ScienceDaily: Technology - December 16, 2024
Top technology research news
Researchers discover new third class of magnetism that could transform digital devices
A new class of magnetism called altermagnetism has been imaged for the first time in a new study. The findings could lead to the development of new magnetic memory devices with the potential to increase operation speeds of up to a thousand times.
Image: snapgalleria/Shutterstock.com
Particle that only has mass when moving in one direction observed for first time
For the first time, scientists have observed a collection of particles, also known as a quasiparticle, that's massless when moving one direction but has mass in the other direction. The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to the researchers.
AI tool analyzes placentas at birth for faster detection of neonatal, maternal problems
A newly developed tool that harnesses computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) may help clinicians from around the globe rapidly evaluate placentas at birth, potentially improving neonatal and maternal care. Early identification of placental infection could help mothers and babies receive antibiotics. The tool would be helpful for doctors in low-resource areas with no pathology labs or specialists to quickly spot issues. And in well-resourced hospitals, it could help doctors determine which placentas need a closer look.
Astrophysicists capture astonishing images of gamma-ray flare from supermassive black hole M87
The galaxy M87, located in the Virgo constellation, provided the first-ever photo of a black hole in 2019, when the Event Horizon Telescope captured an image of the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's center. An international research team has now observed a teraelectronvolt gamma-ray flare seven orders of magnitude -- tens of millions of times -- larger than the event horizon, or surface of the black hole itself. A flare of this intensity -- which has not been observed in over a decade -- can offer crucial insights into how particles, such as electrons and positrons, are accelerated in the extreme environments near black holes.
New device produces critical fertilizer ingredient from thin air, cutting carbon emissions
A new prototype device demonstrates an innovative approach to producing ammonia -- a key component of fertilizer -- that could transform an industry responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Heart of Jovian moon's volcanic rage
A new study points to why, and how, Io became the most volcanic body in the solar system.
Planets form through domino effect
New radio astronomy observations of a planetary system in the process of forming show that once the first planets form close to the central star, these planets can help shepherd the material to form new planets farther out. In this way each planet helps to form the next, like a line of falling dominos each triggering the next in turn.
Ligand-engineered copper nanoclusters could help combat CO2 emissions
We might all be able to breathe a bit easier thanks to copper nanoclusters that can help us reduce carbon emissions through an electrochemical reaction.
AI-powered blood test first to spot earliest sign of breast cancer
A new screening method that combines laser analysis with a type of AI is the first of its kind to identify patients in the earliest stage of breast cancer, a study suggests.
Image tool to help AI scour wildlife shots for climate change clues
A new AI image tool could aid the development of algorithms to analyse wildlife images to help improve understanding of how species around the world are responding to climate change, a study suggests.
Bringing the power of tabletop precision lasers for quantum science to the chip scale
For experiments that require ultra-precise measurements and control over atoms -- think two-photon atomic clocks, cold-atom interferometer sensors and quantum gates -- lasers are the technology of choice, the more spectrally pure (emitting a single color/frequency), the better. Conventional lab-scale laser technology currently achieves this ultra low-noise, stable light via bulky, costly tabletop systems designed to generate, harness and emit photons within a narrow spectral range.
Metal scrap upcycled into high-value alloys with solid phase manufacturing
Solid phase manufacturing can create new custom metal alloys through an innovative process called solid phase alloying, researchers report.
Scientists collect 'microbial fingerprints' found in household plumbing
Household plumbing is alive with microbes; environmental engineers are working to study those ecosystems to ensure clean water flows in homes.
Researchers succeed in controlling quantum states in a new energy range
An international research team has controlled hybrid electron-photon quantum states in helium atoms. Control of these special quantum states was enabled by the pulse formation of very intense, extreme ultraviolet radiation. This method introduces the possibility not only of studying quantum mechanical effects in atoms and molecules, but also of controlling chemical reactions.
Mothers bear the brunt of the 'mental load,' managing 7 in 10 household tasks
The study, conducted in the US, found that mothers take on seven in ten (71%) of all household mental load tasks.
New chemical structures show vastly improved carbon capture ability
Researchers have synthesized new molecules able to quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, an important tactic in climate change mitigation.
