🌿 A tasty flu test

I've got my fingers crossed for what the scientists in Ben's new story are cooking up: the taste of thyme in your mouth could soon tell you you've got influenza before you show symptoms. This could be key in slowing its spread, particularly during flu season.

In other health news, we might finally have a better understanding as to why people with Alzheimer’s disease are less likely to develop cancer. That's from Paul McC, who also wrote about a mind-boggling artificial neuron made from protein nanowires that behaves just like the ones in our brains.

Scroll to dive into these and more – including some sweet new gadgetry – and let us know what tickles your fancy. Enjoy!

– Abhimanyu Ghoshal

Highlights

Infectious DiseasesIllnesses and conditionsBody and Mind

Edible sensor warns of flu by tasting like thyme

by Ben Coxworth

Among the many problems with the flu is the fact that you can spread the virus before you even know you've got it. An experimental new "sensor" could one day keep you from doing so, by causing you to taste thyme in your mouth.

Illnesses and conditionsBody and Mind

Notorious Alzheimer’s protein also supercharges cells against cancer

by Paul McClure

A protein notorious for its role in Alzheimer’s disease may hold the key to supercharging the aging immune system. Scientists showed that a byproduct of amyloid-beta rejuvenates T cells, boosting their tumor-fighting power and slashing cancer risk.

Medical InnovationsBody and Mind

Artificial neuron blurs line between technology and biology

by Paul McClure

Scientists have built an artificial neuron that’s so realistic it fires, learns, and responds to chemical signals just like the real thing – a breakthrough that could transform computing, medicine, and the way that tech merges with biology.

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Modular exoskeleton takes a load off your hips or knees on tough hikes

by Abhimanyu Ghoshal

Mobility assistance exoskeletons are great for making light work of challenging outdoor activities. Ascentiz is entering the fray with a modular approach, allowing you to swap out components based on your body and your preferred pursuit.

MaterialsScience

This chip uses light to supercharge AI and cut energy use

by Pranjal Malewar

As AI systems grow bigger our data centers are feeling the heat with rising power demands. To tackle these growing energy needs, researchers have created a new chip that swaps electricity for light to handle one of AI's most power-hungry jobs.

Camping TrailersAdventure VehiclesOutdoors

Sleek, ultramodern glamper pod makes a cushy ebike-stowing base camp

by C.C. Weiss

Stockman grows its lineup from small pod and teardrop trailers to include a larger toy hauler. The new Trekka debuts as a dual-axle trailer with a complete camper interior, two kitchens and dedicated interior space for ebikes or other adventure gear.

Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology

Quirky bedside smart projector aims Google TV at the ceiling

by Paul Ridden

Back in 2021, BenQ launched an odd-looking portable projector with a built-in 2.1-channel sound system. Now the company has updated the recipe for more defined visuals and more powerful audio output. But the funky ceiling-friendly design remains.

Consumer TechTechnology

Amazon's Kindle Scribe note-taking tablet gets a color display at last

by Abhimanyu Ghoshal

A year after the Kindle ebook reader got a color display, Amazon's reimagined its Kindle Scribe note-taking tablet the same way, so you can now jot down ideas, annotate PDFs, and draw in a range of hues. It's also larger and slimmer than before.

MusicConsumer TechTechnology

Multitasking smart desktop amp lets you leave bulky hardware at home

by Paul Ridden

Desktop smart amps from the likes of Yamaha, Boss and Positive Grid are great for solo practice and group rehearsals. Chaos Audio is challenging the big boys with the Nimbus, a 70-W app-driven "music studio in a box" built on an open platform.

AirTag power, credit card shape—get 4 SmartCards for $65

AirTags are great, but who wants a bulky circle in their wallet? The KeySmart SmartCard Lite slips right into your wallet or badge holder, is Apple Find My ready, waterproof, and now you can score a 4-pack for just $64.99.