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Harnessing electromagnetic waves and quantum materials to improve wireless communication technologies

A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed innovative methods to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing. These advancements hold great promise for wireless c...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Pre-seed funding to recolor the world greener

Kobe University has developed a new way to produce colors using nanospheres, which could reduce the environmental impact of paints and cosmetics. The technology uses silicon spheres to scatter light, creating bright and brilliant colors that do not fade or change with viewing angle.

Holographic 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, say Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers develop a novel method of 3D printing using acoustic holograms, capable of creating complex objects quickly and at once. This technique, called holographic direct sound printing (HDSP), stores information of multiple images in a single hologram, allowing for the creation of multiple objects simultaneously.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

The move by Apple Memories to block potentially upsetting content illustrates Big Tech’s reach and limits, writes Chrys Vilvang

A Concordia PhD candidate argues that tech companies' opaque algorithms for storing and sharing personal content raise questions about selection and representation. An Apple update blocking Holocaust-themed photos in the iPhone Photos app's Memories sparked a debate among users, with some expressing annoyance at being told what to see.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMemory Mind & Media·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Exploiting nonlinear scattering medium for optical encryption, computation, and machine learning

Researchers have discovered a way to utilize nonlinear scattering media for optical computing and machine learning. They created a novel theoretical framework involving third-order tensors, which can represent the complex relationships between input and output signals. This breakthrough has potential applications in real-world settings...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Shining a light into the ‘‘black box’’ of AI

An international team developed a novel method for evaluating AI interpretability methods to decipher the basis of AI reasoning and possible biases. The approach helps users understand what influences AI results and whether they can be trusted, especially in medical applications where AI-powered decisions can impact health and lives.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateMar 21, 2023

New eyes discovered in trilobites

Scientists uncover evidence of median eyes in trilobites, which were previously unknown due to fossilization process. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods and provides a new tool for classifying species.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Study: Astronomers risk misinterpreting planetary signals in James Webb data

A new MIT study suggests that current opacity models used by astronomers may not be accurate enough to interpret the precise light-based signals from the James Webb Space Telescope. The researchers predict that properties of planetary atmospheres, such as temperature and elemental composition, could be off by an order of magnitude if e...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 15, 2022

Drug treatment for cataracts moves a step closer

A team of scientists led by Professor Barbara Pierscionek has made significant progress in developing an anti-cataract drug. Lab trials showed improvement in refractive index profiles and lens opacity in 61% and 46% of cases, respectively.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022

Banks tend to use opaque financial reporting to facilitate regulatory forbearance

A study found that banks in states with senators on the influential Senate Banking Committee have higher levels of discretionary loan loss provisions, indicating greater opacity. This effect is stronger for larger banks and those with higher risk. The researchers argue that politicians' incentives to save their home state's banks durin...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateFeb 25, 2022

Deep learning for reticular opacity on chest radiographs with interstitial lung disease

A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2021

Unbreakable glass inspired by seashells

McGill University scientists created a new glass and acrylic composite material mimicking nacre for exceptional strength and durability. The material is three times stronger and five times more fracture-resistant than regular glass, with potential applications in phone screens and other industries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Great apes have you on their mind

A new study suggests that great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, possess a theory of mind, enabling them to understand others' mental states. The team observed that the apes anticipated an agent's actions based on their own experiences with different barriers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers at Yale University have developed a technique to pre-treat laser beams, allowing them to penetrate opaque surfaces undisturbed. This breakthrough has potential applications for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetics, where light is used to probe and manipulate cells in living tissue.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 4, 2019

Transparent larvae hide opaque eyes behind reflections

Marine species use reflectors on scales to reduce contrast with background, but tiny mantis shrimp larvae hide compound eyes behind brilliant eye reflections that match surrounding water spectrum. Lab tests show little contrast between eye reflections and environment, revealing potential role for larval eyeshine in camouflage

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 17, 2014

Strobe glasses improve hockey players' performance

A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalAthletic Training & Sports Health Care·DateDec 13, 2013

Applied physics as art

Harvard physicists have discovered that ultrathin, atomically thin films can be tailored to reflect specific colors using an overlooked optical phenomenon. The coatings, made of gold and germanium or other elements, change color with minimal thickness changes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 2012

A camera that peers around corners

Researchers at MIT Media Lab have developed a new imaging system that can produce recognizable 3-D images of objects outside its line of sight by using femtosecond laser pulses and analyzing reflected light. The system has potential applications in emergency response, vehicle navigation, and medical devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2012

Strobe eyewear training may improve visual abilities

Researchers at Duke University found that strobe-like eyewear can improve visual abilities, particularly in detecting brief stimuli and small changes in motion. The study involved nearly 500 participants who trained with either strobe or control eyewear, showing some improvements in noticing brief stimuli after training.

How to see through opaque materials

Scientists at ESCPI conducted an experiment to focus light through opaque materials and detect objects hidden behind them. They used a numerical model called a transmission matrix to tailor a beam of light specifically to pass through the material and focus on the other side.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2010

Long-Term Vitamin C Use Cuts Cataract Risk In Older Women

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that taking vitamin C supplements for over 10 years significantly lowers the risk of lens opacities and subsequent cataracts in older women. Researchers discovered a 77% lower prevalence of early and 83% lower prevalence of moderate lens opacities among women who use...