odd look at news on the web
A monkey ate the wrong squirrel – and started an outbreak
15 April 2026 @ 1:13 pm
In January 2023, researchers at the Helmholtz Institute for One Health in Germany noticed that an infant monkey known as a sooty mangabey had developed reddish skin lesions across its forehead, chest, and legs. Within 48 hours, the animal was reported dead. Over the following weeks, nearly a third of the group's 80 members developed similar lesions, and four infants died. The outbreak was caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Rolls-Royce's first electric convertible is super long – and exclusive
15 April 2026 @ 10:42 am
Used EV sales breaking records while new EVs plummet, reveals study
15 April 2026 @ 6:36 am
Strange times in the electric vehicle (EV) world at the moment. While the technology behind electric cars continues to gather momentum, the sales numbers are showing mixed results. On one hand used EV sales are nearing record growth, but new EV sales are actually in decline.Continue ReadingCategory: Automotive, TransportTags: Electric Vehicles, Rooftop tent makes simple but brilliant improvement over all others
14 April 2026 @ 11:03 pm
When we first caught wind of Thule's all-new Widesky rooftop tent (RTT), we took the model name to imply a large, clear stargazing skylight on par with Inspired Overland's fully transparent roof. We had the idea of open views correct, but instead of a skylight, Thule's latest RTT encourages panoramic viewing in a different way, one we haven't seen on other rooftop tents. In doing so, it creates a high-riding space in which you'll want to spend both waking and sleeping hours.Continue ReadingCategory: TentsSmall-but-mighty flashlight packs a beam and a side panel for extra functions
14 April 2026 @ 7:58 pm
Some people want a flashlight to do more than just emit a forward-facing cone of light. If you're one of those folks, you might like what the multi-functional Endorol has to offer.Continue ReadingCategory: Gear, OutdoorsTags: Flashlights, 'Sweater for houses' could reduce heating bills by at least 15%
14 April 2026 @ 4:52 pm
Keeping homes warm in winter is becoming extremely expensive, and many existing methods aren't always efficient. In the US alone, tens of millions of people struggle with energy costs and often have to cut back on basic expenses, including food, just to be able to afford heating. With ongoing fossil fuel dependency and climate change, traditional heating methods are not only costly but also environmentally harmful.Continue ReadingCategory: Ene24-ft tiny house designed for comfortable full-time life on wheels
14 April 2026 @ 2:07 pm
Designed to maximize comfort in a compact footprint, the Currumbin combines a smart layout with some well-thought-out features to create a home that's suitable for full-time life on wheels. There are lots of optional upgrades available too, including an off-grid setup and an outdoor terrace area.Continue ReadingCategory: Tiny Houses, OutdoorsTags:A swivel display disguises this gaming handheld as a media player
14 April 2026 @ 12:04 pm
Anbernic makes a wide range of portable gaming consoles whose designs leave nothing to the imagination, with the usual arrays of controller buttons alongside or below a display. With its upcoming device, it's taking a more discreet design direction, which should also make for an easier fit in your pocket.Continue ReadingCategory: Cheeky caterpillars trick ants into treating them as queens
14 April 2026 @ 7:02 am
Baby caterpillars have figured out how to get themselves the royal treatment in certain ant colonies – getting carried around like precious cargo, fed on demand, guarded and being rescued from danger. But why would ants give this celebrity status to a caterpillar? The secret lies in perfect mimicry: the caterpillar copies not just the queen ant’s chemical scent, but the exact rhythm of her vibrations.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Autonomous wing-in-ground effect aircraft has US military in its sights
14 April 2026 @ 5:04 am
Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport (REGENT) has completed the maiden flight of Squire, an autonomous variant of the company's Wing-in-Ground Effect Seaglider aircraft that's being pitched to the US military for logistical duty.Continue ReadingCategory: Military, EngineeringTags: Aircraft,