|
Feb 22, 2019
The world is waiting patiently for the dawn of Volkswagen's electric era and, perhaps most of all, for the debut of the all-electric Bulli. Turns out, it doesn't have to wait as long as expected. While the I.D. Buzz-based e-Bulli won't happen until 2022, Volkswagen is introducing an all-new electric powertrain on the updated T6. It's also modernizing its popular van with a digital cockpit and suite of updated technologies. Meet the T6.1.
..
Continue Reading Volkswagen updates Bulli with all-electric power and serious digitization
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
Van
Volkswagen
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
NASA has selected a dozen science experiments and technology demonstrators that could land on the Moon as early as the end of 2019. Slated to fly on commercial lunar missions, the instruments and new technologies were solicited by the space agency's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and are intended to support later missions, including the return of US astronauts to the Moon and the first manned mars missions.
..
Continue Reading NASA picks 12 lunar experiments that could fly this year
Space
Commercial
Moon
NASA
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Mission scientists at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are celebrating today, after data from its Hayabusa 2 probe confirmed a successfully touchdown on its target, a kilometer-wide near-Earth asteroid called Ryugu. This in itself is a triumph for the team, but the indications are that the spacecraft's effort to snaffle dust from the surface were also successful, meaning an invaluable sample holding potential secrets of the early Solar System will soon be making its way back to Earth.
..
Continue Reading Touchdown: Japan's Hayabusa 2 probe snatches dust from asteroid Ryugu
Space
Asteroid
Hayabusa 2
JAXA
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Imagine a tiny microbe living inside you with the power to control the activity of your DNA. Scientists are increasingly discovering how much control our gut bacteria may actually have over us with a new study describing how individual bacteria can secrete a molecule that literally turns genes off or on.
..
Continue Reading How gut bacteria controls gene expression through "interspecies communication"
Science
DNA
Epigenetics
Genetics
Gut Bacteria
Microbiome
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
When astronomers search the skies for signs of alien life, they tend to focus on planets that are relatively similar to Earth. But while looking for the kinds of life we know exist is a good place to start, different conditions on different planets could have led life down paths that are completely… well, alien. To demonstrate, a NASA-funded study has successfully created a new synthetic genetic system that's a viable alternative to DNA, made with twice as many "ingredients."
..
Continue Reading Synthetic DNA demonstrates just how weird aliens might be
Biology
DNA
Extraterrestrial
Indiana University
Life
NASA
University of Texas
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Space history was made again today as the first private mission to the Moon lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. At 8:45 pm EST, Israel's Beresheet lunar lander was lofted into space atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it begins its two-month voyage to touch down at its landing site north of Mare Serenitatis.
..
Continue Reading First private moon mission lifts off aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Space
Falcon
Israel
Moon
SpaceX
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
As the first vehicle it built for the masses,Tesla's Model 3 has a lot of people to please, and according to Consumer Reports, it currently appears to be falling a little short. The latest survey data gathered on the electric sedan by the nonprofit consumer-focused group includes owner reports of issues with the Model 3's build, leading it to withdraw its revered recommended status for the car.
..
Continue Reading Consumer Reports pulls recommendation for the Tesla Model 3
Automotive
Tesla
Tesla Model 3
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
For centuries humans have anecdotally espoused the rejuvenating properties of young blood, however it is only in the past few years that scientists have begun to seriously explore the idea. A new study has homed in on a potential hypothesis revealing young bone marrow transplants improved memory and learning in old mice.
..
Continue Reading Cognitive decline prevented in old mice with a dose of young bone marrow
Science
Aging
Blood
bone marrow
Brain
Learning
Memory
Mouse
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
While people are fairly fussy about things like bicycle tire pressure, they tend to be a lot more blasé when it comes to inflating basketballs - even though a ball's pressure can greatly affect its performance. The Innoflate Perfect Pressure Needle is designed to help … by whistling.
..
Continue Reading Pump needle gives you a whistle when the basketball's just right
Sports
basketball
Kickstarter
Pump
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
If there's one thing that many North American cities need this winter, it's help in snow removal. That's likely why Colorado-based Left Hand Robotics is currently sold out of its SnowBot Pro, which autonomously brushes snow off of sidewalks while avoiding pedestrians.
..
Continue Reading Autonomous bot is good to go, for clearing snow
Robotics
Autonomous
Snow
Winter
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
It was just last month that we heard about a study which indicated that fewer horseflies landed on mannequins with stripes painted onto them. The research was inspired by observations that zebras also tend not to be bothered much by flies. A separate study now offers an explanation as to why that's the case.
..
Continue Reading Zebras' stripes found to keep flies from landing
Biology
Deterrent
Insect
Pests
UC Davis
University of Bristol
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Oregon's Arcimoto has unveiled a new variant of its battery electric three-wheeler that's aimed squarely at emergency, security and law enforcement services. The Rapid Responder is due to be tested at two locations in the US, ahead of production next year.
..
Continue Reading Three-wheeled electric Rapid Responder reports for duty at Eugene's Fire Dept
Urban Transport
Electric Vehicles
Emergency
Law Enforcement
Security
Three-Wheeler
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Animals are dying off at a pretty alarming rate, with some studies suggesting the world is entering a sixth major extinction event. But now, in a rare piece of good news from that field, researchers from Australia, Canada and the US have rediscovered Wallace's giant bee, an insect that hasn't been seen in almost 40 years.
..
