Cognitive flexibility, the ability to rapidly switch between different thoughts and mental concepts, is a crucial human trait that allows for multi-tasking, quick skill acquisition, and adaptation to new situations. While artificial intelligence (AI) systems have made significant advancements, they still lack the same level of flexibility as humans when it comes to learning new
Technology
Solar energy has long been hailed as a sustainable and renewable source of power. With advancements in technology, researchers have been exploring innovative ways to enhance solar energy capture and efficiency. One such technology that has garnered attention is the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). The Leaf-LSC Model Researchers at Ritsumeikan University in Japan have introduced
Recent research conducted by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has shed light on the air tightness levels of new Australian homes. The study revealed that homes built in the last four years are up to 50% more airtight than those tested in 2015. This is significant news for homeowners, as achieving recommended air tightness levels
The demand for wireless internet access worldwide is on the rise, supporting various daily activities from professional communications to entertainment. However, this increased demand also leads to greater power consumption and contributes to carbon emissions. As a result, researchers have been exploring energy-efficient techniques to support communication between devices and the sharing of information online.
Push puppet toys have been a classic form of entertainment for children, with their ability to move or collapse with the push of a button. The inner workings of these toys involve connecting cords that control the stiffness of the toy. By pulling these cords taut, the toy stands stiff, while loosening them causes the
A recent federal court ruling has brought to light the fact that Google has been maintaining its dominance in internet search through an illegal monopoly. While Google search is undeniably a highly valuable product, being recognized as the best general search engine in the United States, the company’s tactics of strong-arming competitors have come under
In a world where technology is continuously advancing, a new prototype called CrossBot has emerged as a potential solution to the growing shortage of crossing guards in the Bay Area. This robot, created by Hovannes Kulhandjian, an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering at Fresno State, is equipped with an array of sensors, including
Radiative cooling technology has been gaining attention as an eco-friendly cooling option that can help reduce the need for power-hungry air conditioners. However, traditional radiative cooling materials for daytime use are typically white to minimize sunlight absorption. While effective for cooling, these materials lack aesthetics and are not suitable for use in buildings or vehicles
The measurement of body mass in biomedical research, particularly when working with mice, has long been a stressful and limiting process. Traditional weighing techniques involve removing the animals from their cages and placing them on a scale, which can introduce variables that affect experimental outcomes. Moreover, these measurements are typically infrequent and can impact the
A recent cross-disciplinary study conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has shed light on a surprising psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals are informed that they are training artificial intelligence (AI) to play a bargaining game. The study reveals that participants exhibit a deliberate adjustment in their behavior to appear more fair