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Helen Phillips: Climate Fiction Prize Winner Explores Our Present Through a Futuristic Lens

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Exploring Climate Fiction: Helen Phillips’ Award-Winning Novel “Hum”

“Hum”, set in an overheated futuristic metropolis, tells the compelling story of a mother’s struggle to protect her small family amidst relentless technological surveillance and climate change challenges. This year, Helen Phillips’ work won the prestigious Climate Fiction Award, a recognition supported by Climate Spring and valued at £10,000.

About the Award

The Climate Fiction Award, established to spotlight storytelling that engages with the realities of climate change, was previously awarded in 2025 to Abi Dalle for her novel And That’s Why I Roar. Phillips’ novel outshone other shortlisted titles, including Susanna Kwan’s tale of a flooded San Francisco in Wake Up in a Floating City and Maria Leva’s journey with a highly endangered snail in End Ring.

Judges’ Insights

Judge Friederike Otto, a professor of climate science at Imperial College London, praised “Hum” for addressing the core issues of privilege related to the climate crisis. Fellow judge and novelist Jesse Greengrass acknowledged the book’s exploration of existential anxiety, saying, “A book about how to deal with anxiety when nothing is right, or when every choice you make ends up making things worse.”

Story Overview

Set in a near-future city where super-intelligent robots known as Hams coexist with humans, the narrative centers around Mae, a mother fighting to keep her children away from addictive technology. Desperate for a natural escape, she embarks on a journey to a hidden oasis within the city, highlighting the struggles of parenthood in a technologically dominated environment.

Inspiration behind “Hum”

In a conversation with Alison Flood, Helen Phillips shared her inspirations, noting that every novel emerges from myriad small seeds. A personal incident involving targeted advertising sparked her contemplation of extreme algorithmic surveillance, subsequently shaping the central conflict faced by Mae.

Thematic Reflections

Phillips acknowledges her anxieties surrounding climate change, surveillance, and economic inequality as key influences in her writing process. A poignant quote from the book, delivered by a wise machine, states, “We know the world is damaged, but we don’t know what that means for our children’s lives.” This sentiment captures the collective fear many parents feel today.

Art Reflecting Reality

The themes in “Hum” are deeply rooted in current societal realities. Phillips reflects on Margaret Atwood’s famous quote from The Handmaid’s Tale, suggesting that many fictional narratives are extrapolations of real-life situations. This connection between reality and fiction serves to remind readers of the pressing issues at hand while allowing room for hope.

Looking Ahead

The emotional core of “Hum” resonates with the primary goal of nurturing connections—with family, the environment, and oneself. Phillips hopes that her work inspires readers to cherish what remains of nature, emphasizing the need to protect it for future generations.

The Impact of Storytelling

Phillips believes storytelling has the potential to spark meaningful discussions on climate change and human resilience. She asserts that while her writing stems from personal anxieties, it is not meant to provide direct solutions but rather to evoke curiosity and contemplation among readers.

A Commitment to Climate Fiction

Writing about climate issues has consistently been a priority for Phillips, evident even in her earlier works. Although she doesn’t set out to write a climate novel explicitly, themes of climate anxiety and environmental degradation remain central to her storytelling.

Hope for the Future

When asked about the future of her characters and humanity, Phillips emphasizes the necessity of connection, urging collective efforts to value and care for our planet. She believes that recognizing each other’s humanity is crucial in facing the climate crisis.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Finding Hope Through the Lens: How Photography Transformed a Teenager’s Cancer Journey

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In 2016, LJ was just 19 years old and on the brink of a transformative journey. After graduating from college with commendable grades, he was excited to explore the world. However, he soon discovered what seemed like a harmless lump on his neck.

“I remember finding a large lump on my neck,” he recalls. “I felt exhausted all the time. It started to interfere with my life.”

Despite visiting the doctor, LJ was convinced it was “just an infection” and delayed follow-up appointments until he was urgently called back for test results. “The doctor told me, ‘This is leukemia,’” LJ reflects. “I couldn’t believe it—cancer at my age? I didn’t even know what leukemia was back then.”

