Search

Michael Frank has spent his career as an academic researcher working over three decades in a very peculiar niche of computer engineering. According to Frank, that peculiar niche's time has finally come. “I decided earlier this year that it was the right time to try to commercialize this stuff,” Frank says. In July 2024, he left his position as a senior engineering scientist at Sandia National Laboratories to join a startup, U.S.- and U.K.-based Vaire Computing.

Many of the scenarios for achieving net-zero carbon emissions from power generation by 2050 hinge on the success of some hugely ambitious initiatives. Perhaps none are more audacious than an envisioned renaissance of nuclear power driven by advanced-technology power reactors that are smaller than traditional ones.

Presents a collection of articles on current information of interest in the computer industry.

Companies are scaling up proton exchange membrane electrolyser production, but the technology needs to grow much faster, and become less expensive, to meet ambitious climate goals.

These four researchers are highlighting environmental inequities and improving the health of their communities.

Success with a new route to producing superheavy elements paves the way to making the elusive element 120.

Researchers analysed thousands of laboratory-made plasmids and discovered that nearly half of them had defects, raising questions of experimental reproducibility.

Emerging evidence suggests that pathogens can pair up to work together against immune system defences.

Upgraded laser in California will produce one million X-ray pulses per second to study ultrafast processes at the atomic level.

Engineered petunia emits a continuous green glow thanks to genes from a light-up mushroom.

Dissolvable electronic materials could be used in medical implants and environmentally friendly gadgets.

Insect-inspired device achieves panoramic view and sharp focus at any distance.

Single-pixel microwave sensor could lower cost of airport scanners and radar systems.

Materials scientists nonplussed by wired-up plants with colour-changing leaves.

Prototype device combines speed and durability.

In his new book, the climate scientist lays out the case for restoring the atmosphere.

A plasma wind tunnel being built in Colorado will help test new ideas about navigating hypersonic vehicles in harsh conditions.

Sensors inspired by beetle hairs could bring a more nuanced sense of touch to robots and wearable electronics.

Images made up of metal-nanostructure pixels could be used for security or optical data storage.

A camera that can take billion-pixel images may be available to researchers - and consumers - in the coming years.

Clean-technology darling A123 Systems suffers financial losses following recall.

Latest design uses less power and retains data longer.

These newcomers are making their mark in science across the disciplines.

Oxygen-28 might prompt physicists to revamp theories of how atomic nuclei are structured.

Skin-like electronics that stretch and sense will create a way to monitor vital signals and build prosthetics with a sense of touch.

Plans to build ‘exascale’ machines are moving forward, but still face major technological challenges.

Combination therapies that activate the immune system in complementary ways could help more men with prostate cancer to contain their disease long term.

Scientific innovation has long powered the San Francisco Bay Area’s economy, but community and political challenges could undermine progress.

By modelling the course of climate change, scientists are building an arsenal to prepare for its impact. By modelling the course of climate change, scientists are building an arsenal to prepare for its impact.

A more tolerant immune system could alleviate, or even prevent, autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, as well as the rejection of transplanted organs.