Weekend Edition: A mega conveyor belt, a pop-up camper cube and a long-distance butterfly flight

[New Atlas logo]( Welcome to our weekly wrap of the best stories to grace the pages of New Atlas over the last seven days. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Weekend Edition. Transport [Monster 310-mile automated cargo conveyor will replace 25,000 trucks]( [The Tokyo-Osaka automated logistics system, pictured using generative tools, will use conveyor belts or small, autonomous carts to move cargo]( The Japanese government is planning to connect major cities with automated zero-emissions logistics links that can quietly and efficiently shift millions of tons of cargo, while getting tens of thousands of trucks off the road. [Read more]( Outdoors [Pop-up camper cube might be the smartest family RV money can buy]( [The Exodus Capax all set up and ready for camping]( With the new Capax camping trailer, Exodus harnesses today's tech toward automating and improving the base camp experience for the digital generation. It packs in smart home-like automation, instant electric setup and satellite connectivity. [Read more]( Biology [Butterfly takes epic 2,600-mile transatlantic flight, stuns scientists]( [A mix of wind-assisted gliding and active flying got these adventurous butterflies across the ocean nonstop]( In a first, scientists have found that painted lady butterflies use favorable winds and a strategy of active flying and autopilot to cross the world nonstop. The flight, spanning five-to-eight days, takes up to half the adventurous animals' adult life. [Read more]( Military [Video: USAF shows off cutting-edge X-67A's maiden flight]( [The X-67A first flew in February 2024]( The US Air Force has released a video of the maiden flight of its XQ-67A demonstrator drone. Taken on February 28, 2024, the footage shows the autonomous aircraft strutting its stuff in the skies over Gray Butte Field Airport, Palmdale, California. [Read more]( Technology [World's most efficient engine becomes a colossal clean energy generator]( [Wärtsilä 31SG-H1 hydrogen-ready engine]( One of the world's largest engines becomes a clean generator. Originally designed to burn diesel, dual-fuel, or gasoline for tankers and container ships, the Wärtsilä 31 marine engine gets a new life generating clean, renewable electricity. [Read more]( Good Thinking [GT-1 multitool opens and closes to serve a dozen functions]( [The GT-1 is currently on Kickstarter]( While there are indeed a ton of multitools on Kickstarter, most of them are pretty darn similar to one another. The GT-1 is different, in that it utilizes a unique folding form factor to pack 12 functions into one compact device. [Read more]( Biology [New intelligence model could upend biology, genetics, medicine and AI]( [An emerging model of intelligence finds flexible problem-solving capabilities at the cellular level and beyond – and it threatens to upend not just biology and genetics, but medicine, AI and consciousness research, among other things]( This may be about as wildly entertaining, disruptive and philosophically profound as legitimate scientific research gets. Michael Levin's work in cellular intelligence, bioelectrical communication and embodied minds "is going to overturn everything." [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Intermittent fasting: What it does and doesn't do, according to science]( [Science backs up the health benefits of intermittent fasting, and confirms what it doesn't do]( Intermittent fasting (IF) is currently one of the most popular health and fitness trends. But, as with anything popular, it has its nay-sayers. So, we looked at the science that backs up what these kinds of diets can do and busted some myths in the process. [Read more]( Automotive [All-new Volkswagen California camper van launches for $67,300]( [The new Volkswagen California made its world premiere in Berlin in May and is now available for preorder]( Volkswagen introduced the all-new T7 Multivan California camper back in May but held off on revealing prices. The automaker opened up preorders this month, providing pricing information for each of the five individual models. [Read more]( Mobile Technology [Thin and lightweight e-note embraces productivity on the Go]( [Onyx Boox has removed the front light to slim its Go 10.3 down]( Onyx International has launched a new series of lightweight E Ink devices as part of its Boox line, starting with an ultra-thin monochrome 10.3-inch ePaper notepad that saves paper (and your eyes) plus a color e-reader. [Read more]( Biology [Anti-aging molecule successfully restores multiple markers of youth]( [As we age, the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes called telomeres get shorter and shorter]( In pre-clinical trials, a small molecule effectively regrew neurons, reduced inflammation, and improved memory, speed, coordination, grip strength, and more. The finding could have a profound impact on aging and the diseases that accompany it. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Swallowable PillBot begins clinical trials, and microsurgeons on the way]( [Endiatx Co-Founder & CTO Alex Luebke explains the Endiatx development roadmap]( Endiatx has begun clinical trials of its ingestible PillBot™, which will enable doctors to remotely examine the gastrointestinal tract of a patient over a zoom call. [Read more]( Medical [5:2 diet proves better than meds for new diabetics]( [A 5:2 intermittent diet offers new diabetics an alternative to medication]( Compared to some antidiabetic medications, a 5:2 intermittent diet provides better blood sugar control and weight loss in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics, a new study found. It may be a viable alternative to medications in the early stages of the condition. [Read more]( Medical [First sleep apnea drug also boosts weight loss and heart health]( [The first therapeutic for sleep apnea could help sufferer ditch the CPAP machine]( An existing drug has significantly improved the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea – so much so that many trial participants stopped using CPAP machines. It stands to be the first therapeutic to effectively treat the condition, which affects millions. [Read more]( Science [Autism added to growing list of things we’ve inherited from Neanderthals]( [An association has been found between Neanderthal DNA and autism in modern humans]( Since Neanderthals' whole genome was sequenced, there’s been growing interest in how their genetics influences our health. New research has found that genetic variations derived from our ancient relatives are associated with an increased susceptibility to autism. [Read more]( Outdoors [Collapsible camping torch replaces campfire with blazing open inferno]( [Flip the Tripod Torch dial and enjoy a veritable bonfire]( Tripod torches have become common among battery camping lights, but a new startup has a more literal (and terrifying) interpretation. Its Tripod Torch is a freestanding flame-spewer that delivers a big, open flame meant to spread heat more evenly. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [Tiny retreat brings off-grid luxury to the wilderness]( [The Gilay Estate measures just 40 sq m (430 sq ft)]( Nestling into the rural Australian landscape, the Gilay Estate might be mistaken for an old hut or agricultural shed from a distance. However, the compact retreat has been carefully designed to provide a luxurious off-the-grid living experience. [Read more]( Energy [Green hydrogen breakthrough swaps in water for iridium]( [Hydrogen holds the most promise when it is produced via green methods]( Hydrogen shows a lot of promise as a powerful, clean fuel source – as long as the process that creates it is also green. A new report shows how tough it might be to get to truly green hydrogen, while a new study removes a barrier to its creation. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Hair loss prevented by blocking ancient biological mechanism]( [A healthy hair follicle (left), and one inhibited by a drug that triggered the ISR mechanism preventing hair growth]( A surprise result in a lab experiment has led to the discovery of an ancient biological stress pathway that triggers cells to stop making what's needed to grow hair. Blocking this process could protect follicles from this process and prevent hair loss. [Read more]( Biology [Never-before-seen dinosaur’s unique headgear earns it a godly name]( [Lokiceratops rangiformis is a distant cousin of the Triceratops]( A never-before-seen species of horned, herbivorous dinosaur, a predecessor of the Triceratops, has been unveiled at the Natural History Museum of Utah. And its showy, distinctive headgear has earned it a name reminiscent of a god. 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