Hi all! Loz here again.
As we keep tweaking the newsletter system, I thought I might selfishly drop a story I just wrote into today’s headliner slot. I’m supposed to be buried in spreadsheets running the business, but I simply can’t resist a good, weird “reinventing the wheel” story, so I dusted off the ol’ writer’s hat for a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed myself exploring this very odd mechanical invention.
That one’s a long shot, for sure – but getting closer to the realm of reality is Paul McClure’s piece on a remarkable new way to control obesity and diabetes – researchers have found a single gene that, when switched off in mice, boosted their metabolism to the point where they easily burned off a high-fat diet, with reduced inflammation and a range of other promising health benefits. Why do mice get all the best new medicines? They’re not even the ones getting fat. 😉
Elsewhere, CC has dug up a 450-mile, range-extended electric RV, Paul Ridden’s found a giant deep-sea claw machine, and Ben’s looking at a bike helmet packed with ball bearings that… Allegedly make it safer?
Drop us a line if you get wind of any other next-gen innovations we should take a look at! 🙂
Loz Blain
Managing Director, Gizmag/New Atlas
Headliner
Direct-push wheel design would replace the whole drivetrain
by Loz Blain
I'm a sucker for a good "reinventing the wheel" story, and David Henson's 'SurfacePlan' concept is an odd a take on one of humanity's greatest inventions as we've seen in a long time. It's designed to replace engines and drivetrains altogether.
Today’s newsletter sponsor
A Titanium Frying Pan with a 100-Year Warranty? This Company Actually Built It
Titaner's latest project, the 5-Layer Titanium Frying Pan, is now on Kickstarter — and it’s pitched as a lifetime solution to the problems that plague most cookware: coatings that peel, pans that warp, and meals ruined by uneven heating.
Today’s highlights
Enzyme behind diet-induced obesity and diabetes can be ‘switched off’
by Paul McClure
Switching off a single enzyme in immune cells protected mice from obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease in a new study, offering a potential new treatment target for metabolic disorders.
"Super-safe" bike helmet sports ball bearings and breakaway panels
by Ben Coxworth
Foam may protect you from whacks on the head, but it's not sufficient when you're cycling at speed. That's where RLS bike helmet tech comes in. It offers 4x the concussion protection of a regular helmet, via ball bearings and pop-off panels.
Brilliant 450-mile RV puts range-extended EV tech to its best use yet
by C.C. Weiss
Thor Industries has introduced the Entegra Embark, the market's first range-extended Class A electric motorhome. More than just a breakthrough powertrain, the new large motorhome boasts an impressive build with European-inspired interior design.
More stories
DJI gets the shrink on, with its new Osmo Nano actioncam
by Ben Coxworth
DJI continues its foray into the world of actioncams in a big way – or actually, in a small way – with its tiniest camera yet, the Osmo Nano. The tyke can be magnetically mounted on hats or other clothing, and is waterproof down to 10 m (33 ft).
Nissan unveils new 2026 Sentra with more tech, style
by Aaron Turpen
Nissan has given a full remodel to the Sentra for the 2026 model year. Changes include new styling, tech, and the return of the top end SL trim.
Autonomous diving robot gets to grips with seabed trash
by Paul Ridden
Imagine an oversized claw machine at an arcade, but instead of trying to grab cheap toys, your prize is the assortment of waste that sinks to the bottom of the sea. That's essentially what an autonomous robot has been doing at Marseille recently.
Budget electric motorcycle packs radar, dashcams, and a ton of torque
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Indian electric motorcycle upstart Ultraviolette has just unveiled the X-47, a versatile tourer and commuter with a raft of tech features, comfy ergonomics, seriously impressive range, and an ungodly 450 lb.ft of torque for a spirited ride.
Rivers get heatwaves too, and they're coming on strong
by Michael Franco
A study examining nearly 1,500 river sites in the US between 1980 and 2022 has shown that river heatwaves are happening up to four times faster than air heatwaves and lasting nearly twice as long. The finding has major implications for aquatic life.
Nano-cubosome eyedrops target macular degeneration without needles
by Bronwyn Thompson
Scientists have developed a new eyedrop that can ferry protective compounds all the way to the retina, paving the way for a less-invasive – and injection-free – method of managing sight-stealing diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.
GoPro's new 360-degree action cam does 8K video with twist-off lenses
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
It's been six years since GoPro refreshed its 360-degree action cam, and the new model brings plenty of new features and thoughtfully updated hardware. The Max2 promises 21% more resolution than than competing models, and easily replaceable lenses.
Get your next issue ad-free – and support our work: join New Atlas Plus!