Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 - a limited edition 500 bhp RSR racecar for the road

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 - a limited edition 500 bhp RSR racecar for the road: "There aren't many vehicles which can be guaranteed instant classics the moment they're announced, but the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 announced overnight, is one of them."

ORIGIN PC EON17-S laptop claims highest mobile processor clock speed in the world

ORIGIN PC EON17-S laptop claims highest mobile processor clock speed in the world: "Not too long ago, overclocking a processor to squeeze out every last drop of performance was the domain of relatively few dedicated hardware or gaming enthusiasts, but is now becoming more and more commonplace."

GigaPan Time Machine lets users travel through time - in digital images

GigaPan Time Machine lets users travel through time - in digital images: "For the past couple of years, people wishing to create ultra-high-resolution panoramic photographs have been able to do so, using their own digital camera and a GigaPan robotic tripod. The device slowly pans the camera back and forth across a user-determined vista, triggering it to take up to several hundred shots in the process."

Namib Beetle inspires new 'fog harvesting' research

Namib Beetle inspires new 'fog harvesting' research: "For years, people living in high-altitude or coastal arid countries have been collecting drinking water by harvesting fog. More specifically, they've mounted pieces of fine netting over top of containers, left the setup overnight, then collected the fog droplets that got caught in the net and rolled down its fibers into the container."

Study says 71% of European drivers need more air in their tires

Study says 71% of European drivers need more air in their tires: "With the spotlight shining on of hybrid vehicles, kinetic energy recovery systems and stop start functionality, it's easy to forget that a very effective way to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions is right in front of us – ai"

How To Build The World's Best Paper Airplanes

How To Build The World's Best Paper Airplanes: "Show them you still have all the skills by helping the kids make these beauties. Learn how to make 12 great designs for the world's best paper planes and make them fly faster and longer."

Nintendo confirms Wii 2 unveiling in June for 2012 launch

Nintendo confirms Wii 2 unveiling in June for 2012 launch: "Nintendo will show a playable model of the next-generation Wii gaming console at E3 Expo in June. The company confirmed the reveal date in a short statement earlier today and although there's still no official word on exactly what the successor to the Wii (said to be codenamed 'Project Cafe') holds in store, the rumors are gaining momentum."

Sony announces two Android 3.0 tablets

Sony announces two Android 3.0 tablets: "Sony has announced its intention to crash into the tablet PC market with two devices set for release later this year. Codenamed S1 and S2, both models will support WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) connections and run on the tablet-oriented Android 3.0 OS."

Supple - the wheel chair becomes the sphere-chair

Supple - the wheel chair becomes the sphere-chair: "Despite not becoming the personal transport revolution that it was designed to be, the Segway has provided a wealth of design fodder for numerous self-balancing concepts, prototypes and production single occupancy vehicles."

New polymers self-heal scratches in UV light

New polymers self-heal scratches in UV light: "Nobody likes scratches in their car's finish. That's part of the reason why over the years, a number of research facilities have tried to develop self-healing paint. These efforts have resulted in products containing things such as microcapsules that burst open when scratched, elastic resins, and even a chemical derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans"

Laser igniters could spell the end for the humble spark plug

Laser igniters could spell the end for the humble spark plug: "Internal combustion engines are likely to remain in widespread use for some time yet, but it's possible that we may be bidding adieu to that most iconic of engine parts, the spark plug. Researchers from Japan's National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) are creating laser igniters that could one day replace spark plugs in automobile engines."

NASA awards US$269 million to stimulate privately operated spacecraft development

NASA awards US$269 million to stimulate privately operated spacecraft development: "Once the last of NASA's space shuttle fleet shuffle off to retirement in a few months, the space agency will be totally dependent on the Russian Soyuz to ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station."

SanDisk and Toshiba announce 19nm NAND flash memory

SanDisk and Toshiba announce 19nm NAND flash memory: "As our use of mobile technology increases, so does our demand for more built-in device storage capacity in smaller and smaller form factors. Only a few weeks have passed since Intel began using its 25 nanometer (nm) NAND flash memory in its 320 series SSD storage solutions and just days since the company joined with Micron Technology to announce the breakthrough 20nm process technology."

Worldictionary app uses Google and iPhone camera for instant translations

Worldictionary app uses Google and iPhone camera for instant translations: "Whether browsing through the latest technology news, following the exploits of your favorite musician or film star or looking up exotic holiday destinations, chances are you will bump into a language that's not your own."

Samsung's shock, water and dust-proof W200 Pocket Cam

Samsung's shock, water and dust-proof W200 Pocket Cam: "Despite the killing off of the FLIP there's still some movement left in the Pocket HD camcorder market. Samsung's latest release is a shock, water and dust-proof rugged unit capable of recording full high definition video and snap 5.5 megapixel stills."

Razer Hydra brings motion control to PC gamers

Razer Hydra brings motion control to PC gamers: "While motion controllers are becoming a staple for console gamers with the release of the Wii, PlayStation Move and Microsoft Kinect, PC gamers have been left wanting. Razer is looking to change that with its Hydra motion controller which has been developed specifically for PC gamers."

Acros AG-E brings hydraulic shifting to mountain bikes

Acros AG-E brings hydraulic shifting to mountain bikes: "There was a time not all that long ago, when hydraulic brakes on mountain bikes were viewed as super-high-end equipment for the elite few. Now, virtually all bikes over the mid-range price point have them."

