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Energy

Interdisciplinary Research Centre
 

Ping pong bot returns shots with high-speed precision

Engineers developed a ping-pong-playing robot that quickly estimates the speed and trajectory of an incoming ball and precisely hits it to a desired location on the table.

Removing selenium from water takes iron strength

Environmental engineers have developed critical methods to remove toxic selenium from water.

The Squid Galaxy's neutrino game just leveled up

In space, energetic neutrinos are usually paired with energetic gamma rays. Galaxy NGC 1068, however, emits strong neutrinos and weak gamma rays, which presents a puzzle for scientists to solve. A new paper posits that helium nuclei collide with ultraviolet photons emitted by the galaxy's central region and fragment, releasing neutrons that subsequently decay into neutrinos without producing gamma rays. The finding offers insight into the extreme environment around the supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies like NGC 1068 and our own and enhances our understanding of the relationships between radiation and elementary particles that could lead to technological advances we haven't yet imagined.

Mercury levels in the atmosphere have decreased throughout the 21st century

Mercury is released by environmental and human-driven processes. And some forms, specifically methylmercury, are toxic to humans. Therefore, policies and regulations to limit mercury emissions have been implemented across the globe. And, according to new research, those efforts may be working. Researchers found that atmospheric mercury levels have decreased by almost 70% in the last 20 years, mainly because human-caused emissions have been reduced.

Researchers develop practical solution to reduce emissions and improve air quality from brick manufacturing in Bangladesh

A new study analyzes the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that showed that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing and able to implement cleaner and more efficient business practices within their operations -- without legal enforcement -- if they receive the proper training and support, and if those changes are aligned with their profit motives. The study is the first to rigorously demonstrate successful strategies to improve efficiency within the traditional brick kiln industry.

Bacteria: Recording gene activity more efficiently

Analysing the gene activity of every single bacterial cell in a colony? A new technique of single-cell transcriptomics developed in W rzburg can do this much more efficiently than other methods: It reliably detects 300 to 600 genes per bacterial cell with a high success rate of 95%, thereby surpassing the efficiency of established procedures.

New chip uses AI to shrink large language models' energy footprint by 50%

Researchers have developed a more efficient chip as an antidote to the vast amounts of electricity consumed by large-language-model artificial intelligence applications like Gemini and GPT-4.

MRI breakthrough could revolutionize diagnosis of common heart problem aortic stenosis

Researchers have developed cutting-edge MRI technology to diagnose a common heart problem more quickly and accurately than ever before. Aortic stenosis is a progressive and potentially fatal condition, affecting about five per cent of 65-year-olds in the US -- with increasing prevalence in advancing age. Symptoms include chest pains, a rapid fluttering heartbeat and feeling dizzy, short of breath and fatigued -- particularly with activity. The new study reveals how a four-dimensional flow (4D flow) MRI scan can diagnose aortic stenosis more reliably than current ultrasound techniques. The superior accuracy of the new test means doctors can better predict when patients will require surgery.

Tiny vibrations have a massive impact: Transmitting clear signals over long distances using nonlinear math

A research team has discovered a surprising phenomenon that could revolutionize how we think about signal amplification. Just two tiny vibrating units can, when connected with a delay, amplify their combined vibrations by 100 million times. Their findings have applications for communication technology, suggesting that small, simple devices could be used to transmit clear signals over long distances.

'Universe's awkward handshake' -- simplifying information processing using photons a quantum breakthrough

Researchers have developed a technique that makes high-dimensional quantum information encoded in light more practical and reliable. The advancement could pave the way for more secure data transmission and next-generation quantum technologies.

Harnessing protein power to deliver medicine

New research has revealed the potential of engineered proteins to more precisely deliver drugs within the body.

One glass, full color: Sub-millimeter waveguide shrinks AR glasses

Augmented-reality (AR) technology is rapidly finding its way into everyday life, from education and healthcare to gaming and entertainment. However, the core AR device remains bulky and heavy, making prolonged wear uncomfortable. A breakthrough now promises to change that. A research team has slashed both thickness and weight using a single-layer waveguide.

How to reduce global CO2 emissions from industry

Global emissions of carbon dioxide from industry can be reduced by five per cent. But that requires companies and policy makers to take a holistic approach to energy efficiency and energy management and not solely focus on technological development.

Turning non-magnetic materials magnetic with atomically thin films

The rules about magnetic order may need to be rewritten. An international team of researchers found that it was possible to turn a non-magnetic material into a magnetic material by slicing it into thin films.

Robotic dog mimics mammals for superior mobility on land and in water

A team of researchers has unveiled a cutting-edge Amphibious Robotic Dog capable of roving across both land and water with remarkable efficiency.

Advancing electrocatalyst discovery through the lens of data science

Data science has revolutionized the hunt for high-performing catalysts, enabling scientists to quickly identify and test suitable materials.

Scottish shrimp study illuminates new potential for bait-less fishing

Fishing pots fitted with LED lights catch significantly more shrimp and fish, new research shows.

All of the biggest U.S. cities are sinking

A new study of the 28 most populous U.S. cities finds that all are sinking to one degree or another. The cities include not just those on the coasts, where relative sea level is a concern, but many in the interior. Furthermore, using newly granular data, the study finds that some cities are sinking at different rates in different spots, or sinking in some places and rising in others, potentially introducing stresses that could affect buildings and other infrastructure.

New microscope reveals heat flow in materials for green energy

Scientists have developed a new microscope that significantly improves the way heat flow in materials can be measured. This advancement could lead to better designs for electronic devices and energy systems.

Eco-friendly aquatic robot is made from fish food

An edible robot leverages a combination of biodegradable fuel and surface tension to zip around the water's surface, creating a safe -- and nutritious -- alternative to environmental monitoring devices made from artificial polymers and electronics.