The experimental jet was built to kill the sonic boom. First, it has to survive going supersonic.
Despite significant medical advances, spinal cord damage remains one of the most difficult physical injuries to treat. Scarring frequently gets in the way of nerve fiber regrowth, while nerve cells usually cannot regenerate on their own. A possible solution? A fleet of stem cell-infused, injectable nanorobots that can help nerve cells regenerate. The tiny bots are detailed in a study recently published in the journal Nature Materials.
To build their new tools, a team at ETH Zurich in Switzerland engineered microscopic machines that combine living neural progenitor cells (NPCs)—specialized stem cells developed for the spine—with customized nanoparticles. These customized nanoparticles feature two layers—one that is sensitive to magnetic fields and another that translates them into electrical signals.
“We place a reservoir in the center where we trap the cells. Then we inject the nanoparticles and wait for the two components to bind,” Salvador Pané i Vidal, a study co-author and ETH Zurich roboticist, said in a statement.
Each nanorobot is about six micrometers wide, making them smaller than a red blood cell. However, the number of robots required to pull off a procedure is immense. Millions of nanobots are needed during animal trials. Even with such a high number, the initial experimental results are promising. In tests involving mice with severed spinal cords, nerve cells stimulated by the microrobots began reconnecting at the injury site within 28 days. By the end of the trial, the mice displayed major improvements in movement, gait, coordination, and exploratory behavior.
Significantly more research is required before these nanobots are ready for primetime, but the team hopes to one day begin testing similar devices in humans. Before that, they need to determine the most effective magnetic fields and how long to apply them to patients. In the meantime, the overall design could also be applied to help treat regenerative issues in organs and wounds.
“The reproducible and scalable production of microrobots using our lab-on-a-chip system demonstrates that the platform’s application potential extends beyond basic research,” added Pané i Vidal.
The post Injectable nanorobots may help heal spinal injuries appeared first on Popular Science.
In a groundbreaking advancement poised to transform the trajectory of space exploration and technology, researchers have unveiled a novel method for manufacturing electronics in microgravity environments using on-demand additive nanomanufacturing techniques. This development, articulated in a recent publication by Bevel, Taba, Patel, and colleagues, outlines the creation of intricate electronic components and functional devices directly in space, bypassing the significant constraints traditionally imposed by Earth-dependent manufacturing and payload transport. The technology marks a pivotal step towards sustaining long-duration missions and the expansion of human presence beyond our planet.
The innovation leverages the advantages offered by microgravity, an environment that alters material behaviors at nanoscale levels, enabling unprecedented precision and control during the fabrication of electronic circuits. Additive manufacturing in microgravity defies the limitations caused by gravity-driven sedimentation and convection on Earth, permitting the deposition of materials with atomic and molecular fidelity. This enhancement at the nanomanufacturing scale is essential for producing next-generation electronics that require exacting standards for performance, miniaturization, and integration.
At the core of this technology is a platform capable of performing ultra-fine additive deposition processes, employing specialized printheads and deposition strategies adaptable to the unique conditions of space. Rather than relying on pre-fabricated components that must be transported from Earth—a costly and logistically challenging endeavor—this methodology empowers spacecraft and potentially orbital outposts to fabricate electronic parts autonomously. The capacity to manufacture on-demand not only reduces payload weights and costs but also mitigates risks associated with component failure, allowing for real-time repairs and adaptations in the field.
Significantly, the researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach through experiments replicating microgravity conditions, integrating conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric materials with nanoscale precision. This multi-material integration is critical for constructing functional devices such as sensors, thin-film transistors, and other components essential to spacecraft instrumentation and communication systems. The ability to seamlessly combine materials paves the way for more complex architectures necessary in advanced electronics.
The implications extend beyond mere convenience; they herald a paradigm shift in how future space missions approach sustainability and autonomy. Missions to Mars, lunar bases, and deep space exploration necessitate robust, self-sufficient systems capable of overcoming the isolation and resupply limitations inherent at vast distances from Earth. The capacity for in-situ manufacturing of electronic systems reduces dependency on Earth’s manufacturing cycles and enables continuous innovation and customization in operational hardware.
Furthermore, the nanomanufacturing process developed capitalizes on the unique physicochemical properties inherent in microgravity. For instance, surface tension and capillary forces dominate over gravitational effects, enabling smoother layering of materials and reducing defects that typically arise in terrestrial manufacturing. This fundamental shift enhances device reliability and performance critical for mission success in harsh extraterrestrial environments.
Another notable aspect of the study involves the scalability and adaptability of the technology. The modular nature of the additive deposition system allows it to be tailored for various mission sizes and requirements, from small satellite platforms to large space stations. Such versatility ensures that the technology can evolve in tandem with ambitions in space habitation and exploration, integrating seamlessly with robotic manufacturing units and autonomous assembly lines.
The research team also addresses challenges related to environmental interference in space, such as radiation and vacuum conditions, illustrating how their materials and techniques maintain structural integrity and functional stability even under these stresses. This robust design consideration is crucial to operational longevity and reliability, ensuring that electronics produced via this method endure the rigors of space.
Moreover, the development contributes significant insights into the materials science of space conditions. By analyzing the microstructural properties of the printed electronics, the study elucidates how microgravity influences crystalline growth, grain boundaries, and defect formation. These findings have broader implications for material engineering and could inform terrestrial manufacturing improvements by mimicking advantageous space-like environments.
Importantly, the technology’s on-demand nature introduces dynamic adaptability to mission operations. Instruments and devices can be fabricated or modified in real time, allowing for unexpected mission requirements or adjustments without waiting for resupply missions. This responsive manufacturing capability offers strategic benefits for mission planners, scientists, and engineers operating in the unpredictable expanse of space.