Researchers reduce bias in AI models while preserving or improving accuracy
Researchers developed an AI debiasing technique that improves the fairness of a machine-learning model by boosting its performance for subgroups that are underrepresented in its training data, while maintaining its overall accuracy.
Breakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality
A research team has developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that could power next-generation wearable devices using body heat, eliminating the need for batteries.
Stars similar to the Sun produce a gigantic outburst of radiation on average about once every hundred years per star. Such superflares release more energy than a trillion hydrogen bombs and make all previously recorded solar flares pale in comparison. This estimate is based on an inventory of 56450 sun-like stars. It shows that previous studies have significantly underestimated the eruptive potential of these stars. In data from NASA's space telescope Kepler, superflaring, sun-like stars can be found ten to a hundred times more frequently than previously assumed. The Sun, too, is likely capable of similarly violent eruptions.
Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: confirming thermal insights for tiny circuits
A team of researchers unlock heat flow principles in ultra-thin metals, paving the way for faster, smaller, more efficient computer chips.
Porous crystals detect nitric oxide
Detection of nitric oxide (NO) is important for monitoring air quality because the NO released in the combustion of fossil fuels contributes to acid rain and smog. In medicine, NO is an important messenger molecule and serves as a biomarker for asthma. A research team reports a material that can detect NO reversibly, with low power, and with high sensitivity and selectivity: a copper-containing, electrically conducting, two-dimensional metal--organic framework.
Diversity and inclusion accelerate the pace of innovation in robotics
Diverse and inclusive teams are not merely a moral imperative but also a catalyst for scientific excellence in robotics, scientists point out in a study. The team has outlined how a scientific community can benefit if its leadership fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion, and propose a leadership guide for roboticists to help reap these benefits.
'Us' vs. 'them' biases plague AI, too
A study by a team of scientists finds that AI systems are also prone to social identity biases, revealing fundamental group prejudices that reach beyond those tied to gender, race, or religion.
Copper-oxide (CuO2) superconductors, such as Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+ (Bi2212), have unusually high critical temperatures. Optical reflectivity measurements of Bi2212 have shown that it exhibits strong optical anisotropy. However, this has not been studied through optical transmittance measurements, which can offer more direct insights into bulk properties. Now, researchers have elucidated the origin of this optical anisotropy through ultraviolet and visible light transmittance measurements of lead-doped Bi2212 single crystals, enabling a more precise investigation into its superconductivity mechanisms.
Smallest molecular machine: Reversible sliding motion in ammonium-linked ferrocene
Ferrocene is a key molecule for developing molecular machines. However, it readily decomposes on the surface of flat noble metal substrates, marking a significant challenge. Now researchers have stabilized ferrocene by linking it with ammonium salts and trapping them in a molecular film made up of cyclic crown ether molecules. The ammonium-linked molecule performs reversible lateral sliding motion upon the application of electrical voltage, representing the smallest molecular machine.
Researcher discovers new technique for infrared 'color' detection and imaging
A researcher has developed a new technique to detect long wave infrared (LWIR) photons of different wavelengths or 'colors.' The new detection and imaging technique will have applications in analyzing materials by their spectral properties, or spectroscopic imaging, as well as thermal imaging applications.
Molecular interactions: Spirals and waves
Non-reciprocal interactions can increase the order in an active system. The researchers created a model to describe the emerging patterns depending on the amount of non-reciprocity in an active system.
Researchers 3D print compact, low-cost vortex beam generators
Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM), a form of rotational energy that can carry more data than regular beams.
AI-based tool for pancreatic cancer diagnostics
Researchers have successfully developed a deep learning model that classifies pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer, into molecular subtypes using histopathology images. This approach achieves high accuracy and offers a rapid, cost-effective alternative to current methods that rely on expensive molecular assays. The new study holds promise to advance personalized treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers develop new methods to generate and improve magnetism of 2D materials
Researchers have unlocked a new method for producing one class of 2D material and for supercharging its magnetic properties.
Artificial intelligence improves mammography-based risk prediction
The future of breast cancer screening and risk-reducing strategies is being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), according to a recent review article.
