Recreating Sound With Silent Video

One of our favorite demonstrations at this year’s TED Conference was by computer scientist Abe Davis, who showed us that the tiny vibrations in seemingly still objects can provide very valuable information. Using high-speed cameras—and even a few regular DSLRs—to film stationary items, Davis and his team of engineers were able to recreate the sounds affecting those objects by analyzing their subtle movements. Davis takes …

The Simpsons’ Guide to First Impressions

Whether it’s meeting your partner’s parents or sitting down for a job interview, a great first impression is always top priority and, according to science, it should be. Columbia University researcher and author Heidi Grant Halvorson explains that nailing a first impression comes down to displaying two things: warmth and competence. She illustrates this with a handy “The Simpsons” matrix using four characters: Mr Burns, …

Google Doodle for Unsung Feminist Hero Nellie Bly

Google is celebrating the 151st birthday of trailblazing feminist and journalist Nellie Bly (whose real name was Elizabeth Cochrane) with a heartfelt, musical Google Doodle. The animation illustrates the remarkable career of Bly, whose investigative reports uncovered the harsh realities of female factory workers, the brutal conditions of an NYC women’s insane asylum and corruption in the Mexican Government. Bly reached international fame after traveling …