Computer America

Show Notes 4 September 2026Mimic Robotics introduces ‘frontier video-action models’ to the factory floor at AudiStory by David EdwardsRobotics & Automation Newshttps://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2026/07/29/mimic-robotics-introduces-frontier-video-action-models-to-the-factory-floor-at-audi/103705/The Ocean is Teeming with Critical Minerals: Here’s How We Could Get ThemStory by JoAnna WendelPacific Northwest National Laboratoryhttps://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/ocean-teeming-critical-news-heres-how-we-could-get-themAcceleration without fuel: Revolutionary superconducting device harnesses Earth's magnetic field to move a spacecraftStory by Tereza PultarovaSpace.comhttps://www.space.com/technology/acceleration-without-fuel-revolutionary-superconducting-thruster-harnesses-earths-magnetic-field-in-1st-orbital-testEndless Supply of Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells Unlocked by USC ScientistsStory by Cristy LytalSciTechDaily.comhttps://scitechdaily.com/en...

Oceanbird Wing Sail InstallationSource: Interesting Engineeringhttps://interestingengineering.com/videos/giant-150-foot-wing-just-set-sail-on-a-754-foot-cargo-ship-and-it-runs-on-windhttps://www.theoceanbird.com/press-releases/oceanbird-completes-installationQuaise Energy Superhot Geothermal PlantSource: ESG Today / Fast Companyhttps://www.esgtoday.com/quaise-energy-raises-134-million-to-build-first-ever-superhot-geothermal-power-plant/https://www.fastcompany.com/91572753/this-houston-geothermal-startup-is-betting-it-can-beat-fossil-fuels-on-costhttps://quaiseprojectobsidian.com/AI-Driven Optical TweezersSource: Phys.org / Naturehttps://phys.org/news/2026-06-ai-driven-optical-tweezers-hundreds.htmlhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-026-03129-3Moderna and Merck Melanoma Vaccine TrialSource: Reutershttps://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/merck-moderna-say-melanoma-skin-cancer-vaccine-meets-goals-large-trial-2026-08-19/Solar-Powered Plastic RecyclingSource: University of Cambridge / Naturehttps://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/scientists-demonstrate-solar-powered-plastic-recycling-at-real-world-scalehttps://www.nature.com/articles/s44286-026-00406-yCopper Drug for Alzheimer's TreatmentSource: Monash University...

Calcopia is your place for unique and interesting analyses on the best of gaming, movies, tech, books, a regularly updated Podcast, and original content you won’t find anywhere else. 100 percent independent and agenda-free, our diverse editorial staff is committed to keeping things interesting and always entertaining. A veritable cornucopia of editorial excellence, if you will. https://calcopia.com/the-state-of-gaming-july-2026-valves-steam-machine-disc-free-playstation-xbox-backwards-compatibility/https://calcopia.com/gaming-historian-kurt-kalata-talks-pc-engine-box-art/https://www.samsung.com/us/brand-new-day/https://www.engadget.com/2230202/bmw-is-forcing-a-weird-spider-man-ad-onto-its-dashboard-displays/https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/06/celebrate-30-years-of-quake-with-a-brand-new-episode-available-today/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/grand-theft-auto-6-extended-first-lookhttps://www.eng...

Show NotesResearchers invent 'new type of pixel' that could create displays that double as cameras — and the internet's first thought is 'what could go wrong?'Source: TechRadar.comStory by David Nieldhttps://www.techradar.com/computing/computing-components/researchers-invent-new-type-of-pixel-that-could-create-displays-that-double-as-cameras-and-the-internets-first-thought-is-what-could-go-wrong·What if AI could move your hand? Students build a wearable device using AI and electric pulsesSource: Newswav.comhttps://newswav.com/article/what-if-ai-could-move-your-hand-students-build-a-wearable-device-using-ai-a-A2605_J9DkHA·This Jacket Pulls Drinking Water from Thin Air - The advance in fabric technology comes alongside a new benchmark for atmospheric water harvestingSource: University of Texas at Austin website<br...

Show Notes - July 31, 2026Computer model could enable bridges and buildings that use less materialAuthor: Zach WinnSource: MIT NewsLink:https://news.mit.edu/2026/computer-model-could-enable-less-material-bridges-buildings-0624Self-Healing Contact Lenses Activated by UV Light: A Breakthrough in Vision CareAuthor: Bioengineer.comSource: Bioengineer.comLink:https://bioengineer.org/self-healing-contact-lenses-activated-by-uv-light-a-breakthrough-in-vision-care/Research Paper:https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsapm.5c04803AI identifies pancreatic cancer years before diagnosis, offering potential for earlier treatmentAuthor: Mayo ClinicSource: Mayo ClinicLink:https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cancer/news/ai-identifies-pancreatic-cancer-years-before-diagnosis-offering-potential-for-earlier-treatment/mac-20602833World-first: therapy to make cells young again given to a personAuthor...

