Aeroponic system grows plants in midair

The Izestee Plant Cultivator, designed by Yunyi Zheng, is a desktop aeroponic system that allows plants to grow without soil or standing water. Nutrient-enriched mist suspends the roots in midair inside a transparent cube, letting users observe root growth, branching, nutrient uptake and early signs of decay in real time.

The device includes a built-in heating system, three adjustable mist modes and a grow light that simulates sunlight for indoor photosynthesis. Its high-transparency chamber is coated with a hydrophobic layer to keep the surface clear during continuous misting.

The Izestee offers a futuristic, visually striking way to grow plants at home, turning plant cultivation into an interactive display.

Toilet doors turn transparent to catch smokers

A shopping centre in Shenzhen has ins­t­alled special restroom doors that switch from frosted to clear when cigarette smoke is detected, exposing anyone inside. An audible alarm also sounds once smoking is sensed and warning signs alert users beforehand.

The measure is part of a trial at malls in the Shuibei area, aimed at curbing persistent smoking in indoor bathrooms after fines and warnings had limited effect. Early feedback has been largely positive, and the system may be expanded more widely if the trial continues to be well received.

Oral care robot brushes teeth automatically

Japanese scientists have developed the g.eN robotic toothbrush, a device that cleans teeth automatically in about a minute. Users simply bite down on the mouthpiece, while multiple small brush heads move in all directions, powered by a motor, cleaning both sides evenly.

Weighing 220 grams, the g.eN supports USB-C charging and has modes for easy, careful, special care and children. A 2022 study showed it achieves plaque removal rates of 22.4%, matching or exceeding manual brushing.

Already patented twice, the toothbrush is on crowdfunding, priced at 31,042 yen ($199), and appeals to people with physical limitations and anyone who dislikes brushing by hand.

Rare four-way waves stuns viewers

A rare Australian coastal spot where four waves crash simultaneously, sending splashes up to 70 metres high, recently went viral.

Filmmakers Chris White and Ben Allen captured the phenomenon, which looked so unreal in drone footage that White initially thought it was AI. He said it is “just a spectacle” and unlike anything he has seen in years of shooting waves.

White first discovered the spot nine years ago and confirmed this year that it still creates the same mind-bending wave patterns. For safety, the exact location is kept secret, preventing crowds and allowing people to enjoy the footage online.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 31st, 2026