ScienceDaily: Technology - December 09, 2024
Top technology research news
Controlling matter at the atomic level
Physicists are getting closer to controlling single-molecule chemical reactions -- could this shape the future of pharmaceutical research?
Image: Alexandr Iaremchuk/Shutterstock.com
Less is more: Why an economical Iridium catalyst works so well
Iridium-based catalysts are needed to produce hydrogen using water electrolysis. Now, a team has shown that the newly developed P2X catalyst, which requires only a quarter of the Iridium, is as efficient and stable over time as the best commercial catalyst. Measurements at BESSY II have now revealed how the special chemical environment in the P2X catalyst during electrolysis promotes the oxygen evolution reaction during water splitting.
Neem seed extract improves effectiveness of pesticide
A research group has developed an innovative pesticide delivery system called nanopesticides. These tiny technologies could change how we use pesticides.
New shape-changing polymer developed
A team of scientists has created a new shape-changing polymer that could transform how future soft materials are constructed.
Magnetically controlled kirigami surfaces move objects: No grasping needed
Researchers have developed a novel device that couples magnetic fields and kirigami design principles to remotely control the movement of a flexible dimpled surface, allowing it to manipulate objects without actually grasping them -- making it useful for lifting and moving items such as fragile objects, gels or liquids. The technology has potential for use in confined spaces, where robotic arms or similar tools aren't an option.
Hybrid theory offers new way to model disturbed complex systems
In fields ranging from immunology and ecology to economics and thermodynamics, multi-scale complex systems are ubiquitous. They are also notoriously difficult to model. Conventional approaches take either a bottom-up or top-down approach. But in disturbed systems, such as a post-fire forest ecosystem or a society in a pandemic, these unidirectional models can't capture the interactions between the small-scale behaviors and the system-level properties. Scientists have worked to resolve this challenge by building a hybrid method that links bottom-up behaviors and top-down causation in a single theory.
A team of interdisciplinary scientists has developed flexible fibers with self-healing, light-emitting and magnetic properties. The Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fiber is bendable, emits highly visible light, and can automatically repair itself after being cut, regaining nearly 100 per cent of its original brightness. In addition, the fiber can be powered wirelessly and manipulated physically using magnetic forces.
From chip shop to pit stop -- scientists make old cooking oil biofuel as efficient as diesel
A new way to produce fuels made from leftover fat can create biofuel as effective as diesel and 1000-times more efficiently than current methods a new study has suggested.
AI beats experts in predicting future quality of 'mini-organs'
Researchers have developed a model that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict organoid development at an early stage. The model, which is faster and more accurate than expert researchers, could improve the efficiency and lower the cost of culturing organoids.
New biodegradable material to replace certain microplastics
Researchers developed biodegradable materials that could replace the plastic micro-beads now used in beauty products. The materials could also be used to encapsulate nutrients for food fortification.
Speaking crystal: AI learns language of atom arrangements in solids
A new artificial intelligence model can predict how atoms arrange themselves in crystal structures.
Bird-inspired drone can jump for take-off
Researchers have built a drone that can walk, hop, and jump into flight with the aid of birdlike legs, greatly expanding the range of potential environments accessible to unmanned aerial vehicles.
How neighborhood enhances cooperation
Helping out your neighbor or minding your own business? A challenging choice with different benefits for each decision. Game theory provides guidance in making such choices -- from a theoretical perspective. Novel findings reveal new network structures that enhance cooperation throughout a system. These insights have potential applications also in biology.
So you want to build a solar or wind farm? Here's how to decide where
A new study shows the benefits of coordinating the siting of solar farms, wind farms, and storage systems, taking into account local and temporal variations in wind, sunlight, and energy demand. This approach maximizes the utilization of renewable resources and reduces costs.
Imaging technique allows rapid assessment of ovarian cancer subtypes and their response to treatment
An MRI-based imaging technique predicts the response of ovarian cancer tumors to treatment, and rapidly reveals how well treatment is working, in patient-derived cell models.
