Computer America

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

Show Notes 9 May 2025Story 1: World’s first railway track-mounted solar plant open to rail trafficSource: PV MagazineLink: https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2025/04/28/sun-ways-inaugurates-removable-pv-plant-on-railway-tracks/See research paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772671123001249#fig0002See also: https://www.sun-ways.ch/enStory 2: New electronic “skin” could enable lightweight night-vision glassesSource: MIT NewsLink: https://news.mit.edu/2025/new-electronic-skin-could-enable-lightweight-night-vision-glasses-0423See research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08874-7Story 3: Gold Injections in The Eye May Be the Future of Vision PreservationSource: Science AlertLink: https://www.sciencealert.com/gold-injections-in-the-eye-may-be-the-future-of-vision-preservationSee research paper here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c14061Story 4: Lab-grown teeth could offer an alternative to fillings and implants, scientists saySource: Live ScienceLink: https://www.livescience.com/health/lab-grown-teeth-could-offer-alternative-to-fillings-and-implants-scientists-saySee research paper here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00520Honorable MentionsStory: World's first operating system for quantum computers unveiled — it can be used to manage a future quantum internetSource: Live ScienceLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/worlds-first-operating-system-for-quantum-computers-unveiled-it-can-be-used-to-manage-a-future-quantum-internetSee research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08704-wStory: Flying robots could help construct future skyscrapers, proves live testSource: Interesting EngineeringLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/flying-robots-could-construct-future-skyscrapersStory: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Power New Future for Data Centers in CaliforniaSource: Hydrogen Fuel NewsLink: https://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/hydrogen-fuel-cells-power-new-future-for-data-centers-in-california/8570554/Story: Smart Brain Implants Can Now Adapt to Optimize Parkinson's TreatmentSource: Science AlertLink: https://www.sciencealert.com/smart-brain-implants-can-now-adapt-to-optimize-parkinsons-treatment

Show Notes 2 May 2025Story 1: US to unleash robot swarms to build smart aircraft with speed, precision, safetySource: Interesting Engineering Story by Jijo MalayilLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/robot-swarms-to-build-smart-aircraft?group=test_aSee also: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/03/3055273/0/en/H2-Clipper-Transforms-Aviation-and-Aerospace-Manufacturing-with-Patented-Swarm-Robotics-Innovation.htmlNote – read/see the patent here: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11851214B2/en**Story 2: This little nuclear battery could mean never needing to charge your phone again - **The prototype uses carbon-14, an unstable and radioactive form of carbon.Source: Industrial Equipment News Announcement from American Chemical SocietyLink: https://www.ien.com/product-development/news/22937027/this-little-nuclear-battery-could-mean-never-needing-to-charge-your-phone-againStory 3: Wheel-less helical ring-based soft robot can move reliably in all directionsSource: TechXplore.com Story by Ingrid FadelliLink: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-wheel-helical-based-soft-robot.htmlSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDLADT_S6KsAnother good video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE9Icvv0ddgStory 4: “Wearable tech detects silent heart issues”: Over 90% accuracy achieved in breakthrough that could save millions without warning signsSource: Sustainability Times Story by Hina DinooLink: https://www.sustainability-times.com/featured/wearable-tech-detects-silent-heart-issues-over-90-accuracy-achieved-in-breakthrough-that-could-save-millions-without-warning-signs/#google_vignetteHonorable MentionsStory: Scientists Create Smart Insole That Turns Every Step into Health DataSource: Study Finds Story by “staff”Link: https://studyfinds.org/new-smart-insole-health-data/Story: Scientists achieve record-breaking growth in miniature, functional liver modelsSource: Keio University School of MedicineLink: https://www.keio.ac.jp/en/press-releases/2025/Apr/17/49-166303/Story: Seabird modelling tool could transform offshore wind planning, study showsSource: The Independent Story by Nick ForbesLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/seabird-modelling-tool-could-transform-offshore-wind-planning-study-shows/ar-AA1BZOPQStory: Error correction method reduces photon requirements for quantum computingSource: Phys.org Story by K.W. WesselinkLink: https://phys.org/news/2025-04-error-method-photon-requirements-quantum.html

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:  Sinners (2025) | Movie Reviews | Popzara Press Perplexity is building a browser in part to collect customer data for targeted ads OpenAI wants to buy Chrome and make it an “AI-first” experience - Ars Technica Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it - Ars Technica 4chan has been offline for over a week, and it's probably not coming back | TechSpot Threads is moving to threads.com and adding a bunch of new web features Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders: Sold out at most retailers including GameStop, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and others

