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
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.
DronesConsumer TechTechnology
Parachutes with hundreds of holes could enable safer drone deliveries
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.
ObesityIllnesses and conditionsBody and Mind
Being too thin linked to a higher death risk than excess weight
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.
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AutomotiveTransport
Review: 2025 Ford Bronco Stroppe leans hard into heritage
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?
BicyclesTransport
Modular cargo ebikes grow or shrink with changing family needs
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.
ArchitectureTechnology
Big, bold and beautiful: US college formed from stacked concrete blocks
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.
Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology
"Photon Life" projectors swap lamps for 4LED simplicity
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.
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Science
We finally know how the Venus fly trap turns touch into traps
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.
MotorcyclesTransport
New middleweight adventure bikes from unexpected Chinese bikemaker
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.
Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology
Tabletop projectors designed to take the hassle out of movie nights
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
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.
MotorcyclesTransport
Honda's adventure scooter refreshed for 2026
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.
Heart DiseaseIllnesses and conditionsBody and Mind
One of these four red flags is seen before 99.6% of heart attacks
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.
Outdoor CookingGearOutdoors
Camping kit packs a full kitchen for four into a case
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.
BicyclesTransport
Most versatile Brompton ebike ever ready to conquer the US
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.
Tiny HousesOutdoors
Not-so-small Kookaburra stretches the definition of a 'tiny house'
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.
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