Technological Frontier Research Articles

Facilitating Charge Separation and CO2 Adsorption in g-C3N4 by Fe Single Atoms on 2D Nitro-Oxygeneous Carbon for Efficient Artificial Photosynthesis.

Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2), so-called artificial photosynthesis, has been regarded as the future technology with high potential to sustainably address global warming. However, the efficiency and stability of the catalysts used in this frontier technology are substantially lower than the requirement for practical application, especially for gas-phase reactions. In this work, the composites of iron single-atom catalysts (Fe-SACs) supported on N/O-doped carbon and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were fabricated to promote the gas-solid phase photocatalytic CO2 reduction under the simulated sunlight. Insightful characterizations reveal that g-C3N4 could function as a CO2 capture and light-absorber, while the Fe-SACs act as a promotor for charge-carrier separation. Hence, the catalytic performance was greatly increased compared to that of the individual component. For example, thin-film g-C3N4 (T-CN) and Fe-SACgenerates total reduced CO2 products of 5.06 and 0.75 µmol.h-1g-1 respectively. On the other hand, the reduced CO2 products were increased by more than doubled (14.62 µmol.h-1g-1) when the composite of T-CN/Fe-SAC was used as a catalyst. The photocatalytic enhancement could be attributed to the synergistic effects between Fe-SAC/T-CN which possess the stronger CO2 adsorption ability and charge separation capability and the increased number of active sites, resulting in the improved overall performance.

Living Dual Heat- and pH-Responsive Textiles.

Smart textiles that integrate multiple environmental sensing capabilities are an emerging frontier in wearable technology. In this study, we developed dual pH- and temperature-responsive textiles by combining engineered bacterial systems with bacterially derived proteins. For temperature sensing, we characterized the properties of a heat sensitive promoter, Phs, in Escherichia coli (E. coli) using enhanced green fluorescent protein as a reporter. Our findings demonstrate that the Phs promoter drives elevated gene expression at temperatures between 37 and 43 °C, maintaining sustained activity for several hours. Moreover, we found that short heat shocks can significantly boost expression levels of the Phs promoter. We successfully integrated E. coli expressing Phs-EGFP cells onto textiles and confirmed their ability to retain heat-responsive behavior after integration. To achieve pH responsiveness, we utilized curli fibers, genetically engineered to incorporate a pH-sensitive fluorescent protein, pHuji. pH-sensing curli fibers are bacterial proteins that have a proven track record of creating stable bioresponsive textile coatings. By embedding Phs-EGFP-expressing bacteria within curli fiber coatings, we created a dual-responsive textile capable of differentiating between acidic and alkaline environments while simultaneously responding to thermal stimuli. These multifunctional textiles exhibited dual environmental response and sensing capabilities. This work establishes a proof-of-concept for creating smart living textiles with modular functionalities, paving the way toward advanced bioresponsive materials.

Spatial-temporal characteristics and drivers of urban built-up areas land low-carbon efficiency in China

Understanding the evolution of low-carbon efficiency in urban built-up areas is essential for developing countries striving to meet sustainable development goals. However, the mechanisms driving low-carbon efficiency and the associated development pathways remain underexplored. This study applies the Global Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, the Global Malmquist-Luenberger Index, and econometric models to evaluate low-carbon efficiency and its determinants across China’s urban built-up areas from 2010 to 2022. The findings reveal a significant increase in efficiency, from 0.555 in 2010 to 0.785 in 2022, reflecting an overall improvement of 41.4% (P < 0.05). Spatially, low-carbon efficiency demonstrates a pronounced “east-high and west-low” distribution, highlighting regional disparities and spatial correlations. Temporal changes in low-carbon efficiency are primarily driven by technological advancements and shifts in the technological frontier. However, the disproportionate efficiency gains during periods of high resource input suggest inefficiencies in production factor allocation, particularly in densely populated urban centers. Unlike natural endowments, concentrated factor inputs in such cities often impede efficiency improvements. The findings underscore the need for context-sensitive development strategies, as a one-size-fits-all model may not address the diverse challenges posed by regional disparities. By leveraging market mechanisms to optimize resource allocation and strengthen interregional spatial connectivity, this study provides actionable insights for promoting sustainable land development in developing economies.