Geely McCar is a combined car and motorcycle

Geely McCar is a combined car and motorcycle: "One of the most imaginative concept cars we've ever seen turned up at Auto Shanghai this week and it didn't come from Japan, Germany, France or America – it was the result of two years work in China by Geely engineers and is the synthesis of over 60 IP-protected ideas. In essence, it's an ultra compact, two-door, four-seater with a built-in, folding three wheeled electric scooter in the rear."

Researchers overcome size hurdle in quest for invisibility cloak

Researchers overcome size hurdle in quest for invisibility cloak: "Efforts to create a working 'invisibility cloak' have generally involved the use of artificial materials with a negative refractive index known as metamaterials."

The Lito Sora - the biggest, baddest electric motorcycle in Montreal

The Lito Sora - the biggest, baddest electric motorcycle in Montreal: "Montreal's Lito has thrown its hat into the ring with a new electric motorcycle that makes some pretty outrageous claims."

Fiber-optic laser-based system brings rifle sights into the 21st century

Fiber-optic laser-based system brings rifle sights into the 21st century: "At long ranges, snipers must compensate not only for crosswinds and the fact that bullets travel in a curved trajectory, but also allow for even very small barrel disruptions that can cause a shooter to miss their intended target by a wide margin."

Taking remote-sex to the next level (NSFW)

Taking remote-sex to the next level (NSFW): "Absence not only makes the heart grow fonder, it can also make for a pretty unfulfilling sex life. While technology has allowed lovers to bridge the tyranny of distance in terms of sight and sound, getting touchy feely is a different matter."

Two new Suzuki Kizashi Concepts - one frugal, one powerful

Two new Suzuki Kizashi Concepts - one frugal, one powerful: "Suzuki is having a bet each way in the performance vs fuel efficiency stakes with the unveiling of two new additions to its long-running line of Kizashi concepts at the New York International Auto Show. While the Kizashi EcoCharge hybrid concept combines a 2.0-liter petrol engine,15kW motor and a 115-volt air-cooled lithium-ion battery to optimize fuel efficiency, it's show floor stablemate the Kizashi Apex Concept is geared toward performance."

Bugatti displays new versions of the world’s fastest car and fastest convertible in Shanghai

Bugatti displays new versions of the world’s fastest car and fastest convertible in Shanghai: "There just aren't enough superlatives to adequately describe the exploits of Ettore Bugatti and the remarkable history of his marque, let alone its resurrection as a world-beating performance car manufacturer."

Road test: Mercedes-Benz B Class F-Cell

Road test: Mercedes-Benz B Class F-Cell: "What's it like to drive a hydrogen powered car? It depends on which one. In the case of BMW's Hydrogen 7, essentially a 760i with its 6.0 liter V12 tweaked to burn hydrogen instead of petrol, one might suspect it's pretty much like the donor vehicle. In the case of Mercedes-Benz's B Class-based F Cell, powered by electricity from a lithium-ion battery pack fed by an on-board fuel cell, you might think different."

Smart phones to drive new mobile sales to one in every four humans this year

Smart phones to drive new mobile sales to one in every four humans this year: "According to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile Phone Shipment and Forecast Report, the mobile phone market reached 1.6 billion units in 2010, and will increase further to 1.8 billion units this year – there are less than seven billion humans on Mother Earth, so that's more than one new mobile phone for every man, woman and child. The growth is being driven by continuously growing emerging markets and the trend to upgrading to smart phones."

World's first intubation robot tested on human subjects

World's first intubation robot tested on human subjects: "Pretty much any time a patient is placed under a general anesthetic, a plastic endotracheal tube is inserted down their throat, in order to keep their airway open. The procedure is known as intubation, and has so far always been performed by hand. In this age of robotic surgery, however, it's perhaps not surprising to hear that surgeons at Montreal's McGill University Health Centre are now trying out a remote-control intubation system on human subjects."

Radio-controlled car runs on soda can rings

Radio-controlled car runs on soda can rings: "As anyone who has seen Back to the Future will remember, the movie ended with Doc Brown fueling the time-traveling DeLorean's 'Mr. Fusion' reactor with household waste."

First F-35 full mission simulator delivered

First F-35 full mission simulator delivered: "Eglin Air Force Base has just taken delivery of a piece of hardware that would surely be the ultimate toy for flight sim gaming fans. The F-35 Lightning II Full Mission Simulator (FMS) system includes a high-fidelity 360-degree visual display system and a reconfigurable cockpit that can simulate all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II for U.S. and international partner services – the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the F-35C carrier variant."

Liechtenstein for 'rent' at US$70,000 per night

Liechtenstein for 'rent' at US$70,000 per night: "Liechtenstein is available for rent .... or at least enough of it to cater for 150 guests at a time. That's the deal being offered by marketing company Rent a Village and as you might expect for a Central European landlocked country, the asking price is quite steep at US$70,000 per night"

The EUR65,000 Cavalon side-by-side, fully-enclosed gyrocopter

The EUR65,000 Cavalon side-by-side, fully-enclosed gyrocopter: "The newest addition to the gyrocopter genre arrived at Aero Friedrichshafen this week in the form of a side-by-side, fully-enclosed, composite construction Cavalon gyrocopter."

