Science, Tech, Outdoor & Innovation News

Superfast power bank brings its own solar panel for recharging

May 05, 2026 | Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Power banks are a dime a dozen, but this one caught my eye with a feature I haven't seen before: a built-in solar panel to recharge it using the power of the sun. The Solly ticks a lot more boxes, and is currently raising funds over on Kickstarter.

Tiny bike camper expands via slide-out to sleep 2 people + toilet

May 01, 2026 | C.C. Weiss
The Alpencamper Eco Slide Out bicycle camper borrows a trick usually reserved for larger RVs, using a sidewall slide-out to expand its tiny interior enough to house a double bed comparable to what you'd find in a full-blown camper van.

Startup's squeezable solid could upend cooling and refrigeration

May 05, 2026 | Abhimanyu Ghoshal
Barocal is developing a class of solid materials that can absorb and transfer heat when subjected to pressure, with a high degree of efficiency and safety. Expect to see these in action in future refrigerators and air conditioning systems.

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The Shanti, by Simplify Further Tiny Homes, recalls the small living movement's humble roots. It combines a very compact footprint that sleeps up to two people with a surprisingly affordable price.
A construction team in Switzerland is excavating a hole in the ground that'll end up being over 88 ft deep, and spanning the length of two soccer pitches. This pit will be home to the country's first redox flow battery for storing clean energy.
Alcovia Vans has taken the well-known Ford Nugget multi-room camper van layout and adapted it for the ever-popular Fiat Ducato full-size van. It elevates the floor plan's versatility and expands it for a total of six seats and six sleeping berths.
Fourteen years ago we first heard about the Elf, a pedal/electric velomobile that could be charged via a rooftop solar panel. Well, there's a new version on the way that'll be cushier, more powerful, and able to seat a second passenger.
Combining a low price with a modest footprint of just 224 sq ft, the Rasa tiny house comes with a carefully considered interior that sleeps four in comfort – or even up to six at a squeeze.
Imagine a sensor that never requires a battery change. Like, ever. You could forget them for decades, and they’ll continue to function just fine. Well, researchers have created just that: a sensor that doesn’t require electricity or batteries.

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Consumer Reports' brand reliability report for 2024 has been released. According to the survey, the brands that make up the top five remain the same as last year, but it is Subaru which now holds the #1 spot, becoming the most reliable car brand.
Deep underground in a dark, sulfuric cave, scientists have made an incredible discovery – a giant communal spider web spanning more than 1,000 square feet, home to an estimated 110,000 spiders that defy nature to coexist in harmony.
Though it has a length of just 24 ft, the Spruce tiny house maximizes its limited available space well. Its compact layout includes a sleeping loft with standing room, and even a small balcony area.
Last year, Subaru surpassed Toyota and Lexus to become the most reliable carmaker according to Consumer Reports. This year, Toyota reclaims its crown. And there’s one damning stat: Four out of the top five most reliable car brands this year are Japanese.
A subtle yet significant phenomenon is occurring beneath the North American continent; its ancient bedrock is slowly dripping into the Earth’s mantle, creating a funnel-like structure concentrated over the Midwest of the United States.
While cutting back on salt intake has long been a mainstay in treating high blood pressure, new research suggests that upping potassium intake might have a greater effect. It might be time to stock up on bananas, apricots, and sweet potatoes.
Who could possibly compare to Superman, the Man of Steel? Definitely not a man of plastic! Right? Wrong. Scientists have discovered that unconventionally shaped plastics may rival steel bars as reinforcement materials in construction concrete.
This month marks 80 years since one of the most influential yet underrated inventions burst onto the market in New York on October 29, 1945. The Biro may seem unremarkable, but it fast became part of our everyday lives and revolutionized communications.