ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

Researchers recreate deep-Earth conditions to see how iron copes with extreme stress

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:43 PM PST

New observations of the atomic structure of iron reveal it undergoes 'twinning' under extreme stress and pressure.

AI helps design the perfect chickpea

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:43 PM PST

A massive international research effort has led to development of a genetic model for the 'ultimate' chickpea, with the potential to lift crop yields by up to 12 per cent.

Using mechanical tools improves our language skills, study finds

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 12:42 PM PST

Research has revealed a correlation between being particularly proficient in tool use and having good syntactic ability. A new study has now shown that both skills rely on the same neurological resources, which are located in the same brain region. Furthermore, motor training using a tool improves our ability to understand the syntax of complex sentences and -- vice-versa -- syntactic training improves our proficiency in using tools.

Machine learning refines earthquake detection capabilities

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:04 AM PST

Researchers are applying machine learning algorithms to help interpret massive amounts of ground deformation data collected with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) satellites; the new algorithms will improve earthquake detection.

First quantum simulation of baryons

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

Researchers performed the first-ever simulation of baryons -- fundamental quantum particles -- on a quantum computer.

CRISPR: Strategy refines genetic base editors

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

A new strategy seeks to avoid gene-editing errors by fine-tuning specific CRISPR-base editing parameters in advance.

CRISPR screen identifies new anti-inflammatory drug target

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

A metabolic enzyme that has been studied in cancer biology and is important for T cell function may offer a new target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics, researchers have discovered. They report that inhibiting or genetically deleting the enzyme, called MTHFD2, reduced disease severity in multiple inflammatory disease models.

Near-earth asteroid might be a lost fragment of the moon

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:03 AM PST

Near-Earth asteroid Kamo`oalewa could be a fragment of our moon.

New sensor detects ever smaller nanoparticles

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

Nanoparticles are omnipresent in our environment: Viruses in ambient air, proteins in the body, as building blocks of new materials for electronics, or in surface coatings. Visualizing these smallest particles is a problem: They are so small that they can hardly be seen under an optical microscope. Researchers have now developed a sensor that not only detects nanoparticles, but also determines their condition and tracks their movements in space.

Crushed resistance: Tectonic plate sinking into a subduction zone

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 10:02 AM PST

Geophysicists can use a new model to explain the behavior of a tectonic plate sinking into a subduction zone in the Earth's mantle: the plate becomes weak and thus more deformable when mineral grains on its underside are shrunk in size.

Black hole found hiding in star cluster outside our galaxy

Posted: 11 Nov 2021 05:03 AM PST

Astronomers have discovered a small black hole outside the Milky Way by looking at how it influences the motion of a star in its close vicinity. This is the first time this detection method has been used to reveal the presence of a black hole outside of our galaxy. The method could be key to unveiling hidden black holes in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and to help shed light on how these mysterious objects form and evolve.

A personalized exosuit for real-world walking

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 11:53 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new approach in which robotic exosuit assistance can be calibrated to an individual and adapt to a variety of real-world walking tasks in a matter of seconds. The bioinspired system uses ultrasound measurements of muscle dynamics to develop a personalized and activity-specific assistance profile for users of the exosuit.

New scalable method resolves materials joining in solid-state batteries

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Scientists have developed a scalable, low-cost method to improve the joining of materials in solid-state batteries, resolving one of the big challenges in the commercial development of safe, long-lived energy storage systems.

When algorithms get creative

Posted: 10 Nov 2021 10:16 AM PST

Uncovering the mechanisms of learning via synaptic plasticity is a critical step towards understanding how our brains function and building truly intelligent, adaptive machines. Researchers propose a new approach in which algorithms mimic biological evolution and learn efficiently through creative evolution.

How prolonged radiation exposure damages nuclear reactors

Posted: 08 Nov 2021 12:56 PM PST

New research could help in boosting the efficiency of nuclear power plants in the near future. By using a combination of physics-based modeling and advanced simulations, they found the key underlying factors that cause radiation damage to nuclear reactors, which could then provide insight into designing more radiation-tolerant, high-performance materials.