Weekend Edition: Record-breaking bandwidth, hair-loss hope, and “power” walking

[New Atlas logo]( Researchers have blown the previous data transmission record out of the water, transmitting data at 1.84 Pbit/s, or almost twice the global internet traffic per second. We also look at (yet another) hope for curing hair loss, and check out Moonwalkers – powered shoes with wheels that are claimed to boost the wearer’s walking speed by 250 percent. These and much more in our look back at the best stories of the week. Darren Quick Editor-in-Chief Telecommunications [Record-breaking chip can transmit entire internet's traffic per second]( [A new photonic chip design has achieved a world record data transmission speed of 1.84 petabits per second]( The speed record for data transmission using a single light source and optical chip has been shattered. Engineers have transmitted data at a blistering rate of 1.84 petabits per second (Pbit/s), almost twice the global internet traffic per second. [Read more]( Science [Hair loss breakthrough sees fully mature follicles grown in the lab]( [A breakthrough in hair follicle research may pave the way towards new treatment for hair loss disorders]( Scientists studying the way hair follicles take shape in the human body have found new success in the lab, demonstrating a way of growing fully matured forms of them in culture with hopes of pioneering advanced treatments for hair loss disorders. [Read more]( Urban Transport [Moonwalkers give users a powered boost as they walk]( [The Moonwalkers are presently on Kickstarter]( Although they may look like just another set of strap-on electric roller skates, the Moonwalkers are actually a bit different. You walk as you're wearing them, with their motorized wheels increasing your walking speed by a claimed 250 percent. [Read more]( Science [Puzzling astronomical observations support alternative theory of gravity]( [Professor Pavel Kroupa and his team have found evidence of an alternative theory of gravity]( Astrophysicists have observed puzzling behavior in star clusters that defies our current understanding of gravity at cosmic scales. Intriguingly, the observations fit with an alternative theory of gravity that could negate the need for dark matter. [Read more]( Materials [Novel rule-breaking material behaves like "conductive Play-Doh"]( [Artist's impression of a novel conductor material with a disordered molecular structure]( Scientists experimenting with novel materials have made a breakthrough that could shape a new generation of electronic devices, combining two characteristics in a way they say defies a theoretical explanation. [Read more]( Medical [Successful trial results of drug to inhibit common-cancer-causing gene]( [The MYC gene promotes tumor growth and was previously through to be an undruggable target]( Preliminary results from an ongoing Phase 1/2 human trial indicate a new drug dubbed OMO-103 can safely and effectively inhibit the function of a gene known to drive the growth of many common forms of cancer. [Read more]( Biology [53 "mute" species caught vocalizing, suggesting single chatty ancestor]( [Researchers have found that turtles and other species long thought "mute" do in fact vocalize]( Birds sing, dogs bark and turtles – well, talk in their way too. A new study has found a range of “mute” species do actually vocalize, and concluded that all acoustic communication can be traced back to a single ancestor more than 400 million years ago. [Read more]( Materials ["Cosmic magnet" recreated in lab as alternative to rare earths]( [A meteorite sample rich in tetrataenite]( Rare earth elements are vital for electronics, but they’re in short supply. Now scientists have recreated a promising alternative – a “cosmic magnet” that normally takes millions of years to form in meteorites is cooked up in the lab in seconds. [Read more]( Science [How taking an anti-inflammatory drug after a trauma may prevent PTSD]( [Giving a small dose of hydrocortisone to participants soon after a traumatic event could help them forget intrusive memories faster]( Striking new research proposes taking a common anti-inflammatory drug soon after experiencing a traumatic event could help people forget upsetting memories and reduce their risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). [Read more]( Marine [Alte Volare e-foil tender flies forward like a seaworthy sniper bullet]( [The Alte Volare combines sharp looks with an efficient electric-hydrofoil design]( One of the sleekest, sharpest boats of 2022, the Alte Volare is a new design study from Cockwells. The limousine tender relies on a combination of electric powertrain, retractable hydrofoils and fuselage-like hull for fast, efficient shuttling. [Read more]( Bicycles [Canyon introduces KIS self-centering steering for mountain bikes]( [The KIS system is debuting on Canyon's Spectral CF 8 KIS trail bike]( When riding over rough terrain, a fair bit of effort goes into keeping the front wheel from being deflected to one side by roots, rocks or other obstacles. Canyon has set out to make things easier, with its KIS self-centering steering system. [Read more]( Automotive [Amstervan