Alibaba-backed AutoX, a developer of Level 4 fully autonomous cars, or “robotaxis”, now claims to operate “China’s largest autonomous driving area”. The total area covers 1,000 square kilometers, … [Read More...] about AutoX expands robotaxi operation zone to 1,000 sq km
Main Content
News
Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion
Schaeffler, a billion-dollar German company which supplies bearings and other components to the automotive and aerospace industries, has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares of Melior … [Read More...] about Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion
Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers
Sunflower Labs, a provider of autonomous security systems, has installed its Beehive System to its partners’ facilities. The customers include ADT, 10 Federal Self Storage, Swiss Federal Railways, … [Read More...] about Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers
Monarch Tractor showcases ‘world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor’
Monarch Tractor has been showcasing what it says is “the world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor” and has been selected for 2022 CES Innovation Award in the process. The annual CES … [Read More...] about Monarch Tractor showcases ‘world’s first fully electric, driver-optional tractor’
Robot performs laparoscopic surgery without guiding hand of a human
By Catherine Graham, Johns Hopkins University In four experiments on pig tissues, the robot excelled at suturing two ends of intestine – one of the most intricate and delicate tasks in abdominal … [Read More...] about Robot performs laparoscopic surgery without guiding hand of a human
Biology
The ‘surprisingly simple’ arithmetic of smell
Adding and subtracting certain neurons tells researchers whether or not a locust can smell an odor Smell a cup of coffee. Smell it inside or outside; summer or winter; in a coffee shop with a … [Read More...] about The ‘surprisingly simple’ arithmetic of smell
Scientists make ‘breakthrough’ discovery into the cause of male infertility
Scientists at Newcastle University say they have identified a new genetic mechanism that can cause severe forms of male infertility. This breakthrough in understanding the underlying cause of male … [Read More...] about Scientists make ‘breakthrough’ discovery into the cause of male infertility
Surgeons transplant pig’s heart into human patient
In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a 57-year-old patient with terminal heart disease received a successful transplant of a genetically-modified pig heart and is still doing well three days later. It … [Read More...] about Surgeons transplant pig’s heart into human patient
New research shows gene exchange between viruses and hosts drives evolution
The first comprehensive analysis of viral horizontal gene transfer (HGT) illustrates the extent to which viruses pick up genes from their hosts to hone their infection process, while at the same time … [Read More...] about New research shows gene exchange between viruses and hosts drives evolution
‘Simple’ bacteria found to organize in elaborate patterns
Genetic mechanism found that enables communities of bacterial cells to organize into surprisingly sophisticated segments, revealing a similarity to how plants and animals develop Over the past … [Read More...] about ‘Simple’ bacteria found to organize in elaborate patterns
Physics
Abu Dhabi scientists discover new ‘metamaterial shapes’ that promise safer shielding
It is well known that adding a layer of padding behind a hard surface can shield things inside from shocks and vibrations. Engineers call this a sandwich core since it consists of multiple layers … [Read More...] about Abu Dhabi scientists discover new ‘metamaterial shapes’ that promise safer shielding
Milan university develops ‘super fast quantum battery’
Quantum batteries are a new class of energy storage devices that operate according to the principles of quantum physics, the science that studies the infinitely small where the laws of classical … [Read More...] about Milan university develops ‘super fast quantum battery’
Stanford physicists observe ‘new phase of matter’ while helping to create ‘time crystals’ with quantum computers
By Taylor Kubota, Stanford News Service A team of researchers including ones from Stanford and Google have created and observed a new phase of matter, popularly known as a time crystal. There is … [Read More...] about Stanford physicists observe ‘new phase of matter’ while helping to create ‘time crystals’ with quantum computers
Stanford researchers use high-speed cameras to reveal bubbles popping like blooming flowers
The oil industry, pharmaceutical companies and bioreactor manufacturers all face one common enemy: bubbles. Bubbles can form during the manufacturing or transport of various liquids, and their … [Read More...] about Stanford researchers use high-speed cameras to reveal bubbles popping like blooming flowers
Physicists describe sun’s electric field
As the Parker Solar Probe ventures closer to the sun, we are learning new things about our home star. In a new study, physicists led by the University of Iowa report the first definitive measurements … [Read More...] about Physicists describe sun’s electric field
Environment
World-first facility ‘will change the way we design and construct major infrastructure’
High performance shaking tables and deep soil pit will cut financial and environmental costs whilst ensuring resilience of high-value infrastructure The new UKCRIC Soil-Foundation-Structure … [Read More...] about World-first facility ‘will change the way we design and construct major infrastructure’
Himalayan glaciers melting at ‘exceptional rate’
The accelerating melting of the Himalayan glaciers threatens the water supply of millions of people in Asia, new research warns. The study, led by the University of Leeds, concludes that over … [Read More...] about Himalayan glaciers melting at ‘exceptional rate’
Making methane from CO2: Carbon capture grows more affordable
In their ongoing effort to make carbon capture more affordable, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a method to convert captured carbon … [Read More...] about Making methane from CO2: Carbon capture grows more affordable
How does a flood become a disaster?
