ScienceDaily: Technology - March 10, 2025
Top technology research news
Single-qubit sensing puts new spin on quantum materials discovery
Working at nanoscale dimensions, billionths of a meter in size, a team of scientists revealed a new way to measure high-speed fluctuations in magnetic materials. Knowledge obtained by these new measurements could be used to advance technologies ranging from traditional computing to the emerging field of quantum computing.
Stretching spider silk makes it stronger
When they weave their webs, spiders pull their silk threads. New simulations show stretching during spinning causes the protein chains within the fibers to align and the number of hydrogen bonds between those chains to increase. Both factors increase the silk fibers' overall strength and toughness. Insights could be applied to designing stronger, tougher synthetic materials.
Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared
A researcher succeeded developing highly accurate biometric authentication based on images of the palms of hands taken with a hyperspectral camera.
Developing the inherent functionality of highly pure porous organic polymers
Soaking up pollutants like a sponge, porous organic polymers (POPs) may be the key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to researchers.
Researchers create gel that can self-heal like human skin
Until now, artificial gels have either managed to replicate high stiffness or natural skin's self-healing properties, but not both. Now, a team of researchers has developed a hydrogel with a unique structure that overcomes earlier limitations, opening the door to applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, soft robotics sensors and artificial skin.
An aerosol test for airborne bird flu
Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as bird flu) have created a need for rapid and sensitive detection methods to mitigate its spread. Now, researchers have developed a prototype sensor that detects a type of influenza virus that causes bird flu (H5N1) in air samples. The low-cost handheld sensor detects the virus at levels below an infectious dose and could lead to rapid aerosol testing for airborne avian influenza.
AI reveals new way to strengthen titanium alloys and speed up manufacturing
Producing high-performance titanium alloy parts -- whether for spacecraft, submarines or medical devices -- has long been a slow, resource-intensive process. Even with advanced metal 3D-printing techniques, finding the right manufacturing conditions has required extensive testing and fine-tuning. What if these parts could be built more quickly, stronger and with near-perfect precision? A team is leveraging artificial intelligence to make that a reality. They've identified processing techniques that improve both the speed of production and the strength of these advanced materials -- an advance with implications from the deep sea to outer space.
Super sapphire resists scratches, glare, fog and dust
Researchers have discovered techniques to bestow superpowers upon sapphire, a material that most of us think of as just a pretty jewel.
Paralyzed man moves robotic arm with his thoughts
Researchers have enabled a man who is paralyzed to control a robotic arm through a device that relays signals from his brain to a computer. He was able to grasp, move and drop objects just by imagining himself performing the actions.
New 'one-pot' technique a breakthrough for material synthesis
A new technique builds inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes at the same time, in the same vessel. This 'one-pot' in-situ method creates a controlled, homogeneous blend, pairing the conductivity of the inorganic solids with the flexibility of the polymers.
Researchers reveal nitrogen's dominant role in global organic aerosol absorption
A collaborative research team has introduced a nitrogen-centric framework that explains the light-absorbing effects of atmospheric organic aerosols. This groundbreaking study reveals that nitrogen-containing compounds play a dominant role in the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric organic aerosols worldwide. This discovery signifies a major step towards improving climate models and developing more targeted strategies to mitigate climate impact of airborne particles.
Highly radioactive nuclear waste: how to keep it from oblivion
Sweden's radioactive nuclear waste will be stored in a sealed bedrock repository for 100,000 years. It will be hazardous for a very long time. So how can we ensure that humanity does not forget that it is there? Researchers have come up with a proposal for how to keep the memory alive over generations.
New method significantly reduces AI energy consumption
The enormous computing resources needed to train neural networks for artificial intelligence (AI) result in massive power consumption. Researchers have developed a method that is 100 times faster and therefore much more energy efficient. Instead of taking an iterative approach, the parameters are computed directly based on probabilities. The results so far are comparable in quality to existing iterative methods.
Smart, energy-efficient robot grippers cut production costs
Energy remains a significant factor in industrial production processes. High levels of energy consumption make production more expensive and exacerbate the climate crisis. A new type of robot technology needs 90% less electricity than conventional systems. The technology uses lightweight, shape memory materials to construct novel, non-pneumatic, industrial gripper systems that function without the need for additional sensors.
AI has 'great potential' for detecting wildfires, new study of the Amazon rainforest suggests
A type of Artificial Intelligence that mimics the functioning of the human brain could represent a powerful solution in automatically detecting wildfires, plummeting the time needed to mitigate their devastating effects, a new study finds.