Highly Self-Adhesive and Biodegradable Silk Bioelectronics for All-In-One Imperceptible Long-Term Electrophysiological Biosignals Monitoring.

Skin-like bioelectronics offer a transformative technological frontier, catering to continuous and real-time yet highly imperceptible and socially discreet digital healthcare. The key technological breakthrough enabling these innovations stems from advancements in novel material synthesis, with unparalleled possibilities such as conformability, miniature footprint, and elasticity. However, existing solutions still lack desirable properties like self-adhesivity, breathability, biodegradability, transparency, and fail to offer a streamlined and scalable fabrication process. By addressing these challenges, inkjet-patterned protein-based skin-like silk bioelectronics (Silk-BioE) are presented, that integrate all the desirable material features that have been individually present in existing devices but never combined into a single embodiment. The all-in-one solution possesses excellent self-adhesiveness (300 N m-1) without synthetic adhesives, high breathability (1263g h-1 m-2) as well as swift biodegradability in soil within a mere 2 days. In addition, with an elastic modulus of ≈5kPa and a stretchability surpassing 600%, the soft electronics seamlessly replicate the mechanics of epidermis and form a conformal skin/electrode interface even on hairy regions of the body under severe perspiration. Therefore, coupled with a flexible readout circuitry, Silk-BioE can non-invasively monitor biosignals (i.e., ECG, EEG, EOG) in real-time for up to 12 h with benchmarking results against Ag/AgCl electrodes.

New horizons in smart plant sensors: key technologies, applications, and prospects.

As the source of data acquisition, sensors provide basic data support for crop planting decision management and play a foundational role in developing smart planting. Accurate, stable, and deployable on-site sensors make intelligent monitoring of various planting scenarios possible. Recent breakthroughs in plant advanced sensors and the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) have driven sensors towards miniaturization, intelligence, and multi-modality. This review outlines the key technologies in developing new advanced sensors, such as micro-nano technology, flexible electronics technology, and micro-electromechanical system technology. The latest technological frontiers and development trends in sensor principles, fabrication processes, and performance parameters in soil and different segmented crop scenarios are systematically expounded. Finally, future opportunities, challenges, and prospects are discussed. We anticipate that introducing advanced technologies like nanotechnology and AI will rapidly and radically revolutionize the accuracy and intelligence of agricultural sensors, leading to new levels of innovation.

The Global Financial Resource Curse

We provide a model connecting the global saving glut to productivity growth. The key feature is that the tradable sector is the engine of growth of the economy. Capital flows from developing countries to the United States boost demand for US nontradable goods, inducing a reallocation of US economic activity from the tradable sector to the nontradable one. In turn, lower profits in the tradable sector lead firms to cut back investment in innovation. Since innovation in the United States determines the evolution of the world technological frontier, the result is a drop in global productivity growth. (JEL E21, E22, E23, E44, F32, F43, O31)

Developments in Chinese Chipmaking

The global semiconductor industry has become a key source of global economic and geopolitical risks. Due to a combination of huge fixed costs, highly specialized human capital, and a high degree of geographic concentration at different stages of production, chipmaking exhibits extremely low substitutability throughout the value chain. Consequently, the industry is vulnerable to supply chain shocks, which, given the role of semiconductors as a necessary input to a huge array of manufactured goods (figure 1), can have large and persistent global effects. Moreover, chips are also viewed as crucial to developing frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and are increasingly critical to national security.

Developments in Chinese Chipmaking

The global semiconductor industry has become a key source of global economic and geopolitical risks. Due to a combination of huge fixed costs, highly specialized human capital, and a high degree of geographic concentration at different stages of production, chipmaking exhibits extremely low substitutability throughout the value chain. Consequently, the industry is vulnerable to supply chain shocks, which, given the role of semiconductors as a necessary input to a huge array of manufactured goods (figure 1), can have large and persistent global effects. Moreover, chips are also viewed as crucial to developing frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and are increasingly critical to national security.

