New method improves measurement of animal behavior using deep learning
Konstanz researchers develop deep learning toolkit for high-speed measurement of body posture in animals.
Read moreDistributed Computing
Researchers invent low-cost alternative to Bitcoin
The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is limited by its astronomical electricity consumption and outsized carbon footprint. A nearly zero-energy alternative sounds too good to be true, but as a professor explains, it all comes down to our understanding of what makes transactions secure.
Read moreDevelopment of highly sensitive diode, converts microwaves to electricity
A group of researchers developed a highly sensitive rectifying element in the form of a nanowire backward diode, which can covert low-power microwaves into electricity. The new technology is expected that the newly-developed nanowire backward diode will be applied in using plentiful ambient radio wave energy in 5G communications, serving as a stable power source of sensors and contributing to battery-free sensors.
Read moreLight work for superconductors
For the first time researchers successfully used laser pulses to excite an iron-based compound into a superconducting state. This means it conducted electricity without resistance. The iron compound is a known superconductor at ultralow temperatures, but this method enables superconduction at higher temperatures. It is hoped this kind of research could greatly improve power efficiency in electrical equipment and electronic devices.
Read moreUsing light to speed up computation
Researchers have developed a type of processor called PAXEL, a device that can potentially bypass Moore's Law and increase the speed and efficiency of computing. Researchers looked at using light for the data transport step in integrated circuits, since photons are not subject to Moore's Law. Instead of integrated electronic circuits, much new development now involves photonic integrated circuits. The PAXEL accelerator takes this approach and uses power-efficient nanophotonics.
Read moreBattery with a twist
A team of researchers has used stretchable materials to develop a battery that can be bent, stretched and twisted. For applications in bendable electronic devices, this is precisely the kind of battery they need.
Read moreNumbers limit how accurately digital computers model chaos
Digital computers use numbers based on flawed representations of real numbers, which may lead to inaccuracies when simulating the motion of molecules, weather systems and fluids, find scientists.
Read moreShape-shifting robot built from 'smarticles' shows new locomotion strategy
Building conventional robots typically requires carefully combining components like motors, batteries, actuators, body segments, legs and wheels. Now, researchers have taken a new approach, building a robot entirely from smaller robots known as 'smarticles' to unlock the principles of a potentially new locomotion technique.
Read moreThe future of 'extremely' energy-efficient circuits
Data centers are processing data and dispensing the results at astonishing rates and such robust systems require a significant amount of energy — so much energy, in fact, that information communication technology is projected to account for 20% of total energy consumption in the United States by 2020. To answer this demand, a team of researchers have developed a framework to reduce energy consumption while improving efficiency.
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