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Neuralink's second participant showcases impressive BCI capabilities (Image source: Neuralink)

Neuralink participant with spinal cord injury plays Counter-Strike 2 using brain-computer interface

Neuralink's brain-computer interface technology is transforming people's lives with mobility challenges. Their latest participant, Alex, a quadriplegic automotive technician, has already demonstrated unprecedented control and adap...

Nathan Ali, 27 Aug 2024 16:29

More cables alone do not ensure stability. (Image source: pixabay/michaltrnka360)

Creating more resilient power grids requires just 2 simple tricks

Heat, drought and heavy rain cause problems for the infrastructure. However, even simple measures can help to significantly reduce the likelihood of power outages. And renewable energies are both the problem and the solution.

Mario Petzold, 27 Aug 2024 14:58

MIT engineers unveil tiny battery to power autonomous micro-robots (Image source: DALL·E 3)

Tiny, mighty battery unlocks new frontiers for autonomous micro-robots

MIT engineers have developed an ultra-tiny, self-powered battery that could revolutionize the field of miniature robots. This zinc-air battery, just the size of a human hair, generates power by oxidizing zinc using oxygen from the...

Nathan Ali, 26 Aug 2024 16:45

A fraction of the laser light leads to the same result thanks to completely new illumination methods. (Image source: OIST)

Ten times better: Revolutionary new chip production technique could save energy and money

Extreme ultraviolet light enables the production of 7 nm chips and even smaller circuits. However, the power requirements are enormous, and the high-performance technology is expensive. At least until now.

Mario Petzold, 26 Aug 2024 15:26

Peking University pioneers carbon nanotube tensor processing unit for energy-efficient AI (Image source: Stan Hutter, Unsplash)

Researchers at Peking University develop world's first carbon nanotube-based tensor processing unit

Researchers at Peking University have developed the world's first tensor processing unit (TPU) using carbon nanotube transistors, a remarkable achievement in the quest for energy-saving AI hardware. This innovative TPU, boasts hig...

Nathan Ali, 26 Aug 2024 13:41

Superconductors have applications in particle accelerators, transformers, computing, and medical imaging. (Image source: Dall-E 3)

Higher-temperature superconductors inch closer to reality, thanks to new unconventional interface

A new interface between a superconductor and a chiral material has been engineered by researchers, aiming to achieve higher-temperature superconductivity. The enhanced Zeeman field at the interface and the resulting spin-active el...

Anubhav Sharma, 25 Aug 2024 14:19

Sandia Labs develops compact quantum navigation chips (Image source: Aryo Yarahmadi, Unsplash)

Sandia Labs shrinks quantum navigation to chip size; GPS-free positioning breakthrough

Sandia National Labs unveils groundbreaking miniaturized optical chips for quantum navigation. These compact marvels promise to revolutionize positioning technology, potentially eliminating reliance on vulnerable GPS systems. The ...

Nathan Ali, 19 Aug 2024 16:40

The AI Scientist autonomous AI research concept drawing (Image source: arXiv)

Autonomous AI-powered research solution could reshape humanity's future

A new effort in the AI field has produced a system allegedly capable of carrying out autonomous scientific research. Called "The AI Scientist," this system uses LLMs. The development team claims this system is researching ways of ...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Aug 2024 23:18

In some cases, the technical principles for achieving nuclear fusion are completely different. (Image source: GCO)

Various techniques for nuclear fusion await breakthrough with radically new ideas or better concepts

It is not enough to obtain more energy than was put in. And it is also not enough to generate a stable nuclear fusion reaction. But what exactly is the status of ideas for successful nuclear fusion?

Mario Petzold, 15 Aug 2024 19:39

Successful trials on mice could lead to a cure for anorexia nervosa in humans (Generated using DALL·E 3)

Simple yet effective treatment for anorexia proposed as trials with mice declared a success

After successfully proving that the ACBP protein, which was discovered over four decades ago, can be used to cure anorexia in mice, scientists are now ready to try and cure this complex illness in humans using the same method. Sta...

Codrut Nistor, 15 Aug 2024 11:55

perovskite solar modules promise 50 percent more yield on the same surface area, if they last. (Image source: Mario Petzold)

Highly efficient perovskite solar cell with decent long-term durability unveiled

The development, which finally combines high efficiency and a long service life, performs over 50 percent better than current commercial perovskite modules. At the same time, nothing stands in the way of scalability for rapid depl...