Continue Reading Giant bee species, feared extinct, found alive and well in Indonesia
Science
Bees
Extinction
indonesia
Insect
Princeton University
University of Sydney
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
When you think of tyrannosaurs, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the terrifying, giant predator from the Jurassic Park movies - but even the biggest names have to start small. Palaeontologists have now filled in more of the creature's modest roots, in the form of a new species of tyrannosauroid that was probably smaller than you.
..
Continue Reading Tiny T-Rex ancestor was smaller than you
Science
Dinosaurs
Evolution
Fossils
Paleontology
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Following an architecture competition, Turkey's Melike Altinisik Architects (MAA) has been selected to create the new Robot Science Museum (RSM) in Seoul, South Korea. Interestingly, the firm says that the building will be part-constructed using 3D-printing machines, drones, and other robots.
..
Continue Reading New Robot Science Museum will be part-built using robots
Architecture
3D Printing
Building and Construction
Museum
Robotics
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
What we see and hear around us helps us make sense of the world. But we don't perceive everything. Vlad Kreimer of Russia's Soma Laboratory - the brains behind the Pipe and Dvina instruments - has developed a handheld gadget that taps into the hidden voices of everyday modern objects, such as display screens, park railings and electronic doors. Ether picks up secret electromagnetic whispers and records the audio to a cabled audio recorder.
..
Continue Reading Ether gives a voice to the electromagnetic landscape
Music
Digital music
Electromagnetic
Radio
Recorder
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
There is much we don't understand about an aging human body, but working with what we do know researchers continue to uncover potential new was to slow down the process. Among them is a team of genetic scientists at the Salk Institute, which has developed a new therapy using the CRISPR/Cas9 tool that has greatly boosted the lifespan of rapidly aging mice.
..
Continue Reading Geneticists use CRISPR to cut toxic protein out of the aging equation
Medical
Aging
anti-aging
CRISPR
Salk Institute
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Most people think that the Earth's atmosphere stops a bit above 62 mi (100 km), but a new study based on observations by the joint US-European Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) satellite shows that it actually extends as far 391,000 mi (630,000 km) or 50 times the Earth's diameter. This makes the Moon a very high altitude aircraft.
..
Continue Reading Earth's atmosphere extends much farther than previously thought
Space
Atmosphere
ESA
NASA
|
|
Feb 21, 2019
Project 001 was the insane Valkyrie. Project 002 was the Valkyrie AMR Pro. And now Aston Martin has confirmed that it's got a Project 003 in the pipeline as well - a mid-engined hypercar using a turbo gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain that's said to "offer more practical concessions to road use."
..
Continue Reading Aston Martin teases 'Project 003' turbo/hybrid hypercar for 2021
Automotive
Aston Martin
Hybrid
Hypercar
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Following a series of delays and setbacks, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is finally set for proper lift-off, with NASA today announcing it is targeting March 2 for the spacecraft's maiden voyage into orbit. Though designed to carry astronauts into space, the flight will be the first in a series of unpiloted tests to take place this year to verify the safety of the vehicle.
..
Continue Reading NASA schedules SpaceX's Crew Dragon in for its first trip to orbit
Space
Crew Dragon
NASA
SpaceX
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Following a series of delays and setbacks, SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is finally set for proper lift-off, with NASA today announcing it is targeting March 2 for the spacecraft's maiden voyage into orbit. Though designed to carry astronauts into space, the flight will be the first in a series of unpiloted tests to take place this year to verify the safety of the vehicle.
..
Continue Reading SpaceX's Crew Dragon scheduled for first trip to orbit
Space
Crew Dragon
NASA
SpaceX
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Last week Samsung revealed it would cease production on Blu-ray players for the US market. Despite 2018 seeing record spending in home entertainment, sales of physical media such as DVD and Blu-ray have been dramatically declining over the past few years. Is this the beginning of the end for physical media?
..
Continue Reading Samsung quits Blu-ray players: Are we witnessing the slow death of physical media?
Home Entertainment
Blu-ray
DVD
Entertainment
HD-DVD
Movies
Vinyl
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Radio waves are still the main way to communicate with spacecraft, but that aging technology could soon get an upgrade that will allow faster data downloads from space. NASA is currently preparing to test out an x-ray communication system on the International Space Station.
..
Continue Reading NASA to test X-ray communication system on the ISS
Space
Communications
International Space Station
NASA
Spacecraft
X-ray
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
An intriguing new study has described a clear association in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients between food allergies and disease activity. The correlation adds weight to the growing hypothesis suggesting the inflammatory activity behind MS is modulated, to a degree, by a mechanism in the gut.
..
Continue Reading Strange link between food allergies and multiple sclerosis bolstered by new study
Science
Allergies
Food
Gut Bacteria
Inflammatory
Multiple Sclerosis
The Immune System
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Fresh from Detroit and headed for Geneva, this convertible LC show car looks less like a way-out concept car and much more like something we'll see in showrooms before too long. It also looks like a ton of fun to point down a twisty summer beach road.
..
Continue Reading Lexus takes sweet-looking convertible LC concept to Geneva
Automotive
Concept Cars
Convertible
Geneva Motor Show 2019
Lexus
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
How does one mix up the perfect cheese fondue? After studying how the ingredients interact with one another, scientists have found the dish is really a complex multiphase system caused by the flow behavior or rheology of the cheese, wine, and starches, which can make all the difference between a creamy meal and a gummy mess.
