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Stanford University


Stanford engineers enable simple cameras to see in 3D

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new approach to enable standard image sensors to capture light in three dimensions. The system uses acoustic resonance and piezoelectric properties of lithium niobate to modulate light, allowing for high-performance lidar capabilities in compact devices.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Stanford-led study: Methane leaks are far worse than estimates, at least in New Mexico, but there’s hope

A Stanford-led study found that methane leaks in the Permian Basin of New Mexico are several times greater than federal estimates, with over 9% of production being leaked. The researchers used airborne sensors to detect leaks and identified super-emitters responsible for the majority of emissions.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022

A stretchy display for shapable electronics

Scientists at Stanford University have created a stretchy display that can change shape in response to user interaction. The display uses elastic light-emitting polymers and has a maximum brightness two times that of a typical cellphone, allowing it to be stretched up to twice its original length without tearing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

A nanoscale look at coronavirus infection

Researchers have used super-resolution light microscopy to pinpoint the location of viral molecules within human cells during coronavirus infection. The study reveals that the virus-replicating machinery and RNA product are physically separated in the cell, providing new insights into the viral life cycle.

SourceStanford University·JournalCell Reports Methods·DateMar 8, 2022

Sewer treasure

Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022

It’s personal: Stanford-led research reveals how people’s experience with climate-related disasters affects their willingness to take and accept protective actions

Two studies on hurricane and wildfire survivors found that negative personal experiences drive adaptation behaviors, while considering vulnerabilities is crucial for effective communication and policy. These findings inform public communications and policy to empower vulnerable communities.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2022

Stanford researchers map wildlife and infrastructure to maximize tourism in Costa Rica

The study demonstrates the importance of protecting nature to keep tourism revenue flowing, with key findings showing that infrastructure supports tourism hotspots where roads and hotels are easily accessible. Researchers suggest creating a nationwide accounting system to track the value of natural assets and provide long-term habitat ...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022

A new way to control atomic interactions

The researchers created treelike shapes, a Möbius strip, and other patterns by controlling atomic interactions without physically moving the atoms. They demonstrated nonlocal interactions, where atoms at distant ends interact just as strongly as those near each other.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2022

Stanford researchers take “protein circuits” a step closer to cell-to-cell communication

Stanford researchers have made a breakthrough in developing protein circuits that can enable cell-to-cell communication, mimicking the natural process of cells interacting with neighboring cells. The new platform, RELEASE, allows proteins to be secreted and displayed on the cell surface, enabling cells to respond to these signals.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 17, 2022

Fall and rise of electricity use in early pandemic

A Stanford University and Oregon State University study found that global electricity consumption declined by 7.6% in April 2020 due to government restrictions, but recovered rapidly as people returned to work and social activities. The magnitude of change was not related to the severity of restrictions or economic activity.

SourceStanford University·JournaliScience·DateFeb 11, 2022

Stanford engineers create catalyst that can turn carbon dioxide into gasoline 1,000 times more efficiently

Researchers at Stanford University have created a new catalyst that can convert carbon dioxide into gasoline up to 1,000 times more efficiently than existing standards. The breakthrough allows for the production of long-chain hydrocarbons, making it easier to handle and store, with potential applications in a carbon-neutral cycle.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

The role of ribosomes in age-related diseases

Aging leads to protein misfolding, which overwhelms the cell's quality control system. Ribosome dysfunction causes a snowball effect of dysfunction, leading to disease. Insights from yeast and roundworm models suggest a two-pronged situation where aging increases stalling and collisions, but the safety net is lost.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2022

A quantum view of ‘combs’ of light

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a miniaturized frequency comb that can generate non-classical light, enabling the study of quantum entanglement and opening up new pathways for quantum computing. The microcomb's precise spacing allows for detailed measurement of its finer features.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 16, 2021

Researchers test physics of coral as an indicator of reef health

Researchers at Stanford University have demonstrated that measuring the physics of just a small portion of a coral reef can reveal insights about the entire reef system. This new approach provides low-cost methods for scaling up monitoring efforts, which are crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateDec 14, 2021

Time crystal in a quantum computer

Scientists from Stanford University and Google Quantum AI have successfully created a time crystal, a new phase of matter that repeats in time without energy input. The achievement opens up opportunities to explore new regimes in condensed matter physics, providing insight into non-equilibrium quantum systems.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2021

A simpler design for quantum computers

Researchers at Stanford University have proposed a new design for photonic quantum computers that can operate at room temperature and require fewer components. The proposed design uses a laser to manipulate an atom, which then modifies the state of photons via quantum teleportation, enabling the creation of complex calculations.

