Hiking boost: MO/GO Hiking Pants, a cutting-edge collaboration between Arc'teryx and Skip, are designed to give hikers a serious leg up. These motor-powered pants are equipped with carbon fibre supports and motors that assist the wearer's muscles, making climbs easier and descents gentler on the knees. The integrated artificial intelligence adjusts the support based on the terrain, while a battery pack powers the motors for hours of hiking aid. Weighing in at 3.2kg, these pants lighten the load, making hikers feel as though they're 13.7kg lighter. Plans are in place to offer rentals on select trails, giving hikers the chance for a futuristic experience without the long-term commitment.

Disappearing lake: Lost Lake, in the USA state of Oregon, pulls off a fascinating natural disappearing act each year, transforming from a tranquil lake in the winter to a lush, grassy meadow by summer's end. Nestled in the Willamette National Forest, the lake is fed by streams during the fall and winter months, but come spring, it slowly drains through two volcanic holes at the lakebed. These natural drains direct the water underground. Though a popular tourist spot, officials often remind visitors not to block the holes, as doing so could cause nearby roads to flood. This unique lake continues to mesmerize with its seasonal transformation, making it a must-see for curious adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Vertical village: Nearly all of the roughly 200 residents of Whittier, Alaska (USA), live in a 14-storey building called Begich Towers. Originally an Army barracks, this structure now houses a post office, convenience store, health clinic, and even a small church. The town's remote location makes it hard to reach, accessible only by sea or a one-lane tunnel. Winters are harsh, with high winds driving people indoors, so Begich Towers serves as a close-knit mini-community under one roof. From high up, visitors can take in sweeping views of the harbour and distant mountains. Here, small-town life takes place vertically, proving community isn't about space, but about spirit.

Comic dispute: A young man in Chiayi City, Taiwan, took his mother to court after she discarded a cherished, 32-volume comic collection. Frustrated by the clutter, his mother decided to recycle the comics, claiming some were damp and taking up too much space. When her son discovered his collection missing, he called the police and later filed a lawsuit, arguing that replacing these specific volumes would be difficult since many are out of print. The mother expressed regret, hoping to mend their relationship, but he refused. The Chiayi District Court fined her for property damage, highlighting her disregard for her son's belongings. This family's story seems to have more plot twists than most comics.

Hope will never be silent. ~ Harvey Milk

Repetition is not failure. Ask the waves, ask the leaves, ask the wind. ~ Mark Nepo

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1. What colour name is derived from the old high German word brun?

2. Scavenging for treasure along a riverbank is sometimes called this.

3. A xylographer engraves wood, marble, or steel?

4. In what country was the first paper currency used?

5. Heliology is the study of helicopters, hieroglyphics, or the Sun?

Cow chatter: Cows don't just randomly moo. They actually develop their own local dialects! Researchers noticed that herds from different places have unique sounds, shaped by their surroundings, much as people pick up accents from their own regions.

Fruit fallout: Surprisingly, bananas contain a tiny amount of natural radiation, as do some other foods. A fraction of their potassium atoms emit radiation, but the exposure is so minimal and slow that eating a banana poses no health risk.

Locked orbit: We can only see one side of the moon because it's tidally locked with Earth. This means the moon rotates on its axis at the same speed as it orbits around Earth, always keeping the same familiar face visible.

Star power: Stars are a common feature on more than 50 national flags. On Australia's flag, five stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, visible only from the Southern Hemisphere, symbolizing the country's geographical location.

Divine feline: In ancient Egypt, when a cherished cat passed away, the owners shaved their own eyebrows in mourning. These sacred pets were even mummified with mice and milk, prepared for a comfortable journey to the afterlife.

Why did police arrest the crow? The crow was making crank caws.

A party that flops is a fete worse than death.

Did you hear the one about the lion who ate clowns? You'll roar!

Dad: Can you get out of the car and tell me if my direction indicator is working? Son: Yes, it is no, it isn't yes, it is no, it isn't yes, it is .

Somebody asked me what to do with leftover bacon I'd never heard of such a thing!

1. Brown 2. Mudlarking 3. Wood 4. China 5. The Sun