Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a novel system that can convert falling raindrops into usable electricity, enough to power 12 LEDs for 20 seconds. The innovation relies on a process called plug flow, where falling droplets move uniformly through a narrow vertical tube, maximizing the charge generated by each drop.

Led by Associate Professor Siowling Soh, the team demonstrated how this flow pattern significantly enhances the generation of electricity from water movement. Unlike conventional hydroelectric systems that require large-scale infrastructure and abundant water sources, this setup uses a simple, compact design involving a metallic needle and a 12-inch (32 cm) tall, 2-millimeter-wide polymer tube.

A team of researchers at Montana State University has created a novel living building material made from fungal mycelium and bacterial cells, capable of self-repair and extended viability. Unlike traditional construction materials, which are inert and resource-intensive, this bio-based composite remains alive and functional for weeks, offering a new frontier for sustainable and regenerative architecture.

The material is produced at low temperatures and incorporates living cells, drastically reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional options like cement, which accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. According to lead researcher Dr. Chelsea Heveran, while the material is not yet strong enough to replace concrete in all structural applications, ongoing efforts aim to enhance its mechanical properties for broader use in the construction industry.

On a clear spring morning, a hiker tested the Hypershell exoskeleton—a wearable robotic leg brace designed to assist with walking and climbing—on Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. Developed by Shanghai-based tech company Hypershell, the device uses AI-powered motors to reduce strain on the legs and enhance mobility, particularly on inclines and long treks.

Weighing approximately 4.4 pounds, the exoskeleton is worn around the waist and thighs and is powered by rechargeable batteries. It features three assistance modes—Eco, Transparent, and Hyper—which determine the level of support the motor provides. The system pairs with a smartphone app for control, though functionality may pose challenges for less tech-savvy users.

Neutrinos are among the most elusive and enigmatic particles in the universe. These ghost-like particles pass through matter—including our own bodies—almost entirely undetected. Yet, despite their abundance, much about neutrinos remains unknown, especially their mass. Unlocking this mystery is critical to deepening our understanding of both cosmology and fundamental particle physics, as even a tiny mass could point to new physics beyond the Standard Model.

At the forefront of this quest is the KATRIN experiment (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino), an international collaboration designed to make the most sensitive direct measurement of the neutrino’s mass. By observing beta decay—specifically the decay of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen—KATRIN analyzes the energy of electrons emitted in the process. Since energy conservation links the electron’s energy to that of the neutrino, any deviation can offer a precise estimate of the neutrino’s mass.

In a groundbreaking development, researchers in China have engineered a cement-based material that doesn’t just provide structural support—it can also generate and store electricity. This innovation, developed by a team led by Professor Zhou Yang at Southeast University, could pave the way for self-powered infrastructure in the smart cities of tomorrow.

The new material is a cement-hydrogel composite inspired by the internal structure of plant stems. This bioinspired design allows the material to capture thermal energy and convert it into electricity using the ionic thermoelectric effect. In terms of performance, it sets a new benchmark: the composite boasts a Seebeck coefficient of −40.5 mV/K and a figure of merit (ZT) of 6.6×10⁻²—approximately ten and six times higher, respectively, than previous cement-based thermoelectric materials.

Like many mothers and daughters, Amy and Emily Dawson once filled their phone calls with everything from life’s biggest moments to the everyday details. But now, Amy speaks to Emily through a phone that isn’t connected to any line. After Emily passed away from a terminal illness in 2020 at the age of 25, Amy found solace in creating a “wind phone”—a quiet place where words float into the air, carried by the breeze to someone who can no longer answer.

The idea behind the wind phone isn’t new. For millennia, people have imagined the wind as a messenger. In ancient Greece, the god Zephyrus used it to communicate. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit moves through it. But the modern wind phone offers something tangible—an actual phone to hold and speak into, helping mourners process grief in a personal and symbolic way.

The humanoid robotics revolution is fast approaching. Across the globe, test models are already working side-by-side with humans in factories, while AI companies race to develop advanced foundation models that enable robots to perceive and interact with the world as naturally as people do. But while much attention is focused on the artificial intelligence driving these machines, their physical forms—the “bodies” that make movement possible—are just as critical.

At the core of these robotic bodies are mechanical components like motors, gears, bearings, and screws. Among them, screws play a vital role by converting the rotational energy of motors into the linear motion humanoids need to walk, lift, or perform delicate tasks. Traditionally, ball screws—which use a circulating track of small balls between a threaded shaft and nut—have been the standard. But that’s starting to change.