• Technology

    Electromagnetic Pulse Cuts Through Steel In 200 Milliseconds

    By Stuart Fox Posted on 12.3.2009 14 Comments

    Cutting through solid steel with flaming bacon certainly has its appeal, but for large-scale industrial processes, the Fraunhofer institute thinks electromagnetic pulses may work better than the other white heat. Case in point: their new electromagnetic pulse (EMP) device that cuts through steel faster than a laser, and cheaper than a machine tool.

    12.3.2009 at 01:00pm - Comment by The Adama

    Now someone needs to make a DIY tutorial for making one of these at home.

  • DIY

    Guess This Part, Win a Tool

    By Vin Marshall Posted on 11.16.2009 77 Comments

    Since we inaugurated Guess This Tool, you've all proven way too hard to stump, so for this week's contest, we're mixing it up a bit and giving you a mystery part rather than a tool.

    11.16.2009 at 08:22pm - Comment by The Adama

    I'll give it another go. A tamper proof security nut? Once it's on, it's super hard to get off without specialty tools. They use them for things like street signs and sometimes high end alloy wheels.

  • DIY

    Guess This Part, Win a Tool

    By Vin Marshall Posted on 11.16.2009 77 Comments

    Since we inaugurated Guess This Tool, you've all proven way too hard to stump, so for this week's contest, we're mixing it up a bit and giving you a mystery part rather than a tool.

    11.16.2009 at 05:42pm - Comment by The Adama

    It looks like some sort of bearing nut.

  • DIY

    Guess This Obscure Tool, Win More Tools: Part Deux

    By Vin Marshall Posted on 11.16.2009 24 Comments

    Last week, we inaugurated a new challenge for you here on PopSci.com that lets you show off your deep tool knowledge and walk away with not only our abiding respect, but a less obscure tool of your own. Here's how it works: We post a picture of a strange object from my shop, maybe a clue or two, and you guess what it is in the comments section below. The first and most precise among you to guess correctly will win the prize. This week, it’s a 30-foot Stanley FatMax tape measure. Pretty sweet.

    11.3.2009 at 08:08pm - Comment by The Adama

    And to add to my earlier comment, as requested in the article, Latham was a manufacturer of machinery for printers, book binders, and box makers. The Wire Stitcher was used to seal up packages for shipping.

  • DIY

    Guess This Obscure Tool, Win More Tools: Part Deux

    By Vin Marshall Posted on 11.16.2009 24 Comments

    Last week, we inaugurated a new challenge for you here on PopSci.com that lets you show off your deep tool knowledge and walk away with not only our abiding respect, but a less obscure tool of your own. Here's how it works: We post a picture of a strange object from my shop, maybe a clue or two, and you guess what it is in the comments section below. The first and most precise among you to guess correctly will win the prize. This week, it’s a 30-foot Stanley FatMax tape measure. Pretty sweet.

    11.3.2009 at 06:16pm - Comment by The Adama

    Is it a Latham Monitor Wire Stitcher?

  • Entertainment & Gaming

    Video Game!

    By Posted on 6.24.2008 8 Comments

    As part of PopSci's "Future of the Environment" special, we commissioned a modern, eco-themed take on the classic videogame "Frogger." In our version, called "The Walker," players have to catch various forms of alternatively fueled vehicles to help them cross a busy highway and make it to school on time.

    6.18.2008 at 12:00pm - Comment by The Adama

    Is a video game really the best way to promote eco-awareness? I mean, PCs consume a fair amount of energy, and putting out a game that's "damn hard to stop" playing just promotes unnecessary energy consumption. And yes, I know this comment required energy, too, but not the same as 30 minutes playing a Flash game.

  • Science

    Building the Real Iron Man

    By Posted on 5.7.2008 47 Comments

    Afghanistan. A hidden bunker. Four men with rifles guard a thick, rusted steel door. Bam! A huge fist pounds against it—from inside. Bam! More blows dent the steel. The hinges strain. The guards cower, inching backward. Whatever's trying to break out is big. And angry.

    4.9.2008 at 04:49pm - Comment by The Adama

    I'd rather have a HAL-5. Do an image search for it, it's pretty awesome. And it's been around for years.

  • Gadgets

    Gadgetry's Golden Rule

    By Posted on 3.25.2008 25 Comments

    For the vast majority of us, few are the occasions when our opinions matter in any meaningful way. Say what you will about the importance of teaching your children, or being in charge of your office budget or participating in the voting process, but the sad reality is that your wisdom is an underutilized asset… except when it comes to your tech savvy. If youre reading this, its your responsibility to go out in the world and evangelize against the temptations of bad tech gear.

    3.27.2008 at 08:05pm - Comment by The Adama

    I agree that cables are ridiculously over priced. I used to work at Circuit City, and we could buy many things at cost. I purchased several "gold plated" USB cables for $2.00 each. they retailed for $30.00 each.



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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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