• The bees are dying of some mysterious illness! Oh wait, no they’re not! Instead,they’re being attacked by Rasberry crazy ants. (Yes, we said Rasberry crazy ants.) It’s like Alien v. Predator, except in Houston.
•PopSci, answering life’s existential science questions. Like “Why does Coke taste different out of a glass bottle than a plastic one?”
• True “out of body experiences” one step closer with virtual reality. It’s not quite Total Recall yet, but it’s getting close.
• A new lifelike doll on the market in Spain will breast feed from its “mother.” Cue the raging debate over child psychology.
• I’m sorry I didn’t call you back—a pelican swallowed my cell phone! I swear!
• Google Earth pic captures a “gate to Heaven.” Where’s it located? Brooklyn, ‘natch.
• And finally, we bring you: PandaCam.
Imagine what it would be like if you could instantly feel the heat of the Aruban sun, smell the ocean, and hear the sound of waves on the sand as you sip a Caribbean cocktail—all without leaving your living room. U.K. researchers from the University of York and the University of Warwick are hoping their new virtual reality gadget will allow people to do just that, essentially becoming “virtual tourists.”
While virtual reality has been used in video games, helped soldiers cope with war trauma, and even allowed a women to commit “virtual murder,” the experience has been limited to two senses (sight and sound). But the new Virtual Cocoon helmet can mimic all five senses, so that people can truly experience the trip.
The Daily Mail illustrated how the machine actually works:
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· A Netherlands court decides Second Life goods have real life value, and sentences teenagers to community service for nabbing another player’s amulet and mask in a virtual reality game. In Japan, a woman faces jail time for murder of virtual ex-husband.
· Meanwhile, back in real-reality, here’s a Golden Orb Weaver (aka a really friggin huge spider) chowing down on a Chestnut-breasted Mannikin. Ew.
· Now cleanse your eyeballs with a photo of a really cute squid (Helicocranchia pfefferi) that appears to be a hybrid of Piglet and Gonzo.
· Scientists develop a teeth-operated piano pedal for paraplegic musicians.
· Work off your carbon footprint by boogying down at Watt: the world’s first sustainable dance club.
· Then grab a bottle of Tap’d NY: “Not From the Top of Some Far Away Mountain.”
