How do tornadoes form

How do tornadoes form: "Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms; having destructive winds in excess of 250 mph they can destroy anything in their path. Tornadoes are fascinating to watch and will almost mesmerize you like watching a fire, but they can be extremely dangerous to watch from close range."

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It's Raining Birdies | Professional Disc Golf Association

It's Raining Birdies | Professional Disc Golf Association: "The 4th stop on the National Tour Elite Series came to an end today as the final putts hit the chains at the Hall of Fame Classic in Appling, GA. "

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NeoLucida brings 19th Century sketching tech into the present

NeoLucida brings 19th Century sketching tech into the present: "As long ago as 1807 – and possibly up to 200 years earlier – many artists used an optical device known as a camera lucida to help them in sketching subjects. A controversial theory even suggests that some of the famous Old Masters created their masterpieces not by sketching freehand, but by using such gadgets. Now, two art professors are trying to bring the camera lucida back, in the form of the low-cost portable NeoLucida."

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Casetop "laptop" uses your smartphone as its brains

Casetop "laptop" uses your smartphone as its brains: "Packing powerful processors supported by a healthy amount of system memory and storage, modern smartphones are just like mini computers that can be carried around in your pocket. As a mobile office, however, such devices do have some practical limitations"

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In two weeks, Mars One receives over 78,000 applications for one-way trip to Mars

In two weeks, Mars One receives over 78,000 applications for one-way trip to Mars: "Despite the one-way nature of the trip, it seems there’s no shortage of people willing to pack their bags and experience life on Mars. Just two weeks after putting out the call for potential Mars settlers, Mars One had received over 78,000 applications from people in over 120 countries. With the application period set to last 19 weeks, the Mars One selection committees face a daunting task in whittling the numbers down to the four individuals that will ultimately make the journey that is planned for September 2022."

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Making solar cells with a kitchen microwave

Making solar cells with a kitchen microwave: "For most people, experiments involving a home microwave typically don't go much further than inflating a marshmallow like a balloon or reheating leftovers in plasticware – both with messy results. For metallurgists though, microwaves are sometimes employed to efficiently process metals, which is how researchers at the University of Utah found themselves using a secondhand kitchen appliance in their lab."

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These new roller coasters will make your head spin

These new roller coasters will make your head spin: "Consider it the summer of the coaster. Theme parks from east to west are unveiling new roller coasters made of wood, steel and a combination thereof that soar through the air, plunge through water and perform gravity-defying stunts."

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Atacama desert, the driest place on Earth

Atacama desert, the driest place on Earth: "The Atacama desert while not as well known as the Sahara or the Kalahari, but it has the distinction of being the driest place on earth. As you can see from the picture to the right, it doesn't even look like the Earth, it looks more like another planet."

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3D-printed pistol survives test firing

3D-printed pistol survives test firing: "The potential for 3D-printed guns has (unsurprisingly) generated a great deal of controversy, and the Liberator is no exception. Named after the WWII single shot pistol, this 3D-printed .380 caliber pistol is made almost entirely of plastic and looks more like a nozzle for a water hose than a gun. The weapon has survived multiple firings with very little damage, inspiring enough confidence that designer Cody Wilson has now tested the gun by hand."

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Staples becomes first major US retailer to sell 3D printers

Staples becomes first major US retailer to sell 3D printers: "Despite the growing popularity of 3D printers, being limited to purchase through specialist stores and online shops means they still occupy a niche market of hobbyists and professional designers. You can't just waltz into your local office supply store and pick one up along with a pack of manila folders and paperclips. But soon, you'll be able to do just that. Office supply chain Staples will become the first major US retailer to offer 3D printers on its shelves, starting with the Cube from 3D Systems."

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Rod Millen aims at new Pikes Peak EV record in updated TMG EV P002

Rod Millen aims at new Pikes Peak EV record in updated TMG EV P002: "With his surname already linked with the overall Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record thanks to son Rhys, Rod Millen is focusing his attention on piloting an electric vehicle up the mountain. During his debut in the electric division, he'll look to break the EV record in an updated version of the vehicle that set it: the EV P002 from Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG)."

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Terrafugia Previews Plug-in Hybrid Flying Car, TF-X | News & Opinion | PCMag.com

Terrafugia Previews Plug-in Hybrid Flying Car, TF-X | News & Opinion | PCMag.com: "Terrafugia this week unveiled plans for a plug-in hybrid version of its flying car, or "street-legal airplane.""

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