Good morning! 🌞 

Innovation

Rain Power Fuels Sustainability

Scientists in Singapore have developed a new method to generate electricity from falling rain, overcoming a long-standing limitation called the Debye Length that has hindered such technology in the past. Using a simple setup—just a plastic tube, a water bottle, and a metallic needle—they created a unique “plug flow” system in which water droplets and air move together through a narrow channel. In lab tests, the device produced enough electricity to power a dozen LED lights, and researchers believe that, when scaled, it could rival the output of rooftop solar panels.

The breakthrough, published in ACS Central Science, doesn’t require pumps, turbines, or complex infrastructure. Instead, it relies purely on gravity and fluid dynamics. The key innovation was designing a 2mm-wide tube that allowed air pockets to move with the water, disrupting the usual flow pattern in a way that bypassed the Debye Length—a nanoscale barrier that typically prevents efficient charge separation in small systems. This change made it possible to generate usable electricity from the interaction of rainwater with the metallic needle.

The prototype achieved energy generation rates above 10%, or around 100 watts per square meter—on par with standard solar panels. And because Singapore receives over 100 inches of rain annually, the potential for deployment is high. The team also noted that their lab water moved more slowly than real rainfall, meaning the actual output in outdoor conditions could be even greater.

Lifestyle

Smartphone Ban

Despite the absence of a national mandate, more than 90% of schools in the UK have independently banned smartphones, according to a survey of over 15,000 institutions. The Guardian reports that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools have adopted their own restrictions. Rather than wait for legislation, schools have taken proactive steps—an approach backed by the UK government, which favors school autonomy. Education Secretary Bridget Philipson called the findings “comprehensive evidence” that this decentralized strategy is working.

The debate over tech in the classroom has simmered for years, but momentum is shifting toward tighter controls. Research consistently shows that academic performance improves when smartphones are removed from the learning environment—not just turned off, but physically out of reach. “Your brain is leaking attention,” said Tom Rees, CEO of the Ormiston Academies Trust, which was among the first to go fully phone-free. Schools aren’t just worried about screen time; they’re targeting distraction itself, noting that even a phone in a pocket can pull focus.

Parental support has also been strong. The St Albans primary schools consortium, the first to implement a full ban for students under 14, says the response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. “They’re crying out for this,” said co-chair Justine Elbourne-Cload. In contrast, U.S. policies remain fragmented. States like Florida and California have enacted formal bans, while others—such as Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana—require schools to set their own rules. Washington and Alabama have so far stopped short of mandates, opting instead to recommend action. “The research is clear,” said Washington schools superintendent Chris Reykdal. “Less phone use in class means better focus, better mental health, and less social media pressure.”

Sports

Conquering the Biggest Waves

Pegleg Bennett, 55, was born without a left ankle and had his foot amputated as a baby—but that never stopped him from chasing waves around the world. Now a father of three and a global figure in para-surfing, Bennett has surfed iconic big-wave spots from Hawaii to Portugal, Indonesia to the Arctic Circle. He’s represented England on the international stage and helped pioneer adaptive prosthetics designed specifically for surfing.

Doctors told his parents early on that amputation would offer the best shot at a full life. They were right. Bennett grew up in the water, driven by his swimmer father and his own determination to surf. He received a basic “beach leg” through the NHS, then began modifying it himself for better performance in the ocean. That DIY approach evolved into a custom prosthetic—crafted from carbon fiber and titanium, with a surf-specific ankle joint—that transformed his balance and ability on the board. “It’s taken my surfing to a whole new level,” he said.

Bennett legally changed his name to Pegleg in 2016, embracing the nickname that once set him apart. He’s since become a central figure in the growth of para-surfing, especially after the sport’s breakthrough moment at the Adaptive Surfing World Championships in 2015. Under his guidance, Team England is now ranked seventh globally. As a coach, he trains athletes with a wide range of disabilities—from amputees to blind surfers to those with MS or cerebral palsy. “If someone wants to surf, I’ll find a way,” he said. While para-surfing was passed over for the 2028 Paralympics, hopes are high for inclusion in Brisbane 2032—a move that could bring new funding, visibility, and momentum to the sport he helped build.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

I have no spine, yet carry yours.
I never walk, but I've seen shores.
I hold your world in silent trust,
But shed your weight when home is just.

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

I open not with hinges wide, But bloom above when clouds collide. I vanish when the sun is bold, And live again when skies grow cold. —umbrella! ☂️ Albert Knox got this correct! 🌞 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.