Researchers create solar powered cyborg cockroaches
The idea of using cockroaches to help search and rescue missions has been in development for quite some time. Now, Japanese researchers have implemented solar cells into an electronic backpack which can be mounted onto real cockroaches. Some scientific research projects are so off-the-wall it’s hard to believe they’re actually...
Current in Offbeat
Wind turbines may soon be recycled into gummy bears
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a new composite resin for wind turbine blades that allows them to be recycled into a variety of new items, including sweets. Next time you drive past your local wind farm, you may be looking at a future bag of gummy bears....
PETA calls for a sex strike against meat-eating men
The German branch of the non-profit organisation is facing criticism for controversially trying to convince carnivorous males to switch to being vegan with a bedroom ban. Of the many things we can do to reduce our carbon footprints, switching to a plant-based diet is pretty high up in terms of...
Corona’s sustainable island pushes the meaning of eco-tourism
Registration is now open for a full-blown ‘Corona Island’ retreat launching next year off the coast of Colombia. It is entirely plastic free, focuses on reconnecting with nature, and holds sustainability as a core value. Okay, so we’ll try our best not to make this article read like PR, but...
The Samsung ‘Balance Mouse’ runs away if you overwork
Samsung has developed a one of a kind computer mouse that will scurry away if you begin to overwork. It’s a neat idea that reflects the modern desire for a more pronounced work/life balance. If you’re one of the remaining few who refuse to punch out when the working day...
Automated chess robot breaks finger of seven-year-old challenger
A small child had their finger broken by a robot during a chess game at the Moscow Open, according to Russian media. Should we be wary of potentially dangerous automation? For most, an innocuous game of chess does not come with the potential for violence, much less a broken...
Five healthy alternatives to popular breakfast dishes
Looking for something to swap out for your usual breakfast choices? Here’s a quick guide to get you started. After 2 years of chaos, Covid-19 has not completely disappeared, with experts asserting that new waves of infection will reoccur on an annual basis. This seems like the perfect time to improve your physical and mental health, and what better way to do so than through eating healthier breakfasts? Here’s a few...
Experts believe sex for procreation could soon be obsolete
Despite the ethical concerns of many, reproductive options including designer babies and even ‘artificial wombs’ appear to be inevitable. Some experts even believe that sex for procreation may soon be obsolete. Imagine that. If this isn’t the weirdest thing you’ve read today, then I recommend deleting your browser history immediately. One could argue that with constant advancements in fertility drugs, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation, and increasingly barmy embryonic gene...
Why are we watching the new Minions film in suits?
A new TikTok trend has Gen Zers flocking to their local cinemas in fully fitted suits to watch Minions: The Rise of Gru. Is it a genuine social media trend or a carefully calculated marketing scheme? The new Minions: Rise of Gru film is a bizarre entanglement of pop culture references and memes. Its musical soundtrack has a top tier features list, boasting appearances from Tame Impala, Diana Ross, Brockhampton, Phoebe...
Concept animation for ‘nuclear powered sky hotel’ goes viral
Fancy a trip to the skies for three years? Want to dip into a luxury pool above the clouds? Well, you can’t just yet, but this new viral animation concept imagines the possibilities. Have you ever found yourself cruising on a luxury ferry or yacht, yearning to be high above the clouds instead of surrounded by ocean? When you board an overseas flight, do you wish you could capture...
