Raptorex n.
The flyweight evolutionary predecessor to T. rex, which it resembled — at about a hundredth the size. The raptorex terrorized inner China 60 million years before the 6-ton T. rex tore up North America.
English shellcode n.
Malware embedded in ordinary English sentences. By making the code resemble email and Wikipedia entries, Johns Hopkins researchers have revealed a new way that hackers might dodge antivirus software and hijack computers.
Quantum trampoline n.
An instrument that measures gravity by using laser pulses to repeatedly bounce chilled atoms. Once it's out of the lab, the new device could aid in oil prospecting.
Mandelbulb n.
A three-dimensional fractal. While mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot's famous set has been used to create trippy 2-D images since 1975, the 3-D Mandelbulbs had to await the genius of fractal artist Daniel White, whose computer renderings resemble orchids on acid.
