Lactose-Free Cows | Solar Cars | eDog Tricks - The Convo Kit #5

If you combine all these stories, you get a solar-powered cow-bot with enhanced sensory and anti-drone capabilities. Enjoy reverse engineering this specimen throughout the issue!

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Lactose-Free Cows

Russian scientists have cloned a cow that doesn't produce lactose. They used CRISPR/Cas9 to craft the "perfect" cow.

• Beta-lactoglobulin = main allergen in milk

• ~68% of humans experience lactose malabsorption

• Next step: A herd, "naturally"

Can’t help but feel a little Goldblumy here. Reprogramming a mammal so humans can consume dairy from cows makes my malabsorbing stomach more uncomfortable than Mac & Cheese ice cream. Then again, that could just be me identifying as a mammal.

Mooo cow science here.

Mini Solar Cars

Squad Mobility aims to reduce traffic emissions in cities with its golf cart-like Solar City Car. The solar-powered 2-seater will be available in 2022 and may include a remote control option.

• 3 Solar City Cars fit in 1 parking space

• 62 mile range

• Top speed: 28 mph

Sitting in traffic, finding parking, and hearing the constant “ding” of Google Maps recalculating is bad enough. But we’re also burning through a lot of unproductive fossil fuels hoping a green light will be the one. A city built around cars like these has the potential to solve all of those problems.

Pics of the lil’ climate heroes on Interesting Engineering.

Teaching a Robo-Dog New Tricks

A team at Facebook AI, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon are working on AI that will turn complex robo-walking programs into second-nature algorithms. Rapid Motor Adaptation (RMA) enables robo-dogs to adapt their gait similar to humans walking on sand.

• Trained in a simulation

• Algorithmic thinking > programmatic reacting

• Adjusts for added carry weight

I never considered taking my pet Spot to the beach. I don’t have one, yet, but this is good news for future me. RMA further increases the potential for quadruped robots to assist in space missions and, presumably, earthly hikes.

It even works for messy living rooms.

Anti-Drone Stiletto

The U.S. Navy's M80 Stiletto ship can disrupt drones by jamming non-friendly radio frequencies. The system, Drone Sentry, can be initiated remotely or by personnel on-site.

• Imported defense: Made in Australia

• Range: 1,000 feet

• Operational from -40° to 140° F

Military drone technology is advancing and many countries are bolstering their defense. Vehicle mounted anti-drone tech increases security ahead of automated warfare concerns. Let’s hope the only real world use is to block your noisy neighbor’s pizza delivery.

Pretty cool looking boat, and some facts.

Touchy Feely…Implants?

Scientists at Israel's Tel Aviv University developed an implant that can restore the sense of physical touch. The device is powered by TENG, electricity similar to rubbing your socks on a carpet, but with metal plates.

• TENG = triboelectric nanogenerator

• Implant connects to live nerves to simulate touch

• Currently works on rats

Everything from using our phones to driving becomes more difficult with reduced dexterity. This implant could prolong independence of those most affected by nerve damage.

More info and vocab over on New Atlas.

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