Max Planck Institute

Artificial intelligence to boost Earth system science

A study by German scientists shows that artificial intelligence can substantially improve our understanding of the climate and the Earth system. Especially the potential of deep learning has only partially been exhausted so far. In particular, complex dynamic processes such as hurricanes, fire propagation, and vegetation dynamics can be better described with the help of AI.

Predicting leaky heart valves with 3D printing

Researchers have created a novel 3D printing workflow that allows cardiologists to evaluate how different valve sizes will interact with each patient's unique anatomy, before the medical procedure is actually performed.

Recreate your favorite paintings using deep learning and 3-D printing

The empty frames hanging inside the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum serve as a tangible reminder of the world's biggest unsolved art heist. While the original masterpieces may never be recovered, a team from MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) might be able to help, with a new system aimed at designing reproductions of paintings.

Successful second round of experiments with Wendelstein 7-X

The goal of fusion research is to develop a climate- and environment-friendly power station. Like the sun, it is to derive energy from the fusion of atomic nuclei. Since the fusion fire only ignites at temperatures of over 100 million degrees, the fuel - a low-density hydrogen plasma - must not come into contact with cold vessel walls. Held by magnetic fields, it floats in an almost contact-free manner in the interior of a vacuum chamber.

Facilitating diagnosis with a new type of biosensor

Scientists have developed a new type of biosensor able to precisely quantify metabolites using a single drop of blood. The accuracy and simplicity of the procedure could make it a tool of choice for diagnosing and monitoring several diseases.

Biosensor chip wirelessly detects disease

Researchers have developed a chip that can detect a type of genetic mutation known as a single nucleotide polymorphism and wirelessly send the results in real time to a smartphone, computer, or other electronic device. The chip is at least 1,000 times more sensitive at detecting an SNP than current technology.

AI predicts personality through eye tracking

It's often been said that the eyes are the window to the soul, revealing what we think and how we feel. Now, new research reveals that your eyes may also be an indicator of your personality type, simply by the way they move.

Targeting headaches and tumors with nano-submarines

Scientists have developed a new method to enable miniature drug-filled nanocarriers to dock on to immune cells, which in turn attack tumors. In the future, this may lead to targeted treatment that can largely eliminate damage to healthy tissue.

A simple new approach to plastic solar cells

Plastic solar cells, based on blends of conducting organic polymers, are of interest for making lightweight and cheap solar cells. The problem with these kinds of solar cells is that their solar power efficiencies are very closely related to the way the different types of materials mix and crystalize in thin films. This means complex and careful processing is usually needed to make efficient polymer solar cells.

Nature-inspired soft millirobot makes its way through enclosed spaces

Scientists invented a magnetically controlled soft robot only four millimeters in size, that can walk, crawl or roll through uneven terrain, carry cargo, climb onto the water surface, and even swim in it. The inspiration comes from soft-bodied beetle larvae and caterpillars, and even jellyfishes posed as biological models.

New fast-charging, high-energy electric-car battery technology

An international team of researchers has presented a novel hydrogen isotope separation system based on a porous metal organic framework.

Flexible sensors can detect movement in GI tract

Researchers have built a flexible sensor that can be rolled up and swallowed. Upon ingestion, the sensor adheres to the stomach wall or intestinal lining, where it can measure the rhythmic contractions of the digestive tract.

Swimming microbots can remove pathogenic bacteria from water

The lack of clean water in many areas around the world is a persistent, major public health problem. One day, tiny robots could help address this issue by zooming around contaminated water and cleaning up disease-causing bacteria.

New technique studies neuromodulation in real time

Researchers have developed a light-sensitive technique to visualize and manipulate neuromodulation with unprecedented spatial and temporal precision.

Magic ink from the nano world

New technique could open the way for animating ultra-high-resolution images and for developing extremely sharp displays.

New drive for tiny vessels

Nanorobots and other mini-vehicles might be able to perform important services in medicine one day - for example, by conducting remotely-controlled operations or transporting pharmaceutical agents to a desired location in the body.

Scientists lay foundations for new type of solar cell

An interdisciplinary team of researchers has laid the foundations for an entirely new type of photovoltaic cell. In this new method, infrared radiation is converted into electrical energy using a different mechanism from that found in conventional solar cells.

Innovations in Large-Area Electronics Conference (innoLAE 2017)

A key event for the large-area electronics community, bringing industry and academia together and providing valuable opportunities to share the latest research results and discuss new projects and collaborations.