..
Continue Reading The science of the perfect cheese fondue
Science
Food
Switzerland
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Drones are already very capable machines, but before they are unleashed over busy cities to police the streets, carry out deliveries and repair potholes, authorities need to have a plan in place for all that extra air traffic. NASA has been developing a solution to this over the past four years, and is now moving ahead with its final phase of testing where drones will put through their most complex demonstrations yet.
..
Continue Reading NASA's drone traffic control system moves into the final phase of testing
Drones
NASA
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
A new study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry is suggesting high iron levels in the brain may fundamentally trigger the progressive neurodegeneration associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A clinical trial is now underway exploring whether Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline can be slowed by lowering brain iron levels.
..
Continue Reading Association between Alzheimer's and high brain iron to be tested in new clinical trial
Science
Alzheimer's Disease
Brain
Dementia
Neuroscience
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Although LEDs are far more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs, most commercial models are reportedly only about 50 percent efficient at emitting the light that they generate. This is known as their light extraction efficiency, and researchers have drastically increased it by copying fireflies.
..
Continue Reading Fireflies' "lopsided pyramids" get copied in brighter LEDs
Science
Biomimicry
Insect
LED
Pennsylvania State University
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
When you think of lobsters and armor, the obvious connection would be their hard shells. An international team of scientists, however, is more interested in the flexible translucent membrane on the underside of the crustaceans' tails. It has a unique structure, which could find uses in human technology.
..
Continue Reading Lobster-tail membrane could inspire better flexible body armor
Materials
Armor
Biomimicry
Harvard
MIT
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Ten years after launching its first Galaxy phone, Samsung has put on an impressive show with the unveiling of its 2019 devices. As well as the brand new Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus, and Galaxy S10e, Samsung has also introduced its long-awaited Galaxy Fold device, with a fully bendable screen.
..
Continue Reading Samsung's folding phone is official, and is joined by the Galaxy S10 flagships
Mobile Technology
Mobile
Samsung
Smartphones
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Neptune's collection of moons has officially grown to 14. Originally discovered in 2013 and designated S/2004 N 1, this tiny world is described more accurately in a new paper, which also gives it an origin story and, finally, a catchier name. Say hello to Hippocamp.
..
Continue Reading Say hello to Hippocamp, Neptune's newest moon
Space
Astronomy
Hubble
Moon
NASA
Neptune
SETI
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Although concrete doesn't burn, it can "spall" when subjected to extreme heat - this means that surface layers of the material explosively break off, potentially causing structures made from it to collapse. According to a new study, however, fibers obtained from discarded tires can help keep that from happening.
..
Continue Reading Recycled tires may help concrete take the heat
Environment
Concrete
Fire
Polymer
Recycling
Tires
University of Sheffield
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Toyota completely redesigned the Avalon Hybrid for the 2019 model year, giving it new bodywork, a new face, and a better interior. These cosmetic differences just get started, though, with the Avalon also seeing significant changes to its chassis and hybrid powertrain. Which prove the hybrid out.
..
Continue Reading Review: 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is worth the hybrid premium
Automotive
Cars
Hybrid
Toyota
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Toyota completely redesigned the Avalon Hybrid for the 2019 model year, giving it new bodywork, a new face, and a better interior. These cosmetic differences just get started, though, with the Avalon also seeing significant changes to its chassis and hybrid powertrain. Which prove the hybrid out.
..
Continue Reading Review: 2019 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is worth the premium
Automotive
Cars
Hybrid
Toyota
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
OPEN Architecture blended architecture with nature for its outstanding UCCA Dune Art Museum and now the firm does the same again with the Chapel of Sound. Currently under construction in China, the remarkable-looking concert hall seems a natural extension of the landscape and takes the form of a rocky outcrop.
..
Continue Reading Rocky concert hall rises in the shadow of the Great Wall
Architecture
Building and Construction
China
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Though many alternatives are available, the Raspberry Pi computer boards are probably the most well known and widely used in the maker community. But they don't suit every project, and Hardkernel recognizes that there's a strong market for more powerful, more capable and more expensive boards. And the Odroid N2 ticks all of those boxes.
..
Continue Reading Connectivity and speed at the core of latest Odroid maker board
Computers
Computers
DIY
Hack
Mini-PC
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
We've been watching the rollout of a few innovative mini-campervans, but what we haven't seen much of are US campers based on actual minivans — minivan-campers, if you will. Colorado's Oasis Campervans looks to specialize in just that niche, focusing its first efforts on the Toyota Sienna with plans to expand to additional models like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Sedona. Its efficient two-sleeper conversion gives the Sienna outdoor cooking and indoor sleeping, lounging and dining capabilities, removing easily to bring the minivan back to everyday-driver form.
..
Continue Reading Colorado shop cures wanderlust by turning minivans into cozy mini-campervans
Automotive
Campervan
Camping
mini-campervan
Minivan
Motorhome
Motorhomes
Outdoor
Toyota
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Much is unknown about how our cities will look in the future, but current indication is that they'll likely be a lot more crowded than they are now, which calls for some creative ideas on how people will move around. Citroën's latest solution to this is a boxy electric two-seater concept imagined as an alternative for buses, bikes and scooters, even for those without a license to drive.
..
