Signs of Life
Source: What If?
How pervasive is humans’ footprint on the Earth? Author Randall Munroe explores the question.
Technology
Brain game: bringing Paddington to life on screen
Source: The Guardian
The use of technologies such as CGI (computer-generated imagery) can make a little bear from Peru appear very real. We take on board the personality and challenges of the “guy” as if he were human. Read more about the technical challanges here.
The Next Step
Source: NASA
Mars Short Stories – The Write Stuff is an initiative by NASA to engage writers to put technology-based fiction to paper. The aim is to help visualize the potential reality of, in particular, the first human missions to Mars.
The Challenges and Opportunites of 21st Century Muckracking
Source: Nieman Reports
In part of its 21st Century Muckrakers series, Nieman Reports, a foundation that seeks to advance the standards of journalism, outlines the obstacles and advantages of contemporary investigative reporting.
Fail Better
Source: Science Gallery Dublin
In this online version of the Fail Better exhibition, you can explore discoveries, inventions, and ideas that failed. The exhibition looks at the importance of these failures in leading to success.
Our privacy is for sale, we have to accept that. But what’s the price tag?
Source: The Guardian
Computer programs gather information about people based on every web site, news article, or item that they view or buy online. Using algorithms, computers can form a picture of each person’s personality better than a friend or family member. Read what you should know about protecting yourself and your privacy.
10,000 Year Clock
Look 10,000 years into the past, and you’ll see humans beginning to cultivate the earliest agricultural crops. What changes would a look 10,000 years into the future reveal? For Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, the distant future will include a functioning clock, being built now in the desert of West Texas.
Greenpeace faults many tech giants for environment impact
Source: AP News
An October 2017 report by Greenpeace, an environmental group, rated the environmental impact of several tech companies. Many of them did not rate well.
10 Steps to Fighting Injustice Through Social Media
Source: Medium
Hashtag activism has brought a wide range of pressing issues to the forefront of people’s consciousness. Here are some tips for fighting injustice by starting a social media movement of your own.
In a First, Gravitational Waves Linked to Neutron Star Crash
Source: National Geographic
Imagine the elation at witnessing a cosmic event that occurred millions of years ago! That’s what happened in October this year when scientists announced the ripple effect (literally) of two neutron stars crashing into each other around 130 million years ago.