Computer America

Show Notes 18 July 2025Story 1: Bill Gates-backed rectangular turbine pilot could upend wind powerSource: Electrek.com Story by Michelle LewisLink: https://electrek.co/2025/06/26/bill-gates-backed-rectangular-turbine-pilot-could-upend-wind-power/See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWhGSdZh1oSee company website here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWhGSdZh1oStory 2: Owls’ silent flight inspires new noise reduction technologySource: American Chemical Society websiteLink: https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/june/owls-silent-flight-inspires-new-noise-reduction-technology.htmlSee also: https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/hearing-loss-prevention/industrial-military/new-noise-reduction-tech-inspired-by-owls-silent-flightStory 3: Contactless system to detect fentanyl and other drugsSource: Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Story by Tom RickeyLink: https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/chemists-develop-contactless-system-detect-fentanyl-other-drugsStory 4: Controversial World-First Project to Create Human DNA From Scratch Takes First Steps - The massive project will likely take decades to complete, but it has significant oversight built into it to ensure it remains ethical.Source: IFLScience.com Story by Dr. Russell MoulLink: https://www.iflscience.com/controversial-world-first-project-to-create-human-dna-from-scratch-takes-first-steps-79797See also: https://wellcome.org/news/researchers-take-first-steps-creating-synthetic-human-genomesHonorable MentionsStory: Scientists rewind heart ageing using lab-grown scaffold that mimics young tissueSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Neetika WalterLink: https://interestingengineering.com/health/reverse-heart-ageing-ecm-decipherStory: Study shows making hydrogen with soda cans and seawater is scalable and sustainableSource: TechXplore.com Story by Jennifer Chu, MITLink: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-hydrogen-soda-cans-seawater-scalable.htmlStory: Donut Lab reveals 845-hp electric motor weighing 88 poundsSource: MotorAuthority.com Story by Viknesh VijayenthiranLink: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1145467_donut-lab-reveals-845-hp-electric-motor-weighing-88-poundsSee company website here: https://www.donutlab.com/Story: AugWind Energy to Install First Commercial-Scale AirBattery in GermanySource: CleanTechnica.com Story by Jake RichardsonLink: https://cleantechnica.com/2025/07/01/augwind-energy-to-install-first-commercial-scale-airbattery-in-germany/

Show Notes 11 July 2025Story 1: University researchers develop a revolutionary closet-sized nuclear reactor: 'Something no other university has'Source: The Cool Down via MSNLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/university-researchers-develop-revolutionary-closet-sized-nuclear-reactor-something-no-other-university-has/ar-AA1GQUlhStory 2: Scientists design novel battery that runs on atomic wasteSource: Ohio State NewsLink: https://news.osu.edu/scientists-design-novel-battery-that-runs-on-atomic-waste/Story 3: DARPA smashes wireless power record, beaming energy more than 5 miles away — and uses it to make popcornSource: LiveScience.comLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/darpa-smashes-wireless-power-record-beaming-energy-more-than-5-miles-away-and-uses-it-to-make-popcornStory 4: US doctor performs prostate telesurgery on a patient in AfricaSource: TheEngineer.co.ukLink: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/us-doctor-performs-telesurgery-on-patient-in-africaSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWW32okjhrcHonorable MentionsStory: A new technology for extending the shelf life of produce -Source: MIT NewsLink: https://news.mit.edu/2025/new-technology-extends-produce-shelf-life-0521Story: 'Smart' dental implants developed that feel and function like natural teethSource: MedicalXpress.comLink: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-smart-dental-implants-function-natural.htmlStory: MIT researchers bond gallium nitride transistors to silicon for faster next-gen wireless devicesSource: TechSpot.comLink: https://www.techspot.com/news/108441-mit-researchers-bond-gallium-nitride-transistors-silicon-chips.htmlStory: France has a new laser rifle that can melt electronics from 500 meters awaySource: ZME ScienceLink: https://www.zmescience.com/research/inventions/silent-laser-rifle-helma-lp/

