A new robot can precisely mimic the softness of various materials. In future, medical students could use it to practise detecting malignant tumours or researchers could feel the softness of an object in space.

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have developed a system that enables flying robots to be very agile. A new type of camera allows autonomous drones to respond much faster than if they were controlled by a human pilot.

In a test phase lasting several weeks, the organisation “The Ocean Cleanup” successfully collected tonnes of plastic on the ocean surface with its system “Jenny”.

The sun is likely to become the world's most important source of energy before 2050, according to British scientists. This is the result of an analysis of technological and economic data by the University of Exeter and University College London.

A new type of "soft" robot from the University of Linz moves like a caterpillar - and ultra-fast. Thanks to its contractions, it can also overcome obstacles, swim or grasp things. In short: a system with potential, especially in the field of human-machine interaction.

Thanks to a navigation algorithm, drones are learning to autonomously perform acrobatic maneuvers. Using simulations, the autonomous aircraft are trained to become faster, more agile, and more efficient.

Researchers in China released millions of male mosquitoes, which although they still court females can no longer procreate with them. By mounting a double attack in selected districts of a large city in China, the team of researchers was able to virtually exterminate Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are carriers of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

It appears that a quantum Internet, where information is transmitted in a tap-proof manner, can be implemented using the conventional telecommunications infrastructure. This has been demonstrated by an experiment conducted by Austrian physicists. In the “Nature Quantum Information” journal, they report that they were able to establish a quantum-encrypted connection between Sicily and Malta via an existing submarine cable.

Controlling hand prostheses can be enhanced by tracing eye movements. According to Henning Müller, Professor of Business Information Systems, a new dataset could enable the production of more efficient prostheses. This opens up completely new perspectives.

The findings could help develop new functional materials. Waterproof textiles, for example. Or construction materials for self-cleaning buildings.