Computing

  1. Materials Science

    New device gets power from 5G signals grabbed from the air

    A new way to harvest electricity relies on a tiny array of antennas and a lens. Together, they collect and focus 5G signals coming from any direction.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  2. Brain

    Patterns in brain activity can identify who will struggle to read

    Certain patterns of brain activity predict whether teens are strong readers or will struggle. Those diagnostic patterns show up even when doing math.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  3. Climate

    Surfing the winds would make future jet travel greener

    Simple route changes could drastically cut fuel use and greenhouse-gas emissions, a new study finds.

    By Harini Barath
  4. Tech

    Greening your digital life

    The less electricity you use while playing video games or using your devices, the less impact you’ll have on climate change.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  5. Tech

    5G promises new energy savings for digital tech

    A new way to transmit wireless communications promises time and energy savings by using networks of smaller cells.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  6. Tech

    Training AI to be really smart poses risks to climate

    As artificial intelligence models grow larger and consume more energy, experts have begun to worry about their impact on Earth’s climate.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  7. Science & Society

    Machine learning includes deep learning and neural nets

    By combining patterns found in mountains of data with information gleaned from mistakes, these computer programs expand their artificial intelligence.

    By Melissa L. Weber
  8. Science & Society

    How to fight online hate before it leads to violence

    Counter-speech, artificial intelligence and other tools can help spot online hate — and maybe thwart it. New studies show how.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  9. Tech

    New device tells smiles from frowns — even through a mask

    Most facial-recognition software has to see the whole face to work. The new type can reconstruct an entire expression from just viewing your cheeks.

    By Kathryn Hulick
  10. Tech

    Let’s learn about virtual reality

    Scientists use virtual reality to build new games and to help people fight their fears.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  11. Tech

    Computers are changing how art is made

    Some people have challenged the idea that artificial intelligence can be creative. But new software can provide inspiration to artists or fully partner with them in the creative process.

    By Stephen Ornes
  12. Computing

    Explainer: What is an algorithm?

    These step-by-step instructions underlie social media, internet searches and other computer-based activities. But what are they exactly? We explain.

    By Melissa L. Weber