Researchers uncover strong light-matter interactions in quantum spin liquids
Theoretical physicists along with an experimental team have found evidence of a quantum spin liquid in a material known as pyrochlore cerium stannate. They achieved this by combining state-of-the-art experimental techniques, including neutron scattering at extremely low temperatures, with theoretical analysis. By measuring the way in which neutrons interact magnetically with the electron spin in pyrochlore, the researchers observed the collective excitations of spins interacting strongly with light-like waves.
Universal barcodes unlock fast-paced small molecule synthesis
Scientists have leveraged fundamental features of chemical building blocks to transform chemical reaction analysis from minutes to milliseconds.
A new galaxy, much like our own
Stunning new photographs by a team of astronomers have revealed a newly forming galaxy that looks remarkably similar to a young Milky Way. The extraordinary images give us an unprecedented picture of what our own galaxy might have looked like when it was being born.
Study urges Canada to build solar power mega-projects
Canada should focus on building mass utility-scale solar mega-projects to kickstart its green energy transition, according to a new report. The recommendation comes from a new article which looks at the current state of solar power and compares the benefits of both mass-scale projects and smaller, decentralized approached like individual homes and commercial buildings installing their own solar panels.
AI thought knee X-rays show if you drink beer -- they don't
A new study highlights a hidden challenge of using AI in medical imaging research -- the phenomenon of highly accurate yet potentially misleading results known as 'shortcut learning.' The researchers analyzed thousands of knee X-rays and found that AI models can 'predict' unrelated and implausible traits such as whether patients abstained from eating refried beans or beer. While these predictions have no medical basis, the models achieved high levels of accuracy by exploiting subtle and unintended patterns in the data.
Minuscule robots for targeted drug delivery
An interdisciplinary team has created tiny bubble-like microrobots that can deliver therapeutics right where they are needed and then be absorbed by the body.
Noninvasive imaging method can penetrate deeper into living tissue
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique that enables laser light to penetrate deeper into living tissue, capturing sharper images of cells. This could help clinical biologists study disease progression and develop new medicines.
Adoption of AI calls for new kind of communication competence from sales managers
Artificial intelligence, AI, is rapidly transforming work also in the financial sector. A recent study explored how integrating AI into the work of sales teams affects the interpersonal communication competence required of sales managers. The study found that handing routine tasks over to AI improved efficiency and freed up sales managers' time for more complex tasks. However, as the integration of AI progressed, sales managers faced new kind of communication challenges, including those related to overcoming fears and resistance to change.
Researchers harness copper versatility to enable control of CO2 reduction products
Just like we recycle waste, repurposing excess CO2 from the atmosphere could be one way to abate the worsening climate crisis. In electrochemical reduction, CO2 is converted into industrial products like carbon monoxide, methane, or ethanol. However, scientists have difficulty tailoring the reaction to produce specific products. Now, an international research team has harnessed the versatility of copper to find a solution to this conundrum.
Eyes on the Sun: Naked thallium-205 ion decay reveals history over millions of years
The Sun generates its tremendous energy through the process of nuclear fusion. At the same time it releases a continuous stream of neutrinos -- particles that serve as messengers of its internal dynamics. Although modern neutrino detectors unveil the Sun's present behavior, significant questions linger about its stability over periods of millions of years. Finding answers to this is the goal of the LORandite EXperiment (LOREX).
'Superman' bacteria offer a sustainable boost to chemical production
Industry -- particularly the pharmaceutical industry -- is deeply reliant on bacteria in their production. Now, researchers present a 'superman suit' to put on the bacteria, so that they can produce chemicals with less energy, fewer solvents, and reduced waste.
Breakthrough in zinc-based rechargeable batteries: A safer, sustainable alternative
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power everything from electric vehicles to wearable devices. But new research suggests that a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative may lie in zinc-based batteries.
Milestone 10-GeV experiment shines light on laser-plasma interactions
With dual lasers, researchers have accelerated a high-quality beam of electrons to 10 billion electronvolts in just 30 centimeters. The experiment gives scientists a 'frame-by-frame' look at how a petawatt laser interacts with a long plasma channel, knowledge that's crucial for building future compact particle accelerators.
Mapping the nanoscale architecture of functional materials
Researchers have pioneered a new technique called X-ray linear dichroic orientation tomography, which probes the orientation of a material's building blocks at the nanoscale in three-dimensions. First applied to study a polycrystalline catalyst, the technique allows the visualization of crystal grains, grain boundaries and defects -- key factors determining catalyst performance. Beyond catalysis, the technique allows previously inaccessible insights into the structure of diverse functional materials, including those used in information technology, energy storage and biomedical applications.
