Could giant magnetically levitated windmills be the solution to the worlds energy problems? Chinese scientist have reported 20 percent increase in capacity over traditional wind turbines using maglev turbines, and now Arizona-based based Maglev Wind Turbine Technologies claims their turbines will have 1000 times the capacity of a traditional turbine. Not everybody is convinced.
posted by Artw on Nov 26, 2007 - 84 comments

Barbie Recalled. Mattel recalled one of their Barbie products today, a sweet little toy to teach kids responsibility called Barbie and Tanner. But watching that commercial closely one must wonder, if those magnets are coming out of Tanner so easily, surely they won't stay in your kid. Perhaps the design flaw had nothing to do with magnets but rather such an ill-conceived product. So, after Tanner poops out the magnet, you do what with it?
posted by Toekneesan on Aug 14, 2007 - 75 comments

Protrude, Flow uses magnetic fluid, sound, and moving images. Affected by the sounds and spectators' voices in the exhibition place, the three-dimensional patterns of magnetic fluid transform in various ways, and are simultaneously projected on the wide screen. (note: Japanese site with WMV files) Related MeFi post. [via]
posted by dhruva on Jan 20, 2006 - 21 comments

I've often looked at Magnetic Poetry in gift shops and thought, "There's no way I'm paying that much." Fortunately, there's a free alternative, albeit a digital one. (Includes a bookmarklet that allows you to pull a word set from any webpage, and the option to save your masterpiece to show your friends.)
posted by robcorr on Nov 27, 2004 - 25 comments

The folks at Gaussboys sell these great Neodymium magnets that are many times more powerful than your ordinary magnet. Cylinder #3 works great for the fridge; I hear Disk #20 is good enough for hanging up your bike.
posted by MarkO on Jan 7, 2004 - 35 comments

The superconducting Magnetically-levitated Linear Motor Car is a most promising high speed transportation system in the 21st century. Mechanics and future benefits of Maglev trains.(video) [more]
posted by hama7 on Mar 2, 2003 - 21 comments

Homemade Gauss Rifle and other fun science toys for kids. Don't forget to check out the amazing catalog of cool stuff you can buy to build these things. There's nothing more fun than a 4-pack of (rare earth element) Neodymium / Iron / Boron magnets!
posted by Irontom on Jun 12, 2002 - 7 comments

Not your mom's refrigerator magnets.
posted by uftheory on Nov 15, 2001 - 5 comments

MRI machines -- I always knew they were dangerous, though I never imagined how.
posted by dfowler on Jul 31, 2001 - 13 comments

Lobster Sticks to Magnet! It's the next AYBABTU! Pass it on! Deliciously surreal.
posted by beth on Mar 8, 2001 - 34 comments

just another perl poet. program your refrigerator. from /usr/bin/girl
posted by lescour on Oct 25, 2000 - 3 comments

Not for the Easily Offended: Jesus Dress Up!
posted by rebeccablood on Sep 22, 2000 - 4 comments