Collaborate Disseminate
Specially tagged “sentinel plants” could soon provide an early warning of crop problems such as insect damage or bacterial infection. These plants would utilize two “glowing” sensors that react to stress-related compounds in the leaves.Continue Reading… Continue reading “Sentinel plants” could save crops via stress sensors in leaves
Multirotor drones may one day be able recharge their batteries while out and about, instead of having to return to a charging station. They could do so via onboard ultra-thin solar cells, which have already been successfully tested on a small quadcopte… Continue reading Solar-cell-packin’ drone uses sunlight for on-the-spot recharging
A new octopus-sucker-inspired suction cup could make it much easier and more energy-efficient for robots to lift and release rough-surfaced objects. The secret lies in using water to mimic octopus mucus.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: University… Continue reading Octopus-inspired grasper gets it right by mimicking mucus
Penguins are fast, fantastic swimmers, so why not make an underwater robot inspired by them? That’s just what German underwater tech company EvoLogics has done, with its new-and-improved Quadroin AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle).Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin
The tracking of squid and other soft-bodied sea creatures may soon be a lot more doable, thanks to a new bioadhesive interface. It’s claimed to be much gentler than current attachment methods, while still remaining up to the task.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Soft n’ supple adhesive gel makes for gentler tracking of squids
The SkyNest combines a hammock, bug mesh net and rainfly in a single package that can be used all together or in its separate components. It’s claimed to be roomier than other hammock tents, and easier to set up.Continue ReadingCategory: Outdoors, Life… Continue reading SkyNest modular hammock tent works as a whole or in pieces
Boston Dynamics has unveiled a stronger, more agile, fully electric version of its Atlas humanoid robot. The kinda creepy-looking thing is already slated to enter use on Hyundai’s automotive production line.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, Technolog… Continue reading Video: Boston Dynamics unveils stronger, more capable electric Atlas robot
Because GPS doesn’t work underwater, divers usually can’t track their real-time position on a digital map. The new Diver Navigation System (DNS) gets around that problem, however, using both floating and wearable acoustic transponders.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Acoustic navigational tech gets scuba divers using GPS maps
A worm-filled gel has been shown to protect crops from pests, without the use of environmentally-unfriendly pesticides. Its not-so-secret ingredient is scores of tiny nematodes, which ordinarily can’t survive outside of their underground habitat.Contin… Continue reading Eco-friendly agricultural gel replaces toxic pesticides with worms
A newly discovered ant has been aptly named after the creepiest of all Harry Potter villains, Lord Voldemort. Like the lord, the ant is pale, slender, and it lives in the dark – unlike Mr. Voldemort, however, the ant did not give young Harry his lightn… Continue reading Freaky ‘Leptanilla voldemort’ ant earns its name in the darkness