Tag: techxplore
-
What to know about the deal to keep TikTok in US
What to know about the deal to keep TikTok in US TikTok has at last finalized a deal to keep the popular video sharing platform operating in the U.S. after years of uncertainty, but questions remain about whether users’ experience will change and whether the changes actually address security concerns around the app. Go to…
-
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters Meta is halting teens’ access to artificial intelligence characters, at least temporarily, the company said in a blog post Friday. Go to techxplore
-
Q&A: Ethical, legal and social issues—what does it take for new technology to be accepted?
Q&A: Ethical, legal and social issues—what does it take for new technology to be accepted? How do cutting-edge science and technology respond to ethical and legal issues when incorporated into society? These issues are known as ethical, legal and social issues, or “ELSI” for short, and research on these issues is being carried out both…
-
The next generation of disinformation: AI swarms can threaten democracy by manufacturing fake public consensus
The next generation of disinformation: AI swarms can threaten democracy by manufacturing fake public consensus An international research team involving Konstanz scientist David Garcia warns that the next generation of influence operations may not look like obvious “copy-paste bots,” but like coordinated communities: fleets of AI-driven personas that can adapt in real time, infiltrate groups,…
-
Software engineering: How hybrid delivery systems adapt to real-world challenges
Software engineering: How hybrid delivery systems adapt to real-world challenges New research into project management in software engineering shows that the most successful systems are not the ones that follow a fixed blueprint from the start, but those that evolve in response to real challenges as projects unfold. Go to techxplore
-
New model reveals significant energy requirement of rapid fossil fuel phase-out
New model reveals significant energy requirement of rapid fossil fuel phase-out A substantial “transition energy” is required to phase out fossil fuels in the European Union, a study by Imperial College London has found, revealing that faster transitions demand significantly larger, and potentially disruptive, reallocations of energy resources within society. Go to techxplore
-
GNSS-only method delivers stable positioning for autonomous vehicles in urban areas
GNSS-only method delivers stable positioning for autonomous vehicles in urban areas Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are vital for positioning autonomous vehicles, buses, drones, and outdoor robots. Yet its accuracy often degrades in dense urban areas due to signal blockage and reflections. Go to techxplore
-
Grok created three million sexualized images, research says
Grok created three million sexualized images, research says Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok generated an estimated three million sexualized images of women and children in a matter of days, researchers said Thursday, revealing the scale of the explicit content that sparked a global outcry. Go to techxplore
-
Engineers invent wireless transceiver that rivals fiber-optic speed
Engineers invent wireless transceiver that rivals fiber-optic speed A new transceiver invented by electrical engineers at the University of California, Irvine boosts radio frequencies into 140-gigahertz territory, unlocking data speeds that rival those of physical fiber-optic cables and laying the groundwork for a transition to 6G and FutureG data transmission protocols. Go to techxplore
-
Physicists predict significant growth for cadmium telluride photovoltaics
Physicists predict significant growth for cadmium telluride photovoltaics A solar energy generation technology once considered limited in its potential is poised for significant growth in the United States. Go to techxplore
-
Boosting consumer trust could unlock market for retired EV batteries
Boosting consumer trust could unlock market for retired EV batteries Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining unprecedented popularity across the globe, with their number reaching 26 million in 2022 and expected to grow eightfold by the end of the decade. Go to techxplore
-
AI is already writing almost one-third of new software code, study shows
AI is already writing almost one-third of new software code, study shows Generative AI is reshaping software development—and fast. A new study published in Science shows that AI-assisted coding is spreading rapidly, though unevenly: in the U.S., the share of new code relying on AI rose from 5% in 2022 to 29% in early 2025,…
-
Creative talent: Has AI knocked humans out?
