The Tempest Prognosticator Used Leeches To Predict Stormy Weather
Today was the birthday in 1794 of George Merryweather, the inventor of his era’s most fascinating leech-based weather predicting contraption: the tempest prognosticator.
Legendary Physicists Albert Einstein and Leo Szilard Once Teamed Up To Design A Refrigerator
For Alfred Einstein's birthday, the story of how he and fellow prominent physicist Leo Szilard co-designed a unique kind of refrigerator in the 1920s.
Charles Strite, The Inventor Who Made Toasters Pop
Today was the birthday in 1878 of a guy who changed breakfast forever: Charles Strite, the inventor of the pop-up toaster. Here's how the idea popped up.
How The Snow Globe Started Shaking Up Winter
Winter is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere. If it doesn't feel like it yet, grab a snow globe - we'll tell you how they got their start.
How Google Street View Could Help Stop Invasive Weeds
A project out of the University of California - Davis uses images from a very well known navigation system to help slow the spread of invasive species.
Let’s Meet The Guy Named Mason Who Patented The Mason Jar
Today in 1858 the US issued a patent for the mason jar. And yes, the story of the mason jar starts with someone named Mason.
Isaac Singer Invented The Modern Sewing Machine, But What He Really Wanted To Do Was Act
Today in 1811, the birthday of Isaac Singer. He’s best known as the inventor of the modern sewing machine, but had it been up to him, Singer would have been known for stage acting.
Listening To A Symphony Can Actually Sync Up The Audiences’ Heart Rates
When we say "music can bring us together," we usually mean it bridges divides and builds communities. But a new study finds that, biologically speaking, music really can bring people together.
What Ants Can Teach Us About Mass Transportation
A UCLA study finds that humans might be able to find some transportation inspiration from another creature that moves around in large numbers: the ant.
Lewis Howard Latimer, The Black Inventor Who Helped Make The Modern World Modern
Today in 1848, the birthday of Lewis Howard Latimer, an inventor whose work helped make the world what it is today.