You can find a maze on the back of cereal boxes, in kids’ magazines and even in large fields of corn. But what if we tasked robots with solving them? They can do it quickly, and there is even a worldwide competition to see who can create the robot that does it the fastest.
Buzz Lightyear vibes
The U.S. Space Force plays a lead role in our military. Spotting incoming missiles? That’s their Monday … and Tuesday … and, well, every day. Get the inside scoop with this stellar Insider video.
Can we understand bird language?
Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app helps identify over 6,000 birds. It knows their songs, too. Chirp, chirp. Get a closer look into how to understand what birds are saying.
How fast can thieves set up a credit card skimmer?
Would you believe 30 seconds is all it takes to install a sneaky credit card skimmer onto a gas pump? Scammers are even pinpointing targets on Google Maps. Here’s a video explaining how it works so you can stay protected.
What makes the world's most famous symphony special?
Dun, dun, dun, dunnnnn! You know just how powerful those beginning chords are if you just heard the classic start to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. So, why does this music make us feel a certain way and what went into the famous composer’s most remarkable work?
Should kids be wearing shoes less often?
If you have ever had foot pain, you know how debilitating it can be. What if the reason for that pain was due to wearing shoes too often? One study suggests that kids especially should be wearing shoes less frequently. But why?
A solar powered SUV
Fisker’s Ocean SUV has a driving range of 1,500 miles and has solar panels on the roof. It might get even more miles in “ideal conditions.” Starting price? Just under $38K.
Google's Project Starline
Project Starline makes it feel like you’re in the room with the person you’re video calling. Popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee got to try it and it’s even crazier than you may think.
How the Hubble telescope almost ruined NASA’s reputation
The Hubble Space Telescope has brought us some fantastic images of far-off galaxies, detailed images of planets and more. While being a marvel of human engineering, it has had its share of problems. So much so that it almost ruined the reputation of one of the most prestigious space organizations in the world.
Creating a cotton candy gun
Cotton candy is a staple of sporting events, county fairs and birthday parties for kids. Wouldn’t it be cool to shoot cotton candy out of a gun? Would it work? More importantly, would it still be edible?
How math can help explain art
You might think there is no connection between art and math. One uses complex numbers that a computer can solve quickly. The other is all about creativity and, for the time being, still requires a human touch. But math can help explain the secrets behind works of art that we never understood before.
Augmented reality keyboard
The Spacetop is a keyboard connected to a pair of augmented reality glasses. Put them on to see a massive 100-inch screen only you can see.
Why the lightbulb might be the most important invention ever
The lightbulb has been around for nearly 150 years. This simple device uses electricity to heat a small piece of filament so that it glows brightly. But, this simple invention led to an enormous amount of additional discoveries that you may not realize.
Physics explains why the letter Y is a vowel (and sometimes W)
We all know the saying A, E, I, O, U and sometimes Y are vowels. While this is technically correct, there is more going on than simple linguistics. Some say W also falls into this category. Here’s why.
A gator in a stormwater pipe
Workers in Oviedo, Florida, sent a robotic cam into a storm drain to investigate potholes … and found what may be your worst nightmare: A huge alligator.
A beer-powered motorcycle
Ky Michaelson from Minnesota has invented countless machines, holds a ton of patents and has set dozens of speed records. His latest creation: A beer-powered motorcycle that runs on a 14-gallon keg. You have to see this thing.
The future of mowing the lawn
Robotic lawnmowers onboard GPS can leave 10% of owners’ lawns remain untouched for bees, butterflies, and whatever else. Check out this video that explains how it works.
Steve Jobs' uncashed check, ChatGPT job heist & dead phone hacks
Plus, be careful with QR codes. Clever new scams are spreading fast. How much is $1,000 worth of Apple shares in 1998 worth today? (Hint: It’s a lot!). A heartwarming Facebook story, fun ChatGPT-powered tools, video game speedruns and how to upgrade your browser with an underrated feature.
What made the penny farthing so dangerous?
In the 1800s, before modern bicycles, there was the penny farthing. It’s the iconic bike with one giant wheel up front and a tiny wheel in the back. You might not know that it caused hundreds of injuries. Eventually, the modern bike came along and was initially called the “safety bicycle.” So, why was the penny farthing so dangerous and what was the reason for the giant wheel in the first place?
Building the world's fastest garbage can
When you think of fast things, cars, planes and trains probably come to mind. But what about garbage cans? Well, one man took it upon himself to build a trash can that can go at unbelievable speeds. You have to see it in action to believe it.