Robot powered indefinetly via Biomass

We Are So Close to Inventing a Real-Life Mr. Fusion

Some would argue that the biggest obstacle robotics currently faces isn't the Uncanny Valley or suppressing the urge to destroy all humans—it's keeping their batteries charged. The newest version of the EcoBot may have the answer—it eats poop. Our poop.

Powering robots is pretty straightforward—either have a whole bunch of spare AA's on hand or train it to plug into a wall socket like a Roomba. But if you're taking your robot on a trip to say, the ISS, neither of these options proves tenable. But what if the robot could power itself from fecal matter generated by the station's crew? Well, it could run indefinitely.

Warlick's beliefs about education change...

The Purpose of Education is… : 2¢ Worth

One of the most interesting sessions at Educon this year was facilitated by Chad Sansing and Meenoo Rami, both of them Science Leadership Academy faculty. The title was Hacking School: the EduCon 2.4 Hackjam. I didn’t know what to expect – and what actually happened was beyond any expectation.

Click the 2cents above to read the full article

Nano robotics

Oh Great: A Killer Swarm of Synchronized Quadrotor Drones

Devopled by the University of Pennsylvania and KMel Robotics, these nano quadrocopters have been around for a little while. But now, the team of researchers has worked out how to get them to fly together in intricate patterns, and even squeeze though tight spaces without hitting each other. Each of the nano 'copters is self-sensing: that means they can accurately position themselves and maintain balance through even the most complex of movements. This is not a movie. This is real life. Very, very terrifying real life.

Anonymous listens on FBI Conf Call

Anonymous Shows How Easy it is to Intercept FBI Conference Calls

"I'm not sure if we're the only two on right now or not," says a voice with an American accent. The voice belongs to a man who identifies himself as Bruce, likely an FBI agent, who had just joined a conference call with other law enforcement officials based in the UK.

The irony of hearing Bruce utter those words at the beginning of the call is that, no, they were not the only people listening in. Somehow, members of Anonymous managed to tap into the call, record it and then post it online for all to hear. The subject of the conversation? Tracking and arresting online activists and hackers, such as those who secretly associate with Anonymous.

Cello Wars

FREE: Computer Science Lectures Online

Looking for a taste of University? Here is a link to MIT's Computer Science resources...

Or, perhaps you prefer Stanford?

TED: Three types of online attack