laws of physics

A Balancing Act

How can something that appears to defy the laws of physics follow them so perfectly?

The counterintuitive demonstration in the video is a beautiful example of the concept of center of gravity. It sure looks like the fork and spoon should immediately teeter off of the glass and crash onto the table. And its even more dramatic when half of the matchstick burns away but the contraption still balances on the edge of the glass. But its all physics.

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Boots for a Walk in Hell

There's equipment to reduce landmine risk, but the technology is imperfect.

In afghanistan, where landmines kill or injure some six people each day, soldiers in very strange-looking boots are often seen prowling about minefields. At first blush it seems naive to even ask the question-can the right footwear offer significant protection?

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December 2009: Best of What's New

In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.

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