Good Thinking

In some of the world's hottest countries, where cooling systems are most needed, the infrastructure required to power such setups is often lacking. A new system could help, as it provides multiple cooling effects but uses no electricity.

We've heard how 3D-printed concrete buildings can be built quickly and easily, but could there be an even faster and simpler method? According to inventor Alex Bell, there is – and it involves inflating buildings, then pumping concrete into them.

Although advances are occurring in the field of powered prosthetics, the devices still require heavy batteries. Scientists at Rice University are trying to change that, by creating a pneumatic "extra limb" that's powered by the wearer's footsteps.

While the farming of salmon does help take pressure off wild stocks, the feed used to raise the fish still isn't entirely sustainably sourced. That may change, however, thanks to nutrient-rich worms that eat readily available seaweed.

While greenhouses produce wastewater, microalgae-growing operations require a source of water – which is scarce in many regions. A new project aims to address both problems, by growing water-purifying algae in readily available greenhouse runoff.

The multi-tools continue to come thick and fast on Kickstarter, which means that if one is going to stand out, it has to be different in some way. Made by Hong Kong-based AntDesign, the E-one distinguishes itself with a bit-carrying "autodoor."

Ordinarily, when interior walls become wet due to leaky roofs, burst pipes or flooding, fans or radiant heaters are used to dry them. The new FastDry module, however, is claimed to offer a significantly more energy-efficient alternative.

Back in 2020, Delta Air Lines previewed a passenger information system where a number of travelers looking at the same screen would each be served up different views. Now that Parallel Reality technology is flying into Detroit later this month.

Candy sprinkles may make desserts more interesting, but a scientist has developed what could be a much more valuable use for them. His CandyCode system might one day be utilized to confirm that supposedly authentic pills aren't actually counterfeits.

It's easy to forget that structures such as bridges, wind turbines and scaffolding are held together by screws which could loosen – with catastrophic results. The new Smart Screw Connection system is designed to warn authorities before that happens.

Although there are already portable systems that create drinking water by desalinating and purifying seawater, they typically utilize filters that have to be replaced. A new MIT setup, however, just requires a small amount of electricity.

In 1964, the Buck Knives company marketed its 110 Folding Hunter knife, which changed the knife-making industry forever by introducing a revolutionary folding blade that locked into place so strongly it performed like a fixed-blade sheath knife.

It was just last week that we heard about the Octo, a carabiner multi-toll with an integrated bit driver, but no way of carrying any extra bits. Well, the Drivr2L has room for four of the things, plus it packs various other features.

A multitool isn't very handy if it's not there when you need it. The new Wyn Multi-Tool Capsule is all but guaranteed to be there. It's small enough to carry anywhere and everywhere, keeping driving, cutting and prying power at one's fingertips.

Instead of using insecticides, farmers will sometimes cover their plants with a mesh fabric. A new such material has now been developed, which keeps out a wider range of bugs while still allowing crops to get enough sunlight and water.