Review on Buccal Drug Delivery Systems

Buccal drug delivery systems represent a promising frontier in pharmaceutical technology, offering a non-invasive route for drug administration that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic first-pass metabolism. This method leverages the buccal mucosa’s rich vascularization and permeability to enhance drug bioavailability. Recent advancements have focused on developing mucoadhesive films, tablets, and patches that ensure prolonged contact with the mucosal surface, improving drug absorption and patient compliance. Future innovations are expected to incorporate nanotechnology and bioadhesive polymers to further optimize drug release profiles and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the integration of smart drug delivery systems, capable of responding to physiological conditions, holds significant potential for personalized medicine. As research progresses, buccal drug delivery systems are poised to become a cornerstone in the administration of biologics and other complex therapeutics, addressing challenges such as enzymatic degradation and poor solubility.

Enhancing the Optoelectronic Properties of TiPbO3 perovskite through Lanthanum Doping

This article presents a theoretical investigation into the effects of lanthanum doping on the optoelectronic properties of TiPbO3, conducted through first-principles calculations. TiPbO3, a widely used ferroelectric material, is pivotal in various optoelectronic applications due to its high dielectric constant and good optical properties. However, enhancing its properties for tailored applications is necessary to keep pace with the advancing technological frontiers. We analyze the impact of La-doping on the bandgap, absorption coefficient, density of states, and dielectric function, using comprehensive computational simulations. The results indicate significant modifications in the electronic structure and optical behavior of TiPbO3 upon doping, which could result in improved performance in optoelectronic devices. The methodology employed includes density functional theory calculations with CASTEP, utilizing an energy cutoff of 500 eV. The obtained results suggest that La-doped TiPbO3 can be optimized for a variety of optoelectronic applications, offering a pathway towards the development of advanced functional materials.

Brain-Computer Interfaces Enhanced by AI: Applications in Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent a transformative frontier in rehabilitation and assistive technology. These systems enable direct communication between the brain and external devices, empowering individuals with neurological impairments to regain lost functions and enhance their quality of life. By integrating AI, BCIs can decode complex neural signals with unprecedented accuracy, enabling applications such as motor function restoration, cognitive enhancement, and assistive communication. This research explores the current state of AI-driven BCIs, focusing on their impact on rehabilitation for stroke survivors, individuals with spinal cord injuries, and those with neurodegenerative disorders. Ethical challenges, such as data privacy, consent, and accessibility, are also examined. Through a review of case studies and emerging trends, this study highlights the potential of AI-enhanced BCIs to revolutionize neurorehabilitation and foster greater independence for individuals with disabilities.

Space Engineering and Technology

Space engineering and technology encompasses the leading-edge development of advanced engineering systems that push the frontiers of technology to allow humans to explore beyond the earth’s atmosphere and eventually the entire cosmos. First, the readers are provided with an introduction to the scope of space engineering and technology, and the history of space technology development. Next, the research and development areas of current interests and higher priorities are elaborated. Finally, some suggestions for future space and technology development are offered.

A Self-Assembled Periodic Nanoporous Framework in Aqueous Solutions of the DNA Tetramer GCCG.

The collective behavior of the shortest DNA oligomers in high concentration aqueous solutions is an unexplored frontier of DNA science and technology. Here we broaden the realm of DNA nanoscience by demonstrating that single-component aqueous solutions of the DNA 4-base oligomer GCCG can spontaneously organize into three-dimensional (3D) periodic mesoscale frameworks. This oligomer can form B-type double helices by Watson-Crick (WC) pairing into tiled brickwork-like duplex strands, which arrange into mutually parallel arrays and form the nematic and columnar liquid crystal phases, as is typical for long WC chains. However, at DNA concentrations above 400 mg/mL, these solutions nucleate and grow an additional mesoscale framework phase, comprising a periodic network on a three-dimensional body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice. This lattice is an array of nodes (valence-8, each formed by a pair of quadruplexes of GCCG terminal Gs), connected with a separation of 6.6 nm by struts (6-GCCG-long WC duplexes). This 3D-ordered DNA framework is of low density (DNA volume fraction ∼0.2), but due to its 3D crystal structure, it is osmotically incompressible over its phase range. Atomistic simulations confirm the stability of such structures, which promise to form the basis of families of simply and inexpensively made nanoscale frameworks for templating and selection applications.

