From fundamentals to applications: a review on femtosecond (fs) laser micro/nano processing, recently published online in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing. Dr. Le Gao and co-authors from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology present this comprehensive review on the development of fs laser micro/nano processing, including topics such as fundamentals and unique phenomena of fs-laser pluses and matter interactions, pulse-shaping and high throughput fabrication, fs-laser processing in transparent materials, 4D printing, heterogeneous integration and 3D functional micro devices manufactured by fs laser-powered processing technology. This review sums up the recent development of the technology and a perspective is proposed to explore the challenges and future opportunities for further betterment of fs laser micro/nano processing technology.

Researchers from Beihang University, Beijing, have developed an innovative solution to address the coexistence challenges between airborne pulse radar and communication systems. Published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, the study introduces a Dynamic Spectrum and Power Allocation based on Genetic Algorithm (GA-DSPA) method. This breakthrough enables optimization of spectrum and power resources, significantly improving the performance of both systems while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.

Mass Eye and Ear investigators are part of an international collaboration to develop a new type of auditory brainstem implant that is designed to be soft, and flexible and address limitations of models currently in use. These implants may one day benefit people who cant' receive a cochlear implant, such as those with Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and other severe inner ear abnormalities. In a new preclinical study, they report on benefits in large animal models, and based on the results, hope for future trials in humans.

Unprocessed rice kernels that are encased in an inedible hull must undergo milling to reveal the white rice grain. Proper milling can increase the amount of rice that makes it from the farm to the kitchen by decreasing the number of broken kernels, along with impacting nutritional and functional qualities, sensory attributes and cooking performance. Griffiths Atungulu, a professor and agricultural engineer with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, recently published a study with members of his rice processing research team that offers information to help optimize lab methods for rice milling.

A joint research team from the Defense Innovation Institute at the Chinese Academy of Military Science and the College of Aerospace Science and Engineering at the National University of Defense Technology has developed a novel method for satellite 3D component layout optimization based on engineering requirements. The satellite 3D component layout problem involves determining both component assignment schemes and position variables simultaneously with complex multidisciplinary constraints, making it an NP-hard multi-constrained bilevel combinatorial optimization problem. The team proposed a Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model to formulate the heat dissipation performance objective and the constraints of component 3D geometry, system stability, and special component position, transforming the original bilevel problem into a single-level optimization problem. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently generate layout solutions, providing fresh insights for engineering layout design.

A team of researchers across San Diego County received a $1.5 million grant from the State of California to offer a better alternative to off the shelf chatbots. The team will deploy, assess and improve an innovative AI tutor system that originated at the University of California San Diego. 

A new study presents a theoretical model that enhances passive radiative cooling by integrating a thermoradiative diode (TRD) with a heat engine. This self-sustaining system generates a positive photon chemical potential, allowing it to emit more thermal radiation than the conventional passive systems without a positive photon chemical potential. The model predicts a maximum cooling power of 485 W/m²，which has the potential to surpass the blackbody radiation intensity at room temperature. The findings suggest a promising new direction for low-energy cooling technologies and sustainable thermal management.