ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

Military cannot rely on AI for strategy or judgment, study suggests

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 03:41 PM PDT

Using artificial intelligence (AI) for warfare has been the promise of science fiction and politicians for years, but new research argues only so much can be automated and shows the value of human judgment.

Quantum computer programming basics

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 03:41 PM PDT

For would-be quantum programmers scratching their heads over how to jump into the game as quantum computers proliferate and become publicly accessible, a new beginner's guide provides a thorough introduction to quantum algorithms and their implementation on existing hardware. Deep-diving guide explains the basics, surveys major quantum algorithms and steps through implementing them on publicly available quantum computers.

River belt discovery helps scientists understand ancient rivers

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 03:41 PM PDT

A researcher has come up with a rule that connects channel belts to river patterns, finding that, in general, the more channels a river has, the narrower its channel belt. Since the physics shaping rivers is the same over time and place, the rule should hold for ancient rivers and rivers on other planets, too.

A biological super glue from mistletoe berries?

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 11:16 AM PDT

Researchers suggests that mistletoe viscin's ultra-stiff flexible fibers, which adhere to both skin and cartilage as well as to various synthetic materials, could have a range of applications -- both biomedical and beyond.

Companies’ use of renewable energy certificates masks inaction on carbon emissions

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 11:15 AM PDT

A new study argues that renewable energy certificates -- a market-based tool that certifies the bearer owns one megawatt hour of electricity produced from renewable energy sources -- generally do not reduce emissions and firms using them are overstating their climate mitigation claims. In one calculation, the researchers show how a sample of 115 companies between 2015 and 2019 reported a 31 per cent reduction in emissions. A closer analysis of that claim reveals that without including the purchase of ineffective RECs, the actual drop in emissions was roughly 10 per cent.

Real-time imaging of dynamic atom-atom interactions

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 11:15 AM PDT

Researchers have managed to observe and characterize dynamic assembly of metallic atoms using an ingenious combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy and a video-based tracking. By visualizing short-lived molecules, such as metallic dimers and trimers, that cannot be observed using traditional methods, the researchers open up the possibility of observing more such dynamic structures predicted by simulations.

Magnetic material could help monitor battery life

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 11:15 AM PDT

A new study shows how a magnetic material can be used to help monitor the amount of life left in a rechargeable battery before it needs to be recharged.

Scientists create nanoparticle that helps fight solid tumors

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 11:15 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a possible new approach in treating solid tumors through the creation of a novel nanoparticle.

Double-layered catalyst generates more hydrogen

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 09:27 AM PDT

Engineers have developed a catalyst by adding a flat platinum interface to NiFe-layered double hydroxide (LDH). The new catalyst increases hydrogen production efficiency and displays 11.2 times higher activity than conventional catalysts.

Stem cells unraveled: We're one step closer to making organs in a dish

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 09:27 AM PDT

Using a mouse model, researchers have deciphered an alternative route that certain cells take to make organs and used that knowledge to exploit a new type of stem cells as a potential source of organs in a dish.

DNA nanotech safe for medical use, new study suggests

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 09:26 AM PDT

Advances in nanotechnology have made it possible to fabricate structures out of DNA for use in biomedical applications like delivering drugs or creating vaccines, but new research in mice investigates the safety of the technology.

No signs (yet) of life on Venus

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 09:26 AM PDT

The unusual behavior of sulphur in Venus' atmosphere cannot be explained by an 'aerial' form of extra-terrestrial life, according to a new study.

Calculating the 'fingerprints' of molecules with artificial intelligence

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 06:56 AM PDT

With conventional methods, it is extremely time-consuming to calculate the spectral fingerprint of larger molecules. But this is a prerequisite for correctly interpreting experimentally obtained data. Now, a team has achieved very good results in significantly less time using self-learning graphical neural networks.

Automating renal access in kidney stone surgery using AI-enabled surgical robot

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 06:55 AM PDT

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an efficient surgical intervention for removing large kidney stones. However, it is a challenging procedure that requires years of training to perform. To meet the need for quick skill-building, scientists have now developed and trialed an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic device for assisting surgeons in PCNL. Its notable features include ease of use and better accuracy in creating renal access.

New, highly tunable composite materials--with a twist

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 06:55 AM PDT

Mathematicians have found that they can design a range of composite materials from moiré patterns created by rotating and stretching one lattice relative to another. Their electrical and other physical properties can change --s ometimes quite abruptly, depending on whether the resulting moiré patterns are regularly repeating or non-repeating.

Controlled fabrication of multimetallic building blocks for hybrid nanomaterials

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 06:55 AM PDT

Polymers with different metal complexes in their side chains are thought to be promising high-performance materials with a wide variety of applications. However, conventional fabrication methods are not suitable for constructing such polymers because controlling their resulting metal composition is complicated. Recently, scientists have developed a method to overcome this limitation and successfully produce multimetallic copolymers, which can be used as building blocks to create future hybrid materials.

New fire shelter prototypes could buy time for wildfire firefighters

Posted: 14 Jun 2022 06:55 AM PDT

Temperatures inside new wildfire shelter prototypes remained within survival limits for longer, and the shelters took longer to break open, compared with an industry standard.

Wandering star disrupts stellar nursery

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 04:34 PM PDT

New study finds star-forming cloud's magnetic field is curiously twisted. Researchers believe a newborn star moved into another young star's stellar envelope to form a binary star system. The interloper shifted the cloud's dynamics, twisting its magnetic field. The new findings provide insight into binary star formation and how magnetic fields influence the earliest stages of developing stars.

Could used beer yeast be the solution to heavy metal contamination in water?

