Scientists capture first-ever photos of giant coconut-cracking rats

[New Atlas logo]( Science [Scientists capture first-ever photos of giant coconut-cracking rats]( [An artist's rendition of the recently discovered species Vangunu giant rat (Uromys vika),]( In 2017, scientists discovered a new species of giant rat that can reportedly crack open coconuts. Now, this extremely rare creature has been captured in the wild on camera for the first time. [Read more]( Special Promotion for New Atlas Readers [Score an exclusive Black Friday deal on this Nix Mini 2 Color Sensor]( Christmas tree green, Santa Claus red, pumpkin orange … sure we know what these colors look like, but if we were to try to replicate them, could we? We could if we had this revolutionary color-matching sensor—the Nix Mini 2. [Read more]( Bicycles [Versatile Bosch-powered cargo ebike can haul for 150 miles]( [The 46er can haul up to 130 lb on the rear rack, 20 lb on the optional front tray, and can also accommodate 260 lb of rider weight]( The 46er cargo ebike rides with the tag line "agility meets capability" and is presented in a number of nifty setup options, is available in two Bosch Performance configurations, and can be had with dual batteries for up to 150 miles of hauling. [Read more]( Medical [Spent coffee grounds may protect brain from neurodegenerative disease]( [Millions of spent coffee grounds end up in landfill each year]( Caffeic acid, derived from coffee grounds, could help shield the brain from developing diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. With six million tons of grounds dumped each year, this could be the most valuable 'upcycling' of the by-product yet. [Read more]( Aircraft [Electra's eSTOL demonstrator aircraft makes its first flights]( [Everything else being equal, eSTOLs like the Electra EL-2 Goldfinch (pictured) should be faster and have greater range than helicopter-like eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft]( Two years ago, American air mobility company Electra announced that it was partnering with the US Air Force on the development of an ultra-short takeoff and landing (ultra-STOL) aircraft. Earlier this month, a demonstrator version of that plane made its first two flights. [Read more]( Technology [Sam Altman reinstated as CEO of OpenAI]( [OpenAI has confirmed that Sam Altman is to return to the role of CEO at the company]( After five days of turmoil at OpenAI following the firing of CEO Sam Altman, and much support from investors and employees, the company has confirmed that he is returning as Chief Executive, together with a board reshuffle. [Read more]( Urban Transport [Hands-on: The Veemo pedal-electric velomobile gets put through its paces]( [Once it reaches full production, the Veemo should sell for US$6,199]( When it comes to electric vehicles, there's definitely a gap between small, simple ebikes and larger, costlier electric cars. The new-and-improved Veemo velomobile is intended to firmly fill that niche – and I recently got to try it out for myself. [Read more]( Architecture [High-rise timber tower will be a sustainable powerhouse]( [Nachteiland will incorporate significant amounts of greenery on its exterior]( MVRDV and Space Encounters have revealed plans for a new high-rise development that will offer an impressive degree of sustainability. It will be mostly constructed from timber and is expected to harvest more solar energy than it requires. [Read more]( Science [Decomposed bodies found at home are on the rise in England and Wales]( [The fact that people dying at home are going unnoticed for long periods of time points to issues with social support networks, say the researchers]( Despite overall improved mortality rates, the number of people found at home so decomposed that it is impossible to determine their cause of death is on the rise in parts of the UK. A new study tries to parse the cause. [Read more]( Technology [Accusations fly as time bomb ticks down at OpenAI]( [Who are the players in the ongoing turmoil at OpenAI]( As the wild standoff between three of OpenAI's four board members and 95% of the company's entire workforce drags on, messy allegations are starting to fly in both directions. So who are these directors, and why did they fire CEO Sam Altman? [Read more]( Photography [Sony completes field test for in-camera image authentication tech]( [The in-camera image authentication technology will make its way to pro-level Sony cameras from early 2024]( Last month, Leica released a new camera rocking hardware and software designed to help with image authentication. Now Sony has announced the completion