Creative talent: Has AI knocked humans out? Are generative artificial intelligence systems such as ChatGPT truly creative? A research team led by Professor Karim Jerbi from the Department of Psychology at the Université de Montréal, and including AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio, also a professor at Université de Montréal, has just published the largest comparative study…
-
Unlocking vast lithium stores: Faster, cleaner method extracts critical mineral from low-grade brines
Unlocking vast lithium stores: Faster, cleaner method extracts critical mineral from low-grade brines Demand for lithium is skyrocketing as factories across the world churn out electric vehicles and the massive batteries that make wind turbines and solar panels reliable sources of energy. Unfortunately, current methods for producing lithium are slow and require high-quality feedstocks that…
-
Sodium-based nanorods enable smart windows to block heat and save energy
Sodium-based nanorods enable smart windows to block heat and save energy Thermal management is essential for reducing future heating and cooling energy consumption. Notably, the near-infrared (NIR) component of sunlight is closely associated with heat absorption. Go to techxplore
-
To explain or not? Online dating experiment shows need for AI transparency depends on user expectation
To explain or not? Online dating experiment shows need for AI transparency depends on user expectation Artificial intelligence (AI) is said to be a “black box,” with its logic obscured from human understanding—but how much does the average user actually care to know how AI works? Go to techxplore
-
New 3D-printing extrusion system redefines printing limits
New 3D-printing extrusion system redefines printing limits Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a novel extrusion system that combines multiple 3D-printing extruders into a single, high-output stream via specially designed nozzles. This system matches the speed of larger extruders while providing greater flexibility, precision and multi-material printing capabilities. Go…
-
New smart chip reduces consumption and computing time, advancing high-performance computing
New smart chip reduces consumption and computing time, advancing high-performance computing A new chip aims to dramatically reduce energy consumption while accelerating the processing of large amounts of data. Go to techxplore
-
Research reveals a surprising line of defense against cyber attacks: Accountants
Research reveals a surprising line of defense against cyber attacks: Accountants When Optus, Medibank and non-bank lender Latitude Financial were hit by separate cyber attacks in the past few years, millions of Australians felt the fallout: stolen personal data, disrupted services and weeks of uncertainty. Each breach raised the same uncomfortable question: how can this…
-
MorphoChrome pairs software with handheld device to make everyday objects iridescent
MorphoChrome pairs software with handheld device to make everyday objects iridescent Gemstones like precious opal are beautiful to look at and deceivingly complex. As you look at such gems from different angles, you’ll see a variety of tints glisten, causing you to question what color the rock actually is. It’s iridescent thanks to something called…
-
Newly discovered metallic material with record thermal conductivity upends assumptions about heat transport limits
Newly discovered metallic material with record thermal conductivity upends assumptions about heat transport limits A UCLA-led, multi-institution research team has discovered a metallic material with the highest thermal conductivity measured among metals, challenging long-standing assumptions about the limits of heat transport in metallic materials. Go to techxplore
-
Findings on phonetic reduction in speech could help make AI voices more natural-sounding
Findings on phonetic reduction in speech could help make AI voices more natural-sounding A speech study by a research team from The University of Texas at El Paso has identified an underappreciated aspect of speech in English and Spanish speakers that could lead to improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) spoken dialogue systems. Go to techxplore
-
Microsoft’s AI deal promises Canada digital sovereignty, but is that a pledge it can keep?
Microsoft’s AI deal promises Canada digital sovereignty, but is that a pledge it can keep? Over the past year, few words have been abused as much as “sovereignty,” particularly in relation to Canadian digital policy and artificial intelligence. In early December, Microsoft promised to invest more than $7.5 billion over the next two years to…
-
Will Google be ‘third time lucky’ with new, AI-powered smart glasses?
