Popular Mechanics South Africa - May/June 2022

In this issue

Launched locally in 2002, Popular Mechanics is the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering a broad range of interests, from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects and exploration of the universe.

As a truly multi-platform brand, it engages its audience through a vibrant monthly magazine, a fresh and exciting website, an industry-leading weekly electronic newsletter, regular reader events, shows, mobile promotions and competitions. The ongoing success of the brand is echoed in its content vision: ‘our imagination knows no bounds’

The truth about the Black Knight conspiracy theory

NASA captured this image during the STS-88 Space Shuttle mission while 396 km above the coast of Namibia and looking north.

5 mins

The US Air Force is putting death rays on fighter jets. Yes, death rays

Laser systems will take up a station on a jet normally reserved for bombs and missiles.

4 mins

After You Die, You Could Be Resurrected as a Chatbot. That's a Problem

No one knows where we go when we die. Or for that matter, what happens to our most intimate thoughts, dreams, and desires when the nerve cells in our brains fire for the very last time. But it looks as though Microsoft may have some ideas.

3 mins

Uh-oh... New research on extinctions shows life doesn't always find a way

The Late Cretaceous's grand finale: an asteroid, a 1 500 m tsunami, and global wildfires.

3 mins

Some of the Trendiest Craft Beers Are Exploding. Huh?!

When brewers add fruit purees or extracts just before canning, they're feeding active yeast a ticking time bomb.

3 mins

Outclass Its Competition

How America's new fighter will

9 mins

THE WORLD'S FIRST TACTICAL CHAIR

How a chair designed to survive torpedoes became a timeless icon of industrial design.

5 mins

Winds of Change

Local start-up Brayfoil Technologies is fast becoming an established name in the sustainable energy sector, with their pioneering work creating shape-altering biomimetic blades for wind turbines.

6 mins

The smart bulb that gave light a new purpose

YIANNI AND HIS TEAM REALISED THEY WERE ON TO SOMETHING WHEN MANY TESTERS REFUSED TO GIVE THE BULBS BACK. ONE HAD SET THE HUE TO BLINK PINK WHENEVER SHE RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM FACEBOOK.

4 mins

A Cabinet for My Fishing Tackle

What are you building?

5 mins

A Grill-top Pizza Oven

What are you building?

4 mins

A 1934 Ford Coupé

I stripped it to the frame, then built my dream car.

6 mins

Getting a Grip on Grinders

A grinder can be an intimidating power tool. To be more confident and safer while using one, here are some of the most common angle-grinder mistakes, and how best to prevent them.

5 mins

Which Rust-removing Product Works Best?

If you enjoy restoring old cars, tools or antiques, there's a good chance you've used a rust-removing product at some point, and you might be wondering which formula works best... Let's take a look at the chemistry, before we talk about product options and their performance differences.

5 mins

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Popular Mechanics South Africa Magazine Description:

The acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa

The South African edition of Popular Mechanics was launched in 2002 and has fast become the acknowledged voice of science and technology in South Africa. Underpinning its rich sci-tech content is an ever-changing mix of articles covering everything from automotive news and outdoor adventures to DIY projects. In essence, it explains how our world works.