Weekend Edition: A diabetes-reversing drug, a robotic bricklayer, and an anti-aging drug

[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. Medical [Diabetes-reversing drug boosts insulin-producing cells by 700%]( [Scientists have demonstrated a new drug combo that regenerates insulin-producing cells, effectively reversing diabetes in tests in mice]( People living with diabetes might have a new hope. Scientists have tested a new drug therapy in diabetic mice, and found that it boosted insulin-producing cells by 700% over three months, effectively reversing their disease. [Read more]( Robotics [World's fastest brick-laying construction robot lands on American shores]( [The Hadrian X can grip construction blocks weighing up to 99 pounds (45 kg)]( A robotic truck equipped with a mighty telescopic boom arm has just journeyed from Australia to Florida. Now the construction robot will get busy churning out up to 10 houses in a bid to become the employee of choice for building entire communities. [Read more]( Medical [Anti-aging drug extends life up to 25%, staves off frailty and disease]( [Scientists are on the cusp of treatments to help us live longer and healthier]( For the first time, scientists have shown how a specific protein increases in our organs as we get older and actively promotes the aging process. By blocking this, we could not only live longer but be protected against physical decline and disease. [Read more]( Science ["Smart soil" grows 138% bigger crops using 40% less water]( [A new "smart soil" infused with hydrogel allows crops to grow larger with less water]( Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a “smart soil” that can keep plants better hydrated and provide a controlled release of nutrients. In tests it drastically improved crop growth while using far less water. [Read more]( Space [China plans to deflect near-Earth asteroid in 2030]( [Artist's impression of a giant asteroid hitting the Earth – something China hopes its upcoming mission will one day help prevent]( China is looking to get into the planetary defense business. A new paper by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirms that in 2030, the country plans to conduct a test mission to deflect a small asteroid from its current course. [Read more]( Outdoors [Loopy cache multitool stashes bits to double up utility]( [The MecArmy EH4 houses three double-ended bits that can be used in either of its two drivers]( Carabiner-type multitools with integrated bit drivers may be a dime a dozen, but the new EH4 distinguishes itself in one important way. It provides storage space for three double-ended bits, offering users a total of six onboard bit options. [Read more]( Energy [Massive Australia-to-Singapore clean energy cable gets green light]( [A graphic overview of the ambitious AAPowerLink project, which is expected to supply its first clean power in the early 2030s]( The world's largest renewable energy and transmission project has received key approval from government officials. The Australia-Asia Power Link project will send Australian solar power to Singapore via 4,300 kilometer-long undersea cables. [Read more]( Energy [World's first dual-tower solar thermal plant boosts efficiency by 24%]( [The new facility is now about 90% complete and is expected to come online later this year]( Two 650-foot-tall towers have risen in China's Gansu Province. Combined with an array of 30,000 mirrors arranged in concentric circles, the new facility is expected to generate over 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Dungeons & Dragons: Roll for better mental health]( [Dungeons & Dragons provides mental health benefits to]( Playing the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons with others has a positive impact on mental health, according to a new study. The researchers say the game should be used as a therapeutic tool as part of a holistic approach to mental health. [Read more]( Outdoors [Multitool crams two blades and 11 other tools into slim titanium body]( [The Orioners Z1 is presently on Kickstarter]( Why stuff 13 tools into your pocket if you can just carry one tool with 13 functions? That's the thinking behind the Orioners Z1 titanium multitool, which is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. [Read more]( Sports [Air-deflecting shield allows athletes to run like the unimpeded wind]( [The Airshield allows runners to train without any air resistance]( If you want to run faster, it definitely helps if you know what it feels like to run faster. The Airshield was designed with that fact in mind, as it allows runners to train without experiencing any