Hi all, Loz here! The best parts of this gig for me have always been going to a place and doing a thing, so it’s great to run a couple stories today where we’ve had writers on the scene.
Karsh took a trip over to the TVS factory in India, where the storied Norton brand is set to be resurrected. And in his very first story for New Atlas, Barry Divola popped in to Fender Japan for the launch of a very odd guitar.
Otherwise, it’s a pretty diverse box of chocolates for you today spanning everything from history, to gadgets, to big and small transport ideas… And it’s not often that we get to bust out the phrase “pickleball-related eye trauma.”
Enjoy! The newsletter, not the trauma.
😀
Loz Blain
Headliner
Everything we know about the company behind Norton Motorcycles' revival
by Utkarsh Sood
Norton Motorcycles is as iconic a British brand as one can get. Its acquisition by TVS Motor Company, India’s third-largest motorcycle manufacturer, in April 2020 was seen as a turning page in Norton’s story. But what about the company that bought it?
Highlights
Diet & NutritionWellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Most 'gluten sensitivity' is not actually caused by gluten
by Bronwyn Thompson
For years, millions of people have sworn that gluten makes them ill – even if they've returned negative results when tested for coeliac disease. Now, researchers have found that it's far more complicated, and gluten itself may not be the culprit.
Transport
Bringing trains back: Rail's surprising role in a sustainable future
by Chelsea Haney
In a world looking to reduce carbon emissions, there are growing calls to look back to trains. Not as a nostalgic nod to the past, but as a cornerstone of climate strategy. Rail isn’t only about efficiency, but also equity and reconnecting rural regions.
More Stories
ArchitectureTechnology
Power lines go wild with giant animal pylons
by Adam Williams
Nobody really enjoys seeing power lines, but maybe they could be turned from an eyesore into a local point of pride. Such is the thinking behind this creative project that transforms power line pylons into huge animal sculptures.
SleepWellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Bright light at night is hell on your heart, says new large study
by Michael Franco
After examining 13 million hours of light exposure data, researchers found that experiencing bright light during the dark hours can significantly increase the risk of heart failure and heart attack. The effect was most notable in younger adults.
Tiny HousesOutdoors
Storage-packed Caladenia tiny house makes downsizing simple
by Adam Williams
The Caladenia tiny house features a well-designed interior with ample storage that's suitable for up to two people. The home also comes with lots of options, including full off-the-grid functionality.
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MusicConsumer TechTechnology
Fender’s Godzilla Strat: Monster guitar, politely placed jack
by Barry Divola
Fender's Masterbuilt Godzilla guitar incorporates some interesting and unique electronics, and an iconic look like no other. But it was missing a certain 'wakarimasen...' Until now. You're welcome.
HistoryScience
The bug that defeated Napoleon's army in Russia isn't what we thought
by Michael Franco
One of the first events to signal the collapse of Napoleon's reign was his crushing defeat after an invasion of Russia in 1812. Researchers have long thought that the disease typhus played a role, but modern DNA analysis paints a different picture.
BicyclesTransport
Comfy custom-fit saddle is 3D-printed according to data from your butt
by Ben Coxworth
3D-printed bike saddles in general are known to be comfier than their regular counterparts, but they should become even more so if they're made to order. That's the thinking behind the Personomic saddle, which is printed to fit the butt of each individual cyclist.
Mobile TechnologyConsumer TechTechnology
Color ePaper digital notebook can morph into mobile workstation
by Paul Ridden
Boox has launched an updated version of its 10.3-inch color e-note, adding "seamless connectivity" with a folio keyboard, upgrading the pen stylus and bumping up to Android 15. There's also a pocket-friendly color ePaper device with 5G connectivity.
Consumer TechTechnology
Review: Thumb-sized thermal camera turns your phone into a smart tool
by Bronwyn Thompson
The Thermal Master P3 has emerged as one of the most promising compact heat-seeking cameras of 2025, managing to pack professional-level performance into a thumb-sized device for a third of the price of other imagers. There's a reason for the praise.
Wellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Pickleball’s popularity sparks surge in serious eye injuries
by Paul McClure
Pickleball’s boom has brought an unexpected side effect: a surge in serious eye injuries. A new study has revealed a sharp rise in pickleball-related eye trauma, promoting calls for protective eyewear standards.
MotorcyclesTransport
Indian Motorcycle turns independent after Polaris sell-off
by Utkarsh Sood
“Polaris and Indian Motorcycle both stand to benefit from this deal…” tipped Polaris Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen after it was revealed that it had sold a major chunk of its share in Indian Motorcycle to Carolwood LP, a private equity firm.
Wellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Cardamom extract shows promise as a natural antiviral treatment
by Paul McClure
A humble kitchen spice could pack a powerful antiviral punch. Researchers have found that compounds in cardamom seeds can trigger the body’s virus-detecting systems, potentially paving the way for natural cold and flu treatments.
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