Headliner
World’s first crewed solid-state flight electrifies aviation's future
by Omar Kardoudi
A crewed aircraft named the Helios Horizon has flown on solid-state batteries for the first time, logging a 60% energy density leap over lithium-ion that could finally make commercial electric aviation a reality.
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Highlights
MotorcyclesTransport
This 'beginner' electric moto costs $38K, and I'm confused
by Utkarsh Sood
Usually, when you’d talk about beginner motorcycles, you’d think of lightweight, low-speed, and most importantly, low-cost options – of which there are plenty. This one, though, is priced at €31,951.50 (around US$38,000)!
Technology
Modular astrophotography system promises fuss-free full-frame stargazing
by Monica J. White
Startup ArcBlue is offering a pre-Kickstarter look at an astrophotography system named the C42 built around a full-frame Sony sensor, modular lens support, guided tracking and automation designed to simplify serious deep-sky imaging.
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GearOutdoors
Olight torch throwdown: One of these slim flashlights is our new go-to
by Joe Salas
I'm a bit of a flashlight hoarder. Bike lights, work lights, EDC lights, head lamps, even night vision ... I have far too many, but try as I might, I can't seem to get rid of them.
CampervansAdventure VehiclesOutdoors
Airstream's cheapest camper van goes full chameleon with flex layout
by C.C. Weiss
Airstream expands its most affordable camper van series with the new 21PL. The newest member of the Rangeline family features a floor plan that's every bit as capable and comfortable for 4 people as it is for 2, without any need for a pop-up roof.
BicyclesTransport
Light-packin' mesh intercom helmet connects up to 15 cyclists at once
by Maryna Holovnova
Modern smart helmets are designed to improve visibility and cycling safety. The new helmet from Lumos keeps all the lighting features but also introduces an innovative intercom system to make group rides more fun, connected, and safe.
Consumer TechTechnology
Compact e-reader now lets you handwrite notes and lists on-the-go
by Bronwyn Thompson
BOOX has launched its Go 6 (Gen II) e-reader, which now features pen- and pencil-like handwriting capabilities and a notes app packed with useful templates. These productivity features take this model to the next level – all for less than $200.
RoboticsEngineering
Soft robots get a tiny soft pump to move their bodies
by Etiido Uko
Soft robots have a “cardiovascular” problem. While their bodies can deform, their hearts, the pumps that keep them moving, have remained bulky and rigid. Researchers have developed a tiny, powerful pump that doesn’t require any mechanical components.
Tiny HousesOutdoors
Tiny house opens up to the outside with dual-door design
by Adam Williams
Living in as small a space as a tiny house can sometimes feel a little claustrophobic, but the Kanuka tackles this by opening up to the outside with two double glass door entrances, filling the home with natural light.
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Refractor: Science & Health
Please note that articles listed in this section will open at our sister site: Refractor
Diet & NutritionWellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Booze, junk food and evolution: How modern life scrambles ancient signals
by Bronwyn Thompson
Grabbing that late-night kebab or pizza slice after a few drinks may not be a sign of poor willpower, but a biological drive that once would have seen us seek protein but now leads us straight into the comforting arms of savory ultra-processed foods.
Diet & NutritionWellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Cause of inflammatory bowel disease discovered in traitorous antibody
by Mike McRae
For the first time, researchers have linked a gene thought to be responsible for ulcerative colitis with a mechanism of attack, opening the way to new diagnostic tools and opportunities for more targeted treatment.
Diet & NutritionWellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Sound waves make high-quality espresso coffee without the energy
by Bronwyn Thompson
A novel way to brew coffee without boiling water or high pressure harnesses the power of sound waves, slashing time and energy.
EnvironmentScience
Wild mystery: Koalas all but vanished from Earth 100,000 years ago
by The Conversation
The marsupial may be a rare find in the wild these days, but they've nearly been wiped off the planet before. This study rewrites our understanding of the genetic history of koalas – and overturns the theories about what caused their ancient decline.
Wellness and Healthy LivingBody and Mind
Safer, more lightweight sunscreen approved for the US – first
by Bronwyn Thompson
The US has broken a two-decade drought with the Food and Drug Administration adding bemotrizinol to the list of approved active ingredients that can be used in sunscreen, paving the way for more effective protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Elsewhere
The whole is more than the sum of its parts: A fascinating look at "the wonderful benefits bestowed on us by animals from our evolutionary past."
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