Show Notes 24 July 2026NASA Program Explores Hybrid-Electric ‘Double Bubble’ [fuselage] Airliner ConceptFlyingmag.comStory by Jack Daleohttps://www.flyingmag.com/nasa-electra-hybrid-commercial-airliner-concept/Electra Company WebsiteElectrahttps://electra.aero/Electra Press ReleaseElectrahttps://electra.aero/news/electra-unveils-turbo-electric-aircraft-concept-for-next-generation-airliner-as-part-of-nasa-aaces-2050-programNASA AACES ProgramNASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/reference/advanced-aircraft-concepts-for-environmental-sustainability-2050/“Cold spray” 3D printing technique proves effective for on-site bridge repairMIT NewsStory by Anne Wilsonhttps://news.mit.edu/2025/cold-spray-3d-printing-technique-effective-bridge-repair-0620Plastic bottles could find new life in batteries as graphitePenn State announcementhttps://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/plastic-bottles-could-find-new-life-batteries-graphiteScienceDirect Research PaperScienceDirecthttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925963526002700?via%3DihubSurgeons Use Teleoperated Humanoid Robots to Perform Live Surgery – a World Firs...

Show Notes 17 July 2026Ultra-thin transparent solar cells promise invisible charging for wearables, cars, and homesDigitalTrends.com - Story by Sudhanshu Kumar Mangalamhttps://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/ultra-thin-transparent-solar-cells-promise-invisible-charging-for-wearables-cars-and-homes/Soil power: UK startup Bactery is generating sustainable energy from the earthUniversity of Bath press releasehttps://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/soil-power-uk-startup-bactery-is-generating-sustainable-energy-from-the-earth/Bactery Company WebsiteBacteryhttps://www.bactery.com/This shape-shifting liquid stores solar energy, and releases it on demandAnthropocene Magazinehttps://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2026/06/this-shape-shifting-liquid-soaks-up-sunlight-stores-energy-and-releases-it-on-demand/Boosting one protein helps the brain fight Alzheimer’sScienceDaily.com - From Baylor College of Medicineht...

Show NotesStory 1: First map of nerve circuitry in bone helps physicians identify key signals for bone repairRobert EganMedicalXpress.comhttps://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-nerve-circuitry-bone-physicians-key.htmlhttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr9608Story 2: Spinach-Based Eye Drops Could Help Treat a Common Eye ConditionDavid NieldScienceAlert.comhttps://www.sciencealert.com/spinach-based-eye-drops-could-help-treat-a-common-eye-conditionhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL8OuEJeDxYStory 3: Engineered blood clots form faster to stop severe bleedingMedical News Life Scienceshttps://www.news-medical.net/news/20260615/Engineered-blood-clots-form-faster-to-stop-severe-bleeding.aspxhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10412-yStory 4: Stanford scientists regrow lost cartilage and reverse arthritis in major breakthroughScienceDaily.comhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612021604.htmhttps://www.science...

Show NotesFox Buying Roku: A Cage Match for the TV Home ScreenBy Rob EnderleTechNewsWorldhttps://www.technewsworld.com/story/fox-buying-roku-a-cage-match-for-the-tv-home-screen-180403.htmlSony Will Stop Making Disc-Based PlayStation Games Starting 2028By Igor BonifacicEngadgethttps://www.engadget.com/2205792/sony-will-stop-making-disc-based-playstation-games-starting-2028Brands Share Playful Responses to Sony's Digital-Only AnnouncementBy Theodore McKenzie80lvhttps://80.lv/articles/brands-share-playful-responses-to-sony-s-digital-only-announcementGitHub Is Offering CD-ROMs of Your Code For a Few DaysBy Jorge JimenezPC Gamerhttps://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/your-code-is-physically-yours-forever-until-you-lose-it-lets-be-real-github-wagging-its-finger-at-sonys-own-goal-is-offering-cd-roms-of-your-code-for-a-few-daysXbox Follows Apple with Price IncreasesBy Ivan MehtaTechCrunchhttps://techcrunch.com/2026/06/25/xbox-follows-apple-with-price-increases/Support for a Social Media Ban...

