I've finally gotten around to reading the inaugural edition of the Citizen Science Quarterly, a reader-support, Creative Commons licensed journal devoted to nonexpert experimentation and discovery. It's an extremely eclectic read, with a good mix of editorial, experimental writeups, polemics, practical HOWTOs and miscellania. I really enjoyed Andrew Hessel's op-ed on bioinformatics and fabrication, which explored the idea that cells can be thought of as bio-fabricators, 3D printers whose operating system we have yet to master. I was also engrossed by a brief "molecular gastronomy" HOWTO, a piece on culturing yeast, information on sourcing supplies for DIY bioscience, and a manifesto for involving patients' experiments and input in medical research. The copyediting and writing are a little uneven, but that just lends CSQ a nice, homespun feeling. All in all, this is an exciting new journal and a treat to read.
Citizen Science Quarterly: CC-licensed journal for citizen science
- COMMENTS
Which has the larger carbon footprint: SSDs or HDDs?
Don't assume that the new thing is better for the environment than the old thing. This caution comes courtesy of Seagate, a company with a rich history in the old… READ THE REST
Singer's Audio Study Mate was a 1970s multimedia machine
The Audio Study Mate was a "multimedia briefcase," as Hackaday's Al Williams puts it, combining a cassette player with a 35mm film strip viewer to create a 1970s audiovisual smorgasbord.… READ THE REST
Wired editor grows extra arms in Tokyo
These robotic limbs and fingers, inspired by traditional Japanese puppetry, feel like they're straight out of the future. Wired Editor Amit Katwala tested them in Tokyo, asking himself, "Will wearing… READ THE REST
Learn ASL for $15 without leaving your couch (or sweatpants)
TL;DR: Learn to sign like a pro (or at least enough to impress your next date) with this 13-course ASL bundle for $14.97 (reg. $104). While learning a new language is probably on… READ THE REST
Wireless and wallet-friendly—like a tracker should be
TL;DR: Looks like a credit card; acts like a GPS—get three KeySmart SmartCards for just $79.97 (reg. $119.97). You know what no one misses? That mini panic attack when you reach for your wallet and… READ THE REST
Turn off the YouTube vlogs—travel for real with a year of cheap flights
TL;DR: Get personalized flight deals sent straight to your inbox through Dollar Flight Club—just $9.99 (reg. $69.99) for an entire year. Let's set the scene: You're daydreaming about Italy. Maybe it's pasta on… READ THE REST