Tech News Roundup: From Pocket E-Readers to Fungus Insecticides
Several noteworthy developments in technology and science emerged this week, ranging from advancements in consumer electronics to innovative solutions in pest control.
A new pocket-friendly e-reader, the Xteink X4, is generating buzz, despite its unconventional design. According to The Verge, the Xteink X4 utilizes buttons instead of a touchscreen, which "can be a challenge to use." However, a growing community is reportedly working to improve the device's functionality. Andrew Liszewski of The Verge noted his fondness for smaller e-readers, recalling the 5-inch Kobo Mini as a personal favorite.
In other tech news, Antigravity's A1 360-degree drone is currently available at a discount. The Verge reported that the drone is 15 percent off through February 9th. Cameron Faulkner of The Verge stated that this is the "first-ever discount on this model," bringing the starting price down from $1,599.
Meanwhile, in the realm of robotics, The Verge's Allison Johnson explored the evolving role of robot baristas. Johnson admitted, "I don’t hate the robot barista like I thought I would," questioning how much a human touch matters when it comes to a latte. She observed the prevalence of coffee shops in Seattle, noting that on a six-block walk, she passed "at least a half dozen," before visiting a shop utilizing robotic baristas.
Beyond consumer tech, Ars Technica highlighted a potential breakthrough in insecticide technology. A specific species of fungus could offer a more environmentally friendly approach to pest control. The article explained that wood-devouring insects, such as beetles, termites, and carpenter ants, cause significant damage. Traditional insecticides can be noxious, but this fungal solution presents a new alternative. Specifically, Eurasian spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus), which ingest bark high in phenolic compounds, can be targeted with this method.
Ars Technica also compiled a "research roundup" of interesting scientific stories. Among them were reports of a lip-syncing robot, the use of brewer's yeast as scaffolding for lab-grown meat, the search for Leonardo da Vinci's DNA in his art, and evidence suggesting that humans, not glaciers, transported the stones to build Stonehenge from Wales and northern Scotland. The article emphasized that "there is never enough time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across each month," hence the monthly roundup.
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