ScienceDaily: Technology - September 09, 2024
Top technology research news
Molecular simulations, supercomputing lead to energy-saving biomaterials breakthrough
Scientists have identified and demonstrated a method to process a plant-based material called nanocellulose that reduced energy needs by a whopping 21%, using simulations on the lab's supercomputers and follow-on analysis.
Physicists directly observed ultracold atoms in an 'edge state,' flowing along a boundary without resistance. The research could help physicists manipulate electrons to flow without friction in materials that could enable super-efficient transmission of energy and data.
Mathematical proof: Five satellites needed for precise navigation
What is the shortest route to the next stop or the agreed meeting point? Global positioning systems (GPS) have become a routine part of everyday life for most people. Until now, however, the minimum number of GPS satellites needed to determine the exact position of a mobile phone or other navigation device has remained a matter of conjecture. Researchers have now proved that a precise location can be determined in most cases with five or more satellites. At present, we can generally be sure of having contact to only four satellites.
Image: NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com
New filtration material could remove long-lasting chemicals from water
A new filtration material might provide a nature-based solution to water contamination by PFAS chemicals. The material, based on natural silk and cellulose, can remove a wide variety of these 'forever' chemicals as well as heavy metals, and its antimicrobial properties can help keep the filters from fouling.
Engineering researchers discover an effective and environment-friendly disinfectant
A widely used disinfectant worldwide, chloroxylenol, has been associated with eco-toxicological threats in water environments due to its relatively high chemical stability and massive consumption. Researchers have discovered a promising alternative known as 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (2,6-DCQ), which works more effectively in combating certain common bacteria, fungi and viruses, and can be rapidly degraded and detoxified in receiving waters.
Astrophysics: AI shines a new light on exoplanets
A team models the atmospheres of distant planets using neural networks.
Researchers create a one-dimensional gas out of light
Physicists have created a one-dimensional gas out of light. This has enabled them to test theoretical predictions about the transition into this exotic state of matter for the first time. The method used in the experiment by the researchers could be used for examining quantum effects.
Researchers advance new class of quantum critical metal that could advance electronic devices
A new study has unveiled a new class of quantum critical metal, shedding light on the intricate interactions of electrons within quantum materials. The research explores the effects of Kondo coupling and chiral spin liquids within specific lattice structures.
Global experts help nanomedicines deliver on healthcare promise
New findings from a global team of expert scientists in academia and industry has generated new research quality standards that will help slash costs and reduce the time it takes to develop advanced nanomedicine treatments and make them available for patients.
Shining light on how solar power and farming can coexist
Scientists have developed a new tool to help identify optimal photovoltaic (PV) materials capable of maximizing crop growth while generating solar power.
Massive merger: Study reveals evidence for origin of supermassive black hole at galaxy's center
Researchers have discovered compelling evidence suggesting that the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, known as Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), is likely the result of a past cosmic merger. The study builds on recent observations from the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), which captured the first direct image of Sgr A* in 2022.
Groundwater use can be accurately monitored with satellites using OPENet
Drought is a widespread concern in the Western U.S., and water managers across the region are developing groundwater management plans to conserve the essential resource. Groundwater is often pumped to the surface to irrigate crops, and meters that measure the flow of pumped water have historically offered the best information on groundwater use. These meters are rare, however, so scientists set out to determine whether OpenET, a platform that measures evapotranspiration using satellite data, could help fill this information gap.
Using 3D imaging to transform plastic waste recycling
Researchers used 3D imaging technology to understand the fine details of microplastics, paving the way for more effective methods of plastic waste recycling.
Gravitational waves unveil previously unseen properties of neutron stars
A better understanding of the inner workings of neutron stars will lead to a greater knowledge of the dynamics that underpin the workings of the universe and also could help drive future technology. A new study details how new insights into how dissipative tidal forces within double -- or binary -- neutron star systems will inform our understanding of the universe.
Achieving a supercapacitor through the 'molecular coating' approach
A capacitor is like a high-speed battery that can quickly store and release energy. What happens when it becomes 'super?' Researchers have potential solutions to improve energy-efficiency.
Researchers discover a space oddity -- an exoplanet moving in mysterious ways
A research team has discovered a small planet that displays peculiar orbital motion. The shimmying planet, located 455 light-years from Earth, shows that planetary systems can be considerably more complex than researchers have previously thought.
Probing the depths of complex electron shells
The heavy metal uranium is, besides its radioactive reputation, known for its intricate chemistry and diverse bonding behaviors. Scientists utilized synchrotron light to explore the unique properties of low-valent uranium compounds.
Starting a fluorescent biosensor revolution
A major step forward toward biosensor devices that can provide fast, high-contrast detection of biomarkers in almost any environment are 'binding-activated fluorescent biosensors.' Now, a research collaboration has developed a synthetic biology platform that streamlines their up-until-now tedious and expensive discovery, as well as their molecular evolution and cost-effective manufacturing, opening a plethora of new biomedical and environmental opportunities.
