ScienceAlert

This is a perfect and simple visual representation of a magnetic field. Iron filings are suspended in oil, and you can see them gracefully line up along the magnetic field lines when the ferromagnet is dropped into the setup, revealing a clear dipole configuration.

The Levitron: spin stabilized magnetic levitation- will fly for about 3 minutes or more per launch. The spin rate of the magnetic top must be just right for flight, not too fast or too slow. Also the weight of the top must be adjusted to within 1 gram to achieve equilibrium between the pull of gravity and the magnetic repulsion from the large donut shaped magnet in the wood base. Probably my favorite physics toy of all time. Find out more: http://physicstoys.blogspot.com/p/physics-toy-store.html

Weights in the forward wing tips create a center of mass below this pterosaur's beak- making a system that can rotate and oscillate about a stable equilibrium condition. No magnets used or needed for this physics! Usually this toy is found in the form of a bird (direct dinosaur descendant). Pterosaurs are not dinosaurs, but are the largest animals to ever fly, and powered flight has only evolved four times: bats, birds, pterosaurs, and insects- in reverse order. Follow @PhysicsFun for more.

This unique top is made of solid brass in the shape of a prolate elIipsoid- and the name of the top is derived from the following design requirement: the ratio of the semi minor (short) axis to the semi major (long) axis is made equal to the mathematical constant the golden ratio φ (phi). Invented by astrophysicist Kenneth Brecher, this top stands up vertically (when spun with sufficient rotational velocity) due to physics similar to that of the tippe-top. The concave mirror keeps the top from wandering off and the glass surface has minimal friction allowing the top to spin for a long time- this video shows various stages of 8 minutes of total spin time. Follow @PhysicsFun for more.

This pot plant can charge your phone through photosynthesis.

Whether your lease doesn't allow pets, or your trying to convince your kid that cats are really hard to take care of, a pet fish is the way to go.

A new plane by Airbus runs on fuel exclusively produced by algae.

Scientists have invented a machine that lets us communicate with plants.

Scientists have invented a tiny flying robot that can perch to save energy.

For more than 40 years, this natural gas crater in Turkmenistan has been constantly burning - and scientists aren't really sure why.

This company is growing bricks that fight climate change

These simple water bottle lamps are bringing light to those in need.

This topographically accurate 'lunar globe' is the coolest way to explore the Moon.

This company is growing drones in giant chemical vats

These mushrooms eat plastic waste - and then you can eat them.

Turns out dung beetles navigate using the stars.

Watch astronauts have the best time ever with liquid

This glass igloo hotel lets you watch the Northen Lights in bed.

This is how scientists detected gravitational waves for the second time.

A new patent means Google Glass might soon have night vision.

Here's how engineers are turning CO2 into stone.

This Machine Could Remove Plaque From Your Arteries in Minutes.

This floating home lets you travel across the world off-grid.

This school bus takes kids on a virtual trip to Mars.

The prosthetics are all open source and free to use, so start printing.