Will Google be ‘third time lucky’ with new, AI-powered smart glasses? It has been over a decade since Google Glass smart glasses were announced in 2013, followed by their swift withdrawal—in part because of low adoption. Their subsequent (and lesser known) second iteration was released in 2017 and aimed at the workplace. They were withdrawn…
-
Ransomware: What it is and why it’s your problem
Ransomware: What it is and why it’s your problem Ransomware is a type of malicious software that makes a victim’s data, system or device inaccessible. It locks the target or encrypts it (converting text into an unreadable form) until the victim pays a ransom to the attacker. Go to techxplore
-
Solid-state material can store and release hydrogen using sunlight or LEDs
Solid-state material can store and release hydrogen using sunlight or LEDs Hydrogen, a clean energy source, requires a highly reliable and safe storage system, which is currently lacking. Layered hydrogen silicane (L-HSi) is a promising, safe, lightweight, and energy-efficient solid-state hydrogen carrier with potential for practical utility. This material releases hydrogen when irradiated with low-intensity…
-
Off-the-shelf kitchen chemistry could make Li–S batteries thinner
Off-the-shelf kitchen chemistry could make Li–S batteries thinner Demand is booming for batteries that are faster, thinner and cheaper. We want electric cars and bikes that travel further, devices that last longer, charge quicker and cost less. Today, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) set the benchmark. But after decades of research, this technology is approaching its limits,…
-
New memristor training method slashes AI energy use by six orders of magnitude
New memristor training method slashes AI energy use by six orders of magnitude In a Nature Communications study, researchers from China have developed an error-aware probabilistic update (EaPU) method that aligns memristor hardware’s noisy updates with neural network training, slashing energy use by nearly six orders of magnitude versus GPUs while boosting accuracy on vision…
-
A new approach to energy harvesting opened up by the quantum world
A new approach to energy harvesting opened up by the quantum world Touch the back of a laptop and it often feels warm. This is because part of the energy used for computation and communication escapes to the outside as heat. Yet even this “waste heat” still contains a great deal of usable energy. Technologies…
-
No power, no phone, no radio: Why comms dropped out during the Central Victorian fires
No power, no phone, no radio: Why comms dropped out during the Central Victorian fires Australia has entered an era of climate instability, where communications during bushfires and extreme weather must perform under increasingly severe conditions. Go to techxplore
-
Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies
Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies Scientists have discovered a new quantum state of matter that connects two significant areas of physics, potentially leading to advancements in computing, sensing and materials science. Go to techxplore
-
The UK’s offshore wind auction broke records, but its clean power target remains unrealistic
The UK’s offshore wind auction broke records, but its clean power target remains unrealistic The UK government has just announced the results of its biggest-ever auction for new offshore wind projects. By doubling the budget at the eleventh hour, it managed to award contracts for a massive 8.4 gigawatts of new capacity. Energy Secretary Ed…
-
Soft robotic hand ‘sees’ around corners to achieve human-like touch
Soft robotic hand ‘sees’ around corners to achieve human-like touch To reliably complete household chores, assemble products and tackle other manual tasks, robots should be able to adapt their manipulation strategies based on the objects they are working with, similarly to how humans leverage information they gain via the sense of touch. While humans attain…
-
Google files to appeal decision in search monopoly case
Google files to appeal decision in search monopoly case Google filed a notice on Friday to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that it held an illegal monopoly on online search, court records show. Go to techxplore
-
YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content
YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content YouTube is updating its guidelines for videos containing content that advertisers define as controversial, allowing more creators to earn full ad revenue when they tackle sensitive issues in a nongraphic way. Go to techxplore
-
ChatGPT’s free ride is ending: Here’s what OpenAI plans for advertising on the chatbot
ChatGPT’s free ride is ending: Here’s what OpenAI plans for advertising on the chatbot OpenAI says it will soon start showing advertisements to ChatGPT users who aren’t paying for a premium version of the chatbot. Go to techxplore
-
OpenAI introducing ads to ChatGPT
OpenAI introducing ads to ChatGPT OpenAI announced Friday it will begin testing advertisements on ChatGPT in the coming weeks, as the wildly popular artificial intelligence chatbot seeks to increase revenue to cover its soaring costs. Go to techxplore
-
Tesla granted more time in US investigation into its self-driving tech
