ScienceDaily: Technology - May 26, 2025
Top technology research news
Not one, but two massive black holes are eating away at this galaxy
Astronomers searching for massive black holes shredding stars found one in an unusual place -- 2,600 light years from the core of a galaxy. The roque black hole may be from an earlier merger with another galaxy, or have been tossed out of the core after interacting with two other black holes. This is the first ever optically discovered off-nuclear tidal disruption event. Eventually, the two could merge and produce ripples of gravitational waves.
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'Hopelessly attached': Scientists discover new 2D material that sticks the landing
Researchers have discovered a new 2D material, confirming decade-old prediction.
Assembly instructions for enzymes
In biology, enzymes have evolved over millions of years to drive chemical reactions. Scientists have now derived universal rules to enable the de novo design of optimal enzymes. As an example, they considered the enzymatic reaction of breaking a dimer into two monomer molecules. Considering the geometry of such an enzyme-substrate-complex, they identified three golden rules that should be considered to build a functional enzyme.
Why are some rocks on the moon highly magnetic?
Scientists may have solved the mystery of why the moon shows ancient signs of magnetism although it has no magnetic field today. An impact, such as from a large asteroid, could have generated a cloud of ionized particles that briefly enveloped the moon and amplified its weak magnetic field.
Efficiency upgrade for OLED screens: A route to blue PHOLED longevity
Blue phosphorescent OLEDs can now last as long as the green phosphorescent OLEDs already in devices, researchers have demonstrated, paving the way for further improving the energy efficiency of OLED screens.
Charge radius of Helium-3 measured with unprecedented precision
A research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in determining fundamental properties of atomic nuclei. The team conducted laser spectroscopy experiments on muonic helium-3. Muonic helium-3 is a special form of helium in which the atom s two electrons are replaced by a single, much heavier muon.
Researchers make breakthrough in semiconductor technology set to supercharge 6G delivery
Self-driving cars which eliminate traffic jams, getting a healthcare diagnosis instantly without leaving your home, or feeling the touch of loved ones based across the continent may sound like the stuff of science fiction. But new research could make all this and more a step closer to reality thanks to a radical breakthrough in semiconductor technology.
A faster, more reliable method for simulating the plasmas used to make computer chips
Researchers developed a faster, more stable way to simulate the swirling electric fields inside industrial plasmas -- the kind used to make microchips and coat materials. The improved method could lead to better tools for chip manufacturing and fusion research.
A new approach could fractionate crude oil using much less energy
Engineers developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation.
New atom-swapping method applied to complex organic structures
Chemists have developed an efficient skeletal editing method for frequently used heteroaromatic structures. The technique could serve as a means to chemically modify biologically active compounds.
ALMA measures evolution of monster barred spiral galaxy
Astronomers have observed a massive and extremely active barred spiral galaxy in the early Universe and found that it has important similarities and differences with modern galaxies. This improves our understanding of how barred spiral galaxies, like our own Milky Way Galaxy, grow and evolve.
Saturn's moon: Mysterious wobbling atmosphere like a gyroscope
The puzzling behavior of Titan's atmosphere has been revealed. The team has shown that the thick, hazy atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon doesn't spin in line with its surface, but instead wobbles like a gyroscope, shifting with the seasons.
How property owners can work to prevent flooding
The risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding increases with climate change. But property owners -- regardless of size -- often underestimate their own responsibility and are unaware of what preventive measures they can take themselves.
Breakthrough AI model could transform how we prepare for natural disasters
From deadly floods in Europe to intensifying tropical cyclones around the world, the climate crisis has made timely and precise forecasting more essential than ever. Yet traditional forecasting methods rely on highly complex numerical models developed over decades, requiring powerful supercomputers and large teams of experts. According to its developers, Aurora offers a powerful and efficient alternative using artificial intelligence.
Could AI understand emotions better than we do?
Is artificial intelligence (AI) capable of suggesting appropriate behavior in emotionally charged situations? A team put six generative AIs -- including ChatGPT -- to the test using emotional intelligence (EI) assessments typically designed for humans. The outcome: these AIs outperformed average human performance and were even able to generate new tests in record time. These findings open up new possibilities for AI in education, coaching, and conflict management.
