Electricity is one of the most useful discoveries of our relatively recent history. It lights the rooms we hang out in, give power to some vehicles and allows for communication across vast distances. In 1800, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta discovered that particular chemical reactions could produce electricity so he constructed the voltaic pile (an early
Read moreFiber Optics: Continuing the Light Discussion
Fiber optics allow for the transmission of information, like the internet and cable TV. They carry information between two places using entirely light-based technology. In a cable, there can be as little as two fibers, or as many as several hundreds. Each fiber is about as thick as a human hair. But how does it
Read moreMagnets: What's New?
If you think magnets are already like magic, wait until you get your hands on the newest technology from Polymagnets! This new science has opened minds and doors to applied sciences. Polymagnets created the “maxel”, a magnetic pixel, if you will. It is in the same vein of ideas as 3D printing, but with a
Read moreFive Great Google Surprises!
Googol is a really really big number. It is a one followed by 100 zeroes. As big as that number is, it seems appropriate for its named counterpart, Google, which celebrates its 17th birthday since its incorporation today! While Google has exploded to the point where it is both a noun and a verb,
Read moreLasers and Fiber Optics
Lasers are awesome! We use them for medicine, science, and even entertainment. But one of the most practical uses for a laser is the transmission of information. The information can come in a variety of different forms, from music to television to internet. This idea of information transfer just using light shouldn’t come as much
Read moreFuture of CDs and DVDs
CDs are dying. It’s an unfortunate but inescapable fact as the world transitions to digital downloading. But while the end may be in site for CDs and DVDs, it hasn’t come yet. Before that day actually comes, perhaps we should take a quick look at this awesome technology and how it works. A CD’s
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