Adjustable filter paves the way for next-gen wireless communication

In the early 2010s, LightSquared, a multibillion-dollar startup promising to revolutionize cellular communications, declared bankruptcy. The company couldn’t figure out how to prevent its signals from interfering with those of GPS systems. Now, Penn Engineers have developed a new tool that could prevent such problems from ever happening again: an adjustable filter that can successfully prevent … Read more

Study solves lag mystery in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs)

Researchers who want to bridge the divide between biology and technology spend a lot of time thinking about translating between the two different “languages” of those realms. “Our digital technology operates through a series of electronic on-off switches that control the flow of current and voltage,” said Rajiv Giridharagopal, a research scientist at the University … Read more

Researchers develop skyrmion-based microdevice for energy-efficient AI computing

In a remarkable collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), a groundbreaking microelectronic device has emerged, heralding a new era in computing efficiency and sustainability. This innovative device, poised to revolutionize computing technologies, harnesses the power of tiny yet potent magnetic whirls known as skyrmions, … Read more

Newly discovered astrolabe reveals interfaith exchange in medieval Europe

The identification of an eleventh-century Islamic astrolabe bearing both Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions makes it one of the oldest examples ever discovered and one of only a handful known in the world. The astronomical instrument was adapted, translated, and corrected for centuries by Muslim, Jewish, and Christian users in Spain, North Africa, and Italy. Dr. … Read more

Researchers develop sustainable gold recovery method from e-waste using whey protein

Transforming base materials into gold was one of the elusive goals of the alchemists of yore. Now Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich has accomplished something in that vein. He has not of course transformed another chemical element into gold, as the alchemists sought to do. But … Read more

Researchers develop safer sodium battery with improved performance and sustainability

A sodium battery developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin significantly reduces fire risks from the technology, while also relying on inexpensive, abundant materials to serve as its building blocks. Though battery fires are rare, increased battery usage means these incidents are on the rise. The secret ingredient to this sodium battery … Read more

Fullerene indanone (FIDO) enables stable, amorphous films for next-generation solar cells

A group led by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan has created a material based on fullerene indanones (FIDO), which promises to improve the durability of next-generation solar cells. Durability has been one of the biggest hurdles in their practical application and commercialization. The researchers published their findings in the Journal of the American Chemical … Read more

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that provides a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, typically the internet, allowing users to access resources, communicate, and browse the web privately and securely. VPNs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to growing concerns about online privacy, security, and censorship. At its … Read more

What is augmented reality (AR)?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information or virtual objects onto the real-world environment, blending the physical and digital worlds in real-time. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which immerses users in a completely virtual environment, AR enhances the user’s perception of the real world by adding computer-generated elements such as images, videos, or … Read more

What is a microprocessor?

A microprocessor is a pivotal component of modern computing devices, serving as the brain that executes instructions and performs calculations. It is a miniature electronic device that contains millions or even billions of transistors etched onto a single semiconductor chip. The evolution of microprocessors has been instrumental in advancing computing technology, enabling the development of … Read more

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a transformative technology that has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals access, store, and manage data and applications. At its core, cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet (“the cloud”). This paradigm shift in IT infrastructure has enabled organizations to … Read more

Experiment could unravel the quantum reality of everyday objects

Scientists from University College London (UCL), along with researchers from the University of Southampton and the Bose Institute in Kolkata, India, is proposing an experiment that could potentially challenge the conventional limits of quantum mechanics. Quantum theory, renowned for its accuracy in describing the behavior of particles at minuscule scales, has yet to manifest observable … Read more

How do biometric authentication systems work?

Biometric authentication systems represent a sophisticated approach to verifying an individual’s identity by leveraging unique biological characteristics or behavioral patterns. As technology continues to evolve, biometrics have become increasingly prevalent in various applications, from unlocking smartphones to securing access to sensitive facilities. To comprehend the inner workings of biometric authentication systems, one must delve into … Read more

What role does 5G technology play in enhancing mobile communication and connectivity?

The advent of 5G technology represents a significant leap forward in the realm of mobile communication and connectivity. As the fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G promises to revolutionize the way we connect, communicate, and access information. In this exploration, we will delve into the key features and capabilities of 5G, its potential impact on … Read more

Concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) and its implications for smart homes

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a revolutionary concept that refers to the interconnection of everyday devices and objects to the internet, enabling them to collect and exchange data. This interconnected network of devices extends beyond traditional computing devices like computers and smartphones, encompassing a vast array of objects, from household appliances and wearable devices … Read more

Researchers harness indefinite causal order for next-gen quantum batteries

Batteries that exploit quantum phenomena to gain, distribute and store power promise to surpass the abilities and usefulness of conventional chemical batteries in certain low-power applications. For the first time, researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, take advantage of an unintuitive quantum process that disregards the conventional notion of causality to improve the … Read more

How does Newton’s third law of motion apply to everyday scenarios?

Newton’s third law of motion is a fundamental principle in physics that states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” This law, often summarized as “action and reaction,” has wide-ranging applications in our daily lives, influencing the way objects interact with one another. Let’s explore various everyday scenarios where Newton’s third law … Read more

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that utilizes laser light to measure distances and generate precise, three-dimensional representations of the Earth’s surface. This advanced technique has found applications in various fields, including cartography, forestry, archaeology, autonomous vehicles, and environmental monitoring. To comprehend the significance of LiDAR, one must … Read more

Handheld biosensor detects biomarkers for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

An international team of researchers has achieved a significant breakthrough with the development of a handheld, non-invasive device designed to detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. This cutting-edge biosensor not only boasts high accuracy, demonstrated through in vitro samples from patients, but also features wireless transmission capabilities, enabling the relay of results to … Read more

Researchers develop blue OLED with ultralow turn-on voltage

Blue light plays a crucial role in various technologies, from light-emitting devices to smartphone screens and large displays. However, creating efficient blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is challenging due to their high voltage requirements. Traditional blue OLEDs typically need around 4 V for 100 cd/m2 luminance, surpassing the 3.7 V target matching common lithium-ion battery … Read more