In a significant advancement in electronics, scientists have developed an "optoexcitonic switch" that could potentially eliminate waste heat from electronic devices such as phones, computers, and data centers. Traditional electronic switches generate heat due to the movement of electrically charged electrons. In contrast, the new switch utilizes excitons—neutral quasiparticles formed when an electron is excited and pairs with a positively charged hole. Because excitons carry no net charge, they can transfer information without generating heat, representing a major advance over existing electronic and photonic switches. This breakthrough, detailed in the journal *ACS Nano*, also dramatically reduces the size of switches by two orders of magnitude, signaling possibilities for more compact and energy-efficient computing systems. Researchers believe future excitonic circuits could lead to fanless computers and longer battery life in portable devices. Though challenges remain—such as material development and scalable fabrication—the researchers are optimistic that fully functional excitonic electronics could be realized in decades, potentially revolutionizing computing by solving the persistent issue of heat generation.
In the realm of international relations, the United States has updated its science and technology agreement with China, initially signed in 1979, to reflect their growing rivalry and security concerns. The revised pact, signed in Beijing after extensive negotiations, includes stronger safeguards to protect national security and narrows cooperation to focus solely on basic research, excluding critical technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The agreement reinforces intellectual property protections and introduces new provisions on transparency and data reciprocity. This update comes amid escalating tech tensions, with the U.S. restricting advanced technology exports to China and curtailing scientific cooperation following concerns about Chinese espionage. Despite fewer government-to-government programs, the revised agreement aims to maintain scientific cooperation in a more secure manner, as highlighted by experts and lawmakers advocating oversight to ensure alignment with U.S. values and interests.
Chinese tech companies Alibaba, ByteDance, and Meituan are expanding their AI teams in Silicon Valley, hiring top U.S. talent despite U.S. efforts to hinder their advancements. Alibaba has been recruiting engineers, product managers, and AI researchers, while Meituan aims to close its AI gap by building its team in California. ByteDance has established a substantial AI presence in the area. Smaller Chinese start-ups are also recruiting U.S.-based engineers with experience in leading research labs and companies. This expansion occurs amid increasing U.S.-China tensions over technology development.
In the United Kingdom, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has urged global technology companies to bring their best innovations and competitive pricing to the UK, promising access to the country's extensive public sector market in return. Speaking at the Google Cloud Summit in London, Kyle defended his proactive engagement with major tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Google, citing 28 meetings in six months—70% more than his predecessor—as essential to fostering innovation and improving public services. He announced a new partnership with Google Cloud aimed at modernizing outdated "ball and chain" legacy systems that burden over 25% of public sector technology, rising to 70% in some NHS and police systems. This initiative could result in hundreds of millions of pounds in investment and reduce the estimated £21 billion wasted on obsolete contracts. Kyle also highlighted other advancements, including the launch of the GOV.UK app and the National Digital Marketplace, expressing optimism about transforming essential public services through smart technology adoption.
In the United States, a California bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots is close to becoming law. The bill aims to establish guidelines for the development and deployment of AI chatbots designed to interact with users in a manner similar to human companions. Proponents argue that such regulation is necessary to ensure ethical standards and protect users from potential harm, while critics contend that it could stifle innovation in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The bill has garnered significant attention and debate, reflecting the growing concern over the societal implications of AI technologies. If enacted, it could set a precedent for how AI companion technologies are governed in the future.
