Uncover reality

For centuries, humans have searched for better ways to convert energy into useful work. From ancient water mills and 18th-century steam engines to modern wind turbines, many technologies rely on moving fluids to generate mechanical motion. Now, researchers have demonstrated a different approach that uses an unusual physical phenomenon to turn temperature differences into rotational motion and potentially generate electricity. The technology, developed by a research team led by Gary Wells, uses the Leidenfrost effect to create a low-friction heat engine. Instead of relying on conventional rotating bearings, the system uses a thin layer of vapour to suspend and rotate a solid or liquid load over a specially designed hot surface. The researchers demonstrated that even dry ice, the frozen form of carbon dioxide, could rotate on a turbine-like surface and drive a small electrical generator. The concept could eventually offer new ways to harvest energy in environments where conventional pow...

Imagine controlling a tiny robot simply by bending and straightening your finger. You could guide it through narrow spaces, watch the surroundings through its camera, and pick up small objects while receiving information about how firmly the robot is holding them. This may sound like something from a science-fiction movie, but researchers have developed a soft robot that brings this idea closer to reality. Called BeetleBot, the miniature robot combines artificial muscles, a camera, pressure sensors, and finger-based controls in a compact design inspired by a beetle. The technology could eventually help people inspect hard-to-reach spaces, retrieve small objects, and perform tasks in environments where direct human access is difficult. The research was led by Professor Sang Ouk Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The team collaborated with research groups led by Professor Wei Gao at the Californi...

Astronomers have identified an extraordinary asteroid that challenges our understanding of how quickly large space rocks can spin without breaking apart. Measuring approximately 2.53 kilometers (1.57 miles) across, this massive object completes one full rotation in just 4.18 minutes, making it the largest ultra-fast-spinning asteroid reported so far. The discovery was made using observations from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile and a new software method designed to improve the accuracy of asteroid spin measurements. The research could help scientists better understand the internal structure, strength, and evolution of asteroids across our Solar System. The findings are particularly interesting because large asteroids are generally believed to be loose collections of rocks and dust held together by gravity. An object spinning this quickly would require considerable internal strength to prevent it from breaking apart. Why Asteroid Rotation Matters Asteroids are rocky objects left ...

Scientists in Germany have developed a large-scale diesel reformer that could change how ships, military vehicles, and remote field camps generate electricity. The technology converts conventional diesel fuel into hydrogen-rich gas, which can then be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity. The system is designed to deliver 25 kilowatts (kW) of electrical power and could provide a quieter alternative to traditional diesel generators. Developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems (IMM) in Mainz, Germany, the technology is part of the DIMARIT research project. The project is supported by Germany’s Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) and focuses on developing fuel-cell power systems for maritime applications. Beyond ships, the researchers believe the technology could also benefit military operations, where reliable electricity, low noise levels, and reduced heat emissions are important. By using diesel already carried onboard, the system could genera...

Scientists have developed a new virtual reality (VR) system that allows animals to explore computer-generated environments while moving freely. The technology, called FreemoVR, could help researchers understand how the brain processes sensory information, controls movement, and influences social behavior under more natural conditions. Developed by John Stowers and his research team, FreemoVR offers a different approach to studying animal behavior. Unlike traditional laboratory experiments, which often require animals to remain physically restrained, this system allows mice to walk, fruit flies to fly, and zebrafish to swim freely while interacting with virtual environments. The researchers demonstrated that the technology can reveal behavioral patterns that conventional experiments may miss. Their findings include previously overlooked effects of head movements on fruit fly flight, differences in behavior between zebrafish strains, and new insights into how fish influence one another w...

Robots are becoming increasingly advanced, but making them interact naturally with living organisms remains a major scientific challenge. While modern robots can recognize objects, track movement and respond to their surroundings, reproducing the subtle signals that animals use during social interactions is much more difficult. Now, researchers have developed an autonomous, rat-like robot designed to interact with real rats by imitating their physical structure, movements and social behaviours. The research, led by Guanglu Jia and his team, introduces a new approach to studying animal behaviour using biohybrid systems. These systems combine living organisms with artificial technologies, allowing scientists to investigate biological processes in a more controlled and measurable environment. The rat-like robot can attract the attention of real rats, interact with them for extended periods and even influence their emotional states through different interaction patterns. The findings could...

Imagine a water droplet landing on a surface, suddenly lifting into the air, and bouncing higher with every collision until it completely disappears from the surface. Now imagine the same phenomenon helping remove ice before it can accumulate. This unusual behaviour may sound impossible, but scientists have discovered a physical mechanism that allows water droplets to do exactly that under specific conditions. A research team led by Thomas M. Schutzius has demonstrated that water droplets resting on specially designed water-repellent surfaces can spontaneously lift off and bounce repeatedly in low-pressure environments. Even more surprisingly, the droplets can gain speed during successive collisions with a completely rigid surface, creating what appears to be a violation of the laws of thermodynamics. The secret behind this unexpected motion lies in rapid evaporation, trapped water vapour, and the microscopic structure of the surface. The findings could improve scientific understanding...