ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

6G component provides speed, efficiency needed for next-gen network

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 10:23 AM PDT

An international team led by researchers has developed 6G components that will allow future devices to achieve increased speeds necessary for such a technological jump.

Researchers take optical coherence tomography to the next level

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an enhanced version of optical coherence tomography (OCT) that can image biomedical samples at higher contrast and resolution over a wider 3D field of view than was previously possible.

Hydrofoils: Major climate benefits when ships 'fly' over the surface

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Soon, electric passenger ferries skimming above the surface across the seas may become a reality. A research team has created a unique method for further developing hydrofoils that can significantly increase the range of electric vessels and reduce the fuel consumption of fossil-powered ships by 80 per cent.

Time crystals 'impossible' but obey quantum physics

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Scientists have created a 'time-crystal' a two-body system in an experiment that seems to bend the laws of physics. A 'two-level system' is a basic building block of a quantum computer. Time crystals could perhaps be used to build quantum devices that work at room temperature. Time crystals were long believed to be impossible because they are made from atoms in never-ending motion. The discovery shows that not only can time crystals be created, but they have potential to be turned into useful devices.

'Fruitcake' structure observed in organic polymers

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Researchers have analysed the properties of an organic polymer with potential applications in flexible electronics and uncovered variations in hardness at the nanoscale.

When AI is the inventor who gets the patent?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

The day is coming -- some say has already arrived -- when new inventions that benefit society are dreamt up by artificial intelligence all on its own.

Physicists announce first results from The Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment's final dataset

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Over nearly nine years, the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment captured an unprecedented five and a half million interactions from subatomic particles called neutrinos. Now, the international team of physicists has reported the first result from the experiment's full dataset -- the most precise measurement yet of theta13, a key parameter for understanding how neutrinos change their 'flavor.' The result will help physicists explore some of the biggest mysteries surrounding the nature of matter and the universe.

Machine learning models: In bias we trust?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Researchers find the explanation methods designed to help users determine whether to trust a machine-learning model's predictions can perpetuate biases and lead to less accurate predictions for people from disadvantaged groups.

VoxLens: Adding one line of code can make some interactive visualizations accessible to screen-reader users

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:55 PM PDT

Researchers worked with screen-reader users to design VoxLens, a plugin that allows people to interact with digital visualizations made with JavaScript.

Research shows how Gulf of Mexico escaped ancient mass extinction

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

An ancient bout of global warming 56 million years ago that acidified oceans and wiped-out marine life had a milder effect in the Gulf of Mexico, where life was sheltered by the basin's unique geology. The findings could help scientists determine how current climate change will affect marine life and aid in efforts to find deposits of oil and gas.

Study evaluates how to eliminate telemedicine's virtual waiting room

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

Researchers have conducted a 10-week study to evaluate how text messaging a link to patients when their doctor is ready provides a way to connect patients and doctors without relying on the virtual waiting room.

Electrolyte additive offers lithium battery performance breakthrough

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

Chemists have learned that an electrolyte additive allows stable high-voltage cycling of nickel-rich layered cathodes. Their work could lead to improvements in the energy density of lithium batteries that power electric vehicles.

A 'Goldilocks amount' of time spent online could be good for teenagers' wellbeing

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

New research has found further evidence of a relationship between online engagement and mental wellbeing in teenagers. The study contributes to mounting international evidence on the dangers of high levels of digital media use.

Astronomy team finds evidence of galactic metal shrouded in dust

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:17 AM PDT

Using NASA's SOFIA observatory and other data resources, an international team of astronomers has uncovered evidence of metals in local galaxies -- found to be deficient in earlier studies -- by analyzing infrared data gathered during a multiyear campaign.

Wind turbines operating without curtailment claim many victims among protected bat species in Germany

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:22 AM PDT

Protected and rare bats regularly die at wind turbines (WT). This is why the operation of new wind turbines is temporarily curtailed during periods of high bat activity. Old wind turbines run without curtailment, however. A scientific team has now produced an exemplary estimate of bat fatality rates at such old turbines by systematically recording bat carcasses in the vicinity of the turbines. During two months, 70 bats died on average per wind turbine. Even if these figures cannot be extrapolated one-to-one to all 20,000 old turbines in Germany, there is a considerable need for action. The operation of old turbines should be adjusted to the current regulations for new turbines, the authors argue.

Research paves the way for stronger alloys

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

Scientists have described how microscopic crystals grow and change shape in molten metals as they cool, in research that is breaking new ground in alloy research and paves the way for improving the tensile strength of alloys used in casting and welding.

How structural changes affect the superconducting properties of a metal oxide

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered how subtle structural changes in strontium titanate, a metal oxide semiconductor, can alter the material's electrical resistance and affect its superconducting properties. The research can help guide future experiments and materials design related to superconductivity and the creation of more efficient semiconductors for various electronic device applications.

