International Young Scientist Awards

Wireless communication and remote sensing play an important role in the modern society and almost everyone is using such systems every day. Typical examples are mobile phones, wireless internet connectivity , radio and TV broadcasting, and wireless networks at home or public areas. Thanks to the rapid development in the semiconductor technology, driven by the computer industry, such microwave systems can be produced in large quantity at a low cost per unit, making it affordable for most people all over the world. At the Microwave Electronics Laboratory, we focus on application driven research on high-speed electronic components, circuits and systems for future communication and remote sensing applications. The research spans frequencies from below 1 GHz to 500 GHz. Our main research areas are within wireless high speed digital communication, sensors such as radar systems and radiometers, and microwave heating. We demonstrate innovative microwave components and circuits in our own fab...

A spotlight issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association features findings by multidisciplinary centers awarded research grants through the American Heart Association’s Strategically Focused Research Network on Health Technologies and Innovation Research teams share findings and progress on projects aimed at harnessing digital solutions — including text messaging, smartphone apps, wearable devices and artificial intelligence — to improve health, reduce health care disparities, empower people to better manage their health and wellness and enhance patient/clinician connectivity in a special issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association. Topics in this issue include:the effectiveness of an “EyePhone” smartphone application to diagnose stroke by detecting a type of rapid, uncontrollable eye movement;using text messaging to promote physical activity for people undergoing cardiac rehabilitation; testing mobile health apps that leverage wearables devices to improve physic...

 Heusler alloys, a unique class of intermetallic compounds, have revolutionized materials science with their remarkable electronic and magnetic properties. These alloys, typically composed of transition metals and main-group elements, exhibit diverse functionalities, including half-metallicity, shape memory effects, and topological behaviors. Researchers are increasingly exploring Heusler alloys for applications in spintronics , thermoelectric devices , and magnetocaloric refrigeration , pushing the boundaries of next-generation technology. One of the most exciting aspects of Heusler alloys is their role in spintronics —a field that leverages electron spin for data storage and transfer. Unlike traditional electronics, spintronics offers lower power consumption and higher processing speeds, making Heusler alloys vital candidates for non-volatile memory and quantum computing . Many of these materials exhibit half-metallicity , meaning they act as conductors for one spin orientati...

In our environment, we are exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals every day and throughout our lifetimes. These chemical mixtures may have greater effects on our health than each chemical would alone. Therefore, scientists are now studying how these mixtures interact in cells, animals, and humans to identify health effects. For decades, toxicology studies and regulatory approaches have focused on the effects of single chemicals on human health. However, scientists recognize that we are exposed to complex mixtures of environmental chemicals every day and throughout our lifetimes. We encounter these mixtures through the air we breathe, the food and water we consume, and the products we use in our home or on our bodies. These complex chemical mixtures may have greater effects on our health than each chemical would alone. For example, exposure to ozone and aldehydes, which are components of smog, produces greater health effects than would be predicted based on each chemical alone. NIEHS...

🌍 Introduction The Severn Estuary, located between South West England and South Wales, is one of the world's most promising sites for tidal energy generation. With a tidal range exceeding 14 meters, it ranks among the highest globally, making it a prime location for renewable energy development. Harnessing tidal energy here could contribute significantly to the UK's clean energy goals while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.   ⚡ Energy Potential The estuary has an estimated tidal power potential of 8-16 GW, capable of supplying up to 5% of the UK's electricity demand . The strong tidal currents create opportunities for various energy extraction technologies, such as tidal barrages, tidal lagoons, and underwater turbines. Tidal Barrage: A proposed Severn Barrage could generate 16 TWh annually, but concerns over environmental impact have hindered its progress. Tidal Lagoons: Alternative approaches like the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon offer a more sustainable solution with reduc...

If you’re fascinated by the idea of humans traveling through space and curious about how that all works, you’ve come to the right place. “Houston We Have a Podcast” is the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space Center from Houston, Texas, home for NASA’s astronauts and Mission Control Center. Listen to the brightest minds of America’s space agency – astronauts , engineers, scientists and program leaders – discuss exciting topics in engineering, science and technology, sharing their personal stories and expertise on every aspect of human spaceflight. Learn more about how the work being done will help send humans forward to the Moon and on to Mars in the Artemis program. On Episode 188, Bill Paloski, former director of the Human Research Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, explores the idea of artificial gravity within a spacecraft for long-duration missions and explains how it may affect the human body from what we have learned through Earth-based studies. This episode was reco...

Businesses of all sizes, corporate entities, organizations, and even governments have embraced computerized systems to streamline daily operations. Consequently, ensuring cybersecurity has emerged as a paramount objective to protect data from many online threats and unauthorized intrusions. As technology evolves, so do cybersecurity trends, with data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacks becoming increasingly commonplace. Elevate your expertise by enrolling in security courses led by industry experts, which will empower you with the knowledge and skills needed for comprehensive data protection. The landscape of digital threats has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades, driven by technological advancements and the digital interconnectedness of our world. As our society increasingly relies on digital technology for communication, commerce, and critical infrastructure, the threat landscape has evolved in complexity and sophistication. This detailed explorati...

Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat in chemistry by successfully synthesizing and characterizing a boron-carbon (B≡C) triple bond for the first time. This historic breakthrough challenges conventional chemical principles and opens up vast possibilities in materials science , catalysis , and molecular engineering . Traditionally, triple bonds are well-known between carbon-carbon (C≡C) and carbon-nitrogen (C≡N) atoms, playing crucial roles in organic chemistry . However, the realization of a stable B≡C bond was long considered impossible due to boron's electron deficiency and its strong tendency to form multi-center bonds. Through innovative synthetic strategies and advanced computational modeling , researchers have now created a boron-carbon species featuring this elusive bond, marking a milestone in chemical science . The stability of this B≡C bond is attributed to precise ligand stabilization and cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques , confirming its authentic...

Rapid adoption of smart infrastructure in residential and commercial infrastructure, the penetration of IoT and AI based technologies and increased use of smart devices in medical monitoring drive the growth of the global market for smart sensors. Allied Market Research, titled, “Smart Sensor Market by Power and End Use: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020–2027”, the global smart sensor market size was valued at $37.25 Billion in 2019, and the smart sensor market size is projected to reach $91.37 Billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 14.30%. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the leading contributor to the global smart sensor market during the forecast period, followed by North America and Europe. The smart sensor market holds a substantial scope for growth in the global market. Currently, it is in its growing stage, however, its contribution to the global market is expected to witness significant growth within the next six years. The high cost associated with this technol...

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are essential airborne signals or odors that enable plants to communicate with other organisms and plants across short and long distances. A key aspect of this communication occurs when a plant is damaged by herbivorous pests, triggering the release of VOCs. These compounds can be detected by neighboring plants, prompting them to enhance their defenses against potential threats. This complex biochemical strategy enables plants to protect themselves effectively from various stresses. This field of study has recently garnered significant interest due to its promising applications in agriculture. In this vein, Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura and his colleague Mr. Takuya Uemura from Tokyo University of Science, Japan, set out to explore the molecular pathways behind this communication and its potential applications in sustainable agriculture . n't possess a sophisticated olfactory system like animals , they are able to detect and react to a wide range of...

Chemical looping (CL) is regarded as a promising technology in industrial applications, because of its inherent characteristic of CO2 capture. The technique of CL is applied in solid fuels fields, including chemical looping combustion (CLC), chemical looping gasification (CLG), chemical looping reforming (CLR), chemical looping water splitting (CLWS), and oxygen carrier aided combustion (OCAC). Oxygen carrier is a core media in chemical looping reaction, which plays the role of transporting oxygen and has the function of decreasing the energy penalty of air separation. Among all oxygen carriers, iron-based (Fe-based) materials are of most possibilities to be applied in industrial field, because of its economical and eco-friendly characteristics. Some reviews have reported the Fe-based oxygen carrier in CL application. However, the related preparation methods, overall application of CL and theoretical reaction calculation of Fe-based oxygen carriers have not been covered comprehensivel...

  Scientists have discovered a new and unusual form of water known as "plastic ice," adding to the three well-known phases: solid, liquid, and gas. This fourth phase exhibits unique properties that challenge conventional understanding of water's behavior under extreme conditions. What Is Plastic Ice? Plastic ice is a quasi-solid state of water that forms under extremely high pressures, around 200,000 times atmospheric pressure. Unlike regular ice, it doesn't have a fixed crystalline structure but instead behaves like a solid with a flexible, disordered molecular arrangement. This gives it a "plastic" nature, meaning it can deform without breaking. How Was It Discovered? Scientists used computer simulations and high-pressure experiments to study water molecules under extreme conditions. The discovery was made by compressing water at different temperatures and observing how its molecular bonds shifted. Instead of forming the expected crystalline ice, water too...

The year 2025 is a transformative year for the field . The increased influence of AI in graphic design has opened the door to many unexplored professional opportunities in this field. Every single minute, something new is being created in the field of graphic design. If you want to become an expert in this field, it's crucial for you to stay updated with all the latest trends in graphic design. Graphic design is a dynamic field. It is constantly changing and evolving every single minute. It is comparatively a new field of creativity, that's why it holds a huge amount of opportunities and so many areas undiscovered in the field of graphic design. With the added advantage , it becomes a very competitive creative field. Here are some major reasons why it's important to stay ahead in graphic design. To survive the competition in graphic design, you must think ahead and produce visionary, up-to-date designs. If you cannot do this, you will be out of the competition. To survive...

