Insect-inspired virtual traffic lights could replace – or augment – the real things

Insect-inspired virtual traffic lights could replace – or augment – the real things: "If you’ve ever seen two groups of ants meet up with one another on intersecting paths, you’ll notice that they don’t crash into each other. Instead, the larger group instinctively takes the right-of-way, followed by the smaller group – the same thing applies to bees and termites. Inspired by this behavior, Carnegie Mellon University telecommunications researcher Ozan Tonguz wondered if the same thing could be applied to traffic flow."

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2012 Smartphone Comparison Guide

2012 Smartphone Comparison Guide: "In just five years, smartphones have gone from expensive novelties to fundamental parts of our lives. If you're shopping for a new smartphone, the choices can be daunting. How do you sort through the mess? Our 2012 Smartphone Comparison Guide is designed to help you decide which model is best for you."

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US Federal Trade Commission offers US$50K prize for blocking robocalls

US Federal Trade Commission offers US$50K prize for blocking robocalls: "n the United States, about 30 billion robocalls (pre-recorded automatically dialed solicitations) are placed each year, and similar conditions hold across much of the world. In the U.S. and many other countries, most commercial robocalls are illegal. As part of an ongoing campaign against these illegal robocalls, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is launching its Robocall Challenge, seeking a solution that blocks illegal robocalls on cell phones and on landlines. It is offering a US$50,000 cash prize for the best practical solution."

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Cocoon 1 takes a modular approach to the (very) personal space

Cocoon 1 takes a modular approach to the (very) personal space: "I’m not sure if it’s simply a matter of providing some personal space in an increasingly crowded world, some deep-seated desire to get back to the womb, or something else entirely, but there seem to be a growing number of pods and cocoons emerging from the brains of designers these days, whether it be for treetop accommodation, a backyard workspace or catching some Z’s at work. The latest comes from Micasa Lab, the folks behind the iRock rocking chair, whose Cocoon 1 is a clear sphere in which you can kick back and relax, store items, or even cook."

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Gravity powers new lamp for developing countries | Crave - CNET

Gravity powers new lamp for developing countries | Crave - CNET: "t's easy to take our electric lights for granted. Many people in developing counties don't have the luxury of electric grids and have to rely on kerosene lamps to brighten the night. Kerosene costs money and breathing the fumes is dangerous. A new light powered by gravity could be a superior solution to lighting needs."

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NASA will crash GRAIL spacecraft into Moon on December 17

NASA will crash GRAIL spacecraft into Moon on December 17: "At a press conference today, NASA confirmed that its two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) Spacecraft will crash into a lunar mountain next week. The controlled impact will occur on Monday, December 17 at approximately 5:28 p.m. EST (22:28 GMT). The impact area is at latitude 75.62° N, longitude 26.63° E near the lunar North Pole in the vicinity of Goldschmidt crater."

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FlyViz puts eyes in the back of your head

FlyViz puts eyes in the back of your head: "Those just as concerned about where they’ve been as where they’re going might be keen to give the “FlyViz” a go. Created by a team of French researchers to expand the scope of human vision, the prototype system captures vision on a 360-degree camera attached to the top of a helmet that is processed in real time and displayed on Sony’s HMZ-TD Personal 3D Viewer, giving the wearer a 360-view of their surroundings."

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Interview: Aeros CEO Igor Pasternak

Interview: Aeros CEO Igor Pasternak: "The Aeroscraft airship, with its minimal fuel consumption, vertical take-off and landing capabilities and point-to-point delivery is promising to revolutionize aviation."

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DMC unleashes tuned Lamborghini Aventador

DMC unleashes tuned Lamborghini Aventador: "he LP900 package builds upon the Molto Veloce package that DMC revealed a couple of months back. It is the official "Stage Two" of DMC's Aventador tuning plans. The German tuner translated inspiration from the Aventador J concept into an aerodynamics and performance package that only 10 people will ever have the pleasure of owning."

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Speaker-equipped shower head plays tunes via Bluetooth

Speaker-equipped shower head plays tunes via Bluetooth: "Whether you like to sing along to your favorite tunes while in the shower, or just listen to them, speakers and water don’t usually mix. You could try using a waterproof iPod shuffle, but where would you clip it? Instead, you might want to go with Kohler’s new Moxie shower head, that features a built-in wireless waterproof speaker."

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Spicy paper claimed to keep fruits and veggies fresh longer

Spicy paper claimed to keep fruits and veggies fresh longer: "While we all know how important it is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, it can often be difficult to use all that we buy before they spoil. A product known as FreshPaper, however, is claimed to keep such foods fresh two to four times longer than normal – and it does so just using spices."

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Brutal Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Black Series revealed

Brutal Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Black Series revealed: "Due for its public debut at the upcoming Los Angeles motor show, Mercedes-Benz AMG has finally revealed images and details of the SLS Black Series. Ever since the gull-winged wonder was first released in 2010, enthusiasts and schoolboys have been anticipating the inevitable ultimate (road-going) version. It'll come as no surprise that the beast in question is wider, harder, faster, and completely awesome."

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