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."

Optical system combines replaceable safety glasses with users' presciption lenses

Optical system combines replaceable safety glasses with users' presciption lenses: "Those of us who need to wear glasses face a bit of a quandary when it comes to protective eyewear. We can put big safety glasses on over top of our prescription glasses, although these can be bulky, uncomfortable, and a little funny-looking."

B&N simplifies Nook and makes it touchscreen

B&N simplifies Nook and makes it touchscreen: "The dust hadn't even had time to settle on the announcement of the new Kobo eReader Touch Edition before Barnes & Noble (B&N) unveiled the Nook Simple Touch Reader."

Launch of world’s first EV racing series moves to U.S.

Launch of world’s first EV racing series moves to U.S.: "Billed as world's first race series exclusively for zero-emission electric cars, the EV Cup was originally scheduled to kick off its inaugural season in the U.K. at Silverstone on August 6, 2011. It has now been delayed and will start out in the U.S. with two race events in California at Laguna Seca in November and Auto Club Speedway in December, ahead of a full series launch in 2012."

Thorium: A safer alternative for nuclear power generation?

Thorium: A safer alternative for nuclear power generation?: "The world's growing need for energy, the limits of our supply of fossil fuels and concern about the effects of carbon emissions on the environment have all prompted interest in the increased use of nuclear power."

Not your average Hobbit hole: Make Architects' zero carbon underground house

Not your average Hobbit hole: Make Architects' zero carbon underground house: "There's more to environmentally-friendly architecture than solar-panels and thermal mass, it's also about designing buildings that are not at-odds with their surroundings - particularly if the building is in the middle of a picturesque landscape."

Solar cell-embroidered handbag blends fashion and function

Solar cell-embroidered handbag blends fashion and function: "With a mobile phone now an essential item in any ladies' handbag, it's surprising that most of the solar powered bags we've seen up until now have been either backpacks or messenger bags."