The inherent directionality of speakers and complex shapes of car cabins can exacerbate sound disparities between the drivers and passengers, no matter how advanced a speaker system. In the Journal of Applied Physics, researchers create a prototype using a fractal to mitigate the sound differences. To create their metamaterial, they used precise molding to shape the fractal and then placed it over a car speaker. They measured the sound pressure levels at different seats in the car and found their disparity significantly decreased, including at higher frequencies.

Single-cell sequencing provides great insights into the inner workings of cells – but making sense of the data requires advanced bioinformatics skills. Researchers at CeMM, Medical University of Vienna, and St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute have now developed an artificial intelligence (AI) method and software tool that lets scientists explore such datasets through natural-language conversations – speaking English with the computer instead of having to learn a programming language. This study, published in Nature Biotechnology (DOI 10.1038/s41587-025-02857-9), illustrates how modern AI makes biomedical research more accessible and effective.

The survey “A Survey on Omni-Modal Language Models” offers a systematic overview of the technological evolution, structural design, and performance evaluation of omni-modal language models (OMLMs). The work highlights how OMLMs enable unified perception, reasoning, and generation across modalities, contributing to the ongoing progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

Third-generation solar cell technology is advancing rapidly. An engineering research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a breakthrough in the field of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), focusing on addressing challenges that include improving efficiency, stability and scalability. The team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of TSC performance and provided strategic recommendations, which aim to raise the energy conversion efficiency of this new type of solar cell from the current maximum of approximately 34% to around 40%. The team hopes to accelerate the commercialisation of perovskite/silicon TSCs through industry-academia-research collaboration, while aligning with the Nation’s strategic plan of carbon peaking and neutrality and promoting the development of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence through renewable energy.

SAN ANTONIO — November 11, 2025 — Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has expanded the capabilities of its world-class Metering Research Facility (MRF) to ensure existing natural gas infrastructure is compatible with hydrogen fuels. This initiative is supported by internal funding and combines SwRI’s expertise in energy, power, and automotive engineering to help several industries evaluate how blending hydrogen with natural gas affects infrastructure and technology.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop hands-on training, internships, and mentoring aimed at expanding the hydrogen energy workforce. The unique program will focus on experiential learning to build a blueprint that can be adapted to prepare workers for other jobs in any emerging technology industry, not just hydrogen energy.