That’s because augmentation – the development of systems and technologies to allow us to do and to be more than what our natural biology would allow – is intrinsic to what it means to be human. Thrown weapons expanded the range of our strength; control of fire allowed us to see in the dark; written words expanded the duration of our memories. If these all sound utterly primitive and unworthy of comment, try to imagine what it would have been like to be without them – and to find yourself competing against others equipped with them. The last hundred thousand years has been the slow history of the process of augmentation. It’s faster now, and more visible, and, yes, more powerful in its results. But it’s very human.

Read more

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill as seen from orbit

Devastating photo, taken from obrit by ISS resident Soichi Noguchi:

Oil spill of Gulf of Mexico, USA. on Twitpic

(higher rez photo here)

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill as seen from orbit

Read more "The Gulf of Mexico oil spill as seen from orbit"

The genomes of most modern humans are 1–4% Neanderthal — a result of interbreeding with the close relatives that went extinct 30,000 years ago, according to work by an international group of researchers. (via European and Asian genomes have traces of Neanderthal : Nature News)

Read more

HUD pr0n in Iron Man 2

We want HUDs, we love Iron Man.

IronMan's in-suit HUD

(pic nicked from io9)

Here’s a neat viral video that will make more sense once you’ve seen Iron Man 2.

(viral vid via Tech Digest)

Gimme!

HUD pr0n in Iron Man 2

Read more "HUD pr0n in Iron Man 2"