Alpaca pickup pop-topper might be the most stylish truck camper out there

[New Atlas logo]( Outdoors [Alpaca pickup pop-topper might be the most stylish truck camper out there]( [With colorful fabrics and available wood paneling, the DOT Alpaca looks quite different from the average pickup topper or camper]( For far too long, pickup campers have been dragged down by chronic fugliness. But not the new Days on Tracks Alpaca. This lightweight pop-up camping topper is downright pretty thanks to vibrant fabric and wooden wall, door and roof panels. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [This plant-lover's dream subscription is now on sale for only $19.99]( Are you a plant lover or hoping to finally keep your plants healthy and alive? With the NatureID Plant Identification Premium Plan, you can quickly identify plants and receive advice on caring for them, ensuring your plants live their best lives. [Read more]( Military [JACKAL VTOL drone fires advanced multi-role missiles in successful trial]( [JACKAL firing the LMM]( The age of uncrewed air combat took a step forward as two Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) JACKAL drones developed by Flyby Technology successfully fired Thales Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) in tests sponsored by the Royal Air Force. [Read more]( Materials [New recipe makes concrete that absorbs more CO2 than it emits]( [A new cement recipe containing up to 30% treated biochar could make for carbon-negative concrete]( Concrete is one of the largest single sources of human-induced carbon dioxide emissions. Engineers at Washington State University have now developed a new method for making concrete that absorbs more carbon than it emits. [Read more]( Bicycles [OKGO Smart E-Bike crams the tech into a carbon fiber package]( [OKGO's Smart E-Bike debuted in March at the Taipei Cycle bicycle show]( While some companies make ebikes which come off as being like regular bikes, others revel in the whole "this is the bike that Tron might ride" thing. Taiwanese company OKGO has really gone in for the latter, with its carbon-framed Smart E-Bike. [Read more]( Medical [Clear chemical connection between physical activity and brain health]( [Scientists unlock key chemical mechanisms that link brain health with muscle use]( We've long known of a link between exercise and benefits to the brain, but there's a lot of mystery as to the precise processes involved. Scientists have unlocked another piece of the puzzle, showing how muscle cells fire up important neural pathways. [Read more]( Technology [Whale-chasing drones are a marine science game-changer, study reveals]( [Following land experiments to determine optimal drop height, the drone was positioned over the animals for tagging]( Understanding whales has historically been a time-consuming and difficult task for scientists, not least because these magnificent mammals spend about 95% of their days underwater. Now, drone technology is offering a new frontier of vital research. [Read more]( Tiny Houses [30-ft-long tiny house fits four into light-filled and airy interior]( [The Ocoee's downstairs level measures 312 sq ft (almost 29 sq m), much of which is taken up by a central living room]( Wind River Tiny Homes recently completed a new model named the Ocoee, which sleeps up to four people and has an extra-wide interior that's arranged around an airy and light-filled living room. Pricing starts at $118,200. [Read more]( Medical [Self-adjusting insulin proves promising for type 1 diabetics]( [Researchers have developed an insulin formulation using nanoparticles that self-adjusts in response to blood glucose levels]( For type 1 diabetics, it's imperative that they maintain healthy blood glucose levels to avoid complications. Researchers have developed a self-adjusting nanoparticle-based insulin that may go some way towards improving blood glucose control. [Read more]( Wearables [MouthPad lets users put their mousing where their mouth is]( [The MouthPad allows users to perform mousing tasks with their tongue]( Over the years, we've heard about several experimental systems which would allow people to control computers or other devices via their mouth. One such tool should soon be commercially available, however, in the form of the MouthPad. [Read more]( Automotive [Ineos readying highly capable all-electric 4x4 for 2026 launch]( [The original Ineos Grenadier takes on the Schöckl during testing phase; the electric 4x4 will have to complete the same regimen]( Ineos Automotive may have been born around a singular vehicle, but it doesn't plan to maintain a lineup of one. In fact, it's preparing to go into the EV business, working on an all-electric 4x4 with uncompromising off-road capability. [Read more]( Electronics [Spore-producing bacteria battery could last 100 years on the shelf]( [An LED light and digital thermometer on a pink background]( Researchers have developed a tiny battery that could be stored up to 100 years before being activated. The secret lies in sealing up dormant bacteria until it's time for them to be called into power-generating service. [Read more]( Architecture [India's first Apple Store topped by complex 450,000-piece timber ceiling]( [Apple BKC is defined by its stunning timber ceiling, which extends outwards onto the store's shading canopy]( Apple has opened its first retail store in India. Located in Mumbai, Apple BKC incorporates sustainably sourced and local materials, and features a light-filled interior that's defined by an impressive handcrafted timber ceiling. [Read more]( Medical [Earpiece zaps nerves to rewire the brain and speed stroke recovery]( [A new wearable device can stimulate the vagus nerve to help speed up patient rehabilitation after a stroke]( Engineers at ETH Zurich have developed a wearable system that can help patients regain movement and mobility after a stroke. The system consists of a motion-sensing watch and an earpiece that zaps a nerve to help rewire neural circuits. [Read more]( Energy [Gogoro's battery swap GoStations help with power grid stability]( [By the middle of 2023, more than 2,500 battery swapping GoStations will have joined a Virtual Power Plant to help Taiwan's power grid cope with peak demand, as well as balance intermittent supplies from renewable sources]( Back in 2015, Gogoro proposed setting up a network of battery-swapping stations for riders of its electric smartscooter. Now the company operates thousands of them, and has partnered with Enel X to have the network serve as virtual power plants. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Tickling the ivories may improve age-related cognitive decline]( [Researchers have found that music may improve age-related cognitive decline in healthy older people]( As we age, our brains naturally atrophy, and we experience cognitive decline. New research suggests that listening to music or playing a musical instrument may improve cognitive functioning in healthy older people. [Read more]( Sports [Impact-absorbing DCLR8 is like a rear crumple zone for helmets]( [The DCLR8 is currently on Indiegogo – the production version will have an easier-to-use "egg" holder]( Although helmets are required for many sports, Canadian materials engineering technologist Albert Beyer believes that they don't provide enough protection to the back of the head. His solution is a "crumple zone for helmets" known as the DCLR8. [Read more]( Mobile Technology [Xiaomi goes quad for Leica-packing 13 Ultra flagship]( [All of the rear cameras in the Leica island are 50-MP snappers, but the main module is based around Sony's IMX989 1-inch-type sensor]( Late last year, Chinese consumer electronics brand Xiaomi cemented its relationship with Leica when the company launched the camera-focused 13 Series smartphones. Now the 13 Ultra joins the pack to take the flagship spot. [Read more]( Medical [Implantable graphene e-tattoo uses light to monitor, correct arrhythmias]( [Researchers have developed a novel graphene-based implantable electronic tattoo that uses light to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms]( A team of researchers led by Northwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin (UT) have developed a novel graphene heart implant that’s about the thickness of a strand of hair and monitors and corrects abnormal heart rhythms using light. [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