In unusual but true stories this week, we have 3D printing enabling a breakthrough in lab-grown human hair, a street art trail inspired by the Harry Potter map, a close-knit community, a Turkish beekeeper growing a "bee beard" for Guinness World Records, and the world's most energy-efficient vehicle.

All the odd and interesting anecdotes from around the world are here in our review.

3D printing to grow hair: A potential cure for baldness

Researchers from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center are making headway in their work to treat human baldness thanks to 3D printing.

The team, led by Angela Christiano, has found a way to grow human hair in a dish using stem cells and 3D printed plastic molds that mimic the natural microenvironment of hair follicles.

For the first time, scientists have successfully generated human hair follicles in a dish without the need for skin implantation. This achievement is owed in part to 3D printing technologies, which enabled the research team to closely recreate the 3D environment in which human hair cells live.

Harry Potter map inspires Dunstable street art trail

The Marauder's map in the Harry Potter books has been the inspiration for a town's art trail, according to the BBC. Dunstable's Invisible Street Art Trail has black and white maps showing more than 20 artworks on pavements that are only revealed in the rain.

Primary school teacher and artist Claire London used pavement stencils which were created with a spray that only becomes visible when wet.

Joanne Bowes, one of the people behind the trail, said she hopes it will get people interested in the town's history.

The works include: Mad Hatters, to represent the hat factories that used to be along the High Street; Footprints, for remembrance, next to the Priory Church; Lions, a nod to the chalk lion that overlooks the Dunstable Downs.

A woolly replica of community

A group of hardworking knitting enthusiasts known as the Yarn Bombers have created a mini woolen version of their hometown including the local pub, post office and church, according to the Daily Mail.

The seven-strong team have spent the last two years furiously threading the quiet high street of Thrapston in Northamptonshire, complete with hanging baskets and pedestrians.

Turkish beekeeper grows 'bee beard' for Guinness World Record

Turkish beekeeper Abdulvahap Semo made his third attempt to set a record for bee wearing in the Guinness World Records in Van province, Turkey, according to CGTN.

He managed to attract bees weighing a whopping 10 kilograms during this attempt, which was better than his second attempt in 2016, which attracted bees weighing six kilograms.

Before growing a "bee beard" on his body, he first calmed down the bees with a prepared smoke and then covered his body with bees by grabbing them from the beehive.

The fearless beekeeper said his body was immune to bee stings as he has been harvesting honey for 33 years. However, he needs to increase his record by six times to qualify for the new Guinness World Record.

Eximus IV claims world's most energy efficient vehicle

Once a year, the Delsbo Electric contest in Sweden challenges students to create and improve on the world's most energy-efficient vehicles.

This year's champ, the Eximus IV, smashed all previous records with 0.603 watt-hours per person per kilometer. For the entire six-person sled, the efficiency works out around 687 MPGe.

Team Eximus, a joint effort between Dalarna University and Chalmers Technical University, has become a bit of a legend in the Delsbo contest, setting new world efficiency records every year since the team's debut in 2016.

The contest takes place on rails, to minimize rolling resistance, and requires contestants to drive 3.36 kilometers carrying six passengers with an average weight of 50 kilograms per person.