When a service encounter goes south, customers expect empathy. Hearing an employee say, “I share your frustration,” can calm tensions and rebuild trust. But new research from the University of South Florida suggests that when a chatbot tries the same tactic, it can backfire.

An ultrathin silicone film being developed at Saarland University enables pumps to operate without motors, without compressed air and without lubricants or external sensors. These film-based pumps can be switched on and off as needed and integrated into designs previously thought impossible. Wherever a vacuum is required – from applications in manufacturing and automotive engineering to laboratory and research work – this new technology is opening up access to lightweight, flat and energy-efficient pump architectures. Professor Paul Motzki’s team at Saarland University is showcasing a new vacuum pump prototype at Hannover Messe from 20 to 24 April (Hall 11, Stand D41).

A study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on April 20 shows how physical disabilities in the animal world can be overcome through behavioral innovation. The report features an endangered kea parrot in captivity at New Zealand’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve named Bruce who is missing his entire upper beak.  While earlier reports had described his unique use of pebbles as self-care tools, the new findings show how he uses a novel beak jousting technique to turn his disability into social dominance.