crustaceans

11.21.09

Researchers See Better Optical Data Storage Through Shrimp Eyes

By Clay Dillow Posted 10.26.2009 at 9:38 am 0 Comments

In the data storage arena, developing smaller systems has always been the name of the game. But UK researchers have discovered that the tiny eyes of the mantis shrimp have held the secret to optimizing optical data systems all along. By mimicking the natural design of the mantis shrimp eye, researchers think they can enhance the capacity of media like CDs, DVDs and data projectors.

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READ MORE ABOUT > cds, crustaceans, data storage, dvds, mantis shrimp, optical systems, optics

Wacky Inventions Real and Imaginary

Harnessing the power of the bra, and the inspiration of cheese and sheep

By M. Farbman Posted 03.27.2009 at 10:55 am 0 Comments

Two of the great inventors of our time finally get their due: Wallace and Gromit have a museum exhibit devoted to their inventions -- from the snowmanotron to the crackervac -- as well as true but equally quirky inventions. Who knew someone cared enough about the canaries that went down into mines to build them a resuscitation chamber?

Also in today's links: an Egyptian hoax that will soon make the rounds of middle school slumber parties, hermit crab torture, and more.

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