ScienceDaily: Technology - January 13, 2025
Top technology research news
Words activate hidden brain processes shaping emotions, decisions, and behavior
In a study, scientists have shown neurotransmitters in the human brain are active during the processing of the emotional content of language, providing new understanding into how people interpret the significance of words.
Light, flexible and radiation-resistant: Organic solar cells for space
Radiation testing suggests that solar cells made from carbon-based, or organic, materials could outperform conventional silicon and gallium arsenide for generating electricity in the final frontier, a study suggests.
'What is that?' Scientists explain white patch that appears near northern lights
A whitish, grey patch that sometimes appears in the night sky alongside the northern lights has now been explained.
New insights into acoustic bubbles give boost to future applications
A research team found a key indicator for the chemical activity of acoustic microbubbles and a correlation between the temperature of a liquid and that of the microbubbles generated.
Harnessing corrosion: Scientists transform dealloying into sustainable lightweight alloy design
Alloying, the art of blending metals with other elements, has long been a cornerstone of materials science and metallurgy, creating materials with tailored properties. In contrast, dealloying has been known primarily as a corrosive process that degrades materials over time by selectively removing elements, weakening their structure. Now, researchers have turned these two seemingly counteracting processes into an innovative harmonic synthesis concept.
New data on atmosphere from Earth to the edge of space
Researchers have created a dataset of the whole atmosphere, enabling new research to be conducted on previously difficult-to-study regions. Using a new data-assimilation system called JAGUAR-DAS, which combines numerical modeling with observational data, the team created a nearly 20-yearlong set of data spanning multiple levels of the atmosphere from ground level up to the lower edges of space. Being able to study the interactions of these layers vertically and around the globe could improve climate modeling and seasonal weather forecasting. There is also potential for interdisciplinary research between atmospheric scientists and space scientists, to investigate the interplay between space and our atmosphere and how it affects us on Earth.
Harnessing microwave flow reaction to convert biomass into useful sugars
Researchers have developed a new process that uses microwave flow reaction and recyclable solid catalysts to efficiently hydrolyze polysaccharides into simple sugars. The developed device utilizes a continuous-flow hydrolysis process, where cellobiose is passed through a sulfonated carbon catalyst that is heated using microwaves, resulting in the efficient conversion of cellobiose to glucose.
Revealing the 'true colors' of a single-atom layer of metal alloys
Researchers have demonstrated that the direction of the spin-polarized current can be restricted to only one direction in a single-atom layer of a thallium-lead alloys when irradiated at room temperature. The discovery defies conventions: single-atom layers have been thought to be almost completely transparent, in other words, negligibly absorbing or interacting with light. The one-directional flow of the current observed in this study makes possible functionality beyond ordinary diodes, paving the way for more environmentally friendly data storage, ultra-fine two-dimensional spintronic devices, in the future.
Oil extraction might have triggered small earthquakes in Surrey, England
A series of more than 100 small earthquakes in Surrey in 2018 and 2019 might have been triggered by oil extraction from a nearby well, suggests a new study.
Electron transport in bilayer graphene exhibits a pronounced dependence on edge states and a nonlocal transport mechanism, according to a recent study.
Pioneering new tool will spur advances in catalysis
Catalysts do several surprising things to assist with daily life -- from bread making to turning raw materials into fuels more efficiently. Now, researchers have developed a way to speed up the discovery process for a promising new class of these helpful substances called single atom catalysts.
Storing carbon in buildings could help address climate change
Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists. The study shows that combined with steps to decarbonize the economy, storing CO2 in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
May the force not be with you: Cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force
Researchers find cell migration doesn't only rely on generating force. A professor of mechanical engineering and materials science found that groups of cells moved faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers.
Researchers use lab data to rewrite equation for deformation, flow of watery glacier ice
Laboratory experiments designed to deform ice at its pressure-melting temperature were like grabbing a bagel at the top and the bottom, then twisting the two halves to smear the cream cheese in the middle, according to new research. The resulting data could lead to more accurate models of temperate glacier ice and better predictions of glacier flow and sea-level rise.