air resistance. [Read more]( Materials ['Superlubricious' coating radically drops friction between metal parts]( [Reducing friction inside machine parts like this automotive transmission could dramatically extend their lifespans]( Using biowaste from cassava plants, scientists have created a coating that virtually eliminates friction in metal parts. The breakthrough has the potential to deliver better fuel economy and deliver enormous savings in myriad industries. [Read more]( Architecture [3D-printed high-end homes come to the USA in a big way]( [The Wimberly Springs 3D-printed house development is located south of Austin, Texas]( Icon continues to develop its cutting-edge 3D-printed architecture tech from niche proposition to mainstream construction method with its latest project, a high-profile luxury housing development in Texas. [Read more]( Aircraft ["Thousands" of electric heli-pods ordered for upcoming World Expo]( [Left: single-seater. Right: chunkier side-by-side dual seat version]( Austrian startup FlyNow is opening manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia, after the announcement that "thousands" of its coaxial twin-rotor helicopters will transport visitors at the upcoming World Expo in Riyadh. [Read more]( Outdoors [Brilliantly overbuilt panoramic pod camper creeps out of the Outback]( [The new Crossfire 4.7 from On The Move Caravans features a new construction, off-road-ready underpinnings and panoramic window array]( The On The Move Crossfire was once just a basic hybrid caravan, but this year the company has revived it into a unique towable panorama. The 2024 Crossfire 4.7 packs a highly livable floor plan with extra-comfy dining lounge, bathroom and 2 kitchens. [Read more]( Technology [Giant twin-rotor floating wind turbine can harness a hurricane]( [Mingyang Smart Energy OceanX twin-rotor wind turbine design ... it's not small]( Mingyang Smart Energy, maker of the world's largest wind turbines, has just unveiled its latest gigantic floating offshore wind turbine creation. The OceanX is a two-headed, deep-water behemoth capable of generating during Cat 5 hurricanes. [Read more]( Around The Home [Automatic countertop beer-brewer serves 'em up ice cold]( [The iGulu S1 is presently on Kickstarter]( For most of us, the home-brewing of beer is something that we leave to other people, because it just looks too complicated. Seattle-based company iGulu is out to change that, with its iGulu S1 automated beer-brewing machine. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [Full-time home on wheels offers an airy cottage feel]( [The Hytta is based on a double-axle trailer and has a length of 6 m (20 ft)]( Baluchon was commissioned to create a full-time home on wheels for a single person. The result is the Hytta, which features a traditional cottage-like exterior and a compact but comfortable-looking interior that can host overnight guests at a squeeze. [Read more]( Outdoors [New travel trailer looks like an aerodynamic wing ... to camp in?]( [It's hard to miss the fact that the Polydrops P21 design was heavily influenced by aerodynamics]( Polydrops is growing its lineup with the all-new P21, its largest camping trailer yet ... by a long shot. The aerodynamic new travel trailer breaks free from the tiny teardrop mold to sleep the family (kinda) and supply an all-electric base camp. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [16-ft-long tiny home wraps two in timber and cork]( [The Terra m3_Tiny House is topped by a small rooftop terrace]( The Terra m3_Tiny House highlights designer MadeiGuincho's knack for working with very compact interior layouts. Despite measuring just 16 ft in length, the dwelling provides a vacation home for up to two people. [Read more]( Aircraft [Rocket-powered Aurora is a go for unlimited-speed high-altitude flight]( [The Mk-II Aurora rocket-powered suborbital spaceplane has been cleared for unlimited-speed test flights at an altitude of up to 80,000 ft]( The Mk-II Aurora suborbital spaceplane took to the skies last year for its maiden flight with a rocket engine. Now Dawn Aerospace has been give the official nod from New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority to undertake test flights at unlimited speeds. [Read more]( Military [Remembering FLIP, the US Navy’s self-sinking research ship]( [FLIP flipping]( There are few things in this world that are literally unique. One of these, in the true sense of the word, is the FLoating Instrument Platform (FLIP), which was a floating barge built for the US Navy that regularly sank itself on end for science. [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