We spoke with LJ about his inspiring cancer journey, how photography became a vital coping tool during a year of intensive treatment, and how Macmillan Cancer Support played a crucial role in guiding him through pivotal decisions in his life.

LJ’s Story: A Life-Altering Diagnosis

In 2016, LJ received a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, an aggressive cancer necessitating immediate action. Instead of diving into student life, he faced grueling hospital stays with a bleak prognosis of only a 5% survival rate.

“I was stuck in a hospital bed undergoing chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants… it was overwhelming,” LJ shares. “I endured numerous procedures and constant needles…”

“The hardest part is hearing that treatments aren’t effective,” he continues. “Chemotherapy fails, radiotherapy fails, surgery fails. There’s a lot of chaos and distress. Despite your hopes and beliefs, things might not go as planned.”

LJ and his tutor Margot: discovering a passion for photography during treatment

Finding Freedom in Photography

Before his diagnosis, LJ was a typical teenager, exploring creativity, traveling, skateboarding, and enjoying time with friends in London. Suddenly, he found himself “isolated in a room or a ward”, painfully aware that days felt like they had no end.

As the walls of his physical environment closed in, LJ discovered that photography and videography opened a new world for him. By documenting his experiences through photos and videos, he created a much-needed escape: a creative outlet and a way to process his reality.

“I had a little Canon PowerShot G7 camera at the time,” he shares. “Taking photos helped me express my feelings without leaving the hospital. I could capture my emotions and enjoy the creative process. It was incredibly fulfilling.”

Macmillan’s guidance empowered LJ to make important decisions during critical moments

Macmillan Support During a Crucial Time

During this challenging treatment phase, LJ came across vital information from Macmillan Cancer Support in the form of a pamphlet, which provided essential guidance for his future. “I received a leaflet from Macmillan about cancer and fertility,” he states.

“After multiple surgeries, fertility can be affected, and I learned that I might not be able to have children,” he reveals. “The insights in that pamphlet helped me comprehend my situation significantly.”

Now, a decade after his diagnosis and in remission, the support from Macmillan has made a lasting impact on LJ’s life. “Without that booklet, I would have likely made decisions I’d regret,” he states.

Gifts in wills fund over a third of Macmillan’s services, including the resources that aided LJ, ensuring continued access to trusted cancer support, from helplines to informational booklets and community support across the UK. Having clear guidance and support from Macmillan was pivotal for LJ in making informed decisions about sperm storage at a critical time.

Thanks to Macmillan’s support, LJ is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer in young men

Why Consider Leaving a Gift to Macmillan Cancer Support in Your Will?

As LJ approaches a decade since his diagnosis, he has transformed his life, establishing himself as a skilled fashion and event photographer. You can view his remarkable portfolio here. Additionally, he is involved with Macmillan, helping to spread cancer awareness among young men.

“Macmillan helped me share my story and be heard. If my experience inspires someone to keep fighting, then I feel fulfilled,” he adds.

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer every 90 seconds. LJ understands the importance of having Macmillan’s support when it matters most, and he has a special message for those contemplating leaving a legacy gift.

“Each day, many people receive a cancer diagnosis. While no one can fully understand your feelings, having someone who can clarify information about your cancer is invaluable. That’s the kind of support Macmillan offers.”

Thanks to Macmillan’s guidance, LJ was able to better understand his situation while focusing on his passions. Your legacy gift will empower Macmillan to provide essential care to more individuals facing cancer, regardless of their background. For more information on how to leave a gift in your Will to Macmillan Cancer Support, request our free Gifting in a Will guide.


© Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity registered in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also active in Northern Ireland. A company by guarantee registered in England and Wales (company number 2400969). Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT number: 668265007

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Are Contact Lens Batteries the Future of Energy Storage?

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SEI 258681427

Faraday 2 battery developed by Superdielectrics

Superdielectrics

The innovative battery storage solution, utilizing SuperCapacitor Technology, may “jump” traditional lithium-ion batteries, transforming the landscape for renewable energy storage and use, according to its creator.

