Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical

[New Atlas logo]( Science [Beethoven’s DNA reveals he just wasn’t that musical]( [Beethoven's genetic predisposition for musicality was low]( Analysis of Beethoven’s DNA has revealed that he had a low genetic predisposition for musical ability. The study highlights how making genetic predictions for individuals, including famous historical figures, can be fraught with danger. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [Embrace continuous learning with this self-growth app, now $59.99]( Providing access to over 1,500 book summaries, with up to 50 new additions each month, Headway Premium offers an innovative approach to learning. These summaries distill the essence of best-selling books into concise forms. [Read more]( Space [Fusion drive space engine ready for flight]( [The FireStar engine]( Rocket science got a bit more science-fiction-like as RocketStar announces it has successfully demonstrated a new ion drive that incorporates nuclear fusion. It's not the sort of fusion that powers the Sun, but it does improve thrust by 50%. [Read more]( Bicycles [Rugged 35-mph carbon ebike charts adventure, day and night]( [The Hero can be optioned with a step-through or mid-step frame, with either available as a mid-drive or hub-drive e-fatbike]( Heybike has launched an Indiegogo for an adventure ebike that's built around a lightweight carbon-fiber frame, boasts full suspension along with chunky fat tires, can be optioned with a mid-drive or hub-drive motor, and includes a 60-mile battery. [Read more]( Aircraft [JetZero's ultra-efficient blended wing demonstrator cleared for takeoff]( [Concept art of JertZero's blended wing aircraft, a demonstrator of which has just been awarded an Airworthiness Certificate by the FAA]( The basic shape of a passenger jet hasn’t really changed much for decades, but radical new shapes are inching closer to production. JetZero has announced that its beautiful blended-wing demonstrator has been FAA-approved to begin test flights. [Read more]( Outdoors [Sidewinder knife's kinetic folding mechanism is pure tactile theater]( [As the Sidewinder blade flips out, the wavy handle moves with it]( Craighill has teamed with Chen Chen and Kai Williams to create a truly unique knife. Inspired by the snake of the same name, the wavy Sidewinder flipper does away with the typical fixed handle, relying on motion from all its components to open. [Read more]( Automotive [Genesis spins out Magma performance brand & first large SUV concept]( [Genesis has unveiled new Magma concepts, including this X Gran Berlinetta Concept]( Genesis, Hyundai's luxury vehicle arm, has unveiled several eye-catching concepts ahead of the New York International Auto Show. The covers were pulled from the vehicles at Genesis House, a dealership and showplace in New York City. [Read more]( Photography [Coalax Lancer 300 modular backpack may just be the Robocop of camera bags]( [The Coalax Lancer 300 is presently on Kickstarter]( The Coalax Lancer 300 modular photography backpack is very much a modern-day descendant of the humble camera bag. Among other things, it sports a removable power bank, solar panel, drone-carrying compartment, and extendable rotatable selfie sticks. [Read more]( Science [Beer-tasting Belgian AI makes better brews than humans]( [A machine learning model was used to predict what would make Belgian beer more appreciated by consumers]( Machine-learning models predicted what would make beer taste better. Trained taste testers who drank the AI-altered beverages were greatly impressed. Now, scientists behind this taste-perfecting method have their sights set on much more than beer. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [Video: No-frills tiny house hits the market for under $24K]( [The pint-sized Element has a length of just 16 ft (4.8 m)]( Dragon Tiny Homes recalls the small living movement's humble roots with a new model named the Element. Featuring a compact and simple no-frills interior, it's currently up for sale for just $23,500. [Read more]( Medical [Bladder sensor sends 'pee-time' alerts to patients' smartphones]( [A set of tweezers holds one of the sensors (bottom), which is hard-wired to an implanted base station (green)]( Although you may know when you need to pee, such is not the case with everyone. A new implantable sensor is designed to help those other folks, by sending a smartphone alert when their bladder is full. [Read more]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for our daily newsletter at [newatlas.com]( (or [gizmag.com]( before August 2016). [Update profile]( | [Unsubscribe]( Copyright New Atlas © 2022