In 2005, Barbara Blackburn became the world’s fastest typist, hitting 216 words per minute. But stenographers can average 250 to 270 words per minute, far faster than the average person speaks. What’s the secret behind this super-fast typing speed?
Why the Coast Guard uses a zig-zag when doing search and rescue
The U.S. Coast Guard is an integral part of our military. It protects our beaches and coastlines from invasion or enemies, but it also helps find and rescue those lost at sea. You might be surprised to learn the technique it uses to do this. Let’s just say it’s not straightforward.
Why don’t we all have jetpacks?
Over 60 years ago, engineers developed the first personal flying backpack or jetpack. With all of the technological advances since then, why aren’t we all flying around the skies? There is a scientific reason why jetpacks are challenging to bring to fruition.
Your shirt may be able to check your heartbeat in the future.
Humans use clothes for protection from the elements, to show off wealth or status or generally just to express themselves. But, what if your clothes were able to do more? Scientists are working to develop a fabric that will be able to hear your heartbeat. What will this mean for future people’s health and wellness? It may just blow your mind.
Will you be able to upload your mind into a computer?
We, as humans, all have a few things in common. We are all born, live and die. But what if computers could change that? What if you were able to upload your consciousness to a digital world and live virtually forever? Is that something that will become a reality? If so, when?
What happens when you overload a capacitor?
Capacitors are essential components that help regulate energy inside most complex electronics. But since they’re only able to handle a certain amount of electricity, what happens when they overload?
Will we be able to merge with our tech?
Our gadgets go where we do, in our pockets and on our wrists. But what if one day we were able to enhance our bodies with technology? Scientists are exploring the possibility.
What comes next for the James Webb Space Telescope?
After more than a decade of planning, the James Webb Space Telescope finally launched late last year. And since it just reached its destination, we shouldn’t have to wait long to see the most incredible photos taken of galaxies outside our own.
Science discoveries made in 2021 you didn’t hear about
In 2021, the news was dominated by COVID-19. All the new variants and vaccine rollouts seemed to blind most of us to other scientific discoveries throughout the year. So, here is a breakdown of some of the most remarkable findings you probably didn’t hear about.
The government doesn’t want you to know these Dark Web secrets
The Dark Web is a mysterious place. Once you leave the relative safety of the traditional internet, things can get pretty scary. But, you might not know there are things on the Dark Web that the government is working to keep confidential. The secrets might just blow your mind.
How the Hoover Dam was built
Nearly 100 years ago, America was in the throes of the Great Depression. Even during these tumultuous times, though, engineers managed to use skill and grit to build something amazing: The Hoover Dam. Situated at the Arizona and Nevada border, this impressive concrete marvel attracts almost 1 million visitors annually. So, how was this feat of engineering accomplished?
The one thing that kept airlines afloat
COVID impacted a ton of industries, and airlines were no exception. People traveled less, and that meant less income. But there’s a surprising way airlines make money, and it only became clear during the pandemic.
What happens when a baseball hits a gong at over 1,000 mph?
Some professional baseball pitchers can throw a ball around 100 miles per hour. But, what would happen if you built a cannon that could fire the balls faster than the speed of sound? Well, this engineer did just that, and the results are astounding.
How radar has changed over the last 60 years
The military has used radar since World War II. It lets us detect incoming planes before they attack and allows us to track weather patterns worldwide. Since its inception, though, radar has gained another use: To help us see what’s above us much more clearly.
Why women can see more colors than men
Being able to see color is a significant evolutionary trait. We can see how blue the sky is or how beautiful fresh flowers are. But, it turns out not all of us see color the same way, and scientists now believe women can see more colors than men. So why is this?
How carbon nanotubes will change the world
In 1991 a Japanese physicist created a new form of carbon. These tiny threads of carbon turned out to be amazingly strong and durable. Now known as carbon nanotubes, this amazing material is set to make an enormous impact on the world of engineering. But how exactly will it be used?
Royal Marines using jet suits to board a ship
Jet packs used to be just a thing in science fiction movies. But they have finally become a reality. The British military is trying out these amazing pieces of tech to board ships, and seeing them in action is truly amazing.
This quick test reveals just how good your hearing is
The average human is capable of hearing frequencies between 20Hz to 20,000Hz. The higher you hear, the better your hearing ability. And the older we get, the harder it is to hear high-frequency sounds. Take this simple, accurate quiz to see how you stack up.
Komando DIY: 7 must-try iPhone tricks
Since its debut over a decade ago, the iPhone has revolutionized the smartphone world. But you might not know some of its secrets hiding in plain sight. Customize alerts, move multiple apps at once, and even automatically forward or delete messages.
Clever uses for your old phone: Security camera, alarm clock, emergency calling
Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.