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6 gadgets that provide fresh water to those who need it most
By Cat DiStasio There are 1.2 billion people around the world do not have reliable access to fresh, potable water. That's why advancements in water purification technology are so important. Fortunately, there are a lot of innovative folks working on creative ways to solve water-scarcity issues by developing new techniques, maximizing efficiency and sometimes even producing drinking water from thin air. Read on for six of the world's most innovative water generators, from machines that collect H2O in the middle of the desert to a bike-mounted contraption that harnesses solar energy to collect water from the air as you ride.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: 'Deathproof' vehicles and more!
Many automakers are working on self-driving cars, but Volvo is the first to announce plans for completely "deathproof" vehicles by the year 2020. Meanwhile, General Motors invested $500 million in Lyft to create a network of autonomous vehicles. Snowstorms snarl traffic, but engineers have a solution: electric roads that de-ice themselves without the need for road salt. We also spotted a unique circular bridge in Uruguay that encourages drivers to slow down and enjoy the view. And Ford teamed up with fashion designers to debut a collection of couture made from recycled upholstery.
ICYMI: Space X's near-landing, Fukushima's new robot and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-602955{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-602955, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-602955{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-602955").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Space X's latest Falcon 9 autonomous landing almost went according to plan. The rocket's satellite made it into orbit and the first stage booster set down on its drone barge but promptly fell over and exploded on account of a faulty landing strut -- because that's how rockets do.
Solar power will give you non-stop water during bike rides
If you're a cyclist, you know the anxiety that comes with running out of water in the middle of a bike ride -- the last thing you want is dehydration when you're miles away from home. Design student Kristof Retezàr may just set your mind at ease, though. He recently developed Fontus, a bike-mounted device that uses solar power to convert air moisture into water for your drinking bottle. The key is its use of thermoelectric cooling. Solar panels generate electricity that cools the top of the device, where air comes in as you ride; as the moisture condenses, it drips water into a bottle below. The bottom stays warm, but that only accelerates the condensation process above.
