ScienceDaily: Technology - October 21, 2024
Top technology research news
People sympathize with bullied AI bots
In a new study, humans displayed sympathy towards and protected AI bots who were excluded from playtime.
Image: elenabsl/Shutterstock.com
Finding could help turn trees into affordable, greener industrial chemicals
Specific molecular property of lignin in trees determines difficulty of using microbial fermentation to turn trees and other plants into industrial chemicals.
Professor tackles graph mining challenges with new algorithm
A professor has helped create a powerful new algorithm that uncovers hidden patterns in complex networks, with potential uses in fraud detection, biology and knowledge discovery.
Neutron stars may be shrouded in axions
Physicists have shown that extremely light particles known as axions may occur in large clouds around neutron stars. These axions could form an explanation for the elusive dark matter that cosmologists search for -- and moreover, they might not be too difficult to observe.
Researchers unlock the 'silicate magic' for safer, cheaper, and more efficient batteries
A research team is exploring new battery technologies for grid energy storage. The team's recent results suggest that iron, when treated with the electrolyte additive silicate, could create a high-performance alkaline battery anode.
New benchmark helps solve the hardest quantum problems
Predicting the behavior of many interacting quantum particles is a complicated process but is key to harness quantum computing for real-world applications. Researchers have developed a method for comparing quantum algorithms and identifying which quantum problems are the hardest to solve.
Effects of chemical mixtures: Neurotoxic effects add up
How do complex mixtures of chemicals affect our health? New research has shown that chemicals that occur in complex mixtures and in concentration ratios as found in humans act together. Even if the concentrations of the individual substances were each below the effect threshold, the chemicals in the mixture showed a cumulative neurotoxic effect.
Tool helps analyze pilot performance and mental workload in augmented reality
Researchers developed HuBar, a visual analytics tool that summarizes and compares task performance sessions in augmented reality (AR) by analyzing performer behavior and cognitive workload. Using aviation as a case study, the research team demonstrated that HuBar provides insights into pilot behavior and mental states, helping researchers and trainers identify patterns, pinpoint areas of difficulty, and optimize AR-assisted training programs to improve learning outcomes and real-world performance.
Astronomers detect ancient lonely quasars with murky origins
Astronomers observed ancient quasars that appear to be surprisingly alone in the early universe. The findings challenge physicists' understanding of how such luminous objects could have formed so early on in the universe, without a significant source of surrounding matter to fuel their growth.
New study highlights the dangers of handheld cellphone use among teen drivers
A new study found a strong association between handheld cellphone use and risky driving behaviors among newly licensed teen drivers. The study used a smartphone telematics application to track the driving habits of hundreds of teens and identify potential safety risks.
Life-saving spongelike 'bandage' rapidly stops hemorrhaging and mitigates risk of infection
Researchers created a liquid gel that quickly transforms into a spongelike antimicrobial foam to stymie severe bleeding and ultimately preserve lives.
Model reveals why debunking election misinformation often doesn't work
A new computational model analyzes the factors that help determine whether debunking efforts will persuade people to change their beliefs about the legitimacy of an election.
Innovating in the corners where atoms meet
Research explores how tiny features in nanomaterials, known as triple junctions, play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of these materials under high temperatures.
AI decodes microbes' message in milk safety testing approach
By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample with artificial intelligence (AI), researchers were able to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could help improve dairy safety.
e-Flower records neuronal activity with electronic petals
A new device consists of four flexible petals equipped with platinum electrodes, which curl around the spheroid when exposed to the liquid that supports the cell structure. This actuation is driven by the swelling of a soft hydrogel, making the device both gentle on the tissue and easy to use. Designed to be compatible with existing electrophysiological systems, the e-Flower offers a plug-and-play solution for researchers, avoiding the need for complex external actuators or harmful solvents. Once the technology is applied to organoids, the ability to record electrical activity from all sides will provide a much more comprehensive understanding of brain processes. Researchers hope this will lead to new insights into neurodevelopment, brain injury recovery, and neurological diseases.
Researchers pioneer AI-driven manufacturing efficiency breakthrough
Mechanical and aerospace engineers have created a more efficient way to optimize manufacturing systems, improving speed and quality while reducing waste.
