Study finds that moth wingtips serve as bat-foiling “acoustic decoys”

Because both bats and moths are nocturnal, bats use echolocation to zero in on the insects when hunting them in the dark. A new study, however, suggests that some moths have evolved special wingtips to avoid becoming a meal.Continue ReadingCategory: Bi… Continue reading Study finds that moth wingtips serve as bat-foiling “acoustic decoys”→

Review: Feiyu modular gimbal-cam shoots great video, could be improved

It was just last month that we told you about the Feiyu Pocket 2S, a handheld actioncam with a removable 3-axis gimbal camera. Well, I’ve since had a chance to try it out, and it does mostly live up to the hype – although it could be better in a few wa… Continue reading Review: Feiyu modular gimbal-cam shoots great video, could be improved→

Mayku Multiplier puts pressure-forming tech on makers’ desktops

3D printers may allow individuals or small companies to produce prototypes, but the machines aren’t really suited to mass production. That’s where the Mayku Multiplier is intended to come in – it’s billed as being the world’s first desktop pressure for… Continue reading Mayku Multiplier puts pressure-forming tech on makers’ desktops→

EVOC cycling backpack features an auto-deploying airbag

While most bicycle commuting backpacks simply allow cyclists to carry their stuff, EVOC Sports’ newest model offers a little something extra. In the event of an accident, an airbag pops out of it to protect the rider’s upper body.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading EVOC cycling backpack features an auto-deploying airbag→

Performance-tracking earbuds designed to coach swimmers in real time

It was just this year that we heard about the Sonr radio system, which lets coaches talk to swimmers via a waterproof speaker worn by the latter. It’s a neat idea, but what happens when the coach isn’t around? Well, that’s where Athlos Live is designed… Continue reading Performance-tracking earbuds designed to coach swimmers in real time→

“Smart” LED bike pedals change color to serve as head- and tail lights

While a headlight and tail light are essential for night-time bicycle commuting, one thing that really catches motorists’ eyes is movement. Arclight Bike Pedals were designed with that in mind, as they feature auto-color-changing LED modules.Continue R… Continue reading “Smart” LED bike pedals change color to serve as head- and tail lights→

BMW-designed e-trike leans into corners – but just in front

Electric-assist cargo trikes may offer a stable ride on the straightaways, but they do have a nasty tendency to tip over when taking corners. The Cube Concept Dynamic Cargo e-trike addresses that problem, with an independently tilting front end.Continu… Continue reading BMW-designed e-trike leans into corners – but just in front→

Friction-based riveting tech could make magnesium more useful

Although magnesium is known for being lightweight, riveting pieces of it together can be an involved, energy-intensive process. A new technique is claimed to make doing so much simpler, possibly opening up new uses for the metal.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Friction-based riveting tech could make magnesium more useful→

New understanding of gecko landing process may lead to nimbler robots

When leaping geckos crash head-first into vertical surfaces such as tree trunks, they’re able to hang onto that surface instead of bouncing off and falling to the ground. Scientists have discovered what allows them to do so, and copied the capability i… Continue reading New understanding of gecko landing process may lead to nimbler robots→

Modular carbon fiber e-quadricycle can be adapted to different loads

Cargo bikes are capable of carrying a lot of stuff, but … for some loads, you really need four wheels. That doesn’t mean the vehicle can’t be partially pedal-powered, though, as is the case with the modular electric-assist SUM-X.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Modular carbon fiber e-quadricycle can be adapted to different loads→