Faster, more efficient desalination process using carbon nanotubes developed

Faster, more efficient desalination process using carbon nanotubes developed: "When it comes to desalinating salt water, two of the main options are thermal distillation and reverse osmosis. Thermal distillation involves boiling the water and collecting the resulting freshwater condensation, while reverse osmosis involves pressurizing the salt water and forcing it through a semipermeable membrane, which will allow water molecules to pass through, but not salt. Both of these methods, however, require a considerable amount of energy – not as environmentally sound as they could be, nor entirely practical for use in developing nations, where electricity isn't readily available."

Powerdecal shines new light on car window stickers

Powerdecal shines new light on car window stickers: "Perhaps there's a law of marketing that states, 'If you want to add to an existing product's gee-whiz factor, just alter that product so it lights up in the dark.' Really, who wouldn't want glowing paper clips, or baby bottles, or ... automotive window decals?"

Toshiba launches HDDs with built-in Wipe Technology

Toshiba launches HDDs with built-in Wipe Technology: "The accidental loss or deliberate theft of notebooks with drives full of sensitive information is not just the cause of red faces (or worse) for government or military officials around the globe, as the world of business has also been touched by such security breaches. Self-encrypting drives have done much to help lock down important files, but Toshiba has gone a step further by developing a technology that securely erases data rather than let it fall into unauthorized hands."

New technique for regenerating blood vessels to aid treatment of vascular disease

New technique for regenerating blood vessels to aid treatment of vascular disease: "Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have discovered a new strategy for helping the body make blood vessels in vulnerable or damaged tissue."

Nanofiber spheres carry healing cells into cartilage wounds

Nanofiber spheres carry healing cells into cartilage wounds: "Cartilage wounds can be very difficult to treat. While they may eventually heal on their own, the resulting tissue often won't take the same form – or allow for the same function – as the original. Cartilage injuries are often treated with a process known as ACI (autologous chondrocyte implantation), in which a patient's own cells are injected at the wound site to form new tissue."

Volkswagen's third generation Beetle unveiled

Volkswagen's third generation Beetle unveiled: "The new Volkswagen Beetle greeted audiences across the world in a truly global launch today. The 'people's car' entered its third generation simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, with 22.5 million units sold over 73 years."

Stealth introduces Core i3/i5/i7 mini-PC

Stealth introduces Core i3/i5/i7 mini-PC: "Industrial-grade rugged computer systems manufacturer Stealth Computer has announced its most powerful small form factor PC to date. The Little PC 670 has been designed with Intel's Core i3, i5 and i7 mobile processors, and packs numerous I/O connectivity options into a 6.54 x 6.18 x 1.89-inch (166 x 157 x 48 mm) durable aluminum chassis. HDD storage comes as standard, but SSD solutions are available for applications that require extra-high shock, vibration and temperature protection. There's support for full 1080p high definition playback, and 5.1 Channel audio courtesy of Realtek."

Adventurers to bring new micro sensors on sea voyage

Adventurers to bring new micro sensors on sea voyage: "This Sunday (April 17th, 2011), a team of four army officers from Swanton Morley, UK, will set off on a 3,100-mile (4,999-km) rowing expedition from Australia to the island of Mauritius, located east of Madagascar. They hope to raise GBP 100,000 (US$163,236) for charity as they row in two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, for – hopefully – somewhere under 68 days. Accompanying them on their trip, however, will be some newly-developed miniaturized sensors, which will be gathering oceanographic data along the way."

Zoom releases R8 portable music production solution

Zoom releases R8 portable music production solution: "Zoom Corporation has announced the availability of its new R8 music production solution. In addition to an 8-track recording device with built-in stereo microphones, the unit also acts as an audio interface for your computer, a mouse-free control surface for digital audio workstation (DAW) software and an eight voice pad sampler."

LEAF NISMO RC: Nissan LEAF EV gets a racing makeover

LEAF NISMO RC: Nissan LEAF EV gets a racing makeover: "Nissan has called upon its motorsport division NISMO to help give its all-electric LEAF some racing cred. The result is the new LEAF NISMO RC, and despite the fact it's unlikely to be trading paint on the racetrack in the near future, Nissan says it's been designed and constructed as a real racing machine."

Kyocera Echo dual-touchscreen smartphone released on Sprint

Kyocera Echo dual-touchscreen smartphone released on Sprint: "Kyocera's dual-touchscreen Echo smartphone is now available through Sprint in the U.S. The standout feature of the Echo is the extra screen real estate provided by the two 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen displays connected by a pivot hinge that allows the device to be used in the traditional single screen configuration or folded out so each display can be used independently, side-by-side or combined to form a 800 x 960 pixel 4.7-inch display – albeit divided by a black bar formed by the frame."

VALE the Flip - does anyone understand this move?

VALE the Flip - does anyone understand this move?: "ne of the most astonishing bits of news we've seen in a long time, the iconic Flip video camera was officially pronounced dead earlier this week. Cisco, which paid US$590 million for the business from Pure Digital just two years ago, has decided to kill the entire company."

New coatings could protect jet engines from volcanic ash

New coatings could protect jet engines from volcanic ash: "Following last April's historic eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, commercial flights were cancelled within most of Europe for several days – it was the largest disruption of air travel since the Second World War. Well, while no one is suggesting that airliners could now merrily fly right through clouds of ash, researchers from Ohio State University (OSU) have developed a coating that they say could allow jet engines to better withstand small amounts of volcanic ash that are ingested over time."

Discovery paves way for “optical battery” to generate solar power without solar cells

Discovery paves way for “optical battery” to generate solar power without solar cells: "It has long been thought that, even though light has electric and magnetic components, the effects of the magnetic field are so weak that they could effectively be ignored. Now researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have discovered that under the right conditions, a light field can generate magnetic effects that are 100 million times stronger than previously expected."

