Scots are to be armed with a new tool to equip them with the digital know-how and best practice on how to tackle cyber crime. To coincide with Safer Internet Day 2018, the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) has revised its hugely successful cyber safety factsheets which aim to provide individuals and businesses with enhanced guidance to thwart e-crime. Continue reading Safe Surfing: free cyber safety factsheets available
Tag: technology
Beware of LinkedIn’s pitfalls, warns cyber security expert
A leading expert on cybercrime is warning Scots to be wary of the hidden dangers LinkedIn can pose. In the run up to Safer Internet Day, Gerry Grant, Chief Ethical Hacker with the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC), is urging caution from those who use the popular social media network. Continue reading Beware of LinkedIn’s pitfalls, warns cyber security expert
Cyber security experts issue Snap Map warning
SNAPCHAT users are being warned of the inherent dangers associated with the opt-in ‘Snap Map’ feature that can allow live locations to be visible to other users. In the run-up to Safer Internet Day, the Scottish Business Resilience Centre (SBRC) is urging users to be vigilant when using the feature which, when opted-in, grants the app permission to publish your exact location to everyone on your friend list. Continue reading Cyber security experts issue Snap Map warning
Local MSP hails city broadband boost
Edinburgh is benefiting from increased roll-out of superfast broadband because of decisive Scottish Government action, says local MSP Ben Macpherson. Continue reading Local MSP hails city broadband boost
Building up to the Big Bang
- The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair announces registrations now open for next year’s event
- Event will include thrilling theatre shows, live science demonstrations, hands on workshops and career advice from across the fields of marine biology, robotics, coding, aerospace, healthcare, engineering, environmental sciences, and more
- The UK’s most talented young scientists and engineers will be showcasing the projects that got them to the national finals
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK returns to the NEC Birmingham next year. Continue reading Building up to the Big Bang
The science of rock and roll! The rock music milkshake maker
The epic guitar riffs just as capable of mixing you a delicious drink as any kitchen utensil are identified using sound energy …
- Stirring invention by The Big Bang Fair (www.thebigbangfair.co.uk) marked registrations opening
- Scientists* identified that classic shredding tunes from Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon worked best for mixing drinks
- The Rock Music Milkshake Mixer will be on display at The Big Bang Fair 2018 where guests will have the opportunity to pick up the axe and mix a milkshake for themselves
- Schools across the country can request to have the RM3 sent to them for a unique way to demonstrate the science of cymatics **
The Big Bang Fair challenged a team of inventors, scientists and musicians to make a delicious beverage with music. The result was the world’s first ever milkshakes mixed entirely with sound energy from live music!
The music-made beverages were not the result of mellow pop tunes by Justin Bieber or Ed Sheeran however, but the raw power of rock music. Indeed, during the unusual experiment, the team found they would have the greatest success in their musically moving milkshake endeavours by turning to powerful guitar riffs from stadium bands Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and even Blink-182.
So how is it possible to make these delicious shakes solely through the power of sound energy? With a standard electric guitar and a somewhat less standard madcap contraption that was one-part guitar amplifier and one-part kitchen blender, that’s how.
Bringing together the worlds of education, science, music and kitchenware in a way never seen before, The Rock Music Milkshake Mixer (or the RM3 for short) has been created to mark registrations opening for The Big Bang Fair 2018. The Big Bang Fair is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK. For more information visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
Beth Elgood, Director of Communications at EngineeringUK, who organise The Big Bang Fair, said: “Going into its tenth year in 2018 The Big Bang Fair continues to be a great source of STEM inspiration for young people, representing an amazing opportunity for young visitors, their teachers and parents to get hands-on with a wide range of activities, workshops and shows. With this in mind, we’re delighted to unveil the unique Rock Music Milkshake Mixer prototype today, which is sure to be another popular interactive exhibit at this year’s show.”
So how does the RM3 work? First pour powdered milkshake and milk into the jug and screw the top on tight. Next, plug in an axe (that’s a guitar), ready your plectrum and start playing some crunching riffs at max volume (ideally volume 11).
Now marvel as cymatics (that’s the visualisation of sound through a physical medium – in this case milkshake) allows you to witness the hard rock sound waves, emitted from the speaker, coming into contact with the milkshake mixture and vigorously vibrating it. Soon enough, you’ll have a deliciously thick drink, made entirely through the power of sound energy.
Year 7 students at Westminster Academy in London were the first to try the revolutionary new prototype earlier this week, where it was officially launched by The Blowfish, the world’s only heavy metal marine biologist.
The Blowfish commented: “Metal music and science are two of my biggest passions, so when I was offered the chance to launch the Rock Music Milkshake Mixer, it was an absolute no-brainer. I’m a big believer in finding new and innovative ways to get kids excited about science and the world around them. What better way of achieving that than by harnessing the epic power of rock music to make a tasty, delectable treat?”
The RM3 will be on display, and free for guests to try out at The Big Bang Fair 2018, which is due to take place at the NEC in Birmingham in March next year. For more information visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk
Not Without Me: Challenging Perceptions Of The Digital Native Generation
A new report by Carnegie UK Trust addresses digital exclusion among vulnerable young people in our communities. The #NotWithoutMe pilot programme challenges the assumption that young people are ‘digital natives’ who have basic digital skills or access to learning opportunities. Continue reading Not Without Me: Challenging Perceptions Of The Digital Native Generation
Transatlantic Sessions
Edinburgh Napier teams up with Boston’s Berklee College to record real-time album
The first notes have been played in a project that will see an album recorded by musicians at opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean – in real-time. In what is believed to be a world first, an academic team from Edinburgh Napier has linked up with Berklee College of Music in Boston to record an album together at the same time – without either leaving their respective countries. Continue reading Transatlantic Sessions
UK Government to strengthen data protection laws
People in the UK are to have more control over their personal data and be better protected in the digital age under new measures announced by Digital Minister Matt Hancock today. Continue reading UK Government to strengthen data protection laws
Broadband for all
Homes and businesses from all parts of the UK are set to benefit from universal high speed broadband, Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has announced. Continue reading Broadband for all