Is the United Nations about to appoint Malaysian astrophysicist Mazlan Othman as the ambassador to extraterrestrial intelligences? Yesterday, the Sunday Times published an article claiming that Othman is expected to announce her proposed new role at a meeting of the Royal Society next week. According to the article, the plan to make Othman and the UN's Office for Outer Space Affairs which she heads, the first point of contact will be debated by UN scientific advisors before heading to the general assembly. Turns out though that the newspaper, and dozens of other media outlets that rewrote the same story, may have jumped to some conclusions. Today, Othman emailed The Guardian, "It sounds really cool but I have to deny it." Besides, if aliens really do reach out, it's likely that the scientists who receive the message will likely call Paul Allen first.
Reports that UN is appointing ET ambassador not true
Animated explainer: "Is it too late to stop climate change?"
Kurzgesagt's latest "In a Nutshell" animation asks "Is it too late to stop climate change?" From the video: We have known for decades that rapid Climate Change is being caused by the release of Greenhouse Gases. But instead of reducing them, in 2019 the world was emitting 50% more CO2 than in the year 2000.… READ THE REST
Don't dip your hand in boiling hot oil like this
Don't try this. Dianna from Physics Girl showed how under highly controlled conditions it's possible to dip one's hand into boiling oil without injury. The video is unlisted and age-restricted to keep children and dummies from trying to replicate the physics demonstration that's often done with molten metal. Image: YouTube / Physics Girl READ THE REST
Scientific American endorses Joe Biden, breaking 175-year tradition of never endorsing a presidential candidate
Because Trump is an enemy of science. "Scientific American has never endorsed a presidential candidate in our 175-year history—until now," tweeted the publication today. "The 2020 election is literally a matter of life and death. We urge you to vote for health, science and Joe Biden for President." Excerpt: The evidence and the science show… READ THE REST
This 6-in-1 Universal Cable wants to be the one-stop answer to all of those power needs
If you're going on a trip, it isn't enough to bring your smartphone and your tablet and your laptop. You also have to bring all the charging cables for your phone. And the one for your tablet. And the charging brick plug-in. And the ones for your laptop. Before you know it, the stockpile of… READ THE REST
Bring the karaoke bar home with this on-demand software
For years, karaoke was relegated to those places with a dedicated system and an archive of tracks for use. Now, Karaoke On Demand essentially gives you frustrated artists the chance to bring your song stylings out of the bar and into the outside world 24/7/365…whether the world is ready for you or not. Karaoke On… READ THE REST
Ditch the binoculars and travel light with this high definition monocular telescope
With everyone looking for increased portability from all their necessary items, it's a surprise monocular telescopes haven't eclipsed binoculars yet. But it may not be too long before these lightweight marvels are nudging their way past their big, bulkier brother as the instrument people reach for to get a quality view from a distance. While… READ THE REST