Fungus-controlled robots tap into the unique power of nature
In creating a pair of new robots, researchers cultivated an unlikely component, one found on the forest floor: fungal mycelia. By harnessing mycelia's innate electrical signals, the researchers discovered a new way of controlling 'biohybrid' robots that can potentially react to their environment better than their purely synthetic counterparts.
People facing life-or-death choice put too much trust in AI, study finds
In simulated life-or-death decisions, about two-thirds of people in a study allowed a robot to change their minds when it disagreed with them -- an alarming display of excessive trust in artificial intelligence, researchers said.
Study shows that 'super spikes' can increase track running speed by 2%
Research shows that super spikes, scientifically described as advanced footwear technology (AFT) spikes, can give runners about a 2% edge in middle-distance track races, like the 800- and 1,500-meters.
New tool to analyze embodied carbon in more than 1 million buildings in Chicago
The impact of embodied carbon in the built environment has been difficult to assess, due to a lack of data. To address that knowledge gap civil and environmental engineers have created a new tool to analyze the embodied carbon in more than 1 million buildings in Chicago. Their recently published research identifies 157 different architectural housing types in the city and provides the first ever visual analysis tool to evaluate embodied carbon at a granular level and to help inform policymakers seeking to strategically plan for urban carbon mitigation.
Preventing car battery fires with help from machine learning
New research proposes a way to predict and prevent temperature spikes and fires in the lithium-ion batteries commonly used to power electric vehicles.
EV charging stations boost spending at nearby businesses
Electric vehicle charging stations bring spending increases for nearby businesses, according to a new study.
Distorted galaxy forming cosmic question mark
It's 7 billion years ago, and the universe's heyday of star formation is beginning to slow. What might our Milky Way galaxy have looked like at that time? Astronomers have found clues in the form of a cosmic question mark, the result of a rare alignment across light-years of space.
Study shows how oceans are key to addressing global challenges
Research shows how oceans can be used to help address major challenges such as the shortage of antimicrobial medicines, solutions for plastic pollution and novel enzymes for genome editing.
Traditional infrastructure design often makes extreme flooding events worse
Much of the nation's stormwater infrastructure, designed decades to a century ago to prevent floods, can exacerbate flooding during the severe weather events that are increasing around the globe.
A new role for intelligent tutors powered by AI in brain surgery?
Researchers are designing real-time, intelligent tutors powered by AI. These systems mimic human surgical instructors in brain surgical training. Intelligent tutors help the learner acquire excellent skills by continuously assessing hand movements during simulated brain procedures and providing personalized verbal feedback.
AI food tracking apps need improvement to address accuracy, cultural diversity
A study has found that improved artificial intelligence (AI) training is required when developing nutrition apps that are used to track food intake or manage weight.
In a first-of-its-kind clinical trial, a team leveraged an artificial intelligence-derived platform to guide treatment for a patient with a rare blood cancer.
Flexible tentacle electrodes precisely record brain activity
Researchers have developed ultra-flexible brain probes that accurately record brain activity without causing tissue damage. This opens up new avenues for the treatment of a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
'Forever chemicals' influence the development and function of the brain
Some per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are poorly degradable and are also known as 'forever chemicals'. They adversely affect health and can lead to liver damage, obesity, hormonal disorders, and cancer. A research team has investigated the effects of PFAS on the brain. Using a combination of modern molecular biology methods and the zebrafish model, the researchers revealed the mechanism of action and identified the genes involved.
Scientists use magnetic nanotech to safely rewarm frozen tissues for transplant
Every day, people die waiting for an organ transplant. Time is at a premium, not just for those awaiting organs, but also for the organs themselves, which can deteriorate rapidly during transportation. Looking to extend the viability of human tissues, researchers report on their efforts to facilitate completely freezing, rather than cooling and then thawing, potentially life-saving organs. They demonstrate a magnetic nanoparticle's successful rewarming of animal tissues.
Levels of one 'forever chemical' are increasing in groundwater
Rain and water in ponds and lakes slowly seeps into the soil, moving through minute cracks to refill underground aquifers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often described as forever chemicals, can tag along into groundwater that's later removed for drinking. Researchers analyzed water from over 100 wells in Denmark for one particularly persistent PFAS: trifluoroacetate. They report steadily increasing levels of the forever chemical in recent decades.
A new artificial intelligence tool for cancer
The new approach marks a major step forward in the design of AI tools to support clinical decisions in cancer diagnosis, therapy. The model uses features of a tumor's microenvironment to forecast how a patient might respond to therapy and to help inform individualized treatments. The model can expedite the identification of patients not likely to benefit from standard treatments used in some forms of cancer.
