Friction is what stops coins from spinning. In this video, The Action Lab demonstrates a number of spinning things nd spinning surfaces to explain how friction affects how long they spin, and the best surfaces for keeping them spinning as long as possible.
How to spin a coin for two minutes
Scientists invent 3D-printable Oreometer to figure out why Oreo frosting only sticks to one side
Why do we twist Oreos apart — and why does the creme always only stick to one of the separated cookie wafers?! A team of mechanical engineering students at MIT decided to get to the bottom of this conundrum. MIT News: In an experiment that they would repeat for multiple cookies of various fillings and… READ THE REST
Scientists discover new form of ice — the twentieth one so far
From Phys.org: A team of scientists working in UNLV's Nevada Extreme Conditions Lab pioneered a new method for measuring the properties of water under high pressure. The water sample was first squeezed between the tips of two opposite-facing diamonds—freezing into several jumbled ice crystals. The ice was then subjected to a laser-heating technique that temporarily melted it before… READ THE REST
Watch this mesmerizing visualization of the physics of Kung Fu
Via Abakcus: When working on this project, Tobias Gremmler was deeply inspired by the dynamics of motion and philosophy of Kung Fu. Masters: Lee Shek Lin, Wong Yiu Kau. Visualizing the invisible is always fascinating, and motion visualizations have been created even in pre-digital times with light, photography, costumes or paintings. Gremmler has described some… READ THE REST
Light up with a pipe that's made to make smoking simple
There's a lot of reasons to buy a new smoking piece. Maybe you dropped your old one and that cool glass octopus build doesn't work so well when it's in a million pieces. Perhaps you're making the switch from rolling your own to something a little less cumbersome. Or maybe you just want an upgrade. Whatever… READ THE REST
Life's hard enough, which is why this flexible lighter is a game-changer
From ensuring you have enough money for gas this week to keeping up with today's politics, life is far from easy. And everyday things like making dinner, commuting to work, and even lighting candles should be the least of your worries. But when it comes to reaching down into the jar of your favorite candle, unable to… READ THE REST
These $29 game design and development courses might make learning as fun as the real thing
Gaming is something that most people can appreciate. Whether you're into the classics, a casual gamer, or a die-hard who plays all the time, there are many different ways to enjoy the hobby. But we think it's safe to say, novice or professional, we're all interested in how games even come to be. If you're fascinated by gaming… READ THE REST
