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Scientists unveil first-of-its-kind sponge-like material that could unlock next-gen energy devices: ‘A significant step forward’

Imagine charging your fitness tracker just by wearing it. Thanks to a surprising new invention from scientists in South Korea, that futuristic idea could soon be your everyday reality. Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have created a sponge-like material that captures body heat and turns it into usable power, as detailed […]

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Imagine charging your fitness tracker just by wearing it. Thanks to a surprising new invention from scientists in South Korea, that futuristic idea could soon be your everyday reality.

Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology have created a sponge-like material that captures body heat and turns it into usable power, as detailed in their study.

Even better, this flexible foam can be wrapped around just about anything, from curved surfaces to wearable tech, opening the door for self-powered devices.

The team made this happen by blending ultralight carbon nanotubes with a thermoelectric material known as BiSbTe or BST. 

That combo might sound high-tech, but the result is refreshingly down-to-earth: a soft, strong, and super-flexible foam that generates electricity when warmed. It’s not just smart — it’s speedy. Traditional materials for this kind of tech often take days to prepare, but this foam is formed in just four hours. 

In tests, researchers wrapped it around a curved glass tube and applied a mild temperature difference, just 22 degrees. The sponge produced enough energy to run a small sensor without any wires or batteries, and it held up through 10,000 bends.

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“This study represents a significant step forward in developing flexible, self-powered devices,” the researchers told Tech Xplore.

This means fewer batteries to buy and toss, less e-waste cluttering up landfills, and more convenient, low-maintenance tech for all of us. This foam could help cities and companies run smarter. Imagine powering sensors that track pollution or manage traffic, all without plugging into the grid.

That could lead to better air quality, fewer breakdowns, and big savings on energy and upkeep. By using ambient heat instead of electricity from polluting sources like gas or coal, this innovation also supports the shift toward cleaner, healthier communities.

This breakthrough joins a wave of clever clean tech aiming to make life easier, cheaper, and greener. 

Companies like SunPower and Longi are pushing solar panel design forward with thinner, more versatile options. 

Researchers are also working on thermoelectric generators that generate energy from waste heat and rechargeable batteries that reduce waste and make electric vehicles more practical.

The best way for consumers to take advantage of clean energy innovations is to install solar panels, which can bring the cost of home energy down to at or near $0. 

EnergySage provides a free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations.

The research team hopes this sponge-like material could hit the market by 2030, and when it does, keeping your gear charged might be as effortless as putting it on in the morning.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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Sports, Blending Digital Arts, and Virtual Gaming Merge in New Technology Era (Sponsored)

Sponsored June 16, 2025 By 2025, digital arts, sports, and virtual gaming have merged to form a robust entertainment ecosystem, delivering immersive and interactive experiences. Digital arts encompass creative works such as 3D modeling, animation, and virtual reality (VR) environments, which provide the visual foundation for modern platforms. Sports have branched out into eSports and […]

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June 16, 2025

By 2025, digital arts, sports, and virtual gaming have merged to form a robust entertainment ecosystem, delivering immersive and interactive experiences. Digital arts encompass creative works such as 3D modeling, animation, and virtual reality (VR) environments, which provide the visual foundation for modern platforms. Sports have branched out into eSports and virtual simulations, expanding the ways in which fans can engage. Virtual gaming has developed expansive multiplayer worlds designed for exploration and competition.

Online Casinos and Sports Betting – A Case Study

Online casinos and sports betting websites represent a convergence of digital arts, sports, and virtual gaming. These platforms offer graphically rich interfaces and interactive experiences, ranging from poker to betting on real and virtual sports events, supported by technologies such as AI and VR. Most sites today offer incentives — such as Caesars online casino promo codes and other welcome bonuses — to attract users and enhance the recreational appeal of online gambling. These promotions help bring in new users, highlighting the growth of online gambling as a form of entertainment, with responsible use and regulation ensuring fairness and security.

Contribution of Digital Arts

Digital arts shape modern-day entertainment by creating visually rich and interactive experiences. Game designers leverage the latest rendering technologies to produce realistic textures, animations, and lighting, immersing players in complex virtual worlds. VR artists, for example, design reactive environments that adapt to user actions, blending creativity with technology. These design elements are evident in video games, where detailed visuals enhance storytelling, and in VR environments that simulate real-life settings. The creative aspects add beauty and foster emotional connections, making digital arts a driving force in this era of hybrid entertainment.

Sports in the Digital Era

Sports have evolved beyond the physical realm, embracing digital forms such as virtual sports and eSports. Competitive video gaming, or eSports, now draws global audiences, with platforms like Twitch streaming tournaments to millions. Titles like League of Legends have given rise to professional gamers and massive fan followings. Virtual sports simulations allow users to wager on or manage virtual teams, while VR provides immersive experiences — such as attending a virtual football match. Traditional sports organizations are also leveraging digital technology, including real-time statistics software and AR-enhanced broadcasts, to expand access and engagement, merging sports with gaming and digital arts.

