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 Controlling objects that are thinner than a human hair is one of the toughest challenges in modern science and engineering. These tiny fibers—called microfibers—are extremely light, flexible, and fragile. Even a small force can damage them or move them in an unpredictable way. For years, scientists have searched for reliable methods to control their motion precisely and reversibly. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences has taken a major step forward. They have demonstrated a new way to control the shape and movement of carbon microfibers using electricity—without even directly wiring them. This discovery opens exciting possibilities for micromechanics, smart materials, and soft robotics. Their findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications , show for the first time that pristine (uncoated) carbon fibers can act as tiny, electrically driven actuators thanks to asymmetric electrochemi...

China has taken a major step forward in energy storage technology by bringing the world’s first 400 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage plant powered by 628 ampere-hour (Ah) battery cells online. Commissioned on January 31 , the project is the first real-world, utility-scale deployment of ultra-large 628Ah battery cells , marking a significant milestone for global power grids. Located in Lingshou County, Hebei Province , this advanced facility is designed to strengthen grid stability, improve renewable energy integration, and demonstrate that next-generation “mega cells” can safely and efficiently operate under real grid conditions. A First-of-Its-Kind Energy Storage Milestone The new storage station has a total capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) / 400MWh , meaning it can deliver 200MW of power for two continuous hours. This makes it one of the most powerful battery storage installations in operation today—and the first to rely entirely on 628Ah lithium-ion cells . The core battery technol...

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, has transformed how we design and produce objects. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that remove material through cutting or shaping, additive manufacturing builds objects layer by layer directly from digital models. This approach allows designers and engineers to create complex geometries, lightweight structures, and customized components with remarkable precision. Today, 3D printing is widely used to produce prototypes, automotive parts, consumer products, and medical devices, making it an essential technology in both industry and research. Among the various AM techniques, direct ink writing (DIW) has gained attention for its ability to print objects at room temperature using a wide range of inks. DIW involves extruding a specialized ink through a nozzle onto a surface, where it solidifies to form the desired shape. The versatility of DIW allows for innovative designs, but most current inks rely on fossil-derived pol...

Understanding the true nature of dark matter is one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in modern astrophysics. Dark matter does not emit light, but it controls how galaxies form, grow, and move. While the standard theory of Cold Dark Matter (CDM) works extremely well on large cosmic scales, it faces several challenges when we zoom in to the size of galaxies and smaller systems. These puzzles have encouraged scientists to explore alternative ideas—one of the most fascinating being Ultralight Dark Matter (ULDM) . Recent research by Zhang and collaborators reveals a surprising and beautiful phenomenon in ULDM environments: black holes can behave like stones skipping across water rather than steadily spiraling inward. This discovery reshapes how we think about black hole motion, galaxy centers, and even future gravitational-wave observations. Why Look Beyond Cold Dark Matter? The standard CDM model explains the large-scale structure of the Universe remarkably well. It predicts the cosmic...

In the world of modern manufacturing, smaller often means smarter. From tiny medical diagnostic chips to flexible sensors that can bend with the human body, microscale devices are shaping the future of health care, electronics, and environmental monitoring. However, making such small and precise structures—especially on soft materials—has always been a major challenge. Now, researchers at Concordia University have introduced a breakthrough solution: a new 3D-printing method that uses sound waves instead of heat or light. This innovative approach, known as proximal sound printing , allows scientists to directly print extremely tiny structures onto soft polymers like silicone with unprecedented accuracy. Published in 2026, this research shows how sound—something we usually associate with hearing—can become a powerful tool for building the smallest technologies of tomorrow. Why Traditional 3D Printing Struggles at Small Scales Conventional 3D-printing techniques work well for large obje...

Nature has always been one of humanity’s greatest teachers. Over millions of years, living organisms have evolved clever solutions to complex problems—solutions that modern science is only beginning to understand and copy. One such natural marvel is the compound eye of the humble fruit fly. Though the insect itself is tiny and often overlooked, its eyes are a masterpiece of biological engineering. Now, inspired by this natural design, scientists have created a revolutionary artificial eye that can both see and smell , opening exciting new possibilities for drones, robots, and intelligent machines. Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed an insect-scale bionic compound eye that mimics how fruit flies perceive the world. Their work, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, describes a tiny system called the bio-CE system that combines wide-angle vision with chemical sensing. In simple terms, this artificial eye does not just look around—it also ...

For years, wearable technology—from smartwatches to motion-capture suits used in movies—has relied on the idea that sensors must be tightly fitted to the human body. The assumption seemed simple: the closer a device is to the skin, the more accurate the data it collects. But new research from King's College London is turning that assumption on its head. According to a study published in Nature Communications , tracking human movement is actually more accurate when sensors are placed on loose, flowing clothing rather than tight body suits or straps . This surprising discovery could change the way we think about wearable devices, motion capture in film, medical monitoring, and even robotics. The Study: Loose Fabric as a Motion Amplifier The research team, led by Dr. Howard and Dr. Irene Di Giulio, tested a variety of fabrics on human and robotic subjects performing everyday movements. Sensors were placed on both tight-fitting suits and loose garments. The results were striking: loose...