VIVA LA RESISTANCE
Lightfoot Unveils Solar-Powered Scooter
American startup Lightfoot has unveiled an electric scooter with built-in solar panels - they claim in good weather it will add 5 km of range every hour. The scooter can reach speeds of up to 32 km/h and travels about 60 km on a full charge. The frame is made of aerospace aluminum and inside there's a compartment for items 'the size of a suitcase'. Sales will start in 2025, with a price of $5000.
[Interesting]
November 15, 2024
Cook-off: Human vs. Robot
Culinary blogger Nik DiGiovanni competed in cooking a steak with the humanoid robot NEO. The robot independently prepared a medium-rare filet mignon, but occasionally turned to Nik for help with chopping ingredients, as its programming prohibits the use of a knife.
[Interesting]
November 14, 2024
Chinese Startup Copies SpaceX's Mechazilla Robot Arm
In October, SpaceX showcased the operation of Mechazilla - a giant robotic arm that catches the Starship spacecraft. By November, China had already completely copied it: the local startup COSMOLEAP built a working prototype of the tower.
[Interesting]
November 14, 2024
Japanese Political Leader's Radical Proposal Sparks Controversy
The leader of Japan's conservative party, Naoki Hyakuta, proposed removing the uterus of all women after 30 years. This is necessary to increase the birth rate. Additionally, the politician suggested banning girls from attending university after 18 years and marrying after 25 years. In his opinion, this is the only way to save Japan from extinction. Naoki Hyakuta's statements sparked a strong reaction in society. The politician was called a misogynist and radical, and he soon apologized for his words.
[Interesting]
November 14, 2024
Guinea Pigs as a Delicacy in a New York Restaurant
In a restaurant in New York, fried guinea pigs are eaten. It is considered a delicacy: Potential pets are skewered, grilled, and served whole. Visitors flock to try the Ecuadorian delicacy, and almost everyone is delighted. If you set aside all emotions, guinea pigs are low in fat and high in protein, and they are also easy to raise.
[Interesting]
November 14, 2024
New World Record by German Slackliners
Germans Friedi Kühne and Lukas Irmler set a new world record by walking on a rope between two hot air balloons at an altitude of 2500 meters.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
Microplastics Affect Cloud Formation
Scientists in a new study have discovered that microplastic particles in the atmosphere can act as nuclei for ice formation, thereby influencing climate change. This finding could explain changes in cloud structure and precipitation intensity, as the presence of more microplastic particles creates more tiny droplets. Microplastics may also affect the clouds' ability to reflect or retain heat, which is critical for the climate, while exposure to light and other factors influences the ability to form ice.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
A Unique Koi Carp in the UK
In the UK, there lives a unique koi carp named Bob, whose pattern on the face resembles a human face. According to the fish's owner, he acquired it three years ago, and at that time, the spots on the scales were not distinctive, so he didn't even suspect that Bob would later become a real celebrity.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
Robot in the USA can always win at Rock, Paper, Scissors
In the USA, a robot has been built that can beat anyone at Rock, Paper, Scissors. The clever machine always knows the opponent's gesture because it analyzes hand movements 100 times per second. If you manage to defeat the robot, you will be paid $10,000.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
Viral Post of Plant Growing from Hand
A post went viral on social network X about a guy who discovered a small plant growing from the skin on his arm. The photo garnered over 15 million views in a day, but many consider it fake. The author claims to be a botanist and constantly works with plants, suggesting that a seed accidentally got into a cut on his hand and somehow sprouted.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
Louis Vuitton Reissues Signature Folding Trunk
Louis Vuitton has reissued its signature folding trunk, which it originally sold in the late 1860s. According to the description, it is a “practical accessory” that can be used as a guest bed or sofa, as well as taken on trips. The price ranges from 160,000 to 220,000 euros, depending on the materials.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
LG revolutionizes flexible displays
LG has revolutionized flexible screens. The Koreans have introduced a stretchable display that bends in any direction and stretches by 50%. The resolution remains at 100 ppi, and the color rendering includes the full RGB set.
[Interesting]
November 13, 2024
Brabus Unveils Its First Motorhome
The famous atelier Brabus has unveiled its first motorhome - the huge Big Boy based on the diesel Mercedes-Benz Actros. Noteworthy: 12 meters in length and over 30 m² of living space, expandable walls, three sleeping places, a kitchen with appliances, including a wine cabinet, as well as satellite internet and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. The price starts at €1.26 million.
[Interesting]
November 11, 2024
Fake Boulder Discovered on Mount Wutong
A giant boulder that tourists photographed with on the summit of Mount Wutong in Shenzhen was revealed to be fake. For many years, the boulder attracted crowds of visitors, but now it has been discovered to be artificial - one of the walls collapsed and the area has been closed for repairs. By the way, this is not the first 'revelation' of attractions in China this year: in June, it became known that the country's highest waterfall is supported by a stream from a pipe.
[Interesting]
November 11, 2024
Major German Car Brands Report Profit Declines
Major German car brands reported nearly record-breaking profit declines: In the third quarter, Audi's results fell by 91%, BMW by 85.5%, and Mercedes and Volkswagen by 63-65%. All cite similar reasons: a challenging macroeconomic situation, decreased demand for their cars in China, and costly business restructuring processes in Europe. BMW also particularly suffered due to a recall campaign for 1.5 million cars.
[Interesting]
November 11, 2024
Smart Bird Feeder to Deter Squirrels Developed in the USA
A smart bird feeder has been invented in the USA that deters squirrels. Sheggell recognizes rodents and plays predator sounds to scare them away. The gadget can also recognize up to 12,000 bird species.
[Interesting]
November 10, 2024
Guyana Distributes Oil Wealth to Citizens
The authorities of Guyana will give each citizen £370 because the country has unexpectedly become very wealthy from oil. Initially, they wanted to distribute twice as much per household, but then changed the scheme to avoid disadvantaging those without a household, such as students. The economy is growing so much from oil that they even want to make the payments regular.
[Interesting]
November 9, 2024
A Cinema in Chengdu Serves Food During Screenings
In the Chinese city of Chengdu, there is a cinema where food is served during screenings. The creators of the idea thought that people would not want to settle for just popcorn when watching a movie on the big screen, and decided to add a full menu.
[Interesting]
November 9, 2024
RedBull Engineers Create Most Efficient Wingsuit
RedBull engineers have created the most efficient wingsuit. Extreme sportsman Peter Salzmann managed to fly 12.5 km in it, setting a new world record. Compared to a regular wingsuit, this one turns a person into a 'fighter jet'.
[Interesting]
November 9, 2024
Hong Kong Startup Lava Releases Stringless Digital Guitar
The Hong Kong startup Lava has released a stringless digital guitar - it is played using swipes, taps, and knocks. Touching different zones of the gadget triggers the playback of pre-selected beats and samples - for this, it includes two speakers and a subwoofer. There is also what could be described as a karaoke mode and the ability to connect external speakers. The price is $350.
[Interesting]
November 9, 2024