Adastra one-off luxury trimaran is in the works

Adastra one-off luxury trimaran is in the works: "Some readers may remember the incredible-looking biodiesel-powered Earthrace trimaran. Originally designed to circumnavigate the world, it ended up being donated to the Sea Shepherd Society, and was promptly rammed and sunk by a Japanese whaling ship. Well, while we may no longer have it to gawk at, a one-off watercraft that could almost be considered its gigantic, luxurious sibling is currently being constructed in China. Behold, the Adastra."

Virgin America and Google offer Chromebook 'test flights'

Virgin America and Google offer Chromebook 'test flights': "In an effort to educate the masses about its new portable computing platform, Google has struck a deal with Virgin America that will see Chromebooks trialled by passengers on selected flights in the U.S."

Realistic robotic helps dental students hone their skills

Realistic robotic helps dental students hone their skills: "Showa Hanako 2 is said to be a more user friendly and functional replacement to Showa Hanako 1, which was presented in March 2010. 'Love doll' maker Orient Industry is responsible for the silicone skin (this replaces the PVC skin of the previous model) and mouth lining, which increases the realistic feel and prevents water from getting into the machinery."

Seeds inspire new artificial anti-fouling surface

Seeds inspire new artificial anti-fouling surface: "With marine biofouling on ship hulls increasing drag, which results in an increase in fuel consumption and therefore cost and pollution, the search has been on for a way to prevent fouling that is better than the environmentally damaging, toxic marine paints currently used. Taking inspiration from floating seeds, scientists from the Biomimetics-Innovation-Centre (B-I-C) in Germany have developed a promising new anti-fouling surface that is toxin-free."

Toyota confirms 2012 U.S. launch for all-electric Scion iQ

Toyota confirms 2012 U.S. launch for all-electric Scion iQ: "At its annual U.S. national dealer meeting held in Las Vegas at the end of June, Toyota confirmed the launch dates for its Prius family are still on track despite complications arising following the disasters that hit Japan on March 11, saying production is expected to return to normal levels in Japan after July"

Antonov's 3-speed transmission for electric vehicles boosts efficiency by 15 percent

Antonov's 3-speed transmission for electric vehicles boosts efficiency by 15 percent: "Electric vehicles have been a reality for more than 100 years, but it's only in the last decade or so that the world has truly woken up to their potential as a viable, cleaner urban transport alternative to their combustion engined cousins. During this EV renaissance much of the focus has been on developing improved power sources like batteries and fuel cells in order to deliver the range and performance consumers have become accustomed to during the age of oil."