The Rise of Scientific Research in Corporate America

It is widely believed that university and corporate research are complementary: companies invest in research in part to develop the capacity to absorb the knowledge emerging from universities. However, as we show in this paper, corporate research in the United States emerged when American universities were behind the world frontier in scientific research. Why, then, did for-profit businesses choose to invest in creating new knowledge, much of which could spill over to rivals, and whose conduct presented many managerial challenges? We argue that corporate research in America arose in the 1920s to compensate for weak university research, not to complement it. Using newly assembled firm-level data from the 1920s and 1930s, we find that companies invested in research because inventions increasingly relied on science but American universities were unable to meet their needs. Large firms close to the technological frontier and operating in concentrated industries were likely to invest in research, especially in scientific disciplines where American universities lagged behind the scientific frontier. Corporate science seems to have paid off, resulting in novel patents and high market valuations for firms engaged in research. Funding: A. Arora, S. Belenzon, and J. Suh acknowledge support from the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University. S. Belenzon and Y. Yafeh gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Israel Science Foundation [Grant No. 963-2020]. K. Kosenko is grateful for support from the Bank of Israel. Y. Yafeh acknowledges support from the Krueger Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Business. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2023.18053 .

Automation and Extraction. Shifting (In)Visibilities at New Technological Frontiers: An Introduction

Abstract Coined as Industry 4.0, innovations in automation are portrayed as heralding a new era of change and possibility amid the climate crisis and resource depletion. As research fields, however, the domain of automation and that of extraction are often studied in isolation and within different research traditions. With this special issue, we bring these research fields into dialogue by exploring the mutual reinforcements of automation and extraction in altering work life, the environment, and ways of relating to the material world. By emphasizing how current technologies enable relocations of work functions and decision making, design and representation, our introduction provides a basis for understanding automation and extraction as interconnected and discusses the empirical rationale and conceptual possibilities of understanding these interconnections. We explore how automation and digitalization are facilitating an expansion of domains for value extraction, in a broad sense, by making visible otherwise inaccessible domains and areas of life, while simultaneously placing other aspects out of sight.

Twenty questions on the frontier of laser science and technology

Twenty questions on the frontier of laser science and technology

The Virtual International Exchange of Extreme Productive Factors and Sustainability: Case Study of an Efficient Educational Vector

In this paper we investigate if The Heckscher Ohlin Model (HOM) acts as an international hero, imposing an optimal import tax on countries or generations operating within the World Technology Frontier (WTF), and an optimal export tax on countries whose Production Possibilities Frontier (PPF) is above the WTF, in order to ensure an equivalent level of satisfaction for all. Using Agent based Modelling on cross-generation and cross-country panel data I find, when HOM imposes an optimal tax, formal sector (industrialized countries or generations) productivity is at its highest, resulting in a low cost of production, and the volume of the informal sector (under-industrialized countries or generations) is at its absolute minimum, with an equilibrium informal sector output at point A on the Graph 1. Economic agents (local authorities), being rational, formalize their activities to take advantage of the low cost of production in the formal sector(industrialized countries or generations). On the other hand, when the volume of the informal sector tends to increase, and their PPF threatens to fall below the WTF, the HOM imposes an optimal export tax (deprotection) to discourage sub-industrialization. This means, the behavior of local authorities tends to bring all companies in the formal sector whose marginal cost is higher than the market prices, close their doors to enter the informal sector (under-industrialized countries), resulting in an increase in informal sector. In other terms, human capital tends to transform multidimensional trade vertically and destructively, indicating that an accumulation of resources is favorable for current generations (developed countries). Intergenerational knowledge and technology barriers (or knowledge and technology barriers between developed and developing countries) harm long-run growth. Although the accumulation of different resources (physical capital, human capital, natural resource endowments, institutional capital, and wealth distribution), generates comparative intergenerational or international trading advantages and gains, it harms global welfare in the long term. This conclusion is a high-level generalization of the Lerner symmetry theorem, which states that a country limiting imports through barriers tends to discourage exports. We therefore recommend a systematic implementation of the HO model with its basic assumptions as the only economic policies for the nation.