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 23:10

This is how AI imagines many solar cells in front of mountains and water - ideal for solar power and its storage. (Image source: DallE 3)

100 percent solar energy: Indonesia plans for the future

Perfect location, ideal conditions and little wind. The island state with the world's fourth largest population can become a prime example of a sustainable energy policy - without great effort and surprisingly low energy costs.

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 22:04

Living Carbon genetic engineering lab (Image source: Living Carbon)

New genetically modified poplar trees no longer need strength processing by delignification

Although genetically modified wood has been around for a while, the latest poplar trees that were tweaked by a team of researchers with the University of Maryland are taking it all to the next level. Their genetically modified pop...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Aug 2024 21:07

The system is similar to a heat pump and air conditioning system, but requires no electricity. (Image source: Nagano Lab)

Heat pipe with 10 kW output works without electricity

It is the world's largest heat transfer system that works completely without electricity or any other form of energy supply. The efficiency of electric cars, servers and heat pumps could increase significantly thanks to passive co...

Mario Petzold, 13 Aug 2024 21:04

Blood pressure measurement with the smartwatch is not yet possible without constant calibration. (Image source: Notebookcheck/Alexander Fagot)

Reliable blood pressure measurement technique developed

Long-term blood pressure measurements in particular are only possible with great effort. A new technology is set to radically change this, which could eventually even find its way into smartwatches and help identify a wide range o...

Mario Petzold, 12 Aug 2024 20:48

It's well known that microwaves are good at heating things up. (Image source: Kyle Palmer/PPPL)

Nuclear fusion becomes more efficient and feasible with microwaves

It is not only the energy required to heat the plasma that could be drastically reduced. The structure, especially inside the fusion reactor, would also become significantly more simplistic.

Mario Petzold, 12 Aug 2024 20:43

DeepMind's table tennis robot challenges amateur players (Image source: Andy Kelly, Unsplash)

DeepMind's table tennis robot wins 13 matches against human players

DeepMind's table tennis robot challenges human players, winning 13 out of 29 matches. The AI-powered system executes various shots and adapts to opponents' movements. While formidable against beginners and intermediate players, th...

Nathan Ali, 12 Aug 2024 17:41

NASA VIPER robotic moon rover (Source: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas)

NASA gearing up for new moon exploration missions, invites third parties to join

Although NASA intends to discontinue the VIPER program, the agency is now reaching out to American companies and institutions that are willing to use the moon rover to conduct a mission with minimal or no expense for the US govern...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Aug 2024 11:41

A thermal infrared image of UCLA's Royce Hall. The white to pale red color transition shows the heat being absorbed from the ground (red). The excess heat radiates up to the cold sky, depicted with blue. (Image source: Raman Lab/UCLA)

Newly-developed passive cooling technique for buildings could bring down soaring AC costs

UCLA researchers developed a passive cooling technology for buildings to reduce reliance on AC. They manipulated radiant heat transfer at ground level, claiming that the new method is a sustainable answer to temperature regulation...

Anubhav Sharma, 11 Aug 2024 00:59

Plastic fragments in water (Image source: Environmental Science & Technology Letters via ScienceAlert)

Plastics-free water easy to produce at home according to scientists

In some cases, boiling and filtering water at home can reduce the amount of nanoplastics and microplastics such as polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene in it by up to 90 percent, reveals a study conducted by a Chinese team ...

Codrut Nistor, 10 Aug 2024 14:35

Superimposed movements reveal the binary system. (Image source: ESA/Gaia/DPAC)

Over 350 new moons discovered in the solar system

This almost doubles the number of asteroids in our planetary system that have a companion, i.e. a moon. This discovery was only possible thanks to GAIA's extremely precise instruments.

Mario Petzold, 09 Aug 2024 16:04

New type of memory can calculate, is highly adaptable and outstandingly efficient. (Image source: UMN)

20-year-old idea increases the efficiency of AI by 1,000 times

The conceivable savings equivalent to the consumption of a large industrialized country. This gigantic leap in efficiency is made possible by a completely redesigned data processing system.

Mario Petzold, 09 Aug 2024 12:54

New materials and a unique manufacturing process as a solution. (Image source: GIST)

Zinc-bromine battery achieves 10,000 cycles with innovative electrode

Non-flammable, high cell voltage and a simple, cost-effective design: This battery technology is actually very promising, but the life-span is extremely short. A newly developed electrode is set to change this.

Mario Petzold, 08 Aug 2024 17:28

The prototype is still a bit large, but it works reliably. (Image source: Brenda Ahearn, Michigan Engineering)

Privacy: Newly developed camera turns people into stick figures

Cameras support the robot vacuum cleaner at work or detect falls in the home. Unfortunately, there is always a risk of misuse, which a new type of camera system can prevent.

