Helping tobacco plants save water
Biologists have used bioelectronics to influence transpiration in a tobacco plant, without harming the plant in any way.
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Using math to blend musical notes seamlessly
Researchers have invented an algorithm that produces a real-time portamento effect, gliding a note at one pitch into a note of another pitch, between any two audio signals, such as a piano note gliding into a human voice.
Read moreVirtual human hand simulation holds promise for prosthetics
Animating human hands has long been considered one of the most challenging problems in computer graphics. That's because it has been impossible to capture the internal movement of the hand in motion — until now. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a technique inspired by the visual effects industry, researchers have developed the world's most realistic model of the human hand's musculoskeletal system in motion. Applications include computer graphics, prosthetics, medical education, robotics, virtual reality.
Read moreCompute at the speed of light
A new way to achieve integrated photonics — a new device has been developed that could have applications in imaging, sensing and quantum information processing, such as on-chip transformation optics, mathematical operations and spectrometers.
Read morePortable electronics: A stretchable and flexible biofuel cell that runs on sweat
A unique new flexible and stretchable device, worn against the skin and capable of producing electrical energy by transforming the compounds present in sweat, was recently developed and patented. This cell is already capable of continuously lighting an LED, opening new avenues for the development of wearable electronics powered by autonomous and environmentally friendly biodevices.
Read moreNew way to produce curvy electronics
Contact lenses that can monitor your health as well as correct your eyesight aren't science fiction, but an efficient manufacturing method has remained elusive. Until now. Researchers have reported developing a new manufacturing method to produce the lenses, solar cells and other three-dimensional curvy electronics.
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 moreResearchers can now place single ions into solids
New technique enables implantation of individual ions into crystals with an accuracy of 35 nanometers.
Read moreUp-close and personal with neuronal networks
Researchers have developed an electronic chip that can perform high-sensitivity intracellular recording from thousands of connected neurons simultaneously. This breakthrough allowed them to map synaptic connectivity at an unprecedented level, identifying hundreds of synaptic connections.
Read moreNew augmented reality head mounted display offers unrivaled viewing experience
Engineers have developed a new augmented reality (AR) head-mounted display (HMD) that delivers a realistic 3D viewing experience, without the commonly associated side effects of nausea or eyestrain.
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