Feedback is always on the lookout for interesting and quirky science and technology news, so if you have a story that you think will amuse our readers, please donât hesitate to get in touch. You can submit your items to Feedback by emailing us at feedback@newscientist.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Unconventional Wisdom: The Egg Drop Experiment Revisited
Remember the classic egg drop experiment from your school days? The one where you had to design a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height onto a hard surface? Well, a recent study published in Communications Physics has challenged the conventional wisdom surrounding this experiment.
According to the researchers, who conducted hundreds of experiments and simulations, dropping an egg horizontally is actually more likely to prevent it from breaking compared to dropping it vertically. They found that orienting the egg along its equator allowed it to reach a higher point without cracking, providing a small advantage to dropping the egg along its equator.
So, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to drop an egg from a height, remember this new insight to ensure it survives the fall unscathed. And who knows, maybe this knowledge will come in handy the next time youâre planning a practical joke involving eggs!
The Mystery of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
Unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, have long been a source of fascination and speculation. But will we ever truly understand what these mysterious objects are? A recent paper by Karim Daghbouche at GridSAT Stiftung suggests that the answer might be a resounding ânoâ.
According to Daghbouche, reverse-engineering UAPs to determine their nature is an extremely difficult task. Due to the challenges in data-gathering and the possibility of unknown physics at play, inferring details about these objects, such as their propulsion systems, is computationally intractable. In fact, the mathematical problem of deciphering UAPs is so complex that it falls into the category of NP-complete, making it an incredibly difficult puzzle to solve.
With a range of potential explanations for UAPs, including advanced alien technology, time travel, and interdimensional visitors, narrowing down the possibilities becomes a monumental task. The paper concludes that UAPs are as analogous to modern smartphones in the hands of Neanderthals, highlighting the vast gulf of understanding that exists between us and these enigmatic phenomena.
A Square Year and a Curious Prediction
As we find ourselves in the year 2025, mathematicians and enthusiasts alike are noting the unique quality of this year being a square year â 45 squared, to be exact. Brendan Ashe shares an intriguing observation from a few years ago when he and his son delved into the world of famous individuals born in square years.
One such figure was Russian neurologist Ivan Pavlov, born in 43 squared and passing away in 44 squared. However, a more unsettling discovery was made when they realized that Pope Francis was born in 44 squared, leading Brendan to jokingly predict the Popeâs death in 2025. As fate would have it, this prophecy seemed to manifest, leaving Brendan to grapple with the eerie coincidence.
These quirky anecdotes and scientific musings remind us of the fascinating intersections between mathematics, prediction, and the mysteries of the universe. As we navigate the complexities of science and technology, itâs these unexpected connections that continue to captivate our imagination and spark curiosity in the world around us.
If you have a story or insight that youâd like to share with Feedback, donât hesitate to reach out to us at feedback@newscientist.com. Your contributions help us uncover the hidden gems of science and technology, making our exploration of the world even more enriching and engaging.
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