Spy technology can ID people through walls based on their … Wi-Fi signals?
The idea of using Wi-Fi signals to identify a person through a wall sounds like something out of a Mission: Impossible movie. In fact, it’s a new piece of research coming out of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Here's how it works and why it could be useful.
UPS gets FAA clearance to roll out a fleet of delivery drones
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave UPS the go-ahead to create a fleet of drones to deliver packages with very few limitations on Tuesday, the first time it's given such broad permission to a delivery company to essentially create a new drone airline.
What is quantum computing? The next era of computational evolution, explained
Quantum computing is becoming an increasingly important topic in the world of computing. But what is it really? Will it someday replace normal computers? Here is a guide on how quantum computers use quantum mechanics in their qubit hardware to revolutionize technology.
Google’s Jacquard fabric tech now comes in two Levi’s jacket styles, costs less
Google and Levi's have partnered up again to produce two denim jackets with Jacquard technology woven in, allowing you to make gestures to control functions on your phone. The price of the jacket has been lowered, making it more accessible, and the styles offer up more choice.
Planet Nine could be a miniature black hole hiding in our solar system
The concept of a ninth planet in our solar system captured the public's imagination and gained steam when astronomers found more evidence in support of its existence. Now, a different team has suggested that the strange body we're seeing evidence of is not a planet but a miniature black hole.
Artificial skin gives haptic feedback, could let you feel VR
Researchers have come up with a flexible artificial skin which can provide haptic feedback and could be used for everything from VR to medical rehabilitation. The skin is made of silicone and electrodes and can conform to shapes such as a wrist to provide feedback in the form of pressure or vibration.
Upcoming space telescope can pick out distant exoplanets against glare of stars
For the last few years, NASA has been working away a new space telescope even more advanced than Hubble. The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope was announced in 2016 and will have 100 times the field of view of the Hubble. Now, NASA has shared an update on WFIRST and how its coronagraph will operate.
SpaceX unveils its stunning, shiny, stainless steel-clad Starship
SpaceX has unveiled is next-generation rocket, the Starship, and it's a stainless steel stunner. The prototype, called the Starship Mk1, sits at 50 meters tall with a diameter of 9 meters and will be powered by a total of 37 engines. It will have both a resuable first stage and a reusable second stage.
How facial recognition is helping astronomers reveal the secrets of dark matter
Could the same A.I. technology that is used to unlock people’s smartphones also help unlock the potential secrets of the universe? It sounds crazy, but that’s exactly what researchers from ETH Zurich in Switzerland are working to achieve. Here's what they have developed.
Strange radio bursts shed light on mysterious galactic halos
In a galactic version of killing two birds with one stone, astronomers have come up with a way to investigate two puzzling cosmic phenomena at the same time. They observed a fast radio burst from a distant galaxy which passed through a galactic halo, shedding light on both the bursts and the halo.
SpaceX shows off its new Starship tonight. Here’s how to watch
Today we should get a first look at SpaceX's Starship project, a reusable rocket for carrying cargo and crew "to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and anywhere else in the solar system." We're expecting an announcement from Elon Musk tonight, and you can watch the livestream here from 8 p.m. EST.
Stunning image shows astronaut’s-eye view of rocket approaching the ISS
This week a new group of astronauts headed for the International Space Station. Astronaut Christina Koch was looking forward to being joined by her best friend and fellow NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, so she decided to capture an image of the incoming craft from her perspective on board the ISS.
Autobots, roll out: NASA creates transforming robot for exploring Titan
Finally, the future that children of the '80s want to see is on its way. NASA is working on its very own Transformer -- a bot called Shapeshifter made up of smaller robots which can combine into different configurations to roll, swim, fly, and float. It is a prototype for exploring Saturn's moon Titan.
CDC says THC cartridges are likely behind vaping deaths and illnesses
Counterfeit THC cartridges have long been suspected as the main culprit behind a rash of vaping-related lung illnesses and at least 12 deaths, but it wasn't until Friday that the CDC put the blame on THC products for the outbreak. At least 805 people have suffered lung damage due to e-cigarettes.
Washington becomes the latest state to seek ban of flavored vaping products
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has proposed a ban on all flavored vaping products, including those that contain THC. An outbreak of lung illnesses and at least 12 deaths have been linked to e-cigarettes, especially those containing THC. Other states with similar bans include New York and Michigan.
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing could one day ‘turn off’ HIV virus in the body
A cure for HIV? Researchers from the University of California -- San Diego School of Medicine have proposed a new genetic-sequencing approach that could provide a kill switch to clear out dormant HIV reservoirs inside cells. Here's how it works -- and what happens from here.
Airline’s online booking tool helps you avoid screaming babies on flights
Japan Airlines passengers who always seem to end up seated close to a screaming baby now have a way to avoid such a scenario. The carrier’s booking site has begun showing the seating location of infants, so you can choose one further away. Now we just need a way to avoid annoying adults.
Earth has a food waste problem. Can giant, solar-powered refrigerators help?
