gizmag

ENVIRONMENT
The hungry little bacterium that could hold the key to the world's plastic waste problem
	Efforts to deal with our huge amount of plastic waste may soon receive a much-needed boost, with Japanese scientists discovering a new bacterium with the ability to completely break down PET plastics in a relatively short space of time.  read more
ENVIRONMENT
Stepping back in time to protect the future of the Great Barrier Reef
	In the first study of its kind, a team of scientists has altered the seawater chemistry in a natural section of the Great Barrier Reef to mimic pre-industrial conditions, observing just how well the coral was able to grow before we came along and altered the landscape.  read more
GOOD THINKING
Project will bring life-saving tech to conflict zones
	A new cooperation between the Red Cross and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology will develop technological solutions that can be applied in conflict zones. The first project is an automated prosthetic foot. read more
ARCHITECTURE
Home is where the Hub is: Self-contained module turns empty spaces into living spaces
	Bringing disused buildings back to life typically requires a lot of work, but architecture and design firm Kraaijvanger is seeking to eliminate a chunk of that work with its Hub modular kitchen and bathroom block.​ read more
AUTOMOTIVE
707-hp Jeep Trailcat prepped for 50th Easter Safari
	Jeep never holds back when it comes time to stretch its imagination and create some crazy concepts. This year at the 50th Annual Easter Safari, the American off-roading brand has taken things to the next level with seven concepts, including a 707-hp Hellcat-powered Wrangler.  read more
MILITARY
Solid lubricant smooths the way for reduced weapon maintenance
	The US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) is developing a Durable Solid Lubricant (DSL) for rifles that replaces the more conventional wet lubricants and cuts down on required weapon maintenance.​  read more
MEDICAL
Brown cell-booster flicks the fat switch
	In search of such a trigger to turn bad fat into good, scientists have uncovered a switch in the fat cells of mice that helps them shed the extra pounds. The good news? That very same switch is present in humans. ​​  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Italdesign gets modular and electric with GTZero concept
	Italdesign Giugiaro has had a very nice string of Geneva show cars – last year's GEA autonomous concept, 2014's Clipper electric MPV, and 2013's Parcour off-road sports coupe. This year, it adds the GTZero, a modular, all-electric grand tourer packed with innovation.  read more
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Shooting planes with lasers makes for better comms
	Aircraft can prove to be a valuable "eye in the sky" for data-hungry ground crews. Their radio signals can be jammed or intercepted, however. That's why scientists are now using lasers instead.​  read more
ENVIRONMENT
Sin City going green: Las Vegas to use solar and pedestrian power for street lights
	A recently announced partnership with a New York City-based start-up is set to bolster Las Vegas' commitment to renewable energy sources. Soon enough, some of "Sin City's" sidewalks will be illuminated by EnGoPLANET's innovative, sun- and people-powered street lights.  read more
ARCHITECTURE
Shipping container-based housing comes to South Texas
	A new housing development comprising seven shipping container-based apartments was recently installed in Encinal, Texas. The project consists of one and two bedroom units that feature a focus on energy efficiency and affordability.   read more
MEDICAL
Fresh approach to "organ-on-a-chip" tech adds a third dimension, may eventually replace test animals
	Finding a workable alternative to animal testing is one of the most important efforts under way in the medical world. Now, researchers have created a new platform called AngioChip, which provides a complex structure on which tissue can be grown that mimics functions of the human body.  read more
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Vaccine delays nicotine effects in mice brains – could it help humans kick the habit?
	The health benefits of quitting smoking are huge, but actually doing so can be extremely difficult. Recently, scientists have been working to develop vaccines to help people in the effort, and it's looking fairly promising, with a new treatment proving effective in tests on laboratory mice.  read more
AROUND THE HOME
Nest products get smarter by tracking everyone in the family
	When Nest launched its first thermostat in 2011, its aim was for the device to learn the rhythm of a user's household so it could automate heating. Now a new software update is seeking to take the next step in automation, with family accounts and geofencing.  read more
ARCHITECTURE
Austrian building looks like its namesake – a loaf of bread
	It’s not every day that an architectural firm gets to design a building that closely represents a company’s end product. But that’s exactly what Austrian firm Coop Himmleb(l)au did with the design of a new building appropriately titled “House of Bread” for international baking brand Backaldrin.  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Honda injects more power and comfort into 2016 Civic Coupe
	This latest iteration of the Honda Civic Coupe incorporates some of the engine, suspension and interior upgrades Honda gave the Sedan, but with some further styling cues more in keeping with the sportier coupe.  read more
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
A modular invasion? Innovative LG G5 hits US shores in early April
	We don't yet know if the LG G5 will provide as good an all-around experience as Samsung's new flagships, but the company did have the single most innovative smartphone feature at MWC 2016, with its modular add-ons. If you live in the US, you'll only have about a month to find out.  read more
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