When people talk about crazy zombie fungi that hijack bug bodies, they're usually talking about cordyceps. I recently learned about this similar fungal pathogen that lives in dank basement and likes to attach itself to common cellar spiders through the joints in their legs, slowly consuming their insides until all that's left is a fuzzy white ghost husk hanging in your basement. Neat.
Fuzzy white fungus eats spiders alive but it's not cordyceps
Scientists convert dead spiders into cybernetic grabbers
What's worse than cyborg spiders? Dead cyborg spiders! …Unless you're part of the "necrobotics" (yes really) lab at Rice University, in which case, dead cyborg spiders can actually be a handy tool for creating a set of mechanical grippers that can pick up objects while blending into natural environments. From the press release: "It happens… READ THE REST
This animal catapults itself away right after having sex (and it isn't a human)
After mating, the male Philoponella prominens spider—a type of orb weaver native to Japan and Korea—catapults itself away from the female at astounding speed. Why? To avoid being eaten by the female once the deed is done and its services are no longer required. Researchers captured high-resolution video of the spider's launch, clocked between 32… 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
