Prageeth Abayakoon

Sci-Fi Cloaking Device Could Protect Soldiers from Shock Waves           A researcher at the defence company Boeing has filed a patent for a sci-fi-esque cloaking device that would protect soldiers from intense shock waves generated by explosions.   The just-issued patent (No. 8,981,261) to Boeing envisions stopping shock waves using a veil of heated, ionized air. Such a "shield" would damp   the force of explosions . It doesn't build an invisible wall of force, but rather makes shock waves bend around objects, just as some high-tech materials bend light and make things invisible. Brian J. Tillotson, a senior research fellow at Boeing, said the idea occurred to him after noticing the kinds of injuries suffered by soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. "We were doing a much better job of stopping shrapnel," Tillotson told Live Science. "But they were   coming home with brain injuries ." Though the armor plating on a military vehic...

10 Macro Photography Subject Ideas Are you looking for some interesting and out of the ordinary project ideas for your close up or macro photography? Want to break away from the usual flowers, leaves, plants and mushrooms? Tired of bugs, butterflies, and spiders? All of those can make great close up subjects, but certainly not unique ones. Here are a few macro photography project ideas that may inspire your creativity: 1. Cutlery.   Knives, forks, and spoons can make great macro subjects. Arrange like pieces together to create lines and patterns. 2. Feathers. Feathers are beautiful close up. The central shaft creates a strong line which may be curved or straight, while the rest of the feather provides a soft texture. Use bird feathers that you find or purchase, or pluck one out of your down pillow or duvet! 3. Water droplets.   This one is a classic, but be creative, and find your water on unusual surfaces like a wire fence, a...