Latest news of science and technology, new electronics

A regularly updated selection of the most interesting news in science and technology, new electronics. Large archive of articles from 2000 to 2024. Based on materials from periodicals and the Internet.

timeline

3D printing of wood 10.06.2022

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have learned how to synthesize a wood-like material for furniture and similar products in the laboratory. It can be used in 3D printers to create a wide variety of objects. This is supposed to solve the problem of deforestation. Mass cutting down of trees entails irreparable consequences for the planet and all its inhabitants. Scientists have figured out how to reduce the demand for wood by offering a cheaper alternative. The process is similar to growing animal cells as synthetic food meat. In the created woody plant material, properties such as weight and strength can be easily adjusted as needed. The team isolated cells from the leaves of Zinnia gracilis and then cultured them in a liquid medium for two days before transferring them to a thicker, gel-based medium. The material contained nutrients and two different plant hormones, the levels of which could be regulated. ... >>

Lenovo Legion R7000P and R9000P gaming laptops 09.06.2022

The Chinese company Lenovo has introduced new gaming laptops of the Legion series - these are the R7000P and R9000P models. They received powerful AMD processors: a choice of a six-core Ryzen 5 6600H and an eight-core Ryzen 7 6800H are offered. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 7000 and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti mobile cards are responsible for graphics processing in the R3050P model. For the older version of the R9000P, this is the GeForce RTX 3060 or GeForce RTX 3070 Ti for laptops. The displays are based on an IPS matrix and differ in diagonal - 15,6 and 17,3 inches, respectively. The resolution in both cases is 2560 x 1440 pixels with a refresh rate of 165 Hz. There is full coverage of the sRGB color space. The amount of DDR5-4800 RAM is 16 GB, NVMe SSD on the PCI-Express 4.0 bus is used as a drive. The laptops run the Windows 11 operating system. Finally, these models have support for discrete desktop graphics cards. Prices start at $985 for the R7000P and $1270 for the R9000P ... >>

Controlling things with the power of thought 09.06.2022

Now telekinesis, the movement of objects with the power of thought at a distance, is in the minds of many something from the realm of science fiction. But Chinese scientists are actively working to make this phenomenon a reality. Scientists at the China Air Force University of Engineering have taken the first step towards remote control of metamaterials using human brainwaves in a new study. Metamaterials are man-made materials that have unusual physical properties, including electromagnetic properties, that do not occur naturally. The two-dimensional analog of metamaterials are metasurfaces, which have unprecedented freedom in controlling electromagnetic waves. According to scientists, it is possible to create programmable metasurfaces with different functions that can be controlled remotely using the human mind. It is well known that the human brain creates brain waves in the process of thinking. Scientists have suggested that with the help of brain waves, which can ... >>

Smart pillow 08.06.2022

Chinese scientists have developed a self-powered "smart" pillow that will better understand the causes of lack of sleep, as well as track patients with diseases that affect head movement. Research has linked chronic sleep deprivation to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, as well as mental health problems. People who want to better understand what happens to them at night can take a sleep test at a medical institution, or use an application for a smartphone or smart watch. As a more accurate alternative to the second method, scientists are developing new sleep monitoring systems using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) - a constant current source. These self-contained systems have already taken the form of eye masks, belts, patches and even sheets. And now the shape of the pillow. To design a new "smart" pillow, the researchers developed a flexible porous polymer triboelectric layer. Movement between the head and this layer changes the electrical ... >>

brain temperature 08.06.2022

Scientists from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of the Medical Research Council in Cambridge were able to measure the temperature of the human brain. Forty volunteers aged 20-40 years were recruited, whose brains were scanned in the morning, afternoon and late evening using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. At the same time, an activity monitoring device was attached to the wrist of the participants in the experiment, which makes it possible to take into account differences in genetics and lifestyle - the biological clocks of "owls" and "larks" work differently. The temperature of the organ varies depending on the region of the brain, age, gender, time of day and the menstrual cycle in women. The average brain temperature was 38,5 degrees, more than two degrees above the temperature measured under the tongue. The surface of the brain was generally colder, while the deeper structures of the brain were often warmer than 40 degrees (the record during the study was 40,9 degrees). The temperature of the brain constantly changed depending on time ... >>

Computer in Orange Pi 800 keyboard 07.06.2022

The company, which has previously released a number of Orange Pi single-board computers, introduced its first computer in the Orange Pi 800 keyboard. This is almost a complete analogue of the Raspberry Pi 400, although there are also differences. Inside is a six-core Rockchip RK3399 processor with two ARM Cortex-A72 cores and four Cortex-A53 cores. The video chip Mali-T860 is responsible for the graphics. Such an SoC is most often used in low-cost TV boxes. The operating system is Orange Pi, which is based on Arch Linux, as well as Chromium OS (an open source version of Google Chrome OS). So the novelty is suitable for learning. Other specs include: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM; 64 GB eMMC flash; 1 HDMI 2.0; 1 VGA port; 1 x 3,5mm microphone/headphone jack; 1 Gigabit Ethernet port; 2 USB 3.0 Type-A ports; 1 USB 2.0 type A port; 1 USB Type-C (for power); microSD card reader; Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 LTE adapters; built-in speaker; 26- ... >>

Earth's inner core is moving in different directions 07.06.2022

Scientists from the University of Southern California, USA, have found evidence that the Earth's inner core is moving in different directions, which contradicts accepted theories, which suggested that the core constantly rotates at a higher speed than the surface of the planet. A new study shows that our planet's inner core is changing speed and direction of rotation, as well as moving, as seismic data show. "We think that the surface of the Earth is shifting relative to its inner core, and also that it rotates more slowly than the planet and can rotate in a different direction," says John Vidale from the University of Southern California. The Earth's inner core is a hot, dense ball of solid iron about 2600 km in diameter. It cannot be seen directly, so scientists have used seismic data to learn about the speed and direction of its rotation, as well as its movement in the center of the Earth. In the 90s of the last century, scientists suggested that internal poison ... >>

Causes of senile smell 06.06.2022

Studies conducted by Japanese scientists have proven that human skin after forty years of age begins to release chemical compounds with an unpleasant odor. Previously, it was thought that the peculiar smell of old age is caused by poor hygiene, but it turned out that this smell is produced by the skin, releasing certain chemicals in the skin as it ages. Japanese scientists conducted research and found that hormonal changes after 40 years produce the production of the chemical compound 2-nonenal. It is formed during the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. As skin ages, it produces more fatty acids as its natural free-radical defense function deteriorates. And hormonal changes, such as menopause, further enhance this process. Given the peculiarity of the substance 2-nonenal, which does not dissolve in water, daily baths and hygiene procedures do not help get rid of the specific smell. A healthy lifestyle will help to reduce the excretion of noneal, as well as ... >>

Teleportation repeater for quantum internet 06.06.2022

A group of scientists from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has presented the basis for the quantum Internet - a teleportation relay for indirect transmission of quantum states over a distance. During the experiment, a quantum state was transferred between two not directly connected network nodes without data loss, which was an important step towards creating a quantum internet. A team led by Ronald Hanson created a network of three nodes, each of which was a pair of qubits - one for storing state and the second for communication. The spin of the nucleus of the carbon atom in diamond was responsible for the preservation of the quantum state - it was a "memory" qubit, and the spin of the electron in each pair was used to transfer the quantum state to other nodes of the network. Then the electron spins of two neighboring directly connected nodes (B and C) were brought into a state of quantum entanglement. This means that the quantum state of one qubit depended on the state of the other. confusing ... >>

Quantum sensor for measuring the intensity, polarization and wavelength of light 05.06.2022

A team of researchers from Yale University and the University of Texas at Dallas have created a tiny quantum optical sensor that is about one-thousandth the size of a human hair. But, despite such a small size, this sensor has the widest possibilities, using the quantum properties of electrons, it is able to simultaneously measure the intensity, polarization and wavelength of light. The creation of such a universal sensor will allow in the future to make significant breakthroughs in the fields of astronomy, health care and remote sensing. In recent years, scientists have found that twisting or otherwise deforming certain materials can, in some cases, give those materials certain properties that they do not normally possess. In this case, the scientists also used such a method, applying it to a two-layer graphene, which was called TDBG (twisted double bilayer graphene). Twisting gra ... >>

Offshore hydrogen production 05.06.2022

Germany plans to invest in research into the possibility of producing hydrogen on the high seas. It is planned to invest 2 billion euros in the research of hydrogen technologies in the production of electricity at offshore wind farms over four years. To implement its plan, Germany is going to strengthen cooperation with Australia. "The idea is that in just a few years ships would be transporting green hydrogen from solar and wind energy from Australia to Germany," said German Education and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. According to the Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology of this country, the total amount of government investment in the development of the hydrogen industry over the past three years has exceeded 1,5 billion Australian dollars ($1,1 billion). ... >>

Electric car Letin Mengo 04.06.2022

China has started accepting orders for a new "people's" electric car - a four-door Letin Mengo with a 48 hp engine. with., power reserve up to 300 km and price from $5900. The new car is noticeably larger than the previous leader of the Chinese electric car industry - the two-door Wuling Hongguang MINIEV - and can accommodate a driver and four passengers instead of two people in the case of a Wuling Hongguang MINIEV. The wheelbase of the Letin Mengo is 50 cm longer than that of the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV and is equal to 2442 mm. The dimensions of the novelty are 3622 x 1607 x 1525 mm. The car is equipped with a large 9-inch screen on the center console, 5G connectivity, air conditioning and a driver assistance system. The Letin Mengo electric car is powered by a 48 hp electric motor. With. (peak torque - 125 Nm), which, for example, is three times weaker than in the case of promising Russian electric vehicles Evolute. But the traction battery can be selected among models with a capacity of 11,52, 17,28 and 29,44 kWh, which can be said ... >>

Cosmic ray clock synchronization 04.06.2022

Geophysicist Hiroyuki Tanaka of the University of Tokyo put forward the idea of ​​simultaneously synchronizing clocks around the globe using cosmic rays. The principle is simple, he says, and the technology to do it already exists. Atomic clocks can keep accurate for decades, but they are expensive and difficult to synchronize in remote areas. Synchronization by satellite signals also has problems in the regions of the poles, under water and in the mountains. Hiroyuki Tanaka proposed a new method - space time synchronization (CTS). It is based on the use of so-called extensive air showers arising from cosmic rays entering the atmosphere. These rays create a "shower" of various particles, including muons flying towards the Earth at near-light speed and therefore reaching the earth's surface at the same time. By fixing their arrival, CTS devices can synchronize with each other in real time. "The principle is simple, but the technology, the sensor ... >>

Good deed ransomware virus 03.06.2022

CloudSEK cybersecurity experts spoke about the GoodWill hacker group, which distributes a ransomware virus, but in order to decrypt the data, it requires the victim not to pay a ransom, but to do good deeds. For example, donate blankets to the homeless, feed starving children with fast food, or pay for treatment for the poor, capture all this on photos and videos, and then post them on social networks. According to experts, the ransomware operators work from India - this is indicated by their emails and IP addresses assigned to Mumbai, to which the virus accesses. In addition, in one of the lines of code, an entry was found in "Hinglish" - a mixture of Hindi and English. The malware is written in the .NET framework, compressed with the UPX executable file packer, and data on infected Windows machines is encrypted using the AES algorithm. After infecting the victim's PC, the GoodWill virus encrypts files of various formats on it and offers to do three good deeds to decrypt them: donate clothes or blankets to "those in need on the road ... >>

Greenhouse vodka 03.06.2022

The American Air Company introduced a vodka called Air Vodka made from captured carbon dioxide. Another component of the drink is water. This is just one of several new products that use CO2 emissions that can be captured in various industries. “We have partners that we work with. They capture carbon dioxide before it goes into the atmosphere. We then use that carbon dioxide in the process of creating alcohol. With every bottle we make, carbon dioxide that would have been released is removed into the atmosphere and I think it's very good for our planet," says Gregory Constantine, co-founder of the Air Company. The production of alcoholic beverages in the traditional way leads to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. American scientists have found that the production of one bottle of alcohol with a volume of 0,75 liters leads to the release of approximately 3 kg of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Making vodka is traditional ... >>

IKEA DIRIGER smart home control center 02.06.2022

The furniture manufacturer has announced a new smart home control center that, together with a new app, will be able to control everything from light bulbs to blinds from its catalog and other brands. The center was named DIRIGERA and supports the Matter smart home device standard, which was previously called Project CHIP. The DIRIGERA device (from the Swedish word for "to guide") is 2,7 cm high with a diameter of 11,2 cm, which is smaller than the previous TRADFRI model, which was the company's only smart home hub. The new hub is equipped with an Ethernet port and a USB-C connector for power. It also bridges WiFi, Zigbee, and Thread connections, serving as a bridge between different networks that can be used by connected entities in every home. For now, DIRIGERA and the Home Smart app only support Matter and will be able to interface with all Ikea-built equipment as well as Matter-certified products from other brands. Smart home hub and apps ... >>

Carbon capture system on tankers 02.06.2022

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has signed a definitive agreement with Rotterdam-based Value Maritime (VM) to install carbon capture and filtration systems on two tankers, with the option to equip three more vessels. The Filtree System technology allows ships to capture up to 40% of CO2 emissions, with the potential to exceed 90% in the future. Installation aboard M/T Pacific Cobalt is expected to be completed before the end of 2022, while installation aboard M/T Pacific Gold is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Design and planning work continues. The 49 dwt vessels will be equipped with VM's Filtree System, a prefabricated gas cleaning system that filters sulfur and 700% particulate matter. The system will include a carbon capture module that charges a built-in CO99 battery that will be discharged at the port. The captured carbon will be used by CO2 consumers, for example in greenhouses or injected into nets for sequestration. A discharged battery will ... >>

Smart glasses and implantable chips instead of smartphones 01.06.2022

Pekka Lundmark, CEO of telecommunications equipment company Nokia, said that the commercial use of the sixth generation (6G) communication networks will begin in 2030. At the same time, he noted that by that time, most likely, many people will refuse to use smartphones, preferring wearable electronics and implantable chips. During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lundmark said he expects commercial use of 6G around 2030. He noted that even before that, people are likely to abandon smartphones and switch to smart glasses and other similar devices that can connect to the Internet and interact with each other. Moreover, some of these devices will be implanted in the human body. “By then, the smartphone as we know it today will definitely no longer be the most common interface. Many of these things will be built right into ... >>

Edible adhesive tape 01.06.2022

A group of Johns Hopkins University students have developed what may be the world's first edible duct tape that will keep a burrito or shawarma from falling apart all the time. Edible "gluer" was called "Tastee Tape". It consists of a "food grade fibrous scaffold and an organic adhesive" that ensures that the ingredients in the burrito don't fall out during cooking or while eating. Tastee Tape can be used on any type of food, including tortillas, tacos and gyros. Students are currently applying for a patent, so they cannot disclose the full composition of the duct tape. However, they note that "all the ingredients are safe to consume, the tape consists of foodstuffs and conventional nutritional and dietary supplements." The product is supplied in pre-cut XNUMXcm strips attached to sheets of waxed paper. In order for it to become sticky, it is enough to put water on it. Potentially with ... >>

Case Gigabyte Aorus C500 Glass 31.05.2022

Gigabyte has announced a computer case Aorus C500 Glass, designed for building gaming The novelty received a left side wall made entirely of tempered glass: this allows you to admire the internal layout of the PC. The equipment initially includes four 120mm fans with RGB multi-color backlighting: three of them are located in the front, one more in the back. The rotation speed is controlled by the method of pulse-width modulation (PWM). Expansion slots are arranged in an 8 + 3 pattern, which allows vertical mounting of large graphics accelerators. Video cards can be up to 420mm long. There is room for two 3,5/2,5" drives and two 2,5" storage devices. The interface box is at the top: it contains a USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port, two USB 3.0 connectors, standard headphone and microphone jacks. It is possible to deploy liquid cooling with radiators up to 420 mm. Process height ... >>

The impact of hugs on stress levels 31.05.2022

Hugs can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in women, but not men. This conclusion was made by researchers at the Ruhr University. The study involved 38 couples. During the experiment, participants dipped their hand into ice-cold water for three minutes. Before that, half of the couples hugged for 20 seconds, the other did not. As a result, scientists found that women who hugged their loved one to a stressful state had lower levels of cortisol than other participants in the experiment. At the same time, no reaction to hugs was observed in men. The researchers concluded that short-term hugs with a lover help women to endure stressful situations more easily. ... >>

Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 RGB Overclocker Memory 30.05.2022

The American company Kingston Technology has announced the start of sales of Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 RGB memory. This memory received an innovation in the heat dissipation system and improved RGB backlighting. Memory is sold in separate modules of 8, 16 and 32 GB. There are also sets of two modules with a total volume of 16, 32 and 64 GB. Module speed 4800, 5200, 5600 and 6000 MT/s at CL38 and CL40. Operating voltage ranges from 1,1V to 1,35V depending on memory speed. Error Correction (On-die ECC, ODECC) helps ensure data integrity during overclocking. Dimensions of memory modules 133,3 x 42,2 x 7 mm. The Plug N Play function provides memory operation at a speed of 4800 MT / s. Also, all Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 RGB modules are Intel XMP 3.0 certified and approved by leading motherboard manufacturers. Therefore, you can unleash the full potential of the memory by choosing its Intel XMP 3.0 profile. The new design of the heat spreader will provide better cooling of the memory chips. Implemented high-quality bright backlight ... >>

Jackdaws vote before flying to a new place 30.05.2022

Usually, flocks of jackdaws suddenly break away from their perch and fly away after a short roll call in raised tones. It turned out that the loud cries of birds are a form of "democratic" decision-making. The birds discuss whether it is worth leaving their homes, come to a consensus, and only then all together soar into the sky. These conclusions were made by scientists from the University of Exeter. They recorded calls in a colony of jackdaws and then experimented with the birds. "After spending the night in a large group, each jackdaw will have his own opinion about when to fly away. It depends on various factors: the size of the birds, hunger, and so on. At the same time, it is important for birds to reach a consensus, since a joint flight from a perch has benefits such as protection from predators, the ability to find a mate, and access to food information," explained study lead author Alex Dibnah. As the decision is made, the cacophony in the colony grows. After the required number of votes has been received, the birds raise en masse ... >>

statins for depression 29.05.2022

Statins are prescribed for those who have high levels of "bad" cholesterol, that is, low-density lipoproteins, which increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Statins have a number of side effects, but sometimes unexpected advantages are also found: two years ago we wrote that they suppress COVID-19, and just two or three months ago we said that statins prevent certain malignant tumors from metastasizing. Oxford researchers have discovered another unreported bonus that statins may have - they protect against depression to some extent. The authors of the work studied the psychological state of more than two thousand people for almost a year. They assessed their memory and emotional background, checked how they react to rewards and how well they recognize emotions on other people's faces. At the same time, the majority of study participants did not take any drugs, 4% took only statins, another 6% - drugs for high blood pressure, and another 5% - both statins and drugs for pressure together. od ... >>

The smallest remote controlled robot 29.05.2022

Scientists at Northwestern University in Illinois (USA) have demonstrated the smallest remote-controlled robot, the dimensions of which are only 0,5 mm in all axes. With its tiny dimensions, the machine can walk, jump, turn and curve - without the use of hydraulics or electricity. The mechanism is based on an alloy with a shape memory effect, which, when creating a structure, is deformed using a thin coating of glass. When heated, the alloy returns to its original shape, and when cooled, the glass coating re-deforms. Heating is carried out using a laser, and due to the miniature size of the mechanism, heat dissipates very quickly: up to 10 cycles in 1 second. The direction of the laser beam determines the direction in which the robot moves, and its average speed is about half the length of the body per second. The authors of the project experimented with several forms of mechanism, including a tripod capable of walking on water, a spiral ... >>

Living cells are extended onto the robot skeleton 28.05.2022

As a rule, living cells are grown under static conditions: only petri dishes and miniature 3D scaffolds are needed. It has previously been proven that tissue can also be grown on moving structures such as hinges. However, they stretched or flexed the fabric in only one direction. But researchers from the University of Oxford and robotics firm Devanthro decided that the best way to create tissues that can move and bend is to recreate their natural growth environment as closely as possible. Therefore, a team of scientists decided to imitate the human musculoskeletal system with the help of a robot. The scientists adapted the skeleton of an open source robot and created a special environment for growing cells (bioreactor) on it so that they bend and stretch in all the right directions. For this, the shoulder joint was chosen. The researchers then created a bioreactor that can be placed on an artificial shoulder using biodegradable threads stretched between two anchor points like a tuft. ... >>

Chimpanzee language 28.05.2022

Chimpanzees use a fairly rich language to communicate, scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Germany) concluded. "Our results suggest that the chimpanzee's vocal communication system is much more complex and structured than previously thought," the researchers said. As it turned out, in the language of primates there are sounds - "words" that animals are able to build in vocalizations - "sentences". The researchers had to analyze more than five thousand sounds that were made by wild chimpanzees in the Tai National Park in Cote d'Ivoire. As a result, scientists were able to identify 390 unique vocal sequences. Moreover, the chimpanzees exchanged them quite consciously. A large number of grunting, squeaking and puffing sounds were used for greetings, expressions of submission, messages about food, and so on. Depending on the situation in which the monkey found himself, the sounds differed. When alone, at the sight of food, a chimpanzee emits a cork. ... >>

Luxury version of Oura smart ring 27.05.2022

Italian fashion house Gucci has unveiled a luxurious version of the smart ring, which was the result of a collaboration with Oura. A regular smart ring costs $300. The smart device can track heart rate, respiration, body temperature, sleep and various activities. Heart rate is determined using a sensor that measures the flow of blood in the arteries passing through the finger. The battery provides maximum autonomy for one week, and the ring is charged by wireless charging. Additionally, for the regular version, the manufacturer introduced a monthly subscription of $6 for access to all data, including user habit analysis, sleep tracking, activity level, and tips for optimizing the day. The deluxe version in 18K gold and the brand's symbol includes a lifetime subscription. The developers of the original smart ring claim that their device's sensors are more efficient than other wearable devices. The reason is ... >>

Drone wolf pack 27.05.2022

In the United States, the military came up with and tested a new tactic for using combat drones. The tests took place at the Dugway Proving Ground near Salt Lake City, Utah, as part of the EDGE22 exercise, which involved the Future Vertical Lift cross-functional team and nearly 20 divisions and organizations from around the world. The military has been gathering for the second year to try out new tactics and technologies related to vertical takeoff devices. One of the promising new tactics has become the so-called "wolf pack", which is designed to replace the tactics of "bee swarm" when controlling drones. During the experiment, the UAVs were organized into four "batches" of seven each. Drones were equipped for reconnaissance, search, identification and transmission of information about enemy positions. The "swarm" tactic involves launching many drones with the same task - this requires high network bandwidth and sometimes leads to an overload of autonomous algorithms. In the case of the "wolf pack" appa ... >>

Scientists succeeded in synthesizing a decanter 26.05.2022

For more than a decade, various groups of scientists have tried with varying degrees of success to synthesize a new material, a form of carbon called graphyne, which is similar in many ways to the well-known graphene. And only recently, researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder have developed a technique that allows you to perform the synthesis of a carafe with a guarantee of the result. This achievement will allow in the near future to more thoroughly study the properties of the decanter, which has prospects for its use in the fields of electronics, optics, nanotechnology, etc. In nature, there are several ways in which carbon atoms can bond with each other and form different forms of carbon, allotropes. According to the possibilities of creating chemical bonds, carbon hybrids are designated as sp2, sp3 and sp. For example, the most common graphite is sp2 carbon, while the less common diamond is sp3 carbon. However, the existing methods of chemical synthesis allow, without any trials, ... >>

The influence of genes in the formation of aesthetic taste 26.05.2022

Possession of aesthetic taste is usually determined through a person's preferences and his own opinion about specific objects of art and culture. Despite a long-standing interest in the origin of taste and much research on the causes of individual differences in the "concept of beauty", sociologists still know little about the mechanism of preference formation. In a new study, scientists from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) assessed the contribution to the development of cultural preferences of family education, individual experience of a person, as well as his genes. To investigate this issue, they conducted a survey among 1200 Danish twin pairs, 466 of which were monozygotic (homozygous or identical) and 734 were dizygotic (heterozygous or polyzygotic). Based on the results of the survey, the researchers determined the twins' preferences for 12 cultural events, divided into three categories: high-intellectual, low-intellectual and popular cultures. Twin studies - good ... >>

Phison PS5.0-E5026 PCIe 26 Drive 25.05.2022

Phison showed a prototype NVMe solid-state drive based on the PS5026-E26 controller announced at the beginning of the year with a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface. This chip will be used in high-performance M.2 gaming SSD models, as well as in enterprise-level solutions. With the PCIe 5.0 x4 interface's ability to deliver up to 15,8 GB/s of bandwidth in both directions, drives using it will be significantly faster than current PCIe 4.0 solutions. In addition, next-generation SSDs based on future PCIe 5.0 controllers will be able to offer higher capacities and higher reliability than current solutions. Phison showed NVMe storage on the PS5026-E26 controller, equipped with 1 TB of 3D TLC NAND memory from Micron. The maximum sequential read speed of the SSD was 12 MB / s, and writes - at the level of 457 MB / s (CrystalDiskMark data). As far as performance is concerned ... >>

Xiaomi InkPalm Plus e-book 25.05.2022

Xiaomi has released a compact e-reader called InkPalm Plus. The novelty is equipped with a 5.84-inch E-ink screen with a 2:1 aspect ratio, 24 levels of brightness, support for color temperature adjustment and a special backlight. Rockchip RK3566 chip, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB flash, Android 11 OS, 2200 mAh battery for up to 30 days of battery life. The battery is fully charged in just 2.5 hours using a 5W charger. InkPalm Plus weighs only 140g, supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5. Pre-orders are already open. The cost is 1099 yuan ($164). ... >>

Road junction at the bottom of the ocean 24.05.2022

A tunnel was built in the Faroe Islands, which will now connect the two largest islands of the archipelago. There are 18 islands in total, only one is uninhabited, all the rest are inhabited by local residents. The issue of road communication is considered one of the key ones. The name of the tunnel, which is distinguished by the presence of a roundabout at a depth of 180 meters in the Atlantic Ocean, is Esturoyartunnlinn. This is not the first underwater tunnel. Prior to that, in 2002, the same tunnel, the length of which was 4,9 km, connected the islands of Streymoy and Vagar under water. Another 6,2 km long tunnel was opened in 2016 and connected the islands of Esturoy and Bordeaux. The current tunnel is 11,2 kilometers long and consists of three roads. That is why a roundabout was needed. In November of this year, its construction and finishing was completed, and the tunnel itself is planned to be put into operation ahead of schedule - December 19. After commissioning, the tunnel in the Faroe Islands will officially become the second longest in the world. ... >>

Tomato produces vitamin D 24.05.2022

Researchers at the John Innes Center (UK), together with colleagues from Chile, Italy and Cuba, have identified tomatoes whose leaves are rich in a "precursor" of vitamin D3. Scientists have edited the plant's genome so that the substance accumulates in ripe fruits. The new species is rich in a vitamin whose deficiency leads to serious health problems. According to scientists, about a billion people in the world suffer from a lack of vitamin D, and this number is growing. The main reason, according to experts, is inadequate nutrition. Our bodies can synthesize vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), also known as provitamin D3. This happens under the influence of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. However, food remains the main safe source. But fish and dairy products are expensive and not available to everyone, and there is little D3 in plants. Provitamin D3 (7-DHC) is produced by some plants, in particular tomatoes, but this occurs during the synthesis of cholesterol, mainly in leaves and in small ... >>

Teenagers don't listen to their parents 23.05.2022

Many, many parents are faced with the fact that their child, only yesterday still obedient, suddenly turns into a difficult teenager who is clearly not interested in what dad and mom say, who does everything differently than he is told, who behaves as as if he does not hear the elders at all. Employees of Stanford University found out that everything is true: teenagers do not hear their elders in the truest sense of the word. True, it’s not that they don’t hear - it’s just that the parental voice ceases to be the main one among the voices of other people. What does cease to be the main mean? In past work, scientists have explored how the child's brain perceives the mother's voice. It turned out that the voice of the mother includes a number of zones in the child's brain, ranging from purely auditory to those responsible for self-awareness and facial analysis. Moreover, the mother's voice activates all these zones more strongly than the voice of an unfamiliar woman. These experiments were done with children from 7 to 12 years old; children were already invited for new experiments about ... >>

Smart diaper 23.05.2022

Chinese scientists have developed a special sensor for installation in a diaper. With its help, the necessary components of urine are measured. The results are transmitted via Bluetooth for analysis to the laboratory in real time. The smart diaper will allow you to monitor incontinent patients, the elderly and newborns. The invention eliminates the use of jars or test strips to determine health problems through urine. Initially, the developers developed a matrix with electrodes to detect potassium, sodium, hydrogen peroxide, uric acid or glucose ions. They then connected to a PCB with a Bluetooth module and a power supply. A test on volunteers has shown that the diaper gives the same results as commercial urinalysis methods. ... >>

Schneider Electric Uniflair Cooling for Large Data Centers 22.05.2022

Schneider Electric has announced a new series of Uniflair inverter screw chillers for large data centers that provide efficiency, accuracy and customization to adapt to current and future data center cooling needs. Large air-cooled, free-cooling chillers provide increased cooling capacity and lower energy consumption for high energy efficiency under all environmental conditions. Uniflair screw chillers are among the first solutions for low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. "Uniflair's latest chillers are designed with sustainability in mind and provide businesses with significant energy efficiency and reliability even in challenging environments. Through the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants combined with reduced energy consumption, this offering highlights Schneider's commitment to sustainable ... >>

Purification of water and soil from cadmium 22.05.2022

Chinese scientists have found a new way to purify water and soil from cadmium using an iron-based magnetic carbon microsphere obtained by joint hydrothermal treatment of iron waste and liquid tobacco waste. With the rapid development of metallurgy, galvanization, dye and battery production, mining and other industries, the problem of cadmium pollution is becoming more and more serious. The study was led by Wu Zhengyan from the Institute of Intelligent Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Cai Dongqing from Donghua University. As a result, a new method was found for treating water and soil contaminated with cadmium, as well as a new method for disposing of liquid waste from the tobacco industry and iron waste, which can pollute the environment. In the course of scientific work, which lasted about a year, it was calculated that 12 tons of iron-based carbon microspheres obtained from 10 tons of iron waste and 20 thousand liters of liquid tobacco from ... >>

Restored photosensitivity of cells after the death of a donor 21.05.2022

Scientists at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah have brought light-sensitive neuronal cells back to life in the eyes of organ donors and reconnected them. The billions of neurons in the central nervous system transmit sensory information in the form of electrical signals. In the eyes, light is perceived by specialized neurons - photoreceptors. In this work, the researchers used retinas from organ donors hours after death as a model of the central nervous system to study how neurons die and find new ways to revive them. "We were able to wake up photoreceptor cells in the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for our central vision and our ability to see fine details and colors," explains John A. Moran Eye Center researcher Fatima Abbas, Ph.D., lead author of the study. - "In the eyes obtained five hours after the death of an organ donor, these cells reacted to bright light, colored ... >>

The robot will determine the salinity of the dish 21.05.2022

Researchers at the University of Cambridge decided to train their robot chef in tasting skills: now he can taste the dish and see if it is salty enough. In this way, a mechanical chef will be able to prepare dishes "to the individual taste" and at the same time pay attention to more details during cooking. In order for the robot to determine the taste of the dish, a special probe was attached to it, which acted as a salinity sensor. During the experiment, the robot, which was trained to make an omelet, tried the dish nine times, tasting it. He also added tomatoes to the omelet. Robots can rate dishes for saltiness much better than existing tasting methods, the study found. Now the researchers hope that very soon robots will be able to compete with real chefs in the best restaurants. However, scientists also pursue socially significant goals: such robots will be able to help pensioners and people who do not have time. ... >>

Antibiotics interfere with childhood vaccinations 20.05.2022

The level of vaccine antibodies in young children is lower if they were given antibiotics at the time of vaccination. Children receive (if they receive) their first vaccinations in their first six months of life, but if the child is not lucky and has caught some kind of infection, then antibiotics are also waiting for him. Rochester Central Hospital Research Institute and Rochester Institute of Technology researchers have been comparing vaccine responses in children aged six months to one year for ten years: some of them received antibiotics, some did not. There were four types of vaccines: combined against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, against poliomyelitis, against pneumococci and against Haemophilus influenzae. It turned out that antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of vaccines: with them, the level of corresponding antibodies that developed immunity against vaccine pathogens decreased, and the more antibiotics a child was given, the less antibodies he had. In the first vaccination, the level of antibodies fell by an average of 5-11% for each a ... >>

Self-charging battery 20.05.2022

Scientists believe that half of the solar energy that hits the Earth is used to evaporate water from its surface. The Australian company Strategic Elements has set itself the goal of using at least some of this energy in the form of electricity. Together with local scientists, the company has developed a battery that charges itself solely due to the difference in humidity on its electrodes: the higher the humidity, the faster the charge. A team of scientists from UNSW and CSIRO has developed a battery that operates on a humidity gradient. The development is based on graphene oxide, which Energy Ink also talks about. Graphene oxide in the battery plays the role of a carrier of ions and a medium for their appearance in the process of absorbing moisture from the air. The electrodes are a layer of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and silver. In the dry "functional layer" of graphene oxide, the protons are immobilized (fixed) and motionless. When a moisture difference occurs, one side begins to absorb ... >>

Aya Neo Air and Aya Neo 2 portable game consoles 19.05.2022

Aya Neo has announced the Aya Neo Air and Aya Neo 2 handheld game consoles. The Aya Neo Air is the first Windows-based handheld console with an OLED screen, while the Aya Neo 2 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 6800U chipset. Aya Neo Air is equipped with a modern vibration motor, a 3,5 mm headphone jack, a USB-C port and a microSD card slot. It also has RGB lighting and speaker holes on both sides. The Aya Neo Air is very similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite but powerful enough to match the Steam Deck. The Aya Neo Air console is equipped with a 6-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution screen that covers 109% of the NTSC color space. Aya Neo Air is based on the Ryzen 5000 APU. The device weighs about 420 grams. The Aya Neo Air is available for pre-order now in China, where the device is priced at $647. The Aya Neo 2 features a 5,5-inch OLED screen and AMD Ryzen 6800U chipset, which is the first to be used in a portable gaming console. ... >>

Maple seeds will double the flight time of drones 19.05.2022

The heavier the drone, the longer it can stay in the air. Against light and ultra-light drones, physics plays against which small-capacity batteries cannot cope. But nature has answers for everything, including the problem of extending the flight time of ultralight aircraft, for which it is enough to study a maple seed. Maple seed - lionfish - can soar in the air for a long time. The seed element in the form of a wing, when rotating around the center of gravity, creates lift, allowing the wind to carry the planting material far. Scientists have repeatedly paid attention to lionfish, and in a new study, researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have indicated their portion of interest in the structure of the lionfish. The proposed design of a lightweight drone weighing only 35 grams looks like a twin lionfish with large wings made of polyamide film on carbon fiber rails. The original decision was to place small electric motors near the ends of the parallel wings. ... >>

Notebook Huawei MagicBook 14 18.05.2022

Huawei has unveiled the next-generation 14-inch MagicBook 14 laptop. Even before the announcement, Huawei described the novelty as a device with outstanding autonomy, and now it became clear why it was implemented: the developers call the novelty the world's first 14-inch laptop with a 75 Wh battery. It was also said about the influence of Magic OS (this is a set of proprietary applications for Windows) on the device's ability to work 20 hours offline, but battery capacity still plays a decisive role here. The MagicBook 14 2022 is thin and compact (although the screen bezels could be smaller), it even allows you to play games - and even with ray tracing! The discrete 3D accelerator Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 is responsible for graphics processing in this model. Base models cost integrated graphics, and the “middle” version offers a simpler discrete GPU - the GeForce MX 550. Processors - Intel Core i5-12500H in the base version and Intel Core i7-12650H - in the top. About ... >>

Silent ion powered drone 18.05.2022

Undefined Technologies from Florida (USA) has introduced the next generation of its "silent" commercial UAV Ventus, which uses an ion engine instead of propellers. Undefined Technologies started developing the prototype a year and a half ago. It is based on the patented Air Tantrum technology, the details of which are not disclosed. However, the company indicates that it is thanks to her that the device will be very quiet. The concept was first presented in 2021, since then it has been significantly improved. Ion thrusters are used in rocket science. This type of electric motor is remarkable in that it does not require a lot of fuel and lasts more than 3 years, which is a high indicator. It works according to the following principle: ionized gas is accelerated to high speeds in an electric field, which provides jet thrust. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology experimented with ion engines. They developed an aircraft with this type of engine, one ... >>

Bats pretend to be wasps 17.05.2022

Bats prey on insects, but who preys on bats? Birds. Naturally, not tits with sparrows, but birds of prey, and nocturnal ones, that is, owls - let's not forget that many bats are active at dusk or even at night. It is difficult to dodge an owl, but some bats have found a way: they scare away owls by buzzing like bees or wasps. Employees of the University of Naples named after Frederick II, studying the big bats, noticed once that the caught bats buzz like a wasp. Moreover, these were not the usual call signs of bats: they use other signals to communicate with each other and for hunting. The researchers caught a few more bats, recorded their buzzing and compared it to that of two species of bees and two species of wasps that are common in European forests. The sounds of bats turned out to be in many ways different from the sounds of insects - but this is if they are compared using special algorithms that take into account all acoustic parameters. However, even owls, with and ... >>

Smart bed with anti-snoring mechanism 17.05.2022

Xiaomi has announced a smart electric bed that should help in the fight against snoring. The 8H Feel Leather Smart Electric Bed X Pro will be manufactured by 8H. The bed is equipped with a pair of motors that are mounted on the back and legs. They make it possible to adjust the level of inclination within 60 ° and 40 °. The bed can withstand weight up to 600 kg. The main feature was the snore detection function. When activated, the headboard is raised by 15°. When a person stops snoring, the backrest returns to its original position. Bed with anti-snoring 8H Feel Leather Smart Electric Bed X Pro is not a cheap pleasure. The retail price of the bed in China will be $1120. As part of the crowdfunding campaign, the novelty will be available at a discount of $150. ... >>

Intel Alder Lake-HX mobile processors 16.05.2022

The line of 12th generation Intel Core mobile processors was officially replenished with the Alder Lake-HX family the day before. These CPUs are designed for use in top gaming laptops and workstations, support overclocking and can offer up to 16 cores: eight high-performance Golden Cove and eight energy-efficient Gracemont. Intel Alder Lake-HX processors use the same die as desktop 12th generation Core chips (Alder Lake-S). The main differences are in the BGA-performance, less "voracity" and, as a result, reduced operating frequencies. For Alder Lake-HX, a Processor Base Power of 55W at 157W Maximum Turbo Power is claimed, while for desktop counterparts these parameters reach 150W and 241W, respectively. The flagship Intel Core i9-12950HX features 16 cores, 30MB L3 cache, 32 EU integrated graphics, a dual-channel DDR5-4800/DDR4-3200 memory controller, and Turbo Boost speeds up to 5,0GHz. By f ... >>

Direction finder Saab Sensor Compact 16.05.2022

Saab has developed a mobile electronics module, the Sensor Compact, which is able to monitor airborne threats and still go unnoticed. Sirius Compact is a device belonging to the class of technology for electronic warfare (EW). It allows you to create an entire passive network to monitor threats, increase situational awareness and support operations at all tactical levels. The sensors detect electromagnetic emissions from enemy vehicles, evaluate their power and classify data transmission channels, while remaining invisible to enemy direction finders due to the absence of outgoing signals. Specifications Sensor Compact: Height: 30 cm Diameter: 14 cm Weight: approx. 3 kg Power: 50 W Frequency range: 2-11;18 GHz Interfaces: Ethernet, 18-28 V DC Azimuth coverage: 360° DF accuracy: < 2° RMS Geolocation by triangulation Digital channel receiver Positioning: ... >>

Plants grown in lunar soil 15.05.2022

Scientists from the University of Florida (USA) have shown that plants can successfully grow in the lunar "soil". The scientists also figured out how plants react biologically to lunar regolith, a soil that is radically different from Earth's. The researchers had 12 grams - just a few teaspoons - of lunar soil for this experiment. The samples provided by NASA were collected during the Apollo missions to the moon. To grow their tiny "moon garden," the researchers used thimble-sized holes in plastic cups in which cells are normally cultured. After filling each "pot" with about a gram of lunar soil, the scientists moistened it with a nutrient solution and added a few seeds of Tal's clover (Arabidopsis). Since the genetic year of this plant is known, scientists could better understand how the lunar soil affects plants - right down to the level of gene expression. For comparison, the researchers also planted the rhubarb in a substance that mimics ... >>

Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Headphones 15.05.2022

Google introduced the Pixel Buds Pro TWS wireless headphones. As the name suggests, this is a premium audio product that can compete with the Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. The Pixel Buds Pro look just like the Pixel Buds introduced in 2020. Inside, they are equipped with a custom-made six-core audio processor that works with Google's algorithms to reproduce sound using custom drivers. They also use a feature called Silent Seal to adapt to the shape of your ears and thereby maximize the amount of noise cancelled. The earbuds have an in-ear design and are equipped with silicone tips. They received special sensors that "measure the pressure in the ear canal so that the earbuds can actively release pressure and stay comfortable." Buds Pro retail packaging includes eartips in three different sizes. Pixel Buds Pro are powered by a specially designed 11mm driver ... >>

Cells increase in volume when tissues are bent 14.05.2022

Scientists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have found that when tissue bends, the volume of its constituent cells increases rather than decreases. This discovery opens up new possibilities for growing organs in vitro. They will allow to some extent to reduce the number of experiments on animals. Morphogenesis is responsible for how cells are distributed in space to give shape and structure to our organs. This process is triggered during embryonic development and explains how, for example, the folds of our intestines or the alveoli of our lungs are formed. In other words, its mechanisms underlie our development and the development of all living beings. In the new study, the UNIGE team looked at how the cells that make up tissue react and adapt when the tissue is flexed. By folding up a cell monolayer in vitro, which is a compact, flat "sheet" of cells stacked next to each other, scientists made a paradoxical discovery. They found that the volume of cells dispersed ... >>

Algae electric battery 14.05.2022

Researchers from the University of Cambridge (UK) have created a reliable and renewable biological photovoltaic cell based on cyanobacteria. With it, they were able to continuously charge the microprocessor for a year. For this, only light and water were needed. The system - about the size of an AA battery - is made from common, inexpensive, and largely recyclable materials. It includes the algae Synechocystis, which naturally harvest solar energy through photosynthesis. The weak electrical current that is generated in the process then interacts with the aluminum electrode and is used to power the microprocessor. The new photovoltaic device does not discharge in the same way as, for example, a lithium-ion battery, because it constantly uses light as a source of energy. And, despite the fact that photosynthesis requires light, the device can continue to generate energy even in the dark. ... >>

Microwave weapons against drones 13.05.2022

The United States successfully tested a new weapon. We are talking about microwave weapons, which are intended to destroy drones. The demonstration was conducted by specialists from the Pentagon's Joint Office for Combating Small Drones (JCO). Epirus, Raytheon Technologies and Leonardo DRS also presented their anti-drone systems. All of them are capable of destroying drones with focused electromagnetic pulses. As part of the testing, the range of destruction of promising complexes and the time required to destroy the target were determined. ... >>

Everest will build the highest weather station 13.05.2022

Chinese scientists have focused their efforts on the creation of a meteorological monitoring station at an altitude of 8,8 km on Mount Everest (Chomolungma), the highest peak in the world, on the border of China and Nepal. If the station is successfully installed, it will replace a similar facility at an altitude of 8,43 thousand meters, installed by British and American scientists on the south side of the mountain in 2019. The new station will be the world's tallest of its kind, according to a statement from the Tibetan Plateau Research Institute (ITP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Equipment weighing about 50 kg will be dismantled and distributed to climbers, each of whom will carry no more than 7 kg up the mountain for further installation," said ITP researcher Zhao Huabiao. At present, the engineers responsible for building the station are still waiting for the perfect weather for mountain climbing. Including the highest one, eight meteorological stations with a height gradient will be established on Mount Everest, which is one of the main tasks of the ... >>

Samsung Compute Express Link (CXL) 512 GB memory module 12.05.2022

Samsung has introduced the first 512 GB memory module that uses the Compute Express Link (CXL) interface. The newly developed CXL memory has four times the capacity of the previous version. This allows the server to scale to tens of terabytes with one-fifth the system latency compared to the previous generation CXL module. This is an important step towards the commercialization of CXL. This technology will provide extremely high memory capacity with low latency. Samsung will also introduce an updated version of its open source software toolkit that makes it easier to deploy CXL memory in existing and new systems. In recent years, the development of virtual reality, artificial intelligence algorithms and big data has generated incredible amounts of data. And traditional memory types are limited in scaling. The situation calls for an entirely new technology such as CXL. ... >>

Vampire star discovered 12.05.2022

After studying mysterious flashes of light emanating from one of the Milky Way's systems, researchers have discovered what they suspect is the elusive Black Widow-type star. Scientists have found evidence of the existence of a vampire star in our galaxy. Also known as the Black Widow. This object is a pulsar that spins very fast and sucks energy from a companion star. The object was identified in the system under the designation ZTF J1406+1222. The pulsar found there is located approximately 3000-4000 light years from our planet. The Black Widow and her victim revolve around each other every 62 minutes. In order to detect this system, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology had to use the latest technology. They had to look for visible light that comes from the victim star. It is assumed that the "Black Widow" will eventually completely absorb its neighbor. ... >>

Motorola rollable smartphone 11.05.2022

Motorola has begun designing an ambitious device in an original form factor. A distinctive feature of the novelty will be a flexible display, which is pulled out of a kind of "roll" hidden in the body of a familiar monoblock - but not sideways, but upwards. Unlike the previously shown OPPO X 2021 or LG Rollable concept phones, the novelty, codenamed Felix, according to insiders, will be able to stretch not in width, but in height. This will combine such characteristics of the device as a large screen area and compact dimensions. It is reported that the rolled design will allow hiding up to a third of the matrix in the case, due to which, when folded, the device will be practically indistinguishable from conventional models. It is expected that when used in landscape mode, the gadget will be able to use the split display feature introduced in Android 12. The company is already testing the new technology on a modified Edge 30 Pro. Possible date of the announcement of the conceptual smartphone ... >>

Enzyme to break down plastic per day 11.05.2022

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have used artificial intelligence to develop a synthetic enzyme that breaks down plastic waste in 24 hours. The researchers studied the natural structure of the PETase enzyme and trained the model to generate mutations that work quickly at low temperatures. "When considering approaches for waste disposal, you need an enzyme that can work in nature at ambient temperatures," said study co-author Hal Alper. The algorithm ended up with an element called FAST-PETase, which can break down plastic in 24 hours at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. According to scientists, the production and use of the enzyme can be brought to an industrial level, providing an affordable way to process plastic waste. They added that the biological approach uses less energy and is more environmentally friendly than current large-scale polyethylene recycling methods. "This job is really dem ... >>

Space hotel with artificial gravity 10.05.2022

The American company Orbital Assembly announced that it plans to build a space station in orbit by 2025, which will be both a hotel for tourists and a place for scientific research. The company wants to build another commercial station later. According to the project, 28 space tourists will be able to stay at the new orbital station at the same time, who will live in 5 modules. Those, in turn, will be placed around the ring, which, by its rotation, will create artificial gravity. The Pioneer station will be the first of two commercial stations planned to be built in orbit. The second station is to be built later and will be able to accommodate 400 space tourists. "Our station is a safe and reliable modular design that will begin to generate revenue earlier than the stations of our competitors contracted by NASA," said Rhonda Stevenson, executive director of Orbital Assembly. The station will support ... >>

Radeon RX 640 graphics card 10.05.2022

AMD introduced the Radeon RX 6400 graphics card to the market. It is the most affordable 3D accelerator of the Navi 2X family and was introduced along with the Radeon RX 6500 XT. Both devices are based on a 6-nm AMD Navi 24 GPU, while the younger model stands out for its rather modest appetites. The AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card uses the Navi 24 core in a configuration with 768 stream processors, 12 Ray Accelerators for ray tracing, 16 MB Infinity Cache, and a 64-bit memory interface. The video buffer is equipped with four gigabytes of GDDR6 with an effective frequency of 14 GHz, the GPU frequency formula is 2039/2321 MHz (Game/Boost Clock). Four PCI-E 4.0 lanes act as a connection interface. The reference Radeon RX 6400 has a single-slot, low-profile design. As for versions from AIB partners, there are also full-size two-slot models. The standard TBP level is only 53 W, thanks to which the novelty ... >>

Quantum random number generator 09.05.2022

Cloud computing service Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Australian National University (ANU) ANU Quantum Numbers (AQN) quantum number generator on its platform. According to the University, AQN is the most popular and fastest online random number generator in the world. Over the past ten years, the generator has received more than two billion requests from 70 countries for the selection of random numbers. An Australian university has decided to run the service on AWS and provide fast and reliable functionality to more than 310 platform customers. AQN uses quantum technology to generate random numbers at high speed and in real time by measuring vacuum quantum fluctuations. Using quantum optics, the homodyne detection method can measure the randomness of the generated quantum numbers. The numbers are then uploaded to AWS servers for serving via API. The generator is available on the AWS Marketplace and is capable of 000 requests per second at a cost of 100 ... >>

Secrets of home walking cats 09.05.2022

The cat is one of the most common pets on the planet. Today in the world there are about 600 million domestic individuals. In Norway alone, there are about 5,4 such pets per 770 million people. Pets are often let out by owners, and scientists at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences asked questions: where do these domestic cats go, what do they do, and how long does it take to return home? Domestic cats are rarely seen as members of the large carnivore population they actually belong to. Knowledge of individual behavior is quite extensive, but so far very little is known about how the local free-range cat population occupies a territory. To fill this gap, the researchers provided GPS trackers to almost all domestic cats that make up the population of a small town in eastern Norway. Pet owners lived within one square kilometer, so tracking walks 1 ... >>

The largest silicon carbide power electronics factory 08.05.2022

The American company Wolfspeed, a subsidiary of CREE, has inaugurated the world's largest silicon carbide power semiconductor plant in New York State. Strength elements based on silicon carbide (SiC) compare favorably with similar silicon components. In particular, elements based on SiC have higher electrical strength, lower losses, higher speed and operating temperature, and higher radiation resistance. This makes silicon carbide power cells attractive for power supplies, inverters, and other power subsystems in devices from consumer electronics to spacecraft onboard equipment. For example, Lucid Air electric vehicle inverters use Wolfspeed silicon carbide XM3 power modules. With low switching losses, low resistance, and high power density, XM3 Power Modules help improve motor efficiency and power density. ... >>

Grasshopper robot 08.05.2022

Engineers at the University of California at Santa Barbara have designed an artificial grasshopper that can jump over 30 meters. At the same time, its design itself reaches only 30 centimeters in height. The whole construction work acts like a spring. It consists of rubber bands and carbon fiber slats. When the actuator (Light Rotating Motor) rotates, it winds the string that compresses the spring. So the drive pulls on the rubber bands and compresses the carbon fiber, bending each bar into a curved shape, similar to a shooting bow. After that, the latch is released and the robot is thrown into the atmosphere. This mechanism is similar to those used by animals. For example, the leg muscle of a grasshopper also serves as an actuator: when it contracts, it bends the spring-like part of the knee joint, creating the tension necessary for jumping. The robot can jump over buildings and move efficiently in environments where the movement of wheeled, walking and ... >>

Ultra-clean diamond wafers with up to 25 EB of data 07.05.2022

One of the types of diamond point defects makes it possible to use it as a quantum bit for organizing calculations or storing data. This can be hindered by the imperfection of the technology for growing ultra-pure diamond disks, which has become a challenge for scientists. The Japanese accepted the challenge and were able to find an interesting solution to the problem. If at any site of the diamond crystal lattice one of the carbon atoms is replaced (bonded) by a nitrogen atom, then such a violation of the diamond crystal structure will be called a nitrogen-substituted vacancy in diamond or an NV center. Such a point defect has quantum properties that can be easily controlled by light, magnetic fields, or other influences even at room temperature. In particular, the NV center can be used to record and store data. A feature of diamond structures with NV centers is that there should not be too much nitrogen. Therefore, for the practical use of diamond data carriers, it is necessary either to produce very large ... >>

CAMM is the new standard for ultrabook RAM 07.05.2022

Dell has developed an original alternative to the SO-DIMM standard, which has not changed for many years, and is well known to owners of laptops and mini PCs. The new form factor is designed to reduce the thickness of modern laptops and the number of connectors on their motherboards without sacrificing performance. CAMM modules (Compression Attached Memory Module) differ from the usual solutions primarily in size. Due to the use of a flat contact pad, they are 57% thinner, which allows them to be installed in compact ultrabooks, replacing two traditional ones with one universal bar. The memory capacity of new products (DDR5 standard, effective frequency up to 4800 MHz) can range from 16 to 128 GB, while older models will be dual-rank. Each CAMM also includes its own Programmable Memory Chip (PMIC). The company has already stated that the new standard will not be closed - other laptop manufacturers will be able to use it. Branded connector, if necessary, it will be possible ... >>

1,6 nm gears for molecular machines and nanorobots 06.05.2022

Devices are getting smaller and require tinier parts. Researchers at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) in Germany have made the world's smallest working gear. This chemical gear is needed for the operation of molecular machines and nanorobots. It will help create electronic components, transport drugs inside the human body, manipulate individual cells or molecules. To this end, scientists have already developed nanoscale versions of many parts, such as engines, pistons, pumps and propellers. The FAU scientists have added the cogwheel to this list. It consists of two interconnected components, including a trypticene molecule with a propeller-like structure and a flat section of a thioindigo molecule perpendicular to it (gold plate). Together they work like a gearbox. The pair has a gear ratio of 2:3. So when the plate rotates 180 degrees, the propeller only rotates 120 degrees. All device contain ... >>

Economic technology of carbon capture by algae 06.05.2022

London-based startup Brilliant Planet has developed algae-based carbon capture and storage technology that will cost between $50 and $100 per tonne of carbon. The technology based on algae blooms has the prospect of scaling up to billions of tons per year with negligible energy requirements. The cultivation of algae will contribute to the deacidification of sea water, which will contribute to a more efficient absorption of carbon by the ocean. The algae will be grown in large, open, low-density ponds filled with seawater. Algae are inherently more efficient biological carbon sequestration machines than trees or other plants because their entire surface is capable of photosynthesis and they do not waste resources creating trunks, roots or branches. They also grow and reproduce very quickly under the right conditions. The company uses flat deserts along the coasts and local strains of algae well adapted to local conditions. ... >>

Electronic skin that senses touch 05.05.2022

Scientists from Chemnitz and Dresden (Germany) have developed an electronic skin with artificial hairs. The new system mimics the sensitivity of human skin, and can be used to replace damaged skin or create a coating for android robots. Hairs on the skin help us recognize and anticipate the direction of touch and tactile sensations. But artificial leather is deprived of such an opportunity. A team of researchers have created extremely sensitive 3D magnetic field sensors that have been used for the e-skin system. Their approach has allowed the creation of compactly arranged sensor elements that can be mass-produced. Previously, such elements could not be created using modern methods of manufacturing microelectronics. The core of the system is an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor. It is designed to detect magnetic fields, for example, in vehicle speed sensors. To compactly place the sensors, the researchers used " ... >>

Quantum microscope sees tiny changes in atoms 05.05.2022

Physicists at the University of California, Irvine have demonstrated the use of a hydrogen molecule as a quantum sensor in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) equipped with a terahertz laser that can measure the chemical properties of materials with unprecedented resolution. This new technique could also be applied to the analysis of XNUMXD materials that could potentially play a role in advanced energy systems, electronics and quantum computers. Researchers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry at UCI described how they placed two bonded hydrogen atoms between an STM silver tip and a sample consisting of a flat copper surface with small islands of copper nitride. Using laser pulses lasting trillionths of a second, scientists were able to excite a hydrogen molecule and detect changes in its quantum states at cryogenic temperatures and in the ultra-high vacuum of the device, creating images of the image ... >>

Climate neutral arena 04.05.2022

Stadium specialist Populous has been selected by the German authorities to build a multi-purpose arena in Munich. The developers themselves define the facility as their first "climate-neutral" arena - thousands of solar panels will provide the energy necessary for the operation of the public entertainment center. MUCCC (Multifunctional Concert and Congress Center) will be built next to Munich Airport, close to the local center for technological development and innovation. The height of the building will be approximately 34 m - it will be a classic round arena, supported from the outside by a cellular exoskeleton. One of the main advantages of the project will be its environmental safety - both the use of secondary raw materials and complete energy autonomy are envisaged. The arena will be climate neutral thanks to the technologies used in construction and energy supply. The use of solar cells is provided both on the roof and in the surroundings. ... >>

Simple technology for the production of speakers in rolls 04.05.2022

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a simple technology for the production of audio speakers. They can be produced in rolls and the thickness is no more than ordinary paper wallpaper. Any surface can be turned into a source of high-quality sound. The researchers replaced a speaker with a single large cone with a continuous field of thousands of micron-sized cones (speakers). The height of each diffuser (dome) is 15 microns. It is about six times thinner than a human hair. During the sound, the cone stroke does not exceed half a micron. But all together, the microspeakers create a sound of considerable volume so that they can be used as conventional audio speakers. "It's a wonderful feeling to take what looks like a thin piece of paper, attach two clips to it, plug it into your computer's headphone port and start hearing sounds coming out of it. You can use it anywhere. It only needs a small amount of electricity to work." , - rassk ... >>

Cooler FrigusAir 400 ARGB 03.05.2022

Antec has announced the universal CPU cooler FrigusAir 400 ARGB. The novelty has a classic tower layout and is also suitable for 6th generation Intel Core processors (Alder Lake family). The design provides for the use of an aluminum radiator and four U-shaped heat pipes with a diameter of 120 mm. They have direct contact with the processor cover, which increases the efficiency of heat dissipation. A 800 mm fan is mounted on the radiator, the rotation speed of which is regulated by pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the range from 1600 to 130 rpm. An air flow of up to 36 cubic meters per hour is created. The maximum noise level is 125 dBA. The cooler has a multi-color addressable ARGB backlight. You can adjust the effects through a motherboard with MSI Mystic Light technology, ASUS Aura, ASRock Polychrome, etc. The overall dimensions of the novelty are 75 x 158 x XNUMX mm. Supported compatible ... >>

A new cell type in the human body 03.05.2022

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, which specializes in respiratory systems, have discovered an entirely new type of cell lurking in the thin, branching passageways of the human lung. Newly discovered cells play a vital role in maintaining the normal functioning of the respiratory system. Scientists suggest that they may inspire the creation of new treatments to prevent the effects of diseases associated with smoking. In particular, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD. Cells known as respiratory secretory cells (RAS) are found in tiny branching passages known as bronchioles that end in alveoli, tiny air sacs that exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the bloodstream. The new RAS cells are like stem cells - "blank canvas" cells that can differentiate into any other cell type in the body - and are able to repair damaged cells. ... >>

Collision of protons is simulated 02.05.2022

Scientists from the National Laboratory. The Berkeleys used the IBM Q quantum computer to do part of the calculation for the collision of two protons. To do this, they split the effective field theory into several parts and developed an algorithm that allows certain calculations to be performed on a quantum computer. Berkeley Lab is engaged in the study of particle physics by observing the collision of high-energy particles in the laboratory, for example, using the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland. Scientists compare theoretical calculations of these collisions with real-life experimental results. “One of the main challenges of this kind of calculation is that we want to describe a wide range of energies,” said Benjamin Nachman, one of the researchers. “We want to describe processes from the highest energy to the lowest energy by analyzing the corresponding particles that fall into our detector.” . Using exclusively a quantum computer for p ... >>

Bacteria found that converts methane into electricity 02.05.2022

Microbiologists at the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands have found that the bacterium Candidatus Methanoperedens is able to convert methane into usable energy. With the help of it, scientists managed to turn 31% of harmful gas into electricity. The bacterium Candidatus Methanoperedens belongs to anaerobic methanotrophic archaea - microbes that can survive in the most extreme conditions, even where there is no oxygen. These bacteria are found in fresh water polluted with nitrogen, such as ditches and lakes. They need nitrate to break down methane. Researchers have created something like a battery with two "terminals": one of them is biological, and the other is chemical. Candidatus Methanoperedens was grown on one of the electrodes, where bacteria began to donate electrons that arose due to the splitting of methane. So it was possible to achieve the conversion of 31% of the produced methane into electricity. So far, the efficiency of the method is not high, but it can be increased in the course of further experiments. "It can be very helpful for ... >>

Polysexual mushroom 01.05.2022

We are used to the fact that living beings have only two sexes. It happens that both sexes are combined in one individual, then this is called hermaphroditism. It happens that there are no sexes - such organisms reproduce asexually. But it also happens that there can be three or more sexes - much, much more. As, for example, in mushrooms from the genus Trihaptum, in which researchers from the University of Oslo and their colleagues from Spain and the USA counted 17550 sexes. Mushrooms themselves are not so exotic - they are related to tinder fungi and their range is very wide; one of the trihaptums grows on birch trees and is found throughout the country. How come they have so many genders and what does that even mean? The meaning of sexual reproduction, in addition to getting an individual of a new generation, is in mixing genetic material. The germ cells of one sex merge with the germ cells of the other sex, and an organism is obtained with a new combination of genes. The more diverse the combinations of different individuals in a population, the more likely it is to survive. ... >>

Baseus portable battery 180 mA 01.05.2022

Baseus announced the availability of the new Baseus Power Station 600W portable battery, which is priced at $495. The battery capacity is 180 mAh. The device has received the form of a rectangular parallelepiped with two handles, and its weight is about 000 kg. The device has a TFT display to show data such as battery percentage, charging status and more. Baseus Power Station 7W features a modular design that divides the power supply into six elements. Each of these modules perform specific tasks: inverter module, charging module, constant current module, protection module, BMS module, and Bluetooth module. Modules can be easily separated from each other if it is necessary to repair any part of the battery. The Baseus Power Station 600W has eight ports, including 600 standard AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, a car charging port, and a DC jack ... >>

Restarting the Large Hadron Collider 30.04.2022

Representatives of the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN announced that the process of maintenance and modernization of the Large Hadron Collider has been completed, the largest and most powerful particle accelerator is fully assembled and ready for operation. Moreover, CERN specialists have already carried out the first "warm-up" launches of two beams of protons moving in opposite directions. However, the procedure for launching a collider is not a quick matter, and several more months will pass before the moment when collisions of particle beams with record energy indicators begin in the bowels of the accelerator. The modernization that the collider equipment has undergone since December 2018 will allow it to operate at even higher energy levels. If during test launches the injection energy of the proton beam was 450 billion electron volts (450 GeV), then in the operating mode this energy will already be 13,6 trillion electron volts (13,6 TeV). According to preliminary calculations, the number of ... >>

System for detecting and neutralizing asteroids dangerous for the Earth 30.04.2022

China plans in the coming years to create a system to protect the Earth from collisions with asteroids that pose a threat to the planet. Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), announced this. "By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan, in 2025-2026, we will try to start testing technology for monitoring asteroids that pose a threat to the Earth. With its help, we will carry out a collision (with an asteroid), which will lead to a change in its orbit," the official said in interview with China Central Television (CCTV). According to him, within the framework of the future project, it is planned to create an effective ground-based and space-based system for cataloging, monitoring and warning about asteroids that pose a threat to the planet. Also, Chinese experts have set the task of developing technologies that will prevent collisions with dangerous space objects. "Thanks to this, humanity will truly counteract the threat that ... >>

Exercise bike for the metaverse 29.04.2022

Cardio Healthcare, the maker of fitness accessories under the Cardio brand, has unveiled the world's first exercise bike integrated into its own Cardio HUB metaverse. We are talking about a Metabike device that must be connected to a TV or tablet in order to gain access to the virtual space through a special application. It is proposed to use a Bluetooth connection to synchronize the exercise bike and the user device. During training, users can complete various tasks in the metaverse, while earning up to $30 per month in Cardio Points, which can be used to pay for services and goods of the company. "People can train on the Metabike against users from all over the world in virtual races, ride through scenic landscapes, watch their favorite shows and dive into the leading metaverses while tracking their workouts and earning rewards for their fitness," said the CEO. direct ... >>

Fitness bracelet Garmin vivosmart 5 29.04.2022

Garmin presented its new vivosmart 5 fitness tracker. The device is equipped with a rectangular display, which is 66% larger than the previous model. He received a picture resolution of 88 x 154p and an OLED matrix. The bracelet can track heart rate, steps, workouts, stress, as well as monitor sleep, blood oxygen (SpO2) and menstrual cycles. The novelty comes with a GPS-module. In addition, the Garmin vivosmart 5 has water protection (5ATM), as well as the ability to display incoming calls, messages and application notifications. Autonomy should last up to 7 days. The device is made of polycarbonate, while the straps are made of silicone. There are several colors and sizes to choose from. Work Garmin vivosmart 5 with iPhone and Android. The price of the new item is $150. ... >>

bacterium noise 28.04.2022

The team of scientist Farbod Alijani at the Delft University of Technology captured the noise that bacteria make while initially investigating the underlying physical mechanics of graphene. Graphene is a form of carbon made up of a single layer of atoms, also known as the wonder material. It is very durable, with good electrical and mechanical properties, and is also extremely sensitive to external forces. This animation shows how a graphene drum can make bacteria sounds. The sound stops when the bacteria is killed by the antibiotic. When a single bacterium sticks to the surface of a graphene drum, it generates random vibrations with an amplitude of only a few nanometers that could be detected. Scientists were able to hear the sound of a single bacterium! To understand how tiny these blows of the flagellum on graphene are, it is worth saying that they are at least 10 billion times smaller than the blow of a boxer when he reaches a punching bag. However, these nanosized bits ... >>

In Europe, USB Type-C has become the standard smartphone charging port. 28.04.2022

The EU Committee for Internal Market Regulation and Consumer Protection decided by 43 votes in favor to approve USB Type-C as a single charging connector throughout the EU. Votes "against" were given only by two members of the committee, informs TechPowerUp. The specified charging standard is planned to be applied to devices from among "small and medium electronic gadgets" (including mobile phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, headsets and headphones, portable game consoles and portable speakers). An exception is provided for devices that are not suitable for USB-C installation due to their too compact size (examples are smart watches, medical and sports trackers, etc.) The directive has yet to be approved by the EU Parliament May of this year). If the Committee's decision is approved, manufacturers of "smart" devices will be given a transitional period until the first quarter of 2024. In addition to all of the above, MPs ... >>

Found a reliable way to transfer energy without wires 27.04.2022

A team of scientists from the US Naval Research Laboratory has tested a new technology for wireless power transmission. Using microwave radiation, physicists managed to transmit electricity with a power of 1,6 kilowatts over a distance of 1 kilometer at the US Army research site in Blossom Point (Maryland). The Laboratory emphasizes that this is the most successful and reliable demonstration of wireless power transmission in the last 50 years. Energy beams are transmitted between two points within the Safe and Continuous Power bEaming - Microwave (SCOPE-M) system. Special equipment converts electricity into microwaves, which are then focused by a narrow beam on a receiver with the so-called rectennas (rectifying antenna - rectifying antenna) - this is a special type of receiving antenna with high-frequency diodes. When microwaves hit the rectenna, they are converted into direct current. For 12 months, American scientists tried using SCOPE-M to transmit email ... >>

Razer x Lambda Tensorbook for Developers 27.04.2022

Razer introduced a laptop in the Blade line, where there were devices on Windows, adding a version with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. The novelty is a modified version of last year's Razer Blade 15 Advanced. The Razer x Lambda Tensorbook is aimed at machine learning and AI researchers, not gamers. It has almost the same technical specifications as the top version of the Razer Blade 15 Advanced. The laptop is equipped with an 7th generation Intel Core i11 processor, up to 64 GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Max-Q discrete graphics card. 15,6" 1440p 165Hz display, 4x Thunderbolt 3.2, 2x USB 6 Gen 5.2 Type-A, UHS-III SD card slot, Wi-Fi 80E, Bluetooth 2 . The battery capacity is XNUMX Wh. The laptop has a mass of XNUMX kg. The system comes pre-installed with "the latest drivers and machine learning tools, including PyTorch, Tensorf ... >>

Lexus RZ 450e electric crossover 26.04.2022

The official presentation of the Lexus RZ 450e electric car took place. This is the brand's first all-electric crossover. The Lexus RZ 450e electric car received a 71,4 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 225 miles (about 362 km) when using 18-inch tires. You can also install 20-inch tires on the car, but the range in this configuration is not specified. The car uses the Direct4 all-wheel drive system, which automatically distributes traction between the front and rear wheels depending on the road surface and the driving style of the driver. Thus, it provides "improved acceleration at start-up, stable handling and low power consumption." Electric motors transmit 150 kW and 80 kW of power to the front and rear wheels, respectively. Inside, the car offers a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof extending from the front seats to ... >>

Xiaomi Smart Display 10 26.04.2022

The Chinese company Xiaomi has released an innovative smart screen called Xiaomi Smart Display 10. The novelty is equipped with a metal case covered with fabric under the screen, a stand that can be adjusted so that the smart screen is at an angle of 90 to 120 degrees. In stock 10,1-inch HD display, front-facing 5-megapixel camera with a physical shutter that can track faces, a microphone for video calls, dual stereo speakers. Xiaomi Smart Display 10 can act as a remote control for smart home devices, work as an entertainment center (viewing photos and movies). Supports work with a voice assistant. There are preinstalled educational apps for kids. Xiaomi Smart Display 10 is priced at $147. Sales in China will begin on April 29. ... >>

Breaking the record for the length of a quantum communication line 25.04.2022

Chinese scientists have set a new world record for the length of a quantum secure communication line. It was 102,2 km, beating the previous figure of 18 km. True, in such a network, the transmission speed was very low - 0,54 bits per second, but still sufficient to encrypt text messages and phone calls at a distance of 30 km. The results of the work may eventually lead to the creation of a tamper-proof communication, since any attempt to listen to the quantum line can be instantly detected. The same research team set the previous record. Now she has improved her network. The improvements allowed them to lengthen the line from 28,3 km to a record 102,2 km. The experiment shows that direct quantum-safe communication between cities via optical fiber is possible using modern technologies. ... >>

New way to detect tsunami 25.04.2022

Japanese scientists have proposed a new approach to tsunami detection, which is to monitor muons. Muons are high-energy elementary particles that are created by cosmic rays arriving from outer space. They are everywhere in the atmosphere and can pass harmlessly through almost anything. However, they can be very slightly displaced in their path by large natural forces, including tsunamis. In order to detect the movements of muons, an incredibly sensitive instrument is required - TS-HKMSSD. He first detected tsunami waves through muon ripples. "The Tokyo Bay Hyperkilometer Underwater Depth Detector is the world's first underwater muon observatory to detect various muon activity during a tsunami," said geophysicist Hiroyuki Tanaka of the University of Tokyo in Japan. This variation is consistent with ocean waves that have been measured by other methods. Consolidation of readings means that muographic data can be used ... >>

Hybrid ATV Krampus 24.04.2022

Lithuanian automakers have announced a new all-terrain vehicle (ATV) Krampus Mk1 to perform manned, semi-manned, remotely controlled and autonomous missions on the battlefield. The hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system in silent mode provides a covert approach to the mission area, where a crew of two can dismount and independently direct the vehicle to forward firing positions. The Krampus Mk1 is designed for a 500-kilogram payload, which can include remotely controlled anti-tank systems, killer drone launch systems, or anti-aircraft weapons systems. After completing the fire mission, the Krampus ATV must return to pick up its crew and continue the manned mission. The designers of the Krampus Mk1 ATV also envision the use of vehicles in non-military areas such as border security, law enforcement, environmental control, mining - any scene. ... >>

Molecular pathway found for critical cases of COVID-19 24.04.2022

An international team led by Chinese researchers has identified a molecular pathway that exacerbates the severity of critical COVID-19 cases, providing clues for a potential treatment for such cases. A new study has shown that the fusion of coronavirus-infected lung cells can exacerbate inflammatory responses, thereby triggering immune signaling cascades in the lungs, which are a major factor in lung damage in patients with severe disease. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Peking Union Medical College and their collaborators analyzed post-mortem patient samples. They found a correlation between critical cases of COVID-19 and a fusion of lung epithelial cells called pneumocytes, which has also been seen in macaques and cultured cells infected with the virus. They then examined human embryonic kidney cells that either expressed the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, causing ... >>

Printing 3D glass structures 23.04.2022

Chemically and thermally resistant glass is much preferred in industry, medicine and science over plastic. And if people have learned to cope well with the printing of plastic 3D models, then glass 3D printing could help develop many promising areas. Now it's possible. American and German scientists have learned how to quickly print micron-scale 3D glass models. The proposed technology is based on the Glassomer material invented by scientists at the University of Freiburg and a 3D printing method called "Computer Axial Lithography (CAL)" invented at the University of California at Berkeley. The CAL method was introduced about four years ago. liquid polymer resin, a 2D model is projected at different angles.Where the light intensity reaches the threshold value, the resin quickly hardens.Then it is enough to wash the model in a solvent to remove the liquid composition and the model is ready, which takes count ... >>

Charging implants with ultrasound 23.04.2022

Various kinds of electronics have long been implanted in the human body. A typical example is a pacemaker. But when its battery runs out, the implant needs to be surgically replaced. Korean scientists have found a way to solve this problem using remote ultrasonic charging. Although there are many wireless charging technologies in the world of electronics, the most current ones are not suitable for medical applications. So, electromagnetic induction allows you to charge the batteries of smartphones located at a distance of up to 1,5 cm from a special panel, and quite a lot of heat is released in the process, which is unacceptable when the battery is hidden in the tissues of a living organism. Another method is charging using magnetic resonance, but the equipment in this case can be affected by wireless signal sources such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. With these and other limitations in mind, a team of scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed an implantable generator that ... >>

World's largest electric skyscraper to be built 22.04.2022

The new skyscraper will be powered by 100% renewable energy from New York State's hydroelectric power plant. The 60-story tower will be occupied by the new JPMorgan Chase headquarters. Other energy efficient features include triple glazed windows and water reuse systems that reduce consumption by up to 40%. The tower will also use "intelligent building technology" using sensors to control and reduce energy consumption. The architects at Foster + Partners say 97% of the building materials on the site will be recycled or reused. Residents will have access to air filtration systems and contactless technology, as well as circadian lighting that minimizes exposure to electric light. About 70% of New York City's greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, according to the City. Meanwhile, New York lawmakers are considering new rules under the All Electricity Act. ... >>

Chopsticks that enhance the salty taste 22.04.2022

A group of Japanese scientists led by Professor Meiji Homei Miyashita has developed chopsticks that make food saltier. This will help those who need to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet. The chopsticks, co-developed by Miyashita and beverage maker Kirin Holdings Co., enhance flavor with electrical stimulation and a mini computer that looks like a bracelet. The gadget uses a weak electric current to transfer sodium ions from food through the chopsticks straight into the mouth, which gives a sensation of saltiness. As a result, the taste of salty is enhanced by 1,5 times. Flavor-enhancing chopsticks may be of particular importance in Japan, where the traditional diet is high in salty foods. The average Japanese adult consumes about 10 grams of salt per day, twice the amount recommended by the World Health Organization. Excess sodium intake is associated with an increase in cases of high blood pressure, strokes and other diseases. ... >>

Renault Pickup 21.04.2022

The South American division of Renault introduced an updated Oroch pickup truck, which is based on the first generation Duster. The car has been produced in Brazil since 2015. In this country, the new model is offered at a price of 23 thousand dollars. The restyled Renault Oroch received a new grille, a different front bumper, darkened taillights and 16-inch wheels. Also, the car received new roof rails and a plastic coating of the loading platform. Air ducts and a second-generation Duster climate control unit appeared inside. Also, the car received a dashboard in the style of the Captur crossover and a large screen of a multimedia and entertainment complex. Renault Oroch is equipped with a 1,6-liter naturally aspirated engine with 120 hp. and a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also a turbocharged 1,3-liter engine with 170 hp. with variator. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 9,8 seconds and its top speed is ... >>

Notification system with wind, shadow and knock 21.04.2022

Google presented its unique research project, whose task is to create devices and systems that can communicate with the user in a "natural way". Communication is supposed to be carried out with the help of, for example, touches, moving shadows, a slight breeze, etc. Google Little Signals engineers believe that there is a need in the technology field to create fundamentally new means of communication that will notify the user without the need to emit beeps or activate the display on a smartphone. Now the focus is on six promising contact tools: air, button, movement, rhythm, shadow and knock. The room fan can be set to respond to changes in ambient temperature and turn on automatically. In the near future, Google is likely to introduce a series of devices that operate in Little Signals mode. ... >>

HVER Stealth mechanical keyboard 20.04.2022

IOGEAR has expanded its Kaliber Gaming family of devices for gamers and esports players with the HVER Stealth keyboard, which has received a full-size form factor and a standard layout. The novelty belongs to the mechanical type. Brown switches are used to provide tactile feedback on actuation and optimum noise level in mixed use. Implemented individual multi-color RGB backlighting of the buttons. The Full N-Key Rollover function ensures correct recognition of a large number of simultaneously pressed keys. A wired USB interface is used to connect to a computer. Interchangeable WASD keys and arrow buttons for MMO gamers and lefties are mentioned. A convenient application is used to set up macros and color effects. You can buy a novelty at an estimated price of $ 50. ... >>

Optical fiber that works like the human nervous system 20.04.2022

Scientists from Singapore's Center for Disruptive Photonic Technology and the UK's Optoelectronics Research Center have created a working optical model of a neuron. To do this, they took advantage of the special properties of an amorphous alloy based on chalcogenides. In fact, a new type of optical fiber was synthesized, capable of changing transparency. This makes it possible to provide conditions for the propagation of optical signals similar to those that exist in the human brain. Using this property, the researchers achieved functionality that mimics the mechanism of signal propagation in axons and synapses, thereby proving that optical analogs of neurons can demonstrate functionality similar to the human brain. The optical fiber for the experiment was made of amorphous glass, which is an alloy of gallium sulfide and lanthanum oxide. To emulate the functions of a chemical synapse, the fiber is alternately irradiated from the side with light of different wavelengths, causing the so-called ... >>

Honor Superfast 100W Wireless Charging 19.04.2022

Honor has announced a wireless charging station called Honor Superfast. The device has a power of 100 W and is able to charge not only smartphones, but also headphones that support wireless charging, as well as electronic gadgets that support the Qi standard. The Honor Superfast 100W has a vertical design and a fairly minimalistic design. The device is made of metal and also uses a dual coil design, which allows you to place the smartphone not only vertically but also horizontally. In addition, the charging dock is equipped with a built-in cooling fan that adjusts its speed according to different scenarios. The LED indicator mounted on the device case indicates the state of charging, as well as the ingress of foreign objects between the back cover of the gadget and the surface of the device itself. According to the Chinese manufacturer, thanks to Honor Superfast from 0 to 100%, the smartphone will charge in just 35 ... >>

Solar panels working at night 19.04.2022

Scientists at Stanford University have developed solar panels that can generate electricity at night when the sun has already set. To do this, they assembled a structure from conventional solar panels and a thermoelectric generator. Given that any matter with a temperature above absolute zero radiates heat into the atmosphere, the proposed design allows it to be captured - from the solar panels themselves. By "capturing" the temperature difference between the ambient air and the panels, the thermoelectric generator receives the necessary electricity. Stanford University engineers managed to collect up to 50 milliwatts per square meter of solar panels placed on the roof of the university buildings. Experts believe that they will be able to double the figure with a theoretical limit of 1-2 watts per square meter. This is not much, but for some tasks it is more than enough. ... >>

Reusable pollen paper 18.04.2022

Despite the ubiquity of computers and electronic document management, humanity still consumes colossal amounts of paper, which requires wood to make. Therefore, many engineers and scientists are looking for technologies to create alternative materials, including those with the ability to "rewrite". A new such "paper" was recently presented by the developers of the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. The production of the innovative material, unlike conventional paper, is almost environmentally friendly: it is suitable for standard full-color printing, and it can be reused up to eight times. Traditionally, paper is made from cellulose, which is obtained from wood and plant fibers. Up to 40 percent of all wood traded on world markets is used for these purposes, as a result, paper production makes a significant contribution to deforestation. In addition, the process, including bleaching, requires high temperatures and the use of palate. ... >>

Hardware Optimization Reduces 5G Power Consumption 18.04.2022

The deployment of 5G networks allows to improve the quality of service and data transfer speeds, responding to the growing demand for the volume of transmitted information. In terms of energy consumption per unit of traffic, 5G is 90% more efficient than 4G, but in absolute terms, a sharp increase in power consumption is expected due to the implementation of Massive Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (mMIMO) technologies and increased network density. According to analyst firm ABI Research, a 5G base station requires three times as much power to provide the same coverage as a 4G network. This is a new burden for network operators to cope with high energy costs and rising capital costs. "Hardware optimization" can correct the situation, which will lead to a significant reduction in power consumption. By optimization, analysts mean the release of a new generation of chipsets that will consume 30-70% less energy compared to their predecessors. "Sweat ... >>

ultrasound for diabetes 17.04.2022

An international team of scientists has figured out how short pulses of ultrasound, targeting specific clusters of nerves in the liver, can effectively lower insulin and blood glucose levels in diabetics. So far, the technique is being tested on humans and is quite complicated, but scientists are confident that they will be able to create portable devices for monitoring blood glucose and insulin levels. Unfortunately, there are currently very few drugs that actually lower insulin levels. Meanwhile, to maintain the health of patients with diabetes, it is necessary to be able to keep a balance in the level of glucose in the blood. The introduction of insulin reduces its concentration, but too low a glucose content can cause hypoglycemia and lead to death. Scientists have demonstrated for the first time a unique non-invasive ultrasound technique designed to stimulate specific sensory nerves in the liver. This technology is called peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation and allows very precise targeting. ... >>

Mining farm with solar panels 17.04.2022

Fintech startup Block, founded by Twitter founder D. Dorsey, has agreed to cooperate with Blockstream cryptocurrency company and electric car manufacturer Tesla. The partners intend to create a maning farm in Texas. Electricity for its operation will be generated using solar panels. Tesla's interests in the project will be represented by a subsidiary of Gambit Energy Storage. At the moment, its employees are busy developing an energy storage system. Its power will be over 100 mW. It will be built along with a mining farm in Angleton. The choice for Texas was not accidental. It is one of the leaders in the US in terms of solar and wind generation. Musk became interested in the cryptocurrency business early last year. He allowed Tesla to sell cars for BTC. This circumstance led to a significant increase in the rate of the main cryptocurrency. Last year, Dorsey promised to integrate the Bitcoin virtual currency into the Twitter microblogging service. In particular, the field ... >>

Unreal Engine 5 16.04.2022

Epic Games has introduced a new generation engine Unreal Engine 5. Now it is becoming available to all developers. The new version of the engine has received a number of improvements and technologies for next-gen real-time rendering, and new tools make it easier to create large virtual worlds with high detail. Lumen technology enables dynamic global illumination. Now you do not need to create light maps and "bake" the scene. With Lumen, you can create a scene with complex lighting by placing the appropriate sources in the editor, and immediately observe the final result. Lumen takes into account indirect lighting, Color Bleeding, Emissive Materials, and soft shadows. The technology uses a hybrid rendering method with partial ray tracing. The engine implements a new technology of virtual geometry Nanite, which allows you to work with highly detailed models. In this case, Nanite loads only the visible polygons in the render zone, no need to ... >>

Metaverse for kids 16.04.2022

American video game developer Epic Games and Danish building kit maker Lego have announced a long-term partnership that includes creating a metaverse for kids of all ages. This play experience is supposed to unleash the creativity in children. The companies presented three principles on which the metaverse will be built. First, it is protecting the right of children to play in a safe and prosperous environment. Second, the privacy and protection of children's privacy. Third, providing children and adults with the tools to manage their experiences in the metaverse. ... >>

The harm from e-cigarettes outweighs the benefits 15.04.2022

Scientists at the Australian National University have published a large review that analyzes the many scientific papers on electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices and their impact on health. Initially, there were about 19 thousand such studies. Then, when those that duplicate each other, those that do not meet the criteria for scientific publications, etc., were eliminated, 189 "e-cigarette" works remained, which, in general, is also not so small. The report outlines the range of ills that can result from vaping in one form or another, from poisoning and lung damage to addiction. Which is hardly surprising, since from these devices you inhale not just water vapor - you can find up to 243 different substances in nicotine-free e-cigarettes, of which thirty-eight are considered poisons. Although it should be noted here that not all vape liquids contain these substances, and it is unlikely that anyone died after the first puff, that is, dangerous substances are present there. ... >>

Robot archaeologist 15.04.2022

The issue of replacing human labor with robotic ones has worried scientists and science fiction writers since the last century. But time has passed, and robots have become an integral part of our lives. They replaced manual labor with dangerous jobs, automated production, robots go into outer space and help fight crime. In almost every area, robots help people cope with complex tasks and overcome difficulties. So, one of the robots will now explore the tunnels and underground passages of the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. This task was entrusted to a four-legged robot named Spot. The Spot robot is the latest technological development that was created as part of a project to manage significant architectural objects. Outwardly, he is very similar to a dog and is able to penetrate very narrow places. Spot will collect, record and analyze route data. Its creator, Boston Dynamics, hopes that the use of the robot in areas where excavations are taking place ... >>

Serial Electric SUV Smart #1 14.04.2022

Smart has unveiled the production version of its Concept #1 electric crossover. The new Smart #1 looks a lot like the prototype. The production version retained the frameless windows and glass roof. At the same time, the engineers abandoned some conceptual "frills", such as scissor doors, large 21-inch wheels (the production version is content with 19-inch wheels, 235/45 R19 tires) and two rear seats (a standard three-seat sofa is installed) . The Smart #1 EV has a 66 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 440 km (according to the WLTP test cycle). At the same time, it takes 10 hours to charge the battery from 80% to 22% on a 3 kW AC mains, and less than 30 minutes when using ultra-fast DC charging for the same recharge of the battery. The vehicle is powered by a 200 kW (272 hp, 343 Nm) engine and has a top speed of 180 km/h. Inside the car are available 12,8- ... >>

Skin rejuvenation for 30 years 14.04.2022

The researchers rejuvenated the skin cells of a 53-year-old woman, making them the same as those of a 23-year-old. Scientists from the University of Cambridge have achieved incredible results: they were able to make human skin cells look younger by as much as 30 years. Scientists believe that they can do the same with other tissues of the human body. Thus, it is possible to develop treatment for diseases that occur in older people. The origins of the method used by scientists in the new study date back to the creation of the cloned sheep Dolly in the 90s of the last century. Then scientists wanted to create the so-called human embryonic stem cells. They hoped that in this way they could be grown into certain tissues, such as muscles, cartilage, and nerve cells, to replace worn-out body parts. In 2006, Japanese scientists came up with a new method they called IPS. With it, scientists added chemicals to the cells of an adult organism ... >>

Planet 9 times larger than Jupiter discovered 13.04.2022

Scientists have observed a giant planet estimated to be about nine times the mass of Jupiter at a surprisingly early stage in its formation, described as "still in the womb," in a discovery that challenges current understanding of planetary formation. The researchers used the Subaru Telescope, located near the top of an inactive Hawaiian volcano, and the Hubble Space Telescope in orbit to discover and study the planet, a gas giant orbiting unusually far from its young parent star. Gas giants are planets, such as our solar system's largest planets Jupiter and Saturn, composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, with swirling gases surrounding a smaller solid core. "We think it's still in a very early stage of its 'birth'," said astrophysicist Thane Curry of the Subaru Telescope and NASA Ames Research Center. ... >>

Xiaomi Walkie-Talkie 3 13.04.2022

Xiaomi has released a third-generation right called the Xiaomi Walkie-Talkie 3, which is on sale in China for $62, offering several improved features including full Netcom 4G support. Netcom's full 4G support extends to the top three carriers in China. This feature allows you to establish communication at a distance of up to 5000 km throughout the country. The walkie-talkie has different functions and supports over-the-air updates at the same time, which may add more functions in the future. Xiaomi Walkie-Talkie 3 supports various intercom methods, including face-to-face intercom, multi-person communication, and two-way voice calls. The walkie-talkie is equipped with a high-performance audio system, consisting of a large-sized 40mm speaker and a professional sound processing chip, which provides a 30% increase in volume compared to previous models. There is also an environmental noise reduction algorithm that reduces distortion ... >>

Augmented Reality Contact Lenses 12.04.2022

California-based company Mojo Vision has created a new prototype contact lens with augmented reality technology. After reworking the electronics and changing the power supply, the engineers prepared the device for testing. The first software and user interface was also developed. The company unveiled its first prototype two years ago, when engineers managed to create a display, an oxygen saturation system, a microchip and energy management tools, and developed eye-tracking algorithms. Even then, the lenses looked like ordinary cosmetic contact lenses that change the color of the eyes, although they hid a whole computer with tiny displays, batteries and more. Since then, Mojo Vision has invested in lens software development, created the underlying operating system code, and created the first user interface components. This software opens up the possibility of further development and testing of various scenarios for the use of lenses by consumers and ... >>

Electric crossover Tata Curvv 12.04.2022

Tata Curvv electric car presented in India. The crossover is a concept car, but in two years it is planned to launch it in a series. The new Tata Curvv is a small crossover coupe with an original design. Its appearance is made in the brand's new style, called Digital. Among its features are laconic forms and thin LED headlights and lanterns. In addition, the rear window also received LED lighting. There are no door handles, and cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. Salon Tata Curvv trimmed with fabric and blue leather. The brand logo is illuminated on the steering wheel. The virtual instrument panel and the display of the multimedia system resemble tablets. The buttons in the cabin are touch-sensitive. The Tata Curvv electric crossover will be built on the new Tata Generation 2 EV platform. It will receive two motors and four-wheel drive, and the cruising range will be about 500 km. It is also possible that a hybrid version of the model will appear. The developers claim that the serial Tata Curvv electric car will repeat the concept car by 80%. Cross ... >>

Realme Smart TV Stick FHD TV Keychain 11.04.2022

The Chinese company Realme has announced a Smart TV Stick FHD TV keychain that uses the Android TV software platform based on Android 11. The novelty is equipped with an Arm Cortex-A35 quad-core processor and an Arm G31MP2 graphics accelerator. The amount of DDR4 RAM is 1 GB. The equipment includes a flash module eMMC with a capacity of 8 GB. The gadget provides the ability to display images in FHD format with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 60 Hz. We are talking about support for HDR 10+. The equipment includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless adapters. An HDMI connector is used to connect to a TV, and power is supplied via a Micro-USB port. The dimensions of the device are 90 x 29,8 x 14,5 mm, weight - 36,5 g. The package includes a remote control with Bluetooth support. Interaction with the smart voice assistant Google Assistant is possible. The price of Realme Smart TV Stick FHD is around $40. ... >>

Simulation of human behavior in a crowd 11.04.2022

Experiments conducted by researchers at Brown University have shown that each pedestrian in a crowd controls the direction and speed of their movement based on two visual variables. First, people try to move in such a way that their neighbors remain motionless in their perception. For this, the speed and direction of movement of those who walk nearby must be the same. Secondly, people prefer that the field of view does not change during movement. Such changes can occur when neighbors move closer or further away. Therefore, pedestrians in the crowd unconsciously try to fix the distance between themselves and their neighbors. The scientists also found that the participants in the experiment most of all reacted to the movements of their nearest neighbors. Changes in the behavior of those who walked at a distance did not have a strong effect. This is due to two effects, scientists say: the laws of optics and the principles of occlusion. The movements of a distant object seem less pronounced to us, and the pedestrians who are walking ... >>

AnkerMake M3 5D printer 10.04.2022

Anker, known as a manufacturer of chargers, has taken up the manufacture of 3D printers. The company announced a separate brand for AnkerMake 3D printing products and the first model of the AnkerMake M3 5D printer. According to the manufacturer, this novelty solves the most important problems that prevented 3D printers from becoming mainstream devices, including their usually slow print speed. The AnkerMake M5 has a base print speed of 250mm/s for detailed designs that require precision workmanship. However, the printer also has a much faster mode, allowing you to print at speeds up to 2500mm/s. Although in this case the end result will be coarser and less detailed. This mode is mainly suitable for prototypes and some toys. However, Anker claims that this mode allows the M5 to cut average print times by up to 70% compared to other 3D printers. Additionally, the AnkerMake M5 is designed with ease of use in mind. Under ... >>

Lubricated high load bearing composite 10.04.2022

Chinese scientists have developed a cartilage composite with mechanical strength. Natural articular cartilage exhibits exceptional tribological characteristics based on surface lubricated biomacromolecules and good mechanical stability. But inevitably they can also be damaged due to wear, disease and injury. Hydrogels are considered a potential alternative to natural cartilage due to their low surface friction and good biocompatibility. However, poor mechanical properties limit their application. Inspired by the optimal mechanical properties and stable surface lubrication mechanism of natural articular cartilage, researchers from the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a lubricated bilayer composite exhibiting excellent mechanical stability and a unique stress dissipation mechanism. In the upper lubricating layer, the composite showed excellent t-reduction functions. ... >>

Mobile phones are not associated with brain tumors 09.04.2022

Scientists from the University of Oxford, together with colleagues from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, investigated the question of whether mobile phones are somehow associated with brain and eye tumors. It may seem strange to some that this is still being discussed somewhere. Nevertheless, oncology from a mobile phone remains an indestructible topic that is resurrected every time, as we are informed about the next step forward in telecommunications (now the emergence of 5G, the fifth generation of mobile communications, has turned out to be such a step forward). In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that cell phones can cause brain tumors, but most of the subsequent epidemiological studies did not confirm this, and mobile phones were recognized as safe. But if there is a "majority" of studies, then there is also a "minority" - with different results? Other results here are often related to the fact that for analysis they take the medical history of people who already have a cancer diagnosis. This ... >>

Chocolate in the morning helps women lose weight 09.04.2022

Chocolate is a product that has millions of fans around the world. The composition of sweets loved by many includes cocoa butter and grated cocoa, on which both health benefits and harms depend. It is difficult to count all the useful properties of chocolate. Among the main ones - it is able to increase the level of emotional state, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the amount of harmful free radicals in human blood. However, we must not forget that the uncontrolled eating of cocoa sweets will have the opposite effect on health. The result can be a rash, and in other cases, a favorite treat can cause tachycardia and increase blood pressure. Of course, the dosage is of great importance: if you consume chocolate in large portions (more than 100 g per day), then all the beneficial properties of sweets can disappear in an instant, causing great harm to the human body. According to findings from a study at Harvard Medical School and the Spanish University of Murcia, postmenopausal women ... >>

Autonomous X-ray machine with artificial intelligence 08.04.2022

Lithuanian company Oxipit, a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) medical imaging applications, has received CE Class IIb certification for ChestLink. This imaging tool independently reads chest x-rays without the participation of a radiologist and reports the results. It is the first regulatory-approved AI medical imaging application that performs diagnostics autonomously, the developer said. ChestLink scans chest X-rays and automatically sends out reports of those patients it considers to be completely healthy. Any images that the tool flags as having a potential problem are sent to the radiologist for review. This will help reduce the workload for radiologists. The Oxipit AI is now CE Class IIb certified by the EU, which certifies that the device meets safety standards. Certification is similar to the approval of the ... >>

Green energy is on the rise 08.04.2022

From the report of the analytical company Ember, it follows that in 2021, 10% of electricity was generated worldwide from wind and solar energy, which became a new record. In total, 38% of the world's annual electricity was generated from clean energy sources, which also include nuclear energy, hydroelectric power plants and biofuels, which is even more than from burning coal. This gives hope for curbing a possible climate crisis. According to the Paris climate agreement, it is desirable to limit the increase in global average temperature in the world to 1,5 °C from pre-industrial levels. This will require maintaining an average 10-year increase in solar and wind power generation at 20% until at least 2030. In 2021, for example, the production of solar energy in the world increased by 23%, and wind - by 14%. Together, both renewable sources accounted for 10,3% of total global electricity generation, up 1% from 2020. When saved ... >>

Cognifiber Photonic Chip 07.04.2022

Engineers at Israeli startup Cognifiber have created a photonic chip designed specifically for edge computing, an infrastructure that eliminates the need for businesses to connect to the cloud. Cognifiber's goal is to miniaturize photonics as much as possible in order to replace silicon - a key component of modern chips - with cheaper and more affordable glass. The startup claims that its solution, among other things, reduces the cost of AI / ML training by 80%. Cognifiber focuses on photonic computing but goes further than today's startups in the same field. As a rule, developers use photonics as a communication center between racks in data centers. At the same time, Cognifiber is working on a first-of-its-kind chip that will do the calculations on its own. In the future, such a system will be useful to everyone - from manufacturers of miniature IoT devices to companies that manage the largest data centers. "The combination of photonic glass chips pro ... >>

Attitude to smells 07.04.2022

As it turned out, the perception of smells is universal for representatives of different countries, regions and cultures. While everyone has their favorite and least favorite scents, experts say it really comes down to simple chemistry. The structure of a single odor molecule dictates how people perceive and transmit it. In their new study, the scientists tried to determine which smell is the most pleasant for most people. The people who experienced smells during the experiment came from a wide variety of backgrounds, including indigenous groups who had little or no exposure to smells and food outside of their own culture. A total of 235 people were involved in the study. "Cultures around the world value different smells the same, no matter where they come from, but scent preferences are personal. We were trying to understand if people around the world have the same perception of smells and whether they like ... >>

Xiaomi Smart Cat Eye 1S 06.04.2022

Xiaomi has introduced the Smart Cat Eye 1S, a smart peephole for doors with a 5-inch screen. Smart Cat Eye 1S received a built-in camera with FHD resolution. With its help, you can see in high resolution everything that happens in front of the door of our house. 160 degree camera angle and f/2.0 aperture. The 5-inch internal LCD panel displays everything captured by the "smart eye". In addition to this, Xiaomi Smart Cat Eye 1S has a large 8000mAh battery. It won't need to be charged for several months. Also included is a small button that works as an internal call. Since this is a product with Wi-Fi technology, we can also view what is happening from our smartphone, as well as make two-way calls with the one who presses the button. The price of the device is 90 euros. ... >>

Complete human genome presented 06.04.2022

Researchers have been able to decipher the missing links in the human genome and this makes it possible to find out where different mutations come from. 19 years ago, scientists announced that they had succeeded in deciphering the complete sequence of the human genome. But then about 8% of the information could not be deciphered. This happened because this part of the genome consists of repetitive DNA fragments that were difficult to connect with the rest. But now scientists from the National Human Genome Research Institute, which is part of the US National Institutes of Health, have solved this problem. "The fact that we have been able to completely decipher the complete sequence of the human genome is one of the greatest scientific achievements. It gives us complete information about the structure of our DNA. This will greatly expand the possibilities of research into genetic diseases in humans," says Eric Green, director of the National Genome Research Institute. person. The complete genome consists of 3,055 ... >>

microplastics in human blood 05.04.2022

Tiny bits of mostly invisible plastic have already been found almost everywhere on Earth, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and in the air, soil and food chain. Now, scientists have added a final worrisome to that long list, as they have detected microplastics in human blood for the first time, warning that the ubiquitous particles can also enter organs. Dutch scientists conducted a study of blood samples from 22 anonymous healthy volunteers and found microplastics in almost 80% of them. Half of the blood samples contained traces of PET plastic, commonly used to make beverage bottles, while more than a third contained polystyrene, used to make disposable food containers and many other products. “This is the first time we have actually been able to detect and quantify such a microplastic in human blood. ... >>

Orbital X-ray Observatory Einstein Probe 05.04.2022

A joint project between China and the European Space Agency - the orbital X-ray observatory Einstein Probe ("Einstein Probe") - has begun to materialize. Recently, at a meeting of the National Space Science Center (NSSC) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the start of assembly, integration and testing of the spacecraft was approved with a plan to launch it into space in 2023. The Einstein Probe will look for signs of the strongest cosmic X-ray disturbances that occur during tidal phenomena in the zone of black holes, during supernova explosions and in the event of other energy releases in the observed electromagnetic wave range. Two X-ray telescopes will observe the sky: a Chinese wide-angle WXT (Wide-field X-ray telescope) with a field of view of 1345 square degrees, and a European tracking telescope FXT (Follow-up X-ray Telescope) with a very high sensitivity. The wide-angle telescope WXT will be built on the basis of the so-called op ... >>

The unmanned vehicle will calculate reckless drivers 04.04.2022

The University of Maryland has developed a new method for simulating the behavior of drivers on the road to train autonomous vehicles. A traffic simulation method developed by researchers at the University of Maryland is based on classifying the behavior of other road users. This model, which the authors called CMetric, analyzes the trajectories of other drivers and pedestrians. Based on the analysis and data obtained using computer vision, the algorithm can predict the possible actions of road users. “Using CMetric, our simulator can generate virtual motorists with different driving styles to pretrain self-driving cars,” says Angelos Mavrogiannis, one of the developers of the model. “Modeling heterogeneous driving behavior is a core element of our work. We use a deep reinforcement learning model, based on DQN (Deep Q-Network)." Developers note ... >>

Controlling technology with the power of thought 04.04.2022

Chinese scientists have developed a technology for controlling robotic equipment by recognizing brain activity. Control accuracy is impressive and accessible even without special training. In practice, the new technology will be implemented in a future Chinese orbital station, allowing taikonauts, for example, to control a huge robotic arm with just a thought. We are talking about simulation, not about the control of real mechanisms. However, there is only one step from simulation to real technology, and it will soon be taken. During the experiment, 35 volunteers had to mentally control a segmented robotic arm. Of this number, 11 participants immediately coped with the task. It is important to note that 27 test subjects had no experience in operating such devices at all, but after a little training, they were also able to control the mechanism with the highest accuracy. The average accuracy of operations has reached an unprecedented 99,07%. In all p ... >>

Another form of ice discovered 03.04.2022

Scientists now know at least 20 different forms of ice that have different crystal structures and form under different combinations of temperatures and pressures. The most common ice, the one used to cool drinks, is known as "ice I", and a number of well-known forms of ice end in "ice XIX". A group of scientists from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) has discovered another exotic form of ice that may exist in nature somewhere in the depths of the earth's mantle or on distant "water world" planets. As is often the case, a new form of ice was discovered by accident. UNLV scientists have been developing new methods for measuring the properties of water under ultra-high pressure conditions. A small amount of water was placed between the planes of a diamond anvil, the compression of which exposes the water to extreme pressures. This pressure forces the hydrogen and oxygen atoms to form various crystal structures, and then the resulting ice b ... >>

Chromebook Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 03.04.2022

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 Chromebook. The device runs on the Chrome OS operating system. The novelty is equipped with a 12,4-inch TFT touch screen, which opens 360 °, allowing you to use the device as a laptop and tablet. The screen resolution is 2560 x 1600 pixels (WQXGA), the pixel density is 243 ppi, the maximum brightness is 350 cd/m2. The Chromebook is powered by a 4500GHz Celeron N2,8 dual-core processor and Intel UHD Graphics. The amount of LPDDR4x RAM is 4 GB, the capacity of eMMC flash memory can be 64 or 128 GB. The Galaxy Chromebook 2 360 has a 720p (HD) webcam. The specifications of the device also include two 1,5W speakers, a TPM (Trusted Platform Module), a Wi-Fi 6 wireless adapter, two USB-C ports, a USB 3.2 port, a microSD card slot, an audio jack, and an LTE modem (optional). ). Battery capacity is 45,5 ... >>

Smartphone case with built-in cooling 02.04.2022

The Chinese company Oppo introduced a special Ice-Skin cooling case that cools the Find X5 Pro smartphone by 2-3 degrees. The body of the case received a special hydrogel layer developed by Wuhan University. It is noted that conventional hydrogels draw moisture from the air, and then release it by evaporation. To ensure long-term cooling, the case uses a modified Glacier Mat hydrogel that constantly absorbs moisture from the air, thereby cooling the smartphone. The company claims that the accessory will not greatly increase the weight and thickness of the Find X5 Pro smartphone compared to a regular protective case. Some users in China who pre-ordered the Oppo flagship will reportedly get a new case with it. ... >>

Automatic speed limit for electric scooters on sidewalks 02.04.2022

Australian electric scooter and bike sharing company Beam is preparing to test the Pedestrian Shield system, which automatically limits the speed of vehicles on sidewalks and in difficult environments. The technology will be tested in several Australian state capitals. Pedestrian Shield uses an AI system developed by Drover AI - the module is able to recognize streets, sidewalks and bike paths, including using nothing but an integrated camera, so no one needs to scrupulously mark the territory on GPS maps. Local city councils or fleet operators will be able to set speed limits at their discretion. In the case of Beam, there is a speed limit of up to 25 km/h on the roadway and bike paths, and up to 15 km/h on the sidewalk. At the same time, the system is capable of more - the Drover solution will be able to determine whether users park electric scooters in permitted areas. ... >>

Smart car system for forgetful parents 01.04.2022

Infalurt has introduced a smart system for rescuing children forgotten in the car. A capacitive sensor under the child seat will remind parents that a child is left in the cabin. The security system proposed by the Australian startup includes three components: a key fob, a control unit that is installed in the car interior, and a capacitive sensor. The key fob fixes the distance from the control unit. When the driver moves more than 10 meters away from the car, the system checks to see if someone is sitting in a child seat. If the child is left in the car, the control unit sends a signal in the ISM band. The key fob starts flashing and vibrating. Up to four capacity sensors can be connected to one control unit. This ensures the safety of all children, including those in a large family. The problem of children left in the car is especially relevant for countries with a hot climate. In Australia, several thousand children are found every year in cars at risk of dying from hyperthermia. Only in 202 ... >>

