Tidbitz
Image by Rishabh Mathur on Flickr
Interesting stories about computer science, software programming, and technology for December 2020.
BBC micro:bit coding computer for kids gets artificial intelligence update
https://microbit.org/new-microbit/
The latest pocket-sized micro:bit computer is now four times faster with a built-in speaker and microphone plus the ability to experiment with AI and machine learning. The BBC first created the affordable micro:bit as a programmable computer kids can use to learn computing. There’s a number of websites with projects, as well as an online community to help and provide ideas for wearables, accessories, and other projects.
How a man with autism used his ability to see things differently to help NASA analyze data
https://goodnews.greatergood.com/nasa-software/]
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/how-a-man-with-autism-used-his-ability-to-see-things-differently-to-help-nasa-analyze-data/
NASA telescopes generate massive amounts of data which, in turn, requires people and software to process and evaluate the data. Dan Burger, who is autistic, was hired to help NASA look for patterns in their telescope data. Dan developed an interactive software program called Filtergraph to visualize large data sets. The visualizations can be twisted and turned to see data about star size and age in different ways.
The Real Faces of 54 Roman Emperors
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a34209169/real-faces-of-roman-emperors/
What did Roman emperors look like in real life? We have lots of statues and busts but they’re idealized images. Some emperors probably were less handsome or much older or heavier. Toronto designer Daniel Voshart created photorealistic portraits of Roman emperors using Photoshop, machine learning, and lots of research to find common traits for each man. The results are what the each of the 54 emperors would have looked like in real life. Photorealistic images present a more honest picture of what people looked like as they walked down a street. You might recognize them from these images.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit looks like a magical mixed-reality trick
https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/1/21497792/mario-kart-live-home-circuit-preview-nintendo-switch
Mario Kart is such a fun video game people have found lots of ways to play, including racing in real life while dressed as Mario, Luigi, and other characters. Now you can race with a Nintendo Switch and an actual kart with a built-in camera. Your home becomes a racetrack you can create by yourself and with friends. Then race, Mario Kart style!
Japan’s 60-Foot-Tall Gundam Robot Is Now Walking and Wreaking Havoc
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a34108996/giant-gundam-japan-testing-mode/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/robots/a33381411/japan-giant-gundam-robot/
A huge 60 foot tall Gundam robot has been building all year in 2020 in the port of Yokohama, south of Tokyo. Gundams have appeared in 50 TV series and movies and a bunch of video games since 1979. It’s an incredible engineering feat to build one this tall that actually moves. It weighs about 15 tons which required a lot of engineering and design skills. Each hand is about six and half feet long. This Gundam can walk, bend its knees, turn its head, and make hand signals. It also can kneel then pick itself back up to a standing position. The Gundam project site has a lot of videos about their robot.
Also In The December 2020 Issue

Welcome to the far away land of the Ein Lifon where the number of appendages you have changes how you count!

You've looked at and used Susan Kare's work, or work inspired by hers, every time you use a computer.

A fun SketchUp walk-through for pinwheel enthusiasts!

Through the example of Theo Jansen and his Strandbeests we discuss the importance of fostering creativity and innovation in students.

From gopherspace to geminispace, the small internet is a lot bigger than you think!

Meet lisp, one of the oldest and simplest families of programming languages out there!

A fun craft for anyone who wants to combine their love of sewing and tech!

Learn how asymmetric encryption and prime numbers help keep you safe online!

Use OPP to make better python generated stories!

Desertification in the Sahel is a serious issue, but this model may offer a solution!

What could we accomplish if batteries lasted forever? These two companies want to find out!

Exploring another one of programmings many strange sounding but useful terms!

Learn how you can use your hacking super powers for good!

Links from all the stories in this December 2020 issue of the magazine!

Interesting stories about computer science, software programming, and technology for December 2020.