Virtual Gaming’s Growth

Virtual gaming has become a mainstay of modern entertainment, offering expansive universes where players interact in real time. Games like Fortnite and Minecraft foster global communities and cross-border collaboration. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) enhance the sense of presence, allowing players to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds or blend digital elements with the physical world. These technologies enrich storytelling and facilitate community building, placing virtual gaming on par with the creativity and competitiveness of digital arts and sports — driving new patterns of social engagement.

Main Features of This Merging

This convergence is marked by several distinguishing characteristics:

  • Visually rich design: Digital arts create immersive, interactive environments for games and gambling platforms.
  • Competitive interactivity: eSports and virtual sports offer new ways to engage with competitive experiences.
  • Global community: Virtual gaming connects players across geographic boundaries, fostering worldwide participation.
  • Technological innovation: AI and VR drive more realistic, responsive, and engaging digital experiences.
  • Regulatory frameworks: Ensure safe, fair, and responsible participation in online gambling and gaming.

The Future 

The convergence of these fields will continue as technology advances. AI-driven game development can offer personalized experiences, while VR has the potential to make sporting events fully immersive. Blockchain technology, already adopted by some platforms, can enhance transparency in betting. The online gaming industry — valued at $6.19 billion in Q1 2025, with a year-over-year increase of 15.3%, according to the American Gaming Association — reflects this economic growth. As these trends evolve, the boundaries between digital arts, sports, and virtual gaming will continue to blur, opening new avenues for creativity and connection.

The convergence of digital arts, sports, and virtual gaming has ushered in a new era of entertainment defined by creativity, competition, and community. Online casinos and sportsbooks exemplify this blend, combining artistic content, competitive elements, and interactive gameplay. As technology continues to evolve, this fusion will shape the future of entertainment, offering diverse opportunities for engagement. Examining this intersection highlights its potential for innovation while emphasizing the importance of responsible digital media consumption.

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Get more from your body with the world’s first outdoor exoskeleton – Hypershell X

Imagine being less constrained by the limits of your strength and endurance. Imagine hiking further, carrying more, moving faster. Hypershell X makes these dreams a reality. This is not just an exoskeleton that can boost your strength, speed and stamina. It is specifically designed for the outdoors, so you can explore further with fewer restrictions […]

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Imagine being less constrained by the limits of your strength and endurance. Imagine hiking further, carrying more, moving faster. Hypershell X makes these dreams a reality.

This is not just an exoskeleton that can boost your strength, speed and stamina. It is specifically designed for the outdoors, so you can explore further with fewer restrictions and less effort. Importantly, it has been created with the everyday consumer in mind – and is delightfully affordable.

Representing a new category of consumer technology, Hypershell X can be used to enhance performance in sport, help you walk or run further by eliminating the barrier of fatigue, and make the impossible possible by making you stronger.

Hypershell exoskeleton

(Image credit: Hypershell)

Adaptive, natural and powerful



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9Round Kickboxing Fitness Names Drew Stauffacher President

Stauffacher Joined the Boutique Fitness Franchise in 2011 Drew Stauffacher takes the helm as president of the 9Round Kickboxing Fitness franchise after joining the brand in 2011 as a trainer. Prior to his promotion, Stauffacher led the creation of 9RoundNOW, a digital training platform that continues to be a major value-add for members and entrepreneurs. […]

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Stauffacher Joined the Boutique Fitness Franchise in 2011

Drew Stauffacher takes the helm as president of the 9Round Kickboxing Fitness franchise after joining the brand in 2011 as a trainer. Prior to his promotion, Stauffacher led the creation of 9RoundNOW, a digital training platform that continues to be a major value-add for members and entrepreneurs. Stauffacher also has owned multiple locations of the boutique fitness franchise and now leverages his extensive experience with the Greenville, S.C.-based kickboxing brand to strengthen franchise support and foster innovation.

“Taking on this role feels like the culmination of my journey in the fitness industry and with 9Round,” said Stauffacher, who began training in martial arts at age 7. “What excites me most is the dynamic nature of the leadership opportunities this position brings. I get to collaborate daily with our incredible home office team while still traveling across the country to connect directly with our franchise partners and their communities. There’s tremendous value in seeing how our 9Round model functions in different markets. It helps us continuously refine and adapt the product to serve the general population better, all while staying true to our core experience.”

