Physics-inspired graph neural networks to solve combinatorial optimization problems

Combinatorial optimization problems are complex problems with a discrete but large set of possible solutions. Some of the most renowned examples of these problems are the traveling salesman, the bin-packing, and the job-shop scheduling problems.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/physics-inspired-graph-neural-networks-to-solve-combinatorial-optimization-problems

Spatial distribution of anti-Asian hate tweets during COVID-19

In January of 2020, SARS-CoV-2 reached the United States. With it came an even faster-spreading virus—xenophobic rhetoric referring to the pandemic's epicenter in Wuhan, China. Politicians flooded news outlets and social media with distrust of the Chinese government and labeled COVID-19 as the "Chinese flu," "Wuhan flu," "Kung flu" and more.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/spatial-distribution-of-anti-asian-hate-tweets-during-covid-19

Electronic self-passivation of single vacancy in black phosphorus

NUS scientists discovered that a two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting material, known as black phosphorus (BP), exhibits an electronic self-passivation phenomenon by re-arranging its vacancy defects. This may potentially enhance the charge mobility of the material and its analogs.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/electronic-self-passivation-of-single-vacancy-in-black-phosphorus

Using origami and kirigami to inspire reconfigurable yet structural materials

Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, has long served as inspiration for industrial design. The concept of folding has been used to build reconfigurable structures, which change their function by changing their shape. These structures are promising for applications such as nanorobots for drug delivery, foldable solar panels for aerospace, and morphable cladding and shading for architecture. However, most of these designs cannot bear heavy loads. Those that can are only able to do so in a certain direction, collapsing along the direction in which they fold. This limits their use as structural materials.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/using-origami-and-kirigami-to-inspire-reconfigurable-yet-structural-materials