by jsendak | Nov 14, 2025 | Science
From cosmic Christmas jumpers to plush space pups and remote-control rovers, our gifts are truly out of this world!
Best of all, each purchase supports the Science Museum’s mission to ignite wonder in future generations.
So, are you ready for lift-off? Here’s this year’s Christmas gift guide…
GIFTS FOR SPACE FANS
Science Museum Laika Eco Plush Dog
£22
Inspired by the legendary space dog, this soft and sustainable Laika plush makes an adorable gift for young space fans and collectors alike. Hand-crafted from 100% recycled polyester, it’s as kind to the planet as it is cuddly.
Science Museum Christmas Planet Jumper (available in Kids and Adults sizes)
£30 (kid size) and £40 (adult size)
Embrace the festive season with the Science Museum Christmas Planet Jumper! Available in adult and kids’ sizes, so little space fans can join the planetary party in style too.
Gravity Rover
£40
Inspire the next generation of space explorers and defy the laws of physics with the Gravity Rover. This remote-control vehicle climbs from floor to walls and even on the ceiling!
GIFTS THAT MAKE BRAINS BUZZ
Make Your Own Marble Run
£15
Why just play with a marble run when you can build one yourself? This 3D wooden puzzle is equal parts craft project, engineering puzzle, and satisfying fidget toy – a brilliant gift for curious minds of all ages.
Electronic Games Lab
£25
Perfect for tech-savvy teens, discover the joy of classic electronic games by assembling them by hand. This unique kit contains the parts to create 20 retro games, no prior experience – or soldering! – needed.
Science Advent Calendar Vol. 3
£30
‘Tis the season for science! With this advent calendar, each day offers a new surprise to uncover. Enjoy 25 days of experiments covering chemistry, biology and physics.
110 Experiments & Go Kit
£30
Featuring over 100 hands-on experiments, this kit is ideal for young scientists ready to discover the secrets of science. Complete with an engaging illustrated manual, it is sure to keep the brain circuits firing.
GIFTS TO FILL STOCKINGS
Needoh Nice Ice Baby (Set of Three)
£10.50 – £3.50 per item
It might be small, but it’s massively satisfying! NeeDoh has taken its squishy Nice Cube and made it a little bit teenier. So now you can enjoy a stress-relieving squeeze on the move!
Digital Drum Sticks
£14
Turn any table into a drum kit with these ingenious Digital Drum Sticks! With built-in speakers and multiple drum sound settings, this is the hassle-free way to get kids practicing their beats.
Science Museum Springy (Set of 3)
£18 – £6 per Springy
Spring a bit of science into your child’s stocking with this timeless toy. Stretch it, bounce it, and watch it wiggle down the stairs – and with three included, why not have a race whilst admiring the effects of gravity?
Science Museum Grand Tour Jigsaw Puzzle
£20
Take a journey through the wonders of the universe without leaving the living room! Inspired by NASA’s iconic Voyager mission, this eco-friendly 1000-piece jigsaw comes in a handmade box, making it a thoughtful gift for space lovers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.
LET’S PLAY! GIFTS FOR GAME LOVERS
Science Museum Gaming Socks (Set of 3)
£20
A classic Christmas present, level up a loved one’s sock game with this set of three – all inspired by classic arcade games.
Pac‑Man Arcade Pinball
£50
A perfect present to keep both kids and big kids entertained on Christmas Day, this tabletop Pac-Man pinball machine is a must-have for retro fans and first-time players alike.
Laser Tag Battle Pack
£60
Get ready for an epic showdown this festive season with the Laser Tag Battle Pack. Assemble your squad, get your gear on, and enjoy a new Christmas tradition – let battle commence!
GIFTS FOR MEMORY MAKERS
Looking for a memory-making experience? You can buy a gift voucher for plenty of our fun-filled experiences like Wonderlab, Power Up, Astronights. and our luxury Science Afternoon Tea.
For the science lover in your life, why not adopt an iconic Science Museum object on their behalf? From mould, to toilets, to teddy bears, there are six amazing objects that can be adopted from just £3 a month. Help the museum spark wonder and curiosity in the next generation of innovators by picking your favourite and adopting it!
For more gift inspiration this Christmas, visit the Science Museum Shop online and help us to continue our mission to inspire futures.
The post Science Museum Christmas gift guide 2025 appeared first on Science Museum Blog.
by jsendak | Nov 7, 2025 | Art
The Art of Printmaking: A Reflection on 25 Years
As we dive into Counter Editions: 25 Years, we are presented with a rich tapestry of contemporary printmaking that spans over two decades. This survey showcases the talent and creativity of more than 70 leading artists, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of limited-edition works.