He cited convenience as a major part of that core experience. “We’re evolving by introducing studio access 365 days a year, including 24/7 access in some locations. Our no-class-times model remains, but now members can choose whether to work out with a trainer or use our Daily Workout Screen technology for guidance.”

Drew Stauffacher, 9Round Kickboxing Fitness - franchise news - HireWire BODY
Drew Stauffacher is the new president of 9Round Kickboxing Fitness.

Stauffacher said his goal is to have more than 100 9Round locations operating in this new model by the end of 2025. “It’s a big, exciting challenge, and one that aligns with where the industry is going and what our members are asking for. It’s about giving people the flexibility they want while keeping the heart of what makes 9Round so effective and engaging.”

Support from Striking Brands 

He said 9Round’s parent company, Striking Brands, will play a major role in the kickboxing franchise’s growth moving forward. “As part of the umbrella of Striking Brands, we move into this new world with a new perspective. It’s been great to get to know another brand, iLoveKickboxing, and learn from its successes.”

Shannon Hudson, founder and CEO of Striking Brands, said 9Round franchisees are in great hands under Stauffacher’s leadership. “Beyond his extensive knowledge of the company and his experience as a franchisee, Drew brings a different voice and a fresh approach that will continue elevating the brand to its fullest potential while taking exceptional care of our franchisees and members. His leadership at 9Round will give me time to nurture other branches of our business,” Hudson said. One of those branches is the newly developed equipment division, which provides boxing, kickboxing and martial arts equipment and apparel to independently owned studios and schools.

Outside of the office, Stauffacher enjoys going on hikes with his wife and their dog in South Carolina, where they live.

About 9Round Kickboxing  

Founded in 2008 by professional kickboxer Hudson and his wife, Heather, 9Round offers kickboxing fitness training in a 30-minute, trainer-guided, full-body circuit format. The program is developed around a proprietary and copyrighted system of nine challenging workout stations. The boutique fitness brand has expanded to 350-plus locations throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, India, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.



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The life-changing Apple Watch Series 10 is just $329 on Amazon

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Full admission: I’ve never been that into wearable tech. The idea of having a piece of metal strapped to your wrist, constantly beeping, reminding you to breathe, or to respond […]

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Full admission: I’ve never been that into wearable tech.

The idea of having a piece of metal strapped to your wrist, constantly beeping, reminding you to breathe, or to respond to your missed calls, seemed rather unnecessary and somewhat annoying.

But, after hearing countless friends rave about how their smartwatches changed their lifestyle for the better, I caved and decided to test out the Apple Watch Series 10 myself.

Between chugging out shopping articles and chasing around a two-year-old, I try to carve out a bit of time for myself, but it’s not easy. I could definitely use a little nudge to get going from time to time. So, why not give the little smart device a shot? I’m not the only person curious about the smartwatch trend. The Series 10 is a consistent #1 bestseller on Amazon. Besides, if you wait for the perfect opportunity (like today, for example), you could snag it on sale for up to 20% off.


A black smart watch with a black band
Amazon

Pros:

  • Advanced smart features (Siri, Apple Pay, App Store, Call/Texting)
  • Sleek, attractive, lightweight build
  • Easy to integrate with the iPhone, and access to the entire Apple Store is very convenient
  • Smooth, intuitive touchscreen experience
  • Different band and style options are available

Cons:

  • Shorter battery life (between 18 and 36 hours)
  • GPS tracking works for casual, everyday use, but is less advanced than the Garmin

The Series 10 is kind of a jack of all trades; it tracks all sorts of health markers, from heart rate to wrist temperature, sleep duration, and even period cycle tracking. It also comes with a few unique features tailored to different goals, like a Tides app for surfers and Headspace for mindfulness. Plus, it even syncs up with Strava for runners, making it a great race-training device. For me, the simple activity ring was enough to encourage me to meet my movement goals for the day. It’s easy to lose track of your daily goals, but the Series 10 makes it a little bit addictive to get them done.

You can use it for fitness-tracking alone, but it’s also stacked with numerous smart features and can be treated as an extension of your iPhone if you appreciate staying connected. You can receive texts and calls right from your wrist, especially useful if you’re the type to stay away from your phone from time to time. Not to mention, the upgraded Series 10 offers a 30% larger screen, so squinting isn’t necessary. I stare at screens all day, and this is one that doesn’t bother me. The whole device is also substantially slimmer and lighter than I imagined, at just 36.4 grams. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing it at all.

It took me a bit of time to sync it up to my phone (an update was necessary), but navigating the Apple Watch interface and customizing the layout was a breeze, and I don’t consider myself tech-savvy by any means. Since I’ve started wearing it, I’ve felt encouraged to stand up more, get in those final steps to hit my goals, and skip the binge-watching for a little extra sleep. Not to be dramatic, but it’s totally transformed my life for the better, and for just $329 — it could yours too.


