More Innovations
CES 2024: Control your Apple devices with the wave of your hand
Touchscreen who?
By Emmett Smith and Teodosia Dobriyanova
![Close up of wrist shows a user wearing the Mudra while pinching their fingers. In the background, connected devices show the neural activity triggered by the hand gesture.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03qoWrSpJcpYEJNP0uVBuUu/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1705082923.png)
![Close up of wrist shows a user wearing the Mudra while pinching their fingers. In the background, connected devices show the neural activity triggered by the hand gesture.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03qoWrSpJcpYEJNP0uVBuUu/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1705082923.png)
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City gets a digital twin
Architectural preservation is in its 3D mapping era. 💅
![A split screen shows a photograph of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican city (left), juxtaposed with a B&W 3D render (right). Caption reads: "Digital twin"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06OvWw7DjbLXSRI2DXowMhj/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1703239319.jpg)
![A split screen shows a photograph of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican city (left), juxtaposed with a B&W 3D render (right). Caption reads: "Digital twin"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06OvWw7DjbLXSRI2DXowMhj/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1703239319.jpg)
The 3D printed buildings we loved in 2023
From space homes to building in war zones, 3D printing pushed the limits this year.
![A render image shows parts of a grey 3D printed lunar habitat resting on the moon's surface against the dark space surrounding it.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/001cxq7x1vLdLTalCDLgYfA/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1702378769.png)
![A render image shows parts of a grey 3D printed lunar habitat resting on the moon's surface against the dark space surrounding it.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/001cxq7x1vLdLTalCDLgYfA/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1702378769.png)
An entire country ran on renewable energy for six days straight
Portugal's plans for the future are even more ambitious.
![A picture shows the top of a typical portuguese house, yellow walls, dark green shutters, and a red rooftop. Behind it, against the blue sky a win turbine is peeking in the background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03NsJn92z7bpZ49m7Fl0kps/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1701277144.png)
![A picture shows the top of a typical portuguese house, yellow walls, dark green shutters, and a red rooftop. Behind it, against the blue sky a win turbine is peeking in the background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03NsJn92z7bpZ49m7Fl0kps/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1701277144.png)
Tiny wireless wearables now monitor health by capturing sound
The human body generates all sorts of sounds that can give out information about our health.
![A split screen shows some graphs on a tablet (left), and tiny wearables devices attached to a patient's skin (right). Caption reads: "Wearable health tracking"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06YKgMMBFdSnG0C22tk8pih/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1700585682.jpg)
![A split screen shows some graphs on a tablet (left), and tiny wearables devices attached to a patient's skin (right). Caption reads: "Wearable health tracking"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06YKgMMBFdSnG0C22tk8pih/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1700585682.jpg)
Iceland’s seismic waves sound awfully eerie. You can listen.
If people in Iceland could hear the seismic activity beneath their feet, it would sound like this.
![A split screen shows a hole caused by an earthquake is Grindavík, Iceland on the left. On the right, there's a picture of a recently erupted Icelandic volcano, with lava and smoke coming out of the crater.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04mfhNN0uEFaxjtyRQ9xG5j/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1700239388.png)
![A split screen shows a hole caused by an earthquake is Grindavík, Iceland on the left. On the right, there's a picture of a recently erupted Icelandic volcano, with lava and smoke coming out of the crater.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04mfhNN0uEFaxjtyRQ9xG5j/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1700239388.png)
Greenland’s glaciers are melting twice as fast this century, study shows
Satellite images and newly discovered historic photographs show a dramatic loss of ice over the last century.
![A split-screen shows an aerial photograph of a Greenland glacier in the 1930's, next to one from 2023, making the loss of ice in the region particularly visible. Caption reads "Rapid ice loss"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03Zd7WBfexatLzblJ7tRKET/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1700067293.png)
![A split-screen shows an aerial photograph of a Greenland glacier in the 1930's, next to one from 2023, making the loss of ice in the region particularly visible. Caption reads "Rapid ice loss"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03Zd7WBfexatLzblJ7tRKET/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1700067293.png)
How a flying hospital is helping fight preventable blindness
Peek inside the 'classrom in the sky' training eyecare professionals across the world.
