Technology

Specific molecular property of lignin in trees determines difficulty of using microbial fermentation to turn trees and other plants into industrial chemicals. Trees are the most abundant natural resource living on Earth's land masses, and North Carolina State University scientists and engineers are making headway in finding ways to use them as sustainable, environmentally benign

Predicting the behavior of many interacting quantum particles is a complicated process but is key to harness quantum computing for real-world applications. Researchers have developed a method for comparing quantum algorithms and identifying which quantum problems are the hardest to solve. Predicting the behavior of many interacting quantum particles is a complicated process but is

A research team is exploring new battery technologies for grid energy storage. The team's recent results suggest that iron, when treated with the electrolyte additive silicate, could create a high-performance alkaline battery anode. The world is rapidly transitioning to renewable power, but there are shortcomings. Solar power falls at night, and wind power recedes and

Mechanical and aerospace engineers have created a more efficient way to optimize manufacturing systems, improving speed and quality while reducing waste. Researchers at the University of Virginia have made a significant advancement in manufacturing technology by developing an AI-driven system that could transform how factories operate. Using Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL), the team has created

By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample with artificial intelligence (AI), researchers were able to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could help improve dairy safety. By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample

A new device consists of four flexible petals equipped with platinum electrodes, which curl around the spheroid when exposed to the liquid that supports the cell structure. This actuation is driven by the swelling of a soft hydrogel, making the device both gentle on the tissue and easy to use. Designed to be compatible with

Researchers develop an AI-driven video analyzer capable of detecting human actions in video footage with precision and intelligence. What if a security camera could not only capture video but understand what's happening -- distinguishing between routine activities and potentially dangerous behavior in real time? That's the future being shaped by researchers at the University of

Researchers used X-ray microscopy to discover a ferroelectric material that tailors its response to controlled ultrafast external stimuli, such as light pulses. The material might be applicable to energy-efficient microelectronics. "Today's supercomputers and data centers demand many megawatts of power," said Haidan Wen, a physicist at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory.

Researchers have unveiled a pioneering method for the efficient combustion of biofuels, using a revolutionary Swirl Burst (SB) injector to burn glycerol/methanol blends with near-zero emissions. This new technology enables ultra-clean combustion for fuels that are typically difficult to burn due to their high viscosity. In new research published in the journal Fuel, Baylor University

Astronomers observed ancient quasars that appear to be surprisingly alone in the early universe. The findings challenge physicists' understanding of how such luminous objects could have formed so early on in the universe, without a significant source of surrounding matter to fuel their growth. A quasar is the extremely bright core of a galaxy that

Researchers have developed a method to control the direction of heat flow in crystals. This miniature device could eventually be used to create advanced thermal-management systems in electronic devices to prevent overheating. Unwanted heating of electronic components hinders the performance of many devices. For example, the processing speed and memory available to silicon-based computer chips

By combining visible light and electrochemistry, researchers have enhanced the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and stumbled upon a surprising discovery. The team found that visible light significantly improved an important chemical attribute called selectivity, opening new avenues not only for CO2 conversion but also for many other chemical reactions used in catalysis