Mario Petzold, 08 Aug 2024 10:54

The MNA (microneedle array), consisting of the drug delivery and the sensory compartment. (Image source: Advanced Healthcare Materials)

Tiny 3D-printed microneedles could streamline remote health monitoring and painless drug delivery

A new 3D-printed microneedle system has been designed by researchers at the University of Victoria and the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation. It combines remote health monitoring and drug delivery, and uses painless, mi...

Anubhav Sharma, 07 Aug 2024 19:20

Hydrogen is versatile, but producing it is difficult. (Image source: YouTube/Toyota Deutschland)

Extremely efficient photocatalysis converts tap water into hydrogen using only sunlight

The new method produces at least 15 times more hydrogen. Neither electricity nor natural gas need to be used, meaning that production is completely sustainable.

Mario Petzold, 06 Aug 2024 11:44

By packaging the KIB tech in the ubiquitous 18650 format, it can be tested in a variety of applications (Image source: Group1)

First ever potassium-ion 18650 battery unveiled, outperforms Li-ion counterparts and is cobalt-free

Texas-based battery tech startup Group1 has launched the world’s first potassium-ion battery (KIB) in the popular cylindrical 18650 format. The battery outperforms Li-ion ones in key areas like charging speed, safety and number of...

Vishal Bhardwaj, 05 Aug 2024 13:50

Neuralink's surgical implant robot (Image source: Neuralink)

Elon Musk defines Neuralink as AI safety project while second human trial participant receives brain implant

In a wide-ranging interview spanning more than 8 hours, Elon Musk and the Neuralink team talk about the BCI implant human trials and enhancing the human mind so that AI doesn't become 'bored' with it.

Daniel Zlatev, 05 Aug 2024 10:36

Radio waves come from many sources in the city. The distance is crucial. (Image source: pixabay/OpenClipart-Vectors)

Power generation from radio waves shows way for smart devices without a battery

A tiny chip drives a temperature sensor - thanks to the many different radio waves in our environment. In order for this to work, the researchers had to solve a crucial problem.

Mario Petzold, 02 Aug 2024 21:29

More can be recovered from old batteries than just the raw materials. (Image source: pixabay/Alexas_Fotos)

Recycling within seconds can make future batteries considerably more sustainable

Magnetic separation not only promises cost-effective dismantling of batteries. At the same time, the price of basic parts for new batteries would fall - not to mention the savings in raw materials.

Mario Petzold, 02 Aug 2024 11:54

Mark (64), was able to play Solitaire using his thoughts, Synchron's BCI and the Apple Vision Pro headset. (Image source: Business Wire)

ALS patient controls Apple's Vision Pro headset with Synchron's BCI and just his thoughts

Synchron announced the successful use of its brain-computer interface (BCI) by an ALS patient to control the Apple Vision Pro using thoughts. This breakthrough will allow individuals who have lost mobility in their hands and voice...

Anubhav Sharma, 31 Jul 2024 09:25

Light indoors is structured differently than outdoors, so the solar cell must also be designed differently. (Image source: pixabay/pruzi)

Indoor solar cell achieves 37 percent efficiency

Artificial light is different from sunlight. Above all, it is not efficiently converted into electricity by solar modules. A new type of perovskite solar cell is set to change this thanks to its high efficiency.

Mario Petzold, 29 Jul 2024 10:28

Artificial MAGLEV heart made of titanium implanted in human patient for first time

The clinical trial for BiVACOR's innovative artificial heart has reached a stage in which it is being tested in human patients. The synthetic vital organ replacement, which incorporates magnetic levitation (or MAGLEV) technology t...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 26 Jul 2024 18:47

OLED TVs are better for sleep than LCD units (Image source: LG)

LG TV study finds OLED displays better than LCD for a good night's sleep due to increase in melatonin

While researchers found that melatonin secretion fell in those watching a TV with LCD screen, in the OLED control group it actually increased. The parasympathetic nerves' activation was also higher when watching an OLED TV.

Daniel Zlatev, 25 Jul 2024 14:30

Tesla plans to launch the Optimus robot on the market with a retail price of less than 20,000 US dollars, which would make it interesting not only for companies but also for private households. (Image source: X / formerly Twitter)

Tesla's Optimus robots to start work from 2025

As Elon Musk announced on X, the Optimus robot will be used in Tesla factories as early as next year and could go into mass production as early as 2026.

