Science fiction has long traded in the idea of memory manipulation. From mass memory editing in Dark City to the more precise memory-wiping of the neuralyzer in Men In Black, there are scores of imaginative stories set in worlds where humans can directly alter a person's memory. Two remarkable new studies are suggesting this sci-fi concept may be entirely possible, describing early proof-of-concept experiments that show how we can enhance or weaken the emotional impact of traumatic memories.

• Brain
• Memory
• Neuroscience

In an effort to make vaccines more available to people in difficult to reach areas, a team of scientists at McMaster University has developed an inexpensive, sugary gel that can preserve heat-fragile antiviral vaccines for over eight weeks at temperatures up to 40° C (104° F). The hope is that it will not only provide immunization to more people, but also aid in combating the spread of dangerous diseases like Ebola.

• McMaster University
• Vaccines

A retired Cold War US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber has been rescued from an Arizona boneyard where it has sat since 2008, and is being returned to active duty. Nicknamed "Wise Guy," it has been made flightworthy and flew from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, on May 14, 2019, where it will be completely restored.

• Aircraft
• US Air Force

Using the latest trend in artificial intelligence – adversarial learning – Samsung's AI Center in Moscow has demonstrated that it can take a single image of a person and turn it into a talking head. And if watching the Mona Lisa come to life doesn't send chills down your spine, you need to check your pulse.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Deepfakes
• Deep Learning
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
• Samsung

For thousand of years humans have been using fermentation as a way of preserving foods and engendering good gut health. A fascinating new study from scientists at the University of Leipzig has discovered that a specific immune function receptor, uniquely evolved in humans and great apes, is triggered by a metabolite from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) found in fermented foods.

• Diet
• Evolution
• Fermentation
• Food
• Gut Bacteria
• Microbiome
• The Immune System

Back in 2013, we heard about an all-terrain walking robot known as RHex. Designed in a collaboration between McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania, it used six flipper-like legs to scamper around. Now, its successor is taking to the briny depths.

• Amphibious
• ICRA 2019
• Underwater

Still not that McLaren. We're talking again about the British camper van converter that works exclusively with big vans like the VW Crafter and Mercedes Sprinter. A few months before going full-on Savage with the Crafter, it was performing some of its first conversions on the generation-3 Sprinter. Its updated Shadow two-sleeper van capitalizes on the latest Mercedes tech, adding a cozy, sealed-off interior with space to sleep, cook, freshen and relax. And for those that yearn for a little more speed and adventure, it also offers bike-hauling Sprinter Sporthomes.

• Campervan
• Camping
• Mercedes
• Mercedes-Benz
• Motorhome
• Motorhomes
• Outdoor
• Travel
• Van

After expanding to Singapore late last year following a string of test flights of its radical 18-rotor aircraft, German aviation startup Volocopter has now announced plans to build its first flying taxi station in city, with flight trials to kick off soon after its completion.

• Singapore
• Volocopter

While many mountain bikers don't like the idea of having their feet mechanically fastened to so-called clipless pedals, they do nonetheless see the advantages of such a setup. Austria's magped has set out to reach a compromise, with its magnetic platform pedals – I recently got to try a set out, and found myself drawn to them (sorry).

• Cycling
• Magnetic
• Pedal
• Reviews

3D printing technology is set to have a real impact on the worlds of building and construction. Plans are already afoot for the world's first 3D-printed neighborhood, while we've already seen what 3D-printed offices, houses and even castles can look like. Adding to the mix of possibilities is a new proof-of-concept bathroom unit, which scientists in Singapore were able to 3D print in its entirety in a single day.

• 3D Printing
• Building and Construction
• Nanyang Technological University