While currently focused on nanoscale electronics, the researchers envision expansions into fabricating other functional devices, including sensors, actuators, and potentially bioelectronic systems. Such expansions would significantly enrich the technological toolkit available in orbit or on extraterrestrial surfaces, driving innovation in habitat systems, health monitoring, and environmental sensing.
Financially and operationally, this advancement promises to reduce the exorbitant costs associated with launching heavy and complex electronic equipment from Earth. By decentralizing manufacturing to space itself, mission budgets can allocate resources more effectively, and payload design can focus on raw materials and versatile fabrication modules instead of stockpiled components.
As humanity pushes further into the final frontier, the ability to engineer and produce critical technology in situ emerges as a cornerstone of sustainable space exploration. This study not only offers a technological breakthrough but also acts as a conceptual beacon, inspiring new strategies for mission resilience and autonomy that will shape the future of human activity beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
In conclusion, the pioneering work on additive nanomanufacturing of electronics in microgravity marks a critical inflection point in space manufacturing technology. By harnessing the distinctive advantages of space environments, researchers have created a path forward that could dramatically enhance mission resilience, cost-efficiency, and technological capability. This research, presented by Bevel, Taba, Patel, and their collaborators, vividly illustrates how microgravity is not simply a challenge to be overcome but an enabling condition for next-generation manufacturing, heralding a new era of in-space electronics fabrication and functional device production.
Subject of Research:
Additive nanomanufacturing of electronics in microgravity environments aimed at enabling in-space fabrication of functional electronic devices.
Article Title:
On-demand additive nanomanufacturing of electronics in microgravity: towards in-space manufacturing of electronics and functional devices.
Article References:
Bevel, C., Taba, A., Patel, A. et al. On-demand additive nanomanufacturing of electronics in microgravity: towards in-space manufacturing of electronics and functional devices. npj Adv. Manuf. 3, 23 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44334-026-00085-w
Image Credits:
AI Generated
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44334-026-00085-w
In recent years, the surge in at-home fitness routines, especially during the global Covid-19 pandemic, has spotlighted a critical issue: improper exercise form leading to a significant rise in injuries. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported a 48% increase in injuries related to at-home exercise during this period, underscoring the challenge many face without direct access to professional coaching. Addressing this gap, a pioneering team of researchers from Drexel University and Michigan State University has developed a cutting-edge prototype integrating artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and biomechanical modeling to offer real-time, precise exercise form coaching from streaming video footage.
This innovative program, dubbed BioCoach, marries advanced computer vision techniques with a vision-language model, allowing it not only to analyze human movement but also to generate live, anatomical feedback during various exercises. While numerous fitness coaching apps exist, few provide the specificity and immediacy of biomechanical correction delivered by a seasoned human trainer. BioCoach aims to bridge this divide by delivering targeted, timely cues rooted in the biomechanics of body motion, effectively emulating the nuanced guidance a knowledgeable coach would provide in person.
At the heart of BioCoach lies an intricate fusion of data processing algorithms. The system employs a dual-stream analysis approach: one stream utilizes a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D CNN) to capture visual appearance and motion dynamics, expertly recognizing distinct objects and movements within video sequences. Concurrently, a complementary stream estimates 3D skeletal posture and body morphology, extracting quantitative joint angles, ranges of motion, and exercise-phase data. This robust combination grants BioCoach an unprecedented depth of insight into the biomechanics underlying each repetition and posture captured on video.
The development team significantly enhanced the model’s training dataset by augmenting the Qualcomm Exercise Video Dataset (QEVD), a publicly available repository containing extensive exercise footage annotated with basic coaching feedback. Recognizing the sparse nature of original annotations, which often consisted of brief comments like “lower your body more,” the researchers re-annotated over 200 videos with detailed biomechanical targets and rationales. This enriched dataset included over 2,400 meticulously crafted notes specifying precise joint angles and motion thresholds, thus grounding the language model in authentic biomechanical context and timing.
This careful re-annotation process was integral not only in elevating the model’s linguistic precision but also in enabling rigorous evaluation of its feedback timing and relevance. By preserving the temporal alignment of coaching cues with specific exercise phases, the researchers ensured BioCoach’s ability to respond not just accurately but precisely when corrections are most beneficial—mirroring the instantaneous interventions of expert trainers.
BioCoach’s capacity to provide feedback is rooted in its ability to identify key joints relevant to individual exercises. For example, during squats, the system prioritizes analysis of the hips, knees, and ankles, while for push-ups, it focuses on the shoulders, elbows, and wrists. This targeted approach ensures that feedback remains specific and actionable, avoiding generic or irrelevant comments common in many current fitness apps. Additionally, by integrating detailed body shape and movement quality metrics, BioCoach can parse subtle deviations that might indicate compensatory patterns or strain risks.
The linguistic component of BioCoach translates intricate biomechanical data into natural language coaching cues with unparalleled clarity and relevance. Unlike more superficial feedback models, BioCoach articulates the significance behind each correction, explaining why a certain adjustment matters for distributing load or preventing injury. For instance, a suggestion might not only encourage “increasing elbow flexion to 90 degrees at the bottom of a push-up” but also clarify that “this adjustment helps distribute load evenly across joint structures,” thereby fostering user understanding and compliance.
In rigorous head-to-head testing, BioCoach was benchmarked against top-tier video-language AI models developed by prestigious institutions and corporations including MIT, NVIDIA, ByteDance, Alibaba, Salesforce, OpenAI, and leading Chinese universities. The evaluation involved feeding each program a combination of original QEVD videos and the newly annotated footage, assessing the response quality based on accuracy, anatomical correctness, detailed specificity, and timeliness.
