Final space shuttle mission testing system to turn urine into a sports drink

Final space shuttle mission testing system to turn urine into a sports drink: "Atlantis may have taken off on the last ever space shuttle mission last week but that doesn't mean it has finished racking up firsts. Along with ferrying its last batch of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), Atlantis is also carrying a urine recycling system that is designed to convert astronaut's urine into a sports drink. The Forward Osmosis Bag (FOB) system will reportedly be tested by one of the four-man crew towards the end of the shuttle's 12-day mission."

FireText Smoke Alarm texts you in the event of a fire

FireText Smoke Alarm texts you in the event of a fire: "Smoke alarms are great for alerting people that a fire has broken out so they can get out of harm's way and alert the authorities. But what happens if there's no one home when a fire breaks out."

Video: BMW evaluates electric E-Scooter

Video: BMW evaluates electric E-Scooter: "BMW has flagged a possible intention to get into the electric motorcycle market with the airing of its E-Scooter concept bike. Designed from the ground up as an electric bike, the E-scooter uses its battery casing as a primary component of the frame."

Kitchen gadget measures liquids, weighs solids in same container

Kitchen gadget measures liquids, weighs solids in same container: "If you like to cook, and are just beginning the process of acquiring basic kitchen supplies, you're probably planning on getting a measuring cup and a kitchen scale. Should you need to maximize space, however, you can now get both devices in one unit. It's the Maxim 2 in 1 Jug and Scales, and it lets you measure both volume and weight."

Atlantis embarks on final shuttle mission

Atlantis embarks on final shuttle mission: "Despite the possibility of delays due to weather, the space shuttle Atlantis successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida on schedule this morning at 11:26 EDT. It is the final flight both for the Atlantis, and for NASA's 30-year shuttle program as a whole. The 12-day STS-135 mission will see four crew members traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver supplies."

Supercollar features built-in retractable leash

Supercollar features built-in retractable leash: "The humble dog collar might seem like something that couldn't really be improved upon in any significant way, but ... what if you combined it with a leash? Well, what you'd end up with is the Supercollar. It's a polypropylene collar, with a three-foot (0.9-meter) retractable leash built into it. Perhaps not necessary in all situations, but there a few where it might come in handy."

Dairy-free ice cream developed for allergy sufferers and vegans

Dairy-free ice cream developed for allergy sufferers and vegans: "While the researchers at Fraunhofer have been toiling away on all manner of important technologies, from electric vehicles and printable batteries to antibacterial film and water conservation technologies, it's good to see they've also turned some of their expertize towards the equally important task of bringing the joy of ice cream on a summer's day to those with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance."

The 231 mph Brabus Mercedes 800E - world's fastest and most powerful four-seat cabriolet

The 231 mph Brabus Mercedes 800E - world's fastest and most powerful four-seat cabriolet: "Brabus specialises in building fast cars - very fast cars. Indeed, it already holds the record for building the world's fastest production sedan and the world's fastest production coupe, so in claiming the title of the world's fastest cabriolet, it's not that much of a surprise."

Solar Ivy captures the sun's energy whilst creating a pleasing visual aesthetic

Solar Ivy captures the sun's energy whilst creating a pleasing visual aesthetic: "Solar Ivy was inspired by traditional mansions, where ivy decorates the exterior walls and reflects the organic essence of nature. Created in collaboration with Brooklyn-based parent company SMIT, Solar Ivy is a series of solar cells printed with conductive ink that resemble ivy leaves."

Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power achieves key milestone - 24 hours of uninterrupted supply

Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power achieves key milestone - 24 hours of uninterrupted supply: "The Gemasolar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant near Seville, Spain, has achieved a full 24 hours of solar power production one month after starting commercial operation. The 19.9 MW plant uses a huge array of mirrors to heat a molten salt storage system in the central tower which is then used to run steam turbines, resulting in the ability to continue energy production after the sun goes down."

Kinect-based system developed that recognizes what you're doing

Kinect-based system developed that recognizes what you're doing: "When and if we ever do get our personal robot assistants, it would be nice to think that we could 'be ourselves' in front of them, doing things such as scratching our butts or checking our deodorant - because they're just robots, right? They're not going to know what we're doing."

Airbus and DLR testing fuel cell technology to cut aircraft pollution and noise emissions

Airbus and DLR testing fuel cell technology to cut aircraft pollution and noise emissions: "The goals of the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) to reduce CO2 emissions by 50 percent, NOx emissions by 80 percent and noise cut by 50 percent by 2020 has seen aircraft manufacturers and airlines looking at alternative fuels such as biofuel."