Lithium batteries are compact, efficient, and store a lot of energy. They also, occasionally, catch on fire. Why does that happen? Keep reading to find out. … [Read more...]
This Huge Engineering Project May Be Our Best Chance At Colonizing Space
Space colonization has reached an impasse, for reasons far more fundamental than a lack of money for the Space Shuttle program. There is simply no way humans can travel easily offworld without using massive amounts of rocket fuel to escape the gravity well — and that’s both expensive and environmentally unsustainable. So how will we get off this rock? … [Read more...]
Why Do Snakes Have A Hemipenis?
Snakes and lizards, as well as a few marsupials, have structures known as “hemipenises.” Not quite two penises, but not quite a half one either, these branched structures probably serve some purpose, but what? … [Read more...]
Companies Can Fire Workers for Marijuana Use, Colorado Court Rules
DENVER - Businesses can fire employees for using marijuana, even if they are smoking it off the clock and complying with state laws that have legalized the drug, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Monday in a closely watched case at the vanguard of lawsuits testing the limits of marijuana legalization. … [Read more...]
IBM Invests to Help Open-Source Big Data Software — and Itself
The IBM “endorsement effect” has often shaped the computer industry over the years. In 1981, when IBM entered the personal computer business, the company decisively pushed an upstart technology into the mainstream. … [Read more...]
Bits Blog: Elon Musk Wants Your Hyperloop Ideas
Elon Musk is looking for a few good pods. SpaceX, Mr. Musk’s rocket launch company, has announced a competition to design passenger vehicles for the Hyperloop, a proposed high-speed ground transport system. … [Read more...]
Flooding Rain To Severely Impact Texas, South
Heavy rainfall in association with a tropical low will bring significant rainfall to the part of the country that needs it the least: Texas and much of the deep south. … [Read more...]
Marvel And Sony Are Down To Two Final Spider-Man Candidates
Entertainment snippets. George R. R. Martin has even more shows planned for HBO. Dean Cain talks Supergirl, Chad Hodge discusses Wayward Pines, and Spider-Man casting getting close. Spoilers Now! … [Read more...]