How to colonize Venus, and why it’s a better plan than Mars
Source: Big Think
Humans currently have their eyes set on colonizing Mars in the near future. Read on to learn how Venus may be a better option.
Technology
Altering a robot’s gender and social roles may be a screen change away
Source: Science Daily
Researchers at Penn State have found that most participants in a study identified robots as male when they were presented with no gender cues, but simple alterations on the robots’ screens could strengthen anthropomorphic personalities that humans tend to give computers.
Thanks, Robot! Humans Are Showing Kindness with Their AI Helpers
Source: Big Think
Why do we make connections with digital assistants when we know they don’t have feelings?
Platforms: Submersibles
Source: Ocean Explorer
Exploring the deep sea poses many challenges for scientists. Read this article to learn about the submersible technology scientists use to study deep-water ecosystems. Click on the links to find out more about each type of submersible.
The ‘Canali’ and the First Martians
Source: NASA
In 1894, Percival Lowell looked through his telescope and believed he saw canals on Mars. He thought they were proof of intelligent life on that planet. But were they really canals? Read about what Lowell actually saw and the effect of his theory on people’s imaginations.
Teen Inventor Alexis Lewis on Youth and the Innovative Spirit
Source: Smithsonian
Get inspired by this teenager, who applies her ingenuity to solve practical problems in lifesaving ways.
X-Ray Vision Archaeology Reveals Holocaust Escape Tunnel
Source: PBS NOVA
The Holocaust nearly obliterated the once-vibrant Jewish population of Lithuania. Learn about how a small band of prisoners made a daring escape so that they could bear witness and how modern researchers have found proof of this event.
How did 16 photographs change the way we see the world?
Source: BBC
Photography has helped us to see things we couldn’t see with our eyes. It has captured important moments in time. It has even helped to some of the mysteries of the universe. Click through the features at this link to see some of the most significant photos of all time.
Mind-reading robots are no longer science fiction
Source: Fast Company
Scientists have created a robot that can be controlled with brain waves and subtle hand gestures. This paves the way for more responsive and intuitive robots. Are robot butlers and personal care workers in our future?
The five: underwater discoveries
Source: The Guardian
Though we typically think of archaelogy as occuring on land, subaquatic archaelogists explore ancient underwater sites. This article describes some of their important discoveries.