Story 1: Electronic face 'tattoos' could measure your mental strain at workSource: LiveScience.comLink: https://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/electronic-face-tattoos-could-measure-your-mental-strain-at-workResearch paper here: https://www.cell.com/device/abstract/S2666-9986(25)00094-8Story 2: This laser breakthrough can read text on a page from a mile awaySource: ScienceAlert.comLink: https://www.sciencealert.com/this-laser-breakthrough-can-read-text-on-a-page-from-a-mile-awayStory 3: Scientists develop a game-changing method to make use of coffee wasteSource: The Cool DownLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/scientists-develop-game-changing-method-to-make-use-of-coffee-waste-this-is-a-true-circular-economy-solution/ar-AA1H2cG4Story 4: Houston patient receives first fully robotic heart transplant in U.S.Source: Houston Chronicle via MSNLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/i-want-to-live-houston-patient-receives-first-fully-robotic-heart-transplant-in-u-s/ar-AA1GU3l8See also: https://www.bcm.edu/news/robotic-heart-transplant-surgery-performed-at-baylor-st-lukes-medical-centerHonorable MentionsStory: This EV battery fully recharges in just 18 seconds — and it just got the green light for mass productionSource: LiveScience.comLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/electric-vehicles/ev-battery-that-recharges-in-just-18-seconds-green-lit-for-mass-productionStory: Axolotls May Hold the Key to Regrowing Limbs, and Scientists Are Unraveling Their Secrets to Help Humans Do the SameSource: Smithsonian MagazineLink: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/axolotls-may-hold-the-key-to-regrowing-limbs-and-scientists-are-unraveling-their-secrets-to-help-humans-do-the-same-180986781/Story: Aerial robot with 'elephant trunk' developed for complex mid-air manipulation tasksSource: TechXplore.comLink: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-aerial-robot-elephant-trunk-complex.htmlStory: Chasing the Sun at Midnight: How 24/7 Solar Became PossibleSource: Climatecosmos.comLink: https://climatecosmos.com/space/chasing-the-sun-at-midnight-how-24-7-solar-became-possible/

Show Notes 20 June 2025Story 1: Crawling Toward the Future: Robotic Centipedes Aim to Revolutionize FarmingSource: Impactlab.comSee also: https://groundcontrolrobotics.com/Link: https://www.impactlab.com/2025/05/25/crawling-toward-the-future-robotic-centipedes-aim-to-revolutionize-farming/See this short video here: https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=Ground+Control+Robotics&&mid=2803501D0F3FAF7A22AD2803501D0F3FAF7A22AD&&FORM=VRDGARSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvm4AK_z_0cStory 2: Soft robotic gripper injects leaves with precisionSource: Cornell University Chronicle Story by Stephen D’Angelo Cornell Research and InnovationLink: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/06/soft-robotic-gripper-injects-leaves-precision#:~:text=Cornell%20researchers%20have%20developed%20a%20soft%20robotic%20device,can%20also%20inject%20genetic%20material%20into%20the%20leavesSee research paper here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adu2394Story 3: Seoul National University College of Engineering Researchers Unveil World’s First 3D Microphone with Single-Sensor Position EstimationSource: Bioengineer.orgLink: https://bioengineer.org/breakthrough-innovation-snu-researchers-unveil-worlds-first-3d-microphone-with-single-sensor-position-estimation/See also: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-06-sensor-3d-microphone-enables-robots.htmlSee research paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736584525000249?via%3DihubStory 4: First-of-its-kind technology helps man with ALS ‘speak’ in real time - New brain-computer interface system enables faster, more natural conversationSource: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/first-of-its-kind-technology-helps-man-with-als-speak-in-real-time/2025/06Link: See research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09127-3Honorable MentionsStory: World’s first 2D, non-silicon computer developedSource: PennState News Room Story by Ashley Wenners HerronLink: https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/worlds-first-2d-non-silicon-computer-developedStory: China’s Largest Relocation Project: Robots Relocate 7,500 Ton Historical ComplexSource: RealityPlus.comLink: https://www.rprealtyplus.com/international/chinas-largest-relocation-project-robots-relocate-7500-ton-historical-complex-120313.htmlMUST SEE VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aatM7mvCEkoStory: Turning CO₂ into cement: A new path to greener constructionSource: Earth.com Story by Rodielon PutolLink: https://www.earth.com/news/turning-co2-into-cement-a-new-path-to-greener-construction/Story: Your Next Flight Could Run on Algae: Inside the Biofuel Revolution - Climate CosmosSource: Climatecosmos.com Story by Jeff CarlinLink: https://climatecosmos.com/sustainability/your-next-flight-could-run-on-algae-inside-the-biofuel-revolution/