AI is good at weather forecasting. Can it predict freak weather events?
Scientists found that neural networks cannot yet forecast 'gray swan' weather events, which might not appear in existing training data but could still happen -- like 200-year floods or massive hurricanes.
Infrared contact lenses allow people to see in the dark, even with their eyes closed
Neuroscientists and materials scientists have created contact lenses that enable infrared vision in both humans and mice by converting infrared light into visible light. Unlike infrared night vision goggles, the contact lenses do not require a power source -- and they enable the wearer to perceive multiple infrared wavelengths. Because they're transparent, users can see both infrared and visible light simultaneously, though infrared vision was enhanced when participants had their eyes closed.
Engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from air
A serendipitous observation has led to a surprising discovery: a new class of nanostructured materials that can pull water from the air, collect it in pores and release it onto surfaces without the need for any external energy. The research describes a material that could open the door to new ways to collect water from the air in arid regions and devices that cool electronics or buildings using the power of evaporation.
An artificial intelligence technique for detecting DNA fragments shed by tumors and circulating in a patient's blood could help clinicians more quickly identify and determine if pancreatic cancer therapies are working.
Personal space chemistry suppressed by perfume and body lotion indoors
In 2022 a team discovered that high levels of OH radicals can be generated indoors, simply due to the presence of people and ozone. This means: People generate their own oxidation field and change the indoor air chemistry around them within their own personal space. Now, in a follow-up study again in cooperation with an international research team, they found that commonly applied personal care products substantially suppress a human's production of OH radicals. These findings have implications for the indoor chemistry, the air quality of occupied spaces, and human health, since many of the chemicals in our immediate vicinity are transformed by this field.
Scientists discover class of crystals with properties that may prove revolutionary
Researchers have discovered a new class of materials -- called intercrystals -- with unique electronic properties that could power future technologies. Intercrystals exhibit newly discovered forms of electronic properties that could pave the way for advancements in more efficient electronic components, quantum computing and environmentally friendly materials, the scientists said.
Imaging technique removes the effect of water in underwater scenes
SeaSplat is an image-analysis tool that cuts through the ocean's optical effects to generate images of underwater environments reveal an ocean scene's true colors. Researchers paired the color-correcting tool with a computational model that converts images of a scene into a three-dimensional underwater 'world' that can be explored virtually.
A one-pixel camera for recording holographic movies
A new camera setup can record three-dimensional movies with a single pixel. Moreover, the technique can obtain images outside the visible spectrum and even through tissues. The development thus opens the door to holographic video microscopy.
High-quality OLED displays now enabling integrated thin and multichannel audio
A research team has developed the world's first Pixel-Based Local Sound OLED technology. This breakthrough enables each pixel of an OLED display to simultaneously emit different sounds, essentially allowing the display to function as a multichannel speaker array. The team successfully demonstrated the technology on a 13-inch OLED panel, equivalent to those used in laptops and tablets.
Nano-engineered thermoelectrics enable scalable, compressor-free cooling
Researchers have unveiled a breakthrough in solid-state cooling technology, doubling the efficiency of today's commercial systems. Driven by the Lab's patented nano-engineered thin-film thermoelectric materials and devices, this innovation paves the way for compact, reliable and scalable cooling solutions that could potentially replace traditional compressors across a range of industries.
Major step for flat and adjustable optics
By carefully placing nanostructures on a flat surface, researchers have significantly improved the performance of so-called optical metasurfaces in conductive plastics. This is a major step for controllable flat optics, with future applications such as video holograms, invisibility materials, and sensors, as well as in biomedical imaging.
Scientists invent breakthrough device to detect airborne signs of disease
If you've ever sat waiting at the doctor's office to give a blood sample, you might have wished there was a way to find the same information without needles. But for all the medical breakthroughs of the 20th century, the best way to detect molecules has remained through liquids, such as blood. New research, however, could someday put a pause on pinpricks. A group of scientists announced they have created a small, portable device that can collect and detect airborne molecules -- a breakthrough that holds promise for many areas of medicine and public health.
