According to a report from the Associated Press, a Chinese container ship scraped against the wall of the newly expanded Panama Canal. The accident left a large gash in the ship, while the canal wall only showed slight damage. Despite the relatively minor incident, this first accident highlights early safety warnings that the canal’s new dimensions are…

Many years ago, an Israeli defense outfit developed a “bubble shield” for military vehicles. Essentially, this system (the Trophy Active Protection Systems) could track and destroy any incoming missiles or RPGs with a turreted shotgun before they could make contact.  Aside from the obvious risk in driving tanks in combat zones for the human operator,…

Currently, work is underway in Washington to replace the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct with an incredible two-mile-long tunnel situated directly under Seattle’s downtown. The decision to replace the viaduct was made in an effort to reduce closures and impacts to traffic. After the tunnel opens, the viaduct will be removed as part of the Waterfront Seattle program to…

In Alabama at the Anniston Army Depot, there resides a machine operated by the Defense Logistics Agency affectionately nicknamed Captain Crunch. Cute, right? But let’s be clear — there’s nothing cute about this monster of a machine. In fact, Captain Crunch is a giant shredder that transforms unwanted military firearms into scrap metal. According to Popular Mechanics,…

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launch has been delayed for a second time in two days. Originally, the rocket maker planned to launch the Falcon 9 and attempt to land it on a drone-piloted barge on Wednesday. With less than two minutes to liftoff, SpaceX scrubbed Thursday night’s launch citing “technical difficulties.” During the live broadcast, the…

The newly revamped tunnel at the Amsterdam Central Station (known as the Cuyperpassage) is a stunning example of executing both a practical note in an urban infrastructure project. Commissioned, in part, by the municipality of Amsterdam, this reclaimed underpass now doubles as a covered pedestrian and bike path. This 361-foot-long and 33-foot-wide “slow traffic corridor” creates a…

For months, reports have continued to emerge about the dangers of counterfeit hoverboards. Because these cheaper Chinese knock-offs tend to catch on fire and explode, many online retailers (including Amazon and Overstock.com) removed them from their sites in December. Around the same time, the U.S.’s largest airlines — American, Southwest, Delta and United — all banned hoverboards from…

Researchers from HRL Laboratories, LLC in California recently announced the development of a new process to 3D print stronger, more heat-resistant ceramics capable of withstanding temperatures of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditionally, 3D-printed ceramics involve complex techniques needed to deposit layers of material atop each other, thus requiring the use of materials with low melting points.…