ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

Optical tweezer technology tweaked to overcome dangers of heat

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 02:31 PM PDT

Researchers have created a new version of optical tweezer technology that fixes a heating problem, a development that could open the already highly regarded tools to new types of research and simplify processes for using them today.

Unbroken: New soft electronics don't break, even when punctured

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 02:31 PM PDT

A team of researchers has created a new type of soft electronics, paving the way for devices that are self-healing, reconfigurable, and recyclable. These skin-like circuits are soft and stretchy, sustain numerous damage events under load without losing electrical conductivity, and can be recycled to generate new circuits at the end of a product's life.

Scientists use NASA satellite data to track ocean microplastics from space

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 12:56 PM PDT

Scientists have developed an innovative way to use NASA satellite data to track the movement of tiny pieces of plastic in the ocean.

Engineered yeast could expand biofuels' reach

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 12:56 PM PDT

Researchers found a way to reduce cellulosic feedstocks' toxicity to yeast, making it feasible to use these abundant feedstocks to produce ethanol, biodiesel, or bioplastics.

Nanotech OLED electrode liberates 20% more light, could slash display power consumption

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 12:56 PM PDT

A new electrode that could free up 20% more light from organic light-emitting diodes has been developed. It could help extend the battery life of smartphones and laptops, or make next-gen televisions and displays much more energy efficient.

One 'ring' to rule them all: Curious interlocked molecules show dual response

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 10:01 AM PDT

Scientists design polymers infused with a stress-sensitive molecular unit that respond to external forces by switching on their fluorescence. The researchers demonstrate the fluorescence to be dependent on the magnitude of force and show that it is possible to detect both, reversible and irreversible polymer deformations, opening the door to the exploration of new force regimes in polymers.

Using radio signals to image hidden and speeding objects

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 07:05 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a method for using radio signals to create real-time images and videos of hidden and moving objects, which could help firefighters find escape routes or victims inside buildings filled with fire and smoke. The technique could also help track hypersonic objects such as missiles and space debris.

AI used to predict unknown links between viruses and mammals

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 07:05 AM PDT

A new study could help scientists mitigate the future spread of zoonotic and livestock diseases caused by existing viruses. Researchers have used a form or artificial intelligence (AI) called machine-learning to predict more than 20,000 unknown associations between known viruses and susceptible mammalian species.

Small-scale engineering could bring big progress in medical care

Posted: 25 Jun 2021 07:05 AM PDT

Researchers are using bioengineering to trigger and control cell differentiation and transition is expand possibilities for diagnostics, vaccine development and therapeutic treatments.

Artificial intelligence breakthrough gives longer advance warning of ozone issues

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 02:08 PM PDT

Ozone levels in the earth's troposphere (the lowest level of our atmosphere) can now be forecasted with accuracy up to two weeks in advance, a remarkable improvement over current systems that can accurately predict ozone levels only three days ahead. The new artificial intelligence system could lead to improved ways to control high ozone problems and even contribute to solutions for climate change issues.

Recycling next-generation solar panels fosters green planet

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 02:08 PM PDT

Designing a recycling strategy for a new, forthcoming generation of photovoltaic solar cells - made from metal halide perovskites, a family of crystalline materials with structures like the natural mineral calcium titanate - will add a stronger dose of environmental friendliness to a green industry, according to new research.

Quantum dots keep atoms spaced to boost catalysis

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 02:08 PM PDT

Engineers use graphene quantum dots to trap transition metals for high atom loading in single atom catalysis.

Optical superoscillation without side waves

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 02:08 PM PDT

A sharp-edged aperture is a promising solution for eliminating side lobes from superoscillatory waves.

Muscling up with nanoparticle-based anti-inflammatory therapy

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 01:17 PM PDT

Researchers have developed a new approach in which specifically designed anti-inflammatory nanoparticles (NPs) that could be applied locally and selectively to chronically inflamed muscles severely affected or at more immediate risk of deterioration, and maybe difficult to reach with oral therapeutics.

Alaska infrastructure at risk of earlier failure

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 01:16 PM PDT

Roads, bridges, pipelines and other types of infrastructure in Alaska and elsewhere in the Arctic will deteriorate faster than expected due to a failure by planners to account for the structures' impact on adjacent permafrost, according to new research.

Light-harvesting nanoparticle catalysts show promise in quest for renewable carbon-based fuels

Posted: 24 Jun 2021 01:16 PM PDT

Researchers report that small quantities of useful molecules such as hydrocarbons are produced when carbon dioxide and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. Their validation study - made possible through the use of a high-resolution analytical technique - could pave the way for CO2-reduction technologies that allow industrial-scale production of renewable carbon-based fuels.