Good cholesterol protects against sepsis 01.04.2022

"Good cholesterol" refers to high-density lipoproteins, or HDL - large molecular complexes of lipids and proteins. The more of them, the less "bad cholesterol" in the blood, that is, low and very low density lipoproteins. "Bad cholesterol" increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis, "good" - reduces, in fact, that's why they are called that. Lipoproteins carry lipids from place to place, from tissue to tissue, and as such they influence various physiological processes - not only lipid metabolism, but also, for example, immunity. Researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan noticed that patients with sepsis generally have lower "good cholesterol" levels than healthy people, and the lower the level, the worse the clinical prognosis. Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is an inflammatory response to a bacterial infection. Inflammation can be so severe that it will disable some organs and lead to death. Experiments with mice confirmed that the level of LP ... >>

Astell&Kern AK UW100 TWS Wireless Headphones 31.03.2022

Astell&Kern has announced a fully wireless (TWS) submersible headphones called AK UW100. The novelty is said to provide high-quality Hi-Fi sound. Knowles Balanced Armature emitters are used, and the Bluetooth 5.2 controller is responsible for data exchange with the smartphone. SBC, AAC and aptX Adaptive codecs are supported. The design includes Passive Noise Isolation (PNI). Each of the in-ear modules contains two microphones, and Acoustic Echo-Canceller and Noise-Suppressor technologies help improve the quality of speech during telephone conversations. The battery life is up to six hours. The accompanying case allows you to bring this value up to 24 hours. Supports wired and wireless charging. The quick charge function allows you to store enough energy in 10 minutes, which is enough for one hour of audio playback. There are touch control pads on the earphones, ... >>

Wireless powered maglev train 31.03.2022

A prototype maglev train powered by a unique wireless power supply has been tested in eastern China. Such vehicles, including monorails, have long used electromagnetic induction to generate power. However, Chinese scientists were able to surprise. Instead of the usual efficiency of 20-50% for such a method of energy transfer, Chinese technology provides an unprecedented efficiency of 92,4%. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world. Traditional maglev (maglev trains) use so-called linear motors. In this scheme, the monorail and train equipment are actually one electric motor. One moves relative to the other and this leads to the generation of electric current on board the maglev. The efficiency of such an engine can be at the level of 20% or a little more. In addition, such a system does not generate energy during a stop, which requires other sources to power the onboard equipment. The new Chinese technology is devoid of this shortcoming. ... >>

Self-learning electrical network 30.03.2022

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new approach to machine learning. A conventional electrical circuit learned to recognize flowers by the size of their petals on its own. A team of scientists led by physicist Samuel Dillavu assembled a small electrical network by randomly connecting 16 resistors. Researchers set the voltage for certain input nodes and read the output nodes. By adjusting the resistors on its own, the network has learned to produce the desired data for a given set of input values. "The network has been set up to perform a lot of simple AI tasks," says Dillavu. "For example, it can distinguish between three types of iris flowers with over 95% accuracy based on four parameters: the length and width of the petals and sepals." For AI machine learning, as a rule, artificial neural networks are used. Such networks usually exist only in the computer's memory. The neural network consists of points or nodes, each of which can take on the value o ... >>

The fabric hears the sound 30.03.2022

Scientists from Singapore have created a smart fabric that works like a microphone, converting sound first into mechanical vibrations and then into electrical signals, similar to how human ears do. The nanomaterial is able not only to hear how the heart beats, but also, for example, to receive phone calls and SMS. The fiber is made of a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical signal when it is bent or mechanically deformed, allowing the tissue to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. The fabric can pick up sounds in the decibel range and determine the exact direction they came from. “When wearing acoustic clothing, you can talk through it, answer the phone and communicate with other people,” says lead author Wei Yan, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. owners to control their heartbeat and breathing" ... >>

Genetic cause of early baldness 29.03.2022

Independent teams of scientists from the UK and Germany have discovered a new gene that contributes to the development of male pattern baldness. With a combination of both currently known genetic causes of baldness, the risk of this condition increases sevenfold. Scientists from the Universities of Bonn and Düsseldorf studied more than 500 regions of the human genome in 300 men with severe baldness. As a result, they were able to find a gene on chromosome 20 that promotes early hair loss. This gene can be passed down both maternally and paternally. Early hair loss in father and son may be due to the influence of this factor, says study leader Axel Hillmer (Axel Hillmer). Previously, the same group of researchers described another gene for baldness, located on the X chromosome and transmitted only through the maternal line. Carrying this gene, encoding the structure of the androgen receptor, is the most likely cause of early hair loss in a grandson and his grandfather. ... >>

Space rockets on wastewater 29.03.2022

Spanish scientists want to convert wastewater from astronauts on Mars into rocket fuel using solar energy. If humans are to survive on Mars, they will need to use all available resources, including astronaut sewage. Scientists have come up with a technology that uses sunlight to produce rocket fuel from this waste. The creation of a new technological process for the production of fuel on Mars is carried out by the Spanish technology company Tekniker. "We want to create the first reactor for the production of space fuel on Mars, using the planet's air, which is 95% carbon dioxide. The reactor will be powered by sunlight, and astronauts' wastewater will be used to produce rocket fuel," says specialist Borja Pozo from Tekniker. With the help of the new technology, it will also be possible to purify the water, and the astronauts will be able to reuse it. This project is reminiscent of the plot of the science fiction film "Marcia ... >>

robot shrimp 28.03.2022

Researchers at Brown University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico have created a floating robot called RoboKrill. Its appearance was borrowed from a shrimp called krill (Euphausia superba). For smooth movement in the underwater depths, the microrobot is able to imitate the kinematics of live krill. "Before this project, I did various researches aimed at understanding the role of plankton aggregation in the ocean. To this end, I conducted an experiment where I controlled the behavior of organisms using light signals. After that, I thought that it would be a good idea instead of externally controlling behavior of organisms, use a robotic system that has the same dynamic signature as floating living things," Monica M. Wilhelmus, one of the researchers who led the study, told TechXplore. In the future, RoboKrill may be used by biologists and environmental scientists to remotely study the marine environment and ... >>

Rapidly charged quantum battery 28.03.2022

Scientists from South Korea have developed a quantum technology that will speed up the charging of an electric car by 200 times. Researchers at the Center for Theoretical Physics of Complex Systems at the Institute for Basic Sciences (IBS) have turned to quantum entanglement to speed up the relatively slow charging of electric vehicle batteries. They suggested a way to charge all the energy cells at the same time. Despite the rapid development of the electric vehicle industry, their batteries still have a lower energy density than combustible fuel, and driving range is very dependent on this. Currently, it takes about 10 hours to fully charge the battery at home, and when connected to the fastest charging stations, the process takes 20-40 minutes. Waiting times remain a big disadvantage of electric vehicles compared to diesel or petrol vehicles, which take seconds to refuel. The researchers proposed a specific way to develop a quantum battery, as well as a definition ... >>

Bamboo will increase the strength of composite materials 27.03.2022

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have come up with a way to increase the strength of biocomposite materials using plastination. Canadian researchers have shown that adding 10% plastic bamboo to a fiberglass composite improves its ability to absorb impact energy. At the same time, the elastic properties of the material are preserved. "Bamboo is almost as strong as steel, but more flexible," says Abbas Milani, one of the co-authors of the study. "Due to its lightness, price and availability, this material has great potential for industry. Until then, it had only one big drawback." Biocomposite materials actively absorb moisture, which leads to rapid destruction. Scientists used plastination, traditionally used to preserve animal and human remains. This method preserves perishable biological samples. As a result of the treatment, water and fat in the tissues are replaced by a polymer. "The laminated bamboo composite was mixed with glass ... >>

AirPods and iPhone headphones will correct posture 27.03.2022

An iPhone app can help correct posture for those using AirPods. The PosturePal utility uses iOS 15's motion tracking feature to detect head position when using AirPods. The program warns you when you need to correct your posture. The design of the application is fun and simple - the user is greeted by a character who reacts to whether the user tilts his head correctly or not. And at the end of the session, evaluates. The program is available in the App Store for free, but offers $1,99 to unlock all features. Program developer Jordy Bruin says he only has access to AirPods Max, so he can't test his app on all AirPods Max headphones. The problem with regular AirPods and AirPods Pro is that many wear them incorrectly. For example, tilting them forward more than they should. This can be compensated in the application. ... >>

Wormhole transport network 26.03.2022

Scientists suggest that evidence for the existence of such a transport network may lie in the data already collected. There has long been an idea in science fiction that highly advanced alien civilizations could create a transport network of wormholes throughout the universe. And perhaps humanity has already found this network. Such assumptions are still just theories, but they intrigue some scientists. Astrophysicist from Nagoya University (Japan) Fumio Abe says that perhaps humanity has already recorded a similar network in the universe, but lost evidence in a sea of ​​other data. The expert believes that such evidence can be found if the data is reanalyzed. "If wormholes with a throat radius of 100 to 10 million km are associated with our Milky Way and are as common as ordinary stars, then we can detect them by reanalyzing data from past years," says Abe. According to the theory, wormholes are theoretical tunnels with two ... >>

Laser Air Defense System Light Shield 26.03.2022

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has unveiled a new laser system, whose task is to intercept enemy missiles, mortar shells and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system, the range of which is 10 kilometers, was called "Magen Or" - "Shield of Light". In the coming days, the Ministry of Defense is to sign an agreement with the Rafael concern, the main developer of Magen Or. ELTA is also involved in the project. The project is coordinated by the Directorate of Weapons Systems Development of the Ministry of Defense. This is a milestone in the development of air defense. Defense Minister Benny Gantz emphasized the cheapness of laser interception compared to missile interception. Some States in the region reportedly expressed interest in the system. The cost of development is hundreds of millions of shekels. It is assumed that the new air defense system will go into service with the IDF before the end of 2023. ... >>

Definition of transparent objects 25.03.2022

Robots and other automated systems have always had difficulty visually determining the three-dimensional shape of transparent objects, such as those made of glass. The new system solves this problem by using a laser to rapidly heat the desired surface. The Glass360Dgree system, developed by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, includes an infrared laser as well as two highly sensitive thermal cameras. Within fractions of a second, the laser moves over the entire surface of the object, slightly heating it. There is no risk that the object will melt or burn, as it only heats up by 3 °C. Although the absorbed thermal energy is stored in glass or other material for only a short time, this is enough for two cameras to simultaneously record changes in the thermal characteristic of the object from two angles. This data is analyzed by a computer system, which can then determine the three-dimensional shape and size of the object. ... >>

Bacteria produce fuel 25.03.2022

By studying the enzyme that bacteria use to catalyze this reaction, scientists have discovered key structures that control this process. True, experts do not yet know how to manage it. Specialists from Northwestern University (Chicago, USA) were able to find bacteria that produce fuel. So, an experiment was conducted with methanotrophic microorganisms. They consume approximately 30 million metric tons of methane annually. In this way, bacteria turn greenhouse gases literally into diesel fuel. Scientists still cannot understand how exactly this feature of bacteria can be used for the benefit of mankind. At the same time, while studying the enzyme with which bacteria catalyze this reaction, scientists have identified the main structures that control this process. According to the researchers, meth has strong bonds, and therefore an enzyme that can break these bonds is a real discovery. ... >>

Power transistors StrongIRFET2 24.03.2022

The new 2V and 80V StrongIRFET100 power transistors are Infineon's latest generation of MOSFETs. They are designed for a wide range of applications and can operate at both low and high switching frequencies. This new family complements the well proven StrongIRFET MOSFET offering higher performance. Compared to previous StrongIRFET devices, these products provide a 40% reduction in the "drain-to-source" resistance of the open channel RDS(on), resulting in an increase in bandwidth and an increased current rating, which reduces the number of transistors connected in parallel. For StrongIRFET2 transistors, relative to StrongIRFET, the gate circuit charge Qg is reduced by more than 50%. Therefore, due to the reduction in turn-on and turn-off times, transistors can be used at higher switching frequencies, and the requirements on the output characteristics of gate drivers can be reduced. ... >>

Robot conveying emotions while reading 24.03.2022

Scientists from the Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems of the University of Tsukuba (Japan) have developed a robot assistant for reading text messages. It can help users control their mood when reading upsetting news. This device will improve social interactions as we move towards a world that increasingly uses digital communications. An emoticon in a text message is a quick and easy way to show your indignation to someone who is late for a scheduled meeting. It often lacks the human element that would accompany a face-to-face explanation or telephone conversation. According to scientists, we are probably more upset by the fact that we, our friends, cannot realize how angry and upset we are when we have to wait for them. Researchers from the University of Tsukuba (Japan) have created a hand-held robot called OMOY, equipped with a moving block driven by mechanical components inside with ... >>

own and common 23.03.2022

The desire to spend one's resources wisely and at the same time to deplete the general reserves is associated with the peculiarities of the work of pleasure centers. Let's imagine that we have a huge stock of something at home, but at the same time we go to the store and race with others trying to get the last packages of the same thing, from which all the shelves are bursting with us. On the one hand, the behavior is rather strange, on the other hand, it can be reasonably noted here that, due to the general uncertainty, it is wiser to save your reserves, and while there is an opportunity, use common resources. True, the same thing happens without any uncertainty. So, in 1968, it was noticed that public pastures in Scotland were trampled and eaten clean - farmers, at every opportunity, tried to drive their cattle to a common field so as not to touch their land, and as a result, public pastures simply became unusable. Another example is what is happening with the fishing industry: even if the fishermen have their big ... >>

High-speed Internet between the Earth and the Moon 23.03.2022

Startup company Aquarian Spac has received seed funding to deploy a high-speed communications network on the moon. Above Earth orbit, current communication relies on technology from the 1960s, making downloading lunar and space data an extremely slow process. Moreover, the lack of high-speed communication will create a serious obstacle to lunar operations and future exploration of Mars. Experts hope the Solnet system will help improve communications over Earth orbit, which John Rotondo, the startup's CTO, says is not enough to handle the growing number of proposed missions to the moon. Data is planned to be transmitted at a speed of 100 megabits per second. Solnet wants to launch in 2024. Rotondo also added that to ensure continuous coverage of the South Pole, the company intends to install a second satellite in 2025, but has not yet entered into an agreement to launch any of them. Aquarian Space is currently hosting ... >>

Dandelion Sensors 22.03.2022

Researchers at the University of Washington have created small sensors that, like dandelion seeds, can be carried by the wind over long distances. A group of scientists from the University of Washington (USA) have developed mini-sensors without batteries. They are similar to dandelion seeds in that they can be easily carried by the wind. Thanks to this technology, it will be possible to distribute such sensors over a large number of territories: to measure temperature, precipitation, humidity, etc. The tiny devices created are about 30 times heavier than a regular dandelion seed (the weight of a plant seed is 1 mg). However, they can still move up to 100 m in moderate wind. Each device has at least four such sensors, so the devices will be able to exchange information at a distance of up to 60 m. Instead of a battery, solar panels are installed in them, and more there are capacitors. Due to this, the sensors will be able to work all night. ... >>

Dogs, like people, can experience anxiety. 22.03.2022

Dogs, just like humans, can experience mental health issues, and that four-legged dogs can be a model for the study of human psychopathology and personality. Research scientists have shown that people have only 5 main personality traits ("big five"): extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to experience. These characteristics can be used to predict mental health, with neuroticism in particular being strongly associated with anxiety and other forms of psychopathology, and conscientiousness being negatively correlated with attention deficit disorders. Meanwhile, dogs are considered to have seven personality traits: insecure, energetic, learning-oriented, aggressive/dominant, sociable with people, sociable with dogs, and assertive. Dogs are said to have seven personality traits: insecure, energetic, learning-oriented, aggressive/dominant, social. ... >>

A substance has been discovered that accelerates wound healing 21.03.2022

Dutch biologists have isolated a substance from human saliva that significantly accelerates wound healing, which can help in the creation of drugs for those suffering from chronic ulcers, in the treatment of burns. "We hope that our discovery will ultimately benefit people suffering from incurable wounds such as foot or diabetic ulcers, as well as cuts and burns," said study lead author Menno Oudhoff. To study the effect of human saliva on wound healing, scientists cultured human epithelial cells from the inside of the cheek in cups. They then inflicted an artificial wound on the resulting cell film. After that, one cell culture was placed in an isotonic solution without foreign impurities, and the other - in human saliva. After 16 hours, the researchers found that the “wound” had completely healed in the saliva cup, while it remained open in the solution cup. It followed from this that saliva contains a substance that accelerates healing. ... >>

Metal foam - thermal insulator 21.03.2022

Scientists from the University of North Carolina (USA) have developed a lightweight metal foam that is able to insulate heat more efficiently than conventional metals and alloys. Composite metal foam consists of hollow spheres of carbon or stainless steel or titanium embedded in a metal matrix. The presence of air pockets allows such foam to effectively block heat, since heat spreads more slowly through air than through metal. Americans have learned to make composite foam in two ways. The first technology is based on casting materials with a low melting point (aluminum) around hollow metal spheres made of materials with a high melting point (steel). The second technology is based on the sintering of metal powder around finished hollow spheres. During the tests, foam samples measuring 6 x 6 centimeters and a thickness of about 1,8 centimeters were exposed to fire for half an hour and measured how long it would take to ... >>

Food from insects will create waste-free agriculture 20.03.2022

Insects are an excellent source of protein, requiring significantly fewer resources to produce compared to conventional agriculture. If a mealworm farm is given 2 kg of food, you can get a kilogram of edible protein. In the production of beef, the efficiency is incomparably lower, and greenhouse gases are also emitted. The production of insects for food and feed usually results in two by-products: insect exuvia and a kind of "meal". Exuviae are exoskeletons left over from insect moulting, and insect meal is mostly excrement and uneaten food. These two by-products could be potential alternatives to conventional fertilizers and pesticides. Scientists from Wageningen University in the Netherlands analyzed the possibility of producing food for humans and animals from insect by-products. In addition, these by-products can provide farmers with an organic soil supplement. Chitin is an important component of insect exuvium. ... >>

ViewSonic VX2462-2K-MHDU, VX2762-2K-MHDU and VX2762-4K-MHDU monitors 20.03.2022

ViewSonic has expanded its monitor portfolio with the announcement of the VX2462-2K-MHDU, VX2762-2K-MHDU and VX2762-4K-MHDU models. All new products are based on the IPS matrix. The first two models correspond to the Quad HD format - 2560 x 1440 pixels. Their size is respectively 23,8 and 27 inches diagonally. The refresh rate is 75 Hz, the response time is 5 ms. Implemented support for HDR10. The devices are endowed with an audio system with two 2-watt speakers, a hub with three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2 interfaces, as well as a standard audio jack. Implemented Blue Light Filter technology, which helps reduce eye fatigue during prolonged use. Model VX2762-4K-MHDU, in turn, has a resolution of 4K, or 3840 x 2160 pixels. The refresh rate is 60 Hz, the response time is 5 ms. We are talking about support for HDR10. Equipped with 2-watt stereo speakers, two HDMI 2.0 connectors and DisplayPort 1.2 interface, a hub with three USB ports ... >>

0,34nm gate transistor 19.03.2022

A group of Chinese scientists came up with an unusual transistor design. Thanks to their unique design, they made the world's smallest transistor with a gate length of just 0,34 nm. Further reduction of the gate length using traditional technical processes is in principle impossible, because we are talking about a gate length equal to the width of one carbon atom. The scientists called the new transistor a vertical sidewall transistor. The idea of ​​a vertical arrangement of the transistor channel, by the way, was also recently implemented by Samsung and IBM, which we once talked about. But the Chinese developers were able to surprise. The gate in the new transistor is a slice of one atomic layer of graphene, and its thickness, as you know, is equal to the thickness of one carbon atom, or about 0,34 nm. And the most amazing thing is that no modern lithographic scanners are needed to make a shutter of this length. All the necessary fine components are created using vacuum deposition processes. Ka ... >>

A new way to improve stem cell performance 19.03.2022

The researchers found that the "mother" of all stem cells (the so-called totipotent stem cells) has a reduced rate of DNA replication, and therefore is more likely to turn into other types of cells. This property has been replicated for stem cells grown "in vitro" - scientists are confident that a real revolution is coming for restorative medicine. Stem cells are "pure", template cells that, if necessary, can turn (scientifically - differentiate) into other types of cells when the need arises. However, some of them are more versatile than others. Multipotent stem cells are found in most adult tissues and can differentiate into a limited set of cell types. Pluripotent stem cells are at an earlier stage of the tree and are capable of dividing into virtually any cell type in the body. They, for example, can be found in developing embryos. It is noteworthy that the ability to transform is also m ... >>

UAV for underground reconnaissance 18.03.2022

Norwegian scientists have developed the RMF-Owl drone, designed for underground reconnaissance. He knows how to avoid obstacles and avoid collisions. The fact is that so far for robots to avoid obstacles in a confined space is a difficult task. The lack of access to the global navigation satellite system also interferes. The new drone was pre-equipped with a durable housing made of multilayer carbon foam. It has four motors and a PixRacer R15 flight controller. The drone itself is 38 centimeters long and weighs 1,45 kilograms. It is capable of flying autonomously for ten minutes. To determine the location, the drone uses lidar odometry and the CompSLAM simultaneous orientation and mapping system. He is assisted in reconnaissance by a local and global trajectory planner. In addition, the drone is able to map underground spaces and search for objects in them. The drone has already been tested in a Norwegian mine: it planned a route without collisions in a narrow corridor and for 6,6 m ... >>

Changing red blood cells to activate the immune system against covid 18.03.2022

Physicists, chemists and immunologists from McMaster University (Canada) have modified red blood cells to carry viral agents that can safely trigger the immune system to defend the body against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, creating a new potential vaccine delivery vehicle. The new method represents a completely unique approach to vaccination. Scientists removed all the "insides" of red blood cells and attached spike proteins to the outside of the cells to mimic the coronavirus. These empty cells can be filled with a large dose of viral proteins - without the genetic material of the virus. Once in the body, the modified cells activate the immune system and produce antibodies, a study in mice showed. At the same time, the new method of vaccine delivery causes few side effects compared to existing methods. "Some of the vaccines developed have shown side effects. This delivery platform opens up new possibilities for vaccines and therapeutics," I note. ... >>

ZTE Taichi Cloud Computer W100D 17.03.2022

ZTE has introduced a very unusual novelty - a computer that is comparable in size to a mouse, but does not have a full-fledged processor and operating system. The device is called Taichi Cloud Computer W100D. Its mass is 55 g, and the main feature of the device is that it is closely connected with cloud technologies. All the main calculations that are subject to it take place on an external server. At its core, the novelty is a link between the user and the cloud server. It is there that a full-fledged OS is launched, which the computer is deprived of. USB-C is used for power, and three USB-A and HDMI ports are available to the user. There is also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. ... >>

flight of spiders 17.03.2022

Never given wings by nature, many species of spiders have instead developed an uncanny ability to take to the skies using a few short strands of web projected from the back of their torso. How do they do it? To fly, spiders can use electric fields. This mechanism seems fantastic, but scientists have confirmed its possibility in theory. How exactly this method of invertebrate flight works has never been completely clear, although historically biologists have suggested that it probably has something to do with eddies of warming air near the Earth's surface. However, there is an alternative explanation for this phenomenon, which is gaining more attention as the evidence to support it accumulates. Instead of flying on air currents, spiders could take off into the sky on electric fields. Research conducted by scientists from the University of Bristol has shown that the electric fields generated by weather events are sufficient ... >>

New technology will increase the range of electric vehicles 16.03.2022

Scientists at the University of Central Florida have developed a composite material that expands the potential of lithium batteries for electric vehicles. The authors call their solution a "power suit" for batteries. With this technology, batteries in electric vehicles will be less prone to fire and increase the range of cars by at least 25%. For example, electric cars with a range of 320 km will be able to travel an additional 80 km, but their weight will not change. The hybrid device is based on a new generation material with an energy storage function. To construct it, engineers created positively and negatively charged layers of carbon fiber. The latter were stacked in an alternating order - thus, the scientists assembled a durable energy-storing composite. In addition, the new material received strips of carbon graphene with several types of metal oxides. After a series of experiments, the scientists found the optimal composition and created a "supercapacitor battery". With special graphene sheets, ... >>

Canadarm3 manipulator for the Lunar Gateway space station 16.03.2022

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, announced that MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) will receive $268,9 million for the implementation of the second phase of Canadarm3. Recall, Canadarm3 is a service robotic arm for the Lunar Gateway circumlunar space station. Canada uses the Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy, which stipulates that the country's contribution to the Lunar Gateway will be designed and built in Canada with the direct participation of Canadian suppliers. It is noted that the MDA will support research and development, create further business activity at key industrial facilities in the Canadian space sector. MDA will use the allocated funds to begin the design phase of the Canadarm3 robotic system. At the development stage, machine vision technologies and advanced developments in the field of artificial intelligence will be involved. As conceived by the authors of the project, the Canadarm3 system ... >>

Cooler Thermaltake ToughAir 510 15.03.2022

Thermaltake has introduced new modifications of the ToughAir 510 tower cooler: the solutions are also suitable for 510th generation Intel Core processors (Alder Lake platform). The ToughAir 510 Racing Green and ToughAir 6 Turquoise variants debuted. The first is made in green, the second - in turquoise. The design includes an aluminum radiator through which four heat pipes with a diameter of 120 mm pass. They are in direct contact with the processor cover, which provides improved heat dissipation efficiency. Fans with a diameter of 500 mm are fixed on both sides of the radiator. The speed of their rotation is controlled by the method of pulse-width modulation (PWM) in the range from 2000 to 99 rpm. An air flow of up to 2,41 cubic meters per hour is created, and the static pressure reaches 23,6 mm of water column. The maximum noise level is 40 dBA. The service life is at least 123,6 thousand hours. The dimensions of the coolers are 98,8 x 159,5 x XNUMX mm. Claimed to be compatible with ... >>

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 10C 15.03.2022

Xiaomi has announced the mid-range smartphone Redmi 10C, built on the Qualcomm hardware platform. The novelty carries a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor. This chip contains eight Kryo 265 cores with a clock speed of up to 2,4 GHz, an Adreno 610 graphics accelerator and a Snapdragon X11 LTE modem. The screen measures 6,71 inches diagonally; in its upper part there is a small cutout for the front camera. At the back is a square-shaped block that combines a fingerprint scanner and two cameras with a flash. The resolution of the main sensor is 50 million pixels. Buyers will be offered two modifications of Redmi 10C - with a flash drive with a capacity of 64 and 128 GB. The amount of RAM in both cases is 4 GB. The device will be available in black, blue and green color options. Estimated price - 190 and 210 US dollars, respectively. ... >>

Chemical composition of Viking weapons 14.03.2022

A group of scientists from the University of Nottingham attended to the study of the chemical composition of the metals from which the Viking weapons were made. This will allow specialists to determine its origin. The results of the study will help historians better understand the important events that changed the course of English history. According to a report from the University of Nottingham, experts are examining 90 Viking Age metal artifacts found at various times throughout England. Historians will examine weapons used by Scandinavian invaders at the Battles of Fulford in North Yorkshire and Babynington Heath, weapons from the Viking camp at Torksey in Lincolnshire, and artifacts found at the former Viking seaport of Meols. The weapons of the Vikings helped them in the conquest of various territories in Britain. No matter how many times the Vikings were defeated, from AD 793 when they first landed in Britain to AD 1066 when William the Conqueror became King of England, they ... >>

AMD Radeon Pro W6600X graphics card 14.03.2022

AMD has introduced a new graphics accelerator Radeon Pro W6600X. The novelty is intended exclusively for Apple computers, namely for productive Mac Pro workstations. The video card is based on the RDNA 2 architecture. Its graphics chip uses 32 computing units with 2048 stream processors. The new video card received 8 GB of GDDR6 memory with support for a 128-bit interface and a bandwidth of 256 GB / s. In addition, the accelerator is equipped with 32 MB of dedicated Infinity Cache. The performance of the AMD Radeon Pro W6600X in single precision (FP32) operations is up to 9,8 Tflops, and in half precision (FP16) operations it is up to 19,6 Tflops. The AMD Radeon Pro W6600X is equipped with two HDMI connectors with support for outputting 4K images at 60 frames per second, as well as two DisplayPort connectors with Thunderbolt 3 support. Thus, the novelty allows you to connect up to four 4K displays, one with 5K resolution, or two displays Ap ... >>

China to build world's largest renewable energy park 13.03.2022

China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has announced that the world's largest renewable power generation park will be built in the Gobi Desert region. The facility, thanks to solar and wind energy, will offer an installed capacity of 450 GW. This will be part of China's plan to generate up to 2030 TW of green electricity by 1,2. Today, China dominates the production of energy from renewable sources. At the end of 2020, the installed capacity in the country generates about 895 GW, which is more than that of the European Union, the United States and Australia combined. While the "green agenda" is being declared somewhere, the Celestial Empire is implementing it. The new project in the Gobi desert will add about half a terawatt of power to the existing capacity. About 100 GW of new capacity is already under construction. The source did not specify whether it is about wind generation or obtaining energy from sunlight. Now China relies mainly on electricity from coal ... >>

20-core Apple M1 Ultra processor 13.03.2022

Apple has introduced a new processor in the M1 family - the 20-core M1 Ultra. The processor offers the highest performance in the family and is designed for use in the all-new Mac Studio workstations. The key feature of the M1 Ultra is the UltraFusion architecture. Thanks to her, Apple combined two M1 Max chips into one giant processor. This was made possible by a 1 TB / s inter-processor connection provided in advance in the M2,5 Max. As a result, M1 Ultra doubles the performance of M1 Max: the new processor received 20 CPU cores (16 performance and 4 energy efficient), 64 GPU cores and a 32-core AI accelerator. The UltraFusion architecture involves connecting two processor chips through a semiconductor substrate through which more than 10 connections pass. It was this approach that allowed Apple to get a single giant chip with 114 billion transistors, which, despite its composite nature, is recognized by all programs. ... >>

Improving the sensitivity of gravity wave sensors 12.03.2022

Physicists at the University of Western Australia have developed a new technology that aims to further increase the sensitivity of gravitational wave sensors, already the most accurate scientific instruments today. The introduction of new technology will raise the sensitivity to a level that previously could only be obtained by building new sensors, the dimensions of which exceed the existing ones. The technology uses a "symbiosis" of quasiparticles, which are quanta of sound vibrations called phonons, and photons of light from a special laser. The resulting quasi-particles of a higher order of complexity make their own oscillations with a frequency of billions of times per second, all this happens without any energy loss and is used to amplify the signal from the gravitational wave sensors. The main problem that did not allow earlier to implement something similar is that phonons, which are carriers of quantum information and act as ... >>

Toshiba N300 Pro and X300 Pro hard drives 12.03.2022

Toshiba has introduced two new series of hard drives, the N300 Pro and X300 Pro, designed for "business owners and creative professionals", respectively. The new series of HDDs are made in a 3,5-inch form factor, have a capacity of up to 18 TB, are characterized by high performance and reliability, and combine Toshiba Cache and Stable Platter (models with a capacity of more than 10 TB) and FC-MAMR (18 TB) . For representatives of both series, the spindle speed is 7200 rpm. New items are able to withstand loads up to 300 TB per year. The company provides a five-year warranty on them. X300 Pro Series drives are available in 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, and 18TB. According to a press release, "X300 Pro's innovative design helps optimize positioning accuracy and read/write performance for real-time data access." The 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, and 18TB models use a hermetic filled design. ... >>

Chimpanzees see other people's intentions 11.03.2022

We distinguish between offenses committed intentionally and those committed by negligence or, for example, due to circumstances, and we treat offenses by negligence (or by necessity) more mildly. Chimpanzees do the same. German scientists experiment in which monkeys had to give a person a certain object, and in return receive a treat. The treat was of two kinds, better and worse. In some cases, the chimpanzee saw that a person has a choice of what to give them, and in some cases they saw that there is no choice, that a person gives only what he himself can take. Chimpanzees, as it turned out, were quite capable of distinguishing people's own bad intentions from the force of circumstances. If the experimenter gave them a worse treat, although he could well have given something better, the monkeys simply spat at him. If the experimenter showed the chimpanzees that he simply could not give them something more tasty, they were completely understanding. In another series of experiments, everything was more complicated: one person hid from others ... >>

Electric van Volkswagen ID.Buzz 11.03.2022

Nearly 75 years since the legendary Volkswagen Type 2 minivan first rolled off the assembly line, the German automaker has relaunched the van as a state-of-the-art electric vehicle called the ID.Buzz. The automaker announced two versions of the van at once: a 5-seat passenger and 3-seat cargo ID.Buzz Cargo. The van is based on the MEB modular electric drive platform. To date, ID.Buzz is the largest car model among those built on the basis of the universal MEB platform. The passenger version of ID.Buzz has dimensions of 4712 x 1985 x 1937 mm, and the cargo version has similar parameters, but it is 1 mm higher. The distance between the axles is 2988 mm. The volume of the cargo compartment of the passenger version is 1121 liters, and the cargo compartment is 3,9 m3. The basic version of the ID.Buzz, which will be the first to appear on the markets of European countries, will be equipped with an electric motor that is located on the rear axle of the car and provides power ... >>

Nanohousing for sun-loving bacteria 10.03.2022

Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have 3D printed a grid of high-rise "nano-housing" in which sun-loving bacteria can grow rapidly. With these "houses," scientists have been able to extract more of the energy generated from photosynthesis from bacteria, which can be used to power small electronics - more than with traditional renewable bioenergy production methods. Cyanobacteria are large bacteria capable of photosynthesis. For several years, researchers have been trying to "reconfigure" the mechanisms of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria in order to extract energy from them. To grow, cyanobacteria need a lot of sunlight - for this they are well suited, for example, the surface of a lake in summer. And in order to extract the energy they produce from photosynthesis, bacteria must be attached to electrodes. A team from Cambridge has 3D printed special electrodes from metal oxide nanoparticles - in the form of highly branched, densely packed ... >>

Hybari hydrogen train 10.03.2022

Japanese developers have created an innovative electric train powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The new train was introduced by the East Japan Railway. The train is equipped with a fuel cell and battery system and will begin testing in March. The hydrogen train is called Hybari, which is an abbreviation for Hydrogen-Hybrid Advanced Rail Vehicle for Innovation and translates as - Hydrogen-Hybrid Advanced Rail Vehicle for Innovation. A two-car Hybari costs close to $35 million. and can travel up to 140 km with a maximum speed of 100 km / h on a single hydrogen gas station. In March, it is planned to carry out a test run of a hydrogen train on the Nanbu line. ... >>

Electric car as a backup power source in the house 09.03.2022

American General Motors Co. launches a pilot project where the company's electric vehicles can be used as backup power sources in customers' homes. The project will be implemented jointly with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, the key operating company of the California generating PG&E Corporation. The first tests are planned to be carried out closer to the summer, larger ones - by the end of this year. It is assumed that electricity from a charged electric car will be transferred to the house automatically using special software and data transfer protocols. PG&E CEO Patty Poppy said that the ability to use electric vehicles as a backup power source will be a significant advantage, as well as help in the fight against climate change. A similar project is currently underway by Ford Motor and Sunrun Inc. The latter is one of the leaders in the solar energy market. ... >>

Revealed the secret of gait dinosaurs 09.03.2022

Scientists from the University of Liverpool analyzed the footprints of sauropod dinosaurs in a geological formation in Arkansas. It turned out that huge dinosaurs, such as diplodocus, had a diagonal gait. This is how a modern hippopotamus moves. An analysis of fossilized dinosaur footprints in the De Queen Formation in Arkansas, USA, showed that sauropods had a diagonal gait. This means that the paws, located diagonally from each other, took a step at about the same time. That is, each step of the front leg went in tandem with the back leg on the opposite side, or these movements were very close. A similar gait is observed in living hippos and no one else on Earth. Sauropods were among the largest animals that ever lived on our planet. Some of them weighed as much as 14 African elephants. These herbivorous dinosaurs lived on Earth between 200 and 66 million years ago. "These huge dinosaurs used a diagonal ... >>

SUV Ford Everest 2022 08.03.2022

The new Ford Everest is officially presented in Australia. The third-generation SUV will start selling this spring. Ford Everest 2022 retains the frame structure - the new Ford Ranger pickup shared a platform with it. The seven-seater SUV has become larger, its wheelbase has been increased by 50 mm - up to 2900 mm. The design of the Ford Everest is also made in the spirit of the Ranger - it has a high hood, a wide grille and C-shaped LED headlights. In more expensive versions, matrix optics. In the cabin, for the first time, a virtual instrument panel and a large 12-inch touchscreen display in portrait format appeared for the first time. The rear seats are horizontally adjustable. The basic equipment of the Ford Everest now includes 9 airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, lane control and blind spots. The top Platinum variant adds a power driver's seat, ventilated front seats and park assist. The SUV will be offered with 2,0 and 3,0 turbodiesels ... >>

Algorithm for Predicting Turbulent Flows in the Solar Atmosphere 08.03.2022

Scientists from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan have developed a deep learning system for neural networks to detect hidden solar fluxes. The knowledge of scientists about our luminary is very limited, which is explained by the complexity of its study. It is relatively easy to observe the temperature and motion of the solar plasma, which is periodically ejected perpendicular to the surface of the star. The gas that forms this plasma is so hot that only electrons and ions can be present in it. However, it is very difficult to determine the surface movements occurring on the Sun. Japanese scientists have developed a deep learning neural network method to obtain hidden information about turbulent motion from observations of the Sun. Scientists were able to determine that information about the surface motion of solar matter can be extracted from data on temperature and vertical flow. The neural network was trained on three different plasma turbulence simulations. As a result, she correctly predicted the horizon. ... >>

LG ltraGear 48GQ900 OLED Gaming Monitor 07.03.2022

LG has introduced a huge 48-inch gaming monitor UltraGear 48GQ900. The novelty uses an OLED matrix and supports the HDMI 2.1 standard. The manufacturer claims that the UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor is fully compatible with the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles and supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology up to 120 Hz. The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor supports 4K resolution, is built on a 10-bit anti-glare matrix and is DisplayHDR certified. In addition to the HDMI 2.1 connector, the monitor also has DisplayPort. The UltraGear 48GQ900 will go on sale in the second half of 2022. In addition to the 48-inch UltraGear 48GQ900, the company also introduced the more compact UltraGear 27GQ50F-B (27 inches) and UltraGear 24GQ50F-B (23 inches). These novelties support Full HD resolution and refresh rates up to 165 Hz. For new products, support for AMD FreeSync Premium technology is announced. In both models, ... >>

Strength training reduces the risk of death 07.03.2022

Regular exercise that strengthens muscles reduces the risk of death from certain diseases, said Japanese scientists from the universities of Tohoku and Kyushu. Muscle-strengthening exercises include weight lifting, push-ups, sit-ups, resistance band work, and even gardening. Experts analyzed 16 studies conducted in the United States, England, Scotland, Australia and Japan, which involved from 4 to 480 thousand people of different ages. All studies have examined the effects of aerobic and strength exercise on the human body. They found that 30-60 minutes of weekly exercise was associated with a 10-20 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and lung disease. The scientists noted that the results may not be completely accurate because the studies they studied were observational, not clinical, and were based on a subjective assessment of muscle strengthening activities. ... >>

Mindful sleep preparation helps you fall asleep 06.03.2022

Stress keeps you awake, and many try to cope with this with medications that are not always safe for health. Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that there is another way to get yourself to sleep that is safer and possibly more effective. Getting ready for sleep, we perform a series of actions: we make the bed, brush our teeth, set the alarm clock, etc. This ritual is repeated every day, and is believed to help the brain calm down and get ready for sleep. However, so far no one has shown directly that there is a causal relationship between the "pre-sleep" ritual and the quality of sleep. Meanwhile, animals also behave in a certain way before going to bed - just watch a dog or a cat, how they spin in place, trampling a hole in a soft bedding or on a sofa, lick themselves and go through different poses before falling asleep. The researchers decided to observe mice that are preparing to go to sleep, and to observe not only the behavior of the mice themselves, but also ... >>

Organic rechargeable household batteries 06.03.2022

Australian and Chinese scientists have developed a 2,8V all-organic polymer battery. It is an ideal alternative to traditional metal-based batteries in particular to reduce environmental pollution. "Starting with small household batteries, we already know that organic redox materials are typical electroactive alternatives due to their intrinsically safe, lightweight and structurally tunable characteristics and, most importantly, their sustainability and environmental friendliness," says Zhongfang Jia, scientific director of the Nanotechnology Institute at Flinders University. The research team developed a battery based on silver terephthalate (instead of sodium terephthalate, which is used in lithium-ion batteries). The cell voltage is 2,8 V, the specific capacity is 43 mAh/g. The team is now looking to improve on these characteristics and create a fully biodegradable battery with an e-voltage. ... >>

Intel Alder Lake vPro Processors 05.03.2022

Intel introduced the 12th generation of Core mobile and desktop processors with vPro technologies. In fact, these chips are copies of the previously presented "regular" Alder Lake models, but have a higher level of data protection and remote administration tools. Therefore, these chips are primarily positioned as business solutions, but they can also be found in retail. The new Alder Lake vPro processors incorporate features introduced with the 11th Gen Core vPro (Tiger Lake) mobile processors a year ago. Among them are Intel Control Flow Enforcement Technology (CET) and Intel Threat Detection (TDT). They are now part of the Intel Hardware Shield technology to protect software on systems running Windows. The company has also added new protections against ransomware, cryptomining software, and other attacks to Hardware Shield. Updated Alder Lake vPr processor protection technologies ... >>

Mate significantly increases the risk of cancer 05.03.2022

Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. But not every tea is equally good. So a new study has shown that regular consumption of one type of tea can increase the risk of developing several types of cancer. This is mate tea. Proponents of its use believe that herbal tea helps to overcome fatigue, helps to lose weight, relieve headaches and ease depression. But according to the Mayo Clinic, the evidence to support this is limited. Studies have shown that drinking the popular herbal drink can have adverse effects. The scientists reviewed data from ten studies that examined the potential risks of drinking mate tea. A study found that regular tea consumption can increase the risk of lung cancer and various types of digestive tract cancer, including esophageal cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, and stomach cancer. Mate has also been shown to triple the risk of developing esophageal cancer. The use of mate, infusion of the herb Ilex paraguariensis, ... >>

LG ltraGear 48GQ900 OLED Gaming Monitor 04.03.2022

LG has introduced a huge 48-inch gaming monitor UltraGear 48GQ900. The novelty uses an OLED matrix and supports the HDMI 2.1 standard. The manufacturer claims that the UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor is fully compatible with the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 game consoles and supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technology up to 120 Hz. The LG UltraGear 48GQ900 monitor supports 4K resolution, is built on a 10-bit anti-glare matrix and is DisplayHDR certified. In addition to the HDMI 2.1 connector, the monitor also has DisplayPort. The UltraGear 48GQ900 will go on sale in the second half of 2022. In addition to the 48-inch UltraGear 48GQ900, the company also introduced the more compact UltraGear 27GQ50F-B (27 inches) and UltraGear 24GQ50F-B (23 inches). These novelties support Full HD resolution and refresh rates up to 165 Hz. For new products, support for AMD FreeSync Premium technology is announced. In both models, ... >>

40-kilowatt wireless electric vehicle charging 04.03.2022

The idea of ​​integrating wireless charging stations for electric vehicles into urban infrastructure has been in the air for a long time, since as unmanned electric vehicles become more widespread, their use will increasingly justify itself. The Swedish company Volvo Cars, as part of an experiment, began testing wireless taxi charging stations capable of transmitting more than 40 kW without connecting via cable. In Gothenburg, Sweden, in addition to Volvo itself, taxi operator Cabonline and wireless charging station manufacturer Momentum Dynamics will be involved in this experiment. Modified crossovers Volvo XC40 Recharge will be able to recharge the traction battery, simply by being placed on specially equipped sites in one of the districts of the city. Since the exact mutual positioning of the transmitting and receiving circuits is very important in this case, Volvo will use its surround view system to accurately position the car above the charger built into the road surface. Efficiency ... >>

Developed a simple way to create flexible diamonds 04.03.2022

Hard as diamond and flexible as plastic, the highly sought-after diamond nanofibers could revolutionize our world - if they weren't so difficult to manufacture. Scientists led by Carnegie's Samuel Dunning and Timothy Strobel have developed an ingenious technique that predicts and directs the orderly creation of strong yet flexible diamond nanofibers, overcoming a number of existing problems. This innovation will make it easier for scientists to synthesize nanofibers, an important step towards future applications of the material. Diamond nanofibers are ultra-thin one-dimensional carbon chains, tens of thousands of times thinner than a human hair. They are often created by squeezing smaller carbon rings together, forming the same type of bond that makes diamonds the hardest mineral on our planet. However, instead of the three-dimensional carbon lattice found in a normal diamond, the edges of these strands are "capped" with carbon-hydrogen bonds, which make the entire structure flexible. Because it's new ... >>

VR headset from Korea Fuel-Tech Corporation 03.03.2022

The Korea Fuel-Tech Corporation, a South Korean auto parts company, has developed its own virtual reality headset, in some respects capable of competing with the products of IT giants. The V300i prototype uses a special optical system to solve the problem of "failures" in the user's vestibular apparatus, which is often observed when using VR headsets. The model supports a resolution of 2160 x 2160 pixels and is able to provide an experience similar to those that arise when viewing images on a 300-inch display. The prototype has an HDMI port and a wireless connection - the model can connect to TVs, PCs, monitors, game consoles and mobile devices. Korea Fuel-Tech Corporation, which produces components for electric and hydrogen vehicles, has already announced its intention to focus the company on the development of mobile entertainment systems. It is expected that this year the volume of deliveries of virtual and ... >>

Nostalgia reduces physical pain 03.03.2022

A new scientific study by scientists from China proves the ability of memories of the past to reduce physical pain in the human body and increase stress resistance. The fact is that the part of the brain responsible for pain is also responsible for the perception of nostalgia. Thanks to the tomograph, researchers at Peking University have proven that nostalgia can significantly improve a person's health. Nostalgia is a complex emotion involving the self, autobiographical memory, and reward. It turned out that the "taste of the past" is able to cheer up a person. For example, it could be old letters, cartoons, or candy from childhood. When pain is added to the occasion, experience points to the essential role of the thalamus, the site of information transit between the body and the cerebral cortex. This area of ​​the brain responds to both nostalgia and pain information. By integrating a positive desire signal into a pain signal, the thalamus appears to play a key role in this pain relief. ... >>

An effective way to clean waste water filters 02.03.2022

Chinese scientists have developed reusable nanoparticle catalysts that include glucose to help break down contaminants inside sewage filters efficiently without damaging the filters themselves. As a rule, dirty sewage filters are cleaned with strong acids, alkalis or oxidizers. Chlorine-containing oxidizers, such as bleaches, can break down the most persistent organic debris. But they also damage the polyamide membranes that are used in most commercial nanofiltration systems and produce toxic by-products. A milder alternative to bleach is hydrogen peroxide, but it is slow to break down pollutants. Previously, scientists combined hydrogen peroxide with iron oxide to form hydroxyl radicals, which increase the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide in a process known as the Fenton reaction, which can destroy many organic substances. However, in order to ... >>

Environmentally friendly fuel based on carbon dioxide 02.03.2022

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, together with specialists from the University of Nova de Lisboa in Portugal, have developed a method for obtaining environmentally friendly fuel from carbon dioxide by electrolysis. Enzymes secreted by bacteria are used as catalysts in this process. The problem is that enzymes are very sensitive to the chemical environment, and when it changes, they stop working. In this case, the process of fuel formation is seriously slowed down. Experiments conducted in the laboratory have shown that the use of these enzymes as a catalyst increases the efficiency of fuel production by 18 times. The scientists were able to increase the efficiency of electrolysis by fine-tuning the solution conditions to change the local environment of the enzymes. "Enzymes have evolved over millions of years to be extremely efficient and selective - and they're great for fuel production because they don't have unwanted by-products," he says. ... >>

solar wind magnetometer 01.03.2022

The Sino-European joint space mission Solar Wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) has successfully conducted extensive testing of its payload magnetometer in Europe. The tests show that the functions and performance of the magnetometer subsystem integrated with the payload module are consistent with mission requirements and that researchers from China and Europe have reached agreement on development specifications, technical process, test methods and evaluation standards. The magnetometer is a complex of high-precision equipment for registration of a space-vector magnetic field. It is used to detect the XNUMXD cosmic magnetic field vector and obtain detection data on the magnitude and direction of the solar wind magnetic field. According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the magnetometer arrived at the European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC) of the European Space Agency (ESA) last month for ... >>

Earthworms can replace synthetic fertilizers 01.03.2022

Researchers at University College Dublin have uncovered new information about the importance of soil dwellers to nutrient-consuming plants. The findings suggest a previously undiscovered shortening of the soil nitrogen cycle, in which earthworms, when active, quickly enrich the soil and plants with nitrogen released by their mucus. The role of soil animals such as earthworms in nutrient cycling has traditionally been considered beneficial but indirect, slow and cumulative. In the lab and in the field, a team of researchers from Ireland, Germany and China were able to track nutrient transfer from earthworms to soil, wheat germ and aphids using a technique called stable isotope tracers. They found that earthworm-derived nitrogen was absorbed by green flies after two hours in the lab and 24 hours in the field. The researchers were amazed at how quickly nitrogen ... >>

Modular Robots ElectroVoxel 28.02.2022

A group of scientists from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Calgary have created a system of modular robots that can take on various forms. ElectroVoxel robots don't have motors or moving parts, they just use electromagnets to move around each other. Each edge of these cube-shaped robots is an electromagnetic ferrite core wrapped in copper wire. Each side of the ElectroVoxel is about 60 millimeters long, and the total cost to build the robot is only 60 cents. The shape of the robot changes when there is a change in the polarity of the magnet. Circuit boards and electronics inside each hub control the direction of current from each electromagnet. To control the robots, a software scheduler is used to plan reconfigurations. Developers say specific magnets can be isolated to control speed ... >>

Hydrogen peroxide rocket fuel 28.02.2022

Hydrogen peroxide is a less toxic alternative to hydrazine, a widely used aerospace fuel for low and medium thrust engines. Hydrazine is a carcinogen and requires additional equipment for its use. And this increases the price of both the fuel itself and the launch of missiles. At the same time, hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic to humans and is widely used in everyday life, for example, for bleaching hair or treating wounds. But to produce fuel from hydrogen peroxide, a highly efficient catalyst is required. It is usually created using expensive precious metals such as silver or platinum. University of Canterbury Chemical and Process Engineering PhD student Simon Reid has collaborated with Callaghan Innovation to develop a catalyst with a special ceramic layer that can be 3D printed. It increases the efficiency of processing concentrated hydrogen peroxide into rocket fuel. Passage of liquid hydrogen peroxide over a layer of kat ... >>

Bone repair with sound 27.02.2022

Researchers at the Royal Melbourne University of Technology have learned how to turn stem cells into bone using sound waves. They developed a microchip that generated sound for a certain amount of time, which contributed to the transformation of cells. The scientists used stem cells derived from adipose tissue and exposed them to 10 megahertz sound signals for ten minutes a day, five times a week. This accelerated the formation of cells into bone. Sound waves can shorten a patient's treatment time by several days. This method is cheaper and easier to use than those that require special preparations and skills. Once stem cells have begun to be generated into bone, they can be injected into the body or applied to an implant ready for new bone to grow. Scientists will continue to work on how to use the invention in practice - it will speed up the regeneration process. ... >>

Wireless speaker Huawei Sound Joy 27.02.2022

Huawei has launched the Sound Joy wireless speaker. It was developed jointly with the French company Devialet, which is one of the three largest world manufacturers of audio equipment. The device has an elongated cylindrical shape and a case made of dense fabric with IP67 protection. The device has four speakers. They can reproduce 79 dBA sound at a distance of 2 meters. The speaker works via Bluetooth 5.2 and supports AAC and SBC codecs. The Sound Joy is powered by an 8800 mAh battery. It will last up to 26 hours of battery life. There is support for 40-watt charging (10 minutes gives 1 hour of work). The column also received a button to launch the voice assistant and a number of smart functions. The price of the novelty is 149 US dollars. ... >>

Squid cage camouflage 26.02.2022

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an artificial version of squid and octopus cells called chromatophores. In nature, these cells help cephalopods to change their color to match the shades of the environment. Chromatophores are special cells of octopuses and squids. Inside they contain elastic membranes that can expand and contract in response to external stimuli. This allows the clams to camouflage themselves in the environment and also scare away other predators. In the study, the engineers also used thin and flexible membranes made from a liquid crystal polymer network. The membranes are placed over tiny cavities, each of which can be "inflated" to the desired volume. As the membrane stretches, it decreases in thickness and changes color. As a result, it turned out to create a completely artificial chromatophore, which is able to instantly change its color. The scientists then measured the pressure levels needed to give the chromatophores each desired color. This allowed them to ... >>

Tracking satellites and space debris 26.02.2022

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this week unveiled a prototype satellite collision avoidance system called the Open-Architecture Data Repository (OADR). It should help in tracking potentially dangerous situations, which will be especially useful against the backdrop of the rapid growth in the number of satellites in Earth orbit and space debris. The OADR system is a cloud-based database that collects data on the movements of all satellites and warns in a timely manner if there is a possibility of a collision of any vehicles and space debris. It is assumed that OADR will receive data from numerous scanning facilities located on the surface of the planet. After processing the received data, the system will form a picture of what is happening in orbit, which will be used to assess the likelihood of hazardous situations. If necessary, OADR will notify constellation operators, giving them a few days ... >>

A battery the size of a grain of salt 25.02.2022

A group of German scientists led by the Chemnitz University of Technology has created the smallest battery in the world - it is less than one square millimeter in diameter. Such a battery has a capacity of 100 microwatt-hours per square centimeter. Subsequently, it can be used to power small sensors in the human body, such as those that monitor oxygen levels or monitor the body's recovery after surgery. During the creation of the battery, scientists used the same method that Tesla uses when creating its own batteries. Thin layers of polymeric, metallic, and dielectric materials were deposited on the surface of the stretched plate. When they begin to flake off from each other due to mechanical stress, a voltage drop occurs. This method is compatible with established technologies for the production of microcircuits, and also allows the production of miniature batteries with high performance. ... >>

Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Wireless Headphones 25.02.2022

Audio-Technica has unveiled the ATH-CKS50TW fully wireless headphones with noise canceling and long battery life. The new headphones support Sony 360 Reality Audio and Bluetooth 5.2 spatial sound technology. They received 9 mm speakers, protection against moisture and sweat (IPX4). A self-listening feature is provided that allows the user to hear their own voice during a call. The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW provides up to 20 hours of battery life in audio playback mode and 15 hours with active noise cancellation. With the charging case, the battery life can be up to 50 hours, according to Audio-Technica. The new Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW headphones are priced at $220. ... >>

Ultra-precise atomic clock 24.02.2022

A group of physicists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced the creation of super-efficient atomic clocks. The device measures time so accurately that it loses only one second in 300 billion years. The watch will enable more accurate measurements of gravitational waves, dark matter and other physical phenomena. An atomic clock is a clock that tracks the resonance of the frequencies of atoms, usually cesium or rubidium. This allows such watches to measure time with high accuracy. So, NASA conducted an experiment in which the atomic clock Deep Space Atomic Clock worked in orbit for two years. Atomic clocks work by keeping track of the energy levels of electrons. When an electron changes energy level, it absorbs or emits light at a frequency that is the same for all atoms of a particular element. Optical atomic clocks keep time using a laser finely tuned to this frequency, and require some of the world's most sophisticated lasers to measure time accurately. In the ho ... >>

Nanotechnology for strengthening concrete 24.02.2022

American scientists have synthesized a nanotechnological sealant that can significantly strengthen concrete. Researchers from the University of Washington have solved the problem of the strength of concrete, which is used to build and strengthen various buildings. Engineers turned to nanomaterials, thanks to which they were able to improve the quality characteristics of concrete and create a super-strong mixture for construction. Experts said that the destruction of concrete structures occurs for two reasons: due to the effects of moisture and the influence of various salts. The authors of the study used two nanomaterials - graphene oxide and montmorillonite nanoclay - added to a conventional silicone-based sealant. Under laboratory conditions, the resulting mixture was stronger than concrete: water-repellent properties increased by 75%, protection against salts - by 44%. ... >>

seaweed eggs 23.02.2022

California-based smart food maker Fiction Foods is taking cellular farming to the next level with a new, animal-free egg alternative. The company was founded by plant-based food pioneer Brendan Brother with the goal of creating the most sustainable way to produce the most nutrient dense protein. The main criterion for the selection of Fiction Foods ingredients is the ratio of nutrients and resources. That is why Euglena was chosen as the basis for the new flagship Performance Scramble Liquid Egg. "The only nutritional requirement for euglena is carbohydrate, which can be taken from pea starch, a by-product of pea protein production," the developers explain. Euglena turns the unused by-product into an animal-quality protein with almost zero environmental cost. "Performance Scramble is not a fake egg, but a brand new product containing high quality ... >>

Mars laser catapult 23.02.2022

In Canada, they proposed sending astronauts to Mars with a laser "catapult". Local scientists believe that with the help of a revolutionary idea, they can reduce travel time to 45 days. This is many times greater than the performance that existing technologies are capable of - the NASA Perseverance rover traveled to the Red Planet in just over 7 months. The idea is to build a laser-thermal propulsion system on Earth from a group of infrared lasers with a diameter of ten meters and a power of 100 megawatts. Approximately 80 American households consume this much. An orbiting ship would have a reflector that would aim beams from the planet's surface into a heating chamber filled with hydrogen plasma. As the temperature rises, it will be ejected through the nozzle, thus creating powerful thrust. As planned, when the radiation subsides, the ship will accelerate to 17 km / s. However, this is also the main snag - researchers still have little idea how to slow down at a point on ... >>

transistor molecule 22.02.2022

Swedish scientists have succeeded in making a simple hydrocarbon molecule with the function of a logic gate, like those that power transistors. This discovery allows us to get closer to the creation of electrical components with a size of several nanometers. "We have developed a simple hydrocarbon molecule that changes shape and at the same time turns from non-conductive to conductive, conductive under the influence of an electric potential. The secret of success was the creation of a so-called anti-aromatic ring in the molecule, so that it became more reliable and able to accept and transmit electrons," - said one of the researchers, Daniel Strand. Many organic molecules are made up of six carbon aromatic benzene rings. However, these molecules do not change their properties or shapes when exposed to electricity. So scientists turned to rings of eight carbon atoms. If two electrons are introduced into such a molecule, it becomes flat and conductive, although up to e ... >>

Blurred Text Decoder 22.02.2022

To preserve confidentiality, pixelation is often used - "smearing" text into separate dots. But as it turned out, this may not be enough to maintain the secrecy of correspondence. Cybersecurity specialist Dan Petro has developed a software tool that can be used to easily restore "blurred" characters. The idea of ​​creating an algorithm came to an enthusiast after the IT company Jumpsec Labs launched a competition to decipher pixelated text. Although there are already solutions on the market that can improve pixel images of people or landscapes, they are not suitable for small characters like letters. Therefore, the specialist decided to create his own tool - and his idea was a success. An open source algorithm called Unredacter is available for review. Publishing his brainchild, the specialist recommended that users no longer use pixelation or blur to hide information. According to him, the best way to defend will be black p ... >>

Yeast medicines 21.02.2022

Scientists have edited the yeast genome to produce a key ingredient in drugs for age-related dementia and Parkinson's disease. Researchers at Imperial College London and the National University of Singapore have been able to turn friendly mushrooms into biofactories to produce a chemical compound, an alkaloid used in drugs for dementia and Parkinson's disease. Today, this alkaloid is obtained from extracts of ergot, a parasitic fungus that infects wheat and rye. From 10 to 15 tons of compound are produced annually. Growing ergot in such volumes for medical purposes harms the environment. Therefore, the researchers decided to try an alternative method using yeast. The scientists isolated genes from ergot and inserted many variations of them into the genome of baker's yeast to produce a cell that could make a key drug ingredient. "Yeast has been a key part of human civilization for thousands of years, helping us bake ... >>

K70 RGB Pro Mechanical Keyboard 21.02.2022

Corsair has launched the K70 RGB Pro gaming keyboard with Cherry MX switches: Brown, Red, Speed, Blue or Silent. With Axon technology, the polling rate can reach 8000Hz (4000Hz for keystroke scanning). The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad. There is a detachable magnetic palm rest and 8MB built-in memory capable of storing dozens of user profiles. The case is made of aluminum, and each key is equipped with an individual RGB backlight. The resource of switches is up to 100 million clicks. The caps are made of PBT plastic. The price of the new item is $160. ... >>

Self-cleaning bioplastic 20.02.2022

The problem of plastic pollution is acute in all countries. Its particles are found deep in the oceans and high in the mountains. Scientists at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (RMIT) have developed a transparent bioplastic from starch and cellulose. This material is perfect for packing fresh food or ready meals. At the same time, it is not afraid of exposure to moisture or dirt, as it has a special structure inspired by the lotus leaf, from which water simply rolls off. Bioplastics from Australian researchers do not need industrial processing, easily decomposing in the soil naturally. “We have designed this new bioplastic with large-scale production in mind, with ease of fabrication and ease of integration into industrial manufacturing processes... We have replicated the phenomenally water-repellent structure of lotus leaves to create a unique type of bioplastic that combines strength and degradability,” said Mehran Ghasemlow, ... >>

Ultra-compact electric vehicle iEV Z 20.02.2022

The Danish company iEV Motors has introduced a very compact electric car iEV Z, whose dimensions are 78 cm wide, 145 cm high and 198 cm long - the latter figure may vary depending on the needs of the owner. The machine weighs only 220 kg. If the owner of the iEV Z needs to put a passenger in the passenger compartment, the drives of the electric vehicle fold out the second seat behind the driver's one and lengthen the body up to 235 cm. In addition to the passenger, luggage can also be loaded into the passenger compartment, increasing the length of the car to 275 cm. . You should not expect advanced technical characteristics from such an electric car: there is only one motor with a power of 1 kW (1,36 hp), which accelerates the car to 45 km / h, and a battery with a capacity of 3,3 kWh provides a cruising range of 100 km and fully charged in 3 hours. Solar panels on the roof serve as an additional power source. If local laws allow, says the automaker, this electric ... >>

The share of renewable energy sources is growing 19.02.2022

In the European Union, renewable energy accounted for an average of 2020% of total energy used for space heating and cooling in 23, according to an update from Eurostat. The use of renewable energy sources for these needs in the EU is steadily growing. In 2004, RES accounted for 12% of the energy consumed for space heating and cooling, and in 2019 it was already 22%. The level and growth of renewable energy consumption for heating and air conditioning is similar to that observed for renewable energy generation in the EU. In particular, in 2004 the share of renewable sources in the EU accounted for 10% of total energy production, and in 2020 - 22%. Among Member States, Sweden stands out, where two-thirds of the energy (66%) used for heating and cooling in 2020 came from renewable sources - mainly from biomass and heat pumps. Estonia and Finland (58% each), Latvia (57%), Denmark (51%) and Lithuania (5 ... >>

Off-road electric scooter RX200 19.02.2022

Razor and auto brand Jeep will release the Scooter RX200 electric scooter. The Razor Jeep RX200 is finished in khaki green. The most notable advantages of the model are its construction and off-road tires, which makes it suitable for driving on uneven city streets and sidewalks. The model is equipped with 8-inch pneumatic tires, as well as headlights located on the handlebars. The Razor Jeep RX200 is powered by a 200W motor that is powered by a 24V battery. It is designed for people weighing up to 70 kg and offers a top speed of around 20 km/h. At maximum speed, you can move for 40 minutes. The Razor Jeep RX200 electric off-road scooter will cost $500. ... >>

Vacuum particle-antiparticle pair 18.02.2022

For the first time in history, scientists from the University of Manchester have made direct experimental observations of the so-called Schwinger effect, a subtle effect that can only occur in the region of high-energy cosmic events such as supernova explosions, neutron star collisions and black holes. By applying very high potential electric currents to specially designed graphene devices, scientists have been able to create particle-antiparticle pairs from literally nothing, from a deep vacuum. According to existing theories, vacuum is a completely empty space, in which there is no matter and even elementary particles. However, 70 years ago, Nobel laureate Julian Schwinger predicted that the strongest electric and magnetic fields could break the basis of the vacuum (space-time continuum), leading to the spontaneous appearance of particle-antiparticle pairs, the so-called Schwinger pairs. Such an effect requires the participation of forces ... >>

Superelastic alloy that maintains rigidity at high temperatures 18.02.2022

A research team led by scientists from the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) has discovered a first-of-its-kind superelastic alloy that can retain its rigid structure even when heated to 726,85°C or higher. The alloy can be used in the production of high-precision devices for space flights. Usually, metals soften when heated. But this does not apply to the new alloy - Co25Ni25(HfTiZr)50. It belongs to the elinvar type, a group of alloys whose elastic properties are little affected by changes in temperature. When the new alloy is heated to 726,85°C or more, it remains as stiff or even slightly stiffer than at room temperature. At the same time, it expands without any noticeable phase transition, the authors of the work note. Why it happens? It's all about the structure of the lattice: it is very much distorted. Due to the combination of unique structural features, the high-entropy alloy has a very high energy barrier. ... >>

Ecological production of rare earth elements from waste 17.02.2022

Rare earth elements (REEs) are extremely important for the consumer electronics, chemical and automotive industries. Based on Nd, Y, Sm, Er, Eu with Fe-B, alloys with record magnetic properties are obtained, so they are used in engines for electric vehicles and hybrids. Others are needed to create components for smartphones, hard drives, flat screens, etc. Instant Joule heating technology was developed several years ago to obtain graphene from any solid carbon source, and is now being applied to three sources of rare earth elements: coal fly ash, bauxite residues and electronic waste. But the industrial extraction of rare earths is associated with leaching due to the use of acid, which is harmful to the environment. A group of scientists from the American Rice University has developed a method for obtaining REE from waste efficiently and with a minimum of acid. To do this, fly ash and other materials, combined with soot, were placed in a quartz tube. Zat ... >>

Biohybrid fish from human heart cells 17.02.2022

Researchers at Harvard University and Emory University (USA) have developed the first fully autonomous biohybrid fish from heart muscle cells derived from human stem cells. Artificial fish swims, recreating the muscle contractions of the heart, according to the press service of the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. John A. Paulson. The first self-contained biohybrid device is made from cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) derived from human stem cells. It mimics the shape and movements of the zebrafish. Unlike previous devices - a biohybrid jellyfish and an artificial ray made from rat heart cells - the biohybrid zebrafish has two layers of muscle cells, one on each side of the tail fin. When one side is compressed, the other is stretched. In response to the stretch, a protein channel opens, causing a contraction that triggers the stretch, and so on. A closed loop is created, thanks to which the fish can move more ... >>

Smartphone-chameleon 16.02.2022

Smartphone maker Tecno, part of Transsion Holdings, has unveiled the world's first polychromatic photoisomeric technology. The idea is to make smartphones brighter by allowing them to change their appearance depending on external conditions. Smartphones are already on the market that can change their color from one to another under the influence of sunlight. With its polychromatic photoisomeric technology, Tecno has gone even further. The new development is based on the effect of breaking and restoring the chain of photosensitive molecular bonds under the influence of ultraviolet light. As a result, colorless molecular groups become chromogenic and then colorless again. Tecno technology allows the smartphone to change its color not from one to another, but to several at once, which is clearly shown in the demo video. The manufacturing process of such a surface consists of 22 steps and requires nanometer-level precision. To achieve the desired result, the company ... >>

Direct lithography of optical systems based on perovskite 16.02.2022

Direct lithography of perovskite nanocrystals inside glass with the ability to adjust the composition was implemented by a group of researchers from China. Perovskites are a type of mineral that has special optical properties. Because of this, it is well suited for the creation of fuel cells and electronic devices such as cathodes and LEDs. But as the researchers note, the processing of minerals usually involves the use of special solutions, which leads to low structural stability. The researchers developed a new approach - using ultrafast laser pulses to perform 3D direct lithography of perovskite NCs with the ability to tune the composition. The impact of the laser also increases the pressure, resulting in the separation of the liquid nanophase. The scientists carried out their experiments on oxide glasses made of lead, cesium and halide. They then used a laser to engrave 3D patterns into the glass mass. They managed to etch pixel ... >>

Nanopores heat up as ions pass through them. 15.02.2022

Japanese scientists from the Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN) of Osaka University found that nanopores heat up when an ion stream passes through them. This phenomenon is explained by Ohm's law and can be useful in DNA sequencing, and it also presents prospects for the use of nanopores in biosensors. Nanopores are small holes in a membrane. Their size is so small that only one of the DNA strands or a virus particle can pass through one pore. Now nanopores are being studied for use in sensors. Typically, an electrical voltage is applied to force a substance to pass through a nanopore. Then the ions contained in the solution can pass through the pore. However, it is known that electrical energy is converted into thermal energy through resistance. This is the Joule-Lenz law. This phenomenon has not been previously studied in nanopores. Japanese researchers have studied how the application of electrical voltage affects the heating of a nanopore. They used a thermocouple (temperature sensor, ... >>

Artificial muscles from natural proteins 15.02.2022

A group of researchers from the University of Freiburg have succeeded in developing artificial muscles that use the body's natural processes. Scientists have demonstrated an autonomous flexor muscle that moves by consuming chemical fuel, similar to its counterparts in humans or animals. Our artificial muscle is still a prototype. However, the high biocompatibility of the material and the ability to adjust its composition to suit specific tissues and technological applications could pave the way for future applications in reconstructive medicine, prosthetics, pharmaceuticals or soft robotics, says Steven Schiller. In the past, scientists have used natural proteins to build artificial muscle systems by embedding them into tiny molecular machines or polymers. However, they failed to develop completely biological synthetic muscles. The natural protein used by the Freiburg team is based on a naturally occurring fibrous protein called elasti ... >>

Education influences life expectancy 14.02.2022

Based on data from an experiment that covered 31 European countries, scientists from the Vienna University of Economics and Business came to the conclusion that in countries where the population does not have equal access to higher education, representatives of social groups that do not have the opportunity to receive it live less than those with who has this opportunity. This study confirmed the conclusion made in 2016 by the scientist Isaac Sasson. He found that college graduates outlived their less educated fellow Americans by an average of 10 years. Moreover, within this group, the difference in the achieved life spans was observed to be the most insignificant. More precisely, from the materials published by him on the website of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) it follows that for educated women, the excess of normal life expectancy was noted at the level of 9,3, and for men - at the level of 11,9 years old. ... >>

Two-dimensional polymer is stronger than steel 14.02.2022

American materials scientists have learned how to synthesize two-dimensional polymers, which, unlike others, are able to assemble in layers instead of forming one-dimensional chains. Made from melamine, the two-dimensional polyaramid is six times less dense than steel, but nearly twice as strong. The manufacturing method is scaled - the material self-assembles in solution. Chemists strive to obtain a covalently bonded, highly periodic molecular structure one monomer thick. "Molecular carpet" is a good term for a two-dimensional polymer. Real two-dimensional polymers will be one monomer thick and have a regular structure. The big problem in creating XNUMXD polymers is that, even though there are strategies for synthesizing such structures, the XNUMXD spherical counterpart grows much faster. That is, only the desired molecular structure polymerizes, it will quickly be overtaken by the already familiar three-dimensional structure, for the creation of which it is enough ... >>

Effect of stress on brain size 13.02.2022

Stressed people over 40 perform worse on mental tasks and remember less compared to peers who have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. How did American researchers come to this conclusion? High levels of cortisol in the blood may indicate a smaller brain size in such people. Scientists measured the level of cortisol in more than 2 thousand subjects, and then made them an MRI of the brain. So, even before the onset of any symptoms in people after 40 years of age with high levels of stress, a decrease in the ability to remember and a decrease in brain size were recorded. "The fast pace of modern life means higher levels of stress, and when we are stressed, cortisol levels rise as the survival mechanism kicks in," Dr. Seshadri explained. Experts also point out that doctors should pay more attention to stress-prone patients and tell them how to reduce anxiety levels. In particular, this requires ... >>

K70 RGB Pro Mechanical Keyboard 13.02.2022

Corsair has launched the K70 RGB Pro gaming keyboard with Cherry MX switches: Brown, Red, Speed, Blue or Silent. With Axon technology, the polling rate can reach 8000Hz (4000Hz for keystroke scanning). The Corsair K70 RGB Pro is a full-sized keyboard with a numeric keypad. There is a detachable magnetic palm rest and 8MB built-in memory capable of storing dozens of user profiles. The case is made of aluminum, and each key is equipped with an individual RGB backlight. The resource of switches is up to 100 million clicks. The caps are made of PBT plastic. The price of the new item is $160. ... >>

Ghost Robotics dog robots to guard the border 12.02.2022

In the United States began to use robotic dogs to guard the borders. Patrol dog robots are being tested on the southern border of the United States. The robots are being tested in a variety of situations, and so far have been successful, according to Department of Homeland Security officials. There is no set timeline for the full rollout of these autonomous four-legged robots to begin, but it could happen in the very near future thanks to successful trials. The development of these machines will continue, and the southern border of the United States could be a great place to use these machines, given its inhospitable terrain. Development is being led by DHS' research and development arm, the Office of Science and Technology, which specializes in automated ground observation vehicles (AGSVs). The machines are built by robotics manufacturer Ghost Robotics, known for their Ghost Vision 60 robot. DHS test dog robots are equipped with cameras and sensors for inspections and programs ... >>

Bacteria improve plant growth and enrich the soil 12.02.2022

Cover crop plants, clover, grown in soils similar to those of Mars, have shown significant growth in the process of infection with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A researcher from the University of Colorado (USA) Franklin Harris, together with colleagues, presented the results of the study in the publication PLOS ONE. As the Earth's population grows, researchers are exploring the possibility of farming Martian soil, or "regolith." Regolith lacks some key nutrients, including certain nitrogen-containing molecules that plants need to live. Therefore, agriculture on Mars will require a strategy to increase the amount of these nitrogen compounds in the regolith. The scientists suggest that the bacteria could play a cost-effective role in increasing the fertility of Martian soils. On Earth, soil bacteria help convert or "fix" atmospheric nitrogen into molecules that plants need. Some of these microbes have a symbiotic relationship ... >>

Laser air defense Skyranger 30 HEL 11.02.2022

Rheinmetall (Germany) has introduced the Skyranger 30 HEL man-portable air defense system, which boasts a combination of a 30-mm automatic cannon, short-range air defense missiles (SHORAD) and a high-energy laser to protect mobile units. The Skyranger 30 HEL is a robotic turret built around the Oerlikon KCA 30 x 173mm revolver cannon, which was created for the Saab 37 Viggen fighter and has been upgraded to 30mm x 173 KCE, which fires programmable, tungsten fragmentation projectiles at a rate of 1200 rounds per minute . Weighing only about 2,5 tons, the turret can be mounted on 6x6 or larger armored vehicles to provide cover from planes, helicopters and drones. However, they are not always effective and may be dangerous or illegal to use in built-up areas, which is why the Skyranger 30 also includes SHORAD missiles to deal with low-level threats. They, like on a gun, aiming ... >>

artificial tooth enamel 11.02.2022

Scientists from Beihang University in Beijing were able to create high-quality artificial enamel. The new material can be used not only in dentistry, but also in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, the manufacture of pacemakers, and also for bonding damaged bones. Tooth enamel is the thin outer layer of teeth and the hardest biological material in the human body. Tooth enamel is an ideal model for developing artificial nanomaterials that mimic the properties of biomaterials, but accurately reproducing enamel is challenging. Scientists from China have developed an analogue of enamel, consisting of assembled hydroxyapatite nanowires with segments of an amorphous intergranular phase. Artificial tooth enamel has been designed to closely mimic the composition of natural material, replicating the shapes and sizes of biologically found components and the organization of their interfaces. Scientists tested the new material by applying it to various objects ... >>

Router ZTE 5G Indoor CPE MC8020 10.02.2022

ZTE has released a new high-speed router called 5G Indoor CPE MC8020. The novelty supports 5G in the band below 6 GHz and the millimeter wave band. The new superantenna technology delivers 15% more gain and 20% faster speed than the previous generation model. The router complies with the Wi-Fi 6 standard, and the peak data transfer rate reaches 5.4 Gbps. Up to 128 users can be served simultaneously. In the presence of NFC, allowing you to connect to the router with one touch. The new router received a Qualcomm enterprise-level neural processor. zLink Boost technology automatically combines wireless and wired broadband networks, allowing the device to double the upstream and downstream speeds. OFDMA technology (multi-user version of OFDM digital modulation) is supported. The ZTE 5G Indoor CPE MC8020 is priced at $470. ... >>

Electricity on the moon 10.02.2022

Katrin Kristmann, a doctoral student at the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science at TalTech (Tallinn University of Technology), has started research aimed at developing a technology for manufacturing monograin solar cells on the Moon. The results of the research activities are planned to be used to provide electricity to future lunar outposts of the European Space Agency (ESA) and its international partners. A lunar outpost is planned to be established at the Moon's South Pole in the coming decades. The sandpaper-like solar cell is based on the monograin powder technology developed by TalTech researchers, where the solar cell consists of thousands of small 50 micrometer diameter crystals embedded in a polymer in one continuous layer. Microcrystals absorb sunlight. To transmit solar energy, these microcrystals are covered with buffer and window layers. In this way, each crystal works like a small individual solar lamp. ... >>

Electronics will evaluate the level of sweetness of food and drinks 09.02.2022

Food and beverage companies cannot accurately determine how sweet their product is, so researchers continue to look for ways to measure sweetness levels. So far, tasters have coped with this task, but the perception of taste buds is not always accurate. In human language, sweet compounds interact with the Venus flytrap domain. Scientists from Korea have used bacteria to create copies of it. They were deposited in a thin layer on several gold electrodes interconnected by carbon nanotubes. When sweet solutions were applied to the device, the electric current flowing through it decreased - the greater the concentration of sweetness, the greater the current drop. A prototype bioelectronic tongue has already been used to evaluate the sweetness of apple juice and sweetened chamomile tea. Its sensitivity turned out to be 10 times higher than that of previously developed bioelectronic systems. It has been proven that excessive consumption of harmful sweets usugu ... >>

Flying robot the size of an insect 09.02.2022

Scientists from the University of Bristol (UK) have developed small drones that can fly by flapping their wings. The achievement was made possible by the use of an unprecedented electromechanical principle for propulsion of miniature wings, which does not require a traditional transmission. Thanks to the unique development of British scientists, in the future, miniature drones may appear that will buzz and fly like insects. Such devices may have many civil and military applications. In particular, they can be used for environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations. In an attempt to create miniature drones that fly like insects, engineers used gears and other complex mechanical devices to move the wings up and down. This gave the systems excessive complexity and mass, which affected the dynamic qualities. Inspired by bees and other insects, Bristol University's robotics ... >>

Mask with NFC tag 08.02.2022

Researchers at the University of Granada (UGR) in Spain have developed and tested a mask with an embedded NFC tag that alerts the wearer when carbon dioxide levels are exceeded by sending a special message to their smartphone. The FFP2 face mask detects the CO2 level in real time. The NFC module is connected to the mobile device and transmits the sensor readings to the application. The invention should help users to change the mask in time, or at least ventilate it from time to time. This will reduce the risk of adverse health effects from long-term CO2 exposure. "The system we propose is based on inserting a flexible tag into a standard FFP2 mask. The tag includes an innovative opto-chemical CO2 sensor and the necessary electronics for processing readings. The sensor and circuitry are made from a lightweight, flexible polymer material, forming the so-called "sensor label" that does not cause discomfort to the user," noted the ... >>

Recycled Solar Cell 08.02.2022

A group of organizations led by the German Research Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has produced PERC solar cells from crystalline silicon taken from old, end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The processing technology was proposed by the German company Reiling GmbH & Co. KG and the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP. Funding was provided by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate BMWK. Currently, aluminum, glass and copper are usually recovered and recycled from old solar modules, but not silicon cells. At the same time, in 2021, the total mass of photovoltaic modules installed in Germany was about five million tons, and their silicon content was estimated at 150 tons. The peak of the "first wave" of the development of solar energy in Germany fell on 2009-2011. "After the end of the twenty-year feed-in tariff, from 2029, the first ... >>

Video club for Japanese pensioners 07.02.2022

In Japan, there is a special gaming club designed exclusively for pensioners. The goal of the initiative is to bring older people together through video games and help them avoid loneliness, especially during a pandemic. The ISR eSports Center in Kobe is very popular. According to club owner Koji Nashimoto, the space is designed to help people find meaning in life after retirement, avoid isolation and give them a sense of community. Anyone over the age of 60 can come to the ISR center. Registration in the club is free, and the game sessions themselves last 90 minutes. After that, older gamers can chat with each other and drink tea or coffee during a 30-minute break. The staff at the ISR Center provide each pensioner with a basic instruction for a specific game. At the same time, they try not to give gamers too difficult titles or try to teach them a lot of tricks. Many of the club's visitors felt lonely and ... >>

Social Monitoring Gadget 07.02.2022

Japan has developed a unique gadget for monitoring social pages. Thankso's gadget can become a long-awaited accessory for active users of social networks. It is designed to be used as an additional display for a computer or laptop. At the same time, the abbreviation TL in the name of the gadget means timeline and translates as news feed. The device connects to a computer via an HDMI cable and is powered via a USB adapter. Gadget characteristics: screen with a resolution of 400x1280 pixels; diagonal - 7,9 inches; dimensions - 70 x 280 x 16 mm; weight - 175 g; compatible with Windows and Mac. The cost of the device is $100. ... >>

Invisible QR codes 06.02.2022

A group of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), together with Facebook specialists, have developed a special system for marking objects - QR codes are not visible to the naked eye. The technology is called InfraredTags. InfraredTags creates barcodes and QR codes visible with infrared radiation. Marks are applied with a special plastic material for 3D printers in two ways. The first way to apply a mark is to alternate the thickness of the plastic when printing. The second way is to use transparent and opaque plastic in the infrared range. The second option is preferable, since the two plastic options are more contrasting and easier to read. To read the new tags, you need an inexpensive infrared camera. In the future, such tags can be used for various purposes - for example, to manage the infrastructure of a "smart" home from a phone or when buying goods in stores. ... >>

Laser with record stability 06.02.2022

The scientists behind the BACON (Boulder Atomic Clock Optical Network) project are building a global network of interconnected atomic clocks, recently tested a new laser system that has achieved the highest stability record to date. Through the use of a number of innovations and engineering solutions, the beam of this laser system was able to maintain its stability, covering a distance of 2,4 kilometers in the open air. The wavelength, phase, and amplitude stability of this laser system is at least 100 times greater than similar systems built before, and 1000 times greater than the stability of the atomic clock itself, which will be connected and synchronized using such laser communication. If the creation of a global network of atomic clocks is ultimately successful, it will give scientists a highly accurate tool to test some of the fundamental laws of physics, to study dark matter, to create high-precision systems ... >>

quantum apocalypse 05.02.2022

Breaking today's most complex encryption would take virtually forever, but experts warn that with the advent of quantum computers, this process could be reduced to a few seconds. Such technologies will lead humanity down a potentially dangerous path if they fall into the wrong hands. "Everything we do online today," says Harry Owen, director of strategy at PostQuantum, "from online shopping and banking to social media interactions, everything we do is encrypted." But quantum computers could allow attackers to "cleanse users' bank accounts by completely disabling complex security systems," warns Owen. Ilyas Khan, chief executive of Quantinuum, agrees with his colleague and calls encryption-cracking quantum computers "a threat to our way of life." And while the quantum apocalypse is probably many years away (if it ever happens), governments ... >>

Chalcogenide glass lenses 05.02.2022

Panasonic announced the development of a new far infrared lens molding technology. It will be used to mass-produce aspherical lenses to improve camera and sensor performance. The lenses are made of chalcogenide glass, which has "excellent transmission characteristics in the far infrared." The new method allows Panasonic to supply a range of lenses, including diffractive lenses, the world's first highly sealed lenses integrated into frames without the use of adhesives. Using this technology, the company will be able to contribute to the distribution of far-infrared sensor modules with improved performance. This will be done through the mass production of high quality yet low cost aspherical lenses. The new technology makes it possible to supply chalcogenide lenses, both aspherical and diffractive, in several sizes, from Ø3 mm to Ø40 mm. Lack of glue will allow the production of lenses, embedded ... >>

Polyethylene liquid fuel 04.02.2022

Polyethylene is the most common plastic in the world. More than 100 tons are produced every year. The problem is that it is an incredibly inert material that does not react with almost anything, and therefore does not decompose under natural conditions. Zheng Huan, a chemist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was able to decompose polyethylene at 150 degrees Celsius by adding an organometallic catalyst, a small, commercially available organic molecule containing iridium. The catalyst weakens the bonds responsible for the strong structure of polyethylene, accelerating its decomposition and turning it into a liquid product. "The resulting products are much cleaner than conventional incineration products," Huang says, adding that the reaction is easier to control and the liquid can be used as a fuel. So far, the process has been demonstrated on small samples of plastic bags, bottles, and food packaging. Scientists now face two problems ... >>

Sockets and switches from old fishing nets 04.02.2022

Schneider Electric has introduced a line of electrical installation products made from recycled marine plastics. It includes switches, sockets and frames made from old polyamide fishing nets collected from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. New products will help solve the problem of ocean pollution. Abandoned or lost fishing equipment accounts for about 10% of plastic waste in the oceans. New sockets and switches made from recycled plastic help reduce 640 tons of fishing nets left in the ocean every year. What's more, the new product's carbon footprint is 000% lower than its counterparts made from other materials. Products contain 82% fiberglass, which makes them stronger, more elastic and durable. The products meet all the necessary requirements and electrical safety standards. ... >>

Microphones for karaoke TeslaMic 03.02.2022

Tesla electric car owners in China have received a new update that includes a karaoke feature. In parallel, Tesla launched a set of TeslaMic microphones on the Chinese market for 1 yuan, which is equivalent to 199 USD. Microphones from the set are automatically connected to the system. They can be used not only in the car. All microphones were sold out by Chinese motorists on the day of the start of sales. In Asian countries, karaoke is one of the most popular entertainment. Data from iiMedia Research Group shows that by the end of 188, the audience of Chinese online karaoke services amounted to 2021 million people. Thus, the inhabitants of Asian states really love to sing. The Chinese are no exception in this regard. The set includes two microphones for karaoke. So far, it can only be purchased in China. ... >>

Molecular electronic chip 03.02.2022

Roswell Biotechnologies announced the completion of the development and successful testing of a new generation biosensor chip. The sensor is able to detect single molecules, enzyme activity, and even monitor the process of DNA synthesis in real time. This possibility not only simplifies the decoding of the biomaterial, but also opens the way to devices for recording data on DNA carriers. Scientists have been developing biosensor chips for a long time, but the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly pushed the search for solutions. Roswell Biotechnologies, together with colleagues from the Belgian center Imec, have gone from a project to a ready-made solution in less than two years. The advanced 16-pixel silicon-based sensor is capable of operating at 1000 frames per second, enabling instant diagnosis of viruses, drugs, DNA sequencing, protein analysis, and more that used to cost a lot of time and money. According to the developers, they created the first ... >>

Artificial muscle based on natural proteins 02.02.2022

Researchers from the University of Freiburg (Germany) have developed an artificial muscle based solely on natural proteins. Muscle contractions can be controlled by changes in the acidity of the environment and temperature. The material the scientists used is based on elastin, a natural fibrous protein also found in humans that gives elasticity to the skin and blood vessels. Researchers have developed two elastin-like proteins, one of which responds to fluctuations in acidity (pH) and the other to changes in temperature. The scientists combined the two proteins using photochemical cross-linking to form a bilayer material. So, in response to changes in the pH level in the aquatic environment where the material was placed, or temperature, the artificial muscle was able to contract rhythmically. In the case of temperature changes, the chemical reaction started at about 20 degrees Celsius. In this case, it was possible to program certain states of the muscle and with ... >>

Craob X - laptop without connectors 02.02.2022

The world's first laptop without connectors created by Craob. The concept, called Craob X, refers to thin and light laptops sometimes referred to as ultrabooks. The weight of this model with a screen of 13,3 inches is only 0,861 kg, and the body thickness is 7 mm. Craob X works together with a proprietary charger that wirelessly charges the laptop's built-in battery and allows you to connect devices to it via USB-C and USB-A connectors, Thunderbolt, SD cards and wired headphones. This device is attached to the lid of the laptop thanks to a magnet. Craob X received the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6E module for connecting to a wireless network. The Craob X laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-1280P processor from the 12th generation of chips introduced in 2021. The Intel Core i7-1280P consumes up to 28W of power. 14 cores in it operate at frequencies from 1,8 GHz to 4,8 GHz, it has an integrated Intel Iris Xe video adapter. The laptop is equipped with LPDDR5 RAM (up to 32 GB), PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD (up to 2 TB), as well as ... >>

Artificial leaf that captures carbon dioxide 01.02.2022

Engineers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have created a carbon dioxide (CO2) air purification system that uses less energy than a 1W LED light bulb and captures 100 times more CO2 than other artificial leaves. And he does it in a real environment. "It's scalable, modules can be added or removed to better suit needs and affordable use in homes and classrooms, not just profitable industrial organizations. A small module the size of a home humidifier can remove more than 1 kg of CO2 per day, and four industrial electrodialysis more than 300 kg of CO2 per hour,” said Minesh Singh, assistant professor of chemical engineering at the University of Illinois College of Engineering at Chicago and author of the paper. American researchers placed a standard unit of artificial photosynthesis in a transparent capsule with water and a semi-permeable outer layer. When sunlight hit the device, the water evaporated ... >>

Unlock your gadget with your ear 01.02.2022

Apple Inc. received a patent for a new technology that will be implemented in AirPods wireless headphones. In the patent application, the technology is referred to as "Headphone User Identification System". Its essence boils down to identifying iPhone owners according to the individual characteristics of the auricle. The fact is that each ear has a unique impulse response. It is for her that wireless headphones will "recognize" their owner. The engineers of the "apple" giant want to use the technology to unlock the smartphone. Theoretically, it can replace the biometric or fingerprint sensor. As one option, the technology could work with them in tandem. Apple has received a new patent related to AirPods wireless headphones. The document is about active noise cancellation technology that can respond to specific people. When contacting the user's relatives, the noise reduction function will automatically deactivate ... >>

Fish talk too 31.01.2022

Scientists from Cornell University (USA) have shown that fish communicate with sounds much more often than is commonly believed. And some species have been using this mode of communication for at least 155 million years. The authors examined a group of ray-finned fish and found 175 families among them, including two-thirds of the species that can communicate using sounds. After studying the family tree of fish, the authors of the study found that sound in fish communication was so important that this way of communication has evolved at least 33 times over millions of years. What are the fish talking about? With the help of sounds, they either try to attract a partner, protect a food source or territory, or let others know where they are. In their work, scientists used three sources of information: existing records and scientific articles describing the sounds of fish; fish anatomy data to find out if they have the necessary tools to create sounds: certain bones, an air bladder, and muscles specific to  ... >>

Portable atomic clock 31.01.2022

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the US Department of Defense announced the search for partners to create a portable optical atomic clock. They will have to be a hundred times better than today's most accurate portable watches. Today, atomic clocks are the most accurate way to measure time. Their principle of operation is based on the fact that each atom can emit and absorb photons only with certain frequencies - resonant for it. Atomic clocks are microwave and optical. The former are used, among other things, in GPS satellites, the data of which the military uses in many operations. The microwave atomic clock is based on a microwave resonator tuned to the transition frequency in the atom. They allow you to measure time in seconds with an accuracy of 16 decimal places. Their accuracy is limited by the ability to measure and control deviations of tens of microhertz in the desired resonant frequency. Optical atomic clocks use transitions in ... >>

Electric coupe-crossover Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV 30.01.2022

Skoda has unveiled a new electric coupe-crossover Enyaq Coupe iV, which will also be available in a sporty RS version. The novelty received a sloping roofline, a rear end with a clearly defined edge of the trunk lip and sills painted in body color. Enyaq Coupe iV is built on the basis of the MEB (modular electrification toolkit) modular electrical platform, which was created by Volkswagen. The previously released Enyaq iV crossover is also built on this platform. Buyers will be available versions with two different batteries, as well as four power options for the power plant (from 132 kW for the basic version to 220 kW for the RS version), as well as all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. The range will reach 545 km on the WLTP cycle, in addition, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV will support fast charging technology (details not disclosed). The novelty has an important trump card up its sleeve in the form of a low drag coefficient of only 0,234. Skoda Enyaq car ... >>

9-seater electric plane 30.01.2022

The Alice aircraft, developed by the Israeli company Eviation, has undergone engine tests at Arlington Municipal Airport, north of Seattle. It will make its first flight in a few weeks. With a 30-minute charge, Alice with nine passengers will be able to fly for one hour and travel about 440 nautical miles. The maximum cruising speed of the aircraft is 250 km/h or 287 miles per hour, the maximum cruising speed of the Boeing 737 is 588 miles per hour. Eviation developed three versions of the prototype: a regional variant, an executive version, and a specialized freighter model. A regional aircraft has been prepared for testing. The executive cabin has six passenger seats for a more spacious flight, and the cargo plane holds 450 cubic feet of cargo. The purely electric airline company hopes that electric aircraft capable of seating 20 to 40 passengers will become a reality. ... >>

Super flexible and fire resistant wood 29.01.2022

Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in the creation of wood composites. They invented a technology that makes wood flexible while protecting it from the effects of fire and fungus. Chinese researchers took samples of tropical balsa wood up to five millimeters thick. Then they were placed in a special alkaline solution at a certain temperature for 12 hours. After that, the wood samples were filled with a new sample hydrogel. It was he who led to the fact that the material did not get wet, protected from ignition in an open fire and at the same time had excellent flexibility. According to Chinese scientists, a tree treated in this way can bend at a temperature of minus 50 degrees Celsius. And mold does not appear on it even if you leave such material in a room with a humidity of 90% for two and a half months. ... >>

Harm of gas stoves 29.01.2022

Leaking methane from stoves in US homes has the same climate impact as about 500 gasoline-powered cars, researchers estimate, and stoves can expose people to pollutants that cause respiratory illness. Natural gas stoves emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as well as other pollutants through leaks and incomplete combustion. Stanford University researchers have calculated that methane leaks from stoves in American homes have the same impact on the climate as about 000 gasoline-powered cars, and stoves can expose people to pollutants that cause respiratory illness. ... >>

Modeling the Structure of Solid State Batteries 28.01.2022

Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in collaboration with San Francisco State University and Pennsylvania State University, have developed a detailed solid-state modeling tool to help create better-performing batteries. Solid electrolytes can help overcome many of the hurdles that liquid electrolyte batteries face today. But solid-state batteries have their drawbacks. A new tool for modeling configurations and states of solid structures will show you how to get around all the problems. The microstructure of materials and solid electrolyte in particular has a strong influence on ion transport. The number of battery cycles and their current characteristics depend on this. At the same time, the microstructure can be influenced by using certain processing methods for its formation. The range of possibilities here is endless, which cannot be said about the time or resources for experiments. Will speed up ... >>

Electromechanical bandage 28.01.2022

Scientists from the China University of Electronic Science and Technology and Wuhan University have presented a dressing that affects the wound by mechanical force and electric shock, changing its microenvironment in such a way as to promote healing. The dressing consists of four layers. The lower one is an antibacterial PTFE polymer material that generates an electrostatic field on contact with a wound that penetrates up to 10 millimeters deep and kills bacteria (at least E. coli) with over 99,9 percent efficiency. It is coated with a layer of soft Ecoflex silicone for flexibility. Then there is a layer of shape memory alloy metamaterial, designed to contract when heated by the skin and mechanically connect the edges of the wound and direct the electric field. Finally, the fourth is another layer of silicone material. Despite the layering, the dressing turned out to be very thin - the entire "sandwich" does not exceed 0 millimeters in thickness. Scientists have developed two versions of ... >>

The strongest glue 27.01.2022

American researchers have created the strongest adhesive that can be used in the aerospace, automotive and construction industries. Scientists have studied the chemical structure of ordinary plastic and turned it into a reusable adhesive with unique properties. As a starting point in the production of the substance, experts used polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (an important thermoplastic elastomer that behaves like rubber without being cured). The source for the manufacture of the most durable adhesive was a rubber-like polymer, which is used in toothbrushes, car steering wheel braid. But the glue was endowed with amazing and powerful properties by changing the chemical structure. The result was achieved through a process known as dynamic crosslinking, which allows normally incompatible materials to be joined. Scientists noted that a few drops of the created substance can hold about 136 kilograms of cargo on weight, and the new glue does not lose weight. ... >>

The cat's brain shrinks 27.01.2022

Scientists at the University of Vienna (Austria) and the National Museum of Scotland have found that the brain size of domestic cats is smaller than that of their African ancestors. It is known that the domestication of animals by humans leads to a decrease in the brain, which is observed in dogs, sheep and rabbits. In the new study, researchers measured the skull volume of a large number of domestic cat breeds to come up with an average. The same has been done with wild African cats, which are the ancestors of today's Felis domestica. The results confirmed that the brains of domestic cats are much smaller than those of their ancestors. To show that the decrease in brain size is due to domestication, the researchers compared the volume of the skull in European wild cats and their hybrids with domestic cats. In hybrids, the sizes occupied intermediate values ​​between wild and domestic species. Previous studies have shown that the reason for the decrease in brain size in pets is due to a decrease in the number of neural crest cells, which ... >>

Drone chasing pigeons 26.01.2022

A group of specialists from Switzerland has developed an automated system that scares away birds using drones without causing them any harm. Scientists from Switzerland have created a special system that scares away pigeons and drives them off the roofs. Birds too often shit not only on roofs, but also on cultural monuments. Experts installed a camera on the roof, which is set to recognize pigeons. She also calculates their coordinates. Then a drone is sent to this area, which makes a noise that scares away the birds. Ornithologists have already analyzed the behavior of pigeons. As it turns out, they spend much less time on rooftops if the system described above is running in standard mode. Scientists said that pigeon droppings not only spoil the appearance of buildings and cultural monuments, but can also carry a large number of diseases and parasites. ... >>

Hubble's Cosmological Stress Paradox Explained 26.01.2022

Scientists at the National Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have proposed an explanation for the so-called Hubble voltage, that is, the paradox that the rate of expansion of the universe, measured locally, is greater than that indicated by observations of the microwave background. According to the hypothesis that forms the basis of standard cosmology, the universe is isotropic and uniform over large distances. However, observations reveal significant deviations from isotropy: for example, the distribution of matter in one direction is greater than in the other. In addition, the Hubble constant, indicating the expansion rate of the universe, also demonstrates the difference between local and global scales. The researchers believe that the observed deviations from isotropy can be explained by the existence of giant cosmic disturbances whose wavelength exceeds the size of the cosmological horizon - the maximum distance that light could travel since the beginning of the universe. These ... >>

Identification of birds by singing 25.01.2022

Birds have long been used by environmentalists to study food chains, biodiversity, and the healthy cycle of forests. Experts analyze records made in the forest for a certain period of time and determine which species of birds are present on them. Google has simplified this process with its new neural network. The first attempts of neural networks to analyze sounds faced a number of difficulties. At the time of morning birdsong, when they are most active, trills of many species can often be heard at the same time. In this case, the accuracy of the algorithm is significantly reduced. The sounds of wind, thunderstorms, rain and even insects further complicate the work of artificial intelligence. Google managed to solve these problems by applying the uncontrolled sound separation (MixIT) algorithm. It allows you to split one audio file into several isolated parts. Each of them contains the singing of one bird, which helps the neural network to further clearly determine its type. To improve the recognition process, random filtering was applied. ... >>

Resurrection of mammoths 25.01.2022

An American geneticist plans to bring back to life woolly mammoths, which became extinct about 10 years ago. He plans to transfer their genes to Asian elephants in order to save them from extinction. American researcher George Church and his colleagues from Harvard Medical School in Boston are going to "resurrect" the DNA of ancient mammoths in order to save Asian elephants. They will pass these genes on to living elephants so they can better resist the cold. As Church said, a new species of elephants will be able to live in arctic conditions. He is confident that the new elephants will be able to trample the Earth and prevent trees from growing quickly. They will also prevent the release of gases that are now lurking under the melting glaciers of the Arctic. However, according to Christopher Gingell of the University of Melbourne, it is not yet known exactly what these new Arctic elephants will be. Their behavior can be completely unpredictable. ... >>

5th generation BMW electric motor without rare earth magnets 24.01.2022

The new and most powerful electric crossover BMW iX M60, first presented at CES 2022, will receive two branded fifth-generation electric motors, with a total output of 455 kW / 619 hp. and a maximum torque of 1100 Nm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 in 3,8 seconds and can travel up to 575 kilometers without recharging. The maximum speed is 250 km/h. To achieve such impressive performance, BMW has developed an electric magnetless motor that combines old-school sensibility with modern electric motor technology. And it does not use rare earth metals. The BMW Gen5 eDrive operates as a three-phase AC synchronous motor, while at the same time containing brushes and a commutator to power the rotor windings. The company hopes that modern materials and new sealing technologies will ensure a longer life for the new engine. In the collector motor, the "minus" was that the brushes and collectors wore out and dust formed, as a result of which ... >>

Smart guide vest for the visually impaired 24.01.2022

The Swiss company Biped presented a "smart" vest that uses autonomous driving technology that allows visually impaired or blind people to detect obstacles in the user's path a few seconds before a collision with them. Called Biped.ai, the wearable has a minimalist design, with built-in 3D cameras that can be paired with headphones or Bluetooth headphones to alert users to the location of obstacles around them. The vest sits on the shoulders and, thanks to its 3D cameras, can detect and predict the trajectories of all surrounding elements a few seconds ahead, like an autonomous car. It generates 10D audio feedback to alert users to the position of important elements around them. The Biped.ai vest can recognize more than 12 types of objects, but only filters important counter objects. For example, the device will alert the user if it detects a dangerous obstacle, such as a bicycle at XNUMXm ... >>

Intel to build chip factory in Ohio 23.01.2022

Intel Corporation has chosen Ohio in the northeastern United States to build a new semiconductor factory. Currently, the chipmaker's specialists are looking for a site near the state capital - the city of Columbus. Details on the case have yet to be released, but according to the source, Intel had successful talks with the state governor and authorities in the final days of 2021. Operating factories of Intel in the USA are located in the cities of Chandler (Arizona), Rio Rancho (New Mexico), Hillsboro (Oregon) and Hudson (Massachusetts). Potentially, the new plant will become one of the largest enterprises and an important economic unit in the structure of Ohio. One of the likely construction sites is the town of New Albany in the vicinity of Columbus with a population of 11 thousand people. At the same time, the plant will create several thousand jobs directly and thousands in related areas, organizing a new economic development area of ​​​​15 square kilometers. Expected investment Int ... >>

Data transfer speed record over LiFi 23.01.2022

Kyocera SLD Laser (KSLD), a subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation, has announced the world's fastest LiFi system. The company introduced the DataLight system for automotive and consumer applications at CES 2022. Kyocera SLD Laser is commercializing a new generation of gallium nitride laser light sources for automotive, mobile devices, lighting and consumer electronics. With data transfer rates of over 90 Gb/s, DataLight is 100 times faster than 5G technology. The DataLight LiFi uses LaserLight sources with dual emission in the visible and infrared regions of the spectrum. They allow the commercialization of smart lighting systems, including the functions of spatial dynamic lighting, night vision lighting, precise sensing and 3D lidar, as well as power transmission over an optical channel. DataLight fixtures can be customized for specific applications ... >>

Smartphone Oppo Reno6 Lite 22.01.2022

Oppo has announced the Reno6 Lite smartphone, which features a 6,43-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The screen has a hole in the upper left corner, in addition, he received a built-in fingerprint scanner. The phone also supports face unlock. The Snapdragon 662 single-chip system with Adreno 610 graphics is the heart of this smartphone, which also received 6 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage. For additional storage, the phone offers users a microSD card slot. It runs Android 11 operating system, on top of which the proprietary ColorOS 11 user interface is installed. Oppo Reno6 Lite offers owners a 16-megapixel camera for taking selfies, and at the back there is a 48-megapixel camera with two additional 2-megapixel sensors for determining the depth of the scene and a macro camera. The Oppo Reno6 Lite smartphone is equipped with ... >>

Beam splitter roof for solar greenhouse 22.01.2022

Chinese researchers have developed a new type of beam-splitting greenhouse roof that can transmit visible light and convert near-infrared light into electricity. A team of researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Environment and Sustainable Development of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has developed this new greenhouse cover structure based on the use of solar spectrum splitting. Visible light with a wavelength of 400 nanometers (nm) to 780 nm is critical for triggering the photosynthesis process in greenhouse plants, but near infrared light with a wavelength of 780 to 2500 nm has little effect on plant growth and can cause the greenhouse to overheat. Tests by the research team have shown that the new solar roof can transmit visible light with an all-day penetration rate of 40%. And at the same time convert the near infrared light into electricity, ensuring the normal growth of greenhouse ... >>

Artificial moon for experiments with gravity 21.01.2022

Scientists from China have built a research center that will create a model of a low gravity environment using the effects of magnetism. The scientific laboratory, which is scheduled to open this year, will use powerful magnetic fields. The design is a vacuum chamber with a diameter of 60 cm, in which gravity can be made to "disappear". This decision was inspired by an experiment in which magnets were used to make a frog levitate. According to geotechnical engineer Li Ruilin of the China University of Mines and Technology, the chamber will be filled with rocks and dust to simulate the lunar surface - it is "the first of its kind" in the world and can simulate reduced gravity conditions "for as long as it's necessary". Scientists intend to use the center to test technologies in low gravity environments before they are sent to the moon, where gravity is approximately ... >>

