.

(Via: technabob)

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The Elegant Universe

Tom — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:07:19 +0000

Definitely worth a look if you haven’t seen it before, is The Elegant Universe, a NOVA production (airs on PBS). Based on the book by Brian Greene, it tries to explain why string theory might hold the key to unifying the four forces of nature.

There’s an introduction (actually an excerpt from the book) available you can read before deciding to watch it or not.

“The discovery of the Theory of Everything—the ultimate explanation of the universe at its most microscopic level, a theory that does not rely on any deeper explanation—would provide the firmest foundation on which to build our understanding of the world. Its discovery would mark a beginning, not an end. The ultimate theory would provide an unshakable pillar of coherence forever assuring us that the universe is a comprehensible place.”

You can watch the complete program online (also available in fullscreen format) as a three-hour miniseries and become a wiser person. This is highly recommendable material if you desire more insight into the laws of the universe or at least any attempts to discover and explain them. And don’t worry, the series doesn’t take a mathematical approach.

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