A smart ring with a tiny camera lets users point and click to control home devices
Researchers have developed IRIS, a smart ring that allows users to point and click to control smart devices. The prototype Bluetooth ring contains a small camera which sends an image of the selected device to the user's phone. The user can control the device clicking a small button or -- for devices with gradient controls, such as a speaker's volume -- rotating the ring.
Realistic emission tests for motorbikes, mopeds and quads
Researchers have developed new measurement techniques and methods to measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation and to determine corresponding limit values.
New AI platform identifies which patients are likely to benefit most from a clinical trial
A new study demonstrates that a first-of-its-kind platform using artificial intelligence (AI) could help clinicians and patients assess whether and how much an individual patient may benefit from a particular therapy being tested in a clinical trial. This AI platform can help with making informed treatment decisions, understanding the expected benefits of novel therapies and planning future care.
Novel graphene ribbons poised to advance quantum technologies
Researchers have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, opening new horizons for advancements in quantum electronics. The innovation involves a novel type of graphene nanoribbon (GNR), named Janus GNR (JGNR). The material has a unique zigzag edge, with a special ferromagnetic edge state located on one of the edges. This unique design enables the realization of one-dimensional ferromagnetic spin chain, which could have important applications in quantum electronics and quantum computing.
A new turning point in lung cancer treatment, inspired by mussels
Scientists have developed inhalable lung cancer therapeutics utilizing mucoadhesive proteinic nanoparticles.
Discovering hidden wrinkles in spacecraft membrane with a single camera
A team developed a method that makes it easy to measure the wrinkles in thin membranes used on large spacecraft using just a single camera.
Scientists fuel sustainable future with catalyst for hydrogen from ammonia
Scientists have created a catalyst for hydrogen generation from ammonia that becomes more active with time, and by counting atoms revealed changes that boost the catalyst's performance.
Electric fungi: The biobattery that needs to be fed
A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside.
Record cold quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. One of the challenges preventing quantum computers from entering society is the difficulty of freezing the qubits to temperatures close to absolute zero. Now, researchers have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Pioneering mathematical model could help protect privacy and ensure safer use of AI
AI tools are increasingly being used to track and monitor us both online and in-person, yet their effectiveness comes with big risks. Computer scientists have developed a new mathematical model which could help people better understand the risks posed by AI and assist regulators in protecting peoples' privacy.
Physical signals as fate deciders: How mechanical forces extrude cells from tissues
Epithelial tissues are in constant interaction with their environment. Maintaining their functionality requires dynamic balance (homeostasis) and that their cell numbers are tightly regulated. This is achieved by cell extrusion programs, a checkpoint mechanism eliminating unwanted or harmful cells. Researchers have now demonstrated how physical signals can have an impact on the fate of extruding cells governing their death or survival. The results may establish novel paths for understanding tissue properties in both normal and pathological conditions.
New AI model TabPFN enables faster and more accurate predictions on small tabular data sets
A team has developed a new method that facilitates and improves predictions of tabular data, especially for small data sets with fewer than 10,000 data points. The new AI model TabPFN is trained on synthetically generated data before it is used and thus learns to evaluate possible causal relationships and use them for predictions.
Automated method to detect common sleep disorder affecting millions
AI-powered algorithm can analyze video recordings of clinical sleep tests and more accurately diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder.
Researchers achieve real-time detection of low gas concentrations
Researchers have developed a method for quickly detecting and identifying very low concentrations of gases, which, could form the basis for highly sensitive real-time sensors for applications such as environmental monitoring, breath analysis and chemical process control.
A Sustainable Development Goal for space?
An international team of scientists has called for the creation of an 18th addition to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which would aim to mitigate against the accumulation of space junk in Earth's orbit. They believe a new SDG18 could draw direct inspiration from one of the existing goals -- SDG14: Life Below Water -- with lessons learned in marine debris management being used to prevent another planetary crisis before it is too late.