Neural functional rehabilitation: exploring neuromuscular reconstruction technology advancements and challenges.

Neural machine interface technology is a pioneering approach that aims to address the complex challenges of neurological dysfunctions and disabilities resulting from conditions such as congenital disorders, traumatic injuries, and neurological diseases. Neural machine interface technology establishes direct connections with the brain or peripheral nervous system to restore impaired motor, sensory, and cognitive functions, significantly improving patients' quality of life. This review analyzes the chronological development and integration of various neural machine interface technologies, including regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces, targeted muscle and sensory reinnervation, agonist-antagonist myoneural interfaces, and brain-machine interfaces. Recent advancements in flexible electronics and bioengineering have led to the development of more biocompatible and high-resolution electrodes, which enhance the performance and longevity of neural machine interface technology. However, significant challenges remain, such as signal interference, fibrous tissue encapsulation, and the need for precise anatomical localization and reconstruction. The integration of advanced signal processing algorithms, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, has the potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of neural signal interpretation, which will make neural machine interface technologies more intuitive and effective. These technologies have broad, impactful clinical applications, ranging from motor restoration and sensory feedback in prosthetics to neurological disorder treatment and neurorehabilitation. This review suggests that multidisciplinary collaboration will play a critical role in advancing neural machine interface technologies by combining insights from biomedical engineering, clinical surgery, and neuroengineering to develop more sophisticated and reliable interfaces. By addressing existing limitations and exploring new technological frontiers, neural machine interface technologies have the potential to revolutionize neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation, promising enhanced mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with neurological impairments. By leveraging detailed anatomical knowledge and integrating cutting-edge neuroengineering principles, researchers and clinicians can push the boundaries of what is possible and create increasingly sophisticated and long-lasting prosthetic devices that provide sustained benefits for users.

ChatGPT: Technology Frontiers and Cybersecurity Challenges

This paper examines the evolution and application of OpenAI's advanced conversational AI, ChatGPT, particularly within the domain of cybersecurity. With an architecture built on the Transformer model, ChatGPT demonstrates significant capabilities in language understanding and generation. It leverages vast datasets, ranging from social media posts to technical documents, ensuring the model adapts to diverse fields and maintains compliance with privacy and security regulations. The paper explores ChatGPT's role in network security, highlighting its proficiency in threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response, essential as regulations like GDPR and CCPA become more stringent. Furthermore, the study addresses potential security risks associated with AI, such as phishing and misinformation, and discusses mitigation strategies through advanced training techniques like adversarial training and multi-task learning. A novel variational autoencoder (VAE)-based method, T-VAE, is introduced, offering enhanced generalization capabilities across different tasks and scenarios. The findings suggest that while ChatGPT has made significant strides in cybersecurity applications, continuous improvements in model robustness and adaptability are necessary to mitigate emerging threats and adapt to evolving digital landscapes.

How scientific literacy is conceptualized in tasks from junior secondary physics textbooks

ABSTRACT This study examined how scientific literacy had been conceptualised in textbook tasks based on the PISA 2018 science framework. Specifically, a total of 3888 tasks from four versions of Chinese junior secondary physics textbooks were coded on the three PISA dimensions of competencies, knowledge, and contexts. It was found that about 70% of tasks were de-contextualized and those tasks involving real contexts focused on content related to the frontiers of science and technology. More significantly, tasks testing ‘explaining scientific phenomena’ were predominant while those involving ‘interpret data and evidence scientifically’ and especially ‘evaluate and design scientific enquiry’ competencies were rare. Tasks requiring content knowledge were also overemphasised whereas the use of epistemic knowledge was downplayed. It therefore appeared that tasks in these physics textbooks emphasised the recall, understanding and verification of scientific knowledge. More meaningful task contexts related to sustainable development should be designed to develop students’ epistemic knowledge as well as promote their understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry are among the implications from this study.