TechXplore

A restricted AI model is described as finding decades-old security holes missed by both human experts and automated tools, while still being kept from public release for “obvious reasons.” techxplore.com/news/2026-04-a…

A “gas battery” generates continuous DC power with no external source as CO₂ or NOx adsorb onto asymmetric carbon-hydrogel electrodes, turning air pollutants into the device’s fuel. doi.org/hbxsdg techxplore.com/news/2026-04-g…

A metamaterial shell was designed to keep heat flow undisturbed not just outside a cloaked device, but inside the shell too—an unexpected step toward thermal sensors that don’t alter what they measure. @physrevlett doi.org/hbxrk3 techxplore.com/news/2026-04-i…

Wind and solar add a rare grid challenge: electricity that is both weather-driven and effectively zero-cost to produce. That can lower wholesale prices while making backup power harder to keep available. @georgiatech doi.org/hbxrkx techxplore.com/news/2026-04-s…

AI agents can automate online tasks, but systems like OpenClaw have shown risky behavior, from deleting inboxes to exposing personal data, while hidden prompts and add-ons may open new paths for attacks. techxplore.com/news/2026-04-a…

In Beijing, a humanoid robot completed a 21 km robot half-marathon in 50:26, faster than the human world record of about 57 minutes; about 40% of robots on the course navigated autonomously. techxplore.com/news/2026-04-h…

Engineered balsa wood was redesigned to absorb sunlight, store it as heat, and later generate electricity via a thermoelectric device, reaching 91.27% photothermal efficiency and 0.65 volts. doi.org/hbxpfx techxplore.com/news/2026-04-w…

Fusion’s high energy potential is clear, but electricity generation remains unproven, and costs for magnetic and inertial fusion may fall more slowly than expected, limiting competition with renewables. @NatureEnergyJnl doi.org/hbxn84 techxplore.com/news/2026-04-f…

A single-crystalline 3D borate covalent organic framework acts as a solid-state electrolyte for lithium metal batteries, reducing dendrites and boosting conductivity, stability, and long-term cycling. @hkust @advscinews doi.org/hbxf6g techxplore.com/news/2026-04-c…

Heavy reliance on AI for simulated work tasks was linked to lower confidence in independent reasoning and weaker ownership of ideas; active oversight or challenging AI suggestions was linked to the opposite. @apa doi.org/hbxfc8 techxplore.com/news/2026-04-o…

An AI prompt-coaching tool that warns about biased wording and suggests more inclusive prompts increased awareness of algorithmic bias and trust calibration, but also made use feel more frustrating. @penn_state doi.org/hbxd8d techxplore.com/news/2026-04-p…

AGI-level systems may be impossible to fully predict or control. A safer path may be a diverse mix of AI agents with different values, able to influence, balance, and correct one another. @kingscollegelon @PNASNexus doi.org/hbxm83 techxplore.com/news/2026-04-u…

Cesium-doped perovskite solar cells reached 26.61% certified efficiency. Even Cs+ distribution stabilized the α-phase, improved heat resistance, and preserved 95% efficiency after 1,500 hours at 85°C. @NatureEnergyJnl doi.org/hbxmqk techxplore.com/news/2026-04-p…

Ant-inspired robots using only local cues and simple rules can self-organize to build or excavate structures, switching between the two by tuning cooperation strength and material deposition. @hseas @PRX_Life doi.org/hbxjgf techxplore.com/news/2026-04-s…

A slime-like artificial muscle can reshape in real time, self-heal after cuts or electrical failure, and be reused by extracting and reinjecting its liquid-like electrode into new devices. @ScienceAdvances doi.org/hbxknf techxplore.com/news/2026-04-s…

A one-step system captures CO₂ and converts it to carbon monoxide, with nearly 3x higher uptake in DMSO than water and zinc replacing silver, while still working on simulated flue gas. @NatureEnergyJnl doi.org/hbxj5k techxplore.com/news/2026-04-t…

A transparent window film that passively sheds heat outdoors cut car cabin temperature by up to 6.1°C and reduced cooling energy use by over 20% across parking and driving tests in multiple climates. doi.org/hbxj48 techxplore.com/news/2026-04-t…

An AI framework called Quinex turns numbers buried in scientific papers into structured data by identifying values, units, and context, with high accuracy across fields while still requiring human interpretation. doi.org/hbxjpw techxplore.com/news/2026-04-a…

A new handheld console uses solar panels and a crank to harvest energy while you play, turning actions like firing in DOOM or slowing Tetris blocks into both input and power source. @TUDelft techxplore.com/news/2026-04-g…

Solar- and crank-powered handheld consoles show that kinetic energy can both power gameplay and enrich interaction, pointing toward sustainable, battery-free gaming experiences. @TUDelft techxplore.com/news/2026-04-g…