The results were compelling. BioCoach outperformed its closest competitor, Stream-VLM (a collaboration between MIT and NVIDIA researchers) in text quality and relevance when evaluated on the original dataset. More strikingly, on the enriched dataset with biomechanics-based annotations, BioCoach demonstrated substantial gains across all metrics. Its feedback was notably more biomechanically accurate and rich with anatomy-specific details, establishing new standards for AI-driven exercise coaching.
The success of BioCoach highlights the profound benefit of integrating explicit 3D kinematic data and biomechanical constraints into AI coaching frameworks. By moving beyond mere pixel-level image analysis to structured, domain-specific knowledge, the system not only generates more accurate and insightful guidance but also becomes more interpretable and dependable, critical factors for user trust and safety in fitness applications.
Looking forward, the research team envisions expanding BioCoach’s capabilities to estimate joint reaction forces and muscle activation patterns from video input. Such enhancements would empower the system to detect even subtle compensatory movements or loading imbalances that can precipitate injury over time. These improvements could revolutionize both exercise and physical therapy by supporting users in receiving continuous, expert-level feedback remotely, effectively extending the reach of human trainers into digital spaces.
Dr. Feng Liu, assistant professor at Drexel’s College of Engineering and Computing and lead for the Visual Intelligence Lab, emphasized the transformative potential of BioCoach. “Our aspirations extend beyond simple encouragement,” he explained, “to actual biomechanically grounded coaching that helps individuals exercise safely and effectively. This integration of computer vision, 3D modeling, and language understanding is poised to redefine how AI supports human movement education.”
The development of BioCoach epitomizes a new wave of AI applications that intertwine deep learning and biomechanics, heralding an era where personalized, scientific exercise coaching is accessible anytime and anywhere. With ongoing refinement, such systems could democratize expert-level fitness guidance, mitigate injury risks, and ultimately promote healthier lifestyles across diverse populations worldwide.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: From 3D Pose to Prose: Biomechanics-Grounded Vision–Language Coaching
News Publication Date: 27-Mar-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2603.26938
References: Feng Liu et al., arXiv preprint, 2026
Image Credits: Drexel University
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Computer vision, Machine perception, Image processing, Natural language processing, Three dimensional modeling, Physical exercise
The global rise in infertility rates has catalyzed a dramatic surge in the utilization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), marking a pivotal juncture in reproductive medicine. As conventional ART procedures remain largely manual, labor-intensive, and fraught with subjective decision-making, the quest for heightened precision and consistency in outcomes has become increasingly urgent. Despite advances in laboratory techniques and clinical protocols, many aspects of ART are hindered by a lack of robust, evidence-based tools capable of non-invasively enhancing processes such as gamete evaluation, protocol optimization, and embryo selection. These challenges underscore the necessity for innovative solutions that can transcend the limitations of human assessment and procedural variability.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation emerge as transformative forces poised to revolutionize the landscape of ART by driving standardization, accelerating workflows, and improving predictive accuracy. Integrating computer vision, deep learning algorithms, and microfluidic technologies offers a compelling framework to refine every stage of the reproductive journey—from semen processing and oocyte evaluation to embryo culture and transfer. Early successes in clinical deployment underscore the feasibility of such approaches; for instance, AI-powered embryo grading systems are already assisting embryologists in objective assessment, while microfluidic devices are revolutionizing sperm sorting with unprecedented precision and gentleness. Nonetheless, the frontier of AI-enabled ART is still nascent, with vast potential waiting to be unlocked by systems-level integration.
At the core of this technological evolution lies the application of deep learning, a subset of AI that excels in pattern recognition and data-driven decision-making. By training neural networks on vast datasets of clinical and cellular images, researchers have begun to develop models capable of predicting embryo viability with remarkable accuracy, thereby enhancing implantation success rates and reducing the emotional and financial burdens on patients. These AI models leverage an array of features—from morphological characteristics and dynamic developmental patterns to molecular biomarkers—redefining embryo selection as a data-rich, evidence-based process rather than an art reliant on subjective human judgment.
Microfluidics, another cornerstone of automation in ART, offers the ability to manipulate minute volumes of biological fluids with exquisite control. The integration of microfluidic platforms in semen processing exemplifies how automation can enhance both efficiency and effectiveness. Traditional sperm preparation techniques often expose gametes to physical stresses that compromise their quality, but microfluidic systems facilitate gentle, precise sorting based on motility, morphology, and other functional parameters. This advancement translates directly into improved fertilization outcomes and healthier embryos, thereby addressing one of the key bottlenecks in male fertility assessment and treatment.
Beyond gamete processing and embryo selection, AI is influencing the management of the entire embryology laboratory workflow. Automation frameworks, guided by adaptive algorithms, have the potential to create closed-loop systems where feedback from each stage informs real-time adjustments in protocols. Such platforms could continuously learn from clinical outcomes to optimize hormone stimulation regimens, culture conditions, and embryo transfer timing. The vision is a data-driven reproductive ecosystem where human oversight is augmented—not replaced—by intelligent systems, enabling a more personalized and effective approach to fertility care that adapts dynamically to each patient’s unique biology.
Despite these promising advancements, the integration of AI and automation into ART faces notable challenges. One major hurdle is the scarcity of high-quality, standardized datasets critical for training reliable and generalizable AI models. Variability in laboratory techniques, imaging modalities, and patient populations complicates efforts to construct comprehensive databases, slowing algorithm development and validation. Furthermore, ethical and regulatory considerations loom large. The deployment of AI in reproductive medicine raises complex questions about data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and informed consent, necessitating stringent oversight frameworks that balance innovation with patient safety and autonomy.