Show Notes 25 April 2025Story 1: Scientists turn gunshot residue into glowing semiconductors to crack shooting casesSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Aamir KhollamLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/forensic-tech-makes-gun-residue-glowSee research paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073825000532Story 2: Lab-grown chicken nuggets have been cooked up in a robotic bioreactorSource: IFL Science Story by Maddy ChapmanLink: https://www.iflscience.com/lab-grown-chicken-nuggets-have-been-cooked-up-in-a-robotic-bioreactor-78848See also: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080163Story 3: Scientists develop record cold refrigerator that could unlock full potential of quantum computersSource: Euro News Story by Roselyne MinLink: https://www.euronews.com/next/2025/03/20/scientists-develop-record-cold-refrigerator-that-could-unlock-full-potential-of-quantum-coStory 4: A Grain of Brain, 523 Million Synapses, and the Most Complicated Neuroscience Experiment Ever AttemptedSource: SciTechDaily Story from Allen InstituteLink: https://scitechdaily.com/a-grain-of-brain-523-million-synapses-and-the-most-complicated-neuroscience-experiment-ever-attempted/See also: Scientists reveal advance in brain research once thought impossibleHonorable MentionsStory: WD Touts New Hard Drive Recycling Process As 'Blueprint' for Domestic ReuseSource: PC Magazine Story by Michael KanLink: https://www.pcmag.com/news/wd-touts-new-hard-drive-recycling-process-as-blueprint-for-domestic-reuseStory: Cyborg 1.0: Thai Robocop patrols streets with 360° eyes, live face-tracking powerSource: Interesting Engineering Story by Jijo MalayilLink: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-thai-robocop-patrols-streets?group=test_aStory: Clean energy from rain? Scientists generate electricity from falling dropletsSource: Euro News Story by Rebecca Ann HughesLink: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/04/17/clean-energy-from-rain-scientists-generate-electricity-from-falling-dropletsStory: Memory Is Not Confined to Our Brains, Scientists DiscoverSource: ScienceAlert.com Story by Tessa KoumoundourosLink: https://www.sciencealert.com/memory-is-not-confined-to-our-brains-scientists-discover

Show Notes 18 April 2025Story 1: Kawasaki unveils hydrogen-powered robotic horse that you can rideSource: Robotics & Automation News, Story by David EdwardsLink: https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2025/04/06/kawasaki-unveils-hydrogen-powered-robotic-horse-that-you-can-ride/89601/See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQDhzbTz-9k&t=1sStory 2: Light-based computers are getting close to a commercial launchSource: New Scientist, Story by Matthew SparkesLink: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2475302-light-based-computers-are-getting-close-to-a-commercial-launch/Story 3: The Shape-Shifting Battery That Powers the Future of Wearable TechSource: SciTechDaily, News from Linköping University in SwedenLink: https://scitechdaily.com/the-shape-shifting-battery-that-powers-the-future-of-wearable-tech/Story 4: Scientists Just Built a Mini Human Nervous System That Can Process Pain in a Dish in World FirstSource: ZME Science, Story by Tibi PuiuLink: https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/mind-and-brain/scientists-just-built-a-mini-human-nervous-system-that-can-process-pain-in-a-dish-in-world-first/See research paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08808-3Honorable MentionsStory: China turns moss into oil-sucking sponge with 90% reusability to fight deadly spillsSource: The Times of Innovations, Story by Aria PatelLink: https://timesofinnovation.com/environmental-sustainability/china-turns-moss-into-oil-sucking-sponge-with-90-reusability-to-fight-deadly-spills/Story: Scientists Find One Lifeform That Could Survive Extreme Extraterrestrial EnvironmentsSource: IFL Science, Story by James FeltonLink: https://www.iflscience.com/scientists-find-one-lifeform-that-could-survive-extreme-extraterrestrial-environments-78654Story: In a first, breakthrough 3D holograms can be touched, grabbed and pokedSource: Live Science, Story by Roland Moore-ColyerLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/virtual-reality/in-a-first-breakthrough-3d-holograms-can-be-be-touched-grabbed-and-pokedSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wwKOXxX9CkStory: Clean Energy Surges to Power 40% of Global Electricity in 2024Source: The Renewable Energy InstituteLink: https://www.renewableinstitute.org/clean-energy-surges-to-power-40-of-global-electricity-in-2024/

