A ferrofluid (portmanteau of ferromagnetic, and fluid) is a liquid which becomes strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field.

Ferrofluids are colloidal liquids made of nanoscale ferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic, particles suspended in a carrier fluid (usually an organic solvent or water). Each tiny particle is thoroughly coated with a surfactant (dispersing agent) to inhibit clumping.

Ferrofluids usually do not retain magnetization in the absence of an externally applied field and thus are often classified as “superparamagnets” rather than ferromagnets. The difference between ferrofluids and magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids) is the size of the particles. [Source: Wikipedia]

Below you will find a remarkable gallery of this fascinating liquid along with additional information about the history, science and applications of ferrofluids. Enjoy!

 
Ferrofluids were originally discovered in the 1960s at the NASA Research Center, where scientists were investigating different possible methods of controlling liquids in space. The benefits of a magnetic fluid were immediately obvious: The location of the fluid could be precisely controlled through the application of a magnetic field, and, by varying the strength of the field, the fluids could be forced to flow.

Researchers have prepared ferrofluids containing small particles of ferromagnetic metals, such as cobalt and iron, as well as magnetic compounds, such as manganese zinc ferrite. However, the most work has been conducted on ferrofluids containing small particles of magnetite. [Source: University of Wisconsin]

 
In the absence of a magnetic field, the magnetic moments of the particles are randomly distributed and the fluid has no net magnetization.

When a magnetic field is applied to a ferrofluid, the magnetic moments of the particles orient along the field lines almost instantly. The magnetization of the ferrofluid responds immediately to the changes in the applied magnetic field and when the applied field is removed, the moments randomize quickly.

In a gradient field the whole fluid responds as a homogeneous magnetic liquid which moves to the region of highest flux. This means that ferrofluids can be precisely positioned and controlled by an external magnetic field. The forces holding the magnetic fluid in place are proportional to the gradient of the external field and the magnetization value of the fluid. This means that the retention force of a ferrofluid can be adjusted by changing either the magnetization of the fluid or the magnetic field in the region. [Source: Ferrotec]

 
Although the array of spikes on the surface of the ferrofluid is spectacular, this property is not particularly useful. However, ferrofluids have found a wide variety of applications, including use in rotating shaft seals. A ferrofluid can behave as a liquid O-ring where a rotating shaft enters either a low- or high-pressure chamber. The ferrofluid is held in place by permanent magnets and forms a tight seal, eliminating most of the friction produced in a traditional mechanical seal. These rotating shaft seals are found in rotating anode X-ray generators and in vacuum chambers used in the semiconductor industry. Ferrofluid seals are used in high-speed computer disk drives to eliminate harmful dust particles or other impurities that can cause the data-reading heads to crash into the disks.

Another application of ferrofluids is in improving the performance of loudspeakers. In a loudspeaker, electric energy is sent through a coil located in the center of a circular permanent magnet. The magnetic field induced by the electric energy causes the coil to vibrate and thus produces sound and heat. Bathing the electric coil in a ferrofluid, which is held in place by circular permanent magnets, dampens unwanted resonances and also provides a mechanism to dissipate heat from excess energy supplied to the coil. Both of these factors lead to an overall improved sound quality.

Finally, there is much hope for future biomedical applications of ferrofluids. For example, researchers are attempting to design ferrofluids that can carry medications to specific locations in the body through the use of applied magnetic fields. Other ongoing work is investigating the use of ferrofluids as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). [Source: University of Wisconsin]

Built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the World’s Fair, the 320 meter (1,050 ft) tall Eiffel Tower, located on the Champ de Mars in Paris, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic structures in the world. For 41 years it held the title as the world’s tallest man-made structure until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.

The Eiffel Tower’s iconic design is recognized around the globe, however the view looking up the tower from below is not as familiar. The perspective offers a different view for photographers, and the gallery below shows how a creative eye can bring a new dimension to such a well known structure.

Pretty Beach House is a private guesthouse situated 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Sydney on the Bouddi Peninsula. The property is set high on the escarpment above Pretty Beach and nestled into the Bouddi National Park.

Guests are welcomed as if in a private home, where all meals, snacks, beverages and a considered selection of alcoholic beverages are included, as part of the hospitality. With only three, one-bedroom pavilions surrounding the Main House on the seven and a half-acre property, guests are offered privacy with around-the-clock service. Pretty Beach House offers stunning views through a mass of ancient angophoras and native eucalypts down onto the sparkling Brisbane Waters.