Clinical adoption also requires robust validation through large-scale, prospective trials to demonstrate that AI-driven interventions translate into meaningful improvements in live birth rates and patient experience. As many current studies rely on retrospective data or surrogate markers of success, the path to widespread acceptance demands rigorous evidence and consensus among reproductive specialists. Additionally, the integration of automated systems within existing laboratory infrastructures must consider workflow compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and user training requirements to ensure seamless transition and maximize clinical impact.
The future of ART may well be shaped by the emergence of fully integrated AI-enabled laboratories, where a network of automated devices and intelligent software operate in concert to deliver adaptive, personalized reproductive care. Such closed-loop systems could harness continuous data streams from non-invasive monitoring technologies, predictive analytics, and decision support tools to refine every decision point in the embryology pipeline. This paradigm shift would move the field from static, protocol-driven practices to a responsive, learning environment where patient outcomes guide iterative improvements and innovations are rapidly deployed.
This revolution has implications beyond technical enhancements; it also reshapes the ethical landscape of reproductive medicine. The empowerment of AI to influence critical decisions about embryo viability and selection introduces profound questions about agency, consent, and the potential for unintended biases embedded within algorithms. Transparent development processes, interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, ethicists, and technologists, and proactive regulatory engagement will be essential to navigate these challenges responsibly while preserving patients’ trust and autonomy.
In summation, the intersection of AI, automation, and ART heralds a new epoch in reproductive medicine, where data-driven insights and precision engineering coalesce to surmount longstanding barriers. Continued investment in research, infrastructure, and ethical frameworks will be critical to unlock the full potential of these technologies, enabling more predictable, efficient, and equitable reproductive care globally. The vision of an AI-integrated, closed-loop in vitro fertilization laboratory exemplifies the tangible future of fertility treatment—one where innovation meets compassionate, personalized medicine to address one of humanity’s most fundamental challenges.
As the global community grapples with escalating infertility, embracing AI and automation represents a beacon of hope, promising not only enhanced clinical outcomes but also democratization of access through scalable, standardized technologies. The path forward invites a collective effort—uniting data scientists, reproductive biologists, clinicians, and policymakers—to realize the transformative impact of intelligent systems that can truly redefine what is possible in assisted reproduction.
This profound shift will ultimately transform the experience of patients, clinicians, and laboratory professionals alike, as the integration of AI and automation reduces variability, mitigates error, and personalizes treatment. By transcending the limitations of subjective assessments and manual procedures, these technologies offer the promise of a more reliable and confident path to parenthood for millions worldwide.
While the journey to fully automated, AI-driven labs continues to unfold, current advancements signal meaningful progress that is already reshaping clinical practice. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration, technological refinement, and comprehensive validation are poised to accelerate innovation and broaden access to cutting-edge fertility care. As the field moves swiftly toward these new horizons, AI and automation stand as pivotal tools in our collective endeavor to overcome infertility’s challenges through science and technology.
Subject of Research: The application and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with a focus on improving precision, standardization, and outcomes in embryology laboratories.
Article Title: AI and automation in assisted reproduction
Article References:
Lorimer, J., McLachlan, R., Zander-Fox, D. et al. AI and automation in assisted reproduction. Nat Rev Bioeng (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44222-026-00454-2
Image Credits: AI Generated
In a landmark advancement set to revolutionize surgical procedures, Wayne State University, in partnership with RediMinds Inc., has secured a patent for an innovative technology designed to detect and visualize arterial bleeding during minimally invasive surgeries. The newly granted United States Patent No. 12,635,098 B2, issued on May 26, 2026, represents a pivotal leap in surgical safety, addressing one of the most challenging complications faced by surgeons—unexpected intraoperative bleeding. This development holds the promise of dramatically improving patient outcomes in robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, where precise control over bleeding is critical.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures, including robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, have transformed the medical landscape by reducing recovery times and minimizing trauma. However, they are not without significant risks. Among these, arterial bleeding is a particularly severe complication. When bleeding occurs unexpectedly inside the surgical field, it can obscure the surgeon’s view, creating a dangerous scenario termed a “red out.” This occlusion of the visual field complicates the surgeon’s ability to manage the procedure effectively, potentially leading to adverse patient outcomes including increased mortality.
Led by Dr. Abhilash K. Pandya, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Wayne State’s James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, the research incorporates cutting-edge computer vision and machine learning technologies. These sophisticated techniques analyze real-time data from the surgical camera, enabling the system to detect the onset of arterial bleeding instantly. The patented system goes beyond simple detection by providing precise localization and assessment of the bleeding source, which is then visually communicated to the surgeon through augmented reality overlays.
The core innovation lies in the seamless integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with existing surgical visualization tools. Surgical cameras already provide live video feeds during operations, but this technology enhances those feeds with AI-driven analysis that identifies bleeding with remarkable accuracy. By superimposing detailed visual cues onto the real-time surgical view, it guides the surgeon to the exact location of arterial injury, thus enabling swift and targeted intervention to control the bleeding.
This bleeding management system is designed as an add-on module compatible with the more than 2,000 robotic and 7,000 laparoscopic surgical systems currently deployed across hospitals in the United States. Its compatibility ensures that existing surgical infrastructure can be upgraded without requiring entirely new equipment, facilitating rapid adoption and widespread impact across healthcare institutions. The potential integration signals a significant stride toward the era of AI-assisted surgery, where technology acts as a vigilant partner alongside the surgeon.
Dr. Pandya emphasized the strategic importance of this development, describing the patented technology as a precursor to more sophisticated AI support systems in the operating room. Such systems are envisioned to monitor a variety of critical parameters beyond bleeding, including patient vitals and surgeon fatigue, providing timely warnings and augmenting human decision-making during complex surgical interventions. This holistic approach could transform surgical safety by proactively preventing complications and enhancing the surgeon’s situational awareness.
