Platypus

A remarkable semi-submersible ecotourism concept that takes passengers above and below the water has just received a zero-emission boost thanks to a new partnership between Platypus Craft and electric outboard manufacturer Evoy.

A team led by researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia has established a new platypus colony in the Royal National Park on the banks of the Hacking River outside of Sydney for the first time in more than half a century.

More than 10 years ago, François-Alexandre Bertrand came up with a concept for a novel above/below watercraft named the Platypus. The first Blue Ocean edition was sold last year and now his company has launched a new version, the Platypus Swordfish.

Given how closely associated platypuses are with Australia, it's easy to assume that the animals will always be present there in large numbers. According to a new study, however, they may be facing a real risk of extinction – in many areas, at least.

Ten years ago, François-Alexandre Bertrand had an idea for a novel watercraft that cruised to a site and then lowered its passengers below the water to have a look around. Now the first Platypus Blue Ocean has been sold, and the order books officially opened.

​Although the platypus may seem like a real oddball of an animal, it turns out that a prehistoric reptile had some of the same key features. Like the platypus (which is a mammal, albeit one that lays eggs), Eretmorhipis carrolldongi had small eyes, four flippers, and a flexible duck-like bill.

​The platypus has long fascinated scientists, with its weird assortment of features making it one of the most unusual animals on the planet. Now a team of researchers found that platypus milk contains novel antimicrobial properties that could help scientists battle the global superbug threat.

In the fight against disease, new weapons can turn up in some unexpected places. In this case, researchers have found a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes in the gut and venom of the world's only egg-laying mammals, the platypus and echidna.

The Platypus above/below water exploration craft is expected to go into production later this year. We popped down to the south coast of France a few days ago to talk new design and production plans. And to ride on, and under, the surprisingly chilly waters of the Mediterranean.

After four years of development and months of prototype testing, Platypus founder Francois Alexandre Bertrand and his team have decided on the final design for their Platypus underwater exploration vehicle that will be launched next year.

We first looked at the Platypus underwater exploration vehicle in concept form in 2011 and a prototype has now hit the water as it navigates the often-treacherous waters to commercial availability.

The Platypus is an electrically-powered underwater exploration craft that enables two people to travel for eight hours above the water at 10-12 knots or below the water at 3-4 knots.