Tech

handheld railgun

First Handheld Railgun Matches 22 Rifle’s Power

Christopher Plain·
The world’s first commercially available handheld railgun is now available for preorder. And according to the company selling the first of its kind portable electric cannon, the muzzle velocity and projectile power is comparable to many 22 caliber rifles. BACKGROUND:...
adaptive camouflage octopus

Octopus Inspired Adaptive Camouflage Driven by Light

Christopher Plain·
Researchers have developed an adaptive camouflage inspired by the natural hiding ability of cephalopods, which includes squids and octopi.  And, the researchers behind the achievement note, their system requires no external sensors, stimuli or power systems, but functions using only...
NEW PROPULSION SYSTEM

New Propulsion System Flies in Space

Christopher Plain·
A new propulsion system that uses electric power and iodine to create thrust has been successfully tested in space, marking a first for such systems.  Having proven that low cost, Iodine-based systems are a viable alternative to the expensive xenon-based...
programmable fiber

Army Develops AI-Enabled Programmable Fiber For Military Uniforms

Tim McMillan·
In a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers at the Army’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say they have developed an AI-enabled programmable fiber capable of serving as a digital interface.  According to Army Research Labs,...