For a watch that can do everything from monitoring your heart rate and sleep cycles to tracking your steps and encouraging mindfulness, it feels like a true deal. I’d argue that it’s a phenomenal investment for anyone looking to optimize their wellness routine, especially if you consider yourself a bit of a data nerd and like to see your health metrics and progress over time.

Flash-forward to today, and my only regret is that I didn’t join the cult-favorite fitness tracker sooner.


This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.




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MMA Group Secures $5M Funding to Expand Combat Sports Tech Platform

New York, NY, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited (NYSE American: MMA) (“MMA” or the “Company”), announced today the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 6,578,948 ordinary shares (or pre-funded warrants to purchase ordinary shares in lieu thereof) at a public offering price of $0.76 per share […]

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New York, NY, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited (NYSE American: MMA) (“MMA” or the “Company”), announced today the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 6,578,948 ordinary shares (or pre-funded warrants to purchase ordinary shares in lieu thereof) at a public offering price of $0.76 per share (the “Offering”). The aggregate gross proceeds to MMA from the Offering were approximately $5.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by MMA.

MMA intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for product development, marketing and advertising expenses, scaling up its sales efforts, and for general working capital and corporate purposes.

WestPark Capital, Inc. acted as the Sole Book-Runner in connection with the Offering.

The securities described above were offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-287694), which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 12, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a written prospectus that forms a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus relating to the Offering has been filed with the SEC. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from WestPark Capital, Inc., 1800 Century Park East, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA 90077, tel: 310-203-2919, e-mail: jstern@wpcapital.com and are also available on the SEC’s website.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited

MMA.INC (Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited) is revolutionizing the combat sports industry by driving participation and engagement across fans, athletes, coaches, and gym owners. The company operates four core business units:

  • TrainAlta: A platform that transforms MMA fans into active participants through structured training programs.
  • Hype: A marketing platform helping gym owners, coaches, and athletes grow revenue from their audiences.
  • MixedMartialArts.com: The go-to resource for MMA news, fighter data, fight schedules, and the legendary Underground forum.
  • BJJLink: A leading gym management platform designed for BJJ academies, offering tools for payment processing, marketing, student engagement, and content monetization.

With over 5 million social media followers, 530,000 user profiles, 50,000 active students, 18,000 published gyms and 800 verified gyms across 16 countries, MMA.inc continues to transform the martial arts landscape and deliver unparalleled value to its stakeholders.

For more information, visit www.mma.inc or follow us on social media:

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may include forward-looking statements. Any statements contained herein regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, our strategy, future operations, financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein include or may include, but are not limited to, statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or use or contain words, terms, phrases, or expressions such as “achieve,” “forecast,” “plan,” “propose,” “strategy,” “envision,” “hope,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” or similar words, terms, phrases, or expressions or the negative of any of these terms. Any statements contained in this press release that are not based upon historical fact are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and/or beliefs of the Company. Such statements are not facts and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Prospective investors should not rely on these statements as if they were facts. Actual revenue may vary to current sales due to factors such as participant churn, cancellations, and changes in payment schedules, membership terms or pricing changes. Any references to verified gyms, partner gyms, user profiles refer to a profile that has been claimed or created across the MMA.inc platform, which includes TrainAlta.com, BJJ Link, Hype, MixedMartialArts.com and Steppen. Forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC and in the prospectus for the Offering. Given the risks and uncertainties, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should recognize that the statements are predictions of future results which may not occur as anticipated. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such factors on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully read the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC and in the prospectus for the Offering to better understand the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business and industry, and any underlying forward-looking statements. Except where required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update, withdraw or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts

Mixed Martial Arts Group Limited
E: peter@mma.inc




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Best early Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals: My 10 favorite sales live now

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025?  Amazon Prime Day takes place from July 8 through July 11 this year. This is when the retailer cuts deals on thousands of products, mostly ones it owns (think Kindle, Ring, and Alexa). To get in on the deals hype, other brands will discount their products during Prime Day […]

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When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? 

Amazon Prime Day takes place from July 8 through July 11 this year. This is when the retailer cuts deals on thousands of products, mostly ones it owns (think Kindle, Ring, and Alexa). To get in on the deals hype, other brands will discount their products during Prime Day to boost overall sales. 

Are health trackers really cheaper on Prime Day? 

I’ve seen some sweet discounts on health trackers during my time as an editor covering these events. We’ve seen record savings on tech, including Apple Watches and Oura Rings. 

How did we choose these Prime Day deals?

I cover health wearables for my job, and I’m particular about the products I like and don’t like. If something isn’t worth my while, I’m not writing about it. The same goes for these deals. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. 

We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. 





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