  The re-entry and disintegration of satellites, particularly those in large constellations like SpaceX's Starlink, have raised environmental concerns regarding their potential impact on Earth's ozone layer. When these satellites burn up upon re-entry, they release aluminum oxide particles into the atmosphere. Research indicates that these particles can act as catalysts in chemical reactions involving chlorine, similar to the effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are known to deplete ozone molecules. Unlike CFCs, aluminum oxide particles are not consumed in these reactions, allowing a single particle to contribute to the destruction of numerous ozone molecules over extended periods. The proliferation of satellite constellations exacerbates this issue. For instance, in January 2025, approximately 120 Starlink satellites burned up upon re-entry, creating artificial meteor showers visible worldwide. Each of these satellites, weighing around 250 kg, produces about 30 kg of a...

Food safety testing is essential for protecting consumer health and maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain. Contamination from foreign objects, such as metal, glass, plastic, or stones, presents a serious risk to both safety and product quality. These contaminants can lead to significant health hazards, costly recalls, and long-term damage to a brand’s reputation. It can be noted that, globally, an estimated  fall ill from consuming contaminated food each year. In low- and middle-income countries alone, unsafe food results in an annual loss of approximately  To combat these risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested  to enhance food safety initiatives. This funding will support improvements in food safety, nutrition, and supply chain resilience, while also modernizing the FDA’s infrastructure . As the food and beverage industry expands globally, adhering to strict safety standards and leveraging advanced detection technologies has ...

  🚀 First Private US Robotic Lunar Rover ‘MAPP’ Successfully Lands Near Moon's South Pole In a historic achievement, the first private U.S. robotic lunar rover, MAPP (Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform), has successfully landed near the Moon’s South Pole. This landmark mission, led by Astrobotic Technology, marks a significant step forward in lunar exploration, paving the way for future human and robotic missions. 🌕 A Milestone in Lunar Exploration MAPP’s successful landing is a pivotal achievement for private space exploration. Unlike previous government-led lunar missions, this initiative showcases the growing role of commercial space companies in deep-space exploration. The rover aims to explore the challenging terrain of the Moon’s South Pole, an area of high interest due to its potential water ice deposits, which could support future lunar habitats and fuel production. 🛰️ Mission Objectives and Technology Equipped with cutting-edge scientific instruments, MAPP is design...

Bellevue, Wash. – Sept 24, 2024 – The wireless telecommunications industry experienced continued strong wireless cellular expansion in the second quarter of 2024, powered by continuing growth in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) ecosystem, said 5G Americas, the voice of 5G and beyond for the Americas According to data from 5G Americas and Omdia, global IoT subscriptions currently stand at 3.4 billion, complemented by 6.7 billion smartphone subscriptions. As 4G LTE-connected IoT devices are upgraded to flexible 5G-enabled IoT technologies , such as 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability), new enhancements offer network operators benefits such as improved energy and network efficiency. Due to these improvements, global forecasts suggest IoT subscriptions will reach 5.2 billion, while smartphone subscriptions will surge to 8.2 billion by 2029. Viet Nguyen, Vice President of PR and Technology at 5G Americas, stated, “The market is realizing 5G networks are more than just smartphones. Enterprise and bus...

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant advancements in recent years, excelling in pattern recognition, language processing, and automation. However, despite these achievements, AI still struggles to match human-level intelligence, particularly in reasoning, adaptability, and common sense. Researchers argue that the current data-driven deep learning approach is insufficient to achieve Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and that a shift in strategy is necessary. To bridge this intelligence gap, experts emphasize the need for integrating multiple AI paradigms. Instead of relying solely on deep learning models trained on vast datasets, researchers advocate for cognitive architectures that mimic the way humans learn and reason. These architectures would incorporate symbolic reasoning, causal understanding, and real-world adaptability, allowing AI to generalize knowledge across different domains rather than just recognizing patterns in data. One key challenge in AI develop...

  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has partnered with academic institutions to provide students hands-on experience in applying artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to agriculture. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between technology and farming by equipping students with the necessary skills to solve real-world agricultural challenges. Through this collaboration, students gain expertise in precision farming, crop yield prediction, soil health monitoring, and sustainable resource management. AI-powered data analysis enables better decision-making, optimizing irrigation, pest control, and fertilizer application. By integrating AI-driven solutions, the program enhances efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and contributes to global food security. The initiative fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government, ensuring students receive practical training in emerging agricultural technologies . It also encourages innovation, helping futur...

For a few evenings around 28 February, every planet in the solar system will be visible in the night sky, thanks to a rare great planetary alignment. Here's how to make sure you don't miss this planetary parade. All of our solar system’s planets are lining up in the night sky at once this week. This extraordinary celestial event will see the sky scattered with seven visible planets in what is known as a great planetary alignment, or a “planetary parade”. The eight planets in our solar system orbit the sun in roughly the same plane because they all originally formed from the same  around the sun. The line the sun traces across the daytime sky – called the ecliptic – aligns with this plane, so when the planets appear in the sky, they all appear roughly along the ecliptic. It isn’t a perfect line of planets , because their orbits are tilted slightly, but it is fairly close. Never is this more apparent than during a planetary alignment. Typically, only a few planets share the nigh...