Continue Reading Citroen builds boxy EV concept for the cities of the future
Automotive
Citroen
Geneva
Mobility
urban transport
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
A team of researchers from the Universities of British Columbia and Saskatchewan has built a nifty-looking crystal ball display that can produce 3D images for up to two simultaneous users, clearing the path for head-in-a-ball style teleconferencing and new kinds of 3D multiplayer gaming.
..
Continue Reading Canadian team demonstrates touch-sensitive VR crystal ball
VR
Display
Sphere
Virtual Reality
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Normally, peering deep into space lets astronomers see into the distant past, but a new discovery has now given us a glimpse of our solar system's future. A NASA-led citizen scientist project has discovered an ancient white dwarf that's surrounded by large rings, which is shaking up our understanding of how these systems form.
..
Continue Reading Ancient white dwarf with rings calls star system evolution into question
Space
Astronomy
Infrared
NASA
Stars
Universe
White dwarf
WISE
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
If you've ever wondered what the weather is on Mars, wonder no more. Today, NASA published an online tool that will allow the public to get daily Martian weather reports based on data gathered by the space agency's unmanned InSight lander and includes a 24-hr breakdown of the Red Planet's temperature, wind, and air pressure.
..
Continue Reading InSight begins posting daily weather reports from Mars
Space
InSight
Mars
NASA
Weather
|
|
Feb 20, 2019
Here's an extraordinary photography project worth keeping an eye on. The Lensrentals team has been working on building the widest angle fisheye lens in existence, a C-4 Optics 4.9mm, f/3.5 hyper-fisheye monster with a 270-degree field of view - that's right, it can see behind itself.
..
Continue Reading World's widest hyper-fisheye lens takes in 270 degrees, sees behind itself
Digital Cameras
Fish-eye
Lenses
Optics
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
In an extraordinary milestone procedure, scientists in the UK have performed the first gene therapy operation aimed at stopping progression of the most common cause of vision loss. The success of the procedure is yet to be determined.
..
Continue Reading First human gene therapy surgery attempts to halt common form of vision loss
Science
DNA
Eye
Eye surgery
Genetics
University of Oxford
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
The US Air Force has shown that the venerable B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber is a long time from hitting the boneyard, recently completing testing of the latest upgrade for its Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL). The February 11 flight tests at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana confirm that the upgrades will allow the B-52 to not only carry a larger weapons payload, but also bring more of them to bear at any one time.
..
Continue Reading US Air Force equips its B-52 Stratofortress bomber with an upgraded launcher system
Military
Aircraft
US Air Force
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
With a growing body of evidence confirming the potential harm marijuana can cause on a growing adolescent brain, it is reasonable to ask what governmental policy best reduces teenage consumption. A new study has concluded that tough marijuana laws are not associated with reduced teenage use and the current wave of legalization does not seem to increase adolescent consumption.
..
Continue Reading Marijuana legalization is not associated with higher teenage use, new study claims
Science
Drugs
Marijuana
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Fear is a vital survival tool, but when it gets too extreme or sticks around long after the trigger it can really get in the way of someone's day-to-day life. New research from the University of Queensland (UQ) has now found a chemical pathway that helps the brain wipe fear memories, which could lead to new potential treatments for phobias and other fear-related anxiety disorders.
..
Continue Reading DNA tags in the brain found to help erase fear memories
Biology
Anxiety
Brain
DNA
Fear
Neuroscience
Phobia
PTSD
University of Queensland
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Raising boats out of the water on hydrofoils makes them much more comfortable and efficient - and this French design uses electric propulsion and an automatic self-stabilizing system to give you clean, quiet and sexy water transport.
..
Continue Reading Seabubbles brings its electric, self-stablizing, hydrofoiling Bubble Taxis to Miami
Marine
Electric Boats
Hydrofoil
Seabubbles
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
If you can't decide if you want a dress watch or a chronograph, Deux Watches has your back with its new Deux Collection, which features a face that transforms with a twist of the bezel. Available in three models with three distinct movements, each one incorporates an irising mechanism that hides the chronograph subdials for a simpler, cleaner appearance.
..
Continue Reading Deux Collection watch changes dramatically with a twist
Wearables
Kickstarter
Watches
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Ambrosia, the controversial medical startup selling transfusions of youthful blood under the premise it confers anti-aging benefits, has swiftly ceased operations hours after the FDA issued an oblique statement suggesting the treatment has not been proven to be safe or effective.
..
Continue Reading Startup selling transfusions of young blood ceases treatments following FDA warning
Science
anti-aging
Blood
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
According to Latvian entrepreneur Elviss Straupenieks, it costs about US$65,000 a year to pesticide-spray an average-size vineyard using a helicopter. His alternative? Well, he claims that his company's AirBoard Agro drone can do it for half as much - plus it offers a few other advantages.
..
Continue Reading Crop-spraying Agro drone is made to take on helicopters
Drones
Agriculture
Crops
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
It was a couple of years ago that we first heard about the Eelume, an eel-like robot designed to perform underwater maintenance and inspections. Well, the latest version of the device, known as the EELY500, is about to begin sea trials in Norway.
..
Continue Reading New-and-improved snaky robot headed for sea trials
Robotics
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
SINTEF
Underwater
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Founded in Italy in 1917, Silca was the first company to put an air gauge on a bicycle tire pump. Now based out of Indianapolis, the manufacturer has sort of come full circle with its just-announced Viaggio Bluetooth-equipped floor pump - it's taken the gauge back off, and put it on the user's smartphone. We recently had a chance to try the thing out.
