Self-dying bacterial black leather paves the way for greener textiles

Bacteria-produced leather is already an eco-friendly alternative to its cow-derived counterpart, but it could soon be even eco-friendlier. Scientists have derived a method of getting the microbes to color the stuff themselves, eliminating the need for toxic dyes. Continue Reading … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Video: Talking Chinese humanoid is hot on the heels of OpenAI/Figure

Following in the footsteps of the GPT-enhanced Figure 01 humanoid we marveled at last month, China's UBTech has partnered with Baidu to give its new industrial Walker S humanoid the power of natural speech and real-time reasoning. Continue Reading Category: Robotics, Technology T … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Space Force orders orbital service station to revive dead satellites

A spacecraft about the size of a gas pump is being developed for the US Space Force program to refuel orbiting satellites. The goal is to extend the lifespan of craft that have run out of juice instead of simply decommissioning them. Continue Reading Category: Space, Science Tags … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

New one-and-done vaccine protects against multiple coronaviruses

A single-shot vaccine that protects against multiple coronaviruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, has been developed. It erased all viral traces from the lungs of animal subjects, opening a pathway for a similar human vaccine. Continue Reading Category: Medical, Science … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Bizarre six-wheel, all-terrain eVTOL launcher begins air certification

Chinese company AeroHT previewed some of the weirdest, and most potentially disruptive vehicles of 2023 at its parent company Xpeng's tech day last October. We had to stifle a giggle when we saw the Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC), an all-terrain van-like six-wheeler that carried and … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Watermelon overdose cases reveal a deadly risk to compromised kidneys

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a slurpy bite of watermelon on a hot day. With the US watermelon season fast approaching, many are looking forward to eating the naturally sweet fruit. And because watermelon is made up of 92% water, nothing in it can cause health problems, … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Once-in-a-lifetime 'Devil Comet' is now in view. Here’s how to see it

A huge comet will grace our skies over the next few months, putting on a grand show through binoculars or telescopes, and will even be visible to the naked eye. So how and when can you see it? Continue Reading Category: Space, Science Tags: Astronomy, Comets, How to | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

NASA awards contracts for three next-generation lunar vehicles

NASA has selected three companies to develop extreme off-road vehicles that astronauts will drive on the Moon during Artemis missions starting in 2030, awarding US$4.6 billion in contracts to Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost and Venturi Astrolab. Continue Reading Category: Space … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Roxon Flex modular multitool lets buyers choose their own bits

The Roxon Flex isn't like other multitools, in that you decide which tools it incorporates. Up to 10 tools can be added to the base unit, plus others can be purchased and swapped in as needed. Continue Reading Category: Outdoors, Lifestyle Tags: Multitools, Modular | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Toyota's stout, crazy-modular $12K tiny truck makes enticing mini-RV

First sneak-peeked in late 2022, the Toyota IMV 0 concept grew into one of the most modular vehicles to ever see its way out into the sunlight. And it quickly transformed from rugged, little concept to production sub-Hilux mini-truck as the Hilux Champ. Thai motorhome manufacture … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Air conditioners may help catch criminals, by snagging their DNA

Even if a criminal wears gloves, their cast-off DNA may still be present in a room's air after they leave. A new study suggests that if such telltale material gets sucked up by an air conditioner, it could let forensic investigators know if a suspect has or has not been in a cert … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Hyundai's DAL-e delivery bot takes on the morning coffee run

Hyundai and Kia are gunning for office mailroom jobs with the introduction of the DAL-e Delivery robot, that can not only distribute packages around a building autonomously, but can also do the coffee run too. Continue Reading Category: Robotics, Technology Tags: Hyundai, Kia, De … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Shipping container transformed into clever space-saving tiny house

Portuguese studio Madeiguincho has made superb use of an old shipping container by transforming it into an attractive tiny house. The firm heavily modified the humble metal box, adding a rooftop terrace and a space-saving interior that opens up to the outside. Continue Reading Ca … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Video: The very first Jet Suit Grand Prix takes off in Dubai

A new sport kicked away this month when the first ever jet-suit race was held in Dubai. Each racer wore an array of seven 130-hp jet engines (two on each arm and three in the backpack for a total 1,050 hp) that are controlled by hand-throttles. After that, the pilots use the thre … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Smartphone compass used to point to body chemistry

The magnetometer in your smartphone helps you navigate by powering the device's digital compass. Now researchers have found a way to use it to navigate body chemistry by reading your glucose levels, potentially making managing diabetes a lot easier. Continue Reading Category: Med … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Condor-inspired retrofit boosts wind turbine energy production by 10%

The Andean condor’s drag-reducing aerodynamic wings have inspired the creation of a winglet, which, when added to a wind turbine blade, boosted energy production by an average of 10%, according to a new study. Continue Reading Category: Energy, Science Tags: Wind turbine, Winglet … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Kombucha microbes break down fat stores like fasting – without the effort

