Compact infrared spectrometer
Researchers have developed a compact infrared spectrometer. It's small enough to fit on a computer chip but can still open up interesting possibilities — in space and in everyday life.
Read moreArtificial intelligence
New silk materials can wrinkle into detailed patterns, then unwrinkle to be 'reprinted'
Engineers have developed silk materials that can wrinkle into highly detailed patterns — including words, textures and images as intricate as a QR code or a fingerprint. The patterns are stable, but can be erased by flooding the surface of the silk with vapor, allowing the surface to be printed again. The researchers demonstrate multiple examples of the silk wrinkle patterns, and envision a wide range of potential applications for optical electronic devices.
Read moreAnalysis of US labor data suggests 'reskilling' workers for a 'feeling economy'
A study of US labor data suggests AI is already taking 'thinking economy' jobs from humans, and this trend will grow in the future. This will push more people into 'feeling economy' jobs that require things like interpersonal relationship skills and emotional intelligence.
Read moreA new mathematical approach to understanding zeolites
A system developed at MIT helps to identify zeolites that can readily transform into other zeolite forms, which are widely used as catalysts in industrial processes.
Read moreSoft robot programmed to move like an inchworm
Researchers have created a miniature robot that can crawl with inchworm-like motion. The underlying technology could one day transform industries from aviation to smart wearables.
Read moreMilitary drills for robots
Researchers tested ground robots performing military-style exercises, much like Soldier counterparts, at a robotics testing site in Pennsylvania recently as part of a 10-year research project designed to push the research boundaries in robotics and autonomy.
Read moreAmputees merge with their bionic leg
Scientists have helped three amputees merge with their bionic prosthetic legs as they climb over various obstacles without having to look. The amputees report using and feeling their bionic leg as part of their own body, thanks to sensory feedback from the prosthetic leg that is delivered to nerves in the leg's stump.
Method to change fundamental architecture of polymers
A research team has developed methods to manipulate polymers in a way that changes their fundamental structure, paving the way for potential applications in cargo delivery and release, recyclable materials, shape-shifting soft robots, antimicrobials and more.
Read moreWhy multipartite viruses infect plants rather than animals
Being in between living and non-living, viruses are, in general, strange. Among viruses, multipartite viruses are among the most peculiar — their genome is not packed into one, but many, particles. Multipartite viruses primarily infect plants rather than animals. A recent article uses mathematical and computational models to explain this observation.
Read moreNew method improves measurement of animal behavior using deep learning
Konstanz researchers develop deep learning toolkit for high-speed measurement of body posture in animals.
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