The story of technological process is one of drama and intrigue, sudden insight and plain hard work. Let's explore technology's spectacular failures and many magnificent success stories.
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3 minFREEChemistry Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
“We’re all unstable all the time.” Though this may not at first sound comforting to those overwhelmed by holiday shopping, today’s Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity examines how the subtleties of technical meanings aren’t always reflected in popular speech—and how instability is something we would not want to live without.
“We’re all unstable all the time.” Though this may not at first sound comforting to those overwhelmed by holiday shopping, today’s Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity examines how the subtleties of technical meanings aren’t always reflected in popular speech—and how instability is something we would not want to live without.
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3 minFREEMath Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
What can celestial mechanics teach us about traveling through space without running out of fuel? Today’s Nerdy Curio examines the mathematics of space travel, and how we may someday use this information to traverse far beyond the Solar System.
What can celestial mechanics teach us about traveling through space without running out of fuel? Today’s Nerdy Curio examines the mathematics of space travel, and how we may someday use this information to traverse far beyond the Solar System.
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3 minFREEChemistry Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
As Louis Pasteur once said, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity is a dose of inspiration in the new year, focusing on discoveries made while we weren't looking for them.
As Louis Pasteur once said, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity is a dose of inspiration in the new year, focusing on discoveries made while we weren't looking for them.
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3 minFREEBiology Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
When you take aspirin, it enters the blood but acts selectively on pain and inflammation. Find out how, plus other fun facts about yogurt, muppets, antiquated pregnancy tests, and the origin of the dollar sign—all in today’s Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
When you take aspirin, it enters the blood but acts selectively on pain and inflammation. Find out how, plus other fun facts about yogurt, muppets, antiquated pregnancy tests, and the origin of the dollar sign—all in today’s Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
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3 minFREEWorld History Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
“Healthful, non-intoxicating alternative to beer” or “dangerous foreign substance contributing to corruption and impotence”? Coffee has been called many things, but many today simply see it as an integral part of their morning routine. Especially as temperatures drop, nothing quite satisfies like a warm cup of brew from your favorite coffee house. In today’s Nerdy Curio, brought to you by Engines of our Ingenuity, learn about the rich history of these places once considered integral—and even dangerous—public spaces for the sharing of news, ideas, and innovations.
“Healthful, non-intoxicating alternative to beer” or “dangerous foreign substance contributing to corruption and impotence”? Coffee has been called many things, but many today simply see it as an integral part of their morning routine. Especially as temperatures drop, nothing quite satisfies like a warm cup of brew from your favorite coffee house. In today’s Nerdy Curio, brought to you by Engines of our Ingenuity, learn about the rich history of these places once considered integral—and even dangerous—public spaces for the sharing of news, ideas, and innovations.
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3 minFREEMath Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Snowflakes may each be unique, but are fingerprints? Moreover, what's involved in comparing fingerprints and what can go wrong? Find out in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
Snowflakes may each be unique, but are fingerprints? Moreover, what's involved in comparing fingerprints and what can go wrong? Find out in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
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3 minFREEGeometry Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
As we kick off a new year, let us ponder our we've "shaped" our world. A Nerdy Curio all about flat surfaces, stability, and the power of three.
As we kick off a new year, let us ponder our we've "shaped" our world. A Nerdy Curio all about flat surfaces, stability, and the power of three.
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3 minFREEWorld History Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Last week, many of you celebrated the new year with a bottle of bubbly. Engines of our Ingenuity teaches us about champagne's aristocratic origins and the marketing ploy that made this drink so popular.
Last week, many of you celebrated the new year with a bottle of bubbly. Engines of our Ingenuity teaches us about champagne's aristocratic origins and the marketing ploy that made this drink so popular.
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3 minFREEEngineering Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Thinking of taking a cruise this season? Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity examines the repellent yet vital problem of human waste disposal aboard ships, and gives us yet another thing to be grateful for in modern times.
Thinking of taking a cruise this season? Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity examines the repellent yet vital problem of human waste disposal aboard ships, and gives us yet another thing to be grateful for in modern times.
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3 minFREEMath Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Choices, choices, choices… we've got so many to choose from these days. Find out what mathematicians have to say about it in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
Choices, choices, choices… we've got so many to choose from these days. Find out what mathematicians have to say about it in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
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3 minFREEComputer Science Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
A recent study by IBM reports that algorithms jointly developed by computer scientists and doctors were more effective in visually diagnosing melanoma than a panel of eight medical experts. Will we welcome decision-making computers in the same way we've embraced their number-crunching forebearers? Find out more in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
A recent study by IBM reports that algorithms jointly developed by computer scientists and doctors were more effective in visually diagnosing melanoma than a panel of eight medical experts. Will we welcome decision-making computers in the same way we've embraced their number-crunching forebearers? Find out more in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
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3 minFREEEngineering Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity exposes gear teeth, highway curves, paper clips, and other technologies we don't see at first.
Today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity exposes gear teeth, highway curves, paper clips, and other technologies we don't see at first.
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3 minFREEPolitical Science Nerdy CurioFree2 CQ
Spanish inventor and journalist Ramón Verea's passed away on Feb. 6, 1899, but left a legacy with a calculator invention created solely to make a point. Find out how invention seeks an unexpected purpose in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.
Spanish inventor and journalist Ramón Verea's passed away on Feb. 6, 1899, but left a legacy with a calculator invention created solely to make a point. Find out how invention seeks an unexpected purpose in today's Nerdy Curio from Engines of our Ingenuity.