Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Synthetic Enamel Could Make Teeth Stronger and Smarter

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February 08, 2022

Dear Reader,

In order to protect teeth from daily wear and tear—acidic foods, hungry bacteria, even the very act of chewing—they need an enamel coating that must be both very hard and slightly elastic. This combination of traits has made the material difficult to reproduce. But now, researchers have developed a synthetic enamel that can actually stand up to more force than the real thing. This substance could be used in everything from fillings to futuristic "smart teeth."

Sophie Bushwick, Associate Editor, Technology

Engineering

Synthetic Enamel Could Make Teeth Stronger and Smarter

Scientists say that the new material is even more durable than real dental enamel

By Joanna Thompson

Electronics

New Charging Technique Puts Crumbling Batteries Back Together

The method could extend the lifetime of lithium-metal batteries by 30 percent, a new study suggests

By Sophie Bushwick

Policy

Facial Recognition Plan from IRS Raises Big Concerns

Government agencies are tapping a facial recognition company to prove you're you

By James Hendler,The Conversation US

Quantum Physics

Turbulence Equations Discovered after Century-Long Quest

The formulas describe the complex behavior of a liquid when it meets a boundary

By Rachel Crowell

Policy

The Right to Repair Should be Protected by Law

The U.S. Congress needs to uphold the freedom to repair electronic devices

By Kyle Wiens

Energy

Recycled Lithium-Ion Batteries Can Perform Better Than New Ones

A novel method of recycling such batteries could help meet skyrocketing demand

By Jordan Wilkerson

Electronics

Holographic Camera Instantly Peeks around Obstacles

New imaging tech could probe beyond corners, inside the body, and more

By Nikk Ogasa

Space Exploration

Moon's Hidden Depths Uncovered with New Algorithm

The permanently shadowed regions at the lunar poles might contain thick ice reservoirs

By Connie Chang

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"These post-quantum algorithms seem impervious to attack: even using mathematical approaches that take quantum computing into account, programmers have not yet found ways to defeat them in a reasonable time."

Davide Castelvecchi, Nature

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

Instead of Filling Cavities, Dentists May Soon Regenerate Teeth

Researchers recently discovered certain drugs, including one developed to treat Alzheimer's, stimulate innate self-repair mechanisms

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