Crows and their close relatives ravens are known to be quite intelligent, with scientific experiments showing how they can hitch rides on bald eagles and remember the faces of captors. New research has now uncovered a previously unknown ability, with crows being observed building tools from multiple parts for the first time ever. read more
At next week’s Euronaval exhibition in Paris, Saab will be unveiling the latest version of its Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT). Already ordered by Sweden and Finland, the compact submarine hunter/killer weapon is designed to be launched from a variety of sea and air platforms and is tailored to both blue water conditions and the complex environment of the shallow Baltic Sea. read more
A massive black granite sarcophagus has been discovered in Egypt. It was found in a tomb 5 meters (16 feet) below the surface alongside an alabaster sculpture of a male head, thought to be that of the occupant.
read more
A few days ago NASA’s IceBridge project hit the news, but not for any of its impressive scientific observations. Instead, a casually tweeted photo of a strange rectangular iceberg captured people’s imagination. Now, NASA has offered up a few more shots, and video, of this unusual sight, helping explain this common yet rarely seen phenomenon. read more
Carried by the wind, dandelion seeds can travel enormous distances of more than a kilometer (0.6 miles). Now, researchers at The University of Edinburgh have discovered that this is thanks to a remarkable form of flight never before seen in nature. read more
Instrument modder Frank Piesik has combined 3D printing, electronic hackery and touch sensing to create the ElektroCaster that bridges the gap between traditional guitars like a Telecaster and full-on electronic sound makers like the (no longer in production) Kitara. read more
Japan’s military, which has spent decades focused solely on self-defense, is making a new kind of weapon to deliver an explosive payload at supersonic speeds. The unconventional tech is designed to soften up enemy defenses with precision strikes before Japanese marines hit the beach, in a bid to help the country take back territory seized by potential adversaries in the future. read more
Mirror, mirror, show my reflection; and tell me how to fix my complexion. That’s the premise behind HiMirror’s HiMirror Classic: a smart-mirror with built-in camera designed to help beauty professionals hawk beauty products to credulous, self-conscious punters. But with the new HiMirror Mini Premium, the company’s cutting out the go-between so now agoraphobes worried about their looks won’t even need to leave the house. read more
German aviation startup Volocopter is one of the more active players in the nascent flying taxi scene, having trialed its radical 18-rotor electric aircraft on its home turf, in Dubai and, more recently, in the US. The company is continuing to spread its wings, today announcing plans to set up shop in Singapore and kick off test flights next year. read more
The first results from the world’s largest sleep study have been published, concluding that between seven and eight hours of sleep is the ideal range for optimal cognitive performance. The study convincingly revealed that too much sleep interestingly correlated with similar cognitive deficits associated with too little sleep. read more
