- The potential of graphene
Slashdot links to a BCC article that nicely covers many of the reasons I follow the research into applications of graphene and then some. There may be obstacles to graphene completely supplanting silicon, the article covers both sides, but the combination of processing with structural applications like smart packaging is still tantalizing. The comparison of graphene to how plastic is used today speaks to the level of interest from all corners especially as it may not present many of the environmental risks. - Digital Public Library of America announces beta sprint
The Berkman Center shares the announcement of a sprint covering a variety of activities and contributions to the DPLA, not just coding though that is included. The project brings together an impressive and diverse coalition all interested in overlapping aspects of access to information. This first sprint will serve as the kick off to the 18 month build out of the digital library. Details for submissions to participate are in the post, most critically statements of interest are due June 15th and final submissions will be due in September. - Book vending machine well before print-on-demand kiosks
Alexis Madrigal at the Atlantic shares the story of the Penguincubator, an odd historical stutter in the development of the book. It was developed by Allen Lane who pioneered the cheap paperback. The full story, at Publishing Perspectives serves as a reminder that questions about the future of readership and the evolution of the book trade have been with use since well before electronic editions and print-on-demand kiosks and services. - Professor questions sink or swim approach to intro to computer science, Atomic Spin via Slashdot
- First beta of Firefox 5 released, The H Open
- Google blocks rooted devices from movie rentals, blames DRM, Ars Technica
- New version of Miro now syncs with Android devices, BoingBoing