The case for saving science

New Zealand has long been the land of the long white (woolly) cloud, dairy and meat. For years, scientists have been urged to focus on pastoral pursuits above all else. But our agricultural exporters are increasingly fighting a losing battle with overseas producers, and our tourism industry is still feeling the effects of the recession. With our main export sectors under pressure, it’s clear we need to start doing things differently, and as Jehan Casinader writes, the answer seems to lie with science.

Next week we’ll be telling you all about our new issue—the Idealog team has been busy putting together the pages of next month’s magazine, so stay tuned to find out what’s in store…

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The quick and the dead

Scientists have finally solved the mystery behind why the bad guys in cowboy flicks always get shot, despite reaching for their guns first. Turns out the one who draws second moves faster because he reacts automatically without thinking. (But in the end, they’re still toast.)

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Big isn't always better

It looks like origami. And it is origami—the kind that can only be truly appreciated when seen through a magnifying glass. These pieces are visible only through magnification, with the smallest artwork measuring just 2mm long.

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An offer you can't refuse

Idealog and Escalator are combining forces to offer an opportunity to meet and learn from both US and NZ-based angel investors at Meet an Angel Day on April 15. No pressure, no hassle. Just collaborating over a coffee. The best part? It won’t cost you a cent. Register online or call 0800 822 748.

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Still going strong

The massive, steaming machines that make vinyl records have been doing it the same way for 40 years. In this video, the owners of Gotta Groove Records explain the process. http://vimeo.com/8754017

You're my wonderwall

Can’t decide what colour to paint the walls? No problem. With these concept tiles, you could transform a room whenever you felt like it. Perfect for the fickle-minded or easily bored.

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Every step you take

Oh, how tedious. For the incessant oversharers among us, these shoes send tweets with each step you take. Depending on how hard you put your foot down, the built-in sensors will either post the word “step”, “tap” or a full stop. The creators of Rambler apparently think Twitter is full of useless information and, it seems, decided to add to the cacophony.

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Launching pad

Building a company from the ground up is no task for the faint-hearted, but there’s a new avenue of support available to startups. Launch Pad is a competition offering 10 entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges at the Planet 2010 communications and technology conference in March. At stake is $70,000 worth of IT, marketing, legal and accounting services, among other things, as well as cash prizes for the second and third place-getters; more details and entry information can be found here.

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A brief history of the world

One flipbook. 2100 pages. Countless ballpoint pens. From the dinosaur age to nuclear bombing, it’s a “brief history of pretty much everything” to have ever happened on Earth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNYZH9kuaYM

Quote of the week

“ Private investment in R&D is chronically small—a result of our failing innovation ecosystem and of crapulous capital markets.”

— Vincent Heeringa responds to John Key’s parliamentary speech.