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 01:27 PM PDT

A new study finds inactive yeast could be effective as an inexpensive, abundant, and simple material for removing lead contamination from drinking water supplies. The approach should be efficient and economic, even down to part-per-billion levels of contamination.

Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 12:06 PM PDT

Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia, but there is no easy way to determine which microbe is causing a particular patient's illness. This uncertainty makes it harder for doctors to choose effective treatments because the antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial pneumonia won't help patients with viral pneumonia. In addition, limiting the use of antibiotics is an important step toward curbing antibiotic resistance.

Bioengineering team develops a remote lab to teach enzyme kinetics

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 11:32 AM PDT

Researchers demonstrate the implementation of a remote laboratory activity to teach students about enzyme kinetics.

A better wig -- with chemistry

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 11:32 AM PDT

For some people, wigs are a fun and colorful fashion accessory, but for those with hair loss from alopecia or other conditions, they can provide a real sense of normalcy and boost self-confidence. Whether made from human or synthetic strands, however, most hairpieces lose their luster after being worn day after day. Now, researchers report a new way to make wigs more durable and long lasting.

Catalyst from hot water

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 11:07 AM PDT

The production of chemical substances normally requires environmentally harmful solvents. After researchers had produced organic substances without harmful substances by heating them in hot water, they can now chalk up another success: Through hydrothermal synthesis, they succeeded in jointly forming and combining organic and inorganic substances in the same reaction vessel. Specifically: an inorganic solid that encloses organic dye molecules. When exposed to light, which is by and large the most environmentally friendly energy resource, the hybrid material functions like a catalyst, i.e., a photocatalyst. Since the photocatalyst is a solid, it can be used multiple times.

Closed-loop additive manufacturing fueled by upcycled plastic

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 11:07 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an upcycling approach that adds value to discarded plastics for reuse in additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. The readily adoptable, scalable method introduces a closed-loop strategy that could globally reduce plastic waste and cut carbon emissions tied to plastic production.

Simulations reveal hydrodynamics of planetary engulfment by expanding star

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 11:07 AM PDT

A new study using hydrodynamical simulations reveals the forces acting on a planet when it is swallowed by an expanding star. The results show that the interactions of a substellar body (a planet or brown dwarf) with the hot gas in the outer envelope of a sun-like star can lead to a range of outcomes depending on the size of the engulfed object and the stage of the star's evolution. The dynamics and possible outcomes of planetary engulfment are poorly understood, but it is thought to be a relatively common fate for planetary systems.

Estimating tumor-specific total mRNA level predicts cancer outcomes

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 09:45 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a mathematical tool to estimate tumor-specific RNA levels from tumor samples with mixed cell types. Using this technique on thousands of samples found that higher mRNA levels are correlated with shorter survival.

Rubbery camouflage skin exhibits smart and stretchy behaviors

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 09:45 AM PDT

The skin of cephalopods, such as octopuses, squids and cuttlefish, is stretchy and smart, contributing to these creatures' ability to sense and respond to their surroundings. Scientists have harnessed these properties to create an artificial skin that mimics both the elasticity and the neurologic functions of cephalopod skin, with potential applications for neurorobotics, skin prosthetics, artificial organs and more.

Virtual CT scans cut patient radiation exposure in half during PET/CT studies

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:21 AM PDT

A novel artificial intelligence method can be used to generate high-quality 'PET/CT' images and subsequently decrease radiation exposure to the patient. The method bypasses the need for CT-based attenuation correction, potentially allowing for more frequent PET imaging to monitor disease and treatment progression without radiation exposure from CT acquisition.

Low-tech -- just what the doctor ordered

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:21 AM PDT

Medical equipment that can be manufactured at low cost, is simple to use and can be easily maintained will help extend surgery to the 5 billion people worldwide who currently cannot get access to it, say researchers. They argue that surgical technology is often developed for well-resourced healthcare systems -- and is of little or no use in poorer settings where hospitals lack sophisticated support infrastructure or appropriately trained staff.

Designing protection suits for hard working bacteria

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:20 AM PDT

Bacteria can contribute to a more sustainable production of chemicals, so providing a good working environment for them is a good investment. Now researchers present a nano protection suit, developed for bacteria.

Researchers solve mystery surrounding dielectric properties of unique metal oxide

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:20 AM PDT

A research team has solved a longstanding mystery surrounding strontium titanate, a metal oxide semiconductor, providing insight for future research on the material and its applications to electronic devices and data storage.

Engineers build artificial intelligence chip

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:20 AM PDT

Engineers built a new artificial intelligence chip, with a view toward sustainable, modular electronics. The chip can be reconfigured, with layers that can be swapped out or stacked on, such as to add new sensors or updated processors.

Energy harvesting to power the Internet of Things

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:19 AM PDT

Scientists have used computer modelling to optimize the design of an electromagnetic energy harvester to power wireless sensor networks for the Internet of Things.

Oxide growth in additively manufactured metals examined in sCO2 environment

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:19 AM PDT

A new study examines the differences in oxide film growth on additively manufactured (AM) metals and wrought stainless steel in a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) environment.

Good news on blocking a virus considered a global threat

Posted: 13 Jun 2022 08:15 AM PDT

Scientists have reported good news on the pandemic preparedness front: A cocktail of four manufactured antibodies is effective at neutralizing a virus from the Henipavirus family, a group of pathogens considered to be a global biosecurity threat.

Can they make graphite from coal? Researchers start by finding new carbon solid

Posted: 10 Jun 2022 10:28 AM PDT

As the world's appetite for carbon-based materials like graphite increases, researchers presented evidence this week for a new carbon solid they named 'amorphous graphite.'