![A long shot shows the side of Orbis's Flying Eye Hospital plane. Caption reads "traveling eyecare."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01dv6Zpy11dweYkRYpkKpXW/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1699529936.png)
![A long shot shows the side of Orbis's Flying Eye Hospital plane. Caption reads "traveling eyecare."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01dv6Zpy11dweYkRYpkKpXW/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1699529936.png)
NASA may get houses on the moon in our lifetimes
We’re not sure about Mars, but there may soon be life on the moon.
![A render of an astronaut overseeing a building being 3-D printed on the moon surface. Caption reads "Building on the moon."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05sO3O4JddH0k1WU7rd5skV/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1698936253.png)
![A render of an astronaut overseeing a building being 3-D printed on the moon surface. Caption reads "Building on the moon."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05sO3O4JddH0k1WU7rd5skV/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1698936253.png)
Artificial reefs could offer a new climate solution
As rising ocean temperatures lead to coral bleaching, projects like this can bring a level of resilience to marine life.
![An underwater photograph shows marine organisms attached to the artificial reef. Caption reads: "Artificial reef"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03ImgUQEg0hGNVyHazDBKfW/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1698681780.png)
![An underwater photograph shows marine organisms attached to the artificial reef. Caption reads: "Artificial reef"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03ImgUQEg0hGNVyHazDBKfW/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1698681780.png)
How the Sydney Opera House changed the world of architecture
The iconic performance venue was the first major building project to use computer analytics.
![A split-screen shows a B&A photographs of the Sydney Opera House' during its buildng (left) juxtaposed with an aearial shot of the Opera House now. The Sydney Harbour bridge emerges in the background. Caption reads: "Building the house."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/012UNdpJD8iLB7XoxavEpBp/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1698247379.png)
![A split-screen shows a B&A photographs of the Sydney Opera House' during its buildng (left) juxtaposed with an aearial shot of the Opera House now. The Sydney Harbour bridge emerges in the background. Caption reads: "Building the house."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/012UNdpJD8iLB7XoxavEpBp/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1698247379.png)
Google's flood forecasting tool is now out in the U.S. and Canada
Flood Hub is free and and can help people adapting to the changing climate.
![Bird's-eye view shot shows suburban houses submerged by floods. Caption reads "Flood alert."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/00F9FuNoWTdiZIHkjkRUorc/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1697016656.png)
![Bird's-eye view shot shows suburban houses submerged by floods. Caption reads "Flood alert."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/00F9FuNoWTdiZIHkjkRUorc/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1697016656.png)
Google Maps can now tell exactly where solar panels should be installed
Taking the guesswork out.
![An aerial satellite map of a suburban neighbourhood show orange 'hot zones' on the houses' rooftops, indicating their solar energy potential](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06HKOqN7j6v5fImliUqAQe9/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1696340187.png)
![An aerial satellite map of a suburban neighbourhood show orange 'hot zones' on the houses' rooftops, indicating their solar energy potential](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/06HKOqN7j6v5fImliUqAQe9/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1696340187.png)
New microscope footage brings us closer to understanding the central nervous system
Peek at the micro cosmos that makes and breaks us.
![A collage shows different cells and organisms under a microscope. Caption reads "Micro worlds'](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/02D9tFB1F6GBIOFTLhwpLGH/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1695913676.png)
![A collage shows different cells and organisms under a microscope. Caption reads "Micro worlds'](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/02D9tFB1F6GBIOFTLhwpLGH/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1695913676.png)
In a race against extreme floods, some cities look to nature
Meet the architects igniting a green city revolution.
![Split screen: on the left, an image shows cars stranded by a urban flood, while the image of the left is of a thriving city with a lot of green space. Caption reads: sponge cities.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05R8C0MEkBPsCR9ylYl6tsv/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1659194532.jpg)
![Split screen: on the left, an image shows cars stranded by a urban flood, while the image of the left is of a thriving city with a lot of green space. Caption reads: sponge cities.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05R8C0MEkBPsCR9ylYl6tsv/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1659194532.jpg)
New implant can track the health of organ transplants in real time
This minuscule device could change the future of organ transplants.
