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Author Archives: MSNBC.com: Technology & Science

100 million Facebook users’ details published online

Screen capture of Facebook directory downloadThe personal details of 100 million Facebook users have been collected and published online in a downloadable file, meaning they will no longer be able to make the information private.

100 million Facebook users’ details published online

Screen capture of Facebook directory downloadThe personal details of 100 million Facebook users have been collected and published online in a downloadable file, meaning they will no longer be able to make the information private.

Ship lost for more than 150 years is recovered

This 1851 illustration shows the HMS Investigator on the north coast of Baring Island in the Arctic. Arctic archaeologists have found the ship that forged the final link in the Northwest Passage and was lost in the search for the Franklin expedition. Canadian archeologists have found a ship abandoned more than 150 years ago in the quest for the fabled Northwest Passage and which was lost in the search for the doomed expedition of Sir John Franklin, the head of the team said Wednesday.

Tales for your summer science odysseys

Books about scientific subjects let you travel through space and time … which is the perfect prescription for summer reading.Science editor Alan Boyle’s Weblog: Books about scientific subjects let you travel through space and time … which is the perfect prescription for summer reading.

Amazon unveils new Kindle, starting at $139

Amazon's third-generation Kindle is the sleekest and cheapest yet, with a Wi-Fi only version that starts at $139. The $189 version (3G+Wi-Fi) comes in either white or graphite.Just weeks after lowering the price of the Kindle e-book reader from $259 to $189, Amazon Wednesday unveiled a fully revamped Kindle. It’s sleeker, better looking, easier on the eyes — and starts at $139.

Twitter empire strikes back with ‘WookieLeaks’

"Wookie" or "Wookiee"? Even George Lucas doesn't know for sure. (Seriously, there are nerds are fighting over this on Twitter right now!)While the government, military and news outlets attempt to assess the fallout from the formerly top secret documents, the tweeting public is turning its attention to a topic that —admit it — is never very far from any true American’s heart or mind: “Star Wars.”

Bunker-busting ATM attacks show security holes

A hacker has discovered a way to force ATMs to disgorge their cash by hijacking the computers inside them.

Android users gobble more data than iPhone users

Verizon’s new Android owners are using far more data than AT&T’s iPhone users, says a new study. But both populations look like megabyte junkies compared to BlackBerry owners.

Cosmic Log: Bright stars burn out fast

  "Live fast, die young" may sound like a life lesson, but it’s actually an astronomical observation, borne out by a spectacular image of a hot young star.Science editor Alan Boyle’s Weblog:  “Live fast, die young” may sound like a life lesson, but it’s actually an astronomical observation, borne out by a spectacular image of a hot young star.

Planetary triangle forming in evening sky

On the evening of Aug. 5, Venus, Mars and Saturn will gather in the western sky bracketed by the stars Zaniah and Zavijava in Virgo. All three planets will fit in a 10-by-50 binocular field, as shown by the circle.A trio of planets converging in the night sky this week and for several nights will give casual skywatchers the perfect chance to easily see and identify worlds they might not normally notice.