Show Notes 13 June 2025Story 1: Scientists turn hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuelSource: Knowridge.comLink: https://knowridge.com/2025/06/scientists-turn-hard-to-recycle-plastics-into-clean-hydrogen-fuel/Story 2: Terraforming Mars Might Actually Work and Scientists Now Have a Plan to Try ItSource: ZME Science Story by Tibi PuiuLink: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/terraforming-mars-might-actually-work-and-scientists-now-have-a-plan-to-try-it/See research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02548-0Story 3: Radiant Raises $165 Million For Development Of ‘World’s First’ Mass Produced Nuclear ReactorSource: Nucnet.org Story by David DaltonLink: https://www.nucnet.org/news/radiant-raises-usd165-million-for-development-of-world-s-first-mass-produced-nuclear-reactor-6-1-2025See also: https://www.radiantnuclear.com/Story 4: A step closer to the confident production of blood stem cells for regenerative medicineSource: Eurekalert.org Hospital del Mar Research Institute, BarcelonaLink: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1083986Research paper here: https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-abstract/doi/10.1182/blood.2024027742/536680/An-unbiased-genomewide-screen-uncovers-7-genesHonorable MentionsStory: Graduate student unveils plant-inspired tech that pulls harmful toxin from air: 'Totally different than what anybody else is doing'Source: The Cool Down Story by Jon TuriLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/graduate-student-unveils-plant-inspired-tech-that-pulls-harmful-toxin-from-air-totally-different-than-what-anybody-else-is-doing/ar-AA1GbW0GStory: A fresh new way to produce freshwater: Sonicated carbon nanotube catalystsSource: Water OnlineLink: https://www.wateronline.com/doc/a-fresh-new-way-to-produce-freshwater-sonicated-carbon-nanotube-catalysts-0001Story: 3D-printed device advances human tissue modelingSource: WU Medicine [University of Washington] NewsRoom Story by Leila GrayLink: https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/3d-printed-device-advances-human-tissue-modelingStory: New MIT Tech Could Cut Oil Refining Energy by 90%Source: SciTechDaily.com Story by Anne Trafton, MITLink: https://scitechdaily.com/new-mit-tech-could-cut-oil-refining-energy-by-90/

Show Notes 6 June 2025Story 1: US scientists and Samsung team hit 100% cooling efficiency with no refrigerantsSource: Timesofinnovation.com Story by Sam KimLink: https://timesofinnovation.com/environmental-sustainability/us-scientists-samsung-team-hit-100-cooling-efficiency-with-no-refrigerants/See information posted by Samsung at: https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-develops-next-generation-peltier-cooling-technology-with-johns-hopkins-aplSee research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59698-yStory 2: Germany’s shape-shifting smart [building] facade uses compressed air and AI to cut emissionsSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Georgina JedikovskaLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/germanys-shape-shifting-smart-facadeSee video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=170817409104034Story 3: 'Super-vision' contact lenses let wearers see in the dark — even with their eyes closedSource: LiveScience.com Story by Ben TurnerLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/super-vision-contact-lenses-let-wearers-see-in-the-dark-even-with-their-eyes-closedStory 4: Hair-Thin Camera Could Help Doctors Spot Tumors, Cancer Cells Without Major SurgerySource: StudyFinds.org Story by Sophia NaughtonLink: https://studyfinds.org/hair-thin-camera-spot-tumors-without-major-surgery/See research paper here: https://opg.optica.org/boe/fulltext.cfm?uri=boe-16-6-2376&id=571299Honorable MentionsStory: Ultra-light robotic prosthetic hand enables efficient and stable grasping through simple controlSource: Tech Xplore Story by science staffLink: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-05-ultra-robotic-prosthetic-enables-efficient.htmlStory: Breakthrough lithium–CO₂ battery captures carbon while storing energySource: Energy Live NewsLink: https://www.energylivenews.com/2025/05/21/breakthrough-lithium-co%E2%82%82-battery-captures-carbon-while-storing-energy/Story: Smallest inorganic semiconductor enables eco-friendly hydrogen productionSource: Phys.org Story by Baby ClarkLink: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-smallest-inorganic-semiconductor-enables-eco.htmlStory: Nurabot: Taiwan’s AI Nurse on the FrontlinesSource: 1Nurse.comLink: https://www.1nurse.com/blog/story/2025/05/28/ai-healthcare-taiwans-technological-transformation/

