And how well have we observed these?http://www.newser.com/2008 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorThu, 20 Nov 2008 3:28:09 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/39733/space-tourist-video-gamer-blasts-off.html?refid=rss_all_defaultUS video game magnate Richard Garriott blasted off into space today aboard a Russian rocket—and all it cost him was $35 million. The "space tourist" was cheered on by his father, a one-time NASA astronaut, Reuters reports. "I can see he is really enjoying it like a little kid in a candy shop," said Garriott's girlfriend. The craft is already in orbit and will dock with the International Space Station in two days.http://www.newser.com/story/39733/space-tourist-video-gamer-blasts-off.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSat, 11 Oct 2008 22:53:05 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31738/thinking-bots-may-probe-planets-for-us.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWALL-E they aren't, but future space robots may decide how and where we explore other planets, Space.com reports. Using what expert Wolfgang Fink calls “tier-scalable reconnaissance,” orbiting spacecrafts could choose where to deploy airships that drop rovers on planet surfaces. NASA and Europe may test the software on a planned 2017 mission to Titan and Europa.http://www.newser.com/story/31738/thinking-bots-may-probe-planets-for-us.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 07 Jul 2008 5:32:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31003/i-gay-robot-radar-rates-the-androids.html?refid=rss_all_defaultGay marriage in California and Brokeback Mountain's emergence on the opera scene all point to an America that’s "getting its gay on," writes Evan Mulvihill in Radar —including its androids. Using a 'Homometer' (0: asexual; 1: beer and steak; 5: bisexual; 10: flaming), he takes a look at cinema’s most fabulous robots. R2-D2, C-3P0, Star Wars : 9 Hal, 2001: A Space Odyssey : 7http://www.newser.com/story/31003/i-gay-robot-radar-rates-the-androids.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSun, 29 Jun 2008 15:32:08 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31027/you-might-be-able-to-grow-asparagus-on-mars.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSamples of Martian soil analyzed by instruments onboard the Phoenix lander have earth-bound scientists “flabbergasted.” Why? Readings indicate that the extraterrestrial loam could, perhaps has, and possibly will, support life, Reuters reports. Along with ice the lander discovered earlier, “We basically have found what appears to be the requirements, the nutrients, to support life,” a scientist said.http://www.newser.com/story/31027/you-might-be-able-to-grow-asparagus-on-mars.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 26 Jun 2008 16:08:28 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30468/home-is-where-the-robot-is.html?refid=rss_all_defaultA kinder, gentler, smarter Frankenstein may soon be mowing your lawn and folding your unmentionables. Manufacturers are developing a new generation of metallic humanoid that will not only carry heavy objects, but pull their weight around the house and at work, the Economist reports . These new-age robots can touch, see, and may even respond to commands.http://www.newser.com/story/30468/home-is-where-the-robot-is.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 20 Jun 2008 18:18:51 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30508/japan-unveils-robot-girlfriend.html?refid=rss_all_defaultIf you’re looking for love and the electronic variety is good enough, a Japanese company may have just the thing for you. Sega unveiled “EMA” today (that’s Eternal Maiden Actualization), a 15-inch robotic girlfriend that can find and kiss human faces on command, Reuters reports. The company hopes to sell 10,000—mainly to lonely adult men—in the first year; the retail price is $175.http://www.newser.com/story/30508/japan-unveils-robot-girlfriend.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 20 Jun 2008 12:49:36 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30447/computer-woes-slow-mars-craft.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe Phoenix Mars Lander stopped digging yesterday to give its memory a rest after a computer glitch caused the loss of photographs and scientific data, the AP reports. Scientists were alerted to the problem after the lander transmitted a single piece of information 45,000 times. "It's unfortunate to lose any bit of science," one scientist said. "But it's not really critical stuff that you kick yourself over."http://www.newser.com/story/30447/computer-woes-slow-mars-craft.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 19 Jun 2008 13:29:10 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29724/dogs-think-robo-vacs-suck.html?refid=rss_all_defaultDogs are getting more suspicious as robots get more sophisticated, the Wall Street Journal reports. Dog owners find that jealous, territorial, or terrified pooches bark at the robots—and sometimes rip them apart. Some post videos of the battles on YouTube, while others are trying to find ways for canine and robot to live together peacefully.http://www.newser.com/story/29724/dogs-think-robo-vacs-suck.html?refid=rss_all_defaultWed, 11 Jun 2008 2:09:31 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29591/astronaut-waves-robot-arm.html?refid=rss_all_defaultA Japanese astronaut on board the International Space Station successfully unfolded a massive robotic arm from the newly installed Kibo laboratory today, Reuters reports. The arm moved slightly on Saturday, but today’s extension of the 33-foot device was the first full test, Space.com reports. The Japanese-built robot had nothing to grab; the equipment the arm will tend to arrives next year.http://www.newser.com/story/29591/astronaut-waves-robot-arm.html?refid=rss_all_defaultMon, 09 Jun 2008 13:15:24 CDT