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Scientists in Finland have developed the world’s first cyclic heat engine that works inside a superconducting quantum circuit. The tiny device can use a small amount of heat from a quantum refrigerator and convert it into useful work. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at Aalto University, could help make future quantum computers simpler, more affordable and easier to scale. In particular, it could reduce the huge number of microwave cables needed to connect thousands or even millions of quantum components. The challenge of building larger quantum computers Quantum computers use qubits , the basic units of quantum information. Unlike the bits in ordinary computers, qubits can exist in combinations of different states, allowing quantum computers to solve certain problems in ways that classical machines cannot. However, building a large quantum computer is extremely difficult. Finland’s Quantum Technology Strategy aims to develop a quantum computer with 1,000 logical qubits by 20...

Waste heat is everywhere. Factories, power plants, engines, electronic devices, and even natural environments release large amounts of heat that often goes unused. If this wasted energy could be efficiently converted into electricity, it could provide an important source of clean and sustainable power. A recent study by Choo and colleagues explores a promising way to achieve this goal. The researchers developed a new design strategy for thermoelectric power generation using copper selenide (Cu₂Se) and advanced 3D-printing technology . Their approach combines computer modelling with precise control over the material's shape and internal structure. The results show that changing the shape of thermoelectric materials can significantly improve their ability to produce electricity from heat. The Untapped Potential of Waste Heat Waste heat is one of the largest sources of unused energy in modern society. Industrial facilities, vehicles and power-generation systems can release substanti...

A simple bottle can teach us an important lesson about sound. Blow across the opening of a bottle and it produces a familiar humming tone. This everyday experiment demonstrates a scientific phenomenon known as Helmholtz resonance , in which air trapped inside a cavity vibrates at particular frequencies. Now, researchers at the MicroBioRobotic Systems (MICROBS) Lab at EPFL's School of Engineering have taken this basic principle much further. They have developed tiny hollow structures that can turn sound into motion, creating miniature machines that can move through water or even fly. The research, published in Science Advances , could open a new path toward extremely small robots that do not need conventional motors, gears or magnetic components. Turning Sound Into Thrust Helmholtz resonance happens when air inside a hollow space oscillates in response to sound or airflow. At certain frequencies, the movement becomes particularly strong, producing the characteristic sound we hear f...

A breakthrough approach could make 3D-printed tissues stronger, more organized and better suited for future medical applications Scientists at the University of Bayreuth have developed a new approach that could improve the way biological tissues are created using 3D printing. In a recent study , researchers combined 3D bioprinting with touch-spinning , a fiber-production technique, in a single device. The goal is simple but ambitious: create tissue structures that are not only capable of supporting living cells but also provide them with the right physical environment to grow and organize. The research was led by Prof. Dr. Leonid Ionov, Professor of Biofabrication , and his team at the University of Bayreuth. Their work focuses on combining different materials and technologies to produce more sophisticated tissue structures for biofabrication and tissue engineering. Why Hydrogels Matter in Tissue Printing Hydrogels are one of the most widely used materials in tissue engineering. In sim...

For millions of people who have lost a limb, a prosthetic can restore movement, independence and confidence. But even the most advanced artificial limb can become uncomfortable or difficult to use if it does not fit properly. Now, researchers at Purdue University, working with the University of Notre Dame, have developed a promising solution: a soft, washable textile system that can continuously measure the forces between a person’s residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The technology combines sensors, conductive embroidery, wireless data transmission and a light-emitting textile display. In simple terms, it turns fabric into a smart sensing system that can show doctors and users how forces are changing inside a prosthetic socket in real time. The research was published in Science Advances in a paper titled “Embroidered textile sensors for real-time multiaxial force mapping in prosthetics.” Why Prosthetic Fit Matters An artificial limb is connected to the body through a prosthetic so...

Smart three-dimensional (3D) lightweight structures are attracting growing interest because they can change their shape automatically in response to external conditions. Structures that can self-shape, self-fold and self-unfold could have important applications in robotics, packaging, solar & space technology, drug delivery, biological devices and advanced engineering. However, making these structures has traditionally been difficult. Complex manufacturing processes, multiple materials and expensive fabrication methods have limited their practical development. Now, researchers Zhang, Zhang and Hu have demonstrated a simpler approach that uses 3D printing and controlled internal strain to turn thin, flat composite sheets into complex 3D structures. The technique could provide a faster and more affordable way to create lightweight structures that can repeatedly switch between flat and 3D forms. The Challenge of Making Smart 3D Structures Conventional lightweight structures are usu...

Miniature force and torque sensors are becoming increasingly important as robots and wearable devices become smaller, smarter, and more capable. These sensors help machines understand how much force is being applied, in which direction, and whether an object is being twisted or moved. Such information is especially valuable for delicate robotic tasks, prosthetics, exoskeletons, and medical rehabilitation. However, building a small sensor that can accurately measure forces and torque in multiple directions is not easy. Conventional six-axis sensors often depend on complicated structures made from several beams and components. They also require extensive calibration and computer-based algorithms to separate the different force and torque signals. These challenges can increase manufacturing complexity, size, cost, and the possibility of measurement errors. A research team led by Gong has introduced a different approach. Instead of assembling several mechanical components, the team develop...