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Taking lessons from a sea slug, study points to better hardware for artificial intelligence

A study by Purdue University and collaborators has found a way to demonstrate habituation and sensitization in nickel oxide, a quantum material that mimics the sea slug's most essential intelligence features. This discovery could lead to building hardware-based AI with improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2021

Soft components for the next generation of soft robotics

Researchers developed electrically-driven soft valves to control hydraulic soft actuators, enabling faster and more powerful control of macro- and small-scale hydraulic actuators. The breakthrough allows for unprecedented motion control of soft robots with internal volume ranging from hundreds of microliters to tens of milliliters.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2021

Ultrafast electronic control of magnetic anisotropy by mid-infrared light

A team of researchers from Osaka University and international partners used intense mid-infrared laser pulses to alter magnetic anisotropy in a weak ferromagnet. They found that electronic excitation, rather than lattice heating, was responsible for the ultrafast change, enabling faster spintronics devices. This breakthrough has signif...

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Record-breaking lithium-metal cell

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a record-breaking lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 560 Wh/kg, retaining 88% capacity after 1000 cycles. The battery features a nickel-rich cathode and a dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte, which significantly improves stability.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Heavily enriched: An energy-efficient way of enriching hydrogen isotopes in silicon

Researchers at Nagoya City University find a fourfold increase in surface deuterium atoms on nanocrystalline silicon, paving the way for sustainable deuterium enrichment protocols. The efficient exchange reaction could lead to more durable semiconductor technology and potentially purify tritium contaminated water.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

How headless hydra feel, react to prodding

Researchers at Rice University have developed a model of how internal states and external stimuli shape the behavior of hydra, a tiny, jellyfish-like creature. By studying their neural networks, scientists can gain insights into fundamental principles that may apply to more complex animals.

SourceRice University·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Researchers demonstrate technique for recycling nanowires in electronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University demonstrated a low-cost technique for recycling nanowires from electronic devices. The method involves dissolving the polymer matrix containing the nanowire network and separating the nanowires using ultrasound, allowing for their reuse in new devices. After four life cycles, the nanowires...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

NSF backs first community platform for smarter wireless

Rice University researchers are developing an open-source platform to turbo-charge the research process of inventing novel machine-learning based techniques for intelligent wireless network management and optimization. The 3DML platform will provide agile and flexible tools to manage and protect complex wireless networks.

When metal flows like liquid glass: a technology for producing superplastic wire is proposed

Lobachevsky University scientists have developed new ways to modify the structure of aluminium alloys, improving their performance. They used induction casting in vacuum and plastic deformation technologies to create homogeneous highly plastic structures that maintain high strength, thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 6, 2020

Hey, Alexa, who else is listening right now?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring potential security weaknesses in voice-activated speakers like Alexa and Google Home. They found that hackers can exploit devices using a passive attack called 'voice command fingerprinting', which involves eavesdropping on data transferred between the smart speaker and the clou...

What's next for smart homes: An 'Internet of Ears?'

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new system that uses changes in vibrations, sound, and electrical fields to improve energy consumption and monitor occupants' movements. The system has the potential to provide energy savings, track structural integrity, and enhance building safety.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateNov 15, 2018

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

Brainiacs win big

The UCSB Brain Initiative, a cross-disciplinary program tackling the mind and brain, has received a significant boost from the Hearst Foundation. The award will support the initiative's efforts to transform our understanding of the human brain and provide new tools for neuroengineering.