The Fenstar was built by Team MIRA, which includes students from England-based Warwick University and the Royal Grammar School Guildford. The British Ministry of Defense has already praised the innovation, pointing out that an aircraft that can “Look over walls or into compounds in Afghanistan will prove a real asset to the troops. The only problem so far is figuring out a way to minimize noise. Because, really, what good is a spy when everyone can hear it coming? That's some Get Smart tomfoolery. [Telegraph UK via Geekologie]

The $41,000 car sports car, built by student Ben King from a design by Dr Kerry Kirwan, a researcher at the Warwick Manufacturing Group, uses an engine from a Triumph Daytona motorbike. He built the Eco One in two months. "If we can build a high-performance car that can virtually be grown from seed, just imagine what is possible for the average family car," he said.

Eco One is 95 percent biodegradable or recyclable, although its steering-wheel, seat and electrics comprise conventional materials. All of the plastic components were made from plants, while the chassis is made from steel, an easily reusable metal.

The makers claim that there are people interested in developing the technology for motor racing. "We have been speaking to various-people within the motor sports industry," claimed a spokeswoman for the Warwick Manufacturing Group. "The motor sports industry knows it's got to be greener. And the concept is transferable into cars for the race track or the motorway."

If you're in London over the summer, the car will be on show at the National Science Museum from August 28-30. [Daily Mail]