If you're seeing spots before your eyes, you might just need to sit down for a bit – or perhaps urgently head for safety if those spots belong to a hungry big cat.
Scientists have been looking into exactly how spots and stripes form in nature, and believe that their "simple idea" could lead to improvements in materials design.
We've also got the first bikes past the starting gates of the EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, along with some worrying news for cheese lovers, and a smartphone with a cool twist.
Paul Ridden
Headliner
How animals really get their 'perfectly imperfect' spots and stripes
by Bronwyn Thompson
Spots and stripes serve many purposes in nature, but how they form has been more of a mystery. Now, researchers have advanced their breakthrough theory – and it could help us design materials that can respond to the environment and change color on demand.
Today’s newsletter sponsor
Choose the Right AI Tools
With thousands of AI tools available, how do you know which ones are worth your money? Subscribe to Mindstream and get our expert guide comparing 40+ popular AI tools. Discover which free options rival paid versions and when upgrading is essential. Stop overspending on tools you don't need and find the perfect AI stack for your workflow.
Highlights
Enormous skyscraper stacks multi-level gardens high above city streets
by Adam Williams
This remarkable tower looks likely to make a splash even in skyscraper-packed Dubai. Rising to 1,476 ft, it will feature four "SkyParks," allowing residents to escape from the heat and bustle of the city streets.
Norton's storied comeback is complete with 1200cc V4 Manx R supersport
by Utkarsh Sood
We've heard rumblings for a while, but the time is finally here. Norton Motorcycles’ revival is complete as the iconic British bikemaker launches the first of six new motorcycles. It’s called the Manx R, and it’s as proper a supersport as they come.
More Stories
Designer drug targets both heart disease and diabetes
by Paul McClure
A promising “two-in-one” experimental drug could tackle both type 2 diabetes and heart disease by slashing cholesterol and inflammation, potentially offering a powerful new way to protect the heart and improve metabolism.
Backwoods bunkhouse base camper stashes hideaway panoramic glasshouse
by C.C. Weiss
The new Keystone Walkabout feels like a cross between a typical American travel trailer and a hardcore Aussie off-roader. The split-personality rig is a rough-hewn adventure support vehicle outside, an exceptionally livable home-on-a-hitch inside.
Bird flu virus found surviving in certain cheeses
by Pranjal Malewar
A dangerous type of bird flu virus (called H5N1) continues to circulate among dairy cows in the US. Infected milk can expose other cows, pets, wild animals, and possibly humans to the virus, a potential threat beyond just the farm.
Royal Enfield's electric scrambler lands late 2026 with a ton of tech
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Royal Enfield's officially unveiled its Flying Flea S6 electric scrambler at EICMA 2025 in Milan, and it sure looks like a treat for folks willing to get it out onto their favorite trailheads.
Simple saliva test catches heart failure before you know you have it
by Bronwyn Thompson
In a breakthrough for diagnostics, scientists have created an effective and easy test that identifies a heart failure biomarker in saliva, opening the door to more rapid and accessible life-saving medical interventions for this disease – and others.
Special promotion for New Atlas readers
You can now own MS Office 2021 for less than a tank of gas
Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $39.97. No subscriptions, no recurring fees—just the full suite of essential apps you can install and use forever.
Slowing climate change by using aerosols to block sunlight? Maybe not such a good idea
by Malcolm Azania
Holy sun-repellant spray, Batman! Could injecting sunlight-dimming aerosols into the atmosphere save the planet from industrial climate destruction? A new Columbia Climate School report definitely suggests that caution is warranted.
Windows users are finally getting their version of Apple’s Magic Trackpad
by Maryna Holovnova
Years of waiting could soon be over for Windows users who’ve long envied Apple’s Magic Trackpad. Hyper, a California-based innovator with 20 years in the tech industry, introduced the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro on Kickstarter last month.
Indian Motorcycle's all-new Sport Scout RT doubles down on the Scout appeal
by Utkarsh Sood
Now that Indian is functioning as an independent bikemaker after Polaris sold a major stake in the American company, there will be even more eyes on it ... and the Sport Scout RT becomes the first bike in Indian Motorcycle's bold new adventure.
Remnants of a prehistoric 'proto-Earth' may still lurk beneath our feet
by Pranjal Malewar
Scientists have long wondered why Earth's overall makeup doesn't fully match the mix of materials found in ancient meteorites. For the first time researchers think they have found samples of rock from what is known as proto-Earth.
You can see the coolant flow through this phone for hardcore gamers
by Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Redmagic's 11 Pro features not one, but three cooling systems to keep temperatures low while you annihilate your foes in the most graphics-intensive games. One of those is an eye-catching industry first: liquid cooling that you can actually see.
Get your next issue ad-free – and support our work: join New Atlas Plus!