A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings
Hydrogen boride (HB) nanosheets can inactivate viruses, bacteria, and fungi within minutes in the dark conditions. By coating surfaces with HB nanosheets, it rapidly inactivates SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and other pathogens. The nanosheets work by denaturing microbial proteins, offering a safe, effective, and versatile antimicrobial coating for everyday items.
How to use AI to listen to the 'heartbeat' of a city
Researchers took a fresh approach to urban research by using artificial intelligence to explore the emotional side of city life. Their goal was to better understand the link between a city's physical features and how people feel in those environments.
Physics advance details new way to control solid objects in liquid
Researchers have detailed the physics behind a phenomenon that allows them to create spin in liquid droplets using ultrasound waves, which concentrates solid particles suspended in the liquid. The discovery will allow researchers to engineer technologies that make use of the technique to develop applications in fields such as biomedical testing and drug development.
Unveiling the secrets of planet formation in environments of high UV radiation
The fundamental building blocks for planet formation can exist even in environments with extreme ultraviolet radiation, according to a new study.
Demonstration of spin-torque heat-assisted magnetic recording
Scientists have demonstrated a new recording principle that improves recording efficiency by 35% by combining spin torque with conventional heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). This advancement is expected to reduce thermal energy consumption during magnetic recording and enhance the durability and reliability of hard disk drives (HDDs).
Scientist discovers how solar events affect the velocity of helium pickup ions
Scientists have discovered how solar activity affects the velocity distribution and evolution of helium pickup ions.
Picometric spectroscopy of hydrogen molecules in atomic-scale cavities
Researchers have observed hydrogen and deuterium molecules in tiny spaces called picocavities using advanced spectroscopy. This study reveals unique differences between the molecules due to quantum effects, potentially aiding future research in energy storage and quantum technologies.
'Cosmic joust': Astronomers observe pair of galaxies in deep-space battle
Astronomers have witnessed for the first time a violent cosmic collision in which one galaxy pierces another with intense radiation. Their results show that this radiation dampens the wounded galaxy's ability to form new stars.
A new technology for extending the shelf life of produce
Researchers developed a way to extend the shelf life of vegetables by injecting them with melatonin using biodegradable microneedles.
Researchers have demonstrated that by using a semiconductor with flexible bonds, the material can be moulded into various structures using nano containers, without altering its composition, the discovery could lead to the design of a variety of customised electronic devices using only a single element.
Extreme weather cycles change underwater light at Lake Tahoe
Large shifts in UV radiation at Lake Tahoe are associated with wet and dry climate extremes, finds a new study.
Remotely moving objects underwater using sound
A metamaterial is a composite material that exhibits unique properties due to its structure, and now researchers have used one featuring a small sawtooth pattern on its surface to move and position objects underwater without touching them directly. Adjacent speakers exert different forces on the material based on how the sound waves reflect off it, and by carefully targeting the floating or submerged metamaterial with precise sound waves, researchers can push and rotate the object attached to it.
Gas location drives star formation in distant galaxies
In the intriguing realm of star-forming galaxies, the key factor isn't the total amount of gas but rather its strategic distribution within the galaxy.
Missing link in early Martian water cycle discovered
Astronomers have filled a large gap in knowledge about Mars' water cycle. Their research on water percolating from surface to aquifer could change the picture of what early Mars was like, suggesting that less of the planet's water may have been available to become rain and refill lakes and oceans.
Commercially available peroxide binds incompatible polymers for recycling
Researchers have developed an inexpensive and potentially scalable approach that uses a commercially available peroxide to bind polyethylene and polypropylene together, thereby creating a more useful, high-quality plastic recycling additive.
How membranes may have brought about the chemistry of life on Earth
A team of researchers studied the properties of membranes to understand how these cellular structures influenced the chemistry of life on Earth as it began.
Does renewable energy reduce fossil fuel production in the US?
Increasing renewable energy may not reduce the use of fossil fuels in the United States, according to a new study .
New color-changing sensor detects alcohol with a smartphone snap
Scientists developed a smartphone-compatible ethanol sensor using a metal-organic framework called Cu-MOF-74. The sensor visually detects ethanol concentrations across a wide range, with no electronics or lab tools required. This technology has promising applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, industrial processes, and alcohol breath analysis.