Marius Müller, 24 Jul 2024 15:27

Technology that is no longer current contains a great deal of value, it's just not so easy to get hold of. (Image source: pixabay)

Breakthrough in recycling: Rare earths can be extracted 50 times faster

A principle from nature helps to obtain valuable metals much more easily in their pure form. Instead of complex mechanical and physical processes, a reaction from our own bodies is used.

Mario Petzold, 22 Jul 2024 17:20

The study demonstrates how waste Styrofoam can be transformed into polymers for electronic materials. (Source: EurekAlert)

New method converts waste plastic into high-performance electronics, like solar cells and transistors

University of Delaware and Argonne National Lab researchers created a method to turn waste Styrofoam (polystyrene) into a valuable electronics material. Their technique uses a milder chemical reaction to produce high-performing PE...

Anubhav Sharma, 20 Jul 2024 23:13

Nano-MIND uses tiny magnetic particles injected into specific brain regions. (Image source: Milad Fakurian / Unsplash)

Nano-MIND tech uses magnetism & Neuralink-like BCIs to target brain regions, could lead to new neurological treatments

A new technology from South Korea called Nano-MIND allows scientists to wirelessly control specific brain regions using magnetic fields. The technique has already successfully influenced maternal behavior and feeding in mice by ta...

Anubhav Sharma, 18 Jul 2024 10:13

When researchers irradiate a thin layer of nickel iodide with an ultrafast laser pulse, corkscrew-shaped features arise. (Source: EurekAlert)

Nickel iodide could be the key to ultra-fast, smaller memory devices in the future, research states

Scientists identified nickel iodide (NiI2) as a promising material for ultra-fast memory due to its exceptionally strong magnetoelectric coupling, a property where electric fields can influence magnetism and vice versa. This disco...

Anubhav Sharma, 18 Jul 2024 05:47

The manipulation of the crystal ensures the smallest possible components. (Image source: IBS)

Less than 1 nm: New technology makes tiny chips possible

7 nm, 5 nm, 3 nm. The smaller MOSFETs and FinFETs become, the more circuits are possible on the same surface area. However, development is coming up against a very practical limit: the atomic radius.

Mario Petzold, 15 Jul 2024 11:46

Can AI help humans create better content? (Source: NBC via DallE 3)

Generative AI helps writers seem more creative, yet less original, in new study

Generative AI is often seen as one of the great technological innovations of the era; nevertheless, its effects on the traditionally human domains of artistic endeavor are hotly debated. A team of researchers set out to assess the...

Deirdre O'Donnell, 14 Jul 2024 18:23

The Taza Aya non-thermal plasma mask (Image source: Taza Aya)

Researchers develop an invisible mask that zaps 99% of airborne pathogens

Taza Aya, a University of Michigan startup says it has developed an 'invisible mask' technology which kills 99% of pathogens in the air while also keeping out 99.8% of aerosols. The University of Michigan says its effectiveness ha...

Chibuike Okpara, 13 Jul 2024 10:44

Li-metal batteries promise more power for the same weight. (Image source: pexels/Lensmagicians)

Lithium metal battery with over 500 Wh/kg developed

Batteries in electric cars, but also for any other mobile use, require a high energy density. However, this is often associated with a shorter service life, which a new type of structure aims to change.

Mario Petzold, 12 Jul 2024 21:22

Noland Arbaugh will be joined by other Neuralink testers (Image source: Neuralink)

More Neuralink human trials in the cards as Elon Musk teases Optimus robot mind control

The Neuralink brain-computer implant that allowed a human trial participant to play games with their mind only might one day be used to control Tesla's Optimus robots, predicts Elon Musk.

Daniel Zlatev, 11 Jul 2024 16:12

The iridescent opening inspires materials research. (Image source: youtube/Yale University)

Giant clam outperforms solar cell, converts 67 percent of sunlight

With a mixture of targeted light scattering and adaptation to the respective light conditions, the sea creatures convert a large proportion of the light into usable energy. A model for future solar modules.

Mario Petzold, 10 Jul 2024 21:16

The shape and material properties can be adapted as required. (Image source: Fraunhofer IKTS)

Bacteria create bricks, insulation, mortar and bind CO2 in the process

Building materials can also be produced using photosynthesis and special bacteria. The process is highly adaptable and should soon deliver relevant quantities.