Using robots in nursing homes linked to higher employee retention, better patient care
Facing high employee turnover and an aging population, nursing homes have increasingly turned to robots to complete a variety of care tasks, but few researchers have explored how these technologies impact workers and the quality of care. A new study on the future of work finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and employee retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care.
AI predicts cancer prognoses, responses to treatment
A new artificial intelligence tool combines data from medical images with text to predict cancer prognoses and treatment responses.
Breakthrough in 2D material growth opens doors to cleaner energy and next-generation technology
A breakthrough in decoding the growth process of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material, and its nanostructures on metal substrates could pave the way for more efficient electronics, cleaner energy solutions and greener chemical manufacturing, according to new research.
Electrohydraulic wearable devices create unprecedented haptic sensations
Scientists have invented compact wearable devices that deliver rich, expressive, and pleasant tactile sensations that go far beyond the buzzing vibrations of today's consumer devices.
Moving in sync, slowly, in glassy liquids
Researchers used computer simulations to determine the mechanisms that control the temperature dependence of molecular dynamics in a glassy supercooled liquid. This work may lead to higher-quality glass production at lower cost.
Using AI to predict the outcome of aggressive skin cancers
Research demonstrates that AI can determine the course and severity of aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), to enhance clinical decision making by generating personalzsed predictions of treatment specific outcomes for patients and their doctors.
The 'red advantage' is no longer true for Olympic combat sports
Wearing a red outfit in combat sports has been believed to provide an advantage for athletes, but a new study suggests there is no longer any truth in the claim.
An academic has used drone mapping to investigate a 3000-year-old 'mega fortress' in the Caucasus mountains, revealing details that re-shape understanding of the site and contribute to a global reassessment of ancient settlement growth and urbanism.
Low-cost system will improve communications among industrial machines
Researchers have found a low-power, inexpensive way for large numbers of devices, such as machines in factories and equipment in labs, to share information by efficiently using signals at untapped high frequencies. The technology is an advanced version of a device that transmits data in a wireless system, commonly known as a tag.
High performance in frosty conditions
Most solids expand as temperatures increase and shrink as they cool. Some materials do the opposite, expanding in the cold. Lithium titanium phosphate is one such substance and could provide a solution to the problem of steeply declining performance of lithium-ion batteries in cold environments. Scientists have now demonstrated its suitability for use in electrodes for rechargeable batteries.
Lithium-sulphur pouch cells investigated at BESSY II
A team has gained new insights into lithium-sulphur pouch cells at the BAMline of BESSY II. A new picture emerges of processes that limit the performance and lifespan of this industrially relevant battery type.
Filter captures and recycles aluminum from manufacturing waste
A nanofiltration process can curb the hazardous waste generated from aluminum production.
Researchers unlock probable hot spots for critical metals
New research has identified the probable locations for critical metals needed to support a green economy.
Discovery of new class of particles could take quantum mechanics one step further
In a study, physicists now observed a class of quantum particles called fractional excitons, which behave in unexpected ways and could significantly expand scientists' understanding of the quantum realm.
New AI predicts inner workings of cells
In the same way that ChatGPT understands human language, a new AI model developed by computational biologists captures the language of cells to accurately predict their activities.
A new study reveals that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help expedite the search for solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions caused by cows in animal agriculture, which accounts for about 33 percent of U.S. agriculture and 3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Simulation of non-Hermitian skin effect in 2D with ultracold fermions
A research team has achieved a groundbreaking quantum simulation of the non-Hermitian skin effect in two dimensions using ultracold fermions, marking a significant advance in quantum physics research.
Overcoming spasticity to help paraplegics walk again
Thanks to new high-frequency electrical stimulation that blocks spasticity, two paralyzed patients suffering from muscle stiffness after spinal cord injury benefit from rehabilitation protocols for walking again.
Smart food drying techniques with AI enhance product quality and efficiency
Food drying is a common process for preserving many types of food, including fruits and meat; however, drying can alter the food's quality and nutritional value. In recent years, researchers have developed precision techniques that use optical sensors and AI to facilitate more efficient drying. A new study discusses three emerging smart drying techniques, providing practical information for the food industry.
