Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry
From University of Oxford 07/12/23 A new study led by the University of Oxford has shed light on why certain species of bacteria carry astonishing arsenals of weapons. The findings, published today in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, could help us to engineer microbes that can destroy deadly pathogens, reducing our reliance on antibiotics. […]
Researchers extend non-line-of-sight imaging towards longer wavelengths
From Optica 07/12/23 Emerging technologies for non-line-of-sight imaging can detect objects even if they are around a corner or behind a wall. In new work, researchers use a new type of detector to extend this method from visible light into near and mid-infrared wavelengths, an advance that could be especially useful for unmanned vehicles, robotic […]
Timelapse: Berlin warehouse façade covered in solar film
From Superinnovators 06/12/23 German company Heliatek shared a video in Oct of an installation of more than 550 HeliaSol organic PV (OPV) solar films on a warehouse façade in Berlin. The project was funded under the EU LIFE programme. In August, the company announced the completion of the world’s most powerful solar film installation at […]
2D material reshapes 3D electronics for AI hardware
From Washington University in St. Louis 06/12/23 Multifunctional computer chips have evolved to do more with integrated sensors, processors, memory and other specialized components. However, as chips have expanded, the time required to move information between functional components has also grown. “Think of it like building a house,” said Sang-Hoon Bae, an assistant professor of […]
Sea fireflies synchronize their sparkle to seek soulmates
From Cornell University 06/12/23 In sea fireflies’ underwater ballet, the males sway together in perfect, illuminated synchronization, basking in the glow of their secreted iridescent mucus. “It’s extreme,” said Nicholai M. Hensley, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “It’s an illustration of convergent evolution […]
Revolving snow tunnel for snowboarding anywhere, anytime
From Superinnovators 05/12/23 Australian company Snowtunnel are building giant revolving metal cylinders covered in ice and artificial snow so snowboarders and skiers can practice all year round. The Snowtunnel has a much smaller footprint than dry or indoor ski slopes and potentially lower costs. Refrigerant is pumped through embedded pipes which are sprayed with water […]
Discovery of planet too big for its sun throws off solar system formation models
From Penn State 05/12/23 The discovery of a planet that is far too massive for its sun is calling into question what was previously understood about the formation of planets and their solar systems, according to Penn State researchers. In a paper published online today (Nov. 30) in the journal Science, researchers report the discovery […]
Scientists build tiny biological robots from human cells
From Tufts University 05/12/23 Researchers at Tufts University and Harvard University’s Wyss Institute have created tiny biological robots that they call Anthrobots from human tracheal cells. These Anthrobots can move across a surface and have been found to encourage the growth of neurons across a region of damage in a lab dish. The multicellular robots, […]
New bottlenose dolphin sense discovered: they feel electricity
From Journal of Experimental Biology 04/12/23 Born tail first, bottlenose dolphin calves emerge equipped with two slender rows of whiskers along their beak-like snouts – much like the touch-sensitive whiskers of seals. But the whiskers fall out soon after birth, leaving the youngster with a series of dimples, known as vibrissal pits. Recently Tim Hüttner […]
Chinese professor unveils ‘Harry Potter’ invisibility cloaking
From Superinnovators 04/12/23 Chinese Academy of Sciences Prof. Chu Junhao unveiled his invisibility cloak technology on 28th October at a Super Science Night event hosted by Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili. Using a panel with a lenticular grating of tiny cylindrical convex lenses, Chu made his lower body appear invisible, while the background remained visible. This […]