Enabling AI to explain its predictions in plain language
Researchers developed a system that converts AI explanations into narrative text that can be more easily understood by users. This system could help people determine when to trust a model's predictions.
Researchers discovered that three-layer graphene can naturally self-organize into specific stacking patterns (ABA/ABC domains) during growth on silicon carbide, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. This breakthrough could enable scalable production of quantum devices.
Better environmental performance boosts profits and cuts costs
Using a new calculation method, researchers found in an international comparative study that investors value corporate environmental performance more than mere information disclosure. In some developed countries, beyond sustainability efforts, companies can improve environmental efficiency to enhance economic performance.
Scientists develop coating for enhanced thermal imaging through hot windows
A team of scientists has solved a long-standing problem in thermal imaging, making it possible to capture clear images of objects through hot windows.
A greener, cleaner way to extract cobalt from 'junk' materials
As the demand for lithium-ion batteries escalates with the proliferation of mobile phone, electric vehicles and even pacemakers, key components in these powerhouses, like cobalt, face significant ethical and environmental concerns related to their extraction. Now, scientists have pioneered a safer, more sustainable solution to separate cobalt from ores or recycled materials via precipitate.
Research shows feasting fungi could revolutionize carbon-fiber recycling
A new biotechnological process shows how to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber reinforced polymers so that recovered carbon fiber plies exhibit mechanical properties comparable to those of virgin manufacturing substrates.
A new discovery about the source of the vast energy in cosmic rays
New research suggests that these ultra-high energy rays derive their energy from magnetic turbulence.
Researchers have realized a new design for a superconducting quantum processor, aiming at a potential architecture for the large-scale, durable devices the quantum revolution demands. Unlike the typical quantum chip design that lays the information-processing qubits onto a 2-D grid, the team has designed a modular quantum processor comprising a reconfigurable router as a central hub. This enables any two qubits to connect and entangle, where in the older system, qubits can only talk to the qubits physically nearest to them.
Breakthrough in the precision engineering of four-stranded beta-sheets
A newly developed approach can precisely produce four-stranded beta-sheets through metal-peptide coordination, report researchers. Their innovative methodology overcomes long-standing challenges in controlled -sheet formation, including fibril aggregation and uncontrolled isomeric variation in the final product. This breakthrough could advance the study and application of -sheets in biotechnology and nanotechnology.
New algorithm boosts multitasking in quantum machine learning
When a quantum computer processes data, it must translate it into understandable quantum data. Algorithms that carry out this 'quantum compilation' typically optimize one target at a time. However, a team has created an algorithm capable of optimizing multiple targets at once, effectively enabling a quantum machine to multitask.
Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers
Nanostructured two-dimensional gold monolayers offer possibilities in catalysis, electronics, and nanotechnology.
Shape-changing device helps visually impaired people perform location task as well as sighted people
A groundbreaking piece of navigation technology that uses the ability to sense information through touch can help people with visual impairment perform a location task as well as sighted people, according to new research.
For human researchers, it takes many years of work to discover new super-resolution microscopy techniques. The number of possible optical configurations of a microscope -- for example, where to place mirrors or lenses -- is enormous. Researchers have now developed an artificial intelligence (AI) framework which autonomously discovers new experimental designs in microscopy. The framework, called XLuminA, performs optimizations 10,000 times faster than well-established methods.
Delivering medicines with microscopic 'flowers'
Using microparticles consisting of extremely thin petals, medicines can be delivered via the bloodstream in a precisely targeted manner, for example to a tumour or blood clot. Ultrasound and other acoustic procedures guide the particles through the body and reveal their locations. This makes the particles easy to deploy, as ultrasound procedures are common practice in medicine.
Empowering older adults with home-care robots
The rapidly increasing aging population will lead to a shortage of care providers in the future. While robotic technologies are a potential alternative, their widespread use is limited by poor acceptance. In a new study, researchers have examined a user-centric approach to understand the factors influencing user willingness among caregivers and recipients in Japan, Ireland, and Finland. Users' perspectives can aid the development of home-care robots with better acceptance.