Tesla granted more time in US investigation into its self-driving tech U.S. regulators have granted a five-week extension for Tesla to respond to allegations that its vehicles have broken traffic laws while operating in what the electric automaker calls “full self-driving” mode. Go to techxplore
-
Using causal AI to amplify sustainability in the textile industry
Using causal AI to amplify sustainability in the textile industry With the textile industry facing mounting scrutiny over the environmental impacts of fast fashion, two researchers from Constructor University have published a framework to help responsible brands engage audiences more effectively about sustainability on social media. Go to techxplore
-
Do Woolworths shoppers want Google AI adding items to buy? We’ll soon find out
Do Woolworths shoppers want Google AI adding items to buy? We’ll soon find out Woolworths has announced a partnership with Google to incorporate agentic artificial intelligence into its “Olive” chatbot, starting in Australia later this year. Go to techxplore
-
I was a designer for RuneScape—its comeback reveals how old games can be rejuvenated
I was a designer for RuneScape—its comeback reveals how old games can be rejuvenated RuneScape experienced a surge of popularity over the 2025 holiday season. While fan nostalgia for a game that is now 25 years old plays a role, the revival more clearly reflects recent changes to RuneScape’s controversial monetization—changes that appear to be…
-
Fragmented permitting slows US clean energy projects, study finds
Fragmented permitting slows US clean energy projects, study finds As states race to build wind and solar projects needed to curb climate change, how governments approve those projects can either speed construction or fuel delays and conflict, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Go to techxplore
-
Free tool can reduce harmful engagement with AI-generated explicit images
Free tool can reduce harmful engagement with AI-generated explicit images A new evidence-based online educational tool aims to curb the watching, sharing, and creation of AI-generated explicit imagery. Go to techxplore
-
Sub-zero green freezer achieves zero emissions
Sub-zero green freezer achieves zero emissions Researchers at the School of Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s first sub-zero Celsius elastocaloric freezing device, capable of reaching temperatures as low as -12℃. This represents a significant milestone in expanding green solid-state elastocaloric refrigeration technology into the global…
-
Soft, 3D transistors could host living cells for bioelectronics
Soft, 3D transistors could host living cells for bioelectronics New research from the WISE group (Wearable, Intelligent, Soft Electronics) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU-WISE) has addressed a long-standing bioelectronic challenge: the development of soft, 3D transistors. Go to techxplore
-
Forensic system cuts IoT attack analysis time by three-quarters
Forensic system cuts IoT attack analysis time by three-quarters A new forensic framework designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT) is discussed in the International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics. This deep learning-driven system offers benefits over earlier approaches in detecting and reconstructing cyberattacks on components of the vast network of connected…
-
Study offers roadmap for cleaner, lower-cost EV charging in cold weather
Study offers roadmap for cleaner, lower-cost EV charging in cold weather Electrifying cars and trucks can cut greenhouse gas emissions, but in cold regions the climate benefits hinge on what powers the grid. Go to techxplore
-
Digital mark and data protection guidelines ‘silence’ on AI training prevents effective competition, experts warn
Digital mark and data protection guidelines ‘silence’ on AI training prevents effective competition, experts warn A “silence” in new data guidelines risks preventing fair competition in AI development and allows dominant firms to strengthen their artificial intelligence, experts have warned. Go to techxplore
-
Robot learns to lip sync by watching YouTube
Robot learns to lip sync by watching YouTube Almost half of our attention during face-to-face conversation focuses on lip motion. Yet, robots still struggle to move their lips correctly. Even the most advanced humanoids make little more than muppet mouth gestures—if they have a face at all. Go to techxplore
-
Generative AI tool helps 3D print personalized items that withstand daily use
Generative AI tool helps 3D print personalized items that withstand daily use Generative artificial intelligence models have left such an indelible impact on digital content creation that it’s getting harder to recall what the internet was like before it. You can call on these AI tools for clever projects such as videos and photos—but their…
-
Gaps between perception and reality might be putting the brakes on electric vehicle sales in rural areas
Gaps between perception and reality might be putting the brakes on electric vehicle sales in rural areas A University of Michigan survey of 1,000 rural Michigan residents reveals a striking gap between perception and reality when it comes to electric vehicles. Go to techxplore
-
What can technology do to stop AI-generated sexualized images?