Trash to treasure: Leveraging industrial waste to store energy
As more products begin to depend on battery-based energy storage systems, shifting away from metal-based solutions will be critical to facilitating the green energy transition. Now, a team has transformed an organic industrial-scale waste product into an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions that can one day be applied at much larger scales.
Advancements in neural implant research enhance durability
Neural implants contain integrated circuits (ICs) -- commonly called chips -- built on silicon. These implants need to be small and flexible to mimic circumstances inside the human body. However, the environment within the body is corrosive, which raises concerns about the durability of implantable silicon ICs. A team of researchers address this challenge by studying the degradation mechanisms of silicon ICs in the body and by coating them with soft PDMS elastomers to form body-fluid barriers that offer long-term protection to implantable chips. These findings not only enhance the longevity of implantable ICs but also significantly broaden their applications in the biomedical field.
Pluto-Charon formation scenario mimics Earth-Moon system
A researcher has used advanced models that indicate that the formation of Pluto and Charon may parallel that of the Earth-Moon system. Both systems include a moon that is a large fraction of the size of the main body, unlike other moons in the solar system. The scenario also could support Pluto's active geology and possible subsurface ocean, despite its location at the frozen edge of the solar system.
Scientists advance nanobody technology to combat deadly Ebola virus
Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety. To address this challenge, researchers have developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus.
Developing printable droplet laser displays
Researchers have developed an innovative method for rapidly creating laser light sources in large quantities using an inkjet printer that ejects laser-emitting droplets. By applying an electric field to these droplets, the researchers demonstrated that switching the emission of light on and off is possible. Furthermore, they successfully created a compact laser display by arranging these droplets on a circuit board.
Smarter memory: Next-generation RAM with reduced energy consumption
Researchers have developed a technology for voltage-controlled magnetization switching, which has the potential to be implemented in next-generation computational memory. This advanced technology enables low-energy data writing operations with non-volatility, making it scalable for future applications that require stable and reliable memory.
Revolutionizing data centers: Breakthrough in photonic switching
Engineers created a smaller, faster and more efficient photonic switch, which leverages principles from quantum mechanics and could accelerate everything from streaming to training AI by supercharging data centers.
Method can detect harmful salts forming in nuclear waste melters
A new way to identify salts in nuclear waste melters could help improve clean-up technology, including at the Hanford Site, one of the largest, most complex nuclear waste clean-up sites in the world. Researchers used two detectors to find thin layers of sulfate, chloride and fluoride salts during vitrification, a nuclear waste storage process that involves converting the waste into glass. The formation of salts can be problematic for waste processing and storage.
Driving autonomous vehicles to a more efficient future
Researchers focus on enhancing the aerodynamic performance of autonomous vehicles by reducing drag induced by externally mounted sensors such as cameras and light detection and ranging instruments. After establishing an automated computational platform, they combined the experimental design with a substitute model and an optimization algorithm to improve the structural shapes of AV sensors. They then performed simulations of both the baseline and optimized models. After optimizing the design, researchers found a 3.44% decrease in the total aerodynamic drag of an AV.
Exploring the eco-friendly future of antibiotic particles
Goji berries are a ubiquitous superfood known for a multitude of health benefits, including their antibiotic properties. Researchers have now found an effective way to harvest silver nanoparticles from these berries. They created the nanoparticles by drying, grinding, and then filtering the goji berries to create an extract. Then, they added chemical silver nitrate (AgNO3) and reduced the solution. The silver nanoparticles were confirmed using visualization techniques and tested for their antimicrobial activity.
How do directional connections shape complex dynamics in neuronal networks?
In order to uncover the relationship between structure and function, researchers used microfluidic devices to study neuronal networks.
AI slashes cost and time for chip design, but that is not all
Researchers have harnessed artificial intelligence to take a key step toward slashing the time and cost of designing new wireless chips and discovering new functionalities to meet expanding demands for better wireless speed and performance.