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Imagine a satellite that can change its shape while travelling through space, unfold itself without traditional mechanical systems, and even use sunlight as a source of propulsion. This futuristic concept could become possible with a new type of spacecraft called OrigamiSat , developed by researchers led by Aloisia Russo and her team. Inspired by the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, OrigamiSat is designed to fold, unfold, and transform into different shapes while operating in space. What makes this concept particularly interesting is that it combines two technologies: 4D-printed smart materials and solar radiation pressure . Together, they could allow the spacecraft to change its configuration using heat and the gentle force of sunlight. The research could open new possibilities for designing lightweight, multifunctional spacecraft that perform several tasks without requiring separate large structures. Why Do Satellites Need to Change Their Shape? Modern spacecraft often carry se...

Imagine moving, rotating, and precisely controlling a small metal object in mid-air without touching it, using mechanical tools, or even attaching a magnet to it. What sounds like science fiction could become possible through a new magnetic manipulation technique developed by researchers led by Lan Pham. Scientists have demonstrated a new approach that can manipulate electrically conductive objects without physical contact. By using multiple rotating magnetic fields, the technique can control objects in six different ways, potentially opening new possibilities for robotics, manufacturing, medical technologies, and advanced automation. What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that the objects do not need to contain magnetic materials. Instead, the researchers use the electrical conductivity of the material itself to generate the forces required for movement. The Challenge of Controlling Objects Without Touching Them Non-contact manipulation is an important area of modern en...

Imagine a refrigerator that can produce temperatures below zero without relying on conventional refrigerant gases that contribute to global warming. Scientists are now moving closer to making this possible with a promising technology called elastocaloric cooling , which uses special materials that change temperature when mechanical pressure is applied. A research team led by Guoan Zhou has developed a new elastocaloric cooling device that successfully reached –12°C using a room-temperature heat sink . This achievement is particularly important because previous elastocaloric cooling systems had struggled to reach temperatures below 0°C, limiting their use in freezers and other low-temperature applications. The development could open the door to a new generation of environmentally friendly refrigerators, freezers and industrial cooling systems. Why Do We Need an Alternative to Conventional Refrigeration? Most refrigerators, air conditioners and freezers today use vapour-compression cooli...

Imagine downloading massive files, streaming multiple 8K videos, or transferring enormous amounts of data almost instantly without relying on traditional wired connections. What if the same technology could deliver extraordinary speeds through both optical fibre cables and wireless signals? Scientists have taken an important step towards making this possible. Researchers led by Yunhao Zhang have developed an ultra-wideband communication system that can transmit data at speeds of 512 gigabits per second (Gbps) through optical fibre and 400 Gbps wirelessly using the same set of devices. The breakthrough could help overcome one of the biggest challenges in modern telecommunications: connecting extremely fast fibre-optic networks with equally fast wireless communication systems. The research introduces a new approach to combining optical and wireless technologies, potentially opening the door to faster 6G networks, wireless data centres and next-generation internet infrastructure. The Prob...

Scientists have developed a remarkable artificial auditory system that could bring new hope to people living with sensorineural hearing loss, one of the most common forms of permanent hearing impairment. In an important step toward restoring hearing, researchers have created a neuromorphic device that can imitate important functions of the human auditory nervous system and connect with biological nerves. The technology combines artificial sound-detecting sensors, brain-inspired electronic circuits and nerve interfaces to recreate parts of the natural hearing process. In experiments, the system helped rabbits with hearing impairment regain auditory functions, allowing them to perform tasks such as responding to human speech by typing and even kicking a ball. The research, led by Jiaqi Liu and colleagues, could open new possibilities for repairing damaged neural pathways and developing advanced hearing restoration technologies. Why Restoring Natural Hearing Is So Difficult Hearing is a c...

Imagine a robot that can see the world through an artificial eye that changes focus just like a human eye. Or imagine a thin electronic device attached directly to your skin that can capture images without using a conventional camera. These technologies may sound futuristic, but scientists are now bringing them closer to reality with a new generation of stretchable electronics. Researchers led by Chansul Park have developed an advanced platform for stretchable pixelated electronics that can bend, stretch and adapt to complex three-dimensional surfaces without losing its ability to capture images. The technology combines high-performance silicon pixels with carefully designed liquid metal connections, creating electronic devices that are both highly functional and mechanically flexible. The breakthrough could open new possibilities for robotic vision, wearable sensors, artificial skin and next-generation imaging systems. Why Do We Need Stretchable Electronics? Most electronic devices to...

Nearly 50 years after leaving Earth, NASA’s Voyager 1 continues to travel farther into the depths of space, carrying humanity’s scientific instruments into a region no other spacecraft has directly explored. But recently, the legendary spacecraft experienced an unexpected communication interruption, leaving engineers temporarily unable to detect its signal. Although contact was restored after approximately 48 hours, the incident has raised new questions about the health of the aging spacecraft. The timing is particularly remarkable because Voyager 1 is approaching an extraordinary milestone: reaching a distance so great that radio signals will need an entire 24 hours to travel between the spacecraft and Earth. This will make even a simple conversation between NASA and its most distant explorer a two-day process. Voyager 1 Suddenly Disappears From NASA’s Communication Network NASA briefly lost contact with Voyager 1 in October 2026 after the spacecraft failed to produce a detectable rad...