Taser guns may be getting a boost in range thanks to some new developments in the field. While traditional tasers are limited in range by air resistance to the electrical charges, a new method could deliver charges of up to 40 kilovolts over 150 meters away. The new method shoots darts that contain a small explosive charge. When the dart hits the target, it explodes and "squeezes piezoelectric materials and this generates a powerful voltage delivered to the victim via needle-like electrodes that pierce the skin." Ouch. As terrible as that sounds, I'm sure anyone hit with one of these things will be glad that it wasn't a real bullet, as that would undoubtedly do a heck of a lot more long-term damage. Advanced weapons like this will hopefully allow law enforcement to subdue criminals easier without needing to do permanent harm to them. Alternatively, this is sure to show up on YouTube when some jackass kid decides it would be really funny to shoot his brother off his bike with this. Which is a better application of the technology? I'll leave that up to you. — Adam Frucci

Via Popgadget