Waseda University

What sounds more terrifying than a part-cockroach, part-robot cyborg? Definitely one that can also breathe underwater. Yet, this is exactly what researchers have just created, except they are replacing “terrifying” with “useful.” Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Waseda University in Japan have created a soft, flexible diving suit for cyborg cockroaches. The suits are equipped with miniature oxygen generators that allow the cockroaches to survive for up to three hours underwater or in low-oxygen conditions.

Researchers have grown “forests” of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longer than ever before. Using a new method, the team grew bunches of nanotubes up to 14 cm (5.5 in) long, which should help make it easier to scale up production of this versatile material.

3D printed objects do tend to have a low-res look to them. This is because there are grooves visible between the deposited layers of material. While there are methods of smoothing down the ridges on either side of those grooves, scientists have developed a technique that they say is superior.

Hydrogen has great potential as a future clean energy source, but it's difficult to store safely. Now a Japanese research team has invented a compact, flexible polymer that could lead to a plastic container of hydrogen that's safe to carry in your pocket.

A robotic avatar that connects people in new ways will go on sale later this year.