Popzara.com. Nathan Evans, Managing Editor.Throughout Popzara you’ll find views on gaming, movies, technology, cultural icons and so much more. Reviews and previews, in-depth analyses, opinion pieces, conversations, and a regularly updated Podcast keep things interesting and always entertaining. Our diverse editorial staff is committed to bringing this cornucopia of editorial goodness in fair-minded and positive ways, with minimal snark and maximum fun. A little bit of everything for the discriminating reader and curious listener is what you’ll find at Popzara.Topics:Apple is reportedly going to rename all of its operating systemshttps://www.theverge.com/news/675945/apple-operating-systems-new-name-year-ios-macosRumor: Microsoft shelves first-party Xbox handheld to work on Windows 11 portable performancehttps://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsoft-shelves-first-party-xbox-handheld-to-work-on-windows-11-portable-performanceDisney+ and Hulu offer subscribers some freebieshttps://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/05/amid-rising-prices-disney-and-hulu-offer-subscribers-some-freebiesGoogle Photos Turns 10https://blog.google/products/photos/google-photos-10-years-tips-trickshttps://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/05/google-photos-turns-10-celebrates-with-new-ai-infused-photo-editorMisc.Switch 2 Launches Next Week! (June 5th)King of the Hill Revival Gets Teaser

Show Notes 30 May 2025Story 1: Superwood: A potentially revolutionary material that could replace steelSource: Robotics & Automation News Story by Mai TaoLink: https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2025/05/17/superwood-a-potentially-revolutionary-material-that-could-replace-steel/90938/Story 2: Hydrogen From Human Waste: Urine-Based Fuel Tech Slashes Electricity Use by 27% in Stunning Green Energy RevolutionSource: Sustainability Times Story by Noah BennettLink: https://www.sustainability-times.com/energy/hydrogen-from-human-waste-urine-based-fuel-tech-slashes-electricity-use-by-27-in-stunning-green-energy-revolutionSee also: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2025/05/08/urine-not-water-for-efficient-production-of-green-hydrogenStory 3: Eldercare robot helps people sit and stand, and catches them if they fallSource: MIT News Story by Jennifer ChuLink: https://news.mit.edu/2025/eldercare-robot-helps-people-sit-stand-catches-them-fall-0513See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlT6vHx4Dz4Story 4: Novel nanoparticle could make ultrasound-based cancer treatments more effective and saferSource: News Medical Life Sciences By Oregon Health & Science UniversityLink: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250514/Novel-nanoparticle-could-make-ultrasound-based-cancer-treatments-more-effective-and-safer.aspxSee also: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-drug-nanoparticles-precision-safety-ultrasound.htmlHonorable MentionsStory: Using perovskite to make LED pixels as small as a virusSource: TechXplore.com Story by Bob YirkaLink: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-perovskite-pixels-small-virus.htmlStory: Your Next International Flight Could Be Powered by Pig Fat BiodieselSource: Motor Trend Story by Andrew BeckfordLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/cookingschool/your-next-international-flight-could-be-powered-by-pig-fat-biodiesel/ar-AA1F3ENsStory: Researchers [at Oregon State University] find new species of electricity-conducting organism [i.e. bacteria], name it after TribeSource: OSU websiteLink: https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/researchers-find-new-species-electricity-conducting-organism-name-it-after-tribeStory: Tiny 3D Printed Robot Uses Magnets to FlySource: ExtremeTech.com Story by Adrianna NineLink: https://www.extremetech.com/science/tiny-3d-printed-robot-uses-magnets-to-flySee research paper here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads6858

