StarVan camper's novel sleeping pod multiplies living space

[New Atlas logo]( Automotive [StarVan camper's novel sleeping pod multiplies living space]( [StarVan's patented sleeping pod can be pulled out manually or optionally motorized, extending the Sprinter's length by nearly 4 ft while also freeing up space inside]( With obvious interior space limitations, vanlife can be a lesson in compromises. But thanks to a clever rear expansion module from StarVan, wanderlust adventurers should sleep in comfort when parked for the night. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [This hoverboard won't burst into flames, but the price is on fire]( Having a fun, efficient way to get around can make all the difference, whether you're riding in the park or grabbing groceries, and the Hover-1 Ultra Electric Hoverboard is a stylish, safe, and affordable way to do it at just $119.99 (reg. $192). [Read more]( Science [NASA discovers a new global energy field around Earth]( [An artist's impression of the polar wind, which is produced by the newly discovered ambipolar electric field]( NASA scientists have discovered a third global energy field around Earth. Known as the ambipolar electric field, this force drives charged particles into space above the poles and joins the known gravity and electromagnetic fields. [Read more]( Outdoors [Air-expandable camping trailer concept is a sleek show stopper]( [A good look at the Talis concept's fold-and-inflate rear expansion, modular indoor/outdoor bench and EasyFlex storage box]( Bürstner is working to steal this year's Caravan Salon with a concept it calls Talis. The futuristic vision of trailer camping includes an inflatable rear extension, cozy stacked bunks, and a fully adaptable cooking and living layout. [Read more]( Transport [Hydrogen or battery? World-first train glides along on either]( [The RS Zero is the first train that can run on either hydrogen or battery power]( The company that broke a Guinness World Record this year with its all-hydrogen train has just announced another world first. Stadler Rail has developed a fleet of train cars that can run on either hydrogen or battery power for branch rail services. [Read more]( Space [Watch Starliner return home empty on Friday – but it may have gremlins]( [Starliner docked with the ISS]( The "not stranded" astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) won't have an emergency ride home after Friday. NASA says that the uncrewed Starliner capsule will undock and return to Earth autonomously. Oh, and it might be 'haunted.' [Read more]( Automotive [Volkswagen California van life brand kicks off with new mini-camper]( [The new Caddy becomes a versatile camper/minivan with the addition of the California package]( Volkswagen has long been busy growing its iconic California from a single camper van to an entire family. Now, it launches an entire California brand, and with it, the all-new Caddy California PanAmericana mini-camper van. [Read more]( Robotics [Fungus learns to drive in "biohybrid" robots]( [A spider-shaped biohybrid robot is driven by natural impulses from a fungus]( Autonomous vehicles are said to be safer than human drivers – but would you trust a mushroom behind the wheel? A new kind of “biohybrid” robot moves in response to signals from the nervous system of a fungus. [Read more]( Energy [Hydrogen stored in iron: A cheap, scalable grid battery for the winter]( [Iron oxide – or rust – turns out to be a very affordable and promising way to store hydrogen as a seasonal renewable grid-firming battery]( Researchers at Switzerland's ETH Zurich have devised a cheap and safe way to store hydrogen in ordinary steel-walled containers for months without losing it into the atmosphere – using iron. [Read more]( Mobile Technology [10-inch color e-note wraps LCD-like performance in eye-friendly package]( [The HannsNote2 is eye-friendly like E Ink but has much improved color performance]( While E Ink readers and tablets are great for long-battery, eye-friendly consumption of text in grayscale, color performance can be somewhat disappointing. Taiwan's Hannspree has introduced a paper-like e-note that aims to do better. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Alzheimer's-linked tau protein gets a surprising redemption story]( [The tau protein is not such a 'bad guy' after all]( A new study has somewhat redeemed the tau protein, which up to now has been associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Turns out, the protein has a ‘good guy’ role, helping to protect against harmful free radicals in the brain. [Read more]( Medical [Sensor-packing mask analyzes wearers' breath to track their health]( [If commercialized, the materials cost of each EBCare mask should be only about one dollar]( Many people still often wear masks, either to keep from spreading viruses that they've got, or to manage a respiratory problem. An experimental new mask takes things a step further, by analyzing its wearer's breath to check their state of health. [Read more]( Science [AI saves researchers years in finding a better green hydrogen catalyst]( [In a matter of days, AI was to identify an alloy to serve as an effective catalyst in hydrogen production]( In another instance of AI making itself genuinely useful, researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a better catalyst for the production of green hydrogen using AI – saving themselves years in experimentation. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [At-home stress testing possible, thanks to nanoparticles]( [Researchers have created a stress detector that could be used at home]( Using nanoparticles, researchers have created a sensor that selectively detects levels of cortisol, a well-known stress biomarker. Their cheap and easily reproducible device brings us a step closer to stress testing from the comfort of home. [Read more]( You are receiving this email because you signed up for our daily newsletter at [newatlas.com]( (or [gizmag.com]( before August 2016). 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