What are the causes, patterns and effects of disastrous river flood? An international group of researchers led by GFZ hydrologist Bruno Merz has investigated this question in a review article … [Read More...] about How does a flood become a disaster?
A database of 3,000 lead isotope analyses in geological and archaeological samples from the Iberian Peninsula
"This work set out to compile all possible data on lead isotopes in the Iberian Peninsula and to make them accessible to everyone; the data have a set of geological criteria, whereby the mines can be … [Read More...] about A database of 3,000 lead isotope analyses in geological and archaeological samples from the Iberian Peninsula
Features
Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots
“How do we build robots that can optimally explore space?” is the core question behind Dr Frances Zhu’s research at the University of Hawai’i. One part of the answer is, “with motion capture”. “It … [Read More...] about Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots
Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market
By Anthony Fernando, CEO and president of Asensus Surgical Surgery has evolved from open surgery to robotic surgery. Surgical robots can perform complex procedures with geometrical precision, even … [Read More...] about Opinion: Predictions about the surgical robots market
Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report
Autonomous vehicles are currently more hype than substance, given the significant technological, financial, and regulatory barriers to their widespread use, according to GlobalData. In its latest … [Read More...] about Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report
Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead
Almost one year into the Mars rover mission, accomplishing its goal is on the horizon for Purdue University’s Briony Horgan and the Perseverance team. February 18 will mark one year since the rover … [Read More...] about Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead
Small ship takes part in UK’s first hydrogen transport trials
A consortium of partners has unveiled the UK’s first demonstration of zero-emission marine technology in the Tees Valley, in north England. In a bid to show the path available for the maritime … [Read More...] about Small ship takes part in UK’s first hydrogen transport trials
Chemistry
Seurat Technologies raises $21 million to decarbonize manufacturing
Seurat Technologies, the 3D metal printing leader that is making manufacturing better for people and the planet, today announced it has closed a $21 million Series B extension with investments from … [Read More...] about Seurat Technologies raises $21 million to decarbonize manufacturing
Bio-based coating for wood outperforms traditional synthetic options
Due to the global efforts to meet sustainability standards, many countries are currently looking to replace concrete with wood in buildings. France, for example, will require that all new public … [Read More...] about Bio-based coating for wood outperforms traditional synthetic options
Study reveals how smell receptors work
All senses must reckon with the richness of the world, but nothing matches the challenge faced by the olfactory system that underlies our sense of smell. We need only three receptors in our eyes to … [Read More...] about Study reveals how smell receptors work
A long day for microbes, and the rise of oxygen on Earth
Virtually all oxygen on Earth was and is produced by photosynthesis, which was invented by tiny organisms, the cyanobacteria, when our planet was still a rather uninhabitable place. Cyanobacteria … [Read More...] about A long day for microbes, and the rise of oxygen on Earth
New electronic paper displays brilliant colours
Imagine sitting out in the sun, reading a digital screen as thin as paper, but seeing the same image quality as if you were indoors. Thanks to research from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, … [Read More...] about New electronic paper displays brilliant colours
Engineering
AutoX expands robotaxi operation zone to 1,000 sq km
Alibaba-backed AutoX, a developer of Level 4 fully autonomous cars, or “robotaxis”, now claims to operate “China’s largest autonomous driving area”. The total area covers 1,000 square kilometers, … [Read More...] about AutoX expands robotaxi operation zone to 1,000 sq km
Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion
Schaeffler, a billion-dollar German company which supplies bearings and other components to the automotive and aerospace industries, has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares of Melior … [Read More...] about Schaeffler acquires precision gearbox maker Melior Motion
Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers
Sunflower Labs, a provider of autonomous security systems, has installed its Beehive System to its partners’ facilities. The customers include ADT, 10 Federal Self Storage, Swiss Federal Railways, … [Read More...] about Sunflower Labs provides its security drone system to range of new customers
Baidu’s autonomous electric carmaker Jidu raises $400 million in Series A financing
Baidu’s intelligent electric vehicle arm Jidu has closed its Series A financing, raising nearly $400 million. This round of financing was backed by Baidu and its strategic partner multinational … [Read More...] about Baidu’s autonomous electric carmaker Jidu raises $400 million in Series A financing
Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report
