National Geographic on How Science Fiction Informs the Future

Word would travel of scientist Giovanni Aldini’s electric reanimation experiments on dead criminals in 1803 to author Mary Shelley before the 1818 publish of her book Frankenstein. It was an instance of science informing fiction. In turn, Shelley’s masterpiece would then inspire scientist Earl Bakken to develop the first wearable, battery-operated pacemaker. This is only one example of science fiction triggering the pursuit of scientific …

Virtual Reality Highlights from the 2019 Venice Film Festival

Four selections that run the stylistic, technical and narrative gamut of VR films today

Only the prestigious Venice International Film Festival would dedicate an island to virtual reality programming. This year, Lazzaretto Vecchio (otherwise known as VR Island) once again hosts Venice Virtual Reality—which, upon launch in 2017, was the world’s first-ever international film festival VR competition. Last year’s 75th annual festival presented a milestone VR slate. For 76th event, the division’s co-curators Liz Rosenthal and Michel Reilhac selected …

The R.I.D, a Pocket-Sized Device That Detects Recyclable Material

By reducing research and leg work, this device makes eco efforts easier

While statistics on recycling vary, the consensus remains that we do not do enough (collectively or individually). The reasons range from improper sorting to ignored or unknown classifications, but one product could ease the burden of sorting and empower the broader population to recycle with results. UK-based Cohda Design Works recently unveiled the R.I.D, a handheld device that can identify recyclability simply by being pressed …