Homebuilt $70,000 single-person spacecraft tested

Homebuilt $70,000 single-person spacecraft tested: Sending a man to outer space in a homebuilt spacecraft worth US$70,000 may seem like a crazy idea to most of us, but not for a Danish group of enthusiasts who call themselves Copenhagen Suborbitals

CERN traps antimatter atoms for 1,000 seconds

CERN traps antimatter atoms for 1,000 seconds: Researchers involved in the ALPHA experiment at Switzerland's CERN complex announced yesterday (June 5) that they have succeeded in using the facility's antiproton decelerator to trap antimatter atoms for 1,000 seconds - or just over 16 minutes.

Researchers halve machines' fuel consumption, by turning them into hybrids

Researchers halve machines' fuel consumption, by turning them into hybrids: Many hybrid cars feature regenerative braking - they harness the energy generated when they brake, and store it in the battery for later use. This helps maximize the amount of time that the car can run on one charge.

Detecting and controlling seizures with brain implants

Detecting and controlling seizures with brain implants: In the future, people who are prone to seizures may get an array of electrodes implanted in their brains. These electrodes would be capable of detecting the onset of a seizure, and then releasing medication to prevent it from happening. While it might sound far-fetched, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have already demonstrated the technology on lab rats.

Microsoft previews “touch-optimized” Windows 8 operating system

Microsoft previews “touch-optimized” Windows 8 operating system: With Apple bringing a few user interface elements found in its iOS mobile operating system to its upcoming OS X Lion desktop operating system, Microsoft is taking a similar tack for its Windows 8 OS.

The go anywhere Aqua hybrid hovercraft concept

The go anywhere Aqua hybrid hovercraft concept: This futuristic, zero emissions hovercraft concept won't be gracing our wilderness zones any time soon but it definitely merits a mention. Dubbed the "Aqua Volkswagen," the concept was created by Zhang Yuhan, a 21 year old graduate in Industrial Design at Xihua University, China.

Ford produces the smallest motor in its history - three cylinder 1.0-Liter EcoBoost

Ford produces the smallest motor in its history - three cylinder 1.0-Liter EcoBoost: It's a sign of the times that Ford is gearing up to launch the smallest capacity engine, with less cylinders than any it has previously produced. The new 1.0-liter EcoBoost will be launched globally in all small Ford cars, and in addition to recognized technologies employed by Ford in its EcoBoost engines,

Google to acquire Motorola Mobility for US$12.5 billion

Google to acquire Motorola Mobility for US$12.5 billion: Google has announced today that it is going to purchase Motorola Mobility for a price of US$40 per share, which adds up to a total amount of US$12.5 billion. Taking Google's patent wars into account, Motorola's portfolio of 17,000 patents could have been an important factor behind the deal. According to a blog post by Google's CEO Larry Page, Motorola will be run as a separate business, while Android will remain an open platform.

New aquarium designed to put jellyfish on your desk

New aquarium designed to put jellyfish on your desk: Jellyfish are definitely fascinating creatures, that are almost hypnotizing to watch ... you could say, they're the lava lamps of the animal kingdom. Unfortunately for aquarists, however, they also can't be kept in a regular aquarium, as they'll get sucked into the water filtration intakes.

OPINION: Distracted driving - the insanity of public roads

OPINION: Distracted driving - the insanity of public roads: The distracted driving epidemic seems to know no bounds. With global road deaths set to exceed 1.5 million human beings in 2011, almost every country in the world continues to accept the mayhem on the roads as the cost of doing business.

Schluckspecht EV travels a world record 1,000 miles+ on a single charge

Schluckspecht EV travels a world record 1,000 miles+ on a single charge: The "Schluckspecht E" electric vehicle built by a team at the University of Applied Sciences in Offenberg, Germany has broken the world record for the longest distance traveled on a single charge.

New fixed brake caliper saves 1.5 kilos per wheel

New fixed brake caliper saves 1.5 kilos per wheel: Continental is best known for its tires, but its latest product could help to significantly improve the handling of the family sedan when it is shown for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show next month. It's a new fixed-type brake caliper for passenger cars, and in comparison to the fist-caliper brakes widely used at present, the new design saves around 1.5 kg per wheel - a large lump of unsprung weight that makes the suspension's job much harder than it need be.