Inexpensive plastic developed that indicates freshness of food

Inexpensive plastic developed that indicates freshness of food: "When it comes to buying packaged meat and fish, consumers usually just have to go by the 'best before' label to know that it hasn't begun to spoil. Needless to say, the dates on those labels are just estimates and certainly won't tell you if the product has sat through a lengthy power failure, or been left out of the cooler for several hours."

Cheaper, more efficient OLEDs - just add chlorine

Cheaper, more efficient OLEDs - just add chlorine: "A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a new technique to produce OLED devices that they say will accelerate the adoption of OLED technology into mainstream flat-panel displays and other lighting technologies."

Spider-silk-producing silkworms to be commercially developed

Spider-silk-producing silkworms to be commercially developed: "Although cobwebs may seem very fragile when we see people like Indiana Jones crashing through them, the fact is that spider silk is an incredibly strong and flexible material. It has a tensile strength similar to that of high-grade steel while only being one-fifth as dense, it can stretch up to 1.4 times its relaxed length without breaking, and it can maintain those properties down to a temperature of -40C (-40F). Given that spiders don't secrete huge quantities of the stuff on a daily basis, however, what's a biotech firm to do if it wishes to harvest the fibers for use in human technology?"

Radical-looking RoundTail bike claims radically smoother ride

Radical-looking RoundTail bike claims radically smoother ride: "If you banged a pole and a hoop against the road, which one would transmit more vibrations to your hand? Given that the flexing action of the hoop would absorb some of the energy, it's probably safe to assume that the pole would give you a numb hand quicker."

Supercharged Maserati GranCabrio tops 300 km/h

Supercharged Maserati GranCabrio tops 300 km/h: "Looking to soup-up your supercar? The Maserati-dedicated arm of tuning specialists NOVITEC, a company best known for its Ferrari performance enhancements has turned its attention to the open-top Maserati GranCabrio."

New technique brings computer model of the brain a step closer

New technique brings computer model of the brain a step closer: "'Connectomics' is an area of neuroscience that aims to map the brain's connections, known as synapses, to gain an understanding of how information flows through the circuits of the brain."

Eye-Fi Mobile X2 Card uploads directly to mobile devices using Direct Mode

Eye-Fi Mobile X2 Card uploads directly to mobile devices using Direct Mode: "Eye-Fi's range of wireless memory cards have been giving photographers the ability to send photos from a digital camera to a computer over an existing Wi-Fi network for a few years now."

Punching Pro - a sparring apparatus that fights back

Punching Pro - a sparring apparatus that fights back: "Kris Tressider may not be a boxer, but he is a fitness nut with a background in gymnastics and martial arts. It therefore isn't surprising that some time ago, the Australian draftsman invested in a punching bag to add to his daily workout. It wasn't long, however, before he began to get bored of simply slugging away at the defenseless bag."

Nokia X7 smartphone: 4-inch AMOLED screen, 720p video and updated Symbian software

Nokia X7 smartphone: 4-inch AMOLED screen, 720p video and updated Symbian software: "Nokia has officially taken the wraps off its new X7 smartphone – an entertainment and mobile gaming focused unit that packs a 4-inch, 16:9, AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 8 megapixel camera and 720p video capture into nicely chiseled stainless steel casing that's less than half an inch (11.9 mm) thick. Along with the (also freshly announced) QWERTY keyboard equipped E6, the X7 is the first Nokia device to run on the updated Symbian 'Anna' platform which introduces a raft of enhancements including new icons, improved text input, faster browsing and a spruced-up version of Ovi Maps."

Ozone reduces fungal spoilage of fruits and vegetables

Ozone reduces fungal spoilage of fruits and vegetables: "We've all done it – thrown out fruit or vegetables because they went rotten. Fungal contamination is the most common cause of spoilage of fresh produce, with an estimated 30 percent of harvested fruit and veggies falling victim to it."

HTC Sensation 4G takes HTC flagship mantle

HTC Sensation 4G takes HTC flagship mantle: "HTC has unveiled its new flagship smartphone – the HTC Sensation. Powered by a 1.2 GHz MSM8660 dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) the HTC Sensation is designed with multimedia in mind. Packing a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) touchscreen display, Sense 3.0, front-facing VGA camera, and 4G capabilities, the Sensation shares many of the features of the EVO 3D, minus the 3D."

Hauppauge PCTV Broadway 2T - wireless TV transmission to iPhone, iPad, Mac & PC

Hauppauge PCTV Broadway 2T - wireless TV transmission to iPhone, iPad, Mac & PC: "The trend toward ubiquitous global mobile media consumption without traditional boundaries and the convergence of internet and TV accelerated today with the release of the GBP229 (US$367) Hauppauge PCTV Broadway 2T which will stream TV to any iOS device (iPad or iPhone), Mac or PC with no third party app required. Whatsmore, Android support is expected to be added within six weeks."

Mobee Magic Bar induction charger for Apple’s Bluetooth Keyboard and Magic Trackpad

Mobee Magic Bar induction charger for Apple’s Bluetooth Keyboard and Magic Trackpad: "Going wireless with your keyboard and mouse might unleash you from the shackles of cables, but at the price of having to constantly shell out for batteries or swap rechargeables in and out."