People with no sense of smell can also smell. 21.01.2022

Scientists have found that people who lack olfactory bulbs can also smell. Perhaps alternative centers of smell are being formed in their brains. The ability to perceive smells depends on how well the olfactory information transmission system works - from sensory neurons in the nose through the olfactory nerves to the olfactory bulbs in the brain. Activation of small nerve structures within the olfactory bulbs, called glomeruli, causes the sensation of smell. Until recently, it was believed that people who, due to congenital pathology, lack olfactory bulbs, suffer from anosmia - they cannot smell. Scientists led by Noam Sobel of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found that people without olfactory bulbs can still detect and identify the same odors as everyone else. Researchers first stumbled upon two women who could smell despite not having a sense of smell ... >>

The SportsArt G260 rowing machine generates electricity 20.01.2022

You can charge gadgets and strengthen muscles at the same time. Sports equipment manufacturer SportsArt has announced the G260 rowing machine, which uses an "electromagnetic braking system" that generates electricity during operation. This is the latest addition to the ECO-POWR line of elliptical trainers, treadmills and several exercise bikes. "All ECO-POWR products, including the G260 rowing machine, convert up to 74% of a person's energy into usable electrical energy. While exercising on the G260, users can generate up to 220 watt-hours of electrical energy per 1 hour of exercise," said Ruben Mejia, Executive Vice President of Sports Art. In just one hour of work with the G260 rowing machine, a person exercising will produce enough electricity to power a desktop computer for 2,4 hours, he says. Or completely illuminate any room. And to fully charge the iPhone, it will take about 2 hours of active rowing. Electromagni ... >>

ICE cars and hybrids catch fire more often than electric cars 20.01.2022

As the popularity of electric vehicles rises, some are raising concerns about their safety amid news that some new-energy vehicles are self-igniting. However, Auto Insurance EZ recently analyzed data from the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the National Transportation Commission, and the official vehicle recall website and found that hybrids have the highest relative fire rate, followed by internal combustion engine (ICE)-only vehicles, and then there are electric cars. In the United States, on average per 100 vehicles sold, hybrid models "lead" in fire frequency (000 units), second place is occupied by vehicles equipped only with internal combustion engines (3 vehicles), and electric vehicles are very far away, in third place, with the result is only 474 cars. ... >>

Waves of sand obey the laws of mathematics 19.01.2022

Sand waves with a wavelength of 30 centimeters to several meters are known as mega ripples: they are in size between the usual beach ripples and full-fledged dunes. In addition to their size, a key characteristic of megaripples is the arrangement of grains - large particles are always on top of small ones. This mixture is never the same, just like the winds that blow across the sand to create ripples. However, an international team of scientists has discovered an amazing mathematical feature of the megaripple: the ratio of the diameter of the largest particles to the diameter of the smallest is always constant. Specimens have been studied from megaripple fields in Israel, China, Namibia, India, Jordan, Antarctica, and New Mexico in the United States. Further analysis was supplemented by observations made on Mars and the results of an experiment in a laboratory wind tunnel. "An extensive collection of terrestrial and extraterrestrial data, covering a wide range of geographical sources and environmental conditions, confirms the accuracy and reliability of this ... >>

Cows in the virtual world 19.01.2022

In Turkey, a savvy farmer has increased his cows' milk yields with an innovative approach. Virtual reality glasses helped the animals with this. VR-glasses, which allow you to see what is not available to others, showed the cows the summer, and around them they saw green pastures. As a result, this approach increased milk yield by 22%. As you know, when cows eat food during stress, milk yield may drop, and virtual meadows and fields have reduced stress and anxiety of animals. VR glasses are capable of simulating a variety of audiovisual XNUMXD spaces. They have a plastic body and lenses behind which is a screen divided into two images. A different picture is shown for each eye, so the image seems three-dimensional. ... >>

DNA antenna 18.01.2022

Researchers at the University of Montreal in Canada have used deoxyribose nucleic acid - or DNA, the building blocks of our genetic material - to create the world's smallest antenna. It is designed to track the movement of proteins within the cell, the university said in a press release. It is reported that the "antenna" formed from DNA can receive and receive signals, but it uses light to do this. Scientists at the University of Montreal used a tiny antenna to track the movement of a squirrel by sending it a light signal. Depending on the movement of the protein molecule, the antenna transmitted signals of different colors. At the same time, the response signal could be recorded using a spectrofluorimeter - a device that is commonly used in various scientific laboratories around the world. Scott Harron, one of the study's authors who created the tiny antenna, noted in a press release that the chemistry of DNA is actually very simple and easy to program. DNA function ... >>

Skyscrapers - solar farms 18.01.2022

The US company Ubiquitous Energy has received funding for a project to develop green windows that can provide buildings with green energy. The organization received $70 million from investors. Ubiquitous Energy wants to do its part to save the planet from global warming through innovative green energy mining methods. So, to power skyscrapers, the company plans to cover the windows of urban buildings with an additional layer that can process solar energy into electricity. The thickness of such a layer is only a few nanometers, and small wires connect the entire system to electrical appliances. According to company director Susan Stone, the money received will go to the final preparation of the product to enter the market. "In the future, we will be able to make French windows (windows to the floor). We will turn skyscrapers into vertical solar farms," ​​Stone said. By early 2024, the organization plans to launch large-scale production. Beyond the office ... >>

Antimatter falls down like normal matter 17.01.2022

Physicists from the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN conducted a series of studies and determined that antimatter interacts with gravity, like ordinary matter, and falls in the "correct" direction, i.e. way down. Undoubtedly, this seems like a completely obvious thing, however, scientists for quite a long time could neither confirm nor deny this fact, and only the last experiment allowed them to give a more or less accurate answer, but even then with some assumptions. Antimatter is an exact copy of matter with only one important difference - the presence of an opposite electrical charge. And this difference has some serious consequences, every time a particle of ordinary matter and antimatter collide in space, they mutually destroy each other, turning into pure energy. Fortunately for all of us and the world around us, which consists of ordinary matter, antimatter is a rarity in the Universe. And this is one of the main fund ... >>

Dogs sense wrong physics 17.01.2022

Some simple physical patterns we feel intuitively from a very young age. For example, even small children know that if you drop a cup from your hands, it will fall down - and they will be very surprised if the cup suddenly starts to slowly take off. Intuitive ideas about the physics of the world around us are not only in humans, but, for example, in chimpanzees and dogs. The study was conducted by employees of the University of Vienna. They chose fourteen dogs, who were first taught to sit in one position with their heads resting on a special pillow. In this position, it was convenient to follow the pupils of the dogs, which testified to their emotions. Then a screen was placed in front of the dogs, and a video was shown on the screen: two balls rolling towards each other. The balls collided, and then one stopped, and the second rolled back - all in accordance with ordinary mechanics. After the dogs had seen enough of the colliding marbles, they were shown a second video in which the first marble stopped before ... >>

Lens TTArtisan 23mm F1.4 16.01.2022

TTArtisan has added a 23mm F1.4 APS-C format lens equipped with a Leica L mount to its catalog. The lens is manually focused. The aperture ring rotates in steps. The large maximum aperture makes the lens well-suited for shooting in low light, while the 10-blade aperture design provides beautiful out-of-focus out-of-focus blurring. Specifications of the TTArtisan 23mm F1.4 lens: focal length - 23mm; aperture - f / 1,4-f / 16; field of view angle - 62°; optical design - eight elements in six groups; the number of aperture blades - 10; minimum focusing distance - 0,2 m; landing diameter of the filter - 43 mm; weight - 250 g. The lens costs $100. It is offered in black and black-and-silver options. ... >>

Microchip SparX-5 Ethernet Switches 16.01.2022

Microchip has released a new line of industrial and enterprise Ethernet switches SparX-5. SparX-5 are fully managed L2/L3 Ethernet switches with a total throughput from 64 to 200 Gbps, which can be divided among 64 1G/2.5G/5G/25G ports, allowing you to achieve the necessary ratio between the number of connected subscribers and their connection speed. To connect PHY and SFP/XFP modules, high-speed 5G/10G/25G SerDes are used that implement SGMII/QSGMII/USXGMII serial interfaces. A derivative SparX-5i series has been released for industrial use, which has the most complete support for the Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standard to date, which is necessary for the implementation of real-time networks with a deterministic packet delivery time. SparX-5/5i switch features: Maximum number of ports: x64 Bandwidth: 64...200 Gbps TSN and SyncE support (SparX-5i) Integrated processor: dual ... >>

Waterblock EK-Quantum Velocity2 15.01.2022

The Slovenian company EK Water Blocks has announced the EK-Quantum Velocity2 water block, designed for Intel chips in the LGA 1200 version: these can be products of the Comet Lake and Rocket Lake generations. It is noted that the novelty has a completely redesigned architecture, optimized to ensure low hydraulic resistance. A high heat dissipation efficiency is achieved. Implemented proprietary mounting system EK-Exact Mount. It involves the use of only three components: the water block itself, the back plate and fasteners. The base is made of pure (99,99%) nickel-plated electrolytic copper. Five water block options are available: Nickel + Plexi, Nickel + Acetal, Full Nickel, Nickel + Satin Titanium and Copper + Acetal. The novelty received a multi-color addressable D-RGB backlight based on 14 LEDs. You can control its operation through a motherboard with ASUS Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock PolyChrome Sync or MSI My technology ... >>

The first Mongolian Mozo car 15.01.2022

Mongolia starts manufacturing its own cars. The local company Bars Motors will take care of this. Bars Motors has opened its own car manufacturing plant in Mongolia, where it plans to produce 2500 new cars a year so far. The company's first vehicle is the Mozo SUV (an acronym that stands for "Intellect of the Mongolian People"). The car can be called a copy of the 500 Zotye T2017 cross, it is more adapted to the roadways of Mongolia compared to the original. The Bars Motors Mozo SUV is equipped with a 156-horsepower 1,5-liter gasoline turbo engine, interacting with a six-speed "automatic" and a front-wheel drive system. Modification height 1695 mm, width 1850 mm, length 4632 mm, wheelbase 2700 mm. The capacity of the luggage compartment reaches 1155 liters. The price of Mozo in the home market is 69-79 million tugriks (25-30 thousand dollars). ... >>

Capturing methane from the air with zeolites 14.01.2022

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found that zeolites - porous mineral structures often used as commercial adsorbents - are able to absorb and recycle methane (CH4) from the air. This effect is manifested when they are processed with copper. The scientists' work is published in ACS Environment Au. In a lab experiment, experts placed zeolite particles in a reaction tube and passed air containing varying concentrations of methane through it. Gas levels ranged from 2 ppm to 2%. And the reaction tube was heated to various temperatures. When heated to 310 degrees Celsius, the zeolite was able to capture and convert 2% of the methane into carbon dioxide (CO100). The process is possible even at low CH4 concentrations and much lower temperatures than are required for other methane capture methods. At first glance, turning one greenhouse gas into another is not ideal. But the researchers calculated that the conversion ... >>

Panasonic MeganeX Virtual Reality Glasses 14.01.2022

Panasonic has unveiled its new MeganeX virtual reality glasses. They are compact in size and light in weight, which makes them comfortable to use. One of the main advantages of the novelty was their ultra-light weight - only 250 grams. The glasses are based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 processor, but they do not work as a separate headset. To function, they must be connected to the gaming computer via a USB connector. MeganeX supports head tracking. The glasses are designed to work with SteamVR and are compatible with almost all applications and games on this platform. They use MicroOLED displays capable of displaying a picture with a resolution of 2560x2560 pixels per eye at a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 10-bit HDR. Panasonic wants to add an air conditioning system to its device that will allow the user to be heated or cooled when they experience the appropriate sensations in the metaverses. The price of the novelty is $900. To Mega Market ... >>

AOC AGON PRO AG274QGM Gaming Monitor 13.01.2022

AOC has introduced a new gaming monitor AGON PRO AG274QGM, which features an ultra-high refresh rate of 300 Hz (GtG 1 ms) and support for proprietary NVIDIA Reflex technology. The novelty is built on a 27-inch IPS-matrix with a resolution of QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels), which provides wide viewing angles, color accuracy and features NVIDIA's patented color calibration. Mini LED-based backlighting consists of 576 dimmable zones to deliver uncharacteristic IPS deep blacks, allowing the monitor to be VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified. Support for NVIDIA G-Sync ULTIMATE technology allows users to take advantage of variable refresh rates to eliminate lag and tearing Images. What's more, this means reduced input lag, even when playing highly realistic HDR images. The built-in G-Sync module synchronizes the images on the screen with the GPU. Blagoda ... >>

Revealed the secret of longevity of turtles 13.01.2022

Scientists for many years could not uncover the secret of the longevity of giant tortoises in Ecuador - as a rule, their life expectancy is more than 100 years. However, the mystery has recently been solved. Giant tortoises have extra copies of genes involved in what is known as apoptosis, according to a study by scientists at the University at Buffalo in the US. This is a cell self-destruction process that protects turtles from the damaging effects of aging, including cancer. Laboratory tests conducted on the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands confirmed the presence of a similar defense mechanism in these animals. As the researchers note, when exposed to such stress, the cells of the Galapagos tortoise self-destruct much more easily than the cells of other species of turtles. What cells are destroyed before they have a chance to create a tumor. This helps prevent the development of cancer. "These results are of great interest ... >>

Headphones JBL LIVE Pro 2, LIVE Free 2 and Reflect Aero 12.01.2022

JBL introduced the LIVE Pro 2, LIVE Free 2 and Reflect Aero wireless headphones. All three new items have active noise cancellation. Also, all three models received support for touch control, Google Assistant and Alexa. You can set up your headphones through the JBL Headphones app. JBL LIVE Pro 2 features 6,8mm drivers and six microphones. The novelty is aimed at fans of sports. She received IP68 water protection and can work without recharging up to 8 hours (a day with a case). JBL LIVE Free 2 received 10mm drivers. Headphones were awarded the CES Innovation Awards. The model received IPX5 protection and works 7 hours without recharging. The case extends autonomy five times. JBL Reflect Aero got 11mm emitters and a matte body (case too). Water protection meets the IPX5 standard. A full battery charge in independent modules is enough for 10 hours of music playback. The novelty received support for fast charging. 15 minutes of "refueling" is enough for 4 ... >>

Smartphone OnePlus 10 Pro 12.01.2022

OnePlus has unveiled its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 10 Pro, which received the second-generation Hasselblad camera system. The "heart" of the device was the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor developed by Qualcomm. The chip integrates eight cores, including a powerful Kryo Prime core clocked at up to 3,0GHz, a new generation Adreno graphics accelerator, and an advanced Snapdragon X65 5G modem capable of downloading data at speeds up to 10Gbps. The equipment includes a 6,7-inch LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440p (3216 x 1440 pixels) and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The front camera is capable of forming 32-megapixel images. The smartphone is equipped with a triple rear camera, the capabilities of which can be found in detail in our material. From a technical point of view, it combines a 48-megapixel unit with a Sony IMX789 sensor and a maximum aperture of f / 1,8, a wide-angle (150 degrees) module based on a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 sensor and an 8-megapixel unit with optical stabilizer ... >>

The danger of urban smog 11.01.2022

Major cities around the world are affected by smog, and it takes lives. According to scientists, in 2019 alone, air pollution led to 1,8 million deaths worldwide. Simulations carried out by scientists showed that 86% of the inhabitants of large cities - and this is approximately 2,6 billion people - are exposed to fine particulate matter at levels that exceed the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). PM2,5 - fine particulate matter 2,5 micrometers in diameter or less - is a leading environmental risk factor for disease. Their inhalation increases the risk of premature death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, lung cancer and lower respiratory tract infections. It found that the population-weighted average concentration of PM2,5 in all urban areas of the world in 2019 was 35 micrograms per cubic meter, equivalent to seven times the WHO recommendations for 2021. In 2019, every 61 out of 100 deaths in ... >>

Egg white from microbes 11.01.2022

Egg white is one of the most important and common additives in the food industry. But to obtain it, you need to breed, grow and care for a large number of chickens. This means that a significant amount of water is being used, agricultural land is expanding, threatening natural environments, and a lot of greenhouse gases are being released. And given that the world's population is growing, we can expect an increase in chicken farming, which will have an even greater negative impact on the environment. In addition to environmental concerns, intensive poultry farming threatens more frequent outbreaks of infections that can be transmitted from poultry to humans, such as bird flu. Giving up egg white is not an option, so science is working to develop alternatives. It can be the use of genetically modified microbes, which forced the production of chicken egg protein - ovalbumin - by introducing the corresponding gene into the genome. For example, this has already been done ... >>

Laser drones against pests 10.01.2022

According to Japanese officials, up to 16% of raw materials for food production in modern conditions are lost due to the impact of pests. At the same time, by the middle of the century, the demand for food will increase by 70% due to population growth, and global warming will only create more favorable conditions for the reproduction of pests. Experts suggest using artificial intelligence-controlled laser weapons to combat them. So far, Japanese developers from the NARO research association do not even have a prototype laser installation for combating harmful insects, but they expect to conduct field tests next year. The principle of insect control is quite simple: a stereoscopic camera will detect them, and an artificial intelligence system will predict the flight path of pests and shoot them down with a laser pulse, firing with a little lead. The fact is that in 0,03 seconds, which the system needs to aim, moto ... >>

STMicroelectronics smart sensor based on L6364W IO-Link transceiver 10.01.2022

STMicroelectronics presented the STEVAL-IOD04KT1 kit, designed to create a modern intelligent industrial sensor with the ability to connect via the IO-Link interface. The kit contains a STEVAL-IOD004V1 main board with an L6364W dual-channel transceiver (the board is not available separately), a STLINK-V3MINI programmer, a 14-pin flat cable, and an M8-M12 industrial connector adapter. The board has an STM32G071EB microcontroller to run a demo version of the IO-Link v.1.1 stack and program code for controlling the L6364W transceiver and industrial MEMS sensors. The microcontroller, sensors, and other microcircuits on the board are powered by a 3,3V DC/DC converter built into the L6364W. An M8-M12 adapter is used to connect the board to the IO-Link interface. The STLINK-V3MINI programmer is connected to the board via a flat cable. Due to the small size of the L6364W and STM32G071EB CSP packages, the main board has a miniature size of 45,8 x 8,3 mm and is easy to plug in. ... >>

Artificial lung tissue following the example of light lizards 09.01.2022

Unlike human lungs with their complex tree structure, light brown anole lizards develop much more simply. And they can become a suitable model for creating artificial lungs, developed by scientists at Princeton University (USA). In birds and mammals, lungs develop into very complex structures due to endless branching and complex biochemical signaling. The lungs of the brown anole are formed in a simpler way: as if a soft ball is squeezed out of the net, as in an ordinary anti-stress toy. The lizard's lung begins to develop as a hollow, elongated membrane surrounded by a uniform layer of smooth muscle. During development, the cells of the lungs secrete fluid, and in doing so, the inner membrane slowly swells and thins like a balloon. This puts pressure on the smooth muscle, causing it to contract and spread into fiber bundles, which eventually form a honeycomb-shaped mesh. Fluid pressure continues ... >>

Fusion reactor five times brighter than the sun 09.01.2022

A fusion reactor in China has set a record for sustained high temperatures, reaching 70 million degrees Celsius. Thus, the plasma in the installation was heated five times stronger than the Sun. In this mode, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), known as the artificial sun, operated for 1056 seconds. This is the longest operating time of such a device in the world. The ultimate goal of the project is to generate near-limitless clean energy that mimics the natural reactions that take place inside stars. The process does not require fossil fuels and does not leave hazardous waste. The project has already cost the Chinese authorities over £700bn. In June 2021, Chinese scientists broke the record by reaching plasma temperatures of 120 million degrees Celsius in 101 seconds and 160 million degrees Celsius in 20 seconds. ... >>

GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3090 Ti graphics cards 08.01.2022

The Nvidia Ampere line of graphics cards has received a new flagship - the GeForce RTX 3090 Ti. Against the backdrop of the GeForce RTX 2020 released in the fall of 3090, the device stands out with a large number of CUDA cores in the GA102 core and increased GPU frequencies, as well as high-speed GDDR6X memory. The GeForce RTX 3090 Ti uses the Nvidia GA102 GPU in a configuration with 10 CUDA cores, 752 tensor cores, 336 RT cores, and a 84-bit memory bus. GPU operating frequencies range from 384 to 1560 MHz in dynamic overclocking. Rough computing power is at 1860 Tflops. The video buffer is represented by 40 GB of GDDR24X memory with an effective frequency of 6 GHz and a bandwidth of 21 GB / s. The new product pays for the increased performance with the TGP level - it has increased to 1008 watts. Together with the new flagship GeForce RTX 450 series, the most affordable Nvidia Ampere video card, the GeForce RTX 30, was presented. It was based on the GA3050 graphics processor cut down to 2560 CUDA cores, and ... >>

Smart collar 08.01.2022

Invoxia has announced a new smart collar that has the functionality of smartwatches and fitness trackers. Invoxia has worked with certified veterinary cardiologists to develop neural network-based artificial intelligence that uses miniaturized radar sensors. These radars are perfect as they are able to take readings no matter how furry your dog is. Another plus is that the collar can sit more loosely around the dog's neck. The same cannot be said for the smartwatches and fitness trackers that people use, which require a tighter fit and good skin contact to get accurate heart rate readings. The Invoxia collar is different because it combines a traditional GPS tracker with a non-invasive way to monitor vital signs. It is compatible with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS and LTE-M, and comes with escape warnings and a built-in horn. While the Invoxia collar is only for ... >>

Electric car Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX 07.01.2022

By the end of the decade, the German automaker Mercedes-Benz intends to completely abandon the production of new models of passenger cars with internal combustion engines, so the brand is showing its potential in the field of electrification at the first opportunity right now. Another concept impresses with a power reserve of more than 1000 km and record-breaking aerodynamics. The VISION EQXX Concept is the fruit of further efforts by Mercedes-Benz to improve the efficiency of electric vehicles. The efficiency of the power plant, for example, was brought up to 95% - only five percent of the energy stored in the traction battery is lost when torque is transmitted to the wheels. Experts from the Mercedes-Benz racing team took an active part in the creation of the prototype, and the traction battery received an impressive charge storage density of about 400 Wh / l. As a result, it provides a capacity of just under 100 kWh, with half the size and 30% reduced weight compared to existing analogues. At the same time, the accumulator ... >>

Adult elephants calm the youth 07.01.2022

Elephants seem to us smart and kind, but sometimes they find something on them, and they become violent and aggressive, attacking cars, motorcycles and bicycles, animals, people. Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that the aggressiveness of elephants - at least young ones - noticeably weakens when older elephants are next to them. Researchers observed elephants in Botswana's Makgadikgadi National Park for three years. Among almost three hundred males there were elephants of various ages: teenagers (10-15 years old), older teenagers (16-20 years old), adults (21-25 years old) and elderly (over 26 years old). Elephants could quarrel with each other, but it is curious that adolescents more often attacked some foreign objects and other animals (in particular, livestock) when there were no elders nearby. At the same time, young elephants were not only more aggressive, but also more shy, which is understandable: aggressiveness is associated with fear, both in animals and in people. If in the group of elephants there were not only ... >>

L'Oreal Colorsonic device for hair coloring 06.01.2022

Cosmetic company L'Oreal has introduced a device for quick and comfortable hair coloring at home. Colorsonic looks like a hair dryer brush or flat iron. But in its lower part there is a cartridge containing the desired mixture for staining. Using the device, the user can choose one of 40 colors, after which the gadget will mix the necessary components. Next, you just need to start combing your hair from roots to ends. At this time, the device, through special nozzles that move more than 300 times per minute at a certain angle, will evenly distribute the prepared paint and developer. However, those with darker hair will still need to pre-bleach their hair. The device consumes less ink and allows you to reduce the consumption of disposable materials. Colorsonic's recyclable cartridges contain less plastic than regular ink cartridges. And unused pigments and developer are stored separately. The Coloright system from L'Oreal is already ... >>

Electronic noses for livestock farms 06.01.2022

A research team from the Department of Educational Technology, Institute of Livestock Environmental Management, Korea, has developed a livestock odor monitoring system using information and communication technology and an ammonia sensor. With the development of large intensive livestock farms, interest in odor control has increased significantly. Farm animal odors contain many compounds such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, volatile fatty acids and p-cresol. Ammonia is the most common smelling compound. Due to the rather frequent cases of complaints about odors from livestock, especially near large farms, research on monitoring this parameter is expanding. Electronic nose (e-nose) systems have recently emerged as a technology and are now undergoing quantitative validation studies in poultry and pig farms, mainly. The electronic nose is an alternative technology that provides benefits such as quantitative analysis, b ... >>

Jabra Elite 4 Active TWS headphones 05.01.2022

Jabra has introduced a new model of TWS headphones - Elite 4 Active. The model is offered in blue, mint and black colors. The headphones are equipped with 6 mm drivers with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The novelty supports the Qualcomm aptX codec and boasts a transparency mode called HearThrough. The Jabra Elite 4 Active is configured using the Jabra Sound+ software. The Spotify Tap feature lets you play music on Spotify with just one tap. Fast connection to smartphones is carried out due to Fast Pair technology. On a full charge of the batteries built into each independent module, the headphones can work for 7 hours. The case, which charges in 3 hours, extends the battery life of the Jabra Elite 4 Active by up to 28 hours. The recommended price for the Jabra Elite 4 Active headphones was $160. ... >>

Oral-B Smart Toothbrushes 05.01.2022

Oral-B, known for its oral care products, has unveiled three new smart toothbrushes. All of them are included in the iO line. The most advanced model is called iO10. With an improved docking station and built-in indicators, users can monitor brushing time, pressure, and more without having to keep their iPhone handy. Once brushing is complete, all information will be sent to the Oral-B app. In it, users will be able to view statistics and learn how to make cleaning even more efficient. Oral-B iO10 supports seven different modes and has a smart pressure sensor. The latter will help protect the gums from damage. The Oral-B iO10 is priced at $299,99. Together with the top model, Oral-B also showed two simpler brushes - iO4 and iO5. Each one will cost less than $100. In terms of their capabilities, budget models will lose Oral-B iO10. In particular, they have fewer brushing modes available. Also, younger models are equipped with ... >>

Computer speed - 100 km/h 04.01.2022

The Japanese company Sega (video game publisher) has created the fastest computer in the world. The Sega computer can not only handle any game, but it can also drive at high speed - in design it resembles a small remote-controlled racing kart. Sega tested its creation on the race track and it turned out that it accelerates to a speed of 100 km/h. After testing on the race track, the computer remained unscathed and continued to work. Sega has joined forces with Intel and ASRock to create this computer. A truly powerful gaming PC is packed into a compact package, assembled from the following components: Intel Core i9-12900K processor (12th generation Alder Lake, 16 cores, frequency up to 5,2 GHz), ASRock Radeon RX 6900 XT OC Formula 16GB graphics card , 32 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD. Sega timed this project to the New Year's sale of games on the Steam service, where the games of this publisher are presented. Sega launched a contest among subscribers in social networks and ... >>

It is best to sleep on your side 04.01.2022

Employees of the University of Technology from Norway proved that people who sleep on their side have a healthy sleep. Norwegian scientists conducted a study of the positions of sleeping people together with colleagues from Denmark. It turned out that those who sleep on their side have a better sleep than those who prefer to fall asleep in other positions. Sleeping on your side is a guarantee of long life for women who care about their health. People who sleep on their side have fewer problems with curvature of the spine. They are healthier than those who prefer to fall asleep in other positions. Scientists have also determined that for a woman, sleeping on her side is even more beneficial. They believe that this is the key to female longevity. But researchers note that sleeping on the left side is contraindicated for those who have had a heart attack or have diseases of the cardiovascular system. Also, sleeping in a similar position gets some load on the liver. And pregnant women, on the contrary, are strongly recommended to sleep on their left side, h ... >>

Rice Based Heat Resistant Film 03.01.2022

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), inspired by the manufacturing process and structure of rice paper, have developed a high-performance transparent folding film. Rice paper, or Chinese painting paper, is made from bark and straw and undergoes hundreds of manufacturing processes during the manufacturing process. By studying the structure of rice paper, USTC researchers found that it contains a large amount of nano- and microfibers, which gives it the advantages of high strength and flexibility. Thanks to these properties, after complete folding, there are no folds that can damage the film. In addition, after folding, it can return to its original shape. Compared with conventional petroleum-based PE film, this film has excellent heat resistance, and even at 250 degrees Celsius, there is no obvious change. These mechanical, thermodynamic and optical characteristics make ... >>

Nanowire instead of a hard drive 03.01.2022

An international team of scientists led by the Cambridge University's Cavendish Laboratory has used cutting-edge 3D printing techniques to create double magnetic spirals that serve as information carriers. The researchers found that they create nanometer-scale topological textures in a magnetic field. Previously, no one has recorded such a phenomenon, and the discoverers believe that the twisted nanowire can become the "ancestor" of the next generation of magnetic devices. Magnets are widely used in storage devices and computing systems. The disadvantage of the latter is that the magnetization points in them are two-dimensional structures. But the nanowire architecture is three-dimensional, which allows a higher recording density, as well as changing the magnetic properties of the device and significantly expanding its functionality. Until now, this idea has been very difficult to implement, because scientists have not had the ability to create three-dimensional ma ... >>

Transfer of solar energy from orbit to Earth 02.01.2022

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the military-industrial company Northrop Grumman conducted the first demonstration of key industrial-scale power generation equipment in Earth orbit. In 2018, AFRL awarded Northrop Grumman a $100 million contract to develop key components of a prototype space power grid. The company's engineers have begun to create sheet panels, which should be the main elements of the massive Arachne program, which aims to ensure uninterrupted power transmission to military bases located in remote regions. To do this, solar panels in orbit will convert solar energy into radio frequencies and transmit to ground stations. There it will be captured and converted back into electricity by special rectifying antennas, or rectens. Sandwich solar panels are a key component of this technology, since their presence in the level ... >>

Electricity from sea lettuce 02.01.2022

Researchers at the Technion - the Israel Institute of Technology - have developed a new method to generate electrical current directly from seaweed in an environmentally friendly and efficient way. The idea, which first occurred to Technion doctoral student Yaniv Schlosberg while swimming on the beach, was brought to fruition by a team of researchers from three Technion faculties that are members of the Technion's Large Energy Program (GTEP), along with a researcher from the Israel Institute of Oceanography and Limnology in Haifa (IOLR). ). As is known, the combustion of fossil fuels leads to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that affect climate change, and various forms of environmental pollution occur at all stages of production, transportation, processing and consumption of these fuels. The climate crisis and environmental issues are driving the research and search for alternative, clean and renewable energy sources. One ... >>

Water freezing point record broken 01.01.2022

Knowing how and why water turns to ice is essential to understanding a wide range of natural processes. Climate fluctuations, cloud dynamics and the water cycle are affected by the transformation of water and ice, as are animals living in freezing conditions. Tree frogs, for example, survive the winter on land by allowing their bodies to freeze. This allows them to emerge from hibernation faster than species that hibernate deep underwater without freezing. But ice crystals can rupture cell membranes, so animals that use this technique need to find a way to prevent ice from forming in their cells and tissues. A better understanding of how water freezes can lead to a better understanding of these extreme species. Although the rule of thumb is that water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, water can remain liquid in the low temperature range under certain conditions. Until now, it was believed that this range stopped at minus 38 degrees Celsius. ... >>

Christmas ball with real snow generation 01.01.2022

Canadian inventor Sean Hodgins has created a Christmas ball that generates snow. Usually such balls simply contain plastic particles that mimic snow flakes. The new device turned out to be curious, but energy-intensive. Hodgins needed a power supply, a cooling fan, heatsinks, and a PC CPU cooler. He carved a tiny snowman out of aluminum so that the snow could grow somewhere. A couple of two watt resistors were also added to evaporate the water. In addition, negative temperatures had to be provided in the ball. To recreate winter in the balloon, Hodgins installed several thermoelectric coolers stacked on top of each other. They managed to create with their help a temperature difference of 60 degrees Celsius, which was more than enough for water vapor to condense and freeze on an aluminum snowman. So he was covered in snow. ... >>

Subcutaneous chips with COVID-passport 31.12.2021

Several thousand Swedes have implanted implants under their skin in recent years, eliminating the need to constantly carry public transport tickets, a bank card, an electronic key or a business card. Recently, DSruptive Subdermals started using the chips as a COVID passport. This was reported by the agency AFP. "A chip implant costs 100 euros. If you want to buy a more advanced version, for example, for tracking health indicators, it will probably cost twice as much. But a chip implant lasts 20-40 years," said Hannes Sjoblad, Managing Director DSruptive Subdermals. Many "consider chips a scary technology," he says, but they should be treated as mere identification tags. "They don't have a battery, they can't transmit on their own, they can't determine your location," Sjoblad said. The chip consists of certified biocompatible glass, high brightness lead-free LED, ultra-thin circuit board with ... >>

Soundbar LG S95QR 31.12.2021

LG has announced the S95QR soundbar with 9.1.5 sound configuration, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and an interesting solution: the center channel is directed upwards so that the voice while watching a movie is reflected from the ceiling and clearly distinguished by the ear. The kit also comes with a wireless subwoofer and a pair of additional rear speakers. The standard center channel and upward-firing speaker carry the same signal, and this solution improves the clarity of dialogue; similarly, one signal is carried by the corresponding side speakers of the soundbar and complete rear speakers - this configuration positively affects the depth of the immersive effect. The timing and delays of the speaker are adjusted automatically using the AI ​​Room Calibration function. The total output power of the audio system is 810 watts. The notable drawback of the soundbar was its inability to pass-through HDR video in 4K resolution at 120Hz. This means that owners of Xbox Series X or PS5, as well as 4K TVs ... >>

YouOn Hydrogen Electric Bike 30.12.2021

Chinese bike-sharing platform YouOn has unveiled its first hydrogen bikes. They are currently only offered in the Changzhou urban area in Jiangsu province in China. At the time of launch, 1000 of these bikes are offered in the area for 2 yuan (about $0,3) to rent for 20 minutes. The body is made of reinforced metal alloy, the hydrogen fuel tank is inside the frame, and the power transformer/battery is under the rider's seat. Despite the many components, the bike is considered light and safe, which is why it is allowed to be used in the city. A YouOn spokesperson highlighted the company's new hydrogen-powered electric bikes with a range of 70 km, speeds up to 23 km/h, and the ability for cyclists to save energy while cycling uphill. YouOn has been developing hydrogen-powered electric bikes since 2017, and in October 2019, the company held its first successful trial ... >>

Prototype flexible pneumatic tentacles 30.12.2021

Chinese researchers from Shanghai Zhao Tong University borrowed the idea of ​​a multi-segment soft manipulator from octopuses. Robotentacles have been developed, which are elastomeric structures with a pneumatic drive. The tentacle-like arms are propelled by air pressure and consist of a series of interconnected pneumatically inflated internal chambers. One side of the tentacle is flexible, the other is more rigid. An increase in air pressure in the chambers leads to a bending of the structure in the direction of greater rigidity. "We developed the soft arms using a mathematical model that can follow a defined XNUMXD spatial trajectory. Our soft arm consists of several segments, each with its own actuation mode - twisting, bending or spiraling," said Dong Wang, author of the study. . The main achievement of the presented work is the development of a mathematical methodology that can automatically ... >>

Electric car Nio ET5 29.12.2021

The Nio ET5 electric car, the younger brother of the previously introduced ET7 model, debuted in China. While the ET7 is positioned as a competitor to the Tesla Model S, the ET5 will compete with the Tesla Model 3. The ET5 power plant includes two electric motors: the power installed on the front axle is 204,5 hp, on the rear - 285,5 hp. With. In total - 490 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4,3 seconds. The power reserve of the basic version with a traction battery with a capacity of 75 kWh is 700 km, the top version with a battery with a capacity of 100 kWh is 1000 km. Externally, ET5 is similar to ET7. An electric car looks like a liftback, but the resemblance is purely visual: in reality, this is a sedan. The dimensions of the car are 4790 x 1960 x1499 mm, the wheelbase is 2888. So it should be quite spacious inside. The interior, like Tesla, is made in the spirit of minimalism, with two screens in front: one in the instrument cluster, the other in the multimedia entertainment system. ... >>

Huawei Watch D with blood pressure monitor and ECG 29.12.2021

The Chinese company Huawei introduced a new smart watch Huawei Watch D, which became the world's first gadget with a cuff blood pressure monitor and an ECG recording function. The device received a special strap with a built-in miniature cuff - just like in the usual tonometer, which your grandparents love to use. Huawei Watch D provides measurement accuracy within 3 millimeters of mercury - like most commercial automatic blood pressure monitors The novelty has received certification as a medical device from the China Food and Drug Administration. The novelty also supports the functions of monitoring heart rate and analyzing the amount of oxygen in the blood that are already familiar to smart watches. The watch is equipped with a 1,64-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 280 x 456 pixels and a 451 mAh battery that provides up to seven days of battery life. ... >>

The lightest isotope of magnesium 28.12.2021

In collaboration with an international team of researchers, Michigan State University has created the world's lightest version of magnesium. The record-breaking isotope magnesium-18 is produced at the National Superconducting Cyclone Laboratory (NSCL) and is so unstable that it decays before scientists can measure it directly or detect it in nature. Therefore, using a particle accelerator, physicists created it in the laboratory in an attempt to understand how atoms are arranged and where the elements of the universe come from. This will help predict what happens in extreme space environments that may never be directly reproduced or measured from Earth. All magnesium atoms have 12 protons inside the nucleus. Previously, the lightest version of magnesium had 7 neutrons, giving a total of 19 protons and neutrons. To get magnesium-18, which is one neutron lighter, the team took magnesium-24. The cyclotron accelerated a beam of magnesium-24 nuclei to about half the speed of light and directed it at a target: a metal ... >>

Cow toilet 28.12.2021

An international group of zoologists decided to educate calves about hygiene. To do this, they rewarded each calf after visiting the toilet, and they soon got used to defecate in the place designated for this. Urine contains a lot of nitrogen. This nitrogen, once in the soil, is to the taste of microorganisms. As a result, the processing of urine produces nitric oxide, the strongest greenhouse gas. Zoologists from the German Farm Animal Research Institute, together with Australian colleagues from the University of Auckland, decided to teach hygiene to calves. To do this, they rewarded each calf after visiting the toilet, and they soon got used to defecate in the place designated for this. “At first, we punished the calves by putting microphones in their ears, and they played an unpleasant sound if the calf ignored the toilet. It didn’t work and we had to act with affection,” explains animal psychologist Jan Langbein. Within a few weeks, 11 out of 16 experimental animals learned the rules of hygiene. Result ... >>

James Webb telescope launched into orbit 27.12.2021

NASA successfully launched the James Webb telescope. The telescope was jointly built by 17 countries, it took 25 years and 10 billion dollars. Webb is much larger, more complex and more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been studying the skies from Earth orbit for more than 30 years. Another key difference between Hubble and Webb is that the old telescope was designed to be serviced by astronauts on spacewalks, having been repaired and upgraded 5 times between 1993 and 2009. But the Webb will be too far away for people to reach it. James Webb is the latest orbital infrared observatory to replace the Hubble telescope. The new telescope is XNUMX times more sensitive to wavelength than Hubble. Scientists believe that the device will be able to expand mankind's understanding of the Universe, as it is able to reveal the history of the formation of the first stars and galaxies, as well as to study black holes, dark matter and galaxies far from the solar planet in more depth. Obo ... >>

TV broadcasting smell and taste 27.12.2021

In Japan, Taste the TV was created, capable of transmitting not only a “picture”, but also smell and taste. True, for this the viewer will have to lick the screen. Designed by Professor Meiji Gomei Miyashita, the TV has 10 flavored liquid containers that are dispensed onto a sanitary film depending on the content currently being broadcast. Professor Miyashita believes that his invention will be relevant in the era of coronavirus and the need to avoid unnecessary contacts - the TV will help you try an unknown dish before the owner goes to a restaurant or orders home delivery. Now the scientist is negotiating with several companies about embedding the smells of their products in the "stuffing" of his invention, and is also busy creating applications for training as a chef or sommelier. ... >>

Snowmobiles Taiga Motors 26.12.2021

Canadian company Taiga Motors has released the first three models of electric snowmobiles. The series includes the Ekko mountain model, the Atlas crossover and the Nomad station wagon. The manufacturer promised instant torque, a thermal management system for optimal battery performance, as well as support for fast charging from a DC station. The Ekko model, like all others, is offered in standard and advanced versions. The first option involves a 120-horsepower electric motor that accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 4,1 seconds, and the power reserve is about 98 km. The front and rear suspensions have a travel of 220 and 270 mm, respectively, there is a brake energy recovery system, there is an HD display with a navigator and the ability to save custom terrain profiles. The advanced version offers a 180 hp engine. and acceleration to 100 km / h in 3,3 seconds. The standard version of the Atlas is equipped with a 120 hp engine, which accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 3,7 s (180 hp). ... >>

Transistor that replaces entire logic circuits 26.12.2021

Scientists have taken a step in an interesting direction in the production of semiconductors - they have developed a dynamically programmable transistor, which alone can implement such multi-component logic as NOR, NAND and others. The proposed transistor fits easily into the existing production infrastructure and does not use exotic materials. A special benefit from its use is expected in the field of artificial intelligence. A conventional transistor consists of two electrodes for the current-carrying channel and another electrode for controlling the channel (gate). Gate control allows current to pass through the transistor or to turn it off. Almost all modern digital electronics is based on this principle. Researchers from the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) proposed adding two additional electrodes to the transistor structure and connecting them with the thinnest pure germanium (Ge) thread. And it brought success. Due to its electronic properties, germanium exhibits the effect ... >>

Solar panel-sandwich for direct transmission of energy from space to terrestrial receivers 25.12.2021

As part of Northrop Grumman's contract with the Pentagon, the first solar panel was created and tested to directly convert sunlight into a radio frequency energy beam and wirelessly transmit energy from space to terrestrial receivers. The experimental panel showed itself with high efficiency in laboratory conditions and became the first of its kind (about 1 m2 in area). There are four years left before testing in space. Northrop Grumman has awarded a contract worth over $100 million to the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research (SSPIDR) program. The other day, Northrop engineers showed in operation a prototype of a composite solar panel with built-in blocks for converting solar energy into radio frequency with focusing and relaying to a receiver. The solution came out compact and easy to use. The whole system is made in the form of a sandwich panel and can be deployed in space like a conventional ... >>

Abnormally high temperature recorded in Greenland 25.12.2021

In the north of Greenland, weather forecasters recorded an abnormally high temperature. In one of the northernmost cities on the planet - Qaanaaq - on December 21, a temperature record was broken. The maximum daytime temperature rose to +8,3 degrees Celsius. For such high latitudes, given the cold season and the fact that the polar night reigns in Greenland now, this is a real anomaly! ... >>

Tsunami prediction 24.12.2021

Tsunamis are one of the most dangerous weather events, so any new solution that helps track big waves earlier is welcomed with open arms. Scientists from the University of Kyoto have previously noticed the magnetic field of a tsunami, but only now have they been able to confirm that it can be used to detect an impending danger. When large waves form in the ocean, an extremely strong magnetic field is created. It is its measurement that is intended to provide information about a possible tsunami, which, in theory, will help emergency services quickly inform people about the upcoming disaster. To confirm their hypothesis, scientists from the University of Kyoto decided to study two such disasters - the 2009 tsunami in Samoa (a small country in Oceania) and the tsunami that hit Chile in 2010. The study used data from measurements of seabed pressure and magnetic field that were recorded during the formation of large waves. Japanese scientists found a correlation ... >>

Glass that generates solar energy 24.12.2021

In Poland opened the world's first production of double-glazed windows capable of generating energy from the sun. Such double-glazed windows, like ordinary ones, are completely transparent and are able to provide houses and apartments with the necessary sound insulation. Double-glazed windows generate energy thanks to a special quantum coating of semiconductors invisible to the human eye, up to several nanometers in size. They are able to generate electricity from both natural and artificial lighting, while not heating the glass surface. The cost of one square meter of such glass is from 300 to 500 euros. In 2021, Europe reached a record level of solar energy production. However, according to climate research center Ember, solar panels still produce less electricity than coal-fired power plants in Europe, so in order to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 55% by 2030, EU countries need to double number of suns ... >>

Virtual walking attachment 23.12.2021

Japanese engineers have introduced an addition to the virtual reality helmet - footrests with vibration motors that simulate the feeling of walking. The system itself selects the necessary vibration for 360-degree rollers, evaluating the trajectory of the camera. How to feel vibrations and steps in the snow, and a walk on the lawn, the scientists specified in an article published in the journal IEEE Access. Virtual walking systems can be divided into active and passive. Firstly, you will have to move your limbs on your own to walk in a virtual environment, and secondly, sensory stimuli and passive movements of the limbs or the whole body are used for this. The illusion of one's own movement can be created by a combination of auditory and tactile stimuli, as well as, for example, camera shake. You can also electrically stimulate the leg muscles or use vibration. The engineers of the Toyohashi Institute of Technology stopped at the last option and taught their VR stand to generate vibrations for panoramic videos, ... >>

Protocol for designing multidimensional states 23.12.2021

The inevitable presence of noise and shortcomings in the characteristics of experimental devices reduce the overall quality of generation of multidimensional states. To overcome these limitations, a team of researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, Queen's University of Belfast and the University of Palermo used an adaptive optimization protocol capable of generating arbitrary multidimensional states. The adaptive optimization protocol constructs arbitrary multidimensional states for solving quantum information problems that require finding optimal values ​​of experimental parameters in noisy conditions. The creation of multidimensional quantum states in quantum information protocols provides better performance in applications ranging from secure quantum communication to fault-tolerant quantum computing. A significant achievement would be the development of universal protocols capable of constructing arbitrary multidimensional quantum states. For this purpose, it was proposed and developed ... >>

Computer glasses for meditation 22.12.2021

Layer has introduced glasses designed specifically for meditation. The device will help the user to calm down thanks to LED Light Matrix technology and display soothing images of nature. The world is rushing faster and faster, and a person does not always manage to stop and calm down even for a moment. The gradual digitization of everyday life has a negative impact on the ease of falling asleep and the quality of sleep. However, as Layer states, what causes the problem can also be the solution. The company introduced meditation glasses to help users calm down. Layer, part of the Resonate startup, created and introduced its first meditation glasses. Company founder Benjamin Hubert described the device as a way to make meditation more accessible. But how can you have something "more affordable" at your fingertips? The creators of the device are aware of all the distractions that interfere with meditation, hence the idea arose to create special protective glasses. ... >>

Lifespan biomarker found 22.12.2021

American scientists have found that the rate of accumulation of genetic mutations can predict how many years a person will live. In women, this method also allows you to predict the period of fertility. It has long been known that DNA damage occurs constantly throughout life, but the body has repair mechanisms that prevent the accumulation of harmful mutations. Over time, these mechanisms become less efficient, so, for example, older parents tend to pass on more genetic mutations to their offspring through the germline - egg and sperm. Biologists from the University of Utah and the University of Louisville have suggested that the rate at which a person acquires DNA mutations can serve as a biomarker of aging and can predict lifespan even in young people, as well as fertility in women. The basis for the study was the data bank of the Center for the Study of Human Polymorphism - an international research genetic institute in Paris ... >>

Drones will automatically fly to the scene of the firefight 21.12.2021

Engineers from an Israeli company have presented a system of drones that automatically respond to shots. They help the police assess the situation on the spot. Israel has introduced a system that combines autonomous drones with technology for determining the location of shots. ShotSpotter will be used in over 120 cities in the US, South Africa and the Caribbean. She uses a network of microphones in the area to detect "loud, impulsive sounds". When such a sound is detected, its geographic origin can be determined by analyzing the millisecond difference in time during which it was recorded by different microphones - the closer the microphone was to the weapon, the earlier it recorded the sound of the shot. In doing so, a combination of AI software and live personnel is used to determine whether a sound is indeed a gunshot. In the current version of the system, devices are immediately sent to the scene of a shootout, and a police squad is sent there. ... >>

paper batteries 21.12.2021

Scientists at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed paper-thin and fully biodegradable zinc batteries that could one day become an environmentally friendly power source option for flexible and wearable electronic systems. A square battery measuring 4x4 cm and only 0,4 mm thick can run a small electric fan for 45 minutes. Bending, twisting the battery, or even cutting off fragments of it did not lead to power outages. In our research, scientists have shown an easier and cheaper way to manufacture batteries, producing one large piece of battery that is cut into desired shapes and sizes without loss of efficiency. These features make paper batteries ideal for integration into flexible electronics. The manufacture of the battery begins with the reinforcement of cellulose paper with hydrogel, which fills the voids between the cellulose fibers. This forms ... >>

quantum spin liquid 20.12.2021

A new exotic state of matter, the possibility of whose existence was theoretically justified more than 50 years ago, was obtained in laboratory conditions for the first time in history. Created by researchers at Harvard University, this material is called quantum spin liquid, and its further study and use will create a number of new technologies that can have a great impact on the further development of quantum computing and communications. In order for any material to have magnetic properties, it is required that the rotation of the electrons of the atoms of this material be aligned in one direction. Slightly different types of magnetism can be observed when the rotation of electrons in a material alternates like checkerboard cells, however, such materials still have exotic magnetic properties due to the orderliness of the electron spins. In 1973, the American physicist Philip Anderson (Philip Anderson) put forward a hypothesis about the possibility of the existence ... >>

Processing carbon dioxide into rocket fuel 20.12.2021

American billionaire Elon Musk announced that his aerospace company Space Exploration Technologies Corp, also known as SpaceX, will launch a new program to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into rocket fuel. "Please join if you're interested," Musk said, adding that the program would also be "important to Mars." SpaceX is already developing a vehicle called Starship that can take up to 100 people on a flight to the Moon and Mars to achieve Musk's goal of landing humans on the red planet. NASA will provide SpaceX with three additional Crew Dragon flights to the International Space Station so as not to throw off the crew rotation sequence as the agency continues to work with Boeing Co. to fix glitches preventing the company's Starliner vehicle from ferrying astronauts. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration provided companies with B ... >>

Record Density DDR5 Chips 24Gbps 19.12.2021

South Korean memory chip manufacturer SK Hynix announced the successful development of DDR5 DRAM chips with an industry-leading 24Gb chip density. SK Hynix released the first DDR5 DRAM chip with a density of 16 Gb in October 2020. And now the South Korean manufacturer is increasing the density to 24 Gb (the DDR5 standard provides for a peak density of 64 Gb). The new memory is based on improved 1anm technology using hard ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. The manufacturer talks about an increase in yield and speed up to 33% with a 25% reduction in power consumption compared to current products. The new chips will form the basis of future 5 and 48 GB DDR96 modules, which will first find use in data centers, and then, probably get to consumer PCs. SK Hynix has already shipped the first samples of the new memory to customers, and large-scale shipments will begin next year. In a press release, among the partners indicates ... >>

Artificial intelligence will distinguish the original painting from a fake 19.12.2021

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have trained artificial intelligence to distinguish artists by style. The neural network can distinguish the true picture from the fake one. For the first time, scientists have used artificial intelligence to study the 3D topography of a painting. Prior to this, forms of analysis were based only on visible stylistic differences. Artificial intelligence will allow you to study the three-dimensional surface topography and find all the differences in the layers of paint. Case Western Reserve physics professor Kenneth Singer said: "3D topography is a new way for artificial intelligence to 'see' the picture. The AI ​​algorithm focuses on the smallest surface structures," said Case Western Reserve physics professor Kenneth Singer. Artificial intelligence was modeled on the human brain and nervous system. In 95% of cases, the neural network will be able to determine the artist who painted this or that picture. "We divided the picture into virtual sections ranging in size from a few mm to cm ... >>

Inspiration is born between sleep and wakefulness 18.12.2021

History knows many cases when inspiration came to great people in a dream, and these great ones sometimes even used special methods in order not to forget their sleepy insights. For example, Thomas Edison and Salvador Dali, thinking about some difficult creative task, lay down to take a nap, holding something heavy in their hands. When they started to fall asleep, the hand relaxed, the object fell to the floor and woke them up - and then it turned out that the solution to the creative problem was already in their head. Employees of the Sorbonne University decided to test this method and invited one hundred and three people for the experiment, who were also supposed to doze off with a heavy object in their hand. Before falling asleep, they were given a mathematical problem: several number sequences had to be continued by one more number, and in order to get this number, two mathematical rules had to be applied to the sequence. However, the solution to the problem could be easier if you notice that the required number is always the same as the second number ... >>

Digital apocalypse 18.12.2021

Experts warn that in a few years we will face a digital apocalypse associated with an exponential increase in the amount of data that, until recently, no one could have imagined even in the wildest forecasts. In this regard, scientists call to recognize digital content as the fifth state of matter, along with gas, liquid, plasma and solid. They argue that at some point humanity will accumulate so much digital data that the number of bits that make up this data will approach the number of atoms that make up the entire Earth (10 to the 50th power). To store and process this amount of information, humanity will require much more energy, in contrast to how much it currently produces. Hence the call of scientists to stop considering digital content solely as a virtual sequence of ones and zeros, and treat it as a specific physical quantity, that is, matter. It is estimated that humanity produces daily ... >>

Invisible system to protect bicycles from theft 17.12.2021

Students from Dnipro, Ukraine have created a device that prevents bike theft. With it, two-wheelers can track the whereabouts of the bike and attempts to steal it. Six students from Dnipro National University have developed an invisible WheelKeep system that protects bicycles from theft. It consists of a special module that is inserted into the steering column of the vehicle and a mobile application. When someone tries to take a bike without the owner's permission, a special push notification will be sent to the cyclist's mobile phone. Also in the application, you can track the location of the two-wheeled vehicle. In November, young developers won a grant Ukrainian Startup Fund - they took second place among 13 teams in USF Pitch Day 33. Fourth-year students of the Faculty of Physics, Electronics and Computer Systems Pavel German and Alexander Yatsenko, students of the Faculty of Applied Mathematics Roman Kvirikadze and Andrey Dergach, fa ... >>

A sleeping bag that will keep astronauts sighted 17.12.2021

NASA researchers have developed a special sleeping bag that will help prevent visual impairment in space. A similar problem is faced by astronauts who are on the ISS for more than six months. The device helps relieve pressure in the brain - it creates a vacuum and pumps fluid from the head to the legs. The bag will help alleviate vision problems in space, something that every astronaut faces during long missions. The reason for this is the lack of gravity. During sleep, the fluid in the head does not go down due to gravity, but continues to put pressure on the eyeball. This reduces the quality of the astronauts' vision and deforms the back wall of the eye. Just three days of lying flat can change the shape of the eyeball, a new study has found. High-tech bags could be a possible solution that will save astronauts. According to NASA, more than half of the astronauts on the ISS suffer from vision problems. Scientists hope that sleeping bag will help to cope with it ... >>

Vertical VTFETs 16.12.2021

IBM and Samsung have presented a new development that provides for vertical placement of transistors in chips. Vertical Transport Field Effect Transistors (VTFET) technology can either significantly improve performance or reduce chip power consumption compared to traditional chips of a comparable size. In modern processors and chipsets, transistors are applied to a silicon wafer in a horizontal plane. Conversely, when using VTFETs, the transistors are arranged vertically. This development has two advantages. First, many of the restrictions imposed on current technologies by Moore's Law are circumvented. Secondly, the new design leads to lower electrical losses due to more efficient redirection of the energy flow. According to development companies, this will allow creating chips that are either twice as fast or use 85% less energy than similar semiconductors created using FinFET technology. Once used ... >>

The thinnest thin-film photocell 16.12.2021

Engineers at Stanford University have created a solar cell using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) on a flexible polyamide substrate. Their prototype showed a record efficiency for such thin-film solar cells - 5,1%. The authors of the study believe that they will be able to achieve a figure of 27% by optimizing the optical and electrical characteristics. The prototype also has a 100 times greater mass-to-power ratio than any previously developed PDM solar cell: 4,4 watts per gram. But scientists expect to achieve 46 watts / gram. The Stanford team's prototype includes tungsten diselenide and gold contacts coated with a one-atom thick layer of conductive graphene. All of this is sandwiched between a flexible polymer and an anti-reflective coating that enhances light absorption. The fully assembled solar cell is less than 6 microns thick, which is 15 times thinner than a sheet of paper. The main material of commercial solar cells is silicon. The efficiency of such photo panels is ... >>

Hydrogen from solar energy 15.12.2021

North German companies want to implement a project to produce biomethanol from solar energy at the Airpark Laage in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. East Energie plans to supply solar power from its photovoltaic power plants in close proximity. To do this, companies are building without government subsidies and are still developing solar parks on an area of ​​​​about 300 hectares. The first fleet, with a capacity of about 40 megawatts, should be launched by the end of 2022, and the rest in 2023 and 2024. Apex also plans to expand its own on-site electrolysis capacity to 105 megawatts in the coming years. The solar energy will be used to produce green hydrogen, which Apex will supply to East Energy to power its biomethanol plant, which will produce about 8000 tons of biomethanol annually. McPhy Energy SA, a supplier of equipment for the production and distribution of hydrogen, has already installed a board ... >>

Forgetfulness can depend on the time of day 15.12.2021

Every time you can't remember something, there are two main reasons - either you didn't put enough effort into remembering the information (for example, the name of the person you were introduced to a minute ago), or the information is stored in your brain , but at that moment you cannot get it (as it happens, for example, with the words of your favorite song that you somehow forgot). Many scientists are studying how memories are formed. The biology of forgetting is difficult to study, because it is very difficult to distinguish between two phenomena: when you know something, but at a certain moment you cannot remember, and when you really forgot it, that is, the information was erased from your brain. For the study, a team of scientists from Satoshi Kida University of Tokyo chose young male and female mice. In the learning phase, the scientists asked the mice to explore a new object for a minute. In the next phase, scientists observed how long they touched this object, when they again e ... >>

Hybrid crossover BMW Concept XM 14.12.2021

The BMW M division of the well-known German automaker has unveiled the BMW Concept XM plug-in hybrid concept, which will turn into a serial BMW XM crossover next year. The Germans noted that this will be the first independent model of the BMW M brand after the BMW M1 sports car and it will have no analogues in the main BMW lineup. The model received a hybrid propulsion system consisting of a V8 gasoline engine and an electric motor, which together produce 550 kW / 750 hp. and 1000 Nm of torque. Exclusively on electric traction, the crossover will be able to drive up to 80 km, so it can be used without problems in green areas. The BMW Concept XM crossover has received a new design with a two-tone paint job, the features of which will be used by the brand's future flagship models. At the front, the car retains the distinctive nostrils, while the M-style double louvre grille forms an almost octagonal contour, while contour lighting creates ... >>

Higgs boson lifespan measured 14.12.2021

Physicists working on the CMS detectorScientists for the first time managed to measure the lifespan of the Higgs boson - 210 yoctoseconds of the Large Hadron Collider, for the first time were able to accurately measure how long the Higgs boson lives. It was known that this elementary particle exists for a very short time: only less than one trillion billionth of a second, or 1.6?10-22 seconds. But scientists needed to experimentally more accurately calculate the lifetime of the particle. This would allow them to understand its nature and find out if this value corresponds to the value predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. And yes, it matched. According to the theory, the experiments established only the boundaries of the lifetime of the particle or determined this property with a large error. Measuring the lifetime of the Higgs boson is a difficult task because its predicted lifetime is too short. One possible solution was to measure a related property, the width of the mass. Bulk width is inversely proportional ... >>

Li-ion battery with water instead of electrolyte 13.12.2021

Researchers at the Yokohama National University of Japan have created a prototype lithium-ion battery with metastable and nanosized oxides based on molybdenum, which uses water as an electrolyte solution. This prototype is durable, fast-charging, and non-flammable. Also, the test sample of the battery has "better ionic conductivity, environmental friendliness and high safety" compared to conventional ones. Even after 2 charge-discharge cycles, its capacity dropped by less than 30%. The work of Japanese researchers paves the way for the development of high-energy, durable and safe batteries. But the main disadvantages of the latter are a low level of productivity and the possibility of using only under low voltage conditions, since water is destroyed at a high voltage level. The specific gravity of energy (performance indicator) - a "water" battery is about half that of a conventional one. Therefore, for the production of batteries, it was necessary ... >>

Vegetarians are healthier than meat eaters 13.12.2021

According to British researchers, if red meat and sugar are eaten at the current rate, by 2050 humanity will be on the verge of starvation. The authors of the forecast advise limiting the meat diet to 14 grams per day, and, on the contrary, eat twice as much fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts as they do now. This will avoid nearly 11 million premature deaths per year - mainly from cancer and cardiovascular diseases - and will have a positive impact on the planet's climate. At the beginning of the 13s, a study was launched in several countries to study the eating habits of Europeans. Scientists have observed almost half a million people for 160 years and have come to the conclusion that the love of red meat can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and premature death. So, the probability of dying young was four percent higher for those who ate more than 20 grams of meat products per day than those who limited themselves to just 13 grams. Everyone died in XNUMX years of observation. ... >>

Imagination Catapult RISC-V processors 12.12.2021

Imagination Technologies introduced the Imagination Catapult family of processors built on the open instruction set architecture (ISA) RISC-V. According to the manufacturer, these CPUs are designed from the ground up for the needs of next-generation heterogeneous computing solutions. Imagination Catapult processors can be configured for high performance, high efficiency, or a balanced profile, making them suitable for a wide range of markets. Catapult processors are available in four different families: dynamic microcontrollers; built-in real-time processors; high performance application processors; functionally safe automotive processors. The first family, microcontrollers, are already shipping in high performance automotive GPUs in SoCs built by Imagination customers. Embedded real-time processors are now available. High performance application processors and automotive applications ... >>

Controlling the movement of single skyrmions at room temperature 12.12.2021

Scientists from the Japanese Institute of Physical and Chemical Research RIKEN have demonstrated a technology they have developed that allows them to control the movement and behavior of single skyrmions - tiny magnetic vortices that can be used as information carriers in computing devices and data storage devices of the next generations. But the most outstanding thing about this achievement is that all manipulations with skyrmions can be carried out with the help of weak current pulses and at room temperature. Skyrmions are tiny quasi-particles that can appear and move in the medium of materials with special magnetic properties under the influence of an electric current. At the same time, the strength of such a current is several times less than the strength of the current required to switch the state of traditional magnetic domains, on the basis of which modern hard drives and other magnetic storage media function. This feature feeds the hopes of scientists who are working on devices ... >>

Earth black box 11.12.2021

In Australia, the "Black Box of the Earth" will be installed - it will record the history of the last years of mankind. The project is being implemented by Clemenger BBDO. Scientists at the University of Tasmania are also working on the black box. The "Black Box of the Earth" should record information about all the achievements of human civilization. It will be needed by the future highly developed inhabitants of the Earth, if people suddenly die out in the event of a natural disaster or a global war. The device will collect and record important information in real time. We are talking about the demography of mankind, changes in air temperature, fluctuations in the level of the world ocean. The box will also describe endangered species of plants and animals, will constantly monitor the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As for culture and key events, information will be taken from the Internet. The "Black Box of the Earth" is equipped with reliable SSD drives. Estimated data storage time is 50 years. Then the information will be overwritten. In the future, scientists want to change SSD to st ... >>

Oxygen producing stones 11.12.2021

The green stone serpentinite, which looks like snakeskin and has a liquid structure, was supposedly a key driver in oxygen recycling and helped create the atmosphere for life on Earth. The earth is constantly in a cycle of processing water and oxygen, on which life literally depends, when tectonic plates plunge deep into the body of the planet. Elements are pulled down when parts of the crust shift each other and then "float" to the surface through active volcanoes. "This cycle is very important. It tells you how much oxygen is above the surface and how that volume is changed and maintained by subduction," says Esteban Gazelle, associate professor of earth and atmospheric sciences at Cornell College of Engineering. And although this cycle is known, but the details of the process - how exactly subduction reproduces oxygen - has always remained the subject of discussion. Previously, researchers looked for clues by measuring oxygen levels in the Earth's mantle, a layer under the crust filled with magma. peep t ... >>

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen1 10.12.2021

Qualcomm introduced a chip for game consoles. The new Snapdragon G3x Gen1 is designed for devices that run the Android operating system. The SoC received Kryo cores and Adreno graphics. Snapdragon G3x Gen1 powered devices will be able to output to 4K displays at 144 fps via a USB-C port. The chip supports Wi-Fi 6 / 6E, 5G, as well as proprietary Snapdragon Sound technology, which improves sound quality. Qualcomm, along with Razer, showed a prototype game console with a new processor. The device has a 6,65" OLED display at 120Hz, a cooling system, four speakers and a 5-megapixel FHD camera through which you can broadcast during the gameplay. ... >>

Space flights are bad for the liver 10.12.2021

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have found that being in space for astronauts can be fraught with health problems. On the example of laboratory mice, the researchers found that weightless conditions negatively affect the expression of genes associated with the functioning of the liver. When flying into space, the human body is subjected to heavy loads: microgravity and high levels of radiation affect the work of a number of organs, and most of all, the work of the liver. In the course of the study, scientists compared the expression of liver genes in laboratory mice in normal, terrestrial conditions and under the influence of microgravity, characteristic of the conditions of the ISS. It turned out that in the space environment in mice, the activity of antioxidants decreases due to a decrease in the content of sulfur-containing components. The latter protect cells from reactive oxygen. Thus, the liver of mice under space conditions is subjected to strong oxidative stress. The researchers noted that their work will help to make the necessary ... >>

Solar lift with energy storage 09.12.2021

In the Italian city of Cuneo, located in the northern region of Piedmont, Italian photovoltaic module manufacturer FuturaSun has installed a solar energy storage system to power a panoramic elevator. The pilot project is part of the Store4HUC program funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is the first of four projects developed in Austria, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The goal is to develop renewable energy production systems with sustainable storage in historic city centers across Europe. In Cuneo, the newly installed elevator is an inclined system that rises to a height of 28 meters and connects the car park to the city centre. The elevator is powered not only by a solar installation and batteries, but also by the energy produced by the elevator itself during its movement due to the gravitational storage. A photovoltaic plant with a peak power of 8,84 kW was connected to the grid in October and deployed along the lift path. ... >>

Stress makes the body age faster 09.12.2021

Scientists from Yale University have found out how chronic stress speeds up the biological clock and whether there are ways to slow it down and prolong a healthy life. To do this, the authors used the epigenetic clock - a set of epigenetic DNA marks that makes it possible to determine the biological age of a tissue, cell, or organ. Stress does accelerate the aging of the body, but a person can cope with the consequences by increasing the regulation of emotions and self-control. Long-term stress, for example, increases the risk of heart disease, addiction, mood disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She added that stress can affect metabolism, accelerating the development of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes. It also deprives a person of the ability to manage emotions and think clearly. The scientists' study involved 444 people aged 19 to 50 who provided blood samples used to assess age-related chemical changes, as well as a friend. ... >>

Herbicides in capsules 08.12.2021

An innovative herbicide delivery system could revolutionize agriculture and weed control. The use of herbicide-filled capsules is safer and just as effective as the traditional method. According to Professor Amelia Limbongan of the University of Queensland, the method was very effective against a wide range of weed species that pose a serious threat to agriculture. "This method of weed control is practical and more convenient than other methods, and we have already seen several farms adopt this approach. The convenience of the system, combined with its proven efficacy and safety, means that the encapsulated herbicide can be used in a variety of conditions throughout The method uses 30% less herbicides to kill weeds and is as effective as more labour-intensive approaches, saving farmers and foresters time and money,” said Amelia Limbongan. Herbicides in the ... >>

electromagnetic pistol 08.12.2021

China's Wuhan Naval Engineering University has developed a prototype weapon that contains three coils that generate an electromagnetic field. In the development, scientists used artificial intelligence methods. Engineers have created a Gauss pistol of record power. A pistol, or Gauss cannon, is one of the varieties of an electromagnetic mass accelerator. Inside the barrel there are conductive coils to which a current pulse is applied. This creates an electromagnetic field that accelerates the magnetized projectile - it shoots out of the barrel. The advantage of such a gun is silent shooting with low recoil. The Chinese prototype has a barrel length of 12 centimeters, and its muzzle energy reaches 150 joules, which is comparable to small-caliber firearms. The effectiveness of weapons was improved with the help of a neural network. ... >>

Compressed light for color photographs of nanomaterials 07.12.2021

Creating a nanodevice is only half the battle - you also need to be able to study and improve them. Typically, such devices reflect too little light to produce a good image, but recent advances by UC Riverside will make this possible. They have developed a technology that compresses the light of a tungsten lamp into a spot on the end of a silver nanowire, only 6 nanometers in diameter. Thanks to this, scientists were able to obtain color images of an "unprecedented" level of quality. They were able to adapt for color imaging a previously developed superfocusing instrument, which was used to measure the vibrations of molecular bonds with a spatial resolution of up to 1 nm. Now he can register signals throughout the visible spectrum. Light travels in a conical path, like a flashlight. When the tip of the nanowire passes over the object, the system registers the influence of this element. ... >>

Nanomechanical microchip sensor with ceramic coating 07.12.2021

The world's most accurate nanomechanical microchip sensor, combining nanotechnology and machine learning, was developed by researchers from TU Delft in the Netherlands. It will help to study dark matter, develop the quantum Internet, navigation and sounding. Vibrating objects of the smallest size act in sensors or quantum equipment. It is very difficult to prevent them from interacting with ambient thermal noise. Sensors exist in a state of delicate balance, and even small interferences greatly affect their operation. So, for example, a quantum computer can only work at temperatures around absolute zero (-273,15 °C). The necessary refrigeration equipment that provides such a temperature costs about half a million euros per copy. It is, of course, expensive. This sensor will allow you not to use refrigeration equipment. Scientists have come up with a web-shaped microchip sensor that resonates well in noise isolation and operates at room temperature. The developers took an example from the device ... >>

Interaction between quantum magnets programmed 06.12.2021

A team of German physicists from the Center for Quantum Dynamics at Heidelberg University have changed the interaction between microscopic quantum magnets - spins. In the study, for the first time, magnets retained their original orientation for an extended period in isolated quantum systems. The scientists used a gas of atoms that had been cooled to a temperature close to absolute zero. Using a laser, the atoms were heated and separated electrons at macroscopic distances from the atomic nucleus. These "atomic giants", known as Rydberg atoms, interact with each other at distances of almost a millimeter. The research was to control the dynamics of quantum magnets using methods from the field of nuclear magnetic resonance. In their experiments, the researchers used specially designed periodic microwave pulses to change the spins of atoms in order to control the interaction between them. Microwave pulses respond to Rydberg a ... >>

The brain can block the storage of certain memories 06.12.2021

Scientists from Zhejiang University in China conducted numerous experiments with different groups of volunteers. The hypothesis of the researchers was confirmed: the brain is able to block the storage of certain memories, even if a person tried to remember them. It is logical to assume that the information that we specifically focus on at a certain point in time should be remembered better. However, as it turns out, this is not always the case. The subconscious mind is able to determine how much we need this or that information in the future, and if it turns out that the data is no longer needed, they will not be stored in memory. During the experiment, scientists asked volunteers to look at various objects and focus on certain elements of them, ignoring others. For example, focus on color rather than shape. They were then asked about what they remembered. There were several similar experiments with people of different ages. The results showed that volunteers were more likely to be distracted by things that ... >>

A chamber the size of a grain of salt 05.12.2021

Scientists from two US universities - Princeton and Washington - have created a tiny chamber the size of a grain of salt. The camera sensor is only 0,5 mm wide. Its metasurface consists of 1,6 million cylinders at a special inclination. They capture and refract light in the right way, and then algorithms form an image from this data. Despite the fact that the new sensor is half a million times smaller than a conventional lens, the pictures taken by it are not inferior in quality and even better. The developers believe that the miniature camera opens up new possibilities in fields ranging from robotics to medicine. Earlier, American specialists created a computer as thin as a sheet of paper. Such a device can be glued to a broken bone and will tell doctors when it is time to remove the screws and plates. ... >>

Professional OLED display LG UltraFine Display OLED Pro 05.12.2021

LG Electronics has introduced a professional OLED display aimed at video processing professionals, TV and film studios. The LG UltraFine Display OLED Pro features over 8 million self-illuminating pixels using OLED technology to deliver perfect blacks and accurate colors for true-to-life images. In addition, LG OLED Pro allows you to achieve high image quality through extensive color correction. In particular, you can change the color temperature, R/G/B color gain, color coordinate selection (Native (sRGB) / DCI-P3 / BT709 / SMPTE-C (BT.2020) / EBU / Adobe RGB / NTSC) to correct the image closest to what is perceived by the human eye. The LG UltraFine Display OLED Pro is equipped with dedicated SDI and SFP+ interfaces for professional video and broadcast processing. The display has 4 SDI interfaces and supports Single/Dual/Quad Link and various input/output resolutions (SD/HD/3G/6G/12G), providing ... >>

Global warming is accelerating the largest current in the Southern Ocean 04.12.2021

Scientists in the US and China have used data collected by Project Argo drifting buoys to determine what is causing the acceleration of the Southern Hemisphere's largest current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. It turned out that the main contribution to this process is not made by the wind, as previously thought, but by climate warming associated with human activity. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a cold surface oceanic current in the Southern Ocean. Scientists from the University of California at San Diego, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of California at Riverside used satellite measurements collected by Argo's global network of drifting buoys to determine why the ADC has accelerated in recent years. “Both from observations and models, we can conclude that ocean temperature change is causing a significant acceleration of the ADC in the last ten years,” says study co-author Jia-Rui Shi. ... >>

Aviation fuel from soybean oil 04.12.2021

Biofuel blends are one way the aviation industry is reducing its carbon footprint, or overall greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Peoria, Illinois have figured out how to make quality jet fuel from soybean oil. The fatty acids found in soybean oil can be converted into a range of industrial products typically derived from petroleum, such as fuels, inks or paints. One of the benefits of plant foods is that they recycle atmospheric carbon. This makes plants a renewable resource, unlike oil or other fossil fuels, which, on the contrary, add carbon to the atmosphere. However, the current soy jet fuel contains insufficient amounts of "aromatic" compounds, which give it the necessary density, elasticity and proper operation of engine seals. Because of this e ... >>

Radeon RX 6600 XT graphics accelerator 03.12.2021

Sapphire Technology has announced the GearBox 500 Thunderbolt 3 Pulse RX 6600 XT eGFX external graphics accelerator, designed primarily for use with laptops and small form factor computers that lack a discrete graphics card. The device initially includes the Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 6600 XT accelerator based on the AMD RDNA 2 architecture. Its capabilities, as stated, will be enough for professional applications and high-quality 1080p gaming. The novelty uses a Thunderbolt 3/4 interface with a bandwidth of up to 40 Gb / s to connect to a PC. We are talking about compatibility with computers running operating systems macOS and Windows 10/11. The solution is equipped with a 500W power supply. There is a Gigabit Ethernet network controller, as well as two USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals. The Thunderbolt interface serves not only for data exchange, but also for power supply (up to 60 W). This allows you to recharge the battery ... >>

Reading the minds of jellyfish 03.12.2021

Understanding the exact patterns of brain cells that govern all of our daily behavior is an incredibly difficult puzzle for neuroscientists. But now fundamental questions in the neuroscience of behavior can be answered with a new and much simpler model of the organism: tiny jellyfish. Caltech researchers have developed a kind of genetic toolkit designed to work with Clytia hemisphaerica, a type of jellyfish about 1cm in diameter, when it is fully grown. With this toolkit, the tiny creatures have been genetically modified so that their neurons individually glow with fluorescent light when activated. Because the jellyfish is transparent, researchers can observe the glow of the animal's neural activity as it behaves naturally. In other words, the team can read the jellyfish's mind as it feeds, swims, evades predators, etc. to understand how the animal's relatively simple brain ... >>

Hybrid crossover BMW Concept XM 02.12.2021

The BMW M division of the well-known German automaker has unveiled the BMW Concept XM plug-in hybrid concept, which will turn into a serial BMW XM crossover next year. The Germans noted that this will be the first independent model of the BMW M brand after the BMW M1 sports car and it will have no analogues in the main BMW lineup. The model received a hybrid propulsion system consisting of a V8 gasoline engine and an electric motor, which together produce 550 kW / 750 hp. and 1000 Nm of torque. Exclusively on electric traction, the crossover will be able to drive up to 80 km, so it can be used without problems in green areas. The BMW Concept XM crossover has received a new design with a two-tone paint job, the features of which will be used by the brand's future flagship models. At the front, the car retains the distinctive nostrils, while the M-style double louvre grille forms an almost octagonal contour, while contour lighting creates ... >>

Rocket flying on plastic waste 02.12.2021

Pulsar Fusion has successfully tested its hybrid rocket engine, which uses both solid and gaseous or liquid propellants. The Pulsar rocket uses recycled high-density polyethylene and nitrogen oxide as fuel, which burn together. Using this polyethylene, you can create non-toxic rocket fuel. Hybrid engines can run on recycled plastic, while liquid engines cannot. This can be said to be an environmentally friendly type of engine. Plastic bottles and other plastic waste can be melted down and placed in special blocks that are loaded into the rocket before each launch. In September 2021, Pulsar Fusion received funding from the UK government to further develop its plasma thrusters capable of propelling particles at 20 km/s. Pulsar Fusion wants to create an ultra-fast engine for interplanetary travel in 4 years using ... >>

The Metaverse may be worse than social networks 01.12.2021

Modern technologies are shifting towards virtual and augmented reality, creating space to accommodate the metaverse. Skeptics are negative about this trend and believe that the metaverse can lead to the end of the reality known to people. As the inventor of the first augmented reality system, Louis Rosenberg, suggests, the metaverse could be much worse than social networks. Augmented Reality and the Metaverse seek to present content in the most natural way possible, thereby "changing the sense of reality", removing boundaries in people's minds and distorting the interpretation of everyday experience. “Personally, it scares me. Augmented reality will radically change all aspects of society and not necessarily for the better,” Rosenberg explained. According to the expert, social networks manipulate reality by filtering the content displayed to users. People are becoming more and more dependent on corporations to provide and support ... >>

Fried cucumbers 01.12.2021

A Dutch company has created a hybrid variety of cucumbers that can be fried without losing their crunch. Cucumbers are a popular vegetable on our table that can be used in salads, pickles and cold dishes. And now the cucumbers can also be fried. Breeders from the Netherlands have created a hybrid vegetable called Wokcue that can be cooked in a pan and will not lose its toughness while remaining crispy. The Dutch curiosity has already been tested and given a positive assessment. Breeders say that such cucumbers will become very popular, especially among people who adhere to vegetarianism. Traditional varieties of cucumbers are not suitable for frying, because they contain a lot of moisture. Although, in some Asian dishes you can find a fried vegetable. Before cooking, the core is taken out of it and what remains is fried. But such a dish is not for everyone. The creators of Wokcue are convinced that their brainchild will find its fans and many will like it ... >>

Zyxel 802.11ax Outdoor Access Point (Wi-Fi 6) 30.11.2021

Zyxel Networks in Ukraine has introduced a new waterproof outdoor access point of the 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard. The advantage of the 802.11ax standard lies in the use of several advanced technologies. For example, Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (ODFMA), spatial reuse and Basic Service Set coloring (BSS), known as color coding. The Zyxel NWA55AXE is a complete Wi-Fi 6 access point that supports key 802.11ax features that improve wireless network performance and capacity. By transmitting data to multiple clients simultaneously, the NWA55AXE maximizes efficiency and completely eliminates channel contention between wireless devices. Zyxel NWA55AXE operates in two frequency bands: 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz with data transfer rates up to 1775 Mbps. This means high speed with large volumes of transmitted traffic and high density of user devices. hotspot ... >>

plastic from tomato skins 30.11.2021

Spanish experts announced the processing of tomato skins into plastic in order to preserve the environment. Environmentally friendly material will be made from waste that remains in the production of tomato paste and ketchup. Experts are convinced that such natural packaging will reduce the harm to the atmosphere caused by plastic and oil products. In addition, it is an environmentally friendly plastic that will reduce waste from food production. Tomato peel will turn into harmless food packaging. The biomaterial will be produced on the basis of fatty acids. Invented matter is strong, but quickly decomposes. For complete disappearance, it will take no more than a month. By comparison, ordinary plastic will remain on the surface of the planet for another 450 years. ... >>

Reactor on molten salts and fast neutrons 29.11.2021

TerraPower, which is heavily funded by Bill Gates, is also developing the Molten Chloride Experimental Reactor (MCRE) along with the Natrium reactor project. Like the Natrium project, the MCRE reactor is powered by the radioactive decay of the fuel by absorbing fast neutrons, but in the case of the MCRE, the molten salt serves as both a coolant and a means of supplying fuel to the reactor. This is a winning combination. The construction and operation of the MCRE reactor will be carried out by the Southern Company, a major operator of a range of generating facilities in the United States. The Southern Company recently signed an agreement with the US Department of Energy to design, build and operate the Molten Chloride Experimental Reactor (MCRE) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site. In addition to TerraPower, Southern Company and INL, Core Power, Orano Federal Services, Electric Power Research Institute and 3M Company are participating in the project. by the US Department of Energy, several ... >>

Nokia T20 Education Edition tablet 29.11.2021

HMD Global has unveiled its updated Nokia T20 Education Edition tablet. The gadget is positioned as a tablet for study. The novelty received a 10,4-inch 2K display with a screen resolution of 1200 x 2000 pixels. The screen has passed the Swiss SGS blue light eye protection certification. The device runs a tablet based on the Unisoc T610 processor. It is an octa-core processor that includes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1,8GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1,8GHz. The RAM is 4 GB and the internal storage is 64 GB. There is also support for microSD memory cards. The autonomy of the tablet provides an 8100 mAh battery with support for fast charging 15 W. Sales of Nokia T20 Education Edition will start in December. ... >>

Minivan Carnival 2022 28.11.2021

The Korean company Kia introduced the fourth generation Carnival in Russia. Starting November 23, the branded minivan in the 2022 model year version became available to Russian customers at the official dealerships of the brand. The 2022 Kia Carnival is offered with two engine options, in five trim levels, with prices ranging from $38000 to $54000. When preparing the characteristics of the 2022 model year, the wishes of buyers and their expectations from a large family car were taken into account - Carnival became more modern and high-tech, a number of options that aroused interest among customers are now available in cheaper trim levels. The basic Comfort package has not changed; in the Luxe package, the transmission selector has received a new leather trim. The Prestige package is equipped with a new Kia multimedia system with navigation, screen size - 12,3 inches. Starting with this configuration, the minivan is equipped with a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. The sensor is also installed ... >>

Traco TEC 2(WI) and TEC 3(WI) DC/DC Converters 28.11.2021

Traco has updated its line of 2W and 3W regulated DC/DC converters with the new TEC_2, TEC_2WI, TEC_3 and TEC_3WI families with 2:1 and 4:1 input widths (for models suffix "WI"). New generation converters have improved circuitry and modern components. The production is fully automated, thanks to which it was possible to increase the efficiency of products and reduce costs without compromising quality and reliability. The transducers are manufactured in a standard SIP-8 housing, have 1600 V DC input-output isolation, in accordance with EN 62368-1. These DC/DC converters do not require a minimum load as they operate over the full 0...100% load range. The range of converters includes models with an extended input voltage range in the range of low values ​​- 4,5 ... 13,2 V and 4,5 ... 18 V (for models with the ending "WI"). The permissible operating temperature range is -40...90/95°C. Implemented in converters ... >>

Received a plant with genes from one parent 27.11.2021

Scientists from the University of California Davis (USA) were able to remove half the genome from a plant. This mechanism makes it easier and faster to develop crops with desired properties, such as disease resistance. Plants that reproduce sexually inherit the appropriate set of chromosomes from each parent. In order to pass on a favorable trait, such as pest or drought resistance, to all their offspring, a plant must have the same genetic variant on each chromosome. To create a plant that reproduces in this way, as a rule, it is necessary to cross more than one generation. Back in 2010, researchers discovered a way to eliminate the genetic contribution of one parent when growing a laboratory plant, Tal's clover. They modified a protein called CENH3 found in the centromere, a structure at the center of the chromosome. When they tried to cross Tal's wild type clover with plants modified with CENH3, he ... >>

Popcorn as an alternative to Styrofoam 27.11.2021

Styrofoam is a problematic material as it is cheap and lightweight, but is not biodegradable and difficult to recycle. However, German scientists have developed a possible alternative - popcorn foam. Alireza Harazipour, a professor at George August University, first came up with the idea more than a decade ago when he bought a bag of popcorn at a movie theater. Since then, his team has developed a method to use this material as an inexpensive, biodegradable, renewable alternative to Styrofoam. The manufacturing process begins with the mechanical crushing of corn kernels into granules and then expanding them with pressurized steam (or "explosion"). The vegetable protein binder is mixed with the expanded granules, after which the mixture is pressed into a mould. Once the binder has hardened, the resulting sheet, block, or other object is removed from the mold and is ready for use. Foam absorbs heat better than foam, according to the university. ... >>

Wi-Fi 6E modules for Ryzen-based computers 26.11.2021

MediaTek and AMD announced a collaboration to create Wi-Fi wireless modules and immediately announced AMD's debut RZ600 series of two Wi-Fi 6E models containing the new MediaTek Filogic 330P chipset. They will find use in future laptops and desktops with next-generation AMD Ryzen processors starting in 2022. MediaTek and AMD partnered to certify PCIe and USB interfaces for advanced sleep and power management, and optimize modules to minimize development time for new products based on them. There are two modules in the AMD RZ600 series - RZ608 and RZ616. The first is made in the M.2 2230 form factor, supports 80 MHz channels and provides a throughput of up to 1,2 Gbps. More powerful and faster, the RZ616 is available in M.2 2230 and 1216 form factors, uses a 160MHz channel, and delivers up to 2,4Gbps of throughput. The Filogic 330P chipset also integrates ... >>

Flying bug 26.11.2021

Scientists from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne have developed a robotic beetle that can fly. The wings in the structure are retractable. In creating the robot, scientists applied knowledge from the field of zoology: Coleoptera beetles, in addition to the main pair of wings, have special elytra that protect the insect from damage. With their help, the lifting force of the beetles increases, the permissible angle of attack increases, which does not allow stalling. The device is equipped with a folding wing, consisting of two sections on each side and elytra. In a fraction of a second, they are assembled and deployed by servomotors. There are two push propellers at the rear of the drone, which, if necessary, deviate vertically and allow the bug to fly in the other direction. ... >>

Ultrathin computer-on-the-bone 25.11.2021

A team of engineers and doctors from the University of Arizona (USA) has developed an ultra-thin wireless device that is attached to the surface of the bone and one day can help doctors monitor the condition of patients' bones for a long time, the press service of the university reports. Since the muscles are very close to the bones and move frequently, it is important that such a device be thin enough not to irritate the surrounding tissues and not move. Therefore, the new "computer-on-the-bone" is no thicker than a sheet of paper and can repeat the uneven surface of the bone. The device does not need a battery. It uses a method of transferring power and communication - near contactless communication - which is also used in smartphones for contactless payment. How is the device attached to the bone? The bones shed their outer layers of tissue and are renewed, as are the outer layers of the skin. Thus, if you use traditional medical glue to attach something to the bone, it will fall off after a few months. To decide ... >>

Bacteria to turn sugars into synthetic oil 25.11.2021

American biochemists have created a strain of E. coli that can produce biofuels using various sugars as raw materials. "We have created a two-step biochemical process whereby glucose can be directly converted into unsaturated hydrocarbons using living and non-living catalysts. Biofuel production in this way will bring humanity closer to the creation of a full-fledged green energy," said Wang Zhen, associate professor at the University at Buffalo and one of the authors of the study. "Over the past decades, scientists have come up with several methods to turn plant biomass into fuel. Typically, it is produced in several stages involving fungi and various types of bacteria. These fuels can be used, but they are quite expensive to produce, and they are inferior in energy intensity to gasoline. Wang Zhen and her colleagues proposed to solve this problem with the help of bacteria, which can directly convert plant materials and the sugars contained in them into a mixture of ... >>

Dimensity 9000 single-chip system 24.11.2021

MediaTek has unveiled the Dimensity 9000 SoC, the flagship smartphone platform for 2022. In one, the novelty compares favorably with the platforms of Qualcomm and Apple - this is the world's first SoC, produced according to the 4 nm process technology. Theoretically, this gives it an advantage in terms of lower power consumption. However, the difference between Qualcomm and Apple's 5nm SoCs is small. The production of Dimensity 9000 is entrusted to TSMC, ready-made devices based on the new platform are promised in the first quarter of 2022, that is, flagships based on Snapdragon 898 and Dimensity 9000 will appear almost simultaneously. Preliminary SoC configuration data has been fully confirmed by the official ones. The platform CPU is triple-clustered, with one Arm Cortex-X2 core at 3,05 GHz, three Arm Cortex-A710 cores at 2,85 GHz, and four Cortex-A510 cores at 1,8 GHz. The 10-core accelerator Arm Mali-G710 acted as the GPU. Also in the single-chip system configuration, the fifth generation six-core APU module for ... >>

Efficient Magnesium Batteries 24.11.2021

The first lithium-ion batteries entered the market in 1991 with the active participation of Sony, but only in 2019 did their creators receive the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Humanity is now in dire need of new technologies for storing electric charge. The search for alternatives to lithium batteries is actively underway, as one of them it is proposed to use magnesium. Even the property of a single magnesium ion to carry two electrons against one in a lithium ion can significantly increase the energy storage density. According to preliminary calculations, magnesium-ion batteries can store up to 1 kW of electricity in one liter of volume. They are being developed by the scientific consortium E-Magic, which brings together researchers from Denmark, Israel, Germany, Spain and the UK. The project is supported by the EU authorities, and developers are ready to make market participants happy with serial batteries based on magnesium ions only in the next decade. The cost of magnesium in terms of mass ... >>

Water coal for heating systems 23.11.2021

Ukrainian scientists have created "water coal" - a liquid fuel that will make it possible to heat residential buildings cheaply and efficiently. The development was presented by specialists from the Kyiv National University. Taras Shevchenko and Kyiv Polytechnic University. Igor Sikorsky. Scientists have presented a water-coal liquid, on which the entire system will work. For a powerful combustion process, you only need a combination of water and brown coal, as well as a plasma torch and electricity. The system will run on a relatively small amount of electricity, which will supply the starting mechanism, then a chemical reaction occurs, due to which the burning torch gives off heat. Thus, a small amount of electricity provides enough heat energy: heating 250 square meters of living space requires three cubic meters of gas per hour, while a new installation will require only 2.5 kW for the same living space. The installation will be universal: residential buildings, hospitals, and even it will come in handy ... >>

Purification of drinking water from drugs 23.11.2021

Researchers at the University of Johannesburg have developed a method for monitoring wastewater. It helps detect antiretroviral drugs that are prescribed for HIV and AIDS. Wastewater treatment plants cannot remove pharmaceuticals that enter rivers from wastewater. Often people flush the tablets down the toilet, in addition, they enter the wastewater with urine or feces (a certain amount of the drug is not absorbed, but excreted by the body). A new study has found a simple and fast way to detect antiretroviral drugs. The method involves the production of an environmentally friendly adsorbent, which takes about two days. A modified composite with activated carbon alginate is used as a sorbent. The porous structure, large surface area and many functional groups make the adsorbent suitable for efficient adsorption of target analytes. Water samples are pre-concentrated before analysis. Water samples are taken from the river up and ... >>

Recycled battery 22.11.2021

Swedish company Northvolt has produced the first battery using 100% recycled nickel, cobalt and manganese. A lithium-ion battery made from recycled metals was produced under a program called Revolt. Nickel, manganese and cobalt were obtained from the recycling of decommissioned batteries. The test results showed that the performance of such a battery is on par with the performance of batteries made from mined metals. Northvolt also announced the construction of a recycling plant called Revolt Ett, which will begin in the first quarter of 2022. The plant will be put into operation in 2023. As a result of the expansion of the recycling line, the company will be able to recycle 125 thousand tons of decommissioned batteries annually. In addition to lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel, the plant will also be able to process plastic, copper and aluminum and then return to the production of end products, the report said. ... >>

Stable nanographene magnet developed 22.11.2021

Researchers have synthesized for the first time a crystalline nanographene with magnetic properties that were theoretically predicted more than 70 years ago. Since 2004, when graphene was produced in the lab, scientists have begun to study its impressive characteristics, including the unique magnetic and electronic properties of its zigzag edges. However, earlier, due to the complexity of studying these structures, the study and application of their features was practically impossible. Now a team from Osaka University has been able to solve this problem with a simplified model system of a crystalline triangulene. To prevent polymerization of the material, Japanese scientists increased the volume of its molecules without losing its basic properties. The resulting graphene was stable at room temperature, allowing them to study its optical and magnetic properties. As a result, scientists were able to confirm the presence in this form at the zigzag edges of unpaired electrons, which determine the triplet state of the molecules. Not ... >>

Data transmission using fast neutrons 21.11.2021

Traditional radio communications are based on electromagnetic radiation, but scientists from Lancaster University (UK) and the Jozsef Stefan Institute (Slovenia) in their new project were able to transmit data in digital format, using fast neutrons as a basis. As part of the study, the scientists measured the spontaneous emission of fast neutrons emitted by californium-252, a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear reactors. Next, they modulated the neutron field, that is, the flux of free neutrons, by encoding the simplest information elements: words, the alphabet, and randomly selected numbers. The neutron flux hit the detector, and the output data was decoded on a laptop, with the help of which the encoded information was restored. To test the system's performance, a double-blind test was conducted, in which the value received on the random number generator was encoded without prior notification of the senders, after which the signal was transmitted ... >>

Water unmanned taxi 21.11.2021

A new mode of transport was tested in the canals of Amsterdam. Specialists from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) launched the first self-navigating fully autonomous robotic boats. There can be five people on the boat. Engineers believe that such boats can be used both as passenger transport and for delivering goods or, for example, transporting garbage. The boat is powered by a battery that lasts for 10 hours of battery life. Such devices can be charged wirelessly while in the dock. While moving, the boat uses lidar and multiple cameras to provide a 360-degree view. Navigation is carried out in the same way as in a car - using GPS. ... >>

Drone - helium balloon 20.11.2021

Despite the ease of use, multicopter drones make quite a lot of noise during operation, consume a lot of energy, and besides, they are potentially dangerous due to rotating blades. An alternative was presented by the Japanese company NTT Docomo, releasing a balloon-like drone that moves extremely quietly. Classic drones with spinning blades pose some threat to humans, animals, and even other drones. Many of them use sensors and sophisticated algorithms for avoiding obstacles, some manufacturers create special casings to protect against the consequences of collisions and other solutions to maintain functionality even after an incident. Docomo's idea is much simpler - get rid of the blades completely. The new drone is essentially a balloon filled with helium. The bottom-mounted camera allows you to take photos and videos, and the drone also has a multi-colored LED backlight that can be turned on as needed. chief ... >>

seaweed cheese 20.11.2021

A Singaporean food company has created a real vegan cheese from protein flour and microalgae. It can be eaten solid or melted in the microwave and tastes like cheddar. Sophie's BioNutrients, a Singapore-based biotechnology company, is committed to sustainable food production, which means it pays special attention to the environmental friendliness of its production. Earlier this year, they announced that they were developing a protein-rich cheese made from photosynthetic microalgae that would be completely free of animal protein. And the other day the company announced that their new product is finally ready. In May of this year, they introduced lactose-free milk from the same algae, and before that, protein flour. "Microalgae is one of the most nutrient-dense resources on the planet," said Eugene Wang, co-founder and CEO of Sophie's BioNutrients. ... >>

Quantum processor for 127 qubits 19.11.2021

IBM said it has developed a new quantum computing chip that the company believes will enable quantum systems to outperform classical computers in some tasks over the next two years. The new Eagle chip has 127 qubits, making it the fastest quantum processor in the world. For comparison, not so long ago, the most powerful programmable quantum computer in the world was presented in China and it has only 56 qubits. IBM itself has so far revealed few details about the new product and has not compared it with other systems. The methods used to create the Eagle will eventually lead to much higher performance chips. The company intends to launch 2022-qubit Osprey and 433-qubit Condor quantum chips in 1121. IBM is confident that this will bring it closer to the so-called "quantum supremacy" - the point at which quantum computers can surpass traditional systems. Dario Gil, c ... >>

A vegan diet can help you stay off your medications 19.11.2021

Vegans reduce drug intake in older adults by 58% compared to meat eaters. This conclusion was made by scientists from the University of Loma Linda. A new study has shown that older people who follow a vegan diet take 58% less medication than meat eaters. The authors of the study compared the diet and the number of tablets regularly taken by older people. A plant-based diet has also been shown to improve a range of health outcomes, including blood pressure and weight. The study focused on polypharmacy, which is the name given to taking 5 or more prescribed medications per day. This is a fairly common problem in older people. Many of them have to take daily medicines for high blood pressure, for arrhythmias, for arthritis, for diabetes, for back pain, diuretics, statins and the like. Some older people are forced to take sometimes 7 and 10 tablets daily. The authors of the study suggest ... >>

Adaptive Walking Exosuit 18.11.2021

Researchers at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. John A. Paulson (SEAS, USA) has developed a new robotic exosuit that can adapt to a specific person and adapt to various walking tasks. The bioinspired system uses ultrasound measurements of muscle dynamics. People rarely walk at a constant speed and on a perfectly level surface. We accelerate when we rush to the next meeting, when we respond to a signal for a pedestrian crossing. Or we slow down when we go for a walk in the park. The surface and its angle of inclination is also constantly changing, whether we are hiking or climbing a ramp into a building. In addition, the way we walk is influenced by our physiological characteristics: gender, height, age and muscle strength, and sometimes by neurological or muscular disorders such as stroke or Parkinson's disease. This variability makes it difficult to develop a versatile exosuit—essentially a wearable robot—that will help humans walk in normal ... >>

Memory eraser 18.11.2021

Scientists have developed a "memory eraser" similar to the one shown in the movie "Men in Black". Researchers at Kyoto University have done a successful memory-deletion experiment on mice. The rodents learned a new task, then were subjected to an optical effect with a special device, and as a result, they completely lost their memories of what had happened to them before. The technology is based on the destruction of the cofilin protein, which is responsible for the transition of short-term memory to long-term memory. Is it possible to erase a person's memory in the same way? In fact, it’s not quite the same as in this film, when they just shine in the eyes with some kind of device. First, these animals are genetically modified. They produce a modified protein that, when exposed to light, generates molecules that lead to local destruction. And secondly, they also have a second modified protein that helps to perceive this light. Plus, they also need to implant this light source. That is, these mice are not ... >>

Positive thinking strengthens the immune system 17.11.2021

A group of specialists from the University of Exeter and the University of Oxford (UK) concluded that positive thinking helps to strengthen the immune system. Scientists conducted an experiment involving more than 135 people. They were divided: some of the volunteers listened to audio lectures on the need to develop positive thinking - to perceive life and the people around them more optimistically, kinder and more condescendingly. Another part of the volunteers listened to the arguments about why the attitude to everything should be as critical as possible. Volunteers from different groups were measured heart rate and sweating - markers of psychological state. As a result, it turned out that the participants from the "positive thinking" group had their lower parameters, that is, they were more relaxed and less anxious. The level of production of anti-inflammatory components of the immune system in their bodies was also lower, which meant that there was no high threat for a person. ... >>

Microchip MCP1631 PWM Modulators 17.11.2021

Microchip has developed high-speed PWM modulators that can turn most general-purpose microcontrollers into full-fledged switching power converter controllers with flexible functionality. Each of the microcircuits of the MCP1631 line contains a basic set of nodes used in modern PWM controllers, including a high-speed PWM modulator, MOSFET driver, amplifiers, comparators, as well as additional analog and digital elements that connect all components of the microcircuit into a single system. At the same time, high-level control of the converter, including the formation of the conversion frequency, setting the output voltage and output current, is carried out programmatically using a general-purpose microcontroller by generating and processing just a few signals. The MCP1631 and MCP1631HV chips are designed to create current stabilizers, while the MCP1631V and MCP1631VHV are the basis for ... >>

Lifestyle affects the future of offspring 16.11.2021

Australian scientists from the Medical University Georg Zimbruner conducted research in which they found that traumatic experiences, exercise and nutrition affect future children and grandchildren. Experts deciphered the information contained in DNA and found out that our lives are determined by genes. However, lifestyle, environment and experiences during pregnancy affect fate. The action of genes extends over three generations. They also depend on the diseases that a person will develop in the process of life. ... >>

Discovered a unique mineral from the Earth's mantle 16.11.2021

For the first time in history, researchers from the United States have discovered the mineral davemaoite inside a diamond that formed in the Earth's mantle. Named after the famous geophysicist Ho Kwang (Dave) Mao, this mineral is the first example of high-pressure calcium silicate (CaSiO3) perovskite found on Earth. Earth. Another form of CaSiO3, known as wollastonite, is commonly found throughout the world, but davemaoite has a crystalline structure that only forms under high pressure and high temperatures in the Earth's mantle, in the Earth's mostly solid layer, between the outer core and the crust. Geologists assumed that davemaoite would be a common and geochemically important mineral in the Earth's mantle. But scientists have never found direct evidence of its existence because it breaks down into other minerals as it moves towards the surface and the pressure drops. However, analysis of a diamond from Botswana, which was formed in the mantle at a depth of about 660 km from the Earth's surface, revealed a sample of ... >>

Coal will save humanity from thirst 15.11.2021

The proven reserves of coal in the world when used by burning will last for several hundred years, but the current "green agenda" makes this type of fossil irrelevant. At the same time, humanity is already facing an imminent shortage of drinking water. Scientists from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia have developed a technology that can use coal to drink all the afflicted. The development is based on a material called "carbonized pressed powder" (CCP), which is obtained by grinding coal and then pressing the resulting powder back into solid briquettes. The checkpoint has two significant advantages - large porosity and absorption area, plus it can be given arbitrary shapes. Saudi scientists have combined it with cotton fibers to create the heart of a new desalination plant. The gearbox block is placed in a container with sea salt water 1,5 times its volume, while the upper part of the block protrudes above the water. She's under pressure ... >>

Wireless solar powered hair dryer 15.11.2021

Chinese startup Zuvi is launching its light-powered wireless hair dryer. The device uses light energy to quickly dry hair like wind. The maximum rated power is 290W. The hair dryer can be charged up to 90% in 19 minutes and weighs only 630g. Zuvi's drying technology is to accelerate the evaporation of moisture from the hair through heat. Radiation is the most efficient method of heat transfer. In addition, the technology does not damage the hair. The principle of light-force heat transfer is that water molecules selectively absorb certain wavelengths of infrared light. Most of the energy is absorbed by the water molecules outside the hair. Since the temperature of the surrounding air, hair and scalp does not rise, the hair retains its natural moisture and has a lower electrical charge. This reduces hair damage. The Zuvi hair dryer has 15 built-in sensors that collect a range of data, including content ... >>

Periodic vibrations of an unknown nature found inside neutrons 14.11.2021

Scientists working with China's BEC-II particle accelerator have found evidence that periodic oscillations of an unknown nature exist within neutrons. The measurements showed that the electromagnetic structure of the neutron changes in a periodic manner. Something similar was previously recorded for protons. Subsequent experiments and theoretical calculations will help us understand how these oscillations arise and what role they play in the structure of nucleons. Almost all elementary particles are made up of small objects that physicists call quarks and gluons. There are three quarks in protons, neutrons and other "heavy" baryon particles. Their smaller "brothers" - mesons - consist of two similar components, one of which is an antiquark, the basic component of antimatter. Scientists have long been trying to understand how quarks are distributed inside protons, neutrons and other particles, as well as to study how they interact with each other and with the "sea" of virtual quarks, continuously appearing and disappearing. ... >>

Indestructible composite glass for smartphones and TVs 14.11.2021

A team of scientists has developed a new technology for the production of ultra-strong composite glass for smartphones and other devices. Employees of the University of Queensland (Australia), the University of Leeds (UK), the University of Paris-Saclay (France) and the University of Cambridge (UK). According to the authors, they were able to process the glass nanocrystals in such a way that now it does not break and provides a clear image. The emitting materials are made from lead halide crystals called perovskites. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, helping to save energy. Of them, for example, make cheap solar panels of a new generation. The main disadvantage of perovskites is their sensitivity to light, heat, water and even air - ordinary water vapor destroys perovskites in a matter of seconds. A team of researchers has found a way to bind porous glass nanocrystals and protect them from the environment. ... >>

The thinnest X-ray detector 13.11.2021

Scientists in Australia have used tin monosulfide (SnS) nanosheets to create the thinnest X-ray detector ever made, potentially enabling real-time imaging of cell biology. The researchers found that SnS nanosheets have a high photon absorption coefficient, and this allows them to be used in the creation of ultra-thin soft X-ray detectors with high sensitivity and fast response time. In addition, these materials have been found to be even more sensitive than other new candidates (metal halide perovskites), have faster response times than known detectors, and their sensitivity can be tuned in the soft X-ray region. ... >>

E-cigarettes increase the risk of stroke 13.11.2021

American cardiologists have found that vapers suffer from a stroke about 15% more often than other people of similar age who smoke regular cigarettes. "The liquid for vaping contains not only nicotine, but also other substances that negatively affect the functioning of blood vessels. Because of them, brain vessels can be damaged: blood clots may occur in them more often, which increases the risk of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke," commented Karen Fury, professor at Brown University (USA) and one of the authors of the study. Recent studies show that tobacco use is more dangerous than vaping, but the latter also threatens the human body. In particular, in a pair of electronic cigarettes, scientists have found toxins, carcinogens and other substances that not only increase the likelihood of lung cancer, but also make the walls of arteries and veins more fragile. In a new study led by Urvish Patel at the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Medicine (USA), they found that ... >>

