NASA is holding a press conference Thursday. A press conference to discuss a "an astrobiology finding that will impact the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life". Seriously, you guys. You guys, seriously. That's pretty much all the information available right now. Kottke did a little poking into the CVs of the various participants and thinks it will be about indirect biochemical evidence of bacterial life on Titan. I'm intrigued. Press conference starts at 2:00 Eastern. It'll be streamed. Thought you'd want to know. (Thanks P. Bump!)
NASA sets us all up for heartbreak
How scientists actually collect magma samples in a bucket
Via US Geological Survey: This video clip shows HVO geologist Tim Orr sampling lava from an active pāhoehoe breakout on the episode 61g lava flow. The chemistry of these lava samples provides information on the magma plumbing system. Sampling has been a regular part of monitoring Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing Pu'u 'Ō'ō eruption. READ THE REST
Scientists develop the whitest paint ever
Ultra-white is the new Vantablack. Purdue University researchers developed the whitest white paint ever. It reflects 98.1% of sunlight. (The blackest black paint, Vantablack, absorbs 99.9% of visible light.) According to lead researcher Xiulin Ruan, "f you were to use this paint to cover a roof area of about 1,000 square feet, we estimate that… READ THE REST
How to fly a helicopter on Mars
On Sunday, Ingenuity—the small helicopter delivered to the surface of Mars by the Perseverance rover—will, hopefully, take its first flight. The distance between Earth and Mars means that lagtime precludes real-time remote control. The helicopter flies autonomously, but the helicopter's digital twin had a lot of practice in simulations back on Earth. At IEEE Spectrum,… READ THE REST
Jumpspeak uses AI to make you a better Spanish speaker on Day 1
High school Spanish class is permanently embroidered into most of our brains. Vocabulary quizzes. Verb conjugation drills. Language lab. It's all tattooed on our souls like it happened yesterday, right? Estudiantes. Escuchen. Language learning doesn't have to be like that. Instead of being trapped in endless repetitions and dry academic book learning, Jumpspeak wants to… READ THE REST
Learn from the world's most respected CEOs with lifetime access to Methods of Leadership
Leadership is a magic quality that few truly possess. Oh sure, many people have to lead as part of their job description, but few actually have the inherent ability to make others better, cultivate trust, focus on problem-solving, and give team members confidence. Of course, not everybody has to be born with the ability to… READ THE REST
Earn four top CompTIA cybersecurity certifications that can get you hired or promoted
For any companies or individuals who fear being hacked by malevolent cybercriminals, there's some good news… and some bad news. According to an annual M-Trends report on cyber attacks, companies are spotting intrusions on their networks a lot faster than in the past. Last year, it took an average of 56 days from a first incursion… READ THE REST