Google invests US$168 million in world’s largest solar power tower plant

Google invests US$168 million in world’s largest solar power tower plant: "Google has chipped in a US$168 million investment in what will be the world's largest solar power tower plant. To be located on 3,600 acres of land in the Mojave Desert in southeastern California, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS) will boast 173,000 heliostats that will concentrate the sun's rays onto a solar tower standing approximately 450 feet (137 m) tall."

Microfluidic device promises rapid detection of cancer and HIV

Microfluidic device promises rapid detection of cancer and HIV: "A cross-discipline project that brings together biomedicine and nano-engineering has led to the development of a dime-sized microfluidic device that can rapidly detect cancer cells in a blood sample. The new device is based on a cancer cell-detector created four years ago by Mehmet Toner, professor of biomedical engineering at Harvard Medical School. In its latest incarnation, carbon nanotubes have been introduced into the design resulting in an eight-fold improvement in the collection of cells"

New advanced composite material lends itself to aircraft safety

New advanced composite material lends itself to aircraft safety: "A combination of light weight AND strength makes advanced composite materials very useful when building something that's designed to go fast while being subjected to physical stress ... like an aircraft. On the downside, bulky equipment is required when it comes to inspecting these aircraft for damage – a problem that is MIT researchers hope to solve with the development of a new type of composite material that incorporates carbon nanotubes."

Replacement developed for rare material widely used in electronics manufacture

Replacement developed for rare material widely used in electronics manufacture: "With its two chief properties of excellent electrical conductivity and optical transparency, indium tin oxide (ITO) can be found in transparent conductive coatings for displays found in all kinds of products, such as TVs, mobile phones and laptops, and is also used as a transparent electrode in thin-film solar cells. Unfortunately indium is a rare metal and available supplies could run out in as little as ten years."

Replacement developed for rare material widely used in electronics manufacture

Replacement developed for rare material widely used in electronics manufacture: "With its two chief properties of excellent electrical conductivity and optical transparency, indium tin oxide (ITO) can be found in transparent conductive coatings for displays found in all kinds of products, such as TVs, mobile phones and laptops, and is also used as a transparent electrode in thin-film solar cells."

April 12, 1961: A remarkable date in human history

April 12, 1961: A remarkable date in human history: "A remarkable milestone in human history took place exactly 50 years ago today when Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space. During the flight of Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961,"

Virgin Oceanic's ambitious plans to explore Earth's last frontier

Virgin Oceanic's ambitious plans to explore Earth's last frontier: "Seventy percent of Mother Earth's surface is covered in water, yet we know more about the moon than we do about our deepest oceans. In yet another ground-breaking initiative under Virgin's multi-faceted 'Branded Venture Capitalism', Richard Branson intends to change all that with the Virgin Oceanic Five Dives project."

Researchers tackle mouse control from a different angle

Researchers tackle mouse control from a different angle: "For many people with motor disabilities, the task of precisely moving a mouse cursor around a screen can be incredibly frustrating. While controlling a mouse cursor with the power of thought looks likely to be possible in the not too distant future,"

Zacuto Z-Finder EVF – a standalone LCD screen for DSLR filmmakers

Zacuto Z-Finder EVF – a standalone LCD screen for DSLR filmmakers: "HDSLR cameras are taking off in a big way as cheap video rigs with quality interchangeable glass – but the more you get into SLR filmmaking, the more obstacles you find yourself working around."

Spiking biofuel with nanoparticles found to increase performance

Spiking biofuel with nanoparticles found to increase performance: "Nanoparticles have added yet another string to their microscopic bows with a new study showing that the addition of alumina nanoparticles can improve the performance and combustion of biodiesel, while producing fewer emissions."

Einstein's Pedometer app provides a relatively good incentive to get you moving

Einstein's Pedometer app provides a relatively good incentive to get you moving: "Among other things, Einstein's theory of special relativity says that as an object's velocity increases, time as experienced by the object will slow down when compared to another object traveling at a lower velocity."

U.S. Navy demonstrates solid state laser weapon at sea

U.S. Navy demonstrates solid state laser weapon at sea: "Solid-state laser weapons are a step closer to operational capability with the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) reporting that it has successfully disabled a small target boat during testing off the Californian coast."

Ford turns to chocolate bar to develop lighter plastic components

Ford turns to chocolate bar to develop lighter plastic components: "We've seen the world's first Formula 3 car running on a fuel derived from waste chocolate, and now engineers at Ford have turned to the tasty treat for inspiration to produce lighter plastic parts for Ford's vehicles."

Mind over mouse: Researchers demonstrate thought-controlled cursor

Mind over mouse: Researchers demonstrate thought-controlled cursor: "It is a commonly held myth that much of the effectiveness of communication is determined by nonverbal cues, but try telling that to someone who has lost the power of speech due to brain injury or damage to their vocal cords or airway."

The homebuilt electric Z-Kart - who needs a Tesla Roadster?

The homebuilt electric Z-Kart - who needs a Tesla Roadster?: "As major automobile manufacturers around the world pour countless dollars and man hours into the research and development of electric vehicles, George Fortin has quietly gone about making one of his own."

Keyport looks to streamline the modern keychain

Keyport looks to streamline the modern keychain: "With most households yet to make the move to biometric lock systems, many of us are still carrying around jangly keychains. And with keychains also attracting non-key items such as USB flash drives, mini-torches and the all-important bottle opener, they can quickly reach pocket bulging, Kramer-esque proportions."