The implications of this advancement are profound. The ability to monitor and manage intraoperative bleeding with high precision is expected to minimize the need for blood transfusions, reduce infection rates, and decrease the length of hospital stays, all contributing to improved patient welfare and lower healthcare costs. Moreover, the technology holds promise in advancing intelligent safety tools that will serve as safeguards in the challenging environment of modern surgery, where every second and detail matter.
Dean Ali Abolmaali of the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which synthesizes expertise in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and medical science. This synergy exemplifies how engineering innovations are poised to tackle complex healthcare challenges by translating laboratory discoveries into practical technologies with tangible benefits. The research portfolio showcased by Dr. Pandya and his collaborators illustrates the kind of transformative work that positions Wayne State University at the forefront of health-related engineering advancements.
From a commercialization perspective, Wayne State University’s commitment to transitioning early-stage innovations into market-ready solutions was underscored by Taunya Phillips, assistant vice president for technology commercialization at Wayne State. Securing this patent is a critical milestone in protecting intellectual property and ensuring that the invention not only advances science but also delivers societal and economic benefits. The collaboration between academic research and industry partners stands as a model for accelerating the impact of scientific breakthroughs on real-world medical practice.
As surgical procedures continue to evolve with the integration of robotics and AI, technologies like Dr. Pandya’s bleeding detection system portend a future where surgical errors and complications due to visual impairment from bleeding could become significantly less common. By automating the detection and localization process, this system frees surgeons to focus on critical decision-making and precision control, ultimately enhancing the safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions.
In closing, this patented technology heralds a new chapter in surgical innovation, leveraging AI to provide augmented reality-enhanced visualization that directly addresses the critical challenge of intraoperative bleeding. With the potential to save lives and improve surgical outcomes nationwide, this invention exemplifies how academic ingenuity can lead to global healthcare improvements. As adoption grows, the promise of AI as a vigilant and trustworthy assistant in the operating room moves closer to reality.
Subject of Research: Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Applications in Surgical Safety
Article Title: Wayne State University Secures Patent for AI-Driven Arterial Bleeding Detection System in Surgery
News Publication Date: May 26, 2026
Web References: research.wayne.edu
Image Credits: Wayne State University
Applied sciences and engineering, Engineering, Human health, Biomedical engineering, Surgery
While many US city councils have passed moratoriums, Monterey Park is first where residents have voted on a ban
Residents in Monterey Park, California, became the first in the US to vote on a permanent ban on datacenters on Tuesday, and early results indicate a resounding victory for the prohibition.
While many cities and counties have already passed temporary or indefinite moratoriums via their local governments, Monterey Park would be the first to do so through a ballot initiative.
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© Photograph: Steven Kung
© Photograph: Steven Kung
© Photograph: Steven Kung
While many US city councils have passed moratoriums, Monterey Park is first where residents have voted on a ban
Residents in Monterey Park, California, became the first in the US to vote on a permanent ban on datacenters on Tuesday, and early results indicate a resounding victory for the prohibition.
While many cities and counties have already passed temporary or indefinite moratoriums via their local governments, Monterey Park would be the first to do so through a ballot initiative.
Continue reading...
© Photograph: Steven Kung
© Photograph: Steven Kung
© Photograph: Steven Kung
Consumer advocates decry Democrat Jared Polis for ‘choosing to side with dominant corporations’ over workers
Colorado’s governor vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have banned companies from using surveillance pricing to set workers’ wages and prices for consumer goods.
The measure would have been the strongest in the nation against algorithmic pricing. While Maryland became the first state to approve a law banning surveillance pricing in grocery stores in April, Colorado’s proposed measure was more expansive.
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© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
The weather on Earth can get pretty messy sometimes. But in space, it can be wild—and the effects can be far-reaching.
Solar flares, giant explosions on the sun, can send out streams of energy that block radio communications and fry satellite electronics. Geomagnetic storms, caused by variations in solar wind, can mess with GPS signals and spark current surges on Earth that overload power grids.
The impact of space weather isn’t limited to temporarily losing electricity or digging out dusty paper maps for directions when satellite navigation systems fail. Every electronic financial transaction in the world, for instance, relies on time stamps sent by satellite systems. And, in May 2024, a solar storm threw out GPS systems used to accurately guide tractors in planting and harvesting crops, hobbling food production for days and costing US farmers $500 million.
Although satellites can be built with tougher shields or have their orbits adjusted, those are just Band-Aids; there’s currently little we can do to protect ourselves from space storms.
Boston University researcher Brian Walsh has an idea for how to change that. He’s been testing the theoretical feasibility of a system of spacecraft that could fire chemical elements to the edge of Earth’s magnetic field, temporarily fortifying our defenses and deflecting potentially damaging space weather. In simulations, Walsh and researchers from the University of Michigan found the system could cut the intensity of a major geomagnetic storm in half. The findings were published in the journal Space Weather.
“Since humans have been in space, we’ve been trying to predict what’s going to happen in the space environment,” says Walsh, a BU College of Engineering associate professor of mechanical engineering. “But we came up with a model that could flip the paradigm. It’s like people in a village who see a river flooding—maybe they can predict when that will happen, but probably what’s even better is if they could build a storm wall. That’s what we’re proposing here.”
Bouncing Storms Past the Earth
Walsh says his idea for a weather wall in space was inspired by a natural phenomenon: material peeling off the Earth’s atmosphere and floating to the edge of our planet’s protective bubble, the magnetosphere, to bolster it. “I thought, maybe you could turn [that process] up, increase the intensity of it,” he says.
His proposed system, named StormWall, would start with the launch of six spacecraft into a geosynchronous orbit matching the Earth’s own rotation. Each craft would be fitted with a canister loaded with what the researchers call a mass-loading material. When released, the material—an alkaline chemical element like barium or lithium—would photoionize, a process that induces an electrical charge, seeding the atmosphere with plasma.
