Technology, Innovation & Outdoor News
Ghost ships can't hide from new space-based tracking system
May 12, 2026
| David Szondy
"Ghost ships" may not be able to hide on the high seas much longer thanks to new technology being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The system uses a dynamic satellite camera and advanced data processing to visually track ships in real time.
First hydrogen helicopter just proved it can fly a real mission
May 11, 2026
| Omar Kardoudi
A modified Robinson R44 completed the first-ever hydrogen helicopter circuit flight in Quebec, Canada, clearing a key hurdle toward FAA and Transport Canada certification for zero-emission organ delivery aircraft.
NASA's experimental ion engine passes major test, bringing Mars mission closer
May 12, 2026
| Chris Young
The US space agency's latest breakthrough in experimental drives passed a major test in February, with experiments showing it was 25 times more powerful than the current king of ion drive technology, Psyche.
Top Stories
This extra-wide tiny house features a spacious interior specifically designed to make full-time small living comfortable. Arranged on a single floor, it includes a generous living area and two bedrooms.
Quaise Energy isn't chasing the geothermal energy where Earth has already put hot rocks near the surface. Quaise is trying to make geothermal work almost anywhere on the planet, by drilling deeper than we ever have before ... with masers.
Aging in a tiny house might not be easy if you have to contend with ladders and low ceilings, but with its extra-wide, primarily single-floor layout, the Rose has been designed from the ground (or wheels) up for long-term small living.
Another fiberglass "egg" camper badge hits the ground rolling into the off-grid camping market. Following the first-ever off-road camper in Scamp's history, fellow composite trailer builder Oliver is launching an off-grid-ready caravan of its own.
Aotos' Flux X26 cyberpunk-tinged "hybrid" ebike has built on the buzz it generated at CES, raising over US$2.8 million in crowdfunding in a month. The company will begin shipping the specially priced standard and Pro models across the globe in May.
The James Brand has completely reimagined its Ellis multitool into the ultra-slim Ellis knife. Thinner than a pack of gum and shorter than an Apple TV remote, the new Ellis is designed to disappear away ... right up until it's needed.
Latest News
-
May 12, 2026Most water bottles do one thing. The Super Maxi fits your whole routine. With accessories for tea, coffee and protein, Ever Vessel’s award-winning 1L water bottle becomes a versatile drinking system, and it’s got a Red Dot design award to prove it. -
May 12, 2026 | C.C. WeissOvrlnd has built out a miniaturized camping topper sized to a 1980 Mini 95 pickup that measures comparably to a Japanese kei car. And though the rig looks more like a toy at first, it offers 6.5 feet of standing room inside and a comfy double bed. -
May 12, 2026 | Maryna HolovnovaDogosophy is a gadget designed to help service dogs become better assistants while also considering the animals’ abilities. It’s a wireless button that allows dogs to control household appliances, and it can be a life-changing tool for many people.
Load More
Health and Science news from our sister site: Refractor
Sound waves have been used to create a microscopic barrier from the environment, and can be used on fragile materials. Scientists demonstrated the tech on houseplant leaves, where it blocked damaging UV rays without impeding photosythensis.
All I wanted to do was get rid of my glasses, but when my local laser eye surgery clinic recommended some odd-sounding, advanced Presbyond treatment developed by Zeiss, I said sure, if that's what the cool kids are getting. Here's what's happened.
Researchers have used satellite data to uncover evidence of methane breaking down above the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai eruption, forcing scientists to rethink how methane actually cycles through the atmosphere.
Infections around the time of pregnancy may leave lasting marks on the developing brain of children. The new research adds to growing evidence that the immune environment during pregnancy may play a role in shaping long-term brain health.
Researchers at MIT have suggested that rice seeds can hear the sound of rain, according to a new study. MIT calls it “the first direct evidence that plant seeds and seedlings can sense sounds in nature”.
Observations of a far-distant galaxy several times the size of the Milky Way reveal a surprising stillness overcoming the sea of early stars, suggesting mysterious forces brought its rotation to a rather rapid halt.
Latest News
-
May 12, 2026 | Maryna HolovnovaModern running shoes rely on combinations of materials for energy efficiency, but this makes them almost impossible to recycle. Researchers at the Fraunhofer group are working on a single-material design that could make full recycling possible. -
May 12, 2026 | Paul RiddenWhether your laptop is your main source of income or you just use it for entertainment, running out of juice just when things get interesting can be a major annoyance. The Edge power bank has been designed to alleviate such things. -
May 12, 2026Microsoft Office Professional 2021 is the perfect productivity suite for professionals looking to handle documents and data with ease. It features a redesigned look, must-have productivity upgrades, and is compatible with both Windows 10 and 11. -
May 12, 2026 | Adam WilliamsWith its modest length of 20 ft, the Tulsi doesn't have a whole lot of room for life's luxuries. Still, the tiny house manages to fit the essentials for downsizing into its compact towable frame – and does so at an affordable price. -
May 12, 2026 | Stefan IonescuVancouver’s Marpole Community Centre unites mass timber, Passive House standards, and LEED Gold certification to create a sustainable hub that embraces the natural beauty of wood to create a warm, green space for the local community. -
May 11, 2026 | Utkarsh SoodHarley-Davidson has unveiled its “Back to Bricks” business plan, with concrete details on a pair of upcoming motorcycles. One of them is the iconic 883 Sportster, which is all set to be resurrected four years after it was dropped from H-D’s portfolio. -
May 11, 2026TL;DR: FastestVPN Pro is only $24.97 (was $39.99, reg. $600) through June 14, packing lifetime VPN access for 15 devices, 900+ servers in 100+ countries, and a free password manager into one privacy-focused bundle.
Load More
Editor's Picks
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.
The Unicamp Sienna Pop Top camper minivan is now rolling out to customers, filling a void of affordable, flexible small pop-up US camper vans. The van still carries 7 or 8 people but is ready to pull over at a moment's notice and camp the night.
The US Navy's secretive F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter plane is a bit less secret after program competitor Northrop Grumman unveiled a new concept image of its version of the carrier-based warplane, giving us a few design clues.
While there are many uses for soft-bodied robots, the things are still only built in small batches. Scientists are out to change that, with a mass-production-capable soft bot that is 3D-printed in a single piece which walks off of the print bed.
Elecom has launched the world's first power bank to feature a sodium-ion battery inside. It promises significantly longer cycle life than traditional lithium-ion batteries, as well as the ability to operate in extremely hot and cold climes.
Although electric motors do help kayaks fight headwinds and currents, they also add weight, complexity and the potential for getting snagged. The FluxJet system may change that, with a sub-5-lb electric jet drive module that fits into the hull.
Researchers have analyzed clinical trial data and ranked 12 different non-drug physical therapy treatments for knee osteoarthritis, based on their effectiveness in reducing pain and stiffness, and improving physical function.
I'm a sucker for a good "reinventing the wheel" story, and David Henson's 'SurfacePlan' concept is an odd a take on one of humanity's greatest inventions as we've seen in a long time. It's designed to replace engines and drivetrains altogether.