of a month-long field test that will see similar tech enabled in its cameras. [Read more]( Robotics [Fourier's GR-1 humanoids pose little threat in a dance-off]( [The GR-1 busts a move]( Singapore company Fourier Intelligence has released a video showing at least a dozen of its GR-1 humanoids, set for customer delivery this year. But while the GR-1 might have the best hips in robotics, it ain't gonna win any rug-cutting contests. [Read more]( Medical [New tech screens & identifies drugs capable of stopping melanoma spread]( [Researchers have used a novel tech platform to screen and identify drugs that interrupt the spread of melanoma]( Researchers have developed an automated platform that they've used to screen thousands of drugs and identify those that can be used to interrupt the spread of melanoma. The approach could help identify promising drugs to treat metastatic cancers. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day may improve male fertility]( [A study found that eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day enhanced sperm quality]( A research review has found that eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day may improve sperm quality – and, therefore, fertility – in young, healthy males. This simple strategy had positive effects without requiring any other changes to diet. [Read more]( Outdoors [Goose Gear's DIY RV kit turns Subaru or RAV4 into slick camper wagon]( [Goose Gear creates a light camper wagon out of assemble-yourself modules]( Goose Gear has long been offering interior camper equipment for popular off-roaders like the Toyota 4Runner. This year, it's slimmed its in-vehicle camping hardware into a weekend-warrior friendly DIY kit that makes micro-campers out of popular CUVs. [Read more]( Medical [Probiotic powers genes to relieve constipation, without upsetting gut]( [Around 33% of people aged 60 years and over have frequent bowel movement issues]( Up to four million Americans may be enduring this common ailment right now. But what if a microbe found in the gut could relieve it and restore gut health? Scientists believe they've found the genetic key that powers this microbe's motility engines. [Read more]( Automotive [Review: Can-Am Commander Max comes with full utility]( [The author standing next to a Can-Am Commander Max XT-P in Wyoming]( With suicide doors, a dumping utility bed, and solid off-road capability, the Can-Am Commander Max is a powerfully useful and fun UTV. That sums up our experience with it after a couple of weeks in the wilds of Wyoming. [Read more]( Medical [Slow-release diabetes drugs could cut shots from daily to 3 times a year]( [Stanford's new hydrogel, loaded with diabetes-controlling drugs, inside a syringe ready for injection]( Managing diabetes usually involves regular shots, but soon patients might only need injections a few times a year. Stanford has developed a hydrogel-based delivery system that slowly releases drugs over months to control diabetes and even weight. [Read more]( Computers [New cybersecurity tech treats keys like the Colonel's secret recipe]( [Australian scientists have developed a new type of cybersecurity system called ineffable cryptography]( Cybersecurity is a growing concern as more critical infrastructure can be exposed to hacks. Now Australian engineers have developed and demonstrated a new technique called “ineffable cryptography,” which treats keys like the Coca-Cola secret formula. [Read more]( Biology [Iron levels trigger bacterial “memories” that are passed down generations]( [Iron levels trigger the formation of 'memories' in E. coli bacteria, according to new research]( Research has found that iron levels trigger the formation of a kind of ‘memory’ in bacteria that drives their subsequent behavior and is passed on to their progeny. The discovery could help prevent bacterial infections and address antibiotic resistance. [Read more]( Health & Wellbeing [Wheely-X lets wheelchair users work out on the spot]( [The Wheely-X sells for US$2,595]( Runners have treadmills for stationary indoor training, while cyclists have rollers and rowers have rowing machines, but … what is there for wheelchair users? Well, it turns out that they can utilize a li'l something called the Wheely-X. [Read more]( Military [France tests new submarine-launched nuclear missile]( [The M51.3 lifting off]( On November 18, 2023, over the Bay of Biscay, France successfully launched the latest unarmed version of the three-stage M51.3 strategic ballistic missile that carries the country's submarine-borne nuclear deterrent wing. [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