In their simulations, Walsh and his colleagues found that this plasma would disrupt the flow of energy between any solar storm and the magnetosphere—and that would be enough to bounce the space weather around and past our planet.
Not Science Fiction
Walsh admits a weather wall in space sounds a little like science fiction, but says it’s within our reach.
“When you apply some really serious physics to it, it does work. And the amount of mass we need, the launch capacities—it’s all within our capabilities,” he says. “People have always thought, ‘space is huge, the sun is massive, we just have to sit here and take whatever it gives us.’ But what we found is that we can impact it.”
One of the biggest barriers to implementation is cost. Launching six spacecraft, together carrying the equivalent of about a dozen oil trucks–worth of material, wouldn’t be cheap. And once the payload is fired out and photoionizes, the system would be dead and couldn’t be replenished—it’s one and done. But with private companies investing billions in space infrastructure—and even contemplating data centers in orbit—Walsh says the math on cost-benefit ratios could soon favor his proposed approach. In their paper, Walsh and his colleagues point out that a massive once-in-a-century geomagnetic storm—the last one was in 1859—would cause devastating damage in space and on Earth, with power grid costs alone topping $2.4 trillion.
He’s confident the team can bring down the StormWall costs too. Next on their agenda is studying ways to half the material used, simulating a pulsed release of materials to extend the system’s lifespan, and examining potentially more efficient orbits. They also want to dig deeper into the chemistry involved to nail down the best elements to use.
And although space junk is a major issue in Earth’s lower atmosphere, Walsh says any materials they pump into its higher reaches would quickly be carried out of the system after they’ve done their job. “The material drifts out on these natural highways, it leaves the system—the magnetosphere flushes the material out within six or so hours.”
Geoengineering Space
As the head of BU’s Space Physics & Technology Lab, much of Walsh’s broader research is focused on observing and better understanding the space environment around Earth; he and his team were recently part of a mission that sent a telescope to the moon to image our magnetic shield. Although the StormWall project is loosely connected to that wider work, Walsh says it’s a bit of an outlier. “This is quite different than what anyone is doing right now—I don’t know of anyone proposing to geoengineer space.”
Should the idea literally take off, he says that, unlike some space missions that might reap rewards for the few, this one would benefit us all.
“If you built it, if it was deployed, it would help all people on the planet,” says Walsh. “You couldn’t make it in a way that helped only one country, one group of satellites.”
Space Weather
Computational simulation/modeling
Not applicable
Terrestrial Space Weather Protection Through Human-Produced Mass-Loading
2-Jun-2026
The authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this study.
Jennifer Rosenberg
Boston University
jennr@bu.edu
bu içeriği en az 2000 kelime olacak şekilde ve alt başlıklar ve madde içermiyecek şekilde ünlü bir science magazine için İngilizce olarak yeniden yaz. Teknik açıklamalar içersin ve viral olacak şekilde İngilizce yaz. Haber dışında başka bir şey içermesin. Haber içerisinde en az 12 paragraf ve her bir paragrafta da en az 50 kelime olsun. Cevapta sadece haber olsun. Ayrıca haberi yazdıktan sonra içerikten yararlanarak aşağıdaki başlıkların bilgisi var ise haberin altında doldur. Eğer yoksa bilgisi ilgili kısmı yazma.:
Subject of Research:
Article Title:
News Publication Date:
Web References:
References:
Image Credits:
NASA’s strange-looking X-59 jet is about to reach the milestone it was built for: flying faster than the speed of sound. NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft is preparing for one of the most important phases of its flight testing program. The next series of flights will include the aircraft’s first journey beyond the speed of sound, [...]
Jess Asato was portrayed wearing a bikini in Grok-generated images after she criticised creation of such non-consensual pictures
A Labour MP has taken legal action against Elon Musk’s xAI company after saying its Grok tool helped a user produce fake sexualised pictures of her, part of a wave of such images that flooded the social media platform X earlier this year.
Jess Asato, the MP for Lowestoft, said in January that seeing herself portrayed by the AI tool as wearing a bikini without her consent was “violating”.
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© Photograph: PA Images/Alamy
Giving news websites the power to block their content from being used in AI summaries will have global ramifications
The UK’s competition watchdog has ordered Google to change how it uses publishers’ content in its AI-powered search results, in a move that will have global ramifications.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is using powers that allow it to set bespoke rules for major tech firms that it deems to have “strategic market status”. Google, the world’s largest search engine, is one of those companies.
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© Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images
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Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have pioneered a groundbreaking technique to revolutionize the recycling of mixed plastic packaging—a notoriously challenging waste category. This innovation introduces a chemical process that can separate and recover individual plastics from multilayer packaging without the use of harmful solvents, offering a cleaner, safer, and more economically viable pathway to deal with one of the planet’s most persistent environmental problems.
Mixed plastic packaging is ubiquitous in the consumer market, especially in food products like snacks and instant noodles. These multilayered materials combine various polymers, bonded to ensure durability and airtight preservation, but these same properties make them incredibly difficult to recycle. Traditional mechanical recycling methods often degrade the quality of the polymers, resulting in low-value materials frequently destined for landfill or incineration. The global scale of this challenge is immense, with plastic production expected to surge to over 700 million tonnes by 2040, intensifying the urgency for effective recycling innovations.
The team from NTU’s School of Materials Science and Engineering alongside the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI), led by Professor Hu Xiao, has developed a technology called depolymerisation-induced polymer separation (DIPS). This sophisticated process selectively targets specific plastic components within mixed packaging, breaking down one polymer chemically while leaving others intact, thus enabling their clean separation and recovery. This nuanced chemical intervention is carried out without introducing solvents, eliminating many environmental and health hazards associated with conventional recycling practices.