Latest FinePix compact gets new EXR sensor, multi-touch display

Latest FinePix compact gets new EXR sensor, multi-touch display: "The FinePix Z900EXR is a good 2mm thinner than its predecessor at 18.2mm (0.7-inches). There's a major change in the sensor department too. The 12 megapixel EXR CCD sensor has been replaced by a new EXR CMOS sensor with a resolution boost up to 16 megapixel plus backside illumination (BSI) technology."

The inspired Platypus Electric Underwater Exploration Craft

The inspired Platypus Electric Underwater Exploration Craft: "The French-designed Platypus is a new and immensely practical two-person electric underwater exploration concept designed to travel for eight hours above the water at 10-12 knots (18.5-22.2 km/h), or below the water at 3-4 knots (5.5-7.5 km/h). Most importantly, it offers a safe and stable below-water platform that requires no operating equipment to be worn by the pilot or passenger other than masks because the pontoons contain an integrated compressor which supplies air via hoses."

Research sheds new light on wall-climbing critters

Research sheds new light on wall-climbing critters: "Few things are as disconcerting, or as curious, as the sight of a gecko or spider skittering effortlessly upside down along the ceiling. This ability is known to be facilitated by microscopic hairs or 'setae' on the footpads of insects and mammals and a better understanding of their function could lead to advances in synthetic adhesives, wall climbing robots and yes, even the the holy-grail of the spiderman suit."

CO2 scrubber turns carbon emissions into building materials

CO2 scrubber turns carbon emissions into building materials: "Students at Michigan Technological University have designed and constructed their own mini-smokestack to showcase a new method for scrubbing carbon dioxide from emissions. The approach is similar to SkyMine technology, but instead of producing sodium bicarbonate as a byproduct, it turns captured carbon into a solid material that could have applications as a construction material."

Hyundai unveils its first sedan-style FCEV in Seoul

Hyundai unveils its first sedan-style FCEV in Seoul: "Hyundai unveiled its new mid-size hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept this week at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. Powered by a 90 kW (120 hp) electric motor that delivers fuel economy of 34.9 km/L (82.1 mpg), the Blue2 (pronounced 'Blue square') is intended as a 'blue' print for the automaker's future sedans."

SpaceX sets launch date for world's most powerful rocket

SpaceX sets launch date for world's most powerful rocket: "SpaceX, the American space transport company founded by PayPal and Tesla Motors co-founder Elon Musk, has announced a late 2013 or 2014 launch date for the world's most powerful rocket, the Falcon Heavy."

SteadyCam Pro App offers real-time image stabilization for iPhone videos

SteadyCam Pro App offers real-time image stabilization for iPhone videos: "The video capture capabilities found in today's mobile phones has made it easier than ever to record those priceless memories whenever and wherever they may occur."

New solar-thermal device harnesses heat and light

New solar-thermal device harnesses heat and light: "Researchers at Wake Forest University have developed a new type of polymer solar-thermal device that combines photovoltaics with a system that captures the Sun's infrared radiation to generate heating. By taking advantage of both heat and light, researchers say the device could deliver up to 40 percent savings on the cost of heating, as well as helping reduce power bills by producing electricity"

Tobii releases eye-controlled mouse system

Tobii releases eye-controlled mouse system: "Sweden's eye tracking and control innovator Tobii has announced the release of a stand-alone eye control device called PCEye. Like the laptop-based prototype system demonstrated at CeBIT last month, the device tracks eye movement and translates it into mouse cursor action onscreen."

Tobii releases eye-controlled mouse system

Tobii releases eye-controlled mouse system: "Sweden's eye tracking and control innovator Tobii has announced the release of a stand-alone eye control device called PCEye. Like the laptop-based prototype system demonstrated at CeBIT last month, the device tracks eye movement and translates it into mouse cursor action onscreen."

Infant Warmer would keep premies safe and warm in developing nations

Infant Warmer would keep premies safe and warm in developing nations: "According to the medical journal The Lancet, approximately 20 million low birth-weight and premature babies are born around the world every year. Of those, about 4 million die within four weeks."

New Michelin bike inner tube squeezes punctures closed

New Michelin bike inner tube squeezes punctures closed: "Bicycle inner tubes that contain a small-puncture-sealing slimy liquid may not be a new development in and of themselves, but Michelin has released a product that takes the concept a step further. The company's Protek Max tube not only contains a sealant, but is designed to compress when punctured to assist the self-sealing process."

HandStand case puts iPad in the palm of your hand

HandStand case puts iPad in the palm of your hand: "Apple's iPad tablet has become an extension of the arm for many people. Despite being designed for portability – and the iPad 2 being 15 percent lighter than the first iPad – using either version of the device for any longer than a few minutes without some kind of support can lead to arm and hand strain. Hub International's HandStand case makes things much more comfortable by letting you attach an iPad to your hand like a catcher's mitt."

Electromagnetic automobile suspension demonstrated

Electromagnetic automobile suspension demonstrated: "Last December at the Future of Electric Vehicles conference in San Jose, a representative from The Netherlands' Eindhoven University of Technology presented research that his institution had been doing into a novel type of electromagnetic vehicle suspension."

Heading for the great outdoors? Don't forget the Yurt

Heading for the great outdoors? Don't forget the Yurt: "Youngsters who trek off into the back of beyond tend not to concern themselves too much with comfort. As you get older though, and perhaps have kids in tow, you may find that your camping needs undergo some modification."

