Classic computers use binary values (0/1) to perform. By contrast, our brain cells can use more values to operate, making them more energy-efficient than computers. This is why scientists are interested in neuromorphic (brain-like) computing. Physicists from the University of Groningen (the Netherlands) have used a complex oxide to create elements comparable to the neurons and … [Read more...] about New material could create ‘neurons’ and ‘synapses’ for new computers
Engineers harvest WiFi signals to power small electronics
With the rise of the digital age, the amount of WiFi sources to transmit information wirelessly between devices has grown exponentially. This results in the widespread use of the 2.4GHz radio frequency that WiFi uses, with excess signals available to be tapped for alternative uses. To harness this under-utilised source of energy, a research team from the National University of … [Read more...] about Engineers harvest WiFi signals to power small electronics
Spintronics: Improving electronics with finer spin control
Spintronics is an emerging technology for manufacturing electronic devices that take advantage of electron spin and its associated magnetic properties, instead of using the electrical charge of an electron, to carry information. Antiferromagnetic materials are attracting attention in spintronics, with the expectation of spin operations with higher stability. Unlike … [Read more...] about Spintronics: Improving electronics with finer spin control
Column: Amid Discovery deal, AT&T also is quietly making late fees more likely
AT&T merging its WarnerMedia assets with Discovery isn’t the only move by the telecom behemoth that could impact consumers’ wallets.This week, the company also is making it harder for some people to pay their bills — and increasing the likelihood of late fees.Tim Ahern pays AT&T about $170 a month for his TV and phone services. He pays his bills on time, so he hasn’t … [Read more...] about Column: Amid Discovery deal, AT&T also is quietly making late fees more likely
THz emission spectroscopy reveals optical response of GaInN/GaN multiple quantum wells: Towards nano-seismology of wide bandgap quantum devices
A team of researchers at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University, in collaboration with Bielefeld University and Technical University Braunschweig in Germany, came closer to unraveling the complicated optical response of wide-bandgap semiconductor multiple quantum wells and how atomic-scale lattice vibration can generate free space terahertz emission. Their work … [Read more...] about THz emission spectroscopy reveals optical response of GaInN/GaN multiple quantum wells: Towards nano-seismology of wide bandgap quantum devices
Locomotion Vault will help guide innovations in virtual reality locomotion
Experts in virtual reality locomotion have developed a new resource that analyses all the different possibilities of locomotion currently available. Moving around in a virtual reality world can be very different to walking or employing a vehicle in the real world and new approaches and techniques are continually being developed to meet the challenges of different … [Read more...] about Locomotion Vault will help guide innovations in virtual reality locomotion
Future sparkles for diamond-based quantum technology: Two research breakthroughs are poised to accelerate the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology
Marilyn Monroe famously sang that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but they are also very popular with quantum scientists -- with two new research breakthroughs poised to accelerate the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology, improve scalability, and dramatically reduce manufacturing costs. While silicon is traditionally used for computer and mobile phone … [Read more...] about Future sparkles for diamond-based quantum technology: Two research breakthroughs are poised to accelerate the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology
DMV probing whether Tesla violates state regulations with self-driving claims
Tesla is “under review” by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether the company misleads customers by advertising its “full self-driving capability” option, the agency told The Times.A Tesla equipped with the $10,000 FSD package can change lanes, take highway exit ramps, and stop at traffic lights and stop signs on its own, the company says. However, it … [Read more...] about DMV probing whether Tesla violates state regulations with self-driving claims
Virtual reality warps your sense of time: Psychology research demonstrates unique ‘time compression’ effect of virtual reality
Psychology researchers at UC Santa Cruz have found that playing games in virtual reality creates an effect called "time compression," where time goes by faster than you think. Grayson Mullen, who was a cognitive science undergraduate at the time, worked with Psychology Professor Nicolas Davidenko to design an experiment that tested how virtual reality's effects on a game … [Read more...] about Virtual reality warps your sense of time: Psychology research demonstrates unique ‘time compression’ effect of virtual reality
Top educational apps for children might not be as beneficial as promised
Log on to any app store, and parents will find hundreds of options for children that claim to be educational. But new research suggests these apps might not be as beneficial to children as they seem. A new study analyzed some of the most downloaded educational apps for kids using a set of four criteria designed to evaluate whether an app provides a high-quality educational … [Read more...] about Top educational apps for children might not be as beneficial as promised