ScienceAlert

We've all seen those amazing videos where an object looks like it's floating around a track. Is it real, magic, or the future of transport?

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

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.

Here's how engineers are turning CO2 into stone.

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

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

Watch astronauts have the best time ever with liquid

Turns out dung beetles navigate using the stars.

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