Technology, Innovation & Outdoor News
NASA abandons orbit-boost attempt to rescue Swift space telescope
August 20, 2026
| David Szondy
The mission to rescue NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory space telescope may be in need of some rescuing itself. Due to multiple malfunctions in the LINK spacecraft's attitude control system, space engineers have decided to abandon the boost attempt.
World-first eVTOL vertiport gets the green light
August 19, 2026
| Etiido Uko
Ever been stuck in traffic and wished you could simply fly above it all, straight to your destination? Well, that dream is one step closer to reality, as the world's first airport for flying taxis has just received regulatory approval.
'Light pumping' bends beams in femtoseconds toward faster computing
August 20, 2026
| Malcolm Azania
By calibrating a “light pump” to match the optical composition of a medium, researchers can shoot a “probe” beam at a new deflection angle. Surpassing previous electronic means, Caltech’s light-bending opens the door to hyperspeed computation.
Top Stories
Downsizing to a tiny house with a family is always going to be a challenge, but the Kookaburra 2.0 has been designed to smooth the process along. It features two bedrooms, a bathroom with a bathtub, and plenty of storage.
A breathtaking ride with a view in an elevator up and down the side of a canyon has opened in a remote canyon, drastically increasing capacity. It makes what was once a six-hour round trip even shorter than 30 minutes, because of less wait time.
Almost 2 years ago, BMW challenged students at Clemson University to build a vehicle that produced more energy than it needed. The Deep Orange 17 – or 'luminetta' – is the result of their labors, a boxy prototype EV jam-packed with solar cells.
Seamlessly bringing together the worlds of teardrop trailers and egg campers, the Outranger trailer arrives as a compelling alternative that feels both vintage and brand new. It relies on a molded composite construction shaped into a squarer form.
The white cross with red surround has long been a sacred knife badge, indicating the timeless dependability of the Swiss Army knife. The latest multitool out there isn't a Swiss Army knife, but it wears an equally proud badge of origin and heritage.
Canada-based Edison Motors has been working on developing its own line of diesel-electric semi trucks. It's not a sophisticated auto industry player, but a tiny startup with people who know and love trucking. Here's what its vehicles are like.
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August 21, 2026Long hours at your desk call for smarter support. The SIHOO Doro C300 Pro V2 adapts as you move, with dynamic lumbar support, adjustable armrests and full-body ergonomics designed for studying, working and relaxing. -
August 20, 2026 | C.C. WeissI want the camper van ... but without tying myself to one van. That's essentially what Hunker sells with its new slide-in camper box. An all-in-one camper floor plan on roller skates, the Hunker Pod turns an empty Ram van into an inviting camper van. -
August 20, 2026 | Adam WilliamsTiny houses come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. Some push toward the upper limits of what can reasonably be considered a portable home, while others embrace extreme downsizing. Here are 10 of our favorites from both ends of the spectrum.
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Health and Science news from our sister site: Refractor
Bacteria engineered to sense and reduce glucose levels could be the future of type 2 diabetes treatments, following pre-clinical trials. If successful, genetically enhanced gut bacteria could completely change how we treat type 2 diabetes
A record five-year, single-site brain-imaging study now found evidence of the role the environment plays in resynchronizing the brain’s networks following a dose of psilocybin – the chemical that makes some mushrooms “magic”.
A highly anticipated drug trial is in its final stages as its 350 participants receive their single dose to treat chronic low back pain. If successful, it could be a breakthrough therapeutic for people with the debilitating age-related condition.
A cross-sectional study based on a registry of fatal US motor vehicle crashes has found that Taylor Swift's albums may have even contributed a statistically significant bump in deadly traffic accidents, presumably by distracting drivers.
The narwhal's defining feature – its continuously growing tusk – is the only straight structure of its kind seen in the animal kingdom. Now, scientists have cracked the code on how these elusive Arctic whales grow such an important and unique tool.
We're closer to understand who is most likely to feel invisible aftershocks following even small earthquakes. While they feel real at the time, the phantom quakes may just be your brain trying to make sense one of the weirdest sensations on Earth.
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August 20, 2026AI gives you plenty of options, but choosing the right model can be a chore. AskAnyModel puts 50+ models in one place so you can compare answers instead of bouncing between subscriptions. -
August 20, 2026 | Bronwyn ThompsonIt's that time of the year again – when nature photo competition winners are announced and we get to look at some amazing images that remind us that the world is made up of more than AI slop. For now, anyway. -
August 20, 2026 | Adam WilliamsPlans have been revealed for an ambitious timber tower in Washington state that will set a new height record. It will rise to a height of 180 ft, making it the tallest timber office building in the USA once completed. -
August 20, 2026 | Simon HeptinstallChinese mini-transport engineering company Blizwheel has spent years evolving lightweight electric scooters that fold like origami to become small enough to vanish inside a standard backpack. Its latest version is perhaps the best yet. -
August 20, 2026 | Utkarsh SoodThe XSR 700 and 900 are brilliant motorcycles that most people can ride practically anywhere and have a ball. They offer something for modern motorcycle enthusiasts plus authentic retro style. That sums up why the entry-level XSR155 is headed to the US. -
August 19, 2026 | David SzondyNorthrop Grumman has unveiled its Raid Hunter chain gun system, adding a new layer to anti-drone swarm defenses by combining cutting-edge AI sensors, precision-guided ammunition, and a motor-driven chain gun feed firing up to 200 rounds per minute. -
August 19, 2026The ScanMax 320 is a powerful, portable, and intelligent scanning solution crafted for modern workflows. Whether you're an office professional, creator, student, or small business owner, this device completely redefines how you digitize physical media.
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Editor's Picks
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.
This compact tiny house doubles down on one of the major benefits of small living: freedom. The home runs off-grid and combines an easy-to-tow configuration with an open layout that's arranged on one floor.
Yamaha has been working with storied British carmaker Caterham on its new electric sports car. Dubbed the Project V, it is finally here. And not only is it coming to America, but it is coming for Porsche.
While the topical application of minoxidil is one of the most effective and popular ways to combat male pattern baldness, it is poorly absorbed by the skin. Looking to improve its efficacy, researchers have turned to an unlikely but very sweet ally.
Having a Swiss Army knife is all fun and games until you find yourself wanting to see in the dark, start a fire, drink water straight from a stream, or heck, even charge your phone. Enter the Lifesaber.
Archeologists say they have solved the 6,000-year-old mystery of Armenia’s “dragon stones" – massive carved monoliths scattered across high-altitude slopes and pastures where no ancient settlements ever existed. It's a story of worship and water.
Despite its critics and moves toward electrification, the internal combustion engine is not yet dead. Though its design for passenger vehicles may have begun to reach its apex with Mazda’s Skyactiv designs.
Generally Honda is the major Japanese automaker pushing out a fast, ferocious new side-by-side. This time, it's Toyota, which shows a radical side-x-side that delivers an extra 50+ hp over any production SxS out there.