SourceStanford University·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2021

Stanford researchers reveal how to turn a global warming liability into a profitable food security solution

A new process converts potent greenhouse gas methane into protein-rich fishmeal, a potential solution for global food security. The analysis found production costs involving methane from certain US sources are lower than conventional fishmeal prices, with feasible cost reductions possible using other methane sources.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 22, 2021

A frugal way to study complex systems and materials

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method for rapidly prototyping complex geometries mirroring symmetries present in problems of interest. This technique uses a mixture of water and propylene glycol, along with a slippery surface, to create droplet lattices that can be manipulated and observed over time.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2021

Sierra Nevada range should celebrate two birthdays

The Sierra Nevada mountain range in California has a complex history, with two distinct periods of formation. The ancient range was formed around 100 million years ago as a volcanic chain, but was later dwarfed by a vast plateau. Volcanic activity around 40 million to 20 million years ago lifted the Earth's surface, forming new mountai...

SourceStanford University·JournalGeological Society of America Special Papers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Holographic displays

The Stanford Computational Imaging Lab has developed a technique to reduce speckling distortion in holographic displays, while another paper proposes a method to realistically represent the physics of 3D scenes. The new system uses neural networks and camera-in-the-loop calibration for real-time adjustments.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2021

Adding sound to quantum simulations

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new device that brings sound to quantum science experiments, opening up new possibilities for studying solids and phases of matter. The device uses a precise cavity to hold an optical lattice of atoms, which vibrates at around 1 kHz, producing phonons - the building blocks of sound.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 10, 2021

Climate benefits from modest dips in oil demand likely underestimated, Stanford-led study finds

A new Stanford-led study suggests that decreasing oil demand leads to larger-than-expected carbon reductions, as the impact varies depending on market factors. The research takes into account the global oil market's structure, including perfect competition, oligopoly, and cartel scenarios, to estimate climate benefits.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2021

New model points to solution to global blood shortage

A new mathematical model suggests that patients with anemia can be effectively treated with transfusions of blood substitutes, which are more readily available than real blood. This approach could reduce the negative effects of blood transfusion and lower costs.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

Living near oil and gas wells increases air pollution exposure

A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Why extinctions ran amok in ancient oceans, and why they slowed down

A new Stanford University study suggests that rising oxygen levels may have slowed down ancient ocean extinctions. The research found that oxygen levels beyond 40% of present atmospheric levels expanded viable ocean habitat and reduced extinction rates. This discovery has implications for understanding the fate of ocean creatures in to...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021

Exoskeleton research demonstrates the importance of training

Researchers at Stanford University found that exoskeletons work best when users are given time to learn how to use the device, with customized control improving performance by around half. Participants who received optimized training saw significant reductions in energy expenditure, with benefits persisting even after they became experts.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 29, 2021

Stanford-led research reveals potential of an overlooked climate change solution

Two Stanford-led studies published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A suggest that removing human-caused methane emissions could significantly reduce global surface temperatures and improve air quality. The research models show that a 40% reduction in global methane emissions by 2050 could lead to temperature reductio...

SourceStanford University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2021

AI system identifies buildings damaged by wildfire

Researchers developed DamageMap, an AI system that uses machine learning to identify building damage from post-wildfire images, achieving 92% accuracy. The system can analyze satellite and aerial photos to pinpoint damaged buildings, providing immediate results for first responders and fire victims.

SourceStanford University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateSep 16, 2021

Ninth-grade ethnic studies helped students for years, Stanford researchers find

A Stanford study finds that ninth-grade ethnic studies classes have a lasting positive impact on students, increasing overall engagement, probability of graduating and likelihood of enrolling in college. The course provides targeted psychological interventions promoting sense of belonging, affirming personal values and forewarning abou...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2021

Researchers explore how people respond to wildfire smoke

Researchers studied Northern California residents' responses to wildfire smoke, finding that social norms and social support significantly influence protective health actions. The study aims to promote safer behavior by understanding how people interact with information and make decisions during smoke events.

SourceStanford University·JournalClimate Risk Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2021