Ask HN: Novelty ideas or concepts worth exploring?

It feels lately that everywhere I look seems to be a recyclement of the same ideas and same concepts, repeating over and over again, lacking novelty.

In an attempt to escape this bubble, my question to you, HN, is this:

- What did you learn recently that was surprisingly fresh and different? What concept or idea has been the last to grab your attention and is driving you to explore more deeply? Links are welcome, articles, book suggestions, videos, or maybe (and perhaps even better) software projects?