In 1920, the great Nikola Tesla patented this ingenious valve that allows fluid or gas to flow in one direction but not the other. And it does it based entirely on its geometry without any moving parts. Here is the US patent, number 1,329,559.
See the magic of a Tesla Valve
Best Pandemic DIY Projects of 2020
In the last installment of Donald Bell's Maker Update for 2020, he celebrates some of the most creative and clever pandemic and social isolation projects of 2020. There are some really great projects here, like Simone Geirtz's Proud Parent Machine, Bornach's incredible Astable Exhalation sculpture, Shane Wighton's robot barber, and Colin Furze's Highcycle social distancing… READ THE REST
Adam Savage Answers the Question: What is a Maker?
I posted this on Adafruit yesterday, but I just thought it was too righteous not to share here. In this Tested.com Q&A with Adam Savage, he's asked the question "What is a maker?" As you might expect from Adam, he gives a beautiful and fulsome response. And he does it in a fabulous Tested ugly… READ THE REST
Visual explainer of how a push-latch mechanism works
Push latches are found in things like gasoline valve lids and cabinet doors. Push it once and they lock the door. Push it again and it pops open. This Old Tony wanted to better understand how they worked so he built one that clearly shows how they work. [Via Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories] READ THE REST
These 30 winter survival items will help you handle the cold all winter long
It happens every year – and it still feels like a chilly slap across the face each time. Winter rolls in…and you're uncomfortably reminded that the next few months will feel like something you just have to survive. However, there are ways to battle the elements. Assembled below are 30 surefire methods for assuring the… READ THE REST
This training bundle might be your ticket to a new career as a freelance writer
Lots of people think they can write. But a quick check of social media posts, blogs, and even some astonishingly mainstream media outlets prove that isn't always the case. Writing isn't easy. Writing well is even harder. And, writing well on a tight timeline is tougher still. But, if you've got the talent and ability… READ THE REST
With CuriosityStream, you get educated and entertained – right now, it's 40% off
Why is the sky blue? How do birds fly? How were swear words invented if we're not allowed to say them? If you've ever been a parent to or anywhere within a 100 foot radius of an inquisitive kid, then that's only the slimmest sample of the questions that might get posed to you on… READ THE REST