The IDAct system uses battery-free RFID tags and readers to track objects and detect human presence, potentially enhancing elder care with unobtrusive monitoring of medications and daily activities. The technology has been tested with high accuracy, detecting specific activities over 96% of the time.
Researchers at Lancaster University have identified areas where technology can support people with depression by promoting positive memory recall. These areas include biosensors, technologies that actively prompt users to counteract negative thoughts and create positive memory banks.
A collaboration between astrophysicists, conservationists, and ecologists is using drone technology with thermal-imaging cameras to count orangutans. The method has proven successful in detecting the great apes in the Bornean forest canopy, even at night or in fog.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation has honored three K-12 educators for their outstanding contributions to STEM education. The winners, Charlotte Cook, Patricia Palazzolo, and Megan L. Tucker, have inspired their students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The £1.1 million project aims to develop bioresorbable stents that prevent complications associated with metal stents, treating severe peripheral vascular disease. The new device will dissolve between 18-24 months, preventing life-long presence of metal stents and associated chronic inflammation.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new design method to create soft robots using 3D printers, which can provide physical interaction and care for the elderly. The technology enables the efficient design and fabrication of soft robots that can be squeezed and stretched to perform complex motions such as gripping or crawling.
Scientists developed a new imaging technology to visualize what cells eat, such as glucose, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer. The technique uses chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific molecules consumed by cells.
A recent study found that patients with lung disease bronchiectasis often display sensitivity to airborne allergens, with a particular role for fungi. The discovery highlights the importance of examining bronchiectasis patients for allergies, as existing treatments can prevent worsening of the disease.
Michael Snyder received the 2019 George W. Beadle Award for his contributions to systems biology, including the development of widely-used technology for simultaneous gene analysis. His work has enabled the tracking of RNA molecules, proteins, and genes in humans, paving the way for personalized medicine.
A team of researchers found that the creation of effective technologies depends on cultural processes, such as copying and iteration, rather than individual understanding. This challenges the traditional view that humans' intelligence is the primary driver of technological innovation.
Researchers have developed a processing technique to create transparent polythene films stronger than aluminum, yet lighter in weight. These films possess high strength and resilience, approaching that of metals, while maintaining transparency.
Researchers found that complex artefacts don't necessarily prove human ancestors had sophisticated reasoning, but rather an accumulation of improvements made across generations. The study used chains of volunteers to tackle engineering problems and showed that understanding was not necessary for improvement.
The UTA Research Institute and Neuro Rehab VR are developing a robotic glove that will aid in rehabilitating stroke patients through virtual reality gaming. The device aims to provide fine motor training and increase patient compliance, saving money on rehabilitation. Clinical testing is expected to begin after development.
Genome editing enables crop development with resistance to pests, diseases, drought, and heat, reducing losses and chemical pesticide sprays. However, regulatory hurdles in Europe may hinder the adoption of these technologies, posing a risk to developing countries.
A new research project is harnessing diverse disciplines to examine the relationship between disability and technology, aiming to produce new ideas about how disability is seen in a world of artificial intelligence and robotics. The project will also create new technologies that can be used by people with disabilities today.
The new Easy Email Encryption (E3) app automatically encrypts incoming emails on trusted devices, providing real-world security without requiring technical expertise. With receiver-controlled encryption and per-device key pairs, E3 makes email protection accessible to non-technical users.
A newly discovered Medusavirus giant virus provides new insights into host-virus co-evolution, with features including DNA coding for five histones and unique capsid surface proteins. The discovery suggests a lateral gene transfer model between host and virus.
Researchers from Bilkent University develop a technique to eliminate cross-talk in 3D holographic projection, enabling the creation of realistic and dynamic holograms. The method uses wavefront engineering and orthogonality properties to achieve high-quality projections with increasing hologram resolution.
Researchers developed a heat-resistant sensor system that precisely monitors industrial drying, baking, and cooking processes. The system improves product quality, optimizes the production process, and lowers energy demands.