Precision cancer treatment using magnet-guided, heat-activated nanoparticles
Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, focusing on targeted approaches that destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. Researchers have developed magnetic nanoparticles that can be directed to tumors using a magnet and then heated with a laser to destroy cancer cells. In mouse models, this targeted technique successfully eliminated tumors entirely. This innovative method provides a more precise and less toxic alternative to traditional treatments, paving the way for more effective cancer therapies.
Revealing hidden atomic movements through machine learning
Researchers have developed the Automatic Process Explorer (APE), an approach that enhances our understanding of atomic and molecular processes. By dynamically refining simulations, APE has uncovered unexpected complexities in the oxidation of Palladium (Pd) surfaces, offering new insights into catalyst behavior.
Urban highways cut opportunities for social relationships
Urban highways promise to get people to their destinations faster -- and bring them together. But at the same time, they reduce social connections between people within the city, especially at distances of less than 5 km, according to a new study.
A new study revealed that atmospheric gravity waves play a crucial role in driving latitudinal air currents on Mars, particularly at high altitudes. The findings, based on long-term atmospheric data, offer a fresh perspective on the behaviors of Mars' middle atmosphere, highlighting fundamental differences from Earth's. The study applied methods developed to explore Earth's atmosphere to quantitatively estimate the influence of gravity waves on Mars' planetary circulation.
Touchless tech: Control fabrics with a wave of your finger
Researchers have created washable and durable magnetic field sensing electronic textiles -- thought to be the first of their kind -- which they say paves the way to transform use in clothing. This technology will allow users to interact with everyday textiles or specialized clothing by simply pointing their finger above a sensor.
Artificial muscles for tremor suppression
Scientists have developed a biorobotic arm that can mirror human tremors, such as those experienced by individuals that live with Parkinson's disease. Artificial muscles on either side of the forearm contract and relax to suppress the involuntary shaking of the wrist and hand. The researchers see their biorobotic arm not only as a platform for other scientists in the field to test new ideas in exoskeleton technology. The arm also serves as a test bed to see how well artificial muscles known as HASELs can one day become the building blocks of wearable devices. The vision is to one day develop a sleeve that tremor patients can comfortably wear to be able to better cope with everyday tasks such as holding a cup.
Scientists develop open-source software for modeling soft materials
A team of researchers created Morpho, an open-source programmable environment that enables researchers and engineers to conduct shape optimization and design for soft materials. Applications can be for anything from artificial hearts to robot materials that mimic flesh and soft tissue.
Sneaky clocks: Uncovering Einstein's relativity in an interacting atomic playground
Researchers have explored the interplay between gravitational effects and quantum interactions in optical atomic clocks, revealing more about quantum entanglement in precision timekeeping.
The chances of anything coming from Mars
Within the next decade, space agencies plan to bring samples of rock from Mars to Earth for study. Of concern is the possibility these samples contain life, which could have unforeseen consequences. Therefore, researchers in this field strive to create methods to detect life. Researchers have now successfully demonstrated a method to detect life in ancient rocks analogous to those found on Mars.
Seismic study of Singapore could guide urban construction and renewable energy development
A new seismic study of Singapore could guide urban growth and renewable energy development in the coastal city nation, where 5.6 million residents live within an area of 734 square kilometers.
Packets of freeze-dried bacteria grow biocement on demand
Cement manufacturing and repair could be significantly improved by using biocement-producing bacteria, but growing the microbes at construction sites remains a challenge. Now, researchers report a freeze-drying approach that preserves the bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to ultimately use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads or camps.
Small and large planets have significantly different upbringings
Studying the orbits of thousands of exoplanets shows that large planets tend to have elliptical orbits, while smaller planets tend to have more circular orbits. This split coincides with several other classic features in the exoplanet population, such as the high abundance of small planets over large planets and a tendency for giant planets to only form around stars enriched in heavy elements such as oxygen, carbon and iron. The finding points toward two distinct pathways for forming small and large planets.
Researchers use a 'Trojan Horse' approach to develop new antimalarial drugs
Antimalarial drug resistance is a pressing issue in combating the spread of malaria worldwide. In a new study, researchers discovered a key process where malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment.
My compliments to the chef: Researcher studies robots in the kitchen
Walking into your favorite restaurant and seeing a robot chef in the kitchen may seem far-fetched, but new research suggests that bots could be a solution to persistent labor shortages in the industry.