Autonomous vehicles are currently more hype than substance, given the significant technological, financial, and regulatory barriers to their widespread use, according to GlobalData. In its latest … [Read More...] about Autonomous vehicle development will be stalled by technological and regulatory barriers, says report
Space
Amazon owner’s Blue Origin to buy asteroid mining company Honeybee Robotics
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos’s aerospace company Blue Origin is to acquire a robotic asteroid mining startup called Honeybee Robotics. Honeybee Robotics has operations in Longmont, Colorado and … [Read More...] about Amazon owner’s Blue Origin to buy asteroid mining company Honeybee Robotics
Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots
“How do we build robots that can optimally explore space?” is the core question behind Dr Frances Zhu’s research at the University of Hawai’i. One part of the answer is, “with motion capture”. “It … [Read More...] about Motion capture is guiding the next generation of extraterrestrial robots
Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead
Almost one year into the Mars rover mission, accomplishing its goal is on the horizon for Purdue University’s Briony Horgan and the Perseverance team. February 18 will mark one year since the rover … [Read More...] about Perseverance’s first year on Mars: Purdue professor, mission team member looks at what is ahead
Citizen scientists spot Jupiter-like planet in Nasa telescope data
Tom Jacobs of Bellevue, Washington, loves treasure hunts. Since 2010, the former US naval officer has participated in online volunteer projects that allow anyone who is interested – “citizen … [Read More...] about Citizen scientists spot Jupiter-like planet in Nasa telescope data
Black hole size revealed by its eating pattern
The feeding patterns of black holes offer insight into their size, researchers report. A new study revealed that the flickering in the brightness observed in actively feeding supermassive black holes … [Read More...] about Black hole size revealed by its eating pattern
Neuroscience
The free-energy principle explains the brain
The Riken Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan, along with colleagues, has shown that the free-energy principle can explain how neural networks are optimized for efficiency. Published in the … [Read More...] about The free-energy principle explains the brain
Our brains take a little while to update – like our social media feeds
Like our social media feeds, our brains are constantly uploading rich, visual stimuli. But instead of seeing the latest image in real time, we actually see earlier versions because our brain’s refresh … [Read More...] about Our brains take a little while to update – like our social media feeds
How the brain’s blue spot helps us focus our attention
The neurotransmitter noradrenaline regulates our brain’s sensitivity to relevant information How can we shift from a state of inattentiveness to one of highest attention? The locus coeruleus, … [Read More...] about How the brain’s blue spot helps us focus our attention
Exercise alters brain chemistry to protect ageing synapses
When elderly people stay active, their brains have more of a class of proteins that enhances the connections between neurons to maintain healthy cognition, a UC San Francisco study has found. This … [Read More...] about Exercise alters brain chemistry to protect ageing synapses
Neuroscientists build ‘ultra detailed map’ of brain motor cortex, from mice to monkeys to humans
Hundreds of neuroscientists have built a “parts list” of the motor cortex, laying groundwork to map the whole brain and better understand brain diseases. Before you read any further, bring your … [Read More...] about Neuroscientists build ‘ultra detailed map’ of brain motor cortex, from mice to monkeys to humans
Alternative science
Remembering faces and names can be improved during sleep
For those who rarely forget a face, but struggle with names, the remedy for boosting learning may as near as your pillow. New research by Northwestern University is the first to document the effect … [Read More...] about Remembering faces and names can be improved during sleep
Reducing sugar in packaged foods can prevent disease in millions
Cutting 20 percent of sugar from packaged foods and 40 percent from beverages could prevent 2.48 million cardiovascular disease events (such as strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrests), 490,000 … [Read More...] about Reducing sugar in packaged foods can prevent disease in millions
Dog coat patterns have ancient origin
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but variations in color patterns provide some of their most distinctive characteristics. A newly released study sheds light on a subset of these patterns, … [Read More...] about Dog coat patterns have ancient origin
Teens with secure family relationships ‘pay it forward’ with empathy for friends
Teens' ability to empathize – to understand others' perspectives and emotions, and to care for their wellbeing – is an important contributor to their relationships, including with friends. Prior … [Read More...] about Teens with secure family relationships ‘pay it forward’ with empathy for friends
New technique reduces nicotine levels, harmful compounds simultaneously in tobacco
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a new technique that can alter plant metabolism. Tested in tobacco plants, the technique showed that it could reduce harmful chemical … [Read More...] about New technique reduces nicotine levels, harmful compounds simultaneously in tobacco