New device could deliver bedside blood test results in an hour
Researchers have developed a handheld, sound-based diagnostic system able to deliver precise results in an hour with a mere finger-prick of blood.
Material stimulated by light pulses could be leap toward more energy-efficient supercomputing
Researchers used X-ray microscopy to discover a ferroelectric material that tailors its response to controlled ultrafast external stimuli, such as light pulses. The material might be applicable to energy-efficient microelectronics.
Engineers unveil breakthrough in ultra-clean biofuel technology
Researchers have unveiled a pioneering method for the efficient combustion of biofuels, using a revolutionary Swirl Burst (SB) injector to burn glycerol/methanol blends with near-zero emissions. This new technology enables ultra-clean combustion for fuels that are typically difficult to burn due to their high viscosity.
Nanoparticle therapy offers new hope for prostate cancer patients
Researchers developed an approach to treating prostate cancer, successfully eliminating cancerous cells in 73% of patients in the study.
AI breakthrough in human action detection technology
Researchers develop an AI-driven video analyzer capable of detecting human actions in video footage with precision and intelligence.
Deep learning illuminates atmospheric blocking events of past, future
Atmospheric blocking events are persistent, high-impact weather patterns that occur when large-scale high-pressure systems become stationary and divert the jet stream and storm tracks for days to weeks, and can be associated with record-breaking flooding or heat waves, such as in Europe in 2023. Scientists used a deep learning model to infer the frequency of blocking events over the past 1,000 years and shed light on how future climate change may impact these significant phenomena.
AI model that checks for skin cancer shows promise
Scientists developed a way of using artificial intelligence to check for skin cancer with the AI tool, which was trained on data from 53,601 skin lesions from 25,105 patients, outperforming existing methods in a new study.
Controlling prosthetic hands more precisely by the power of thought
Researchers have developed a novel training protocol for brain-computer interfaces in a study with rhesus monkeys. The method enables precise control of prosthetic hands using signals from the brain alone. Researchers were able to show that the neural signals that control the different hand postures in the brain are primarily important for this control, and not, as previously assumed, signals that control the movement's velocity. The results are essential for improving the fine control of neural hand prostheses, which could give paralyzed patients back some or all of their mobility (Neuron).
New method for measuring luminescence lifetime offers breakthrough in scientific imaging
Researchers introduce an innovative approach to image luminescence lifetimes. This simple approach uses readily-available cost-effective equipment, paving the way for advanced studies of chemical dynamics in environmental and biological systems. For example, it allows to record oxygen dynamics with much higher temporal and spatial precision.
A mushroom for colorectal cancer therapy
Novel chemical compounds from a fungus could provide new perspectives for treating colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide. Researchers have reported on the isolation and characterization of a previously unknown class of metabolites (terpene-nonadride heterodimers). One of these compounds effectively kills colorectal cancer cells by attacking the enzyme DCTPP1, which thus may serve as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer and a therapeutic target.
Forever chemicals found in bottled and tap water from around the world
Scientists have discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' present in samples of drinking water from around the world.
Scientists discover fastest degrading bioplastic in seawater
Scientists found that cellulose diacetate foam (CDA) is the fastest degrading bioplastic in an ocean environment. This new foam material is demonstrated to be a viable replacement for Styrofoam products and single-use plastics, like food packaging trays, as it achieves all the benefits of plastic but doesn't contribute to plastic pollution. This biodegradable bioplastic foam was evaluated in a flow-through seawater tank. After 36 weeks, the CDA foam lost 65-70% of its mass, and the degradation rate of the CDA foam was 15 times faster than solid CDA.
AI helps to detect antibiotic resistance
In a pilot study, researchers have used artificial intelligence to detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This is an important first step toward integrating GPT-4 into clinical diagnostics.
Quantum research breakthrough uses synthetic dimensions to efficiently process quantum information
A new study opens the door to cutting-edge solutions that could contribute to the realization of a system capable of processing quantum information in a simple yet powerful way. The work presents a method for manipulating the photonic states of light in a never-before-seen way, offering greater control over the evolution of photon propagation. This control makes it possible to improve the detection and number of photon coincidences, as well as the efficiency of the system.
Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process
By combining visible light and electrochemistry, researchers have enhanced the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and stumbled upon a surprising discovery. The team found that visible light significantly improved an important chemical attribute called selectivity, opening new avenues not only for CO2 conversion but also for many other chemical reactions used in catalysis research and chemical manufacturing.
The expansion of turbid drops in water
It is usually not possible to look inside cloudy liquids, but researchers have now managed to do so.
Harnessing vibrations: Engineered material generates electricity from unexpected source
Imagine tires that charge a vehicle as it drives, streetlights powered by the rumble of traffic, or skyscrapers that generate electricity as the buildings naturally sway and shudder. These energy innovations could be possible thanks to researchers developing environmentally friendly materials that produce electricity when compressed or exposed to vibrations.
Out-of-this-world simulation key to collecting moon dust
Teleoperated robots for gathering moon dust are a step closer, according to new research.
Engineers set new record on how fast data can be sent wirelessly
A new world record in wireless transmission, promising faster and more reliable wireless communications, has been set by researchers. The total bandwidth of 145GHz is more than five times higher than the previous wireless transmission world record.
Rewriting the future: New molecules reversibly change with light and heat
Researchers have developed photoswitching molecules that reversibly change properties not only with light, but also with heat. They showed that the molecules can be used as a rewritable recording medium as well.
Researchers develop Janus-like metasurface technology that acts according to the direction of light
Researchers have overcome the limitations of existing metasurface technologies and successfully designed a Janus metasurface capable of perfectly controlling asymmetric light transmission.
Mechanism of cobalt-manganese catalysts deciphered
Conventional catalysts for hydrogen production via water electrolysis usually contain precious metals and are expensive. However, cheaper alternatives have been developed -- for example, cobalt-manganese catalysts. They have a high activity and are stable over a long period of time. The decisive factor for these characteristics is their manganese content. Why manganese plays this essential role was unknown for a long time. The mechanism behind this has now been deciphered.
A commonly used strategy in the development of messenger RNA (mRNA) medicine is based on the destruction of disease-causing mRNA. Achieving the opposite and stabilizing health-promoting mRNA is still a great challenge. A research team has now overcome this challenge: the chemists developed the first active substance that inhibits the deadenylation of mRNA and thus prevents its degradation.
New discovery reveals how diatoms capture carbon dioxide so effectively
Tiny diatoms in the ocean are masters at capturing carbon dioxide from the environment. They fix up to 20 percent of the Earth's CO2. A research team has now discovered a protein shell in these algae that is necessary for efficient CO2 fixation. This groundbreaking discovery can provide ideas for bioengineering approaches to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
Invention quickly detects earliest sign of heart attack
With heart attacks, every second counts. A new blood test diagnoses them in minutes rather than hours and could be adapted as a tool for first responders and people at home.
The neutron lifetime problem -- and its possible solution
How long do free neutrons live until they decay? This has been a hotly debated topic, because different measurement techniques lead to different results. A possible new solution has now been proposed: All the results can be explained, assuming there are different neutron states with different lifetimes.
Feeling the heat: New approach to controlling heat flow in crystals
Researchers have developed a method to control the direction of heat flow in crystals. This miniature device could eventually be used to create advanced thermal-management systems in electronic devices to prevent overheating.
Are nearby planets sending radio signals to each other?
Researchers have developed a new method using the Allen Telescope Array to search for interplanetary radio communication in the TRAPPIST-1 star system.
It's twins! Mystery of famed brown dwarf solved
An international team of astronomers has figured out that a famous brown dwarf is actually a pair of tight-knit brown dwarfs, weighing about 38 and 34 times the mass of Jupiter, that whip around each other every 12 days.
The origin of most meteorites finally revealed
An international team has successfully demonstrated that 70% of all known meteorite falls originate from just three young asteroid families. These families were produced by three recent collisions that occurred in the main asteroid belt 5.8, 7.5, and about 40 million years ago. The team also revealed the sources of other types of meteorites; with this research, the origin of more than 90% of meteorites has now been identified.
