Tornadoes on the Sun
The Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an amazing shot of superheated plasma on the sun that resembles a tornado. However, unlike the wind-driven tornadoes on Earth, the sun’s plasma tornadoes are shaped by competing forces from the magnetic field. This video was captured during a 30 hour period between February 7th and 8th, 2012.
The Lovely Loops
The top image today was too beautiful not to share. Captured between January 15th -16th 2012 by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, it offers a beautiful profile view of cascading loops of superheated plasma, just one of which is the size of several Earths.
NASA
Pharmacy on a Microchip
MIT professors Robert Langer and Michael Cima, alongside scientists from MicroCHIPS Inc. have developed a wireless microchip that can deliver drugs in a patient’s body remotely. The chip has already been used successfully to administer daily doses of an osteoporosis drug normally given by injection. According to Langer, with this device you could “literally have a pharmacy on a chip”.
MIT
Recycling Nuclear Reactors
Ever wonders what happens when nuclear reactors are retired? Smart Planet has the answer. Check out this article on the various second lives of these plants. From film sets to amusement parks, some of the creative uses for these spaces may surprise you. SmartPlanet
Top image: Superheated plasma loops. Credit: NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory.