According to Wikipedia:

A matrioshka brain is a hypothetical megastructure, based on the Dyson sphere, of immense computational capacity. It is an example of a Class B stellar engine, employing the entire energy output of a star to drive computer systems. This structure has clear structural analogies to Russian Matrioshka dolls, from which the concept derives its name.

Such a structure would be composed of a collection of one or more (typically more) Dyson spheres built around a star, and nested one inside another. A significant percentage of the shells would be composed of nanoscale computers (see molecular-scale computronium). These computers would be at least partly powered by the energy exchange between the star and interstellar space. A shell (or component, should a Dyson swarm be the design model used) would absorb energy radiated onto its inner surface, utilize that energy to power its computer systems, and re-radiate the energy outwards. The nanoscale computers of each shell would be designed to run at different temperatures; shells or components at the core could be nearly as hot as the central star, while the outer layer of the matrioshka brain could be almost as cool as interstellar space.

Ronay is a personal favorite—to me, his art feels like visiting the attic of de Chirico’s shut-in, pervert uncle. Look out for a new solo show next February at Andrea Rosen. More work here, and after the jump:

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Fuck yeah, science! So in this video, researchers want figure out what the underground lair of some crazy ant species looks like. So they pour concrete down the mofo, let it harden, then excavate the results—and the building looks like something by Gaudi. Video gets going after 2:50. Cynical-C via Kottke.

Growing // Innit from Mark Brown on Vimeo.

More great webby/arty stuff here.

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Nigel Cooke is an interesting guy. Rosen’s press releases just proclaim his cleverness rather than explaining it, but in this interview from Flash Art, he explains his painting a bit. Prompted by the interviewer about Star Wars and the decay it depicts, he manages to take the question to a fascinating place after the jump, along with more work:

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At first I read the headline about this video and I was like “Meh. So what this guy can bend a coin with his eyelid and tear it in half with his hands?” But then you start watching, and it just goes down a rabbit hole and ends up in crazy town. And in crazy town, Chuck Norris facts are merely facts about some fool whose lunch money you stole.

He has 35 kids by seven women. He claims to have strength equal to 260 horsepower. (Pssh—apparently his daddy peaked at 860?) He also claims to have a medical exemption from working because he’s so strong, for fear of what “bad people” might bring upon themselves by pissing him off. (Note: This is probably how we would deal with Bruce Banner in real life.) For that same reason, it’s illegal to incarcerate him—a kind of diplomatic immunity for the freakishly strong. And remember how Fonzie used to brag that he didn’t dream? This guy hasn’t slept one wink since he was born.

So yeah. His braincase is pretty much where I want to set up my living room. That this sort of loony-ness is possible in Egypt almost makes me forget that it’s a terrorist loving shithole.

Via Buzzfeed.

Duuuuuuuuddddde: Another installation by AVAF. Via Bevel and Boss.