Excursions can be as simple as a professionally guided bushwalk or as challenging as a fishing excursion aboard the 38 foot Pretty Beach Launch CABO sports cruiser. Lobster Beach, Box Head and the surf break at Tallow Beach are all within easy walking distance, while Killcare surf beach, Maitland Bay and the seaside villages of Killcare, Wagstaffe and Hardys Bay are close by.

Sure we’ve all heard of synonyms (words that have same/similar meanings) and antonyms (words that have opposite meanings) but have you ever heard of a contronym?

A contronym is a word that can be it’s own antonym i.e., an individual word with opposite meanings. There’s a great list of these English oddities on Rinkworks and I’ve culled my favourite contronyms below and added some visuals to assist each word and really show how one word can have two, completely opposite meanings. Enjoy!

Russian photographer Andrey Pavlov has created an incredible series of 80+ photos where real life ants are shot in fantasy landscapes he has created.

Every summer Andrey moves to his cottage in the countryside where he lives close to an anthill of red forest ants. Fascinated by their colony and the way they work together so methodically and effectively, he noticed that they all follow a very specific path when they are working.

Using his previous experience making theatre and stage props, Andrey decided to create miniature fantasy landscapes and place them on the worker ants’ trail to see how they would interact with his creations.

The results are spectacular, even seemingly impossible at times. Andrey’s macro photography skills really shine in this series and it’s a really playful and creative execution. When asked why he chose ants, Andrey replied, “..I chose ants because I respect them and their way of life. They care about their children and look after the elderly.”

Below you will find a small selection from this delightful series. To see the entire gallery of 80+ pictures, be sure to head over to Andrey’s page at LensArt.ru

[First spotted on: The Telegraph, PetaPixel]

The Namib is a coastal desert in southern Africa. The name Namib is of Nama origin and means “vast place”. According to the broadest definition, the Namib stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) along the Atlantic coasts of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, extending southward from the Carunjamba River in Angola, through Namibia and to the Olifants River in Western Cape, South Africa.

Annual precipitation ranges from 2 millimetres (0.079 in) in the most arid regions to 200 millimetres (7.9 in) at the escarpment, making the Namib the only true desert in southern Africa. Having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for roughly 80–55 million years, the Namib is also the oldest desert in the world.

The desert geology consists of sand seas near the coast, while gravel plains and scattered mountain outcrops occur further inland. The sand dunes, some of which are 300 metres (980 ft) high and span 32 kilometres (20 mi) long, are the second largest in the world after the Badain Jaran Desert dunes in China. Temperatures along the coast are stable and generally range between 9–20 °C (48–68 °F) annually, while temperatures further inland are variable—summer daytime temperatures can exceed 45 °C (113 °F) while nights can be freezing.

Fogs that originate offshore from the collision of the cold Benguela Current and warm air from the Hadley Cell create a fog belt that frequently envelopes parts of the desert. Coastal regions can experience more than 180 days of thick fog a year. While this has proved a major hazard to ships—more than a thousand wrecks litter the Skeleton Coast—it is a vital source of moisture for desert life.

The Namib is almost completely uninhabited by humans except for several small settlements and indigenous pastoral groups, including the Ovahimba and Obatjimba Herero in the north, and the Topnaar Nama in the central region. The Namib-Naukluft National Park, that extends over a large part of the Namib Desert, is the largest game reserve in Africa and one of the largest of the world. While most of the park is hardly accessible, several well-known visitor attractions are found in the desert. [Source: Wikipedia]

In the incredible photo above by Stefan Cruysberghs, we see a coastal section of the massive desert. According to the GPS coordinates of the photo (-23.70526182632043,14.5023256511071), the shot was taken just north of Conception Bay.

With the epic series complete, the Warner Brothers Studio in Leavesden has opened their doors to the public, revealing things the camera doesn’t show with never-seen-before exhibits, sets, costumes, visual effects and props. Leavesden studios has been the home of the Harry Potter films for over a decade and every single film was shot here.

One of the tour’s biggest exhibits is the Hogwarts Castle Model which offers a total 360-degree view of the incredible, hand sculpted 1:24 scale construction. It is the crown jewel of the Harry Potter Art Department and was originally built for the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone.

Below you will find some pictures of this astonishing castle along with additional information about the work and detail of this monumental model. Enjoy!