Printmaking has a long and storied history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Chinese. Throughout the centuries, artists have utilized various techniques such as etching, engraving, and lithography to create intricate and visually stunning prints.
Fast forward to the present day, and we see a resurgence of interest in printmaking as a medium of artistic expression. In a digital age dominated by screens and pixels, there is something uniquely tactile and intimate about a hand-pulled print. The imperfections and nuances of the process add a sense of authenticity and depth to the final artwork.
Exploring Themes and Techniques
Within Counter Editions: 25 Years, we are invited to explore a wide range of themes and techniques employed by contemporary printmakers. From bold geometric patterns to intricate botanical studies, each print tells a story and evokes a mood.
As we observe the evolution of printmaking over the past quarter-century, we can’t help but marvel at the innovation and experimentation that have taken place. Artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional printmaking techniques, incorporating digital elements and mixed media to create truly unique and groundbreaking works.
Join us on this journey through the world of contemporary printmaking as we celebrate 25 years of creativity, inspiration, and artistic excellence.
Counter Editions: 25 Years unfolds as a vivid survey of contemporary printmaking. Bringing 70+ leading artists & over 140 limited-edition works
Read the original article
by jsendak | Nov 7, 2025 | DS Articles
[This article was first published on
r.iresmi.net, and kindly contributed to
R-bloggers]. (You can report issue about the content on this page
here)
Want to share your content on R-bloggers? click here if you have a blog, or here if you don’t.
Day 7 of 30DayMapChallenge: « Accessibility » (previously).
Well, let us be rebellious and instead seek inaccessibility; more precisely the pole of inaccessibility of France (the Hexagon): the farthest location from the boundary. Not to be confused with the centroid.
library(sf)
library(dplyr)
library(ggplot2)
library(glue)
library(purrr)
library(polylabelr)
Data
We’ll use again the french administrative units (get the data from this post).
# France boundary
fr <- read_sf("~/data/adminexpress/adminexpress_cog_simpl_000_2022.gpkg",
layer = "region") |>
filter(insee_reg > "06",
insee_reg != "94") |>
st_transform("EPSG:2154") |>
st_union()
# French communes to get the point name
com <- read_sf("~/data/adminexpress/adminexpress_cog_simpl_000_2022.gpkg",
layer = "commune") |>
filter(insee_reg > "06",
insee_reg != "94") |>
st_transform("EPSG:2154")
Compute the POI
Get the inaccessibility pole of France with {polylabelr} and intersects with the commune layer to find the nearest city.
fr_poi <- poi(fr) |>
pluck(1) |>
as_tibble() |>
st_as_sf(coords = c("x", "y"), crs = "EPSG:2154") |>
st_join(com)
fr_poi_circle <- fr_poi |>
mutate(geometry = st_buffer(geometry, dist))
fr_centroid <- fr |>
st_centroid()
It seems to be in Saint-Palais in the Cher département.
Map
fr_poi |>
ggplot() +
geom_sf(data = fr) +
geom_sf(data = fr_poi_circle, linewidth = 1, linetype = 3) +
geom_sf(data = fr_centroid, color = "darkgrey") +
geom_sf() +
geom_sf_text(aes(label = nom), vjust = -.5) +
labs(title = "Pole of inaccessibility",
subtitle = "France",
x = "", y = "",
caption = glue("https://r.iresmi.net/ - {Sys.Date()}
data from IGN Adminexpress 2022")) +
theme_minimal() +
theme(plot.caption = element_text(size = 6,
color = "darkgrey"))
Continue reading: Inaccessibility
Long-term Implications and Possible Future Developments
The analysis shared in the content reveals an interesting approach to understanding geographical inaccessibility. Instead of seeking out the most accessible points, the analysis turns the table to locate the pole of inaccessibility in France. However, this approach has long-term implications and can lead to several future developments.
Implications
Identifying and analyzing the poles of inaccessibility can have widespread implications not just in geographical studies but also in planning and development. Such information can be crucial for various sectors, including infrastructure development, disaster management, transportation planning, and much more. For instance, knowing the least accessible areas could help in planning future infrastructural expansion or even identifying regions that would need additional resources in case of emergencies.
Possible Future Developments
In the future, such analyses could not only be restricted to countries like France but could be extended to global data. With advanced mapping and data technologies like GIS combined with programming languages such as R, comprehensive global maps showing poles of inaccessibility can be created. At a more micro level, these analyses could be carried out for cities, states or regions to understand a more detailed view of inaccessibility.
Moreover, this kind of approach might pave the way for integrative studies involving mapping, data analysis, and machine learning to better predict areas of potential infrastructural or developmental issues.
Actionable Advice
Organizations or individuals involved in planning and development, geographical studies, disaster management, and similar fields should consider integrating such analyses into their regular assessments.
