Stradivari violins are heralded as one of the best instruments of their kind, generating the most pleasing sound a violin can produce. The secret to their superior sound quality has remained elusive, but research suggests that the answer lies in the special varnish used by Antonio Stradivari to treat the violins. Although the exact formula is unknown, the mixture of borax, copper and zinc sulphides, alum, and table salt seems to repel moisture exceptionally well, with the violins holding 25% less water than their counterparts, thus giving them a cleaner sound.
Read full article here
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here