Mosquito inspires near-painless hypodermic needle

Mosquito inspires near-painless hypodermic needle: "Mosquitoes are perhaps useful for something after all, besides feeding frogs. Along with his colleagues at Osaka's Kansai University, mechanical engineer Seiji Aoyagi has created an almost pain-free hypodermic needle that is based on a mosquito's proboscis. Perhaps surprisingly, the needle's patient-friendliness comes from the fact that its outer surface is jagged, not smooth."

Nikon adds to entry-level line of D-SLRs with new D5100

Nikon adds to entry-level line of D-SLRs with new D5100: "Nikon has announced the latest addition to its entry-level D-SLR lineup in the form of the new D5100. The D5100 boasts the same 23.3 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor, 16.2-megpixel resolution and ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 25,600) as Nikon's D7000, plus a new Night Vision mode that can shoot up to a staggering 102,400 ISO."

Experimental direct solar steam generation power plant opens in Spain

Experimental direct solar steam generation power plant opens in Spain: "When most of us think of sunlight being used to generate power, we likely picture photovoltaic cells. Concentrated solar power plants however, use lenses or mirrors to heat fluid – such as synthetic oil – which in turn is used to generate high-pressure steam to drive a conventional turbine."

Ready for your close-up? It's a microscope for the iPhone

Ready for your close-up? It's a microscope for the iPhone: "It's all very well and good that iPhones can give you directions, let you surf the web, and do about a thousand other things, but what if you want to get a close look at something really tiny?"

Software tool allows programs to run faster without sacrificing security

Software tool allows programs to run faster without sacrificing security: "Protecting computer systems from malicious attack using complex software solutions is a constant, but necessary, struggle. As threats become more sophisticated, the technology used to fight them off can impact more and more on system perform"

Air New Zealand’s “cuddle class” seating gets off the ground

Air New Zealand’s “cuddle class” seating gets off the ground: "Anyone who has taken a long haul flight will know that getting some shut eye during the flight can be a bit of a challenge at the best of times. Dealing with crying babies or restless children is only compounded by being crammed into seats that become more and more uncomfortable as the hours go by."

Jet aircraft-inspired Chevrolet Mi-ray roadster concept

Jet aircraft-inspired Chevrolet Mi-ray roadster concept: "With General Motors last year announcing its intention to roll out Chevrolet across Korea, this year's Seoul Motor Show has seen the unveiling of a slick hybrid roadster concept developed by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Seoul to celebrate Chevrolet's 100-year heritage and showcase future design possibilities for the brand."

'Flying chameleon' simulates future flying wing aircraft

'Flying chameleon' simulates future flying wing aircraft: "'Flying wing' designs that offer reduced weight and drag when compared to traditional 'tube with wings and a tail' designs are theoretically the most efficient aircraft configuration. However, true flying wings are inherently unstable and difficult to control."

After 12 years and over 3.5 billion miles traveled, it's farewell to Stardust

After 12 years and over 3.5 billion miles traveled, it's farewell to Stardust: "NASA's comet trekking spacecraft Stardust has officially ended operations. Stardust sent its last transmission to Earth on March 24 having traveled an incredible 3.54 billion miles (5.69 billion kilometers) over a 12 year period to become 'NASA's most traveled comet hunter.'"

Single-shot, thumb-operated Palm Pistol set for 2011 release

Single-shot, thumb-operated Palm Pistol set for 2011 release: "The use of firearms for self-defense is a divisive issue, with weapons, especially concealable ones, being easily misappropriated for wrong-doing. While we're reluctant to suggest adding more guns to the equation, the newly developed single-shot Palm Pistol does have some worthwhile qualities as a defensive weapon for non-aggressors."

Foremay announces solid state drive smaller than a quarter coin

Foremay announces solid state drive smaller than a quarter coin: "Californian SSD manufacturer Foremay has announced a new addition to its OC177 storage family. Despite being smaller than a U.S. quarter coin, the company's first disk-on-chip (DOC) solution will be available in capacities up to 64GB, supporting both standard IDE or SATA host interface, in addition to complying with ATA-7 specifications."

Nexus takes the click out of the computer mouse

Nexus takes the click out of the computer mouse: "The clicking sound we hear when we press a mouse button is part of the device's switching mechanism, that has also become a kind of audible comfort cushion for computer users"

Happy World Backup Day!

Happy World Backup Day!: "With so many of our pictures, videos and documents now stored in digital format, the prospect of precious data disappearing forever in the misstep of a HDD read/write head or infection from a nasty virus is even more catastrophic."

Head-worn device uses sonar to rapidly diagnose stroke

Head-worn device uses sonar to rapidly diagnose stroke: "A team of radiologists and retired US Navy sonar experts have used technology developed for submarines as the basis for a new device which offers quick detection, diagnosis and monitoring of stroke."

Your mobile phone is watching you ... closely

Your mobile phone is watching you ... closely: "While most of us know it is theoretically possible for our movements to be tracked by detecting which tower our mobile phone is connected too, it might come as a shock to see just how much of a digital footprint we leave as we go about our daily lives."

Fruit fibers used to create 'green' plastic for cars

Fruit fibers used to create 'green' plastic for cars: "A research team from Brazil has developed a new form of plant fiber-based plastic that is claimed to be stronger, lighter, and more eco-friendly than plastics currently in use. Team leader Alcides Leão says that some of the so-called nano-cellulose fibers can be almost as stiff as Kevlar, but that the plastic differs from many in widespread use because the source material – such as pineapple and banana – is completely renewable."

