Spider Silk, Reinvented with CRISPR
A research team at Germany’s University of Bayreuth has genetically modified spiders using CRISPR-Cas9 to produce glow-in-the-dark red silk.
Spider silk is already known for its strength and elasticity — now it’s programmable.
King Charles Addresses Canadian Parliament
King Charles III made his first official speech to the Canadian Parliament this week, emphasizing unity, environmental responsibility, and the enduring bonds between the UK and Canada. His address was notable for its warm tone and calls for global cooperation on climate change and human rights.
Superwood: Stronger Than Steel
US startup InventWood, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, developed a material called “Superwood” that’s 12 times stronger and 10 times harder than regular wood. Made from wood stripped with chemicals and rebuilt on a nanoscale, it resists fire, storms, and even insects.
The World’s Tallest 3D-Printed Structure
Switzerland is now home to “Tor Alva” — the tallest 3D-printed structure in the world. The 30-meter tower was built using a special cement alloy and reinforced with a steel skeleton. The printing process spanned 900 hours over five months.
Germany Deploys First Permanent Foreign Military Unit Since WWII
In a landmark move, Germany announced the deployment of its first permanent military unit abroad since World War II. The unit will be stationed in Lithuania as part of NATO efforts to strengthen eastern European security. This decision marks a significant shift in Germany’s post-war defense policy.
BMW’s Solid-State Battery Debut
BMW is the first automaker to test a solid-state battery in a real EV. These next-gen batteries, developed with Solid Power, offer higher energy density and greater safety than lithium-ion. The prototype: an “i7” luxury sedan.
Telegram’s Double Standard?
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested last year in France for refusing to share user data with authorities. But recent research shows Telegram has now handed over information on more than 20,000 users — with India making the most requests (6,992) and Türkiye only 123.
Vietnam, meanwhile, has banned the app altogether, accusing it of hosting illegal content on 68% of its channels.
Huawei’s Folding Laptop Is Thinner Than Your Phone
Huawei entered the folding laptop race with its “MateBook X Fold Ultimate,” boasting an 18-inch display that folds down to just 14.9 mm. When open, it’s even thinner than most smartphones at only 7.3 mm. It weighs 1.1 kg and starts at $3,300.