Zapping orange peel oil into new, pleasant aroma compounds

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 06:21 AM PDT

As oranges are peeled, they spray a tangy, citrus scented oil into the air. The main compound in the fragrant mist is limonene, which can be collected from discarded peels and used in flavorings, perfumes and all-purpose cleaners. Now, researchers have treated limonene with electricity and ethanol, transforming it into a mixture of pleasant-smelling aroma compounds, some of which haven't been identified before.

Spaceflight: Microgravity analog culture profoundly affects microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models

Posted: 31 May 2022 05:21 PM PDT

Researchers demonstrate that under low fluid shear force conditions that simulate those found in microgravity culture during spaceflight, the foodborne pathogen Salmonella infects 3-D models of human intestinal tissue at much higher levels, and induces unique alterations in gene expression.

As the grid adds wind power, researchers have to reengineer recovery from power outages

Posted: 31 May 2022 03:19 PM PDT

When electric grids go down, there's no way to restore them -- 'blackstart' them -- with power from wind turbines. A team is now working to develop strategies and controllers that would reenergize power grids dominated by wind power. In Iowa, wind turbines now produce 55% of the state's electricity.

Researchers identify alternative to lithium-based battery technology

Posted: 31 May 2022 01:13 PM PDT

Researchers have identified an alternative to lithium-based battery technology by developing sodium glassy electrodes capable of supporting long-duration, grid-scale energy storage.

Direct sound printing is a potential game-changer in 3D printing

Posted: 31 May 2022 11:01 AM PDT

Researchers describe a new platform technology called direct sound printing (DSP), which uses soundwaves to produce new objects. The paper explains show how focused ultrasound waves can be used to create sonochemical reactions in minuscule cavitation regions. Extremes of temperature and pressure lasting trillionths of a second can generate pre-designed complex geometries that cannot be made with existing techniques.

Why Uranus and Neptune are different colors

Posted: 31 May 2022 11:01 AM PDT

Astronomers may now understand why the similar planets Uranus and Neptune are different colors. Researchers have now developed a single atmospheric model that matches observations of both planets. The model reveals that excess haze on Uranus builds up in the planet's stagnant, sluggish atmosphere and makes it appear a lighter tone than Neptune.

Eye-movement tracking glasses are used to evaluate mental stress in first naturalistic study of critical care nurses

Posted: 31 May 2022 11:01 AM PDT

New research shows that the mental workload of intensive care unit nurses can successfully be evaluated using eye-movement tracking glasses.

New insights into the movement of pine cone scales

Posted: 31 May 2022 09:21 AM PDT

Pine cones open when dry and close when wet. In this way, pine seeds are released only under advantageous conditions, namely when it is dry and the seeds can be carried far by wind. Opening and closing is of particular interest to researchers because the actuation is passive, that is, it does not consume metabolic energy. This is why the pine cone has already served as a model for biomimetic flap systems that react to moisture and are used, for example, in building envelopes to regulate the climate.

Oil spill remediation: Research confirms effectiveness of oil dispersants

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Chemical dispersants are some of the best tools to clean up after an oil spill. However, scientists do not fully understand how well they work. A new study validated their efficacy in order to better prepare for the next disaster.

Injured human liver treated for 3 days in a machine and then successfully transplanted

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

A multidisciplinary research team has succeeded in doing something during a treatment attempt that had never been achieved in the history of medicine until now: it treated an originally damaged human liver in a machine for three days outside of a body and then implanted the recovered organ into a cancer patient. One year later, the patient is doing well.

Photonics: Quest for elusive monolayers just got a lot simpler

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Optics researchers develop an automated scanning device that can detect 2D monolayers with 99.9 percent accuracy -- surpassing any other method to date -- at a fraction of the cost, in far less time, and with readily available materials.

Urban magnetic fields reveal clues about energy efficiency, pollution

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Researchers present a comparative analysis of urban magnetic fields between two U.S. cities: Berkeley, California, and the Brooklyn borough of New York City. They explore what kinds of information can be extracted using data from magnetic field sensors to understand the working of cities and provide insights that may be crucial for preventative studies.

Solar-biomass hybrid system satisfies home heating requirements in winter

Posted: 31 May 2022 08:17 AM PDT

Researchers outline a computer simulation model addressing the challenge of solar power's inherent intermittency by adding biomass as another renewable energy source to advance a reliable, affordable heating solution while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The proposed solar-biomass hybrid system is based on distributed multi-generation technology that integrates photovoltaic-thermal and biomass power sources.

Scientists use AI to update data vegetation maps for improved wildfire forecasts

Posted: 31 May 2022 07:27 AM PDT

A new technique uses artificial intelligence to efficiently update the vegetation maps that are relied on by wildfire computer models to accurately predict fire behavior and spread.

Engineers boost signals from fluorescent sensors

Posted: 30 May 2022 09:03 AM PDT

Engineers have found a way to dramatically improve the signal emitted by fluorescing nanosenors. The researchers showed they could implant sensors as deep as 5.5 centimeters in tissue and still get a strong signal. The advance allows the particles to be placed deeper within biological tissue, which could aid with cancer diagnosis or monitoring.