Autor: Jane Austen

Researchers have created a novel electronic “skin” that could let robots experience a sense of touch. This low-cost, gelatin-based material is highly flexible and durable and can be molded over a robot hand. Equipped with electrodes, the skin detects pressure, temperature changes, and even sharp damage. In tests it responded to pokes, burns and cuts. Unlike conventional designs that use separate sensors for each stimulus, this single “multi-modal” material simplifies the hardware while providing rich tactile data. The findings, published in Science Robotics, suggest it could be used on humanoid robots or prosthetic limbs to give them a more human-like…

Astronomers now propose that “failed stars” known as brown dwarfs could be powered by dark matter. Dark matter makes up about 85 percent of the universe’s matter but does not shine; it interacts only via gravity. Brown dwarfs form like stars but lack enough mass to ignite fusion. The theory suggests brown dwarfs in galaxy centers might trap dark matter in their interiors. When that dark matter annihilates, it releases energy that heats the star, turning the dwarf into a brighter “dark dwarf.” If such objects exist, finding them would give scientists a new clue to the nature of dark…

For the first time, researchers have managed to simulate a fundamental process of cosmic particle acceleration in a laboratory: the first series of discoveries that will transform our understanding of cosmic rays. Now, scientists from the Universities of Birmingham and Chicago have created a tiny, 100-micrometre Fermi accelerator, in which mobile optical potential barriers collide with trapped atoms, in a partial replica of how cosmic particles pick up energy in space. The technique not only replicates cosmic ray behaviour but also sets a new benchmark in quantum acceleration technology.Lab-Built Fermi Accelerator Using Cold Atoms Validates Cosmic Ray Theory and Advances…

Airtel has listed its new Rs. 189 recharge plan with unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls in India. The new prepaid plan has a validity of 21 days. With the plan, subscribers will get total 1GB data, along with a total of 300 SMS for the duration of the plan. According to the company website, the new Rs. 189 prepaid plan is now the cheapest recharge option for subscribers who wish to get unlimited calling. Customers can choose to spend Rs. 10 for the Rs. 199 unlimited calling prepaid plan with a validity of 28 days and total 2GB data.Airtel’s…

Acer Iconia Tab iM11 was launched in India on Thursday. The tablet sports an 11.45-inch 2.2K display and carries a stereo quad speaker system. It is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helios G99 chipset coupled with support for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage. The tablet is backed by a 7,400mAh battery with 18W wired charging support. The Iconia Tab iM11 comes with a bundled stylus and a flip cover. It supports 4G LTE alongside Wi-Fi connectivity.Acer Iconia Tab iM11 Price in India, AvailabilityAcer Iconia Tab iM11 price in India is set at Rs. 23,999 for the sole configuration of…

Oppo recently launched the Reno 14 Pro 5G and Reno 14 5G phones in India. The Reno 14 Pro 5G was equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 8450 SoC and a 6,200mAh battery. Now, soon after the Reno 14 5G series’ India launch, the company is said to be gearing up to launch its Reno 15 series in the second half of 2025. A tipster recently took to a Chinese social media platform to reveal that Oppo could launch the Reno 15 series tentatively in November. A few specifications of the smartphones have also been tipped.Oppo Reno 15 specifications (expected)Tipster Smart…

Linda Yaccarino, one of Elon Musk’s top deputies as CEO of his X social media site, is exiting the company in a surprise move just months after the platform was acquired by the billionaire’s AI startup, xAI.Yaccarino, 61, made the announcement in a post on X suggesting it was her decision, though Musk has a history of dismissing deputies suddenly. «I’ve decided to step down as CEO of X,» Yaccarino wrote.Her departure adds to turbulence in Musk’s sprawling business empire, including falling sales at his electric vehicle maker Tesla and AI-related controversies. Musk has been embroiled in a war of…

Welcome to Full Capacity, a weekly briefing on all the most important developments of the past week with a personal take on the news from our editor-in-chief, Mithun Varkey, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Nat cat brief. The Australia Reinsurance Pool Corporation (ARPC) revealed that an incredible 88% of all claims submitted to the Australian cyclone pool since its launch in July 2022 are tied to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which hit the country’s eastern coast this March. Over the past three years, the cyclone pool has processed 78,372 claims, accumulating a total net incurred value of US$431 million. Incurred…

Amazfit Active 2 Square smartwatch has been unveiled in India. The new wearable comes with a 1.75-inch AMOLED display and a BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor for monitoring heart rate, sleep, and SpO2 levels. The wearable supports Bluetooth calling and has over 160 sports modes. The Active 2 Square carries a 260mAh battery that is claimed to deliver up to 10 days of usage on a single charge.Amazfit Active 2 Square Price in India, AvailabilityAmazfit Active 2 Square is priced at Rs. 12,999. It comes with a Black colour (leather strap) and an additional Red silicone strap in the box. It…

Google is planning to introduce ads in AI Overviews in India later this year, the company stated in a press release. The Mountain View-based tech giant made the announcement at its Google Marketing Live (GML) India event on Thursday. Alongside, the company has also introduced a slew of new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered ad tools for brands and enterprises. Among them, the biggest tool is “Generated for You” that can go through a brand’s product catalogue and generate images and video ads while aligning with the brand’s identity.Google Plans to Show Indian Search Users Ads in AI OverviewsIn October 2024, several…