There’s a problem with food waste in developing countries that can’t be fixed by buying a fridge. Farmer Nnaemeka C. Ikegwuonu created ColdHubs, solar-powered rooms that extend the shelf life of produce. With the potential to reduce food waste worldwide, places in Africa are already reaping the benefits.
Digital Trends Live: Amazon’s wearables, Facebook’s VR, McDonald’s Beyond Burger
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, hosts Greg Nibler and Ryan Waniata dig into the biggest trending stories in tech, including Amazon’s new wearables, Facebook’s Horizon VR, McDonald’s goes Beyond Burger, Kevin Feige goes Star Wars, and more.
See what a black hole looks like up close in NASA’s incredible new visualization
NASA released a visualization of what a warped black hole might look like, and it’s mesmerizing to see. The video simulates how a black hole’s dense gravity would distort our view, resulting in a warped image that resembles a reflection in a carnival mirror.
Stimulating implant could speed up recovery from devastating nerve injuries
Peripheral nerve injuries can be devastating. However, a new implantable device developed by researchers at Harvard and MIT could prove to be a medical game-changer. Here is how the nerve-stimulating implant works -- and what this could mean for future patient outcomes.
15-ton fighting robot now for sale on eBay, but watch out for shipping costs
Robot fighting company MegaBots' beautiful dream is coming to an end. And, while that's sad on multiple levels, it's great news for anyone who wants to buy a 15-ton fighting mech on eBay for way less than it cost to develop. Here's what it does, and how you can get your hands on it.
Opinion: Amazon is pushing us toward a screenless future, and I kinda love it
Amazon seems to be steering us toward a world that isn’t so dominated by glowing, blinking, attention-stealing screens -- and that’s something I think we can all get behind.
Thanks to iris scanning, refugees can get the food they need at a glance
For humanitarian organizations trying to deliver aid to refugees, the lack of identification can be a quagmire. The United Nations' World Food Programme has deployed a technological solution, using iris scanning and Blockchain to help refugees get food quickly and easily.
Amazon Echo Frames, Loop, and Buds hands-on Review: More Alexa to love
Amazon is going all-in on spy gear with all the new gear they announced at its September 2019 event. With the announcement of the Echo Frames, Echo Loop, and Echo Buds, it means that there are many more ways to love Amzon's Alexa with these new gadgets. We checked them all out to see they're practical.
Digital Trends Live: Amazon event coverage, Mario Kart mobile, and more
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, hosts Greg Nibler and Dan Gaul discuss the biggest trending stories in tech, including coverage of the Amazon Event, a new “surround screen” is announced, a mind-reading wristband from Facebook, Mario Kart mobile is out, and more.
Amazon’s new Echo Frames smartglasses have Alexa, but that’s about it
Amazon announced new Alexa-enabled smart glasses during Wednesday’s Amazon Devices Event. The Echo Frames look like normal glasses and can be tailored to your individual prescription, but unlike other smart frames, they don’t have a camera or display within the frames -- just Alexa capabilities.
Uber investigators were forbidden from reporting criminal allegations to police
A new report reveals that Uber's internal investigation team that handles customer complaints of crimes like sexual assault and rape are “forbidden” from reporting allegations against drivers to authorities. Uber won’t remove a driver from the platform unless they get three strikes for “bad behavior.”
New flying fish-inspired robot uses explosive water farts for propulsion
Researchers from Imperial College London and the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have built a flying fish-inspired swimming robot that can propel itself out of the water and glide for distances of 85 feet at a time. Check it out in action.
First astronaut from the UAE launches with crew to International Space Station
Three astronauts launched Wednesday to the International Space Station, including the first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hazza Ali Almansoori is one of only two astronauts in the Emirati Space Agency and will make the UAE the 40th country to fly a citizen to the ISS.
Pack your utensils: There will be macaroni and cheese on Mars
Worried about astronauts missing their macaroni and cheese in space? Scientists at Washington State University have got your back. They have developed new technology for extending the shelf life of ready-to-eat mac and cheese for up to three years. And Mars travel is the reason.
Juul’s CEO steps down amid federal investigations into the e-cigarette giant
Juul Labs CEO Kevin Burns stepped down from his position at the e-cigarette company amid widespread vaping-related illnesses and deaths, along with multiple investigations into the company by federal agencies. K.C. Crosthwaite will replace Burns as CEO effective immediately.
Waiting in the wings: How drones are revolutionizing the battle against hunger
How do you use drones to save lives following a disaster? The World Food Programme, the food-assistance branch of the United Nations, is doing its bit to use drone technology to help humanity. Here are some of the ways that it is using unmanned aerial vehicles right now.
Massachusetts becomes the latest state to enact a ban on e-cigarettes
Massachusetts is the fourth state to ban vaping amid an outbreak of vaping-related illnesses. Governor Charlie Baker announced a four-month ban on the sale of all vaping products in the state. Baker called the recent diseases and deaths related to vaping a “public health emergency.”