Stories by Author

Evan Ackerman

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Evan Ackerman is a native Oregonian who now lives, somewhat unwillingly, in San Francisco. He has a background in creative writing and astrogeology, neither of which are necessarily appropriate for someone who is now a full-time blogger. Evan also writes for IEEE Spectrum's robotics blog, and when he's not parked at his computer with his eyes glazed over, you can find him getting injured on a soccer field or playing bagpipes excellently.

DNA analyzer fits in suitcase, works in 25 minutes flat

Evan Ackerman
Monday, November 26, 2012 - 3:27pm
 
In the paranoid future of the genetically discriminatory security state, your life will be defined by your DNA, and access will be controlled by machines that instantly read samples of your genetic code to verify your identiy. When will this all kick in? It won't be long now, thanks to NEC's new DNA analyzer that can brand you as an in-valid in under 25 minutes.

Pentagon seeks EMP grenades straight out of sci-fi

Evan Ackerman
Monday, November 26, 2012 - 2:42pm
 
The EMP grenade, or electromagnetic pulse grenade, is a sci-fi gaming staple. Toss one of 'em at the nearest evil robot or uncooperative computer system, and it'll generate a power surge that fries all electronics within range. The military has realized that this would be a handy real-life capability, and the Pentagon is asking someone to go out and invent one.

Post-election rumor: next NASA mission will be beyond moon

Evan Ackerman
Thursday, November 8, 2012 - 4:16pm
 
We've known since February that the leading candidate for NASA's next major manned mission is a station located at the L2 Earth-Moon Lagrange Point out beyond the far side of the moon. The latest rumors suggest that this mission was probably approved by the Obama administration, and now that he's been reelected, it has a good chance of actually happening.

World's largest laser now researching weapons instead of energy

Evan Ackerman
Thursday, November 8, 2012 - 3:06pm
 
We know, the fact that the largest and most powerful laser in the world is now being used for weapons research might not, at first glance, sound like a bad thing. But it is, for two reasons: first, this laser used to be trying to figure out how to make fusion happen, and second, the weapons research does not involve turning it into a laser cannon.

Brazil begins cloning endangered animals

Evan Ackerman
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - 9:19pm
 
Earth is running out of animals. Or rather, Earth is suffering from an overabundance of some animals (namely humans and cows) and a serious lack of others. Brazil is taking some initiative by starting a program to clone animals from species at risk of going extinct, including black lion tamarins, maned wolves, and jaguars.

Bladeless Exhale fan creates a vortex in your living room

Evan Ackerman
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - 3:19pm
 
It's not every day that someone comes up with a new design for a ceiling fan that both looks and functions better than the original, and it took some inspiration from a certain electrical genius to make it happen. Or, almost happen. On Indiegogo is this futuristic-looking bladeless laminar vortex cyclonic homogenizing ceiling fan, based on designs by Tesla.

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