In this issue

In this issue: (14) The bigger picture: A high-res close-up of a coronavirus. (50) Ingenious circuit breaker: A new digital system that could prevent 30 000 electrical accidents per year. (58) Getting started in skiing: A beginner’s guide, from a novice. (66) Vehicle armouring: A local company that can make your car bulletproof. (84) Drinks: It’s an IPA world, so why are so many brewers drinking lagers?

Scientists finally figured out why grapes spark in the microwave

Cut a grape part of the way through, leaving two halves that are still connected by a small piece of skin. When placed in the microwave, the radiation causes the grape to increasingly spark from the middle.

3 mins

Fly your bike safely

HOW YOUR WORLD WORKS

3 mins

Single-Seater Pod To Solve City Congestion

The world is becoming increasingly automated as more manufacturers mull over independently functioning designs for their products, all in the name of making the lives of humans easier. This includes vehicle makers, as the push for driverless cars takes hold. In fact, mega tech companies, such as Google, have already been producing autonomous cars for some time, and the tech is only becoming more advanced.

3 mins

THE BBC'S NEW EYES IN THE SKY

The scale at which you can capture the majesty of an elephant, the pace of a cheetah, a sprawling penguin colony in the Antarctic, or the immense lakes and rivers in Africa is near limitless if you have cameras that can fly.

7 mins

An ancient concept for a futuristic wind turbine

With the threat of Eskom load-shedding ever-present, and a growing need to shift to renewable energy sources, investing in an Archimedes Windmill for your home might just be the solution you need.

5 mins

This Technics turntable powered hip-hop's early sound

THIS CHANGED EVERYTHING

3 mins

UNSTOPPABLE FORCE MEETS IMMOVABLE OBJECT

The notion of driving around in bulletproof vehicles might seem like the stuff of popes, political dignitaries, and the movies. But think again – a proudly home grown company is creating world-class armoured-vehicle solutions for anyone who is interested.

6 mins

Hyundai

/ Venue 1.0 TGDI Glide DCT

2 mins

Part Three The Sharpest Tools In The Shed

The final part of our series on sharpening woodworking hand tools focuses on the various commonly used hand planes and their blades.

6 mins

Why Your Brewer's Favourite Beer Is Lager (Seriously)

Walk into a brewery taproom today and it’s no surprise the menu is littered with IPAs. The hop bombs keep the lights on. But look to the corner of the beer list and you’ll likely see a humble lager. Order it. It’s the most carefully brewed beer on tap. While loud and bold IPAs are brewed for the consumer, subtle and highly drinkable lagers are brewed for the brewer.

3 mins

Read all stories from Popular Mechanics South Africa

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.