What is a switch, how does it work, and why are they usually clicky?

3Blue1Brown has a good two-part introduction to error correction codes, which are what make it possible to check the integrity of data and in some cases fix it. READ THE REST

I watch a lot of explainer videos, and Technology Connections makes some of the best. The host is knowledgeable, explains things clearly, and is funny, to boot. In this episode, he talks about retroreflectors, which are reflective surfaces that send light back to its source with very little scattering. This is very useful for road… READ THE REST

Asteroid mining sounds fantastically futuristic, but it is almost feasible with existing technology. We have already landed spacecraft on asteroids and taken samples. Now all of that "simply" needs to be done at a much larger scale mining a well-scouted space rock. The payoff for humanity will be astronomical. Via Kurzgesagt: Getting rare materials from… READ THE REST

Pocket-sized projectors have really grown up in the last few years. Previously under-powered and under-resourced, manufacturers have upped the game on these handheld projectors, with many now offering brighter, clearer images, increased functionality and connectivity as well as the ability to effectively become a portable home media center. And with movie theaters still mired in… READ THE REST

We know you've had plenty on your mind the last few months, but…have you thought about your holiday shopping yet? Yeah, probably not. With everything going on, it's probably easy to forget that even though the holidays are bound to look a lot different this year, the shopping will still need to happen regardless. With… READ THE REST

Learning never stops. Not if you're doing it right, anyway. Whether you're trying to add to your professional resume or just pick up a new skill or two to tinker with on the side, there's undoubtedly an online learning package to help you achieve your mission. And you shouldn't have to pay a lot of… READ THE REST