Weekend Newsletter: A “brain-in-a-jar’ biocomputer, airborne hippos, and turning beige fat brown

[New Atlas logo]( Welcome to our weekly wrap of the best stories to grace the pages of New Atlas over the last seven days. Sit back, relax and enjoy the Weekend Edition. Robotics ['Brain-in-a-jar' biocomputers can now learn to control robots]( [Human brain organoids wired into computer chips can now learn to drive robots thanks to a new biocomputing interface. Note: the images above are purely for demonstration, but the technology is legit]( Living brain cells wired into organoid-on-a-chip biocomputers can now learn to drive robots, thanks to an open-source intelligent interaction system called MetaBOC. This remarkable project aims to re-home human brain cells in artificial bodies. [Read more]( Biology [Hippos get airborne at top speed, and we've somehow only just found out]( [The hippo is not the easiest animal to get close to, so the scientists used recorded footage and observations from afar]( For the first time, scientists have discovered that hippos get significant airtime when they're at full-trot, able to lift their huge barrel-shaped girth off the ground for around 15% of their stride. It's totally unique for mammals their size. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Weight-loss breakthrough hacks white fat to turn calorie-burning beige]( [Weight loss without the current suite of weight-loss drugs is within reach]( By suppressing one protein, stores of white fat can switch to calorie-burning beige fat, in a feat that so far has eluded scientists working in this field. This means long-lasting weight loss without the brain-gut side effects of existing obesity drugs. [Read more]( Energy [Geothermal fracking plant scores world-record energy contract in Utah]( [Fervo's geothermal plant can provide continuous clean power, even when the conditions aren't ideal for solar or wind solutions to operate]( Just a year ago, Fervo Energy successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of its horizontally oriented geothermal system. Now the company has landed a massive contract for providing its clean, virtually endless power to the California grid. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Protein and fat can trigger insulin production even more than carbs]( [Contrary to popular belief, insulin production is triggered more by proteins and fats than carbohydrates in some people]( Some people produce more insulin in response to proteins and fats than carbs, new research has found. Suggesting that insulin production is more individualized than first believed, the findings pave the way for treating conditions through a tailored diet. [Read more]( Military [Semi-secret US Air Force long-endurance spy drone breaks cover]( [The US Air Force has been reluctant to talk much about ULTRA]( An open-secret American spy plane has broken cover after the US Air Force released photos of its Unmanned Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA). Built by DZYNE, the semi-classified drone is now confirmed as deployed and active. [Read more]( Outdoors [Striking panoramic Kube teardrop bushwhack-camps the American outback]( [The one-of-a-kind Kimberley Kampers Kube trailer is on its way to the US market]( When Kimberley Kampers first presented its ultramodern all-terrain-ready Kube camper trailer, it didn't mention whether its newest model would make it over to the United States. But the company's smallest trailer is now available for preorder. [Read more]( Home Entertainment [Low-lag laser projectors bring on big-screen 4K gaming day or night]( [Low-lag 4K laser projectors designed for gamers and movie watchers]( When you're immersed in the game, you don't want to have to pause to adjust the blinds. With BenQ new casual gaming projectors you may not need to, as they each sport a laser light source that puts out 3,200 ANSI lumens, as well as a low input lag. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [Wooden tiny house tops compact interior with eye-catching curving roof]( [The Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels features a small rooftop terrace]( Woodworking specialist MadeiGuincho's latest tiny house is one of its most eye-catching to date. Named the Terra m1_Tiny House on Wheels, it's topped by an attractive curving roof that includes a useful terrace area for relaxation. [Read more]( Biology [150-year-old conflict between Darwin and Wallace is resolved – by a machine]( [Ornithoptera euphorion male shows off his impressive wings, which Darwin saw as the driver of evolution, not natural selection]( In the 1800s, a conflict between the founding fathers of evolution divided the community. Charles Darwin said sexual selection drove male butterfly looks, while rival Alfred Russel Wallace believed it was just natural selection. Now we have an answer. [Read more]( Bicycles [Dual-battery fatbike enables full-squish wild riding for 160 miles]( [The M20 2.0 can he had in single or double battery configurations, for up to 162 miles of per-charge range]( Moto-inspired ebikes are a popular choice among adventurous types looking for something a little different than the average commuter. Budget bike maker Engwe has updated its M20 model "to enhance performance, comfort and safety." [Read more]( Architecture [China claims 10 world records for new bridge/tunnel sea crossing]( [An artificial island makes up part of China's new Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link]( This past weekend China opened the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a new cross-sea tunnel and bridge system located in Guangdong Province, South China. The architectural marvel apparently breaks 10 world records – albeit very specific ones. [Read more]( Space [Technical failures leave Starliner crew 'not stranded' on ISS indefinitely]( [The Starliner docked]( NASA says that the astronauts sent to the International Space Station aboard Boeing's malfunctioning Starliner spacecraft are "not stranded in space." However, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams may be staying in orbit for a very long time. [Read more]( Outdoors [Featherlight Toyota-top camper streamlines overland RV adventure]( [Designed for midsize trucks with 6-foot beds and full-size trucks with 6.5-foot beds, the Overlander makes a basic pickup an all-terrain adventure camper]( Setting out to build the "ultimate ultralight" 4x4 camper for all seasons and terrains, Tufport has outdone itself. Its sleek Overlander weighs well under 1,000 lb, whether left a simple sleeper shell or fully kitted with kitchen, dinette and toilet. [Read more]( Biology [Volcano-formed fossils reveal trilobites in never-before-seen detail]( [An artistic reconstruction of the volcanic eruption which produced the fossils]( Scientists have just revealed their findings on what are being described as the most pristine trilobite fossils ever found. The fossils, which show both hard exterior features and soft inner tissues, shed new light on the fascinating creatures. [Read more]( Technology [Book-sized smart telescope captures the night sky with ease]( [The Dwarf III smart telescope is designed to make astrophotgraphy accessible to everyone]( Gazing at the night sky is all well and good, but the arrival of smart digital telescopes has given stargazers the power to capture and share celestial majesty with relative ease. At under 3 lb, the Dwarf III is one of the most portable around. [Read more]( Bicycles [Tiny ebike motor disappears into frame but still kicks out bulk power]( [At just 2.5 kg, the ultra-compact ZF CentriX motor fits neatly in the bike frame, but its 600 watts and 90 Nm of torque are sure to be felt]( ZF is best known as an auto tech and supply company, but it's ready to grow its name in ebikes. Its new 48V drive is centered around one of the most compact, inconspicuous electric motors in the bike game and still boasts serious power and torque. [Read more]( Architecture [Movable walls close off Open House when owners need privacy]( [The curved exterior walls can be moved behind the Open House to make the most of the view to the front (as shown here) or rolled out to enclose the terrace for privacy]( Typically, you likely have to choose between a house that's open to its surroundings or one that focuses on privacy. However, this home embraces both: open as standard, but with the flick of a switch walls appear and close it off from prying eyes. [Read more]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for our daily newsletter at [newatlas.com]( (or [gizmag.com]( before August 2016). [Update profile]( | [Unsubscribe]( Copyright New Atlas © 2022