Technology

This year, more than 10,000 entries from 112 countries were judged in one of the most enjoyable photo competitions on the calendar. And here we present a snapshot of the 40 images that made the shortlist, with winners announced in December.

Weather balloons are wasteful, and not very eco-friendly – they burst upon reaching high altitudes, then fall back to the earth as trash. That's why there's now a reusable multicopter weather drone that can fly to the edge of the stratosphere.

New inks could add a degree of transience to tattoos, making them more like summer wear than permanent features. Called PhotoTat, the inks can be switched between almost invisible and brightly coloured states using different kinds of light.

Microsoft has unveiled the most powerful laptop in its Surface range, and it'll take on the MacBook Pro for demanding work applications. If you're in the market for a higher-end machine, this one boasts an all-new processor and a repairable chassis.

Neurable One hides 12 EEG sensors inside premium ANC headphones to track focus and fatigue, turning brain activity into real-time biofeedback while still working as an everyday pair of wireless headphones.

Virtual reality can take you anywhere, but strap on a headset for long enough and your sore neck brings you back to actual reality. A Kyushu University researcher wants to change that, and his idea is a chair that offers a new way of experiencing VR.

These newly launched headphones feature a novel hybrid design that I can't say I've seen before. You can use them on your noggin as normal for private listening, or twist the headband so the cups combine to form a speaker for others to hear.

A study led by University of Maryland materials scientist Timothy Koeth claims Germany's atomic bomb project had virtually no hope of success, requiring 20% more uranium and 80% more heavy water than was available to them at the time.

AudioPrism's AI stem separation is impressive. Unfortunately, the software wrapped around it occasionally made me want to throw something.

A lesser-known audio gear brand out of China is targeting design fans with a range of spectacular-looking products. It's come out of the gate swinging with a system of eye-catching analog music players that can go on your wall.