Uncollected waste and open burning leading causes of the plastic pollution crisis
A new study shines a light on the enormous scale of uncollected rubbish and open burning of plastic waste in the first ever global plastics pollution inventory. Researchers used A.I. to model waste management in more than 50,000 municipalities around the world. This model allowed the team to predict how much waste was generated globally and what happens to it.
Major leap for nuclear clock paves way for ultraprecise timekeeping
Nuclear clocks would measure time based on changes inside an atom's nucleus, which would make them less sensitive to external disturbances and potentially more accurate than atomic clocks. These clocks could lead to improved timekeeping and navigation, faster internet speeds, and advances in fundamental physics research. Scientists have demonstrated key components of a nuclear clock, such as precise frequency measurements of an energy jump in a thorium-229 nucleus.
A sensory pen which can read Braille could improve literacy amongst the visually impaired
A pen which can transform Braille into English text has been developed.
New tool detects fake, AI-produced scientific articles
A team has created a machine-learning algorithm that can detect up to 94% of bogus academic papers -- nearly twice as successfully as more common data-mining techniques.
Assorted, distinctive behavior of molten uranium salt revealed by neutrons
New research addresses the fundamental science necessary to increase the efficiency of nuclear energy. Researchers have now documented the unique chemistry dynamics and structure of high-temperature liquid uranium trichloride salt, a potential nuclear fuel source for next-generation reactors.
Lab develops protein assembly road map for gas vesicles
Bioengineers developed a road map for the protein-protein interactions that give rise to gas vesicles, naturally occurring nanobubbles with potential use in biomedical applications.
Discovery of glass-forming liquid electrolytes as a new liquid category
Chemists have found a novel glass-forming liquid electrolyte that exhibits specific lithium-ion conduction. They study the speciation and dipole reorientation dynamics in the glass-forming liquid electrolyte by means of Raman and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy to understand the specific lithium-ion conduction, contributing to advancements in battery electrolyte research.
A research group has developed a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides. By reacting thiols and disulfides with SHC5 and potassium fluoride, they achieved a green synthesis process with non-toxic by-products. This method simplifies the production of sulfonyl fluorides, making it suitable for chemical and industrial applications, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
Turning glycerol into gold: a new process makes biodiesel more profitable
An electrooxidation process efficiently converts glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production, into high-value three-carbon compounds.
Gigantic asteroid impact shifted the axis of Solar System's biggest moon
Around 4 billion years ago, an asteroid hit the Jupiter moon Ganymede. Now, a researcher realized that the Solar System's biggest moon's axis has shifted as a result of the impact, which confirmed that the asteroid was around 20 times larger than the one that ended the age of the dinosaurs on Earth, and caused one of the biggest impacts with clear traces in the Solar System.
Finger wrap uses sweat to provide health monitoring at your fingertips--literally
A sweat-powered wearable has the potential to make continuous, personalized health monitoring as effortless as wearing a Band-Aid. Engineers have developed an electronic finger wrap that monitors vital chemical levels -- such as glucose, vitamins, and even drugs -- present in the same fingertip sweat from which it derives its energy.
Plant proteins could be radical alternative to oil-based super lubricants
An oil-free super-lubricant created from potato proteins could pave the way for sustainable engineering and biomedical applications, thanks to new research.
Mathematicians model a puzzling breakdown in cooperative behavior
A model developed by evolutionary mathematicians shows that as conditions for cooperation improve between two species, mutually beneficial behavior can unexpectedly become unbalanced. Cooperative behavior pools in one species, the other consumes the spoils.
How bright is the universe's glow? Study offers best measurement yet
Over billions of years, the universe's stars and galaxies shined their light into space, leaving behind an imperceptibly faint night light known as the cosmic optical background. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has traveled to the edge of Earth's solar system and captured the most accurate measurement of this glow to date.
How cheerful is that water bottle?
New research shows consumers use 'happier' words to search for products when they are in a good mood. Researchers have connected those positive search terms with an increased likelihood of clicking on search engine ads.
Heart failure during pregnancy is a dangerous and often under-detected condition because common symptoms -- shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and trouble breathing while lying down -- are easily mistaken for typical pregnancy discomforts. A new study showed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital stethoscope helped doctors identify twice as many cases of heart failure compared to a control group that received usual obstetric care and screening.
A double twist makes cracking easier to resist
Additive manufacturing, precision robotics and architected design markedly increase crack resistance in concrete.
Keep devices out of bed for better sleep
Despite what we've been led to believe, the timing of evening screen use, rather than the activity itself, negatively impacts youth sleep, a new study has found.
Artificial intelligence likely to play an increasing role in scientific publications
In the coming years, AI is poised to transform the writing of scientific manuscripts, assist in reviewing them, and help editors select the most impactful papers.
How do new words arise in social media?
The more centrally connected someone is within their social media network, the more likely that new words they use will become adopted into mainstream language, according to a new study.