A consumer stun gun was launched in the US last week. The compressed-air gun
made by Taser International can hit targets nearly 5 metres away with two barbed
electrodes delivering 18 watts, compared to a 6.4-metre range for the 26-watt
version used by American police forces. The probes can fire barbs through
clothing, delivering a shock that temporarily disables the victim. The guns can
fire between one and four shots and cost between $120 and $600.
They can be used without a firearms licence. Look out for new kinds of criminal
behaviour, such as drive-by shockings and electric muggings.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
3
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
4
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
5
Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World is still supremely relevant today
6
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
7
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
8
Walking shark found in Papua New Guinea is new to science
9
Our brains have their first thoughts surprisingly early in life
10
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
