Latest news with #innovation
CBS News
2 hours ago
- Science
- CBS News
Perot Museum in Dallas opens "Bug Lab," a larger-than-life insect exhibit with hands-on activities
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is opening The Bug Lab, an exhibition organizers say will transform you into the size of a bug with larger-than-life models and interactive learning stations. Opening on June 28, the museum said the exhibit invites visitors to discover how bugs adaptation inspires cutting-edge human innovation and see how humans are applying "bug genius" to solve problems. "Precision flight, swarm intelligence, even brain surgery – insects offer us a template for technology and innovation," said Linda Silver, chief executive officer of the Perot Museum. The museum said the exhibit i meant for all ages. It includes: Immersive Bug Chambers that recreate detailed environments, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the remarkable abilities of various insects, from the lightning speed of dragonflies to the lightning-fast reflexes of mantises. Interactive Adaptation Stations where visitors can test their skills against those bugs through engaging, hands-on activities that demonstrate the complexity of insect behavior and capabilities. Hands-On Labs where visitors can examine actual bug specimens and learn cutting-edge bug science and bio-inspiration through hands-on interaction. "With a blend of science, wonder, and interactive learning that aligns with the Perot Museum's mission to inspire minds through nature and science, 'Bug Lab' will change how people perceive these tiny creatures by showcasing their remarkable adaptations and what humans can learn from them," Silver said. Admission tickets can be purchased in addition to general admission. Adult tickets are $10 Youth tickets (ages 2-12) are $8 Can't make it this summer? Do not worry, the exhibit will be open through the year and closing on Jan. 6, 2026.
Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Third-generation Nissan e-Power hybrid system promises EV-like driving
Nissan Bets on Simpler, Smoother Hybrid Tech Hybrids are ubiquitous, but none operate quite like those with Nissan's e-Power system, the third generation of which just debuted in the redesigned Qashqai crossover for the European market, but is expected to reach the United States in 2026 in the next-generation Rogue. While most automakers opt for a parallel hybrid system that allows both an internal-combustion engine and electric motors to directly power the wheels, e-Power is a series hybrid system, in which the combustion engine acts purely as a generator, with electricity providing all of the motive power. That means instant response to throttle inputs, as in an EV, and is mechanically simpler than other hybrid systems, Nissan notes. Numerous Improvements A key update for the third-generation e-Power system is the integration of an electric motor, generator, inverter, and a reduction gear into a single unit that's more compact and lighter than the previous packaging, Nissan said in a press release. Battery capacity is unchanged from the previous Qashqai hybrid, at 2.1 kilowatt-hours. The new Qashqai hybrid also retains a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, but Nissan made a few changes to boost efficiency, power, and refinement. Thermal efficiency has improved to 42%, meaning more of the fuel volume actually gets translated into energy for turning the wheels. Low-speed performance in particular has been approved, according to Nissan, while a larger turbo lets the engine operate 200 rpm lower at highway speeds, reducing noise (overall cabin noise is down to 56 decibels, Nissan claims). The automaker says these changes make the previous engine's variable-compression-ratio tech redundant. Nissan estimates 62 mpg on the European WLTP testing cycle, which is generally more optimistic than the U.S. EPA testing cycle. Output improves by about 15 horsepower, to 202 hp. That's about the same as the 201 hp rating of the U.S.-spec 2025 Nissan Rogue, which uses a variable-compression turbo-three engine without a hybrid system. Expect To See e-Power In The U.S. Soon Source: Nissan Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Built in the United Kingdom, the redesigned Qashqai is scheduled to reach European markets in September 2025. It's not likely to reach the U.S., but Nissan confirmed last year that it planned to launch e-Power in the U.S. and Canada by the end of fiscal year 2026. Earlier this year, the automaker said the Rogue would get the third-generation e-Power system, along with the Qashqai and a minivan. While the Rogue could use a hybrid option, as most of its U.S.-market rivals already offer one, e-Power still comes with some questions. Series hybrids have struggled with efficiency and vibration issues at the steady-state highway speeds that are common in the U.S. That's why other automakers have avoided this tech (Honda's two-motor hybrid system comes close, but still allows the engine to directly drive the wheels in certain situations) and why Nissan has hesitated to bring e-Power to the U.S. Nissan launched the first-generation e-Power system in Japan in 2016, on the Note hatchback. As of last October, it claimed to save sold more than 1.5 million vehicles with the system, and that it was available in 68 markets. It's been promising U.S. sales for most of that span, even announcing plans to make e-Power the default powertrain tech for its Infiniti luxury brand. But those plans were canceled in 2021. Rogue Plug-In Hybrid Too 2025 Nissan Rogue — Source: Nissan Nissan's technical skills and tenacity shouldn't be underestimated, however. It made variable-compression engines work even after other automakers had given up on the concept, after all. And Nissan likely has a backup plan for the Rogue as well. Car and Driver reported last October that a Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid would likely arrive for the 2026 model year, borrowing tech from its Mitsubishi Outlander platform-mate. The plug-in hybrid is expected to be sold alongside the Rogue e-Power hybrid, helping the Rogue achieve parity with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4, which all offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Only 2 exhibitor tables up for grabs at TechCrunch All Stage — claim by June 29