Optoma UHZ50 Smart 4K UHD Laser Projector 12.11.2021

Optoma has unveiled the new UHZ50 Smart 4K UHD projector for home entertainment and gaming. It supports 4K resolution at 60 fps, as well as 1080p at 240Hz and 4ms response time. The projector has vertical lens shift, 1,3x zoom and four-corner correction. The native aspect ratio is 16:9, while it supports 4:3 ratio. The diagonal of the projected image is from 34,1 to 302,4 inches. There is 3D support. The Optoma UHZ50 Smart 4K UHD has two built-in 10W speakers. In addition, Optoma says its projector is rated to operate silently at 26 dB. The laser projector supports HDR10 and HLG, has a contrast ratio of 2500000:1, a brightness of 3000 ANSI lumens, and a 30000 hour manufacturer's warranty. He received two USB ports for connecting multimedia devices, two HDMI 2.0 ports (including the eARC version), as well as HDCP 2.2 support. Optoma UHZ50 Smart 4K UHD projector price ... >>

Accurate frost forecast with AI 12.11.2021

Scientists at Meiji University in Kawasaki, Japan have investigated the cause and effect that inevitably leads to freezes when sensor data can be analyzed by algorithms. This improves the accuracy of the forecast. In the new work, scientists presented methods for computer simulation of frost formation. Among these methods are causal and associative models. They also propose the basis for a hybrid system that can provide a short-term frost forecast within hours and demonstrate how it can be used for longer-term forecasts, such as over the next few days. There are two types of frost. There is frozen dew (water frost). This occurs when water vapor from the atmosphere condenses as moisture droplets on surfaces such as plants when the temperature falls below the dew point but above the freezing point of water. However, the surface temperature then drops below freezing, resulting in ... >>

Birds are quieter due to global warming 11.11.2021

The intensity of birdsong in North America and Europe has declined greatly in 25 years. The reason is a decrease in both the number of birds and their species diversity. This conclusion was reached by a group of biologists from different countries of Europe, who worked on the basis of the University of East Anglia (UEA). The group used a new technique to recreate soundscapes over the course of a single generation, based on a comprehensive analysis of sound recordings of different bird species in the wild and data from various sources that counted the number of these species in the field. The study is based on an analysis of changes in 200 local soundscapes. The acoustic characteristics of soundscapes were evaluated using four indices describing the distribution of acoustic energy over frequency and time. These indices are determined by the complexity and diversity of songs of different kinds, and allow a quantitative assessment of the diversity and intensity of each soundscape as a whole. ... >>

Budget Chinese electric cars 11.11.2021

Chinese electric vehicles, prices for which have been declining in recent years, have become much cheaper than their European counterparts - in some cases twice as much. Most Chinese manufacturers are aimed at the mass market, while they adapt previously released cars with internal combustion engines for electric motors. This allows you to effectively expand your audience. Over the past 10 years, the average cost of electric vehicles has almost halved (by 47%). However, if we take the segment of full-size cars, then the average price has dropped by 2011 times since 2,75. In China, small urban electric vehicles are the leaders in sales, chosen by 40% of buyers. Their average price is 6,7 thousand euros. The most popular model is the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, Chery recently released a very similar car, which immediately topped the sales chart. In the first 9 months of 2021, Chinese electric vehicle sales grew by 190%. In three quarters, 1,8 million electric vehicles were sold in China, accounting for 12,4% of ... >>

Solar panels from vegetable biomass 10.11.2021

A group of scientists from Finland, Sweden and Canada have explored ways to use lignocellulose, or plant biomass, to replace materials such as sand and plastic. According to research published in Advanced Materials, biomass can replace glass in solar panels, making them more efficient. Lignocellulose is a combination of lignin (20-25%), hemicellulose (20-25%) and cellulose (45-50%). It is found in almost every plant on Earth, and completely new, usable materials can be created from purified and mechanically crushed biomass to a state of powder. The researchers evaluated various characteristics of lignocellulose required for optical applications, including its transparency, reflectivity, and UV light filtering. "We've been able to create light-reactive surfaces for windows. Lignocellulose can also be used to make UV protective films that act like sunscreen on surfaces," points out Kath. ... >>

Farizon Auto Homtruck Electric Truck 10.11.2021

Farizon Auto, a subdivision of the Chinese auto giant Geely, presented an electric truck in Shanghai that can compete with similar products from the world's leading manufacturers. The start of production and sales is scheduled for 2024. Farizon Auto's Homtruck is designed for both Chinese and international markets. This was announced by the head of the division, Mike Fan (Mike Fan). According to him, the company focuses on the markets of Europe, Korea, Japan and North America. It is known that models of a comparable level were presented by many automakers from around the world - from Daimler and BYD to Tesla with its Semi model - data on the latter appeared back in 2017, but the release was delayed. The Homtruck will be available in both an all-electric version and a partially methanol-fueled hybrid version. Geely has been developing methyl alcohol fuel cells for several years and some of its models already use this option. At the same time, electric batteries ... >>

flying skyrmions 09.11.2021

Topological optics and topological photonics have become "hot" areas of science since the 1980s after the discovery of singularities in magnetic fields. And the relatively recent Nobel Prize, given for the discovery and study of topological features in the physics of condensed matter, further spurred the interest of the scientific community, because all this opens up prospects for the implementation of non-trivial types of interactions of electromagnetic waves with matter. This, in turn, can be used in a number of new technologies for transmitting information and energy over long distances. A group of physicists from the UK and Singapore announced the discovery of a new "family" of electromagnetic pulses with toroidal topology. These pulses are ideal physical embodiments of solutions to Maxwell's equations, which makes it possible to control their topological complexity and obtain the so-called supertoroidal topology. The electromagnetic fields of such supertoroidal pulses ... >>

Cleaning rivers with bubbles and hair 09.11.2021

The European Union intends to stop the depletion of flora and fauna by 2030 and restore natural systems so that the diversity of species will begin to recover naturally. The ambitious goal of European politicians was announced in the new "Biodiversity Strategy until 2030", adopted this year. One of the objectives of the "Strategy" is to clean up 25 km of rivers in order to restore their free flow. Ideas have already appeared in France and the Netherlands. So, a Dutch startup came up with an unusual way to clean rivers of plastic - a device that creates a barricade of air bubbles in the water. The bubbles push the plastic out of the water. These bubbles, according to the developers, should bring to the surface more than 000% of the plastic floating at depth. The device is just a hose with holes, which is thrown to the bottom of the rivers near the ports. The barricade should be placed so that all the ejected plastic is collected in one place - it's easier to catch the trash. The device has already been tested in Amsterdam. ... >>

CD 500 TB 08.11.2021

A team of scientists from the University of Southampton in the UK has created a CD that can hold up to 500TB of data. We are talking about a "five-dimensional" disk of quartz glass with a diameter of 127 mm and a thickness of 4 mm. Scientists claim that it can record up to 500 TB of data. Information on it can be stored for 14 billion years. A new method of 5D recording is to conduct laser micropulses on quartz glass. When recording a disc, pulses create volumetric microcrystals of various shapes in it. The volume of each microcrystal, as well as the strength and polarization of the light pulse that returns from it when read, provide these "five dimensions" in which data can be encoded. The new method allows to increase the write speed by 150 times up to 225 kilobytes per second, and when using a laser with a frequency of 40 MHz - up to several megabytes per second. This makes such discs practical. ... >>

Best time of day to get vaccinated 08.11.2021

A group of scientists from Switzerland and Germany conducted a study on the activity of the immune system depending on the time of day. They determined the best time to administer the vaccine. Scientists from the University of Geneva in Switzerland and the Ludwig Maximilian University in Germany found that the immune system has a different perception depending on the time of day. For their study, they conducted experiments on mice and used human skin cells. It turned out that the migration of immune cells from the skin to the lymph nodes fluctuates within 24 hours. And this once again proves that the circadian clock is one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. The immune system is more functional in the resting phase, just before the resumption of activity - this is at night and early in the morning. It is the morning that is best suited for administering a vaccine to a person and conducting antitumor therapy. "The adaptive immune system takes weeks to form a response ... >>

Full color OLED WUXGA microdisplay 07.11.2021

eMagin, which specializes in developing, designing and manufacturing high-resolution active matrix OLED microdisplays for AR and VR headsets and other applications where the display is close to the eyes, has unveiled a WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution prototype. It uses Direct Patterning Display (dPd) technology to achieve a record high brightness of 10 cd/m000. According to the manufacturer, this is the world's brightest high-resolution full-color OLED microdisplay. "This is a historic moment for eMagin and the industry, and our biggest achievement to date in the development of our proprietary dPd technology," eMagin CEO Andrew G. Sculley described the prototype. "Applying direct framing to displays WUXGA, we achieved peak brightness of over 2 cd/m10 and rich RGB colors, a 000x improvement over our standard XL microdisplays on white OLEDs with a color filter and ... >>

Development of the 6G communication standard 07.11.2021

An international team of researchers from Japan and Finland will work to create technologies and standards for the sixth generation of wireless communications, commonly known as 6G, as part of a joint research agreement between the two countries. At a time when more people than ever rely on telecommunications for various aspects of their lives, many feel that we must accelerate the development of communications technology. A key aspect of this technology is how people and machines communicate wirelessly. To open up a new generation of wireless communication, international cooperation is needed, as common standards encourage their adoption. To this end, Japan and Finland have launched a bilateral partnership through cooperation between the University of Tokyo and the University of Oulu in Finland. Over the next few years, a roadmap for the 6G standard will be created and research on technology components will be carried out. Matti Latva-aho - Professor of the Un academy ... >>

The distance of ultrashort flashes of light is calculated 06.11.2021

Researchers at the American University of Beirut tracked the dynamics of two linked flashes of light in real time. Distances can be predicted based on differences in transit times within the resonator and fine-tuned by shifting the optical elements. Scientists have proven that it is the optical reflections inside the laser cavity that connect the solitons in time and space. The study showed how the link between two outbreaks weakens, and then a new link is quickly created between them. Now you can specifically switch between flashes of light that occur in pairs and have different time intervals. Therefore, it is possible to generate coupled flashes of light in other laser systems and switch their distances without much effort. "Switching soliton molecules with a single button opens up new perspectives for technical applications of femtosecond pulses, especially in spectroscopy and material processing," says Luca Nimmesgern, first author and ... >>

Effect of anions on the solubility of polymers 06.11.2021

Chemists from the USA and the Czech Republic have established a relationship between the curvature of the conditional surface of a macromolecule and dissociation constants for various cations and anions. It turned out that ions interact more strongly with a polymer if its planar structure deforms the network of water hydrogen bonds. This interaction helps the polymer to be in solution. A group of scientists led by Jan Heyda from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and Paul S. Cremer from the University of Pennsylvania investigated the interaction of weakly coordinating anions with polyethylene oxide polymer of different lengths. They suggested that molecules with different surface curvature affect the network of hydrogen bonds of surrounding water molecules in different ways, which, in turn, leads to a change in the degree of ion adsorption. The authors showed the relationship between the ion adsorption energy and the degree of distortion of the hydrogen bond network. The results obtained confirmed the hypothesis that macromolecules with a flat surface ... >>

Listening to music while working reduces fatigue 05.11.2021

French scientists from the University of Burgundy found that listening to music at work helps the brain to relax. The researchers conducted the experiment with 37 participants. First, they had to move the mouse and touch several targets on the computer, after which they had to solve a complex problem in half an hour. Then the volunteers were given a rest: one group pedaled the exercise bike for 15 minutes, the second listened to music, the third just sat at the table and did nothing. And when their break was over, they once again completed the task with the mouse and targets on the screen. After each task, participants rated their level of mental and psychological fatigue. We found that the group that was engaged on a stationary bike felt even more tired, others - too. However, those who did nothing did the worst. ... >>

EiceDRIVER X3 - a family of analog and digital isolated gate drivers 05.11.2021

Infineon has introduced the most flexible family of high-performance, single-channel, isolated gate drivers with DESAT, Miller effect suppression, soft-off, and I2C configurability. Analog X3 (1ED34xx) and digital X3 (1ED38xx) ICs are isolated gate drivers with a large number of configurable functions and monitoring parameters. This opens up new application possibilities such as predicting the need for system maintenance. This driver family provides 3A, 6A, and 9A peak output currents, high precision DESAT function, short circuit protection for IGBT modules and silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs. Many of these features are highly customizable. This flexibility makes this chip a unique high-performance solution on the market. The driver has a wide range of applications: electric drive systems, solar batteries ... >>

A frost-resistant potato variety has been developed 04.11.2021

The ARS research team and their partners in Peru and the US combined two wild potato species from South America and developed hybrids that could withstand hard frosts. Work continued for several years, resulting in a variety with the greatest ability to tolerate frost. According to John Bamberg, project manager and geneticist for ARS Vegetable Research in Madison, Wisconsin, the varieties went through rigorous testing before final selection to determine their cold tolerance. For several years, a group of scientists from the United States and Peru have been evaluating potato varieties for frost resistance. Ultimately, wild potato varieties - Solanum acaule and Solanum commersonii - were selected for breeding work, which showed the greatest resistance to low temperatures. The breeders then crossed the two varieties and evaluated their hybrids. Before the final selection, the varieties were thoroughly tested for resistance to cold. For this, a team of scientists ... >>

Creation of electrically conductive nanostructures using water and air 04.11.2021

Scientists from Japan have noticed unique reactions in the interaction of water, oil and air. They used them to create nanosheets, which are essential for next-generation sensors and power generation technologies. Scientists have created microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are composed of metal ions and organic binders. These materials formed three-dimensional nanostructures that conduct electricity. The researchers used the same conditions that are typical for the formation of an oil film on water. In order to use the properties of MOFs in energy production and sensor technologies, scientists have changed the approach to creating these frameworks. The researchers applied a solution with organic linkers (building blocks or binders containing metal cations - Hi-Tech) to an aqueous solution of metal ions. After contact, the substances combined into a hexagonal structure. Nanostructures formed at the points of contact between liquid and air. Scientists compress nanosheets to give them more ... >>

whiskey fuel 03.11.2021

Edinburgh University professor Napier Martin Tangny was able to create fuel from whiskey. To do this, he resorted to the process of fermentation. According to the professor, such biofuels can replace gasoline. Startup Celtic Renewables was founded, which is engaged in the creation of biological fuels. It is noteworthy that the production of Whiskey in Scotland is very developed. The drink is made from barley, yeast and water. Often, waste from production is used as animal feed, sometimes they are simply thrown into the sea. As for the new fuel, it is produced on the same principle as acetone, butanol and ethanol. The technology for the manufacture of these substances was developed a hundred years ago. Professor Martin Tangny improved the technology and adapted it to create biofuels. The startup's factory is located in Grangemouth. ... >>

Super sharp wooden knife 03.11.2021

Scientists from the University of Maryland (USA) have come up with a new way to make sharp wood-based knives. Unlike the production of knives from artificial materials such as steel and ceramics, this method is more environmentally friendly. The Miracle Knife cuts through medium-rare steak with ease, and has the same performance as a regular kitchen knife. The new method makes the wood 23 times harder, and the finished product is almost three times sharper than a conventional stainless steel knife. A hardened wood knife can be washed and reused, making it a promising alternative to steel, ceramic and disposable plastic knives. Also, hardened wood can be used to produce wooden nails that are not afraid of rust, and a parquet board that is resistant to scratches and wear. ... >>

Coronavirus vaccine in the form of a patch 02.11.2021

Scientists at the University of Queensland (Australia) have successfully injected an anti-coronavirus drug developed by the University of Texas (USA) into experimental mice using a patch with microneedles. The special patch was developed by scientists from Queensland together with the Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas. It has high-density microneedles coated with the drug. The patch is applied for a few seconds to the skin, through which the drug is absorbed into the body. The feeling when applying this method of injection is like pressing a nail. Using a patch, the scientists administered the Hexapro vaccine, developed by the University of Texas. For this, a stabilized form of the adhesion protein is used, with which the SARS-CoV-2 virus attaches to other cells and generates an immune response to it. The results of preclinical trials of Hexapro, published in the scientific publication Science Advances, showed that the introduction of the vaccine through a patch was more effective than using a needle: mice produce faster ... >>

Climate change has affected the taste of coffee 02.11.2021

The sensory qualities of coffee, such as taste and aroma, are affected by climate change. That is, productivity is not the only factor vulnerable to environmental changes. You should also take into account changes in flavor notes, brightness and other factors. This was found by researchers from Tufts University and the State of Montana in the United States. "A bad cup of coffee has not only sensory implications, but also an economic impact. Factors affecting coffee production have a big impact on consumer interest, the price of coffee and, ultimately, the livelihoods of the farmers who grow it," he said. Sean Cash is professor of global nutrition at Tufts University and senior author of the study. The scientists analyzed 73 published articles examining the influence of 10 common environmental factors. It also details current adaptation strategies that can combat these effects, with hope for positive outcomes. The most consistent trends found ... >>

Traces of early life in precious stones 01.11.2021

Analyzing some of the world's oldest colored gemstones, scientists at the University of Waterloo, Canada, have discovered carbon remains associated with ancient life trapped in a 2,5 billion-year-old ruby. The research team began to study the geology of rubies in order to better understand the conditions necessary for the formation of these stones. During this exploration in Greenland, home to the oldest known ruby ​​deposits in the world, the team uncovered a gemstone specimen that contains graphite, a mineral composed of pure carbon. Analysis of this carbon shows that it is the remnant of early life. The presence of graphite allowed scientists to analyze the isotopic composition of carbon atoms, which measures the relative amounts of different carbon atoms. More than 98 percent of all carbon atoms have a mass of 12 atomic mass units (carbon-12), but a few carbon atoms are heavier and have a mass of 13 or 14 atomic mass units (carbon-13, carbon-14). "Alive ... >>

Lipstick Headphones 01.11.2021

Huawei introduced FreeBuds Lipstick headphones for women in the form of lipstick. Headphones are sold with a magnetic case. The manufacturer of equipment focuses on premium design and details. The case itself has an interesting feature - when opened, it gives out the sound of premium lipstick cases. Headphones are made in red, they are stored in a black case with gold stripes. Designers from Paris worked on the design. According to the manufacturer, the magnetic case is reliably protected from wear and mechanical damage, as it is made of stainless steel. Headphones received the sound recording function. In Surroundings Mode from the Huawei AI Life app, users will be able to record not only the sound they transmit, but also the sound around them. The lipstick-shaped headphones also received an AEM EQ equalizer, which can be adjusted to the user, determining the shape of the ear and the operating conditions of the gadget. Also, the novelty supports a frequency range up to 40 kHz, can amplify the ... >>

Turning the wheels of electric vehicles by 90 degrees 31.10.2021

The use of electric motors and batteries as part of the power plant of vehicles opens up great scope for creativity when choosing a layout for the creators of the latter. Hyundai Mobis is going to offer electric vehicle manufacturers a platform capable of turning wheels at an angle of 90 degrees. Most of all, experiments with rear wheel steering in the segment of electric vehicles are known to General Motors Corporation. It has already announced a "crab mode" for electric vehicles of the Hummer family and the Chevrolet Silverado soplatform pickup truck. Elon Musk admitted some time ago that the Tesla Cybertruck pickup truck can also get rear wheel thrusters. For fairly large vehicles with a large wheelbase, this opens up new opportunities for maneuvering in urban and off-road conditions. You can both move diagonally and reduce the turning radius. The South Korean company Hyundai Mobis announced the success in the development of units for electric vehicles, pos. ... >>

Anti-satellite weapons 31.10.2021

Chinese scientists announced the creation of a new anti-satellite weapon. A robotic device developed in China can place explosives on the nozzles of spacecraft engines. The new weapon is designed to detonate satellites in a controlled manner. The robotic complex will make it possible to install explosive devices on orbital vehicles. The charge can be on the satellite for a long time, and its activation occurs at a specified time using an electric drive. The activation mechanism also allows the explosive to be separated from the satellite. Scientists note that a small explosion can disable the satellite, and its consequences can be mistaken for engine failure. The characteristics of the device were checked during tests at a ground facility. Promising weapons are being developed as part of a project to create new warheads. ... >>

Kingston Digital KC3000 Solid State Drive 30.10.2021

Kingston Digital introduced the KC3000 solid state drive. This is an M.2 form factor drive equipped with PCIe 4.0 x4 interface and supporting NVMe protocol. It is designed for desktop PCs and laptops. The drive is equipped with a low-profile graphene and aluminum heat spreader that helps maintain acceptable operating temperatures even under high load. The drive uses a Phison E18 controller and 3D TLC NAND flash memory. The drive is offered with a capacity of 512 GB, 1, 2 and 4 TB. The sequential write speed of the first two options reaches 3900 and 6000 MB/s, respectively, the rest - 7000 MB/s. The sequential read speed in all cases reaches 7000 MB / s. Performance on read and write operations with random access in the case of a 512 GB drive reaches 450 and 00 IOPS, in the case of a 900 TB drive - 000 and 1 IOPS, respectively. For 900TB and 000TB drives, both modes are advertised as 1 ... >>

Key quantum security technology on a single chip 30.10.2021

Toshiba Europe announced the creation of the world's first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system on a chip. miles and the Internet of Things (IoT). Miniaturizing the optical circuits used for QKDs and quantum random number generators (QRNGs) and integrating them into tiny semiconductor chips not only makes them much smaller and lighter than fiber optic counterparts, but also reduces power consumption. It is especially important that such quantum devices can be manufactured in large quantities in parallel, on a single semiconductor wafer using standard semiconductor industry technologies.For example, quantum transmitter chips developed by Toshiba have dimensions of only 2 × 6 mm, so several hundreds of ... >>

Philips GoPix 1 Pocket Portable Projector 29.10.2021

Philips has released an inexpensive pocket portable projector called GoPix 1. Philips GoPix 1 has dimensions of 78.2 x 120 x 18 mm and weighs 245 g. Accordingly, it can easily fit in a pocket. The new device is capable of projecting images ranging in size from 10 to 75 inches. Due to the miniature dimensions, the maximum image resolution can be 854 x 480 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Philips GoPix 1 delivers a 600:1 contrast ratio. The claimed life of the light source reaches 20 hours. There is a Mini HDMI port and two USB Type-C ports. The projector is equipped with a 000W speaker and a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to two hours of video playback. The package includes a remote control, USB Type-C and Mini HDMI to HDMI cables, and a tripod. Philips GoPix 3 is made in black. The price of the new item is $1. ... >>

Plastic material with the strength of aluminum 29.10.2021

LG Chem has begun supplying a plastic material to replace aluminum in the manufacture of solar panel frames. Thus, the company intends to enter a new market for itself and promises to solve a lot of problems in solar energy. For example, lightweight panels will reduce the cost of transportation and installation, as well as allow solar farms to be deployed on rooftops that do not have the safety margin to support modern panels. The plastic material LG Chem LUPOY EU5201 for frames of photopanels is based on polycarbonate. It is noteworthy that for the manufacture of material for frames, you can use polycarbonate chips obtained after the disposal of appropriate building materials. Moreover, the company promises to develop a technology to collect and recycle plastic solar panel frames for recycling. This is a well-known problem of renewable energy - the impossibility or economic inexpediency of processing photo panels and wind turbine blades. ... >>

Butter is recognized as a harmful product 28.10.2021

Scientists at the School of Public Health at Harvard University in Boston called the oil a harmful product. Researchers from Harvard have established the harm of consuming dairy products for human health. Scientific work has shown a 20% reduction in early mortality after replacing butter with vegetable analogues. In total, 120 thousand people took part in the scientific work. The study concluded that eating saturated fats from dairy products leads to an increased risk of death. At the same time, with an increase in calories by 5%, the risk of premature death increases by 8%. For every 2% of calories consumed from trans fats, there was a 16% higher risk of premature death. ... >>

Electric submarine for tourists 28.10.2021

U-Boat Worx from the Netherlands has unveiled an electric submarine that, thanks to its high speed and easy handling, is able to compete in speed with active marine life and competitors' products. The Super Sub model is three times faster than the average tourist submarine. For example, the commercial submarine Triton 3300/6 develops only 3 knots (5,5 km/h) underwater, while the super-streamlined model DeepFlight Dragon - 4 knots (7,4 km/h). This is sometimes not enough to admire the marine life - at the sight of a "big fish", marine inhabitants prefer to get away at high speed. You can catch up with the underwater fauna and have a good look only on a fast submarine. Super Sub develops fantastic for this class of devices 8 knots (14,8 km/h). However, great white sharks can move under water three times faster, not to mention real "masters" like sailfish. In addition to the 60 kW propulsion system and hydrodynamic design, the Super Sub ... >>

Holographic lens for space telescopes 27.10.2021

An international team of researchers has unveiled a lightweight and flexible holographic lens that could improve the performance of space telescopes. The new optical element is an improved version of the Fresnel lens with concentric prism rings. They are located in a horizontal plane, which allows you to simulate the focusing ability of a curved lens. Such lenses, made of metal and plastic, are used in car lamps. The authors of the new technology used two light sources located close to each other. They created concentric waves of light that either intensified or canceled each other out as they traveled towards the light-sensitive plastic film. Thus, the holographic image was recorded on the film while the light was focused or stretched as it passed through the holographic optical element. A Fresnel lens is capable of stretching light, but not strong enough. Now, however, scientists have not only succeeded in preserving ... >>

The lifetime of a free neutron has been measured 27.10.2021

Researchers at Indiana University, together with their colleagues from other scientific institutions and from other countries, have made the most accurate measurements of the lifetime of free neutrons, neutrons that are outside the confines of atomic nuclei. The results obtained by scientists have an error level of less than one tenth of a percent, and this accuracy is almost twice that of similar previous measurements. "The process of neutron decay, which produces a proton, an electron, and an almost weightless particle called a neutrino, is one of the most exciting processes known to nuclear physicists," the researchers write. "High-precision measurement of the lifetime of free neutrons is also an important part of modern science, how this knowledge can shed light on some of the mysteries of the formation and development of the Universe, plus, it will allow physicists to discover flaws in existing models that describe the "work" of the Universe at the subatomic level." The neutrons that were ... >>

Greenery surrounding a person slows down the aging process 26.10.2021

Plants around a person are good for the mind, but can they be good for the body too? Monash University researchers have found that this may indeed be the case, at least for women. For the first time in the world, scientists have shown a link between the amount of vegetation in the human immediate environment and slower biological aging, based on the study of DNA methylation. With an aging global population driven by increasing life expectancy and declining fertility, understanding how to maintain good health and productivity in old age is a priority. One of the most reliable markers of biological aging is the aging-associated methylation changes found in human DNA. It is here that some sections of DNA are covered with methyl molecules. Some regions of DNA have CpG regions that are particularly prone to increased methylation with age, and this limits functionality. ... >>

Modular DC/DC Converter B0505ST16-W5 26.10.2021

Mornsun has developed the B5000ST0505-W16 Miniature Modular DC/DC Converter with Reinforced I/O isolation up to 5VAC. The through capacitance of the converter does not exceed 3,5 pF. The converter is implemented in a standard SOIC-16 chip package and does not require additional components. The output power of the product is 0,5 W, it is possible to select the output voltage from a range of 3,3; 3,7; 5,0; 5,4V (input voltage 5V + -10%). The choice of the desired value of the output voltage is carried out by a resistor divider. The converter has long-term protection against short circuit, protection against overload and overheating; operating temperature range from -55 to 125°С. The design and technical parameters comply with the requirements of the medical standard EN60601-1 (2xMOPP), as well as the standards EN62368 (information technology) and AEC-Q100 (automotive industry). The converter is intended for wide and special applications for the purpose of isolating interfaces in devices where tr ... >>

Xgimi Aura Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector 25.10.2021

Xgimi has launched a new Xgimi Aura ultra short throw laser projector. The novelty is able to project an 80-inch image, being at a distance of only 10,9 cm from the wall. From a distance of 44,1 cm, the projector will create a 150-inch image. Xgimi Aura projects 4K resolution, HDR10, 2400 lm (ANSI) brightness, 709% REC.90 color space coverage and 3% DCP-P80 coverage. The projector is based on a single-chip MT9629 system, eight-point keystone correction and manual focus correction are provided. Available 2 GB RAM, 32 GB flash memory, Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, 3 HDMI 2.0 ports, 3 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet port, optical port and headphone output. The projector runs Android TV 10 operating system, has 4 15W Harmon-Kardon speakers with Dolby and DTS sound support. The dimensions of the device were 606 x 401 x 139.5 mm with a weight of 14,93 kg. ... >>

transparent concrete 25.10.2021

HTRANS is an unusual translucent concrete developed by Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) researchers José Ramón Albiol Ibanez and Miguel Sánchez López This material will enable architects to create 3D structures using transparent resin as the "ink". According to José Ibanez, it will also be possible to integrate LED backlighting into these fragments. HTRANS is still handmade, so its final price remains high. It is assumed that its strength will be strengthened by reinforcing elements of various thicknesses. Rechargeable batteries or wireless chargers are used as power sources for lighting inside the units. Speaking about the future of the unique material, the developers suggest using it to create design objects - lamps, decorative elements, kitchen furniture, countertops, flooring, facades. ... >>

Pay in person for lunch 24.10.2021

In North Ayrshire, Scotland, nine schools will begin using facial recognition to pay for lunch. As arguments for making such a decision, they called the fact that payment is made in a contactless way, and this will increase the safety of students against the backdrop of the ongoing Covid pandemic, as well as the fact that transactions will be significantly accelerated. "In a secondary school, we have about 25 minutes to serve potentially 1000 students. So we need high throughput at the point of sale," David Swanston, managing director of CRB Cunninghams, who installed recognition systems, told the Financial Times in an interview. on the face. According to him, the system reduces the average transaction time when paying for lunch to about five seconds per student. This is far from the first time schools in the UK have used biometric systems (some are already using fingerprint technology), but North Ayrshire will ... >>

Artificial zipper removes odor from manure 24.10.2021

The use of a plasma discharge, which operates on the principle of "artificial lightning", can remove contaminants from manure. This conclusion was reached after testing in the UK. The technology involves launching a plasma charge into a slurry to break down toxic ammonia and climate-damaging methane. The plasma itself is a stream of matter heated to such an extent that electrons are torn off from atoms and molecules are destroyed. In the process of applying "artificial lightning" to the manure, the ammonia molecules break down, forming pure nitrogen, which can later be used for fertilizer. During the test, the researchers used a plasma gun to shoot cow dung at the Holly Green dairy farm in a picturesque part of Buckinghamshire. According to the results, the content of ammonia in the slurry decreased by 90%, and methane - by 99%. If the technology turns out to be available, it will not only solve the problem of climate change and improve the smell in rural areas ... >>

Brimato - a hybrid of tomato and eggplant 23.10.2021

Agricultural scientists at the Indian Vegetable Institute in Varanasi are successfully developing Brimato, a grafted plant that produces both eggplant and tomatoes. Each plant yields up to 2,3 kilograms of tomatoes and 2,64 kilograms of eggplant. Scientists at the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a field arm of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), have developed a grafting method that allows two vegetables to be grown from a single plant. "The grafting of tomatoes and eggplants was successful. Both plants are from the same family, although they have different characteristics," explained Anant Bahadur, Chief Scientist at IIVR, Varanasi. According to the chief scientist, Brimato has the robust qualities of an eggplant plant that can withstand both excessive waterlogging and drought well. Although they have experimented with grafting vegetables from the same family so far, the scientists plan to graft other vegetables together. "When growing ... >>

Headphones OnePlus Buds Z2 23.10.2021

OnePlus has introduced fully wireless headphones - the Buds Z2 model. Headphones support Bluetooth 5.2, protected from dust and water in accordance with the degree of IP55. They are equipped with three microphones that work in an active noise cancellation system. It allows you to reduce the noise level by 40 dB. The device uses 11mm drivers, supports Dolby Atmos technology (on smartphones running ColorOS 12). The stated delay in audio transmission is 94 ms. The maximum autonomy, taking into account the battery case, is 38 hours. With Active Noise Canceling activated, the OnePlus Buds Z2 earbuds last 7 hours (or 27 hours with the case). The OnePlus Buds Z2 earphones cost $60. ... >>

Peat batteries 22.10.2021

In Estonia, they learned how to process natural fuel into components of charging cells. The latest technology can solve the problem of the high cost of batteries and take a step towards affordable electric vehicles. Picturesque Estonia in the north of Europe is almost a quarter covered with swamps. The country is very rich in peat deposits. Scientists from the University of Tartu have learned how to obtain the chemicals needed for electric batteries. "There is a lot of peat in Estonia. Basically, we do not use it. Although it is suitable as a fertilizer and fuel for heating houses. We pass this peat through a double synthesis and make coal powder from it. Which is suitable for the production of sodium batteries," he said. Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tartu Anne Lust. "We need cheap means to store huge amounts of electricity. The only way out is batteries. In particular, sodium-ion batteries, which are much cheaper than lithium ones," added Anne Lust. Global demand for litas ... >>

Energy from under Yellowstone 22.10.2021

Beneath the picturesque hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park lies a gigantic magma chamber that could one day erupt as a supervolcano. According to NASA, a supervolcano is one of the greatest natural threats to human civilization, and it is much more dangerous than the threat of asteroids. That's why the US space agency has come up with an ambitious plan to ensure that the volcano remains dormant. As a bonus, NASA's method will also provide electricity to the surrounding region, although the project will cost a staggering $3,46 billion. The project involves drilling holes in the undersides of the volcano outside of Yellowstone National Park. Then you need to pump cold water under high pressure into the supervolcano, and after that - from it. The incoming water will cool the volcano, while the outgoing water will reach a temperature of approximately 350 °C and can be used to generate electricity. At the moment the plan is only theoretical ... >>

Beet juice will fool mosquitoes 21.10.2021

A Swedish startup has found a way to fool mosquitoes with toxic beetroot juice, which the insects mistake for blood and die. The new invention, according to experts, is environmentally friendly. It can help prevent the spread of many dangerous diseases that mosquitoes carry, such as malaria, Zika virus, yellow fever, West Nile fever. Special studies have found that blood containing malaria virus is more likely to attract insects because they are attracted to the odor emitted by the NMVR molecule. According to the researchers, if this molecule is in a liquid containing a certain pH, mosquitoes will drink it. Specialists have created a substance based on beetroot juice and HMBP with the addition of plant toxins. Insects, attracted by the smell, drink the substance, mistaking it for blood. As a result, they simply die. You can choose any juice that is used as a base. ... >>

Plant lanterns 21.10.2021

Researchers from the USA decided to replace artificial light sources with natural ones. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, scientists have bred light-emitting plants, which in the future will become an alternative to street lamps, but can already replace table lamps at home or in the office. For the first time, researchers were able to make plants emit light in 2017, for this they introduced luminescent nanoparticles, similar to firefly enzymes, into the leaves. Engineers continue to improve the invented technology. In the first experiments, the light from the plants was very dim, but now it has become ten times brighter - it is enough to illuminate a small room. Natural lamps can work for several minutes and recharge from the LED in just ten seconds. The new technology is harmless to natural bioprocesses like photosynthesis, and they hope to introduce it to other plants. For example, the large leaves of the giant taro (Colocasia gigantea), according to experts, will be able to serve ... >>

Acer ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition XNUMXD laptop 20.10.2021

Acer introduced the ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition laptop. The new model is distinguished by the presence of a special screen that turns 2D content into a three-dimensional image. The device can convert to 3D videos, images, games and pictures during video conferences or video calls. Above the screen is a set of stereo cameras that monitor the state and movement of the user's eyes and head to display content in stereoscopic format. Powerful hardware is used to render 7D images - an 11th generation Intel Core i3080 processor, GeForce RTX 64 graphics card, up to 3 gigabytes of RAM and NVMe SSDs with a capacity of up to two terabytes. "Developers and designers can finally see their XNUMXD creations in XNUMXD space during their workflow to draw more accurate conclusions about the project, rather than postponing," - said the company's top manager Jerry Kao (Jerry Kao). ... >>

Dangerous sequins 20.10.2021

Scientists from New Zealand have called for a complete ban on the use of glitter for any purpose. The researchers said that glitter could cause an environmental disaster. The main danger lies in the fact that, in fact, sparkles are microplastic particles that extremely pollute the oceans. If you count by the piece, then they make up more than 92% of all plastic products floating in the seas and oceans. Animals mistake them for plankton and eat them, damaging their livers and hastening the extinction of many species. In addition, the fish that swallowed the sparkle may end up on our table, the scientists emphasized. Glitter is made from a polymer called polyethylene terephthalate, which is also used to produce, for example, bottles and other packaging, all kinds of films. In addition, the shiny layer is usually aluminum. The situation is aggravated by the fact that sparkles absorb toxic substances. Moreover, the process of their decomposition in nature takes thousands of years. ... >>

Solar-powered desalination plant 19.10.2021

The share of fresh water on Earth is 3%, and more than 700 million people regularly experience problems with access to it. Building cleanup infrastructure is not only expensive, but often harmful to the environment. However, the Finnish company Solar Water Solutions (SWS), after several years of research, has begun testing an "environmentally friendly" system based on solar energy. According to the manufacturer, no batteries or chemicals are used in the processing, and operating costs are close to zero. The company secured the support of the climate fund CFM and delivered 200 such units to the Kitui district in Kenya. They convert between 4 and 7 liters of clean water per hour from sea water or 10 liters from brackish water. Through collaboration with CFM and Kitui County, we can revolutionize the approach to affordable and safe water in rural Kenya. This project marks a breakthrough in solar water infrastructure. At the heart of those ... >>

Honeywell NSC Series Differential Sensors 19.10.2021

Honeywell introduced the new NSC series differential pressure transmitters: NSCSAAN600LDUNV for 600 Pa differential pressure measurement and NSCSAAN016KDUNV for 15 kPa differential pressure measurement. Differential versions allow pressure measurement between two pressure ports. These sensors are designed for use with non-corrosive and non-ionic gases such as air. Port 1 can also be used for non-corrosive, non-ionic liquids on sensors rated above 6 kPa. The NSC series has a variety of mounting options, making it easy for device manufacturers to integrate the product into their applications. These sensors have industry-leading accuracy, and frequency response is typically only limited by the end user's system. All products are designed and manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001. The NSC series sensors can be used in medical and industrial equipment such as nebulizers, spirometers, medical hospital beds, etc. ... >>

Vertiv Edge Lithium-Ion UPS 18.10.2021

Vertiv announced the launch of single-phase uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with lithium-ion batteries. With lower maintenance requirements, Li-ion batteries can be used where IT support is limited. Compared to valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, Lithium-Ion batteries last up to 3 times longer, reducing the total cost of ownership. In addition, they operate more efficiently at higher temperatures, are smaller and lighter in size, and provide longer run times than the VRLA batteries used for UPSs of this capacity. The Vertiv Edge Lithium Ion UPS family provides up to 10 minutes of backup power at full load versus 4-5 minutes for standard VRLA UPSs. The Vertiv Edge Lithium Ion UPS is great for Edge Computing and Industries ... >>

Computer without wires and batteries 18.10.2021

Danish engineers are developing a microscopic computer whose structure resembles the human brain in terms of how it works and how it consumes energy. A team led by Associate Professor Houman Farhani from Aarhus University plans to make a computer the size of a speck of dust and with such low power consumption that it can forego any power source and extract electricity directly from the environment. They decided to mimic the structure of the human brain with neurons, synapses and neural networks to create a "brain-inspiring computer" (BIC). The human brain consumes only 20 watts of energy to perform 10 quadrillion (10) operations per second, which is 000 times more efficient than modern supercomputers. According to scientists, devices with a similar structure to the brain will make it much easier to run artificial intelligence algorithms that consume more and more electricity. "If we succeed in the experiment, we will get ... >>

Terra 360 Ultra-Speed ​​Charging for Electric Vehicles 17.10.2021

The Swedish company ABB has announced the start of commercial production of the ultra-fast charging station for electric vehicles Terra 360. The maximum power of the model is 360 kW, which allows you to fully charge the battery of an average electric vehicle in 15 minutes and add 100 km of mileage in just 3 minutes. ABB unveils 360kW Terra 360 ultra-fast electric vehicle charger, to be installed in Europe as early as 2021 Due to the modular design of the power units and dynamic power distribution, one ABB Terra 360 station can simultaneously charge four electric vehicles, while the average charge time will only increase to 30-40 minutes - during this time the driver will be able to visit the shopping center or have a leisurely bite to eat. Due to its characteristics, this station can also be used by business customers with a fleet of electric vehicles (delivery, taxi, car sharing). ABB launches Terra 360 ultra-fast electric vehicle charger ... >>

Edible coating to extend product shelf life 17.10.2021

According to the German organization Welthungerhilfe, 1,3 billion tons of food is thrown away every year. About a third of this amount is products that have deteriorated or been damaged during transportation. New coating technology from the Dutch company Liquidseal keeps fruits and vegetables fresh for twice as long. In this way, the company helps to avoid food waste and reduce the amount of used packaging. A key role in this is played by high quality polyvinyl alcohols (PVOH) from Kuraray, a specialty chemicals manufacturer headquartered in Hattersheim, Germany, in Europe. Leveraging Kuraray's portfolio of high quality PVOH polymers, Liquidseal can carefully optimize its formulations for established processes and adhesion to various skin types. Researchers at a Dutch company are currently working on a new edible coating for plums, apples and peaches based on a new type of PVOH: Kuraray Poval 5-88 FA. ... >>

Turbocharged GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Turbo graphics card 16.10.2021

Taiwanese company ASUS has introduced a new graphics card GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Turbo. The model received a cooling system with a tangential-type fan, popularly known as a "turbine". An 80mm Blower Fan with two ball bearings and a long working life is installed here. The novelty is based on the NVIDIA GA104-400 graphics processor with a base frequency of 1575 MHz and a Turbo frequency of 1770 MHz. The graphics processor is complemented by 8 GB of GDDR6X video memory with a 256-bit bus and a bandwidth of 19 Gb / s. ASUS GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Turbo is equipped with two eight-pin power connectors and is suitable for use in compact computer cases. The dimensions of the device are 268 x 113 x 39 millimeters. To increase the reliability of the video card, the manufacturer uses automated soldering of parts in one stage using Auto-Extreme Technology. The mounting bracket is reinforced with 304 stainless steel. ... >>

Algae as food for livestock 16.10.2021

Swedish cows will be given seaweed as a dietary supplement. Thanks to such a diet, methane will no longer be produced in the stomachs of cows, a gas whose greenhouse effect far exceeds the effect on the atmosphere of carbon dioxide. According to Swedish scientists, if cows eat an additional 100 grams of seaweed daily, the amount of methane emissions from them will decrease by 80%. Seaweed will be grown in a factory that will be built specifically for this purpose. The algae will be grown in laboratories and then dried and pressed into portioned containers. Cows are responsible for 4% of the world's methane emissions. This is twice the performance of the aviation industry. ... >>

The most powerful wind turbine MingYang Smart Energy 15.10.2021

The Chinese company MingYang Smart Energy has begun construction of the world's largest wind turbine, designed to be located in the coastal zone. The MySE 16.0-242 facility, up to 16 MW, will dethrone the former record holder, the 14 MW Haliade-X generator from General Electric, which has already begun operation in France. The MySE 16.0-242 is a structure over 250m tall. The turbine will be capable of generating enough electricity to power 20 homes for 000 years. A single generator of this type is capable of producing up to 25 MWh annually, 80% more than the company's previous version, the MySE 000-45. When the new MingYang turbine is put into operation, its 11.0-meter blades will cover an area of ​​203 square meters in operation. Over the life cycle, the model will avoid the release of 118 million tons of carbon dioxide, which would be produced by a thermal power plant when generating a similar amount of ... >>

water purification tablet 15.10.2021

American scientists from the University of Texas at Austin announced the creation of a pill that can purify a liter of river water in an hour. This could help solve the shortage of potable water in many parts of the world. Scientists have created a hydrogel-based tablet that can quickly purify polluted water. One tablet can disinfect a liter of river water and make it drinkable in one hour or less. Today, the main way to purify water is boiling or pasteurization. However, this requires a lot of energy and time and is therefore impractical for people in parts of the world where water is usually scarce. The essence of the invented tablet is that the hydrogel generates hydrogen peroxide to neutralize bacteria with an efficiency of more than 99,999%. Hydrogen peroxide interacts with activated charcoal particles to attack essential cellular components of bacteria and disrupt their metabolism. Such a process of water purification, as scientists say, ... >>

Unmanned train from Deutsche Bahn and Siemens 14.10.2021

German railway operator Deutsche Bahn and industrial group Siemens have unveiled an automated, unmanned train in Hamburg that will follow the routes of the city's S-Bahn high-speed train network. The developers claim that it adheres to the schedule more accurately and is more energy efficient than traditional railway solutions. Four of these trains will begin operating on the S-Bahn urban high-speed rail network as early as December, using the existing rail infrastructure. While other major cities like Paris already have automated subway trains or monorail solutions running between airport terminals, the Hamburg version will be the first to use the same roads as conventional passenger trains operated by train drivers. The project, described by Siemens and Deutsche Bahn as a "world's first", is part of a £60 million plan to upgrade Hamburg's high-speed rail system. Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lütz ... >>

Turning light into matter 14.10.2021

In the American government laboratory located on Long Island, scientists create matter from light alone with the help of a sophisticated particle accelerator. This phenomenon on our planet occurs for the first time. This experimental breakthrough confirmed the predictions made by influential physicists almost a century ago, and also shed new light on the mysterious processes that occur on both quantum and cosmic scales. The transformation of photons, massless particles of light, into electrons, elementary particles of matter, was carried out by a team of researchers at the RHIC relativistic heavy ion collider. The theoretical prerequisites for this work appeared at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, but in order to test them experimentally, it was necessary to seriously equip the experimental equipment at RHIC - the solenoid tracker-detector (STAR). “This is an interesting effect, since the photon has no charge, so from a classical point of view, the magnetic field should not affect it,” the scientists explained. “Therefore, this ... >>

Brown crabs suffer from marine cables 13.10.2021

A study by scientists from Scotland explained the effect of magnetic fields created by cables on crabs. Marine biologists have analyzed the behavior of marine crabs when they are close to power cables. The cables create a magnetic field with a strength comparable to that of a fridge magnet, but still enough to mesmerize crustaceans. They just stop moving and sit still in one place. This worries scientists, as this behavior could reduce the population of brown crabs. They cease to forage, look for a companion for mating and migrate. Laboratory tests have shown that the electromagnetic field adversely affects the blood cells of crabs. This can reduce the immunity of crabs, as well as develop other negative consequences. Scientists advise to rely on research when designing the laying of offshore cables, as well as when installing offshore wind farms. According to scientists, the decline in the population of brown crabs can significantly affect the ... >>

Helmet for early diagnosis of stroke 13.10.2021

Scientists from the University of Genoa (Italy) have developed a helmet capable of diagnosing a stroke at an early stage. It can be used in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, which will replace a series of examinations. Such a "smart" helmet does not imply a diagnosis, but will speed up the choice of certain medical procedures for a patient who has had a disease. This is stated in the material IEEE Spectrum. The operation of the invention is based on electromagnetic waves that can easily penetrate the human skull. The mechanism diagnoses a stroke, and then, with an accuracy of up to 80%, determines one of its types: ischemic or hemorrhagic. The helmet consists of many antennas that are selectively activated to direct electromagnetic waves throughout the brain and measure the signals coming from there. A simple algorithm for processing them allows doctors to understand whether the patient had a stroke. Then you can use a more complex algorithm that requires more computing power ... >>

14nm DRAM DDR5 12.10.2021

Samsung Electronics has announced the start of mass production of 14nm DRAM memory using high ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography. Last March, the company shipped the industry's first EUV DRAM. Since then, the number of layers formed with EUV has been increased to five. According to the manufacturer, this is the most advanced process technology in the industry. It provides the highest storage density available today, allowing approximately 20% more storage per platter. In addition, the 14nm process can help reduce power consumption by up to 20% compared to the previous generation. The new memory will help achieve "unprecedented speeds" of up to 7,2Gbps, more than double DDR4's maximum speed of 3,2Gbps. Samsung plans to release new DDR5 memory for data centers, supercomputers and enterprise servers. In addition, it is planned to increase the density of crystals up to 24 ... >>

Supersonic aircraft without a windshield 12.10.2021

Supersonic aircraft have one significant problem: they make an unbearably loud sound when flying. When an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, shock waves are generated. Moving away from the aircraft, merging and generating new sonic booms, they are carried for many kilometers. NASA engineers found a solution, and therefore equipped the X-59 supersonic aircraft not only with a system that reduces sonic booms - Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) - but also abandoned windshields. The new X-59 single-seat aircraft (30 m long and 9 m wide) will be able to climb to a height of 16,7 km and move at a speed of Mach 1,4, or 1488 km/h. At the same time, it will be possible to pilot it for lack of a windshield. It will be replaced by NASA's eXternal Vision (XVS) system. Engineers call the artificial vision system "the last line of defense," enabling the pilot to see another approaching aircraft on radar. The system receives and analyzes data received from the Air ... >>

Too much sleep is more harmful than too little sleep 11.10.2021

American scientists from the Academy of Sleep Medicine came to the conclusion that too much sleep is fraught with a much greater danger to the human body than its deficiency. Ten hours of sleep can "reward" a sleeper with such unpleasant consequences as the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, obesity and severe unreasonable anxiety. Experts have long deduced the optimal norm: the sleep of a person over 45 years of age should last from 7 to 9 hours. If you regularly adhere to just such a rhythm, over time, your well-being improves significantly and many chronic diseases are cured. The researchers were convinced of this fact after a thorough analysis of the medical records of 54 thousand 6-year-old Americans. Almost a third of study participants complained of lack of sleep (their sleep was 7 hours or less). Two-thirds of the subjects adhered to the norm (sleep 9-10 hours), and the duration of sleep of all the rest was more than XNUMX hours. According to Janet Croft, an expert from Amer ... >>

Canon Dual Lens for VR Content Capturing 11.10.2021

The Japanese manufacturer of photographic equipment Canon has announced an unusual lens for branded cameras of the EOS R series. This is a double fisheye lens with a focal length of 5,2 mm and aperture of f/2.8. The device is designed for shooting materials in VR mode. The manufacturer positions the lens as a premium level L optics. This is the world's first digital interchangeable lens that can capture stereoscopic images with a 180 ° field of view and project them onto a single camera matrix. The Oculus Quest 2 headset should be the target device for playback of content captured with this lens. The best shooting mode using this device will be video in 8K resolution. This format is supported by the EOS R5. The developers have already released firmware update 1.5.0, as well as the Premiere Pro plug-in and a separate file conversion application called EOS VR Utility. The lens will hit the market for $1999, while the EOS R5 will be available for $3899. ... >>

Improving the quality of Martian soil 10.10.2021

University of Colorado (USA) found a way to enrich the Martian soil for subsequent agricultural work on it. They found that the scarcity of the soil of the red planet is due to the low content of nitrogen in it. To solve this problem, they conducted a series of experiments, studying how the Martian soil reacts to the addition of nutrients to it. "In pots with imitation of Martian soil, the researchers planted clover, and some of them added the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. In the company of symbiotic microbes, plants developed better: the root system and shoots increased by 75% compared to samples that grew in soil without bacteria," - the article says. Scientists have concluded that microbes could be an important ingredient in the success of Martian farmers in the future. "The study showed that Sinorhizobium meliloti significantly increased the growth of clover Melilotus officinalis under greenhouse conditions," the authors noted. "This work gives us a better understanding of how ... >>

The impact of robot speech on people's trust in him 10.10.2021

Oddly enough, trust is a very important aspect of human interaction with AI. At the same time, trust as a phenomenon is rather complicated and depends on both internal psychological factors and external ones. Psychological theories describe the ability to trust either as a stable trait of a person, formed in the early period of his life, or as a certain state of mind, which is influenced by numerous cognitive, emotional and social factors in more mature age. Trust is usually described by two main characteristics: a positive attitude towards the object and a willingness to be vulnerable, accepting the possible risks associated with trusting another. Scientists from the University of Palermo conducted an experiment in which they studied the effect of robot speech on users' trust in it. The findings have so far been published in the arXiv preprint database. It is interesting that the robot that participated in the study did not speak to people, but aloud to itself, that is, it reproduced some analogue of a person’s internal dialogue. In researched ... >>

Neuromorphic chip Intel Loihi 2 09.10.2021

Intel announced the release of the second generation research neuromorphic chip - Loihi 2. The first version of the device appeared 3 years ago. Neuromorphic chips mimic how the brain works. The Loihi 2 version received a number of improvements. They are based on first-generation chip research, advances in manufacturing processes, and asynchronous design techniques. Now the architecture of the chip supports new classes of algorithms and applications based on neurons. The device provides up to 10 times faster processing, up to 15 times greater resource density with up to 1 million neurons per chip, and improved power efficiency. The Loihi 2 chip is based on a pre-release Intel 4 manufacturing process. In addition to the Loihi 2 chip, the Lava software framework is also available for the neuromorphic research community. Lava is an open, modular and extensible environment. It works on heterogeneous architectures using conventional and neuromorphic processes. ... >>

Wearable Personal Cinema Sony Wireless Neckband Speaker 09.10.2021

Sony has released a device called the Wireless Neckband Speaker, which they themselves called the wearable personal cinema. The Wireless Neckband Speaker (SRS-NS7) is a speaker system that is worn around the neck. The device supports Sony 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer. There are a pair of regular 33mm drivers and a pair of passive drivers. The total power is 6 watts. Connection with devices is carried out using Bluetooth 5.0. The device can be used to watch movies, listen to any other content, make voice calls and so on. The body of the novelty is protected from moisture in accordance with the degree of IPX4. The lower part is covered with a soft rubber layer, and the upper part is covered with fabric. Autonomy is declared equal to 12 hours, there is a fast charge (10 minutes is enough for 1 hour of work). The dimensions of the Wireless Neckband Speaker are 244 x 53 x 185 mm and weigh 319 g. SBC, AAC and LDAC formats are supported. Wire price ... >>

Minivan Hyundai Custo 08.10.2021

Hyundai has unveiled the new Hyundai Custo minivan, which is based on the i-GMP platform that underpins the previously released Kia Carnival. The minivan segment is very popular in China - these cars are preferred by large families. The Hyundai Custo minivan seats seven people in a 2/2/3 configuration. Hyundai Custo dimensions are 4950 x 1850 x 1734 with a wheelbase of 3055 mm. Electric sliding doors are installed on each side. The wheelbase is 61,7% of the vehicle's length, which guarantees more usable space inside. The car received a digital instrument panel, as well as a large vertical display of the multimedia and entertainment system. The actual screen diagonal is 10,3 inches, touch buttons are located on the sides of the display. Hyundai says the infotainment system was developed with input from Chinese tech company Baidu. Hyundai Custo is available with two petrol engines: turbocharged 1,5-liter ... >>

US space exploration 08.10.2021

The US Space Force has established an intelligence analysis team at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The structure, called the Space Force Intelligence Activity (SFIA), will become an intermediate step towards the creation of a full-fledged Space Intelligence Center. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Major General Leah Lauderbuck and Lieutenant General Mary O'Brien. Lauderbuck is the head of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Intelligence Service of the Space Force. O'Brien is the USAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Cyber ​​Effects Operations. The organization will be staffed by teams of space and counterspace analysts who are based at the National Aerospace Intelligence Center (NASIC) and will move to the National Space Intelligence Center. NASIC is the Pentagon's primary source of information on threats affecting air and space operations. The composition of the groups of space and counter-space anal ... >>

Human powered bioelectronics 07.10.2021

Scientists at UCLA have created a soft and flexible self-powered bioelectronic device. The flexible device can obtain the energy necessary for operation from the movements of the human body, for example, when bending the elbow or wrist. The researchers found that the magnetoelastic effect, which creates a charge when small magnets are shifted under mechanical pressure, occurs in a soft and flexible system, not just in a rigid system. The team created the concept device using microscopic magnets in a paper-thin silicone matrix. The magnetic field changes in strength as the matrix moves, generating electricity. The researchers believe their device could be used to power a range of wearable and implantable electronic sensors for health monitoring. One of the unique aspects of the technology is that it is based on magnetism rather than electricity, so moisture and sweat don't work. ... >>

Super thin battery material 07.10.2021

American scientists have developed an ultra-thin material that will allow the creation of innovative batteries and other energy conversion devices. Northwestern University professor Mercurios Kanadzidis, in collaboration with researchers at the Argonne National Laboratory, was looking for a superconductor with unusual properties and unexpectedly created another supermaterial of silver, potassium and selenium (a-KAg3Se2). Its structure consists of 4 layers, and the thickness is only 4 atoms, which allows for the first time to study the motion of charged particles in two-dimensional space. With the help of superionic conductors, charged ions move in a solid material as freely as they do in liquid electrolytes contained in batteries. Such material easily conducts electricity, but conducts heat poorly, which means it almost does not heat up. Both of these properties make superionic conductors supermaterials for energy storage and conversion devices. Scientists have concluded about the special properties of the material ... >>

Copying the human brain into a chip 06.10.2021

Korean industrial mega-conglomerate Samsung has teamed up with Harvard University to transfer the structure of the human brain to computer chips in the hope that it will replicate brain capabilities such as "low power consumption, easy learning, environmental adaptation, and even autonomy and cognition." The combined team includes Harvard professors Donhee Ham and Hongkun Park; Samsung Data Systems (SDS) President and CEO Sungwoo Hwang; Vice President and General Manager of Samsung Electronics Kinam Kim. The essence of this vision is to "copy" a functional map of the synaptic connections of a mammalian neural network using advanced neuroscience tools, and then "paste" this map into a three-dimensional network of high-density semiconductor memory. The 'copy-paste' approach has the potential to lead to silicon integrated circuits that are better suited to computing. ... >>

Synthesis of starch from carbon dioxide 06.10.2021

Chinese scientists were the first in the world to develop a method for the artificial synthesis of starch from carbon dioxide. Starch is an essential component of cereals and is usually produced during photosynthesis. The process of starch synthesis in nature includes about 60 biochemical reactions and complex physiological regulation. The research team has developed a way to artificially synthesize starch with just 11 basic reactions, achieving the first complete synthesis from carbon dioxide to starch molecules in the lab. The structure of synthetic starch is exactly the same as the structure of natural starch. The efficiency of synthetic starch production is about 8,5 times that of traditional agricultural starch production. According to the current technical parameters, the annual production of starch in a bioreactor with a capacity of one cubic meter is theoretically equivalent to the amount of starch obtained from the annual harvest of corn. ... >>

Three-button keyboard 05.10.2021

Programming Q&A platform Stack Overflow has teamed up with Drop to introduce a small keyboard called The Key. The device has only three buttons and is programmed to do just two things: copy and paste. The product started as an April Fool's joke. On April Fool's Day this year, Stack Overflow users were shown a warning that they have a limited number of copy and paste operations, and in order to remove this limitation, you need to buy a special The Key keyboard. When it turned out that this was a joke, many users were disappointed that The Key could not actually be bought. Now you can actually buy it. The keyboard consists of three buttons: C, V and the third, with the Stack Overflow logo. These three keys are programmable and can be assigned to any task. The body of the novelty is made of aluminum on a CNC machine. The rear panel has a USB-C connector, and the bottom has rubber non-slip ... >>

A new way to recycle plastic 05.10.2021

Engineers from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland) have developed a new method for plastic recycling based on polymer reassembly. Proteins are one of the main organic compounds that make up our world. Like DNA, they form part of the polymer family; proteins are long chains of molecules or monomers known as amino acids. The sequence of these links makes up the structure of the protein and, therefore, determines its properties. In nature, protein chains are broken down into their constituent amino acids, and cells join these amino acids together to form new proteins. In the laboratory, scientists first tried to replicate this natural cycle outside of living organisms. They took proteins and divided them into amino acids. Then they put the amino acids into a cell-free biological system that assembled new proteins with completely different structures and functions. "It's important to note that when you break down and reassemble proteins in this way, the quality ... >>

New antibacterial composite obtained using plasma 04.10.2021

Silver nanoparticles (AG NPs) have excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, and the addition of two-dimensional graphene can greatly improve the dispersibility of silver nanoparticles and improve sterilization efficiency. However, current methods for preparing the AgNPs@rGO composite usually require harsh conditions using toxic and polluting chemicals. The researchers used high-voltage DC discharge plasma to fabricate AgNPs@rGO by simultaneously reducing Ag+ ions and graphene oxide. "The advantage is clear and the technology is ready to be applied. The synthesis of AgNPs@rGO composite nanomaterial using electric discharge took only a very short period of time (within one minute), which is much more efficient than the traditional costly and time-consuming processing," said Professor Huang Qing, head of the research group. The obtained nanomaterial AgNPs@rGO showed an excellent disinfecting effect and bio ... >>

Transcranial magnetic stimulation improved short-term verbal memory 04.10.2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation at a frequency of one hertz, applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during word memorization, is associated with improved verbal memory. Moreover, this effect is associated with a well-known physiological correlate of memory formation - a decrease in beta waves observed in the posterior cortex. The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays an important role in the formation of verbal memory: if this area is stimulated while memorizing words, any text, or a passage of it, then later, when trying to reproduce the memorized memory, a decrease in memory performance will be found. Moreover, such a decrease in performance is mainly observed when using excitatory transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with an oscillation frequency of 20 hertz. Thus, it appears that the activity of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may have an inverse relationship with memory performance. Accordingly, it can be assumed that by suppressing the activity of le ... >>

Sony IMX487 CMOS sensor 03.10.2021

Sony Semiconductor Solutions, a division of Sony engaged in the development of semiconductor solutions, primarily image sensors, announced the start of sales of a 487/2 "format IMX3 CMOS sensor designed for industrial equipment. The matrix supports a record number of effective pixels for solutions of a similar purpose and the t "Global Shutter" The IMX487 sensor has a high level of UV sensitivity and minimizes noise thanks to ultraviolet-optimized components. The industry's smallest 2,74µm pixels. The IMX487 supports an approximate resolution of 8,13, 193 MP effective pixels, and the Pregius S global shutter feature uses pixel backlight technology to maintain high speed without sacrificing image quality even when shooting subjects in motion, at up to 10 frames per second (in XNUMX-bit mode). ... >>

Smart speaker Huawei Sound SE 03.10.2021

Huawei introduced the Huawei Sound SE smart speaker. Huawei Sound SE speakers are available in two color options: black and white with gold accents. The device received as many as six speakers: three full-range speakers, one woofer and two passive radiators. Huawei Sound SE received Devialet Push-Push acoustic architecture, Devialet SAM technology and Devialet joint tuning algorithm. In terms of connectivity, the Huawei Sound SE smart speaker supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi. There's also a 3,5mm audio input and support for DLNA/QPlay playback. The device runs the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system and supports features such as touch input and voice control through several different voice assistants available on the market. Huawei Sound SE also supports quick connection to other smart devices, including smart screens, tablets, and more. When the speaker is near ... >>

Shatter-resistant glass based on mollusk shells 02.10.2021

Scientists from McGill University (Canada) have developed a stronger and more rigid glass, taking the inner layer of mollusk shells as a model. The new material has the elasticity of plastic. In the future, it can be used to make screens for smartphones that will not break on impact. Inspired by nature, scientists have created a new composite material made of glass and acrylic, imitating the mother-of-pearl shell of mollusks. Mother of pearl, the authors explain, has the properties of a hard material and the strength of a soft material. It is made from hard pieces of chalky material coated with layers of soft proteins that are highly elastic. This structure provides exceptional strength, making it 3000 times more rigid than the materials it is made from. The researchers took the "architecture" of mother-of-pearl and replicated it with layers of glass flakes and acrylic, resulting in an exceptionally strong yet opaque material that can be produced easily and inexpensively. Then they went even further ... >>

Soft robotics for agriculture 02.10.2021

"Soft" robots are made of malleable materials such as silicone and other polymers, rather than metal. These materials give the robots organic characteristics, replicating the work of muscles and allowing them to move and do work instead of a human that old metal machines can't. A particular application of soft robotics that I was interested in was agriculture. Most automatic harvesting solutions only deal with large and hard crops. There are several mechanisms for picking smaller crops, but many are tough and can damage the plant in the process. Some success has come from companies such as Soft Robotics Inc, which have created grippers with soft features. But they were still only able to work with harder crops. These difficulties led to a research project in which I participated. The aim of the project was to explore the possibility of autonomous collection of light fragile berries, in particular raspberries. ... >>

Microscopic metacars running on light 01.10.2021

Researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) have managed to create tiny vehicles that work only in the light. By superimposing an optical metasurface on top of a microscopic particle and then using a light source to control it, they were able to move tiny vehicles in a myriad of complex and precise ways - and even use them to transport other objects. Light has the ability to move microscopic objects, a property previously used to develop the Nobel Prize-winning "optical tweezer" research idea, which uses a highly focused laser beam to manipulate and maneuver tiny particles with incredible precision. Now a research team from Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg has shown how even unfocused light can be used to maneuver microscopic particles in a controlled manner. The researchers produced cars ... >>

TP-Link EAP610 Ceiling Access Point 01.10.2021

TP-Link has launched the new TP-Link EAP610 Ceiling Access Point to the market. The most important advantage of TP-Link EAP610 is the high speed provided by the new product, which, thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 standard, is up to 574 Mbps in the 2,4 GHz band and up to 1201 Mbps in the 5 GHz band. Thus, the total connection speed reaches 1775 Mbps. Support for Band Steering technology is noted, which automatically switches dual-band devices to a faster frequency of 5 GHz. The EAP610 model integrates with the Omada system, designed to centrally manage a wireless network locally or via the cloud. This is possible through the web interface or using the proprietary Omada application. The device also supports Omada Mesh technology. This means that a stable connection between access points will remain even in the absence of a cable connection. The PoE+ capabilities make the installation and connection of the EAP610 easier and more convenient as ... >>

Antimicrobial Coating for Orthopedic Implants 30.09.2021

Scientists from Los Angeles have presented a mixture that can be applied to orthopedic implants a few minutes before surgery, which eliminates the possibility of infection of the implant. In early trials in mice, the coating prevented all subsequent infections, even without the introduction of antibiotics into the bloodstream. After 20 days, the coating did not reduce the ability of the bone to fuse with the implant and was completely absorbed by the body. The new antimicrobial coating consists of two polymers, one that repels water and the other that mixes well with water. Both drugs are mixed in solution with an antibiotic. When exposed to bright ultraviolet light, the two polymers fuse. Tests with various types of implants have shown that the coating is very difficult to remove during surgical interventions. However, once ingested, the conditions cause the polymer to degrade, slowly releasing the antibiotics over a period of two to three weeks. The invention is very important for people with cancer ... >>

Steering wheel instead of steering wheel in Tesla Model S recognized as dangerous 30.09.2021

After testing the new Tesla Model S, equipped with a steering wheel instead of a steering wheel, Consumer Reports specialists expressed their complaints about such a control. Moreover, the claims were described on the basis of the opinions of 10 experts at once. In general, the opinion of experts is negative. The main disadvantage is that with this form it is simply much more difficult to control the steering wheel, which in some cases can lead to the formation of a dangerous situation. Blind interception of the steering wheel is impossible, since in the process a protruding part or even a void may be at hand. Moreover, the steering wheel is slippery, which further exacerbates the situation. One of the women who tested the car also said that the steering wheel was too thick for her small hands. In addition, due to the specific shape of the hand, drivers get tired faster. Adds problems and lack of paddle shifters. They have been replaced with controls on the steering wheel itself. As a result, sometimes it is very inconvenient to turn on the turn signals. The remaining buttons are touch-sensitive, which in ... >>

Human-mouse hybrid 29.09.2021

American scientists report an unprecedented success in the integration of living human cells into the organisms of other animals. In particular, they managed to create the most perfect hybrid of a mouse and a human to date - something impossible in ordinary nature. Such chimeras are extremely important and necessary for science, but they are not at all spectacular from the point of view of, for example, cinema - instead of nightmarish monsters, ordinary-looking rodents grow in cages. To be precise, not a single mouse-human hybrid has ever been grown to adulthood, all embryos, including the most successful ones, are destroyed on the 17th day of life. Not because of safety requirements - scientists are sure that such creatures are no more dangerous than an ordinary mouse. There is simply no point in wasting resources and time on an intermediate result - with only 0,1% of human cells in the mouse body, it is of no practical interest. And even today's record 4% of human cells in the mouse body is just a reason for the personal pride of researchers. Where more interesting ... >>

Viltrox AF 35/1.8 Z full frame lens 29.09.2021

Viltrox has unveiled the AF 35/1.8 Z full-frame autofocus lens for Nikon Z system mirrorless cameras. The product description states that "the compact design and outstanding sharpness across the frame make the lens an attractive choice for a wide range of photographers." Applications for the Viltrox 35mm F/1.8 include everyday photography as well as still life, landscape, architecture and night scenes. For automatic focusing, a stepper drive is used. Focus is internal. Nikon Eye AF technology is supported. Of course, manual focus is also possible. The lens transmits EXIF ​​data to the camera, and the presence of a USB-C port allows you to update the lens firmware. The risk of ghosting and glare is reduced by the HD nano multilayer coating. Specifications of the Viltrox AF 35/1.8 Z lens: focal length - 35 mm; aperture - f / 1,8-f / 16; optical design - 10 elements in 8 groups; ... >>

Ultra-thin voice recorder Sony ICD-TX660 28.09.2021

Introduced by Sony, the new ultra-thin compact voice recorder ICD-TX660 is enclosed in a metal case, while it has minimal dimensions and weight, easily fitting into the breast pocket of a jacket. Among the advantages of the novelty, it is worth noting the One-Push Recording function, which is specially designed in order not to miss anything important. It allows you to instantly, with one click on the button, start recording, even if the recorder was turned off. The LED indicator will help you quickly and effortlessly make sure that the recording is activated. The user can easily find important sections of a meeting, seminar or lecture using Time Jump - a quick search for fragments to play. This makes it possible to skip every 10% of the total playback time of the recording. The model is equipped with an improved digital stereo microphone to suppress background noise by 50% without compromising the sensitivity of the recording device. The recorder's OLED display is 41% larger than the company's previous generation of devices, which ... >>

Record of the lowest artificially created temperature 28.09.2021

Physicists from Germany have managed to get the lowest temperature recorded in the history of science, just 38 picokelvins, 38 trillionths of a degree above absolute zero. Their experiment used the free-falling process of a quantum gas cloud and turning the magnetic field on and off in order to slow down the atoms of the gas almost to a complete stop of their thermal motion. The point of absolute zero, -273.15 degrees Celsius, is the lowest temperature that can be obtained according to all the canons of thermodynamics. At such a temperature, the thermal motion of atoms stops completely and these atoms cease to have any kinetic energy, which should lead to the appearance of very strange effects. However, reaching the point of absolute zero and below is unattainable in practice due to the fact that it is physically impossible to take absolutely all of their kinetic energy from atoms. However, scientists are constantly trying to get closer to the abs point. ... >>

Artificial retina on photocells 27.09.2021

Scientists from the Center for Neuroprosthetics in Lausanne, Switzerland have developed a fundamentally new type of retinal implant. More than 3 million patients around the world are blind due to disease or damage to the retina. But the existing implants are of little help so far. They restore visual visibility by no more than 20 degrees, and patients with such implants are officially recognized as visually impaired. Swiss scientists have developed a flexible polymer implant that is also a solar battery. The image is obtained by video cameras located on the glasses. Here everything is as usual. But then everything is new. The image is transmitted wirelessly to the implanted retina. Moreover, the implant area is almost the same as the natural retina. The implant material was specially made thin and flexible so that it could be inserted into the eye through a very narrow incision. The large area of ​​the implant allows you to dramatically increase the resolution of the image, compared to existing analogues. Implan ... >>

Robot for checking energy and processing plants 27.09.2021

The Swiss company ANYbotics demonstrated a new industrial robot - ANYmal D, which can operate in the temperature range from -20 to 500 ° C and is designed to check complex industrial and energy installations through a thermal imaging camera or unusual sounds (using a microphone) indicating a possible malfunction in the system. The robotic inspector is equipped with a lidar for a panoramic view of the terrain and wide-angle color cameras that allow the robot to bypass obstacles and "orient" in space. Having given it a route and stopping points once, the robot can then follow it and check systems for malfunctions. If a problem is detected during a walk, the walking robot sends an alert to the control room via Wi-Fi or LTE. ANYmal D can operate over a wide temperature range (-20 to 50 ... >>

NZXT C Series Bronze Power Supplies 26.09.2021

NZXT introduced the C Series Bronze power supply. This is a budget series that includes 550W, 650W and 750W models with 80 Plus Bronze certifications. In the description of the blocks, the presence of combined cable systems is noted. The main cables, made non-removable, are braided. The speed of the fan that provides cooling to the components depends on the temperature, which allows the power supply to operate almost silently under light loads. Model C550 Bronze is estimated by the manufacturer at $80. The C650 Bronze is $90, while the most powerful C750 Bronze is $100. New PSUs come with a five-year warranty. Sales should start in the fourth quarter. ... >>

US to build giant hydrogen fuel plant 26.09.2021

The American company Plug Power announced plans to build a new plant for the production of environmentally friendly fuels in Fresno County, California (USA). The plant is designed to produce 30 tons of hydrogen per day without harm to the environment, which will be used mainly in the transport industry in the future to reduce the carbon footprint. Energy giant Plug Power is a leading developer of hydrogen cell systems for equipment and vehicles. The new plant will be part of a large green fuel ecosystem on the US West Coast, serving customers from San Diego to Vancouver. The enterprise will have a new solar power plant with a capacity of 300 megawatts, which will power modern electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The company already has similar units in New York, Tennessee and Georgia. According to Plug Power's plans, by 2025 the entire network will produce 500 tons of liquid hydrogen per day. By 2028, the daily reduction ... >>

Honeywell FMA Miniature Force Transmitters 25.09.2021

Honeywell introduced the new FMA series sensors. They have a piezoresistive sensing element. Full factory calibration and temperature compensation minimizes initial offset and sensitivity non-linearity. Direct mechanical contact ensures a simple input of the measured force. The output is directly proportional to the force applied to the sensor. FMA sensors have a digital output for easy connection to a microcontroller. Applications: Medicine: infusion pumps; ambulatory pumps; pumps for enteral nutrition; kidney dialysis machines. Industry: load and compression measurement; touch panels; switch replacement; robotics; weight measurement; force/grip measurement equipment. The FMA series is a compensated heavy duty force transducer with a digital output and a wide measurement range, with a small size, as well as increased reliability and accuracy. Multiple limits measured ... >>

The effect of green tea on the mind of men 25.09.2021

Specialists from the Netherlands in the course of the study studied the effect of green tea on brain activity in men. The experiment involved 44 healthy adult men. Experts studied the effect of the amino acids L-theanine and caffeine contained in green tea on brain function in men. Those participants who drank a cup of green tea 20 minutes before starting the tests had a much more efficient brain than those who did not drink tea. As a result of the study, scientists came to the conclusion that people who regularly consume green tea are more attentive and less tired. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine allows the brain to focus as much as possible on solving intellectual tasks that require extreme concentration and high precision. ... >>

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 foldable smartphone 24.09.2021

Microsoft has officially announced its second-generation foldable Android smartphone, the Surface Duo 2. The novelty has retained the design of the first-generation device. At the same time, the engineers have improved those aspects that caused criticism. The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 smartphone contains two 5,8-inch OLED displays with a resolution of 1344x1892 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The hinge used allows the device to be opened like a book or set up like a tent. Together, the two Duo 2 displays measure 8,3 inches in diagonal. The slight curve of the display allows you to view a small image (time, notifications) when closed. The screens are covered with protective glass Corning. The Surface Pen series digital pen is supported, and the Surface Slim Pen 2 version can be attached to the side of your smartphone using a magnetic attachment. The novelty carries a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and supports 5G communication. These characteristics have been significantly improved compared to ... >>

The influence of lunar cycles on human sleep 24.09.2021

In Sweden, scientists conducted the largest study in which they studied how lunar cycles affect human sleep. As part of the study, a group of scientists monitored the sleep of more than 850 people. With the help of polysomnography, the experts recorded the duration and quality of sleep of the subjects during the night. These one-day measurements were collected over several years from both men and women. The collected data eventually covered different stages of the lunar cycle: new moon, full moon, waning moon, and the period until the next new moon. The results confirm that lunar cycles do have a significant impact on sleep, but not for everyone. “As it turned out, in men during the waxing moon, the quality of sleep decreased and the time of wakefulness increased compared to the data during the waning moon. At the same time, the lunar cycle did not have a significant effect on sleep in women,” says the neuroscientist and one of the authors. research from Uppsala University Christian Benedict. ... >>

SteelSeries Prime Mini and Prime Mini Wireless mice 23.09.2021

SteelSeries introduced the Prime Mini and Prime Mini Wireless mice. The new mice have found application technology Prestige OM. Under this name lie the magneto-optical switches previously tested in Prime mice, from which the new devices differ in smaller size and weight. More specifically, the Prime Mini is 12% lighter and the Prime Mini Wireless is 9% more powerful than the base model. The benefits of Prestige OM switches are five times longer "than the competition" and "lightning fast response time". Unlike mechanical switches, magneto-optical switches do not wear out during operation, that is, their characteristics remain unchanged. The Prime Mini weighs 61g and uses the TrueMove Pro sensor. The Prime Mini Wireless weighs 73g but is wireless. Without recharging, this mouse can work for more than 100 hours. It uses the TrueMove Air sensor. The SteelSeries Prime Mini gaming mouse is priced at $60, while the Prime Mini Wir ... >>

IKEA Qi wireless charger 23.09.2021

IKEA has unveiled a device called the Sjomarke, which is a built-in Qi wireless charger that can easily upgrade almost any table or shelving unit. A couple of years ago, IKEA started selling furniture with built-in wireless chargers, and in 2019, in collaboration with Xiaomi, they released a table that supports 20W wireless charging. Now the Swedish furniture giant has decided to add wireless charging to its range to modernize old furniture. The Sjomarke device can be easily hidden under the surface of a table or cabinet - it can be fixed both with double-sided tape and with self-tapping screws. Any non-metallic surface with a thickness of 8 to 22 millimeters will do. The novelty is compatible with the Qi 1.2.4 protocol and provides power up to 5 watts. Also, the device is equipped with an LED charging indicator and a temperature and power control system for safety. The kit includes a XNUMXm power cable and a transparent sticker "X" for indication. ... >>

Everyone lives in their own reality 22.09.2021

An experiment in the field of quantum physics has demonstrated a stunning idea that was previously expressed only in the framework of a theory. It turns out that under the right conditions, two people can observe the same event with different results - and both will be right! Physicists from Heriot-Watt University have demonstrated how two people can experience a "different reality" by recreating a classic speculative experiment in quantum physics in practice. The experiment involves two people observing the same photon - the smallest quantitative unit of light, which under different conditions can exhibit the properties of both a wave and a particle. A photon can exist in one of these two states, but before anyone can measure it, it is in a so-called "superposition" - that is, both conditions are met at the same time. In a thought experiment, one scientist calmly analyzes a photon and determines its position. The other, not knowing about the dimensions of the first, ... >>

Night lighting from living plants 22.09.2021

Bioengineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed eco-friendly night lighting. They say that night lights can soon be replaced by glow-in-the-dark plants. Specialists who are engaged in nanobionics made watercress, chamomile, tobacco, basil and "elephant's ear" glow. For this, a phosphor (a substance capable of absorbing energy and converting it into light radiation) was created from strontium aluminate nanoparticles. These particles formed a thin film on the leaf surface. The experiment showed that after 10 seconds of exposure to sunlight or a blue LED, the leaves could glow for an hour. They can be recharged continuously for two weeks. Moreover, this process does not violate the natural functions of plants, such as photosynthesis and water evaporation. Earlier, American scientists found that artificial night light threatens biodiversity. In particular, it confuses the fireflies and makes them unable to mate. It may n ... >>

T-shirt will do an EKG 21.09.2021

American scientists have invented smart clothes that will be able to monitor human health online. The created material will be able to control the heart rate of the wearer, as well as to make an ECG (electrocardiogram) in real time. Smart clothes are washable, more comfortable than bulky heart monitors, and won't tear even with intense movement. According to the experiments, T-shirts made of such material take a cardiogram much more accurately than conventional devices. You can connect Bluetooth to the "smart" T-shirt, which will transfer data to a smartphone. ... >>

LG DVLED Extreme Home Cinema 325" TV 21.09.2021

LG has unveiled a new family of DVLED Extreme Home Cinema TVs, with a $325 million 8-inch 1,7K TV as its flagship. LG promises that the new TVs will last at least 100 thousand hours, providing a high-quality high-contrast picture. The LG DVLED Extreme Home Cinema line includes nine models at once with an aspect ratio of 16:9 or 32:9. The base option is a 108-inch HD 2K TV that starts at $70. Versions from 163 to 393 inches have a 4K screen, while the top 325-inch TV supports 8K resolution. To purchase it, you will have to shell out $ 1,7 million. The manufacturer warns that during operation, the giant screen generates a huge amount of heat and requires an efficient air conditioning system. ... >>

FLXdrive battery-powered freight locomotive 20.09.2021

Carnegie Mellon University unveils the first FLXdrive lithium battery freight locomotive. The locomotive was jointly created by specialists from the university and Wabtec. The train is 75 feet long, done in grey-red tones. The new FLXdrive battery-driven electric locomotive was successfully tested in California earlier this year, where it was found that it could achieve an 11% reduction in fuel consumption. This means a 6200 gallon reduction in diesel fuel usage. The next version of the locomotive, which will be produced within two years, will reduce the consumption of traditional fuel by almost a third. Emissions in the future will be completely eliminated through the development of accompanying hydrogen fuel cells. If this technology is used worldwide, Wabtec estimates that global emissions will be reduced by 300 million tons per year. The rail freight industry in the US is currently evaluating ... >>

Aluminum film protects against forest fires 20.09.2021

Flexible aluminum sheets are not widely used because they are expensive and difficult to install, however the technology is advancing and becoming more widely available. Firezat sells rolls of fire protection film that works like a real shield. Each roll costs approximately $700 each. The company says that a building that can be protected with this film will not burn. Unless only the fire will come into direct contact with him. The wrapper draws heat away from buildings, helping to prevent flammable materials from igniting. It also prevents airborne coals from slipping through vents and other openings in the home. Thanks to the fiberglass backing and acrylic adhesive, the wrappers can withstand temperatures up to 522 degrees Celsius. Firezat Founding President Dan Hearing said the US Forest Service wrapped 600 to 700 buildings, bridges, communication towers and other structures in national forests this year alone. On Lake Tahoe they ober ... >>

Microfluidic chip automates DNA calculations 19.09.2021

Korean scientists at Incheon National University (INU) have created what they say will one day replace electronic processors: a programmable microfluidic chip (Microfluidic Processing Unit, MPU) that uses DNA rather than electronics to perform calculations. DNA calculations have traditionally required the laborious mixing of protein chains in a reaction tube. The MPU, on the other hand, does everything automatically and is controlled via a traditional PC or smartphone. By making a prototype DNA processor using a 3D printer, the researchers were able to demonstrate its use to perform complex mathematical operations with Boolean logic. To do this, DNA single strand templates were turned into logic gates that connected to incoming DNA and complementary Watson-Crick sequences and produced outgoing DNA, the length of which gave a binary true-false result. The functionality of the prototype MPU is limited to the most basic logic operations. ... >>

LaCie Mobile SSD Secure and Portable SSD 2TB Pocket Drives 19.09.2021

LaCie, the premium product brand of Seagate Technology Holdings, has announced the LaCie Mobile SSD Secure and LaCie Portable SSD portable SSDs, which will be available this month. The devices are enclosed in a case with a minimalist design. For data exchange, the USB 3.2 Gen2 interface is based on a symmetrical USB Type-C connector. We are talking about compatibility with computers running Windows and macOS operating systems, as well as with iPad tablets. Devices are capable of reading information at speeds up to 1050 MB / s and writing it at speeds up to 1000 MB / s. The LaCie Mobile SSD Secure model provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your data using the AES algorithm with a 256-bit key. The LaCie Toolkit software allows you to perform on-demand or scheduled backups. Both drive series are available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB models. In the case of LaCie Mobile SSD Secure, the price is respectively ... >>

durian antibacterial dressings 18.09.2021

Scientists at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have learned to fight food waste by turning discarded durian husks into antibacterial gel dressings. In the process of fruit processing, cellulose powder is extracted from the husk. This happens after they are sliced ​​and freeze-dried and then mixed with glycerin. The resulting mixture becomes a soft hydrogel, which is then cut into bandage strips. The researchers said the technology they created could also turn other food waste (such as soybeans and spent grain) into hydrogel, helping to reduce food waste in the country. The use of waste and yeast for antimicrobial dressings is more cost-effective than the production of conventional dressings, whose antimicrobial properties are due to more expensive metal compounds such as silver or copper ions. ... >>

Meat grown in space 18.09.2021

It may sound like something out of Star Wars or Star Trek, but humans have finally managed to grow meat in space. The meat produced by the Israeli food company Aleph Farms was created aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and is considered the world's first lab-grown meat produced in space. The edible meat was made from a pair of bovine cell spheroids in a laboratory on the space station segment and grown to mimic natural cows. the process of muscle tissue regeneration. The proposed method can be used to provide "meat without slaughter" for people living on the space station. This event comes more than two decades after astronauts successfully grew potatoes aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, and just a few years after the creation of a "space garden" on the ISS. Although "space steak" was prepared using largely the same methods as their original earth line of lab-grown ... >>

Sport bracelet Realme Band 2 17.09.2021

Realme has announced a new fitness tracker. The novelty is called Realme Band 2. Its cost is $40. Later it will also enter the European market. Externally, the novelty has several differences from its predecessor and is more like a smart watch. The screen size is 1,4 inches. The case is protected from moisture. There are also 50 different watch faces available. Upon purchase, users will receive 14 sports modes, but after a while their number will increase to 90. The bracelet measures blood oxygen levels, heart rate, monitors sleep and stress levels. Also, the device can remind you that it's time to move and drink water. The Realme Band 2 fitness bracelet has a 204 mAh battery. One charge will last up to 12 days of battery life. ... >>

The impact of fast food on sleep and memory of adolescents 17.09.2021

The researchers studied the eating habits of high school students and found out how they affect the sleep of teenagers. The observation was carried out in 64 countries of the world and covered 175 adolescents. Teenagers who frequently consumed carbonated water were 000% more likely to have trouble sleeping than those who drank less of these sugary drinks, according to a study by scientists. It is clarified that we are talking about about three drinks a day, compared to a friend reports. An analysis of data from 55 adolescents aged 175261 to 12 showed that frequent consumption of unhealthy foods is associated with poor sleep quality, which in turn negatively affects their well-being, memory and cognitive abilities. Also, experts noted that sleep disturbances were observed in children if they consumed fast food more than four times a week. At the same time, as the authors of the study emphasized, violations occurred in girls twice as often as in boys. These findings are of great concern because poor quality sleep negatively impacts ... >>

FN Evolys ultralight machine gun 16.09.2021

The Belgian company FN Herstal presented the FN Evolys ultralight machine gun at an arms exhibition in London. The machine gun will be available in two versions, caliber 5,56 mm and 7,62 mm. One of the main features of the FN Evolys is its weight, which is only 5,5 kg in the 5,56 version and 6,2 kg in the 7,62 mm version. For comparison, the weight of the equipped RPK, which is used in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is 5,46 kg. According to the developers, the machine gun combines the ergonomics of an assault rifle and firepower with belt feed. This is an unprecedented advantage in the existing arms market. The FN Evolys is a new type of machine gun that will complement the existing line of FN Minimi, FN Mag and FN M2HB-QCB machine guns. Characteristics of the new machine gun: Double-sided fire switch with semi-automatic firing mode. The effective firing range is 800 meters (5,56 mm) and 1000 m (7,62 mm). Rate of fire - 750 rounds per minute. Stock adjustment in height and length. Also FN Evolys has pl ... >>

Stonehenge to be closed for renovations 16.09.2021

Stonehenge, built around 3500-1100 BC, needs restoration - cracks and holes appeared in its stones. The building will be renovated for the first time in 60 years. The Stonehenge megalithic complex in Wiltshire will be closed to visitors for two weeks - during which time all work is planned to be completed. Restorers will reinforce the upper lintel stones and replace the mortar that holds them together. The last time the restoration was carried out in 1958. “The uniqueness of Stonehenge is in its lintel stones lying on top of vertical pillars, and in a special fastening system that holds them in place, but four and a half thousand years of rain and wind still led to the appearance of cracks,” says project curator Heather Siberia. During laser scanning, which helps to determine the condition of the ancient monument, erosion was revealed. Not only stones were deformed, but also concrete, which strengthened some of them. The concrete will now be replaced with a more breathable lime mortar. ... >>

Rugged laptop Gigabyte U4 15.09.2021

The Taiwanese company Gigabyte Technology has introduced a lightweight and at the same time secure laptop Gigabyte U4. The body of the model complies with the American military standard MIL-STD-810G, which means that the device is able to withstand pressure and temperature drops, vibration, shaking and other hardships and hardships. The weight of the laptop is only 990 grams. The novelty received a 14-inch screen with Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The model is based on a quad-core Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor with integrated Iris Xe graphics. 8 GB of RAM + an additional expansion slot is provided. There are also two slots for M.2 SSDs: the first supports PCIe 4.0, the second supports PCIe 3.0 or SATA. Gigabyte U4 provides autonomy up to 8 hours and supports high-speed charging with a power of 65 W, which replenishes the energy reserve by 45% in half an hour. ... >>

Programmable processor based on DNA molecules 15.09.2021

Researchers at South Korea's Incheon National University (INU) have unveiled a programmable chip that uses DNA molecules instead of traditional silicon semiconductors. Previously, for molecular computing, specialists had to manually make threads and set up complex configurations in reaction tubes. A microfluidic processor (MPU) automates this process, and the design details are 3D printed. In terms of performance, the prototype is expected to lose to electronic counterparts, but is already capable of performing basic logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR and NOT. To control the system, you need an external device - a PC or a smartphone. Scientists speculate that DNA-based processors will replace electronic processors in the future. They consume less power and provide a platform for time-consuming computations such as deep learning and mathematical modeling. The INU team is not the first to consider DNA molecules as alternatives to computing. ... >>

The laser can peek through the keyhole 14.09.2021

The ability to "look" into enclosed spaces has long been a science fiction and "superhero" skill. However, researchers from the Computational Imaging Lab at Stanford University, using NLOS (non-line-of-sight imaging) technology as a basis, have achieved that a single beam of laser light penetrating into a closed room, let's say, through a keyhole, will allow you to see all physical objects in this room. NLOS imaging technology has been a well-known technology for a long time. Based on this method, "smart" cameras have already been created that can look around corners and shoot objects hidden by any obstacles. However, most of the previous implementations of the NLOS-survey technology made it possible to see fairly large objects and flat surfaces, for example, walls in a room. NLOS technology is a very promising technology for a number of areas. self-driving car ... >>

Coffee in test tubes 14.09.2021

Finnish scientists have grown coffee in a test tube. As a result, a light-colored biomass was obtained. It was dried, fried to a dark brown shade and got something like coffee grounds, from which you can brew a drink. It is reported by the Technical Research Center of Finland. In the process of preparing the drink, scientists cultivated plant cells by placing them in a special solution. After that, they got the biomass, which they dried and roasted, after which it became like coffee grounds. The process is quite adjustable and you can vary the aromas and saturation of such a drink. Lab coffee is an experimental food. In Europe, such products must first be recognized as food before they can be sold. According to the researchers, they will be able to increase production and get permission to sell from regulators in four years. Food market experts note that coffee will continue to rise in price, and therefore alternative options for its production may be ... >>

Wireless microcontroller STM32WLE4CC 13.09.2021

The line of STM32 microcontrollers manufactured by STMicroelectronics has been replenished with a new STM32WLE4CC chip, which has a transceiver with a frequency range up to 1 GHz. The radio can not only work with classic modulation types such as (G)FSK and (G)MSK, but also allows you to transmit a BPSK signal with a bit rate of 100 or 600 bps. This chip allows you to create low-cost wireless IoT devices that will be compatible with a large fleet of existing FSK systems. The STM32WLE4xx chip is based on a high-performance 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 RISC core running at up to 48 MHz. This core implements the entire DSP instruction set and an independent memory protection unit (MPU) that enhances application security. The devices have high-speed memory (Flash-memory up to 256 KB, SRAM up to 64 KB), as well as a large set of advanced input-output devices and rich peripherals. The chip has several protection mechanisms for the built-in Flash memory and SRAM, such as protection ... >>

Mammoth Revival 13.09.2021

The American bioscience and genetic company Colossal decided to resurrect the woolly mammoth and has already managed to raise 15 million for its project. Ten thousand years after these giants disappeared from the face of the Earth, scientists decided to embark on an ambitious project to return them to the Arctic tundra. As the authors of the project say, their goal is to create an elephant that is resistant to cold, but it will look and behave like a mammoth, that is, it will be functionally equivalent to a mammoth. These hybrid species are expected to thrive at -40°C. To create an elephant-mammoth hybrid, geneticists will first need to sequence the woolly mammoth genome from a well-preserved specimen, such as one recovered from freezing in permafrost. By comparing the ancient genome with that of Asian elephants, parts of the DNA that code for the mammoth's adaptation to cold climates can be identified, such as hair, insulating layers of fat, and cold-tolerant blood. ... >>

DNA from the air 12.09.2021

Forensic scientists actively use DNA analysis: if traces of someone's DNA remain on some surface, it means that a person touched this surface - for example, he could lean on a table, or run his hand along the wall. Or he could not lean and not hold: Flinders University employees found out that it is not necessary to touch with your hand to leave a DNA trace - your DNA can fly to an object through the air. For the experiment, special plates for collecting DNA were placed around several work tables. The dice stood at a distance of half a meter to five meters, and they stood like that from one day to one and a half months. Nobody was supposed to touch them. And it turned out that despite the fact that no one touched the dies, the DNA of the person who worked next to them settled on them. It is easy to guess that the amount of DNA was the greater, the longer it was collected. With the distance, everything was not so obvious: most of the DNA was on those plates that stood at a distance of two meters. If between pl ... >>

Chemotherapy improvement 12.09.2021

The use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in combination with microbubbles can improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. In their study, a group of Lithuanian researchers from three universities reported that the survival time of microbubbles is the best indicator for determining the effectiveness of sonoporation, that is, the rupture of the cancer cell membrane caused by ultrasound. To date, a method in which ultrasound, along with microbubbles, is used to improve the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to affected cells is being widely studied. Although most of the research is carried out in vitro laboratory conditions, the first clinical trials have already begun. A new class of anti-cancer drugs could be effective in treating common types of leukemia. “Our main finding is that only an estimate of the microbubble survival time is needed to predict the effectiveness of sonoporation. Therefore, our ... >>

Increased sodium-ion battery capacity 11.09.2021

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) have used graphene to create a new type of anode for sodium-ion batteries, making them comparable in capacity to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries are not used as often in mobile devices, since traditional lithium-ion batteries offer 2 times the energy density - 285 kWh / kg. Sodium-ion battery (Na-ion) is a type of electric battery that has almost identical energy characteristics to a lithium-ion battery, but the cost of materials used in it is much lower. The big advantage of sodium-ion batteries is that they can be safely discharged to zero, which makes them safer to transport and store. The specialists found that with a new type of graphene electrode, a sodium-ion battery is able to demonstrate similar performance: this material is able to hold the same number of sodium ions. Sodium-ion batteries are more stable and have a lower cost - ... >>

Bubbles against hurricanes 11.09.2021

The average water temperature in the world's oceans is gradually increasing and as a result can become catastrophic. It is warm water that provokes abnormal weather phenomena. Numerous hurricanes are no exception. OceanTherm in Norway, founded by former naval officer Olaf Hollingseter, has made a statement that he knows how to solve the problem. He proposed to start blowing huge bubbles in the ocean, which would help lower the water temperature and make storms less severe. Hurricanes begin to appear after the meeting of cold and hot air over the surface of the ocean. The higher the water temperature, the stronger the resulting storm will be. If it is possible to reduce the temperature below the mark of 26,5 degrees, then this will help to completely eliminate the risk of a hurricane or significantly reduce its intensity. The OceanTherm idea basically involves the use of perforated pipes that need to be lowered to a decent depth. ... >>

Coupe-crossover Lynk&Co 05+ 10.09.2021

Geely-owned company Lynk & Co presented a new "charged" crossover 05+ at the Chengdu Motor Show. The novelty, which has become, in fact, the top version of the 05 cross-coupe, received an aggressive appearance, a modified suspension and an engine boosted to 265 hp. Externally, the crossover with the plus sign differed from the "donor" with enlarged rims, a sports body kit with a diffuser in the front bumper, a rear wing and two twin exhaust pipes under the rear bumper. The cabin of the new 05+ has seats with pronounced lateral support, suede trim and rich contrasting decor, while everything else, including a large multimedia tablet with a diagonal of 12,7 inches, a compact gear selector and a fully digital instrument panel, migrated from the standard Lynk & Co 05. Technically cross - the coupe was unified with the Lynk & Co 03+ sedan, which is built on a common CMA platform from Volvo, but is equipped with a forced 2.0 turbo engine of the Drive-E family, ... >>

Voice preferences of women and men 10.09.2021

American experts from the University of Utah and the University of California found out that the assessment of the attractiveness of a person's voice is influenced by the clarity of the articulation of words. During the new scientific work, they recorded how 42 people perform vocal exercises. Then the other participants in the experiment were asked to rate the attractiveness of the voice. As a result, scientists have established how acoustic indicators of speech clarity are associated with attractiveness. The main point turned out to be the articulatory space of vowels. The researchers explained that in women, 73 percent of the time, a higher vowel space increased the attractiveness of the voice. At the same time, such a trend was not observed among representatives of the strong half of humanity. As a rule, women are attracted to men with masculine traits, so men with less intelligible speech seem more attractive. ... >>

200MP ISOCELL HP1 image sensor 09.09.2021

The South Korean company Samsung announced the ISOCELL HP1 sensor. It became the world's first smartphone image sensor with a resolution of 200 megapixels (16 x 384 dots). Samsung ISOCELL HP12 has not the largest pixels. Their size is 288 microns. According to the manufacturer, the compact dimensions of the matrix allow solving the problem of integration into thin smartphones, where every millimeter of free space is worth its weight in gold. The sensor supports ChameleonCell technology, which is responsible for improving the quality of materials in the absence of light. When combining 1 pixels, the size increases to 0,64 microns, and the smartphone can take pictures in twilight and darkness with a resolution of 16 megapixels. Samsung ISOCELL HP2,56 supports 12,5K ULTRA HD video recording at 1 FPS. Recording is carried out in 8 megapixel mode by combining four neighboring pixels. ... >>

Developed the finest ion sieve 09.09.2021

Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have shown that the parameters of ion-screen polymer membranes can be controlled with high precision. It is known that the mechanism of transmission of nerve impulses in animals and the contraction or relaxation of muscles involve the transfer of sodium and potassium ions across membranes. If fabricated membranes could achieve this kind of ion selectivity, it would be possible to transform many technologies, such as water treatment and mining. Ions are formed when atoms or molecules lose or gain electrons, thereby gaining a positive or negative electrical charge. Sodium, lithium or chloride ions are less than 1 nanometer (10-9 meters) in diameter. The researchers used the known sizes of the ions to determine the monomers from which the membrane could be constructed. A monomer is a molecule that forms compounds with other particles and is part of the polymer as its structural unit. For example ... >>

Marble beef printed on a 3D printer 08.09.2021

Scientists at Osaka University have used stem cells isolated from Wagyu cows to 3D print an alternative meat containing muscle, fat and blood vessels arranged to resemble regular steaks. Wagyu can literally be translated as "Japanese cow". This meat is known for its genetic predisposition to intense marbling and high levels of unsaturated fats. The marbling gives the beef a rich flavor and distinctive texture. However, cattle rearing practices today are often considered unsustainable due to the large amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Currently available "cultured meat" alternatives cannot replicate the complex structure of real beef steaks. The team started with two types of stem cells called bovine satellite cells and adipose-derived stem cells. Under the right laboratory conditions, these cells can be transformed into any type of cell, ... >>

XNUMXD materials change shape and store energy 08.09.2021

The group of Professor Peter Baum from the University of Konstanz studied two-dimensional materials that, when exposed to a laser, change their shape and their unique properties. Using laser pulses, the MXene can be repeatedly switched between flat and wavy, opening up a wide range of possible applications. MXenes are two-dimensional sheets of transition metal carbides or nitrides: they are arranged in single layers a few atoms thick. Such a fine structure can only be obtained by exfoliating one material into many small layers. Unlike most other single layer materials, MXene can be easily produced in large quantities thanks to the discovery of a scalable and irreversible chemical exfoliation method. The chemical and physical properties of MXene are configurable depending on the choice of transition metal. Therefore, the material can be used in sensing, energy storage, light collection, and even to achieve antibacterial ... >>

Chlorpyrifos raises risk of obesity 07.09.2021

A widely used pesticide may be partly responsible for the global obesity epidemic, according to a study by scientists at McMaster University. The researchers found that chlorpyrifos, which is banned for use in foods in Canada but widely used to process fruits and vegetables in many other parts of the world, slows down the burning of calories in the brown adipose tissue of mice. This process, known as diet-induced thermogenesis, causes the body to store excess calories, contributing to obesity. The scientists made the discovery after studying 34 commonly used pesticides and herbicides in brown fat cells and testing the effects of chlorpyrifos in mice fed high-calorie diets. Their findings could have important public health implications. "Brown fat is a metabolic furnace in our body that burns calories, unlike regular fat, which is used to store them. This generates heat and prevents ... >>

Wooden floor that generates electricity from steps 07.09.2021

Swiss researchers have discovered a way to generate electricity while walking on a wooden floor. A prototype of such a generator can power a light bulb or a calculator. Electricity is generated when electrons move. Current can appear even during the most ordinary processes, for example, when synthetic clothing is rubbed against our body. Experts have given this phenomenon the name "triboelectric effect". The experts also decided that this effect will help turn an ordinary wooden floor into an electric generator. It is enough just to walk on such a floor to generate electricity. During the development process, experts assembled a "sandwich" from thin electrode layers, the area of ​​\u4b\uXNUMXbwhich is smaller than AXNUMX sheet. It turned out that the electricity generated by the generator is enough to power an ordinary light bulb or a low-power device. A large number of wood species have been tested in order to find the ideal material for an electric floor. The spruce came up ... >>

Single-chip controller SM2320 for portable external SSD 06.09.2021

Silicon Motion Technology, a company specializing in controllers for solid state drives, has introduced a single-chip model SM2320 designed for portable external SSDs. According to the manufacturer, SM2320 is the fastest controller of its kind. The controller includes four NAND channels and an external USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface. It provides sequential read speeds up to 2100MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 2000MB/s. By eliminating the separate USB bridge chip commonly used in external SSDs, the drive's component list has been reduced and power consumption has been reduced. The controller supports TLC and QLC NAND memory chips up to 4 TB in total. It implements end-to-end Silicon Motion NANDXtend ECC data link protection. In addition, security-related benefits include support for 256-bit AES encryption, full compliance with the Opal Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specification, and support for limiting ... >>

A new type of nanotraps for studying the properties of proteins 06.09.2021

A new type of molecular trap that can hold a protein molecule for several hours has been developed by scientists at the Universities of Delft and Munich. A technology called nanopore electroosmotic trap (NEOtrap) allows the study of individual protein molecules over a much longer period of time than was previously possible. This allows you to observe how individual proteins change their shape over time. NEOtrap combines two nanotechnologies: solid state nanopores and DNA origami. Nanopores are small holes that scientists use as sensors for individual molecules such as proteins. Since proteins usually pass through a small opening in microseconds, they may only be available for study for a short time. By sealing a nanohole with a nanosized bead made entirely of DNA, researchers can trap a protein in the nanopore for hours. The scientists created this nanobead using an approach called "DNA ... >>

Diving beetle skin care device 05.09.2021

An international team of scientists has invented a smart personal skincare device modeled after a male diving beetle. This tool collects and controls body fluids by sticking suction cups to the surface of the skin, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases such as acne, according to the press service of McGill University (Canada). Diving beetles Hydaticus pacificus are aquatic insects that have evolved special sticky bristles with which they cling to their mates underwater. The bristles on the forelimbs of males have unique structures and sucker-like cavities, thanks to which they can securely attach themselves to wet and uneven surfaces. Scientists took inspiration from these beetles' abilities to develop a smart, real-time skin monitoring device that attaches to uneven skin surfaces. The developers have created miniature artificial suction cups that ... >>

Kilowatt microwave radio power 05.09.2021

Scientists at the China Electric Power Research Institute have developed a prototype 10-meter microwave radio transmission that can transmit power at the kilowatt level over a 20-meter distance. The overall transmission efficiency reached 25,5 percent, while the prototype passed the HPP acceptance. Long distance microwave radio transmission is an important auxiliary addition to the traditional wired transmission network, and can be used in the limited wired transmission environment, such as high-altitude drones continuous power, wireless sensor network charging, and power supplies in special geographic conditions. In the event of natural disasters or emergency repairs, microwave power transmission can be used to quickly restore power to disaster areas or areas without power. The Institute of Electric Power Industry also conducted experiments on the transmission of kilowatt radio waves using a diode ... >>

triangular singularity 04.09.2021

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from the University of Bonn, conducted a thorough analysis of the data collected during experiments at one of the particle accelerators, and found long-awaited evidence of the existence of one very exotic phenomenon. This phenomenon, the so-called "triangular singularity", is responsible for the fact that, under certain conditions, elementary particles can exchange quarks and turn into particles of other types. In addition, the phenomenon of the "triangular singularity" contains the answer to one of the mysteries that puzzled nuclear scientists for a long time: protons, neutrons and many other particles have a much larger mass than one would expect from the point of view of some modern theories. This is due to some of the features of the strong nuclear forces that bind and hold quarks together. During the research, scientists analyzed data from the COMPASS experiment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN. ... >>

Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones 04.09.2021

Bose has unveiled the QuietComfort 45 full-size wireless headphones. The QuietComfort 45 are available in black and white. Quiet and Aware operating modes are available. The first isolates the user from ambient noise, and the second enhances the surrounding sounds. Headphone drivers come with TriPort architecture which should improve sound quality. The headphones connect to smartphones and other devices using Bluetooth 5.1. You can connect to multiple devices at once. QuietComfort 45 received a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The autonomy of the headphones reaches 24 hours. Fast charging is supported, allowing for 15 minutes of charging to provide about 3 hours of work. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is priced at $329. Sales will start on September 24th. ... >>

Hydrogen is the cheapest way to cut emissions 03.09.2021

Green hydrogen produced using clean energy will be the cheapest way to reduce steel industry CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. This assessment was given by the research organization Bloomberg NEF. The production of "green" steel using hydrogen currently provides for premiums on the price. By 2050, the cost of the process is likely to be less than production based on metallurgical coal or natural gas, despite the construction of new plants, according to Bloomberg NEF. Geography will be one of the main factors in evaluating the most cost-effective ways to produce green steel. In particular, a country with high supply can make hydrogen the main fuel for steel production, while a country with developed hydroelectric power or other "clean" energy sources can electrify steelmaking using molten oxide electrolysis. Among other technologies that can ... >>

Controlled Release Fertilizers 03.09.2021

A joint venture between Sollio Agriculture, retail chain partners and US coating technology company Pursell will build and operate an advanced controlled release fertilizer plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. Investments in the project amounted to more than $20 million. The new plant will open in autumn 2021 and is expected to start deliveries in August 2022. Next-generation fertilizers will be produced using Pursell's innovative coating materials and proprietary processing technologies, including one that allows the addition of trace elements and temperature-sensitive additives such as biologicals, growth enhancers and soil health promoters. These controlled release coatings improve nutrient uptake by plants with the potential to significantly increase yield and quality while reducing evaporative greenhouse gas emissions and reducing ... >>

Bolt Wireless Protocol for Keyboards and Mice 02.09.2021

Logitech has announced a protocol called Bolt, designed to securely connect various devices to a computer via wireless communication. The technology is based on the Bluetooth LE low energy standard. At the same time, data exchange can be carried out both via Bluetooth and via a small RF transceiver with a USB interface. The Bolt protocol is focused primarily on the business sphere, and therefore provides a high level of protection for the transmitted information. When using a Bluetooth connection for compatible mice, the security level is declared Bluetooth Security Mode 1 / Security Level 2, for keyboards - Security Mode 1 / Security Level 3. When using a USB receiver, it is stated that Bluetooth Security Mode 1 / Security Level 4 is supported. A single Bolt transceiver can connect up to six peripherals to a PC. Declared compatible with operating systems Windows, mac ... >>

Interplanetary Internet 02.09.2021

Within the Earth, the network protocols and technologies familiar to us work well. But when it comes to transferring data far beyond the planet, a number of questions arise. Answers to some of them should be given by the future South Korean lunar station Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), which carries on board equipment for communication within the DTN network protocol, specially developed for use at space distances. As you know, delays in modern networks are not only due to software or hardware features - the very length of large transcontinental cables contributes, since the signal propagation speed is limited and cannot exceed the speed of light. And even the closest celestial body to the Earth, the Moon, is located about 400 thousand km and the network response time will certainly be more than a second. In the case of Mars, a banal "ping" will take up to two tens of minutes. Familiar terrestrial network technologies are thus not suitable for ... >>

Single-chip systems Dimensity 920 5G and Dimensity 810 5G 01.09.2021

MediaTek has unveiled its new Dimensity 920 and Dimensity 810 chipsets, the latest additions to the Dimensity 5G family. Designed for powerful 920G smartphones, Dimensity 5 combines performance and power to deliver an incredible mobile experience. Built using the most advanced manufacturing processes, it supports smart displays and 4K HDR hardware video capture. It also offers a 9% boost in gaming performance over its predecessor Dimensity 900. The Dimensity 810 will be featured in the Realme 8S smartphone for the first time. Powered by an Arm Cortex-A76 processor, it will be able to deliver clock speeds up to 2,4GHz, premium camera features including artistic AI color developed in collaboration with Arcsoft, and advanced noise reduction techniques for superior low-light photography. Both chipsets are manufactured on a 6nm process, and ... >>

A new way to make chocolate 01.09.2021

Canadian scientists have made a discovery that makes the texture of chocolate better, and the process of making it easier and safer for the environment. The texture of chocolate and its familiar appearance is the result of tempering - a complex process of repeated heating and cooling of the chocolate mass. This is how its glossiness is acquired, the characteristic crunch when broken and melting at a certain temperature. In the physical processes inside the chocolate, cocoa butter fatty acid crystals take on a structured shape. The addition of just one ingredient at a concentration of about 0,1% simplifies the process of tempering chocolate. The phospholipid helps the fatty acid crystals to take shape faster and only one heat is required. In large factories, tempering is done by complex machines that leave a carbon footprint. Their need will disappear in connection with the new discovery. ... >>

Gravity Accumulator 31.08.2021

Energy Vault has raised a $100 million investment to start construction of the first gravitational energy storages. Among the investors are SoftBank and Aramco, which underlines the value of the project. The first unit will be built in the USA before the end of the year, and next year - in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. The EVx is a six-jib automatic tower crane. Energy is stored in the process of lifting to a height of 35-ton blocks made on the spot from any garbage. During the day and in windy weather, excess renewable solar or wind energy is used to power the crane's electric motors, which lift the blocks to a height. The descent of blocks to the ground under the influence of gravity starts the reverse process - the generation of electricity in electric generators. It is claimed that the efficiency of the installation reaches 85%. In the prepared project, the installation is most efficient for delivering maximum power for 2-4 hours. The operating life of EVx exceeds 35 years, and service to ... >>

Fixed the mysterious effect of water 31.08.2021

Scientists at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at the US Department of Energy, Stanford University and Stockholm University in Sweden have made the first direct observation of how hydrogen atoms in water molecules interact with neighboring molecules when excited by laser light. Each water molecule contains one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, and a network of hydrogen bonds between positively charged hydrogen atoms in one molecule and negatively charged oxygen atoms in neighboring molecules holds the molecules together. A network of hydrogen bonds determines the mysterious properties of water, but until recently, researchers could not directly observe the effects that occur when water molecules interact with their neighbors at the atomic level. The new study directly demonstrates for the first time that the response of a hydrogen bond network to an energy pulse is critically dependent on the quantum mechanical nature of how hydrogen atoms are distributed in space. The problem would ... >>

Panasonic SoundSlayer WIGSS gaming wearable speaker 30.08.2021

Panasonic has unveiled a personal wearable speaker designed to provide a multi-channel sound environment for gamers. The new product, called SoundSlayer WIGSS (Wearable Immersive Gaming Speaker System), will come with True MAGESS (Majestic Augmented Gaming Environment Sound System). This speaker is designed to be worn on the user's shoulders. It contains 4 full-range speakers that the manufacturer claims will create a "sound pocket with 360-degree coverage around the head" so that players "feel surrounded by sound in all directions." The device also contains two noise-canceling microphones, which allows you to communicate through such an original headset. The column has a mode specially tuned for Final Fantasy XIV Online. This device is not wireless. Audio playback requires a wired connection to a game console or computer via a USB-A port or audio jack. Gaming speaker Panasonic Soun ... >>

Luminous Wound Dressing 30.08.2021

An antimicrobial bandage with fluorescent sensors was developed by scientists at the Australian Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The bandage is able to glow under ultraviolet light if the wound does not heal properly. The dressing itself has the antibacterial and antifungal properties of magnesium hydroxide and is less expensive than silver-based dressings. The glow is due to the fact that the infection makes the environment of the wound more alkaline. This causes magnesium hydroxide to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light. According to scientists, such a bandage will help monitor patients, since doctors will be able to check wounds without removing the bandage. If the usual bandage is removed, then there is a risk of infection with pathogens. ... >>

Graphene from boron 29.08.2021

Theorists long ago predicted the existence of film forms of boron of atomic thickness - borophenes. But in practice, growing a single-layer borophene turned out to be orders of magnitude more difficult than obtaining graphene. Dreams of creating a multilayer borofen with the possibility of interlayer energy storage seemed like fantasy at all. However, scientists were able to obtain the conditions for growing two-layer borophene, although this happened quite by accident. A group of scientists from the American Northwestern University reported growing samples of two-layer borophene. The secret lay in choosing the right substrate for the process. The simplest methods can be used to produce graphene, including atomically thin peeling using a film with an adhesive layer. Borofen cannot be separated in this way. Its structure is stronger and an atomically thin layer can only be grown on a special substrate. Moreover, all attempts to grow a two-layer borophene ended in failure - instead of the second layer, volumetric accumulations of boron were formed in ... >>

Robotic canes for the blind 29.08.2021

Scientists from the Virginia Commonwealth University propose to create a robotic white cane that will simplify the mobility of blind people. Blind people use a white cane and a guide dog for mobility for many years. Technology is improving, so experts have modernized the white cane. Thus, a roller tip with an electromagnetic clutch and an actuator appeared at the bottom of the cane. Using the onboard computer vision system, the cane calculates the direction of travel. The technique also uses a camera, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer to measure the movement of the robotic navigation system in space. At the same time, a mechanism with a vibration response prompts a person in the desired direction. ... >>

Two-dimensional supercrystalline quantum gas 28.08.2021

In addition to the known basic states of matter, the state of a solid, liquid, gaseous and plasma, there are many more exotic states that can only be obtained in the imagination or in the laboratory. One of these states, known as a supercrystal, "drew" in the imagination of scientists several years ago, and only recently, researchers from the University of Innsbruck, for the first time in the history of science, managed to create such a supercrystal in their laboratory, moreover, in an even more exotic form, in the form of a two-dimensional supercrystalline quantum crystal. gas. A supercrystal is a bit different from what one might imagine, based on its name. Essentially, the atoms of a supercrystal form a solid crystalline structure, just like in ordinary crystalline forms of matter. But, in parallel with this, atoms can move, i.e. a supercrystal can flow with zero viscosity, like a superfluid or, as it is also called, a superfluid. This is very similar ... >>

A new type of infrared polaritons 28.08.2021

An international team of scientists have reported the first observation of ghost polaritons, which are a new form of surface waves that carry nanoscale light, are strongly coupled to material vibrations and have highly collimated propagation properties. The research team observed these phenomena in a common material - calcite - and showed how ghost polaritons can facilitate superior control of infrared nanolight for sensing, signal processing, energy harvesting and other technologies. In recent years, infrared and terahertz nanophotonics have become important for highly sensitive, ultra-compact, low-loss technologies for biomolecular and chemical diagnostics, sensors, communications, and other applications. Nanomaterial platforms, which can facilitate the enhanced interaction of light matter at these frequencies, have become important to these technologies. Recent work has used low-dimensional van der Waals material ... >>

IBM Telum processor 27.08.2021

IBM introduced the Telum processor. This is a very unusual solution based on AI and designed to ensure security. IBM itself speaks of the new solution as a processor for accelerating artificial intelligence. And it's built for deep learning in enterprise workloads to solve fraud problems in real time. Telum succeeds the IBM z15 and will be the central processing unit for the next generation of IBM Z and LinuxOne systems. According to the press release, businesses today typically use detection methods to detect fraud after it has occurred. This process can be time consuming and computationally intensive due to the limitations of current technology, especially when analysis and fraud detection are conducted away from critical transactions and data. Telum aims to help customers change their mindset from fraud detection to fraud prevention. The new chip is innovative ... >>

Breathalyzer headphones 27.08.2021

Scientists at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have modified a pair of commercial headphones to collect gas from the skin of a person's ears and created a portable breathalyzer. Through the ears of a person, alcohol vapors are released in the same way as when breathing. The earpieces are attached to an ethanol vapor sensor called a "bio-sniffer". The sensor lights up if it detects ethanol fumes. The brighter the light, the greater the concentration of alcohol in a person's blood. The use of the ears is good because they have relatively few sweat glands. It is also possible that compounds such as ethanol in the middle ear are released through the membrane into the outer ear canal. Changes in the concentration of ethanol emitted through the ears and breath of the volunteers were fairly constant. However, the ethanol readings in the headphones peaked about 13 minutes later than the breathalyzer. These results led the researchers to suggest that the ears are a good non-invasive way to measure alcohol concentration. ... >>

Hypersonic wind tunnel JF-22 26.08.2021

China is building a JF-22 hypersonic wind tunnel that can simulate Mach 30. To be more precise, we are talking about a speed of 10 km / s at an altitude of 40-100 km. JF-22 will be the most modern and fastest wind tunnel in the world. The construction is planned to be completed next year. The object will be used to create hypersonic and aerospace aircraft, as well as for weapons. The construction of the facility started in 2018. At the same time, they talked about a pipe length of 245 meters and a speed of up to Mach 25, but by now it has been possible to raise the predicted figures. ... >>

Hydrogen accumulates in the Earth's atmosphere 26.08.2021

A group of climatologists led by Eric Saltzman, professor at the University of California at Irvine (USA), received information about how the concentration of hydrogen in the Earth's atmosphere has changed over the past century and a half. Scientists have obtained similar information by analyzing the chemical composition of air bubbles imprisoned in ice deposits in Antarctica. Scientists were able to obtain such information thanks to the unique deposits of ice that have formed since 1852 in the territory of "megadunes", undulating deposits of compressed snow in East Antarctica. They are located in a region with extremely low rainfall, due to which a relatively thin layer of ice 60-70 meters thick contains layers that have been formed over many decades. Climatologists collected ice samples from different regions of the "megadunes", removed air bubbles from such layers and studied their chemical composition in detail. As shown by their analysis, over the past 150 years, the concentration of hydrogen in the atmosphere pe ... >>

Hiring robots instead of people 25.08.2021

Robot rental firms have emerged in the US. However, medium and small businesses are in no hurry to replace people in production. Small factories often produce limited batches of products, so it is unprofitable for them to use robotic labor. Silicon Valley Robotics, which invests in factory automation, confirmed that the development of the industry has been hampered for a long time precisely because of economic considerations. However, now some investors have turned their attention to this market. Industry-leading Tiger Global backed three robotics firms in seven months that offer subscriptions to "innovative workers". Initialized Capital partner Garry Tan says a combination of better and cheaper computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies, low lending rates and a lack of supply pressures from China are fueling interest in robot subscriptions. Bob Albert, whose family owns a 105-year-old metal stamping plant in Chicago, happily accepted the job. ... >>

Interaction of photons with pairs of atoms 25.08.2021

Scientists from the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) have for the first time forced photons to interact with pairs of atoms. This breakthrough is important for the field of resonator quantum electrodynamics (QED), an advanced field that underpins quantum technologies. Humanity is moving towards the widespread use of technologies based on quantum physics. But to achieve this, you first need to master how to make light interact with matter - or, to be more precise, photons with atoms. To some extent, the advanced field of resonator quantum electrodynamics (QED) is responsible for such technologies. Now it is already used in quantum networks and quantum information processing. But there is still a long way to go. The current interactions of light and matter are limited to single atoms, which limits the ability of humans to study them in the form of complex systems involved in quantum technologies. In the new work, the researchers used a Fermi gas (or an ideal Fermi gas - Dee ... >>

TRACO TMPS ultra-compact power supplies 24.08.2021

TRACO has launched ultra-compact PCB-mounted power supplies to the market. The family includes three series with output power of 3, 5 and 10 W (series TMPS 03, TMPS 05, TMPS 10, respectively). The main feature of these series is small size; 3 and 5 W series have a seat size of 1"x1" (25,4x25,4 mm), and 10 W models have a size of 1,5"x1" (38,5x25,4 mm). In addition, the power supplies have reinforced 4000 V input-output isolation and do not require grounding (II electrical safety class), are characterized by low power consumption without load (<150 mW) and can be permanently connected to the mains. The 10 W models have an overload capacity of up to 130% for up to 30 seconds, which makes it easier to start the main stages of the device. The TMPS family IPs comply with IEC/EN 60335-1 and UL 62368-1 safety standards (for consumer and information technology devices). The power supply has a built-in class B EMC filter. The products are designed for wide ... >>

Titan's atmosphere reproduced in the laboratory 24.08.2021

Among the satellites of the planets of the solar system, Titan ranks second in size, second only to Ganymede. The celestial body revolving around Saturn has a dense atmosphere, consisting mainly of nitrogen with an admixture of methane. Beneath the atmosphere at temperatures around -180°C, rivers of liquid ethane and methane flow on Titan. As in the Earth's atmosphere, on Titan, gases evaporate from the surface, condense, and shed as precipitation. Conditions on Titan somewhat resemble Earth before life began. Saturn's moon can serve as a massive laboratory for research into the formation of organic matter. The difficulty lies in the fact that from a relatively close distance, Titan was studied only once - with the help of the Cassini space probe. A team of scientists managed to reproduce the atmospheric conditions of Titan in the laboratory. During the experiment, they first studied how acetonitrile and propionitrile interact with each other under extreme conditions. According to astronomical observations, these organic ... >>

Earth is running out of phosphorus 23.08.2021

An international group of scientists from Denmark and the UK found out that in the near future humanity may face an acute shortage of phosphorus. A vital resource is running out on Earth The reason for the shortage of phosphorus, necessary for the production of agricultural products, will be the irrational use of mineral fertilizers, which are washed into the oceans. The lack of phosphorus potentially threatens humanity with starvation. Over the past 50 years, the amount of phosphate fertilizer used has increased 50 times, and by 2050 the demand for them should potentially double. If nothing is done to conserve phosphorus, its reserves may soon be significantly depleted. Some theoretical models predict that, at current levels of consumption, available phosphorus could disappear in as little as 80 years, causing crop failures. According to more conservative estimates, this will happen in 400 years, but the most pessimistic forecasts point to 40 years. According to researchers ... >>

Likes increase hate 23.08.2021

Psychologists conducted an experiment in which they found that swearing increases hatred during political disputes. How can this be explained? Researchers have created a social network. They asked more than 200 people to register. As part of the experiment, scientists displayed on the computer screen a set of several dozen short messages relating to the most controversial topics that constantly cause controversy. Likes - photo from open sources Psychologists conducted an experiment in which they found out that swearing increases hatred during political disputes. How can this be explained? The participants in the study were interested in how volunteers would behave if they had or did not have the opportunity to support or spread further the idea in whose direction they were inclined. These observations indicated that both types of people were significantly more likely to like all sensitive political issues. This was especially characteristic in cases where scientists artificially ... >>

Environmentally friendly batteries 22.08.2021

Perhaps soon ordinary batteries, inside which there is a dangerous toxic cocktail, will become a thing of the past. In India, Aloe E-Cell, a startup, created innovative batteries, one of the ingredients of which was aloe vera. These are the world's first absolutely safe for nature and environmentally friendly batteries. The principle of their work is based on the conversion of the chemical energy of the plant into electrical energy. During development, it was decided to replace the dangerous chemicals contained in conventional batteries with a plant-based electrolyte. As a result, the production managed to abandon the use of mercury and other metals hazardous to health. The result of the work of the team of inventors are batteries that do not pollute the soil and are safe for both humans and plants and animals. ... >>

Flexible battery recharged by human sweat 22.08.2021

Scientists around the world are constantly working on the creation of original methods for recharging wearable mobile gadgets. An unusual way to replenish battery energy using human sweat was proposed by specialists from NTU Singapore University. The experimental flexible elastic battery measuring 2 by 2 cm has a flat shape, can be attached to a fabric that collects sweat, and quickly connects to any mobile gadgets, including smart watches, medical sensors and other devices. During testing, a volunteer fastened an elastic battery on his wrist and rode a bicycle for 30 minutes. During the experiment, the element generated a voltage of 4,2 V at a power of 3,9 mW, which allows you to feed the temperature sensor and provide data transfer from the sensor to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The battery does not contain harmful or corrosive materials that are harmful to human health or the environment. New batteries are able to support autonomously ... >>

Earth's magnetic field has a clear cycle 21.08.2021

Scientists from the University of Liverpool studied the history of the Earth's magnetic field and came to the conclusion that its strength periodically decreases and then increases again. The cycles are 200 million years long. Experts conducted a paleomagnetic analysis of rocks from ancient lava flows in East Scotland. The age of the samples ranged from 200 to 500 million years. The results showed that 332-416 million years ago, the strength of the geomagnetic field was less than 25% of what it is today. A similar decline also occurred 120 million years ago. The researchers called this period the Middle Paleozoic dipole minimum. Scientists have concluded that the strength of the Earth's magnetic field is cyclical and weakens every 200 million years. The scientists noted that after the weakening they identified, the magnetic field came to stability and kept it for 50 million years. This phenomenon is called the Keeman superchron. The Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from solar radiation. Scientists have long established ... >>

Grown brain with eyes 21.08.2021

German scientists managed to grow a mini-brain with eyes. This experiment could allow people to see again. Successful experiments were carried out by employees of the University Hospital Düsseldorf. In a local lab, they could grow a mini-brain with eyecups in which the optic nerve connects to the retina. The newly created eyes can react to light and send signals to the brain. It is expected that these experiments will allow a better study of the interaction of the eyes and the brain during embryonic development. The results will also allow for better modeling of congenital retinal diseases as well as drug validation. The researchers were able to grow three hundred and fourteen organelles, three-quarters of which formed eye cups. They appeared on the thirtieth day, and fully ripened on the fiftieth day. Remarkably, in human embryos, these organs develop at a similar rate. Further experiments of scientists in this direction may be considered unethical - even in this ... >>

Electric scooter NIU Gova C0 20.08.2021

The Chinese manufacturer NIU introduced the NIU Gova C0 electric scooter, which belongs to the low-cost category. The Gova line was launched in 2019 and is very popular, according to the company's CEO. NIU Gova C0 received two C-shaped headlights, which immediately distinguish the scooter from competitors. The NIU Gova C0 weighs only 75 kg and has a seat height of 74 cm. It is equipped with a rechargeable battery that provides a range of 60 km. The battery is well protected from overheating and other unwanted influences. The electric scooter is driven by a 400W motor that allows it to reach a top speed of 25km/h. There are also pedals and a small seat at the back, where a child or a fragile girl can fit. The NIU Gova C0 electric scooter supports connection from a smartphone, the ability to install updates, and also has an anti-theft mechanism. The new NIU Gova C0 is priced at $525. ... >>

Plastic for household recycling 20.08.2021

San Francisco-based startup Intropic Materials has developed a plastic that can be composted at home. The new material differs in that it is able to decompose very quickly, it takes from several days to several weeks, depending on the decomposition conditions and the state of the compost, including its temperature. The fundamental difference between the new degradable plastic is that it already contains special enzymes, thanks to which it decomposes. Typically, such enzymes are produced by microorganisms, thereby triggering the decomposition process. But in the new plastic, the enzymes are activated on their own when conditions of temperature and humidity favor it. As a result, the material begins to quickly break down, eventually turning into fertilizer (of course, if it is put into a compost heap). The new plastic, which biodegrades quickly, could be very useful for diners and other similar businesses. Because this material ... >>

Metabolism weakens in youth 19.08.2021

Metabolism largely determines how energetic we feel and how we behave - therefore, when we look at endlessly frolicking children and adolescents, it seems that their metabolism is at its peak. Then, as we grow older - as it seems to us, again - the metabolism begins to gradually decrease, decrease and decrease: at thirty it is no longer the same as at twenty, and at forty it is not the same as at thirty, etc. In fact, everything is somewhat different. Several dozen researchers from research centers in the US, Japan, the UK and other countries decided to compare the metabolic rate in people of different ages. The experiment involved 6421 people of twenty-nine different nationalities, ranging in age from eight-month-old babies to ninety-five-year-old elders. They were given special water to drink, in which hydrogen and oxygen were in the form of stable isotopes with a higher atomic mass. Then these isotopes were measured in blood, urine and saliva during the day, and the measurements lasted a week. Organism p ... >>

Optical fiber for the quantum internet 19.08.2021

Scientists from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have created a unique communication solution that is designed to connect the interface of a quantum computer with a conventional fiber optic network. A characteristic feature of the development is that it allows communication to be established without the significant increase in temperature that usually accompanies the operation of quantum computers. The principle of the new system lies in the special organization of the communication environment, which increases the throughput of computational operations performed by computer qubits. "Any arbitrary algorithm can be implemented on our platform with the right input, namely optical qubits. The computer is fully programmable," explained project leader Mikkel Vilsbell Larsen. One of the engineers also added that this design is vastly superior to traditional superconductor-based systems because it uses a limited number of qubits while ... >>

NFC Reader ST25R3918 18.08.2021

STMicroelectronics' new ST25R3918 is a multi-purpose NFC reader that supports point-to-point communication, NFC card emulation mode, and NFC reader operation. Supporting NFC-A and NFC-F card emulation, the reader can be used as an NFC-A/B card reader (ISO 14443A/B), as an NFC-V card reader (ISO 15693) up to 53Kbps, and as a passive initiator and target in accordance with ISO 18092. Card emulation mode allows you to support the latest features available on mobile phones. End users can use their phones to easily interact with applications that use this product, including launching the desired application on the phone by holding it close to the device with the ST25R3918 inside. Device programming and simple data transfer in NDEF format is also possible. In addition, users can use special streaming and transparent analog interface (AFE) modes to implement other ... >>

Created the highest rocket 18.08.2021

SpaceX engineers have successfully installed the second stage of the Starship SN20 spacecraft on the Super Heavy launch vehicle. This operation resulted in a structure 120 meters (394 ft) tall, taller than the Apollo Saturn V era rocket (362,9 ft) and taller than the future SLS rocket in its maximum Block 2 configuration (365,1 ft). In other words, SpaceX has managed to build the tallest rocket in history, which is designed to leave the surface of the Earth and send its cargo into outer space. The Super Heavy BN4 booster was installed on the launch pad on August 3, after installing all 29 Raptor jet engines on it. The upper and lower parts of the rocket have the same diameter (9 meters), and its height is 70 meters. Add to this another 50 meters of the Starship spacecraft, and we get a grandiose 120-meter structure, looking to the skies. SpaceX management plans to launch ... >>

Vacuum road at 1200 km/h 17.08.2021

A start-up from Switzerland plans to build a vacuum transport system under the Alps, on which a train will carry passengers at a speed of more than 1200 km/h. Swiss technology company Swisspod plans to build a vacuum road between Zurich and Geneva, located 250 km apart in different parts of the country, and transport passengers and cargo on it in 17 minutes. So far, the company has built a small test road at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, where they are studying the effect of electromagnetic traction on the movement of a capsule in a low-pressure tunnel. According to the head of the company, Denis Tudor, a vacuum road between the two ends of Switzerland can become a reality in a few years. ... >>

Increasing the life of ultracold molecules 17.08.2021

The study of molecules cooled to very low temperatures is important for the development of quantum simulations, precision measurements, ultracold chemistry, and more. To do this, physicists need to learn how to cool them, collect and hold them, and also protect them from destruction. The latter factor significantly limits the range of experiments and phenomena that scientists could investigate in such systems. The main channel for the decay of ultracold molecules is their inelastic collisions with each other. To avoid them, scientists use screening, that is, the creation of additional repulsion between molecules at distances at which inelastic interaction processes begin. To date, shielding of atoms and molecules has already been implemented by many different methods. For example, scientists have learned how to protect ultracold KRb molecules from each other using constant electric fields. Despite the progress made, physicists are constantly looking for new modes that would increase the time ... >>

6-channel light sensor VD6283TX 16.08.2021

The new VD6283TX45/1 from STMicroelectronics is the smallest (1,83 x 1,0 x 0,55 mm) 6-channel Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) on the market. Light measurements are fast and accurate with separate ADCs and sensing circuitry for each color channel (red, green, blue, IR, flicker and visible). The VD6283 uses high performance hybrid color filters to accurately calculate correlated color temperature (CCT) and luminance information. VD6283 can be used to control display brightness or to correct lighting. With a patented architecture and high performance photodiode design, the VD6283T can detect the frequency of light flickering. In addition, the VD6283 is the only sensor capable of detecting flicker from 100 Hz to 2 kHz simultaneously with light measurement operations. The sensor is designed to work with the host via the I2C interface. The client host application manages the device ... >>

Ultra-strong glass harder than diamond 16.08.2021

Chinese scientists have created a new type of glass that is harder than diamond. Diamond is one of the hardest known materials and is often used to cut harder materials. Normally a diamond can cut glass, but a new glass developed by researchers in northern China can itself scratch a diamond. The product is currently called AM-III, but the name may change in the future. According to the description, the glass has a yellowish tint and consists entirely of carbon. The Vickers hardness of AM-III glass is 113 GPa. In comparison, the Vickers hardness of natural diamond is between 50 and 70 GPa, while man-made diamonds can reach a hardness of 100 GPa. The new type of glass has potential applications in several industries, although mass production is likely many years away. For example, the material can be used to make bulletproof glass 20 to 100 times stronger than currently used materials. Potentially this mater ... >>

Multiple sclerosis depends on the weather 15.08.2021

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of neurons. Myelin insulates neuron "wires" from each other and significantly accelerates neural impulses. When myelin is damaged, neurons can no longer conduct impulses as well as before; moreover, sometimes even the neurons themselves begin to die. Symptoms can range from increased fatigue to coordination problems, blurred vision to urinary incontinence. The exact causes of multiple sclerosis are unclear, and both genetics and environmental factors play a role. Moreover, some environmental factors, apparently, do not so much trigger multiple sclerosis as exacerbate the symptoms when the disease has already begun. So, employees of the University of Miami found that multiple sclerosis increases depending on certain climatic conditions. The researchers analyzed the medical statistics of several hospitals in the United States, comparing the frequency of visits of patients with multiple sclerosis and weather changes: temperature increase, s ... >>

Meditation speeds up the brain 15.08.2021

Scientist Weiying Daiem found that regular meditation for eight weeks will help the brain work faster and easier. The reason for the study was a conversation between a scientist and Ph.D. George Weinschschenk. The philosopher's wife and he himself are long-standing practitioners of meditation, so these people have serious knowledge in this area. While testing the theory, Weiying decided to try the new method and taught his students to meditate for 10-15 minutes for eight weeks, after which he began to track their results. As a result, it turned out that this practice really helps our brain to work better. Students became faster and better at focusing on a task, as well as doing it much faster. In addition, the level of self-development improved in the subjects, and mental pliability began to increase. ... >>

Unlock by vein pattern 14.08.2021

The Chinese company Oppo has received a patent for a new biometric identification feature for gadgets. It is possible that it will find application in future products. Now in the field of mobile devices, two main methods of user recognition are used - by fingerprints and facial image. Oppo has patented a system that analyzes the pattern of veins. This technology is expected to provide a high level of security. Since the veins are inside the body and have many distinguishing features, impersonating another person is very difficult. Oppo may adopt the system primarily for its wearables like smartwatches and fitness bands. Personal identification based on the pattern of veins is far from new. This technology has already been introduced by some companies. For example, Fujitsu calls it PalmSecure. ... >>

Determining ripeness using neural networks 14.08.2021

As the industry wants to automate the food production process as much as possible, from time to time it becomes necessary for machines to separate ripe and finished products from the rest. Turkish innovator Kutluhan Aktar has found a way to do this using the power of neural networks. The purpose of this project is simple. It aims to determine the ripeness of fruits and vegetables by monitoring pigment changes. Instead of using a camera, the project uses data from the AS7341 visible light sensor, which is better suited for capturing accurate spectral information. This allows for a better understanding of the actual light reflected by the fruit, which is determined by skin pigments that are directly related to ripeness. Samples were taken from fruits and vegetables over a period of several days, which made it possible to create a database of products at various stages of ripeness. All data was used to create a TensorFlow model that can determine the ripeness of fruits and vegetables, ... >>

Mind on vacation 13.08.2021

Many researchers agree that, from a biological point of view, one of the main reasons for increased cognitive flexibility is stress reduction. We will not deny that work tests our nerves for strength, but it turns out that, within reason, stress is even useful. It is he who activates the mechanisms that help us perform daily activities, as if motivating and urging us. This is the so-called eustress, which is translated from ancient Greek as "good." But negative stress - distress - is always negative, because it can take a chronic form, bringing with it all sorts of diseases. Distress occurs when irritability is prolonged, pressure increases, fatigue, increased anxiety, sadness and even anger appear. Therefore, the main thing that a good vacation can do for our health is to reduce the level of chronic stress. Idleness in reasonable amounts helps the brain to relax and reverse all negative effects. Also ... >>

Single-car diesel train Kawasaki Heavy Industries 13.08.2021

Japanese Kawasaki Heavy Industries has created a single-car diesel train, which in the future is planned to be adapted for hybrid traction with a battery. The DEC700 series diesel train prototype was developed for the Japanese passenger carrier JR West. This month JR West plans to conduct its dynamic tests. Currently, the train is tested only with a diesel engine, but next year it is scheduled to be tested with lithium-ion storage units with a capacity of 15,2 kWh. The DEC700 series car with a length of 20 meters can accommodate up to 90 passengers, in the future it should replace the diesel trains of the KiHa40 series, produced in 1977-1983 by Japanese Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru) and Niigata Tekko. ... >>

Extreme Smartphone Ulefone Armor 12 5G 12.08.2021

Ulefone has introduced a new smartphone indestructible series - Armor 12 5G. Interestingly, the manufacturer positions the model as "the world's first rugged smartphone with antibacterial coating", as well as "the world's first rugged 5G smartphone with HiFi speakers", but marketing aside, there are other interesting features. The smartphone will begin accepting pre-orders from August 23, and the exact amount of the discount has not yet been announced. From August 27 to September 2, the model will be available to order for $279,99, and from September 2, the price will become standard - $399,99. The smartphone is equipped with a 6,52-inch screen with a waterdrop notch for the front camera with a resolution of 16 MP, a quadruple main camera (48 MP, 8 MP, 2 and 2 MP). The 5180mAh battery supports 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The hardware basis was the MediaTek Dimensity 700 single-chip system, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal flash memory. There is ck ... >>

The chamber is smaller than the thickness of a human hair 12.08.2021

The University of Glasgow has created a fiber optic cable as thin as a human hair that can transmit accurate 40D images in real time, thus creating a tiny flexible camera. The system developed by British scientists is several orders of magnitude smaller than the existing cameras used on fiber optic cable. The device uses a cable 50 centimeters long and 80 micrometers in diameter (the thickness of a human hair ranges from 110 to 3 microns). It can take 2,5D images of objects up to 2014 meters away. The new technique is based on the technology of extended microscopy, which is based on the method of suppression of spontaneous emission (STED), which allows achieving nanoscale resolution by overcoming the diffraction limit of optical microscopes. The development of this technique brought the author of the invention, Stefan Hell, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in XNUMX. ... >>

UP Xtreme i11 Single Board Computer 11.08.2021

The UP Xtreme i11 single board computer will go on sale in September and is currently available for pre-order. The solution is based on the Intel Tiger Lake hardware platform. The novelty is suitable for creating small form factor systems, such as nettops and devices for the Internet of things. The dimensions of the board are only 120 x 122 mm. Guaranteed compatibility with software platforms Windows 10, Yocto 3.1, Ubuntu 20.04. Modifications are offered with various processors - from the dual-core Celeron 6305E chip to the quad-core Intel Core i7-1185GRE. All models support up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM. SATA storage and M.2 2280 NVMe solid-state module can be connected. The equipment includes 1Gb LAN and 2.5Gb LAN network controllers, and it is optionally possible to install Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless adapters, a 4G / LTE or 5G modem. HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces, USB Type-C port, three USB 3.2 Gen2 connectors and a U port are provided ... >>

Non-bitter chicory bred 11.08.2021

Researchers at Wageningen University have used new breeding methods to develop a variety of chicory that no longer contains bitter compounds. Chicory is a beautiful plant with blue flowers, but the interesting part of it is in the ground: chicory roots are a source of inulin, a natural sweetener used in bread and dairy products, and as dietary fiber for healthy bowel function. "Inulin has a positive effect on the health of the digestive system. Usually, inulin needs to be separated from bitter compounds (which are also found in the root) as they cause a bitter taste. With new breeding methods such as CRISPR-Cas, we were able to develop a plant that is no longer contains bitters This will lead to less costly, easier and more environmentally friendly processing, as well as more widespread use of inulin Now we know which genes are involved in the production of bitter compounds, so we can also change ... >>

Saving apples from sunburn 10.08.2021

Washington State University researchers are testing a high-tech approach to preventing apple scorch in the face of global warming. The summer sun helps the apples ripen and get their classic red color, but the heat often causes the fruit to scorch. While the leaves of the apple tree are able to absorb sunlight, the fruit also does not dissipate heat. Sunburn occurs in as little as 10 minutes, causing irregularities that detract from the quality and appearance of fruit, such as ugly brown spots. Most apple growers in the US use sprinklers to cool the canopy of orchards on hot days. But trees absorb this extra water and use it to grow shoots and leaves at the expense of fruits. As part of a project jointly funded by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Science Foundation, Hoth's team is developing a horticultural sensor system. T ... >>

Sodium-ion batteries CATL 10.08.2021

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has unveiled its first-generation sodium-ion battery, as well as its AB battery pack, capable of combining sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells in a single module. The principle of operation of a sodium-ion battery is similar to that of a lithium-ion battery. Sodium ions also move between the cathode and anode. However, compared to lithium ions, sodium ions have a larger volume and higher requirements regarding the structural stability and kinetic properties of materials. This has become a deterrent to the development of industrial production of sodium-ion batteries. CATL's innovation was the use of "Prussian white" (Everite salt) material with a higher specific capacitance for the manufacture of the cathode. In addition, the company upgraded the bulk structure of this material by redistributing electrons, which made it possible to solve the problem of a rapid decrease in capacitance during cyclic operation of the material. CATL used a hard carbon material in the anode ... >>

Jupiter's aurora warms the planet's atmosphere 09.08.2021

Using data from the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, an international team of astronomers has created the most detailed thermal map of the gas giant's upper atmosphere, confirming for the first time that Jupiter's powerful auroras are responsible for heating the entire planet, according to a press service from the University of Leicester (UK). Auroras occur when charged particles from the solar wind enter the planet's magnetic field. They spiral along the lines of force towards the planet's magnetic poles, striking atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, releasing light and energy. On Earth, this results in a distinctive light show that forms the Northern Lights and the Southern Lights. On Jupiter, material erupting from its volcanic moon Io results in the most powerful aurora in the solar system and high temperatures in the planet's polar regions. Although Jupiter's aurora has long been considered the main culprit in the heating of the planet's atmosphere, earlier observations still could not confirm ... >>

Soap dispenser telling jokes 09.08.2021

Amazon continues to try to make smart homes even smarter - even where it's not exactly necessary. A smart soap dispenser from all previously known is presented. The Amazon device is equipped with an LED screen that counts down 20 seconds. This is how much the WHO recommends washing your hands, which is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic. Okay, now this is even useful! Move on. Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi module (yes...), the dispenser connects to Amazon smart speakers. And here begins what it was all about: the dispenser automatically plays songs and tells jokes while you wash your hands. Otherwise, it will be too boring, according to the company. By the way, for all this to work, the dispenser needs to be charged - at least once every three months. The price of the novelty is 55 dollars. ... >>

Life success does not depend on testosterone 08.08.2021

Testosterone is one of the hormones that control the functioning of the reproductive system, but in addition, it is believed that it affects behavior - it increases aggressiveness, self-confidence, willingness to take risks, makes you strive to win at any cost, and so on. Accordingly, it is sometimes called the "hormone of victory." An athlete with high testosterone should be more likely to win a gold medal, and the same goes for life achievement in general - women and men with elevated testosterone should have a higher socioeconomic status. The problem is that aggressiveness and willingness to take risks do not always lead to victory. As for sports, we already wrote once that sports victories do not depend much on testosterone levels. Employees at the University of Bristol found that the impact of testosterone on success in life is also greatly exaggerated. The researchers used the genetic data of more than 300 people: testosterone levels depend on certain genes, and in ... >>

Non-nuclear submarine Taigei 08.08.2021

Japan's first new-generation diesel-electric submarine, the Taigei, has entered factory sea trials. This became possible just 14 months after her launch. The Taigei will be handed over to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in March next year. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Corporation has been developing a new generation diesel-electric submarine since the early 2010s under the 29SS project. It should replace the aging ships of the Soryu type. Soryu can reach speeds of up to 20 knots. Their underwater displacement is 4,2 thousand tons with a length of 84 meters and a width of 9,1 meters. According to the 29SS project, it is planned to build a series of seven ships. The first of them, Taigei, was launched in October last year. It is distinguished by the reduced size of the cabin, partially integrated into the ship's hull. This should reduce hydrodynamic resistance when moving in a submerged position and reduce battery charge consumption. With a length of 84 meters and a width of 9,1 meters, water ... >>

Solectrac e70N electric tractor 07.08.2021

Solectrac unveiled the $70 e75N electric tractor. Until recently, the base Tesla Model S cost about the same, although prices have now gone up. Of course, the comparison is very conditional, but amusing. A narrow gauge tractor with good maneuverability is oriented towards vineyards, orchards and farms. The novelty is an all-wheel drive tractor with electric motors with a total power of 000 hp. and autonomy of 70-4 hours depending on the type of load. Full charge time is claimed to be 8-8 hours using a 10V, 220A mains supply. A 50kWh replacement battery is available, but you will have to pay $60 for it. The maximum speed of the tractor is 18 km/h. The carrying capacity of the rear linkage is 000 kg. It is compatible with implements of category 40 and 908. The dimensions of the tractor are 1 x 2 x 3,66 m with a weight of about 1,37 tons. ... >>

Czech hydrogen strategy 07.08.2021

The Czech government approved the Hydrogen Strategy prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and based on four main areas: production of low-carbon hydrogen, low-carbon use of hydrogen, transportation and storage of hydrogen, hydrogen technologies. "The goal of the strategy, among other things, is to accelerate the development and subsequent implementation of economically affordable hydrogen technologies," said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Silvana Jirotkova. "The Czech Republic should have ambitions to become an important exporter in this area in the future." "The question of how to use hydrogen depends mainly on the price, so we must look for ways to minimize costs and maximize efficiency by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen," added Peter Merwart, plenipotentiary of the Minister of Industry and Trade for Hydrogen Technologies. "Our goal is to create a new low-carbon economy in the Czech Republic ... >>

Centenarians differ in intestinal microbes 06.08.2021

Researchers at Keio University have found that those who are lucky enough to overcome the century-old milestone, the intestinal microflora is markedly different from the microflora of those who are younger. The study involved 160 people, whose average age was 107 years. (centenarians are not always real, sometimes they get extra years due to confusion in papers or due to outright deceit; but, hopefully, in this case, the authors of the work took into account all these pitfalls.) Intestinal bacteria of centennial people were compared with bacteria of those , who were between 85 and 89 years old, as well as with the bacteria of those who were between 21 and 55 years old. Some groups of microbes were more abundant in centenarians than in people from the other two age groups; and some microbes, on the contrary, were noticeably smaller. All bacteria secrete some substances formed in the course of bacterial metabolism; accordingly, in the microflora of centenarians, the metabolic pattern should have been somehow different. The researchers noticed that the ... >>

Huawei smart door lock 06.08.2021

Huawei has announced its smart door lock called Smart Selection Dessmann Smart Door Lock. It is autonomous and has a built-in battery. The lock can be opened by entering a password, a fingerprint scanner, an NFC-enabled smartphone, a key card, or using Face Unlock technology. Its sensors are responsible for it. The novelty also supports alarm and alarm mode. It is activated by pressing a certain combination of buttons. Synchronization with other Huawei smart gadgets is possible. For example, through a proprietary application, you can set up a scenario for turning on the light when the door is opened and other actions. Smart lock Huawei Smart Selection Dessmann Smart Door Lock will cost $450. ... >>

Quantum crystal to search for dark matter 05.08.2021

Scientists used quantum entanglement and time reversal in a crystal that was able to solve one of the biggest mysteries of the universe. A quantum crystal has been created with unprecedented sensitivity that could potentially be used to detect dark matter, the mysterious substance that makes up the vast majority of matter in our universe, a new study reports. The revolutionary sensor was developed at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is based on two very strange processes: quantum entanglement and "time reversal". The tiny blue crystal, measuring just 200 micrometers, is ten times more sensitive than previous atomic sensors. It can tune into frequencies that scientists believe are emitted by hypothetical particles called axions, a leading candidate for dark matter, including a range of signals that are not detected by any other existing sensors. Capturing a real axion mo ... >>

Professions disappearing and promising 05.08.2021

Over the next ten years, a number of currently popular specialties will lose their relevance as unnecessary or will be abolished due to technological progress. This is stated in the study Development of corporate social responsibility on the Career Hub platform. In ten years, employers will give preference to employees who are fluent in technology, and stress resistance, high organization and mobility will become important criteria. Specialties that are likely to disappear before 2030: - Auditor; - secretary; - realtor; - driver; - sports commentator; - agronomist; - loader; - handyman; - accountant; - economist; - legal advisor; - packer. Specialties that will be popular by 2030: - curator of personal memory; - travel manager in virtual reality; - highway controller; - advisor on digital currencies; - a surgeon to increase memory; - space pilot; - ethics manager ... >>

Clock that dissolves in water 04.08.2021

Environmentally friendly recycling of electronics is a priority for Chinese bioengineers. Bioengineers from Tianjin University, China, have developed a two-component microcomposite nanocomposite that breaks down when immersed in water in 40 hours. Innovation leads to the emergence of more and more and to get rid of old gadgets, and this is millions of tons of electronic waste. Recycling reduces the volume of industrial waste, but this is an expensive process, and non-recycled processors are dangerous for the environment. Water-soluble devices can solve this problem. The scientists were able to create a nanocomposite based on zinc, silver and polyvinyl alcohol, a polymer that decomposes in water. The soluble processor watch case also easily withstood contact with human sweat, but the watch completely dissolved within 40 hours when immersed in water. ... >>

genetically modified opossum 04.08.2021

Scientists from the RIKEN Biosystems Dynamics Research Center (Japan) have carried out the world's first genetic editing of a marsupial. This study will allow us to better understand the unique genes that are present only in marsupials. Genetically modified animals, especially mice and rats, are extremely important tools for the study of biological processes. Thus, scientists can silence a gene in order to establish its true function. Marsupials have very unusual genetic characteristics not found in placental mammals. Scientists chose the possum for research because it is considered one of the most ancient living species. Its genome has already been fully sequenced, and the size and other properties are similar to those of mice and rats. As part of the experiment, scientists injected a genome-editing solution into fertilized eggs of a female opossum. Then the eggs were transplanted to a surrogate mother. As a result, the specialists were able to ... >>

Wireless charging without mats or pads 03.08.2021

Labs around the world are working to improve wireless charging technology, trying to expand it beyond charging mats and pads. However, the most common solutions use complex monitoring and detection functions, usually with cameras or sensors, which increase the size and cost of the charger. Finnish Aalto University has been able to get around this problem: their new transmitter creates channels of energy in all directions, automatically adjusting them if the receivers are in motion. Phones, laptops and all kinds of gadgets equipped with a new receiver can simultaneously receive energy for charging batteries and for direct operation - without physical contact with the charger or fixation in a certain place. The self-tuning effect is achieved due to the special way of winding the coils used in the transmitter. They create two kinds of electromagnetic fields, one outward and one around. These ... >>

Spider venom will save you from a heart attack 03.08.2021

The bite of a funnel-shaped spider that lives on the Australian Fraser Island is fatal. But the spider's venom could also be a lifesaver - scientists have developed a drug candidate based on a molecule found in the venom of funnel-web spiders. Drugs based on this molecule could be used to treat patients with a heart attack. Australian scientists have tested the Hi1a protein as a drug candidate to prevent the death of heart cells. A heart attack causes oxygen deficiency, which leads to the oxidation of the environment of the cell. In fact, this becomes a signal for cells to die. However, a protein from the Hi1a spider venom can stop this signal from being sent. Funnel-web spiders are poisonous, but thanks to modern first aid methods and antidotes, no one has died from them lately. However, spider venom is a very effective compound that scientists want to use to save lives. While there are no drugs that could stop it ... >>

Superconductor without resistance and magnetic fields 02.08.2021

A new material, which is a superconductor, in which there is no electrical resistance and magnetic field, was found by scientists from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Scientists have studied the material KV3Sb5, which is a mixture of potassium, vanadium and antimony. It can self-organize charge distribution and at the same time be in a state of superconductivity. Experts say that the materials of this group will have an interesting charge density wave physics: electrons will self-organize into an inhomogeneous structure along the metal areas in the compound. They also found that KV3Sb5 is a rare material built from kagome lattice planes. Such a lattice structurally resembles a mosaic consisting of regular triangles and hexagons, where each hexagon is surrounded by triangles. Due to this structure, the charge in the material moves in a tiny loop. It is similar to a current loop, as it forms a local magnetic field. ... >>

The effect of coffee on memory 02.08.2021

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in many countries. Research on the benefits and harms of this drink for health does not stop until now. It turned out that coffee can affect brain function. A study by an international team of scientists found that after a 10-day caffeine abstinence period, participants had more gray matter than those who continued to drink coffee. The experiment involved 20 healthy people who regularly drink this drink. They took two capsules (one containing caffeine and the other was a placebo) for two different 10-day periods. At the end of each period, the researchers examined the participants' gray matter using brain scans. The scientists found that the volume of gray matter was greater during the period of caffeine abstinence. Especially its concentration was noticeable in the right medial temporal lobe, which includes the hippocampus - the area that is responsible for human memory. Although caffeine does reduce ... >>

The robot ran 5 km without stopping 01.08.2021

Dynamics Robotics Laboratory specialists organized a 5-kilometer marathon of the Cassie robot. He managed to cover the distance without stopping to recharge. On the one hand, the news is pleasant - technologies are reaching a new level, on the other hand, terrible - even an athlete will not be able to hide from such a mechanism. The company's engineers have been working on the creation of a "two-legged" development for two years. It seems that during its construction they were inspired by the image of an ostrich: at least outwardly, Cassie very much resembles a member of the ostrich family. According to the test results, it became clear that the robot is quite successfully able to overcome various obstacles in its path. At some point, it crashed and stopped: specialists had to spend about 6 minutes to eliminate the technical problem. An overheated computer led to a malfunction, and an unfortunate turn of Cassie led to his fall. But these troubles did not bother the manufacturer in the least: the company is convinced that they have reached the maximum ... >>

Silicone wristbands measure air quality 01.08.2021

A study by researchers at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health shows that inexpensive and convenient devices such as silicone wristbands can be used to provide quantitative data on air quality, which is especially important during periods of increased sensitivity, such as pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to PAHs has been shown to lead to adverse health outcomes in children. The team found that the wristbands, when used as passive samplers, have the ability to bind lower molecular weight semi-volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and gasoline and are produced by burning coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage and tobacco - similar to active sampling. The study focused on pregnant women in Hidalgo County in South Texas. This particular area ... >>

History of African Dust 31.07.2021

The research group, headed by an honorary professor of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. Rosenstiel at the University of Miami (UM) by Joseph Prospero, chronicles the transport of African dust, including three independent "first" discoveries of African dust in the Caribbean in the 1950s and 1960s. Each year, mineral-rich dust from the Sahara desert in North Africa is lifted into the atmosphere by winds and carried on a 5000-mile journey across the North Atlantic to the Americas. African dust contains iron, phosphorus and other important nutrients that are essential for life in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including the Amazon basin. Wind-blown mineral dust also plays an important role in climate by modulating solar radiation and cloud properties. The researchers also discuss the discovery in the 1970s and 1980s of a link between dust transport and the African climate after increased dust transport to the Caribbean due to the onset of severe drought in the Sahel. Most of today ... >>

Biofilms in syringes for contouring 31.07.2021

Dermatologists from the University of Umm al-Qura (Saudi Arabia) examined 50 filler samples to determine in which cases biofilms were formed (if any). The study involved five different lines of fillers based on hyaluronic acid with different concentrations. Samples were taken at four different time points: before injection, immediately after injection, one month after injection, and three months after injection. Samples were injected into nine different areas of the face; volunteers - 27 women aged 18 to 55 years. The study did not find any evidence of seeding associated with reuse of fillers regardless of concentration and injection site. The use of an appropriate sterilization procedure expanded the possibilities of using drugs. No correlation was found between storage time and infection risk. ... >>

Good cholesterol protects the liver from inflammation 30.07.2021

"Good" and "bad" cholesterol are called different types of lipoprotein particles - large transport complexes of lipids and proteins. "Bad cholesterol", that is, low-density lipoproteins (LDL, or LDL), are bad because they increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis: lipids from such particles tend to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, contributing to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. "Good cholesterol", that is, high-density lipoproteins (HDL, or HDL), are good in that they do not increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis. At the same time, it is believed that it is best when both "bad" and "good" cholesterol float in the blood less. However, both low and high density lipoproteins have varieties. And among the "good cholesterol" there are particles called HDL3, which are good for the liver. The fact is that from time to time bacterial lipopolyscharide, fragments of the cell wall of bacteria living in the intestine, enters the liver. These bacterial fragments cause immune cells to react, and in the liver ... >>

The implant will return a person to tactile sensations 30.07.2021

Numerous research groups around the world are developing various versions of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) capable of converting the mechanical energy of the environment into electricity. A group of scientists from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University has created a unique implant that can restore the sensitivity of any part of the human body. During the experiment, the high efficiency of the technique was shown in restoring the tactile sensations of the patient's fingertips. The sensitivity of various parts of the human body is usually reduced as a result of nerve damage due to injuries, burns or bruises. Scientists implanted a TENG implant under the patient's skin, capable of generating an electrical charge in the process of rubbing two different dielectric materials against each other. This approach allows you to simulate the work of damaged human nerves. The implant developed by Israeli scientists consists of two square-shaped plates placed ... >>

LG Tone Free FP Wireless Headphones 29.07.2021

LG has introduced a series of wireless headphones Tone Free FP. The main feature of the new products is the "Whispering Mode". When activated, the right earpiece can be removed and used as a microphone, for example, while talking on the phone. The manufacturer believes that in this way it is possible to increase the level of privacy in situations where it is necessary to speak more quietly with the interlocutor. The LG Tone Free FP series of wireless headphones includes three models: FP5, FP8 and FP9. They all have very similar characteristics. For example, all are equipped with an active noise reduction system, three microphones per earpiece, and also meet the IPX4 waterproof standard. The earbuds are 4,4mm shorter than previous LG TWS earbuds, making them more comfortable to wear. The manufacturer claims that the improved drivers and diaphragms of the Tone Free FP models provide enhanced low bass frequencies without compromising the clarity and purity of the sound. A technology support H ... >>

Carbon 3D frame will improve lithium-ion battery anodes 29.07.2021

With the goal of eliminating the shortcomings of current lithium-ion battery anodes, a group of engineers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University and Busan National University, in an article for the Chemical Engineering Journal, reported on an anode material they developed with unique structural characteristics that overcome many of the existing barriers to increase anode efficiency. In their work, the Korean scientists focused on manganese selenide (MnSe), a widely available transition metal compound known for its high electrical conductivity and used in the development of semiconductors and supercapacitors. However, MnSe experiences a sharp (nearly 160%) volume change during charge-discharge, which not only reduces electrode performance but also creates safety issues. The researchers developed a simple and inexpensive way to compensate for this change in volume: they evenly embedded MnSe nanoparticles into a three-dimensional pore ... >>

TE Connectivity IHVA150 and IHVA200 DC Contactors 28.07.2021

The new IHVA150 and IHVA200 DC contactors from TE Connectivity are an innovative solution to meet today's high demands for electric vehicles, electric charging stations, energy storage systems and other high voltage applications. A distinctive feature of the IHVA series is the elimination of the gas design in order to increase the reliability, performance and overall safety of the use of the contactor. IHVA contactors use an arc extinguishing system that achieves electrical durability of 6000 cycles at 150 A, 110 V DC (IHVA150) and 5000 cycles at 200 A, 110 V DC (IHVA200). IHVA contactors are available in two versions of the contact group: normally open (version A) and normally open with an auxiliary contact (version H), which performs the function of indicating the status of the main contact. Other advantages of the IHVA series include: Support for non-polar connection for easier and faster installation; Uwe ... >>

10-storey house built in a day 28.07.2021

In the center of the city of Changsha in southeast China, a 28-story building was built in 45 hours and 10 minutes. The construction was carried out by the Chinese company Broad Group. The main secret of construction is the use of ready-made modular blocks made of stainless steel. They are produced in a factory way with dimensions of 12,19 x 2,44 x 3 meters - the standard container size, which facilitates delivery. Each block has an interior finish, as well as water pipes and electrical wires that only need to be connected. In the process of assembling inside the block, workers fold back the slab, which becomes the floor in the apartment, and also "lay out" the windows and balconies outside. Then it remains only to tighten the bolts. First of all, this type of construction allows you to save energy and reduce costs, but not only. Such buildings are easy to dismantle and move, while they remain resistant to earthquakes. This opens up interesting prospects for hospitals and hotels. New technology may become the standard of construction, p ... >>

Type 2 diabetes raises risk of early dementia 27.07.2021

Scientists from the University of Paris found that type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing early dementia. Patients with this diagnosis between the ages of 60 and 64 require close monitoring by doctors. Experts studied data from more than 10 people collected as part of the Whitehall II study. This long-term experiment involved people aged 35 to 55 years. All of them were tested every 4 years and recorded in an electronic medical record. Thus, scientists received the most complete data over a long period, in particular, about the health status of people with type 2 diabetes. It turned out that the risk of developing dementia increases by 25% if the disease was diagnosed at 60-64 years old. If high blood sugar began to bother respondents aged 65 to 70, in this case they were 24% more likely than others to suffer from senile dementia. In cases where the disease developed in people older than 70 years, this did not have any effect on dementia. research ... >>

Alternative to traditional touch screens 27.07.2021

Researchers have found a solution to the problem of deficiency of indium - a rare earth mineral used in the production of liquid crystal screens. As an alternative, it is proposed to use much more affordable silver and tungsten oxide. Indium has a number of useful qualities, but it belongs to the rare earth minerals and is mined as a by-product of zinc production. It is problematic to make a smartphone, touch screen and many other devices without indium, which means that it is considered a strategically important element. At least that was the case in the past, because a team of researchers has developed a plasma technology that can replace indium. Ultrathin multilayer coatings are created by plasma spraying, which includes bombarding a tungsten target and separating atoms from it with their deposition in the form of an ultrathin layer on the glass surface. The process is repeated for silver, and after another layer of tungsten. All this lasts about 5 minutes and gives a minimum of waste, and can also be used ... >>

Found a place with lifeless soil 26.07.2021

Near the Shackleton Glacier in Antarctica found places with lifeless soil. The discovery greatly surprised scientists, as viable microbes were found in the most adverse conditions on Earth: from red-hot hydrothermal vents to the top of Everest. However, of 204 soil samples collected near the Shackleton Glacier, about 20% did not contain traces of microbial DNA. According to microbiologist Noah Firer, this is the first time scientists have found soil that doesn't seem to support any microbial life. The findings suggest that extremely cold and dry conditions can severely limit the habitability of microorganisms. "We do not claim to have found 'lifeless' or 'sterile' soils, or to have determined a low temperature threshold for life. But our failure to detect microbes or microbial activity in certain soils suggests that these surface soils represent a cold limit for microbial activity and survival. , ... >>

Acer XD1520i Wireless Compact Projector 26.07.2021

Acer introduced the XD1520i projector in a compact form factor. The surface area of ​​the device corresponds to the A4 paper format - 297 x 200 mm, its thickness is less than 7 cm, and its weight is only 2,1 kg. The projector is wireless capable of delivering 4000 LED lumens (1600 ANSI lumens) brightness at Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution and 1,2-1,4 times wider (1520-30000 times than conventional LED) color gamut . The XDXNUMXi lamp life reaches an impressive XNUMX hours and underpins the impressive functionality of the technical base with reliability and durability. ... >>

Eco-friendly thorium nuclear reactor 25.07.2021

China plans to build the world's first experimental thorium nuclear reactor that does not require water to cool. Such a reactor can be called "clean". The reactor will run on liquid thorium, and molten salts will be used for cooling. Such a setup would have a whole host of advantages. Firstly, the reactor does not require a huge amount of water, that is, it can work in desert regions. Secondly, thorium is much cheaper than uranium, and its decay does not produce elements that can be used to create nuclear weapons. Third, the waste from such a reactor has a half-life of 500 years versus 10 years for a uranium reactor. In addition, in the event of an unforeseen situation, the cooling salt quickly hardens, effectively sealing the radioactive thorium. The prototype of the 000 MW reactor will be ready in August, and the first tests will start in September. A full-scale reactor with a capacity of 2 MW will be ready only by 100. It is planned to be built in ... >>

Miniature efficient acoustic amplifier 25.07.2021

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have created what can be called the smallest and most efficient acoustic amplifier in the world. This amplifier is based on principles developed about five decades ago, but the latest advances in electronics and nanomanufacturing have made it possible to drastically reduce the size and increase the efficiency of the device by more than 10 times. Radio signal amplifiers are used today in almost every device, be it a mobile phone or an electric kettle with the ability to access the Internet. Now traditional amplifiers are used to amplify radio signals, but for quite a long time there has been an idea that instead of a stream of electrons, high-frequency acoustic waves can be used. The first acoustic amplifiers of radio signals appeared in the 70s of the last century. These were relatively large devices, the area of ​​​​the chips of which reached one square centimeter, for their operation it was required ... >>

The robot will help you get dressed 24.07.2021

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a new algorithm that allows a robot to dress people without disturbing them. The device can be used as an assistant for people with limited mobility. The researchers explained that robots have great potential to help people with limited mobility. But this is a difficult task that requires devices to be agile, user safe and fast. Now scientists at MIT have developed an algorithm that achieves this balance. It is relatively easy for a person to help someone else get dressed, because we instinctively know where and how to hold a piece of clothing, how a person can bend their arm, how the fabric will react to movement, and so on. However, robots must be taught all this from scratch. An MIT team led by Shen Li has developed an algorithm that redefines the safety of robot movement by allowing movements that prevent collisions with it. This allows the robot to come into contact with a person without harm to health in order to ... >>

Flexible 32-bit ARM microcontroller 24.07.2021

Unlike conventional semiconductor chips, flexible electronic devices are based on paper, plastic, or foil substrates and use active thin-film semiconductor materials, including organic compounds, metal oxides, and amorphous silicon. After six years of development, ARM introduced the first fully 32-bit flexible PlasticARM microcontroller, which consists of 56 thin-film NMOS transistors (Negative channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) and resistors on a plastic substrate provided by the British manufacturing company PragmatIC Semiconductor from Cambridge. The chipset is implemented using the 340 micron PragmatIC process and standard tooling. It consists of four metal layers on a 0,8 mm polyimide plate. The two lower layers contain standard cells, and the two upper ones serve to connect them. This approach made it possible to bring the total valve density to approximately 200 per mm300. With an area of ​​2 ... >>

Miniature Particle Accelerator Powering the Laser 23.07.2021

Chinese scientists have built a free electron laser, which can be considered a miniature (installation length - only 12 meters) version of multi-kilometer particle accelerators. Physicists in China at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics (SIOM) have used a small "wake field plasma accelerator" to power a laser called a free electron laser (FEL). Physicists have long wanted to make particle accelerators more compact, so the work of Chinese scientists who have made significant progress towards this goal is encouraging. The Chinese free electron laser is still inferior to classical particle accelerators in terms of capabilities, but this is forgivable, given the relatively modest size of the facility. The tiny FEL is very different from its larger counterparts, which generate beams billions of times brighter than other X-ray sources, with an energy spread of just 0,1%. It produces much weaker pulses of longer wavelength ... >>

Protecting power grids from cyber attacks 23.07.2021

US scientists have developed and tested technology that alerts power grid operators to unauthorized remote access attempts. The device detects anomalous activity and automatically blocks it, preventing intruders from gaining access to critical power plant components. The Cyber ​​Communications Limitation Device (C3D), developed by Idaho National Laboratory and Visgence, autonomously scans and filters commands that are sent to protection relays, the most important components of the power grid that serve to immediately turn off power if a problem is noticed. For example, protection relays can prevent damage to expensive equipment during severe thunderstorms. However, relays are not designed to block fast and stealthy cyberattacks that can send commands to equipment in milliseconds. To prevent this kind of attacks, an intelligent and automatic filtering system is needed. ... >>

Ion-conducting wood membranes 22.07.2021

US scientists have coated ordinary wood with a hydrogel and turned it into an ion-selective material. Membranes made of such material let only positively charged ions through, which can be used to generate electricity at the border of fresh and salt water. The results of the study are published in the journal ACS Nano. Scientists from the University of Maryland, led by Lian Bing Hu (Liangbing Hu) managed to make ion-selective membranes from a more affordable material - wood. Wood is a composite material that consists of cellulose fibers in a matrix of the tougher lignin polymer. Wood has a porous structure, and due to negative charges on the surface, it even has some ion-selective properties - it passes predominantly positively charged ions. However, the pores in wood are too large, and the ion selectivity of wood is lower than that of artificial materials. In addition, wood is an anisotropic material, that is, its properties differ greatly depending on ... >>

Face mask with microphone and speakers 22.07.2021

LG has announced an updated version of its high-tech air-purifying face mask called LG PuriCare. The new version received built-in speakers and a microphone. LG first announced the PuriCare mask last year. It uses replaceable air filters and built-in fans to filter the air. LG says the new version has a smaller and lighter motor, as well as built-in microphones and speakers that amplify the wearer's voice. The first version of the mask muffled the wearer's voice quite a bit. The technology, which LG calls VoiceON, "automatically recognizes when users are talking and amplifies their voice through the built-in speaker." The new LG PuriCare mask weighs 94 grams, has a built-in 1 mAh battery and charges in two hours via USB. LG claims that it is quite comfortable to wear continuously for about 000 hours. LG does not claim that the mask will in any way protect against coronavirus, although at the time of the announcement ... >>

Swimming improves children's vocabulary 21.07.2021

A study by researchers at the University of Delaware suggests that exercise can increase children's vocabulary. Children between the ages of six and 12 were taught new words, after which they went in for swimming, CrossFit or coloring pictures. Swimmers scored 13% better on follow-up vocabulary tests. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt, a college swimmer, is not surprised by the results. "Motor movements help memorize new words. Exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein important for cognitive function," says Pruitt. Why didn’t they have a similar effect when doing crossfit? The scientist explains this by the amount of energy that the brain needs with each exercise. Swimming is an activity that kids can do without much thought or instruction. It's more automated. And CrossFit exercises were new for kids. First they needed you ... >>

Tracking the reaction of museum visitors to exhibits 21.07.2021

In the museums of the Italian city of Bologna, the ShareArt system began to work, which allows you to analyze the reaction of visitors to a particular exhibit. Special cameras calculate how carefully the guests looked at the masterpieces, how long they lingered near the work of art, reads which emotions prevailed. In this way, the system generates an "assessment of attractiveness" of paintings, sculptures and artifacts. With the help of it, the curators hope to understand how to plan the space of the exhibition halls based on which exhibits are of more interest to the guests. Museum curators have decided to use this technology to exhibit more highly rated works and increase the number of tourists. So they want to recoup some of the revenue that museums have lost from coronavirus restrictions. The system was developed by a team from the government agency ENEA. The first version of ShareArt was ready back in 2016, but it has only just begun to be tested in museums. C developers ... >>

Electric bike with autopilot 20.07.2021

Huawei engineer Zhihui Jun has designed and assembled a fully functional electric bicycle prototype with autonomous driving capability. Jun conceived the idea of ​​a self-driving e-bike after he was injured in a bicycle accident. Subsequently, he developed a vehicle with a range of high-precision sensors that can help the driver move safely in dense city traffic. There are depth sensors, LiDAR, an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The bike is equipped with two powerful brushless electric motors, one of which is responsible for steering. The most curious in the design of the electric bike is the balance system, implemented similarly to the systems used in satellites. A set of high-precision sensors can detect even the slightest inclination and immediately send data to the control module, which, in turn, will take control of the bike's steering and prevent a fall. Feeds on elek ... >>

When learning a language, it is better to write by hand 20.07.2021

When learning a new language, scientists have found that writing by hand is better than typing or watching videos. In the study, volunteers learned the Arabic alphabet from scratch. They were divided into three groups: those who wrote by hand, those who typed text on the keyboard, and those who watched the video. Those who watched the video had to learn a letter and then immediately find that letter on the screen. The typing participants had to find the letter on the keyboard, and the handwritten participants had to write the letter with a pen on paper. Each group was given six lessons. During this time, each volunteer had to learn the alphabet and make a minimum of mistakes during testing. People who wrote by hand learned it faster than others. Some of them learned the alphabet in just two sessions. The scientists also tested other indicators of literacy: they wanted to see if the volunteers could "generalize" new knowledge and use letters to write new words and recognize unfamiliar words. Once again, people who wrote by hand, coped with all the tasks ... >>

AI will aim for the player 19.07.2021

Cheating in video games has reached a new level. A special device has been developed that helps the player accurately aim at the enemy. In fact, we are talking about the hardware analogue of Aim Bot. Experts say that this cheat cannot be detected by any protection, since it does not violate the integrity of game files, which is typical for software cheats. The device can be used with both PC and consoles. Actually, CVCheat is an advanced video capture card that connects to a PC or console using an HDMI connector and monitors the frames transmitted by the GPU to the screen. Using built-in artificial intelligence algorithms and computer vision, CVCheat determines the location of enemies in the central area of ​​​​the screen where the player is looking. Next, an algorithm comes into play that accurately calculates how far and in what direction it is necessary to move the mouse in order for the enemy to be in the crosshairs of the sight. CVCheat can detect not only the whole enemy, but ... >>

Fabric to keep you cool in the heat 19.07.2021

Scientists from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China have developed a fabric that can cool the body. Polylactic acid and fibers of titanium oxide and Teflon were taken as the basis of the fabric. With their help, the fabric can reflect ultraviolet and infrared radiation. In this case, the body is cooled due to heat dissipation. Due to its special structure, the meta-fabric provides an almost perfect emissivity in the mid-infrared range. Scientists have conducted several tests. In one of them, a volunteer wearing a half-metal and half-cotton vest was exposed to the sun for an hour. Skin temperature rose from 31°C to 32°C under the metacloth, while up to 37°C under the cotton. ... >>

DRAM production using EUV lithography 18.07.2021

SK Hynix announced the start of mass production of 4 Gb LPDDR4266-8 DRAM chips based on the 1a-nm node, which is the fourth generation of process technologies in the 10-20 nm range. This is the first time that SK Hynix has used equipment with extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) technology in mass production, after partial implementation in the past. SK Hynix expects the new technology to lead to improvements in productivity and cost. According to experts, the 1a-nm node will provide a quarter more chips per wafer compared to the previous 1z-nm node. The company plans to start shipping this type of mobile DRAM from the second half of 2021. Gradually, SK Hynix plans to convert more and more of its memory products to 1a-nm standards, including DDR5 chips for server, desktop and mobile equipment. Cho Youngmann, vice president of SK Hynix, said: "Thanks to the increased productivity ... >>

Created a prototype quantum radar 18.07.2021

Physicists from the Austrian Institute of Science and Technology and colleagues from the US, UK and Italy have created a prototype radar that uses quantum entanglement to detect an object. This technology may find application in biomedical scanners with ultra-low power consumption in the future. The researchers introduced a technology called microwave quantum illumination based on entangled photons. In quantum entanglement, two particles stay connected no matter how far apart they are. This allows the radar to operate even in high thermal noise environments where classical systems are often ineffective. Scientists entangled photons at a temperature a few thousandths of a degree above absolute zero (-273,15 degrees Celsius). One group of photons, called signal, went to the object, and over the other group - idle photons - measurements were taken under conditions without interference and noise ... >>

E-paper with optimal color reproduction 17.07.2021

In order for reflective screens to compete with energy-intensive backlit screens, they must reproduce images and colors with the same high quality. Thanks to research from the Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), this breakthrough may soon become a reality. "Our study shows how this technology can be optimized to make it commercially viable," says Marika Gugole of the Chalmers Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Based on a previously studied porous and nanostructured material containing tungsten trioxide, as well as gold and platinum, they tested a new, inverted tactic. The component that makes the material electrically conductive was placed under the pixel nanostructure that reproduces colors, and not above it, as before. This new design means you're looking directly at the pixelated surface, so colors are perceived much more clearly. "Our main goal in developing ... >>

Roccat Torch studio grade USB microphone 17.07.2021

Turtle Beach introduced Roccat's Torch microphone, Roccat's first "studio-grade USB microphone". It is addressed to game lovers, streamers and content creators. The design of the microphone includes a "double condenser capsule" that allows you to choose between three pickup patterns: cardioid, stereo and night, optimized for whispering. In fact, the case contains two capsules with a diameter of 14 mm. The frequency response of the microphone is 20-20 Hz, the maximum sound pressure level for which it is designed is 000 dB. The microphone supports sampling rates up to 110 kHz and 48-bit data representation. The package includes a stand, or base station with controls for selecting the directivity pattern and changing the signal level, with a 24 mm jack for connecting headphones for real-time monitoring. The dimensions of the device are 3,5 x 138 x 95 mm, the weight without the base is 208 g, with it - 290 g. In addition to the bases ... >>

Crystal of electrons 16.07.2021

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has observed a Winger crystal for the first time in history. The discovery is described as nothing more than the Holy Grail in condensed matter physics. In 1934, Eugene Wigner suggested that electrons in a material could theoretically arrange themselves in regular and crystalline structures due to mutual electrical repulsion. For almost 90 years, the prediction existed in the form of a theory, and only recently was it experimentally proven. Swiss scientists were able to actually fix a crystal consisting of only electrons. The main problem that accompanied all previous attempts to prove this theory was the need for extremely low temperatures and a small number of free electrons in the material. In the course of new experiments, it was possible to create a layer of molybdenum diselenide just one atom thick. This caused the electrons to move in only one plane, and their number depended on the voltage applied to the two transparencies. ... >>

Yongnuo YN455 - Android mirrorless camera 16.07.2021

The Chinese company Yongnuo introduced a new mirrorless camera YN455, the main distinguishing feature of which was the use of the Android operating system. The novelty received a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor and support for interchangeable lenses. The camera can shoot videos with a resolution of 4K 3840 x 2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. The novelty is based on Qualcomm's unnamed eight-core Snapdragon processor, clocked at up to 2,2 GHz. It comes with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of permanent storage, expandable via microSD card up to 256GB. To control the camera and view the shots taken, a 5-inch tilting touch screen is provided. The battery is removable, with a capacity of 4400 mAh. There are two USB Type-C ports, a 3,5mm combo audio jack, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, and a 4G modem. ... >>

Smartphone flat camera technology 15.07.2021

The head of Samsung Electro-Mechanics spoke about the development of the metalens (also known as the superlens). This lens looks like a flat structure, but there are nanoparticles on its surface. This design allows light to be refracted. The principle of the lens is similar to the Fresnel lens, but the accuracy is higher and the lens itself is much thinner. X Samsung said that this technology can make the smartphone's lens thinner than the current one. Thus, when Samsung's Metalens goes into mass production and becomes available to manufacturers, they will be able to solve one of the problems with the cameras of modern smartphones. It means that the main camera in current phones has a ledge. This affects the overall aesthetics of the phones. Samsung Electronics is investigating a method of applying nanoparticles to lenses, and Samsung is currently testing the application of this technology in manufacturing. Processing of such lenses is carried out on a nanometer scale. For 0603 MLCC lens (dimensions 0,6 mm horizontal and 0,3 mm vertical ... >>

MAX20343/MAX20344 converters 15.07.2021

Maxim Integrated has mastered the production of the new MAX20343/MAX20344 switching voltage regulators for use in compact, portable battery-powered devices. The MAX20343/MAX20344 is a fully integrated solution that combines a controller and power transistors in a single package that can drive loads up to 1A at 3,5V output. which allows them to be used with primary energy sources, the voltage of which can be either higher or lower than the required output voltage. At the same time, special attention was paid to the functioning of the microcircuit in cases where the input voltage is approximately equal to the output: thanks to the unique transistor switching algorithm in these modes, it was possible to avoid sudden voltage fluctuations on the load and reduce the level of electromagnetic interference. The key advantages of mi ... >>

Starship vs space junk 14.07.2021

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that the company will be able to solve the problem of space debris in orbit with the help of Starship spacecraft equipment. He claims that the rocket will be able to "chew" space debris with the help of the fairing doors. In the future, space debris could seriously complicate rocket launches into space. Now the US agency is tracking more than 27 space debris of various sizes, and there is no real solution to the problem yet. The head fairing will be equipped with two giant doors that open like a beak. In fact, the mechanism was created to release the payload from the inside, but, presumably, it can be used to clear the orbit of space debris. ... >>

LiveWire One Electric Motorcycle 14.07.2021

Harley-Davidson introduced the LiveWire One electric motorcycle. This is the first LiveWire product dedicated to electric vehicles by Harley-Davidson. According to the manufacturer, LiveWire One is designed for urban conditions, but its "power and range will take you beyond." On one charge, the motorcycle can travel up to 235 km in the city. On the motorway, mileage is reduced to 110 km, and in the combined cycle it is estimated at 150 km. Engine power is 105 hp or 77 kW. Up to 100 km / h, the motorcycle accelerates in 3,0 seconds. Using fast charging, you can charge a fully discharged battery up to 100% in 60 minutes. The advantages of the motorcycle include a stability control system, ABS and a system that prevents the rear axle from skidding when braking with recuperation. In the US, the motorcycle starts at $21. It is already available for order. LiveWire plans to enter the markets of other countries in 999. ... >>

Hybrid crossover Chery Tiggo 7 Plus 13.07.2021

Chery has introduced the successor to Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, which is called Chery Tiggo 7 Plus. The car received an updated grille, a modified bumper and T-shaped daytime running lights. On the tailgate is the Chery inscription instead of the logo, the taillights are connected by an LED strip. The interior of Chery Tiggo 7 Plus is made in the style of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro: the car received a new steering wheel and a single large unit that combines the screens of the digital dashboard and multimedia system. Buyers will be offered a version with a 1,6-liter turbocharged engine producing 197 hp. with a torque of 290 Nm, which is paired with a 7-speed "robot". More interesting is the hybrid version with a 1,5-liter engine and a 48-volt starter-alternator. ... >>

Smart hydrogen cabinet 13.07.2021

Estonian energy company Alexela and cleantech startup PowerUP Energy Technologies have unveiled the world's first Smart Hydrogen Cabinet at the Alexela filling station at Kakumäe Harbor in the Estonian capital Tallinn. The first of its kind, the smart hydrogen cabinet is designed for smaller hydrogen-powered applications, including sailboats, yachts and RVs. The smart cabinet is fully automated and filled with lightweight hydrogen tanks provided by PowerUP Energy Technologies. It will be operated by a mobile payment system application called Paytailor, which requires little to no human contact, making mobile payments easier for its customers. In addition to this, the app provides its customers with the ability to control the smart closet seamlessly. Customers can open the smart cabinet, select the number of hydrogen tanks they want to rent and make payment - all through the app. This cabinet that works ... >>

Komatsu Electric Micro Excavator 12.07.2021

Honda and Komatsu have developed a compact electric micro-excavator. It is based on universal battery packs from Honda electric motorcycles. This product is an electric version of Komatsu's PC 0E small excavator. He gained a lot from this transformation. Exhausts, fumes and fuel leaks disappeared. The device has become easier to maintain and manage. Honda has huge plans to convert construction equipment to traction batteries. Electric motors are much more practical and cheaper. Of course, there is such a problem as the cost of batteries (with their relatively short service life), but everything else should be cheaper and better than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. The design and all mechanical components of the PC 01E micro-electric excavator were developed by Komatsu specialists. Honda engineers contributed to the Mobile Power Packs (MPPs), the main drive and the hydraulic pump for steering. ... >>

Invincible cockroach robot 12.07.2021

Engineers from Tsinghua and Berkeley Universities have developed a cockroach robot that weighs less than 0,1 grams and is able to withstand the pressure of a 60 kilogram human on it. The robotic cockroach looks like a rectangular piece of metal, measuring 3 by 1,5 cm. It is made from a thin sheet of polyvinylidene difluoride, a piezoelectric material that can expand and contract when subjected to alternating current. It is thanks to this contraction-expansion and the front leg that the robot moves, bending and pushing itself forward, overcoming 16 centimeters per second. The robot can climb gentle slopes, overcome obstacles from small pipes, and even carry loads that are 6 times its own weight, such as peanuts. The electronic cockroach is connected to the power supply by wires, but the developers plan to switch it to a small battery and add a gas sensor. Such robots can be useful in the study of inaccessible places of disasters and catastrophes: they maneuver ... >>

Improving Quantum Computing 11.07.2021

The computational capabilities of today's supercomputers may be staggering, but quantum computers are expected to outperform even the most powerful of these machines. Thanks to the huge amount of memory and speed of operation, quantum computers will be able to solve problems that are currently beyond the power of any processor. European researchers working within the EU-funded Magnum and microSPIRE projects have developed a potentially new qubit system using the rotation of so-called "holes". Semiconductors consist of artificial quasi-particles, which are a collection of electrons and holes. Holes are usually called carriers of a positive charge equal to the elementary charge in semiconductors. Although holes are not true particles, they share many properties with electrons. They interact when they come close to each other, and they also have the quantum mechanical property of spin. Holes in materials such as metalloid germanium are ... >>

South Korea bans minors from playing Minecraft 11.07.2021

South Korean gamers will only be able to access Minecraft if they are over 19 years old. This is due to local law that prohibits minors from playing video games between midnight and six in the morning (the ban was introduced in 2011). In order to limit access to the country's most popular Minecraft, Microsoft has changed the way you sign in to the game, which previously required a Mojang account. Microsoft recently announced that it will only be possible to enter the game through an Xbox Live account, and it can only be registered in South Korea by those who are at least 19 years old. Typically, game publishers take steps to comply with the law and limit access to games during quiet hours. In the case of Xbox Live, the restriction applies to minors around the clock. Given that Minecraft is considered to be children's entertainment, gamers in South Korea have criticized Microsoft's approach and are collecting signatures on a petition demanding that the decision to classify the game as an "adult" game be reversed. ... >>

3D printed stretchable artificial leather 10.07.2021

Scientists at Stanford University have 3D printed stretchable skin that looks like rubber. The new method increases the density of elastic transistors by more than 100 times compared to earlier designs. Chemical engineer Zhenan Bao and her team of researchers at Stanford have revealed how they printed a stretchable but reusable integrated circuit on rubber materials in a new study. There are more than 40 transistors per square centimeter of artificial leather, and the team plans to increase this number. It is planned to increase the number of transistors to a billion, which will be enough to create simple circuits for sensors on the skin, as well as implantable bioelectronics. While working, the scientists used a new process to create flexible circuits: they stretched them parallel and perpendicular to twice their original dimensions. As a result, they did not crack or delaminate. Electrically, the transistors remained stable even after thousands of repetitions. ... >>

Plant Pore Control 10.07.2021

Scientists from the Julius Maximilian University (JMU) of Würzburg have found a way to remotely control the pores on plant leaves using light pulses. Plants have small pores on the surface of their leaves called stomata. They help plants regulate the supply of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. They also prevent too much water loss and wilting during drought. The stomatal pores are surrounded by two protective cells. If the internal pressure of these cells drops, they weaken and close the pores. If the pressure rises, the cells move apart and the pores expand. Thus, the movements of the stomata are regulated by protective cells. The signaling pathways in these cells are so complex that it is difficult to influence their work directly. However, the researchers managed to do this by introducing a light-sensitive switch into the defense cells of tobacco plants. This technology was borrowed from optogenetics. It has been successfully used in animal cells, but its use in ... >>

Hyrope smart jump rope 09.07.2021

Hygear, a major manufacturer of smart fitness tools that was formed in 2020, has officially launched its new product, the smart jump rope. The novelty is able to provide users with real-time feedback. This rope is called Hyrope, and its next distinguishing feature is that it is able to work without any problems in tandem with the official application of the company in order to successfully track the number of jumps you have made, your maximum, minimum and average speed. , pace, and user calories burned by you. This application from Hygear will allow you to choose the interactive workouts you like at any time, which you can follow depending on your fitness goals. Hyrope also uses artificial intelligence technology to adjust various metrics based on actual performance. ... >>

Pain relief without drugs 09.07.2021

Researchers from New York University have developed a device that can effectively deal with chronic pain without the use of drugs. The device is implanted directly into the brain. "The unique technology belongs to the Neuralink company, which is owned by the American entrepreneur Elon Musk. With the help of the new implant, they planned to correct epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, paralysis, and others," the article notes. When one detects the "pain detected" electrical signal, a light beam is automatically fired, which stimulates neurons that suppress pain signals. In this case, the implant is activated only when pain occurs and does not affect the brain in the normal state. It is noted that the rat models on which the experiments were performed showed good results. It is known that in real time the device copes with chronic, mechanical, as well as neuropathic pain syndrome. ... >>

Video camera for animals with built-in feeder 08.07.2021

The Ukrainian company Petcube has introduced a new animal care chamber with a built-in Petcube Bites 2 Lite feeder. The device allows pet owners to care for their pets remotely via smartphone, as well as hear and talk to them. Bites 2 Lite transmits HD video in 1080p quality to the user's smartphone through a 160° wide-angle lens, has 8x digital zoom and night vision up to 9 meters in the dark. In addition, the camera provides two-way audio communication, allowing you to hear what is happening in the room and talk with your pet. The camera has a minimalist design that will fit almost any interior. Also this fall, Pecube will release colored treat containers. As an optional accessory, it will be possible to purchase a pink, blue or orange hopper, made of hard plastic, making them safe even for large dogs. Petcube Bites 2 Lite uses the same mobile apps ... >>

NeoBuds Pro Wireless Hi-Res Audio Headphones 08.07.2021

Speaker manufacturer Edifier has unveiled the new NeoBuds Pro fully wireless headphones NeoBuds Pro are the first Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified TWS headphones on the market that support active noise cancellation and the LHDC+ AAC codec. The new headphones boast Knowles dynamic and armature drivers. Edifier's research team conducted hundreds of tests during the development of the NeoBuds Pro, enabling the company to achieve traditional on-ear sound quality in a compact TWS earphone form factor. The device will offer users superior sound quality with deep bass and clear highs. NeoBuds Pro support the LHDC+ AAC codec, which allows you to transmit 96 kHz 24-bit HD audio via Bluetooth. ... >>

Cutlets from the air 07.07.2021

The Finnish company Solar Foods is going to produce food based on air, water and electricity. In the city of Helsinki, a special factory has been opened that produces food that is created on the principle of alcoholic fermentation. True, carbon dioxide and hydrogen are recycled. After the processing process, which also includes the addition of CO2, various microelements, hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria, as well as heat treatment of the resulting mixture, a nutritious powder comes out, similar in properties to flour - solein. This artificial flour makes an excellent protein supplement for plant-based foods. ... >>

Objective reality does not exist 07.07.2021

In the quantum world, measurements from different positions will give different results, but they will be equally true - and this has led physicists to very curious conclusions. Physicist Eugene Wigner has slightly complicated Erwin Schrödinger's famous thought experiment: a living cat is locked in a box with a radioactive element, a Geiger counter and a deadly poison. The probability that a radioactive element will decay is 50%. If this happens, the counter will set the hammer in motion, which will break the vial of poison and kill the cat. That is, until the box is opened, the cat should be considered both alive and dead at the same time. Imagine that after the completion of the experiment, the experimenter opens the box and sees that the cat is alive. But an observer outside the laboratory (Wigner's suggested friend) recognizes the cat as alive only when the experimenter informs him of the outcome of the experiment. Just like all the other "friends". That is, until all people in the universe know the result of the experiment, the cat remains between life and death. But does this model reflect ... >>

Samsung JetBot Robot Vacuum Cleaners 06.07.2021

Samsung has announced a new line of JetBot robot vacuum cleaners with Intel artificial intelligence technology. Now the devices are available for purchase in Ukraine. The series includes three models: JetBot (VR30T80313W/EV), JetBot+ (VR30T85513W/EV) and JetBot AI+ (VR50T95735W/EV). The top JetBot AI + features a navigation system, thanks to which the robot vacuum cleaner can move along difficult routes. To do this, the vacuum cleaner uses LiDAR, which determines the location of objects on the way and the distance to them. Paired with LiDAR is a camera and a 3D sensor. In such a bundle, the device recognizes and classifies objects, putting them on a map of the room. By the way, with the help of the camera you can also watch pets. The JetBot+ and JetBot AI+ models also feature an Air Pulse Cleaning Station. That is, robots are completely autonomous and can work without user intervention. After cleaning, JetBot AI+ will automatically return to the Clean Station, which will automatically clean ... >>

Desalination of sea water based on nanofiber membrane 06.07.2021

Korean scientists have created a desalination method that can make seawater drinkable in minutes. To do this, they used a membrane distillation process. Thanks to the method of membrane distillation, scientists were able to remove 99,9% of the salt from the water within one month. However, the main problem in developing this method was that such filters stop filtering water after the membrane gets wet, so it was necessary to create a material that would be as resistant to moisture as possible. And at the same time, it must retain the ability to filter water. As a result, the membrane was made of polymer nanofibers, which are made by electrospinning, when the threads of the membrane fiber are formed in an electrostatic field. The scientists used a polymer blend of polyvinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene as a base and a silicate airgel mixed with a low concentration polymer as a shell to produce a composite membrane with a superhydrophobic surface. In case of commercial ... >>

slimming device 05.07.2021

Researchers at New Zealand's Otago University have created a jaw-locking slimming device. The novelty is called DentalSlim Diet Control. It is installed on the upper and lower back teeth using special fixing bolts, which are connected to each other by two magnets. So, a person cannot chew solid food. The gadget, which can only be installed by a dentist, allows the wearer to open their mouth only 2mm, limiting the diet to liquid foods. At the same time, the device does not interfere with breathing and speaking. Participants in the trial of the new invention lost an average of 6,36 kg in two weeks and received a real incentive to continue their path to weight loss, "the scientists say. "The device is not intended for rapid or long-term weight loss; rather, it aims to help people who need surgery and can't have surgery until they lose weight. After two to three weeks, they can turn off the magnets and remove the device. They may have a period of less restrictive dieting, ... >>

Plastic sleepers 05.07.2021

Recycled bottles, packaging and other items made from recycled plastic have been turned into strong sleepers for the first time on Britain's mainline railways. According to experts from the railway company Network Rail (London), such sleepers are designed for 50 years of operation. The eco-project, originally launched in Wiltshire, aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050. Rail supports are usually made of wood and concrete. However, new railway sleepers made of plastic, compared to conventional materials, will be more resistant to adverse environmental factors. These sleepers, in particular, do not split, rot or decompose. They are not afraid of exposure to water, oil, chemicals and fungus. In addition, the production of plastic sleepers is more profitable than their production from wood. Moreover, four years ago a moratorium on the use of creosote was introduced in Europe. This toxic substance is commonly treated with wooden sleepers. ... >>

Limited information motivates children to learn 04.07.2021

Researchers at Rutgers University found that limited information motivates young children to learn. According to the study, preschool children are sensitive to the difference between how much they know and how much they still have to learn. Preschool children tend to choose to gather more information about something if it interests them. This ability creates the perfect combination of insecurity and curiosity in children and motivates them to learn more. The study focused on how the level of knowledge of children affects what information they are interested in. The data obtained indicate that children are attracted not only by the novelty of information. Children are naturally curious, scientists say, but the tricky question is how to harness that natural curiosity. In a series of experiments, the authors developed personal and online storybooks to measure how many 3- to 5-year-old preschoolers knew about different "knowledge areas". During the experiment ... >>

Solar cells for laser energy transmission systems 04.07.2021

The Fraunhofer Institute Solar Energy Systems ISE claims to have achieved a 68,9% conversion efficiency rate for a III-V solar cell that can be used in laser energy transmission systems. "In this new form of power transfer, laser energy is delivered either through the air or through an optical fiber to a photovoltaic cell whose properties match the power and wavelength of monochromatic laser light," the scientists explained. "Compared to traditional power transmission over copper wires, light-assisted power systems are especially useful for applications that require, for example, a galvanically isolated power supply, lightning or explosion protection, electromagnetic compatibility, or completely wireless power transmission." Laser power transmission systems are not much different from power transmission systems based on microwave technology. These systems convert a power source into an emitter that generates directional electricity. ... >>

Cocoa improves visual acuity 03.07.2021

Researchers in Spain have studied the effect of compounds found in cocoa and red berries on retinal function in healthy eyes. Cocoa and red berries are good sources of polyphenols in the human diet. Red berries are characterized by the presence of anthocyanins, a group of red-purple-blue flavonoids associated with endothelial protection and inflammation. Cocoa is rich in flavan-3-ols but also contains other polyphenols such as phenolic acids and flavonols. In addition, cocoa is a good source of theobromine, which, unlike caffeine, has less of a psychoactive effect but can lower blood pressure, while caffeine increases it depending on the individual. ... >>

Energy storage in red-hot graphite bricks 03.07.2021

Building solar and wind power plants is now cheaper than building coal ones, but it is still difficult to ensure a continuous cycle of operation of stations using renewable sources. Two American companies have proposed storing energy by heating bricks made of conductive materials to thousands of degrees Celsius. At night and in calm weather, hot bricks will participate in the generation of electricity and this is cheaper than using batteries. Established in 2018, Antora Energy recommends the use of graphite thermal storage bricks. Actually, the industry already produces such graphite blocks in huge volumes in the form of electrodes for steelmaking and chemical enterprises. In this regard, you do not need to invent anything. To accumulate energy, an excess electric current is passed through the graphite bricks in the block and they heat up to 1500 ° C. The secret lies in how to turn heat back into electricity. To generate electricity from stored heat, ... >>

Xiaomi Audio and Video Conference Speaker Video Conferencing System 02.07.2021

Xiaomi has announced the Audio and Video Conference Speaker system, which is designed to organize remote interaction between employees. The novelty was estimated at 360 dollars. The system resembles a soundbar. It can be wall-mounted for convenient video calling. The device has a camera based on a Sony sensor with a viewing angle of 120 degrees, eight times digital zoom and the ability to mechanically adjust the height within 10 degrees. An array of six microphones is responsible for speech equalization. Its range is 5 m. Intelligent algorithms improve the performance of microphones, so that the voice of people who are nearby at different distances is heard equally well. The system is equipped with an eight-core Qualcomm APQ8053 processor and two 2,5-inch speakers. It also supports 4K video and has Smart Noise Reduction tools based on AI algorithms. ... >>

Smart T-shirt YouCare 5G 02.07.2021

ZTE and ACCYOURATE jointly launched the YouCare 5G Smart T-shirt. Based on the revolutionary new generation wearable technology, the T-shirt can monitor a number of important physical indicators, including breathing, sweat composition, muscle tone, body temperature, etc. It can monitor a person's health status. Thanks to 5G technology, with low latency and high reliability, data is transmitted to the medical health management center. This smart T-shirt is washable. This will lay the foundation for new service models in telemedicine, sports and personal health. Francisco Roca, president of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, said the invention would greatly improve the quality of life for families suffering from chronic diseases. Further testing of YouCare will take place at ZTE's 5G Innovation Center in the province of L'Aquila, Italy. ... >>

Bulletproof vest made of nanostructured carbon material 01.07.2021

Light weight and thin are two desirable indicators when it comes to materials used for the production of bulletproof vests and other protective equipment. Researchers have made impressive strides in this area, using the latest advances in nanotechnology and drawing inspiration from "naturally occurring technologies" such as the structure of the shells of some marine molluscs. The breakthrough in this area is a new material developed by materials scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which outperforms materials such as Kevlar and steel in many basic parameters. The starting point for the manufacture of a new material is a light-sensitive polymer, in the volume of which, with the help of laser light, a nanolattice with an ordered regular structure was formed. After creating a lattice, this material was placed in a high-temperature vacuum chamber, where the polymer was transformed into a lightweight polymer. ... >>

Popcorn packaging for fragile items 01.07.2021

In Germany, researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a plant-based packaging for fragile items that can replace polystyrene foam. The new material is 100% biodegradable. Popcorn is not only lightweight, but also water-repellent. With the help of 3D printing, popcorn granulate can take any shape. In addition to the actual packaging, the researchers made jars for spices, cups, as well as sound-absorbing plates and even chairs. The University of Göttingen has already signed a cooperation agreement with Nordgetreide GmbH & Co. "Our popcorn packaging is a great sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polystyrene foam," said Stefan Schult, Managing Director of Nordgetreide. Only in the USA about 3 million tons of polystyrene are produced annually - mainly for packaging and food. At the same time, the full disposal of packaging based on polystyrene foam takes centuries, and popcorn can be used as compost. ... >>

Intercity travel by car 30.06.2021

The AirCar flying car made the first long-distance flight for this type of vehicle. The 35-minute flight from Nitra to Bratislava was made on 28 June. The distance between these cities is 96 km, which, taking into account the occurring settlements, translates into approximately 1 hour by car. Flying by car, as we see, is almost twice as fast. The process of transforming an AirCar from its airplane state into a car state takes about three minutes. In its current form, the AirCar Prototype 1 is equipped with a 160 hp BMW engine. There is also a parachute. The machine has already shown the ability to fly at altitudes up to 2500 m at speeds up to 190 km/h. AirCar Prototype 2 will receive a 300 hp engine. and EASA CS-23 certificate. Such a device will be able to move in the air at speeds up to 300 km / h with a flight range of up to 1000 km. ... >>

Factory for the production of artificial meat 30.06.2021

The Israeli company Future Meat Technologies has launched the world's first factory for the production of artificial meat. The enterprise in the city of Rehovot will produce up to 500 kg of cultivated chicken, pork and lamb daily. This amount is enough to make about 5000 hamburgers. Most artificial meat producers use one of two growing methods. The first is the creation of plant-based substitutes for beef and pork (for example, the startup Impossible Foods is following this path), and the second is the production of products from living cells grown in the laboratory. In the latter case, the cells are grown in special bioreactors, while the same substances are used as a nutrient "broth" for them that ordinary animals receive. Future Meat Technologies has adopted exactly this technology, supplementing it with its own know-how. Rejecting genetic modification, Israeli experts have developed a special process that is effective ... >>

Water from the air 29.06.2021

In regions of the planet with a shortage of drinking water, sea water has to be desalinated. This takes a lot of energy, and in areas more remote from the ocean, there is no such possibility. The solution to the problem may be the condensation of water vapor from the atmosphere. The idea is not new, but the "passive" technologies that existed before, taking into account natural temperature changes, cannot be used during daylight hours. To collect dew, for example, foil is used, which heats up during the day. Scientists from ETH Zurich have developed a technology that allows you to extract water around the clock, even under the scorching sun. In addition, it does not require energy at all. The device consists of a cone-shaped shield and a glass panel with a special coating that reflects the sun's rays and removes heat. Thus, the device is cooled down to 15 degrees Celsius below the ambient temperature. Inside the funnel, the water vapor turns into water. The process is similar to how condensation appears on poorly insulated windows in winter. ... >>

Thin transistors for invisible electronic skin 29.06.2021

Scientists have become one step closer to creating a full-fledged electronic skin. To achieve this goal, a special nanocoating was developed that is only three atoms thick, making it virtually invisible to the human eye. The technology was created by scientists from Stanford. In the future, it will allow the production of transistors with a length of less than 100 nanometers - several times less than the previous record. The breakthrough was achieved by replacing flexible plastic with silicon with an ultra-thin film of molybdenum disulfide coated with nano-coated gold electrodes. The output was a film only three atoms thick, created at a temperature of 815 degrees. The researchers argue that a traditional substrate would deform after reaching 360 degrees. After the components have cooled, the film is applied to the substrate, and the finished transistor structure will be only 5 microns thick, or one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. Such e-skin is not demanding on power consumption and can withstand ... >>

Gadget for invigorating the brain during the day 28.06.2021

Specialists from the US Air Force Research Laboratory have developed a device that helps relieve fatigue and maintain performance throughout the day. The VNS technique is based on stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve with electric current. This method is much more effective than transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Both methods target the locus coeruleus, an area in the brainstem that is the main source of norepinephrine, the wake-up hormone. In this case, tDCS signals must pass through the skin, skull, and the rest of the brain in order to reach the final region. The duration of the procedure is about 30 minutes. In the case of VNS therapy, exposure is carried out using a portable device. At the same time, a person can independently control the device, and the procedure takes only six minutes. 40 people took part in the tests of the device. Participants were awake for 34 hours. The condition of the volunteers was assessed using four tests. It turned out that learning ... >>

Bees have the ability to clone themselves 28.06.2021

Australian scientists at the University of Sydney have found that a breed of African honey bee is capable of producing nearly identical clones of worker females. This allows insects to avoid the harmful effects of virgin breeding. The ability to clone oneself has obvious advantages, since there is no need to look for a sexual partner, and there is no genetic dilution in the offspring, that is, the original genome is preserved from generation to generation. Some insect populations have evolved thelitocous parthenogenesis, where females are able to reproduce without fertilizing new females. The phenomenon occurs in some haplodiploid insects, in which males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid, that is, they have one set of chromosomes, and diploid females appear with a double set of chromosomes from fertilized eggs. In haplodiploidy, usually only the queen is able to lay the eggs from which the females emerge. Worker bees are also ... >>

Flying racing electric car Alauda Airspeeder Mk3 27.06.2021

The electric flying race car has flown for the first time in Australia, in preparation for a series of remotely piloted aircraft races later this year. A four-meter multicopter Alauda Airspeeder Mk3 made its first unmanned test flight in the desert of South Australia. With a weight of 130 kg, the aircraft has a specific thrust that exceeds that of some modern fighters. Alauda Aeronautics founder Matthew Pearson said the test vehicle will be raced in Formula One style, with up to ten similar aircraft in each "race". Three such races are planned for 1, the date and location of which have not yet been announced. Depending on the terrain, flying electric vehicles will travel at speeds of 2021 to 150 km/h, Pearson said. There is a place for the pilot in the cockpit of the vehicle, but at the moment the control ... >>

The harm of music before bed 27.06.2021

Michael Scullin, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University, conducted a study on sleep patterns. In his work, Dr. Scullin studied the relationship between music indulgence before bed and the quality of sleep. The main topic for study was the phenomenon of "ear worms": obsessive repetitions of the same melody that "gets stuck" in our head and involuntarily scrolls through the brain over and over again. Usually we can notice this during the daytime, but Dr. Scullin has proven that the same problem happens to us in our sleep. At the same time, the quality of sleep becomes worse and it does not bring the proper benefit to the body. The scientist based his conclusions on experiments with volunteers, in which more than two hundred people participated, answering various questions about musical habits and sleep quality. All of these music lovers experienced earworm syndrome. In addition, fifty volunteers were invited to conduct the experiment at the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Cognitive Research at the University of ... >>

Vanillin from plastic 26.06.2021

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have developed a method to turn household plastic into vanillin. The process developed by scientists takes place using Escherichia coli. "Our work challenges new ways of solving the problem of pollution of the Earth and the perception of plastic as problematic waste. It also demonstrates its use as a new resource from which to obtain high-value products," the researchers say. About 50 million tons of plastic waste is thrown away every year around the world. In the course of the study, scientists found that common E. coli is able to process plastic into vanillin. However, to do this, the bacteria had to be modified and added to certain chemical processes. The resulting vanillin is of good quality and absolutely safe. This will partially solve the problem of pollution of the Earth with plastic waste. About 37 thousand tons of vanillin are used annually all over the world. ... >>

Australian city powered by solar energy 26.06.2021

Onslow in Western Australia's Pilbara region has become Australia's largest 100% renewable city, a landmark moment during the successful demonstration of the Onslow Distributed Energy Resources (DER) project. State-owned regional utility Horizon Power has successfully provided renewable energy to a community of more than 800 people. The microgrid test took place at the end of last month, and lasted a total of 80 minutes. The system consists of a 600 kW ground solar power plant, a 700 kW solar array and a battery system. "The operation of the 100% renewable Onslow Microgrid marks a significant step towards building a cleaner, brighter and more renewable source of energy for our state," said Western Australia Energy Minister Bill Johnston. "This innovative project demonstrates ... >>

The brain of a bird coordinates the coherence of singing in a forest choir 25.06.2021

Neuroscientists and ornithologists from leading research centers in the United States have joined forces to understand what mechanisms regulate the coordination of birds during singing. Duet vocalists, ensemble musicians - they are all so coordinated that they seem to form a single whole. A new study has shown that while singing, the brain of one songbird interacts with the brain of another. Therefore, the song sounds harmonious. Eric Fortune, co-author of the study, a neuroscientist at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, noted that the brains of birds that hear each other combine to act in unison. The study took place in the laboratory of the Yanayaku biological station in Ecuador, at the foot of the Antisana volcano. The team was interested in what happens in the brains of male and female brown-tailed bushwren Pheugopedius euophrys when they sing a duet. This species lives in the bamboo thickets of South America. Brown-tailed bushwrens were chosen because their singing is very rhythmic, ... >>

A new way to generate electricity 25.06.2021

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a material that takes electricity from the environment. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have come up with a new way to generate electricity. So, particles based on carbon nanotubes were invented, which are capable of generating current. American engineers created microscopic particles (250 by 250 micrometers) from carbon nanotubes, which were coated with a material created specifically for research, which resembles Teflon in properties. It is noteworthy that they decided to cover only half of the nanotubes, while the second remained the same. These particles began to generate electricity after being doused with acetonitrile. The researchers even managed to assemble an electrochemical reactor that could power the decomposition reactions of alcohol. This method can completely do without third-party substances. Scientists are confident that in the future this method of producing electricity will be used on a larger scale. ... >>

