Robots fashioned from dead lobster exoskeletons have awesome strength, light weight, and flexibility — necrobotics advance mixes sustainable food waste with synthetic components

Source: Original article

By Mark Tyson — December 26, 2025

EPFL researchers turned discarded langoustine shells into motorized robotic grippers and swimmers, showing a 3 g tail can lift up to 680 g. The bio‑hybrid approach leverages chitin’s strength, flexibility, and biodegradability while adding silicone reinforcement and a motorized base—turning food waste into functional robotics. It’s a notable step for circular materials in engineering and a reminder that nature’s designs still set a high bar.

Best Tiny Homes of 2025: 10 Projects You Need to See

Source: Original article

By Srishti Mitra — December 26, 2025

This roundup showcases how far compact living has evolved—from vertical micro-towers and mirrored dual-occupancy layouts to single-level, mobility-friendly plans and fully off-grid rigs. Standouts include a 3D‑printed home priced like a car and designs that prioritize light, storage, and flexible spaces without sacrificing comfort. The trendline: higher livability, smarter footprints, and more attainable affordability.

Drones provide precise deer count, justifying Massachusetts park hunt

Source: Original article

By State House News Service — December 26, 2025

Thermal-infrared drone surveys over Quabbin Park aligned with pellet-count estimates, confirming pre-hunt densities of roughly 24–33 deer per square mile—levels that threaten forest regeneration. A controlled hunt reduced density to about 16 deer per square mile, with more flights planned to refine monitoring. The takeaway: tech-enabled wildlife data can sharpen management decisions and protect long-term ecosystem health.

Mint Explainer | Why Titan is entering the lab-grown diamond business now

Source: Original article

By Vaeshnavi Kasthuril — December 26, 2025

Titan is launching beYon, a pilot retail brand for lab‑grown diamonds, signaling greater pricing stability, rising consumer acceptance, and fresh investor interest. The initial Mumbai store will test demand without risking Titan’s core natural-diamond business, with early expansion focused on Mumbai and Delhi. Expect LGDs to coexist with mined stones and expand diamond penetration among value‑conscious, younger buyers.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth and aggressiveness are regulated by a mycoviral REP protein

Source: Original article

By Peihan Shu, Yi-Wen Tseng, Alexander J. Lawrence, Chenchen Feng, Yasi Kiani, Olivia Knopke-Mooney, Rawnaq N. Chowdhury, Danny Lasky, Carol Groves, Damon L. Smith, Kinjal Majumder, Shin-Yi Lee Marzano, Aurélie M. Rakotondrafara — December 26, 2025

Researchers identified a mycoviral replication-associated protein (REP) that directly suppresses the plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, reducing oxalic acid production and enhancing sensitivity to low-dose fungicides. Delivered via engineered Bacillus subtilis or transient plant expression, REP curtailed fungal growth and primed plant defenses; activity depends on a conserved ATPase domain. It’s a promising path toward sustainable, biologically based crop protection.

Ninjacart cuts FY25 losses by a tad; eyes profitability next fiscal

Source: Original article

By BL Bengaluru Bureau — December 26, 2025

Ninjacart trimmed losses while deliberately exiting low‑margin lines, trading some revenue for stronger unit economics and contribution margins. Core fulfillment businesses are profitable and scaling rapidly, positioning the agritech firm to target company‑wide profitability by FY2027. The story underscores a wider shift toward disciplined growth in food supply chains.

Sorry, I’m Busy Being Fabulous! How to Protect Your Peace When Everyone Wants a Piece of You

Source: Original article

By Editorial Staff — December 26, 2025

This guide lays out practical boundaries for creators—office hours, selective muting, clear rates, and the “graceful no”—to prevent burnout and keep work joyful. The message is simple: curate your digital environment, detach from vanity metrics, and build an offline support squad to sustain long‑term creative energy. Sustainable careers start with sustainable habits.