A round-up of the latest technology news from around the globe.
HAWK EYE: NASA's new unmanned Global Hawk observation aircraft flew right into Hurricane Earl last week. The Global Hawk carries a microwave instrument and an HD camera so observers on the ground can take real time measurements of hurricanes. Look that hurricane right in the eye. Details at Wired.
POLE SLITHER: Carnegie Mellon's modular snake robots can slink, roll, swim and even climb trees. They could help in search and rescue operations or inspect bridges or slide into small spaces. See it climb a tree: nightmarish! More at SingularityHub and video on YouTube.
BEAM IT UP: LaserMotive in Seattle have found a way to use laser beams to power a 300 gram miniature helicopter. Photovoltaic cells on the craft convert light from a ground-based laser into a few watts of electricity. That's enough to stay aloft. Watch out for passing birds interrupting the beam. More at NewScientist.
SMARTPHONE MACRO: A modder superglued a tiny $5 microscope in front of his smartphone camera with impressive results. Look at fleas, flies and specks of dust right on your phone camera. Details at Dvice and video on YouTube.
ON THE BALL: Vancouver are trying a new way to jolt drivers into awareness - with an optical illusion. A 3D image display has been installed close to a school. As drivers approach within 30 metres it will appear as though a young girl is crossing the street in front of them. Will it increase traffic from 'sightseers' though? More at TheGlobeAndMail.
- Miraz Jordan knowit.co.nz.