Lex is a wearable exoskeleton that lets you take a comfortable seat anywhere
How awesome would it be if, any time you started to feel tired, you could just kick back on a chair that appears seemingly out of nowhere? That is the goal of Lex, a pair of wearable, folding exoskeleton legs that transform into an ultra-versatile portable seat.
5 reasons why you shouldn’t be surprised Elon Musk smoked weed
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently smoked weed during a recorded interview with Joe Rogan. Are you surprised? You shouldn't be. Ever since Elon has been in the public eye, he's done all kinds of things that should've tipped you off and tipped you off that he gets down.
Do we call it a roboat? An autonomous sailboat successfully crosses Atlantic Ocean
The first unmanned, autonomous sailboat has successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean, completing the journey between Newfoundland and Ireland. It represents a landmark for the potential use of unmanned boats in long-haul missions, such as ocean research and surveillance.
These haunting anatomical images turn vertebrates inside out
Two new imaging techniques developed by researchers at the University of Kansas blend science and art in a haunting and captivating way. The techniques allow for photos to be taken of 50-plus-year-old vertebrate specimens, depicting the intricacies of their anatomy.
New technique combines organic and synthetic tech to harness the sun’s energy
Researchers have pioneered a new way to harness the sun’s energy. By combining organic and synthetic parts in a process called semi-artificial photosynthesis, they’ve developed a proof of concept that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using modified photosynthetic mechanisms from plants.
You don’t need scuba certification to use this clever crowdfunded diving system
Hey, we just found Nemo! Newly arrived on Kickstarter, Nemo is a super-compact surface-supplied-air (SSA) diving system that allows users to dive beneath the waves (or use in their swimming pool) without having to worry about carrying a bulky tank on their back. Here's how it works.
High-res thermal cameras used in ’Planet Earth II’ now found in British tanks
The British Army’s tanks are getting a technology upgrade -- and it’s courtesy of the same thermal imaging technology that previously helped bring David Attenborough’s jaw-dropping series of 'Planet Earth II' wildlife documentaries to life. Here's why that is so exciting.
Who needs ink cartridges? Harvard’s acoustic printer can spit out honey or cells
Scientists from Harvard University have pioneered a way to use sound waves to make it possible to print with virtually any liquid imaginable. That includes everything from human cells and liquid metal to optical resins and even honey. Here's why this breakthrough is so exciting.
This golf course’s delivery drone flies the 19th hole to you
Drone delivery services are yet to take off in a big way because of strict safety rules that prevent flights near people and buildings. So how about the open spaces of golf courses? Flytrex thinks it's seen a gap in the market, and is about to start testing a drone delivery service at a course in the U.S.
Meet the autonomous starfish assassin bot that’s here to protect coral reefs
RangerBot is an underwater robot that's designed to look after the world’s largest coral reef system by seeking out troublesome starfish and killing them with a lethal cocktail of drugs. Seriously. Here's how it works, and why this could be the future of marine conservation.
U.S. Army wants to use laser power to keep drones airborne indefinitely
Fed up with drones that run out battery too quickly? The U.S. Army is investigating a way to keep drones flying indefinitely -- by using lasers to power them from a distance of more than 1,600 feet. Here's how the sophisticated wireless charging technique is designed to work.
Space Station hole may have been made by ‘someone with a drill’
A hole discovered aboard a spacecraft docked at the International Space Station was originally thought to have been caused by a collision with a meteorite fragment. But the head of Russia’s space agency this week dismissed the theory as impossible, suggesting it was likely caused by someone with a drill.
Award-winning robot travels through water pipes to detect leaks
A shocking amount of clean water is wasted each year as the result of leaky pipes. A new soft robot may be able to help -- and it has just netted the 2018 James Dyson Award, a design competition to celebrate up-and-coming inventors. Here's how the Lighthouse robot works.
Amazon’s third checkout-free Amazon Go store is now open in Seattle
Amazon has opened its third checkout-less Amazon Go convenience store, which spares shoppers from having to wait in line to pay for items, in Seattle. The expansion shows Amazon is pleased with the operation of its technology, which includes numerous cameras and sensors to track shoppers' purchases.
CRISPR halts fatal genetic disease in dogs, could soon do the same in humans
Scientists from the University of Texas Southwestern have showcased another potentially transformative use case for CRISPR gene-editing technology: Halting the progress of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs. One day, it could potentially do the same in humans, too. Here's why that's so exciting.
Hate dental checkups? This app lets you check your smile by snapping a few selfies
Hate going to the dentist for regular checkups? Imagine how much easier life would be if getting your teeth checked out was as simple as taking a few mouth selfies and sending them off for a remote evaluation by a real dentist. It turns out that there's an app for that.
