Insulation additive drastically boosts performance of power lines

As we increasingly move toward renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, we’re going to require the best means possible of relaying electricity from them to our cities. A new cable-insulating material may allow us to do so much more efficiently.C… Continue reading Insulation additive drastically boosts performance of power lines

Tiny punching “robot” mimics the mechanism of the mantis shrimp

Among other things, the mantis shrimp is known for having the fastest punch of any animal. Harvard scientists have now built a mechanism that simulates that punch, and they believe that it could lead to new capabilities for human technologies.Continue … Continue reading Tiny punching “robot” mimics the mechanism of the mantis shrimp

Say hi to Hycean worlds, a new class of exoplanet that could host life

More than 4,400 exoplanets have been discovered to date, and in the hunt for whether there may be life out there most of our attention has been focused on Earth-like worlds. But now, astronomers have defined a new class of exoplanet called “Hycean” wor… Continue reading Say hi to Hycean worlds, a new class of exoplanet that could host life

Ford perfects Nugget Plus camper van with Raptor-inspired “Trail” spec

As much as American wanderers lust over the VW California, many European camper van models are even more impressive. The Westfalia-converted Ford Nugget family resides at the top of our list, especially when we’re talking about the “Plus” model with ba… Continue reading Ford perfects Nugget Plus camper van with Raptor-inspired “Trail” spec

Sunflower pollen may find use in a better, stronger 3D-bioprinting ink

When it comes to the 3D bioprinting of replacement body parts or other implanted items, the material that’s used needs to be strong yet flexible, and also biocompatible. According to new research, sunflower pollen may be the way to go.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Sunflower pollen may find use in a better, stronger 3D-bioprinting ink

Self-powered Trailerduck takes the weight off of bicycle deliveries

Cargo bicycles may indeed be a clean, green option for making urban deliveries, but they can only carry moderately sized loads. The Trailerduck lets bikes haul much more cargo, by matching its power and steering to that of the bike that’s towing it – a… Continue reading Self-powered Trailerduck takes the weight off of bicycle deliveries

Wearable device detects a wider-than-ever range of airborne toxins

While wearable sensors can detect airborne toxins in the user’s environment, any one device can usually only identify a few such substances. A potentially much more useful new sensor, however, can reportedly detect over 100 at once.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Wearable device detects a wider-than-ever range of airborne toxins

Japanese scientists produce first 3D-bioprinted, marbled Wagyu beef

The world of lab-grown meats is fast filling with all kinds of tasty bites, from burgers, to chicken breasts, to a series of increasingly complex cuts of steak. Expanding the scope of cultured beef are scientists from Japan’s Osaka University, who have… Continue reading Japanese scientists produce first 3D-bioprinted, marbled Wagyu beef

Remarkable density of new lithium battery promises massive range for EVs

For electric planes to really take off and for electric cars to travel far longer distances between charges, we’ll need batteries that pack far more energy without becoming prohibitively heavy. A team in Germany has now demonstrated a new lithium-metal… Continue reading Remarkable density of new lithium battery promises massive range for EVs

Never-before-detected gravitational waves hint at dark matter

A new type of gravitational wave detector running in Western Australia has recorded two rare events that might be signals of dark matter or primordial black holes. These high-frequency gravitational waves are beyond the range of most detectors and have… Continue reading Never-before-detected gravitational waves hint at dark matter