RFID Circuit Bending

LiveTag (via slashdot) new smart tags that harness reflected Wi-Fi signals ... copper foil printed onto lightweight paper-like material ... had to experiment with many different combinations of shapes, sizes, and materials for the LiveTags and run all those combinations through computer simulations. ... the smart tags only work within a three-foot range of Wi-Fi… Continue reading RFID Circuit Bending

They Make Pretty Stuff, I Guess

Pretty "fab" stuff is in Albuquerque We use complex emergent phenomena to craft bits & atoms into toys & games from an infinite Universe of possibilities. Through the power of custom software, nature inspired algorithms and digital fabrication tools, we transform natural materials into beautiful artifacts of computation. What do they do? You can't tell from… Continue reading They Make Pretty Stuff, I Guess

Mini Maker Faire [sic] Columbia

Columbia Mini Maker Faire 2018: Event Date: October 7, 2018 We particularly encourage exhibits that are innovative, interactive and that highlight the process of making things. No project is too silly. pplication Schedule Priority Round: Closes September 7 at 11:59pm EDT.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. 2nd Round:   Closes October 1 at 11:59pm EDT… Continue reading Mini Maker Faire [sic] Columbia

DIY Metamaterials from Origami

In the paper Origami - inspired Cellular Metamaterial with Anisotropic Multistability we create a family of origami-inspired cellular metamaterials which can be programmed to have various stability characteristics and mechanical responses in three independent orthogonal directions. ... Our study provides a platform to design programmable three-dimensional metamaterials significantly broadening the application envelope of origami. Metamaterials… Continue reading DIY Metamaterials from Origami

Not Just Your Parent’s DNA

In https://m.phys.org/news/2018-07-species-genes-driven-evolution.html They have found that cross-species transfers, even between plants and animals, have occurred frequently throughout evolution. I've wondered about this a lot in the past, known it happens with bacteria (via viruses and plasmid weirdness), and now I know it happens (somehow) more universally. How does this affect "dna aging clocks"? What are… Continue reading Not Just Your Parent’s DNA

Its Own Sensor: Side Effects

Via boingboing: The very clever Electron Plumber figured all this out and built an LED "candle" that goes out when you blow on it, using the LED itself as a sensor that detects voltage drops (caused by cool air, caused by blowing) Realizing a side effect can be exploited is cool. In various incarnations of… Continue reading Its Own Sensor: Side Effects

Expression With the Minimal

Via boingboing.net: to portray the sense of conscious emotion ... Takayuki Todo made a small plastic head with simplified static facial features ... it can only tilt and turn its head, roll its eyes, and move its eyebrows. It's surprising that it works well with such simply elements. It used to be a thing at… Continue reading Expression With the Minimal

Chibitronics: The Lego of Electronics?

Chibitronics makes circuit stickers and other tools for paper circuits, which blends circuit building and programming with arts and crafts.  It’s a friendly way to learn, design and create your own electronics. Looks at least like a good way to explore making a circuit, and learn some basics. Is it good for making a real… Continue reading Chibitronics: The Lego of Electronics?