Autonomous imaging robot plays a crucial role in assessing embryos' response to environmental change
The opensource LabEmbryoCam uses 3D-printed components to form a robotic microscope and is the result of over a decade of research at the University of Plymouth. Its creators say the instrument can autonomously monitor the earliest stages of development in any aquatic species.
Shaking sensor continuously monitors inflammation
First-of-its-kind sensor monitors fluctuating proteins within the body in real time. In an animal study, device accurately tracked biomarkers of inflammation. Device also could track protein markers for other illnesses, including heart failure.
Particle research gets closer to answering why we're here
Physicists have outlined the next 10 years of global research into the behavior of neutrinos, particles so tiny that they pass through virtually everything by the trillions every second at nearly the speed of light.
Analyzing multiple mammograms improves breast cancer risk prediction
A new method of analyzing mammograms identified individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer more accurately than the standard, questionnaire-based method did. The new method, powered by artificial intelligence, could help diagnose cancer earlier and guide recommendations for earlier screening, additional imaging or risk-reducing medications.
Astronomers witness the in situ spheroid formation in distant submillimetre-bright galaxies
Researchers have used the ALMA telescope and found old elliptical galaxies in the universe can form from intense star formation within early galaxy cores.
Researchers use data from citizen scientists to uncover the mysteries of a blue low-latitude aurora
Colorful auroras appeared around Japan's Honshu and Hokkaido islands on May 11, 2024, sparked by an intense magnetic storm. Usually, auroras observed at low latitudes appear red due to the emission of oxygen atoms. But on this day, a salmon pink aurora was observed throughout the night, while an unusually tall, blue-dominant aurora appeared shortly before midnight.
New research measures vibrations that make city bus rides uncomfortable
To improve the riding experience and safety, the research team has identified several potential enhancements, including better suspension systems, redesigned seats to absorb vibrations more effectively, and driver monitoring systems to encourage smoother driving practices.
Iberian Neolithic societies had a deep knowledge of archery techniques and materials
A research team has made exceptional discoveries on prehistoric archery from the early Neolithic period, 7,000 years ago. The well organic preservation of the remains of the Cave of Los Murcielagos in Albunol, Granada, made it possible for scientists to identify the oldest bowstrings in Europe, which were made from the tendons of three animal species. The use of olive and reed wood and birch bark pitch in the making of arrows reveals an unprecedented degree of precision and technical mastery, as highlighted in the study. The discoveries redefine the limits of our knowledge about the earliest agricultural societies in Europe and provide a unique view on ancestral archery materials and practices.
Helping robots make good decisions in real time
An innovative algorithm called Spectral Expansion Tree Search helps autonomous robotic systems make optimal choices on the move.
A new way to create realistic 3D shapes using generative AI
An AI method enables the generation of sharp, high-quality 3D shapes that are closer to the quality of the best 2D image models. Previous approaches typically generated blurry or cartoonish 3D shapes.
Research study shows the cost-effectiveness of AI-enhanced heart failure screening
Earlier research showed that primary care clinicians using AI-ECG tools identified more unknown cases of a weak heart pump, also called low ejection fraction, than without AI. New study findings suggest that this type of screening is also cost-effective in the long term, especially in outpatient settings.
Manta rays inspire fast swimming soft robot yet
A team of researchers has beaten its own record for the fastest swimming soft robot, drawing inspiration from manta rays to improve their ability to control the robot's movement in the water.
How non-toxic and efficient solar cells can be produced
Large-scale production of organic solar cells with high efficiency and minimal environmental impact. In the study, the researchers studied molecule shape and interaction in organic solar cells.
Massive asteroid impacts did not change Earth's climate in the long term
Two massive asteroids hit Earth around 35.65 million years ago, but did not lead to any lasting changes in the Earth's climate, according to a new study.