What can technology do to stop AI-generated sexualized images? The global outcry over the sexualization and nudification of photographs—including of children—by Grok, the chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, has led to urgent discussions about how such technology should be more strictly regulated. Go to techxplore
-
Perovskite-based betavoltaic battery achieves high efficiency and long-term stability
Perovskite-based betavoltaic battery achieves high efficiency and long-term stability A research team led by Professor Su-Il In of the Department of Energy Science & Engineering at DGIST has achieved a breakthrough improvement in the performance of the radiation absorber, a key component of perovskite-based betavoltaic batteries, by applying additive engineering and antisolvent process control techniques.…
-
Meta begins job cuts as it shifts from Metaverse to AI devices
Meta begins job cuts as it shifts from Metaverse to AI devices Meta Platforms Inc. is beginning to cut more than 1,000 jobs from the company’s Reality Labs division, part of a plan to redirect resources from virtual reality and metaverse products toward AI wearables and phone features. Go to techxplore
-
Adding batteries to hydropower facilities could increase dam lifespan and potential revenue
Adding batteries to hydropower facilities could increase dam lifespan and potential revenue In its current form, the nation’s electric grid largely doesn’t store energy. The vast majority of electricity generated by fossil fuels, hydropower, and other sources flows into the grid and is immediately used by consumers. But as battery energy storage becomes cheaper and…
-
Q&A: Will self-driving cars reduce traffic injuries? Researchers examine promising data
Q&A: Will self-driving cars reduce traffic injuries? Researchers examine promising data Driverless vehicles haven’t yet taken to Canadian roads, but they’ve already rolled out in some other countries. Proponents say the technology will mean fewer accidents, while others have raised concerns about safety, liability and public acceptance, among other issues. Go to techxplore
-
From brain scans to alloys: Teaching AI to make sense of complex research data
From brain scans to alloys: Teaching AI to make sense of complex research data Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to analyze medical images, materials data and scientific measurements, but many systems struggle when real-world data do not match ideal conditions. Measurements collected from different instruments, experiments or simulations often vary widely in resolution, noise…
-
Novel AI method sharpens 3D X-ray vision
Novel AI method sharpens 3D X-ray vision X-ray tomography is a powerful tool that enables scientists and engineers to peer inside of objects in 3D, including computer chips and advanced battery materials, without performing anything invasive. It’s the same basic method behind medical CT scans. Go to techxplore
-
Are we giving AI a pulse through language?
Are we giving AI a pulse through language? Think, know, understand, remember. These are just a few of the mental verbs we use every day to describe what happens in a person’s mind. But when using these same words to talk about artificial intelligence, we can unintentionally make AI sound human. Go to techxplore
-
Digital technique puts rendered fabric in the best light
Digital technique puts rendered fabric in the best light The sheen of satin, the subtle glints of twill, the translucence of sheer silk: Fabric has long been difficult to render digitally because of the myriad ways different yarns can be woven or knitted together. Go to techxplore
-
Study shows potential for sustainable azelaic acid production from vegetable oils
Study shows potential for sustainable azelaic acid production from vegetable oils Azelaic acid is a renewable monomer used in the production of lubricants, polymers, and skincare. While conventionally produced via the energy-intensive ozonolysis of oleic acid, recent advances enable its production from high-oleic vegetable oil via the two-step oxidative cleavage (TSOC) process, improving process safety.…
-
AI pendants back in vogue at tech show after early setback
AI pendants back in vogue at tech show after early setback Pendants and brooches packed with artificial intelligence abounded at the Consumer Electronics Show, using cameras and microphones to watch and listen through the day like a vigilant personal assistant. Go to techxplore
-
AI toys look for bright side after troubled start
AI toys look for bright side after troubled start Toy makers at the Consumer Electronics Show were adamant about being careful to ensure that their fun creations infused with generative artificial intelligence don’t turn naughty. Go to techxplore
-
Google teams up with Walmart and other retailers to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot
Google teams up with Walmart and other retailers to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot Google said Sunday that it is expanding the shopping features in its AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair and other big retailers to turn the Gemini app into a virtual merchant as well as an assistant. Go…
