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Researchers build brain-inspired computer prototype

A small-scale neuromorphic computer prototype learned patterns and made predictions using fewer training computations than conventional AI systems. The prototype, developed by the University of Texas at Dallas team, integrates memory storage with processing, allowing for more efficient AI operations with lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

How to retire coal, smarter and faster

A new UCSB study provides a framework for policymakers and advocates to identify key factors driving coal plant retirement. By categorizing facilities into eight distinct groups based on technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political factors, the researchers offer evidence-based strategies to accelerate closures, particularly ...

Powered by mushrooms, living computers are on the rise

Researchers from Ohio State University have developed shiitake-based devices that can act as organic memristors, a type of data processor. These devices demonstrated similar reproducible memory effects to semiconductor-based chips and showed potential for creating low-cost, environmentally friendly brain-inspired computing components.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS One·DateOct 24, 2025

Back to the future: Is light-speed analog computing on the horizon?

Scientists have developed a programmable electronic circuit that harnesses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to perform complex parallel processing at light-speed. This breakthrough has the potential to power next-generation wireless networks, real-time radar, and advanced monitoring in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

Micro-LEDs could power next-gen screens

Researchers at Texas A&M University are working to overcome manufacturing hurdles for micro-LED displays, which use inorganic materials to create more robust and longer-lasting screens. The technology has potential for applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, and flexible displays.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 25, 2025

Decoding quantum advantage

Researchers at Kyoto University have characterized quantum advantage by proving an equivalence between its existence and the security of certain cryptographic primitives. This breakthrough implies that when quantum advantage does not exist, many conventional cryptographic primitives are broken, including post-quantum ones.

SourceKyoto University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2025

Virtual reality could help stroke survivors regain movement

A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2025

World’s first non-silicon 2D computer developed

Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a computer capable of simple operations using two-dimensional (2D) materials, bypassing the need for silicon. The 2D CMOS computer operates at low-supply voltages with minimal power consumption and can perform simple logic operations.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2025

ChatGPT vs students

A study by University of East Anglia compared 145 real student essays with 145 ChatGPT-generated ones, finding that AI essays were coherent but lacked engagement markers like questions and personal commentary. This reflects the limitations of AI in replicating human writing's conversational nuance.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalWritten Communication·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2025

Social media’s fake news problem is the target of a new tool developed at Concordia

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new approach to identifying fake news on social media using the SmoothDetector model. The model integrates probabilistic algorithms with deep neural networks to capture uncertainties and patterns in multimodal data, providing more nuanced judgments of authenticity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

An app can change how you see yourself at work

A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateApr 2, 2025