Drone flies and drives with mid-air transformation

Caltech engineers have developed ATMO (Aerially Transforming Morphobot), a drone that can switch from flying to driving mode mid-air — a breakthrough in robotics and aerospace.

Created by Mory Gharib and Ioannis Mandralis, ATMO uses a single motor to pivot its four thrusters, allowing seamless transformation before landing. The thruster shrouds double as wheels, enabling ground mobility.

Inspired by animals’ adaptive movement, the team faced challenges related to aerodynamic forces and instability during morphing. Smoke tests and custom algorithms helped refine the control system, which Mandralis calls the drone’s biggest innovation.

Though still a prototype, ATMO’s smooth mid-air transition could pave the way for more autonomous and versatile aerial-ground vehicles.

15 sets of twins graduate from same high school

Graduation at Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School on Long Island, the US, featured a surprising twist — 15 sets of fraternal twins among the Class of 2025.

Students only realised the unusually high number when a few mothers started comparing notes.

Principal Heather Dvorak noted the school’s previous record was nine sets of twins and one set of triplets in 2014.

Assistant Principal Timothy Lamb said most of the twins have been in the district since kindergarten and share close friendships, forming a unique, tight-knit group.

Pit viper bites used as alternate medicine

Rosalio Culit, known as Datu Kamandag among the Manobo tribe in Mindanao, Philippines, treats patients by having them bitten by venomous pit vipers, claiming the bites cure various illnesses.

Culit discovered the practice after a bite from his pet viper seemingly improved his health. Since then, he’s used the North Philippine temple pit viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) in his healing rituals and also offers venom-infused fermented wine.

He recently went viral for this unusual method, though he’s been practising for over a decade. Experts warn there’s no scientific evidence supporting the healing properties of the snake’s venom, and it may pose risks, especially to allergic individuals. Experts also caution that the safety claims are overstated.

Stunning edible cupcake bouquets

Sydney-based baker Macey Nemer is credited with inventing the world’s first standing cupcake bouquet — an eye-catching blend of sweets and floral design.

With no formal training, Nemer began baking during the pandemic, finding the process both therapeutic and creatively fulfilling. After mastering floral frosting techniques, she assembled the cupcakes into elegant, edible bouquets.

Her business, ‘Baked Bouquet’, quickly gained popularity for events like weddings and birthdays. Nemer has also collaborated with brands for promotional campaigns, earning recognition for her artistic and delicious creations.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 12th, 2025