Flying cars, photonic computers, 3-D-printed bones, and salt-water electricity

🚁 Flying cars are landing

Futuristic fantasy no more, the flying car is rapidly becoming a reality. The technology for these vehicles, known as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has been steadily advancing in recent years, with at least one model already available for pre-order. For Science News, Helen Bradshaw zooms in on the tech specs and market conditions.

🤖 Beyond the Jetsons: How they actually fly

Unlike the jet-propelled contraptions of 1960s cartoons, today’s flying cars operate more like giant drones. They are electric, using multiple propellers to lift off and land vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. The key innovation is a shift from complex, combustion-engine designs to simpler, electric systems. This approach not only makes them quieter but also more environmentally friendly, tapping into the same battery and motor technology that’s been perfected for drones and electric vehicles.

🚦Solving the commuter’s headache, and more

The potential for aerial aircraft goes far beyond simply beating earth-bound freeway gridlock. These vehicles could serve as air taxis for short-hop travel, revolutionize logistics with rapid package delivery, or provide a faster way to transport emergency medical supplies to remote or inaccessible locations. The real value is in efficiency: saving time, reducing emissions, and creating new pathways for goods and services.