This is not a drill. If your startup exists to power the growth of other startups or is the kind of innovation tech leaders need to see firsthand, your moment is now. TechCrunch All Stage hits Boston's SoWa Power Station on July 15 — and just remain. Yes, only two, and only until June 29. Tables for TC All Stage have been flying, and this is truly your last chance to claim your place in front of founders and investors across all stages. All exhibiting startups receive the following perks — and more. For the complete breakdown, check out the TC All Stage exhibitor page. Reserve your table in minutes — no approvals, no wait. Just visit the exhibitor page, register, and it's yours. This isn't the time to hesitate. You clicked into this article because you know it's time to showcase your brand and make an impact. Book your table here.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Google's new Doppl app lets you try on clothes with AI before you buy
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. Shopping is one of the main reasons we use tools like Google Search. That's probably why Google has added so many shopping-related features to its products over the years. More recently, it's also why it introduced AI tools to improve online shopping. Google's AI Mode tool for Google Search is one example. Google gave AI Mode a major upgrade at I/O 2025, which includes some exciting new shopping tools. Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 For instance, AI Mode can automatically buy products for you when the price drops. It monitors the web for deals and lets you know when a product hits your target price. Once you confirm the purchase, AI Mode can complete it on your behalf. The most exciting AI Mode feature shown off at I/O 2025 is something called 'Try it on.' This builds on existing Google tech that lets users try on clothes virtually with AI. To use it in AI Mode, you just upload a photo of yourself. But you know what would be even better? A separate Google app dedicated to trying on clothes virtually. That's exactly what Doppl is. It's a new experimental app from Google, now available for iPhone and Android users in the US. At I/O 2025, Google explained the AI behind AI Mode's ability to show how clothes might look on you: This state-of-the-art technology is the first of its kind working at this scale, allowing shoppers to try on billions of items of clothing from our Shopping Graph. It's powered by a new custom image generation model for fashion, which understands the human body and nuances of clothing — like how different materials fold, stretch, and drape on different bodies. It preserves these subtleties when applied to poses in your photos. The result is a try-on experience that works with photos of you. The AI Mode feature is currently available only as a Search Labs experiment in the US. Google said in a blog post that Doppl is 'a new experimental app from Google Labs to help you visualize how an outfit might look on you and explore your style.' Doppl doesn't just create a digital image of you in an outfit. It can also produce animated versions, so you can see how the clothes look in motion. The AI generates videos to help you visualize how the outfit moves with you. Google says Doppl builds on the AI Mode tech from I/O 2025. The app lets you use photos of clothing or screenshots to try things on. You'll still need to upload a full-body photo first to try on outfits in the app. Once you've tried on clothes with Doppl, you can export the images. After all, you might want to send them to a friend or family member for a second opinion, just like you would with mirror selfies in a store. That said, Doppl is still in its early stages and may not always get things right. Google notes that 'fit, appearance, and clothing details may not always be accurate.' I'll also point out that Google hasn't explained how Doppl handles your privacy. You're sharing personal photos with Google's AI, and it's unclear if the company plans to use the app for advertising. Trying on clothes virtually might reveal your fashion preferences to Google's systems. The good news is Doppl is already available on iPhone and Android in the US, so you can try it out right away if you're interested. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
Bloomberg
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Elon Musk Says First Tesla Drove Itself From Factory to Customer
Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said a Tesla Model Y SUV drove itself from the company's factory near Austin to a customer's home in the company's latest move to showcase its push into autonomous driving. In a post on X, Musk announced the company had made an autonomous delivery of a Tesla Model Y from factory to a customer's home, noting the delivery was made 'across town,' and included highways. Musk said the delivery did not include anyone in the car and no remote operators were in control of the car.
