Science

I Order You To Pee On This Battery, Soldier

If you think your gear runs out of juice at inopportune moments, consider the infantrymen of the world, whose lives depend on their gadgets maintaining a charge. Thus the MetalCell, a magnesium-based battery that charges with salt water. Or urine.


June 4, 2008
Computing

What Happens When You Burn a Magnesium NeXTCube Computer Case?

If you are old enough to remember, NeXTCubes were high-end workstation computers built in the late 80′s and early 90′s that featured a die-cast magnesium case. Magnesium was an attractive metal because it was strong and light–but as any high school chemistry student with a penchant for pyromania can tell you, magnesium burns with a brilliant white light. Naturally, this lead some to wonder what would happen if you set one ablaze.