-
Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining
Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining Greenland’s harsh environment, lack of key infrastructure and difficult geology have so far prevented anyone from building a mine to extract the sought-after rare earth elements that many high-tech products require. Even if President Donald Trump prevails in his effort to take control…
-
Ultra-small, high-performance electronics grown directly on 2D semiconductors
Ultra-small, high-performance electronics grown directly on 2D semiconductors In recent years, electronics engineers have been trying to identify semiconducting materials that could substitute for silicon and enable the further advancement of electronic devices. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), have proved to be among the most promising solutions, as their thinness and resistance…
-
Ionogel innovation could power safe, enduring energy storage
Ionogel innovation could power safe, enduring energy storage Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an innovative energy storage system design that introduces a safer, more efficient method for electrical charge transfer. Go to techxplore
-
Danish chemist’s invention could make counterfeiting a thing of the past
Danish chemist’s invention could make counterfeiting a thing of the past Every year, companies lose revenue when goods are copied or illegally resold. Now, a new digital and legally binding fingerprint developed at the University of Copenhagen makes products impossible to counterfeit. Royal Copenhagen is among the first brands in the world to use the…
-
Did that lamp just fold the laundry? Alumni rethink home robotics
Did that lamp just fold the laundry? Alumni rethink home robotics When Aaron Tan began his Ph.D. in mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Toronto in 2019, leading a robotics startup in Silicon Valley was the furthest thing from his mind. Go to techxplore
-
Brew, smell, and serve: AI steals the show at CES 2026
Brew, smell, and serve: AI steals the show at CES 2026 AI took over CES 2026, powering coffee machines to brew the perfect espresso, a device to create your perfect scent, and ball-hitting tennis robots that make you forget it’s human against machine. Go to techxplore
-
Meta lines up massive supply of nuclear power to energize AI data centers
Meta lines up massive supply of nuclear power to energize AI data centers Meta has cut a trio of deals to power its artificial intelligence data centers, securing enough energy to light up the equivalent of about 5 million homes. Go to techxplore
-
Neutron diffraction unveils the ‘relay’ of hardening mechanisms in next-gen superalloys
Neutron diffraction unveils the ‘relay’ of hardening mechanisms in next-gen superalloys As the aerospace sector pursues propulsion systems that are cleaner, quieter, and more efficient, materials used in turbine components face increasingly demanding thermal and mechanical environments. Ni-Co-based superalloys are widely regarded as prime candidates for next-generation turbine disks due to their exceptional ability to…
-
Discrete spatial diffusion models data while obeying scientific principles
Discrete spatial diffusion models data while obeying scientific principles Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new approach that addresses the limitations of generative AI models. Unlike generative diffusion models, the team’s Discrete Spatial Diffusion approach honors scientific and physics principles. The team validated their model on two challenging scientific applications—subsurface rock microstructures…
-
OLED lighting: Corrugated panel design extends longevity and efficiency
OLED lighting: Corrugated panel design extends longevity and efficiency The organic light emitting diodes—known widely as OLEDs—that create vibrant smartphone displays could illuminate rooms, but current designs burn out too quickly at the high brightness needed for room lighting. A new approach overcomes this tradeoff by building OLEDs on a corrugated surface, packing more emitting…
-
Heat pumps will soon be able to store and distribute heat as needed
Heat pumps will soon be able to store and distribute heat as needed Researchers have developed a heat storage unit that takes up less space than a regular hot water tank. It charges when electricity is cheap and releases heat when needed. Go to techxplore
-
Perovskite solar cells maintain 95% of power conversion efficiency after 1,100 hours at 85°C with new molecular coating
Perovskite solar cells maintain 95% of power conversion efficiency after 1,100 hours at 85°C with new molecular coating Scientists have found a way to make perovskite solar cells not only highly efficient but also remarkably stable, addressing one of the main challenges holding the technology back from widespread use. Go to techxplore
-
‘Worst in Show’ CES products include AI refrigerators, AI companions and AI doorbells