Graphene will improve HDD 24.06.2021

Scientists at the Cambridge Graphene Center have shown that graphene can be used to create ultra-high-density hard drives, providing a tenfold leap over current technology. Hard drives, which have been widely used in personal computers since the mid-1980s, have become smaller in this time, but significantly more capacious. Although they are being squeezed out by SSDs, HDDs are still popular due to their lower cost. The increase in volumes is due to the increase in recording density, which in turn is provided by the improvement of two key components: platters and heads. In particular, developments that made it possible to reduce the gap between them. At present, a significant part of this gap is occupied by carbon-based coatings - layers designed to protect the plate from mechanical damage and corrosion. Since 1990, recording density has quadrupled and coating thickness has decreased from 12,5 nm to about ... >>

Link between climate and crime found 24.06.2021

In countries where a hot climate reigns, the crime rate is much higher than in the cold northern states. This relationship was discovered by American scientists. They tried to find out why this is happening Specialists from Ohio University conducted a study and offered an unusual version that links the number of crimes and weather conditions. Until recently, there were two theories that explained why in cold regions and states the crime rate is much lower than in the tropics and subtropics. According to the first theory, people are more irritable in hot weather, so they often come into conflict with each other. The second theory explains that people in hot countries spend little time at home. This increases their interaction with each other, from this and such a large number of violations of the laws. Having studied the "criminal situation" in the world, American scientists came to the following conclusion: the hotter the climate in a state, the higher the level of aggression in it. How exactly t ... >>

Named the maximum age of a person 23.06.2021

There is a relationship between life expectancy and how quickly you recover from diseases. This opinion is shared by biogerontology professor Richard Faragher. The life expectancy of most of us is around 80 years, but there are people who defy expectations and live up to 100 years and beyond. In some places, such as Okinawa in Japan or Sardinia in Italy, there are especially many centenarians who have crossed the centennial milestone. The oldest person in history, a French woman named Jeanne Calment, lived to be 122 years old. She was born in 1875, when the average life expectancy was approximately 43 years. But what is the maximum possible duration of human life? This question has been asked by people for centuries. While the average life expectancy is relatively easy to calculate, the maximum (that is, the highest age a person can reach) is much more difficult to determine. According to ... >>

ASRock H510 Pro BTC + motherboard 23.06.2021

ASRock's motherboard range has been expanded with the H510 Pro BTC+, aimed at cryptocurrency miners. It supports 10th/11th generation Intel Core processors, measures 501 x 224 mm and is equipped with six PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots. Let's add that in the PCI-E 3.0 x16 mode, the top slot functions, while the other five slots have one PCI-E 3.0 lane. The ASRock H510 Pro BTC+ features one DDR4 DIMM slot, a SATA 6Gb/s port, an M.2 slot for SSDs, and three ATX 24-pins for synchronizing multiple power supplies. In addition, a USB connector is available at the end for connecting another video card using a riser. The Intel LGA1200 processor socket is powered by a 4-phase scheme. The set of interfaces on the rear panel is represented by two USB 2.0 ports, a pair of USB 3.2 Gen1, a PS / 2 connector, an HDMI video output and a gigabit network interface on the Intel I219V controller. Among other things, we can note the presence of shutdown / restart buttons. FROM ... >>

Shape memory wool fabric 22.06.2021

Materials that have the ability to return to their original state after deformation are widely used in the aerospace industry, robotics, and even fashion. Researchers at Harvard University have managed to create a new material from wool waste with properties that allow it to be used to create shape-changing clothing. The basis of the material is the fibrous protein keratin, contained in hair, nails, mollusk shells, and also in wool. Keratin has a number of useful properties that may be of interest to materials scientists, since it forms a helical structure in the form of a single chain - the alpha helix. By combining them in sufficient quantities, the scientists obtained a strong fiber with shape memory. The researchers started by 3D printing variously shaped keratin sheets, programming their "initial" state by placing them in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and monosodium phosphate. By exerting various types of influence on the sheets, the material can be ... >>

Kite received a bionic prosthetic leg 22.06.2021

A team from the Medical University of Vienna, led by Professor Oskar Asmann, has made another breakthrough in the field of bionic devices. Experts managed to replace the lost paw of a lamb kite named Mia, a representative of the largest birds of prey in Europe. He became the first bird in the world with such a complex prosthesis. Kite Mia arrived at the Austrian Owl and Birds of Prey Nature Reserve in Haringsee with a badly damaged leg that had to be amputated. The phenomenon is not so rare, and for small birds with a symbolic body weight it is not difficult to learn how to get by with one paw. In the case of Mia, everything is exactly the opposite - a huge and heavy bird will not even be able to land properly after a flight without having a reliable support on two paws. Therefore, it was decided to conduct an experiment on osseointegration, when the prosthesis is mounted directly on the rest of the bone and subsequently grows into it. As a result, scientists went even further - Professor Asmann has already installed three biomechanical prostheses ... >>

Supercapacitors VINATech VPC 21.06.2021

South Korean supercapacitor manufacturer VINATech has launched mass production of a new family of supercapacitors VPC (Vina Pulse Capacitor) with an operating voltage of 3,8 V and ultra-low leakage current. VPC is a family of environmentally friendly lithium hybrid capacitors designed as a cost effective and technically efficient replacement for more expensive batteries made by other technologies. This family offers lower ESR, wider temperature range and higher load currents in a smaller package than alternative battery options. The main features of this family are high energy density and ultra-low leakage current (1...5 µA), making them ideal for back-up powering pulsed loads in applications such as smart electricity meters, remote metering of gas and water meters (AMR systems) , in wireless IoT devices and automotive E-call modules. The VPC family includes ... >>

Powerful quantum microscope 21.06.2021

An Australian-German team of scientists has created a revolutionary quantum microscope, it allows you to observe biological structures that would otherwise be impossible to see The new microscope uses quantum entanglement - this is an unusual kind of interaction between photons that make up a laser beam. The device makes it possible to observe biological structures that otherwise would not be possible to study. It also provides faster image processing speed. The correlations allow the visualization of molecular bonds within the cell with a 35% improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional microscopy, corresponding to a 14% increase in concentration sensitivity. The characteristics of light microscopes are limited by the nature of light. Photon detection results in shot noise that severely limits sensitivity, resolution, and speed. Although the long-established solution to this problem is to increase the intensity of the illuminating light, this is not always the case. ... >>

Inflatable steel structures 20.06.2021

A design team from Poland and Switzerland has perfected a method for creating inflatable steel furniture that has revolutionized wind energy and construction. Designers - architect Oskar Zieta and materials scientist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Philippe Domain - created the engineering method as a way to make steel products lighter and less expensive without sacrificing strength. This technology, called free internal pressure deformation (FiDU), requires laser cutting of steel sheets that are precisely shaped with an accuracy of plus or minus 0,1 mm. These 1mm thick high strength steel sheets are then robot welded for maximum manufacturing precision. The three-legged Plopp stools designed by Zieta are produced as rolled tubes from a thin sheet of steel. They can then be inflated with a simple valve to create a strong, lightweight and stylish seat. Due to the inherent strength of steel and innovative ... >>

Mind reading helmet 20.06.2021

US company Kernel said its engineers were able to create a mind-reading device. So, a special helmet reads and analyzes brain activity. Moreover, it is going to be put on the market at a cost of 50 thousand dollars. The helmet picks up neural waves and then interprets them in real time. A device called Flow uses lasers to analyze brain activity. It can be connected to a computer using a USB connector to track thoughts. The new device can help doctors in various studies, but the need for it for ordinary users remains in question. ... >>

Self-healing concrete 19.06.2021

In Massachusetts (USA), researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have invented a concrete that can self-fill cracks of a few millimeters in 24 hours. Concrete is the world's most widely used man-made building material, but it is brittle and susceptible to cracking from water, thermal changes, stress, road salt and other factors. To produce a new type of material, Worcester scientists used an enzyme found in red blood cells - carbonic anhydrase. This made concrete four times stronger than traditional concrete. Self-healing is made possible by the fact that carbonic anhydrase reacts with carbon dioxide from the air, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate crystals that fill cracks in concrete, strengthening the structure. The new method significantly extends the life of concrete structures and eliminates the need for costly repairs or replacements. In addition, the invention will significantly reduce the number of ... >>

Aircraft can be made virtually silent 19.06.2021

Researchers at the University of Bath in the UK have developed a new lightweight material that can reduce aircraft engine noise and improve passenger comfort. The graphene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol airgel weighs only 2,1 kg per cubic meter. This makes it the lightest soundproofing ever made. The new material reduces noise from 105 decibels to 16. "We've been able to achieve this extremely low density by using a liquid combination of graphene oxide and a polymer that forms from whipped air bubbles. At its most basic level, this technique can be compared to whipping egg whites to create meringue - it is strong but contains a lot of air, so our material has no loss in weight or efficiency to achieve significant improvements in comfort and noise levels," explains Professor Michele Meo, who led the study. Due to its low weight, airgel can be used to insulate aircraft engines. Scientists are now optimizing ... >>

Yaogan-30-09 Remote Sensing Satellites 18.06.2021

Beijing has successfully launched Yaogan-30-09 military remote sensing satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch was carried out by a CZ-2C launch vehicle. Together with the satellites of the ninth series of the Yaogan-30-09 family, Beijing decided to put into orbit the "Tianqi-14" - a satellite designed to scan the "blind zones" of the Earth, which are not covered by other devices. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation notes that their satellites will primarily be used for a thorough study of the influence of the external electromagnetic field and subsequent tests. The launch attempt was scheduled for June 17, however, due to airspace being closed by rain, the operation had to be rescheduled. ... >>

Hydrogen storage in residential areas 18.06.2021

German company HPS Home Power Solutions and Wohnwerke have developed a hydrogen-based energy storage system for residential applications. The new system, called Picea, will be sold under the Neubauten brand and will first be tested in a model house in Asperglen-Rudersberg near Stuttgart, which should confirm the availability and reliability of the system. The system is planned to be connected to a photovoltaic system and store electricity using hydrogen power-to-gas technology, which the manufacturer says provides year-round, independent, CO2-free electricity for single- or two-family homes. The system also uses all process heat from energy production, storage and use to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a home. HPS Home Power Solutions claims an overall utilization rate of its Picea system of around 90 ... >>

Crystal is 1,6 times stronger and harder than diamond 17.06.2021

American researchers have created a lonsdaleite crystal that is 58% stronger and harder than regular diamond. Diamond has good optical properties, high thermal conductivity and is the hardest natural material on our planet. It is commonly used in various cutting devices, drills and other abrasive processing tools. However, now scientists have been able to create and study in the laboratory a fairly large sample of a material called lonsdaleite - a hexagonal polymorph of diamond with a denser arrangement of carbon atoms. To obtain it, the research team used a shock compression method, shooting a small diamond with graphite disks the size of a coin. With the help of compressed gas and gunpowder, the shells were accelerated to an incredible speed of 24 km / h. Colliding with diamond, they created powerful shock waves that compress the crystal structure to lonsdaleite. At this time, scientists directed the sky to the sample ... >>

Scientists believe that global warming has become irreversible 17.06.2021

Researcher Marcus Rex, who led the largest Arctic expedition in history, argues that "the tipping point for irreversible global warming has probably already arrived." “Only an assessment in the coming years will allow us to determine whether we can leave year-round Arctic sea ice with the help of a harsh climate. The disappearance of summer sea ice in the Arctic is one of the first land mines in this minefield, one of the tipping points that we begin when we go too far into warming. And one can essentially ask if we have stepped on this mine and have not counted the beginning of the explosion," the scientist noted. Rex believes that Arctic summer sea ice loss in the spring of 2020 has been faster than ever. The expert came to such conclusions after 389 days of drifting through the North Pole. ... >>

Drone will find a person by voice 16.06.2021

German scientists from the Fraunhofer Society have created a drone that locates a person by tracking their cry. The technology will help rescuers find survivors during natural disasters, building collapses and other emergencies. “Drones from the air can cover a larger area in a shorter period of time than rescuers or dogs from the ground. Drones can get to places where people and animals cannot,” said Macarena Varela, lead project engineer. At the first stage of development, scientists recorded screams, tapping and other sounds that victims can make. Then artificial intelligence was trained on this audio. The software has been tuned to filter out extraneous noise: the wind, the rumble of a helicopter, the buzz of the drone itself. To record sound, the drone was equipped with the same microphone that is used in smartphones. Tests in the open field were successful. The drone caught the scream and in a few seconds determined where the person was. T ... >>

Charging electric vehicles in 10 minutes 16.06.2021

The inventor of the graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries, Dr. Rachid Yazami, said he could make consumer electronics, cars and other electric vehicles charge in minutes. At one time, his invention of a graphite anode, which significantly improved the quality, stability and life expectancy of batteries. If it now takes Tesla about 70 minutes to charge, his company's development can do it 7 times faster. If conventional batteries are charged with direct current, the new method puts more emphasis on voltage control rather than current type. He compared the voltage to the steps of a ladder - in order to move to the next, it must remain stable for some time. This method allows the batteries to "rest" during the charging process and even changes the nature of their reaction to electric current. At KVI, where research is being conducted, extending battery life is an important factor. The technology created by the company increases ... >>

The first wooden satellite will be sent into space 15.06.2021

The world's first wooden satellite will be launched into space this year. The WISA Woodsat satellite measures approximately 10x10x10 cm and weighs approximately 1 kg. It is made of birch plywood with a special coating (WISA). The device is powered by nine small solar panels. The wooden satellite will be launched as part of a mission developed by the Finnish company Arctic Astronautics, which makes cubesat kits for students. It will be launched into polar orbit by the Electron Rocket Lab rocket in November of this year. The purpose of the mission is to test the behavior and durability of plywood panels in extreme space conditions and evaluate their suitability for future missions. The satellite will be equipped with two cameras, one of which will be attached to a metal selfie stick, allowing the mission team to observe how the surface of the satellite's plywood changes in the space environment. "The plywood base is birch, and we use basically the same stuff you find at a hardware store or for and ... >>

Material for creating an artificial brain 15.06.2021

Scientists have found an opportunity to create an artificial synapse to solve problems similar to the human thought process. Today, many options are offered for this, and one of the most promising is seen in ferroelectrics. FeRAM memory has been produced on such materials for 20 years, and a new study shows how to make memory elements of atomic thickness and get closer to neuromorphic calculations in the size of a processor. In commercially available FeRAM memory, the switching element is usually made of a piezoceramic, namely lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The property of the material to maintain polarization even after the removal of an external control signal - an electromagnetic field - gives the FeRAM memory its most important property of energy independence. It retains data even when the power is off. To imitate the work of the brain - this is extremely important. But in its current form, the FeRAM cell is too large and the "brain" with its use will be very, very large. For the manufacture of artificial synapses, thin films are convenient ... >>

Learning Math Affects Brain Development 14.06.2021

Not everyone likes math at school. With each academic year, the formulas in algebra become more complicated, and the desire of children to abandon the subject is stronger. However, a new study suggests that giving up the subject at age 16 may have an adverse effect on brain development. Researchers at the University of Oxford found that teens who excelled in math had higher levels of a brain chemical important for memory, learning and problem solving. Scientists came to such conclusions after they conducted a series of studies with 87 excellent students. Scanning their brains, they found that those who continued to study math and excel at problem solving throughout the school curriculum had higher levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their prefrontal cortex. The study also showed that students with more GABA were better at solving complex logic problems. The authors of the work suggested that the constant search for new strata ... >>

Received a new crystalline form of silicon 14.06.2021

Scientists from the Carnegie Institution in Washington have come up with a way to obtain a new crystalline modification of silicon. It can become the basis of new types of microelectronics. Silicon is widely used by people in various fields: from construction to optics and microchip production. The crystal lattice of this modification of silicon is similar to that of carbon diamond. The elements are similar in many ways, but while carbon already has many known allotropic forms, silicon is just beginning to discover them. A few years ago, scientists managed to obtain a modification of Si24 - a flat structure composed of five-, six- and eight-atomic rings. The pores in these rings can serve as two-way channels for charge transport, which makes the material promising for electronics and electrical engineering. And now scientists have learned how to turn Si24 into a new form of silicon. Heating Si24 leads to the formation of a layered structure, which consists of hexagonal rings, the layers in which are repeated in groups of four. New st ... >>

German trains will be switched to energy from wind and solar 13.06.2021

In Germany, trains are planning to switch completely to renewable energy sources. Harmful emissions from the German railway transport system will be reduced to a minimum by 2038. Germany's main national railway operator, the Deutsche Bahn (DB) concern, intends to switch all locomotives plying the country to electricity from renewable sources, including solar, wind, biomass and water, in the next 17 years. DB has already signed contracts for the supply of electricity from a solar power plant from Enerparc in Mecklenburg for the next 30 years. In 2021, spending on clean energy will account for over 60 percent of the group's expenses. The combined annual energy consumption of the group's trains is 10 terawatt-hours, which is approximately equal to the energy consumption of the entire city of Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany. A few years ago, German ICE express trains and IC/EC trains were already converted to green electricity, clean fuel locomotives are marked with green stripes ... >>

The sustainable way to recycle lithium-ion batteries 13.06.2021

Scientists from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Tennessee, USA) have found a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to existing methods of cathode material regeneration. Currently, two methods are used to recover the cathode material of lithium-ion batteries for reuse - either by heating to a temperature of 500 ° C, or by using strong acids (nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric) and hydrogen peroxide. The first method is very energy-intensive, while the second produces a lot of toxic by-products - chlorine, sulfur and nitrogen oxides. The problem in isolating the cathode material is to separate it from the aluminum foil, the polymer substrate, and the carbon additive. To do this, it is necessary to dissolve the polymer - polyvinylidene fluoride. There are solvents that can do this, but using them is very harmful to the health of the staff. By immersing the cathode material cut into small pieces into an ultrasonic bath filled with triethyl phosphate heated to 100°C ... >>

Biodegradable battery made from soot and sawdust 12.06.2021

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) have unveiled a battery that is completely biodegradable. The battery is based on cellulose, gelatin, carbon in the form of soot and a number of other environmentally friendly substances. Such batteries are useful for disposable medical electronics and monitoring sensors, which, after disposal, will not harm nature and human health. The technology developed by scientists involves layer-by-layer printing of a battery (or a supercapacitor, as the developers prefer to call it) on a conventional 3D printer. The inks and their composition are selected to ensure uniform application and hardening of the material with the appropriate properties: electrical conductivity for the electrodes, ionic conductivity for the electrolyte, and strength for the housing. The ink or working material for a 3D printer is based on gelatin. The mixture for printing the constituent elements of the battery includes nanofibers ... >>

Drones and Coronavirus 12.06.2021

Malaysian police use drones that can measure temperatures up to 20 meters above the ground. This is another measure to combat the spread of coronavirus. Drones alert regulators to people with high temperatures. Malaysian police have previously warned they will use drones to enforce previously imposed travel restrictions, and officers in some areas have also said they will be making surprise home visits to make sure people are following the rules. Previously, reports have already appeared about how the authorities of various countries used unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor compliance with COVID-19 rules. The Spanish authorities have used drones to make sure people visiting beaches are following social distancing rules. In Brussels, Belgium, police used drones with loudspeakers to urge people to "stay at home". In Australia, drones have been used to catch people without ... >>

ERхххххH - FANSO lithium batteries 11.06.2021

FANSO has upgraded its production facilities and installed a new automated line for the production of cylindrical lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl2) batteries with a bobbin design. At the moment, all supplied batteries of this type ERxxxxxH are manufactured on a new line. Due to the minimal human involvement in the technological process, new products are characterized by increased stability and repeatability of parameters both in the delivery batch itself and from batch to batch. This type of battery has the highest specific energy density and is characterized by the highest capacity among existing lithium batteries. The ERxxxxxH battery type is designed for long-term operation of devices that consume low current (10-15 years with appropriate power consumption, taking into account the necessary factors). Due to the extremely low self-discharge, the batteries of this electro-chemical system have a long shelf life (up to 10 years). By the way, such a fully automated ... >>

Milk will be produced by microbes 11.06.2021

Startup New Culture, which specializes in the development of microbes for cultivating milk proteins without the use of cows, plans to release the first mozzarella by 2023. Matt Gibson, co-founder of New Culture, spoke about this. While alternative dairy products are rapidly filling the international market, cheese is lagging behind because the functional qualities of cow's protein, casein, which is responsible for the elasticity of cheeses such as mozzarella, are difficult to replicate. "Casein proteins are very difficult to obtain with precision fermentation, but we have made a breakthrough in producing significant amounts of non-animal-based casein protein. This capability allows us to be the only mozzarella company without cow's milk," says Gibbson. The startup uses synthetic biology techniques to insert DNA sequences into microbes that effectively "program" them into target proteins - alpha, kappa and beta caseins. They are shaping ... >>

Ford Maverick hybrid pickup 10.06.2021

American automaker Ford has unveiled the Ford Maverick compact hybrid pickup truck. The novelty is a compact pickup truck that is comfortable to use not only in the countryside, but also on the narrow streets of modern cities. At the same time, the recommended starting price for a hybrid version of the Ford Maverick with a consumption of about 5,8 liters per 100 km is only $19,995. This price includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with Ford Sync 4, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; built-in FordPass Connect 4G/LTE modem with Wi-Fi; Ford Co-Pilot360 system with automatic emergency braking; LED headlights; Rear View Camera; remote keyless entry, etc. The new pickup is built on the same front-wheel drive platform as the Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport. The standard version with eCVT automatic transmission is equipped with a 2,5-liter gasoline engine with 162 hp, complemented by a 94 kW electric motor, which brings the total power of the pickup truck to ... >>

Seedless tomatoes 10.06.2021

Some fruits and berries without seeds (grapes, watermelons, etc.) are quite popular among consumers because they are more convenient to eat and prepare, and they look more aesthetically pleasing. Bones in tomatoes interfere with cooking juice or pasta, various dishes. However, this problem can be solved, because Japanese scientists have created tomatoes without seeds. According to the results of the study, a new type of plant can be developed by targeted gene modification using the CRISPR / Cas9 system. Attempts to cultivate tomatoes without seeds were made before, however, they did not give a XNUMX% result, and the process of plant breeding was quite expensive. New technology makes it cheaper and more efficient. Modified tomatoes do not require pollination. You can propagate a new plant with the help of "cuttings". This process requires more time and resources than traditional seed sowing. However, planting tomatoes can be automated. ... >>

Super hearing for humans 09.06.2021

The invention, made at Aalto University, endows almost anyone with super-hearing, which allows them to pick up acoustic ultrasonic waves with a frequency above 20 Hz and fix the direction to the sound source. The human ear is capable of perceiving sound waves in the range of 000 to 20 Hz. However, the use of equipment created by Finnish scientists expands the capabilities of a person, giving him the ability to "hear" ultrasound. When testing the capabilities of the equipment, bats were used in their natural environment, which became a source of ultrasonic acoustic waves. Using the new technique, the researchers were able to not only pick up the ultrasound, but also determine the direction of flight of the bats. The invention also has specific practical applications. For example, it is known that when leaks occur in pressurized gas pipelines, ultrasonic waves are generated that are imperceptible to standard hearing. The application of the new methodology will allow timely and prompt determination of ... >>

Wireless electricity 09.06.2021

MIT engineers have discovered a new way to generate electricity using carbon nanotubes. During the experiments, experts used extremely small particles of carbon that can generate an electric current in "cooperation" with the liquid surrounding them. An organic solvent is able to pull out electrons and generate electricity to control, for example, micro- or nano-sized robots. This mechanism is new, and this way of obtaining energy is completely new. This technology is interesting because all you have to do is pass the solvent through the particle bed. Scientists have found a way to do electrochemistry without the use of wires. In a new experiment describing the phenomenon, scientists have shown that they can use the resulting electrical current to drive a reaction known as the oxidation of alcohol. ... >>

The largest indoor swimming pool will be built 08.06.2021

Blue Abyss Ltd. plans to start building the world's largest and deepest indoor swimming pool soon. The volume of water in this pool will be 42 cubic meters, or 168 million cups of tea, using the traditional British unit. And this facility is being created primarily to test new technologies from the field of underwater robotics, plus, the pool will be the world's first commercial educational and training center for astronauts. Indoor swimming pools are an excellent place to test underwater navigation technology, divers or astronauts to train in simulated weightlessness. In use for more than a century, these basins easily control a wide variety of environmental aspects, allowing submersible design to be tested and complex technical problems to be solved under conditions of abrupt, controlled change. The Blue Abyss facility, for construction ... >>

Stretch display 08.06.2021

In addition to smartphones with next-generation foldable screens and an entirely new form factor, the tech giant Samsung is reportedly working on even more flexible displays right now. The company said that as part of its latest discovery, it has developed another on-screen OLED display with a built-in heart rate monitor, which in turn can be stretched up to 30 percent. According to Samsung, its technology, which she spoke about, is still in its early stages of development and provides much more accurate heart rate measurements than any wearable device on the market. The electronics giant is convinced that trials of this truly extraordinary display in the long term could pave the way for the commercialization of stretchable devices with large, high-resolution screens, which the firm expects will sooner or later appear in all types of healthcare products. Research team from Samsung Advanced I ... >>

Hydrofoil Electric Taxi Candela P-12 07.06.2021

Swedish premium electric boat manufacturer Candela has unveiled the new Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil water taxi. Designed to replace traditional diesel-powered models, the 8,5-meter vehicle uses a combination of an electric motor, a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite hull and hydrofoils. The cabin with panoramic windows has seats for 12 passengers. The hydrofoil system chosen for the P-12 has already been tested on the Candela C-7 luxury pleasure boat. The patented proprietary control system ensures the smoothest possible ride, eliminating the occurrence of seasickness. The advantages of the novelty include less energy consumption, less noise, smoother movement and significantly less environmental impact. The latter factor allows you to move at high speed in areas where conventional boats have to slow down so as not to harm wildlife. C ... >>

New type of atomically thin carbon material discovered 07.06.2021

Researchers at the University of Marburg in Germany and Aalto University in Finland have discovered a new carbon network that is atomically thin like graphene but is made up of squares, hexagons and octagons that form an ordered lattice. The scientists also found that the electronic properties of the new carbon network are very different from those of graphene. Unlike graphene and other forms of carbon, the biphenylene network, as the new material is called, has metallic properties. The narrow bands of the network, only 21 atoms wide, already behave like a metal, while graphene of this size is a semiconductor. Scientists from Aalto University helped create an image of the material and decipher its properties. Prof. Peter Lilgeroth's team performed high-resolution microscopy, which showed the structure of the material, while researchers led by Prof. Adam Foster used computer modeling and analysis to understand the electrical properties of the material. ... >>

The anticipation of the holiday affects the sense of time 06.06.2021

American scientists conducted four studies, the results of which showed that the expectation of a holiday negatively affects the perception of time. The authors of the research were researchers from Ohio State University. They recruited 451 volunteers who were thinking about the coming weekend. Participants then also had to decide whether the weekend would be fun, terrible, or just normal. It turned out that positive events seem to be shorter in duration than negative ones. Experts believe that the expectation of holidays, weekends or vacations distorts the perception of time. So, with the beginning of the holiday in the imagination of people, it ends, because people ignore the real events. ... >>

Microbes recognize letters 06.06.2021

Thanks to their recent discovery, scientists from the Technion's Department of Biomedical Engineering have been able to achieve the recognition of certain geometric patterns - like letters - by colonies of microbes that mimic an artificial neural network. The method of scientists is based on changing the way of communication within the colonies of microbes in nature. Research conducted by Dr. Siming Lee and Associate Professor Ramez Daniel. Professor Daniel's laboratory is engaged in synthetic biology, in particular, the creation of biological circuits that essentially combine the principles of biology and electronics. Like electronic switches that can be turned on and off, cells are designed to "turn on" and perform a function, such as fluorescence, in response to a specific stimulus. Using this technique, the group has developed biological "sensors" that detect the presence of arsenic and other poisons in water or the presence of blood in urine. However, cells are capable of performing more complex functions than a simple switch. ... >>

Found a mechanism that turns off the feeling of hunger 05.06.2021

New research by scientists may help control obesity in the future. It turned out that there is a neural mechanism in the brain that regulates the feeling of fullness when eating. If you influence it, then you can reduce or increase the feeling of hunger. So far, the experiment has been carried out only on animals. The neural mechanism was discovered by scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine in the United States, who used it to force laboratory mice to eat more and less than usual. The mechanism consists of two groups of neurons. The first - DA-VTA - produces dopamine, the second - DRD1-LPBN - regulates food intake. The scientists found that the activity of the first group increased just before the mice stopped eating. After the production of dopamine occurs, the neurons from the second group turn on. They cause a desire to refuse food. When the researchers suppressed these neurons, the animals began to overeat. Artificial stimulation, on the contrary, discouraged mice from the desire to eat, according to the official ... >>

Switches Qnap Systems QSW-2104 05.06.2021

Qnap Systems introduced a series of network switches QSW-2104. The series is formed by the QSW-2104-2S and QSW-2104-2T models. Both of them are six-port - with two 10GbE ports and four 2.5GbE ports, and the difference is that the QSW-2104-2S model has 10GbE ports routed to SFP + fiber optic transceivers, while the QSW-2104-2T model has connectors designed for twisted-pair copper connection. In the first case, speeds of 10 Gb/s and 1 Gb/s are supported, and in the second - 10 Gb/s, 5 Gb/s, 2,5 Gb/s, 1 Gb/s and 100 Mb/s. The 2.5GbE ports in both cases are designed for twisted pair connection and support speeds of 2,5 Gb / s, 1 Gb / s and 100 Mb / s. With plug-and-play support, a near-silent passively cooled design, IEEE 802.3az specification compliance, and automatic loop detection and blocking, the QSW-2104 series is "the ideal choice for creating an affordable high-speed networking environment in homes and workplaces." ". ... >>

Perovskites improve automotive catalysts 04.06.2021

British and Korean chemists have succeeded in extending the life of platinum catalysts for cleaning car exhausts. They first introduced platinum into the perovskite lattice, and then reduced it and obtained nanoparticles uniformly distributed over the perovskite surface. As a result, the catalyst became not only more stable, but also more efficient, since oxygen from the perovskite lattice enhanced the catalytic effect of platinum. Car exhaust contains several toxic gases at the same time: these are gaseous hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide CO, nitrogen oxides NO and NO2. In order to prevent these substances from entering the atmosphere, they are passed through a catalytic converter. Purification includes several processes - oxidation of carbon monoxide and residues of gaseous hydrocarbons, reduction of nitrogen oxide impurities to molecular nitrogen N2 and removal of ammonia, which is obtained from nitrogen oxides as a by-product. The best catalysts are noble metals - platinum and pal ... >>

Luminous potatoes grown 04.06.2021

Scientists from the Hebrew University, thanks to the tools of genetic engineering, managed to grow a potato that begins to glow if the plant is unwell. Plants, like people, experience stress due to adverse temperature conditions, lack of water and nutrients. A team of scientists led by Matanel Hipsch and Shilo Rosenwasser from the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University have managed to develop a potato that glows when something is not right for the plant. Glow was achieved by introducing a gene with a fluorescent protein into the potato culture. The protein changes light depending on the level of free radicals, oxygen-containing molecules, when the plant is stressed. In this case, the fluorescent light signal of the protein will be captured by a special camera. ... >>

Smart glasses save energy and reduce CO2 emissions 03.06.2021

Buildings account for 35-40% of primary energy consumption and more than 30% of CO2 emissions. That is why a variety of technologies to reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions are so valuable. Replacing inefficient building glazing areas can be a promising direction. Scientists from the University of Kassel (Germany) have developed "smart" glasses. The new smart glazing is based on millions of micromirrors invisible to the naked eye. They reflect the incoming light according to the user's actions, the position of the sun, seasonal variability, providing individual control of the lighting inside the building. The micromirror array is immune to wind, window washing and all weather conditions because it is located in the space between window panes filled with an inert gas such as argon or krypton. Windows provide free solar heat in winter and prevent overheating in summer. Also know-how, according to experts, guarantees natural daylight, energy savings up to 3 ... >>

Cheap analogue of building sand from waste 03.06.2021

Australian engineers from the University of Queensland are working on the second phase of a project to use crushed glass waste to replace sand in shotcrete. Shotcrete is an ordinary building concrete, which differs in that it is applied to the surface by shotcrete. The material is used in the mining industry, as well as in the repair of concrete buildings and load-bearing structures. It has been widely used in both overground and underground construction. The problem is that the amount of sand in the world is limited, so ingenuity is needed to solve the problem of the impending shortage. In addition, over the past 20 years, the cost of sand has increased six times. In turn, crushed glass waste consists of recycled glass from wine bottles and other products that usually end up in landfills. A study conducted by scientists showed that crushed glass is much more profitable to use. In addition, it is cheaper, because. is n ... >>

People with myopia sleep worse than people with normal vision 02.06.2021

Researchers from Flinders University (Adelaide, Australia) found that people with myopia (the medical term for nearsightedness) have worse sleep quality than people with normal vision due to delayed circadian rhythms and relatively low production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep. in nighttime. The team analyzed circadian rhythms - 24-hour cycles that are part of the body's internal clock - and melatonin production in university students in their 20s, some of whom had myopia and others with normal vision. An analysis of the results showed that participants with myopia had significantly slowed circadian rhythms and low levels of melatonin in saliva and urine compared to participants with normal vision. At the same time, the question of what is the effect and what is the cause remains open. It is possible that it is the disruption of circadian sleep rhythms that causes a decrease in melatonin levels, and this, in turn, can trigger ... >>

5 GHz Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor 02.06.2021

Intel has announced new energy-efficient 11th generation Core (Tiger Lake Refresh) CPUs for ultraportable laptops - the flagship Core i7-1195G7 and the pre-top Core i5-1155G7. Both processors are quad-core Hyper-Threading models with 15-28W TDP for thin and light laptops. The Core i7-1195G7 is the new flagship of the line and the first low cost U-series processor capable of overclocking up to 5,0 GHz. We are talking about Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology for the most productive core. The base frequency is 100 MHz lower than that of the i7-1185G7 at 2,9 GHz, and the increased frequency for all cores is 4,6 GHz. Recall that Intel conquered the 5 GHz milestone in the mobile segment in 2019 with the launch of the Core i9-9980HK. Now, with the transition to a thinner 10-nm SuperFin process technology, such a high frequency has become possible for energy-efficient U-series chips. Another notable improvement is that the integrated Iris Xe GPU with 96 compute units runs at an increased frequency of 1, ... >>

TRACO THN/WIR DC/DC Converters for Harsh Environments 01.06.2021

TRACO has launched a new generation of DC/DC converters for harsh railway applications - the THN/WIR family. It includes three series: THN 10WIR, THN 15WIR and THN 20WIR, for output power from 10W, 15W and 20W respectively. The entire line of these products is available in standard 1"x1" metal cases, has a 4:1 wide input (with a nominal voltage of 24/48/110 V), 3000 V input-output isolation, and a wide operating temperature range of -40. ..85/90/105°C (depending on the series) and meets the requirements of EN 50155 and EN 61373 (for railway applications). The converters are characterized by high efficiency (up to 91%), have protection against short circuit, overload, overvoltage and undervoltage; there is a remote on-off function with the ability to adjust the output voltage (Trim). Products are designed for industrial use in difficult conditions, including railway transport. ... >>

Improved power generation from dissipated heat 01.06.2021

A team of scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder has developed a new cell to generate power from dissipated heat that would simply escape into space. The new development turned out to be 100 times better than previous similar devices, but for commercial purposes, the efficiency of the element needs to be increased by another 100 or 1000 times. So-called rectifying antennas or rectifying antennas can generate electricity from an external electromagnetic field (radio frequency radiation). Scientists have created a rectenna to generate electricity from heat. The operation of the element is based on the tunnel effect. The problem was set in such a way that to collect energy from heat, an element as small as possible was required, but it was necessary to solve the problem of resistance growth as the elements were reduced. The tunnel effect that scientists have achieved on the element actually means zero resistance to electron transition and a sharp increase in the level of production. Get this effect researchers with ... >>

Fast charging station 300 kW 31.05.2021

With the increase in the number of electric vehicles on the roads, the issue of charging them is becoming more acute. And not only because the charge session takes a relatively long time, but also because high-speed chargers require a powerful power line to work, which is not available everywhere. In response, German experts have developed the concept of a new high-speed charging station Audi charging hub, which solves several problems at once. This charging hub is based on lithium-ion batteries recovered from used electric vehicles. As a result, the manufacturer gives such blocks a second life and postpones the terms of their processing. According to the calculations of the developers, batteries with a total capacity of up to 2,45 MWh can be assembled in one such hub. Batteries are constantly recharged from a connected power line (using, among other things, a cheap night rate) and solar panels on the roof (environmentally friendly energy), as a result, when an electric car arrives at the “electric refueling”, the hub can ... >>

Digitized borders 31.05.2021

The UK has introduced a digital visa system that will accurately count the number of people entering and leaving the country. People who come to the UK without a visa or immigration status will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in the future. Proposals to "digitize the border" are due to be officially unveiled on Monday as part of plans to change the UK's asylum and immigration system. The digital system is being rolled out following recent evidence that earlier estimates of migration data were false. Government figures show 2019 million passengers arrived around June 144,7, including UK residents. About 40 million were from the European Economic Area and Switzerland, from other places there were 20 million. ... >>

Artificial tree purifies water and squeezes it out of the air 30.05.2021

Scientists have long been exploring ways to use both of these sources of water. A number of devices are currently being developed that squeeze it out of the air using porous materials that trap water molecules. Meanwhile, other systems use solar energy to evaporate dirty water, then capture the steam and re-condense it into a reservoir. The Caltech team has combined both of these features into a single device. The key is a new hydrogel membrane with a very specific nanoscale pattern etched into it. The surface contains many tiny structures modeled after cactus spines, made from a hydrophilic material that attracts water. "Cacti are uniquely adapted to arid climates," says Ye Shi, co-author of the study. "In our case, these spikes, which we call 'microtrees', attract microscopic drops of water suspended in the air, allowing them to slide along the base along ... >>

Analog Devices ADuM5x2x and ADuM6x2x Power Converters 30.05.2021

Analog Devices (ADI) has released an updated generation of ADuM5x2x and ADuM6x2x reinforced DC/DC insulation. These series exhibit the lowest emissions for this type of component, allowing systems to comply with EN 55022/CISPR 22 (Class B) electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements. These solutions are especially interesting for developments with two-layer printed circuit boards (PCB). The older ADuM5x0x and ADuM6x0x isolator series eliminated costly application-level EMI mitigation techniques and simplified application-level certification, reducing PCB design costs, but was not efficient enough for a two-layer PCB. To reduce the level of radiation, the developers needed to implement a multilayer board with overlapping inner layers. The new products will achieve emission targets on a two-layer PCB, which will reduce the development size by an average of 70% and reduce its cost by 30% compared to a four-layer solution. New se ... >>

Pessimism Gene 29.05.2021

Experts from Canada came to the conclusion that a person may have a genetic predisposition to a negative perception of life situations. A pessimistic position in life can be held by people who are carriers of the altered ADRA2b gene. Researchers from the University of British Columbia conducted a series of experiments that showed that this gene, as a result of changes, is able to make a person see the world in gloomy colors. It also contributes to a brighter perception of certain events, especially negative ones. According to Rebecca Todd, author of the study, this is the first time scientists have been able to uncover a possible reason for a person's pessimistic attitude. As it turned out, this genetic variation can have a really strong impact on how people see the world and how they perceive it. The ADRA2b gene variant significantly affects the production of the hormone and neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which is responsible for the defense response in case of danger and plays an important role in the formation of em ... >>

Adhesive frameless solar panels 29.05.2021

In the future, solar panels may become a ubiquitous element of the exterior decoration of buildings and structures. But not in its current form, which involves complex installation work on a fairly strong frame. A breakthrough promises to be frameless solar panels proposed by Singapore-based Maxeon Solar Technologies. Maxeon Air panels are lightweight, flexible and adhesive-backed for easy installation on any surface. For the first time in nearly 50 years of solar panels, the complex work and costly associated costs of deploying solar farms can be eliminated. Today, solar panels are quite heavy and large plates that must be installed on a special frame. Not every roof will withstand a truss of such panels, in which, when designing buildings, adjustments were not made to resist excessive load. With Maxeon Air panels everything will be much easier and these are not all the innovations they have to offer. Basis for Max panels ... >>

Xiaomi Mijia Ultra-Thin Robot Vacuum Cleaner 28.05.2021

Xiaomi has introduced a record-breaking thin robot vacuum cleaner called Xiaomi Mijia Ultra-Thin Robot Vacuum Cleaner. Its height is only 55 mm with a diameter of 323 mm. The height of the Midea M7 Pro robot vacuum cleaner, which we wrote about today, is 97 mm. The manufacturer claims that this vacuum cleaner will definitely get under the furniture on small legs. Despite the size, Xiaomi Mijia Ultra-Thin Robot Vacuum Cleaner has received all modern features, including an advanced ToF camera. The vacuum cleaner received a new precision navigation system called S-Cross 3D, which allows you to recognize even small objects, including slippers and children's toys. The suction pressure is 2000 Pa, and the volume of the waste container is 500 ml (against 450 ml for the Midea M7 Pro). This robot vacuum cleaner is equipped with the ability to wet cleaning, a 220 ml water tank is provided. Like all modern Xiaomi devices, this vacuum cleaner is smart - that is, it supports the connection ... >>

Shipping company for transporting captured CO2 28.05.2021

Danish shipping companies Evergas and Ultragas have formed the Dan-Unity CO2 joint venture, the world's first shipping company specialized in transporting captured carbon dioxide for storage and reuse. Dan-Unity CO2 will work in partnership with Icelandic CO2 storage startup Carbfix. It is planned that the new company will be ready to offer services for the transportation and storage of carbon dioxide by 2025. The CO2 will dissolve in water and be injected as such into volcanic rocks in Iceland, where it will naturally solidify within two years. Carbfix estimates that Iceland has the capacity to host 2,5 gigatons of CO2, the equivalent of 2 years of CO55 emissions worldwide. Especially for the Dan-Unity CO2 project, several ships will be built that will not be able to be used for other purposes. The company has already received a grant from the Danish Maritime Fund to develop a project for such vessels. ... >>

Screen time re-evaluation 27.05.2021

By screen time, we mean the time we spent burying our noses in a tablet, smartphone, laptop or TV. It would be more correct to say "the time that a person spent in front of the screen", but this is too inconvenient and long, so we'll just leave the screen time. It is believed that the more we sit in gadgets, the worse for the brain. But there's one problem with these studies, which has to do with how screen time is measured. You can track it by the device itself, by the time of activity of a smartphone, tablet, etc. Or you can ask a person how much time he thinks he spends with his gadget. The second way to collect data is easier, but how does the subjective assessment of screen time correspond to reality? Researchers at Stellenbosch University have examined the validity of numerous findings about teenagers with gadgets, social media depression, and the like. If we do not have reliable data on screen time, then we can hardly judge whether ... >>

Wireless charging via Wi-Fi 27.05.2021

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore and Japan's Tohoku University have been able to convert Wi-Fi signals into electricity. Their invention is not theoretical, but tested and proven to be effective. The technology for using wireless network signals to power various devices is based on a new chip capable of generating microwaves with low output power. For a long time there were problems with the scalability of the technology, since there was a critical lack of power. The solution was a scheme in which eight STOs are connected in series. During the experiments, it was possible to achieve stable operation of the LED at 1,6 V for a minute after charging the capacitor for only 5 seconds. The array was capable of taking 2,4GHz radio waves generated by Wi-Fi signals and turning them into a DC voltage. ... >>

Concrete accumulators 26.05.2021

Researchers in Sweden have come up with a way to store energy in cement. In this way, entire buildings can be turned into batteries. Buildings are one of the largest consumers of energy in the world. They consume over a third of the world's energy and account for 40 percent of carbon emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. As the climate warms, this figure will only increase. The new cement battery is an opportunity to make buildings self-sufficient from an energy point of view. Combined with solar power, this technology could power skyscrapers and power infrastructure systems. Emma Zhang and Lupin Tang from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have added carbon fibers to a cement-based mixture, which makes the material strong and conductive. They then embedded electrodes into the material: the anode is made of an iron-coated carbon fiber mesh, and the cathode is made of a nickel-plated mesh. New invention now ... >>

Optical nanoantennas and gold atoms 26.05.2021

In an attempt to get around this limitation, researchers are developing metal nanoantennas that concentrate light into a tiny volume to greatly amplify any signal coming from the same nanoscale region. Nanoantennas are the backbone of nanoplasmonics, a field that has a profound impact on biosensing, photochemistry, solar energy harvesting, and photonics. Now, researchers at the ETH Lausanne, led by Prof. Christoph Galland of the School of Basic Sciences, have found that when green laser light strikes a gold nanoantenna, its intensity locally increases to the point that it "knocks" the gold atoms out of their equilibrium position. which maintains the integrity of the overall structure. The gold nanoantenna also amplifies very weak light scattered by newly formed atomic defects, making it visible to the naked eye. Thus, this nanoscale dance of atoms can be observed as an ora ... >>

Artificial heart from self-organized stem cells 25.05.2021

Experts from Australia conducted a new study. In the process of scientific work, they formed an artificial heart using table cells. The experts forced the cells to form into the desired organ. It also turned out that if an injury occurs, the heart itself will start the process of regeneration. The specialists relied on the self-organization of stem cells, which, thanks to six known signaling pathways, are transformed by cardiomyocytes. The new technology has grown cardiomyocytes and also organized them into a three-dimensional structure that resembles the human heart. Experts are sure that the developed organ has a tendency to a normal heartbeat, as well as pumping fluid through the chamber. In case the heart is damaged, it will successfully begin to repair itself. For example, experts simulated a heart attack, which provoked the migration of cardiofibroplasts to the area of ​​injury in order to start the regeneration process. This dynamic is also observed in cardiac ... >>

New type of biomolecule discovered 25.05.2021

Biologists are fairly well versed in the basic molecular building blocks that make up living organisms. They have carbohydrates (such as starch), lipids (fats), nucleic acids (DNA), and proteins (muscles). They are divided into subtypes; for example, cellulose and sugars are carbohydrates. In addition, there are combinations between these groups, for example, various sugars combine with lipids in red blood cells to determine blood groups. Glycans are chains of sugar molecules that can attach to fats and proteins in a process called glycosylation, helping them move through the cell or fold into the correct shapes. They are involved in many fundamental processes of biology, from embryonic development to pathogen recognition. But now, researchers led by biochemist Ryan Flynn, who works at Boston Children's Hospital, have found that glycans can also attach to non-coding RNAs. They established this by labeling glycol molecules with sialic acid in the laboratory. ... >>

Connecting chips at unthinkable angles 24.05.2021

Researchers at HRL Laboratories have developed a 3D microprinting technology that promises to change the approach to multichip packaging. Instead of the usual vertical etching of channels in a substrate for through metallization, scientists propose to print substrates with ready-made holes for metallization. In this case, the routing can be provided at incredible angles and in the most incredible directions, which will make the layout more dense. The work of HRL Laboratories was carried out under the FOCII program of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The FOCII (FOcal arrays for Curved Infrared Imagers) program aims to develop simple and extremely wide-angle cameras for reconnaissance, machine vision and other applications. For such cameras, curved image sensors are made, which frees them from complex corrective optics. And curved sensors, as you might guess, will be much more compact if they are connected to the controller not straight ... >>

Vaccinating plants instead of using pesticides 24.05.2021

Plant immunity can be activated in the presence of harmless microorganisms and thereby prepare the plant for pest control by replacing pesticides. This conclusion was reached by Associate Professor Toshiki Furuya and Professor Kazuyuki Kuchitsu from the Tokyo University of Science. Plants have evolved unique immune mechanisms that they can activate when they detect the presence of a pathogen. Interestingly, the presence of certain non-pathogenic microorganisms can also induce a plant to activate its systemic immunity mechanisms, and some studies have shown that pre-treatment of crops with such "immunity-activating" non-pathogenic microorganisms can make crops better prepared to fight infections from pathogens. This means that immune-activating non-pathogenic microorganisms can act like plant vaccines, providing the plant's immune system with a low-risk stimulus that prepares it for ... >>

ASUS ROG Strix LC II Liquid Cooling Systems 23.05.2021

ASUSTeK Computer has begun shipping maintenance-free ROG Strix LC II liquid cooling systems. This line is represented by five models with 240, 280 and 360 mm radiators, as well as ARGB LED fan lighting and without it. The ROG Strix LC II processor LSS is based on the 7th generation Asetek CLC platform. The vendor used a water block with a copper base and a built-in pump, nylon braided hoses and 27 mm thick aluminum radiators. Declared support for Intel LGA115x, LGA1366, LGA1200, LGA20xx, AMD AM4 and TR4 platforms. The water block cover of all models is equipped with an illuminated ASUS ROG logo. The supplied 120 mm fans operate at 800-2500 rpm and generate pressure up to 5,0 mm of water. Art. and airflow up to 81 CFM (137,6 m3/h) at a noise level of no more than 37,6 dBA. The model with a 280 mm radiator is equipped with two 140 mm turntables. They are characterized by an operating range of 700-2100 rpm, static pressure up to 3,1 mm of water. Art. and maximum in ... >>

Criteria for selecting tourists for space flight 23.05.2021

The company of the American billionaire Jeff Bezos Blue Origin has named the selection criteria for future space tourists. Among the requirements for applicants are both exclusively legal and physiological, due to the peculiarities of rocket flights. For example, a person must be of legal age in their country of residence and the United States, and have documents that will allow him to get to the launch site in Texas. Physiological parameters for an astronaut: from 152 to 195 cm and from 50 to 101 kg, respectively. Physical fitness should also be at a high level. Thus, an astronaut must pass a number of tests, including: - climb to the very top of the tower for maintenance and landing in the New Shepard capsule with a height of more than 21 meters in less than 90 seconds (seven steep flights of stairs); - not to experience fear or stress at such a height (approximately equal to the sensations from the open balcony on the seventh floor, only there is a rocket very close by); - self-fasten and ... >>

Fire blanket for car 22.05.2021

It is not always possible to quickly extinguish the fire. Often the flame covers the entire car, posing a threat to other vehicles. In order to extinguish a car on fire, firefighters use tons of water and a huge amount of time. A solution that will help to quickly cope with the fire was found by the Norwegian company Bridgehill. Its specialists have developed a special fire blanket. It allows you to localize the source of ignition in a matter of minutes. The principle of operation is very simple and is based on limiting the access of oxygen to the fire. The cover is large, measuring 6 by 8 meters, so it can cover even a large car. At the same time, its weight is only 28 kg and it is placed in a special bag, taking up a minimum of space in the luggage compartment. In the event of a car fire, all you need to do is cover it with a blanket, making sure that it fits snugly on the ground. It is not recommended to immediately remove the blanket from the car. You have to wait at least 20 minutes. Ideally, this ... >>

Compact portable solar-powered refrigerator 22.05.2021

The new GoSun Chillest is a self-contained, portable refrigerator with a capacity of 45 liters. This is no ordinary cooler bag where you have to put ice or special cool packs. GoSun Chillest can independently maintain the desired temperature below zero with the help of a compressor and thermostat. Power consumption does not exceed 45 watts. As a power source, you can use the device's battery, external power supply, direct current and solar energy. GoSun Chillest is equipped with a solar battery, which, if necessary, can be used as a table. The total operating time of the refrigerator is about 40 hours with an external power supply. The total volume is 45 liters, the storage temperature is up to -20 degrees. The only negative is the weight of 19 kg. GoSun Chillest is $699. ... >>

Paper bottles 21.05.2021

In Finland, startup Pulpex has begun mass-producing paper whiskey bottles. The material for the startup is supplied by the logging company Stora Enso. The bottles are made from cellulose fiber treated with a special food-grade water-based coating. You can dispose of them after use as ordinary paper waste. "We don't use a PET barrier. If we use plastic, we want to keep the bottles recyclable. If they end up in nature, they can biodegrade," said Sohrab Kazemahwazi, who is now in the production of ecological bottles. Stora Enso and Pulpex will work together in 2022 to build a scalable high-speed pulp bottle production line. It also became known about the intention of Pulpex to create a partner consortium for the production of ecological bottles. In addition to Diageo, it will include Pepsi, Unilever, GSK and Castrol. Together they intend to use 750 million b ... >>

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Headset 21.05.2021

Corsair has introduced the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT gaming headset, which the manufacturer itself refers to as a premium class. The novelty supports ultra-fast wireless connection SlipStream. At the same time, you can use a standard Bluetooth connection with the Qualcomm aptX HD codec. USB wired digital connection and the most versatile 3,5mm analog connection available. The reproducible frequency range is declared equal to 20-40 Hz. There is support for Dolby Atmos surround sound. The headphones use 000mm drivers. The sensitivity of the headphones is 50+-109 dB, the impedance is 3 ohms. The Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT features a detachable "broadcast-grade" omnidirectional microphone with a frequency response of 32-100 Hz. The sensitivity of the microphone is -10 + -000 dB. One battery charge is enough for 42 hours of wireless operation. The headset is decorated with RGB lighting, customizable in ... >>

Electric motor without magnets 20.05.2021

German experts have developed the first electric motor, the efficiency level of which is 95%. Some of the usual materials are not used in its design. Introduced the first motor that does not contain rare earth materials. Such an engine does not harm the environment. This does not affect its effectiveness in any way - it, on the contrary, has increased to 95%. As early as 5 years ago, Honda announced that it was starting to develop a deformed magnet that does not contain rare earth materials. At the time, it was considered an important breakthrough. With a successful outcome, the company could start producing electric motors without heavy metals. German motor supplier Mahle presented its own project - the first ever electric motor that does not use magnets. Now the engine is going through the last stage of development. The main feature is that it does not need to use rare earth elements to create it. Such a breakthrough will make production more efficient. ... >>

Self-healing high strength material 20.05.2021

A joint research team of scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and Puken National University has developed a self-healing material that has no analogues in the world in terms of mechanical strength. Damage repair occurs at room temperature. Compared to existing self-healing polymer materials that have been developed for use in clothing, footwear, tires, folding displays and other products, the new material compares favorably with increased hardness and strength. To ensure the ability to self-repair, the material must have relatively weak intermolecular bonds, but this negatively affects such an indicator as tensile strength. "In the material that we have developed, the degree of molecular bonds increases instantly in the event of external friction or impact, and then there is a recovery with a return to a state of free molecular motion, - volume ... >>

Charging electric vehicles while driving 19.05.2021

The problem of battery charging is one of the reasons preventing the widespread use of electric vehicles. Perhaps the development of researchers from Cornell University in the USA, who have created a technology for charging batteries while an electric car is in motion, will help solve it. The development was led by Khurram Afridi University, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who has been working on a project for the past seven years to introduce infrastructure for wireless car charging on American roads. In their work, the researchers used the achievements of Nikola Tesla, who 100 years ago used alternating electric fields to power flashlights that were not connected to the network. The new technology involves embedding special metal plates in the roadway connected to a power line and a high-frequency inverter. These plates will create alternating electric fields, attracting and repelling ... >>

Robot with hair brush 19.05.2021

Engineers from the University of Massachusetts have developed a special robot that can comb any, even the most tangled hair. In addition, he can take care of seriously ill people. The need for such an assistant arose due to the increased burden on the healthcare system. Experts found out that 40% of the working time of nurses is taking care of bedridden patients, so they decided to make their work easier. The new "nurse" easily combs the hair of seriously ill patients, which allows doctors to deal with more important tasks. ... >>

Boots for the blind 18.05.2021

Scientists have come up with shoes for people who suffer from vision loss. So, special boots were created that warn the person who put them on about obstacles in front of him. To do this, they use sensors and cameras. The new development is called InnoMake. Its authors are Austrian engineers who are involved in the startup Tec-Innovation. The boots are equipped with a proximity sensor module that works like a sonar. It is installed on the toe. The device receives the reflection of obstacles in the path of the walker. With the help of a tactile communication system, a person receives information that there is an object in front of him and that he needs to bypass it. Information can also be obtained on a smartphone that connects to the boots via Bluetooth. The user will be alerted with an audible signal. ... >>

You can touch the hologram 18.05.2021

Scientists from the USA have come up with a way to create a three-dimensional image in the air without auxiliary tools. Researchers from Brigham Young University showed a projection of a volumetric image in the air - a real 3D picture in an open space. You can even touch it and somehow interact with it. Earlier in 2018, scientists presented a prototype of this technology called Optical Trap Display. In traditional holograms, the viewing angle is limited, but the researchers managed to get an image that can be seen from any angle and from any side. This is due to a system of two lasers and optical traps. The laser transforms the particles in the air, and the second one illuminates them. For three years of work, scientists managed to improve the technology. Now the system not only shows three-dimensional images in the air, but also makes them move and interact with other objects. To view the projections in detail, you need to use a camera: the dimensions of the projections are still very small. ... >>

Video cards with hardware limitation of mining 17.05.2021

Galax has released the GeForce RTX 3080 and GeForce RTX 3070 General FG LHR, which have mining protection installed at the hardware level. The video cards are equipped with new GPUs with a built-in hardware limiter for mining the Ethereum cryptocurrency. Such graphics accelerators are not able to give maximum performance when used in the farm, but will allow gamers to get the most out of the game mode. Galax previously presented exactly the same models of FG series video cards, but without a mining limiter. Versions are delivered in packages that do not distinguish new items from previous versions. That is, the manufacturer does not mention the fact that video cards are equipped with a mining limiter. It is planned that the previously released GeForce RTX 3060/3060 Ti, as well as the RTX 3070 and RTX 3080, will soon receive an update in the form of hardware protection against mining. At the same time, the RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti will initially acquire such a function. She automatically ... >>

The storm is getting bigger 17.05.2021

An analysis of measurements taken from NASA aircraft in 2012 showed that lightning may be a more important means of cleaning the atmosphere than previously thought. In 2012, these data, obtained from the study of the top of thunderclouds over Colorado and Oklahoma, were considered overestimated. The new analysis, as well as the results of earthly experiments, forced us to reconsider our attitude towards them. Lightning is known to generate nitrogen oxides and ozone, which indirectly create the hydroxyl radical (OH), the atmosphere's primary oxidizer. Recent laboratory studies have shown that the weak and even invisible electrical discharges that accompany lightning flashes generate much more OH and hydroperoxyl radical (HO2) than previously thought - and than lightning itself does. These laboratory data matched very closely with the 2012 data obtained from a NASA aircraft, which at that time was considered instrumental noise and began to be filtered out during further processing. This is especially in ... >>

Lens Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH 16.05.2021

Leica Camera has expanded its Leica SL line of lenses with the versatile Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH full-frame zoom lens. According to the manufacturer, this is the "ideal lens" for a wide range of photographers, as it is suitable for reportage, studio, architecture and landscape photography, travel photography, as well as portraits, close-ups and video shooting. A wide range of focal lengths with a constant maximum aperture of f/2,8 is in demand by professionals, enthusiasts and novice users of the SL system. Universal zoom lens Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH. valued at $2795 By incorporating three elements with aspherical surfaces on both sides and nine glass elements with anomalous partial dispersion into the optical design of the lens, the designers were able to correct for chromatic aberration throughout the entire range of focal lengths. Silent stepping motor ensures fast and accurate autofocusing. Protect lens ... >>

Improve your broadband connection 16.05.2021

As demand grows, many mature markets have achieved near 100% household broadband coverage, leading to increased competition among operators. Deploying solutions and services that provide a better user experience is becoming critical for broadband operators to succeed in mature markets. Smart Wi-Fi and fixed wireless access (FWA) are emerging as key solutions to improve existing services and support "fiber-like" connectivity without actually deploying fiber at the end site, according to analyst firm ABI Research. ABI Research forecasts that shipments of related Wi-Fi mesh and 5G FWA consumer-facing equipment (CPE) will reach 2025 million and 40,6 million units in 14,6, respectively. Despite the efforts of operators to provide high-speed broadband services, some ... >>

Tweezers that destroy dangerous bacteria 15.05.2021

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University (BGU), Israel, along with American and German colleagues, have developed a new "molecular tweezer" to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. "Our discovery prevents infection without increasing antibiotic resistance. It may be worth considering our approach as the basis for treatment without the use of antibiotics," says BGU Chemistry Professor Raz Jelinek. A research team led by Prof. Jelinek and his student Dr. Ravit Malishev tested their molecular tweezers on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It targets the biofilm, a thin layer of fibers that protects bacteria. Capturing fibers and destroying the protective layer, the tweezers destroy bacteria without affecting them directly. This prevents the formation of stability. ... >>

Notebooks Honor MagicBook X 15.05.2021

Honor has officially unveiled new thin, light and compact laptops enclosed in metal cases - MagicBook X14 and MagicBook X15. The first has a thickness of 15,9 millimeters and a weight of 1,38 kilograms, the second - 16,9 millimeters and 1,56 kilograms. As you might guess from the names, the MagicBook X14 has a 14-inch screen, while the MagicBook X15 has a 15,6-inch one. The resolution of the matrix in both cases is 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD). The base version of the MagicBook X14 has a Core i3-10110U processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The top version is Core i5-10210U, 16/512 GB. Prices for early buyers are $465 and $620, respectively. The base version of the MagicBook X15 received similar specifications and was priced at $480. The top one received the same as the older configuration, the X14 Core i5-10210U processor, but only 8 GB of RAM. It is valued at $555. ... >>

South Korea launches world's most powerful laser 14.05.2021

South Korean scientists have created the most powerful laser machine in the world. The intensity of the pulses of the installation is equal to all the light of the Sun falling on the Earth, focused into a beam with a diameter of 10 microns. The colossal energy of pulses on a micrometer target will make it possible to set up experiments that will help to penetrate into the essence of the interaction of light and matter, which will open the way for new directions in fundamental physics. Scientific discoveries will flow like water. For many years in a row, the most powerful pulsed laser was the installation in the USA - the HERCULES titanium-sapphire laser at the University of Michigan. At its peak, "Hercules" developed 10 ^ 22 watts per cm2. Researchers at the Center for Relativistic Laser Science of South Korea (CoReLS) were able to surpass this achievement by an order of magnitude and reported the creation of a pulsed laser with a power of 10^23 W per cm2. The pulse duration of such lasers is very, very small - only a few femtoseconds, and the target width is 50 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair and is ... >>

Increasing the strength of perovskite 14.05.2021

The use of perovskite panels instead of classic solar panels in the context of modern energy is truly one of the most promising moments - and therefore it is hardly surprising that many scientific teams continue to actively explore the possibilities for significantly improving perovskite as a separate material. And today it became known that a team of talented researchers in material engineering from Brown University in the United States has found a way to additionally increase the specific level of reliability and stability of perovskite panels in the long term. One of the most indicative and main problems in the development and use of solar panels is the problem of increasing the level of stability of these panels, since in this aspect they often lose to more traditional and widespread silicon solar panels. Today, however, a team of American material engineers from ... >>

Minicomputers Gigabyte Brix 13.05.2021

Gigabyte Technology has expanded its range of Brix minicomputers with a line of devices based on Intel Jasper Lake single-chip systems. The devices are made in a case with dimensions of 56,2 x 103 x 116,5 and, according to the vendor, have a 60% increase in performance relative to previous generation analogues. The heart of the new Gigabyte Brix is ​​one of the 10nm chips: Pentium Silver N6005 (4 cores/4 threads, 2,0/3,3 GHz), Celeron N5105 (4 cores/4 threads, 2,0/2,9 GHz) or Celeron N4500 (2 cores/2 threads, 1,1/2,8 GHz). In the latter case, a passive cooling system is used, since the TDP of the processor is only 6 watts. Mini PCs accept up to one DDR4-2933 SO-DIMM up to 16GB, an M.2 SSD, and a 2,5" SATA 6Gb/s device. The equipment of the systems includes a gigabit network interface, a Wi-Fi 5 wireless module and the Realtek ALC255 audio codec. An external adapter with a nominal value of 65 W is used for power. Gi nettops for sale ... >>

TRACO TPI small economical power supplies 13.05.2021

TRACO Electronic AG has introduced a new line of compact, low cost, open-top designs for industrial applications, the TPI family. It includes the TPI 30JP, TPI 65JP, TPI 100J, TPI 125J and TPI 150J series in the power range from 30 to 150 W with the possibility of peak overload up to 120...140% for up to 10 seconds (depending on the series). A feature of the family is a wide operating temperature range of -40...+85°C (with the dependence of the output power on the upper threshold). At full power, the sources operate in the range from -40 to +60 (50) ° С. At the same time, IP have a compact size and high efficiency. In models with a power of 100 W or more, a PFC circuit is implemented (PFC> 0,95). The products are designed in accordance with the European Energy Directive and consume less than 300 mW at idle. They are designed for industrial automation systems, test and measuring instruments, as well as wherever reliable small-sized power supplies with a wide temperature range are required. ... >>

Soil genetic analysis 12.05.2021

The soil microbial community is fundamental to plant development. In agricultural production, in addition to participating in soil structuring, microorganisms interact directly with the root system of the plant, helping to supply nutrients, protect against diseases, increase resistance and modulate plant growth. Thus, the more known about these microorganisms, the more effective is the management of resource use and the result in crop yields. The new technology will scan these organisms to help Brazilian farmers make decisions. Startup Biome4All is commercializing agroanalysis in Brazil, specifically a platform that analyzes the DNA of bacteria and fungi present in soil. Based on the information received, soil quality parameters will be established and conclusions will be drawn about agricultural productivity and biosecurity risks. It is an innovative tool for analyzing DNA sequencing data ... >>

CPU Cooler Zalman CNPS10X Performa Black 12.05.2021

Zalman introduced the Zalman CNPS10X Performa Black processor cooling system. When designing this cooling system, built according to the classic tower scheme, special attention was paid to reducing noise levels. Four heat pipes with a diameter of 8 mm are passed through the base of the product, directly in contact with the processor cover. They transfer heat to a block of aluminum plates, on which a proprietary 135mm fan is mounted. A feature of the latter is an impeller with saber-shaped blades, the ends of which are connected by a ring. Due to this, the entire air flow is formed in the axial direction. The fan speed with EBR bearing is adjustable in the range of 700-1500 rpm. The maximum speed corresponds to a flow of 128 m3/h and a noise of 27 dBA. The CNPS10X Performa Black cooling system is designed for processors with TDP up to 180W. ... >>

Sharks navigate by the Earth's magnetic field 11.05.2021

A new study shows that some sharks can read the Earth's field like a map and use it to navigate the high seas. In 2005, scientists reported that a great white shark swam from South Africa to Australia and back in almost a straight line, a feat that led some scientists to speculate that the shark relied on magnetic sense. Brian Keller, an environmentalist at Florida State University, and his colleagues decided to do an experiment. The researchers wrapped a bedroom-sized cage with copper wire and placed a small pool in the center of the cage. By passing an electric current through a wire, they were able to create a tunable magnetic field at the center of the pool. The scientists then selected 20 juveniles of the hammerhead shark, a species that migrates hundreds of miles, from the shallow waters off the coast of Florida. They placed the sharks one at a time in the pool and allowed them to swim freely under the influence of three different magnetic fields. One field imitated the natural field of the Earth in the place where ... >>

2nm technology from IBM 11.05.2021

IBM announced a breakthrough in semiconductor design and manufacturing with the introduction of the world's first chip based on 2nm nanosheet technology. IBM's new 2nm technology is expected to deliver 45% performance gains or 75% lower power consumption compared to today's leading edge 7nm solutions. Potential benefits of these advanced 2nm chips could include: Increased battery life for mobile phones, allowing users to charge their devices only once every 4 days. Reducing the carbon footprint of data centers, which account for one percent of global energy consumption. Significant acceleration of the functions of portable computers. Faster object detection and faster response times in autonomous vehicles. IBM Introduces World's First 2nm Chip Technology, It Will Deliver 45% Performance Boost New 2nm Technology ... >>

Stress inhibits immune cells 10.05.2021

The connection between the immune and sympathetic nervous systems has been studied for a long time. It is known that in the immune organs (for example, in the spleen and in the lymph nodes) there are sympathetic nerve fibers. But the main immune work is performed by special cells that wander through the tissues and synthesize a huge amount of signal proteins. How does the nervous system affect them? Sympathetic neurons work with the help of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Employees of the University of Melbourne found that norepinephrine literally slows down T-cells - because of it, they begin to move more slowly. Experiments were performed with mice, in which it was possible to follow the movements of T-lymphocytes directly in the lymph nodes. In general, T-cells crawl quite quickly. But after they received the norepinephrine signal, they practically froze in place and pulled in protrusions of the cell membrane that help them move and with which they seem to feel everything around them. The cells stopped within a few minutes after ... >>

Battery of the future without sodium anode 10.05.2021

Scientists have created a prototype sodium-based battery without an anode. Unlike lithium-ion power supplies, it is cheap and does not pollute the environment. A typical lithium-ion battery has two electrodes, a cathode and an anode. They transfer the ions in the electrolyte solution to each other as the device charges and discharges. Scientists from Washington University in St. Louis tried to replace lithium with sodium metal. Why are researchers interested in him? The fact is that it is metallic sodium - a widespread material. When creating a power source, scientists abandoned the anode, adding instead a thin layer of copper foil. It is located on the anode side of the current collector, which collects free electrons as the battery discharges and directs them to the device that is powered. A thin layer of copper acts as one of the electrodes. The result is a power supply that is much smaller and cheaper to manufacture analogues. At the same time, productive ... >>

Solid State Drive for Mining Team Group Chia 09.05.2021

Team Group has announced the T-Create Expert series of solid state drives with increased reliability. Products are well suited for mining Chia cryptocurrency. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, Chia mining is based on the process of storing information. And therefore, for the production of this cryptocurrency, productive drives with a large resource are needed. T-Create Expert solutions just meet these requirements. The drives are made in M.2 2280 format with dimensions of 22 x 80 mm. The PCIe 3.0 x4 interface is enabled (NVMe 1.3 specification). Modifications with a capacity of 1 and 2 TB are presented. As part of the products, specially designed flash memory chips are used. The TBW (Guaranteed Data Recording Capacity) is up to 12 TB. At the same time, the devices are provided with a record-breaking twelve-year warranty. The declared read speed of information reaches 000 MB / s, the write speed is 3400 MB / s. IOPS (I/O operations per second) pr ... >>

Convert infrared light to image 09.05.2021

US researchers have unveiled a new device that allows you to see through smog or fog, as well as create a map of human blood vessels. It does not use hazardous substances. The device detects a portion of the infrared spectrum called short wavelength light (1000 to 1400 nanometers), which is just outside the visible spectrum. The researchers note that short-wavelength infrared imaging should not be confused with thermal imaging—it detects much longer infrared waves emitted by the body. The visualizer illuminates the entire object or part of it with shortwave infrared light. It then converts the low energy infrared light that is reflected back into the device into short and high energy waves. They can be detected by the human eye. A new development allows you to see through smog and fog. It will also help to map human blood vessels and at the same time monitor ... >>

The length of the day on Venus is constantly different 08.05.2021

Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles (USA) found that the length of the day on the planet Venus is constantly changing, the difference can be up to 20 minutes. New radar measurements show that the average day on Venus lasts 243,0226 Earth days - about two-thirds of an Earth year. Moreover, the speed of rotation of Venus is always changing: the value that was obtained in one observation will be slightly more or less than the previous one. "The difference in rotation speed seems to explain why previous estimates of the length of the day on Venus did not agree with each other," said Professor Jean-Luc Margot. It is likely that the heavy atmosphere of Venus causes the difference in measurements of the length of the day. According to the theory, the atmosphere exchanges a lot of momentum with the solid surface, speeding up or slowing down the rotation of the planet. There is such a phenomenon on Earth, but such a process takes away or adds only one millisecond every day. On Venus, this ef ... >>

Environmentally friendly material - a substitute for genuine leather 08.05.2021

Researchers at the Tufts University School of Engineering have found an alternative to natural leather in the form of an eco-friendly, non-toxic, environmentally friendly material. Its key component was known before - it is silk, the threads of which are woven into the fabric. However, the new technology of using silk has made it possible to create a material similar to leather with the same properties in terms of flexibility, rigidity and texture. Silk is a soft natural fabric obtained by weaving threads from the cocoon of a silkworm (butterfly of the true silkworm family). Its homeland is China, where butterflies began to be domesticated as early as the 400th-1500rd millennium BC. e. A silk thread from one cocoon can reach 20-30 m in length with a thickness of 25-75 microns. Silk fiber has a protein nature - it consists of XNUMX% sericin and XNUMX% fibroin. Moreover, sericin is typical only for silkworm caterpillars, and fibroin is secreted by various insects, including spiders that weave cobwebs from it. When under ... >>

Microchip MIC28514/5 buck converter 07.05.2021

Microchip has introduced a new MIC28514/5 buck converter certified for automotive applications according to the AEC-Q100 standard. These devices feature a high input voltage of 75 V and a Constant On-Time (COT) PWM control method, which achieves high efficiency, and also significantly reduces the number of external components, which positively affects the weight, size and price of the final device. The MIC28514/5 has integrated high-precision MOSFETs that convert high voltage to lower voltage. Main features: input voltage range 4,5...75 V; adjustable output voltage 0,6...32 V (limited by duty cycle); high current load 5 A; adaptive time constant; built-in reference voltage source 0,6 V; switching frequency of built-in switches 270...800 kHz; high voltage internal linear regulator (LDO) for single voltage operation; ... >>

Battery recycling without crushing and melting 07.05.2021

The proliferation of electric vehicles, smartphones and handheld devices is driving the world's battery production to about 25% annually. At the same time, existing methods for recycling batteries are far from perfect. Researchers at Aalto University have found that lithium battery electrodes containing cobalt can be reused by prescribing lithium. Compared to traditional recycling, which typically extracts metals from crushed batteries by melting or dissolving them, the new process saves valuable raw materials, energy and is environmentally friendly. With traditional battery recycling methods, some of the raw material is wasted, and lithium cobalt oxide is converted into other cobalt compounds that require a long chemical purification process to turn them back into electrode material. The new method avoids this painstaking process: by replenishing the spent lithium in the electrode using an electrolysis process, she ... >>

Electric bike ADO A20 06.05.2021

Popular electric bike manufacturer ADO has unveiled the ADO A20, which comes with an advanced electric motor as well as a 10,4Ah battery. The ADO A20 bike offers three modes of operation and a range of around 80 km. At the initial stage, it will be available for 639 euros (769 dollars), but then the price will rise to 1200 dollars. The power of the electric motor has been increased to 350 W, which allows the ADO A20 to reach a maximum speed of 35 km/h. The bike is equipped with a quality Shimano 7-speed ratchet, a phone holder with the ability to charge it, an air pump, a front fork with a shock absorber, and an LCD display on the handlebars. The ADO A20 electric bike is equipped with a highly efficient removable battery. You can charge it in two ways: fast charging allows you to charge it in 4-6 hours. This bike uses an aluminum alloy frame that is 40% lighter than carbon steel. ... >>

Intent Predictive Headphones 06.05.2021

The idea for the Enten headphones, which can read a person's intentions, was brought to life by Neurable under the direction of Dr. Ramses Alkaide. While still a student, he thought about developing technologies that could directly interact with the human brain. Initially, the techniques were interesting in the field of prosthetics. However, over time, the scientist realized that the application of technology could be much wider. The result of the work was a lot of interesting and useful devices. Neurable has announced the pre-order of the first pair of Enten headphones with BCI technology. Their work is based on the fact that the user has only a couple of hours of daily high productivity. The device suggests the user the best time to take a break in order to maintain high performance throughout the day. Also, the headphones have active elements to turn off notifications when the user is busy. Unlike traditional headphones, the new ones are made of fabric to make it easier to ... >>

Safe genetically modified mosquitoes 05.05.2021

Genetically modified mosquito larvae will be released on the Florida Keys in the southeastern United States. These are male insects, and they do not bite animals and people. The experiment is part of a program to curb the spread of diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus and yellow fever. The mosquitoes will be released over the course of three weeks at six locations, bringing the total to hundreds of millions of larvae. Insects belong to the invasive species of yellow fever mosquitoes. However, they have a special gene that prevents offspring from surviving to adulthood. In this way, it will be possible to control the spread of insects that carry diseases. These mosquitoes make up only 4% of the population of all mosquitoes in the Florida Keys, but they are the ones that spread dangerous viruses to people and can transmit deadly diseases to animals. Insects have become resistant to traditional methods of control, so new ways have to be found. ... >>

Army Night Vision Goggles ENVG-B 05.05.2021

Newly developed by the US military, the ENVG-B night vision device combines computer vision, white phosphor tubes and a binocular design. The glasses can be used during the day in fog and smoke, and the image through them is extremely clear, bright and close to real. Traditional night vision devices are a monocular with a green phosphor tube. The image clarity of these devices is such that the observer has to think out a lot on his own, which is highly undesirable in combat and extreme conditions. Therefore, by order of the military, new night vision devices were developed, which not only increased the clarity of the image, but also brought binocular vision to the device, which makes it possible to navigate much better in the environment and better estimate the distance to the target. The ENVG-B instrument uses white phosphor tubes to bring the colors in the image closer to the real ones, as well as a computer system that draws the contour of the observed objects. ... >>

Thousands of molecules combined into a single quantum state 04.05.2021

The concept of many particles acting together as one big particle, sharing their quantum states, is not new. Scientists at the University of Chicago have been experimenting with clouds of individual atoms in a state of matter called a Bose-Einstein condensate. These clouds are formed from atoms cooled to a fraction above absolute zero (but not to absolute zero when the atoms stop moving). This causes them to descend to their lowest energy state, moving extremely slowly so that their energy differences disappear, causing them to overlap in a quantum superposition. The result is a high-density cloud of atoms that acts as a single "superatom" or material wave. Molecules, however, are made up of many atoms bonded together and are therefore much more difficult to tame. They then cooled the condensate even further and increased the magnetic field so that about 15 percent of the cesium atoms collided and bonded in pairs to form dec molecules. ... >>

A transistor that can be dissolved by sound and water 04.05.2021

Most of the old electronics ends up in landfills, not for recycling. Partly because it's hard to separate and retrieve the valuable materials that make it up. To solve this problem, engineers from the American Duke University have developed the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics, which are decomposed into their constituent parts using a bath of water and sound waves. Printed electronics are made using conductive inks to create thin and flexible electronic circuits. Recently, nanocellulose has been used as an experimental material. Nanocellulose is a biodegradable material that has been used in packaging for years. And although people have long known about the possibilities of its use as an insulator in electronics, no one has thought of using it in printing ink. "Specialists have found a way to combine nanocellulose with ink, reducing it to a crystalline form and adding a little salt. These dielectric inks are mixed ... >>

Efficient solar cell made from conventional silicon 03.05.2021

Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have created a solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 26% from classic single-crystal silicon, which has become a world achievement. The new technology is simpler than the previously proposed Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) technology with contacts on the back of the cells and promises to approach the theoretical limit of silicon when converting solar energy into electricity. Today, the vast majority of solar panels are produced from ordinary single-crystal silicon - over 90%. It would be tempting to increase the efficiency of such panels without complicating the technology and increasing the cost of production. The IBC technology promised to help with this, when both current-carrying contacts in the cells are created on the back side of the cell, which does not obscure the panel and allows better use of the volume of the element in the process of knocking out electrons by photons. Unfortunately, although IBC panels are close to 26% in terms of efficiency, their production is quite expensive, so they ... >>

Finland to launch wooden satellite into space 03.05.2021

Finland is going to launch a unique satellite into space, which will be made of wood. With its help, scientists plan to find out how the tree will behave during a long stay in extreme conditions for this material. We are talking about high and low temperatures, as well as vacuum and radiation. The satellite will be a cube, will be about a dozen centimeters on each of the faces. The device will not weigh more than one kilogram. The launch is scheduled for the end of 2021 from a spaceport located not in Finland itself, but in New Zealand. It is noteworthy that the satellite will fly around the home planet. A full rotation, if everything goes according to plan, is planned to be completed every 90 minutes. It should be noted that in recent years, scientists, astronomers and engineers have been trying to explore space more actively, launching many interesting projects into production. For example, Japan has already announced its intention to launch into space an apparatus made of wood with the same ... >>

Microplastics break down human lung cells 02.05.2021

A growing body of research has begun to shed light on the widespread impact of plastic pollution and its subsequent impact on the environment and human health. A new study focused on the type of damage that microplastics can cause to human lungs, with researchers observing changes in the shape of lung cells and a slowdown in their metabolism when exposed to these tiny plastic particles. The study was conducted at Florida State University (FSU) and focused on small pieces of plastic waste that have broken down in the environment. In the last few years, we have seen microplastics found in Arctic ice, near the summit of Everest, and in human stool samples collected around the world. At the same time, scientists began to study how these tiny particles can affect the health of various organisms, and studies have shown that they can cause aneurysms in fish, impair shell selection in hermit crabs, and ... >>

Underwater volcanoes can warm entire continents 02.05.2021

The streams of hot water and ash that occur during eruptions on the ocean floor provide heat exchange between it and the earth's crust. A new study by two mathematicians from the University of Leeds has estimated the magnitude of heat released from deep-sea volcanic eruptions. Taking the thickness of volcanic deposits on the ocean floor as a starting point, and creating a mathematical model of their transport, the researchers showed that volcanic eruptions in a short time release energy equivalent to the annual energy consumption of the entire United States, and that the resulting hot flows significantly affect the temperature of the ocean depths, heating them noticeably. At the same time, most of the Earth's volcanic activity occurs not on land, but under water, mainly at a depth of several kilometers. But, unlike terrestrial volcanoes, these eruptions can be extremely difficult to even detect. As a result, the intensity of underwater volcanism and its impact on the World Ocean on a planetary scale ... >>

TRACO TXM compact power supplies for chassis mounting 01.05.2021

The Swiss company TRACO Electronic AG has introduced a new family of reliable compact MT from TRACO for installation on the chassis - TXM. It includes eight series with powers from 15 to 200 W (TXM 15, TXM 25, TXM 35, TXM 50, TXM 75, TXM 100, TXM 150, TXM 200). Series with output power from 100 W contain active PFC (PFC). All IP models have a universal input voltage range of 90 ... 264 V (AC), and they briefly withstand an increase in this voltage to 300 V (up to 5 sec.), Operating temperature range -25 (-20) ... 70 ( 65)°C. Models of the family are designed for standard output voltages from 3,3 to 48 V (depending on the series) with the possibility of manual adjustment. The sources have protection against short circuit, overload and exceeding Vout. Overload protection is based on the limitation of Iout. The new IP family replaces the existing TXL family (according to capacity) and is characterized by lower cost. IP are intended for use in industrial automation and control systems, in electric ... >>

Revealed the secret of flickering lightning 01.05.2021

Researchers from the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE), in collaboration with colleagues from the US, UK and South Africa, have for the first time recorded the formation and branching of luminous structures during lightning strikes and sometimes form glowing patterns that the human eye interprets as flickering Scientists used ultra-high-speed digital video cameras to record more than 200 upward flashes during summer thunderstorms in São Paulo (Brazil) and Rapid City (South Dakota, USA) between 2008 and 2019 gg. The ascending flashes they recorded were caused by positively charged cloud-to-ground lightning discharges, which are much more common, as described by the same INPE research team in a previous study. Upward lightning occurs at the top of a tower or from a lightning rod on a skyscraper, for example, when ... >>

World's most powerful tidal turbine launched 30.04.2021

Orbital Marine Power has launched the most powerful tidal turbine in Scottish waters. It is called Orbital O2, and its power reaches 2 MW. In the near future it will be connected to the European Center for Marine Energy. The construction of a turbine weighing 680 tons began in 2019. The length of the structure is 74 meters, the length of the blades is 10 meters, the coverage area of ​​the blades is more than 600 m2. The power of the turbine is enough to provide electricity to about 2000 households in the UK and offset about 2200 tons of carbon dioxide per year. ... >>

The most advanced space radar LeoLabs 30.04.2021

On the territory of Costa Rica, a new giant space radar has been completed, which is capable of tracking orbital debris up to two centimeters in size without any difficulties. It was built by LeoLabs, which is famous for providing commercial radar tracking services for objects in low Earth orbit. The new radar is currently the only one capable of not only recognizing, but also tracking objects the size of a golf ball and even smaller, moving at speeds up to 30,000 kilometers per hour. It is also noteworthy that this radar can, without any problems, monitor both active satellites and space debris, which make up the vast majority of artificial objects found in the orbit of our planet. The device is capable of presenting an opportunity to reduce, prevent and prevent various risks that various LeoLabs corporate clients want to monitor, for example ... >>

Global warming has shifted the earth's axis 29.04.2021

Research by the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research has shown that the massive melting of glaciers as a result of global warming has provoked noticeable shifts in the Earth's axis of rotation. This process began around the 1990s. The problem of climate change, which has been provoked by human activity, clearly demonstrates the destructive impact of people on the planet. The geographic north and south poles of a planet are the points where its axis of rotation intersects the surface, but they are not fixed. Changes in the distribution of the Earth's mass cause the axis, and hence the poles, to move. In the past, only natural factors such as ocean currents, for example, have contributed to the repositioning of the poles. But new research shows that since the 1990s, the loss of hundreds of billions of tons of ice a year as a result of the climate crisis has sent the poles moving in new directions. Scientists have found that the direction of the poles has shifted from south to east in ... >>

Mechanical skeleton controlled by human neurons 29.04.2021

Scientists at North Carolina State University in the United States have developed a new kind of mechanical skeleton that does not require pre-programming, like traditional robots, it connects to the human body to freely control the mechanical skeleton. A large number of different mechanical prostheses have been developed around the world for patients with disabilities to help people live a normal life. However, these prostheses do not fit well into the human body and are not easy to manage. In recent years, with the advent of brain-computer interface neurotherapy, scientists hope to develop a mechanical skeleton controlled by neurons to help people with disabilities. Researchers have developed a neuron-controlled mechanical skeleton for a patient who lost mobility in the calf of his left leg. Through training, this patient coordinated and synchronized the mechanical skeleton and calves. 57-year-old patient lost sensation from knee to ankle ... >>

Counted the number of bubbles in a glass of beer 28.04.2021

Carbon dioxide is an important ingredient in what makes beer a refreshing drink. The tiny bubbles that are released when pouring beer into a glass not only give the drink a pleasant fizz, but also carry flavor and aroma compounds to the nose and tongue, to our receptors. A group of experts from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) set out to answer the question of how many bubbles form in a standard 250ml bottle of lager that is chilled to 6°C. The team calculated how much carbon dioxide would dissolve in beer poured into a tilted glass. It turns out that for the formation of bubbles in the microstructure of the glass itself, there must be tiny voids filled with air. These cavities must be at least 1,4 nanometers wide in order for bubble streams to form in them. Observations have shown that bubbles get larger as they rise to the surface, which captures more gas. Their formation slows down ... >>

Alpha Bonfire Pocket Bonfire 28.04.2021

Japanese brand for the manufacture of various outdoor gadgets and equipment The Brand Labo has introduced a compact model of the Alpha Bonfire electric fire. When folded, the device is a small aluminum box no larger than an average smartphone - the device measures 147x69x5 mm. And when the electric fire unfolds, it looks like five small aluminum sheets folded in the shape of the letter V in order to effectively and seamlessly hold any small pot or saucepan in its upper part. And if the user wants to cook meat using such a pocket fire, then it will be enough for him to take out special grill grates from the inside of the structure, up to eight pieces, if necessary. What's more, the Alpha Bonfire pocket bonfire also has a built-in set of utensils ranging from spoon, fork and knife to chopsticks, which is quite convenient. You can say perfect ... >>

Photonic chip converting waves with high efficiency 27.04.2021

American scientists have created a photonic chip capable of effectively changing the frequency of the incoming signal and amplifying it at the output using nonlinear optical effects. Coherent frequency conversion has many applications in the field of classical and quantum information transmission, visualization and detection. This process is crucial for the connection between classical and quantum devices - as a result of it, the frequency of the signal changes, but the initial phase and envelope of the wave remain the same. The authors of the new study have created photonic chips that can efficiently convert incoming frequencies using non-linear optical effects. Photonic devices were chosen for a reason - they consume low power, scale well and have a small size. In addition, optical effects that are not available for other platforms are possible in such chips. Physicists have presented a new circuit for highly efficient frequency conversion on a photonic chip. When generating total ... >>

Found stars of the second generation 27.04.2021

A team of astronomers conducted a spectroscopic study of 23 stars in the globular cluster NGC 6544 as part of the APOGEE survey. Scientists led by Felipe Grana of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile in Santiago conducted a chemical analysis of the red giant branch (RGB) stars NGC 6544 and found that the giants have an average metallicity of about -1,44 and an alpha element abundance of 0,2. For stars with an asymptotic giant branch (AGB), these values ​​were -1,66 and 0,25, respectively. According to scientists, 14 of the 23 stars studied had different chemical structures, which makes them so-called second-generation stars, that is, a cosmic object that arose from a substance enriched in heavy elements (heavier than helium). Globular cluster NGC 6544 is located at a distance of about 8 thousand light years from Earth. It is a medium-density cluster located 326 light-years from the galactic plane, which is the closest p ... >>

Efficient solar cell made from conventional silicon 26.04.2021

Scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) have created a solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 26% from classic single-crystal silicon, which has become a world achievement. The new technology is simpler than the previously proposed Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) technology with contacts on the back of the cells and promises to approach the theoretical limit of silicon when converting solar energy into electricity. Today, the vast majority of solar panels are produced from ordinary single-crystal silicon - over 90%. It would be tempting to increase the efficiency of such panels without complicating the technology and increasing the cost of production. The IBC technology promised to help with this, when both current-carrying contacts in the cells are created on the back side of the cell, which does not obscure the panel and allows better use of the volume of the element in the process of knocking out electrons by photons. Unfortunately, although IBC panels are close to 26% in terms of efficiency, their production is quite expensive, so they ... >>

JMGO Smart Wall O1 Ultra Short Throw Projector 26.04.2021

Chinese projector manufacturer JMGO has officially announced the new JMGO Smart Wall O1 home projector, which does not need to be placed far from the screen to get a large image. The minimum projection distance is only 27 cm. The projector uses ultra-short throw technology and its throw ratio (the ratio of projection distance to screen diagonal) is only 0,25:1, while the ratio of conventional projectors is usually 1,2:1 . The projector has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It took 12 months for engineers to achieve a reduction in projection distance while maintaining maximum image quality. JMGO Smart Wall O1 is also equipped with a color temperature sensor that adjusts the color temperature for different wall colors. In terms of hardware, Smart Wall O1 is equipped with MediaTek MT9669 single-chip system, which can realize intelligent noise reduction, supporting ... >>

Music from the web 26.04.2021

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), together with colleagues from Studio Tomás Saraceno, have studied the properties of the web and converted it into music. Dr. Markus Buhler, who has long been working on extracting rhythms and melodies of non-human origin from natural materials, compared the threads of the web to vibrating strings. The web seemed to the researcher to be a very promising material. The researchers scanned the web as it was being built with a laser to obtain XNUMXD cross-sections and then used computer algorithms to reconstruct the web's XNUMXD architecture. Its threads were assigned different frequencies of sound, peculiar notes. Thanks to this, it was possible to investigate the time sequence of building a network in sound form. It remains only to pull the threads on an instrument that looks like a harp. It turned out to play the music of the web - with unusual concerts, scientists even spoke to the public. Knowledge of the structure of the web and ... >>

Mindfulness enhances selfishness 25.04.2021

It is believed that mindfulness can overcome stress and anxiety, and generally begin to enjoy life. Psychological tricks and meditation techniques that help achieve mindfulness have recently become extremely popular. Many psychologists are trying to increase the awareness of their clients, and those who have not got a psychologist download applications and comprehend awareness using their own smartphone - anything is better than nothing. Researchers from the University of Buffalo tried to look at mindfulness from a different angle - they were interested in how it affects interpersonal relationships. In general, awareness is perceived as something absolutely positive, so it would be worth expecting the same joy from it for interpersonal relationships. However, experiments show that everything is not so simple. The study involved several hundred people who were primarily assessed for how prone they were to social interactions, how independent they felt, or, alternatively, ... >>

Graffiti Wall Cleaner 25.04.2021

Street art is different. Sometimes real masterpieces come across, but, as a rule, unauthorized drawings on the walls are assessed as ordinary bad taste and hooliganism. The problem, of course, falls on the shoulders of the owners and tenants, who have to clean and repaint the walls. Italian experts have created a special tool that will help you do this job faster and with less effort. We are talking about a nanostructured substance, the developers specify. The fact is that paints of different colors have a similar, but not the same chemical composition, experts say. Therefore, they are not equally washed off with special liquids. You can, for example, remove black and red, leaving yellow, which is the color of the wall itself. ... >>

Bananas under threat 24.04.2021

A highly infectious, chemical-resistant soil fungus is the reason bananas are endangered. Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease was first detected back in 2019 in South America, the world's main supplier of bananas. Subsequently, some plantations in Honduras and Colombia closed, as contaminated soil on a farmer's shoes could lead to a general spread of infection. We are talking about 30-40 years of idleness of the affected areas. TR4 primarily affects Cavendish and accounts for about 95 percent of global trade. But bananas are one of the main products in the retail trade, so the increase in prices for them can be critical. This product is very important in the daily diet in many African and Asian countries, like potatoes and rice. Prior to this, some retail chains have already encountered difficulties when buying bananas, as they described a crop failure in Ecuador, seasonal high demand and ... >>

Transcend SSD2,5N 250" NAS Drives 24.04.2021

Transcend has announced the availability of 2,5-inch drives SSD250N series, designed for use in network attached storage (NAS). The devices feature a SATA 6Gb/s interface, use 3D NAND TLC memory chips and, according to the vendor, are "highly rugged, proven stability and guaranteed reliability." Transcend SSD250N drives will be offered in 1TB and 2TB versions. They are characterized by sequential read speeds up to 560 MB / s, writes up to 480 MB / s and a performance level when working with arbitrary blocks up to 82 thousand / 80 thousand IOPS (read / write). During the 5-year warranty, devices can be written to at least 1000 and 2000 TB of information, respectively. Among other features of the SSD250N, the manufacturer highlights the wear leveling system and the presence of a DDR3 buffer. The new items will go on sale in the coming weeks. The press service of Transcend does not disclose the recommended cost of drives, however, European stores ... >>

SpaceX will take astronauts to the moon 23.04.2021

Elon Musk's company will receive nearly $2,89 billion to build a lander to take two astronauts to the moon. US billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX has won a contract from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to deliver astronauts to the moon as part of the Artemis program. The contract amounted to $ 2021 billion. SpaceX will develop the first commercial lander, which will have to deliver two American astronauts to the surface of the moon. NASA's Artemis lunar program includes three missions to the moon. The first stage is scheduled for 2023, the second - for XNUMX. During the third, astronauts are planned to land on the moon. ... >>

Simplifying the processing of wood into biofuels 23.04.2021

A new simplified process converts wood waste from agriculture and forestry into ethanol. Teams from the Lawrence Berkeley Lab and Sandia National Laboratories have come up with a simplified and efficient way to convert wood into liquid biofuels. It turned out that a simple trick turns wood waste into biofuel. It has previously been known that the addition of formaldehyde during wood pretreatment converts up to 80 percent of lignin into molecules that are used to make fuels and chemicals. The resulting ethanol, derived from plant biomass, can be used as an ingredient in the production of more complex diesel and jet fuels. Widespread, fast-growing trees such as poplar can be a sustainable source of biofuel that does not affect the food supply. The first step in today's biofuel production process is the removal of fiber. ... >>

Processor architecture LoongArch 22.04.2021

Loongson introduced its own LoongArch processor architecture and instruction set for it. Moreover, the latest Loongson 12A3 5000nm processor has been released and runs on a new architecture with LoongArch support. Developer Loongson is no longer dependent on the MIPS architecture and licenses that made it possible to produce all previous generations of national processors. Loongson has been in the process of creating its own architecture and command set for twenty years. It is possible that Loongson began to create its own set of instructions and a new microarchitecture after the disruption of Apple, which brought the owner of MIPS licenses, Imagination Technologies, to the verge of bankruptcy. Ultimately, MIPS, as part of Wave Computing, abandoned the further development of the architecture and command system of the same name. She switched to RISC, and the Chinese, as it turned out, very timely left MIPS in the direction of their own development. By the way, this is probably related to delays with p ... >>

Medical DC/DC Converters Mean Well MDS15/20 22.04.2021

Mean Well has introduced two DC/DC series for medical applications - MDS15 and MDS20 - with 15W and 20W output power. The main features of the new products are a high level of output power; safety compliant with 2XMOPP (for patient contact; IEC60601-1); wide temperature range -40...90°C and a small footprint (standard housing size 2"x1"). The converters feature ultra-low leakage current (less than 5 µA), reinforced isolation between input and output of 4 kV (AC), and a 2:1 input width. The models have protection against short circuit, overload and low input voltage. The transducers can be used in medical devices and systems such as oxygen monitoring and respiratory diagnostic devices, CT scanners, oral care devices, medical mobile stations and other devices that allow contact with the patient. Main technical parameters: Output power, W......15 ... >>

Ultra-white paint can replace air conditioning 21.04.2021

Purdue University scientists have made an ultra-white paint that reflects 98,1 percent of sunlight and has a cooling effect on par with air conditioners. Commercially available heat reflective paints are capable of reflecting 80 to 90 percent of sunlight. The new ink also has cooling properties thanks to particles of barium sulfate, a compound used in white photographic paper and cosmetics. Scientists changed the size of the particles and were able to control the ability of each of them to scatter light. Spectral dispersion contributes to high reflectivity. Experts have found that it keeps the surface temperature 10,5 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature at night and 8 degrees below daytime under sunlight. "If this paint is applied to a roof area of ​​about 1000 square feet (93 square meters), a cooling capacity of 10 kilowatts could be obtained. This is more than the air conditioners that are used in most homes," says Professor Machinist ... >>

Miniature 30W Charger 21.04.2021

Since the introduction of gallium nitride in chargers, there have been many pocket-sized adapters up to 120W on the market. Presented on the charger AOHi Magcube 30W is the smallest adapter of this power. This charger weighs 42 grams and measures 28 x 28 x 32mm. According to the manufacturer, this charger is approximately equal to a 5-watt Apple power supply. The AOHi Magcube 30W features a USB-C connector and also has a built-in LED indicator that glows amber when your device is fast charging, turns blue when it's charging at standard speed, and turns green when it's charging continuously. This adapter allows you to charge your iPhone 12 at 20W and also supports various charging protocols such as Power Delivery 2.0 and 3.0, PPS, Apple 2.4, BC 1.2 and Quick Charge 2.0, 3.0. and 4.0+. The adapter is compatible with Nintendo Switch and even has a mode for charging small ... >>

Premium electric car Mercedes-Benz EQS 20.04.2021

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Mercedes-Benz EQS premium sedan. The model was the brand's first electric vehicle built on the new Daimler platform, aimed at upper-class models. The EQS 450+ and EQS 580 4MATIC configurations will be the first to enter the market, with other configurations to follow in the future. The designers of the novelty have retained the recognizable features of the related S-Class, but at the same time they have focused on the electric nature of the EQS, having designed the body in the form of a single extended arc with a cabin moved forward and a roof smoothly lowering towards the rear. As a result, it was possible to achieve a reduction in the level of aerodynamic resistance to a record mark for production cars of 0,20. The rear-wheel drive version of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ received an eATS electric motor on the rear axle with a power of 245 kW and a torque of 568 Nm, which allows this large (5216x1926x1512 mm) sedan to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6,2 seconds. In turn, the all-wheel drive EQS 580 4MATIC with two eATS electric motors on ... >>

Implant to measure the level of oxygen in the body 20.04.2021

University of California engineers have created a tiny wireless implant that measures oxygen levels in tissues deep under the skin. The device, which is smaller than a regular ladybug, will help doctors monitor the condition of transplanted organs or tissues, as well as warn of a possible unsuccessful transplant. The technology also paves the way for a variety of miniaturized sensors that can track other key biochemical markers in the body, such as pH or carbon dioxide. One day, these sensors will become minimally invasive methods for monitoring the biochemistry of internal organs and tissues. Oxygen is a key component in the ability of cells to convert the food we eat into energy. Almost all tissues of the body need a constant supply of it. Most methods for measuring tissue oxygenation provide information about what is happening at the surface of the body. They can only penetrate a few centimeters. Some types of magnetic resonance imaging ... >>

Updated Efinix Titanium FPGA line 19.04.2021

Efinix announced the expansion of its Titanium Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) line. Now it has models containing up to 1 million logical elements. The expansion unlocks the true potential of the Titanium family, bringing high-performance, high-capacity FPGAs to the cost and power-sensitive mass market. FPGA Titanium outperforms "traditional" FPGAs in terms of power consumption, performance and area. In particular, the gain in power consumption reaches 70%. These FPGAs bring new possibilities to the mainstream market by providing density, flexibility and performance previously reserved for expensive high-end FPGAs. The Titanium family includes FPGAs with 35 to 1 million logic elements. They are designed for a wide range of applications - from consumer and peripheral devices to automotive electronics, communications and industrial automation. ... >>

5000 tons of extraterrestrial particles fall to Earth every year 19.04.2021

As the Earth moves in its orbit, it encounters this dust all the time. It is she who causes meteor showers, some of which can reach the earth in the form of micrometeorites. For 20 years, members of the international program have been observing the dome of Antarctica, at the Franco-Italian Concordia station, to estimate how much alien material falls on our heads every year. According to their estimates, on average, we are talking about 5200 tons of particles ranging in size from 30 to 200 micrometers. About 10 more tons of cosmic matter falling on the Earth are produced by relatively large meteorites. Approximately 80% of micrometeorites come from comets, mostly from the Jupiter family. The remaining 20 percent comes from asteroids. Results above 100 microns are in line with theoretical predictions about the amount of extraterrestrial dust we should see. But below 100 microns, we see far fewer micrometeorites than predicted based on the amount of dust that should be in the solar system. ... >>

Table microphone Yamaha Adecia RM-TT 18.04.2021

Yamaha introduced the RM-TT Wired Desktop Microphone. It joins the Adecia family of easy-to-install teleconference collaboration and study solutions: the RM-CR conference processor, the VXL1-16P Dante/PoE compatible speaker, and the SWR2311P-10G PoE network switch. Wired desktop microphones are connected using a LAN cable and a PoE switch. Scalability allows you to include up to eight microphone units in the system. The RM-TT's low-profile chassis houses an array of microphones and signal processing, including automatic source tracking (selects the microphone closest to the speaker based on signal strength), automatic gain control, adaptive echo and noise cancellation. The settings allow you to select the radiation pattern that is optimal for a particular room or usage scenario. Available in unidirectional, supercardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional and toroidal ... >>

Artificial nervous system that reacts to light 18.04.2021

The development of specialists from Korea imitates the human reaction to light, and also learns to perform some tasks. This system can be used to design prostheses or complex robots. The artificial nervous system was created by specialists from three universities in South Korea. It can demonstrate a response to various external stimuli. The system consists of a photodiode, a special material that can convert light into an electrical signal, a transistor that acts as a mechanical synapse, and an artificial neural circuit that acts as the brains of the entire system. As soon as the photodiode finds light, an electrical signal is sent through the transistor. Then this signal passes to an artificial neural network, where the message is received. ... >>

Lunar radio telescope 17.04.2021

NASA decided to continue work on the creation of the largest filled-aperture radio telescope in the solar system. It is planned to be built in a crater on the far side of the moon. The project was launched by participants in the NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) scientists support program back in 2020, the first phase of work was completed in April 2021, and now NASA has approved the next phase, which will take two years. $500 was allocated to create a plan for the telescope. If this stage is completed successfully, specialists from NASA and other companies will join the project. The Lunar Crater Radio Telescope (LCRT) will allow scientists to study the early universe at wavelengths that are reflected by the Earth's ionosphere and have not been previously described. The moon will become a kind of radio shield capable of isolating equipment from terrestrial radio interference. The DuAxel robots will deploy a wire mesh inside the crater where they will then place the receiver. ... >>

Robot dog Spot took part in military exercises 17.04.2021

Boston Dynamics' four-legged Spot robot was used during military exercises conducted by the French army. It was used for reconnaissance. The exercise was described as "raising students' awareness of the challenges of tomorrow", including "roboticizing the battlefield". Spot was one of several robots being tested by students at the French School of Combined Weapons to evaluate the usefulness of the robots on the battlefields of the future. During the two-day exercise, the soldiers carried out a range of scenarios, including offensive operations with the capture of a crossroads, defensive operations by day and night, and combat operations in an urban environment. Each scenario was run using only humans, and then using humans and robots together to see what changed with the addition of machines. One issue was Spot's battery life. Probably, during the exercises, its battery was discharged, and additionally it was necessary to solve the problem of replenishing the energy reserve. Robot Spot has a small pain ... >>

Glass developed to reduce energy consumption and regulate room temperature 16.04.2021

Scientists at the University of Kassel have developed a glass that reduces energy consumption and regulates the temperature in the room. The micromirror array is invulnerable to wind, window washing, or any weather because it sits in the space between the window glass filled with a gas such as argon or krypton. Glazing provides free solar heat in winter and prevents overheating in summer, while letting in natural daylight, saving energy by up to 35%, significantly reducing CO2 emissions by up to 30% and reducing the use of steel and concrete in multi-storey buildings by 10%. If there is no user indoors in summer, all mirrors switch vertically, keeping the sun's heat outside, this saves energy by minimizing heat transfer. When sensors detect the user's presence, the overhead mirrors open and reflect daylight onto the ceiling. The room stays cool, saving energy on air conditioning. Parts of the room that are away from the window can be effectively ... >>

