Magnetic

Scientists in Australia have developed an intriguing new technique for removing toxic “forever chemicals” from water. Adding a solution to contaminated water coats the pollutants and makes them magnetic, so they can easily be attracted and isolated.

Rare earth elements are vital for electronics, but they’re in short supply. Now scientists have recreated a promising alternative – a “cosmic magnet” that normally takes millions of years to form in meteorites is cooked up in the lab in seconds.

The Earth’s magnetic field isn't something we can usually see, feel or hear. That last point has now changed though, as scientists and musicians have worked together to convert magnetic field data into sound – with spooky results.

While there are now quite a few mini keyring flashlights on the market, most of them have to be held along with the keys when in use. YSMART London's MQ3 is different, in that it magnetically – and quickly – pops on and off of a keyring-mounted base.

Scientists in China have set a new world record for the strongest steady magnetic field ever generated on Earth. The hybrid magnet managed to produce a field measuring 45.22 Tesla (T), which is over a million times stronger than the planet’s own.

A new Sky Train test track in Southern China has debuted the world's first maglev transit system built using permanent magnets instead of electromagnets. It's capable of keeping its underslung carriages suspended indefinitely without a power supply.

Astronomers have measured the strongest magnetic field ever found in the universe. The honor goes to a powerful type of neutron star, with a surface magnetic field of over 1.6 billion Tesla.

Although roof racks are great for carrying boats, bikes or other gear, they needlessly create wind drag when not in use. The Knotix rack was designed with that in mind, as it can be mounted or dismounted in a claimed 20 seconds.

While clipless pedals are used by many cyclists, some riders still worry about not being able to get their feet off when coming to a stop. That's where the Cleat It system comes in, as it electronically releases the feet with the press of a button.

Contrary to their name, black holes are known to fire off flares from time to time, but exactly how this happens is shrouded in mystery. High-resolution simulations have now revealed how twisting magnetic fields can throw off huge amounts of energy.

If you wanted to 3D-print an object that was magnetic in some areas only, you'd have to print two items out of different metals, then join them. A new technique, however, allows for the printing of single objects with gradient magnetic qualities.

Mini tripods certainly are handy photographic gadgets, but they could always be made even handier. A case in point is the new Hookpod Pro, which features a magnetic leg that allows for a variety of mounting options.