Purdue Newsroom - Genius of Einstein, Fourier key to new humanlike computer vision

This graphic illustrates a new computer-vision technology that builds on the basic physics and mathematical equations related to how heat diffuses over surfaces. The technique mimics how humans perceive three-dimensional shapes by instantly recognizing objects no matter how they are twisted or bent, an advance that could help machines see more like people. Here, a “heat mean signature” of a human hand model is used to perceive the six segments of the overall shape and define the fingertips. (Purdue University image/Karthik Ramani and Yi Fang)

IE rendering of a handsome CSS3 solar system.

Archimede’s scale - aquacalda

Applied physics…buoyancy. Cool, yes, but why would you do this?

via loveallthis

cone oscillator

A seed cone from a Red Pine tree is mounted on a platform and oscillates through states of wetness and dryness, closing and opening. The cone closes when it is wet and opens when it is dry.

(via @vagueterrain)

The Great Tree of Life

via Evolutionary Genealogy

Photographer Noah Sheldon got in touch the other week with a beautiful series of photos documenting the decrepit state of Biosphere 2, a semi-derelict bio-architectural experiment in the Arizona desert.

(via kottke)