• Maduro orders 10-day ban on Elon Musk's X in Venezuela after feud with billionaire
    www.cnbc.com
    Contested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered a 10-day ban on X, cutting off locals' access to the platform after a feud with Elon Musk.
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  • Heat-trapping glitter could make Mars more habitable for humans, scientists say
    www.fastcompany.com
    The idea of transforming Mars into a world more hospitable to human habitation is a regular feature of science fiction. But could this be done in real life?Scientists are now proposing a new approach to warm up Earths planetary neighbor by pumping engineered particlessimilar in size to commercially available glitter and made of iron or aluminum into the atmosphere as aerosols to trap escaping heat and scatter sunlight toward the Martian surface. The idea would be to augment the natural greenhouse effect on Mars to raise its surface temperature by roughly 50 degrees Fahrenheit over a span of a decade.This alone would not make Mars habitable for people, but the scientists who developed the proposal see it as a potentially doable initial step.Terraforming refers to modifying a planets environment to make it more Earth-like. For Mars, warming the planet is a necessary, but insufficient, first step. Previous concepts have focused on releasing greenhouse gases, but these require large amounts of resources that are scarce on Mars, said University of Chicago planetary scientist Edwin Kite, who helped lead the study published this week in the journal Science Advances.The key elements of our paper are a novel proposal to use engineered nanoparticles to warm Marss atmosphere, and climate modeling that suggests this approach could be much more efficient than previous concepts. This is important because it presents a potentially more feasible method for modifying Marss climate, which could inform future Mars exploration strategies, Kite added.NASA has sent robotic rovers to explore the Martian surface and the InSight Lander to study the planets interior. The U.S. space agencys Artemis program aims to put astronauts in the coming years on the lunar surface for the first time since 1972 in preparation for potential future human missions to Mars.There are numerous challenges to human settlements on Mars: lack of breathable oxygen, harmful ultraviolet radiation due to its thin atmosphere, salty soil hostile to growing crops, dust storms that sometimes cover much of the planet, and more. But its frigid temperatures are a serious impediment.We propose to show that the idea of warming Mars isnt impossible. We hope that our finding encourages the broader scientific community, and the public, to explore this intriguing idea, said study lead author Samaneh Ansari, a doctoral student in the electrical and computer engineering department at Northwestern University in Illinois.The median Martian surface temperature is about minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit. With its tenuous atmosphere, solar heat on the Martian surface readily escapes into space. The proposal would aim to allow liquid water to exist on the surface of Mars, which has water in the form of ice at its polar regions and its subsurface.The scientists proposed continuously releasing tiny rod-shaped particlesnanorodsinto the atmosphere at a rate of about 8 gallons (30 liters) per second for years.The idea is to either ship the material or, better yet, ship the manufacturing tool and make the nanorods on the planet since iron and aluminum are abundant on the surface of Mars, Ansari said.The researchers are mindful of the possibility of unintended consequences in terraforming another world for humankinds benefit. Scientists, for instance, are eager to learn whether Mars has harbored life in the pastor perhaps currently, in the form of subsurface microbes.Although nanoparticles could warm Mars, both the benefits and potential costs of this course of action are currently uncertain. For example, in the unlikely event that Marss soil contains irremediable compounds toxic to all Earth-derived life, then the benefit of warming Mars is nil, Kite said.On the other hand, if a photosynthetic biosphere can be established on the surface of Mars, that might increase the solar systems capacity for human flourishing, Kite added. On the costs side, if Mars has extant life, then study of that life could have great benefits that warrant robust protections for its habitat.By Will Dunham, Reuters