Samsung announces world's first mass produced transparent LCD panels

Samsung announces world's first mass produced transparent LCD panels: "When it comes to display technologies nothing says 'cool' like a transparent display. While we've seen a number of prototypes, such as TDK's flexible OLED display, pop up at trade shows in the last couple of years, Samsung has announced it has already started mass production of a 22-inch transparent LCD panel."

Amazon launches Cloud Drive and Cloud Player

Amazon launches Cloud Drive and Cloud Player: "Amazon has announced the U.S. launch of new cloud storage and media playback services that allow users to securely store and access files and music from any web-connected PC or Mac, or Android phone or tablet."

T-box concept to capture wind energy from trains

T-box concept to capture wind energy from trains: "As anyone living near railway tracks will tell you, speeding trains generate quite a bit of wind as they whoosh past. Industrial designers Qian Jiang and Alessandro Leonetti Luparini have come up with a device that's installed between the sleepers on a track, and as the train passes overhead, the wind drives a turbine to generate electricity."

Nano-brick packaging allows foods to last longer

Nano-brick packaging allows foods to last longer: "We've already heard about new types of packaging that use things such as sorbic acid and silver nanoparticles to keep food fresh for longer, but this week scientists from Texas A&M University announced the development of a 'nano-brick' film that utilizes yet another substance to achieve the same purpose. That substance is montmorillonite clay, which is one of the ingredients used to make bricks. The film is about 70 percent clay (with the rest of it made from various polymer materials) and when its structure is viewed through an electron microscope, it actually even looks like bricks and mortar."

Kansas City is first city chosen for Google's fiber-to-the-home rollout

Kansas City is first city chosen for Google's fiber-to-the-home rollout: "Last year Google announced plans to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the U.S. that will deliver Internet speeds of one gigabit per second (1 Gbps) via a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service. After receiving submissions from nearly 1,100 cities, the Internet giant has now revealed it will build its first ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas"

QinetiQ provides unmanned robotic systems to aid in Japan's recovery efforts

QinetiQ provides unmanned robotic systems to aid in Japan's recovery efforts: "In the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011, the country faces a massive cleanup and rebuilding effort that will take years."

New Porsche Panamera Turbo S packs 550 hp and 800 Nm of torque

New Porsche Panamera Turbo S packs 550 hp and 800 Nm of torque: "Porsche has unveiled the top dog in its Gran Turismo line. The new Panamera Turbo S raises the four-door sports car bar with a 4.8 liter, V8 biturbo charged engine that delivers 550 hp (410 kW) , which is 50 hp (37 kW) more than the engine found in the Panamera Turbo."

Student-designed Solarball creates drinkable water

Student-designed Solarball creates drinkable water: "When he set out on a trip to Cambodia in 2008, Industrial Design student Jonathan Liow had no idea it was going to be a life-changing experience. Upon seeing the poverty and poor living conditions in that country, however, he decided that he wanted to build things that could help people."

StrongArm helps load boats onto cars

StrongArm helps load boats onto cars: "Sea kayaks are quite possibly one of the finest things ever created by mankind, but they can be rather difficult to load onto the top of one's car – this is particularly true for people who are trying to do the job single-handed, or who have a tall vehicle. Australia's Steve Scott identified this problem as an opportunity, and invented the StrongArm Kayak Loader."

Partially-biodegradable plastic made from waste bone meal

Partially-biodegradable plastic made from waste bone meal: "Creepy as it may sound, for decades one of the key ingredients in cattle feed was meat and bone meal (MBM), made from by-products of – you guessed it – slaughtered cattle. Sheep, farmed deer, elk and bison were also unknowingly eating their own kind. With the onset of the Mad Cow Disease scare in 1997, the U.S. and other countries banned the use of MBM-containing feeds, as it was believed that the disease could spread via the ingestion of infected animals' body parts."

PreVue would offer parents a live 4D baby watch window during pregnancy

PreVue would offer parents a live 4D baby watch window during pregnancy: "Checking the health of a baby inside the womb using ultrasound has been going on for a good many years and can be a useful tool for detecting problems early."

Wysips technology can turn any surface into a PV power plant

Wysips technology can turn any surface into a PV power plant: "Mobile phones sporting photovoltaic panels are nothing new but thanks to some lens wizardry, a French company recently showed off a prototype phone where the touchscreen display itself housed the solar-soaking cells."

Microwaves utilized to convert used motor oil into fuel

Microwaves utilized to convert used motor oil into fuel: "It has been estimated that over 8 billion US gallons (30.3 billion liters) of used motor oil are produced every year by the world's cars and trucks. While some of that is re-refined into new oil or burned in furnaces for heat, neither of those processes are entirely environmentally-innocuous."

MESSENGER sends back historic first image of Mercury from orbit

MESSENGER sends back historic first image of Mercury from orbit: "After reaching orbit around Mercury on March 17, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft has sent back its first image of our solar system's innermost planet. The historic image, which was captured at 5:20 am EDT (U.S.), is the first ever captured from a spacecraft in orbit and is dominated by the rayed crater named Debussy."

HondaJet achieves maximum speed in flight testing

HondaJet achieves maximum speed in flight testing: "Honda's first light business jet has exceeded its projected top speed just three months on from its maiden flight. Michimasa Fujino first sketched the HondaJet with its distinctive over-the-wing engine-mount design in 1997."

Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes Of All Time

Top 100 April Fool's Day Hoaxes Of All Time