- Leverage available data: Utilize the vast amount of geographic and demographic data available for better planning and decision making.
- Invest in skills: Invest in learning or outsourcing skills in R or other programming languages with strong data analysis capabilities.
- Encourage Innovation: Instead of sticking to traditional forms of analysis, encourage the use of innovative methods such as the pole of inaccessibility to understand a different perspective.
In conclusion, the given text details a unique approach in the field of geographical data analysis. When used thoughtfully, such methods can offer fresh insights and possibly transform the way we plan and make decisions.
Read the original article
by jsendak | Nov 7, 2025 | DS Articles
Begin your AI and data journey for free at 365 Data Science.
Impacts and Future Prospects of AI and Data Science Learning
The transition towards a data-driven world has created an increasing demand for skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. With a platform like 365 Data Science providing free access to data science learning, several long-term implications and potential future developments come to the forefront.
Long-term Implications
By enabling free access to AI and data science learning, the global workforce can increase their understanding and proficiency in these critical areas. This not only enhances individual capabilities but can drastically change businesses, industries, and economies. If used effectively, the insights gained from data science can inform decisions, improve operations, support innovation and drive growth.
The integration of AI and data science in various sectors heralds an era of advanced analytics and smarter, data-driven solutions.
This progression also prompts a change in the job market. There is a growing need for professionals skilled in data interpretation and AI. As more people gain these skills, we can expect a surge in qualified professionals tackling complex data-related challenges.
Potential Future Developments
With more people having access to AI and data science training, we can anticipate the rise of more innovative solutions in these fields. Thus, the evolution and expansion of AI and data-related technologies, like machine learning and predictive analytics, can speed up.
In a world powered by data, the democratization of AI and data science learning also means that individuals from different backgrounds can contribute to the tech industry’s diversity. This can stimulate further innovation and foster inclusivity within the sector.
Actionable advice
- Keep Learning: With data science and AI constantly evolving, continuous learning and skill enhancement is crucial. Platforms like 365 Data Science can provide the necessary resources.
- Apply Your Skills: As the need for professionals with data science and AI skills grows, take advantage of the opportunities available in the job market.
- Innovate: Use your newfound knowledge to devise data-driven solutions for complex issues in various sectors.
- Encourage Diversity: Advocate for and contribute to the diversity of the tech industry.
In conclusion, the free access to AI and data science learning presents an invaluable opportunity for individuals and organizations. Embracing this burgeoning field today can pave the way for remarkable developments and innovations in the future.
Read the original article
by jsendak | Nov 7, 2025 | Namecheap
Analyzing the Impact of AI SEO on E-Commerce Success
In the digital age, the battle for visibility and customer engagement is won on the search engine results pages. E-commerce businesses are vying for that coveted spot at the top of searches, and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the realm of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has undoubtedly revolutionized this quest. This article delves into the intricate relationship between AI and SEO, dissecting how the former empowers the latter to drive substantial growth for e-commerce stores. Through an analytical lens, we explore the myriad of ways in which AI SEO can be not just a tool, but a game-changer in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Topics to be Explored
-
Understanding AI SEO: We will begin by laying the groundwork, defining AI SEO and examining how it differs from traditional SEO practices. This section sets the stage for appreciating the nuances and complexities of AI-enabled SEO strategies.
-
Data-Driven Decision Making: Data is at the heart of any AI system, and we will dissect how AI SEO leverages big data to fine-tune e-commerce marketing campaigns. We explore how insight-driven optimization can mean the difference between an online store that thrives and one that barely survives.
-
User Experience and Personalization: With AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of user data, the creation of a personalized shopping experience is within reach. From search queries to personalized product recommendations, AI SEO can transform how customers interact with your e-commerce platform.
-
SEO Tasks Automation: We will analyze the impact of automating repetitive and labor-intensive SEO tasks, such as keyword research and content optimization. This can free up valuable time for SEO professionals to focus on complex and creative tasks that yield higher results.
-
Predictive Analytics and Future Trends: AI’s predictive capabilities give it a crystal ball-like quality that we’ll investigate. This encompasses forecasting industry trends, customer behaviors, and potential pain points that could influence an e-commerce platform’s SEO strategy.
This exploration is designed for e-commerce store owners, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs wishing to seize the untapped potential of AI in enhancing their SEO efforts. As AI continues to evolve, understanding and leveraging its capabilities will be indispensable for maintaining a competitive edge. Prepare for an in-depth journey into harnessing the power of AI SEO that could very well redefine the success of your online store.
In this article we break down how you can harness AI SEO to give your e-commerce store all of the advantages it deserves.
Read the original article