‘Worst in Show’ CES products include AI refrigerators, AI companions and AI doorbells The promise of artificial intelligence was front and center at this year’s CES gadget show. But spicing up a simple machine like a refrigerator with unnecessary AI was also a surefire way to win the “Worst in Show.” Go to techxplore
-
From sci-fi to sidewalk: Exoskeletons go mainstream
From sci-fi to sidewalk: Exoskeletons go mainstream Exoskeletons are shedding their bulky, sci-fi image to become lightweight, AI-powered consumer devices that manufacturers hope will become as commonplace as smartwatches, targeting everyone from hikers to seniors seeking to stay active. Go to techxplore
-
An AI approach for single-image-based 3D character animation with preserved proportions
An AI approach for single-image-based 3D character animation with preserved proportions In Proceedings of the SIGGRAPH Asia 2025 Conference Papers, a research team affiliated with UNIST reports a new AI technology that can animate 3D characters to mimic the exact movements shown in a single 2D image, all while preserving natural proportions and avoiding distortions.…
-
New process densifies electrolytes, stabilizing lithium anodes for long-lasting all-solid-state batteries
New process densifies electrolytes, stabilizing lithium anodes for long-lasting all-solid-state batteries Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have achieved a breakthrough on the path to practical application of lithium metal all-solid-state batteries—the next generation of batteries that can store more energy, are safer to operate, and charge faster than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Go to…
-
Decoding black box AI with human-readable data descriptions and influence
Decoding black box AI with human-readable data descriptions and influence Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning models, are often considered black boxes because their decision-making processes remain difficult to interpret. These models can accurately identify objects—such as recognizing a bird in a photo—but understanding exactly how they arrive at these conclusions is a significant challenge.…
-
Amazon AI tool blindsides merchants by offering products without their knowledge
Amazon AI tool blindsides merchants by offering products without their knowledge Sometime around Christmas, Sarah Burzio noticed that the holiday sales bump for her stationery business included some mysterious new customers: a flurry of orders from anonymous email addresses associated with Amazon.com Inc. Go to techxplore
-
Grasshopper wings inspire gliding robot design
Grasshopper wings inspire gliding robot design A collaboration between Princeton University engineers and entomologists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign began with the researchers chasing grasshoppers in a hot parking lot. Their eventual focus on the hindwings of one species of grasshopper, Schistocerca americana, the American grasshopper, is inspiring a new approach to untethered gliding…
-
More efficient holographic solutions can enable smarter vehicle head-up displays
More efficient holographic solutions can enable smarter vehicle head-up displays Imagine driving down a busy highway. You need to check your speed and navigation, but glancing down at the dashboard takes your eyes off the road for a critical second. This is where head-up displays (HUDs) come in, projecting information directly onto the windshield. However,…
-
Ten steps to designing more empathetic, human and effective educational video games
Ten steps to designing more empathetic, human and effective educational video games Video games have come to be regarded as valuable educational resources. Through a combination of interactive environments and learning objectives, they have proven to be an effective tool in multiple fields, from school education to corporate training. However, their full adoption in formal…
-
With some help from AI, your next move can be predicted
With some help from AI, your next move can be predicted AI might know where you’re going before you do. Researchers at Northeastern University used large language models, the kind of advanced artificial intelligence normally designed to process and generate language, to predict human movement. Go to techxplore
-
How smart home materials can shield us from extreme heat and cut energy bills all year
How smart home materials can shield us from extreme heat and cut energy bills all year Australia is getting hotter. Climate change is driving more frequent and prolonged extreme heat waves and our homes are struggling to keep up. Alarmingly, many Australian houses—especially older ones—weren’t designed for these harsh conditions. Go to techxplore
-
AI is quick but risky for updating old software, researchers warn
AI is quick but risky for updating old software, researchers warn At first glance, artificial intelligence looks like a software developer’s dream. A recent McKinsey & Company report found that programmers generated code up to 45% faster with the help of generative AI. Go to techxplore
