Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: Optics
Published

Researchers optimize 3D printing of optically active nanostructures      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The shape, size and optical properties of 3-dimensional nanostructures can now be simulated in advance before they are produced directly with high precision on a wide variety of surfaces. Nanoprobes or optical tweezers with sizes in the nanometre range are now within reach.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

New insight into frictionless surfaces is slippery slope to energy-efficient technology      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have made an insight into superlubricity, where surfaces experience extremely low levels of friction. This could benefit future technologies by reducing energy lost to friction by moving parts.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

Cryo-microscopy reveals nano-sized copy machine implicated in origin of life      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

RNA is thought to have sparked the origin of life by self-copying. Researchers have now revealed the atomic structure of an 'RNA copy machine' through cryo-EM. This breakthrough sheds light on a primordial RNA world and fuels advancements in RNA nanotechnology and medicine.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

Experiment could test quantum nature of large masses for the first time      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new experiment could in principle test the quantumness of an object regardless of its mass or energy.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Computer Science: Quantum Computers Energy: Nuclear Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Solid-state qubits: Forget about being clean, embrace mess      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

New findings debunk previous wisdom that solid-state qubits need to be super dilute in an ultra-clean material to achieve long lifetimes. Instead, cram lots of rare-earth ions into a crystal and some will form pairs that act as highly coherent qubits, a new paper shows.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Engineering: Graphene Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

Innovative graphene-based implantable technology paves the way for high-precision therapeutic applications      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A new study presents an innovative graphene-based neurotechnology with the potential for a transformative impact in neuroscience and medical applications.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: Optics
Published

Light-matter interaction: Broken symmetry drives polaritons      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

An international team of scientists provide an overview of the latest research on light-matter interactions. In a new paper, they provide an overview of the latest research on polaritons, tiny particles that arise when light and material interact in a special way.

Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Bridging light and electrons      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have merged nonlinear optics with electron microscopy, unlocking new capabilities in material studies and the control of electron beams.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Environmental: General Geoscience: Environmental Issues Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Catalytic combo converts CO2 to solid carbon nanofibers      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Scientists have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, into carbon nanofibers, materials with a wide range of unique properties and many potential long-term uses. Their strategy uses tandem electrochemical and thermochemical reactions run at relatively low temperatures and ambient pressure and could successfully lock carbon away to offset or even achieve negative carbon emissions.

Computer Science: General Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

New study pinpoints the weaknesses in AI      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

ChatGPT and other solutions built on Machine Learning are surging. But even the most successful algorithms have limitations. Researchers have now proven mathematically that apart from simple problems it is not possible to create algorithms for AI that will always be stable. The study may lead to guidelines on how to better test algorithms and reminds us that machines do not have human intelligence after all.

Computer Science: General Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

Integrating dimensions to get more out of Moore's Law and advance electronics      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Engineers suggest a way to fit more transistors on a chip by seamlessly implementing 3D integration with 2D materials.

Engineering: Biometric Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

AI discovers that not every fingerprint is unique      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Engineers have built a new AI that shatters a long-held belief in forensics -- that fingerprints from different fingers of the same person are unique. It turns out they are similar, only we've been comparing fingerprints the wrong way!

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Optics
Published

How black silicon, a prized material used in solar cells, gets its dark, rough edge      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model explaining one way to make black silicon. The new etching model precisely explains how fluorine gas breaks certain bonds in the silicon more often than others, depending on the orientation of the bond at the surface. Black silicon is an important material used in solar cells, light sensors, antibacterial surfaces and many other applications.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

The first domino falls for redox reactions      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Transmitting an effect known as a domino reaction using redox chemistry has been achieved for the first time.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Computer Science: Virtual Reality (VR) Engineering: Nanotechnology Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

New study uses machine learning to bridge the reality gap in quantum devices      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

A study has used the power of machine learning to overcome a key challenge affecting quantum devices. For the first time, the findings reveal a way to close the 'reality gap': the difference between predicted and observed behavior from quantum devices.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science: General Engineering: Robotics Research Offbeat: Computers and Math Offbeat: General
Published

New soft robots roll like tires, spin like tops and orbit like moons      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have developed a new soft robot design that engages in three simultaneous behaviors: rolling forward, spinning like a record, and following a path that orbits around a central point. The device, which operates without human or computer control, holds promise for developing soft robotic devices that can be used to navigate and map unknown environments.

Chemistry: Biochemistry Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Geochemistry
Published

Bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of previously uncounted tiny plastic bits      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

In recent years, there has been rising concern that tiny particles known as microplastics are showing up basically everywhere on Earth, from polar ice to soil, drinking water and food. Formed when plastics break down into progressively smaller bits, these particles are being consumed by humans and other creatures, with unknown potential health and ecosystem effects. One big focus of research: bottled water, which has been shown to contain tens of thousands of identifiable fragments in each container. Now, using newly refined technology, researchers have entered a whole new plastic world: the poorly known realm of nanoplastics, the spawn of microplastics that have broken down even further. For the first time, they counted and identified these minute particles in bottled water. They found that on average, a liter contained some 240,000 detectable plastic fragments -- 10 to 100 times greater than previous estimates, which were based mainly on larger sizes.

Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Engineering: Nanotechnology Environmental: General Environmental: Water Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, offering a clean and sustainable energy source. However, the development of low-cost and efficient catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction remains a crucial challenge. Scientists have recently developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts by forming Turing structures with multiple nanotwin crystals. This innovative discovery paves the way for enhanced catalyst performance for green hydrogen production.

Engineering: Nanotechnology
Published

Springs aboard -- gently feeling the way to grasp the microcosmos      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

The integration of mechanical memory in the form of springs has for hundreds of years proven to be a key enabling technology for mechanical devices (like clocks), achieving advanced functionality through complex autonomous movements. In our times, the integration of springs in silicon-based microtechnology has opened the world of planar mass-producible mechatronic devices from which we all benefit, via air-bag sensors for example.

Engineering: Graphene Engineering: Nanotechnology Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Functional semiconductor made from graphene      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Researchers have created the first functional semiconductor made from graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms held together by the strongest bonds known. The breakthrough throws open the door to a new way of doing electronics.