It may not be to everyone's taste, but kombucha tea may be able to deliver the benefits of fasting, without the hardest part – the fasting itself. Researchers found that the when the yeasts and bacteria from the fermented, sweetened tea colonized the gut, they altered fat metabol … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Quarterhorse hypersonic aircraft program prepares to fly Mk1 prototype

Fast-tracking the hypersonic era, Hermeus has rolled out the next prototype of its program, to create a family of aircraft that can fly beyond Mach 5. The Quarterhorse Mk 1 is scheduled to fly later this year, testing its high-speed takeoffs and landings. Continue Reading Categor … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

VW's RooBadge blasts custom sound beams to scare off local wildlife

Volkswagen has announced the development of RooBadge, a device that emits species-specific sounds to drive away kangaroos and reduce the risk of animal collisions on Australian roads. There are plans to adapt the device to deter deer and other road-tripping wildlife worldwide. Co … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

World's most powerful MRI machine captures first stunning brain scans

The world’s most powerful MRI machine has started proving its worth, by scanning living human brains. The resulting images give an ultra high resolution glimpse into the brain, which will help us better understand the nature of consciousness and treat neurodegenerative diseases. … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

Photo gallery: Highlights from the 2024 New York International Auto Show

One of the largest automotive shows in the world, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) happens every year in New York City. For decades, it's been the home of the World Car of the Year awards and a fulcrum for automotive unveils in North America. Continue Reading Category … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 7 months ago

UV-emitting underwater glass kills microbes to stay clear

Scientists are using UV-emitting glass to keep problematic undersea biofilms at bay. And while we're not likely to see glass ship hulls anytime soon, the technology may find use in applications such as underwater viewing ports or camera lenses. Continue Reading Category: Material … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

World's lightest bamboo ebike takes all-in-one approach to commuting

Romanian e-mobility startup Diodra is laying claim to making the world's lightest ebike with a bamboo frame. The S3 tips the scales at 15 kg (33 lb) and features an all-in-one hub drive that includes motor and battery. Continue Reading Category: Bicycles, Transport Tags: Bamboo, … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Video: No-frills tiny house comes in larger size, still costs under $30k

Dragon Tiny Homes recently revealed its no-frills Element, which costs just US$23,500. The firm now has a new version up for sale which also doesn't break the bank but is significantly more spacious inside, making it more suitable for use as a full-time home. Continue Reading Cat … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

The $1,600 folding electric motorcycle and portable powerbank

It's one of the most important products of recent times, and it went on sale outside China for the first time this week. The Felo M1 is a folding motorcycle that almost perfectly mimics the capabilities of Honda's 1980s two-stroke Motocompo, without the petrol and oil smell ... a … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

GPT-4 is 82% more persuasive than humans, and AIs can now read emotions

GPT-4 is already better at changing people's minds than the average human is, according to new research. The gap widens the more it knows about us – and once it can see us in real time, AI seems likely to become an unprecedented persuasion machine. Continue Reading Category: Tech … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Younger generations have bigger brains – and it's impacting dementia

Bigger brains suggest better brain health and cognitive function. And since the 1930s, our brains have been growing in size. Now, a new study shows how this is affecting our risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Continue Reading Category: Medical, Science … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Video: Supersonic drone flies with revolutionary detonation engine

A supersonic drone that will be propelled by a revolutionary new engine has taken to the skies for the first time. When Venus Aerospace's aircraft does go supersonic on a later date, it will be powered by a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE). Continue Reading Category: Airc … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Human cells enter 'suspended animation' using tardigrade proteins

Tardigrades are famously tough little critters, and good for them – but what’s in it for us? We might now be closer to hijacking their superpowers for our own benefit, with a new study finding that tardigrade proteins can protect human cells from damage, potentially leading to ne … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

BLUETTI AC240 Arrives in Australia: Rugged all-weather outdoor power with IP65 protection

If you’re looking for a dependable power source that can withstand Australia's diverse climates, look no further than the BLUETTI AC240. Launching officially at 13:00 on April 2nd, this powerhouse comes armed with IP65 water resistance and dustproofing. It is the ultimate sidekic … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Scientists boost yields by sprinkling CO2-capturing rock dust on fields

The application of crushed rock to farmers' fields may not only reduce greenhouse gases, it could also boost crop yields by up to 16%. These are the findings of a new study conducted by scientists from the University of Sheffield’s Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation. … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

All-carbon 30-lb Urban Racer commuter ebike is ready to hit city streets

Ofiito's Urban Racer ebike features a full carbon frame, integrated automatic lighting, and a rear hub motor that can be removed when you just wanna go human-powered. What's more, the whole shebang is claimed to weigh a mere 30.2 lb (13.7 kg). Continue Reading Category: Bicycles, … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Hyundai gives Santa Cruz the off-road treatment in new XRT model