Mario Petzold, 05 Jul 2024 12:45

Microphones and external batteries could soon be a thing of the past. (Image source: pexels/Brett Sayles)

Tiny hearing aid is smaller than a grain of rice and will be implanted in the inner ear

It is still a prototype, but the tiny device listens exactly where the sound arrives and requires no other components. The advantages for hearing-impaired people could be enormous.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 20:59

First, it produces electricity and then pure hydrogen: a tandem PEC reactor. (Image source: Fraunhofer IKTS)

Compact solar-powered reactor for easy hydrogen production developed

As with a solar cell, only a little sunlight is needed, but then hydrogen flows instead of electricity. And unlike photovoltaics, this can be stored for a long time. But there are still a few challenges.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 12:58

Santorini, for example, is completely covered in light colors to reflect the warmth of the sun directly. (Image source: pixabay/Yolanda)

Cooling house facade manipulates heat radiation to great effect

It is not a new idea, and the material already exists. However, one very special property makes it more effective than traditional facade insulation - especially in summer, but not only.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 09:58

Lots of hoses and even more cables for automated experiments. (Image source: Empa)

CO2-based e-fuels become much easier to study thanks to new technique

Synthetic fuels could be useful in two ways: as storage for surplus renewable energy and as a climate-neutral fuel with enormous energy density. However, the efficiency of their production is appallingly poor.

Mario Petzold, 03 Jul 2024 08:57

Science

Neuralink participant with spinal cord injury plays Counter-Strike 2 using brain-computer interface

Creating more resilient power grids requires just 2 simple tricks

Tiny, mighty battery unlocks new frontiers for autonomous micro-robots

Ten times better: Revolutionary new chip production technique could save energy and money

Researchers at Peking University develop world's first carbon nanotube-based tensor processing unit

Higher-temperature superconductors inch closer to reality, thanks to new unconventional interface

Sandia Labs shrinks quantum navigation to chip size; GPS-free positioning breakthrough

Autonomous AI-powered research solution could reshape humanity's future

Various techniques for nuclear fusion await breakthrough with radically new ideas or better concepts

Simple yet effective treatment for anorexia proposed as trials with mice declared a success

Highly efficient perovskite solar cell with decent long-term durability unveiled

100 percent solar energy: Indonesia plans for the future

New genetically modified poplar trees no longer need strength processing by delignification

Heat pipe with 10 kW output works without electricity

Reliable blood pressure measurement technique developed

Nuclear fusion becomes more efficient and feasible with microwaves

DeepMind's table tennis robot wins 13 matches against human players

NASA gearing up for new moon exploration missions, invites third parties to join

Newly-developed passive cooling technique for buildings could bring down soaring AC costs

Plastics-free water easy to produce at home according to scientists

Over 350 new moons discovered in the solar system

20-year-old idea increases the efficiency of AI by 1,000 times

Zinc-bromine battery achieves 10,000 cycles with innovative electrode

Privacy: Newly developed camera turns people into stick figures

Tiny 3D-printed microneedles could streamline remote health monitoring and painless drug delivery

Extremely efficient photocatalysis converts tap water into hydrogen using only sunlight

First ever potassium-ion 18650 battery unveiled, outperforms Li-ion counterparts and is cobalt-free

Elon Musk defines Neuralink as AI safety project while second human trial participant receives brain implant

Power generation from radio waves shows way for smart devices without a battery

Recycling within seconds can make future batteries considerably more sustainable

ALS patient controls Apple's Vision Pro headset with Synchron's BCI and just his thoughts

Indoor solar cell achieves 37 percent efficiency

Artificial MAGLEV heart made of titanium implanted in human patient for first time

LG TV study finds OLED displays better than LCD for a good night's sleep due to increase in melatonin

Tesla's Optimus robots to start work from 2025

Breakthrough in recycling: Rare earths can be extracted 50 times faster

New method converts waste plastic into high-performance electronics, like solar cells and transistors

Nano-MIND tech uses magnetism & Neuralink-like BCIs to target brain regions, could lead to new neurological treatments

Nickel iodide could be the key to ultra-fast, smaller memory devices in the future, research states

Less than 1 nm: New technology makes tiny chips possible

Generative AI helps writers seem more creative, yet less original, in new study

Researchers develop an invisible mask that zaps 99% of airborne pathogens

Lithium metal battery with over 500 Wh/kg developed

More Neuralink human trials in the cards as Elon Musk teases Optimus robot mind control

Giant clam outperforms solar cell, converts 67 percent of sunlight

Bacteria create bricks, insulation, mortar and bind CO2 in the process

Tiny hearing aid is smaller than a grain of rice and will be implanted in the inner ear

Compact solar-powered reactor for easy hydrogen production developed

Cooling house facade manipulates heat radiation to great effect

CO2-based e-fuels become much easier to study thanks to new technique

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