It's going to take some time for the amazing science apps, like the ones we envisioned last month, to appear on the iPhone, but that doesn't mean there's no apps to satisfy your inner science geek. In this list, we run down 22 web and native applications for the fancy phone-toting science lover.
As always, too, feel free to tell us how we're wrong down in the comments.
5 iPhone App Picks for Science Geeks
Genetic Decoder:
An elegant app that lets you input RNA codons and outputs amino acid information. Perhaps a taste of the future for scientific iPhone apps? (Web, Free)
Star Map:
A sophisticated interactive star-map app that its makers call a "portable planetarium." A sweet aid for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers. (iPhone 2.0, $11.99)
Apple-Tree Spacing App: This down-and-dirty app is a planting aid for commercial apple growers. It calculates proper tree placing based on rootstock, irrigation and other growth factors. Developed by scientists Ron Perry and Jerry Hull of Michigan State and Jon Clements of UMass-Amherst. (Web, Free)
Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards (Pictured): Need some help with your anatomy and physiology class? Check out this slick native app that lets you test yourself on how the knee bone connects to the thigh bone. There's a neuroscience version, too. (iPhone 2.0, $39.99)
ePocrates: This app for drug dosing, interaction and pricing is a boon for doctors. TJ Sondermann (aka @sondernagle), says, "My wife, a physician, refuses to look at ePocrates (integral to her work) for fear she may have to go out and buy an iPhone." (iPhone 2.0, Free)
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Molecules:
This native app allows you to download and view 3-D molecules. The multitouch, its makers claim, "enable[s] you to feel like you are manipulating the molecules themselves with your fingers." (iPhone 2.0, Free)
Chemical Elements:
In portrait mode, this app presents a list of the elements, but flip it landscape and it turns into an touchable periodic table. (Web, Free)
Landscapedia:
Designed more for gardeners than botanists, this app lets you go beyond the little species tags that you find in most nurseries to find what's really right for your yard or edible estate. (Web, Free)
A Brief History of Genetics: If you need to brush up on your Rosalind Franklin, check out this interactive genetics time line. (Web, Free)
Atom in a Box:
This native app lets you explore what a hydrogen atom "looks like" via real-time rendering of its electron's orbitals. Fun for physics nerds! (iPhone 2.0, $9.99)
Get All the Science:
This news aggregator doesn't include Wired Science, but we forgive them for that because it collects Nature, New Scientist and several other interesting science publications in one place. (Web, Free)
Food Information Database:
If you're health-conscious consumers like we are, the first thing you want to know when you order the Awesome Blossom from Chili's is how many grams of fat it contains. This app puts that power into your hands by gathering nutritional info from hundreds of restaurant chains. (Web, Free)
Space Apps
Uranus: This GPS-enabled app acts as a guide to the night sky wherever you happen to be standing on Earth. (iPhone 2.0, $9.99)
iSky Gaze: This simple web app lets you input what you want to see, say, Mars, and spits out optimal viewing information. (Web, Free)
LookUp: Eschew the natural universe and use this satellite appearance predictor to spot your favorite eye in the sky. (Web, Free)
NASA Image of the Day:
Your naked eyes will only take you so far into space, so if you're hungering for deeper space or the latest space walk, check out this simple daily image app. (Web, Free)
Phoenix Mars Mission News: This app reformats the news pumped out by everyone's favorite little lander that could for iPhone viewing. (Web, Free)
Calculators
NOBal Comp:
The, ahem, Nerdulator.net Online Ballistics Computer is a projectile calculator that we'll let its creators explain: "For shooting enthusiasts this means the ability to predetermine how, where and at what speeds your bullets will fly, before you even open your gun safe. The best part about NOBal Comp is that it runs right on your iPhone or iPod Touch so long as you have a data or WiFi signal.
If your range doesn’t offer WiFi yet, now is great time to start bugging them about it." (Shooting ranges have WiFi now?) (Web, Free)
Scientific Calculator: A standard scientific calculator for the iPhone. (Web, Free)
Energy Apps
iCrude: A simple real-time crude prices app. A good way to track the end of civilization as we've known it. (Web, Free)
FuelGauge: This application helps you track and improve your fuel efficiency. (iPhone 2.0, $0.99)
X10 Home Control
: If you're a serious DIY energy nerd and your house is wired up and automated with X10, you can control your lights and appliances with this iPhone app. (Web, Free)
Image: Netter's Anatomy. Courtesy of Modality.
WiSci 2.0: Alexis Madrigal's Twitter , Google Reader feed, and webpage; Wired Science on Facebook.