Glue for the brain 16.04.2021

Brain glue, a reparative hydrogel that mimics the composition and mechanics of the brain, has been developed in the United States. This substance is designed to help people with disabilities after a traumatic brain injury. The hydrogel was created by the biotechnology company Regenerative Biosciences Center at the University of Georgia (USA). The gel not only protects against the loss of brain tissue after a severe head injury, but also contributes to the functional recovery of the nervous system. The "glue" mimics the structure and function of the sugar network that supports brain cells, and also contains key structures that bind to basic fibroblast growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These are protective protein factors that can increase the survival and recovery of brain cells after severe injury. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5,3 million people in the United States live with a permanent disability associated with a traumatic brain injury. Brain damage after a major TBI is usually not ... >>

New Salt Formula 15.04.2021

The American company MicroSalt has created an improved salt formula, which contains 50% less sodium. The product is positioned as more beneficial to health The developer describes his product as "particles coated with nanosized salt crystals." The carrier (usually maltodextrin) acts as a transport molecule to deliver small salt crystals. These crystals are naturally attached to the carrier using electrostatic forces. The salt dissolves almost immediately due to the extremely small size of the crystals. The updated salt formula is about 100 times smaller than the traditional salt formula and requires less to achieve the same level of flavor. The company claims that the new product has the same level of salinity compared to the traditional one, it contains 50% less sodium. In the future - to increase this figure to 80%. The company has already patented its technology and started collecting investments through crowdfunding. ... >>

Compact computer MINISFORUM GK50 15.04.2021

The company MINISFORUM, which specializes in the production of low-cost mini-PCs, has announced the GK50 nettop, made on the Intel Gemini Lake Refresh hardware platform. Used processor Pentium Silver N5030 with four cores without multithreading support. The base clock frequency is 1,1 GHz, the maximum is 3,1 GHz. The chip includes Intel 605 UHD graphics. The novelty is made in a case with dimensions of only 125 x 113 x 30 mm. The amount of LPDDR4 RAM is 8 GB, the capacity of the M.2 2280 solid-state module is 128 GB. A 2,5" drive can be installed. The equipment includes wireless adapters Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0. There is also a dual-port gigabit Ethernet controller. There are four USB 3.0 ports on the front panel. On the side are headphone and microphone jacks, as well as a microSD card slot. At the back, you can find HDMI, DisplayPort and network cable jacks. Operating system in use ... >>

Organ transplantation without tissue rejection 14.04.2021

Scientists at the Brazilian University of Sao Paulo have managed to create an organ for transplantation that will not be rejected by the body. The technology has now been tested on rats. For them, the researchers grew a functional liver in a special incubator. The technology developed by the Brazilians involves the treatment of the organ of a deceased person with a special solution. It removes all the cells, leaving only the matrix, on which the cells of the future organ recipient are subsequently transplanted. Thanks to this method, doctors will be able to use in transplantation those organs that are now considered unsuitable. Also, due to the transplantation of own cells, the rejection of the transplanted organ does not occur. "The plan is to produce the human liver in the laboratory at the right scale. This will avoid a long wait for a compatible donor and reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ," said one of the authors of the study, Luis Carlos de Caires-Junior. ... >>

Mornsun LD/R2 ultra-compact power supplies 14.04.2021

Mornsun has updated its popular LD(LDE) board mount line of miniature AC/DC converters with the next generation LD/R2 family. A feature of the new AC / DC is a reduced size and reduced cost compared to its predecessors. IP with power of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 W operate in an extended input voltage range of 85...305 V (AC) at temperatures from -40 to +85ºC and have reinforced isolation "input-output" 4000 V (AC). According to EMC, the power supplies correspond to class B (CISPR32 / EN55032) and are equipped with built-in protection against exceeding Uout, against overload and short circuit; power consumption at XX - less than 100 mW. There is a choice of models for mounting on the chassis (with terminals) and on the DIN rail. The above parameters make it possible to consider the LD/R2 IP as one of the best in its class. The products are designed for industrial automation and control devices, for use in smart home systems, IoT applications and anywhere a compact power supply with good EMC and high ... >>

The concentration of carbon in the air has reached a record high 13.04.2021

If carbon emissions are not completely stopped by 2050, global climate change will no longer be stopped Scientists from the Mauna Loa Observatory and the University of California San Diego recorded record high levels of carbon concentration in the air. The research was carried out simultaneously by employees of the observatory in Hawaii and a university in the United States. The conclusions of scientists are identical. There is a lot of carbon in the atmosphere right now. This is the highest figure since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases in March averaged 417,14 parts per million. According to scientists, this is an absolute record. The previous record monthly carbon dioxide concentration was 417,10 ppm in May 2020. The purity of the air was not affected even by the fact that during the year of the coronavirus pandemic, most industrial giants of the world reduced their production. Thus, carbon emissions into the atmosphere have also been reduced. "Perhaps the emissions were reduced ... >>

Protein nanomachines from bacteria 13.04.2021

A team of microbiologists from the University of Southern California in the US presented the results of their work on the study of the so-called theilocins - special natural protein nanomachines produced by living bacteria. Certain types of bacteria are particularly well-received in this field and represent a very promising type of bacteria with which to create completely controlled bacterial agents that can effectively fight various kinds of harmful cells in the human body - for example, cancer-infected cells that affect and on healthy cells too. These protein nanomachines are named so conditionally to emphasize their extremely high degree of efficiency and make them a full-fledged kind of bacterial machines that can influence the state of cells as such - scientists noted that their main purpose and functionality is hidden in attacking harmful cells and literally pull out ions and other structural ... >>

Humble Motors Humble One Solar Powered SUV 12.04.2021

Humble Motors has unveiled the five-seater Humble One SUV with a range of 800 km. The manufacturer plans to install solar panels on the roof and windows with a total area of ​​\u7,6b\u97babout 0,25 square meters, which, under ideal conditions, will be able to replenish a range of 1020 km. Of course, charging from solar energy will not be the main one. The car will be able to charge at the usual gas stations for electric vehicles. The manufacturer is working on reducing the weight of the car, the drag coefficient of which should be 300. In the maximum version, the engine power will be 2024 hp. With. The company has already begun accepting pre-orders, offering those who want to buy cars among the first to pay an initial fee of $2025. Production is expected to begin in 109 and customer deliveries could begin in 000. The base price of the car will be $20. Humble Motors said it has already received more than $XNUMX million in pre-orders. ... >>

Diamond nanowires are more efficient than Li-Ion batteries 12.04.2021

Scientists from the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) have designed a new energy storage device based on a spring. Only in this case, it is made of an extremely promising innovative material - diamond nanowires. So far, there are only small experimental samples of this material, but in the near future, when the production of threads becomes cheap and affordable, they will become the basis for many new technologies. A nanothread is a one-dimensional structure in the form of a chain of carbon atoms, which is flexible enough to twist it in an arbitrary way, but at the same time strong enough to withstand such deformations. If you take a few nanothreads and tie them into a bundle, you can twist it and get a tiny spring. When compressed, it will accumulate energy, when untwisted, it will release it - this is the good old principle on the basis of which many clockwork mechanisms work. The simulation showed that the hypothetical ... >>

Chip that determines the amount of alcohol in the blood 11.04.2021

Knowing the exact amount of alcohol in the body is useful not only for drivers, but also for those who take drugs that are incompatible with alcohol, or who are struggling with addiction to the green snake. Previously developed tools are not always practical, despite the reliability of the indicators. However, a recent study will address all possible inconveniences. Scientists from the US have created a chip that allows you to determine the amount of alcohol in the blood. Its peculiarity is that it is implanted under the skin. The development does not exceed 1 cubic millimeter in size. As a rule, the amount of alcohol in the blood is determined using a blood test or exhalation of air into a special device. Both methods are not always practical, as there are times when you need to monitor the level of alcohol constantly. For example, such cases include the treatment of people with alcohol dependence. Thanks to the development of scientists, it is possible to track the amount of alcohol and fluctuations in its level in the blood constantly and without additional accessories. ... >>

Eco-friendly plastic from fish waste 10.04.2021

Bioplastics could be used for almost the same purposes as conventional polyurethane, says team leader Francesca Kerton of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). Plastic based on fish waste is environmentally friendly. In addition, the invention solves the problem of recycling these food waste. After all, fish heads, bones, skin and intestines, usually sent to landfill, can be turned into a harmless, biodegradable material. The novelty will replace polyurethane, which today can be found everywhere: in shoes, clothes, refrigerators, building materials, etc. At the same time, polyurethane is obtained from crude oil and phosgene, it has a large carbon footprint and slowly decays. To produce the new material, the researchers used fat extracted from pieces of salmon left over from industrial processing. Chemists have developed a method for converting fish oil into a polyurethane-like polymer. First, they added oxygen to the fat to form epoxides. Then ... >>

Growing new teeth 10.04.2021

Japanese researchers have developed an experimental technique for growing teeth. Now this technology is being tested on laboratory animals. The method of treatment with monoclonal antibodies is described. These antibodies cause the body to grow new teeth. As part of the study, it was possible to fix that blocking a gene called USAG-1 leads to an increase in the activity of bone morphogenetic protein. These molecules regulate the growth of various organs and tissues, including teeth. However, this technology has several nuances. The fact is that the morphogenetic protein controls the development of a huge number of human organs. Interference with its work can cause many serious side effects. During the experiments, the team tested a number of different monoclonal antibodies that alter the ability of USAG-1 to interact with bone morphogenetic protein. Fortunately, the researchers found a specific antibody that didn't cause side effects. After that, met ... >>

New RECOM pulse converters with increased output current 09.04.2021

RECOM has increased the rated output current range of RPMH non-isolated switching products from 0,5A to 1,5A while maintaining their dimensions thanks to 3D Power Packaging technology. The new high efficiency converters are available in miniature packages measuring 12,19 x 12,19 x 3,75 mm and have output voltages of 3,3; 5; 12; 15 and 24 V adjustable. The input voltage is up to 60V and the operating temperature can reach 100°C or even higher at reduced power. The converters have the functions of remote control of turning on and off, regulation of the output voltage and monitoring its level, as well as protection against short circuit at the output, overcurrent and overvoltage. The series complies with EN55032 class B EMC requirements when using an external filter. RECOM's 3D Power Packaging technology allows the RPMH-1.5 to be housed in a 25-pin LGA package with hex shielding for EMC and thermal optimization ... >>

Old age is a disease 09.04.2021

Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada argue that the correct time of day to take anti-aging supplements is very important, and also that this depends on the age of the person. After all, there has long been talk that aging is a disease that lasts for decades. The World Health Organization has also made arguments that biological aging is a disease with an extremely destructive process, it is associated with all kinds of health problems, which ultimately leads to to suffering. The latest research has shown that the substances nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and resveratrol are useful for metabolism and increase the lifespan of various organisms. And now scientists have found that the effectiveness of these supplements depends on the time of day when they were taken. That is, metabolism and circadian rhythms are very important for their anti-aging activity. Scientists have found that young people need to take NMN six hours after waking up, and resveratrol does not ... >>

Intel Xeon Scalable Server Processors 08.04.2021

Intel has announced its most advanced processors to date, the 3rd generation Xeon Scalable, also known as the Ice Lake-SP family. These 10nm CPUs on the current Sunny Cove architecture belong to the Whitley server platform (LGA4189). Initially, Ice Lake-SP server chips were supposed to be released a couple of years ago, but due to problems with the development of the 10nm process technology, Intel postponed their release several times. The main areas of application of these new "stones" are hybrid clouds, high performance computing (High Performance Computing), network technologies and computing related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Intel Announces 3rd Gen Xeon Scalable (Ice Lake-SP) Server Processors - 10nm, up to 40 Sunny Cove Cores, up to 6TB of RAM per socket, and 64 PCI Express 4.0 lanes 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs have up to 40 Hyper-Threading capable cores, up to 60MB L1,5 cache (4MB per core), 32-channel DDRXNUMX-XNUMX memory controller ... >>

Samsung The Premiere 4K Laser Projectors 08.04.2021

Samsung Electronics introduced The Premiere laser ultra-short throw projectors. The lineup includes models LSP9T and LSP7T. The older LSP9T uses separate lasers for red, blue and green for the first time. Also, for the first time, the projector features Filmmaler Mode, which shows the film the way the director intended it to be. The Samsung The Premiere has a brightness of 2200 lumens, and the LSP9T can be positioned just 11cm from a wall for a 100-inch 4K image. For LSP7T, the distance with the same diagonal is 30 cm. The LSP9T model received a high-quality sound system and many acoustic holes directed in different directions to create a surround sound effect. The devices are equipped with all the features of the Samsung Smart TV platform, as well as the Smart HUB user interface. The price of new products - from 4000 USD. ... >>

Industrialization has changed the planet's climate 08.04.2021

Scientific journals publish many studies on the abnormally rapid increase in the average annual temperature of the planet. Many point out that the reason for this was industrialization and the use of fossil fuels on an industrial scale. However, for the first time, direct observations of the driving force of climate change appeared with scientists from NASA, 24 reports. values ​​- 280 ppm. Human activity has led to air pollution, which has affected our health and wildlife. Some of these particles are also present in the form of aerosols that reflect the sun's rays and have a cooling effect on a global level. Thus, aerosols cool and greenhouse gases warm the planet. The difference between the energy absorbed by the atmosphere ... >>

Musical camouflage for fireflies 07.04.2021

Leopard spots, zebra stripes, chameleon colors are typical examples of "visual" camouflage. But how to hide from a predator that seeks and overtakes prey, focusing on sound, and not on sight? Fireflies (Lampyridae) are known to everyone due to their glow, which is a calling signal for mating. It is logical to assume that the radiance in the dark will be a bait for everyone who is not averse to feasting on insects. However, fireflies are poisonous (or at least rather unpleasant in taste) to most predators, and the glow can eloquently warn them of this. However, in the case of blind-sighted bats, this signal light is unlikely to work. In a new study, scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) have found that fireflies have developed smart sonic armor to escape bats. And this discovery was made by accident. Insects make noise by moving their wings, and subsequent lab tests have found this behavior ... >>

New isotope of fluorine obtained 07.04.2021

Scientists at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at the University of Michigan have obtained a new isotope of the chemical element fluorine, fluorine-13. Its atomic nucleus has nine protons and only four neutrons. Fluorine is known as the most chemically non-metal among the chemical elements, exhibiting the strongest oxidizing properties. It is also the lightest element of the halogen group. Under normal conditions, fluorine is a poisonous gas of pale yellow color, its molecule consists of two atoms (F2). All natural fluorine belongs to the only stable isotope, fluorine-19 (19F), which has nine protons and ten neutrons in its nucleus. But over the years of research, scientists have synthesized a number of other isotopes of fluorine from 14F to 31F and two nuclear isomers (18Fm and 26Fm). All these isomers are unstable and have rather short lifetimes. The longest-lived of these isomers, 18F, plays an important role in ... >>

LG abandons mobile phone business 06.04.2021

The South Korean company LG has officially announced the cessation of production of smartphones. The corresponding decision was made by the Board of Directors. "LG's exit from the highly competitive mobile phone sector will allow the company to focus resources on growth areas such as electric vehicle components, connected devices, smart homes, robotics, artificial intelligence and business solutions, and platforms and services," the statement said. Released LG phones will continue to be available for sale. The company will continue to provide service support and software updates to existing mobile product customers for a limited period of time, which varies by region. LG has promised to cooperate with suppliers and business partners throughout the period of closing the mobile phone business. Employees working in the production will retain their places in the company and will be transferred to the household appliances plant in the city ... >>

sapper bees 06.04.2021

In the Balkans, on the territory of the former Yugoslavia, after chaotic mining during a military conflict 20 years ago, people are still suffering from explosions. And so scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia went on a very strange experiment, which they called "Tiramisu" and taught the bees to look for mines. They took advantage of the fact that these insects have a wonderful scent. And they were taught to sniff out TNT. Simply by mixing the sugar solution with the explosive. Now the bees fly where they feel TNT, stop in search of something sweet, but then fly away. And this gives people the opportunity to see where the danger lurks. So that people do not have to run after insects, drones follow them. ... >>

Microchip dsPIC16CK33MC 64-bit microcontrollers 05.04.2021

Microchip has expanded its line of high-performance 16-bit MCUs with cost-optimized devices in compact packages. The dsPIC33CK64MC series consists of six devices with either 32 kB or 64 kB program memory in 28, 36, or 48 pin packages. The devices have an extended operating temperature range of -40...150˚C and are designed to perform the following tasks: 1. Motor control - brushless, synchronous, asynchronous and step motors. It is realized thanks to the presence of high-resolution PWM modules and an encoder connection interface. 2. Pairing various sensors with a higher-level controller via the SENT interface thanks to rich analog peripherals - a high-speed 12-bit ADC, operational amplifiers and, in fact, the SENT interface. The dsPIC33CK64MC microcontrollers are a price-optimized version of the dsPIC33CK64MP series. The amount of memory and the body remained unchanged, and the quantitative composition of the periphery was cut. Characteristics of the mic ... >>

Powering wearable electronics with radio waves 05.04.2021

Man has learned to use radio waves not only to transmit information, take at least a microwave oven or Wi-Fi. An international team of researchers suggests using them to recharge wireless medical devices that measure a patient's vital signs. At the same time, devices will be able to produce energy continuously, regardless of the time of day and weather. Modern power supplies for wearable medical electronics are not ideal. Solar cells, for example, need to be kept in direct sunlight. Triboelectric devices require constant movement. Another option was developed by a group of specialists led by Professor Larry Chen from the University of Pennsylvania. Scientists have made a flexible broadband vibrator antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting data collected by medical sensors. The system consists of two metal antennas integrated on a conductive monatomic material graphene with a metal coating. Broadband design according to ... >>

coffee burns fat 04.04.2021

Specialists from the University of Granada have discovered the unique properties of coffee. In the course of the study, experts found that drinking coffee 30 minutes before exercising increases the rate of fat burning in a record time. Scientists said that they attracted volunteers to this unusual experiment, whose average age was 32 years. In a study, researchers found that drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages increased maximum fat oxidation. Scientific work has once again proved that the combination of intense physical exercise and drinking coffee accelerates the process of burning fat by 13%. Researchers recommend combining caffeine and exercise in the afternoon, as the experiment showed that fat burning is more active at this time. ... >>

Smart backpack for the visually impaired 04.04.2021

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed their own backpack system to help visually impaired people better understand and navigate their environment. The developed backpack uses the Luxonis OAK-D spatial camera, which in turn has an integrated artificial intelligence processor in conjunction with the image processing technology developed by Intel - Movidius. The built-in 4K camera, which captures information about the depth of space, and is also able to recognize objects by their colors, can be placed either in a vest or in a special fanny pack. The overall system for this technology uses a set of tools from Intel called OpenVINO. It is necessary in order to draw various logical conclusions. All this miracle can work up to eight hours when using a special pocket-sized battery placed in a belt pack. For even better orie ... >>

Bacteria help plants survive heat 03.04.2021

Root microbes from heat-tolerant plants help wheat cope with temperature stress. Plants relate to heat in different ways: in some, resistance to high temperatures is innate, in others it can be awakened by special methods. If we want to sow agricultural crops where it is very hot, then we must choose a special variety, or wait until it is developed. But breeding new varieties takes time, and they can be very capricious in other ways. However, there is another trick that allows plants to endure heat - they establish cooperation with soil bacteria. It is known that the microflora around the roots is often very favorable for plants in the sense that it allows them to endure difficult circumstances: drought, high salt content in the soil, or, for example, high temperatures. But if some bacteria are used to protecting some plants from the heat, will they also protect some other species? ... >>

durian patch 02.04.2021

Despite the fact that durian itself is not such a popular and beloved fruit by many people, it is still widely known as a fruit with a pleasant taste and an extremely unpleasant smell. In Thailand, for example, durian is such a popular food item that a talented material engineering team at Thai National University even decided to try it out as the basis for developing a new type of special hydrogel patch aimed at healing wounds as quickly as possible. And, what is most interesting, they actually managed to pull it off, despite all the difficulties. It is worth noting that durian skin is based on quite a lot of high quality cellulose, which has served as a replacement for more traditional synthetic polymers, widely used as a foundation for creating hydrogel patches. The hydrogel itself is not unusual and is widely used to accelerate wound healing. ... >>

Happiness can be learned 02.04.2021

Italian scientists from the University of Trento conducted an interesting experiment, the purpose of which was to prove that any person, without exception, can learn happiness. Specialists have developed a special intensive course, after which a person's level of anxiety, stress, anxiety decreases, and life satisfaction increases. Volunteers took part in the experiment, who had to attend courses for 9 months at the Institute of Tibetan Culture. Tsongkhapa, located in the Tuscan region. All this time, various presentations were read to them, video recordings of courses were included, the subjects took part in discussions about neurobiology and psychology. In addition, they conducted meditation practices and attended theoretical lessons in philosophy. The scientists paid particular attention to the brain activity and response of the volunteers. They studied its neuroplasticity, the physiology of anxiety and stress, pleasure and pain, negative and positive emotions, with ... >>

Dark matter can heat planets from the inside 01.04.2021

Astronomers have suggested that dark matter accumulates in the depths of massive exoplanets and its presence can be detected by an increase in their temperature. It is believed that most of the mass of galaxies falls not on stars, planets and gas clouds, but on dark matter. Its presence is detected by the gravitational influence on ordinary matter - stars, gas, and so on. It is believed that under the influence of dark matter, a large-scale structure of the Universe is formed, galaxies are born and evolve, surrounding them with an extensive "dark halo". However, dark matter does not participate in any other form of fundamental interactions, apart from gravitational ones. It does not emit or absorb electromagnetic waves, so it remains invisible to our telescopes. Astrophysicists are still arguing about what particles it consists of, where and how best to look for them. Yuri Smirnov of Ohio University and Rebecca Leane of Stanford propose a new line of research - in the cores of exoplanets. Indeed, ... >>

Electricity from mushrooms and wooden floor 01.04.2021

Wood consists of fibers of cellulose and hemicellulose polymers in a lignin matrix. Cellulose in the composition of wood can be amorphous and crystalline. The presence of the latter makes wood a piezoelectric material - a material in which electric charges arise under the action of deformation. When cellulose crystallites are compressed, the centers of gravity of positive and negative charges diverge in space, and charges arise on the surface of the crystallite to maintain electrostatic equilibrium. The piezoelectric properties of wood have been known since the fifties, but no one has made commercial materials and devices for generating electricity from it - due to the low piezoelectric modulus and the deformability of wood, this was considered unprofitable. Swiss scientists led by Ingo Burgert from ETH Zurich managed to enhance the piezoelectric properties of wood. Burgert and his colleagues have long been able to change the properties of wood and obtain ... >>

DC/DC Boost LED Drivers Mean Well LDH-25/65 31.03.2021

Mean Well has expanded its popular LDH DC/DC boost LED driver family with two new lower and higher power series, LDH-25 and LDH-65, respectively. The features of the new series are the universal input (9,5...32 V) and the ability to work from the input voltage of both 12 and 24 V with an increase in the output voltage to the appropriate level. In these series there is no special division into separate 12V and 24V versions, as in the LDH-45. Structurally, the drivers are available in two different versions: for mounting on a printed circuit board (DIP package) and for bulk mounting (with wires; suffix "W" in the name). All models have a control input and are smoothly dimmed by a 0...10 V signal, PWM in the range of 10-100%, and the dimming signal maintains the full extinction of the LEDs (off). Models of the LDH-25 series are manufactured with output currents of 250/350/500/700mA, while models of the LDH-65 series are available with 700/1050/1400/1750mA. The new series have high efficiency and are applicable for the manufacture of economically ... >>

Short-lived plant species are more climate sensitive 31.03.2021

Plant species with short generation times are more sensitive to climate change than those with long generation times. This is one of the results of a synthesis study carried out by scientists from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Center for Environmental Research. Helmholtz (UFZ). The international team comprehensively collected data available around the world, mainly from Europe and North America, to answer the question of how plant populations are responding to climate change. The study shows that plant characteristics, such as generation time, can predict how sensitive species are to climate change. This is important for predicting which plant species require the most attention due to climate change. Climate change is considered one of the biggest threats to plant diversity. To prioritize correctly ... >>

Expansion card QM2-2P2G2T 30.03.2021

Storage specialist QNAP Systems has released the QM2-2P2G2T PCIe expansion card, which allows you to add two M.2 storage slots and two 2,5GbE ports to your system. The card can be used not only in storage with a network connection, but also in a PC or server, gaining a gain in the volume and speed of the storage subsystem and in the speed of data transfer over the network. 2.5GBASE-T ports support connection at lower speeds. The card is equipped with a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. It is wired into ports and into M.2 slots (two lines each), designed for drives up to M.2 2280 in size. Thermal sensors allow you to monitor the temperature of the SSD in real time. Their readings are used to control the operation of the cooling system. QNAP offers QM2-2P2G2T expansion card with two M.2 slots and two 2.5GbE ports Compatible OS in case of NAS includes QTS or QuTS hero, and in case of PC or server, Windows 10, Linux, Windows Server For W ... >>

Battery as part of the body 30.03.2021

Scientists have come up with a battery cell that does not add extra weight to the car, as it is a component of the body. Batteries add quite a lot of extra mass to electric vehicles. But scientists have found a way to fix this: they have created a battery that can also be part of the body of a car. Heavy and bulky batteries are one of the main factors limiting the freedom of movement of electric vehicles - airplanes, cars and drones. Researchers around the world are working to create batteries with the highest possible energy storage density. In 2018, scientists at Chalmers University of Technology published a study that described a new type of carbon fiber with the right arrangement of crystals. This fiber combined the high rigidity required for use as a structural material in an automobile with the ability to store an electrical charge. Now this ... >>

Sounds of nature are good for health 30.03.2021

Scientists from the US analyzed the results of listening to natural sounds and found amazing benefits for human health. As part of the "Synthesizing the Health Benefits of Natural Sounds and Their Distribution in National Parks" study, the team determined that people experienced reduced pain, reduced stress, improved mood, and improved cognition. Water sounds were most effective in enhancing positive emotions and improving health, while bird sounds combat stress and irritation. Specialists carefully studied sound recordings from 251 objects in 66 US national parks. Dozens of Colorado State University students have identified different types of sounds in the recordings, the result of more than a decade of collaboration between CSU and the National Park Service. ... >>

Ring for continuous measurement of arterial pressure 29.03.2021

The ring-shaped Cnap2Go sensor was developed by scientists from Germany and Austria. The device provides continuous monitoring of blood pressure. The development was based on a finger cuff that measures blood pressure by increasing and decreasing pressure on a person's finger. The cuff is equipped with LEDs that record the blood flow using light radiation. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of light absorbed. Heart rate and rhythm are obtained from this indicator by certain calculations. "We get a blood pressure figure for each heartbeat. According to preliminary data, the device's performance is good," the developers say. Instead of LEDs, a rubber container with liquid was inserted into the ring, which provides uniform pressure on the finger and corrective operation of the device, scientists say. The Cnap2Go sensor was tested on 46 volunteers. They measured blood pressure with a ring and in the traditional way. In most cases, the readings match ... >>

Reduced pressure for superconductivity at room temperature 29.03.2021

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester, the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas reduced the pressure required for a material to become superconductive at room temperature. Scientists have been trying for many years to create materials with superconductivity at room temperature. Such a material will create colder electronics and dramatically increase the efficiency of the power grid. Only at the end of last year, the first such material was created - a hydrogen-rich compound, which, when compressed to 267 GPa, became superconducting. And while this feat was a step in the right direction, the need for high pressure made the material impractical for everyday use. In the new work, the same team found a way to drastically reduce the required pressure by changing the previous method - they combined hydrogen with yttrium instead of carbon and sulfur. Previous studies have shown that materials with a high hydrogen content are well suited ... >>

The superposition of an electronic state changed the properties of bremsstrahlung 28.03.2021

Physicists considered the influence of quantum interference on the spectral and spatial properties of bremsstrahlung during electron scattering by atoms and nano-undulators. Their calculations showed that giving the states of incident electrons a superposition shape can affect the directivity and monochromaticity of bremsstrahlung. Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the most successful and precise branch of quantum field theory. It describes the electromagnetic interaction in all its manifestations and processes, the participants of which are mainly electrons, positrons and photons. Most QED effects find their confirmation in particle scattering experiments, be it atomic spectroscopy or elastic collisions. In this case, it is customary to describe the initial and final particles as states with a certain momentum, because, according to quantum mechanics, a particle that flies for a sufficiently long time without interaction (for example, in a spectrograph tube or in an accelerator) tends to ... >>

flower mask 28.03.2021

Dutch designer Marianne do Groot, known online as Marie Bee Bloom, has created a disposable biodegradable protective mask that is a container for germinating flower seeds. The material for such a mask is made from a mixture of rice, water and natural starch. Between layers of biodegradable fabric, Marianne placed flower seeds. These masks cost $3,5 each. “Anyone who uses masks with such a beautiful name will be able to grow flowers on a balcony, in a garden or in a planter in a room without spending money on purchasing seedlings or seeds,” the author of the idea wrote. However, doctors have already warned residents of the country that rice paper has never been tested as a means of personal protection, so it is not clear whether the mask will protect against coronavirus. ... >>

MRI images become clearer 27.03.2021

Physicists have been able to increase the resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images by changing the geometry of the dipoles inside the magnetic coil. The method allows to improve image clarity without changing the characteristics of the MRI machine. MRI allows you to study the internal organs without surgery and without the use of ionizing radiation that is dangerous for the body, as is the case with x-ray tomography. At the same time, MRI also has disadvantages - firstly, the devices for magnetic resonance imaging are extremely expensive, and secondly, the accuracy of the images they produce is not always high. The principle of operation of MRI is based on a radio frequency magnetic field that interacts with hydrogen nuclei. To create a field, phased antenna arrays are used, the elements of which can be dipole antennas. During operation, a connection is formed between the active dipoles, which reduces the efficiency of the entire coil. To prevent this, additional passive dipoles are used. But the latter can spoil ... >>

Finding toxins with mussels 27.03.2021

American scientists have developed a Fitbit water quality detector that monitors mussel activity. When mussels feed, they open their shells, but if there is something harmful in the water, they immediately close. In the new system, the developers observe the behavior of the mussels to determine how often the mussels close their shells, at what speed, and how they coordinate with each other. Specifically, the system uses two inertial measurement units (IMUs) on each mussel. Each of the IMUS includes a magnetometer and an accelerometer: your smartphone probably has these too and monitors its movement from place to place. One IMU is attached to the top shell of the mussel, the other to the bottom. This allows researchers to compare the movement of the halves of the shell relative to each other. In other words, it allows the researchers to determine if the mussel closes its shell accurately. When placed in a natural environment, the data acquisition system is powered by a solar panel and ... >>

Winds on Jupiter three times faster than tornadoes on Earth 26.03.2021

Astronomers for the first time managed to fix stratospheric winds on Jupiter and calculate their speed - it reaches 1450 km / h. Scientists have found an alternative way to measure wind speed. In 1994, the planet Jupiter collided with a comet, as a result of which new molecules appeared in the giant planet's stratosphere, which have remained there since then and are carried by the winds. Astronomers have observed the movement of one type of molecule - hydrogen cyanide - to measure stratospheric "jets". So scientists call narrow bands of wind, similar to wind jets in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists have calculated that the speed of the jets near the poles reached 400 m / s, or 1450 km / h, and this is three times more than the speed of the most powerful tornadoes on Earth. In addition, near the planet's equator, the average speed of stratospheric winds reaches 600 km/h. “Measurements show that the jets can behave like a giant vortex, whose diameter is four times the diameter of the Earth, and the height reaches 900 kilometers. ... >>

Edible food film for products 26.03.2021

A joint team of Indian and Russian scientists has developed and manufactured a prototype of an edible food film for food packaging. This material will be suitable for packaging any food products: from fruits to fish. The film is completely safe for human health, and after disposal, in just a day it will dissolve in water almost completely, without causing any damage to the environment. At the heart of the eco-film is a biopolymer from seaweed. It is also used in the food industry as a thickening agent. It is useful for restoring and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and human skin. Molecules of ferulic acid are added to this component, which is obtained from the products of processing of trees from the Laurel family. In addition, antiviral agents can be added to the composition of the film, which will make it possible to preserve products much longer. By antiviral agents, scientists mean only natural ingredients: ginger and turmeric. Most importantly, for the manufacture of t ... >>

New type of basalt discovered 25.03.2021

An international team of researchers, including the University of Leeds, has discovered a previously unknown form of basalt after drilling through the Pacific Ocean floor. This new type of rock was formed during large and extremely hot volcanic eruptions. The discovery suggests that the eruptions emanating from the Earth's mantle were much more powerful and hot than previously thought. Dr Ivan Savov of the Leeds Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics at the university's School of Earth and Environment, one of the study's authors, said: make a lot of discoveries. The new type of basalt differs from known rocks both in its chemical and mineral composition. And previously its existence was not known for the most part because no new examples were formed over millions of years. As a result, this type of basalt ... >>

Lunar ark for biomaterials 25.03.2021

Each creature - 50 samples: on the moon they want to build an ark with the DNA of millions of species. This ambitious project aims to save humanity - as well as animals, plants and fungi - in the event of a global crisis. Scientists from the University of Arizona (USA) proposed to create a sperm bank on the Moon in case the Earth dies. Researchers want to send samples of the reproductive cells of 6,7 million species of living organisms, including humans, to a natural satellite. The alleged "ark" is planned to be kept under the surface of the moon. As University of Arizona scientist Jekan Thanga said during an aerospace conference of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, today the Earth is unstable due to natural disasters, drought, asteroids and the possibility of nuclear war. Therefore, he believes, it is necessary to preserve life in the variety in which we know it. The repository with biomaterial is supposed to be created in lunar lava tubes - tunnels up to ... >>

A method for spontaneous learning of memristor neural networks has been developed 24.03.2021

A new technology that can improve the learnability of artificial neural networks has been unveiled by an international team of researchers affiliated with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and Tsinghua University in China. The proposed method exploits the "resistance drift" (rise in electrical resistance) of a phase change material in semiconductor memory during training. Information updates are recorded by increasing the electrical resistance in the memristor, which acts as a synapse and additionally takes into account the relationship between the changing template and the training data. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using experimental phase change memristor (PCM) arrays that worked as a neural network. In tests to classify handwritten text consisting of numbers from 0 to 9, such devices showed the effect of improving learning ability by about 3%. In particular, the accuracy of ... >>

Garbage magnet in orbit 24.03.2021

A huge magnet of the ELSA-d spacecraft was launched into Earth's orbit, the task of which is to collect metal space debris. The Japanese-made device was launched into space with the help of a satellite in which it was mounted. In the future, the magnet can become an effective "fighter" with debris. Devices of this type are launched into orbit for the first time. The era of satellite constellations begins. Some of them may break and return to earth, and some may remain in space and develop there, stumbling with other space devices. In addition to adding to the ranks of garbage, this will be a huge risk to the world's population. The weight of the satellite is 200 kilograms. After garbage collection, it will burn in the Earth's atmosphere, and all the data obtained in the future is used to produce a similar "ecosystem" of devices. It is known that the second research launch of the satellite will take place in 2023. The main positive factor of the device is its autonomy. ... >>

Dogs adversely affect the ecology and climate of the planet 23.03.2021

Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles said that dogs affect the ecology and climate of our planet no less than humans. Pets are bad for the environment because they eat too much meat, which releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Scientists estimate that in 2017, approximately 160 million dogs and cats emitted 64 million tons of CO2, which is comparable to the consequences of using 13 million cars in a year. Scientists noted that, depending on where the dog lives, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere can vary. For example, in the Netherlands, a medium-sized dog emits between 4,2 and 17 tons of CO2, while in Japan, a pet of the same size emits 1,5-9,9 tons of CO2. Despite the results of the study, the animal nutrition expert said the situation is not as critical as most pets are fed offal from the food industry. But es ... >>

Mosquitoes weaned from drinking blood 23.03.2021

An international group of scientists has collected and summarized an extensive information base regarding the mosquito genome. This data will help scientists "wean" mosquitoes to drink human blood and thus carry parasites that cause such a dangerous disease as malaria. Having carefully studied all the available material, scientists will be able to find exactly those genes that are responsible in the body of mosquitoes for the transmission from person to person of this most dangerous disease. The study was launched three years ago, and soon experts will be able to use genetics to influence those types of mosquitoes that carry malaria. It is planned that scientists will be able to force them to stop drinking human blood. Or eliminate the possibility of them carrying parasites. Previously, scientists could only operate on one reference genome of one of the mosquito species. Now they have at their disposal the genomes of two more species of malaria pathogens from Africa. In total, more than four hundred varieties of these rats belong to malarial species. ... >>

Sodium-ion batteries 22.03.2021

Today, lithium-ion batteries dominate the market for efficient energy storage systems, but the latest sodium-ion batteries are already poised to replace them in data centers, telecommunications, and home and energy backup systems. Sodium-ion batteries promise to be cheaper, safer and more environmentally friendly than lithium-ion. They do not contain metals and substances hazardous to human health either in the cathodes or in the electrolyte, and the reserves of sodium in the earth's crust are thousands of times greater than those of lithium. The only thing in which sodium-ion batteries are inferior to lithium ones is about half the specific energy storage density. So, if commercial lithium-containing batteries can store an average of 285 Wh / kg, then promising sodium-ion batteries promise up to 140 Wh / kg. But this only means that sodium-ion batteries are unprofitable in small devices such as smartphones, while this is not critical for backup power supplies. For large systems, it is important ... >>

Wasps can recognize each other 22.03.2021

Paper wasps are a very large and widespread group of social insects. By chewing wood, they get paper, from which they build nests for the family, usually from several tens or hundreds of individuals. Their social life is complex and varied, the polists are able to remember and recognize each other "by sight", by details of the head and coloration that are often indistinguishable for us. Moreover, as experiments with American leaflets Polistes fuscatus have shown, this mechanism works for them in the same way as for us. People recognize each other's faces not so much by bright details, but by its appearance as a whole, perceiving the image "holistically". We are unlikely to recognize a single nose or chin even from an old acquaintance, but we can easily notice these features as part of a whole face. Just "holistically", holistically recognize each other and wasps. Scientists from the University of Michigan - conducted experiments with American paper wasps Polistes fuscatus. To begin with, they photographed several individuals, after which ... >>

Highly elastic OLED 21.03.2021

Researchers at Yonsei University in Seoul have developed an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that can be easily stretched to a large extent. The secret is that everything from the substrate and electrodes to the OLED stack is made from flexible materials. The researchers claim this is the first time an OLED has been built from stretchable components. Previous attempts have built on the integration of rigid OLEDs on a stretchable substrate. The elastic components use materials such as silicone rubber, silver nanowires, and newly developed OLED stack materials. All of them were deposited on the substrate in the form of solutions. According to project participants, OLED performance and performance remained good even after 200 cycles of stretching at 40% followed by compression. However, even significant stretching did not lead to damage. It is important that the LED can withstand not only stretching in one direction, but also arbitrary deformations. The researchers were able to ... >>

Reducing the harm from fatty foods 21.03.2021

Eating fatty foods leads to metabolic disorders, aging and other problems. To reduce all these factors, scientists from Sweden came up with an original way. The risk of metabolic disorders can be reduced by lowering the level of apolipoprotein C3. Improper nutrition with the use of a large number of fatty foods leads to the occurrence of diseases of the liver, blood vessels, heart, as well as to the development of diabetes. However, a method has been found to help reduce or even completely eliminate the consequences of eating fatty foods. For a long time, Swedish scientists have been experimenting. For their study, they selected several mice and divided them into two groups. In one group, the rodents were given only fatty foods, while the mice in the second group received healthy foods. As a result, after some time, mice from the first group began to rapidly gain weight, suffered from obesity and other diseases, but after they received a drug to reduce ... >>

Carbon for quantum dots 20.03.2021

Fluorescent semiconductor particles less than 10 nm in diameter, called quantum dots, are used in various medical and electronic technologies. The problem is that easy-to-make carbon-based dots emit less light than those made from toxic and expensive metals. A new study by scientists from the University of Urbana-Champagne (Illinois) shows that not all carbon dots are mediocre sources of radiation. Experts suggest that by choosing only "super-emitters" from them, such a purified population of carbon dots can be proposed as an alternative to quantum dots of toxic metals in many applications. By combining their previously developed absorption scanning tunneling microscope with the capability of femtosecond time resolution, the researchers were able to detect quantum dots in an excited state for the first time. "We found that in large populations, approximately 20% of carbon nanodots are ideal ... >>

Mean Well Fanless Digital Power Supply PHP-3500 20.03.2021

Mean Well has developed a line of powerful PHP-3500 IPs, built entirely on digital circuitry, which has made it possible to achieve high performance and rich functional richness. 3,5 kW output power, high efficiency (96%), programmable (controlled) outputs and fanless design. To increase power (if necessary), the power supply can be connected in parallel according to the 3 + 1 scheme and, in the limit, create a power system up to 14 kW. IP control protocol - PMBus (default) or CAN (optional, on request). To operate the IP at full power, water cooling is required. To do this, you can order a special metal base with a pressed copper tube (HS-656) or purchase a similar one from an external supplier. The new series has a compact size (380x141x60 mm), power factor correction, remote on-off, output voltage presence signal (DC Ok), thermal protection trip signal and additional (auxiliary) output voltage. ... >>

Background music interferes with creativity 19.03.2021

Background music, contrary to popular belief, does not improve, but worsens a person's creative abilities. This conclusion was made by researchers from Sweden and the UK. They asked the study participants to complete a series of tasks with words that required a creative approach. As it turned out, background music significantly impaired people's verbal abilities. It did not matter whether the participants liked the music or what genres they listened to. At the same time, the researchers found that in the library, where there is also background noise, the participants in the experiment coped with creative tasks as well as in complete silence. Renowned psychologist John Marsh claims that this can be explained by the fact that the background noise in the library is stable and doesn't change, meaning it doesn't interfere much. ... >>

Ultra Low Gravity Measurement 19.03.2021

Precise experiments made it possible to measure the attraction between objects with a mass of only 0,09 grams and showed that Newton's law also applies at this level. It has been known since the time of Isaac Newton that the force of gravitational attraction between a pair of objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. The general theory of relativity, which appeared at the beginning of the 90th century, which considers gravity as geometric deformations of space-time, more accurately describes the behavior of massive topics on astronomical scales. But how gravity behaves on the opposite side of the scale, at the level of elementary particles, is unknown. Even tests of Newtonian formulas are carried out, as a rule, with objects with a mass of the order of kilograms and grams: their gravity is so small that it is extremely difficult to measure it. Recently, however, the team of Tobias Westphal of the Austrian Academy of Sciences was able to do this work for gold spheres as small as XNUMX milligrams, ... >>

Hydrogel for flexible electronics 18.03.2021

In the field of robotics, metals have advantages such as strength, durability, and electrical conductivity. But they are heavy and rigid, properties that are undesirable in soft and flexible laptop and human-machine interface systems. On the other hand, hydrogels are lightweight, stretchable, and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for making contact lenses and tissue engineering scaffolds. However, they are poor conductors of electricity, which is essential for digital circuits and bioelectronics applications. Researchers at the Soft Machines Lab at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a unique silver-hydrogel composite that is highly electrically conductive and able to conduct direct current while maintaining soft pliability and deformability. The team placed micrometer-sized silver flakes in a polyacrylamide-alginate hydrogel matrix. After passing through the process of partial dehydration, the flakes formed percolation ... >>

A simple adapter will turn ordinary headphones into smart ones 18.03.2021

Engineers at Rutgers University (USA) have developed an adapter that helps make "smart" touch sensors out of ordinary headphones that can identify users, track their heart rate and perform other tasks. The device, dubbed HeadFi, is a small adapter that connects regular headphones and a smartphone. Unlike smart headphones, conventional headphones do not have sensors. HeadFi will allow users not to spend money on special "smart" headphones to use touch functions: they can now be "embedded" in regular headphones. When connected to HeadFi, the converted headphones can recognize and play music at the same time. HeadFi can achieve 97,2 to 99,5 percent accuracy in user identification, 96,8 to 99,2 percent in heart rate monitoring, and 97,7 to 99,3 percent in gesture recognition. ... >>

Artificial muscle fiber steak 17.03.2021

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have created an artificial steak: in the laboratory, they managed to grow the muscle fibers of cows. Prior to this, artificial meat was created only in the form of minced meat. The new product, according to scientists, when cooked, tastes almost the same as natural. The specialists managed to grow a sample of muscle tissue with a size of 1 cm2 and a thickness of several millimeters. The head of the study noted that at this stage the result is more like liquid minced meat than natural fibers, but when cooked, it tastes almost impossible to distinguish from real beef. To grow artificial meat, the scientists used a technique that is used in regenerative medicine to restore lost muscle tissue: it is done by growing thin layers of muscle from stem cells on a special basis inside the body. Japanese biotechnologists used the same approach for planted on a polymer hydrogel-based culture of stv ... >>

Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon motherboard 17.03.2021

Gigabyte Technology has officially unveiled the Z590 Aorus Tachyon motherboard for 10th/11th generation Intel Core processors. Its target audience is the masters of the overclocker shop. Especially for them, a 12-phase power supply system is provided, based on a combination of an Intersil ISL69269 PWM controller and 100-amp Vishay SiC840 DrMOS, as well as a number of useful "chips" for extreme overclocking. The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Tachyon motherboard, as you might guess, uses the top Intel Z590 chipset. It belongs to Extended ATX format solutions, equipped with two slots for DDR4 RAM, a pair of PCI Express 4.0 x16 slots (x16/x0 or x8/x8) and two PCI-E 3.0 x16, however, they work in x4 and x1 modes. There are eight SATA 6 Gb / s ports and two M.2 connectors for connecting drives, one of which supports PCI-E 4.0 x4 (when working with Rocket Lake-S processors). The sound subsystem is based on the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec. Networking capabilities ... >>

Photocells for indoor use 16.03.2021

Scottish scientists have developed organic photovoltaic cells that turn indoor light into electricity. The new technology was proposed by scientists from the University of Strathclyde and the University of St. Andrews. Scientists have designed and manufactured organic photovoltaic cells from plastic-like materials similar to those used in smartphone OLED displays. The result is photocells that allow stable and efficient conversion of indoor light into electricity. The new solar panel captures light energy and simultaneously provides high-speed visible light communication (VLC) using a MIMO technique that increases the channel bandwidth. Four photocells made of plastic-like materials were combined into a panel, during the experiments it demonstrated the ability to provide wireless optical communication at a speed of 363 Mbps, while simultaneously producing 11 MWh of electricity. Use as a source of information ... >>

In a hot air balloon - into the stratosphere 16.03.2021

Space Perspective has agreed to lease a space and provide pre-flight preparation services at the Kosmodrome. Kennedy in Florida. They are not competitors to SpaceX or other private space companies - Space Perspective is engaged in balloon flights into the stratosphere. More precisely, they are just about to make their first flight and immediately with commercial passengers on board. The startup was launched back in 2013 by Taber McCallum and Jane Pointer. The very first experiments showed that they were far from building a large balloon, so in the following years the company launched small balloons with various souvenirs as part of the popularization of the idea. The most significant was an advertising contract with KFC to launch a chicken sandwich into the stratosphere. And now Space Perspective says they are ready to send people flying. The announcement uses the term "flight to the edge of space" and gives a value of 100 feet (about 000 km). However, according to the generally accepted interpretation, space begins three times ... >>

Metabolism fast and slow 15.03.2021

Scientists at the University of Mississippi in the United States investigated the factors that affect the metabolic rate in the human body. It is known that many people who complain about their metabolism mean that they are not burning enough calories. It is believed that the body of people with a fast metabolism spends more energy on certain physiological tasks, and with a slow one - less. The metabolic process is not as simple as it is commonly believed. There are many factors that affect the rate of metabolic processes. Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that keep the human body alive. This process performs three main functions: the extraction of energy from food, the synthesis of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, and the release of metabolic products. All of these functions require energy. Calories expended on providing basic processes in the body are referred to as "basic metabolism". However, a person is not at rest all the time. Scientists ... >>

New bonding material for batteries 15.03.2021

The Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology presents the results of a new study that promises a breakthrough in battery development. A new binder material developed by the Japanese shows a more efficient charge retention. Compared to the current performance of lithium-ion batteries, future battery systems can power electric vehicles and smartphones at a higher level. There are many moving parts inside a battery. Each of these contributes to a decrease in performance. And now, the work carried out by scientists at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is focused on such an important component of the battery structure as a binder material between the electrodes and electrolyte. The bonding material plays an important role in protecting the battery's graphite anode, one of the two system electrodes. The binder material holds the particles together and keeps them in contact with the current collector. The currently used link ... >>

Silicon Carbide MOSFET CoolSiC Series 14.03.2021

Drawing on a wealth of experience and know-how in the field of power electronics, Infineon introduces the CoolSiC MOSFET, a revolutionary technology that can dramatically improve device performance. Compared to traditional silicon-based switches such as IGBTs and MOSFETs, silicon carbide (SiC) FETs offer significant advantages. CoolSiC devices are available in 1700, 1200 and 650V voltages. They are ideal for applications such as solar inverters, energy storage systems, electric drives, various battery chargers and key power supplies. Silicon carbide transistors combine excellent performance, reliability and ease of use in development. CoolSiC technology significantly increases the efficiency and reliability of new power electronics devices. ... >>

Programmable photonic quantum chip 14.03.2021

A team of researchers and engineers at Canadian company Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., working with the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, has developed a programmable, scalable photonic quantum chip that can run multiple algorithms. Engineers around the world are working to create a truly useful quantum computer that can perform calculations that traditional computers would take millions of years to complete. To date, most such efforts have been focused on two main architectures - based on superconducting electrical circuits and based on trapped ion technology. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and both must operate in a supercooled environment, making them difficult to scale. Less attention is paid to work based on the photon approach to building a quantum computer. This approach is considered less feasible due to the problems associated with the generation of quantum states, as well as with the transformation ... >>

Artificial sun against viruses 13.03.2021

The project of an artificial sun was presented by the social design laboratory of the Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. It will be able to disinfect public spaces using ultraviolet radiation. Urban Sun uses a shorter wavelength type of ultraviolet that can kill viruses, according to Dezeen. Artist Daan Roosegaarde is convinced that thanks to the artificial sun, any venue can be quickly prepared for mass events. "We can clear a space of viruses by 99,9 percent in minutes, regardless of the weather and location. Therefore, the likelihood of infection is greatly reduced," says the artist. The artificial sun project was created by scientists and designers from the USA, the Netherlands, Japan and Italy. They used a 2018 study from Columbia University and the University of Hiroshima. Scientists say that ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm is safe for humans, but at the same time ... >>

18GB SK Hynix LPDDR5 chip 13.03.2021

South Korean firm SK Hynix announced the start of mass production of LPDDR5 chips with a record volume of 18 GB. These chips are designed for use in mobile devices, such as the upcoming ASUS ROG Phone 5 gaming smartphone. The effective frequency of 18 GB SK Hynix LPDDR5 chips is 6400 MHz, which is about 20% higher than currently used solutions. The LPDDR5 (Low Power Double Data Rate 5) RAM standard was approved by the JEDEC committee in February 2019 and allows the release of chips up to 32 GB. This type of RAM is used in mobile devices like smartphones, tablets and ultrabooks. According to Omdia, an analytics company, LPDDR5 chips now account for 10% of the total mobile DRAM market, and by 2023 this figure will be more than 50%. ... >>

Sony IMX661 large format CMOS image sensor 12.03.2021

Sony has announced the upcoming release of the IMX661 large format image sensor. It is a CMOS type sensor with a diagonal size of 56,73mm and an effective resolution of 13 x 400 pixels (9528MP) is the highest in the industry. The global shutter sensor is designed for industrial applications. The pixel size is 127,68 µm. The optical format of the sensor is 3,45 inches. In terms of area and resolution, the IMX3,6 is nearly 661 times larger than the "conventional image sensors" of the 10-inch optical format, mainly used in C-mount industrial cameras. Pregius proprietary global shutter technology allows you to capture moving objects without distortion. In addition, the sensor's original configuration and high-speed interface enable image capture at up to four times the speed of "conventional sensors". More specifically, a 1,1 MP image with a 127,68-bit data representation can be read 10 times per ... >>

The world may go coal-free 12.03.2021

The UN Secretary-General believes that the world can move away from coal in three stages and focus on the development of clean energy sources. G7 members may announce a phase-out of dependence on coal for electricity at the June 2021 summit. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres shared his hopes for this at a meeting organized by Britain and Canada on the use of coal in the energy sector. Guterres has said it's time for the world to move away from coal, which he considers "the dirtiest fossil fuel in the world." Which, moreover, constantly rises in price. He is convinced that mines need to be closed, not forgetting to provide jobs for employees of power plants and miners. They can find a job if the world develops renewable energy sources. The head of the United Nations emphasized that every fifth death in the world is associated with environmental pollution, the cause of which is the use of fossil fuels. He considers, ... >>

Durable Hitachi Zosen Batteries 11.03.2021

Hitachi Zosen has introduced the world's most capacious solid state lithium batteries. Such batteries are not afraid of freezing to very low temperatures and are less flammable than traditional lithium batteries on a liquid electrolyte. Hitachi Zosen developers have succeeded in increasing the capacity of solid-state batteries by seven times, which is a world record. Last year, Hitachi Zosen began small-scale production of 140mAh solid-state lithium batteries. This is much less than wet lithium batteries provide, but Hitachi Zosen batteries promise to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 120°C. Such a range "kills" conventional lithium batteries and does not allow them to claim the role of batteries in the aerospace industry and in industrial equipment. The only disadvantage of solid-state batteries is an order of magnitude lower charge density. Fortunately, Hitachi Zosen continues to develop and recently introduced a new ... >>

Childhood addiction to social media leads to overeating 11.03.2021

Children of nine or ten years old, who spend a lot of time on social networks, begin to eat too much. Scientists analyzed the behavior of more than 11 thousand children, who were observed in 2016-2019. The researchers analyzed the time that children spend on social networks and in front of TVs, how much they correspond in instant messengers, etc. Parents were also asked about the behavior of their children. According to research, every hour spent on social media increases the likelihood that a child will overeat in the next year by 62%. We are talking about short periods when a person experiences an attack of overeating. Watching videos increases this risk by 39%. This eating disorder can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Scientists note that the reasons for this may be different: food advertising on the Internet, lack of control while on social networks or when watching a movie, etc. ... >>

Farming fish on the moon 10.03.2021

Fertilized eggs are able to survive the journey, and water can be found on the moon. Biologists are now testing fish candidates that can supplement the diet of the inhabitants of the lunar village. As part of a project called Lunar Hatch, experts are simulating the impact of vibrations and g-forces during a space launch on fertilized fish eggs. Caviar of two species - sea bass (Dicentrus labrax) and croaker (Argyrosomus regius) - survived loads that simulate the start. Meanwhile, NASA confirmed last October that there is water on the moon's sunlit surface, and not just in the deep, permanently shadowed south pole craters, as previously thought. Thus, the creation of a fish farm on the Moon no longer looks like a fantasy. Farming fish on the moon will provide astronauts with essential amino acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin B12, as well as an alternative to unattractive freeze-dried foods. NASA intends to send people to the moon by 2024, and the European ... >>

Gaming OLED TV LG OLED 48CX TV 10.03.2021

The Korean company LG presented a new TV OLED 48CX TV, which is positioned as an ideal solution for working as part of gaming systems. The novelty received a 48-inch matrix on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) with a resolution of 4K 3840 x 2160 pixels with support for high dynamic range HDR. The novelty supports Nvidia G-Sync adaptive synchronization technology, which allows you to get rid of tearing and make the gameplay as smooth and dynamic as possible. At the heart of the TV is a proprietary Alpha 9 Gen 3 processor that delivers the latest in gaming technology and picture enhancement features, including higher frame rates, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). The matrix response time is 1 ms. The LG OLED 48CX supports Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants. ... >>

Ion-optical quantum microscope sees individual atoms 09.03.2021

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a new ion-optical microscope that uses quantum effects to create images of individual atoms. Note that in recent years, scientists have created many variants of the so-called gas quantum microscopes, but their resolution allows you to consider objects with a size of about 0,5 micrometers. This is enough to be able to consider isolated groups of atoms, and now German researchers have pushed the boundaries of human visual perception to the level of individual atoms. The key component of the new microscope is the so-called electrostatic lens, through which and on the surface of which charged particles such as electrons and ions can move. Electrostatic lenses work similarly to conventional lenses used in conventional cameras and phone cameras. But if ordinary lenses refract and focus light due to the curvature of their surface, then electr ... >>

Jupiter doesn't revolve around the sun 09.03.2021

The earth revolves around the sun. Mars revolves around the sun. Venus, Mercury, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn too. The Moon and the International Space Station revolve around the Earth. But with the giant planet Jupiter, everything is somewhat more complicated. When in outer space a less massive body revolves around a more massive one, the light does not describe perfect circles around the center of the heavy. In fact, both rotate, and the center of this rotation is the center of mass of both bodies. If the difference in mass is very large - as, for example, between our planet and the Sun - then the center of mass is located inside a more massive body, at a negligibly small distance from its geometric center. But if the mass of two bodies is comparable, then the center of mass can also be located in space outside both bodies. The mass of Jupiter is 2,5 times the mass of all other objects in the solar system. The mass of Jupiter is 1 kg, and the mass of the Sun is 898 kg, with the difference sun ... >>

Power supplies Dark Power 12 08.03.2021

The range of power supplies from the German company be quiet! has replenished with a line of Dark Power 12 devices. This series has occupied a niche for Dark Power Pro 12 and is represented by models with a nominal value of 750, 850 and 1000 W. All boast 80 Plus Titanium energy efficiency certification (up to 96% efficiency on 230V), a 10-year manufacturer's warranty and a modular cable management system. The maximum load on 12-volt lines is from 744 W (62 A) to 996 W (83 A) depending on the rating of the power supply. It is worth noting the presence of the Overclocking Key switch, which allows you to combine four "virtual" +12 V lines into one heavy-duty channel, which will interest fans of sports overclocking. A 12 mm Silent Wings 135 fan with a frameless design is responsible for cooling the "stuffing" of the Dark Power Pro 3 blocks. The noise level of the older model, according to the manufacturer, does not exceed 25,8 dBA. Overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent protection systems are provided ... >>

DC/DC converters TEQ 20/40WIR 08.03.2021

TRACO has expanded its TEQ/WIR chassis-mounted DC/DC converter family for railroad and industrial applications with the TEQ 20WIR and TEQ 40WIR series. The expansion took place in the direction of decreasing power. At the moment, in addition to 100/160/200/300 W converters, 40 and 20 W products have become available. The transducers have a 4:1 wide input (9...36; 18...75; 43...160 V), operate in an extended temperature range of -40...92/93°C and meet the requirements of EN 50155, and for EMC they meet the requirements of class B without additional components. The product line includes models with a bipolar output for + -12, + -15 and + -24 V. The products implement protection against short circuit, overheating, overvoltage and undervoltage (UVLO). The converters are recommended to be used in a wide temperature range in various critical applications where high reliability of the power supply system is important. ... >>

Rivian frost-resistant electric vehicles 07.03.2021

Most modern electric vehicles lose some of the traction battery charge after prolonged exposure to frost. Manufacturers recommend leaving them plugged into a power outlet in such conditions, but this is not always possible. Rivian developed its own approach to heating traction batteries, which was tested in -40 degrees below zero. Pre-series samples of pickups were sent for testing to the border with Canada, where the site has freezers that allow vehicles to be tested at temperatures of minus XNUMX degrees Celsius. Many automakers are trying to equip their EVs and hybrids with optional electric battery heaters that either use their own charge or are powered by a wall outlet. Rivian also sacrifices part of the traction battery charge for its own heating in such conditions, but does not use additional heaters. The company's engineers managed to teach the electric motor and inverter to generate heat ... >>

PlayStation VR headset for PS5 07.03.2021

Sony has announced work on a next-generation VR headset for the PlayStation 5 console. The PlayStation VR team has built up a lot of experience since the launch of the headset on PS4 and promises to provide the ultimate immersive experience in the new development. Improvements will be made to all components of the system, including screens with higher resolution and field of view, new input devices and the overall usability of the helmet. You only need one cable to connect to your PS5, simplifying setup and delivering high quality images. Separately, it is said about the virtual reality controller, which will include some of the key features of the DualSense wireless controller, as well as pay special attention to ergonomics. For at least another year, the PlayStation VR headset of the first revision will continue to be the current VR solution for PS5 and PS4. Despite its age by industry standards (it was released in 2016), Sony continues to actively support PSVR and is ready to ... >>

energy from the ear 06.03.2021

Experts have discovered a new power source, which is convenient because it is always near you and never runs out of power. Moreover, you yourself are such a source of nutrition, or rather, your inner ear. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology were able to learn how to turn the cochlea of ​​the inner ear of mammals into a source, albeit a small one, but still energy. The cochlea is a tube coiled and filled with liquid. It is with its help that all mammals perceive sounds, and a small amount of energy is produced in it. For example, a guinea pig snail is capable of generating an electric current of up to 28 milliamps, and a voltage of 30 to 55 volts. In order to collect information about the electricity generated by the guinea pig's snail, experts designed a special chip measuring 9 by 11 millimeters. This little device ran on the energy generated by the inner ear for 5 hours. ... >>

Smart soft material 06.03.2021

Engineers at China's Southeast University have printed liquid metal circuits on a single piece of soft polymer, creating a smart material that twists under pressure or mechanical stress. Ideally, soft robots could mimic the intelligent and autonomous behaviors of nature — such as the sudden collapse of a Venus flytrap plant — by combining sensation and controlled movement. But technically, this can be difficult to accomplish: it is necessary to build sensors and moving parts into the robot, use an external computer. A one-piece design is required that responds to environmental stimuli such as mechanical pressure or stretch. Liquid metals could be a solution, and some scientists have already explored their use in soft robots. These materials can be used to create thin, flexible circuits in soft materials, and these circuits can quickly generate heat when an electrical current is generated - either from an electrical source. ... >>

The computer will write any term paper 05.03.2021

American researchers have found that artificial intelligence can write a term paper for students in just 20 minutes. The quality of such work will be sufficient to close the subject. During the experiment, the researchers asked students to write papers on various topics: US history, law, research, and creativity. In addition to students, the same work was written by the algorithm. On average, the AI ​​called GPT-3 scored "satisfactory" for all essays. The algorithm coped best with works on US history and law - only one student was able to write a legal text with a higher score. But about the vaccine against COVID-19, artificial intelligence wrote the worst. The findings of the researchers say that the algorithm wrote shallow, less descriptive compared to human texts. But it took people much longer to get the job done than GPT-3. On average, students completed the task in 3 days. In general, teachers' feedback on the work of the algorithm and ... >>

Apples are good for the brain 05.03.2021

Apples in the human diet can improve brain function. Experts from the University of Queensland and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases have found that apples in the human diet can improve brain function. Scientists isolated stem cells from the brains of adult mice and added quercetin or 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, phytonutrients found in apples, to them. The researchers concluded that the high concentration of phytonutrients in apples stimulate the formation of new neurons - neurogenesis. ... >>

Huawei smart home 04.03.2021

Huawei unveiled its first comprehensive smart home project at MWC Shanghai 2021 in China. The 550 m2 house includes a living room, kitchen, office, home gym, entertainment room and garage. The smart home is a key component in Huawei's strategy to build the Seamless AI Life ecosystem of device interactions. The project integrates technologies such as Huawei HiLink, HarmonyOS and Huawei HiCar, and uses an AI-based voice assistant to control smart home systems. The user only needs to say a few words to turn on the voice assistant and activate the "Return Home" mode, in which the smart home system will start the air purifier, turn on the lights, and the curtains will automatically close. The smart home kitchen is equipped with household appliances running HarmonyOS. Connecting to them is provided with one touch of a smartphone. Recipes are loaded into the steamer, blender and other kitchen devices, thanks to which cooking becomes ... >>

Magnetic nanomaterial to protect securities from counterfeiting 04.03.2021

An international team of scientists has developed a new composite nanomaterial based on iron, cobalt and nickel with controlled magnetic properties. The resulting material can be used to protect money and securities from counterfeiting. Currency falsification is becoming more and more difficult every year, and all thanks to modern science and new, complex composite materials Today, the development of technologies for the synthesis of new magnetic nanomaterials with improved and controlled functional properties are promising areas of research. Due to nanosize and, accordingly, special electrical and magnetic properties, such materials have the potential to be used from mobile electronic devices to space technologies, where special requirements are imposed on materials in terms of the quality and size of products made from them. To obtain a magnetic nanomaterial based on the iron-cobalt-nickel ternary system, the technology of chemical deposition was used, followed by reduction. ... >>

The Gulf Stream slowed down due to global warming 03.03.2021

Scientists have found that significant changes have taken place in the system of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, which bring heat to the territory of Europe. We are talking not only about the current along the eastern coast of North America, but also about the entire system of Atlantic currents associated with it, affecting the northwestern coast of Africa, Western Europe, Scandinavia, the Barents Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. A study in the journal Nature Geoscience shows that the Gulf Stream has slowed to record levels over the past millennium. Experts called the slowdown in the current sharp, as it happened contrary to all forecasts. At the same time, researchers associate this phenomenon with global climate change on the planet. Stefan Ramstorf from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research believes that the reason is anthropogenic influence on nature. Over the past hundred years, the speed of the Gulf Stream has decreased by 15%. This has already affected the weather, in particular leading to more frequent heat waves in the south of Europe. ... >>

Ulefone External IR Camera 03.03.2021

Ulefone has introduced an external infrared night vision camera that can be used by any smartphone equipped with a USB-C connector. A video was also published showing the accessory in operation. Ulefone's new night vision camera uses a Sony STARVIS IMX307 photosensitive CMOS image sensor (1920 x 1080 pixels resolution). It allows you to take high-quality photos and videos even in low light conditions. The developers claim that the accessory is useful for those who love hiking, hunting, outdoor recreation, wildlife observation and so on. The camera is equipped with a lens with a viewing angle of 116°. Thanks to four infrared LEDs, the camera allows you to take clear photos at a distance of up to 5 meters in absolute darkness. You can control the camera using a special Ulefone application. There are also several buttons on the USB cable that allow you to easily control the camera without touching your smartphone. The price of the novelty is 70 dollars. ... >>

Modular Framework Laptop 02.03.2021

San Francisco-based startup Framework has developed a thin, light, and powerful laptop that can be "upgraded, customized and repaired like no other laptop." Framework founder Nirav Patel previously worked at Oculus and Apple and became frustrated with consumer technology companies. According to him, consumer electronics companies depend on the constant production of products and their promotion to consumers. But this approach encourages waste and inefficiency, and ultimately damages the environment. One way to deal with this situation is the new Framework Laptop. Its concept in many ways resembles the approach to desktop systems. The laptop supports the ability to replace components and upgrades. Developers see Framework Laptop not just as a specific product, but as an entire ecosystem. In the basic version, the laptop is equipped with a 13,5-inch display with a resolution of 2256x1504 pixels and a processor ... >>

Photosphere temperature of red supergiants measured 02.03.2021

Scientists at the University of Tokyo in Japan have for the first time accurately measured the temperature of the photosphere of red supergiants. Red supergiants are the brightest, shortest-lived, and largest stars in the universe. Usually, at the end of their lives, they explode as a supernova, but astronomers cannot yet predict exactly when this will happen. This is due to the fact that scientists until recently could not determine the exact temperature of the photosphere of these stars - the lower layer of their atmosphere, in which most of the star's radiation is produced. To measure the temperature of a red supergiant, it is necessary to find clearly visible parts of the star's photosphere, the emission spectrum of which was not affected by the upper layers of their atmosphere. In addition, there is no one specific absorption line that would unambiguously indicate the surface temperature of such stars. Thus, astronomers determined the temperature of the photosphere of ten nearby red supergiants with an accuracy of 30-70 kelvins. In particular, for Betelgeuse it is 334 ... >>

Communication with sleepers 01.03.2021

New scientific experiments have demonstrated the ability to ask questions to a person in a lucid dream - and even get the right answers to them. Some special techniques and mental states allow you to experience lucid dreams, in which a person understands that he is in a dream, and can even control its content. This is a very curious phenomenon that opens up completely unique possibilities for studying sleep. Scientists have been able to demonstrate that a connection can be established between a lucid dreamer and the real world. Until now, such contacts have remained one-way: having plunged into a lucid dream, people could communicate this with eye movements or perform a prearranged task. But recently a connection has been shown in both directions: people heard the questions of the experimenters and answered them while remaining in a dream. The work involved several teams of scientists from Europe and the United States under the leadership of Ken Paller (Ken ... >>

Samsung ISOCELL GN2 image sensor 01.03.2021

Samsung Electronics has unveiled a new flagship image sensor for smartphones. The 50-megapixel ISOCELL GN2 is the successor to last year's ISOCELL GN1. Although the resolution of the novelty has been preserved, it brings a number of improvements in other parameters, including larger pixels and faster autofocus. The 1/1,12-inch sensor has a pixel size of 1,4 micrometers. As the manufacturer promises, the new sensor provides high-quality photos up to 100 megapixels, improved Dual Pixel Pro autofocus, HDR and Smart ISO Pro, depending on lighting conditions. In poor light conditions, the sensor can use 4 pixels as a single 2,8 micrometer. In 100MP mode, the sensor re-arranges the pixels to create three separate 50MP layers in green, red and blue. These frames are then scaled and combined to produce a single 100MP photo. Dual Pixel Pro technology delivers ... >>

Contraceptive pills affect memory 28.02.2021

The memory of women who take birth control pills: changes under their influence. They remember the essence of emotionally rich events better, but forget the details. Such features of memory are usually more characteristic of men. They remember the essence of emotionally rich events better, but forget the details. Such features of memory are usually more characteristic of men. Over 100 million women around the world take oral contraceptives. Scientists at the University of California, who over the past 10 years have studied the characteristics of the memory of both sexes, decided to find out how birth control pills affect memories. They conducted an experiment in which women were shown pictures of their mother, son, and a car accident, and told a story about a boy who was hit by a car. After some time, scientists checked what the participants in the experiment remembered. Women taking birth control pills remembered key events such as an accident, transportation of an injured ... >>

Wind Turbine Challenergy Resistant to High Winds 28.02.2021

The Japanese company Challenergy has developed turbines for power generation that can withstand wind speeds of up to 40 m/s versus 25 m/s found in conventional blade-type generators. Structurally, the turbines of the Magnus VAWT family have the following feature - due to wind energy, not the blades rotate, but vertically oriented cylinders with higher dynamic stability. The classic solution with blades allows you to work safely in the wind speed range from 4 to 25 m/s, at higher speeds the rotation stops to prevent damage to the installation. Six months ago, Challenergy launched a 10 kW experimental wind turbine on an island in Japan. The service life of the turbine is twenty years, it will allow supplying the surrounding area with electricity, regardless of external sources. A similar power plant will appear in the Philippines, and its installation and purchase will be partially subsidized by the Japanese government. ... >>

Thermites for biofuel production 27.02.2021

Wheat straw is a potential source of biofuels and commercial chemicals. But before straw can be turned into useful products in biorefineries, the polymers that make it up must be broken down into building blocks. In order to convert straw into bio-raw materials, it is first necessary to break down lignin, a particularly strong polymer in straw. Microbes from the intestines of certain termite species can do the job. In straw and other dried plant material, the three main polymers - cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin - are woven into a complex three-dimensional structure. The first two polymers are polysaccharides that can be broken down into sugars and then turned into fuel in bioreactors. Lignin, on the other hand, is an aromatic polymer that can be converted into useful industrial chemicals. Fungal enzymes can degrade lignin, which is the most difficult of the three to degrade. ... >>

Cold is good for training 27.02.2021

Physical activity is an indispensable means of combating both general health and overweight. Understanding the intricacies of such a struggle becomes especially relevant in a world that is undergoing a virtual transformation, when many are switching to remote work. At the same time, consciousness goes into the virtual space, and the body firmly sticks to the sofa and sometimes does not leave this familiar place for weeks. Winter is the time when you can effectively deal with the fat that grows from such a lifestyle. This was found out by Canadian researchers from Laurentian University, in the province of Ontario. Scientists did not force the participants in the experiment to perform any exhausting exercises. All you had to do was to pedal the exercise bike at maximum speed ten times a minute in the evening, and then rest for a minute and a half. Moreover, the speed was determined exactly - by oxygen consumption, respectively, 90 and 30% of the peak value previously identified in the laboratory for each participant. quarter hour ... >>

Nanocatalyst on orange peel 26.02.2021

An international team of scientists has created a catalyst by simple mixing in a special mill, without solvents and other additional substances. The basis was the orange peel, which was previously ground. It was placed in the mill chamber, anhydrous form of zinc acetate and 18 steel balls with a diameter of 1 cm were added. The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes at a frequency of 350 rpm, then heated at a temperature of 2 degrees for 200 hours. The orange peel collected zinc acetate on its surface and helped form transition compounds. During firing, it was partially removed from the mixture - zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained. After that, using a mill, the zinc oxide nanoparticles were combined with particles containing niobium so that the metal concentration in the final catalyst was from 2,5 to 10%. The effect of the nanocatalyst was tested by scientists using the example of the conversion of levulinic acid into nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The concentration in which 10% particles with niobium and 90% nanoparticles ... >>

Everyone has their own reality 26.02.2021

A new experiment in the field of quantum physics has demonstrated a startling idea that was previously expressed only in the framework of the theory. It turned out that under the right conditions, two people can observe the same event with different results - and both will be right. According to a study published on ArXiv, physicists at Heriot-Watt University have demonstrated for the first time how two people can experience a "different reality" by recreating a classic speculative experiment from quantum physics in practice. The experiment involves two people who observe the same photon - the smallest quantitative unit of light, which under different conditions can exhibit the properties of both a wave and a particle. A photon can exist in one of these two states, but before anyone can measure it, it is in a so-called "superposition" - that is, both conditions are met at the same time. As part of a thought experiment, one scientist calmly analyzes ... >>

Holographic buttons for contactless control of equipment 25.02.2021

Specialists of the Japanese company Murakami have developed holographic buttons for non-contact control of equipment. They are supposed to be used in public toilets so that a person comes into less contact with surfaces. The development works on the principle of touch displays, however, in this case, the image is not displayed on the surface, but is projected in the air. To press the button, you only need to touch it in the air, that is, there is no need to contact the surface. It is known that the hologram itself is projected by means of a special light source and a large number of mirrors. Recognition, in turn, is carried out thanks to infrared sensors. It is assumed that holographic buttons can be implemented even in ordinary doors to avoid touching the handles. ... >>

Hard drives with FC-MAMR technology 25.02.2021

Toshiba has announced the release of the MG09 hard drive series. The series includes drives with a capacity of 16 and 18 TB. These are the world's first mass-produced hard drives that use a local energy effect on the media using a microwave field. We are talking about proprietary technology Flux Control - Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording (FC-MAMR), which made it possible to increase the density of conventional magnetic recording (CMR) up to 2 TB per platter. Since nine platters can be installed in the third-generation helium-filled containment area, the total HDD capacity reaches 18 TB. The platters themselves are manufactured by Showa Denko KK (SDK), a longtime partner of Toshiba. Each aluminum plate has a thickness of 0,635 mm and a recording density of about 1,5 Tbit/sq. inch. The essence of the FC-MAMR technology lies in the local heating of the nanodomains of the magnetic layer of the plates by microwave radiation, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the recording area of ​​each bit of information while maintaining ... >>

Geospatial Intelligence 24.02.2021

In the United States, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) is being created, which will monitor everything that happens on the territory of the country and opponents: from people and their movements to places and objects on the surface of the Earth. In US government and military circles, they believe that the GEOINT system will help the country regain the technological superiority lost after the end of the Cold War and improve economic performance. GEOINT includes all sorts of information about people, places and objects on the Earth's surface, and has a wide range of applications from mapping to mineral exploration and commercial logistics, but is especially valuable for military users seeking to understand the actions of potential adversaries. But even today, according to Lauren Thompson, chief operating officer of the Lexington Institute, there is a threat that this project will not be carried out in the form in which its creators plan. This is due to the fact that foreign companies invest their ... >>

Huawei Pig Farm 24.02.2021

The president of Huawei's machine vision division, announced a new development of the company, which concerns animal husbandry. We are talking about an intelligent software and hardware platform for breeding pigs. The system consists of many components: the so-called "dashboard" for monitoring, software for analyzing the collected data, and a digital control panel. The platform widely uses artificial intelligence - for object and image recognition, learning, forecasting and decision making. Full automation of the process provides for the presence of robots, which, if necessary, can be connected remotely. Back in October last year, Huawei announced its AI-based 5G program for pig farms at a forum in China on the application of advanced technologies in animal husbandry, and now the system seems to be ready for operation. ... >>

D-Link DCS-8325LH Cloud Wireless Camera 23.02.2021

D-Link has introduced a new DCS-8325LH cloud-based Full HD wireless camera with support for artificial intelligence technologies. The device is designed for round-the-clock remote audio and video monitoring in home and office video surveillance systems. The DCS-8325LH is equipped with intelligent video analytics to reduce false alarms, and a human body detection mode to ignore indoor pets. The camera has a high degree of image detail - 1080p up to 30 frames / s. It has wide viewing angles: horizontally 126°, diagonally 151° and allows for round-the-clock video surveillance in conditions of limited illumination due to the use of infrared illumination up to 5 m. opening), when crossing the established line, entering or exiting the surveillance area, etc. Also in the presence of a built-in ... >>

Foam alternative 23.02.2021

Thermoboxes for food, cooler bags for soft drinks, isothermal containers for transporting medicines - all these and similar containers are made of materials that do not allow the products placed in them to change their initial temperature. And most often, polymers such as polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) are used as insulation. A lot speaks in their favor: they have good thermal insulation properties, weigh very little, are highly durable, and withstand heavy loads. But all these advantages are covered by a significant drawback: expanded polystyrene and polystyrene are not biodegradable, and their waste, which can decompose into thousands of small particles, greatly pollutes the environment. Scientists at the Institute for Natural Materials Processing Technology at the Technical University of Dresden have come up with an alternative to them by creating a biodegradable insulation material from ... waste paper. Scientists subjected scrap paper to special ... >>

Solar panels LG NeON R and NeON R Prime 22.02.2021

LG Business Solutions USA announced the release of two new solar panels with increased energy output. These are the company's most powerful and high-performance modules to date. The new 66-cell LG NeON R and NeON R Prime modules based on Back Contact Technology will be available to builders and homeowners in the US this spring. At the same time, the LG NeON R residential solar panel has an output power of up to 440 W, and the LG NeON R Prime - up to 425 W. As a rule, solar panels provide power output from 250 to 400 watts. Thus, new products from LG are among the most powerful solutions on the market. Both versions have an efficiency of up to 22,1%, while for most solutions available on the market this figure is in the range of 15-20%. The Back Contact Technology used allows all interconnects to be placed on the underside of the cubicle. This, in turn, makes it possible to increase the solar absorption potential. ... >>

DC/DC Converter Mean Well RSD-500 22.02.2021

Mean Well has expanded its family of DC/DC converters for rail vehicles with the new RSD-500 series, which has an output power of 500W and complies with EN50155 requirements. The RSD-30/100/150/200/300/500 series are currently available in the family with 2:1 input voltage range and 24V, 48V and 110V ratings. up to 41 mm), full silicone molding of the printed circuit board and partial molding of components, which increases impact resistance and provides protection against dust and moisture, as well as an industrial operating temperature range of -40...80°C. The converters have increased "input-output" insulation strength (up to 4 kV) and are able to withstand vibration loads up to 5 G. Additionally, the converters have an upward adjustment of the output voltage for more precise tuning of the power system and compensation for voltage drops on the wires. Into the transfiguration ... >>

Helicopter to search for submarines 21.02.2021

The American company Northrop Grumman tested the carrier-based unmanned helicopter MQ-8C FireScout by searching for submarines. The checks were carried out as part of a project to expand the list of tasks for which MQ-8C drones can be used. The MQ-8C was tested by Northrop Grumman in conjunction with the British company Ultra, which manufactures sonar buoys and containers for their launch. The Bell 407 manned multi-purpose helicopter was used for testing. The MQ-8C deck drone was made on the basis of this particular helicopter. During the tests, one container for launching sonar buoys was installed on the helicopter, containing 24 such devices. At the same time, the retrofitting project for the MQ-8C provides for the possibility of installing two containers of 24 sonar buoys in each. Other details about the tests were not disclosed, but it is known that the developers recognized the tests as successful. Currently, to search for submarines and ... >>

Rugged smartphone Ulefone Armor 11 5G 21.02.2021

The Chinese company Ulefone presented a secure smartphone Armor 11 5G. The novelty is positioned as the world's first indestructible gadget with night vision and support for fifth-generation networks. The body of the model complies with IP68/IP69K certification and US military standard MIL-STD-810G. The gadget is absolutely not afraid of dust, is able to withstand immersion in water, as well as withstand pressure and temperature drops, vibration, shaking and other hardships and hardships. Moreover, the device is able to survive even high-temperature pressure washing. The new phone received a 6,1-inch screen and a MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G single-chip system. Provided 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of permanent memory. The main camera has five sensors, but so far only two of them are known: the main 48-megapixel Sony IMX582 and 20-megapixel for night vision. The front camera has a 16-megapixel sensor. Battery capacity - 5200 mAh. ... >>

Ion-sound waves for finding space debris 20.02.2021

An international team of scientists has proposed a new way to detect space debris using ion-sound waves resulting from the movement of debris objects in low Earth orbit. Space debris is non-functional objects launched by man into space, and their fragments, as well as meteoroids and other non-man-made inactive objects in near-Earth outer space. These objects move in the plasma that surrounds Earth orbit. Since the speed of space debris can reach 10 km/s, even fragments of a few microns in size can cause serious damage to aircraft, especially manned ones. By comparison, the human eye is unable to see particles smaller than 40 microns. Space debris monitoring work has been going on for a long time, and observation of the waves that arise in plasma as a result of the movement of debris charged under the influence of solar radiation and other types of cosmic radiation can become one ... >>

Bioactive coating for bone implants 20.02.2021

Scientists from the University of Macau and Nanjing University, China, in collaboration with the National Dental Center of Singapore, have developed a bioactive coating that can be chemically bonded to the surface of titanium, a metal commonly used in bone implants, to protect bone from inflammation. Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone tissue becomes less dense and very fragile. In addition to the fact that the pathology affects the condition of the bones, it also impairs the function of titanium bone implants. Because there is less bone at the implant site, implants can easily become loose, often resulting in inflammation. A bioactive coating made from a chemically modified glycan (chain of sugars) can consistently "turn on" and "off" inflammation on bone implants. In the setting of osteoporosis, it first turns on "good inflammation" by instructing human macrophages to release molecules that can activate bone cells and ... >>

Quantum receiver operating at any radio frequency 19.02.2021

Researchers at the US Military Research Laboratory have created the first of its kind quantum receiver capable of receiving signals in any part of the radio frequency spectrum. The sensitivity range of this receiver starts at 0 Hz and ends at 20 GHz, making it capable of receiving AM, FM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other communications technology radio signals. The detectors in the new receiver are so-called Rydberg atoms, which are atoms of certain elements that are in the highest possible state of excitation. The atoms are placed on top of a special microwave circuit, and a beam of laser light is used to excite them. It is known that Rydberg atoms are extremely sensitive to electric and magnetic fields, and the sequential arrangement of several atoms at certain points of the detector device allows them to cover the entire spectrum of radio frequencies with their help. All Ridbe ... >>

Apples promote the growth of new neurons 19.02.2021

Natural compounds found in apples and a number of other fruits can stimulate the formation of new neurons. Such results were shown by a study conducted with mouse cells. Nature has taken care of us better than we think! As it turns out, even a simple apple can have a big impact on brain function Scientists have long known that phytonutrients (chemicals found in plants) can have a positive effect on various human organs, including the brain. Researchers at the University of Queensland in the US and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases have found that high concentrations of phytonutrients from apples stimulate the generation of new neurons, a process called neurogenesis. The study found that lab-grown adult mouse brain stem cells generate more neurons when they encounter quercetin or dihydroxybenzoic acid, phytonutrients found in apples. Subsequent tests in mice showed that ... >>

Plasma with ultra-fast cooling mechanism 18.02.2021

Researchers at Advanced Imaging of Matter have made a breakthrough by creating a completely new type of plasma by combining state-of-the-art technology using ultrashort laser pulses and ultracold atomic gases. They reported on a new mechanism of electron cooling in such a plasma. Matter exists in four states - solid, gaseous, liquid and plasma, and plasma is the most common state in the visible Universe. It is made up of free charged particles such as ions and electrons. Plasma can exist in a huge range of temperatures and densities: from the core of the Sun to lightning or flames. The challenge in understanding plasma dynamics is to first identify universal mechanisms and then compare them to a controlled laboratory experiment. At the Center for Optical Quantum Technology at the University of Hamburg, researchers cool and trap atoms with laser light. They use the intense light field of an ultrashort laser and ... >>

E-book with a color screen PocketBook InkPad Color 18.02.2021

PocketBook has released the InkPad Color, a 7,8-inch device that uses the latest E Ink color screen technology. This is the first device to feature the new Kaleido panel. The updated Kaleido has a different color filter pattern that offers better contrast and color saturation compared to the original Kaleido which is still fairly new technology. The screen refresh rate has been software-improved. The specifications of the new Kaleido panel are otherwise the same as those of the previous generation: 300 dpi for monochrome content and 100 dpi for color display, the number of displayed shades is 4096. The total screen resolution is increased to 1404 x 1872 due to the larger physical size. The InkPad Color weighs 225 grams and is 8mm thick, so it should be fairly portable. Other specifications: 16 GB internal memory; microSD card slot; dimensions 195 x 136,5 x ... >>

The songs of whales will help in the study of the geology of the seabed 17.02.2021

Geologists have discovered that the low-frequency acoustic signals of whales are able to penetrate into the thickness of the earth's crust, and the signal reflected from it allows you to "enlighten" rocks deep below the ocean floor. Blue whales and fin whales close to them communicate with "songs", emitting the lowest frequency sound waves in the entire animal kingdom - from 16 to 40 hertz. Such waves can reach an energy of 189 decibels, spreading far in the water and even penetrating deep into the sedimentary rocks at the bottom of the sea. The signal reflected by the earth's crust can be registered by obtaining new information about the structure of the earth's crust in a particular part of the ocean. This proposal was made by John Nabelek and Vaclav Kuna from the Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Scientists have demonstrated in practice that vocalizations of fin whales can serve as tools for studying the structure of the oceanic crust. The authors used recordings of six songs of the same fin whale made in the northeast Pacific Ocean in 2012-2013. Each of them ... >>

Graphene for microchips 17.02.2021

A new study from the University of Sussex (UK) shows that changing the structure of nanomaterials such as graphene can effectively unlock their electronic properties. "We mechanically create folds in the graphene layer. It's a bit like nano-origami," said Alan Dalton, professor in the School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Sussex. This kind of technology - "straintronics" - allows you to fit more chips inside any device. "Everything we want to do with computers to make them run faster can be done by deforming graphene in this way," he added. It has been previously shown that deformation of the structure of 2D nanomaterials can reveal their key electronic properties, but the exact effect of various "folds" is still poorly understood. Scientists from Sussex conducted an in-depth study of the structural changes in graphene, as well as molybdenum disulfide, and the stresses they introduce. They demonstrated how targeted ... >>

Transcend CFexpress 820 Type B Memory Cards 16.02.2021

Transcend has introduced new products for professional photographers. These are CFexpress 820 Type B memory cards and the RDE2 device designed to work with them. New removable media lets you shoot high-definition video and high-speed continuous shooting, while a card reader helps increase productivity by reducing the time it takes to transfer footage to a computer. CFexpress 820 Type B memory cards are equipped with PCIe Gen 3x2 interface and support NVMe protocol. This allows you to get read speeds up to 1700 MB / s and write speeds up to 1300 MB / s. The cards are available in capacities up to 512 GB, which is enough to store 4K video and thousands of RAW photos. The cards are guaranteed to operate in temperatures from -10°C to +70°C. The RDE2 is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gb/s) interface. The kit includes cables that provide connection to USB Type-A and Type-C connectors. The RDE2's rubber-coated metal housing won't scratch or chip. ... >>

New principle of X-ray generation 16.02.2021

X-rays, which are widely used in medicine, flaw detection and many other fields, are usually obtained using special vacuum devices called X-ray tubes. Inside these tubes, electrons are accelerated by a high electrical potential and collide with a metal anode. The energy of accelerated electrons is transferred to the metal atoms, which pass into an excited state, a complex oscillatory process occurs that generates a radiation flux in the X-ray range. Unfortunately, the generated radiation flux spreads uniformly in all directions, and the properties of X-rays greatly complicate the task of focusing them and forming a narrow directional beam; moreover, the X-ray pulse front in most cases has an absolutely random shape. However, physicists from the University of Göttingen have developed a new principle for generating X-rays, which makes it possible to obtain a beam directed at ... >>

Silicon-carbon will extend battery life 15.02.2021

Huawei has patented a silicon-carbon composite material and a method for producing it. This material is planned to be used in new lithium-ion batteries to extend their service life. According to the patent description, we are talking about a durable composite material that includes a core (core) coated with an alkaline layer. The silicon core is filled with amorphous carbon, while the pore size does not exceed 50 nm. The patent states that the tiny pore structure of the silicon-carbon composite material can effectively reduce the contact area between the silicon material and the electrolyte, which reduces the possibility of side reactions and prolongs battery life. At the same time, the graphite framework can effectively reduce the volumetric expansion and contraction of the material to improve the structural stability and energy density of the composite material. ... >>

memory enhancing molecule 15.02.2021

Scientists from the University of Cadiz and the University of Seville in Spain have discovered a molecule that promotes neuronal repair, improves memory and cognition. The researchers obtained the substance (diterpene) from a plant of the Euphorbia genus (Euphorbia). The compound is said to activate protein kinase C, also referred to as PKC, and promote the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of ​​the brain that is involved in the mechanism of emotion formation and memory consolidation. This was confirmed by experiments on mice. In the future, the substance can be used in the treatment of patients with brain injuries, the researchers note. ... >>

Mean Well HRP/N power supplies 14.02.2021

Mean Well has developed a family of power supplies capable of short-term safe operation at up to 2,5 times the rated power (up to 5 seconds). The new family consists of three series: HRP-150N, HRP-300N and HRP-600N with power ratings of 150W, 300W and 600W, respectively. In addition, the power supplies have excellent functional saturation: they have a power correction stage (PFC; PFC> 0,95), the ability to compensate for voltage drops on the wires, the ability to remotely turn on / off, and are resistant to input voltage increased up to 300 V (up to 5 seconds) and have a "DC Ok" signal to control the output voltage. With all this, these power supplies are operable in the temperature range of -40 ... 70 ° C and have an efficiency of 89%. This family of power supplies is in demand in industrial installations using electric motors or with capacitive loads. At the moment of starting, the specified load consumes increased power, therefore ... >>

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock 14.02.2021

Razer has prepared a docking station for laptops equipped with Thunderbolt 4 interface. The novelty is called Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock and is compatible with USB 4. As befits a docking station for laptops, the device contains a large number of various connection ports. The front panel houses a UHS-II SD card slot, a 3,5mm audio headphone jack, and one Thunderbolt 4 port for direct connection to a computer. On the rear panel, there are three Thunderbolt 4 ports for connecting displays and accessories (including support for the Razer Core X external graphics card case), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and three USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 2 ports. And there is also a cylindrical connector for a 135W power supply. Additionally, the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock is equipped with a Chroma RGB lighting system. The novelty supports PD and can transmit up to 90 watts of energy to laptops. Declared support for connecting external monitors with high resolution: up to two 4K displays per hour ... >>

Body temperature affects life expectancy 13.02.2021

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have shown that reducing calories is associated with an increase in life expectancy and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, dementia and diabetes. These diseases are associated with age and significantly reduce the quality of life in old age. During the experiment, two groups of mice received a reduced calorie diet, with one group kept at room temperature and the other placed in a warm place where the temperature was about 30 degrees Celsius. In such conditions, it is more difficult for animals to lower their body temperature. Two more groups of mice ate as usual and lived in the conditions of the first or second group. During the experiment, scientists found that temperature has the same effect on the state of the body as a decrease in calories, and maybe more. When the animals ate less food, their body temperature dropped. But a decrease in body temperature, even without food restriction, had a positive effect on ... >>

DuraCore ProScene short throw projector 13.02.2021

The Taiwanese company Optoma Corporation officially presented the world's first short-throw projector with a brightness of 7000 lumens - the DuraCore ProScene model. The novelty is capable of producing an image with a diagonal of up to 300 inches (7,62 meters) and a WUXGA resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. But there is also support for 4K content with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. Moreover, the image can be formed from a minimum distance from the screen. The weight of the novelty is 12,7 kg, which sounds like a lot, but is actually about two times lighter than similar models. The contrast ratio is 1000000:1. HDR High Dynamic Range support is provided. The lens of the novelty is fixed, but the possibility of changing the lens is provided. The maximum magnification is 1,26x. HDBaseT input/output, three HDMI, VGA, LAN ports and 3D Sync input/output are provided. Also in the projector housing fit two speakers with a capacity of 10 watts each. The DuraCore ProScene is priced at $6000. ... >>

A polymer that responds to mechanical stress like a muscle 12.02.2021

Scientists have created segmented polyurethane elastomers with mechanochromic and self-reinforcing features. The development is useful for intuitive damage detection and the creation of adaptive materials. An important ability of such a biological tissue as muscles is self-healing and self-reinforcing. It occurs in response to damage caused by external forces. Most artificial polymers break down irreversibly when subjected to sufficient mechanical stress. This makes them less useful for, for example, the production of artificial organs. But what if you could create polymers that react chemically to mechanical stress and use that energy to improve their properties? A team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yamagata University and Sagami Institute of Chemical Research, Japan, has made significant progress in the field of bulk self-reinforcing substances. Their new polymer reacts to mechanical stress almost like a muscle. Synthesized segments ... >>

Three-layer graphene improves superconductivity at room temperature 12.02.2021

Harvard scientists reported successfully stacking three sheets of graphene and then turning each of them to the desired angle. This improved system makes it possible to obtain an even higher temperature superconductivity effect compared to two layers, already at 3K (-270°C). It is also more sensitive to an externally applied electric field, which allows you to adjust the level of conduction. But the most important result, which made it possible to talk about the prospects for obtaining superconductivity at room temperatures, was the production of a more stable strong interaction of electrons in graphene under the action of an external field. In most ordinary conductors, electrons move at high speed, sometimes collide, and thus affect each other. Upon the onset of superconductivity, they form the so-called. Cooper pairs, which allows them to avoid energy losses when passing through the crystal lattice. In this case, their interaction effects are said to be weak. With a strong interaction ... >>

Used medical masks for road construction 11.02.2021

Australian scientists propose to recycle medical masks for the production of paving slabs and road construction. Due to the pandemic, the use of disposable protective masks and gloves has increased significantly and this poses a serious threat to the environment, because they are not biodegradable. About 6,9 billion masks are produced every day in the world. Once used, they are sent to landfill or incinerated, and microplastic particles litter the land and oceans and pose a danger to animals. The experiment of scientists showed that if you crush disposable medical masks and add a small amount of this material - from 1% to 3% - to recycled concrete filler, it will not only not lose its properties, but will also become stronger. Accordingly, the masks can be effectively used for the production of pavement. According to experts, this will help not only get rid of tons of garbage, but also reduce the amount of harmful emissions that are released when plastic is burned. Cost Recycled Build ... >>

PCI Express 5.0 Switches 11.02.2021

Microchip has released the world's first PCI Express (PCIe) 5.0 switches, the Switchtec PFX PCIe 5.0 family. Next-generation appliances double the interconnect performance for high-intensity computing, networking, and NVM Express (NVMe) storage. The new products are compatible with XpressConnect timing restorers, which also support PCIe Gen 5. Switchtec PFX PCIe 5.0 family switches can have from 28 to 100 lanes and up to 48 NTB bridges. Devices support hot and unexpected plugging and secure boot authentication. They also have a set of tools for debugging and diagnostics. Microchip has additionally released a complete set of tools needed to develop end-to-end solutions based on new products. These tools include design documentation, reference design examples, evaluation boards, and other tools. ... >>

Medical nano gel 10.02.2021

There is an active debate in modern medicine regarding the need to develop and implement even more effective and versatile options for administering various drugs and drug compounds for those patients who experience various kinds of problems with the traditional invasive method of drug administration. A team of medical researchers from Stanford University presented their new development of a special nano-gel, which is perfectly amenable to external control and can slowly dissolve in living tissues, thus meeting the main requirement of such a development as a whole. And the main requirement of a new research project to develop a nano-gel is the need for a gradual and controlled dissolution of such a gel, which can serve as a kind of carrier for various drugs and compounds. The fact is that this kind of gel can serve as a really effective method for integrating drug compounds. ... >>

New Single Lens Technology 10.02.2021

Metalenz intends to fundamentally improve smartphone cameras by replacing modern lens groups in lenses with a single flat lens consisting of nanostructures. A camera with such a lens focuses the image in the same way, but at the same time collects more light for better photos. In addition, the technology allows you to make camera modules much more compact. Today, every smartphone camera has multiple lenses (lens elements) stacked after each other. In the iPhone 12 Pro, for example, the main rear camera module uses a seven-lens lens. Due to the lens system, manufacturers achieve a compact design and at the same time a sharp, focused image on the matrix. More lenses allow manufacturers to compensate for issues such as chromatic aberrations (color flaking at the edges of an image) or lens distortion (when straight lines in a photo look curved). However, placing lenses on top of each other requires more space. ... >>

mushroom bricks 09.02.2021

Mushrooms are useful not only for pizza toppings: a growing number of entrepreneurs are looking at them as an environmentally friendly building material. Engineers are already experimenting with mushrooms that could significantly reduce the construction industry's carbon footprint. They also decompose easily when it comes time to demolish a building. The construction industry is currently responsible for 39% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, with 21% of these emissions coming from steel and concrete production. Construction also uses a huge amount of natural resources, such as sand, the extraction of which is also often associated with environmental damage. To create a mushroom "brick", the mycelium of the mushroom is mixed with straw or other agricultural waste and allowed to germinate for two weeks. The brick is then fired in an oven or treated with chemicals to kill the fungus. A block sprouted with mycelium threads is an excellent building material, durable, fire resistant, light - and neutral in terms of ... >>

Optical Neural Network Accelerator 09.02.2021

Researchers from the George Washington University (USA) and the University of California, together with specialists from a startup in the field of photonics Optelligence LLC, have created a special optical accelerator for a convolutional neural network. It is a photonics based solution based on the unique scaling laws in optics. The non-iterative timing of the processor, combined with fast programmability and massive parallelism, allows an optical machine learning system to outperform even the most modern graphics chipsets by more than an order of magnitude. And in the future, the new system can be further optimized. Existing electronic machine learning hardware processes information sequentially. And the new optical processor uses Fourier optics, a frequency filtering concept that allows you to perform the necessary neural network convolution operations, as well as simpler element-wise multiplications using digital mirror technology. The new processor can handle ... >>

Segway Ninebot RC Scooter 08.02.2021

The American electric scooter rental company Spin operates in various cities in the United States and provides scooter rentals that you can leave at your destination. In San Francisco, California, where Spin has the largest fleet of scooters, the San Francisco Department of Transportation requires operators to respond to improperly parked scooters within two hours and can fine the operator $100 for each such scooter. This is to prevent scooters from parking on the pavement where they interfere with the movement of pedestrians and people with disabilities. Spin said it takes this very seriously. The average parking time for her scooters over the past three months is 54 minutes. Spin plans to return them to the base in the future without involving employees. To achieve this goal, Spin has announced an alliance with Tortoise to launch a new type of scooter called the Spin S-200. This remote control scooter will appear ... >>

The fastest computer mouse 08.02.2021

Razer has released a mouse for gamers with record performance. The Razer Viper 8K is the fastest mouse on the market, according to the company. Created by an American company, the device operates at a frequency of 8000 hertz, that is, it receives data from the sensor eight thousand times per second. This is about eight times faster than the sensor frequency in conventional computer mice. The increase in speed was due to HyperPolling technology, which collects data from an optical sensor and transfers it to a computer via a high-speed USB microcontroller. Optical sensor latency has been reduced from 1 millisecond to 1/8 millisecond. Razer says that this speed is impossible to assess with the naked eye, but you can notice smoother cursor movement and the absence of microlags in operation. The rest of the Razer Viper 8K has not changed compared to the previous version of the device. The model received the latest generation of optical switches, the latest optical sensor ... >>

Ion microscope 07.02.2021

Scientists from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) have developed a powerful ion microscope to study quantum gases. Unlike most microscopes designed to study quantum gases, this device is not limited to the reconstruction of two-dimensional systems and allows you to study with spatial and temporal resolution completely different systems, such as samples in the ground state, Rydberg ensembles, or cold ions immersed in quantum gases. The researchers plan to use the new tool to expand research on cold ion-atom hybrid flows, and intend to prove the collision energies in these flows in ultracold mode. ... >>

Dedicated accelerometer IIS2ICLX 07.02.2021

The IIS2ICLX MEMS accelerometer from STMicroelectronics received the CES Innovation Award 2021 in the Smart City category as a high-precision inclinometer (tilt meter) with a machine learning core. The combination of high stability and repeatability, high accuracy and resolution makes the IIS2ICLX ideal for industrial applications such as antenna system positioning, platform leveling, construction machinery, machine tool mounting and position monitoring, and Industry 4.0 applications such as robots and autonomous guided vehicles. funds. When monitoring the condition of structures, accurately measuring tilt and vibration with the IIS2ICLX can help assess the integrity of construction sites and infrastructure, such as bridges or tunnels. The IIS2ICLX has a switchable full scale of +-0,5/+-1/+-2/+-3 g and transmits measured values ​​via I2C or SPI digital interfaces. High precision, temperature stability and repeatability make ... >>

Lobsters helped make concrete stronger 06.02.2021

Buildings printed on a 3D printer have become an integral part of our lives. But how can you make them stronger? Researchers from the Royal Melbourne University of Technology (RMIT University) have found the answer to this question. They have developed a new type of 3D printing that significantly increases the strength of concrete. To achieve the desired effect, the authors of the know-how have adopted a special pattern and structure of the lobster shell. This invention will certainly be in demand by the authors of complex architectural projects. So says Jonathan Tran, lead researcher in the Department of Structured Materials and Design at RMIT University. The most common pattern that a 3D printer uses is unidirectional. With it, the layers are superimposed on each other in parallel lines. Instead, the team experimented with layering the concrete in helicoidal patterns inspired by the structure of a lobster shell. In addition, 1-2 percent steel fibers were included in the concrete. It contributed to a faster ... >>

Video card GeForce RTX 3090 Hall of Fame 06.02.2021

Galax introduced the GeForce RTX 3090 video card in the Hall of Fame (HOF) flagship modification, designed for enthusiasts and overclockers. It has four solutions that differ in the delivery kit and factory overclocking of the Nvidia GA102 core. The new products are based on a printed circuit board with a 26-phase power system, which we talked about last week. The base solution of the line is the Galax GeForce RTX 3090 HOF. It is characterized by a GPU boost frequency of 1815 MHz, and the package includes gloves with the Hall of Fame logo and a graphics card stand. Up a notch is the GeForce RTX 3090 HOF Premium. In terms of characteristics, it does not differ from the above model, but it is equipped with a 4,3-inch HOF Panel III display with a resolution of 480x272. It connects to the system via a USB interface and is fixed on magnets, thanks to which it can be installed not only on the end of a video card. Galax GeForce RTX 3090 HOF Limited Edition has the same kit ... >>

Wireless microwave charging 05.02.2021

Xiaomi has developed a wireless charger Mi Air Charge, capable of charging gadgets literally through the air. Mi Air Charge is the name of a technology and at the same time a small device, inside of which there are specialized antennas. Some of these antennas are used to track the location of the gadget in the room, while others are responsible for the directional transmission of energy. Mi Air Charge will not work with existing smartphones on the market - Xiaomi has reserved this technology for its future innovations. The main Mi Air Charge box contains five phase antennas for "spying" on a smartphone or other compatible device. Xiaomi has said that this technology will be suitable for its smartwatches, bracelets and other portable electronics in the future. Mi Air Charge takes milliseconds to track the location of the device for recharging. An array of 144 antennas is responsible for the charging itself, allowing the millimeter waves to be directed. This is fundamentally different ... >>

tissue that kills viruses 05.02.2021

American scientists design tissue capable of destroying viruses. The study aims to create safer medical clothing for healthcare workers. The project is headed by Patricia Dolez. Her goal is to develop a textile treatment that kills viruses, including COVID-19, on contact: "We are developing something that will make the fabric self-disinfecting." Building on existing technology, scientists are trying to adapt a chemical used to disinfect swimming pools to treat textiles. This chemical is sensitive to light, so Dolez and colleagues want to make it a light-resistant compound that can be applied to fabric. At the same time, so that protective clothing does not lose its properties after washing and can be reused. A new chemical compound will break the chain of cross-contamination: "Imagine that a person does not infect anyone, even himself, by touching his mask. Bacteria or in ... >>

