People suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) often have difficulty raising their arms, due to deterioration of cells in their brain and spinal cord. A new wearable system is designed to help, utilizing a pair of under-arm balloons. Created by a team of scientists at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the halter-type setup incorporates two Y-shaped soft-robotic actuators, located […]
Soft-Robotic Wearable
Climate-Controlled Bike Path
Think of cycling- and pedestrian-friendly cities and you’ll likely come up with somewhere like Amsterdam or Utrecht, but perhaps Dubai will eventually be in the conversation too if an ambitious new proposal is realized. Named the Loop, it would consist of a 93-km (57-mile)-long enclosed bicycle and walking path that would offer respite from the harsh desert conditions. The Loop was designed by […]
Helping Buildings To Save Energy
There are already “smart” windows that can be electronically switched between either letting sunlight through or blocking it. A new multi-layered one, however, can be set to several energy-saving light filtration modes. By adjusting the opacity of the glass on existing photochromic windows, users can control how much sunlight passes through the window and into the room. In most cases, the glass partially blocks […]
Autonomous Electric Airplane For Cargo
Back in 2020, California-based startup Pyka launched an autonomous electric crop duster called the Pelican. Now the company has developed a cargo-carrying version that’s billed as the world’s largest autonomous electric cargo airplane. “Pelican Cargo will have a significant positive impact on people’s lives,” said company CEO and co-founder, Michael Norcia. “We designed this plane to eliminate CO2 emissions from the […]
Rollkers Motorised Walking
Admit it – when you walk on one of those “moving sidewalks” at an airport, you like to pretend that you’re easily able to stroll at superhuman speeds. Well, Rollkers are designed to give you that same sensation, as you walk down city streets. A new version of an older invention, the Rollkers were created by a French startup of the […]
Semi-Submersible Jet
If you like the idea of flying through the water like a dolphin, then the Seabreacher is the craft for you. However, what if you want to bring more than one friend along? Well, that’s where the Jet Shark comes in. First of all, should you be unfamiliar with the Seabreacher … It’s a dolphin/shark-inspired watercraft which both zips along the […]
Sustainable To Go-Packaging
Morrama designed sustainable new packaging for the restaurant chain Wagamama. The chain’s ramen bowls can now be taken to-go with stackable bowls that keep crispy squid fresh while keeping excess materials out of the process. The familiar Wagamama gray has been replaced with a natural, light sandy color to reflect the move toward natural, sustainable materials. It serves the dual purpose of […]
Off-Grid Artists Cabin
Dub Arquitectura was commissioned to design a retreat for a visual artist who loves to paint in a picturesque rural spot in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province. Recognizing that natural light is extremely important to an artist, the firm designed the project around this need and produced an unusual cabin that’s topped by a novel translucent fabric roof. Bringing to mind […]
Biomaterial May Help To Heal Heart Attack Damage
After someone has suffered a heart attack, their body replaces the damaged heart muscle tissue with non-beating scar tissue, compromising the heart’s function. A new injectable biomaterial, however, may help the heart heal better. The material is being developed at the University of California San Diego, by a team led by Prof. Karen Christman. Back in 2012, Christman and colleagues […]
Lifestyle Choices That Can Slow Memory Decline
A study following nearly 30,000 older adults for more than 10 years has found six key healthy lifestyle factors can significantly reduce memory loss in old age. The findings revealed those adults engaging in between four and six of the healthy lifestyle behaviors could significantly reduce their risk of developing dementia, even when carrying genes that make them more susceptible […]