Milestone in defining electrical units
Scientists carried out an experiment that realizes a new kind of quantum standard of resistance. It's based on the Quantum Anomalous Hall Effect.
A catalyst can turn methane into something useful
Chemical engineers designed a catalyst that can convert methane into useful polymers, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Preventing brain injury complications with specialized optical fibers
Fiber optics are a means of transmitting information at incredibly high speeds; however, the technology can be used for more than just providing a fast internet connection. Researchers have developed an optical fiber sensing system that could help medical professionals monitor patients for complications after a traumatic brain injury. The technology tracks six biomarkers simultaneously, continuously and automatically to provide crucial information on brain health in lab tests.
AI helps researchers dig through old maps to find lost oil and gas wells
Undocumented orphaned wells pose hazards to both the environment and the climate. Scientists are building modern tools to help locate, assess, and pave the way for ultimately plugging these forgotten relics.
CRISPR-Cas technology: Balancing efficiency and safety
Researchers have uncovered a serious side effect of using the CRISPR-Cas gene scissors. A molecule designed to make the process more efficient destroys parts of the genome.
Largest study of CTE in male ice hockey players finds odds increased 34% with each year played
A large study, of 77 deceased male ice hockey players, has found that the odds of having chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) increased by 34% each year played, and 18 of 19 National Hockey League players had CTE. CTE is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated traumatic brain injuries and most frequently found in former contact sport athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts (RHI). While many perceive CTE risk as limited to enforcers, this study makes it clear that all male ice hockey players are at risk.
Astronomers close to solving mystery of how universe's giant galaxies formed
Astrophysicists find the birth sites of gigantic elliptical galaxies which they say gives new clues about how they were formed. The galaxies look like bulging footballs and how they were created remains a mystery to scientists -- until now.
New research reveals the unique human ability to conceptualize numbers may be rooted deep within the brain.
Record efficiency: Tandem solar cells made from perovskite and organic material
Trying to improve the efficiency of solar cells to become independent from fossil energy sources is a major goal of solar cell research. Physicists now combine perovskite with organic absorbers to form a record-level tandem solar cell.
The hydrogen atoms of [4Fe-4S] type ferredoxin, one of the electron carriers, have been visualized and both experiments and calculations have revealed the mechanisms that control the redox potential. Aspartic acid (Asp64) located a distance away from the [4Fe-4S] cluster of ferredoxin, was found to be the control switch, an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.
Training AI through human interactions instead of datasets
Researchers have developed a platform to help AI learn to perform complex tasks more like humans. Called 'GUIDE,' it works by allowing humans to observe AI's actions in real-time and provide ongoing, nuanced feedback. Rather than relying on huge datasets, human trainers offer detailed guidance that fosters incremental improvements and deeper understanding. In its debut study, GUIDE helps AI learn how best to play hide-and-seek.
Microfiber plastics appear to tumble, roll and move slowly in the environment
The first-known direct observations of the movement of microfiber plastics through a thin layer of soil-like particles show that they tend to tumble, roll and sometimes get stuck in spaces. The findings mean that the fibers could get easily trapped in sediment. The work helps to improve understanding of the exposure risks and possible health impacts of the pervasive pieces of plastic, which are the largest pollutant in the world by mass.
New hydrogel could preserve waterlogged wood from shipwrecks
From the RMS Titanic to the SS Endurance, shipwrecks offer valuable -- yet swiftly deteriorating -- windows into the past. Conservators slowly dry marine wooden artifacts to preserve them but doing so can inflict damage. To better care for delicate marine artifacts, researchers have developed a new hydrogel that quickly neutralizes harmful acids and stabilized waterlogged wood from an 800-year-old shipwreck.
A study of American and Canadian universities found most are including climate change in the curriculum for future urban planners, but they vary widely in their approaches to preparing the future professionals for mitigating, adapting to and being resilient to climate change in their profession.