Windmills above the Eiffel Tower 04.02.2021

In the largest onshore wind park in Europe, Markbygden, which is being built in Sweden, they are going to install giant wind turbines 300 meters high. Their size will be comparable to the height of the Eiffel Tower. Bloomberg writes about it. By the end of the first quarter of 2021, the company Svevind, which operates the wind farm, is going to submit a request for the placement of record-breaking wind turbines. Obtaining a permit can take two to three years. In addition, at the moment, windmills of this size have not yet been invented. The largest rig currently on the market is the 5.8-170 from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy SA. The higher the windmills, the more energy they will produce. By the end of the decade, 1101 installations will be operating in the park - together they will provide about eight percent of Sweden's electricity needs. By 2035, the demand for electricity in Sweden will grow by 70 percent, so already now cor ... >>

Biodegradable displays for green electronics 04.02.2021

Scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany) have created biodegradable printed displays that can be recycled after use. The new development will help save resources and reduce the amount of electronic waste. The new display works due to the so-called electrochromic effect of the original organic material. When voltage is applied through conductive electrodes, the material changes its color. Electrochromic displays have low power consumption and simpler architecture compared to commercially available displays such as LED, LCD and E-paper. A further advantage is that these displays can be produced by inkjet printing in an inexpensive and economical manner. Mostly natural or biocompatible materials are used. Sealing with gelatin makes the display adhesive and flexible so it can be worn directly on the skin. The display is generally suitable for applications with a short life cycle in various sectors. Yes, in medicine ... >>

Wireless Implant for Remote Brain Control 03.02.2021

Scientists from South Korea have developed a new type of brain implant, which they tested on a laboratory rat. For example, researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) implanted a tiny device into the brain of a rat, injected it with a dose of cocaine, and then were able to control the animal using a smartphone app. Thanks to the implant, scientists were able to block the behavior caused by cocaine. A feature and advantage of the new type of neuroimplant is the ability to charge via a wireless network, which eliminates the need for a surgical operation in the event of a battery discharge. In addition, without wires on the body, patients will be able to feel more natural. The neuroimplant receives commands from the smartphone via Bluetooth. According to scientists, their technology will be able to improve the conduct of experiments on animals, since remote control does not restrict their movements. The researchers also hope that the development will open up new research opportunities. ... >>

Vector network analyzer up to 26,5 GHz from Rohde & Schwarz 03.02.2021

A new product from Rohde & Schwarz is the R&S ZNH, a complete two-port handheld network analyzer with AFT/antenna analysis and full S-parameter measurements. Both of these functions are available in the basic version. The R&S ZNH is easy to operate, highly configurable and compact, ideal for field testing. The R&S ZNH is a handheld vector network analyzer that allows you to identify faulty RF cables and communication system components. The R&S ZNH can also measure microwave components in the laboratory and in the field up to 26,5 GHz. The R&S ZNH is a reference instrument for standard measurement tasks such as cable and antenna analysis and full two-port S-parameter measurements. The analyzer has built-in receiver step attenuators on both test ports, which prevents them from possible overload. The R&S ZNH four-receiver architecture supports the unknown jumper calibration technique. ... >>

Processing food waste into food 02.02.2021

Microbiologists from the University of California (USA) have found that fermented food waste can stimulate the growth of bacteria, increasing the growth of crops. Thanks to these bacteria, plants become more resistant to pathogens and reduce carbon emissions from agriculture, according to a press service from the University of California. The authors of the work examined the by-products of two types of food waste: beer wort, a by-product of beer production, and mixed food waste thrown away by grocery stores. Both waste types were fermented by River Road Research. They were added to the irrigation system for watering citrus fruits in the greenhouse. Within 24 hours, the average population of beneficial bacteria was two to three orders of magnitude greater than that of plants that had not received treatment, a trend that continued each time the researchers added the drug. The environmental scientists then studied the nutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen, in the soil. ... >>

biofuel rocket 02.02.2021

Startup bluShift Aerospace has launched an ultralight biofuel rocket. According to the director of the company, the fuel is so non-toxic that he can give it to his daughters. US company bluShift Aerospace, which is developing a rocket to launch small satellites into space, conducted its first major test on Sunday. The developers launched a small-sized six-meter Stardust 1.0 rocket, powered by biofuel, to a height of about 1,2 kilometers. It can lift up to eight kilograms of payload. The low-altitude demonstration run at Limestone was the culmination of six years of research and development and over two hundred engine tests. The power plants and control systems of the aircraft were tested. The company is betting on becoming a faster and more efficient way to transport satellites into space. According to him, a unique patented formula of safe biofuel was used for the launch. The company spent $800 on ... >>

Renewables have overtaken fossil fuels 01.02.2021

For the first time in 2020, European Union residents received more electricity from renewable sources than from fossil fuels, according to the annual report of the Agora Energiewende Institute in Berlin and analysts from Ember. The report, which has been tracking the EU's energy sector since 2015, shows that last year renewables generated 38% of electricity compared to 37% from fossil fuels. This is due to the targeted policy of the European Union on the development of alternative energy sources. Statistics say wind and solar power have almost doubled since 2015 and accounted for one-fifth of EU electricity generation last year. Also in 2020, electricity generation from coal decreased by 20% - now this source provides only 13% of all electricity produced in the EU. "The rapid growth of wind and solar energy has led to a reduction in coal, but this is only the beginning, - ... >>

Lead is stronger than steel 01.02.2021

Lead is a very soft metal that can be easily minted and bent, but only under normal conditions. When extreme pressure is applied to lead, it becomes ten times harder than steel. Scientists created extreme pressure using a laser system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and subjected it to lead. The metal found itself in conditions typical of the Earth's core - the pressure inside the metal was about 400 gigapascals. The scientists, led by Andrew Kreiger of Lawrence Livermore University, observed fluctuations in lead, which was under incredible pressure. "The increase in vibration was relatively slow - our sample was calculated to be two hundred and fifty times stronger than lead under normal conditions. This means that lead under extreme pressure can be ten times harder than the highest strength steel," says Kreiger. Experiments have shown that high pressure changes the structural properties of lead - the metal is not ... >>

Bilingualism improves perception of information and attentiveness 31.01.2021

A group of scientists from Stanford, Cambridge and Reading Universities conducted a study in which it turned out that learning a second language in early childhood increases attentiveness and improves cognitive abilities. According to scientists, the brains of bilinguals are more plastic because they process large amounts of information from early childhood. In addition, people who started learning a second language between the ages of 0 and 3 switch between tasks much faster. "If children grow up in a more complex language environment, they learn to use different sources of information - not only speech, but also, for example, gestures, slight changes in facial expressions, articulation. Children from bilingual families adapt to their more complex language environment by choosing more samples visual environment and paying more attention to new information," said Professor Dean D'Souza. Bilingual children are also better at puzzles and, as adults, are more effective at making decisions and planning. ... >>

Self-cleaning surfaces 31.01.2021

Algae is not only a source of iodine and other trace elements necessary for the human body, but also the basis of promising antibacterial agents. Scientists have learned to use the antimicrobial ability of algae to create self-cleaning surfaces. A new technology based on the antibacterial properties of algae was created by specialists from the British-Dutch company Unilever, who worked in collaboration with experts from Innova Partnerships. The new solution will be commercialized by the startup Penrhos Bio. It is about creating self-cleaning surfaces that are based on the natural cleaning process of algae. Marine plants use a compound called lactam to repel invaders. Scientists have found that on the basis of such a composition, revolutionary cleaning products can be created. Seaweeds show some truly unique properties, especially in terms of fighting bacteria. The use of substances from algae allows the effect ... >>

Graphene water filter 30.01.2021

When sheets of two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, are stacked on top of each other, tiny gaps form between the sheets, which have many potential uses. A team of researchers at Brown University has found a way to orient these gaps so that they can be used to filter water and other liquids from nano-sized contaminants. The gaps between the graphene sheets in question are called nanochannels. In fact, they are difficult to use for water filtration due to the location of the nanochannels. Imagine a notebook with sheets of graphene instead of sheets of paper. They are thinner in the vertical direction compared to the length and width in the horizontal plane. This means that the channels between the sheets are also oriented horizontally, which is not ideal for filtration: the liquid has to travel a relatively long distance to get from one end of the channel to the other. It would be better if the channels were perpendicular ... >>

Determining the authenticity of coffee 30.01.2021

There are two main varieties of coffee - the more expensive Arabica and the cheaper Robusta. To get the best price, producers often mix beans of two varieties, believing that after roasting it will be very difficult to determine their ratio. In laboratory conditions, chromatography and spectroscopy methods are used to authenticate coffee varieties, which are costly and time consuming. With a simpler and cheaper version of extraction with chloroform, it is not possible to determine all the necessary types of compounds. Scientists from the University of Guelph and the National Research Council of Canada have developed a new method to quantify the composition of coffee in a package based on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method. In particular, using NMR, the researchers successfully identified all 12 compounds that are commonly studied in tests of pure coffee, and whose concentrations differ depending on the variety and geographical origin of the beans - caffeine, trigonelline, 3- and 5-caffeylquine. ... >>

Network BLE coprocessor 29.01.2021

STMicroelectronics introduced the BlueNRG-2N Bluetooth 5.0 certified network processor with improved power consumption and support for the latest Bluetooth features that increase throughput and enhance data privacy and security (Figure 1). The BlueNRG-2N network coprocessor is pre-programmed and ready to be connected to an external microcontroller for Bluetooth communication. It can be applied in smart medical handheld devices, PC peripherals, remote controls, lighting, industrial and home automation. The network processor allows you to optimize the choice of microcontroller in accordance with the requirements of a particular product. The latest Bluetooth enhancements introduced with the BlueNRG-2N include support for Data Length Extension, which speeds up over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates by up to 2,5x and boosts data rates up to 700 kbps on ... >>

Lavo home hydrogen batteries 29.01.2021

The Australian company Lavo introduced the world's first hydrogen battery for home use. The Lavo system stores 40kWh and costs $27. This is three times the capacity of the Tesla Powerwall 2 system, with a relatively small difference in the cost of three Tesla installations versus one Lavo. As conceived by the developers, the hydrogen battery should utilize excess electricity from home solar panels. To do this, the system provides the necessary terminals for connecting panels. Also, the battery is connected through a purification filter to a source of running water to extract hydrogen from it. A built-in lithium battery with a capacity of 5 kWh insures against drops in the generated voltage. All this is enclosed in a cabinet with sides of 1680 x 1240 x 400 mm, which weighs 324 kg. Excess electricity from the solar panel produces water electrolysis and stores hydrogen in special containers with sponge filler at a pressure of 30 bar (in the images, containers with hydrogen - next ... >>

Superconducting DNA wires 28.01.2021

Physicists have figured out how to use DNA origami technology to produce superconducting nanowires of arbitrary shape and length. Due to this, it is possible that they can be used for the production of nanoelectronics. In recent years, scientists have identified many organic compounds that could replace silicon and other semiconductors in computer chips. Many of these compounds are already used in the development of LED and liquid crystal displays, sensors and various medical and scientific devices. At the same time, it turned out to be much more difficult to synthesize organic molecules that could conduct current and, due to this, replace metals. For example, scientists found one such substance only three years ago. It is an integrin protein that coats the surface of human cells. It turned out that its fragments can conduct current almost without loss. Researchers from Israel and the United States have found that DNA molecules with metal nanoparticles attached to them can be used as scaffolds for ... >>

Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller board 28.01.2021

The Raspberry Pi Foundation, widely known for its Raspberry Pi single-board microcomputers among engineers and electronics enthusiasts, has unveiled its first microcontroller board called the Raspberry Pi Pico. Now it is the most affordable board in the Raspberry Pi range - its price in the US is only 4 dollars (113 hryvnias). The Raspberry Pi Pico can be considered the answer to competing Arduino Nano microcontrollers for home DIY gadgets. The basis of the Raspberry Pi Pico board is a new microcontroller of our own design RP2040. The main goals that were pursued during its development were high performance, especially for integer calculations, wide possibilities for connecting external devices and low price. The result is a tiny "crystal" with an area of ​​two square millimeters in a QFN-56 package with dimensions of 7x7 mm.‎ The dimensions of the Raspberry Pi Pico board itself are 51x21 mm. RP2040 Microcontroller Specifications: Dual Core ... >>

Stretching the diamond 27.01.2021

To say that diamond is not the most elastic material in the world is a gross understatement. While the stretch coefficient of the most elastic materials can be hundreds of percent, this value for diamond, the hardest material in the world, does not exceed 0.4 percent. However, a group of scientists from Hong Kong managed to find a way to stretch nano-sized diamonds to such an extent that it radically changes their electronic and optical properties. This, in turn, can serve as the first step into the world of new "diamond" devices and instruments. Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have found that at the nanoscale, diamond has a higher elasticity than in the normal form of this material. And the first experiments, carried out several years ago, served as experimental confirmation that nanosized diamond "needles" withstood the impact, which caused an elastic deformation of as much as 9 percent. In recent studies, ... >>

Biological magnetoreception 27.01.2021

Scientists have long suspected that because magnets can attract and repel electrons, the Earth's magnetic or geomagnetic field could influence animal behavior through chemical reactions. When certain molecules are excited by light, an electron can jump from one molecule to another and create two molecules with single electrons, known as radical pairs. Single electrons can be in one of two different spin states. If two radicals have the same electron spin, their subsequent chemical reactions proceed slowly, while pairs of radicals with opposite electron spins can react faster. Magnetic fields can affect the spin states of electrons and thus directly affect chemical reactions involving radical pairs. So the Japanese became interested in flavin molecules. They are a subunit of cryptochromes, which are molecules capable of glowing or fluorescence when exposed to blue light. ... >>

Navigation system for firefighters 26.01.2021

Every year, hundreds of firefighters die worldwide, and tens of thousands are injured and maimed. One of the main reasons for such sad statistics is thick smoke. With heavy smoke, people risk getting lost and trapped. To remedy the situation, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Science and Technology has teamed up with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to create a new navigation technology. The development allows you to more accurately determine the location of people in burning buildings. The transmitters and the POINTER command station were deployed in a 5-storey building with an area of ​​about 750 square meters. The design imitated a residential five-story building. The command station tracked the movement of transmitters inside the building at a distance of up to 70 meters. The POINTER system was able to accurately locate the transmitters to within 1 meter in XNUMXD space. But in most cases, the error was several tens of centimeters. The transmitter itself is ... >>

Mini computer Shuttle XPC DA320 26.01.2021

Shuttle introduced the XPC DA320 computer with support for AM4 hybrid chips. In the assortment of Taiwanese, this is the first mini-PC on the AMD platform in eight years. The device is made in a case with dimensions of 190(L) x 165(W) x 43(H) mm and built on a motherboard with A320 logic. Shuttle XPC DA320 is compatible with Ryzen/Athlon hybrid chips based on Zen and Zen+ microarchitecture. Ryzen 4000G APUs released last year are not supported. The computer supports two SO-DIMM DDR4 memory modules (maximum 32 GB), a 2,5-inch SATA 6 Gb / s drive and an M.2 SSD. An M.2 connector for the wireless module is also available on the board. The system equipment includes two gigabit network interfaces on Realtek RTL8111H controllers, six USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a pair of USB 2.0, two 3,5 mm audio jacks powered by the Realtek ALC662 chip, an SD card reader slot, DisplayPort 1.4 (x2) and HDMI 2.0 video outputs , as well as two serial ports. For pit ... >>

Smart brake light for bicycles 25.01.2021

Like any smart device, smart bike brake lights can be annoyingly difficult to use. As a rule, existing models on the market need to be synchronized with a smartphone or smart watch, since they rely on third-party sensors and GPS modules to work. The new Otto brake light, designed by Texan engineers Jeff Johnson and Jonathan Fehn, doesn't need anything like that. Despite the presence of smart functions, this gadget is made as simple as possible. The user just needs to install Otto on the bike and forget about it. After installation, the device does everything on its own. When the user gets on the bike, the integrated inertial sensor detects movement. The device is activated and the ambient light sensor measures the brightness of the environment. This allows Otto to automatically adjust the brightness of the glow depending on the weather and time of day. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the brake light. When the bike slows down, Otto starts ... >>

Biodegradable stent for children with respiratory diseases 25.01.2021

Narrowing of the airways is a complex pathology for children. Usually it is treated with surgical methods and a special tube is installed - a stent, so that the airways do not close and do not interfere with the access of air to the body. Over time, stents (usually made of metal or silicone) are removed because they can damage the airways. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in the US have found a way to create a magnesium alloy stent that is biodegradable. In laboratory experiments, the stent showed ultra-high plasticity, due to which there is no damage to body tissues, and showed better results than those used so far. ... >>

Quantum communication system based on drones 24.01.2021

A team of Chinese scientists managed to deploy a quantum communication system using drones. Thus, they managed to create an experimental communication system protected by quantum encryption. In such systems, pairs of entangled photons are usually used, transmitting one of them to the recipient. The laws of quantum mechanics do not allow an outsider to unauthorizedly measure the state of the sent photon, while not giving himself away by changing the corresponding state of the second one. However, the transmission of entangled particles over long distances is still a difficult task - especially by air, with a laser beam. The priority for the deployment of global communications remains low-orbit satellites in combination with ground-based infrastructure. But in order to deploy a quantum communication system in limited areas, ground stations and drones can be used. This possibility was demonstrated by Chinese scientists. A compact entangled photon generator was placed on board each drone. One of ... >>

Metal liquid alloys with drawings 24.01.2021

Liquid alloys are able to solidify with patterns like those of zebras or leopards. Such a structure, according to experts, opens up completely new opportunities in metallurgy. The authors of the discovery were employees of the Sydney University of New South Wales and the University of Auckland. Pattern formation is widely used in artificial systems and industry, especially in metallurgy. Today there is even a whole branch of "matellography", which specializes in the study of microscale structures and compositions of metals and alloys. A team of specialists studied exactly what types of patterns are found on the surface of hardened alloys. For this, two-component metal mixtures were used. This phenomenon was previously ignored, but it improves the understanding of liquid metal alloys and their phase transition processes. ... >>

Drone that forms clouds and causes precipitation 23.01.2021

Drone Ganlin-1 (translated from Chinese - "sweet rain") generates artificial precipitation. Climate change has begun to change the face of the planet, so scientists are increasingly beginning to come up with technologies that change natural processes. Back in March 2019, Chinese researchers launched a project to change the weather - namely, to call rain. By order of meteorologists, they created the Ganlin-1 drone (translated from Chinese as "sweet rain"), which generates artificial precipitation. In January, the unmanned aerial vehicle successfully made its first test flight, spending more than 30 minutes in the air. The drone is trained to spray substances with an undisclosed composition that contribute to the formation of clouds and precipitation. Previously, instead of drones for these purposes, the Chinese used aircraft and missiles that spray silver iodide in the air. ... >>

Sound card Creative Sound Blaster Z SE 23.01.2021

Creative Technology has introduced the Sound Blaster Z SE sound card. The device uses a high-performance quad-core Sound Core3D processor to process audio and speech signals. This chip makes it possible to remove the load from the main processor of the computer. The card is equipped with a headphone amplifier that allows you to use studio-level devices with an impedance of up to 600 ohms. The novelty supports 7.1-channel virtual surround sound in speakers and headphones, as well as discrete 5.1-channel sound in speakers. The Sound Blaster Z SE comes with support for audio profiles for popular games like PUBG, as well as microphone EQ presets to further improve voice communication. In particular, the microphone equalizer (available through the Sound Blaster Command software) balances the sound quality of the built-in headset microphone by reducing the harshness of the tonality, sounding more natural and rich, or boosting ... >>

Bilateral solar panels 22.01.2021

An international team from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia (KAUST) and the University of Toronto Engineering (Canada) has developed a solar cell that combines the best features of perovskite and silicon technologies. Today there are tandem solar cells that combine perovskite and silicon. Compared to conventional silicon batteries, these cells are more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity by absorbing additional spectrum. Specialists offer a two-way tandem configuration, which not only absorbs the widest possible spectrum of direct sunlight, but also captures scattered reflected light (albedo). This design allows the battery to generate a record amount of energy. The new batteries are double sided. Their front part captures direct sunlight, and the back part captures the light that is reflected from the ground or other surfaces. It is important that such batteries can be ... >>

Transferring data from a computer to the genome of living bacteria 22.01.2021

Scientists from Columbia University have learned how to transfer data from a computer into the genome of living bacteria. During the study, the specialists managed to realize the conditions under which it is possible to write 72 bits of data directly into DNA. As a result, scientists wrote down the encoded phrase "Hello world!" into plasmids of live E. coli bacteria. Moreover, the recorded phrase could be read after DNA sequencing of live bacteria. Traditional data records in DNA are based on encoding the ones and zeros of the data file as a combination of four nitrogenous bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. At the same time, for reading, in this case, the process of sequencing the encoded sequences is necessary. The cost of the described process can be $3500 per Mbps. Moreover, this is not the most reliable method of recording information in DNA. Thanks to computer coding in the DNA of living bacteria, the specialists did not resort to artificial DNA synthesis, thanks to which they managed to save money at least at this stage. ... >>

Biosensor for highly sensitive detection of molecules 21.01.2021

Imec has unveiled the smallest silicon FinFET that functions as a biosensor. The developers managed to create an ultra-small transistor: the edge width is 13 nm, and the gate length is 50 nm. Due to their high degree of integration and low cost, field-effect transistors (FETs) have generated great interest for biosensing applications such as DNA, protein, virus and pH detection. When biomolecules bind to the chemically modified dielectric surface of the gate, its threshold voltage changes, resulting in a measurable signal. Despite the continuous progress of research in this area, biosensitive transistors - BioFET devices - have not yet shown their full potential in the market. Imec has been investigating how an advanced generation of CMOS FET devices (finFET short length XNUMXD gate transistors) can improve BioFET sensitivity. This will help to use applied medicine. Such finFET transistors have ... >>

metallic fuel 20.01.2021

Microgravity is helping to provide answers and models for improving the processes needed to efficiently burn solid fuels such as iron dust. Solid propellants are used to burn matches, to light sparklers on New Year's Eve, and as fuel in the boosters of many rockets. But metals like iron can also burn as a powder, they are completely smokeless and contain no carbon. Metals can be produced using clean energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines. This electricity is stored as chemical energy in metal powder with energy densities that are comparable to fossil fuels. The technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally, but an obstacle to the implementation of this technology is the development of combustion systems that can efficiently burn metallic fuels, which requires a solid understanding of the physics of their combustion. To understand the physics of combustion of metallic fuel ... >>

Combat laser HELIOS 20.01.2021

The US Navy received a combat laser for mounting on a warship. The HELIOS system will be installed on the USS Preble (Arleigh Burke class) destroyer during maintenance. Thus, the US Navy will receive the world's only unique combat laser installation for testing in real conditions. The HELIOS system or high-energy laser with integrated optical blinding and surveillance systems is a composite source of high-quality laser radiation. This is a fiber optic laser based on spectral combining technology, where several individual lasers are combined to form a beam of increased power (almost like the Death Star, but smaller). The power of the HELIOS plant exceeded 60 kW, which is higher than that stated in the project. By the way, composite lasers are highly scalable, which allows you to create a setup for land, mobile or air-based with its own specific requirements. Similar projects are being developed in other countries ... >>

Huawei Smart Life Air Purifier 1Pro 19.01.2021

Huawei introduced the Smart Life Air Purifier 1Pro. The model is equipped with a 5-inch color IPS screen and supports management through the Huawei Smart Life proprietary mobile application. The device is able to rid the air of more than 99% of the bacteria hovering in it. The novelty also knows how to deal with allergens and chemical impurities. Depending on the set cleaning mode, the performance of the novelty ranges from 400 to 800 cubic meters of air per hour. At the same time, the device is characterized by a low noise level - only 31 dB. The Smart Life Air Purifier 1Pro is priced at $338. ... >>

Characteristics of polarons determined 19.01.2021

Researchers at Stanford University's SLAC National Linear Accelerator Laboratory used one of their X-ray lasers to track the origin and formation of so-called polarons, and to measure the basic characteristics of these formations. Polarons are deformations of the crystal lattice of a material that arise around moving free electrons and disappear without a trace after trillionths of a second. Despite such a short "lifespan", these deformations, according to scientists, affect some properties of the material and change its behavior, in particular, the response to light photons, which is especially pronounced in materials belonging to the perovskite class. Perovskites are transparent materials whose name is derived from perovskite, a naturally occurring transparent mineral. About ten years ago, it was noticed that the inclusion of materials of this class in the composition of solar cells ... >>

Types of Curiosity 19.01.2021

At the University of Pennsylvania, an experiment was conducted where scientists divided people into two groups depending on their curiosity. The study involved 149 volunteers of both sexes. They were offered with Wikipedia sections that had tutorial directions. Participants had to look through the information they were interested in, devoting 15 minutes to each section. The experiment lasted for 21 hours. During this time, volunteers have read more than 18 articles. According to the results of the collected data, the scientists concluded that people can be divided into two groups: "hunters" and "troublemakers". Hunters were only interested in viewing specific information. The troublemakers were tracking unrelated data, which equates to general curiosity. Scientific research done in the United States of America should help in the future. Based on these data, the experts want to create a new technology for teaching in educational institutions. ... >>

Photons instead of electrons for revolutionary processors 18.01.2021

Modern computing capabilities of classical processor architectures have exhausted themselves, IBM is sure. Moreover, they have become an obstacle to the development of machine learning and artificial intelligence systems. A breakthrough is seen in the development of silicon photonics and memory computing, where data is processed where it is stored. And today, IBM proved that they have found the way to the electronics of the future, in which photons will fly through circuits instead of electrons. IBM teamed up with scientists from several countries to develop and implement an optical computing system to accelerate neural networks. In particular, the company created a "photonic tensor core" that is capable of performing the so-called convolution operation - a mathematical operation on two functions that outputs a third function - in one time step. This is usually a simple addition or multiplication, but processing a single piece of data requires billions of such operations, so low latency and low sweat ... >>

Powerful graphene material for high-performance supercapacitors 18.01.2021

A team of scientists working with a professor of inorganic and organometallic chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a new, powerful and stable graphene hybrid material for supercapacitors. It serves as the positive electrode in the energy storage device. The researchers combine it with a proven negative electrode based on titanium and carbon. The new energy storage device not only provides an energy density of up to 73 kWh per kg, which is roughly equivalent to the energy density of a NiMH battery. At the same time, the new device performs much better than most other supercapacitors, at a power density of 16 kWh per kg. The secret of the new supercapacitor lies in the combination of different materials, which is why chemists call the supercapacitor "asymmetrical". The idea of ​​combining basic materials was carried over to supercapacitors. As a basis, they used a new positive storage electrode with a chemically modified graph. ... >>

Liquid-fueled microscopic robot 17.01.2021

Researchers at the University of Southern California's Autonomous Microrobot Laboratory (AMSL) have created the world's smallest, lightest, fully autonomous crawling microscopic robot. The device, called the RoBeetle, has a mass of just 88 milligrams - roughly the equivalent mass of three grains of rice. The robot uses a fundamentally new type of actuator that functions like an artificial muscle. The artificial musculature of the RoBeetle robot is powered by controlled catalytic combustion, a technology that will enable the development of a new generation of micro-robots capable of functioning on land, water and air. Small robots require a highly efficient source of autonomous energy. At the same time, the existing technologies of electric batteries are still inferior in terms of specific energy to liquid fuel. Thus, the specific energy of ordinary methanol (20 MJ/kg) is approximately an order of magnitude higher than that of the most advanced batteries (1,8 MJ/kg). The "muscles" of RoBeetle are based on thin wires. ... >>

Power Supply SilverStone NJ700 17.01.2021

SilverStone Technology's product range is complemented by the NJ700 power supply, which is designed without a fan. The 700W unit is 80 Plus Titanium certified, proving that the efficiency never drops below 90% under any load. The power supply is built according to a scheme with a single 12 V bus. The manufacturer notes that it uses only Japanese-made capacitors, and the deviation of the output voltages from the nominal value does not exceed + -2%. Of course, there is protection against abnormal situations, including voltage, current and power overload, overheating and short circuit. The advantages of the novelty include a modular cable system and small dimensions - 170 x 150 x 86 mm. ... >>

Healing properties of gold 16.01.2021

Scientists from the Spanish University URV found that the nanoparticles found in gold can kill pathogenic bacteria. Specialists in the laboratory synthesized nanoparticles, the diameter of which is eight times smaller than the thickness of a hair. It turned out that in the presence of these particles, bacterial cells change, because their walls can not cope with the "pressure". Thus, inert nanoparticles kill pathogenic bacteria. Scientists also modeled the disease process - as a result of the experiment, they confirmed their conclusions about the healing properties of gold. It is a fairly strong antiseptic, experts say. It is not known whether gold can be used to prevent diseases. The reason for this is the cost of the precious metal. In addition, it is assumed that any noble metal has similar healing properties. ... >>

High-entropy alloys for new superconductors 16.01.2021

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new high-entropy alloy superconductor using extensive data on simple superconducting substances with a specific crystal structure. High-entropy alloys are known to retain superconducting characteristics up to extremely high pressures. The new superconductor Co0.2Ni0.1Cu0.1Rh0.3Ir0.3Zr2 has a superconducting transition at 8K, which is a relatively high temperature for alloys. The team's approach can be applied to the discovery of new superconducting materials with specific desirable properties. More than a hundred years have passed since the discovery of superconductivity, when it was found that some materials suddenly exhibit minimal resistance to electric currents below the transition temperature. As we explore ways to eliminate energy waste, a way to significantly reduce transmission losses is an exciting prospect. But widespread use ... >>

Nio ET7 electric sedan 15.01.2021

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Nio has unveiled a new model, the ET7 premium all-electric sedan with impressive performance. The Nio ET7 is built on a 480kW twin motor platform (180kW permanent magnet motor on the front axle and 300kW asynchronous motor on the rear axle), which equates to 653 hp. Peak torque is 850 Nm, which allows the electric car to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 3,9 seconds. In comparison, the upcoming 1100-horsepower Model S Plaid will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in less than 2 seconds. The range of the base Nio ET7 with a 70 kWh battery is 500 km (according to the NEDC cycle). For the variant with a battery capacity of 100 kWh, they promise 700 km on a single charge, and the top version with a solid-state battery with a capacity of 150 kWh is capable of traveling over 1000 km without recharging. The new brainchild of the "Chinese Tesla" also impresses with a complex of different sensors and subsystems for autonomous driving. "Brain" Nio ET7 ... >>

Shampost - compost after growing champignons 15.01.2021

Spanish scientists in a common project have developed a technology that allows you to recycle compost after growing champignon mushrooms. In general, the compost for growing champignons has several components, in particular, straw, horse or bird droppings, etc. are added. It is watered and compacted. But the problem is that then this compost needs to be disposed of. They found a way out: compost utilization occurs through a biogas plant. The pilot project was launched in the Rioja region, which is mainly known for winemaking. But in fact, Rioja is also the largest region in Spain where champignons are grown. In 2018, within the framework of a European project, a biogas plant was built, which produces the so-called "shampost" (two words - "champignon" and "compost" were put together). The recycling process began in September this year. Capacity - up to 100 thousand tons. The production technology is quite simple: three containers were built at a 50 kW plant, compost enters the container for ... >>

Thermal curtains 14.01.2021

Students at the Berlin University of the Arts have developed thermal curtains that maintain a room temperature of 25°C without the use of electricity. The effect of maintaining temperature is achieved through the use of materials with a phase change. The material changes temperature, releasing heat when the state of aggregation changes (this usually happens during the crystallization of salts from a supersaturated solution). Therefore, curtains do not need electricity or any other source of energy. To enhance the thermoregulatory effect, a layer of foam was applied to the curtains. However, no changes were made to the sewing technology of ordinary curtains. Therefore, "smart" curtains can be made at any garment factory. ... >>

Bed with retractable transparent OLED TV from LG 14.01.2021

LG Display has unveiled the concept of a 55-inch transparent OLED TV used in the bedroom. The screen offers 40% transparency, which is superior to transparent LCDs that only offer 10% transparency. LG envisions using such a screen at the foot of the bed, where it can be partially or fully raised to display information or video without blocking the view of the surroundings behind it. In this case, an additional panel can be pulled out behind the screen, which will make the screen opaque. The TV has built-in speakers. Such a transparent OLED display can be moved around the house if the user wishes to install it elsewhere (so far, however, this is only a prototype that may not even reach the market). The company views the product as a smart home device. "Transparent OLED displays are a technology that maximizes the benefits of OLED and can be used in various places in our daily lives. ... >>

Converting coal to anode grade graphite 13.01.2021

American scientists have succeeded in turning raw carbon powder into nanographite, which is used in lithium-ion batteries. The coal industry can radically change its mission from environmentally dirty combustion in the furnaces of thermal power plants to an element necessary for creating "green" energy accumulators. Scientists have successfully converted raw carbon powder into nanographite, which is used in lithium-ion batteries, among other things. Previous research has shown that microwaves can be used to reduce the moisture content of coal and remove sulfur and other minerals, but in this latest experiment, the only treatment needed was to grind raw coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming into powder. During the experiment, charcoal powder was placed on copper foil and sealed in glass containers with a gas mixture of argon and hydrogen before being placed in a microwave oven. Then high temperatures, copper foil and gas ... >>

Intel RealSense ID Secure Face Recognition Device 13.01.2021

Intel introduced RealSense ID, a face recognition solution based on RealSense depth technology. RealSense technology was originally the basis for a Kinect-style camera designed for non-contact interaction. Other uses for the technology followed, and now the company offers devices for secure facial recognition. In a compact device, Intel specialists were able to fit scanning elements based on depth technology, a neural network for face identification, a dedicated system-on-a-chip, and a security element that encrypts and processes user data. The device must learn and be able to adapt to changes in the face that are possible over time. For example, it must understand that it is the same face, even if it has hair or glasses, or a change in skin tone. The proposed module can be integrated into other products or used as a ... >>

Charging gadgets with hot water 12.01.2021

Thermoelectric devices are made from materials capable of converting temperature differences into electricity. Previous research has shown that thermoelectric devices can store residual heat and generate electricity from it, thereby replacing batteries on spacecraft. Researchers at the China Rocket Research Institute, one of the country's top rocket manufacturers, have developed a type of insulated water bottle equipped with a thermoelectric chip that can turn water heat into electricity to charge a mobile phone. As mobile phones become more powerful processors and larger touch screen interfaces, their power consumption increases accordingly. And many people often face the problem of charging their phones, especially when traveling or out of town excursions. In the demo video, the thermoelectric device was built ... >>

Magnetar Research 12.01.2021

A team of astrophysicists from NASA, using one of the most powerful telescopes Chandra X-Ray, managed to detect one of the most unusual cosmic bodies - we are talking about the so-called magnetar J1818.0-1607, belonging to the class of space objects of the same name and representing a really promising specimen for study and disclosure of some secrets of the formation of the Universe. In particular, a team of NASA researchers today noted the fact that they have already managed to reveal some information regarding the formation and location of this magnetar. A magnetar is a special cosmic object that is formed after a massive supernova decay and has a truly amazing magnetic field - for comparison, if the Earth's magnetic field is about 100 gauss, then the average magnetar has a similar indicator several million times more - thus, if such a magnetar turned out to be close to the Earth ... >>

Solar-powered ultralight self-propelled trains 11.01.2021

Testing of a self-propelled ultra-light rail vehicle designed for rural railways or underutilized railway lines should start by the end of 2021 in France. The first Taxirail route is expected to be launched in 2023, when regional routes are opened for operation in accordance with a competitive tender. Discussions were held with almost all regions of France, including Brittany, where the company is based. The company is also considering exporting Taxirail to other countries, potential buyers have already been identified - Switzerland and Canada. Taxirail will weigh less than eight tons and carry up to forty passengers. The cars are powered by battery or hybrid traction, as well as the use of artificial intelligence. The vehicle will operate autonomously, but in constant contact with the control center. Solar energy will be used to run lighting, heating, air conditioning and r ... >>

High-strength wood-based cement 11.01.2021

A group of advanced materials, engineering and science scientists from China, led by Faheng Wang, have developed new cement materials based on a unidirectional porous architecture that mimics natural wood structures. The resulting wood cement material showed higher strength at the same density, along with multifunctional properties for effective thermal insulation, water permeability and ease of water repellency control. This has made wood cement a promising new building material for high performance timber structures. Cement-based porous materials have low thermal conductivity for thermal insulation, high sound absorption capacity, excellent air and water permeability while maintaining light weight and fire resistance. However, the key challenge remains to achieve simultaneous improvement in both mechanical and multifunctional properties, including mechanical performance. ... >>

SPHEREx telescope 10.01.2021

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology is working on a new SPHEREx space telescope project that will explore the history of the universe. A small car-sized telescope would use a spectroscopy technique to separate near-infrared light into individual wavelengths or colors. Spectroscopy data can show what an object is made of, as individual chemical elements absorb and emit light of a certain length. SPHEREx can be used to estimate the distance of an object from the Earth - and SPHEREx will build a 102D sky map. SPHEREx will be the first NASA mission to map all-sky spectroscopy in the near-infrared region, observing 1 colors in this range, JPL says. The telescope will have three main tasks: 2. Search for evidence of what could have happened less than one billionth of a billionth of a second after the big bang; XNUMX. Studying the history of ha formation ... >>

CPU cooler ID-Cooling SE-50 10.01.2021

The Chinese company ID-Cooling announced the release of a new tower-type processor cooler, which was called the ID-Cooling SE-50. We have a solution with a large aluminum heatsink that is pierced by five 6mm nickel-plated copper heatpipes that are pressed and polished into the base and have direct contact with the CPU cover. On top of the heat sink there is a black metal plate with the company logo, and the protruding ends of the tubes are covered with caps. Two 120mm black PWM fans TF-12025 are attached to both sides of the heatsink with brackets. The propellers operate at a variable speed of 700 - 1800 rpm, create an airflow of up to 76,16 cubic feet per minute and are characterized by sound pressure from 15,2 to 35,2 dBA. The ID-Cooling SE-50 model is capable of handling heat dissipation up to 220 W, and thanks to the universal mounting system, it can be installed on Intel LGA1200/115x/20xx and AMD AM4 sockets. The novelty has dimensions of 108 x 128 x 154 mm and weighs 1200 grams. VC ... >>

Smart hydrogel for XNUMXD printing 09.01.2021

American engineers at Rutgers have developed a "smart" gel that can be used to print XNUMXD images. It is able to take on a new shape and display colors when exposed to light. Experts relied on the amazing ability of cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish) to change the texture and color of the skin. They do this to communicate with each other or in case of danger. This ability allows them to protect themselves. It is known that the skin of a mollusk contains thousands of chromatophores surrounded by muscles and nerves. The color changes during the deformation of the bag filled with pigment granules. This is the approach taken by a group of scientists. The head of the study is Professor Ho-Won Lee. "Smart" gel is a malleable material. It is made up of polymer molecules. The new material could be used to create flexible displays, soft camouflage for the military or robotics. ... >>

Identification of a person by blood vessels 09.01.2021

Japanese companies have developed a method for identifying a person by the image of blood vessels. They want to use it for making contactless payments and registering at hotels. Normee has introduced a system that allows you to recognize a person by the lines and shape of his blood vessels. For such identification, an ordinary photo taken on a smartphone is sufficient. A similar invention was presented by another Japanese company - Hitachi. This company proposed to identify a person by blood vessels on the fingers. However, for this smartphone is not enough - you need a special device. ... >>

Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Monitor 08.01.2021

Dell has introduced its first 40" Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Ultra Wide Curved Display, model U4021QW, which has a resolution of 5120 x 2160. The monitor can provide an ultra wide field of view and 4K (3840 x 2160) video playback. It offers wide color gamut coverage, Thunderbolt 3 interface, which can provide 90W computer charging, and RJ45 network interface for fast data transfer. ... >>

Plant stress measuring device 08.01.2021

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Singapore SMART and the Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory have created a portable optical sensor to detect the state of stress in plants. The Raman device can be attached to plant leaves and is a useful tool in precision farming. The built-in sensor in the invention will allow farmers to diagnose at an early stage nitrogen deficiency in plants, so they spoil prematurely and lose crops. Scientists have created a device to measure nitrogen levels in plants. But in the end, it turned out that the invention could also identify plant stresses, such as lack of water and minerals, excessive heat and cold. The sensor consists of a 3D printed clamp that is placed around a Raman fiber optic sensor. The developers are confident that thanks to this, farmers will increase crop yields and reduce the negative impact on the environment. They bind the ecology of the mouth ... >>

A new form of matter - liquid glass 07.01.2021

Scientists from the University of Konstanz in Germany announced the discovery of a new state of matter - liquid glass. The atoms of this substance exhibit strange behavior that chemists have observed for the first time. We are talking about the Bose-Einstein Condensate, which is formed when particles are cooled to ultra-low temperatures and can exhibit quantum properties. There is a common misconception that glass is a liquid. Yes, at one of the stages of glass creation, some minerals (most often - quartz sand, soda ash, dolomite, limestone and others) are heated to a fluid state. Chemists from the University of Konstanz in Germany have confirmed that the atoms of glass can be made to move, thereby discovering a new state of matter, which is still called "liquid glass". Mixtures of certain solids in liquids can move to form a liquid glass state, according to a new study. Scientists have confirmed that the particles of matter analyzed by them at a higher ... >>

Battery ZMI 20 25000 mAh 07.01.2021

ZMI introduced a power bank with a total output power of 200W. The ZMI 20 device has a large capacity of 25000mAh, it is equipped with an LED screen on the side to display the remaining capacity in real time. The top has two USB-C ports and a USB-A port. To charge the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra smartphone at this power, you will need an appropriate cable, while charging takes only 25 minutes. USB-C connectors deliver up to 65 and 15 watts of power, respectively. The ZMI 20 external battery supports 65-watt charging, while 60% capacity can be replenished in an hour, and a full charge takes 2 hours. The price of the novelty is 60 dollars. ... >>

Quantum teleportation 44 km 06.01.2021

Scientists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, a US Department of Energy national laboratory affiliated with the University of Chicago, along with partners from five institutions, have taken a significant step towards realizing the quantum Internet. The researchers were able to transmit a quantum state over 44 km with over 90% accuracy over fiber optic networks similar to those that form the backbone of the current internet. "We are delighted with these results. This is a key advance towards creating a technology that will redefine the development of global communication," says physicist Panagiotis Spentsouris of the Fermilab Particle Physics and Accelerator Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Both data transmission accuracy and transmission distance are critical when it comes to building a real, working quantum internet. Making progress on any of these fronts is cause for celebration. ... >>

Processor based on superconductors 06.01.2021

Researchers at Yokohama National University in Japan have developed a prototype microprocessor using superconducting components that are about 80 times more energy efficient than the current semiconductor devices traditionally used in today's microprocessors. The development could help reduce the consumption of data centers and network infrastructure, which will soon require up to half of human energy. It is believed that today telecommunications and data centers consume about 10% of the electricity generated by mankind. If nothing is changed in chip production technologies, then in ten years, according to experts, the information and telecommunications industry will consume up to half of all generated energy (and someone fears that electric vehicles will become a problem for power engineers). The trouble is that the operation of a modern electronic base is still accompanied by huge losses due to the generated heat, leaks and careless programmers. ... >>

New membrane will reduce the cost of water filtration 05.01.2021

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Pennsylvania (USA) have created a new membrane for water purification with a uniform density at the nanoscale. This structure of the membrane allows you to get more clean water and make the filtration process cheaper. Desalination membranes remove salt and other chemicals from water. The way the purification takes place is a seemingly very simple process: salt water is passed through a filter - pure water flows out from the other side. But there are many subtleties and complexities within the process. The research team determined that the desalination membranes are incompatible in terms of density and mass distribution, which can hinder their performance. Uniform density at the nanoscale is the key to increasing the amount of pure water that these membranes can produce. The uniform density made the new membrane significantly thicker than current counterparts. However, as previous studies have shown, thick membranes are actually more permeable. ... >>

Link between air pollution and lightning storms 05.01.2021

Scientists in the framework of the study found that air pollution is associated with increased thunderstorms and lightning. The conclusions were voiced by experts from MIT in the USA. The meteorological monitoring carried out in recent years shows that the frequency and intensity of natural disasters is increasing. The problem is hidden not only in climate change, but also in the impressive volumes of pollution entering the atmosphere. Small aerosol particles produced in the process of forest fires or fuel combustion can provoke thunderstorms and lightning. This becomes clear from the analysis of satellite imagery of the ocean, which shows that usually the brightest lightning is observed along the busiest trade routes. Speaking about the mechanisms of action of aerosol particles, scientists noted an increase in humidity due to their entry into the atmosphere. This makes it more difficult for the droplets to evaporate during ascent to altitude. Once above, they freeze. After that, against the backdrop of friction ... >>

Dell Latitude 9000, 7000 and 5000 laptops 04.01.2021

Dell has announced a number of new products ahead of CES 2021, including updates to the Latitude 9000, 7000, and 5000 laptops. The Latitude 9000 is equipped with the latest 11th generation Intel processors and a new webcam designed with privacy in mind. The Latitude 9420 and 9520 laptops are equipped with a SafeShutter camera. This is an automatic shutter that locks the camera when not in use. This means that the camera will only be active during video calls. The updated Latitude 9000 series will feature a standard clamshell and 2-in-1 form factor with improvements to important features for working or studying from home. For example, you get better camera picture quality and better speakers. The Latitude 9420 starts at $1949, with the 9520 priced to be announced this spring. Sales of the Latitude 9420 will also begin this spring. The Latitude 7520 module offers a 15-inch 4K UHD display and a Full HD webcam. Listed price from ... >>

The film absorbs sweat and charges the gadget 04.01.2021

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has created a new film that absorbs sweat from our skin very effectively to keep us cool and comfortable during exercise. The moisture obtained from human sweat can be used to charge wearable electronic devices: watches, fitness bracelets and other gadgets. Sweating is a natural process of thermoregulation of our body. Sweat is mostly water. When water evaporates from the surface of the skin, it lowers the temperature of the skin. The new moisture-absorbing film helps make this process faster. And use it to get energy for electronic devices. The main components of the film are two hygroscopic chemicals - cobalt chloride and ethanolamine. In addition to being very absorbent, this film can rapidly release water when exposed to sunlight. It changes color after absorption of moisture from blue to purple and - further - to pink. This function can use ... >>

Singing can increase life expectancy 03.01.2021

Scientists have said that singing can increase life expectancy by lowering blood pressure and promoting brain health. Singing also reduces the risk of dementia and helps fight depression. Such a discovery was made by specialists from Yale and Harvard universities, USA In particular, scientists noted a higher level of intelligence among vocalists and musicians than other people. This is because singing helps to make thinking clearer by engaging and oxygenating different parts of the brain. When a person sings, his body produces endorphins, which affect the emotional state and make you feel a sense of joy. At the same time, the vocal data does not matter, the researchers believe: the response of the sacculus receptor, which is located in the ear and reacts to frequencies while singing, causes a feeling of satisfaction, regardless of the sound of the musical motive. ... >>

eGPU Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT and eGPU Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5700 Docks 03.01.2021

Sonnet Technologies has launched the Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT eGPU and Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5700 eGPU docking stations, which use AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT and AMD Radeon RX 5700 graphics cards, respectively. Thunderbolt 3 is used to connect to a computer. Replacing the discontinued Radeon RX 560 and Radeon RX 570 eGPU eGFX Breakaway Pucks, the new models retain their portable form factor, but deliver over four times the performance in many cases. In addition, the new models received two USB 3.2 Type-A ports for connecting peripherals and a second Thunderbolt port with support for Thunderbolt / USB-C monitors, including Apple Pro Display XDR 6K resolution. The Breakaway Puck Radeon RX 5500 XT and Radeon RX 5700 eGPU docking stations are designed for professionals who need to run on an Intel-based MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, or iMac with Thunderbol ports ... >>

transparent solar cell 02.01.2021

Experts from Incheon National University in Korea have conducted a study proving the existence of the possibility of creating a completely transparent solar cell. It can generate electricity. Professor Jundong Kim has already demonstrated the first transparent solar cell. The innovative method of this development lies in its special part. The artificial sun of Korea set a thermal record: 20 seconds its temperature was 100 million degrees. It is on the heterojunction, which consists of thin films of materials, each of which is responsible for absorbing light. Scientists have managed to combine the unique properties of titanium dioxide and nickel oxide semiconductors. Thanks to this approach, specialists have created an efficient transparent solar cell. Five years after the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, world powers are paying attention to a possible carbon-free future for the planet. An important component in the transition to this goal remains the search for fuel, which ... >>

Recycling plastic into fuel and wax 02.01.2021

Scientists in Japan have created a new catalyst to turn ordinary plastic into useful products like fuel and wax. Plastics are by design extremely resistant to chemical reactions. This makes them excellent for bottles and chemical containers. But on the other hand, it is precisely because of this that plastic is extremely difficult to recycle. For example, the thermal processing process requires a temperature of 300 to 900 degrees Celsius, which consumes a lot of energy. In a new study, scientists from Japan decided to find a catalyst that could destroy plastic at lower temperatures. The team found that combining ruthenium and cerium dioxide creates a catalyst capable of processing polyolefin plastics at temperatures as low as 200 degrees Celsius. "Our approach has proven to be more efficient than metal-based catalysts. In addition, plastic bags and plastic waste can be recycled into valuable chemicals," ... >>

happiness Formula 01.01.2021

Scientists at Madison State University shared their discovery that will help make a person happy. The researchers devoted their work to the method of dealing with depression, as a result of which it was possible to develop several areas on which the level of human happiness depends. It is believed that the realization of this potential depends on attention and care for others. In this case, a person can get rid of social isolation, which provokes psychological disorders, depression, apathy, etc. To be happy, you need to develop a sense of purpose (helps you feel involved in important social processes), build awareness (helps you stay healthy) and insight (helps you focus on your emotions). According to scientists, this is an effective tool for improving mental health, which enables a person to feel happy. ... >>

The secret of the evergreen spruce is revealed 01.01.2021

Scientists have managed to solve the mystery of conifers and find out why they stay green in winter and summer. Many people know that, due to their smaller surface area and denser skin, the needles of fir trees are more resistant to low temperatures than the leaves. They are also protected by a layer of wax. A team of scientists from Sweden, the Netherlands and Canada has conducted a new study of conifers growing in the cold. At the same time, for the purity of the experiment, the study took place on the street. As a result, they managed to decipher the mechanism of photosynthesis in coniferous plants. In winter, spruces switch to a special mode that protects photosynthetic proteins from damage. The fact is that in winter, due to frost, many biochemical reactions of plants slow down. Tree needles absorb sunlight, but the process of photosynthesis has a shorter cycle and cannot reach the end. Also, the very internal structure of the firs has a special appearance. Unlike deciduous plants, conifers have two apparatus for photosynthesis. At high temperature pho ... >>

Drones to search for people lost in the forest 31.12.2020

Scientists at the Johannes Kepler University (Linz, Austria) have developed a new method based on machine learning technologies that should radically increase the efficiency of finding people lost in areas with dense vegetation. Today, if it is necessary to urgently find people lost in the forest, search and rescue teams usually use helicopters or drones. Rescuers fly over the area where the missing are most likely to be found. The problem is that in conditions of dense vegetation it is almost impossible to see human figures in the thickets. Thermal imagers help a little in this situation, allowing you to "see" through the crowns of trees. But here, too, there are significant limitations. Unfortunately, in some cases, thermal imaging is also not particularly effective, for example, when the sun heats trees to a temperature close to human body temperature. However, as researchers have proven, using artificial intelligence technologies can partly solve this problem. ... >>

Time-inverted optical waves 31.12.2020

A team of researchers from the University of Queensland and Nokia Bell Labs have developed a new method to produce time-inverted optical waves. Temporal inversion in physics does not at all mean the possibility of traveling "back to the future". This term describes a special type of wave that can travel back through an object exactly along the path taken by the first non-inverted wave. It's like shooting a wave propagating backwards, and this method can be used in completely new imaging technologies, in communication and other technologies related to the movement of light in various environments. “Imagine a short light pulse moving from a point source of light to an object consisting of a scattering material, such as fog,” the researchers explain the essence of their achievement, “When the light reaches the fog, it scatters, splitting into many rays that arrive at various points in ... >>

Raven is not inferior to primacy in mental abilities 30.12.2020

Biologists from the Institute for Cognitive Sciences at the University of Osnabrück have found that the mental abilities of ravens are not inferior to great apes. Birds can communicate with each other and are able to learn. German scientists led by Simone Pick compared the intelligence level of ravens with great apes using a series of tests for primates. Eight crows raised at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology were selected for the study. Their ages were four, eight, 12 and 16 months. During the study, the biologists analyzed spatial memory, understanding of object permanence, understanding of relative quantities, numbers, and addition, as well as the birds' ability to communicate with other crows and learn from the human experimenter. The results obtained were compared with those obtained in two species of great apes ? 106 chimpanzees and 32 orangutans. The researchers concluded that the intelligence of birds is formed by the age of four months. The researchers also found ... >>

Huawei Smart Pillow 30.12.2020

Huawei has introduced a smart pillow Smart Choice Mok Planet Smart Latex Pillow, which allows you to monitor heart rate and many other data. The device is priced at $70. The Huawei Smart Choice Mok Planet Smart Latex Pillow has a two-layer design, it consists of a 9 cm thick latex layer with an additional 2 cm removable extension. The height of the pillow can be adjusted according to the anatomical features of people. The content of natural latex reaches 93%. It has excellent elasticity and can perfectly support the neck and relieve pressure. Inside the pillow, there are tens of thousands of honeycomb holes that provide natural ventilation and keep you feeling fresh. The pillow meets the anti-fungal standard, the degree of protection against mites is 99%, and the formaldehyde content is reduced to zero. The smart latex pillows are embedded with ultra-thin non-inductive sensors that can track ... >>

External battery ZMI 20 Power Bank with 120W charger 29.12.2020

The Chinese company ZMI has introduced a new external battery ZMI 20 Power Bank, the main distinguishing feature of which was support for super-powerful fast charging at 120W. True, it is immediately worth noting that at the moment there is exactly one gadget on the market that can be recharged with such power - Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro Extreme Edition. The capacity of the power bank is a mighty 25 mAh. This amount of energy is enough, for example, to recharge the iPhone SE (000) eight times. There are two USB-C and one USB-A ports for connecting rechargeable devices. The total output power of the device is capable of reaching up to 2020 watts. The ZMI 200 Power Bank itself only supports fast charging up to 20W. An external battery can reach 65% charge in an hour, and it will take 60 hours to fully charge it. ... >>

Fuel from photosynthesis 29.12.2020

Professor of Energy in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Daniel Nocera and his colleagues at Harvard University have created two devices - an artificial leaf and a bionic leaf - that use solar energy to produce liquid fuel. The artificial sheet is a silicon-based solar cell with various catalytic materials attached to both sides. When immersed in water, the device uses the energy of sunlight to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The bionic leaf, thanks to the bacterium Ralstonia eutropha, absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and combines it with hydrogen, which produces artificial leaves. Liquid fuel is produced by artificial photosynthesis. The scientist noted that in 2020, researchers replaced the bacterium with Xanthobacter autotrophicus. This allowed the development of a device that combines nitrogen from the air and hydrogen from an artificial leaf to make fertilizer. He added that artificial photosynthesis in ... >>

GPU chip design 28.12.2020

AMD has filed an application with the US Patent Office, in which it described the idea of ​​​​creating a graphics processor with a chiplet structure. To do this, the company's engineers have to solve a number of problems specific to such a design. Standard GPU programming techniques are ineffective for multi-GPU operation (which basically reflects the almost complete abandonment of Crossfire/SLI graphics bundles), as it is difficult to distribute parallelism across multiple active dies in a system. The paper describes one possible way to synchronize memory content across multiple GPU chipsets. AMD believes that such problems could be avoided by implementing "passive, high-bandwidth cross-links." The first GPU chipset will be directly "communicated" to the CPU, while each of the chiplets in the array will be passively cross-linked to the first GPU. ... >>

Axiomtek AIE100-903-FL-NX Compact System 28.12.2020

Axiomtek has launched a compact AIE100-903-FL-NX system designed to solve the so-called smart city edge AI tasks that require high performance. It is based on the "single-board supercomputer" Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX, built on a single-chip system with six Nvidia Carmel processor cores on the Arm architecture and the Volta accelerator with 384 CUDA cores and 48 tensor cores. The AIE100-903-FL-NX is equipped with an HDMI 2.0 video output, a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port and two Gigabit Ethernet ports, one of which supports PoE and can provide power up to 15W. The built-in 16GB eMMC can be upgraded with an M.2 PCIe x4 SSD and a microSD card. Expansion options are provided by the Mini PCIe slot, where USB and PCIe signals are output. In addition, there is a slot for a SIM card. Based on the application, the passively cooled IP40 system is designed for XNUMX/XNUMX operation in the range ... >>

Bracelet shoots antiseptic 27.12.2020

An international team of engineers created the SprayCare wristband. It will disinfect hands and objects where it is not always convenient to get an antiseptic. For example, in public transport, elevator, shop or car. This is reported by Naked Science. On the body of the device there is a small bottle with an antiseptic and a button that sprays the product. According to the developers, they noticed how often they touch dirty surfaces during the day, and decided to create a simple device that will help them feel safe. The bracelet is a vial of antiseptic attached to a silicone strap. The size of the device is close to the Apple Watch. Inside there is a sprayer and a pump that starts a single button. After pressing it, the device sprays the antiseptic on any surface for 3 seconds at a distance of up to 1,5 m. The antiseptic in the bottle is enough for about 40 applications, after which the person will be able to add the desired agent (if it is not very thick). Besides ... >>

Measuring Difficulty 27.12.2020

An algorithm for quantifying the complexity of structures has been developed. It is able to work not only with physical systems up to quantum ones, but also with images, video and even music. An intuitive understanding of the complexity of systems and processes is inherent in any person. For example, one can easily distinguish the complexity of two drawings based on the dissimilarity of their elements to each other and the number of differing details. This is key information for the human brain to distinguish between objects of approximately the same size and shape. But how to digitize an idea of ​​the complexity of an object and express it mathematically? After all, the need for a mathematical description that properly reflects the complexity of hierarchical non-random structures exists in many fields of science, from physics and geology to the social sciences. An international team of scientists has developed a universal machine algorithm that can quantify, with a single number, the complexity of any two-dimensional or three-dimensional system. ... >>

Diamond stretching for microelectronics 26.12.2020

Scientists from the University of Hong Kong have developed a uniform, stretchable diamond array using a nanomechanical approach. Deformed diamonds will now be used in functional devices in microelectronics, photonics and quantum information technologies, experts said. All studies as a result showed the uniform elasticity of the diamond. Diamond is considered an efficient electronic and photonic material due to its ultra-high thermal conductivity. Therefore, they believe that liquid diamond will be the best material to use in electronics. ... >>

high speed jet engine 26.12.2020

Scientists from China have developed an air-jet engine, the capabilities of which allow you to fly around the planet in 2 hours. During testing, the engine was able to exceed the speed of nine Mach numbers, however, this level is able to increase, because during the test, not very powerful equipment was used, which reduced the capabilities of the device. The motor accelerates to Mach 16 - in this case, aircraft can go around the Earth in just 2 hours. At the moment, only a prototype is being tested, for this reason, the full implementation of the project is expected by 2023. The scientists gave some details about the engine: hydrogen fuel is ignited using a shock wave. The alloys used in the creation of the prototype can withstand quite a high load and temperature. ... >>

New MOSFET OptiMOS 5 with double-sided cooling 25.12.2020

Infineon has introduced a new line of dual-cooled MOSFETs as part of the OptiMOS 5 family. The new transistors come in a SuperSO8 5x6 SC (super cooling) package to improve heat dissipation and create applications with maximum efficiency and power density. Currently, the line includes solutions with an operating voltage of 60 and 100 V. Despite the presence of double-sided cooling, the new MOSFETs are fully compatible with the standard SuperSO8 pad, and also have a low Rds (on) resistance and low switching losses, which makes they are an excellent choice for use in telecommunications systems, server applications, power tools, motor control systems and many other applications. Features: Lower thermal resistance than without dual cooling; RthJC top<1K/W; Temperature resistance 175°C; Can be installed on a standard SuperSO8 pad. Applications ... >>

Yogurt fights depression 25.12.2020

The probiotics found in natural yogurt improve people's mood as they affect brain function. UCLA researchers found that the brain activity of people who ate probiotic yogurt twice a day for a month changed. This was observed both during brain rest and in response to an "emotional attention task" that tracked how the brain responded to certain emotions. Symbiotic gut bacteria, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the human digestive system, has long been known to protect against disease by boosting the immune system, aiding digestion, and promoting healthy weight and blood pressure. It is known that the brain sends signals to the intestines, so stress and other emotions can lead to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A new study shows that the signals are moving in the opposite direction. Scientists selected 36 women with a healthy weight ... >>

Temperature maintenance record for a fusion reactor 24.12.2020

A fusion power device from South Korea's National Fusion Fusion Research Institute (NFRI) maintained a temperature of 20 million degrees Fahrenheit, or 180 million degrees Celsius, for 100 seconds. The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor recently set a world record by keeping its plasma superhot at 180 million degrees Fahrenheit for 20 seconds. It may not sound like much, but no previous fusion plant has lasted more than 10 seconds under these conditions - even the KSTAR reactor only lasted eight seconds in 2019. The key was to improve the internal transport barrier, which helps contain the plasma and keep it stable. KSTAR's ultimate goal is to have five minutes of continuous operation at extreme temperatures by 2025. Fusion reactors could be vital if they become a reality. ... >>

Toyota Tiny C+pod electric car 24.12.2020

The Japanese automaker Toyota has announced an ultra-compact electric car Tiny C + pod, the characteristics of which are significantly different from the usual electric models. However, the novelty will be sold in the Japanese market, where users have long been accustomed to miniature cars. The dimensions of the Toyota Tiny C + pod model are 2490x1290x1550 mm (weight - 670-690 kg) - this is less than that of Smart ForTwo (2500x1520x1530 mm). Given the minimum width (1290 mm) and turning radius (3,9 m), it is most logical to use it on the narrow streets of Japanese cities, and not on the highway. The rear-wheel drive model is driven by an electric motor with a maximum peak power of just 9 kW (2,6 kW continuous power) and a torque of 56 Nm. As a result, the electric car can only accelerate to 60 km/h. From a full charge of the 9,06 kWh battery, the Toyota Tiny C+pod travels up to 150 km on the WLTC measuring cycle with an average consumption of 54 Wh/km. A full battery charge from a 200V / 16A network lasts 5 hours ... >>

Mystery of the Lost Moon 23.12.2020

According to history, in May 1110, the moon completely disappeared from the sky. Scientists from the University of Geneva in Switzerland were able to solve the mystery of such an unusual phenomenon. Between 1100 and 1120 there were 7 total lunar eclipses, but the May event was exceptional when the satellite completely disappeared from the sky. Scientists have found that the reason for this was the volcanic eruption and the release of sulfur particles into the stratosphere. Initially, it was thought that this happened to the Hekla volcano in Iceland. Swiss scientists, after conducting a study, realized that he did not have such power. The reason for the disappearance of the moon was the Japanese mountain Asama, where a serious eruption took place for several months in 1108. Traces of this process remained in ice cores - these are samples taken from the depths of glaciers. They contained sulfur aerosols. The particles first spread through the stratosphere, making the sky dark for a long time. After the cloud fell to the ground and left its traces in the glaciers. ... >>

NASA compact lunar rover 23.12.2020

A new model of a compact lunar rover, created by a private company, has been successfully tested at the NASA Research Center in Florida. Researchers at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida recently tested a new robotic rover in a 120-ton container of rocks and regolith dust that simulates the surface of the moon. The four-wheeled CubeRover traversed abrasive dust dunes, turned on the spot, then moved up and down steep trench walls and completed over 150 mobility tests. The test rover has a standardized size, which makes it easier to transport it into space. The commercial development of small rovers allows engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists to test new, existing and risky concepts first on Earth and then on the Moon. CubeRovers are the first to demonstrate a range of capabilities, such as recharging from a centralized power source in a regolith environment, recovering surface materials, and creating a local communications network. ... >>

Xiaomi Mi Reader Pro e-book 22.12.2020

The Chinese company Xiaomi has introduced a new e-book Mi Reader Pro. The model received a 7,8-inch display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels with a dual-mode backlight (warm and cold glow) with 24 brightness levels. At the heart of the reader is not yet named quad-core processor with low power consumption. Provided 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory. The gadget is running a modified version of the Android 8.1 operating system. The thickness of the body of the e-book is only 7 millimeters. Device weight - 251 grams. A USB port and Wi-Fi (2,4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless modules are provided. The battery capacity of 3200 mAh is responsible for the autonomy of the device. According to the manufacturer, its capabilities are enough for 70 days of autonomous service. The price of new items is $170. ... >>

New tape density record 22.12.2020

IBM Research specialists announced a new record density record data on magnetic tape - 317 gigabits per square inch. This is 27 times the performance of current LTO cartridges and is the sixth record in this area set by IBM Research since 2006. Tape storage technology was developed over 60 years ago and has traditionally been used for archiving and backing up data. It was then that IBM released its first commercial product. At that time, the capacity of the 726 Magnetic Tape Unit with a half-inch wide magnetic tape was about 2 MB. Since then, tape has remained the most reliable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective way to store vast amounts of archive and backup data. The previous record, set in 2017, was beaten using a prototype strontium ferrite (SrFe) tape developed in collaboration with Fujifilm. Available now ... >>

Optical waves with time reversal 21.12.2020

Physicists have presented a new technique with which they have demonstrated the reversal of time for optical waves. The discovery will help in the field of telecommunications and biomedical imaging. Reversing time in physics does not mean traveling "back to the future". This property means that you can follow the movement of the wave along its path in the opposite direction, as if we were watching a movie in rewind. Imagine that we threw a heavy object into the pool. At the same time, we would see a splash of water and the formation of waves on its surface, which would eventually subside. Now, if time-reversed waves are sent into the pool, they will eventually add up and form the splash that we observed after a heavy object fell into the pool. Until now, such a reversal has not been observed for electromagnetic waves in the visible range in three-dimensional space. Scientists from the University of Queensland and Nokia Bell Labs were able to do this. They created a device that allows you to control ... >>

DC/DC Converters OPTIREG Switcher TLS412xD0x 21.12.2020

Infineon has introduced a new family of pin-to-pin DC/DC buck converters, the OPTIREG Switcher TLS412xD0x. Designed for automotive applications, these converters are compact and require only five additional piping components. From an input voltage of 3,7V to 35V, the converters are capable of delivering 3V to 10V output at 2A or 2,5A. systems such as: ADAS, communication systems, dashboards, multimedia and more. In addition to the converters themselves, Infineon also offers customers evaluation boards based on them, which simplify the process of connecting and prototyping. Features: Wide input voltage range (412…0 V); Pin-to-pin compatible, output current 94 and 3,7 A; Compact dimensions, only five additional strapping components; Low current consumption ... >>

Intercontinental travel of bacteria 20.12.2020

The work of scientists from the University of Granada in Spain has revealed the secret of the transfer of microorganisms from one continent to another. Bacteria travel in atmospheric dust particles called iberulite, which can be inhaled by humans, according to a new study. Iberulites are large polymineral atmospheric bioaerosols, averaging about one hundred microns in size, which are characterized by intercontinental travel with the transport of living microorganisms. As scientists say, iberulites are "boosters" for bacteria. In the current study, scientists analyzed atmospheric dust deposits in the city of Granada in Spain. They found that the composition of these deposits was heterogeneous - in addition to various minerals, bacteria and other unicellular organisms are a biological component. According to the study, the dust originated from the Sahara desert and local soils. Analyzing iberulites, the researchers found that they were formed as a result of chemical and physical interaction between dust particles, ... >>

Robotic dogs will fly to Mars 20.12.2020

NASA unveiled the four-legged robot Au-Spot with artificial intelligence - a modified version of the Spot robot from Boston Dynamics. Scientists are equipping four-legged animal-simulating robots with artificial intelligence (AI) and a suite of sensory equipment to help them autonomously navigate the Red Planet. It is assumed that robotic dogs will be able to maneuver better than the Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. The maneuverability and stability of the new robots are combined with sensors that allow them to avoid obstacles, choose between multiple paths, and build virtual maps of buried tunnels and caves for home base operators. Traditional rovers are limited to mostly flat surfaces, but many scientifically interesting regions of Mars are located in rugged terrain or underground. Robotic dogs are well suited for such tasks - even if they fall, they can get up again. Martian dogs will ... >>

Phantom images of molecules 19.12.2020

Engineers and scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have designed and built a new X-ray microscope that takes advantage of the strange features of the mysterious world of quantum physics. Thanks to this, the new microscope makes it possible to obtain "phantom images" of biomolecules in the highest resolution, exposing them to a lower dose of harmful radiation. X-ray microscopes are very useful tools when it comes to taking high-resolution images of various molecules, materials, and the like. However, a sufficiently high level of hard X-ray radiation is usually detrimental and fatal to the samples under study, if these samples are viruses, bacteria and cells of living tissues. Reducing the radiation dose is one way to solve this problem, but an undesirable side effect of this is a decrease in image resolution. Conventional X-ray microscopes use a single beam ... >>

A new method of observing the Sun 19.12.2020

An international team of scientists has developed a new deep learning method for stable classification and quality quantification of solar images from ground-based solar observatories. To ensure constant monitoring of the Sun, regardless of the schedule of the day, night and local weather conditions, ground-based telescopes are located around the globe. However, the Earth's atmosphere imposes the strongest restrictions on observations of the Sun - clouds can obscure the solar disk, and air vibrations can blur the image. In order to select the best observations from multiple simultaneous observations and detect local deterioration in quality, an objective evaluation of the image quality is required. The scientists applied artificial intelligence to obtain a quality score similar to human interpretation: a neural network was developed to learn the characteristics of high-quality images and estimate the deviation of real observations from an ideal reference. The approach of scientists is based on the generator ... >>

MXene Smart Fabric 18.12.2020

Materials engineers at Drexel University have unveiled an ultra-reflection fabric that also reflects certain wavelengths of radiation, among other things. Developments of this type are always something very promising and interesting, since they can be applied in a whole range of different tasks and directions, not to mention the fact that they can play the role of a full-fledged technological platform. The new fabric is a kind of electrically conductive fabric for clothing, but the electricity in it does not pass through, but is retained as an active component and an element for further reflection of electromagnetic waves. Given the fact that many similar developments have been presented in one way or another by many other companies, it becomes clear that MXene has a very interesting character - simply because it offers a much wider functionality and range. ... >>

Intel Clover Falls Auxiliary Chip 18.12.2020

Intel - presented a new auxiliary chip Clover Falls, which should make laptops smarter and safer with the help of artificial intelligence. The new device will be installed on the motherboard and, among other things, "bring new low power capabilities to the computer, helping it to recognize and adapt to its environment." For example, the chip will help the laptop detect the presence of the user and automatically increase the brightness of the screen. We can say that Clover Falls is a kind of low-power AI-based co-processor that constantly monitors the laptop in a semi-passive mode. The novelty will become an integral part of the Evo project, in which Intel and its partners are working to create top-end laptops. ... >>

Washbasin without plumbing 17.12.2020

Japanese inventors have created a wireless washstand that can be installed directly on the street or in public places. The device does not require connection to the water network and works by recycling water. "We do not want to provoke crowds, but we want to show that Ginza is a safe place. Therefore, the goal of this project is to remind people of cleanliness and hygiene rules as often as possible," says Akira Ito, head of organizing mass events. Non-contact wash-hand basin: the faucet and soap dispenser are operated by motion sensors. And most importantly, it is environmentally friendly: it does not connect to the water supply, but works by processing water. Purification takes place in 3 stages: first filtration, then chlorine treatment and finally disinfection with ultraviolet light. On average, 20 liters of water is enough for half a thousand procedures. After 2 thousand uses, the filters are replaced. "Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought it would be great if people could wash their hands anywhere, anytime. ... >>

Atomic clock on quantum entanglement 17.12.2020

To date, atomic clocks are the most accurate timepieces on Earth. The best devices of this type will be only a second behind in 15 billion years. However, in the future, scientists may need even more accurate timepieces to conduct research and control spacecraft. Conventional atomic clocks have a limit to the accuracy of time measurement. It is limited by quantum fluctuations that interfere with tracking the vibrations of atoms. Atomic clocks use lasers to measure the vibration frequency of atoms. The period of these oscillations is so stable that its measurement allows you to count time with incredible accuracy. For example, the cesium-133 atom vibrates exactly 9 times per second, and atomic clocks based on this element are used to calculate world time. Now physicists have been able to make such chronometers even more accurate. To do this, scientists collected a cloud of 192 cooled atoms of ytterbium-631, the vibration frequency of which is even higher than that of cesium-770, and placed them in ... >>

Radeon RX 6900 XT NITRO+ graphics card 16.12.2020

Sapphire has introduced the flagship graphics accelerator Radeon RX 6900 XT in a proprietary version of NITRO +. Previously, the manufacturer showed the Radeon RX 6800 XT and RX 6800 models in the same version. Due to its huge cooling system, the Sapphire Radeon RX 6900 XT NITRO+ requires three free expansion slots inside the computer case. The length of the video card is 310 mm. The presented version of the Radeon RX 6900 XT received a slight factory overclocking of the GPU. For gaming and boost modes, the manufacturer claims frequencies of 2050 and 2285 MHz, respectively, which is 1,6% higher than the reference values ​​announced by AMD for this model. The card received a dual BIOS system with quiet and productive modes. For additional power, the card is equipped with 8-pin connectors, which is rather curious, since most of the non-reference Radeon RX 6900 XT variants presented so far are equipped with three of these connectors. On the other hand, in ... >>

Molecular sensor for smartphones 16.12.2020

Science fiction films demonstrate advanced technologies for collecting and analyzing a variety of information about a person. No less modern technology was prepared by a German company that developed a sensor for conducting a full-fledged molecular analysis using a smartphone. Smartphones with tricorders have appeared more than once at various exhibitions, but they were all too big. But the development of the German company Trinamix just differs from all analogs in size: the sensor will be located inside the phone and will be no larger than the size of the camera module. The operation of the infrared spectroscopic sensor is based on Qualcomm AI Engine technology to process the captured molecular data. This will solve a range of problems, from scanning the body for optimal skin care and dietary advice, to detecting counterfeit fabrics and any other products. The key feature of the technology is its versatility, because in order to get new functions, you will only need to update the software. ... >>

Quantum teleportation using conventional equipment 15.12.2020

Researchers from the Fermilab laboratory during the experiment were able to ensure the instantaneous transmission of a quantum state over optical networks. The distance at the same time was 44 km. Quantum teleportation (transmission of a quantum state over a distance using an entangled pair separated in space and a classical communication channel, in which the state is destroyed at the point of departure during the measurement and recreated at the point of reception) is carried out by spreading the so-called entangled qubits over a certain distance (when the qubits an unobservable relationship is imposed, which is expressed in the fact that with any change over one of several qubits, the rest change in accordance with it). During the tests, Fermilab used ordinary single-photon sensors, optical networks and new laboratory equipment. It was possible to transfer a quantum qubit to another qubit associated with it and 44 km away with an accuracy of 90%, which is considered a very good indicator. In the future, scientists ... >>

Magnetic field improves muscles 15.12.2020

Over time, muscles age and weaken. You can strengthen them with physical exercises: the load activates various biochemical processes in muscle cells that help the muscles renew themselves. As it turned out, the same anti-aging processes are activated if muscle cells are simply treated with an alternating magnetic field. Researchers at the National University of Singapore, along with colleagues at ETH Zurich, describe in Advanced Biosystems how a magnetic field affects the TRPC1 protein. It works as an ion channel, passing sodium and calcium through the inner cell membranes. Many biochemical signals are associated with calcium ions, on which, among other things, the work of mitochondria depends - intracellular organelles that provide the cell with energy. Energy resources (that is, the activity of mitochondria) affect the ability of cells to divide. And the redistribution of calcium ions between different parts of the cell affects the functioning of mitochondria. It is known that physical exercise ... >>

Tree rings told about the reason for the victories of Genghis Khan 14.12.2020

Dendrochronology is a field of science that was born just over a century ago. It became a hobby for astronomer Andrew Douglas of the University of Arizona. He became interested in tree rings because they could tell a lot about past solar cycles and how they affected the Earth's climate. Douglas began to collect a base of tree rings growing from the middle of the 15th century. He then began to investigate an even more ancient source of data - wooden beams from the ruins of Puebloan in the southwestern United States. This is how dendrochronology appeared. Researcher Valerie Truet believes that the tree rings recorded other important moments in human history. The unusually rainy years from 1211 to 1225 may have allowed the grass to cover the steppes of Central Asia, which became fodder for Genghis Khan's horses and the key to conquering the world of the Mongol Empire. The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 left its mark on the oddly aligned rings of surviving pine trees. Patterns on the violin by Antonio Stradivari, price ... >>

Synthetic fuel Haru Oni 14.12.2020

Porsche AG and Siemens Energy, together with other international companies, are building the world's first integrated facility for the production of climate-neutral synthetic fuels (eFuels) on an industrial scale in Chile. The "Haru Oni" pilot project, deployed in the province of Magallanes, uses the rich wind resources in southern Chile to produce climate-neutral fuel using "green" electricity generated by wind turbines. As part of Germany's national hydrogen strategy, Siemens Energy receives funding for this project of about 8 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. At the pilot stage of the project, about 2022 liters of synthetic fuel will be produced already in 130. Then, in two stages, the production volume is planned to be increased to about 000 million liters per year by 2024, and to about 55 million liters per year by 2026. At the end of the pilot phase, the project participants plan to bring the joint development ... >>

176-layer 4D NAND Flash 13.12.2020

SK Hynix announced the completion of the "industry's most layered" 176-layer 4Gb TLC 512D NAND flash memory. In November, memory samples were sent to controller manufacturers. The manufacturer is pushing the memory, which it calls 4D NAND, starting with 96-layer Charge Trap Flash or CTF memory. A feature of 4D NAND is the integration under layers with memory cells of a layer with peripheral circuits. SK Hynix estimates that the move to 176-layer memory has enabled 35% more memory per wafer compared to previous generation 4D NAND flash. The read access time was reduced by 20% using the new cell array selection technology, and the data transfer rate was increased by 33% to 1,6 Gbps. SK Hynix plans to start deliveries of the new memory in the middle of next year, starting with memory for mobile devices, in which case the increase in read speed reaches 70%, and write speed - 35%. P ... >>

invisible material 13.12.2020

South Korean scientists have developed a new kind of camouflage "skin" that will allow the military to blend in with the environment. This material hides a person not only from conventional cameras, but also from infrared night cameras. The new material consists of "pixels" that contain thermochromic liquid crystals that can change color. The material also reacts to the ambient temperature - it is able to cool or heat up in order to "hide" from thermal imaging cameras. In the experiment, the research team demonstrated the work of the "skin" using a patch glued to the hand. The hand was placed on different backgrounds and exposed to different temperatures. For example, on a blue background, the material also took on a blue color. Despite this impressive achievement, the research team still has a lot of work to do. The researchers want the technology to independently react to the surrounding color and change accordingly. Currently, the data that allows you to change the color is entered ... >>

Advanced EV batteries from QuantumScape 12.12.2020

QuantumScape's solid-state lithium metal batteries promise to be second-generation electric vehicle batteries with range comparable to ICE vehicles. Previously, solid state lithium metal batteries were considered promising, but suffering from a lot of negative side effects. In particular, they were safer and more capacious than lithium-ion, but had a narrow operating temperature range. QuantumScape batteries are said to be free from the childhood ailments of solid-state lithium metal batteries and could be commercially viable in as little as four years. New batteries do not have an anode. More precisely, in the production of QuantumScape batteries, the anode is not manufactured. This electrode is formed in an already assembled battery cell by deposition of lithium metal during the cell charging process. The declared rate of lithium deposition in the process of anode formation exceeds all previous indicators and reaches one micron ... >>

Improvement of clean methanol fuel cells 12.12.2020

Due to the many environmental problems caused by the use of fossil fuels, many scientists around the world are focused on finding effective alternatives. While there are high hopes for hydrogen fuel cells, the reality is that transporting, storing, and using pure hydrogen comes with huge additional costs, making it difficult for today's technologies. In contrast, methanol (CH3O3), a type of alcohol, does not require refrigeration, has a higher energy density, and is easier and safer to transport. Thus, a transition to a methanol-based economy is a more realistic goal. However, generating electricity from methanol at room temperature requires a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), a device that has so far offered poor performance. One of the major problems with DMFC is the undesired "methanol oxidation" reaction that occurs during the methanol transition," ... >>

Sliding doors made of transparent OLED displays 11.12.2020

LG has announced a partnership with Swedish manufacturer Assa Abloy Entrance Systems. The companies will work together to develop automatic sliding doors with built-in transparent OLED displays. Such doors will be focused on the corporate segment. As noted by LG, they will be able to greet customers, communicate with employees or display ads. LG has been showcasing its transparent displays for several years now, and introduced a range of transparent signage early last year. Recently, the company has already begun to implement similar panels in real-life conditions. In August, LG announced that its displays are used in subway car windows in Beijing and Shenzhen in China, and Panasonic and Xiaomi transparent OLED TVs use LG panels. ... >>

Heat resistant bioplastic 11.12.2020

Plastics can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose, while bioplastics can take several years. Previously, these materials could not withstand high temperatures, but now researchers have been able to make bioplastic products resistant even to boiling water. Conventional plastics have strength and flexibility compared to materials made from biomass. But most importantly, many synthetic polymers are stable at temperatures around 100°C, which is not the case with bioplastics. American scientists have found a way to modify biodegradable plastics to increase their heat resistance. The scientists took as a basis polylactic acid, a cheap bioplastic that is commonly used for food packaging, bottles and disposable tableware. Typically, this material begins to break down already at 60°C. But the researchers found that the melting point of this polymeric material is highly dependent on its internal structure. The authors changed the method for the synthesis of polylactic acid so ... >>

Seagate RISC-V Processors 10.12.2020

Seagate Technology announced the development of two processors based on the open RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA). This is the first announcement of the results of several years of cooperation between Seagate and RISC-V International. One of the processors is optimized in terms of performance, and the other is optimized in terms of the minimum die area. The high-performance processor has already been manufactured and tested in hard disk drives. The area-optimized version has been designed and is in the manufacturing stage. Seagate estimates that a high-performance processor outperforms critical real-time hard drive workloads by up to three times over existing solutions. In particular, this opens the way to more accurate head positioning through the implementation of advanced servo control algorithms. The area-optimized processor boasts a highly configurable microarchitecture and feature set. ... >>

Moon origin modeled 10.12.2020

The hypothesis of the origin of the Earth's satellite as a result of the collision of two planets was tested using a new algorithm. British scientists believe that the Moon could have been formed about 4,5 billion years ago as a result of the collision of the Earth with the hypothetical planet Theia. Theia is a hypothetical planet that formed 4,6 billion years ago, like other planets in the solar system, which could have been similar in size to Mars. She is named after Theia, one of the Titanide sisters in ancient Greek mythology, the mother of Helios, Eos and Selene (the moon goddess). Interest in impact theory has grown due to the recent discovery of heterogeneity in oxygen isotopes in lunar samples. The scientists simulated the alleged collision between the proto-Earth and Theia and studied the effect of different rotation speeds of the hypothetical planet on the impact that forms the Moon. It is emphasized that the conclusions are not the final proof of the origin of the Moon, however, they are an important step in understanding how ... >>

Named the new height of Everest 09.12.2020

The heads of China and Nepal, Xi Jingping and Bidhya Devi Bhandari, officially announced the new height of Everest. "I would like, together with President Bhandari, to officially announce to the world on behalf of China and Nepal that the height of Everest is 8848,86 meters," the Chinese leader said in a letter. Earlier Tuesday, a video conference was held with the participation of the foreign ministers of the two countries, at which new data obtained by Nepalese and Chinese researchers were announced. The Department of Geodesy of the Ministry of Land Management of Nepal assures that the measurements are accurate to the centimeter. The error of the new data on the height of Everest, obtained by comparing data from the GPS and Beidou satellite systems, is plus or minus two cm. Recall that an agreement on the joint measurement of Everest was reached last year during Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal. Such a need arose after the assumptions of a number of scientists that the mountain could have decreased due to earthquakes in 2015. Nepal and China disagree on heights ... >>

Wired video intercom Logitech Circle View Doorbell 09.12.2020

Logitech has unveiled the Circle View Doorbell, which it says is the first wired video intercom designed specifically for the Apple HomeKit. The Circle View Doorbell is said to provide crisp portrait video from less than a meter away, support face detection, HDR for processing high-contrast scenes, and color night vision up to two meters away. The device is compatible with most existing wired doorbell systems and supports automation for video settings, notifications, storage and sharing. HomeKit Secure Video, a powerful and secure smart home platform available on over a billion active iOS and iPadOS devices, provides intelligent object detection in the field of view to know when a person, animal or vehicle is approaching a call. User can access Circle View Doorbell in Home app or by contacting Sir ... >>

Charging wearable devices from the user's breath 08.12.2020

An international team of researchers led by scientists from the University of Pennsylvania (USA) has developed an elastic system that collects energy from human breathing and movement to charge "smart" wearable devices - for example, fitness bracelets. According to the authors of the work, current versions of batteries and supercapacitors that power wearable and stretchable devices for monitoring and diagnosing health conditions have many disadvantages, including low energy density and insufficient elasticity. An alternative to batteries are micro-supercapacitors, energy storage devices that can supplement or replace lithium-ion batteries in wearable devices. Of the advantages: micro-supercapacitors are small in size, have a high power density. On the downside, they have a "multi-layered" folded geometry, so these power sources don't stretch well, making them difficult to connect to wearable electronics. Therefore, scientists decided to explore alternative ... >>

artificial sun 08.12.2020

In China, scientists have managed to launch an "artificial sun", which should generate thermonuclear energy. Corresponding experiments are being carried out in the city of Chengdu. Specialists from the research center are studying a fusion reactor, which is a representative of a new generation of such devices. This development is able to maintain performance at a temperature that is ten times higher than the core of the Sun. In particular, the apparatus called HL-2M of the tokamak type "heats up" to 150 million degrees Celsius. This result is almost three times higher than the previous model, which bore the name HL-2A. The device is like a vacuum chamber, where the heated plasma is rotated due to the magnetic field. The synthesis reaction is observed due to extremely high temperatures. It is also noted that the apparatus can hold the magnetic plasma for 10 seconds. ... >>

Preservation of the properties of transparent electrodes when heated 07.12.2020

A heat treatment method that avoids the deterioration of the electrical properties of a transparent electrode made of indium tin oxide has been found by an international group of researchers. In the practical application of transparent electrodes in electronics, the heat treatment of the material occurs at temperatures of about 400°C. Scientists were looking for processing methods that would maximize the preservation of the electrical and optical properties of the material. The researchers subjected tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) to treatment at temperatures in the range of 200-400°C under various annealing atmospheres - oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. After processing, the structural, optical and electrical properties of the conductor were evaluated. Samples treated with both oxygen and nitrogen show deterioration in the structural, optical, and conductive properties of ITO, while the carbon dioxide atmosphere prevents ITO decomposition at 400°C. ... >>

Pocket DNA Sequencer 07.12.2020

American scientists have developed the world's first handheld device with a connected application that can decipher the genome of any living creature, no matter where the user is. It is noted that at the moment the device is associated with the application for iOS. The portable device is intended, first of all, for scientists who conduct field work on the study of DNA of various animal and human species. The tiny device for analyzing the genetic sequence was created by the Oxford Nanopore company, and the staff of the Laboratory at Cold Spring Harbor created the concept of the device and the application for it. According to the authors, you can transfer data from a device to an iPhone or iPad and save it even without Internet access. This feature enables sequencing in the most remote locations on the globe. Scientists have already demonstrated how the device can decipher the DNA sequences of viral pathogens such as influenza or Zika, as well as detect mutations, ... >>

Replacing silicon to reduce transistor size 06.12.2020

Silicon has been the dominant microchip material for decades, but its dominance may be ending. MIT researchers have found that an indium gallium arsenide alloy could be the basis for making smaller, more energy efficient transistors. Transistors are the building blocks of computers. They act as switches, either interrupting the electric current, or allowing it to continue, and thereby ensure the operation of computers. However, in order for the growth of computer power not to stop, more compact transistors are needed. Today, semiconductor manufacturing is based on silicon, but there are alternatives. For example, indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs). This material has excellent electron transport properties. InGaAs transistors can process signals quickly and operate at relatively low voltage, which means they can really improve the performance of computers. But there is one catch ... >>

The temperature in the Arctic has reached a maximum 06.12.2020

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) testifies that global warming has created a "completely different climate" in the Arctic. The climate crisis, provoked by human activity, has changed the northern continent beyond recognition. This was told in their new study by NOAA experts. For the past seven years, the Arctic has recorded the highest temperatures since 1900. Until September 2020, the second warmest 12-month period was recorded in the northern polar region. The Arctic is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the planet and has already turned into a hotter, greener area, with less ice every year. The anthropogenic climate crisis has led to the fact that in some Arctic regions it was abnormally hot in 2020. In some regions of Siberia, for example, the average temperature in the first half of the year reached a record 5 °C. And in June, in the city of Verkhoyansk, thermometers ... >>

Drones can smell 05.12.2020

University of Washington engineers connected a live moth's antenna to an electronics suite and used it to point the drone at specific smells. They call the created machine Smellicopter. "Nature is head and shoulders above our artificial odor sensors. By using the olfactory antenna of a real moth on a Smellicopter drone, we can get the best of both worlds: the sensitivity of a biological organism on a robotic platform that can be controlled," says Melanie Anderson, lead author of the study. The hollow tubular antenna is borrowed from the tobacco hawk moth (manduca sexta). Small electrodes are inserted into each end of the antenna, which pick up the signal from its receptors. The antenna remains biologically and chemically active for up to four hours after removal, but its shelf life can be extended if the component is refrigerated. To test the resulting cyborg's sense of smell, the team placed the sensor in a wind tunnel, where ... >>

Brain implants to restore vision 05.12.2020

Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience are one step closer to restoring vision to blind people. The new invention has been successfully tested on macaques. Implants with 1024 electrodes were implanted into the cerebral cortex of macaques. The electrodes conduct electrical signals to the brain, stimulating the part of the cortex responsible for vision. As a result, the signals are converted into an image. As lead researcher Peter Roelfsema explained, stimulating the cortex with a single electrode can produce an image of a single point. But when a set of electrodes is used, an image can be created. During the tests, the monkeys completed a number of tasks. With the help of implanted implants, they had to recognize various objects, including lines, moving dots, letters. And they did it. Neuroscientists believe that the new technology will someday help restore vision to people. According to Peter Roelfsema, in the future, a person will be able to see with the help of a camera built into glasses. Images from to ... >>

Ultracold molecular quantum gas 04.12.2020

For the first time, American physicists have obtained a controlled state of an ultracold molecular quantum gas, which can have many practical applications - from ultraprecise measurement devices to quantum computing. In the classical sense, a gas consists of a large number of randomly moving particles. When the gas is cooled to near absolute zero, the molecules stop behaving like particles and take on the properties of waves that overlap. This state is called a quantum gas, and the transition temperature of a molecular gas to a quantum state is called the degeneracy temperature. The properties of a quantum gas depend on the degree of its degeneracy, when the gas molecules, like particles, repel each other, but interact at large distances due to their overlapping waves, electric dipole moments, and other characteristics. Researchers from JILA - a joint institution of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado at Boulder - developed ... >>

Musical and mathematical gift are interconnected 04.12.2020

There has long been a widespread belief that people who are talented in music are also talented in mathematics and reading. Scientists have confirmed this in several studies. Music educator Martin Burgee from the US never believed this theory. He was sure that background factors, such as the social class or race of the participants, influenced the results of the studies. For example, if a musical child succeeds in mathematics, this indicates, first of all, that he has access to quality education and enough time for classes. Burgey did the research hoping to debunk the "myth". To his amazement, he only proved that the connection between talents in music, mathematics and reading is even stronger than it seems. The study covers more than 1 middle school students, taking into account their race, social class and other factors. As it turned out, the ability to music, mathematics and reading are really connected, regardless of social conditions and other factors. Burgi and his soa ... >>

Playing with dolls develops empathy 03.12.2020

Psychologists at Cardiff University (UK) conducted a study that confirmed that playing with dolls contributes to the development of empathy in children. Even if the child plays alone, he masters the skills of processing social information. Empathy is a complex concept that includes the ability to determine the needs and desires of other people, to build one's own behavior accordingly, to interact, taking into account the interests of others, to take other points of view and resolve conflicts. The problem of developing social skills in children came to the fore in 2020 due to forced quarantine. Since the spring of 2020, the population of most countries has been in a situation of isolation, children have lost the usual opportunity to communicate with their peers, go to kindergarten and school. In the survey already mentioned, more than 70% of parents admitted that they were concerned about how the lockdown and life "locked down" could affect younger family members and their ability to socialize. 74% of the respondents stated that ... >>

Paper against coronavirus 03.12.2020

In the Czech Republic, scientists have invented a special paper that destroys various types of viruses, including the new coronavirus. The researchers hoped that representatives of the Treasury, as well as enterprises printing documents of national importance, would be interested in their discovery. But it turned out that there is much more demand for such paper in ordinary hospitals. Previously, it was experimentally proved that coronavirus persists on paper for a day. On a novelty presented by the Czech Institute of Chemical Processes, viruses die within half an hour. The secret is that during production, a special composition with zinc and silver is added to the paper. Initially, the researchers believed that their paper could be used to print banknotes, certificates, transport tickets. Now it has become clear that such a sphere of use is real, but much more new paper is in demand in hospitals: you can write medical prescriptions on it, use it for pasting walls in sterile wards. Even sick leave ... >>

Laser projector Epson Pro L30000UNL 02.12.2020

Epson has introduced a new professional laser projector Pro L30000UNL. The device is intended primarily for use during various events. The model received a solid-state laser with a claimed service life of up to 20 hours and a brightness of up to 000 lumens, which allows you to use the projector even in well-lit rooms. The picture resolution is WUXGA 30 x 000 pixels, but there is a 1920K Enhancement function. It also supports HDR1200 High Dynamic Range. The projector can create a gigantic image - up to 4 inches or 10 meters diagonally. Contrast reaches 1000:25,4. DVI-D, HDMI (HDCP 2), D-Sub, USB 500 and RJ000 interfaces are provided for connecting signal sources and peripherals. The dimensions of the projector are 1 x 2.2 x 2.0 mm. ... >>

martian flood 02.12.2020

A team of specialists studying data from the Curiosity rover concluded that in the distant past, Mars was subjected to a planetary-scale flood, which could be triggered by a space disaster. The work was carried out by employees of Jackson State University (USA), the University of Hawaii and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Scientists studied data from Curiosity obtained in the Gale crater, whose age is estimated at 3,5-3,8 billion years. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the sedimentary rocks contained in the Gale crater appeared as a result of a flood, accompanied by a rapid movement of fluid flows. Researchers believe that a huge flood on the Red Planet occurred about 4 billion years ago as a result of a collision with another cosmic body. This event triggered a release of energy, resulting in a large-scale melting of ice. At the same time, water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere provoked changes ... >>

ASRock Mars 4000U Mini PC 01.12.2020

Taiwanese manufacturer ASRock has unveiled the world's thinnest nettop based on AMD Ryzen 4000U (Renoir) series APUs. The novelty is called Mars 4000U and is ready to offer as a basis the installation of a processor up to the Ryzen 7 4800U model, equipped with 8 cores, 16 threads and operating at a frequency of up to 4,2 GHz. The company proposes to equip the compact nettop with dual-channel DDR4-3200 RAM up to 64 GB. The graphics capabilities of the system are provided by the Radeon graphics integrated into the central processor. Wireless networking capabilities of the system can be provided by the Intel AX200 modem module with support for the Wi-Fi 6 standard. Despite the compact size of the computer, which is 194 × 150 × 26 mm (0,7 liter volume), the novelty can be equipped with an NVMe M. 2 and a 2,5" hard drive. The ASRock Mars 4000U nettop is equipped with seven USB connectors: one USB 3.2 Type-C, four USB 3.2 Type-A and two USB 2. ... >>

Dolphins control their heartbeat 01.12.2020

Scientists from the Spanish Oceanography Foundation have announced that dolphins are able to control their heartbeat. Before diving, they can slow it down, and they do it "consciously", depending on how long the dive is planned. During the study, scientists conducted experiments with three captive bottlenose dolphins. They were taught in advance to hold their breath: at the command of a person, they stopped breathing for a short, long, or arbitrary time. The researchers monitored their breathing and heartbeat. Just before the dolphins stopped breathing, or along with the stop, their heartbeat slowed down. The deceleration was faster and stronger when the animals were preparing for a long air hold. “Dolphins can vary their heart rate in the same way that you and I can control our breathing. This both allows you to retain oxygen longer and reduces many of the risks associated with diving, such as developing decompression. ... >>

Foldable UV Sterilizer 30.11.2020

Electronics and accessories manufacturer Moshi has launched an original Kickstarter campaign in the spirit of our times. The company has developed a foldable UV sterilizer that can be carried around and used to disinfect small items. The device is slightly smaller than an A4 sheet and, when folded, has a thickness of only 2 cm. To prepare the sterilizer for work, you need to unfold it and connect it to the network via USB-C. Any smartphone, glasses, pens and similar trifles will fit inside. Moreover, it is enough just to put objects in the "box" - the design is made in such a way that UV-C also falls on the lower surface. A complete disinfection cycle takes 4 minutes and does not require any user participation. LEDs were used as a light source. They should be enough for at least 10 years of work. Inside the case there is a UV indicator that reacts to radiation - it can be used to judge what "portion" of light the objects inside received. For two weeks ... >>

Life in space causes genetic changes 30.11.2020

Genetic changes may be responsible for many of the pathologies seen in astronauts, including problems with vision and blood flow. An experiment to study the effect of gravity on DNA was developed by scientists from the University of Exeter (UK). Researchers have found that cells of the nervous system, neurons, are especially strongly affected in space. Recently, more and more materials have appeared in scientific publications about how a long-term stay in space can be displayed on the human body. This topic has become especially relevant against the backdrop of the long-awaited landing of NASA astronauts on the moon. In addition, in the 2030s, the US space agency plans to organize a flight to Mars, and, according to preliminary estimates, it will last 8 months. Since the first crew arrived on the ISS in 2000, a lot of research has been done on the station involving worms, fruit flies, mice and humans. Genetic changes can be the cause of many pathologies, ... >>

smallest storage device 29.11.2020

Engineers from the US and UK have created the world's smallest atomic data storage device. Its performance is one hundred times higher than that of modern flash drives, according to the press service of the University of Texas at Austin (USA). Scientists called the new device "atomristor" (combining the words "atom" and "memristor"). They used molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the main nanomaterial. Previously, researchers have created a similar device, reducing its thickness to one atomic layer. This time they went even further and reduced not only the thickness but also the cross-sectional area of ​​the device. The resulting version of the memristor promises a performance of about 25 terabits per square centimeter. "When another metal atom enters this nanoscale hole and fills it, it transfers some of its conductivity to the material, and this leads to a change or memory effect," said study leader Deji Akinwande, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tech. ... >>

Artificial intelligence recognizes silent speech 29.11.2020

American scientists have developed a system consisting of electromyographic sensors that perceive the activity of the facial muscles, and an algorithm that predicts words from the signals of the early stage of articulation and synthesizes them into speech. The technology can be used to help people with speech disorders or improve the capabilities of voice assistants. A device for recognizing silent speech was invented by specialists from the University of California at Berkeley. They used the approach of "transferring the sound from a vocalized recording to a silent one while preserving the utterance," according to Venture Beat. For subsequent speech generation, they used the WaveNet decoder. Compared to standard speechless speech programs trained using vocalized electromyography data, the scientists' approach reduced the error rate from 64% to 4% when transcribing sentences from books. In order to spur the development of this area, the researchers posted in the public domain almost 20 hours ... >>

Video on e-books with color ink 28.11.2020

E-readers with E Ink displays have led to a new and extremely convenient class of reading devices in any environment, day or night. The only thing they were unable to do was video playback. The E Ink screen refreshes too slowly. With color, too, it does not add up yet, but video is clearly not the strong point of this technology. The Chinese promise to fix this, and the old Philips research helps them in this. South China Normal University (SCNU) announced the progress in the development of color reflective displays with the ability to show video. Back in 2012, a group for the development of "paper" displays was created as part of the university, led by former Philips engineers. Later, the team began working with a local company, Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics Ltd, which is likely to commercialize the development. So far, the efforts of E Ink and other companies that have tried to create an alternative technology for reflective ... >>

Capacitors Panasonic SVT OS-CON 28.11.2020

Panasonic Industry Europe has introduced a new series of SVT capacitors with low ESR and good noise reduction capability. The latest series of capacitors, part of the OS-CON family of high conductive polymer aluminum solid capacitors, is designed for surface mounting. Capacitors of the OS-CON family are characterized by long service life, stability of the equivalent series resistance over the nominal temperature range and are available for both lead and surface mounting. OS-CON capacitors use materials such as aluminum and highly conductive polymers to achieve low ESR and excellent noise and ripple current reduction. The family is suitable for highly reliable applications requiring large capacitances and relatively high voltages. The new SVT series capacitors feature low ESR even at low temperatures, as well as good frequency response, high noise ... >>

Wasps vs planes 27.11.2020

In the US alone, more than 757 bird strikes occur each year. Often such incidents lead to equipment damage and even plane crashes. But much smaller creatures can also threaten flight safety. Air pressure receivers, which are placed on the cockpit fuselage and used to measure airspeed, are vulnerable to insects. If they clog the pitot tubes that make up the sensors, the pilots will not be able to assess the speed of takeoff or landing, which is fraught with disaster. The February 1996 crash of a Boeing 189 in the Dominican Republic that killed XNUMX people is believed to have been caused by a Sphecidae wasp that built a clay nest in one of the pitot tubes. A team of researchers led by Alan House from Eco Logical Australia decided to find out how dangerous for aviation are solitary wasps Pachodynerus nasidens, which build nests of earth and clay (they contain eggs and food for birds). ... >>

Sensor for smart home Mi Human Sensor 2 27.11.2020

Xiaomi has unveiled its new device, the new Mi Human Sensor 2 motion sensor, which is offered at a price of $7 at the stage of collective financing. The new Mi Human Sensor 2 can be placed in any part of the house or apartment. It tracks movements and triggers actions set by the user. The device can be connected to other smart home devices, and scenarios can be set up in the Mijia app. It supports Wi-Fi Mesh. Xiaomi claims that it can accurately track movements in bright sunlight or complete darkness. Since it can be connected to other smart home devices, it has a wide range of use cases. For example, the user can set it to turn on the light at night when motion is detected. It can be configured to record video through the smart camera and transmit the video. Mi Human Sensor 2 uses low power technology and comes with a standard CR2450 battery, which, according to the statement ... >>

Oxygen stops aging 26.11.2020

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used for decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries that led to severe blood loss, burns, and severe infections (although its effectiveness has not yet been confirmed in all cases). The essence of the procedure is that the patient is in a chamber (pressure chamber) with a pressure that is higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Under such conditions, the blood is better saturated with oxygen - it is carried not only by erythrocytes, but also to a large extent by blood plasma. Researchers at Tel Aviv University have found that telomeres lengthen in human immune cells after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. So called end sections of chromosomes, in which no genetic information is encoded. Their job is to protect the rest of the chromosome from damage. Telomeres shorten over time, and the shorter it is, the greater the likelihood of various age-related anomalies. Therefore, they are called one of the indicators of aging. On the other hand, cells have an enzyme that ... >>

Upgrading Perovskite Solar Panels 26.11.2020

Perovskite solar panels are gradually becoming more interesting and unusual for most users and organizations in need of alternative sources of electricity - moreover, it is perovskite as the main composite material that is now gradually bypassing more traditional silicon solar panels and pads in popularity and relevance, despite the fact that that it still features a slightly higher level of cost to create, as well as a much slower design process. A team of physical engineers from Stanford University presented the results of their interesting experiment aimed at increasing the speed and density of production of perovskite solar panels - for this they used their new method, which consists in applying a special spray applied to the first layer of the perovskite panel, and then a thickener to spray applied to the second layer of the panel. With such a complex and ... >>

Logitech G Pro X Superlight Ultralight Wireless Mouse 25.11.2020

Logitech has unveiled the new Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless gaming mouse, which the company calls the lightest wireless mouse for professional eSports players. The model has already been tested by the players of the Danish team Astralis in the 12th season of the ESL PRO League Final, as well as the French team G2 Esports in the League of Legends European Championship 2020. Redesigned and specially designed to reduce weight while increasing performance, the mouse weighs less than 63 grams and nearly 25% lighter than a standard PRO wireless mouse. In addition, the Pro X Superlight features more responsive 2,4GHz Lightspeed wireless technology for offline gaming and up to 70 hours of battery life. The new mouse also features large Teflon-coated feet for low friction and improved accuracy, speed and agility. The mouse is equipped with a Logitech G HERO 25K sensor with ... >>

Magnetic spray creates robots 25.11.2020

Tiny robotic devices require miniaturized electronics, making such mechanisms difficult and expensive to produce. Researchers from Hong Kong talked about a new technology that allows you to turn any microscopic objects into robots using a special magnetic spray. A team of scientists announced the creation of a unique spray, after processing which any objects receive the functions of robots and can be controlled due to magnetic properties. The spray consists of polyvinyl alcohol, gluten and iron particles. It instantly adheres to any objects, regardless of their structure and size, after which a film with a thickness of 0,1 to 0,25 mm is formed on the surface. After applying the spray, the object is magnetized, depending on how it will be further controlled under the influence of a magnetic field. After the end of the procedure, the researchers receive the so-called millirobots with different modes of movement: they can crawl, walk, ... >>