dual-lounger mini camper puts more R&R into RV life]( [Amstervan reimagines a new mini-camper layout inside a Renault Trafic]( Amstervan has put its own spin on the mini-camper, laying things out in a way that invites the outdoors in. It compares its dual-lounger layout to a cozy coffee shop, but it gives us more of a poolside cabana vibe. [Read more]( Medical [Particles made from purified sand gain momentum as obesity treatment]( [A new study has further highlighted the potential of porous particles made from purified sand for altering the body's uptake of fats and sugars]( A new study from the University of South Australia has bolstered the potential of silica particles to counter obesity, by showing how they block enzyme activity to hamper the body’s uptake of fats and sugars. [Read more]( Science [Insect swarms can generate as much static electricity as a storm cloud]( [A new study finds that swarming honeybees can generate enough static electricity to change the atmospheric electric field]( New research shows that swarms of insects like bees and locusts can actually produce atmospheric electric charges. By measuring the extent of this influence, the team found that large swarms could produce as much charge as a storm cloud. [Read more]( Photography [Talk to the flipper! The Comedy Wildlife Photo Award finalists]( ["Talk To The Fin!". Gentoo Penguin, Falkland Islands]( From a shy raccoon waving hello, to a penguin that's had enough of its friend's squawking, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Award finalists have again delivered a most entertaining array of hilarious animal antics. [Read more]( Architecture [City block-sized supertall skyscraper completed in Manhattan]( [50 Hudson Yards takes up an entire city block and reaches a height of 308 m (1,011 ft) in Manhattan]( Following four years of construction, Foster + Partners' massive $4 billion 50 Hudson Yards is now finally complete. The supertall skyscraper takes up the footprint of an entire city block in Manhattan, New York City, and reaches a height of 308 m. [Read more]( Medical [Engineered protein calms immune cells to prevent autoimmune diseases]( [Scientists have engineered a protein that shows promise in helping prevent autoimmune diseases]( Our immune system can unfortunately go rogue and attack healthy tissues. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have now engineered a protein that may help prevent these autoimmune diseases by boosting the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs). [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [The world's first Phase 3 psilocybin clinical trial is about to commence]( [A depiction of a psilocybin session from Compass Pathways]( The world's first Phase 3 human trial for psilocybin-assisted therapy set to commence by the end of the year. The trial, run by Compass Pathways, will enroll close to 1,000 subjects and the company is looking to FDA approvals by the end of 2025. [Read more]( Environment [Electric sparks from plants during thunderstorms may affect air quality]( [During thunderstorms certain tree leaves can generate weak electrical discharges known as coronas, and new research suggests these coronas may influence surrounding air quality]( Fascinating new research from atmospheric scientists at Penn State University has found during thunderstorms, electrical discharges on tree leaves can generate significant volumes of chemicals that may affect the air quality in surrounding forests. [Read more]( Automotive [Review: 2022 Kia EV6 is a wagonliscious electric]( [The EV6 is Kia's newest model and latest dedicated electric vehicle]( The latest vehicle from Kia is the battery-electric EV6. Designed as a wagon-like crossover, it’s more akin to a car-based station wagon than it is a car-based SUV. And that means it’s a wonderful drive. [Read more]( Automotive [400-mile GMC Sierra EV crab walks into the spotlight looking dashing]( [The 2024 Denali Edition 1 will be the first of the Sierra EV pickup family to debut]( After the introduction of the GMC Hummer siblings and Chevy Silverado EV, it was only a matter of time before the GMC Sierra EV popped up. The sharp-looking e-Sierra debuted this week with a potent 754-hp electric 4WD and crab-walking athleticism. [Read more]( Good Thinking [Lightweight Unit One gives shipping containers the high-tech treatment]( [Aeler co-CEO David Baur, with one of his company's Unit One shipping containers]( It's easy to think of shipping containers as simple metal boxes, that can't be improved. The Unit One container, however, is claimed to be lighter, stronger and more energy-efficient than others, plus it uses multiple sensors to monitor its cargo. [Read more]( Outdoors [Campod pioneers a fiberglass camper wagon for the new frontier]( [The Campod includes a side awning and available external BBQ hookup for outdoor cooking and dining]( The new Campod trailer looks much like a Romani caravan or American covered wagon, only modernized with a lightweight fiberglass shell. The classic shape opens up over 6 feet of standing room and a picture window panorama to pull the outdoors in. 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