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Researchers propose novel nanochips from atomically thin materials to make quantum computing possible
In October 2019, Google announced that their quantum processor achieved a computation in 200 seconds, which they claim would take even the most advanced supercomputers today approximately 10,000 years. While IBM has challenged this claim, such drastic changes in computational capabilities are indeed possible due to a fundamentally new technology called quantum computers.
Researchers develop a realistic framework for planning and scheduling water tanker movement in cities
It is not just a shortfall of adequate water sources that is responsible for the water woes in our cities. Many parts of the ever-growing urban areas are still waiting for piped water, and citizens and city water supply boards alike are dependent on tankers to fetch water to cope with the erratic supply. For instance, the Delhi Jal Board has a fleet of around 800 tankers providing water to its people across different parts of the city.
Researchers probe the effects of defects in solids to improve the speed of electronic devices
Many of the solid materials used in electronic devices (such as semiconductor devices usually made out of silicon) develop defects in their crystal structure when the crystals are grown. Scientists have for long used these defects to their advantage, and have even wilfully introduced defects to achieve interesting material properties. For instance, electrical properties of semiconductors are improved by adding a few atoms of a different element to it.
Researchers study the structure of taro leaves to make water-repellent material
The leaves of taro plants are a familiar ingredient in many regional delicacies across India. Featuring in dishes like alu wadi and pathrode, the heart-shaped leaves of this plant have an interesting quality — they are hydrophobic. Liquids that land on their surface do not wet the leaves but instead roll off them.
Researchers find how temperature, humidity and properties of different surfaces influence the evaporation rates of respiratory droplets infected with COVID-19.