-
Manganese gets its moment as a potential fuel cell catalyst
Manganese gets its moment as a potential fuel cell catalyst The road to a more sustainable planet may be partially paved with manganese. According to a new study by researchers at Yale and the University of Missouri, chemical catalysts containing manganese—an abundant, inexpensive metallic element—proved highly effective in converting carbon dioxide into formate, a compound…
-
New semiconductor etching process achieves five-fold speed improvement
New semiconductor etching process achieves five-fold speed improvement After more than a decade of research and development, Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. has introduced an innovative semiconductor etching method that achieves etch rates up to five times faster than conventional processes. Now, a collaborative research team from Nagoya University and the company has examined the underlying…
-
What the New Year’s fire at a Swiss bar tells us about fire prevention
What the New Year’s fire at a Swiss bar tells us about fire prevention In the early hours of Jan. 1, 2026, a fire ripped through Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, killing 40 people and injuring 116, many of them severely. Go to techxplore
-
Q&A: Developing a sustainable power grid in the era of AI
Q&A: Developing a sustainable power grid in the era of AI Le Xie, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), wants to know how we can modernize the electric grid to support rapid electrification and the growing demands of AI infrastructure. His research at SEAS…
-
German renewable energy shift slowed in 2025
German renewable energy shift slowed in 2025 The share of renewables in German power production almost stagnated in 2025, data showed Monday, as concerns grow about a shift away from green policies under conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Go to techxplore
-
Online ‘brainrot’ isn’t ruining children’s minds; it’s a new way of navigating the modern internet
Online ‘brainrot’ isn’t ruining children’s minds; it’s a new way of navigating the modern internet “Brainrot” is what many people call the chaotic, fast-moving memes, sounds and catchphrases that spread across TikTok, Roblox and online gaming and into playgrounds. An example is the endlessly repeated chant of “six-seven,” which still echoes through houses and schools…
-
Ultrathin polymer layer extends lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries
Ultrathin polymer layer extends lifespan of anode-free lithium metal batteries Anode-free lithium metal batteries, which have attracted attention as candidates for electric vehicles, drones, and next-generation high-performance batteries, offer much higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, their short lifespan has made commercialization difficult. Go to techxplore
-
Location, location, location: Model IDs best spots for offshore energy projects
Location, location, location: Model IDs best spots for offshore energy projects Researchers have developed a computational model that identifies the best combination of location and energy technologies to maximize offshore energy production, reducing the financial risk associated with investing in offshore projects. The model accounts for different types of wind and marine hydrokinetic technologies, the…
-
Self-driving cars could prevent over 1 million road injuries across the US by 2035
Self-driving cars could prevent over 1 million road injuries across the US by 2035 Autonomous vehicles could dramatically reduce traffic accidents and injuries on U.S. roads. Drawing on historical data and current trends, a recent JAMA Surgery study projected that self-driving cars could prevent more than 1 million injuries between 2025 and 2035, resulting in…
-
Reinforcement learning accelerates model-free training of optical AI systems
Reinforcement learning accelerates model-free training of optical AI systems Optical computing has emerged as a powerful approach for high-speed and energy-efficient information processing. Diffractive optical networks, in particular, enable large-scale parallel computation through the use of passive structured phase masks and the propagation of light. However, one major challenge remains: systems trained in model-based simulations…
-
Focus apps claim to improve your productivity. Do they actually work?
Focus apps claim to improve your productivity. Do they actually work? It’s hardly a revelation that we’re living in an era of distraction and smartphone addiction. Our phones interrupt us, hijack our attention, and tempt us into scrolling. Even when we aren’t interacting with them, their mere presence makes it difficult to concentrate. Go to…
-
No-code machine learning development tools
No-code machine learning development tools Since 2021, Korean researchers have been providing a simple software development framework to users with relatively limited AI expertise in industrial fields such as factories, medical, and shipbuilding, providing them with a significant boost. Go to techxplore