..
Continue Reading Review: Silca Viaggio gives floor pumps the Bluetooth treatment
Bicycles
Bluetooth
Pump
Reviews
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Smart toy maker Sphero is probably best known for its BB-8 rolling droid, but has recently been aiming its products at future programmers and makers. The company has opted to take the crowdfunding route to fund production of its latest bot - called Rvr - which has been designed to be tweaked and hacked by adult hobbyists and young roboticists alike.
..
Continue Reading Sphero rolls out roving robot that's made for hacking
Robotics
Coding
Education
Hack
Kickstarter
Programming
Robot
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
MVRDV rarely seems content to play it safe and with its latest work, Downtown One Tirana, the firm shows another example of its out-of-the-box thinking. The mixed-use building is defined by a pixelated facade that depicts the map of Albania.
..
Continue Reading MVRDV puts Albania on the map - literally
Architecture
Building and Construction
High-rise
MVRDV
Skyscrapers
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Panasonic has announced the addition of two new Lumix cameras, which are all about the zoom. The FZ1000 II marries a big sensor with 16x zoom capabilities, while the pocket-friendly ZS80 goes from 24 mm wide angle to 720 mm at the telephoto end.
..
Continue Reading Panasonic adds superzoom and travel zoom to Lumix camera range
Digital Cameras
Compact
Lumix
Panasonic
Photography
Superzoom
Travel
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Who among us didn't cheat on a test at school by copying off kids nearby? Well it turns out that grasses are doing the same thing on an evolutionary level. Scientists have found evidence that some species of grasses are stealing genes from their neighbors to help them adapt, effectively bypassing millions of years' worth of evolution.
..
Continue Reading Grasses found to cheat evolution by stealing genes from their neighbors
Biology
DNA
Environment
Evolution
Genetic engineering
Genetics
Plants
University of Sheffield
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
There is no shortage of folding chairs that can be packed into neat and compact packages for easy carry into the great outdoors, with the two-legged Bip and bottle-sized Go Chair just a couple of recent examples. The HoverChair might take slightly more work to pack onto your back, but promises supreme levels of comfort with a hanging design, breathable materials and an optional foot hammock to rest those weary legs.
..
Continue Reading HoverChair and foot hammock combo lets outdoor folks hang in comfort
Outdoors
Camping
Chair
Folding
Kickstarter
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
The idea of using centrifugal force to create a sensation of gravity in space originated as early as 1903 - but a group of space enthusiasts believes its time has come. Check out Gateway's vision for the Von Braun Rotating Space Station.
..
Continue Reading Gateway Foundation proposes Von Braun Rotating Space Station
Space
Space exploration
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
The placenta may be one of the least understood organs in the human body, but it's important to study considering the health of a developing fetus depends on it. Researchers at Iowa State University have used microfluidic models of the organ - a placenta-on-a-chip - to see if, and how much, caffeine can cross from mother to baby.
..
Continue Reading Placenta-on-a-chip test shows how caffeine passes from mother to baby
Biology
Artificial organs
Caffeine
Cells
Drugs
Iowa State University
Microfluidic
Pregnancy
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
Germany may never be able to stop apologizing for the Nazis - and Volkswagen may also be bound to eternal penitence for its Dieselgate shemozzle. But good things are coming of it, as VW announced today its plans to give its new electric cars the ability to go carbon neutral for their entire life cycles.
..
Continue Reading Volkswagen wants its new ID EVs to be totally carbon neutral
Automotive
Carbon Neutral
Electric Vehicles
Volkswagen
|
|
Feb 19, 2019
The RV market probably isn't quite ready for a full-blown electric motorhome just yet, but electric vehicles can still have a positive impact on vehicle camping by lending their powerful battery technology. With the new Nissan x Opus camping trailer, Nissan shows how EV batteries can fully power the equipment of a non-engined camper. The Leaf-derived Energy ROAM battery pack gives the innovative, award-winning Air Opus inflatable six-sleeper enough juice to keep campers comfortable and fed for up to a week, all without the emissions and noise of a gas generator.
..
Continue Reading Nissan gives the Opus inflatable camping trailer a week of off-grid adventure power
Outdoors
Camping
Caravan
Concept Vehicle
Electric Vehicles
Off-grid
Off-road
Opus
Trailer
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
The first manned, round-trip to Mars could involve up to three years of travel time, so researchers from Northwestern University will be monitoring the crews of two simulated flights to the Red Planet to learn how to help astronauts work and live together in a space equivalent to one small room. Using simulated habitats in Texas and Moscow, the project will be setup to uncover new ways to predict and minimize conflicts that could jeopardize future deep space missions.
..
Continue Reading Simulated space journeys to help keep the peace on manned trips to Mars
Space
Mars
NASA
Northwestern University
Roscosmos
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
A daring mission to collect dust samples from a kilometer-wide space rock hurtling around the Sun is soon to reach a critical juncture, with mission scientists in Japan preparing to lower their Hayabusa 2 probe to the surface of the asteroid Ryugu. As part of this objective, the team will fire metal bullets into the asteroid's gravely surface, but not without having conducted a dress rehearsal first.
..
Continue Reading Hayabusa 2 prepares to fire projectiles at asteroid Ryugu to kick up dust for collection
Space
Asteroid
Hayabusa 2
JAXA
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
To many of us, the great white shark is a mysterious and scary creature from the deep - but now it's a little less mysterious. A team of scientists has sequenced the entire genome of the great white shark, revealing a few clues as to how these animals are so good at healing wounds and resisting cancer.