Astronomer finds gas giant exoplanets formed earlier than previously thought
A fresh look at past data reveals that exoplanets with masses similar to Jupiter formed much sooner than previously thought, according to new research.
Engineered cartilage from nasal septum cells helps treat complex knee injuries
Injuries to the articular cartilage in different joints, including the knee, are painful and limit mobility. Therefore, researchers are developing cartilage implants using cells from the patient's nasal septum. A recent study shows that giving these cartilage implants more time to mature significantly improved clinical efficacy, even in patients with complex cartilage injuries. This suggests that the method could also be suitable for the treatment of degenerated cartilage in osteoarthritis.
Nanoscale tweaks help alloy withstand high-speed impacts
Engineers devised a new method for designing metals and alloys that can withstand extreme impacts, which could lead to the development of automobiles, aircraft and armor that can better endure high-speed impacts, extreme heat and stress.
Feeling is believing: Bionic hand 'knows' what it's touching, grasps like a human
Engineers have developed a pioneering prosthetic hand that can grip plush toys, water bottles, and other everyday objects like a human, carefully conforming and adjusting its grasp to avoid damaging or mishandling whatever it holds.
Whether it's rivers cutting through earth, lava melting through rock, or water slicing through ice, channels all twist and bend in a seemingly similar back-and-forth manner. But a new study has discovered that channels carved by rivers actually have curves distinct to those cut by lava or ice.
Aluminum: A new hero of hydrogen production
Engineers have developed a method to utilize aluminum to improve performance of water electrolysis catalyst.
New study examines how physics students perceive recognition
Experts see peer recognition as important to student success in physics, and a new study gives college-level physics instructors insight into how students perceive the message from their classmates that 'you're good at physics.' Even when women receive similar amounts of recognition from peers as men for excelling in physics classes, they perceive significantly less peer recognition, the researchers found.
A sustainable iron catalyst for water oxidation in renewable energy
A newly developed pentanuclear iron complex can offer an efficient, stable, and cost-effective solution for water oxidation. By electrochemically polymerizing the complex, researchers have obtained a polymer-based catalyst, poly-Fe5-PCz, and achieved water oxidation with up to 99% Faradaic efficiency and exceptional stability, even under rigorous conditions. This breakthrough offers a scalable alternative to rare metal catalysts, advancing hydrogen production and energy storage for renewable energy.
The quest for room-temperature superconductors
Theoretical physicists reveal that room-temperature superconductivity is possible within the laws of our Universe, linked to fundamental constants like electron mass and Planck constant. Discovery could revolutionize energy, quantum computing, and medical tech by enabling superconductors to work at ambient conditions. Research explores how varying fundamental constants could alter superconductivity limits, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of our Universe.
Neural network deciphers gravitational waves from merging neutron stars in a second
Binary neutron star mergers emit gravitational waves followed by light. To fully exploit these observations and avoid missing key signals, speed is crucial. An interdisciplinary team of researchers presents a novel machine learning method that can analyze gravitational waves emitted by neutron star collisions almost instantaneously -- even before the merger is fully observed. A neural network processes the data and enables a fast search for visible light and other electromagnetic signals emitted during the collisions. This new method could be instrumental in preparing the field for the next generation of observatories.
Ultra-hot nova observed erupting: Surprising chemical signature
Astronomers have for the first time observed a recurring nova outside of the Milky Way in near-infrared light. The data revealed highly unusual chemical emissions as well as one of the hottest temperatures ever reported for a nova, both indicative of an extremely violent eruption.
For better quantum sensing, go with the flow
Scientists encased nanodiamonds in tiny moving droplets of water to improve quantum sensing. The new technique lets researchers detect trace amounts of certain ions and molecules, and could someday find applications in environmental monitoring, medicine, bioengineering, and more.
Beyond our solar system: scientists identify a new exoplanet candidate
The discovery of new exoplanets can help scientists understand how planets form and evolve.
Researchers are working to move cold atom quantum experiments and applications from the laboratory tabletop to chip-based systems.
New computer vision system can guide specialty crops monitoring
Soilless growing systems inside greenhouses, known as controlled environment agriculture, promise to advance the year-round production of high-quality specialty crops, according to an interdisciplinary research team. But to be competitive and sustainable, this advanced farming method will require the development and implementation of precision agriculture techniques. To meet that demand, the team developed an automated crop-monitoring system capable of providing continuous and frequent data about plant growth and needs, allowing for informed crop management.