Hyundai has unveiled a new off-road model in the form of the 2025 Santa Cruz XRT. The automaker also showcased new designs for the Tucson crossover and the standard Santa Cruz truck last weekend at the New York International Auto Show. Continue Reading Category: Automotive, Trans … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Kube teardrop camper is a stunning panoramic pod ready for the Outback

Kimberley Kampers has been building some of Australia's most visually striking but still rugged camping trailers for 30 years. It's now shrinking its distinctive composite design down from family size to teardrop size. The new Kube is the company's take on the classic teardrop, o … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Introducing the world's largest electric motorcycle (with a 450-mile range)

Pitched as a near-future electric touring bike, the Felo TOOZ has a top speed of 125 mph, a hand-of-God mid-range, and a range of 720 kilometers per charge (450 miles). Those numbers suggest it will be one of the largest motorcycles on the road, regardless of engine type, because … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Inkunzi camper makes Toyota Land Cruiser one angry bull of a micro-RV

The Toyota Land Cruiser needs no introduction as one of the world's most capable, dependable off-road vehicles. We've seen some pretty impressive go-anywhere camper trucks that take advantage of that world-renowned capability, from compact, stealthy pop-tops to jaw-dropping expan … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Magnetic flashlights can go solo or unite to double the light

The Dynamic Duo "flashlight" is actually two flashlights – a wide-beam that illuminates a broad area, and a more focused narrow-beam. They can be used individually as needed, or magnetically joined together to form one dual-beam unit. Continue Reading Category: Outdoors, Lifestyl … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Star-Wars-inspired robot rolls on a round body and uses legs to steer

Inspired by the wheel-bodied battle droids from Star Wars, a scientist has created a robot that rolls along on one big wheel, using extendable legs to steer. Instead of smashing the Rebel Alliance, however, this bot's nimble descendants may one day be making deliveries. Continue … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Now we know: Dogs can sniff trauma recollections on our breath

Two dogs in a small study were able to correctly identify what breath smelled like when it was linked to a memory of trauma. The finding might allow dogs to be even better friends when it comes to helping PTSD sufferers cope with their conditions. Continue Reading Category: Healt … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Mirrorless goes micro with pocket-friendly travel camera

Colorful photo-tech inventor Samuel Mello Medeiros and camera/optics veteran Yashica have joined forces to create what's billed as the world's smallest mirrorless camera, the Micro Mirrorless Yashica – I'm Back. Continue Reading Category: Photography, Technology Tags: Kickstarter … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Ride-on Unicorn for kids could be the "killer app" educational companion

The latent potential for personal robotics became very real for me while I was strolling the halls of the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show this week. There are always good ideas at motor shows, except the good ideas at motor shows in developing regions seem to be far more af … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Inner-city home's unassuming exterior hides a light-filled oasis inside

This recently completed suburban Melbourne home by Australia's Austin Maynard Architects looks relatively unassuming at first glance. However, its plain boxy exterior belies a clever space-saving layout that opens up onto multiple gardens, filling the interior with natural light. … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Blazing bits transmitted 4.5 million times faster than broadband

An international research team has sent an astounding amount of data at a nearly incomprehensible speed. It's the fastest data transmission ever using a single optical fiber and shows just how speedy the process can get using current materials. Continue Reading Category: Technolo … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Emo senses your smile before it happens and responds in kind

A robot called Emo that senses when a human is about to smile and simultaneously responds with one of its own could represent a big step towards developing robots with enhanced communication skills more conducive to building human trust, a new study suggests. Continue Reading Cat … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Hair-loss treatment found in cinnamon

A component of the aromatic spice cinnamon caused hair follicles to sprout in the lab, with researchers now set on developing a novel treatment to reverse hair loss through the use of natural compounds. Continue Reading Category: Science Tags: Hair, Baldness, Yokohama National Un … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Gravity curbside EV chargers zap 200 miles in under 15 minutes

Gravity Technologies is working hard to make electric vehicle charging faster and more widely available, particularly in populous cities like its home base of New York. Just weeks removed from launching the fastest charging station in the United States, it's revealed new 200-kW c … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Brain tumors 5x more likely when taking common contraceptives

Taking certain common contraceptive hormones for a year or more is associated with an increased risk of developing a brain tumor that requires surgical removal, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for women to review their contraceptive medications regularly … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago

Stealthy Royal Navy ships will be hidden by stealthier decoy launchers

The Royal Navy is banking a state-of-the-art launcher to protect its stealthy ships with even stealthier, hush-hush decoys. The £135 million (US$170 million) Ancilia Trainable Decoy Launcher project will counter the latest missile and drone threats. Continue Reading Category: Mil … | Continue reading


@newatlas.com | 8 months ago