Who would’ve thought that adding holes to parachutes could make them more effective for precise cargo drops… Or indeed that being mildly obese might be safer than being too thin?

A couple of surprises here for your Sunday evening/Monday morning reading… But my favorite today is Ben’s piece on a Bluetooth device specifically designed to rehabilitate magnificent older hi-fi speakers – which you can now pick up for next to nothing second hand – and make them relevant in the age of streaming audio.

Enjoy!
Loz Blain

Highlights
Bluetooth module gets vintage speakers back in the game
MusicConsumer TechTechnology

Bluetooth module gets vintage speakers back in the game

by Ben Coxworth

There are now tons of old high-end speakers that are still in great condition, but that go unused simply because they aren't modern. The SoundUp device addresses that problem, by converting vintage speakers to Bluetooth.

Parachutes with hundreds of holes could enable safer drone deliveries

Parachutes with hundreds of holes could enable safer drone deliveries

DronesConsumer TechTechnology

by Abhimanyu Ghoshal

A team of researchers in France and Canada might have just improved upon humble parachutes by making lots of holes in them. It could be just the thing we need for more precise humanitarian aid drops and safer drone deliveries.

Being too thin linked to a higher death risk than excess weight

Being too thin linked to a higher death risk than excess weight

ObesityIllnesses and conditionsBody and Mind

by Pranjal Malewar

In a world where slimness is often equated with health, a new Danish study has flipped the narrative: being slightly overweight, or even mildly obese, may not be as deadly as once thought. In fact, in some ways it could be safer than being thin.

   
Review: 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe leans hard into heritage

Review: 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe leans hard into heritage

AutomotiveTransport

by Aaron Turpen

The Bronco Stroppe is Ford’s bold statement: this isn’t just a trim level, it’s a halo model. It wears its heritage loudly But like all halo models, the question is: does it earn the premium, or is it mostly theater?

Modular cargo ebikes grow or shrink with changing family needs

Modular cargo ebikes grow or shrink with changing family needs

BicyclesTransport

by Paul Ridden

Belgium's Bike43 has revealed a nifty cargo ebike that can grow as your family or hauling needs change. Riders can start off with a Short model, and then step up to a Mid flavor courtesy of an easy mod, and back again as needed.

Big, bold and beautiful: US college formed from stacked concrete blocks

Big, bold and beautiful: US college formed from stacked concrete blocks

ArchitectureTechnology

by Adam Williams

BIG's recently completed California college building showcases the firm's knack for producing eye-catching architecture. The project is made up of stacked concrete rectangular forms that are topped by a large solar panel array.

"Photon Life" projectors swap lamps for 4LED simplicity

"Photon Life" projectors swap lamps for 4LED simplicity

Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology

by Paul Ridden

Optoma has launched a new series of projectors under the Photon Life moniker, which is aimed at replacing popular lamp-based models in the company's line up. The series comprises three family members, including the flagship PK32 4K 4LED thrower.

Special promotion for New Atlas readers
Cancel Microsoft 365! Lifetime Office apps are $40 this week only

Cancel Microsoft 365! Lifetime Office apps are $40 this week only

Still paying Microsoft 365 fees? End them forever with a Microsoft Office lifetime license on sale for $39.97 during New Atlas’ version of Prime Day. Plus, you get a free training bundle to master Office apps. Only valid this week (MSRP $239.99).

We finally know how the Venus fly trap turns touch into traps

We finally know how the Venus fly trap turns touch into traps

Science

by David Szondy

What has no brain, no nervous system, and not even nerves, yet acts as if it has reflexes? The answer is a Venus fly trap. This famous carnivorous plant captures insects and other small animals – and scientists have now figured out how.

New middleweight adventure bikes from unexpected Chinese bikemaker

New middleweight adventure bikes from unexpected Chinese bikemaker

MotorcyclesTransport

by Utkarsh Sood

It’s usually CFMoto making these kinds of headlines, but this time, an unlikely manufacturer has churned out a rather exciting motorcycle from its stable. And it might well go on to be the most exciting offering in the middleweight moto segment.

Tabletop projectors designed to take the hassle out of movie nights

Tabletop projectors designed to take the hassle out of movie nights

Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology

by Paul Ridden

Though you can spend a lot of time and money setting up a dedicated home theater space, smart projectors could mean you don't have to. The TK705 projectors are a great excuse not to bother, offering easy setup 4K visuals that are daytime bright.

Autonomous combat aircraft unveiled as Europe’s loyal wingman

Autonomous combat aircraft unveiled as Europe’s loyal wingman

by David Szondy

Autonomous fighter planes are popping up all over the place these days as more air forces opt for pilotless loyal wingmen. The latest example is Europe's version, the multi-role Helsing CA-1 Europa, which has just made its public debut.

Honda's adventure scooter refreshed for 2026

Honda's adventure scooter refreshed for 2026

MotorcyclesTransport

by Utkarsh Sood

Honda has launched the slightly tweaked version of the ADV350 scooter for the model year 2026. Not only does it have an agile motor, quality components, and solid underpinnings, but it also now gets fresh color options to sweeten the deal.

One of these four red flags is seen before 99.6% of heart attacks

One of these four red flags is seen before 99.6% of heart attacks

Heart DiseaseIllnesses and conditionsBody and Mind

by Bronwyn Thompson

In a massive international study, researchers identify four precise warning signs of a heart attack, stroke or heart failure, and understanding these measurable risk factors could help people understand their vulnerabilities long before a health event.

Camping kit packs a full kitchen for four into a case

Camping kit packs a full kitchen for four into a case

Outdoor CookingGearOutdoors

by Ben Coxworth

If you camp with other people on a regular basis, chances are you know someone who cooks better in the woods than you do at home. Well, the all-in-one Dialed Camp Kitchen setup could be your first step towards becoming such a person yourself.

Most versatile Brompton ebike ever ready to conquer the US

Most versatile Brompton ebike ever ready to conquer the US

BicyclesTransport

by Paul Ridden

Though iconic British cycling brand Brompton celebrating its 50th anniversary this year is certainly newsworthy, the release of its "metro to mountain" folding Electric G in the US is what's getting us in the party mood.

Not-so-small Kookaburra stretches the definition of a 'tiny house'

Not-so-small Kookaburra stretches the definition of a 'tiny house'

Tiny HousesOutdoors

by Adam Williams

Adapt Homes refers to its models as "not-so-tiny homes," and it's not exaggerating: its Kookaburra stretches the definition of a tiny house with an ultra-wide footprint that provides a light-filled, spacious interior for couples or a small family.

Get your next issue ad-free – and support our work: join New Atlas Plus!

Keep Reading

No posts found