A team at Chalmers University of Technology has proposed creating ultra-intense light pulses to study interactions between matter and light. These pulses can be used to probe and control matter in unique ways, offering new insights into material science and quantum states.
Researchers at Saarland University have created an ultrathin flexible film that can act as a sensor for innovative technologies. The smart glove uses tactile signals to provide real-time feedback and assistance to assembly line workers, helping to prevent costly mistakes.
A £2.4 million engineering research facility will test new materials within full-scale structures such as tidal blades, plane components, and bridge sections.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a solar-powered moisture harvester that captures and cleans water from the air using hydrogels. The system can produce up to 50 liters of clean water per kilogram of hydrogel, making it a promising solution for disaster situations, water crises, or poverty-stricken areas.
Researchers at Purdue University created a liquid-metal-inclusion based triboelectric nanogenerator, called LMI-TENG, which can harvest biomechanical signals from the body to power electronic devices. The technology has applications in wearable sensors, pervasive computing, and emerging technologies such as robotics and virtual reality.
AI systems often employ 'Clever Hans' strategies that are not meaningful from a human perspective, but still achieve success. Researchers have developed explainable AI technology to identify these flawed strategies and identify more intelligent problem-solving approaches.
Purdue University engineers have created a way to secure communication signals within the human body, using low-frequency carrier-less transmission to prevent interception. This technology enables covert communication channels, making it difficult for hackers to access sensitive information.
David Julian McClements, a renowned expert in nanotechnology, has won the Nicolas Appert Award for his work on functional foods and omega-3 fatty acids. Hang Xiao, a Clydesdale Scholar, received the Babcock-Hart Award for his research on dietary components that prevent chronic diseases.
Researchers in the EPic Lab have made a breakthrough in developing a crucial element of an atomic clock, improving efficiency by 80%. The technology has the potential to revolutionize navigation systems, potentially replacing satellite mapping like GPS within 20 years.
The European Commission has approved a 5-year, 9.1 million euro program to enhance quantum science and technologies in the Upper Rhine region. The initiative aims to foster fundamental research and applications, including secure communication networks and new materials.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology develop a novel multiplexing technique using the optical vortex to encode independent signals, enabling high-speed data transmission with low energy consumption. The device has been fabricated and demonstrated its potential in improving optical networks.
A new technology aims to bridge the gap for visually impaired students in STEM fields by using robotics, touchscreen technology, and sound. The project focuses on developing graphics and simulations that can be felt and heard, enabling equal access to math, engineering, and science concepts.
Researchers developed graphene quantum dots embedded in hexagonal boron nitride, enabling successful synthesis of high-quality single-electron transistors. The study demonstrated the manifestation of Coulomb blockade phenomena in each graphene quantum dot as a separate single electron transmission channel.
The project aims to analyze realistic applications of AI in medicine, exploring opportunities and challenges. This includes effective therapies against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia, as well as preventive interventions in the human germline using genome editing methods like CRISPR-Cas.
A recent study published in Obesity found that consuming red raspberries can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin responses in individuals at risk for diabetes. The researchers concluded that incorporating certain fruits like red raspberries into meals can have beneficial effects on glucose control.
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a high-power fuel cell that operates at double the voltage of commercial fuel cells, powering unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and eventually electric aircraft at significantly lower cost.
A new robotic sensor technology has been developed to measure hormones affecting fertility, sexual development, and menstruation quickly and cheaply. The technology, called RAPTER, uses a novel biosensor linked to a robotic system to provide real-time results, paving the way for more personalized medicine.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a nonvolatile microcontroller unit utilizing spintronics-based VLSI design technology, achieving ultra-low power consumption of 47.14μW at 200MHz operation. The MCU's high-performance capabilities make it suitable for IoT sensor node applications.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a computer game for dementia carers, offering immersive scenarios to build knowledge and skills. The game is freely available online, providing a hands-on approach to train caregivers in dealing with the challenges of dementia care.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have successfully developed a single-chip transceiver that can transmit or receive digital data at 80 gigabits per second (Gbit/s) using terahertz (THz) technology. The breakthrough could potentially enable ultra-high-speed wireless communications, supporting the development of artificial superintell...