Scientific breakthrough brings CO2 'breathing' batteries closer to reality
Scientists have made a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that not only store more energy but could also help tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Lithium-CO2 'breathing' batteries release power while capturing carbon dioxide, offering a greener alternative that may one day outperform today's lithium-ion batteries.
Forgotten property of the electron
The orbital angular momentum of electrons has long been considered a minor physical phenomenon, suppressed in most crystals and largely overlooked. Scientists have now discovered that in certain materials it is not only preserved but can even be actively controlled. This is due to a property of the crystal structure called chirality, which also influences many other processes in nature. The discovery has the potential to lead to a new class of electronic components capable of transmitting information with exceptional robustness and energy efficiency.
Cool science: Researchers craft tiny biological tools using frozen ethanol
Imagine drawing on something as delicate as a living cell -- without damaging it. Researchers have made this groundbreaking discovery using an unexpected combination of tools: frozen ethanol, electron beams and purple-tinted microbes. By advancing a method called ice lithography, the team was able to etch incredibly small, detailed patterns directly onto fragile biological surfaces.
Agrivoltaics enjoys comparatively high acceptance
Photovoltaic systems are increasingly being installed not only on roofs but also on open land. This does not always meet with citizens' approval. What is known as agrivoltaics (Agri-PV), however, is viewed more favorably, as researchers have now been able to show. In this case, the solar cells are installed in spaces used for agriculture -- such as on pastures or as a canopy over grapevines. According to a survey of almost 2,000 people, this form enjoys much higher acceptance than normal solar parks.
World's first petahertz-speed phototransistor in ambient conditions
Researchers demonstrated a way to to manipulate electrons using pulses of light that last less than a trillionth of a second to record electrons bypassing a physical barrier almost instantaneously -- a feat that redefines the potential limits of computer processing power.
The average energy project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, finds a new global study. One key insight: The investment risk is highest for nuclear power plant construction and lowest for solar. The researchers analyzed data from 662 energy projects built between 1936 and 2024 in 83 countries, totaling $1.358 trillion in investment.
Robots learning without us? New study cuts humans from early testing
Humans no longer have exclusive control over training social robots to interact effectively, thanks to a new study. The study introduces a new simulation method that lets researchers test their social robots without needing human participants, making research faster and scalable.
Using sound to 'see' unexploded munitions on the seafloor
More than 400 underwater sites in the United States are potentially contaminated with unexploded ordnance -- weapons that did not explode upon deployment.
Empowering robots with human-like perception to navigate unwieldy terrain
Researchers have developed a novel framework named WildFusion that fuses vision, vibration and touch to enable robots to 'sense' and navigate complex outdoor environments much like humans do.
Remotely controlled robots at your fingertips: Enhancing safety in industrial sites
A research team has developed a novel haptic device designed to enhance both safety and efficiency for workers in industrial settings.
The invisible order sets the fluctuation in the terahertz region of glass
Although glasses exhibit disordered atomic structures, X-ray and neutron scattering reveal a subtle periodicity. Researchers have demonstrated that this hidden periodicity -- referred to as 'invisible order' -- plays a critical role in determining vibrational fluctuations in the terahertz (THz) frequency range, which significantly influence the physical properties of glass.
Chemists develop compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality
A team of chemists has made significant strides in the field of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs). Their work showcases the development of a compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality, offering promising applications in areas such as material science, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Astronomers observe largest ever sample of galaxies up to over 12 billion light years away
The largest sample of galaxy groups ever detected has been presented by a team of international astronomers using data from the James Webb Space telescope (JWST) in an area of the sky called COSMOS Web. The study marks a major milestone in extragalactic astronomy, providing unprecedented insights into the formation and evolution of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe.
Streaked slopes on Mars probably not signs of water flow, study finds
Researchers analyzed a global database of 500,000 strange streaks that occur on steep Martian slopes, concluding that they're most likely caused by dry processes rather than liquid flow.
Researchers take AI to 'kindergarten' in order to learn more complex tasks
We need to learn our letters before we can learn to read and our numbers before we can learn how to add and subtract. The same principles are true with AI, a team of scientists has shown through laboratory experiments and computational modeling. In their work, researchers found that when recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are first trained on simple cognitive tasks, they are better equipped to handle more difficult and complex ones later on.