ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

Shape-memory alloys might help airplanes land without a peep

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 03:33 PM PDT

Having a home near a busy airport certainly has its perks. It is close to many establishments and alleviates the problem of wading through endless traffic to catch flights. But it does come at a cost -- tolerating the jarring sounds of commercial airplanes during landing and takeoff. Researchers have now conducted a computational study that validates using a shape-memory alloy to reduce the unpleasant plane noise produced during landing.

Optical singularities could be used for wide range of applications from super resolution imaging to optical trapping

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 03:33 PM PDT

Researchers have developed a new way to control and shape optical singularities. The technique can be used to engineer singularities of many shapes, far beyond simple curved or straight lines. It could be used for a wide range of applications from super resolution imaging to optical trapping.

Neutron-clustering effect in nuclear reactors demonstrated

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 03:33 PM PDT

The long-theorized neutron-clustering effect in nuclear reactors has been demonstrated, which could improve reactor safety and create more accurate simulations, according to a new study.

Discovery of 10 faces of plasma leads to new insights in fusion and plasma science

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 03:33 PM PDT

Scientists uncover new properties of plasma that have wide potential applications for astrophysical and fusion plasmas.

Trace gas phosphine points to volcanic activity on Venus, scientists say

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 12:19 PM PDT

Last autumn, researchers reported finding the gas phosphine in trace amounts in Venus' upper atmosphere, raising the slim possibility of a biological signature. Now scientists say that the phosphine's chemical fingerprints support a different find: evidence of explosive volcanoes.

Magnetic field from MRI affects focused-ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 12:03 PM PDT

Researchers have found that the magnetic field of the MRI scanner decreased the BBB opening volume by 3.3-fold to 11.7-fold, depending on the strength of the magnetic field, in a mouse model.

Artificial intelligence could be new blueprint for precision drug discovery

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 10:01 AM PDT

Researchers have described a new approach that uses machine learning to hunt for disease targets and then predicts whether a drug is likely to receive FDA approval.

MaxDIA: Taking proteomics to the next level

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:22 AM PDT

A new software improves data-independent acquisition proteomics by providing a computational workflow that permits highly sensitive and accurate data analysis.

Electric delivery vehicles: When, where, how they’re charged has big impact on greenhouse gas emissions

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:22 AM PDT

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and a lot of attention has been devoted to electric passenger vehicles and their potential to help reduce those emissions.

Teardrop star reveals hidden supernova doom

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:22 AM PDT

Astronomers have made the rare sighting of two stars spiralling to their doom by spotting the tell-tale signs of a teardrop-shaped star.

Haziness of exoplanet atmospheres depends on properties of aerosol particles

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:21 AM PDT

Many exoplanets have opaque atmospheres, obscured by clouds or hazes that make it hard for astronomers to characterize their chemical compositions. A new study shows that haze particles produced under different conditions have a wide range of properties that can determine how clear or hazy a planet's atmosphere is likely to be.

Technology that restores the sense of touch in nerves damaged as a result of injury

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:21 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a sensor that can be implanted anywhere in the body -- for example, under the tip of a severed finger. The sensor connects to another nerve that functions properly and restores tactile sensation to the injured nerve. The development is biocompatible and does not require electricity, wires, or batteries.

How the universe is reflected near black holes

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:21 AM PDT

In the vicinity of black holes, space is so warped that even light rays may curve around them several times. This phenomenon may enable us to see multiple versions of the same thing. While this has been known for decades, only now do we have an exact, mathematical expression.

Mathematicians develop ground-breaking modeling toolkit to predict local COVID-19 impact

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:21 AM PDT

Mathematicians have created a new modeling toolkit which predicts the impact of COVID-19 at a local level with unprecedented accuracy.

Training helps teachers anticipate how students with learning disabilities might solve problems

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 09:20 AM PDT

Researchers found that a four-week training course made a substantial difference in helping special education teachers anticipate different ways students with learning disabilities might solve math problems.

Reviewing pressure effects on iron-based high-temperature superconductors

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 07:22 AM PDT

A new study reviews progress on high-pressure studies on properties of iron-based superconductor (ISBC) families, and examines the use of pressure as a versatile method for exploring new materials.

Giving a 'tandem' boost to solar-powered water splitting

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 07:22 AM PDT

Scientists combine two promising photocatalysts to obtain higher solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency and durability in a water splitting cell.

New electronic paper displays brilliant colors

Posted: 12 Jul 2021 06:22 AM PDT

Imagine sitting out in the sun, reading a digital screen as thin as paper, but seeing the same image quality as if you were indoors. It could soon be a reality. A new type of reflective screen - sometimes described as 'electronic paper' - offers optimal color display, while using ambient light to keep energy consumption to a minimum.