Scientists at the University of Maryland and University of Colorado have created transparent wood derived from the balsa tree, native to South America. This new material is not only stronger, but five-times more thermally efficient than traditional glass. Transparent wood is much more rugged as well, capable of withstanding more damage without bending or splintering. The balsa tree wood was first immersed in a bleach solution at room temperature to remove the light absorbing substance. Read more for two videos and additional information.
Yes, this 1952 Ferrari V12 ‘Arno XI’ is real and not a fan creation. It was inspired by Achille Castoldi in the early 1950s and built by the Cantiere Timossi boatyard, located in Azzano on Lake Como, Italy. This watercraft is powered by a 4.5L V12 engine producing 385 hp, the same one Ferrari used for their 1951 Grand Prix victory in the 375 F1, installed on a Timossi three-point racing hydroplane hull. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Researchers from the University of Queensland discovered that if time travel were possible, the paradox couldn’t actually exist. In other words, any changes a time traveler would make in the past would cause the timeline to self-correct, thus ensuring that whatever occurred to send you back in time would still happen. The current timeline’s events would still happen, but probably not in the same way, though similar enough for one not to notice. Read more for two videos on time travel and additional information.
Photo credit: 7Shine7
Japan already has a 60-foot-tall Gundam robot, and now, they’re following up with a life-sized Godzilla theme park attraction on Awaji Island’s Nijigen no Mori theme park. When completed, it will become the world’s first permanent, to-scale replica of Godzilla, measuring 65 feet tall, 82 feet wide, and 180 feet long. However, the character’s lower body will be “hidden” underground and house several games as well as attractions. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Ever wish there was a gadget that could help keep your burrito eating experience a lot cleaner? If so, then Burrito Pop should do the trick. Simply put, it’s a twistable burrito holder that not only keeps the toppings on the inside, but your food warm as well should there be any leftovers. Available in several different colors, the design has been patented so you won’t see a flood of similar burrito holders on the market. Read more for a video and additional information.
Photo credit: CBP
US Customs and Border Protection mistakenly seized a shipment of OnePlus Buds this past weekend at John F. Kennedy International Airport and touted them as counterfeit electronic goods. That’s right, CBP officers thought they had seized 2,000 counterfeit Apple Airpod Earbuds from Hong Kong destined for Nevada at an air cargo facility, and they went on to say that if “the merchandise were genuine, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) would have been $398,000.” Read more for a hands-on video of the OnePlus Buds to see just how close they are to AirPods.
Most of us have probably seen flamingos at some point in our lives, but very few have watched them feed. Thanks to an underwater camera at the San Diego Zoo, we get to see just that. Put simply, these animals feed by sucking in water and mud at the front of their bills before pumping it out at the sides. Briny plates., called lamellae, then act like tiny filters, trapping shrimp as well as other small water creatures for the flamingos to eat. Read more for the video and additional information.
Photo credit: Lazzarini Design Studio
Lazzarini Design Studio is no stranger to watercraft, but their most recent project just might be the craziest yet. Called Avanguardia, this 450-foot swan-shaped superyacht starts at a staggering $500-million and spans five separate decks. It can easily accommodate up to sixty people, but the standout feature is its control tower, which looks like a swan’s head and is used to maneuver the vessel. For shore excursions, this head can be separated to be used as a 50-foot cruiser. Read more for additional pictures and information.
AMC Games has just revealed new details for their upcoming game Airplane Mode, including a 2.5-hour flight from JFK to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in addition to the 6-hour journey from JFK to Reykjavik. How do you play? Just brab a window seat, and stare in silence at the slowly passing clouds as you try to pass the time without going crazy. Read more for the new trailer and additional information.
“The Tokyo Toilet Project” collaborated with sixteen architects to renovate public toilets in parks around the Shibuya District. The goal was to make people feel comfortable using public toilets, while also fostering a spirit of hospitality for the next person. Architect Shigeru Ban came up with this transparent design for the Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park and the Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park. Read more for a video and additional information.