At the heart of the DIPS method is reactive extrusion, an industrial process that combines melting, shaping, and chemical reaction stages within a single continuous operation. During this process, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)—commonly used in beverage bottles—is mixed with glycerol, a readily available, nontoxic reagent. The process induces a targeted depolymerization of PET, converting it to smaller molecular units with altered physical and chemical properties. This reaction is finely tuned to maintain the integrity of other plastics like polypropylene (PP), a staple in food packaging.
What makes this technique exceptional is the natural separation that occurs post-depolymerization. The qualitative differences in polarity and viscosity between the chemically altered PET and unaffected PP drive an automatic phase separation, allowing the materials to be isolated without laborious sorting or hazardous chemicals. This solvent-free environment operates at ambient pressure, markedly reducing energy consumption and supporting safer industrial scale-up potential.
Laboratory analysis of the recycled PP material revealed it retained mechanical strengths up to 90% of virgin polypropylene under optimized conditions. This remarkable retention of tensile strength underscores the practical viability of this recycled plastic for high-performance applications, a notable improvement over conventional mechanical recycling, which often results in material downgrading. Besides offering environmental benefits, this enhances the economic value proposition of recycling mixed plastics.
While the PET fraction cannot be directly reprocessed into new packaging materials, its chemical profile post-depolymerization makes it a valuable feedstock for specialty applications. These include precursor materials for high-strength epoxy resins used in advanced composites like wind turbine blades. Furthermore, its chemical groups offer pathways to transform it back into monomers, potentially enabling closed-loop recycling and creating a circular economy for PET-based products.
The potential of the DIPS process extends beyond PET and PP. The principles of selective depolymerization and exploitation of differing material properties signal feasibility for broad applicability across various multilayer plastic combinations prevalent in the packaging industry. This adaptability could dramatically reshape industrial recycling practices, minimizing reliance on sorting and solvent-based treatments.
PhD candidate Kathirvel Periasamy, who contributed significantly to developing the DIPS methodology, highlights that this process aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial application. By integrating separation and depolymerization into a single, streamlined operation, DIPS addresses the economic and environmental challenges hampering widespread adoption of mixed plastic recycling.
The implications of efficiently remediating mixed plastic waste go beyond environmental sustainability—they represent a potential economic boon. It is estimated that unlocking effective recycling solutions for mixed plastics could generate annual economic value exceeding $250 billion globally. This transformative impact could drive market incentives for recycling infrastructure development and elevate the quality standards for recycled materials.
Looking forward, the NTU Singapore team plans collaborative efforts with industrial partners to pilot this technology under scaled-up manufacturing conditions. These partnerships aim to validate the process’s commercial feasibility, operational robustness, and integration with existing recycling systems. The researchers actively invite industry stakeholders interested in advancing sustainable plastic waste management to engage in this next phase.
This innovative approach to depolymerization and polymer separation is poised to be a major step forward in tackling one of the most recalcitrant components of plastic pollution. By eliminating harmful solvents, minimizing energy consumption, and producing high-quality recycled plastics, DIPS aligns technological ingenuity with environmental stewardship, potentially rewriting the narrative around mixed plastic recycling for decades to come.
Subject of Research:
Not applicable
Article Title:
Depolymerization Induced Polymer Separation: A New Strategy for Continuous and Efficient Separation of PP/PET Multilayer Plastic Packaging Waste
News Publication Date:
16-Mar-2026
Web References:
OECD Policy Scenarios for Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040
OECD Global Material Resources Outlook to 2060
References:
Image Credits:
NTU Singapore
Industrial chemistry, Materials processing, Chemical separation, Separation techniques, Sustainable chemistry, Plastic recycling, Polymer science, Depolymerization, Reactive extrusion, Environmental engineering, Circular economy, Mixed plastics
In a groundbreaking development poised to revolutionize energy storage technologies, researchers Park, D., Kim, H., and Kim, Y. have unveiled a novel class of flexible lithium supercapacitors featuring water-processable solid-state electrolytes. Published in the upcoming 2026 issue of npj Flexible Electronics, this study introduces an innovative electrolyte system rooted in aromatic acid-doped branched poly(ethylene imine) platforms, promising significant advancements in safety, flexibility, and device performance. This pioneering work addresses longstanding challenges plaguing conventional lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor technologies, particularly in the realm of wearable and flexible electronics.
The surge in demand for flexible energy storage solutions stems from the rapid proliferation of wearable devices, soft robotics, and flexible displays. However, traditional lithium-ion batteries, with their liquid electrolytes, pose severe safety hazards, including leakage and flammability, and suffer from mechanical rigidity, limiting their integration in flexible platforms. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their inherent safety and stability advantages, but they often encounter issues related to ionic conductivity and processability that impede their commercial adoption.
Against this backdrop, the research team drew inspiration from polymer chemistry and green processing techniques to engineer a new electrolyte matrix capable of marrying mechanical flexibility with outstanding electrochemical performance. Their approach leveraged the unique molecular architecture of branched poly(ethylene imine) (bPEI), a polymer known for its high density of amine groups, and strategically doped it with aromatic acids to enhance ionic transport pathways. This synergy not only optimizes lithium-ion mobility but also facilitates electrolyte fabrication through environmentally friendly water-based processing methods.
The doping of bPEI with aromatic acids imparts several critical functionalities. Aromatic acids bestow rigidity and electronic delocalization within the polymer matrix, which supports the formation of stable ion-conducting networks. This doping fundamentally alters the polymer’s microstructure, tailoring its free volume and facilitating the transport of lithium ions across the electrolyte. The resultant material exhibits a remarkable balance between mechanical robustness—allowing for bending and twisting—and ionic conductivity, which rivals that of traditional liquid electrolytes.