New diamond bonding technique a breakthrough for quantum devices
A paper has solved a major hurdle facing researchers working with diamond by creating a novel way of bonding diamonds directly to materials that integrate easily with either quantum or conventional electronics. With this technique, the team directly bonded diamond with materials including silicon, fused silica, sapphire, thermal oxide, and lithium niobate without an intermediary substance to act as 'glue.' Instead of the several-hundred microns thick bulk diamonds typically used to study quantum qubits, the team bonded crystalline membranes as thin as 100 nanometers while still maintaining a spin coherence suitable for advanced quantum applications.
New app performs real-time, full-body motion capture with a smartphone
Engineers have developed a new system for full-body motion capture -- and it doesn't require specialized rooms, expensive equipment, bulky cameras or an array of sensors. Instead, it requires only a smartphone, smartwatch or earbuds.
NASA, NOAA: Sun reaches maximum phase in 11-year solar cycle
Experts have announced that the Sun has reached its solar maximum period, which could continue for the next year. Scientists will not be able to determine the exact peak of this solar maximum period for many months because it's only identifiable after they've tracked a consistent decline in solar activity after that peak. However, scientists have identified that the last two years on the Sun have been part of this active phase of the solar cycle, due to the consistently high number of sunspots during this period.
Machine learning analysis sheds light on who benefits from protected bike lanes
A new analysis leverages machine learning to help answer a thorny question: where should new protected bike lanes be placed to provide maximum benefit? The research team use machine learning and optimization to help inform such decisions. It's a challenge that required new computational approaches.
A new study suggests that large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) could lead to significant population-level health benefits. The research team used computer simulations to show that aggressive electrification of the U.S. vehicle fleet, coupled with an ambitious rollout of renewable electricity generation, could result in health benefits worth between US$84 billion and 188 billion by 2050. Even scenarios with less aggressive grid decarbonization mostly predicted health benefits running into the tens of billions of dollars.
Chemistry: Light broadens the scope of alkene synthesis
Chemists have developed a straightforward method to convert common chemicals like carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes directly into valuable alkenes.
Study uncovers how silkworm moth's odor detection may improve robotics
Researchers explore how the domesticated flightless silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), a prominent insect model in olfactory research, uses wing flapping to manipulate airflow, enhancing their ability to detect distant pheromones. These findings highlight how moths guide pheromones to their odor sensors in antennae, and suggest potential applications for designing advanced robotic systems for odor source localization. This could inspire future innovations in drones and provide design guidelines for robots to locate odor sources.
Researchers develop system cat's eye-inspired vision for autonomous robotics
Researchers have unveiled a vision system inspired by feline eyes to enhance object detection in various lighting conditions. Featuring a unique shape and reflective surface, the system reduces glare in bright environments and boosts sensitivity in low-light scenarios. By filtering unnecessary details, this technology significantly improves the performance of single-lens cameras, representing a notable advancement in robotic vision capabilities.
Major step toward fully 3D-printed active electronics
Researchers produced 3D-printed, semiconductor-free logic gates, which perform computations in active electronic devices. As they don't require semiconductor materials, they represent a step toward 3D printing an entire active electronic device.
Let there be light: Bright future for solar panels, TV screens and more
From brighter TV screens to better medical diagnostics and more efficient solar panels, new research has discovered how to make more molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals, in a breakthrough that could lead to improvements in everyday technology.
Ancient 3D paper art, kirigami, could shape modern wireless technology
The future of wireless technology -- from charging devices to boosting communication signals -- relies on the antennas that transmit electromagnetic waves becoming increasingly versatile, durable and easy to manufacture. Researchers believe kirigami, the ancient Japanese art of cutting and folding paper to create intricate three-dimensional designs, could provide a model for manufacturing the next generation of antennas.
Liftoff! NASA's Europa Clipper sails toward ocean moon of Jupiter
NASA's Europa Clipper has embarked on its long voyage to Jupiter, where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface ocean that may have conditions to support life. The largest spacecraft NASA ever built for a mission headed to another planet, Europa Clipper also is the first NASA mission dedicated to studying an ocean world beyond Earth.