..
Continue Reading Great white shark genome has been sequenced, revealing clues to longevity and cancer resistance
Biology
Cornell University
DNA
Genetics
Genome
Marine
Marine Biology
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
NSU
Sharks
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Rising temperatures are causing energy shifts in Earth's atmosphere that are strengthening midlatitude storms, while weakening other important weather systems. According to the results of the new study, the disruption is already affecting North America, Europe and Asia.
..
Continue Reading New research links rising global temperatures to more powerful summer storms, reduced air quality
Environment
Air quality
Atmosphere
Climate Change
Humidity
Temperature
Tropical Storms
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
In an incredible milestone, scientists have for the first time created "universal" stem cells by using CRISPR gene-editing technology to produce pluripotent stem cells that can be transplanted into any patient without generating an immune system response.
..
Continue Reading Landmark research creates "universal" stem cells using CRISPR gene editing
Science
CRISPR
Stem Cells
The Immune System
Transplant
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Daydreaming, or just letting your mind wander off from the current moment occupies our thoughts for a large part of every day. However, a new study has revealed patients suffering from a specific kind of early-onset dementia may have completely lost the ability to do this and seem perpetually "stuck in the moment".
..
Continue Reading Dementia eliminates the ability to daydream, sufferers are "stuck in the moment"
Science
Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia
Neuroscience
Psychology
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
One of the world's most beloved and iconic vehicles has gotten a modern refresh, of sorts. An all-new VW T2 camper van debuts this week in Germany, with a bit of a twist: it's made from 400,000 little Lego bricks. You probably don't want to spend the night inside out in the windy wild, but the realistic toy camper van is every bit as large as life and even features a pop-up roof.
..
Continue Reading Classic Volkswagen Bulli pop-top camper van built up to life size from Legos
Automotive
Campervan
Lego
Van
Volkswagen
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Up to now, Spanish electric scooter manufacturer Silence has been selling its two electric scooter models to rideshare operators and businesses like city couriers. But that's about to change. The first 500 of its S01 model are now up for pre-order to the company's home crowd, ahead of more widespread availability.
..
Continue Reading Spanish riders get first bite at S01 electric scooter
Urban Transport
Electric Vehicles
Scooter
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Constraint often proves fertile ground for inspiration and this indeed proved the case for Arkitektværelset AS. The Norwegian firm overcame a remote location and tricky terrain, as well as strict planning regulations while designing the unusually angular Hooded Cabin.
..
Continue Reading Remote mountain cabin's hood offers protection from the elements
Architecture
Cabins
Norway
Shelter
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Music consumption has changed considerably in the last few years. Where physical formats like CDs and vinyl once dominated living room collections, now music streaming rules the roost. There are devices aplenty to satisfy your wireless listening needs, but if you're looking for something to complement your commemorative McIntosh setup, then the new RS200 could be just the ticket.
..
Continue Reading McIntosh wireless speaker system is undeniably gorgeous, very pricey
Home Entertainment
Bluetooth Speakers
McIntosh Labs
Music Streaming
Wireless
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
A new Mobile World Congress is almost upon us. The biggest names in the phone industry will descend on Barcelona between February 25-28, with press events scheduled the day before. Here's everything we think is going to make an appearance at MWC 2019.
..
Continue Reading MWC 2019: Everything we're expecting from the world's biggest phone show
Mobile Technology
Mobile
Mobile World Congress 2019
Smartphones
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Honeybees are increasingly under threat, even recently making it onto the endangered species list in the US for the first time. To help save these vital creatures from extinction, researchers from York University have found a group of genes that appears to be related to how hygienic a particular colony of bees is, and selective breeding for these genes could help fight colony collapse.
..
Continue Reading Breeding bees with "clean genes" could help prevent colony collapse
Biology
Bees
Environment
Genetics
Genome
Insect
York University
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
After making mention of a larger vessel in the wake of its R35 performance yacht reveal in mid-2018, Princess Yachts has now offered a more in-depth look at what it calls the "luxury SUV of the seas." Again the result of a collaboration between the British boatbuilder and design firm Pininfarina, the Princess X95 "Superfly" promises greater space to entertain thanks in part to longer flybridge that stretches over the main deck for plenty of elevated luxury.
..
Continue Reading Princess X95 "Superfly" yacht goes big on open living, inside and out
Marine
Pininfarina
Princess Yachts
Superyacht
Yachts
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
We once again found ourselves at the annual Colorado Winter Driving Encounter put on by our friends at Rocky Mountain Redline. The event pit eight vehicles from various manufacturers against the snow and elements of Colorado's high country in the winter. The results were both fun and informative.
..
Continue Reading How do everyday drives handle the snow and ice in Colorado's high country?
Automotive
Ice
Winter
|
|
Feb 18, 2019
Ceramic aerogels have been protecting industrial equipment and space-bound scientific instruments for decades, thanks to their incredible lightness and ability to withstand intense heat. The problem is they can be pretty brittle. Now, a team led by researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has developed a new ceramic aerogel that's far hardier and more flexible, even after repeated exposure to wild temperature swings.
..
