Polarization: From better sunglasses to a better way of looking at asteroid surfaces
Using the same principles that make polarized sunglasses possible, a team of researchers at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico have developed a technique that will help better defend against asteroids on a collision course with Earth......»»
Quantum geometry offers new insights into "smart" materials with switchable electric polarity
Quantum theorists at the University of British Columbia have proposed a new approach to studying stacking ferroelectricity—spontaneous electric polarization—in layered, two-dimensional lab-grown materials......»»
A thousand times smaller than a grain of sand—glass sensors 3D-printed on optical fiber
In a first for communications, researchers in Sweden 3D printed silica glass micro-optics on the tips of optic fibers—surfaces as small as the cross section of a human hair. The advance could enable faster internet and improved connectivity, as wel.....»»
Apple wants iPhone-like touch surfaces to be able to wrap around spheres
A flat touch surface isn't enough — thirty years after it retired the trackball in favor of touch-sensitive trackpads on PowerBooks, Apple could be planning to combine the two ideas into a new input device for the MacBook Pro.If Apple did make a tr.....»»
Psychological research offers strategies for healthy political discussions among people with opposing views
Civilized political debates may seem increasingly out of reach as democracies across the world face rising polarization, but people still want to discuss issues with people they disagree with—especially those who present themselves as balanced and.....»»
In the race for space metals, companies hope to cash in
Mining asteroids could reduce the burden on Earth’s resources. Will it live up to its promise? Enlarge / An illustration depicts a NASA spacecraft approaching the metal-rich asteroid Psyche. Though there are no plans to mine P.....»»
We need to consider conservation efforts on Mars, say researchers
Astrobiology is the field of science that studies the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. In practice, this means sending robotic missions beyond Earth to analyze the atmospheres, surfaces, and chemistry of extraterr.....»»
Rolling with the punches: How mantis shrimp defend against high-speed strikes
Mantis shrimp are small creatures known for their superlatives. Their eyes have 12 to 16 different color receptors versus our own three, and can detect the polarization of light. Their punches are famously fast, accelerating on par with a 22-caliber.....»»
Outdoing the dinosaurs: What we can do if we spot a threatening asteroid
Someday, an NEO will pose a threat to us. Thankfully, we have options. Enlarge / We'd like to avoid this. (credit: Science Photo Library/Andrzej Wojcicki/Getty Images) In 2005, the United States Congress laid out a clear.....»»
Researchers demonstrate low-loss and polarization-independent integrated optical colorless ROADM
The implementation of integrated optical switches shows promise in the size reduction of ROADMs for greater flexibility and compactness, ultimately leading to robust single-chip solutions. Despite decades of research on switches with various structur.....»»
Exploring the asteroid Apophis with small satellites
The author of a disaster novel couldn't have dreamed it up any better: On a Friday, the thirteenth of all days, the potentially dangerous asteroid (99942) Apophis will come extremely close to humanity......»»
Video: Using a hopping robot for asteroid exploration
One day the SpaceHopper will be deployed on space missions to explore relatively small celestial bodies such as asteroids and moons. These are thought to contain valuable mineral resources that could be of use to humankind in the future. The explorat.....»»
Contradictory thoughts lead to more moderate attitudes, psychologists find
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Psychology (ZPID) and the University of Hohenheim present rhetorical tools that can help to reduce the polarization of discussions......»»
Grief, unity, and resilience: Study examines the impact of memorial days in Israel
A recent study at the Hebrew University examines the impact of memorial days in Israel on national unity amidst political polarization......»»
Nanostructured copper surface shows potential for transparent, antimicrobial surfaces in touch displays
The interest in antimicrobial solutions for personal and multi-user touch screens, such as tablets and mobile devices, has grown in recent years. Traditional methods like sprayable alcohols or wipes are not ideal for these delicate displays. Antimicr.....»»
Natural sun protection for wood floors and furniture
To keep wood from aging prematurely, it's important to protect it effectively against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At the same time, people want to retain the look and feel of natural wooden surfaces, but the transparent protective coatings that are c.....»»
Researchers unveil single-shot and complete polarization imaging system using metasurfaces
Think of all the information we get based on how an object interacts with wavelengths of light—aka color. Color can tell us if food is safe to eat or if a piece of metal is hot. Color is an important diagnostic tool in medicine, helping practitione.....»»
Apple distributes fourth visionOS 1.2 developer beta
Owners of the Apple Vision Pro who are also in the developer beta can now download and install the fourth test build of visionOS 1.2.visionOSThe fourth build of visionOS 1.2 surfaces after the third, which Apple issued on April 24. The second arrived.....»»
Probing the effects of interplanetary space on asteroid Ryugu
Analyzing samples retrieved from the asteroid Ryugu by the Japanese Space Agency's Hayabusa2 spacecraft has revealed new insights into the magnetic and physical bombardment environment of interplanetary space. The results of the study, carried out by.....»»
NASA"s Deep Space Optical Communications demonstration transmits data over 140 million miles
Riding aboard NASA's Psyche spacecraft, the agency's Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration continues to break records. While the asteroid-bound spacecraft doesn't rely on optical communications to send data, the new technology ha.....»»
Hera asteroid mission"s side-trip to Mars
ESA's Hera asteroid mission for planetary defense will make a swingby of Mars next March, borrowing speed to help reach its target Didymos binary asteroid system......»»