Evidence from Pompeii has revealed that the Romans used a form of automatic weapon over 2,000 years ago. This discovery sheds new light on the engineering capabilities of the ancient Romans. The weapon, used by Lucius Cornelius Sulla during the Social War, could fire multiple projectiles without needing to reload.
Author: Sunny B
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W-012 — Environmental Guardianship, Wearable Data and Health — Monday, April 20, 2026
The connection between our environment and our well-being is multifaceted. Tonight’s stories highlight the impact of human behaviour on the environment and our health. People are working to repair the damage that has been done to the natural world.
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T-012 — Space Reuse, AI Adoption and Robot Competitions — Monday, April 20, 2026
The reuse of space technology is becoming increasingly important as companies like Blue Origin aim to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Meanwhile, AI models are being adopted by various organisations, including the National Security Agency. In other news, robot competitions are showcasing the latest advancements in robotics.
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S-011 — Human Impact, Dirt-Powered Fuel Cells and Artificial Neurons — Monday, April 20, 2026
The idea that humans are a force of nature is not new, but the extent to which our actions are reshaping the planet is still surprising. A new study suggests that our cultural and social innovations have given us extraordinary power to transform Earth, but at a significant cost. The discovery of a dirt-powered fuel cell is a reminder that even the most ordinary substances can hold extraordinary potential.
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The Spire Is Still There Above the Weather
I took this photo on a grey morning in Lower Manhattan, standing somewhere near Battery Park with my phone pointed upward. I had not planned to take it. I was just walking, and I looked up, and there it was.
One World Trade Centre disappearing into cloud. The spire still visible. Everything below it consumed by fog.
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G-011 — Dad’s Art, Volunteer Beds, and Sustainable Markets — Sunday, April 19, 2026
In a small town, a 42-year-old dad’s ‘hilariously bad’ paintings have become a sensation, earning thousands in commissions. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, volunteers are building beds for kids in need. (more…)
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W-011 — Women in Farming, Psychedelic Treatments and Olive Oil Benefits — Sunday, April 19, 2026
The way people find freedom and purpose in their work can be a complex and deeply personal thing. Sometimes it’s in the most demanding tasks that we discover a sense of fulfillment. The relationship between our daily activities and our overall wellbeing is multifaceted. (more…)
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T-011 — Retro Consoles, Import Bans and Cybersecurity — Sunday, April 19, 2026
The tech industry has seen a resurgence of interest in retro consoles, with companies releasing remakes of classic systems. Meanwhile, cybersecurity remains a major concern, with companies and governments navigating complex issues. (more…)
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The Lifestyle You Build Has a Price Tag. Make Sure It Is Worth It.
There is a version of this conversation that is entirely about aesthetics — white walls, linen wardrobes, the satisfying emptiness of a well-curated bench. That version is fine, but it is not particularly interesting. The more interesting version is about money, time, and the quiet decisions that compound over years into a life that either belongs to you or to the things you keep acquiring.
Minimalism, at its most useful, is not a design movement. It is a financial strategy disguised as a lifestyle.
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S-010 — Caffeine’s Effect on Ants, Artificial Neurons, and Greenland’s Ice — Sunday, April 19, 2026
It’s intriguing to consider how something as mundane as caffeine can have a profound effect on the behaviour of ants, making them more efficient at finding food. This unexpected discovery has implications for pest control. The connection between our daily habits and the natural world is complex, and research is continually uncovering new insights into this relationship. (more…)
Almost Sunny 