Technology, Innovation & Outdoor News

The extraordinary engineering that builds nature's only straight tusk

August 18, 2026 | Bronwyn Thompson
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.

Insane 940-foot Chinese cliff elevator dramatically cuts school commute

August 16, 2026 | Bronwyn Thompson
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.

Retro e-paper alarm clock puts kibosh on late-night phone scrolling

August 18, 2026 | Monica J. White
Designed in Copenhagen, the Habity bedside clock swaps your phone screen's glow for an eye-friendly e-paper display, gentle wake-up tones, and a local library of sleep sounds, all running fully offline with no app, account, or subscription.

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This timber retreat is small on home comforts but big on simple rustic charm. Intended as a short-stay vacation home, it features a minimalist but comfortable interior that includes a netted hangout area.
While many tiny homes have been trending steadily larger, this off-grid model takes things in the opposite direction. Created with mobility in mind, it would be a good fit for those wanting a nomadic lifestyle.
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.
For years, Hymer has been selling what stands as arguably the most innovative camper van in all the world. This year, its highly self-sufficient Crossover series draws closer than ever before to that Venture S camper van, mirroring it outside and in.
While much of Chevrolet's lineup continues to chase higher price points in North America, GM’s Buick has launched its sleek, tech-laden Electra L7 sedan in China for around US$25,000 – exactly the kind of value-packed EV many US buyers have been begging for.
Washing a car is an extra chore, and if you live in a condo, you might not even be allowed to do it. Currently on Kickstarter, the Diisea C7 promises quick car washes without getting you into an argument with the condo board.

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Health and Science news from our sister site: Refractor
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.
Human blood proteins have been found binding pigments in ancient rock art paintings in Southern China, potentially helping them survive the elements for more than 2,000 years.
Longevity has become a bit of a buzz word, and has become increasingly aligned with the tech industry. But a timely report from Harvard Medical School reminds us that we have a lot of power when it comes to how we age – and it's backed by science.
In somewhat of a surprise announcement, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first US influenza vaccine engineered from the mRNA technology that gave us one of the most administered COVID-19 shots during the pandemic.
“Remove the plank from your eye before pointing out the speck in another’s,” says a popular proverb. For millions with geographic atrophy, the speck is literal. Relief may now be coming, after a sight-restoring implant received approval for sale in Europe.
An AI present in your consultation promises better notes, less admin and more time for patients, but what exactly is being recorded, where does the data go, and did anyone really ask for your consent?

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Bangkok-based RV and truck accessories builder Carryboy has teamed with Chinese auto badge Farizon to create one of the most compelling electric camper vans the world over. It invites campers in through a wide entry and ensures they live comfy.
For the last couple of years, Cixi has been working on a three-wheeled vehicle called Vigoz that's based on its chainless pedaling system. A skeletal prototype has been tested to 100 km/h, and now the company has revealed the latest production design.
The Artemis II mission, which will return US astronauts to lunar space, has run into problems that have critics demanding NASA remove the crew from the flight for safety reasons. The bigger question is, why do we have astronauts at all?
The most egg-shaped of all the egg campers, the Barefoot Caravan has been wowing RVers with its shapely fiberglass for over a decade. Prices have risen quickly during that time, but now Barefoot offers the Bothy as a lighter, cheaper entry model.
Dragon Tiny Homes' Webster is well-suited to full-time living on wheels and features a spacious interior with three bedrooms, sleeping up to six people. The tiny house is currently up for sale for $85,000.
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.
The all-new Urbanoid Booba is an impossibly cute, tiny acorn of a trailer designed to provide a stylish, carefree way of instantly escaping the urban grind. The towable clamshell unfolds and inflates into a cozy base camp in a matter of minutes.
In a new study, researchers identified a molecule produced by a particular type of brain cell that reversed the cognitive decline seen in both healthy aging and dementia. It provides a better understanding of aging and a potential treatment target.