Senate and Public Domain Pros Reach Compromise on Copyright Issues

Content companies (seeking stronger protections and arguably additional profit) and digital rights groups (vouching for access) haven’t been able to find common ground on copyright law for the past decade. Current law protects older songs—in some instances—for up to 140 years. Century-long protections for these songs, in the minds of many, is too long. And, currently a quilted-system of laws covers song copyright from state-to-state. …

South African Artist Esther Mahlangu Brings Ndebele Art to BMW Once More

The first woman commissioned to create a BMW art car (back in 1991), South African artist Esther Mahlangu, has seen her relationship with BMW reignite once more. The automaker recently tapped Mahlangu for interior paneling that would further employ her colorful motifs—drawn from the Ndebele tradition of message-laden house painting—something she learned from her grandmother. The result is astounding—a joyful punctuation to the vehicle. And as for what’s …

NASA Technology Could End Food Waste

“Hyperspectral imaging”—technology that allows someone to scan foods for imperfections, ripeness and contamination—will drastically cut the amount of waste in the food industry. Because photographs of produce can be used to determine problems, physical probing or complete destruction won’t be necessary. Thus, contaminated, unripe or imperfect foods can be spotted without ruining consumable ones—hopefully cutting back on our waste rate, which is at about 33% …