Tech
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Tech
50 years ago, artificial limbs weren’t nearly as responsive
Artificial limbs have come a long way since 1967.
- Science & Society
Readers inspired by SN 10 scientists’ research
Readers wanted to know more about the scientists' research who were profiled in "The SN 10: Scientists to watch."
- Quantum Physics
Quantum computers take a step forward with a 50-qubit prototype
Race to build ever-more-powerful processors edges the technology closer to being able to best traditional machines.
- Quantum Physics
Quantum computing steps forward with 50-qubit prototype
Bit by qubit, scientists are edging closer to the realm where quantum computers will reign supreme.
- Health & Medicine
Artificial insulin-releasing cells may make it easier to manage diabetes
Synthetic cells crafted in the lab could provide a more precise, longer-lasting diabetes treatment.
- Animals
Leafhoppers use tiny light-absorbing balls to conceal their eggs
Leafhoppers produce microscopic balls that absorb light rather than reflect it and help camouflage the insects’ eggs.
- Archaeology
Mystery void is discovered in the Great Pyramid of Giza
High-energy particle imaging helps scientists peek inside one of the world’s oldest, largest monuments.
- Materials Science
Nobel Prize–winning technique illuminates the fibers that set off battery fires
Scientists get a closer look at the filaments that ruin lithium-ion batteries from the inside out.
- Tech
This is the lightest robot that can fly, swim and take off from water
Lightweight, insect-inspired robot can swim, fly and leap from the surface of water.
- Health & Medicine
Robotic docs can boost surgery time and cost
Robots in the OR may not be worth the extra time or money for all procedures.
- Tech
50 years ago, engineers tried catching commercial planes in nets
Fifty years ago, aviation experts tried helping commercial aircraft come to a stop during landing by catching them in massive nets. The idea crash-landed for commercial flights, but it’s still used in the military.
- Artificial Intelligence
The newest AlphaGo mastered the game with no human input
AlphaGo Zero is the first AI system of its kind to learn the game just by playing against itself.