Show Notes 11 April 2025Story 1: A flexible robot can help emergency responders search through rubbleSource: MIT NewsLink: https://news.mit.edu/2025/sprout-flexible-robot-help-emergency-responders-search-rubble-0402See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaMCTH4qZTEStory 2: Charging electric vehicles 5x faster in subfreezing tempsSource: University of Michigan NewsLink: https://news.umich.edu/charging-electric-vehicles-5x-faster-in-subfreezing-temps/Story 3: Early Study Shows Promise for Eye-Surgery Robot Invented at the University of UtahSource: University of Utah websiteLink: https://www.price.utah.edu/2025/02/19/early-study-shows-promise-for-eye-surgery-robot-invented-at-the-university-of-utahSee video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpHt-put4t8See research paper here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adp7700Story 4: World’s smallest pacemaker is activated by light - Tiny device can be inserted with a syringe, then dissolves after it’s no longer neededSource: Northwestern University websiteLink: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/03/worlds-smallest-pacemaker-is-activated-by-light/See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_0hZ8cUwgoHonorable MentionsStory: Unlocking the Future of Green Energy: Exploring Hydrogen Production from Marine MicrobesSource: Science MagazineLink: https://scienmag.com/unlocking-the-future-of-green-energy-exploring-hydrogen-production-from-marine-microbes/Story: Scientists discover major differences in how humans and AI 'think' — and the implications could be significantSource: LiveScience.comLink: https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/scientists-discover-major-differences-in-how-humans-and-ai-think-and-the-implications-could-be-significantStory: Smartphones Could Diagnose Diseases Using Infrared ScansSource: LabMedica.comLink: https://www.labmedica.com/technology/articles/294804491/smartphones-could-diagnose-diseases-using-infrared-scans.htmlStory: Airbus advances key technologies for next-generation single-aisle aircraftSource: Airbus.comLink: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-03-airbus-advances-key-technologies-for-next-generation-single-aisle

Show Notes 4 April 2025Story 1: These smart contact lens prototypes could convince future me to ditch my glasses thanks to wireless power transfer and eye health biosensingSource: TechRadar.com Story by Stephen WarwickLink: https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/these-smart-contact-lens-prototypes-could-convince-future-me-to-ditch-my-glasses-thanks-to-wireless-power-transfer-and-eye-health-biosensingSee also: https://xpanceo.com/Story 2: Wearable ring translates sign language into text - SpellRing is trained on 20,000 words in American Sign Language.Source: Popular Science Story by Andrew PaulLink: https://www.popsci.com/technology/sign-language-translator-ring/See video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUtRk-oUeIcStory 3: Terabytes of data in a millimeter crystal - University of Chicago researchers created a "quantum-inspired” revolution in microelectronics, storing classical computer memory in crystal gaps where atoms should beSource: Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering news posting, University of ChicagoLink: https://pme.uchicago.edu/news/terabytes-data-millimeter-crystalSee research paper here: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/nanoph-2024-0635/htmlStory 4: Cellular 'scaffold' enables myoblast implants on healthy muscle to advance regenerative medicineSource: MedicalXpress.com News from Tokyo Metropolitan UniversityLink: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-cellular-scaffold-enables-myoblast-implants.htmlSee research paper here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2024.1502332/fullHonorable MentionsStory: U.S. Firm Develops Solid-State Battery With 25x More Capacity, 1,000 CyclesSource: Tomorrow's World TodayLink: https://www.tomorrowsworldtoday.com/energy/u-s-firm-develops-solid-state-battery-with-25x-more-capacity-1000-cycles/Story: Brazil launches world’s first ethanol power plant to turn sugarcane into electricitySource: Timesofinnovation.com Story by Aria PatelLink: https://timesofinnovation.com/renewable-energy-sector/brazil-launches-worlds-first-ethanol-power-plant-to-turn-sugarcane-into-electricity/See also: https://www.wartsila.com/media/news/26-03-2025-world-first-engine-test-to-convert-sugarcane-into-clean-power-3564930Story: Startup cracks the code to create jet fuel in 'record time' from an unexpected source: 'Novel technology' Carbon dioxide and waterSource: The Cool Down Story by Rick KazmerLink: https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/other/startup-cracks-the-code-to-create-jet-fuel-in-record-time-from-an-unexpected-source-novel-technology/ar-AA1BUtDcStory: Fetus Receives Life-Saving Medication Before Birth in Medical FirstSource: ScienceAlert.com Story by Carly CassellaLink: https://www.sciencealert.com/fetus-receives-life-saving-medication-inside-womb-in-medical-first