Headliner
How a steam-powered moto became the second-fastest bike in the world
by Utkarsh Sood
For most people, it’s hard to fathom what true speed on a motorcycle actually feels like. It's even harder to imagine what it would be like to be atop a steam-powered bike that covers a quarter of a mile at 192.94 mph (310.5 km/h) in just 5.503 seconds.
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Highlights
ArchitectureEngineering
Mud-covered shipping container project tackles metal boxes' major flaw
by Adam Williams
Shipping containers can be turned into everything from tiny houses to museums, but they all share one flaw: poor thermal performance. The Petti Restaurant mitigates this by covering the containers in mud.
Engineering
A remarkably different look for high-efficiency solar panels
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Solar panels can grossly detract from the look of many buildings and roofs. A new type of coating can add colors and intricate patterns to these panels, allowing them to blend in beautifully – without affecting efficiency by more than 5%.
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More Stories
Tiny HousesOutdoors
Extra-wide tiny house provides apartment-like living for two
by Adam Williams
This extra-wide tiny house uses its increased width not to sleep more people or squeeze in extra features, but to create an open, apartment-like home for two. It also has lots of upgrades available and can be configured to run off-grid.
PetsConsumer TechTechnology
Flat-faced dogs receive life-changing jab that could also benefit humans
by Bronwyn Thompson
A new injection that strengthens a mouth muscle may have a life-changing impact on the 90% of dogs that suffer from chronic respiratory issues. It has the potential to provide these flat-faced pooches with happier and longer lives, without surgery.
Around The HomeConsumer TechTechnology
AI-boosted infrared cooker gives you real grilled flavor indoors
by Maryna Holovnova
Modern technologies continue to make everyday cooking more hands-off. Cozytime Lumo is a new infrared indoor grill designed to prepare meals with minimal supervision and easy cleanup, and it is currently available for backing on Kickstarter.
MotorcyclesTransport
Futuristic EV trike is trying to replace your bike – and maybe even your car
by Utkarsh Sood
Safety is a double-edged sword on motorcycles. Between the thrill of being on a bike and ensuring you’re safe out on the road, it’s a subtle balancing act. This unique three-wheeled electric leaning motorcycle tries to redefine motorcycle safety.
Outdoors
DJI shrinks its 1-kWh power station into an impossibly small box
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
DJI's latest product for camping makes it a lot easier than before to power your electronics on the road. Its new 1-kWh power station is tiny for its battery capacity, so you can carry it easily and have room left for other gear.
Space SystemsEngineering
10-cm Japanese origami CubeSat unfolds to 25X its folded size
by Malcolm Azania
On April 23, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched several satellites into low-Earth orbit including a 10-cm (3.9-inch) "origami" cube satellite with a reflectarray antenna that unfurls, origami-like, to 25 times its size when folded.
Home EntertainmentConsumer TechTechnology
The thinnest wireless OLED TV money can buy is now available
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Since 2017, LG's been hard at work perfecting the wallpaper TV, a screen that practically blends into your space with all of its components crammed into an impossibly thin form factor. Its latest iteration is now available to pre-order.
MotorcyclesTransport
QJMotor eyes beginner segment with 125cc enduro and supermoto
by Utkarsh Sood
QJMotor's latest COV 125 siblings look like the perfect beginner motorcycles. But these bikes are stepping into one of the most fiercely contested segments in motorcycling. Can affordable pricing alone be enough to sway buyers away from legacy brands?
GearOutdoors
1/4-ton glamping chair aims to be the cushiest seat at the campfire
by C.C. Weiss
Hest puts its expertise in memory-foam camp mattresses to work in building a cushioned folding camping chair that elevates base camp comfort closer to the level of cushioned patio furniture. It truly looks to be "home comfort built for the outdoors."
Refractor: Science & Health
Please note that articles listed in this section will open at our sister site: Refractor
ArchaeologyScience
Neanderthal babies grew twice as fast as today’s toddlers
by Jay Kakade
While modern humans follow a steady growth pattern, Neanderthals may have reached physical and brain maturity much earlier. Dental and skeletal remains show that 6-month-old Neanderthal babies grew to be as large as 14-month-old humans.
Science
Are chatbots eroding our thinking skills?
by Simon Spichak
Despite the headlines, there’s limited evidence that using large language models – like Claude and ChatGPT – is rotting the brain. But there’s enough cause for concern.
Elsewhere
🚂 China's colossal train station spans over 160 football fields!
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