Show Notes 3 July 2026Story 1: IBM Unveils the World’s First Sub-1-Nanometer Chip TechnologyStory by Allen LeeSource: TechTimes.comLink: https://www.techtimes.com/articles/319060/20260625/ibm-unveils-worlds-first-sub-1-nanometer-chip-technology.htmLink: https://newsroom.ibm.com/2026-06-25-ibm-debuts-worlds-first-sub-1-nanometer-chip-technology?utm_source=chatgpt.comStory 2: University licenses breakthrough e-waste gold and copper recovery technologySource: Edinburgh InnovationsLink: https://edinburgh-innovations.ed.ac.uk/news/university-of-edinburgh-licenses-breakthrough-e-waste-gold-and-copper-recovery-technologyStory 3: World's first 'native' color lidar will let robots and self-driving cars map the world in full color 3DStory by Fiona JacksonSource: Newsbreak.comLink: https://www.newsbreak.com/livescience-525075/4659318310506-world-s-first-native-color-lidar-will-let-robots-and-self-driving-cars-map-the-world-in-full-color-3dLink: https://ouster.com/Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msrvH_nivHIStory 4: Lab-created ‘Spud...

Show Notes 26 June 2026World’s Most Powerful Tidal Turbine ‘Orbital O2’ Begins Operations Off Scotland’s Orkney IslandsMI News NetworkMarineInsight.comhttps://www.marineinsight.com/worlds-most-powerful-tidal-turbine-orbital-o2-begins-operations-off-scotlands-orkney-islands/https://www.orbitalmarine.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSM3WukK_cgHelion secures world’s first regulatory licenses for fusion power plant being built in WashingtonLisa StifflerGeekwirehttps://www.geekwire.com/2026/helion-secures-worlds-first-regulatory-licenses-for-fusion-power-plant-being-built-in-washington/Circularity Fuels Converts Raw Dairy Biogas to Jet Fuel in World First End-to-End PilotBeth AntonRenewable Energy Newshttps://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/biogas/circularity-fuels-converts-raw-dairy-biogas-to-20260617Ultrasound-based pacemaker noninvasively steadies the heartJennifer ChuMIT Newshttps://news.mit.edu/2026/ultrasound-based-pacemaker-noninvasively-steadies-heart-0602Waste oils and fats to be turned int...

Show NotesStory 1: A new frontier for marine robot communication: University of Florida scientists develop BlueMEDave SchlenkerUniversity of Floridahttps://www.eng.ufl.edu/news/research-innovation/a-new-frontier-for-marine-robot-communication-uf-scientists-develop-blueme/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11506063Story 2: Scientists bred a fast-growing kelp that could fuel ships and aircraft without oilBrooklyn SmithThe Cool Down on MSN.comhttps://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/scientists-bred-a-fast-growing-kelp-that-could-fuel-ships-and-aircraft-without-oil/ar-AA239D7SStory 3: Introducing Argus, a robot with 20 legs and eyes built to move and see in any direction instantlyAllen G. Breed and Holly RamerAP News Servicehttps://apnews.com/article/robot-duke-argus-6ba9651ba6553ebc4405ffc07a26afedhttps...

Show NotesStudent-Built Car Hits 2,145 MPG And Beats Every Production VehicleRex SanchezAutoBlog.comhttps://www.autoblog.com/news/student-built-car-hits-2145-mpg-and-beats-every-production-vehicleSee YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz84xF6tn-MBacteria Live in Fog Droplets and Clear Toxins from Earth’s AirKeith CowingAstrobiology.comhttps://astrobiology.com/2026/05/bacteria-live-in-fog-droplets-and-clear-toxins-from-earths-air.htmlSee also: https://futurism.com/science-energy/something-living-inside-fogSee research paper here: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00463-26Solar cells just did the “impossible” with this 130% breakthrough - A new “spin-flip” breakthrough could let solar panels generate more energy than they receiveKyushu UniversityScienceDaily.comhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328024517.htmSee research paper here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10...

Computer America Stories 06/5/2026 Happy First Birthday, Switch 2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_Switch_2Nvidia’s RTX Spark Silicon Brings Supercomputer Ambitions to Consumer Laptops https://www.pcmag.com/news/nvidia-rtx-spark-in-consumer-laptops-computex-2026Steam Machine and Steam Frame are coming 'this summer' https://www.engadget.com/2187938/steam-machine-and-steam-frame-are-coming-this-summer/Behind the Movie Claiming to Be the First Straight-to-VHS Release in 20 Years — And Why It’s a ‘Middle Finger’ to AIhttps://variety.com/2026/film/global/behind-the-fstraight-to-vhs-release-in-20-years-and-why-its-a-middle-finger-to-ai-1236767661/Misc.

