Saarland University

Researchers in Germany have demonstrated quantum entanglement of two atoms separated by 33 km (20.5 miles) of fiber optics. This is a record distance for this kind of communication and marks a breakthrough towards a fast and secure quantum internet.

It's easy for us to forget that our computers are equipped with "electronic eyes," potentially watching us at all times. Scientists are now exploring the dynamics of the relationship, with a creepy – but fully functional – human-eye-like webcam.

Although it's possible to 3D-print metal objects, such items can't always be formed down to the sub-millimeter precision required for certain applications. A new technique, however, allows them to be infinitesimally tweaked after being printed.

​It's certainly a hassle when a car gets a big paint-scratch, but smaller scratches in its clear coat are much more common and still unsightly. A new corn-based transparent finish could help, as its scratches heal up when subjected to heat.

New research has found that endurance exercise, such as running, swimming or cycling, and high intensity interval training (HIIT)​ has the ability to not only slow, but actually reverse cellular aging, whereas resistance exercise, like pumping iron, does not.

​In 2015, scientists from Germany's Saarland University presented us with their iSkin stickers, which could be placed on the body to touch-control mobile devices. Now, led by Prof. Jürgen Steimle, they've built upon that technology to develop what's known as Multi-Touch Skin.

​Robots are often equipped with vacuum grippers, for holding onto flat objects. Typically, those grippers are powered by compressed air, which has some drawbacks. Now, however, scientists have developed one that instead utilizes an artificial muscle.

​Smartwatches may be handy, but their small screens can make them awkward to use. It was with this in mind that scientists created a system known as DeformWear. It lets users control a smartwatch by using their fingertips to press, push or pinch a wearable sensor that's about the size of a pea.

​​Back before the bicycle was invented, people rode something known as the draisine or "dandy horse." It was like an adult-sized version of the balance bikes still used by toddlers today. Now, a team of computer scientists has created a gloriously retro electric-assist draisine.​

We've recently seen attempts at extending smartwatch user interfaces off of the screen, and onto the wearer's body. One of the latest, known as WatchSense, allows users to control a mobile device by moving the fingers of one hand on and above the back of the other.​

​Smartglasses aren't unlike smartphones, in that you don't want just anyone picking up yours and using it. Conventional passwords are one way to go, but scientists have developed an alternative that doesn't involve memorizing anything – you do, however, have to let the glasses buzz your skull.​

In an effort to make a greener, more energy efficient cooling system, a team of engineers from Germany's Saarland University is turning to shape memory materials to replace the refrigerant gases used in conventional cooling technologies.