Tech: Asteroid to hit Mars (maybe)

There is a 1-in-75 chance of an asteroid similar in size to the one that struck the Tunguska region striking Mars on January 30th. Scientists are hoping the odds are in their favour because they would like to see the effects of such an impact. The impact site is expected to be relatively close to where the Mars rover Opportunity is currently located, but is expected to be far enough away that the rover is in no danger, but should be able to beam back some excellent images of the event.

 

Tech: pre-school drivers

New drivers just seem to keep getting younger. At the University of Delaware, mobility -challenged children as young as 6 months old are being put behind the wheel to give them a chance to move and explore their environment the way other children do. Exploration is critical to a child's cognitive development, some researchers believe, so getting them mobile as young as possible is important.

Tech: Cellular cleanup linked to longivity

Researchers report that boosting autophagy, the cellular cleanup mechanism, can promote cellular longevity, at least in fruit flies. Previous studies had linked accelerated neural degeneration to a reduction in the neuron's ability to cleanup its own waste products. The researchers believe that controlling the rate at which cells clean up after themselves could be a key factor in controlling neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Art: Book art by Brian Dettmer

Book art by Brian Dettmer. Follow the link for more interesting pieces, including a ram's skull made from old cassette tapes.

Gadgets: LED faux-fur jacket

LED faux-fur jacket. Never get lost in the snow again, much to the dismay of anyone whom it can be proven has associated with you.

Art: Inflatable sculpture by Kerim Seiler

Inflatable sculpture by Kerim Seiler.

Art: Music of the protiens

What does a protein sound like?  Molecular biologists at UCLA have converted  protein sequences into musical scores. Each of the 20 common amino acid was assigned its own chord or chord variant, and the rhythm was dictated by the protein sequence. The results of this research have been published in the May 2007 issue of Genome Biology. Found on MAKE Magazine Blog

Art: Meat objects by Simone Rachel

Household objects, imagined as made of meat, by Simone Rachel.

Gadgets: digital bike review mirror

The digital review bike mirror lets a cyclist in classical racing pose see at a glance what it behind them.

Gadget: Solar-powered patio table

Solar-powered patio table. Seats six and generates 50 watts of energy per hour to recharge stuff or store for later. Yours for only $3,600(US).

Tech: Dubai's dino theme park

A $1 billion dinosaur-themed park, complete with animatronic dinosaurs, is expected to open in Dubai in 2008. The dinosaurs will be designed to detect and track visitors, even lunge at them.

Amusing: Tacky Christmas displays

Tacky Christmas displays; the one shown here placed third (I thought it should have been first). Follow the link for more images.

Amusing: Tentacle chandeliers

Tentacle chandeliers. More images via the link

Amusing: Bar inside a living tree

This bar is located inside a living 6,000 year old Baobob tree in Limpopo, South Africa. The bar can hold 15 people comfortably, and serves more than 7,000 visitors each year.

Gadgets: Turbo bread toaster

Turbo toaster, for when waiting more than 30 seconds for a slice of toast is simply unacceptable. Twin jet engines blast heated air at your poor, helpless slices of bread.

Amusing: Santa and the Stormtroopers

Santa upgrades his security. Elves just weren't cutting it. Found on Gizmodo

And before I go.... camera-stealing sharks

No, this is not photoshopped. Tech writer Karin Brussard was testing a Nikon D80 in its underwater housing when a collegue decided to use the camera to push a tiger shark away that was getting a bit too close. The shark swam away with the camera, although he later dropped it. Follow the link to find the reporter's story and a photo gallery of her shots.