Plastic cutlery may well be convenient, but it is certainly wasteful and as more and more research shows, detrimental to the environment. Outlery was cooked up as an alternative, consisting of a collapsible and reusable cutlery and chopstick sets that can be packed into a very manageable pocket-sized package. According to the makers of Outlery, more than 80 billion single-use […]
Collapsible Cutlery
Solar Steaming
“Solar steaming” is an eco-friendly form of water purification in which sunlight is used to heat tainted water, turning it to steam which condenses back into liquid. That clean liquid is then collected as drinking water. A new system offers improved performance, and it copies the structure of the rose flower. Led by Assoc. Prof. Donglei (Emma) Fan, a team […]
Self Healing Material
If we’re ever going to get on top of the whole plastic waste problem, a partial solution may lie in substances that fix themselves when broken, instead of having to be discarded. With that in mind, many groups have been developing self-healing materials – and one of the latest functions like blood. Led by Prof. Keivan Davami, a team at […]
Road Togs Tough Grip
Back in 2014, we reviewed a product known as Togs – they’re bolt-on levers that allow mountain bikers to maintain a grip when riding with their thumbs on top of the handlebars. Now, reportedly in response to user demand, Togs’ creators have come out with a version for drop bars. Known as Road Togs, the new model is intended to […]
Eco Vertipads
It was about a year ago that we first heard about Transcend Air Corporation’s Vy 400, a planned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) six-seater aircraft that will ferry passengers in and out of cities. Now, the Boston-based company has announced plans for floating environmentally-friendly landing pads for the aircraft. Known as “vertipads,” the barge-based landing spots are being developed in […]
Next Gen Milk Carton
Although many people throw milk away once it reaches its “best before” date, the fact is that the milk will still likely be good for several more days. In order to eliminate such waste, scientists at Cornell University are designing a “smart” carton. Being developed through the university’s Milk Quality Improvement Program, the carton will incorporate both a QR code […]
A.I System Grabs Reins Of Drones
Irresponsibly-piloted drones can cause a lot of problems, such as when they’re illegally flown into restricted airspaces. And while anti-drone measures do exist, many cause the aircraft to fall to the ground, potentially harming bystanders. A new system, however, takes remote control of rogue drones. Developed by Dr. Houbing Song at Florida’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the setup initially utilizes an […]
Robot To Handle Handwriting & Sketches
Imagine if you were working with a robot that could leave you written messages, or draw diagrams to explain concepts. Such a scenario has come a step closer to reality, as a university student has taught a robot how to copy what we write, and what we draw. Atsunobu Kotani, an undergrad at Rhode Island’s Brown University, started by creating […]
“Hear” Ear Infection
The symptoms of ear infections can be a little vague, and can be easily confused with other conditions. But now, researchers from the University of Washington have come up with a mobile app that can help clear up diagnoses by detecting fluid behind the eardrum using just a cone of paper and your phone. According to the National Institute on […]
Self-Driving Wheelchairs
In a bid to help those with limited mobility get to the gate, Tokyo Narita International Airport is set to welcome a number of self-driving wheelchairs to its floors. With the ability to navigate the airport all on their own, the new wheelchairs are hoped to streamline foot traffic in one of Japan’s busiest airports and form part of a […]