Technology

A 10-year study indicates that treated surfaces turn yellow more severely than untreated plastic parts — retrobrighting does more harm than good to consoles

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Dec 6, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

A 10-year study conducted by Tech Tangents on a Sega Dreamcast revealed that retrobrighting, a method used to reverse yellowing on plastic parts, actually damages the surfaces more than leaving them untreated. The YouTuber experimented with different techniques like hydrogen peroxide treatment and sous vide methods, but none fully restored the original color of the console. Despite temporary improvements, retrobrighting led to streaking and blotching on the plastic, ultimately harming the material. The study suggests that leaving the plastic parts untouched may be more beneficial for their longevity than attempting to reverse the aging process.

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3D Printing Prosthetic Nests to Help Endangered Birds Stretch Their Wings

The article discusses the use of 3D printing technology to create prosthetic nests for endangered birds, allowing them to stretch their wings and recover. These nests are designed to help rehabilitate injured birds and provide a safe environment for them to heal and regain strength. By customizing the nests to fit the specific needs of each bird, researchers aim to improve their chances of survival in the wild. The innovative approach showcases the potential of technology in conservation efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems.

3DPrint.com•

3 weeks ago

Fiber internet provider says it can detect leaking water pipes using existing infrastructure, prevented loss of 2 million liters a day over three months — Lightsonic tech detects underground vibrations, machine learning isolates the source

Openreach, the UK's largest full-fiber network operator, has developed a technology in collaboration with Lightsonic that can detect water leaks near its fiber infrastructure by analyzing vibrations. This technology, Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), uses machine learning to pinpoint the exact location of leaks and differentiate them from background noise. Openreach and Affinity Water have conducted a successful pilot project in five locations, detecting and repairing over 100 leaks and preventing the loss of 2 million liters of water daily. The system, which utilizes existing fiber optic cables, has the potential to revolutionize utilities monitoring and conservation efforts.

Tom's Hardware•

2 months ago

MIT Technology Review

Why conservationists are making rhinos radioactive

Conservationists are turning to technology like radioactive tagging of rhinos, rapid DNA tests, x-ray fluorescence guns, and AI-driven detection to combat wildlife trafficking. The Rhisotope Project in South Africa is using low-level radioactive isotopes in rhino horns to make them detectable by radiation portal monitors, deterring poachers. In Australia, elemental signatures in keratin are being analyzed with XRF guns to differentiate between wild and captive-bred animals like echidnas. Skylight AI is using AI to monitor marine protected areas, leading to successful arrests of illegal fishing vessels. WildTechDNA has developed rapid DNA tests to identify species on the spot, aiding in wildlife trafficking enforcement. Rainforest Connection is using bioacoustic monitoring devices to detect threats in forests and has developed AI models to identify human intruders by changes in the soundscape. These technologies are crucial in the fight against illegal wildlife trade and poaching.

MIT Technology Review•

3 months ago

Erroneously assembled 1974 Altair 8800 computer gets fixed and enjoys first run in 2026 — Intel 8080 powered machine ran its first program 52 years later

A 1974 Altair 8800 computer, originally partially assembled with errors, was successfully fixed and ran its first program in 2026 after 52 years of neglect. The computer historian from the Interim Computer Museum shared this significant moment. The Altair 8800, powered by an Intel 8080 CPU, was a pioneering personal computer introduced in 1974, known for its kit form and the S-100 bus standard. The computer, lacking a screen or video output, was programmed using front panel switches and LEDs. The Intel 8080 microprocessor, a pivotal advancement in computing, was also highlighted in the article.