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  • Eight cleverly organised homes with rooms divided by storage solutions
    www.dezeen.com
    For our latestlookbook, we've collected eight homes that make the most of space by using storage units and shelving as room dividers.The examples below show how much-needed storage space can be integrated into a home's design to form partition walls between rooms or create different zones within one space.Many of the designs feature different storage arrangements on either side of a wall to suit the rooms it is functioning, such as kitchen cupboards, hallway shelving, dressing area wardrobes, desks and fold-out tables.This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring wood-lined kitchens, board-marked concrete living rooms and interiors that pair together red and green colours.Photo by Marcela GrassiLoft in Poblenou, Spain, by NeuronaLabLocal architecture studio NeuronaLab inserted a blue unit with wardrobes into the centre of this renovated Barcelona apartment, separating a bedroom, study, and open-plan kitchen and living area.As well as dividing the ground floor spaces and providing storage, the unit also has built-in stairs leading to a second bedroom on a mezzanine level.Find out more about Loft in Poblenou Photo by Tololo StudioYamaguchicho House, Japan, by SlowA black wood storage unit creates a dividing wall between the living area and the skylit entryway at Yamaguchicho House, which was designed by Japanese practice Slow.The unit was elevated from the ground to help spread natural light through the space, and a television was mounted on its side facing a sofa.Find out more about Yamaguchicho House Photo by Kevin KunstadtSterling Place apartment, US, by Light and Air ArchitectureThis two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn was transformed by New York studio Light and Air Architecture to have an open-plan layout with ample storage.Custom-built shelving and cupboards made from Baltic birch form opaque and see-through dividers, separating the kitchen, bathroom and living room.Find out more about Sterling Place apartment Photo by Shinzawa IppeiHouse in Nakauchi, Japan, by SnarkArchitecture studioSnark created a timber-framed home in Maebashi, Japan, for a family of four, adding a shared children's room on the first floor.Wooden built-in storage was designed to separate the room into two private spaces, with ladders leading to individual sleeping platforms above.Find out more about House in Nakauchi Studio studio apartment, Australia, by Catseye BayDesigned by local design firm Catseye Bay, wood storage solutions were added to this studio apartment in Sydney to create informal space dividers and replace bulky furniture itemssuch as wardrobes and bookshelves.The largest unit in the home conceals a bed, providing bedside shelving on one side and clothes storage on the dressing area side.Find out more about the Sydney studio apartment Photo by David FoesselLa Tournette, France, by Freaks ArchitectureAn arched storage unit sits at the centre of La Tournette, a Parisian workshop that was converted into an apartment by French studio Freaks Architecture.The mobile unit separates the kitchen and living areas and can be adjusted to accommodate different living arrangements. It has shelving on one side and a fold-out dining table on the other, which can be turned to form an extra kitchen counter.Find out more about La Tournette Photo by Jos HeviaPalma Hideaway, Spain, by Mariana de DelsA diagonal partition wall with shelved storage cuts across the Palma Hideaway apartment in Palma de Mallorca, which was transformed by architectMariana de Dels.The angular shape of the storage wall separates the hall and kitchen on one side from the bedroom on the other, where it features a built-in desk and wardrobes.Find out more about Palma Hideaway Photo by Lisbeth GrosmannFlinders Lane Apartment, Australia, by Clare Cousins ArchitectsLocal studio Clare Cousins Architects aimed to create extra bedrooms without losing living space when renovating the Flinders Lane Apartment in Melbourne.The studio created a hoop-pine plywood platform and storage wall with cupboards and shelves, forming two separate bedrooms boxed offfrom the open-plan living room and kitchen.Find out more about Flinders Lane Apartment This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring wood-lined kitchens, board-marked concrete living rooms and interiors that pair together red and green colours.The post Eight cleverly organised homes with rooms divided by storage solutions appeared first on Dezeen.