Continue Reading Ultra-light ceramic aerogel stands up to intense temperature swings
Materials
Aerogels
Ceramics
Materials
new material
UCLA
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
It's Miami International Boat Show time again, which means it's time to take a look at the latest collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing. This year's 41-foot AMG Carbon Edition is a four-motor, 1,600-horsepower, 83mph ocean rocket with a carbon fiber sandwich construction.
..
Continue Reading Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing unveil stronger, lighter "41' AMG Carbon Edition"
Marine
Cigarette Racing
Concept Boat
Mercedes-AMG
Miami International Boat Show
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
An international team of researchers, from Imperial College London and the University of Melbourne in Australia, has demonstrated a new AI system that can effectively predict survival rates from ovarian cancer better than any current conventional method available to doctors.
..
Continue Reading AI system four times better at predicting ovarian cancer patient survival than other methods
Science
Algorithms
Artificial Intelligence
Cancer
CT scan
Diagnose
Machine Learning
Ovarian Cancer
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
With a gorgeously composed set of almost mythical fantasy-styled images, Canadian photographer Adam Gibbs has taken the top prize in this years International Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards. In its fifth year this impressive competition reveals a hundred of the most spectacular landscape photographs from the past twelve months.
..
Continue Reading Majestic views: The winners of the International Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards
Digital Cameras
Awards
Competition
Photography
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
At first glance, the new Ellis multi-tool from The James Brand certainly appears on the simplistic side, and that is very likely the point from a toolmaker that likes to keep things classy and clean. But packed neatly into its body is a set of typical implements aimed at the common user, which can be safely secured in place thanks to a lockback design.
..
Continue Reading Clean-cut Ellis multitool gets straight to the point
Outdoors
Multi-Tools
The James Brand
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
The immune system is incredibly important, thanks to its role in fighting off dangerous invaders in our bodies. But sometimes it gets it wrong, targeting harmless proteins from things like nuts or dairy products and triggering allergic reactions that ironically can themselves be fatal. Now, researchers from Michigan State University have identified a mechanism that helps keep the immune system in check, potentially paving the way for drugs that could prevent allergic reactions before they start.
..
Continue Reading Immune system discovery could lead to preventative drugs for allergies
Biology
Allergies
Drug
Drugs
Michigan State University
The Immune System
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
Space has the prospect of one day getting a bit cleaner as a satellite harpooned a piece of simulated debris in low Earth orbit. The University of Surrey announced that its RemoveDEBRIS technology demonstrator satellite deployed a target panel at the end of a 1.5 m (4.9 ft) boom, then skewered it with a metal harpoon traveling at 20 m/s (44.7 mph, 72 km/h) as part of a series of experiments to test various space debris clean up techniques.
..
Continue Reading Experimental satellite successfully uses harpoon to skewer space junk
Space
Debris
ESA
International Space Station
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
Bentley says its created the world's fastest production sport utility with the 190 mph, 626 bhp, 664 pound-foot Bentayga Speed. Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show later this year, the Bentley Bentayga Speed has a sub-4-second 0-62 and a massive W12 engine. What's not to like?
..
Continue Reading Bentley drops "world's fastest SUV" crown on the new Bentayga Speed
Automotive
Bentley
SUV
|
|
Feb 17, 2019
The US Navy has awarded Boeing a US$43 million contract to build four of its Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs) and support gear. Built in partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries, the 51-ft (15.5 m) long unmanned submarines will operate in blue water environments thanks to autonomous navigation systems and a fuel module providing a range of 6,500 nm (7,480 mi, 12,038 km).
..
Continue Reading Boeing wins US$43 million contract to build four Orca robotic super subs
Marine
Boeing
Submarine
Underwater drones
US Navy
|
|
Feb 16, 2019
The Malibu Charming GT camper van may not meet the traditional definition of a "GT," but the van does exemplify long-distance touring comfort better than most any true GT out there. The new flagship in Malibu's van line gets brighter and more spacious thanks to a new cab-camper lounge. A flexi-bathroom, full kitchen and choice of bed make it a capable little camper ready to tour for weeks, months or even years. And if your heart is really set on the exhilarating ride promised by the "GT" in the name, you can always throw a mountain bike, surfboard, skis or other adventure gear into the spacious load area and get your fix outside of the van.
..
Continue Reading Malibu adds a touch of grand touring to its latest camper van
Automotive
Campervan
Camping
CMT 2019
CMT show
Motorhome
Motorhomes
Travel
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
It's a sad fact that past the age of about 35, we begin to progressively lose muscle mass. This can be somewhat offset through exercise, although most people still generally tend to get weaker as they get older. A new drug could help, as it's been shown to increase muscle size and strength in elderly mice.
..
Continue Reading Muscle-maintaining drug has potential to help seniors stay spry
Health & Wellbeing
Medication
Muscle
Seniors
University of Texas
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
It's a sad fact that past the age of about 35, we begin to progressively lose muscle mass. This can be somewhat offset through exercise, although most people still generally tend to get weaker as they get older. A new drug could help, as it's been shown to increase muscle size and strength in elderly mice.
..
Continue Reading Muscle-maintaining drug may help seniors stay spry
Health & Wellbeing
Medication
Muscle
Seniors
University of Texas
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
When salt is removed from seawater in desalination plants, the byproduct is - not surprisingly - a lot of highly-concentrated salty brine. Ordinarily, this is just dumped back into the sea, which can harm the environment. Thanks to a new treatment process, however, that brine could actually be used to desalinate more water.
..