On July 8th, British firm SuperDielectrics unveiled its new prototype storage system, dubbed the Faraday 2, at an event in central London. Incorporating a polymer designed for contact lenses, this system boasts a lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries but claims numerous advantages, such as quicker charging, enhanced safety, reduced costs, and a recyclable framework.

“The current energy storage market at home is reminiscent of the computer market around 1980,” said SuperDielectrics’ Marcus Scott while addressing journalists and investors. “Access to clean, reliable, and affordable electricity isn’t a future goal; it’s now a practical reality, and we believe we are creating the technology to support it.”

Energy storage is pivotal for the global transition to green energy, crucial for providing stable electricity despite the intermittent nature of wind and solar power. While lithium-ion batteries dominate the storage technology market, they present challenges, including high costs, limited resources, complex recycling processes, and safety risks like overheating explosions.

With its aqueous battery design grounded in supercapacitor technology, SuperDielectrics aims to address these challenges. Supercapacitors store energy on material surfaces, facilitating extremely rapid charge and discharge cycles, albeit with lower energy density.

The company’s design employs a zinc electrolyte, separated from the carbon electrode by a polymer membrane. SuperDielectrics asserts that this membrane technology is cost-effective, utilizing abundant raw materials, thus unlocking a new generation of supercapacitors with significant energy storage capabilities.

During the event, the company’s CEO Jim Heathcote mentioned that the technology could outperform lithium-ion systems in renewable energy storage.

The Faraday 2 builds on the earlier Faraday 1 prototype launched last year, claiming to double the energy density. The Faraday 2 operates at 1-40 Wh/kg, allowing for faster charging times, which will harness fleeting spikes in renewable energy production, as noted by Heathcote.

However, Gareth Hinds from the UK National Physical Laboratory points out that the technology still lags behind lithium-ion batteries, which can achieve around 300 Wh/kg at the cell level. Andrew Abbott of the University of Leicester adds that the energy density now offered by SuperDielectrics is akin to that of lead-acid batteries commonly used in automobiles and backup power systems. “There are no immediate plans among leading manufacturers to transition,” he states.

Marcus Newborough, scientific advisor at SuperDielectrics, acknowledges that they are still “on a journey” to enhance the system’s energy density. “We are aware of our high theoretical energy density,” he mentioned, noting the company’s commitment to realizing this potential in the coming years, aiming for a commercial energy storage solution ready for launch by the end of 2027.

Despite the optimism, Hinds remains skeptical about the technology competing with lithium-ion batteries regarding energy density. “Clearly, it’s an early-stage development, and while they continue to push for higher energy density, achieving lithium-ion levels is a significant challenge due to strict limitations,” he comments.

Nonetheless, he suggests that there could be a market for larger storage solutions that provide lower energy density but at a much more affordable price than lithium-ion batteries and with a longer lifespan.

Sam Cooper from Imperial College, London, concurs: “If we can develop a system offering equal energy storage capacity to the Tesla Powerwall, regardless of size or weight, and at a cost of 95% less, that would represent a groundbreaking achievement.”

Source: www.newscientist.com

Behind the Lens: Bending Back for Good Fortune in Global Development

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gMy experience in Columbia and online rowing has shaped my artistic expression. My identity blossomed within a country rife with superficial, conservative values—where happiness coexists with violence, and where men pray to virgins while sometimes resorting to lethal actions against others.

The internet offered me a sanctuary, a place where I could explore who I wanted to be. As a sensitive young girl, it helped me discover my personality and interests, even as it distanced me from the tangible world, leaving me to ponder my existence and perspectives.

In 2023, after leaving home and embarking on my journey of self-discovery, I became enthralled by online self-help culture, particularly the pseudo-psychic phenomenon known as Hashtag Lucky Girl Syndrome. TikTok promised a new life of dreams through specific audio tracks, like “layer frequency,” gentle synths, and mystical elements such as Reverse Wispel’s Ayyams. Users claimed, “If you hear this, step into a new chapter. Expect your blessing within 24 hours.”

