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Science

How pirates of the Caribbean hijacked America's metric system

How pirates of the Caribbean hijacked America's metric system

In 1793, French scientist Joseph Dombey boarded a ship bound for the United States carrying with him a standard kilogram weight. Thanks to pirates, he and the weight never arrived.
by Joe Palca

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Swanson joins suit over repeal of 'net neutrality' rule

Swanson joins suit over repeal of 'net neutrality' rule

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson, a Democrat, said repealing so-called net neutrality rules would have a detrimental effect on consumer protection and may influence how internet users access political content.
by Brian Bakst

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An 'asteroid hunter' shares her job description

An 'asteroid hunter' shares her job description

Scientist and author Carrie Nugent describes her job of hunting for asteroids -- and why it has an impact on Earth.
by Marcheta Fornoff

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North Korea designed a nuke. So did this truck driver

North Korea designed a nuke. So did this truck driver

It took decades, but John Coster-Mullen has pieced together specs for America's first nuclear bombs. Some believe his odyssey says something about North Korea's rapid nuclear progress.
by Geoff Brumfiel

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Walking in the woods in winter with naturalist Kathy Heidel

Walking in the woods in winter with naturalist Kathy Heidel

During a nature hike in 1983, naturalist Kathy Heidel uses animal tracks to show reporter Dan Olson how small mammals manage to get around in the deep snow, without snowshoes.
by MPR News Staff

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The drone under your tree can't fly high until registered with the FAA

The drone under your tree can't fly high until registered with the FAA

Drones will be placed under many Christmas trees this year. But before they can be flown above the treetops outside, they must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration for a $5 fee.

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Bruce McCandless, first astronaut to fly untethered in space, has died

Bruce McCandless, first astronaut to fly untethered in space, has died

He helped develop the jet-powered backpack that allowed him to float away from the shuttle and safely back again. He said he wanted to inspire people to say, "I can do better than that."
by Russell Lewis

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New U of M energy plant reuses energy to bolster efficiency

New U of M energy plant reuses energy to bolster efficiency

A combined heat and power plant on the banks of the Mississippi River near Dinkytown helps power and heat the East Bank campus.
by Elizabeth Dunbar

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