Low-cost passive maglev upgrade tested on regular rail tracks

[New Atlas logo]( Transport [Low-cost passive maglev upgrade tested on regular rail tracks]( [The latest IronLev prototype was presented at LetExpo 2024 in Verona this week, where its successful test run along an existing rail track was revealed]( Maglev transport systems present an attractive option for the mobility mix. They're quick and quiet, and are low maintenance. But setup can be costly and complex. IronLev is looking to change that with a passive system that runs on regular rail tracks. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [Score nearly $40 in savings on this 4K dual-camera drone]( Even the most advanced smartphones have limits. If you want to up your photography and videography game--take your cinematography to the skies and capture breathtaking aerial shots with this 4K Dual-Camera Drone. [Read more]( Bicycles [$2,000 ebike somehow includes a high-tech auto-shift gearbox]( [The Lectric One commuter ebike features a Pinion C1.6i gearbox with Smart-Shift technology and a Gates Carbon Belt Drive]( Until now, if you wanted an ebike with a Pinion gearbox and e-shifting combined with a Gates Carbon belt, you could be looking at parting with more than $10k. Phoenix-based Lectric has ripped that to shreds with the launch of the One commuter ebike. [Read more]( Space [Newly found monster Martian volcano might be hiding an icy secret]( [The newly discovered volcano has monstered-sized company in the form of three other gigantic Martian volcanoes]( A massive volcano has been hiding in plain sight on Mars, says new research. Not only is its sheer size noteworthy, but the team believes it might also harbor glacial ice that could be critical for further exploration and Martian settlements. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [These five 'tiny houses' are more like luxury apartments on wheels]( [The Purple Heart Manor's kitchen is spacious and includes a large sink, custom cabinetry, a fridge/freezer, and an oven with four-burner propane-powered stove]( Tiny houses have evolved beyond their humble DIY roots, with some designers creating huge towable homes that are like luxury apartments on wheels. New Atlas takes a closer look at five of the best recent examples. [Read more]( Space [Starship successfully makes orbit – but the FAA has grounded it anyway]( [Starship lifting off]( Third time's the charm! SpaceX's Starship roared into orbit today from the company's Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas. Larger and more powerful than the venerable Saturn V, the giant rocket lifted off into the history books at 8:25 am CDT. [Read more]( Automotive [Remote camper amplifies space via "cyber shower" & swivel sleeper seat]( [Remote Vans is working on some serious growth for 2024]( Remote Vans steps beyond ordinary in giving its new 2024 Sprinter AWD camper vans smart hardware to reflect its techy, overlanding roots. Standard features include Starlink internet, a swivel seat-sofa-bed and a collapsible recirculating shower. [Read more]( Robotics [Lenovo's six-legged robodog promises unmatched maneuverability]( [The Lenovo Daystar Bot GS six-legged robodog is penciled in for a 2024 launch in Asia]( Lenovo probably isn't the first brand that springs to mind if you're on the lookout for a robodog to patrol your warehouse. Yet its Shanghai innovations lab has a versatile six-legged pooch coming this year, which has already nabbed an iF Design Award. [Read more]( Technology [DeepMind's latest AI wants your video game controller, not your job]( [AI is not just coming for your job, it's coming for your PlayStation controller]( The AIs aren't just coming for our jobs. They aren't just taking over our means of creative artistic expression. Soon, we're going to have to fight the bastards for the Playstation too. Google DeepMind has created SIMA, a multi-world gaming agent. [Read more]( Materials [Electroadhesive 'meat magnet' drops chops when the power stops]( [Scientists have used electroadhesion to reversibly bond soft materials such as raw chicken and tomato (pictured) to hard materials like tin, lead and graphite]( Imagine if a hard metal implant could be bonded to soft biological tissue without using any adhesive, then easily removed when no longer needed. That and other nifty things could soon be possible, thanks to a new understanding of electroadhesion. [Read more]( Science [Snakes on a plate: Why you should be eating python]( [Farming snakes such as this Burmese python for food is more sustainable than conventional livestock farming]( You may not want to meet a live one, but would you swap out steak for snake? These 'danger noodles' have been tabled as a high-protein, low-fat food source, and a more sustainable meat option. It sure changes the meaning of the phrase 'snake bite'… [Read more]( Music [Beloved family pianos are reborn as stunning phoenix sculptures]( [Australian sculptor David Cox with his 50th Phoenix sculpture, built as a tribute to a well-loved piano]( Pianos can become the heart of a home, and some become intergenerational heirlooms loaded with memories. Letting them go once they're unplayable can be very hard, but an Australian sculptor has found a way to resurrect them, to jaw-dropping effect. [Read more]( Environment [Sounds appealing – reef recordings entice coral larvae to start building]( [WHOI biologists Nadège Aoki (left) and Aran Mooney work with captive coral larvae at a study site in the US Virgin Islands]( Scientists have discovered that audio recordings of healthy coral reefs may help attract free-swimming coral larvae to damaged ones. The finding could be a major step toward preserving the world's coral reefs. [Read more]( Medical [Microbes stomp daffodils in creating valuable anti-Alzheimer's drug]( [A microbial fermentation process proved better than daffodil extract at creating an important anti-dementia drug]( Using an AI-based approach, researchers found a better way to create the drug galantamine, commonly prescribed to people suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The fermentation-based technique could boost the drug's availability. [Read more]( Environment [Rockin' on the Richter scale: Seismologists rank the top concert-quakes]( [Music fans have been known to cause earthquakes at concerts, but whose army of supporters could make the earth move the most?]( With Taylor Swift fans linked to recent seismic activity during her current worldwide 'Eras' concert tour, we thought we’d investigate how other musical artists' fans stacked up in terms of their stadium-shaking abilities. The results may surprise you. [Read more]( Medical [Licorice, even in small amounts, can raise blood pressure]( [Eating the recommended small daily amount of licorice still elevated blood pressure in young, healthy people]( Eating small amounts of licorice, in keeping with the suggested daily intake, may still cause high blood pressure in healthy young people, a new study has found. The findings highlight the need for caution when consuming the sweet black treat. [Read more]( Photography [Hare for it: 2024 British Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners]( ["Sunrise Hare" – Spencer Burrows, Animal Portraits Runner-up. Taken with Nikon Z 9 with Nikon 800mm f/6.3 lens. 800mm; 1/3,200th second; f/6.3; ISO 2,000]( A dramatic image of a soccer ball covered in invasive goose barnacles has taken out the top prize in this year's prestigious British Wildlife Photography Awards, beating out more than 14,000 entries that aimed to cleverly capture the world around us. [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