Category Technology/Electronics

Researchers observe ‘Locked’ Electron Pairs in a Superconductor Cuprate

For the past century since their discovery, superconductors and their mysterious atomic properties have left researchers in awe. These special materials allow electricity to flow through them without any energy loss. They even allow trains to levitate.

But superconductors typically only work at extremely cold temperatures. When these materials are heated, they become ordinary conductors, which allow electricity to flow but with some energy lost; or insulators, which don’t conduct electricity at all.

Researchers have been hard at work looking for superconductor materials that can perform their magic at higher temperatures—perhaps even room temperature someday...

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Smart Fabric Converts Body Heat into Electricity

Black strip of fibre is coated with MXene that allows the fabric to absorb sunlight and body heat and convert it to energy.
Credit
University of Waterloo

Breakthrough in smart fabric for sensing and energy harvesting. Researchers have developed a smart fabric that can convert body heat and solar energy into electricity, potentially enabling continuous operation with no need for an external power source. Different sensors monitoring temperature, stress, and more can be integrated into the material.

Imagine a coat that captures solar energy to keep you cozy on a chilly winter walk, or a shirt that can monitor your heart rate and temperature.Picture clothing athletes can wear to track their performance without the need for bulky battery packs.

University of Waterloo researchers have d...

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The Mother of all Motion Sensors

1) Sandia National Laboratories’ four-channel, silicon photonic single-sideband modulator chip, measuring 8 millimeters on each side and marked with a green Sandia thunderbird logo, sits inside packaging that incorporates optical fibers, wire bonds and ceramic pins. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image. 2)Sandia National Laboratories scientist Jongmin Lee, left, prepares a rubidium cold-atom cell for an atom interferometry experiment while scientists Ashok Kodigala, right, and Michael Gehl initialize the controls for a packaged single-sideband modulator chip. (Photo by Craig Fritz) Click on the thumbnail for a high-resolution image.

Quantum sensing milestone draws closer exquisitely accurate, GPS-free navigation...

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AI Accurately Diagnoses Genetic Condition from Facial Photographs

population
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A Yale School of Medicine team reports in a new study that an artificial intelligence (AI) model was able to reliably diagnose people living with Marfan syndrome from a simple facial photograph.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder, affecting about 1 in 3,000 people, which impacts the body’s connective tissues. “Patients living with Marfan syndrome are usually very tall and thin,” said John Elefteriades, MD, professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine and senior author of the study. “They have long faces and are prone to spine and joint issues. However, many are not diagnosed.”

Marfan syndrome increases the risk for aortic dissection, where the aorta splits suddenly after becoming enlarged...

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