Physics - The best of 2006

It was the year that water flowed on Mars and the first cloak of invisibility was unveiled. Physicists also made important advances in the manipulation of materials at the quantum level in 2006, furthering our knowledge of the fundamental properties of matter and bringing futuristic technologies like quantum computers closer to reality.

Read the top 12 advances in 2006 discussed at Physicsweb.org.

Astronomers Await a Nova

The Star of Bethlehem might have been a nova, like T Pyxidis, which by the way could light up the night sky any time now.

Read more about T Pyxidis at Space.com.

FAA Sets Guidelines for Space Travel

Before you strap into any U.S.-operated private spaceship, you’ll be told about the risk as well as rewards of flying the friendly space skies.

Read more about the guidelines at Space.com.

"An Inconvenient Truth" DVD available to Teachers

50,000 copies of the acclaimed documentary will be donated on a first come, first serve basis to teachers across the country interested in using the film as a teaching tool in classrooms via Participate.net. This generous donation was made possible with the cooperation of Paramount Vantage, Participant Productions, The Environmental Media Association, and private funders.

The DVD's will be given away starting Monday, December 18, 2006 thru Thursday, January 18, 2007. Teachers are encouraged to log on to Participate.net to request the DVD, which will be delivered within 6-8 weeks. A free curriculum guide is also available for download.

http://participate.net/educators/DVD/giveaway

Postcards from Mars

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Postcards from Mars, featured on a Quirks and Quarks podcast, looks like a great one to display on a coffee table.

Great White Shark Clip

A clip from BBC Planet Earth. Incredible footage of great white sharks.

read more | digg story

New York City Bans Trans Fats from Restaurants

In an effort to help Americans eat healthier, NYC health officials have implemented new requirements including a ban from using artificial trans fats, and requiring many restaurants to post food calorie counts right on their menus.

Read more details from these news articles:

LiveScience.com - "NYC Bans Trans Fats From Eateries"

The New York Times - "New York Bans Most Trans Fats in Restaurants" (log-in required)

"Sugar Plum Fairy" on Bike Parts

Tchaikovsky on bicycle? This site plays a short clip of a challenge by bike part manufacturer Specialized to play holiday music using bicycle components. A very nice effect. The page describes how it was done, plus even more pictures. I hope they arrange more!