Show Notes 5 June 2026Researchers built a switch 1,000 times faster than today's AI chips, and it barely generates any heat - University of Tokyo's antiferromagnetic spintronic switch operates at picosecond speedsKishalaya KunduTechSpot.comhttps://www.techspot.com/news/112430-researchers-built-switch-1000-times-faster-than-today.htmlhttps://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/press/11143/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt3136?utm_source=chatgpt.comSolar [panels] on canals reduces water evaporation by 70% and algae growth by 85%Pilar Sanchez MolinaPV Magazinehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2026/05/04/solar-on-canals-reduces-water-evaporation-by-70-and-algae-growth-by-85/https://www.tid.org/current-projects/project-nexus/https...

Show Notes 29 May 2026This see-through smart ring translates sign language and almost works like magicRachit AgarwalDigital Trendshttps://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/this-see-through-smart-ring-translates-sign-language-and-almost-works-like-magic/A Wireless Ring-Type Device for Sign Language TranslationScience Advanceshttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aec8995This thumb ring translates sign language into textPopular Sciencehttps://www.popsci.com/technology/sign-language-translator-ring/States Across the Wildfire-Prone Western US Are Using AI for Early DetectionAssociated PressWildland Firefighterhttps://www.wildlandfirefighter.com/2026/05/04/states-across-the-wildfire-prone-western-us-are-using-ai-for-early-detection/Recycled human waste could turn the dust on Mars and the Moon into fertile soil for cropsEric RallsEarth...

Show Notes3D-printed brain sensors may unlock personalized neural monitoringTy TkacikPenn State websitehttps://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/3d-printed-brain-sensors-may-unlock-personalized-neural-monitoringResearchers use ultrasound to create light inside the bodyStanford University Reporthttps://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/researchers-use-ultrasound-to-create-light-inside-the-bodyNeuralink builds surgical robot to speed up brain implant procedures for patientsMrigakshi DixitInteresting Engineeringhttps://interestingengineering.com/science/neuralink-unveils-surgical-robot-to-automate-bciMIT Laser Breakthrough Lets Scientists Watch Drugs Enter the Brain in Real TimeAdam...

Show Notes 8 May 2026This 'gas battery' turns CO2 and NOx pollution into electricitySungkyunkwan UniversityTechXplore.comhttps://techxplore.com/news/2026-04-gas-battery-pollution-electricity-air.htmlhttps://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/ee/d5ee06789hHumanoid robot takes first steps on construction siteMark GloverConstruction Managementhttps://constructionmanagement.co.uk/humanoid-robot-takes-first-steps-on-construction-site/AI-controlled morphing wings take flight as DLR tests aircraftJay MenonAerospace Global Newshttps://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/dlr-ai-controlled-morphing-wings-aircraft/Scientists invent artificial neurons that 'talk' to real brain cellsMarianne GuenotLiveScience.comhttps://www.livescience.com/health/neuroscience/scientists-invent-artificial-neurons-that-talk-to-real-brain-cells-paving-way-to-better-brain-implantshttps://www.nature.com/articles...

Show Notes 1 May 2026New Self-Healing Material Could Extend Life of Planes, Cars by Centuries Soo Kim Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/self-healing-material-could-extend-life-planes-cars-centuries-11833122Chinese Scientists Bioengineering Plants with Firefly Genes to Glow Frank Landymore Futurism.com https://futurism.com/science-energy/bioengineering-plants-glow-light-cities https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1FAPvC123Q&t=1sScientists use AI to create ultra-strong, rust-proof steel for 3D-printed parts Christopher McFadden InterestingEngineering.com https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-creates-rust-proof-steel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMRDl64Ixq4&t=9sSmart contact lens monitors eye pressure and delivers glaucoma drugs Annalisa Merelli Statnews.com https://www.statnews.com/2026/04/08/glaucoma-smart-contact-lens-combines-monitoring-drug-delivery/ https://www...

Show Notes 24 April 2026XM30 Lynx: The US Army’s New 50mm Cannon‑Powered Robot War Machine Alex Barrientos GadgetReview.com https://www.gadgetreview.com/xm30-lynx-the-us-armys-new-50mm-cannon%e2%80%91powered-robot-war-machineNew software could cut cooling energy use by 25% in data centers Ty Tkacik PennState website https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/new-software-could-cut-cooling-energy-use-25-data-centersChemists make hydrogen from breadcrumbs in groundbreaking reaction that could replace some fossil fuels Victoria Atkinson LiveScience.com https://www.livescience.com/chemistry/chemists-make-hydrogen-from-breadcrumbs-in-groundbreaking-reaction-that-could-replace-some-fossil-fuelsGraphene 'scaffold' recruits bone cells and helps the body repair fractures Robert Egan Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-04-graphene-scaffold-bone-cells-body.htmlEco-Friendly Laser Method Turns Leather into...