Top 10 tiny animals with enough poison to absolutely destroy you

Top 10 tiny animals with enough poison to absolutely destroy you

Most people would steer clear of any snakes or oversized spiders that crossed our paths. We have a sort of logic when it comes to animals that tells us “Bigger = Deadlier.” But more often, you will often find that the opposite is true. Many animals make up for their small size with deadly venom, and so what may look like a regular snail could actually be your final downfall. Below are ten tiny, but incredibly deadly, animals.

The mathematics of history

The mathematics of history

What can mathematics say about history? According to TED Fellow Jean-Baptiste Michel, quite a lot. From changes to language to the deadliness of wars, he shows how digitized history is just starting to reveal deep underlying patterns.

Heavy metals, insects and other weird things found in lipstick hhrough time

Heavy metals, insects and other weird things found in lipstick hhrough time

Lipstick has seen a fair share of funky ingredients in its long history of more than 6,000 years, from seaweed and beetles to modern synthetic chemicals and deer fat. In recent years, traces of lead have been found in numerous brands of the popular handbag staple, prompting some manufacturers to go the organic route. This week, more [...]

3D printed bionic ear that can hear

3D printed bionic ear that can hear

Scientists at Princeton University created a functional ear by 3D printing technology, that can “hear” radio frequencies far beyond the range of normal human capability.

Things come apart – teardown manual

Things come apart – teardown manual

Things Come Apart: A Teardown Manual for Modern Living a new book by Toronto photographer Todd McLellan, who’s disassembled everything from bicycle to smartphones.

The terrifying promise of robot bugs

The terrifying promise of robot bugs

Imitating nature to build a better (or possibly more terrifying) future. We’ve been trying to build flapping-wing robots for hundreds of years. And now, ornithopters are finally being developed, and may be used mostly for military purposes.

Fermi’s close call with a soviet satellite

Fermi’s close call with a soviet satellite

While Fermi is in fine shape today, continuing its mission to map the highest-energy light in the universe, the story of how it sidestepped a potential disaster offers a glimpse at an underappreciated aspect of managing a space mission: orbital traffic control.

Bright, long-lasting GRB sets energy output record

Bright, long-lasting GRB sets energy output record

Last weekend (April 27, 2013), the Fermi and Swift spacecraft witnessed a “shockingly” bright burst of gamma rays from a dying star. Named GRB 130427A, it produced one of the longest lasting and brightest GRBs ever detected.

What happened to antimatter?

What happened to antimatter?

Particles come in pairs, which is why there should be an equal amount of matter and antimatter in the universe. Yet, scientists have not been able to detect any in the visible universe. Where is this missing antimatter? CERN scientist Rolf Landua returns to the seconds after the Big Bang to explain the disparity that allows humans to exist today.

Star’s dying gasp may signal black hole’s birth

Star’s dying gasp may signal black hole’s birth

A distinctive flash of light emanating from a dying star may make it possible for astronomers to watch a black hole being born, according to new research.

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