A new spin on Theo Jansen’s Strandbeesten should leave even the artist himself smiling. Starting with a make-your-own-Strandbeest kit from Gakken (an educational toy company), I-Wei Huang, an animator and steampunk hobbyist, put his own unique and furry twist on the design.

Read More

Filed under: e-News, Mechanical | 1 Comment »

Tags: And Now, Mechanical

How’s this for a sweet new invention: five students from Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering have built a cake-decorating robot for a class project.

Called AutoFrost, the machine combines electronic sensors, computer programming, and precise mechanics with delicious gooey confections. Just doodle your design on a basic Microsoft Paint-like program, hit the button that says, “I’m ready to design an amazing cake,” and watch the frosting begin.

Read More

Filed under: Computer, e-News, e-Videos, Electrical, Mechanical | 1 Comment »

Tags: And Now, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical

Ever wondered just how large a galaxy is or how minuscule an atom might be?

Now you can get a better idea of how the size of our earth measures up to, say, a strand of DNA or the Cat’s Eye Nebula. Just check out this awesome visualization tool, created by Cary and Michael Huang (click image to see).

Read More

Filed under: e-News | Comments Off on And Now: The Size and Scale of the Universe

Tags: And Now

Don’t try this at home, kids.

In this amazing clip, Jem Stansfield, the host of BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory (sort of a UK version of Mythbusters), visits the Solar Furnace Research Facility in Southern France. There a researcher demonstrates the power of intensely concentrated sunlight, using a special furnace that can reach temperatures of 3,500 degrees C (that’s about 6,332° F), and even melt solid rock!

Read More

Filed under: e-News, e-Videos | 2 Comments »

Tags: And Now, e-Videos

Today, everyone’s favorite plumber celebrates his 25th anniversary. To commemorate a quarter century of Super Mario Bros, the folks at Nintendo have put together this nifty retrospective video – watch how the game has changed (and stayed the same) over the years:

Read More

Filed under: Computer, e-News | Comments Off on And Now: Super Mario Turns 25!

Tags: And Now, Computer, Video Games