Study shines headlights on consumer driverless vehicle safety deficiencies
Researchers have demonstrated that multicolored stickers applied to stop or speed limit signs on the roadside can 'confuse' self-driving vehicles, causing unpredictable and possibly hazardous operations.
NASA's Hubble finds Kuiper Belt duo may be trio
The puzzle of predicting how three gravitationally bound bodies move in space has challenged mathematicians for centuries, and has most recently been popularized in the novel and television show '3 Body Problem.' There's no problem, however, with what a team of researchers say is likely a stable trio of icy space rocks in the solar system's Kuiper Belt.
Consumer devices can be used to assess brain health
Technology is changing how physicians think about assessing patients and, in turn, how patients expect to be able to measure their own health. Apps designed for smartphones and wearable devices can provide unique insights into users' brain health. It is estimated that 55 million individuals worldwide suffer from some form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias being the leading causes, with numbers expected to triple by 2050.
Using computer science to save the bees
Researchers have created a system to help beekeepers monitor and analyze the health of their beehives and take corrective actions to prevent colony collapse -- when a majority of the worker bees abandon the colony and its queen. Beehives use thermoregulation to ensure the hive temperature stays between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, about 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, bees might cluster to create insulation when it's cold or fan their wings when it's hot. But when beehives experience external stressors, such as pesticides or unexpected weather events, they lose the ability to regulate the hive temperature.
Foundation AI model predicts postoperative risks from clinical notes
A team unveils a versatile large language model to enhance perioperative care.
Researcher compares AI, human evaluators in swine medicine
A research team is studying whether artificial intelligence (AI) could play a supportive role in the evaluation of respiratory disease in pigs.
A research team has recently developed a groundbreaking neuromorphic exposure control (NEC) system that revolutionizes machine vision under extreme lighting variations. This biologically inspired system mimics human peripheral vision to achieve unprecedented speed and robustness in dynamic perception environments.
Scientists unravel the spiraling secrets of magnetic materials for next-generation electronics
Engineers have developed a new computational approach to accurately model and predict the properties of a class of magnetic molecules called chiral helimagnets. Their work could accelerate the discovery of new materials for spintronics technologies.
Chemistry: Triple bond formed between boron and carbon for the first time
Researchers are opening up new horizons in chemistry: They present the world's first triple bond between the atoms boron and carbon.
Breakthrough in clean energy: Palladium nanosheets pave way for affordable hydrogen
Hydrogen energy is widely recognized as a sustainable source for the future, but its large-scale production still relies on expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts. In order to address this challenge, researchers have developed Bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), a novel two-dimensional electrocatalyst that effectively facilitates the hydrogen evolution reactions while minimizing the use of precious metals like platinum, paving the way for affordable hydrogen production.
Smartwatches could end the next pandemic
Everyday smartwatches are extremely accurate in detecting viral infection long before symptoms appear -- now, research shows how they could help stop a pandemic before it even begins.
Quantum properties in atom-thick semiconductors offer new way to detect electrical signals in cells
For decades, scientists have relied on electrodes and dyes to track the electrical activity of living cells. Now, engineers have discovered that quantum materials just a single atom thick can do the job with high speed and resolution -- using only light.
Breakthrough tool to enhance precision in cold-temperature cancer surgery
Researchers have developed an innovative tool that enhances surgeons' ability to detect and remove cancer cells during cryosurgery, a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy tumors. This breakthrough technology involves a specialized nanoscale material that illuminates cancer cells under freezing conditions, making them easier to distinguish from healthy tissue and improving surgical precision.
Study links intense energy bursts to ventilator-induced lung injury
A new study sheds light on ventilator-induced lung injury, a complication that gained increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. The study suggests that repeated collapse and reopening of tiny alveoli -- air sacs in the lungs essential for breathing -- during mechanical ventilation may cause microscopic tissue damage, playing a key role in ventilator-related injuries that contribute to thousands of deaths annually.
From handicap to asset: AI approach leverages optics phenomenon to produce better images
Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a microscopy technique widely used to investigate cells and tissues. Even though first biomedical applications based on QPI have been developed, both acquisition speed and image quality need to improve to guarantee a widespread reception. Scientists suggest leveraging an optical phenomenon called chromatic aberration -- that usually degrades image quality -- to produce suitable images with standard microscopes.
AI revolutionizes glaucoma care: Specialist-level screening system
Glaucoma is called the 'silent thief of sight' as many don't notice until significant, irreversible vision loss has already occurred. A revolutionary early screening tool using AI may stop this thief dead in its tracks.