![A close-up shows the small yellow device held on a researcher's finger for scale](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/023QuqxkW34VpGxFTImLvmX/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1694615511.png)
![A close-up shows the small yellow device held on a researcher's finger for scale](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/023QuqxkW34VpGxFTImLvmX/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1694615511.png)
The JBL 1300 soundbar is actually multiple speakers in one
Create surround sound or portable bluetooth players.
By Warren Shaw
![3-in-1 soundbar system](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03WxONpM9ORQH5tXpdCGwjI/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1693217922.png)
![3-in-1 soundbar system](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/03WxONpM9ORQH5tXpdCGwjI/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1693217922.png)
Video game technology helped a woman regain her speech
The scientific success story has raised hopes that the tech could soon help more people.
![The woman who participated in the study looks at her Avatar on screen.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01Ey1CNItF6GstWEjO5nD3P/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1692895737.png)
![The woman who participated in the study looks at her Avatar on screen.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/01Ey1CNItF6GstWEjO5nD3P/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1692895737.png)
How can we adapt cities to extreme heat?
"We need to go back to the understanding of how you design a building more naturally to keep cool."
![A black and white illustration explains the heat island effect. In the middle, there's a dense city emitting heat where temperatures are at 35 degrees Celsius (95 F), while the surrounding countryside is much cooler, at 25 degrees Celsius (77 F)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04ddg1d0fqiPLBwHY2QZtR8/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1691671366.png)
![A black and white illustration explains the heat island effect. In the middle, there's a dense city emitting heat where temperatures are at 35 degrees Celsius (95 F), while the surrounding countryside is much cooler, at 25 degrees Celsius (77 F)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04ddg1d0fqiPLBwHY2QZtR8/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1691671366.png)
This pocket SSD is a 2TB storage device the size of two bottlecaps
The tiny Sharge Disk has lots of storage and a speed of up to 1000Mb/S.
By Warren Shaw
![Pocket SSD](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/030VAoURzoJTieZlMy5rZ6D/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1690930664.png)
![Pocket SSD](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/030VAoURzoJTieZlMy5rZ6D/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1690930664.png)
The Yeelight modular light cubes will transform your space
Build a unique setup with the matrix cube, panel cube, or spotlight cube.
By Warren Shaw
![Yeelight Smart Cube](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/07IlBaSW4M6ytQEVALgr1mf/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1690916354.png)
![Yeelight Smart Cube](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/07IlBaSW4M6ytQEVALgr1mf/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1690916354.png)
This smart outlet can control your appliances
It automatically monitors CO2 levels, temperature and more.
By Warren Shaw
![InvisOutlet Smart Outlet](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/07FEvaU6J0uAB4DqsvvkkS2/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1690931041.png)
![InvisOutlet Smart Outlet](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/07FEvaU6J0uAB4DqsvvkkS2/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1690931041.png)
How 3D modelling helped the Greek shipwreck investigation
Hi-tech collaborative research has found new evidence.
![A 3D model of a ship's journey seen on a laptop.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04PD86O0ND0KIChxe57ep6F/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1689174376.png)
![A 3D model of a ship's journey seen on a laptop.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/04PD86O0ND0KIChxe57ep6F/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1689174376.png)
Lightning trackers in space may help us prepare for extreme weather
The first images coming from the satellites are mesmerising.
![A render of a satellite in space appearing to scan the Earth. Caption reads: Storm Detector](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05Rkcr8sIGqo3Jk7hjXL71L/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1688642949.jpg)
![A render of a satellite in space appearing to scan the Earth. Caption reads: Storm Detector](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/05Rkcr8sIGqo3Jk7hjXL71L/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1688642949.jpg)
Greece makes beaches more accessible to wheelchair users
The project is part of a larger initiative to make the country more accessible to people with disabilities.
![An excited young boy in a wheelchair holds an inflatable life belt. Caption reads: "Easier beach days"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/00HGKxZDMyKhOVeyZMXlQE6/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1687192781.jpg)
![An excited young boy in a wheelchair holds an inflatable life belt. Caption reads: "Easier beach days"](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/videos/00HGKxZDMyKhOVeyZMXlQE6/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1687192781.jpg)