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  Was Uncle Sam a Real Person? Even in an age when our eyes are bombarded with viral photos of cats or two-second clips of celebrities, the image of an elderly, bearded Uncle Sam beseeching us to join him remains an iconic visual for the masses. Of course, the likeness of Uncle Sam easily predates the internet age, and unlike most currently circulating memes, the character stands for something beyond the brief gratification of a giggle, as the visual representation of the United States government. But while Uncle Sam is a highly recognizable figure, his origins are lesser known. And while it’s natural to wonder if he was based on one of the Founding Fathers or some other influential figure, the answer to that, like the story of the nation itself, is complicated. Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

  How are microchips made? At this very moment, in the devices all around us—from smartphones, laptops, projectors, calculators, and digital microscopes to cars, TVs, thermostats, refrigerators, and even modern washing machines—entire metropolises exist on silicon landscapes smaller than your thumbnail. “What you’re looking at is the top of a computing city, with distinct neighborhoods for different functions. They’re linked by up to 100 kilometers of ultra-thin copper lines, running across 10 or more stacked levels. At the very bottom, billions of electronic devices generate the digital traffic that pulses across the chip.” Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

  Original photo by Steve Cukrov/ Shutterstock People consider doctors more trustworthy when they wear a white coat. Uniforms convey a sense of competency across professions ranging from delivery person and airline staff to chef and firefighter. The psychological implications may be even stronger when it comes to matters of health: According to one  study  published in the medical journal  BMJ Open , doctors who don the traditional white coat are perceived as more trustworthy, knowledgeable, and approachable than those who administer to patients in scrubs or casual business wear. Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

  Was the Trojan Horse Real? The myths and history handed down from the ancient Greeks still permeate our culture today, from idioms such as “the Midas touch” and “Achilles’ heel” to the name of the world’s largest online retailer. Many of the legends recount the actions of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca and the hero of Homer’s epic poems the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey.” It’s believed these stories originated as oral performances and were committed to parchment in the eighth or mid-seventh century BCE. But there’s much that remains mysterious about Homer’s epics (including the very existence of Homer himself). One of the most iconic stories of the “Iliad” is that of the Trojan Horse, a tale so well known that the term is still used today to describe clever trickery that breaches defenses. Yet the question remains: Did the incident ever really happen? We Now Know the City of Troy Was Real Homer’s “Iliad” richly details the story of a decade-long siege against the city of Troy and its ki...

                     The Psychology of Cuteness and Why We're Drawn to the Adorable Kittens, puppies, bunnies, sea otters, baby fur seals, hedgehogs. A round-cheeked baby or dapper-dressed toddler. Adorable  stuffed animals  or toys. Anything teeny-tiny, miniature, or that looks babyish, with wide eyes and chubby cheeks. Most of us find these things downright cute and endearing. They make us go, “Awwwwww!” and may even compel us to reach out to cuddle or squeeze them. 1 But have you ever asked yourself why that is? What is the psychology behind cuteness? And how does cuteness influence our feelings, behaviors, and social interactions? These are interesting (and fun!) questions, all of which we’ll explore here, along with expert input. Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

  Building Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" LEGO set with MoMA staff Can  LEGO  help make stronger connections between famous artworks and new audiences? The team at  MoMA  is exploring that possibility with  a new 2,316 brick LEGO set  that represents Dutch painter  Vincent van Gogh ‘s 1889 masterpiece  The Starry Night . In  the video above , MoMA staff members Sheldon Clarke, Anny Aviram, Cara Manes, and Robert Kastler discuss the iconic painting, from its impressionist approach to its limited color palette to museum visitor reactions. There’s some art history mixed in, too. Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.

  3D Printer Used to Construct Train Station Building in Japan Arida, Wakayama Pref. –  West Japan Railway (JR West) on Wednesday built a station building that consists of parts made with 3D printer technology. The station building in Wakayama Prefecture is the world's first to be built with 3D printer technology, the company said. The building at Hatsushima Station in the city of Arida on the Kisei Line is some 2.6 meters high, with an area of about 10 square meters. The company aims to open it in July. The building consists of four parts, including the roof and walls, which were produced by Japanese housing maker Serendix. Note:  The above comes directly from their website.  Click here to read more.