Water processability represents a significant leap forward in sustainable manufacturing of flexible energy devices. Conventional polymer electrolytes often require toxic organic solvents or complicated synthesis protocols, limiting scalability and environmental compatibility. The ability to process the new electrolyte in aqueous media simplifies fabrication, reduces costs, and enhances the potential for large-scale roll-to-roll manufacturing of flexible supercapacitors and batteries. This eco-friendly aspect aligns with global sustainability goals and strengthens the commercial viability of next-generation energy storage systems.
Electrochemical characterization of the newly developed supercapacitors revealed impressive performance metrics. The devices demonstrate high specific capacitance and excellent rate capability, maintaining stable charge-discharge cycles over extended periods. Crucially, the solid-state nature of the electrolyte effectively suppresses dendritic lithium growth, a major challenge that causes short circuits and catastrophic failure in lithium-metal batteries. This safety enhancement is particularly crucial for flexible applications where mechanical deformation could exacerbate dendrite formation.
Moreover, the mechanical testing underscored the electrolyte’s resilience under dynamic deformation. The supercapacitors sustain stable electrochemical performance even after multiple bending tests, mimicking real-world application conditions such as wearable textiles and foldable devices. The polymer matrix’s branched architecture absorbs mechanical stress, preventing microcracks and delamination that typically deteriorate device longevity. This robustness opens pathways to integrate lithium supercapacitors into versatile form factors previously inaccessible to rigid battery chemistries.
The theoretical underpinning for the enhanced ionic conductivity was explored through molecular dynamics simulations and spectroscopic analysis. These studies revealed that the aromatic acid dopants serve as both lithium-ion coordination centers and physical crosslinks within the bPEI network, creating continuous lithium-ion conduction pathways. This contrasts with typical polymer electrolytes where ionic clusters form isolated domains that impede charge transport. The design principle showcased here demonstrates how chemical tailoring at the molecular level can profoundly influence macroscopic device properties.
The researchers also explored the electrolyte’s thermal stability, a critical parameter for real-world deployment. Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry confirmed that these materials remain stable across a wide temperature range, preventing degradation under harsh operating conditions. This attribute is essential not only for flexible electronics subjected to varying ambient conditions but also for high-power applications where heat generation can impair battery life or pose safety risks.
Integration of the solid-state electrolyte within flexible device architectures leveraged straightforward fabrication techniques, including solution casting and layer-by-layer assembly. The compatibility with standard lithographic and printing methods underscores its adaptability to diverse manufacturing environments. The seamless assembly of the supercapacitor components ensures uniform electrolyte distribution, intimate electrode-electrolyte contact, and minimal interfacial resistance, which are paramount for optimal device efficiency.
The implications of this research extend beyond flexible energy storage. The design concept of aromatic acid-doped branched polyamines could be expanded to develop other functional polymer systems for energy conversion, including solid polymer electrolytes for fuel cells or electrochromic devices. The water-processable and environmentally benign processing methodology further positions this platform as a versatile candidate for green electronics manufacturing.
Looking forward, the study lays a robust foundation for incorporating additional functional dopants to tailor electrolyte properties for specific applications—such as enhanced ionic selectivity, improved mechanical strength, or self-healing capabilities. Coupling these materials with emerging electrode chemistries, including lithium metal or silicon-based anodes, may unlock unprecedented energy densities for flexible supercapacitors, tackling limitations inherent in current lithium-ion technology.
As wearable and flexible electronics become pervasive, the need for energy storage systems that are not only high-performing but also safe, scalable, and environmentally friendly grows exponentially. The work by Park and colleagues represents a major milestone in achieving this balance, demonstrating an elegant interplay of molecular design, green chemistry, and device engineering. Their innovative solid-state electrolyte platform heralds a new era in flexible lithium supercapacitors that could transform consumer electronics, healthcare devices, and beyond.
The prominence of this new electrolyte system is expected to catalyze further research efforts aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory prototypes and market-ready products. Industry stakeholders are particularly interested in its compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure and its potential to circumvent safety concerns associated with liquid electrolytes. This advancement is well aligned with the increasing regulatory emphasis on safe and sustainable battery technologies worldwide.
In conclusion, the introduction of aromatic acid-doped branched poly(ethylene imine) to create water-processable solid-state electrolytes marks a significant step toward flexible, safe, and durable lithium supercapacitors. The exemplary performance, coupled with environmentally conscious processing approaches, positions these materials at the forefront of next-generation energy storage innovation. As the digital age embraces flexibility and mobility, such breakthroughs are indispensable in powering our increasingly connected world.
Subject of Research: Development of flexible lithium supercapacitors leveraging water-processable solid-state electrolytes based on aromatic acid-doped branched poly(ethylene imine) platforms.
Article Title: Flexible Lithium Supercapacitors with Water-Processable Solid-State Electrolytes Based on Aromatic Acid-Doped Branched-Poly(ethylene imine) Platforms.
Article References:
Park, D., Kim, H. & Kim, Y. Flexible Lithium Supercapacitors with Water-Processable Solid-State Electrolytes Based on Aromatic Acid-Doped Branched-Poly(ethylene imine) Platforms. npj Flex Electron (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-026-00600-1
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Christi Hill and male officer misidentified in Vickrum Digwa murder case on AI platforms including Grok
A former police officer has been forced to flee to a safe space after she was falsely accused online of being involved in the arrest of Henry Nowak.
Christi Hill, who served as a police constable for 12 years, has criticised social media and AI platforms, including Elon Musk’s Grok, for spreading the false claim that she was one of the officers who arrested Nowak as he lay dying after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa.
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© Photograph: Lab Mo/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
© Photograph: Lab Mo/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
A nanoscale fabric coating repels stains and microbes using only tap water. 
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