I longed to embody this lucky girl who could attain all her desires by meticulously following these rituals. While part of me engaged with it ironically, another segment of my being genuinely resonated with it.

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This image embodies Lucky Girl Syndrome, a facet of my project born from deep online exploration. I aimed to engage with this obsession to distance myself. In my bedroom, I craft mood boards, adorning the walls with printed affirmations sourced online. Some resonate deeply, while others satirize the culture with humor: “I’m in my safe zone.” “I’m not clenching my chin right now.” “The angel is observing 333.” “I shine”; “Click to save.”

I noticed that these positive visuals often featured luminous orbs, symbolizing the feelings we aspire to embody. I aimed to construct a theatrical environment that could personify various interpretations of lucky girls. This includes Yogi’s version of a lucky girl who embraces retrospection for fortune.

The Lucky Girl Syndrome Project represents a hopeful critique of how girls like me find solace in our devices and personal spaces as gateways to health and self-improvement. Yet, it extends beyond that; I’m keenly interested in questioning the constructs surrounding female identity. Cosmetic surgery has become commonplace in a culture where beauty equates to worth, while Catholic morals continue to influence gender roles, family dynamics, and perceptions of sexuality.

Source: www.theguardian.com

View of Earth from a 6,000 km orbit through a 2 mm lens

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Credit: University of Maribor

Equipped with a miniature camera, the TRISAT-R CubeSat captured unique images of the Earth from 6,000 km, contributing to ESA’s research on medium-Earth orbit and digital imaging effects.

Partially shadowed Earth in the distance as seen from orbit at an altitude of 6,000 km (3,700 miles). This unusual image was obtained using a very small camera. It measures just 2 mm (0.08 inches), about the size of the end of a 20 euro cent (or US nickel). This is part of a small-scale technology experiment carried out on his shoebox-sized TRISAT-R CubeSat at ESA.

Iztok Kramberger, TRISAT-R project manager at the University of Maribor, explains: “This tiny camera, less than 2 cubic millimeters in size, captured images of an object of about 1 trillion cubic kilometers – our beautiful Earth – from thousands of kilometers away.”

A CubeSat made from three standardized 10 cm (4 inch) boxes, Trisat R This is Slovenia’s second space mission, with Europe’s first Vega-C launch last year reaching the relatively harsh environment of medium-Earth orbit at an altitude of 6,000 km (3,700 miles). The mission’s orbit passes through the core of the ionosphere (the electrically active layer of Earth’s atmosphere) and the inner Van Allen radiation belt.

The side cover size of TRISAT-R CubeSat is 10×10 cm. In the center you can see the photodiode (the white part in the middle) and the camera (the small black dot next to the diode and directly above the image). In the center of the camera, you can see a 2 x 2 mm camera lens with a 120 degree field of view. The lens is made from clear, radiation-resistant borosilicate glass and is attached directly to the image sensor below, providing 320 x 320 pixels.Credit: University of Maribor

This will enable TRISAT-R to test a range of radiation detection payloads. In addition, the TRISAT-R team mounted his two miniature cameras with lenses made of clear borosilicate glass directly onto a 320×320 pixel image sensor to provide limited radiation resistance. Ta.

Dr. Cranberger added: “These highly miniaturized cameras are not intended to perform ground imagery, so the resulting images of the Earth are very low resolution. Also, the TRISAT-R satellite uses magnetorque for attitude control. accurate pointing is difficult to achieve.

“Our main interest was in capturing an example of the ‘black sun effect’, which is common in terrestrial digital image processing, where pixel oversaturation can cause very bright areas to appear dark. We were successful in these investigations and were fortunate to be able to obtain images like this one. ”

ESA supported the manufacturing, assembly and testing of TRISAT-R through the ‘Fly’ element of the Integrated Support Technology Program, opening up on-orbit demonstration opportunities for European companies.

Located in a unique and challenging orbit, TRISAT-R’s commissioning phase is scheduled to conclude later this month, including 16 months of successful on-orbit operations.

Source: scitechdaily.com