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Toward standardized tests for assessing lidars in autonomous vehicles

The three-year effort aims to establish a widely accepted protocol for comparing lidar performance. The first year's tests evaluated range, accuracy, and precision of eight automotive-grade lidars using a survey-grade reference. Results showed the distribution of measured values was not Gaussian, with significant errors in some cases.

Experts: active learning methods are best for addressing sustainability issues

Researchers from various universities conducted a systematic literature review on active learning methods, finding that challenge-based learning is the most suitable in sustainability education. This approach encourages students to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives and develop skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalSustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Research in Japan suggests using built environment design to fight depression

A study published in Landscape and Urban Planning found that improved perceptions of neighborhood walkability and enhanced access to public transport and safety from crime reduce depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest building environment design may influence mental health through behavioral and social pathways.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateDec 19, 2022

The hidden secrets of flowers

A team of researchers from McGill University and the Montreal Botanical Garden used photogrammetry to create 3D models of flowers, shedding light on their evolution and interaction with pollinators. The technique has the potential to revolutionize research in plant biodiversity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2022

Finding current toilet technology flushes profits, WVU researcher takes aim at turning yellow into green by recycling urine

A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEnvironmental Technology·DateDec 12, 2022

World’s first open access dashboard revealed Tempe, Ariz. neighborhood-level trends of COVID-19 from wastewater-based epidemiology

The City of Tempe and Arizona State University have developed a unique partnership to track COVID-19 using wastewater-based epidemiology, providing early warning data for municipalities. The system has been shown to reliably predict SARS-CoV-2 levels in city ZIP codes up to 11 days ahead of clinical testing results.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

A combination of behaviour change campaigns and technology could help to keep air pollution at a minimum in schools, according to Surrey experts

A new study from the University of Surrey found that behaviour change campaigns and technology can significantly reduce air pollution in schools. Implementing these interventions can lead to a reduction in outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure by up to 23% compared to business-as-usual activities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 29, 2022

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology develop an intelligent observer for Esports

A new intelligent observer for Esports has been developed using a Mask R-CNN algorithm to learn from human spectating data. This approach overcomes limitations of existing automatic observers, which require extensive domain knowledge and cannot capture undefined events or changes in event significance.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists convert waste paper into battery parts for smartphones and electric vehicles

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a technique to convert waste paper into lithium-ion battery electrodes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing durability. The new method uses carbonisation and laser cutting to create reusable batteries with superior properties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers develop algorithm for optimal decision making under heavy-tailed noisy rewards

Chung-Ang University researchers propose a new algorithm, MR-UCB and MR-APE, to tackle stochastic multi-armed bandit problems with heavy-tailed noise distributions. The methods guarantee minimal loss for worst-case scenarios with minimal prior information.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2022

A new way of fabricating high-efficiency diffraction gratings for astronomical spectroscopy

Researchers develop a new way to manufacture high-efficiency diffraction gratings using reactive ion-plasma etching, achieving near-theoretical unpolarized diffraction efficiency of 94.3%. The process enables robust and durable gratings suitable for harsh environments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Astronomical Telescopes Instruments and Systems·DateNov 10, 2022

Biofuel on the road to energy, cost savings

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 10, 2022

ASU launches new quantum research collaborative

The Arizona State University's Quantum Collaborative is a major initiative promoting understanding of advanced quantum technology and forging partnerships to advance it. The collaborative aims to develop a robust talent pipeline for a quantum-enabled economy through certifications, upskilling opportunities, and modified degree programs.

Automatic text simplification: efficacy in the foreign language classroom

A study by Professor Dennis Murphy Odo found that automatic text simplification (ATS) software makes authentic materials more comprehensible for L2 learners with high reading proficiency. However, the tool's effectiveness is limited for learners with lower reading proficiencies. The researcher suggests that ATS tools need to be further...

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Linguistics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Study: Live chat boosts college women’s class participation

A recent UNLV-led study discovered that women enthusiastically embraced live chat during pandemic Zoom classes, with ratings showing significantly higher engagement than men. The researchers hope this data can help colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and in-person courses to increase underrepresented groups' access to STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Metalens array promotes the scalability of optical addressing

Researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology developed a scalable metalens array for optical addressing, enabling compact focusing of individual addressing beams onto quantum particles. The design features a periodical metalens molecule with a 'Z' shape, allowing for arbitrary focused spot arrays and low crosstalk.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly has been successfully demonstrated in a European project. Concentrating ultrasound waves can detach materials from the inside of shunts implanted in the brains of patients, enabling preventive cleaning without affecting other areas.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·DateOct 11, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Researchers’ flow platform advances water harvesting technology

Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists’ discovery of the structure of a key part of our chromosomes could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer

Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.

The super-fast MRI scan that could revolutionise heart failure diagnosis

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a super-fast MRI scan that can diagnose patients with heart failure in record time. The new 4D heart MRI scan takes just eight minutes to produce detailed images of the heart valves and blood flow, helping doctors determine the best course of treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Radiology Experimental·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022

From analog to digital

A University of Missouri researcher and his team are using artificial intelligence to study anatomical research, creating detailed 3D computer models of muscles. This technology is advancing the field by enabling researchers to analyze muscle fiber orientation and develop a better understanding of motor control in animals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateSep 16, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers pave the way for large-scale, efficient organic solar cells with water treatment

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a method to control active layer morphology in organic solar cells using water treatment. This approach led to more uniform thin films and higher power conversion efficiencies compared to non-treated samples. The study paves the way for large-scale, efficient organi...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

The rates of unique names increased in Japan over the 40 years from the 1980s: long-term analysis of baby names published in municipality newsletters

A new study analyzing baby names from municipality newsletters found rising trends of individualism in Japan, with unique names increasing from the 1980s to 2018. The research suggests a cultural shift towards greater uniqueness and independence.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

GIST scientists develop model that adjusts videogame difficulty based on player emotions

Researchers from GIST developed an AI model that adjusts videogame difficulty based on player emotions, incorporating aspects such as challenge, competence, flow, and valence. The model has been verified to improve players' overall experience, regardless of their preference, and has potential applications in various fields beyond gaming.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2022

Preparing for a tech revolution

The University of Delaware and the University of New Mexico are collaborating on a $4 million grant to develop quantum photonics technologies. This initiative aims to prepare a skilled workforce for the growing quantum computing market, projected to grow from $486 million in 2021 to $3.2 billion by 2028.

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022