Study: Covid-19 has reduced diverse urban interactions
Mobility-related data show the pandemic has had a lasting effect, limiting the breadth of places people visit in cities.
Astronomers detect the closest example yet of a black hole devouring a star
The event was spotted in infrared data — also a first — suggesting further searches in this band could turn up more such bursts.
Deep-learning system explores materials’ interiors from the outside
A new method could provide detailed information about internal structures, voids, and cracks, based solely on data about exterior conditions.
How to untangle a worm ball: Mathematicians solve a knotty mystery
California blackworms tangle themselves up by the thousands, then separate in a split second. Their trick may inspire the design of self-detangling materials and fibers.
MIT engineers “grow” atomically thin transistors on top of computer chips
A new low-temperature growth and fabrication technology allows the integration of 2D materials directly onto a silicon circuit, which could lead to denser and more powerful chips.
Study offers a new view of when and how governments distribute land
In Kenya, property rights are granted more often by democratic regimes than by autocrats — but decisions tend to be politically motivated regardless of who’s in charge.
Speedy robo-gripper reflexively organizes cluttered spaces
Rather than start from scratch after a failed attempt, the pick-and-place robot adapts in the moment to get a better hold.
Off-menu materials science
Rob Macfarlane synthesizes new composite materials by manipulating their structure at the nanometer scale.
Ingestible “electroceutical” capsule stimulates hunger-regulating hormone
The device, which uses electricity to boost hormone production in the stomach, could help to ease nausea and counteract appetite loss.
New black hole images reveal a glowing, fluffy ring and a high-speed jet
The observations will help astronomers pin down the physics of the plasma around black holes.
A simple paper test could offer early cancer diagnosis
The new diagnostic, which is based on analysis of urine samples, could also be designed to reveal whether a tumor has metastasized.
Researchers 3D print a miniature vacuum pump
The device would be a key component of a portable mass spectrometer that could help monitor pollutants, perform medical diagnoses in remote areas, or test Martian soil.
Two-component system could offer a new way to halt internal bleeding
The technology, which mimics the body’s natural clotting process, could help keep severely injured people alive until they are treated at a hospital.
Vaccine printer could help vaccines reach more people
The printer generates vaccine-filled microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature and applied to the skin.
Miniscule device could help preserve the battery life of tiny sensors
Researchers demonstrate a low-power “wake-up” receiver one-tenth the size of other devices.