Silicon photonics has emerged as a promising technology for addressing bandwidth and latency bottlenecks of conventional electrical interconnects and therefore are being explored for future artificial intelligence infrastructure. However, heterogenous integration of multiple material systems remains a challenge. Now, researchers show how micro-transfer printing can enable highly versatile heterogenous integration to expand the functionality of silicon photonics, paving the way for advanced photonic systems.

A new study examines how pre-service L2 English teachers manage student reluctance during microteaching sessions. Using conversation analysis, it shows how novice teachers use explanatory accounts, including smiles, wait time, and gradual nomination, to reduce participation pressure. The findings suggest that microteaching is a valuable space for pre-service teachers to develop classroom interactional competence and sensitive turn-allocation skills before entering real classrooms as future language educators.

Researchers have developed a single machine-learning turbulence model that predicts a wide range of turbulent flows—without the manual zoning, switching, or tuning that conventional models require. Led by researchers at the University of Stuttgart, the work advances a long-sought goal in computational fluid dynamics: a unified turbulence model that handles many flow mechanisms within one framework. Details of the findings were published in National Science Review.

Scientists in search of coral reef barriers which had been detected but not investigated in the 1960s, and were thought to be dead, discovered an apparently thriving ecosystem of deep-water corals. Using sonar surveys to narrow down their search areas and then an underwater drone and trail cameras to investigate, they identified a mesophotic coral garden teeming with species of reef-loving fish and multiple different varieties of coral. The researchers suspect that other as-yet undiscovered reef ecosystems could still be out there.

Growing evidence suggests lifelong learning can help combat cognitive decline, but many older adults with dementia avoid traditional classes for fear of not keeping up. Northwestern University researchers addressed this gap by creating the Musical Museum, a live concert and lecture series designed specifically for people with neurocognitive disorders and their caregivers. 

A new paper detailing the program, developed by the Northwestern Music and Medicine Program, found it improves emotional well-being, intellectual stimulation and social interaction. Via surveys, participants reported high satisfaction and significantly improved mood following sessions. 

“This program provided peace, relaxation and occasionally a cathartic release of tears,” reported one participant. Others expressed appreciation for the program’s social benefits, with one participant calling it “a wonderful opportunity to expand our contacts with individuals undergoing similar experiences.”