Bio-inspired one-way-flow pipes handle liquid like sharks digest food

Ordinarily, if you want liquid to flow in only one direction through a pipe, that pipe has to have a flap-type valve – which could fail. Now, scientists have created a new type of more robust one-way-flow pipe, which was inspired by shark intestines.

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“World’s first fire-line-in-a-box” blows up to keep brush fires at bay

If you live on an acreage, there's a constant risk that your home may be consumed by a brush fire. That's where the Blaze Barrier comes in, as it forms a flame-activated fire-retardant boundary line around the user's house.

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Clever titanium gadget uses concentric rings to measure, add and multiply

Less than a year ago we told you about the Tiroler, a titanium ring that's a rather clever alternative to the boring ol' tape measure. Well, its makers are back with a new take on the concept, which also performs calculations.

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Desktop wind tunnel runs aerodynamic tests at small scale

Ever wonder how well your model cars would slice through the air if they were full-scale automobiles? Well, a little something known as the Windsible could tell ya (sort of), as it's touted as being the world's first consumer desktop wind tunnel.

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80-in-1 titanium multitool stack splits into magnetic utility cards

With a "more is more" approach to its latest offering on Kickstarter, London-based Gadget On has packed everything from a sundial clock to a SIM card ejector into its new TitanSpin multitool. And, oh yeah, the whole thing is also a fidget spinner.

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Video: Heat-gun-toting robot could create bespoke clothing on the cheap

Custom-fit clothing is usually quite expensive, but perhaps it doesn't have to be. MIT's 4D Knit Dress is an example of a new type of clothing that a robot could selectively shrink to fit the wearer, perhaps right in the store.

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BMW is building high-tech footwear for the German bobsleigh team

There's only a few seconds of running in a bobsleigh heat, but one slip can skittle the whole team. Seeing the need for high-performance ice sport footwear, BMW has jumped in to build custom, 3D-printed traction aids for the 2025 Winter Olympics.

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Assistive “anti-freeze” exoskeleton keeps Parkinson’s patients walking

People with Parkinson's disease often develop a problem known as "gait freeze," in which their legs simply stop stepping forward as they're walking. A new exoskeleton, however, has proven to be very effective at keeping such individuals' legs going.

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Efficient construction system stacks self-contained modules like Legos

Erecting an entire building from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive, which is why many companies look to factory-built prefabricated structures. A new technology takes that idea further, with prefab blocks that are stacked like Lego blocks.

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Student-designed system could allow the blind to play table tennis

Table tennis is one of those sports that most people would likely assume is simply unplayable by the blind. An Australian student, however, is now using cameras and speakers to get unsighted individuals in on the ping pong action.

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