 
- It took 86 artists and crew members to construct the first version which was then rebuilt and altered many times over for the next seven films
- The work was so extensive that if one was to add all the man hours that have gone into building and reworking the model, it would come to over 74 years!
- The model was used for aerial photography, and was digitally scanned for CGI scenes
- The model, which sits at nearly 50 feet in diameter, has over 2,500 fibre optic lights that simulate lanterns and torches and even gave the illusion of students passing through hallways in the films
- To show off the lighting to full effect a day-to-night cycle will take place every four minutes so you can experience its full beauty
- All the doors are hinged, real plants are used for landscaping and miniature birds are housed in the Owlery
- To make the model appear even more realistic, artists rebuilt miniature versions of the courtyards from Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral, where scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were shot
- Bafta award-winning production designer Stuart Craig designed and built the castle with the rest of his team

 
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London provides an amazing new opportunity to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films – the most successful film series of all time. This unique walking tour takes you behind-the-scenes and showcases a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over the world.

Here are just some of the things you can expect to see and do:

- Step inside and discover the actual Great Hall
- Explore Dumbledore’s office and discover never-before-seen treasures
- Step onto the famous cobbles of Diagon Alley, featuring the shop fronts of Ollivanders wand shop, Flourish and Blotts, the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and Eeylops Owl Emporium
- See iconic props from the films, including Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid’s motorcycle
- Learn how creatures were brought to life with green screen effects, animatronics and life-sized models
- Rediscover other memorable sets from the film series, including the Gryffindor common room, the boys’ dormitory, Hagrid’s hut, Potion’s classroom and Professor Umbridge’s office at the Ministry of Magic
 
To learn more visit: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Born in Japan but now living and working in New York City, artist Kumi Yamashita does incredible things with light and shadows. Kumi has an impressive list of solo and group shows sine the late 90s along with a host of permanent collections around the world.

Kumi received her bachelor in fine arts at the Cornish College of the Arts in Washington and obtained her masters in fine art from the Glasgow School of Art in the UK.

In her series entitled Light & Shadow, Kumi uses a single light source along with an assortment of perfectly placed objects to create incredible shadow silhouettes and artwork on walls. Please enjoy this small sample below, and be sure to visit Kumi’s official site for even more amazing artwork.

2003 | H250, W500, D5cm | Aluminum numbers, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by Namba Parks Tower, Osaka Japan

2003 | H250, W500, D5cm | Aluminum numbers, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by Namba Parks Tower, Osaka Japan

1994 | H180, W230, D5cm | Wood, single light source, shadow | Microsoft Art Collection, Washington USA

1994 | H180, W230, D5cm | Wood, single light source, shadow | Microsoft Art Collection, Washington USA

2011 | H366, W366, D1cm | Creased Japanese paper, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by American Express, New York City USA

2011 | H366, W366, D1cm | Creased Japanese paper, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by American Express, New York City USA

2010 | H110, W50, D15cm | Carved wood, single light source, shadow | Private collection

2003 | H200, W150, D20cm | Stainless steel, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by Namba Parks Tower, Osaka Japan

2005 | H200, W120, D10cm | Cut aluminum plate, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by Stellar Place Sapporo JR Tower, Hokkaido, Japan.

2009 | H90, W90, D15cm (Mother) H45, W45, D11cm (Child) | Sculpted wood, single light source, shadow | Perfe Takiyama Maternity Clinic, Tokyo, Japan

2011 | H183, W427, D10cm | Carved wood, single light source, shadow

2002 | H160, W160, D20cm | Cut aluminum plate, single light source, shadow | Commissioned by Takikawa Hall, Hokkaido Japan

1997 | H230, W400, D5cm | Wood, single light source, shadow | Collection of Boise Art Museum, Idaho USA

1997 | H230, W400, D5cm | Wood, single light source, shadow | Collection of Boise Art Museum, Idaho USA

1997 | H230, W400, D5cm | Wood, single light source, shadow | Collection of Boise Art Museum, Idaho USA

The phenomenal picture above was taken in 2009 in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Baja California in Mexico. It was the winner of ‘Underwater World’ category at the 2010 Environment Photographer of the Year awards organized by CIWEM.

German photographer Florian Schulz said the scope of the ray congregations was unknown until he and a pilot happened upon the gathering while searching for migrating whales. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists Munk’s devil rays as near threatened, due in part to their vulnerability to gill nets—hard-to-see “curtains” of netting. [Source: National Geographic]

The largest game of dodgeball was played by 4,979 participants and was organized by the University of Alberta at the Universiade Pavillion (Butterdome), in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on 3 February 2012. The University of Alberta has successfully achieved this record on three separate occasions with the yellow team emerging as victors of each game.

The game lasted over an hour with over 1,250 balls in play. Dean of students, Frank Robinson, recounted the previous records. “The first was set in 2010 with 1,198 players, and the next year with 2012.” Robinson says each game has brought the university community closer together. [Source: University of Alberta]