Sunlight turns plastic waste into key element of hydrogen fuel cells

[Materials]( [Sunlight turns plastic waste into key element of hydrogen fuel cells]( [Could plastic waste one day provide a key ingredient for zero-emission transport?]( Research out of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has uncovered a potential new use for plastic waste, with scientists converting it into a chemical used to to produce electricity in hydrogen fuel cells by exposing it to sunlight. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [This CES Awards honoree helps you test your eyesight at home]( EyeQue VisionCheck allows you to check on your prescription without setting up a doctor's appointment. Nominated for CES innovation of the year, this ophthalmic refractometer is the only at-home solution to test your eyes, get EyeGlass Numbers, and use them to order eyeglasses. Simply integrate it with the EyeQue app, register your email and device, take a test, and get your EyeGlass numbers for a new pair of specs. Know your vision in between doctor visits, right in the comfort of your home. [Read more]( [Medical]( [Immunotherapy study shows how to stop cancer hiding from immune cells]( [Researchers have discovered a way that cancer hides from the immune system – and how to counter it]( Cancer has a knack for deceiving the immune system, giving itself time to grow and spread. Now, researchers at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have identified one way it does so, and found a method to counter it in mouse tests. [Read more]( [Mobile Technology]( [The best smartphones of 2019]( [The verdict is in on our favorite phones of the year]( Another 12 months in mobile technology have flown by – and these are our picks for the best phones of 2019, the handsets that showcase the best of what a modern-day smartphone can be in terms of both hardware and software. [Read more]( [Health & Wellbeing]( [Brain circuit linked to impulsive overeating discovered]( [New research suggests a neural pathway linked to overeating regulates our ability to control impulsive behavior]( A study is suggesting a neural circuit implicated in overeating may be more broadly linked to impulse control. The research hypothesizes behavioral disorders, from drug addiction to excessive gambling, could be treated by regulating this pathway. [Read more]( [Outdoors]( [Motorized fin gives surfers a boost]( [The Boost Surfing Fin temporarily replaces a third-party board's existing fin, via an included adapter]( Surfers use up a lot of energy, both paddling out to the lineups where the waves roll in, and then paddling even harder to catch one of those waves. The Boost Surfing Fin is designed to help, by giving users … well, an electric boost. [Read more]( [Materials]( [Scientists punch holes in regular solar cells to make them transparent]( [Transparent solar cells could lead to windows and phone screens that generate electricity]( Scientists in Korea believe they’ve found a way around the opaque nature of conventional solar cells, with a new technique that involves punching carefully placed holes right through them to make them transparent. [Read more]( [Medical]( [New psilocybin trial data explores group psychedelic sessions]( [Psilocybin is the primary psychoactive compound found in what are commonly known as magic mushrooms]( Researchers are reporting positive results from an early trial exploring the safety profile of psilocybin doses in healthy adults. The trial also explored the potential of group dosing sessions as a way to speed up research and expand patient access. [Read more]( [Materials]( [Chiton-inspired body armor could both flex and protect]( [A chiton's shell is flexible enough to let the animal conform to the contours of rocks, yet it hardens upon impact]( When it comes to body armor, there's typically a trade-off – it can either be highly impact-resistant or flexible, but not both. That may not be the case for much longer, however, thanks to an experimental new material inspired by a mollusc. [Read more]( [Environment]( [26-year study shows Greenland is losing ice much faster than expected]( [A 26-year study shows that ice loss in the Greenland Ice Sheet has accelerated since the 1990s]( A comprehensive new study has tracked long-term ice loss in Greenland, and found that the Ice Sheet has lost 3.8 trillion tonnes of ice since 1992 – and the annual rate is rising faster than previously expected. [Read more]( [Music]( [Soma opens order books for two-string Dvina instrument]( [The refined and tweaked Dvina electro acoustic instrument from Soma Laboratory is now available to buy]( Back in February, Vlad Kreimer of Soma Laboratory announced the creation of a Dvina prototype, the first electro-acoustic instrument from the Russian synth maker. Now the slightly-tweaked production model has been released. [Read more]( [Digital Cameras]( [The spectacle of city life in Agora’s best urban photos of the year]( ['Ship city' by @azimronnie (Bangladesh). A ship-building dock in Dhaka, Bangladesh]( The top 50 urban photos from photography social network Agora span an incredible array of subjects and styles. Covering everything from drone shots to surreal portraits, these spectacular images encapsulate the diverse and lively energy of city life. [Read more]( [Outdoors]( [IKamper Mini expanding hardshell roof tent turns small car into camper]( [Drop the extension down, lock the ladder at proper height and pop in the awning supports]( After hitting the scene with an innovative expanding roof-top tent, iKamper reworked it, set Kickstarter on fire with a $2 million campaign, and became a brand name in the camping scene. Now it's reaching out to small car owners with a Mini version. [Read more]( [Space]( [Blue Origin’s reusable booster makes sixth flight in a row]( [NS-12 lifting off from the Blue Origin launch facility in West Texas]( Blue Origin's New Shepard booster completed its 12th successful test flight on December 11, marking the first time a booster has made six consecutive missions. At 11:53 am CDT, the single-stage rocket lifted off for a 10 min 16 sec flight. [Read more]( [Urban Transport]( [Flexible modularity at the heart of dot e-skateboard design]( [The dot electric skateboards have a top speed of 24 mph and a per charge range of 24 miles]( Many boarders will have swapped out truck sets or replaced worn grip tape, but Globe International's electric dot boards offer a good deal more configuration and tweaking options. [Read more]( [Motorcycles]( [Tacita will debut its 2020 T-Race Rally electric motorcycle at the Dakar]( [Tacita will debut its 2020 T-Race Rally with a squirt in a special stage at the Dakar rally]( Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Tacita is preparing to launch a new rally-focused bike in early January – and has just announced that it'll take the T-Race Rally out for a public debut at the world's greatest and most historic rally event. [Read more]( [Medical]( [Spray-on gel shows promise as a better frostbite treatment]( [The gel has been successfully tested on rats, but there's no word on when it may be available for use on humans]( It's important to treat frostbite quickly, as it can lead to gangrene and ultimately amputation. A new spray gel could help, allowing for highly-effective treatment in places where it might not otherwise be possible. [Read more]( [Home Entertainment]( [Austrian vinyl lovers take minimalist design for a spin]( [The Tone Factory can wirelessly connect with Bluetooth speakers or headphones]( Three young designers have hit Kickstarter with a stylish turntable that can be cabled to your living room hi-fi setup or be wirelessly connected to Bluetooth speakers for "those who like it slow but sometimes prefer the fast and easy way." [Read more]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for our daily newsletter at [newatlas.com]( (or [gizmag.com]( before August 2016). 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