A brain scan could help reveal if a person is a suicide risk
Could a brain scan reveal a person's risk of suicide? Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have been awarded a $3.8 million grant to use brain imaging and machine learning technology to help clinicians detect and treat suicidal patients.
Asteroid mining is almost reality. What to know about the gold rush in space
Mining resources from asteroids may sound like the stuff of science fiction, but it could be well on its way to becoming science fact. What will be mined? Why do we want this? And who are the big names to watch out for? Check out our beginner's guide to all things space rock-drilling.
This autonomous drone ambulance concept won its creator a $20,000 prize
An Italian creator has won a $20,000 prize for his unique drone ambulance design that could one day become a reality. The large autonomous quadcopter would be capable of carrying a person to safety using its built in pod, and be powered by special technology giving it a range of up to 95 miles.
Japan preps first test for its awesome ‘space elevator’
Japan is preparing to carry out the first test in space for a so-called “space elevator” that could one day transport people and cargo to orbiting stations way above Earth. Several organizations are looking into the feasibility of the project, with one group aiming for an ambitious-sounding 2050 launch.
Robots can peer pressure kids, but don’t think for a second that we’re immune
In a recent experiment, researchers from Germany and the U.K. demonstrated how kids can succumb to peer pressure from robots, even when this means denying facts which are patently obvious. But don't think for a second that grown adults are immune to similar effects. Here's why.
Can this tabletop Krups keg really deliver a perfect pour? We asked beer snobs
Take the brew pub home with the Krups SUB Home Beer Dispenser. This system lets you tap and enjoy your favorite beer from the comfort of your kitchen. With a variety of beer choices and easy-to-follow directions, you’ll never need to go to the bar again.
Temi is your personal robot butler, like an Amazon Echo Show on wheels
If you’ve been dreaming of a domestic robot or a smart speaker that can follow you around the house, then Temi could be just what you’re looking for. We went hands-on with the personal robot at IFA 2018 in Berlin to find out exactly what it’s capable of doing and how well it can get it done.
This cockpit-style simulator will make your VR experiences more immersive
Are you a VR fan, who wishes the whole virtual reality experience could be made even more immersive? Do you want a cockpit-style gaming chair that looks like something a Star Trek captain would sit in? If so, this new '3 Degree of Freedom Motion Simulator' may be for you.
Strawberry-picking robots could replace human workers in the field
Robotics experts at the University of Essex in the U.K. have teamed up with a British jelly manufacturer to build robots that could replace human workers as strawberry-pickers on farms. Here's why that's necessary -- and why this is a surprisingly tough task for robots.
New tech blocks noise disruption faster than the speed of sound
Looking for the ultimate noise-canceling setup? Researchers from the University of Illinois' Coordinated Science Laboratory have developed a smart wireless network which identifies disruptive noise and cancels it out faster than the speed of sound. Here's how it works.
Space Station on alert as crew forced to patch hole in docked spacecraft
A hole in a spacecraft docked with the International Space Station had to be patched by crew members after pressure aboard the station began to drop. It's not yet understood what caused the hole, though it may have been the result of an impact with a meteorite fragment.
CERN scientists have witnessed the decay of the Higgs boson particle
Six years after discovering the Higgs boson particle, scientists at CERN have witnessed it decaying into bottom quarks for the first time, demonstrating what is thought to be the most common way for the particle to decay. Here's why that's such a major particle physics milestone.
LG’s SuitBot wearable exosuit will give workers the extra strength they need
South Korean tech giant LG has designed a new lower body robotic exosuit called SuitBot, intended to enhance users' leg movements to aid with activities such as warehouse workers lifting heavy objects. It is set to make its debut at IFA 2018 later this week. Here's what we know so far.
Your keyboard could predict if you have early-onset Parkinson’s disease
Early diagnosis is important for Parkinson's disease. Researchers from Australia's Charles Sturt University have come up with a new way to achieve this: Using the subtle clues in the way a person types to seek out possible early signs of the neurodegenerative brain disorder.
Apple AR glasses: News and rumors about ‘Project Mirrorshades’
Apple has already conquered the mobile phone industry, so what's next? Well, it looks like the tech giant is setting its sights on AR. Apple is reportedly working on a device code-named Project Mirrorshades that will introduce AR glasses to the masses. Here's everything we know about Apple's AR glasses.
Here’s an old-school motion picture machine you can 3D print at home
4-Mation is like a modern reimagining of the Victorian zoetrope device. Whereas the classic design relied on 2D images, kind of like a flip book, 4-Mation uses 3D objects and strobing lights to create dynamic visuals.
Engineers build new camera capable of taking pictures in five dimensions
Engineers from Germany have developed a new compact imaging system that’s capable of recording hyperspectral images in a massive five dimensions. the breakthrough opens up exciting possibilities for security, medical imaging -- and even future grocery shopping. Here's how it works.