Gliding wheels: Engineer James Bruton built a one-of-a-kind bicycle that moves in every direction, thanks to oversized plastic balls acting as wheels. Unlike traditional tyres, these spheres allow for smooth drifting and full 360-degree rotation. The bike stays balanced using two powered wheels, with a third acting as a stabiliser for control. A belt-and-pulley system connects high-powered motors, and 3D-printed components keep the frame lightweight and adjustable. Handlebars control the steering, with twist grips for precision. Despite early challenges like wheel spin and static buildup, adjustments improved stability and handling. The result is a futuristic ride that reimagines what a bike can do.
Root connections: In Meghalaya in India, bridges aren't built - they're grown. For generations, Khasi communities have guided the roots of rubber trees (Ficus elastica) across rivers, creating structures that strengthen with time. Some of these living root bridges, called jingkieng jri, are hundreds of years old, outlasting traditional wooden structures. A response to the area's extreme rainfall, the skill was passed down through oral tradition, blending practical knowledge with deep cultural beliefs. Hally War, who learned from his grandfather as a child, has spent decades shaping one such bridge. The slow, steady process teaches patience, resilience, and respect for nature. These bridges are more than crossings they're symbols of human ingenuity.
Trail triumph: Deep in Mexico's rugged terrain, Mara Lorena Ramrez claimed victory in a grueling 50 km ultramarathon with nothing but sheer endurance and a pair of sandals crafted from recycled tyres. Raised in the Sierra Tarahumara, where running is a way of life, she trained not in high-tech gear but by herding livestock across vast distances. Without energy gels or specialised shoes, she conquered the race, relying only on her strength and determination. Her win captured global attention, highlighting the natural abilities of the Rarmuri people, known as the light-footed ones. In a sport dominated by modern equipment, Ramrez proved that resilience outruns technology.
Steamy ride: In Finland, where saunas are a way of life, one stands out from the rest a sauna cabin that glides through the sky. Suspended on a ski lift in Ylls, this heated gondola offers guests a breathtaking view of snow-covered forests while they relax in the warmth. The experience begins at the top of the mountain, where visitors first enjoy a traditional sauna and outdoor jacuzzi before stepping into the soaring sauna. With temperatures reaching 80 , the contrast between the steaming cabin and the frozen landscape outside is striking. It's an unforgettable fusion of Finnish tradition, innovation, and the magic of the northern wilderness.