Propel

Researchers have developed an electric thruster designed to intake molecules of air from the upper atmosphere and use them as propellant, potentially allowing satellites in very low orbits to refuel themselves and remain in orbit indefinitely rather than falling back to Earth. The concept could reshape low-orbit missions, cutting the need for onboard fuel and enabling longer-lived Earth observation satellites.

Engineers have developed tiny flying robots that contain no motors or propellers, instead using sound waves to generate lift and steer through the air. The advance points toward new possibilities for miniature aerial machines in medicine, sensing and environmental monitoring, and researchers say the approach removes the hard limits that batteries and moving parts impose at microscale sizes.

Popular Science reports on an inventor working to cut the underwater noise from boat propellers that stops whales hearing each other across the ocean. Ship noise pollution has grown for two centuries alongside global shipping, interfering with whale communication, navigation and mating calls. The story highlights a technological fix that could reduce harm to marine mammals.

A pool owner found the robot cleaner's drive so worn that the propeller kept slipping, and responded by designing a replacement part in FreeCAD and 3D printing it. The new orange drive spins constantly and engages the propeller through a helical dog clutch, so the propeller only turns when the two parts lock together. The post shows the finished fix, drawing attention for its neat engineering approach to repair rather than replacement.

Researchers at Cornell University have designed a large underwater robot modelled on the oarfish, a deep-sea creature known for its long ribbon-like body and distinctive dorsal fin. The team studied how the fish propels itself with a rippling fin along its body and reproduced that movement in the robot, aiming for efficient, stable swimming at scale for future underwater exploration.

Engineers at MIT have designed a small swimming robot propelled by living muscle cells, according to Forbes. The biohybrid device uses biological tissue as its power source rather than a conventional motor, pointing to a growing field of robotics that merges synthetic structures with living cells for soft, agile movement.

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has had its expected mission duration extended from 10 to 22 years after engineers found the spacecraft carries significantly more propellant than planned. Efficient construction and launch factors left unused fuel margin, allowing the wide-field survey telescope to operate far longer than its baseline design.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, NASA's upcoming wide-field infrared observatory, has reportedly extended its planned operational lifetime from five to ten years by adopting a fuel-efficient route to its observing point. Engineers achieved the doubling by conserving propellant during the journey to the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 2, giving astronomers far more observing time.

The Boston Red Sox have reached the postseason after a season marked by adversity, with reporting from MLB.com pointing to team bonding as the key factor behind the club's turnaround. The story highlights how the roster's unity off the field translated into results in the standings, driving the Sox from a difficult stretch into playoff contention.

West Indies batsmen have posted their highest-ever one-day international total against India, with three players scoring centuries in the same innings. The record-breaking performance has become a major talking point among cricket fans, highlighting the Caribbean side's batting strength in the match against one of the sport's leading teams.

Researchers have unveiled a paper-thin robot driven by living muscle cells that can swim its way through an underwater maze. The biohybrid device, reported by Tech Xplore, demonstrates how engineered muscle tissue can be used to propel soft microrobots through complex aquatic environments, a step with potential applications in medicine and targeted delivery.

Asset manager Neuberger Berman argues that growth-focused corporate governance reform in Japan could push Japanese equities to new highs. The firm says reforms encouraging companies to prioritise growth and shareholder returns are improving the investment case for Japanese stocks, as markets watch whether the changes sustain the country's recent equity rally.

A partnership program is opening a pathway for Indigenous students to work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Monash University announced the initiative, which aims to build Indigenous representation in the space sector by connecting talent with hands-on experience at one of the world's leading space research facilities. Observers highlight it as a step toward greater diversity in aerospace.

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has reportedly doubled its planned mission lifespan thanks to a fuel-saving engineering approach. The report highlights clever trajectory and propellant management that leaves the telescope with reserves well beyond expectations. Space and engineering enthusiasts are sharing and discussing the news, praising the design work behind the extended operational lifetime.

A PC Gamer writer reviewed Amazon's $25 self-propelling speakers, finding comic value in the gadgets as they rolled toward the edge of the desk and nearly fell off. The reviewer says that slapstick behavior alone almost justifies the low price, and floated the idea of racing the speakers against each other for fun.

Northwestern's men's golf team recorded its best finish of the season after Kuan Zhou shot a final-round 66. The strong closing round propelled the Wildcats up the leaderboard, marking their top result of the campaign to date. It is a notable individual performance for Zhou and a positive sign for the program heading deeper into the season.

SolSource has secured $300 million in funding to expand its Propel solar financing business. The capital is intended to support growth in financing for solar installations, giving more homeowners and businesses access to solar power without large upfront costs. Details on the investors and deployment timeline have not been disclosed.

West Indies batsmen John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo each scored centuries as the side piled up 405 for seven against India, a record one-day international total for the team. The triple-hundred partnership effort stunned India's bowling attack and is drawing attention from cricket fans worldwide as one of the standout batting performances in recent ODI history.

CD Projekt Red's remastered edition of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is reportedly breaking records and topping Metacritic charts, pushing the 11-year-old fantasy RPG to new levels of attention. Gamers are discussing how the updated version has reignited interest in the 2015 classic, keeping it competitive with current releases more than a decade after launch.