source site - The Boy With The Incredible Brain

Daniel Tammet is a boy with extraordinary mental abilities and one of the world’s few savants. He can do calculations to 100 decimal places in his head, and learn a language in a week. This documentary follows Daniel as he travels to America to meet the scientists who are convinced he may hold the key to unlocking similar abilities in everyone. He also meets the world’s most famous savant, the man who inspired Dustin Hoffman’s character in the Oscar winning film ‘Rain Man’.

source site - Scientists plan to ignite tiny man-made star - Telegraph

While it has seemed an impossible goal for nearly 100 years, scientists now believe that they are on brink of cracking one of the biggest problems in physics by harnessing the power of nuclear fusion, the reaction that burns at the heart of the sun.

source site - John Hodgman's brief digression | Video on TED.com

Humorist John Hodgman rambles through a new story about aliens, physics, time, space and the way all of these somehow contribute to a sweet, perfect memory of falling in love.

John Hodgman ("I am a PC") gives his humourous take on whether we are really alone... aliens are not real. are they?? For all the seriousness that is in this world, this is a bit of a light relief.

source site - CleanTechnica - Technology Inspired By Nature

A fresh, up-to-date perspective on the latest trends in clean tech. From renewable energy sources, to less toxic electronics and more efficient information technology, Cleantechnica introduces readers to the full scope of clean technology in language that doesn’t require an engineering degree.

"Green Tech" will be something that we should be watching very closely in the next few years. i feel an increased awareness and seriousness about pushing forward with green technologies like solar panels, efficient combustion, recycling etc. the stratospheric oil prices plus the economic bubble bursting in the US is bringing about a much harder look at ourselves and long term sustainability. technologies which focus on sustainability will soon get their calling.

now i need to look for green stock indices...

source site - Image: global cooling idea

Aside from doing this to reduce global warming, can this technique be used to also reduce temperatures in tropical countries? The heat in Malaysia can be really hot on most days... resulting in increased electricity usage for air conditioning. would this idea work to reduce malaysia temperatures by a few degrees centigrade?

source site - Cal Scientists: One Step Closer To Spiderman-Like Substance - News Story - KNTV | San Francisco

According to UC Berkeley researchers, that day may come for the rest of us. The scientists announced Wednesday they have made progress in creating a synthetic, gecko-like adhesive that shakes off dirt.

"It brings us closer to being able to build truly all-terrain robots, which will in the future be able to scamper up walls and across ceilings in everyday environments rather than only on clean glass," said Ron Fearing, UC Berkeley professor of electrical engineering and computer science.

interesting that this material will allow machines to climb almost vertical surfaces. there are a number of applications with the increasing number of skyscrapers being built today.