Show Notes 23 May 2025Story 1: Fungi could be used to build homes one daySource: CNN, Story by Kameryn GriesserLink: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/30/science/fungi-bacteria-home-building-sustainableSee research paper here: https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(25)00116-XStory 2: In the quest for crops that can thrive in a warmer future, scientists just had a breakthroughSource: Anthropocene Magazine, Story by Emma BryceLink: https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/05/in-the-quest-for-crops-that-can-thrive-in-a-warmer-future-scientists-just-had-a-breakthrough/Research paper here: https://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(25)00413-1Story 3: Edible aquatic robots could be eaten by fish to eliminate wasteSource: New Atlas, Story by Ben CoxworthLink: https://newatlas.com/robotics/fish-food-bodied-robots/See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDmnoexVT5oStory 4: Non-Invasive Ultrasound Halts Brain Lesion GrowthSource: Technology Networks University of Virginia press roomLink: https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/non-invasive-ultrasound-halts-brain-lesion-growth-399712Honorable MentionsStory: How to engineer microbes to enable us to live on MarsSource: The ConversationLink: https://theconversation.com/how-to-engineer-microbes-to-enable-us-to-live-on-mars-253456Story: Microscopy method can reconstruct mammalian brain tissue in synaptic detailSource: Phys.org, Story by Institute of Science and Technology AustriaLink: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-microscopy-method-reconstruct-mammalian-brain.htmlStory: Neuroscientists use brain implants and AI to map language processing in real timeSource: PsyPost.org, Story by Eric W. DolanLink: https://www.psypost.org/neuroscientists-use-brain-implants-and-ai-to-map-language-processing-in-real-timeStory: Mini rolling robot takes virtual biopsiesSource: University of LeedsLink: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-32/news/article/5757/mini-rolling-robot-takes-virtual-biopsies

Show Notes 16 May 2025Story 1: Liquid Hydrogen Storage Breakthrough Puts Zero-Emission Aviation Within Reach - Student Team Pulls Off First Flight Test of Liquid Hydrogen-Powered Electric AircraftSource: Hydrogen Fuel News Story by Frankie WallaceLink: https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/liquid-hydrogen-storage-breakthrough-puts-zero-emission-aviation-within-reach/8570815/Story 2: Breakthrough sensor material brings human-like touch to robots at low costSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Jijo MalayilLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/low-cost-sensing-for-robotic-skin-technologyFind the research paper here: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aelm.202400848Story 3: Glass out, plastic in: New fiber optic technology set to be deployed in AI data centers is both cheaper and fasterSource: TechRadar.com Story by Wayne WilliamsLink: https://www.techradar.com/pro/glass-out-plastic-in-new-fiber-optic-technology-set-to-be-deployed-in-ai-data-centers-is-both-cheaper-and-fasterStory 4: New rice-sized microrobot could slip into brain to treat inoperable tumorsSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Jijo MalayilLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/minimally-invasive-microrobot-navigates-brainSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugEqTLOfEg4Honorable MentionsStory: Soft Auditory Brainstem Implant to Improve Upon Hard Auditory Brainstem ImplantSource: The Hearing ReviewLink: https://hearingreview.com/hearing-products/implants-bone-conduction/soft-auditory-brainstem-implant-to-improve-upon-hard-abiStory: 3D printing with sunlightSource: Techno-Science Story by Adrien BernardLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/3d-printing-with-sunlight-%EF%B8%8F/ar-AA1DcRPqStory: Researchers develop microelectronics for space and aerospace applicationsSource: Carnegie Mellon University Story by Krista BurnsLink: https://engineering.cmu.edu/news-events/news/2025/04/25-space-tolerant-chips.htmlStory: Nighthawk: NASA plans massive Mars helicopter to scan ancient volcanoes for lifeSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Mrigakshi DixitLink: https://www.yahoo.com/news/nighthawk-nasa-plans-massive-mars-095605020.html