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  • Industrial Design Case Study: An Alternative to Ankle Monitoring Devices
    www.core77.com
    HS Design is an ID consultancy that specializes in user-centered medical design. They were approached by Smart Start, a company that makes ignition interlock devices, to design an unusual new wearable called Orbis. It's essentially an alternative to ankle monitoring devices."ORBIS is a revolutionary new product that redefines the landscape of alcohol and offender monitoring devices. It combines the most advanced transdermal alcohol and GPS monitoring technology in a single, attractive, wrist-wearable device. Aiming to eliminate the stigma associated with its traditional ankle monitoring competitors, ORBIS gives remorseful offenders and everyday individuals a chance to recover from past mistakes. Whether assigned by authorities, or willingly worn, ORBIS provides accurate and real-time monitoring results that consistently outperforms the competitors." Redefining a Product Category"ORBIS is the first alcohol, GPS, and vitals monitoring device with the goal of aiding rehabilitation and empowering individuals to return to their daily lives and a positive societal role. All other competitors and their designs target extreme offender cases, focusing solely on anti-tampering and utilizing their monitors as a form of punishment meant to hinder individuals. By reflecting consumer smartwatch forms, materials, and design cues, ORBIS provides a solution aimed at aiding and supporting individuals looking to improve their lives and move past their mistakes." Cutting Edge Alcohol Sensing"ORBIS continuously monitors for alcohol consumption by using a newly designed transdermal sensor that can detect the concentration of alcohol through ethanol vapor present in a user's perspiration when drinking. This new and patent pending technological approach to transdermal alcohol monitoring has consistently outperformed existing devices and tracks closely to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which is considered the gold standard for measuring alcohol consumption, all while being housed in the smallest, most discreet design on the market." "ORBIS houses cellular technology that makes results available in real-time. It utilizes a number of security features that can discourage and help prevent tampering. If a user is required to wear ORBIS, the watch is permanently fixed to the user via its locking ratchet strap band. ORBIS is tightened against the user's skin to ensure a proper seal for accurate alcohol sensor readings, and all assembly screws and components are on the underside to prevent user access." From Law Enforcement to Consumer Markets"ORBIS supports wellness features including heart rate, steps, and incoming messages that can be used as appointment reminders or accolades of sobriety. By reflecting the current smartwatch landscape in form and design and housing cutting edge sensing technology, ORBIS opens doors to many new markets from consumer to workplace, that otherwise reject the competition." You can see more of HS Design's work here.
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  • Dragon-inspired Titanium Pocket Knife has the most breathtaking skeletal handle design
    www.yankodesign.com
    There are two broad schools of design with pocket knives either make them look so outrageously rugged that they instill fear in their enemies, or design them to be so slick and minimal that their owners treasure them for their collectible-worthy beauty. Its rare to come across a knife that somehow manages both those things, but the Dragon Ridge holds that unique distinction. Being equally formidable-looking and minimalistic, the Dragon Ridge folding knife sports a skeletal handle modeled on the ribcage of a dragon (a hypothetical one of course). The Dragon Ridges handle comes machined from grade 5 titanium, with an M390 martensitic chromium steel blade that has the menacing sharpness of a dragons fangs. The knife balances its bare-bone skeletal design with an intimidating aesthetic rather beautifully, giving you essentially a modern EDC icon thats visually stunning, ergonomically sound, and tactically capable of being your favorite pocket knife.Designer: TIGOClick Here to Buy Now: $205 $279 (27% off) Hurry! Only 14 of 50 units left.The Dragon Ridge has an almost relic-like quality to it thanks to its rather unique design. The handle, which takes all credit for being the knifes most visually exciting element, sports a skeletal design that resembles a spine and ribcage. This effectively gives the handle a unique ergonomic form that naturally allows the fingers to find their grip, while cutouts in the knifes design help reduce material and therefore overall weight. This is only possible thanks to the knifes titanium alloy body, which gives the EDC its durability and strength something you wouldnt be able to achieve if the exact same design was machined out of aluminum, carbon fiber, or G10.The Dragon Ridge measures 4.84 inches when closed (123mm), opening up to a whopper of an 8.2-inch knife when the blades out (210mm for the metric folk). This puts the Dragon Ridge well within the size category of a medium-to-large knife, which means its a lot bigger and badder than most compact micro-knives out there. That large size makes the knife more grippy, more maneuverable, and perfect for all sorts of activities, whether domestic or outdoor.Flip open the knife and youre greeted with a gorgeous 3.4-inch drop-point blade. Made from M390 steel (harder and much more durable than D2 steel seen in most high-end knives), the Dragon Ridge outdoes other knives in its price category handily. The drop-point style blade is a crowd favorite, and is perfect for all sorts of tasks, from cutting vegetables to whittling branches, piercing bark or leather, and even defending yourself in a tactical situation. When times of the essence, the knife opens in under a second, thanks to the flipper on the blade that lets you quick-deploy your EDC. Jimping on top of the blade gives you good thumb-grip too, as you apply pressure while cutting.The knife boasts multiple opening styles, making it fun to operate and just overall hand-candy. A button-lock lets you deploy the blade with a flick of the wrist, while also allowing you to quickly close your blade once youre done using it. Alternatively, the flipper lets you use your index finger to flip open the blade, and if you have nails, the thumb-hole offers a more traditional opening method.The martensitic chromium steel blade works exceptionally well in emergencies too, letting you whittle wood, scrape flint, and even cut paracord or seatbelts. When youre not using the knife, however, it rests comfortably in your pocket, thanks to a deep pocket clip, or even around your wrist or neck, thanks to a lanyard hole on the rear end of the handle.At 143 grams or just above 5 ounces, the Dragon Ridge is fairly light for an all-metal knife. Its still in the ballpark of average knife weight, but your fingers will definitely be pleased once you pick this bad-boy up, realizing its not as heavy as you think it is. Its still well-weighted enough to maneuver deftly, allowing you to go through all sorts of use cases without the feeling of the knife being fragile or not up for the task. Although the maker TIGO doesnt specifically detail out any warranty information, the Dragon Ridge is built reliably enough to last multiple lifetimes. The ball-bearing hinge and button lock should work very smoothly even with regular use, the blade should hold its edge fairly well (and will respond well to sharpening every few months), and that gorgeous bony titanium handle will promise to look exactly the same after decades, almost echoing the everlasting nature of a dragon fossil!Click Here to Buy Now: $205 $279 (27% off) Hurry! Only 14 of 50 units left.The post Dragon-inspired Titanium Pocket Knife has the most breathtaking skeletal handle design first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • New Trailer For Agatha All Along Walks The Witches' Road
    www.gamespot.com
    WandaVision was the first Marvel Studios series on Disney+ in 2021, but it's taken the better part of three years to get back to Kathryn Hahn's witch, Agatha Harkness, after she was left powerless in the finale. But in the new trailer for Agatha All Along, Agatha has a plan to reclaim everything she lost and more... if her new coven can help her reach the end of the Witches' Road. It seems like there's a high price for the power that Agatha wants, and she's perfectly willing to let her so-called friends and allies in the coven pay it before she does. There's no sign of Wanda Maximoff in this trailer, but it does appear that the show will offer an even deeper dive into the world of magic than we've seen before in the MCU. Doctor Strange notwithstanding, since the good doctor's sorcery is not witchcraft.In addition to premiering the new trailer at D23, Hahn and her cast mates--Aubrey Plaza, Joe Locke, Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, and Debra Jo Rupp--came on stage and performed The Ballad of the Witches Road, an original song by WandaVision's Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.Continue Reading at GameSpot
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  • Best Outfits In Red Dead Redemption 2
    gamerant.com
    Red Dead Redemption 2 is not only a game that allows players to immerse themselves in the ultimate cowboy fantasy, but it also offers a vast array of outfits to choose from, making it a fun challenge to decide on the perfect attire for the game's protagonist. Fans have different opinions when it comes to fashion and which outfit is the best one, but for those seeking guidance, there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration, like the weather and the price.
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  • Leather Jacket NZ Guest Post
    gamedev.net
    Leather Jacket NZ has a guest post. Please review it in detail and let us know what you think of the guest post.Timeless Summer Chic: Leather Jacket Outfits for Women in New ZealandHow to style a leather motorcycle jacket NZ
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