research
-
One Bright Idea That Could Transform Innovation In Australia
When it comes to fostering innovation and the commercialisation of world class research, there is something the United States has that we lack. We ought to learn from the successes of the US in this area, and emulate one program they have pioneered to give our own innovative industries a much needed kick start.
-
This New Software Turns Any Object Into A Rubik’s Cube Puzzle
Turning a cube into a rotating multi-coloured puzzle isn’t terribly difficult. Ernő Rubik did it back in 1974 without the need for a computer. For other shapes, though, like a complicated 3D bunny, you need to figure out the perfect way to slice it up so that every sub-section can rotate freely. But thankfully there’s…
-
Owl Wings Are Helping Silence Aeroplanes, Fans, And Wind Turbines
Owls are often considered nature’s stealth fighters, and it turns out their ability to silently is a result of a unique wing structure not found in any other bird. Now that researchers know the owl’s secret, they can make lots of stuff silent — everything from bedroom ceiling fans to massive wind turbines.
-
Humanity’s Future Will Be In Caves .. On The Moon
While I talked with the legendary roboticist Red Whittaker in his lab at Carnegie Mellon, a half-moon shaped remnant of a Lifesaver was resting on his knee. He nibbled on it as we talked about sending autonomous robots to explore the moon. That’s when he told me about the moon caves that could be humanity’s…