From the science newswires …
Giant Robotic Jellyfish Readied for Sea Patrol
… a giant robotic jellyfish is being readied to take to the seas, all in the name of science.
Mechanical engineers at Virginia Tech College of Engineering have been developing an autonomous robotic jellyfish they think could be an efficient way to monitor ocean conditions, map ocean floors and study aquatic life. Last year they created a small hand-sized version called RoboJelly. Recently they debuted an enormous prototype (video) nicknamed Cyro.
Why Mars exploration will be suspended in April, 2013
The planet Mars was a bright red “star” in our sky on August 5, 2012, when the newest Mars rover Curiosity made its dramatic descent to the surface of the Red Planet. But by early April 2013, when Mars and Venus will sweep near each other after sunset, what otherwise would be an awesome conjunction of two cool planets will lost in the sunset glare.
Quick Takes …
Video: Underwater fish tornado
Rare Australian possum could be continent’s first climate change victim
Termites ‘engineer fairy circles’