A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has developed a simple solution to fabricate large-area Ag-nylon flexible transparent windows for high-efficiency PM2.5 capture. The material shows excellent mechanical stability and can be used as both a thermochromic smart window and a high-efficiency PM2.5 filter.
Researchers discuss the potential of brain-computer interfaces to aid and restore communication for people with severe speech and physical impairments. The talk highlights the importance of choosing the right technology that maximizes reliability and minimizes fatigue and frustration.
Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.
Researchers from the University of Bristol used satellite imagery to detect uplift on the northern flank of Agung volcano, indicating magma movement sideways as well as vertically. This study provides the first geophysical evidence of a connected plumbing system between Agung and Batur volcanoes.
The WeDraw project developed a multi-sensory teaching method using dance and music to teach mathematical concepts. The method was tested with over 100 children and showed improved learning outcomes, especially for pupils with visual impairments.
Chalmers researchers have devised a new method to study how single biological cells react to stressful situations, with potential applications in drug development and brewing better beer. By monitoring changes in compounds within yeast cells, they identified the production of glycerol as a response to stress.
A recent study by Bocconi University and University of Bath found that high pay dispersion in variable pay is associated with increased innovation, whereas low pay dispersion in fixed pay hinders it. The researchers measured the innovation output of US firms from 1992 to 2006 using patent data and citations received.
A machine learning approach predicts changes in material properties from straining the material, enabling the engineering of new materials with tailored properties. The technique has implications for industries such as communications, information processing, and energy.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new theory to predict the breakup of liquid jets at the nanoscale. This new understanding has potential applications in emerging nano-technologies such as ink-jet printing, drug delivery, and lab-on-chip devices.
A novel type of flow battery is being tested in golf carts and industrial vehicles, showing promise for powering electric cars for up to 3,000 miles. The technology replaces traditional batteries with a water-based single fluid that can run like a gas engine without burning anything.
Scientists at the University of Toronto are developing a new nanoparticle sensor technology to detect and visually identify pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). The system, called OptiSolve Insight, will enable rapid detection and effective decontamination of surfaces, potentially reducing illness rates.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a chemical conversion process that can transform polyolefin waste into valuable products, including polymers, naphtha, and clean fuels. The technology has the potential to boost recycling profits and reduce global plastic waste stock.
Purdue researchers develop a technology to address uncertainty in CubeSat ignition systems, enabling reliable propulsion for extended lifetimes. The innovation uses nanosecond-long pulses to initiate ignition, successfully testing over 1.5 million pulses without significant damage.
A Swedish patient has become the first recipient of an osseo-neuromuscular implant to control a dexterous hand prosthesis. The breakthrough technology enables patients to use implanted neuromuscular interfaces to control their prostheses while perceiving sensations in daily life.
GEDI, a NASA instrument, is collecting data on forests using its waveform-based measurement technique to analyze the shape of returned light signals. This allows scientists to obtain three-dimensional structure information, useful for mapping wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...
Researchers analyzed impasto layers in three of Rembrandt's paintings and found a rare lead mineral called plumbonacrite, which was not previously known to occur in historic paint layers. The study suggests that Rembrandt used a unique paint recipe.
Researchers at Aalto University developed an AI called ARTIST that instantly determines molecular reactions to light, accelerating the development of new technologies such as wearable electronics and flexible solar panels. This approach has the potential to slash research and development costs.
Rafael and Ben-Gurion University collaborate to explore cyber security breaches in autonomous car sensors and develop protective solutions. The partnership aims to maintain Rafael's qualitative edge and innovative solutions.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrate stop bands in forward volume spin waves, a breakthrough for next-gen spin wave ICs. By combining magnetic insulators with metals, they suppress noise and express fundamental spin wave phenomena.
A study by the University at Buffalo suggests that tiny structural changes occur at the surface of materials when they come into contact with each other, leading to the triboelectric effect. This phenomenon has the potential to unify existing theory and create more sustainable power sources for small electronic devices.