The synthesis of carbyne, a one-dimensional chain of carbon atoms, has long been a challenge due to its extreme instability. However, an international team of researchers has finally found a solution by enclosing it within single-walled carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for using carbyne in next-generation electronics.

The researchers used a special precursor, ammonium cholate, to grow carbyne at low temperatures. They also employed single-walled carbon nanotubes as a protective shell around the carbyne, which helps keep it stable. The new synthesis method produces more carbyne than before, making it easier for scientists to study its properties and explore its potential applications.

The unique properties of carbyne make it an attractive material for next-generation electronics. Unlike graphene, carbyne has a built-in semiconductor gap, allowing it to act as a switch for electrical current. This property makes carbyne-based electronics potentially faster and more efficient than today’s silicon-based technology.

The research team also made an unexpected discovery during the study. They found that a common solvent, cholate, can transform into carbyne chains without additional complex steps. This finding shows how familiar materials can take on new roles in advanced chemistry.

While many questions about carbyne remain unanswered, this breakthrough is a significant step forward. With a stable way to produce carbyne in larger quantities, researchers can now explore its potential more deeply and potentially unlock new technologies in the field of next-generation electronics.

The field of robotics has taken a significant leap forward with the development of an amphibious robotic dog, capable of efficiently navigating both land and water. This innovative creation was inspired by the remarkable mobility of mammals in aquatic environments.

Unlike existing amphibious robots that often draw inspiration from reptiles or insects, this robotic canine is based on the swimming style of dogs. This design choice has allowed it to overcome several limitations faced by insect-inspired designs, such as reduced agility and load capacity.

The key to the amphibious robot’s water mobility lies in its unique paddling mechanism, modeled after the natural swimming motion of dogs. By carefully balancing weight and buoyancy, the engineers have ensured stable and effective aquatic performance.

To test its capabilities, the researchers developed and experimented with three distinct paddling gaits:

* A doggy paddle method that prioritizes speed
* A trot-like style that focuses on stability
* A third gait that combines elements of both

Through extensive experimentation, it was found that the doggy paddle method proved superior for speed, achieving a maximum water speed of 0.576 kilometers per hour (kph). On land, the amphibious robotic dog reaches speeds of 1.26 kph, offering versatile mobility in amphibious environments.

“This innovation marks a big step forward in designing nature-inspired robots,” says Yunquan Li, corresponding author of the study. “Our robot dog’s ability to efficiently move through water and on land is due to its bioinspired trajectory planning, which mimics the natural paddling gait of real dogs.”

The implications of this technology are vast and exciting, with potential applications in environmental research, military vehicles, rescue missions, and more. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with robotics, it’s clear that the future holds much promise for innovation and discovery.

The study, conducted by University of Bristol academics, has shed light on the importance of tailoring social media to suit individual needs. By categorizing users into distinct groups based on their motivations and behaviors, researchers have found that finding the right level of personal investment is key to a positive experience online.

The research revealed three main user types:

1. Those who browse without strong intentionality, often mindlessly scrolling through feeds.
2. Those deeply invested in their online lives, potentially leading to compulsive use and negative consequences for well-being.
3. Those who see value in using social media but retain personal distance, arguably having the best outcomes overall.

The findings suggest that social media platforms could be redesigned to support more intentional use by introducing customized features tailored to different user needs. This approach has the potential to help users regain control over their time online and make it more purposeful and valued.

By adapting interfaces to align with individual well-being, social media platforms can promote sustainable engagement connected to things that matter to the user, rather than just maximizing screen time. The implications of this work extend beyond social media design into technology use more broadly, offering a data-driven approach to promoting digital self-regulation and overall well-being.

The next phase of this research will explore how social media platforms can identify different user groups and adapt interfaces to support intentional online engagement that prioritizes personal well-being.