New bioprinting technique creates functional tissue 10x faster
Researchers have developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses spheroids, which are clusters of cells, to create complex tissue. This new technique improves the precision and scalability of tissue fabrication, producing tissue 10-times faster than existing methods.
Combo-drug treatment to combat Melioidosis
A new approach could herald a shift in the way we use antibiotics. By attacking the pathogen's unique and hidden metabolic 'vulnerabilities,' researchers offers a new tool in the global challenge to counteract antibiotic resistance and uncover similar combination therapies for other diseases.
Chemical structure's carbon capture ability doubled
Scientists have found a way to more than double the uptake ability of a chemical structure that can be used for scrubbing carbon dioxide from factory flues.
New planet in Kepler-51 system discovered using James Webb Space Telescope
An unusual planetary system with three known ultra-low density 'super-puff' planets has at least one more planet, according to new observations.
DNA engineered to mimic biological catch bonds
In a first-of-its-kind breakthrough, a team of researchers has developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions. Their research focuses on understanding how cells physically interact with each other and their environment, with the ultimate goal of developing innovative tools for disease diagnosis and therapy.
Accelerating climate modeling with generative AI
The algorithms behind generative AI tools like DallE, when combined with physics-based data, can be used to develop better ways to model the Earth's climate. Computer scientists have now used this combination to create a model that is capable of predicting climate patterns over 100 years 25 times faster than the state of the art.
How a middle schooler found a new compound in a piece of goose poop
A group of young students became bonafide biomedical scientists before they even started high school. Through a partnership with a nearby university, the middle schoolers collected and analyzed environmental samples to find new antibiotic candidates. One unique sample, goose poop collected at a local park, had a bacterium that showed antibiotic activity and contained a novel compound that slowed the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells in lab tests.
Dynamics of structural transformation for liquid crystalline blue phases
Researchers explore the transformation dynamics of cubic liquid crystals using direct simulation and machine learning, offering new possibilities for advanced materials development.
New laser technique achieves atomic-scale precision on diamond surfaces
Research is paving the way for advanced diamond-based technologies in electronics and quantum computing.
New 3D printing approach means better biomedical, energy, robotics devices
A researcher has helped create a new 3D printing approach for shape-changing materials that are likened to muscles, opening the door for improved applications in robotics as well as biomedical and energy devices.
Innovative robot navigation inspired by brain function boosts efficiency and accuracy
A research team has taken inspiration from the brains of insects and animals for more energy-efficient robotic navigation.
A research team has developed liquid-processed thin-film transistors that can maintain high performance at low temperatures -- They are expected to be used in the next generation of high-performance flexible electronics and wearable devices as they can operate on plastic substrates and maintain stable performance under repeated mechanical bending.
Scientists developed next-generation energy technology to produce eco-friendly hydrogen from ingredients in coffee.
The term 'Digital Twin of the Earth' creates the idea of the availability of a highly accurate virtual copy of our planet, enabling researchers to predict the most complex future climate developments and extreme natural events. In fact, such a replica -- or model representation of the Earth systems -- is the goal of the Destination Earth project.
Cooperative motion by atoms protects glass from fracturing
You reach for a glass of water only to knock it to the floor, shattering the glass and shooting shards all over the place. If only the glass was unbreakable. Now, researchers have brought this possibility closer to reality after they uncovered crucial insights into how glass becomes more resistant to fractures.
A study has unveiled new insights into the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 using nickel-based catalysts. The research marks a significant advancement in the quest for sustainable and efficient CO2 conversion technologies aimed to close the artificial carbon cycle.
Clay minerals: Researchers observe for the first time how sediment particles align during deposition
Clay minerals are a major constituent of the earth's surface and are mainly found in the sediments of lakes, rivers and oceans. The properties of clay and claystone crucially depend on how the tiny sediment particles are orientated. A research team has now succeeded for the first time in observing in detail how some of the processes work.