Continue Reading MIT tech could let desalination plants use their own brine waste
Environment
Desalination
MIT
Salt-water
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
In use since at least the 4th century AD, dichroic glass displays different colors depending on how it's being viewed. Now, Dutch scientists have produced the effect in a material that can be used to create 3D-printed objects - and it's not just a novelty, as it could have practical applications.
..
Continue Reading Dichroic 3D-printing material changes color with point of view
3D Printing
Colors
Wageningen University
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
Though the BMW Group teased a classic electric Mini at the 2018 New York Auto Show, details were scant and the upcoming battery-electric production model is going to have a modern, rather than retro, look to it. If you're hankering for the iconic Mini aesthetic but want it running on clean, modern tech, the UK's Swindon Powertrain - or Swind - is here to help.
..
Continue Reading Swind electrifies classic Mini for limited production run
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
MINI
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
As its name suggests, the Allswell Tiny Home was designed by Modern Tiny Living for Wallmart's Allswell mattress and bedding brand. It has a total floorspace of just 238 sq ft (22 sq m) and boasts a relatively spacious and light-filled bedroom that opens up to the outside with garage-style lifting doors.
..
Continue Reading Allswell Tiny Home bedroom opens up to the breeze
Tiny Houses
Home
House
Luxury
Micro-House
Tiny Footprint
Trailer
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
Chemotherapy drugs are effective at killing cancer cells - but unfortunately, they're also pretty good at killing healthy cells. Making these drugs more selective for tumors is a key area of research, and now a team at ETH Zurich has found a way to keep a common treatment - platinum nanoparticles - on target.
..
Continue Reading New chemo drug keeps platinum nanoparticles on target for liver cancer
Medical
Cancer
Drug
Drugs
ETH Zurich
Medication
Nanoparticle
Nanoparticles
Platinum
Tumor
Tumors
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
Current climate models say we're on track for some pretty drastic changes if we don't reduce our carbon footprint. But a new study has found a huge potential source of carbon emissions that are so far not accounted for in climate models: reservoirs of gases trapped at the seafloor, which could be released as the oceans warm up. And it's happened before, with the team suggesting that these gases belched up from the deep thousands of years ago and put an end to the last ice age.
..
Continue Reading Carbon reservoirs in the ocean floor may have ended the last ice age - and could bubble up again
Environment
Australian National University
Carbon
Carbon Dioxide
climate change
Climate Change
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Lund University
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
We've seen many camper-in-a-box kits over the years - the Swiss Roombox, the Yatoo, various iterations of Ququq, and others. These kits typically offer a kitchen and bed but lack an in-vehicle dining solution, thus fall a little short of a full camper van conversion. The British-designed Campal ForTwo, however, not only has a dining area but also a reclined sofa, filling out some of Europe's smallest vans with a space you can spend the entire day in. Moreover, the ForTwo does more for less, pricing in well under other systems.
..
Continue Reading Campal all-in-one camper box creates a complete mini-campervan for $1,400
Outdoors
Campervan
Camping
mini-campervan
Motorhome
Motorhomes
Outdoor
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
Some are versatile and some are cheap, but it's not often that elegant multitools from storied toolmakers tick both boxes. The brand new Mullet from Gerber is an implement that packs an impressive array of functions into a keychain-friendly frame, but keeps things simple where it matters to ensure safe everyday carry at a pretty agreeable price tag.
..
Continue Reading Gerber's new 9-in-1 multitool keeps things basic and to budget
Outdoors
Gerber
Multi-Tools
|
|
Feb 15, 2019
After teasing its first line of e-bikes in November last year, General Motors has today gone for the full reveal, showing off a pair of compact two-wheelers powered by an in-house purpose built electric motor.
..
Continue Reading General Motors wheels out its first commuter-focused e-bikes
Bicycles
ebikes
Foldable bike
General Motors
|
|
Feb 14, 2019
A fascinating study tracking thousands of people for 20 years has revealed an intriguing association between signs of chronic inflammation in middle age, and the development of memory and thinking problems in older age. Alongside offering an important new risk factor for cognitive decline later in life, the research suggests treating chronic inflammation at a younger age may act as a preventative measure for future neurodegeneration.
..
Continue Reading 20-year study finds link between mid-life inflammation and cognitive decline in old age
Medical
Aging
Dementia
Depression
Inflammatory
Memory
Neuroscience
The Immune System
|
|
Feb 14, 2019
Less is certainly more when it comes to the weight of a sleeping system for hiking adventures, and ever-improving materials along with good ol' fashioned human ingenuity keep opening up new ways to lighten the load. At just over two pounds, the Mantis UL all-in-one hammock tent is certainly at the more manageable end of this spectrum, and promising simple setup and supreme strength, should make for some peaceful slumber above the ground and under the stars.
..
Continue Reading Ultralight Mantis hiking hammock is a one-kilogram tent killer
Outdoors
Camping
Hammocks
Kickstarter
Tent
|
|
Feb 14, 2019
The surface of the Earth is a bumpy place, with terrain made up of smooth ocean floors to jagged mountain peaks and everything in between. But according to a new study, that's nothing compared to the landscapes found deep within the planet. Using data from one of the biggest earthquakes on record, geophysicists have now found massive mountain ranges hundreds of kilometers beneath our feet.
..
Continue Reading Massive mountain range found in the Earth's mantle
Science
Earth
Earthquake
Geology
Geophysics
Princeton
Princeton University
Seismic
|
|
Private Label