Japan’s Elevator From Earth to Low Orbit Space

“For over a century scientists and sci-fi writers alike have dreamed of creating a space elevator to ferry astronauts and payloads between the Earth and low orbit,” Jason Daley of Smithsonian Magazine writes. Now, Japanese scientists will make a step toward such a futuristic development. Two satellites—roughly four cubic inches—will test elevator motion in space, as they launch with a 33-foot steel cable binding them, …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

What makes a summer jam, how lava lamps fight hackers, AI for newsrooms and more

Ada Chen’s Stereotype-Fighting Jewelry Calling out fetishization, objectification and ingrained racism, jewelry designer Ada Chen combines style and sharp humor to create pieces that are super-smart and super-creative. Chen (who is Chinese American) oftentimes uses her own experiences as inspiration, and the results are sometimes jarring and uncomfortable—which is, of course, important to spark discussion and awareness. On her brilliant “Text Message” earrings, Chen tells …

Perseid Meteor Shower Promises 75 Shooting Stars an Hour

On Sunday and Monday night, the Perseid Meteor shower will peak, and during these peak nights, there will be an upward of 75 shooting stars an hour. Conditions like clouds or urban light or pollution may prohibit your view, but scientists suggest setting up early and avoiding phones—your eyes can take an upwards of 20 minutes to adjust to the dark sky. The show, as …