Abdullah Bukhamsin, Jürgen Kosel, Ikram Blilou, Khaled Nabil Salama
{"title":"Accelerating adoption of species-agnostic plant sensors for precision farming","authors":"Abdullah Bukhamsin, Jürgen Kosel, Ikram Blilou, Khaled Nabil Salama","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00131-9","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00131-9","url":null,"abstract":"Precision farming is an optimized management farming scheme that seeks to link the real-time needs of crops with the nutrients to be administered. Sensing platforms that can monitor the physiological status of crops in situ are key to enabling timely and localized interventions. However, the underdevelopment of plant sensing strategies limits the potential of precision farming. In this Review, we discuss the challenges and advancements in phyto-monitoring, focusing on strategies that are applicable to a wide range of plant species and suitable for field deployment. We explore species-agnostic sensors, including optical and electrochemical sensors, whose operation is based on principles that are widely applicable to all plant species. These platforms enable real-time monitoring of the physiological state of crops by assessing key biomarkers, such as plant hormones, and metabolites such as salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species. Evaluating these systems, we conclude that an integrative sensing approach is necessary to compensate for the limitations of the individual methods and can provide a holistic view of crop health. Cost-effective species-agnostic sensors are thus needed to provide information that can be used to minimize the resource footprint of farming and meet the growing global demand. Species-agnostic plant sensors can monitor the physiological health of a broad range of crops, which is vital for the implementation of precision farming. Here, we evaluate the different sensors in terms of their effectiveness and propose an integrated sensing approach.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"58-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995929","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Robotic Guide Dog for individuals with visual impairments","authors":"Shangke Lyu, Zhenyu Wei, Donglin Wang","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00130-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00130-w","url":null,"abstract":"The development of robotic guide dogs is crucial to improve the independence and mobility of people with limited vision, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional aids. Here we highlight our Robotic Guide Dog system, focusing on its technological framework and discussing challenges encountered during commercialization.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"9-10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitigating impulsive noise for reliable UWA communication","authors":"Lishu Wu","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00140-8","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00140-8","url":null,"abstract":"An article in IEEE Internet of Things Journal presents a solution for mitigating impulsive noise in underwater acoustic communication using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network with a multi-attention mechanism.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"12-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Low-cost energy-efficient EUV lithography for advanced semiconductor manufacturing","authors":"Tsumoru Shintake, Patrick Naulleau","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00129-3","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00129-3","url":null,"abstract":"EUV lithography is crucial for semiconductor manufacturing, with resolution affecting circuit size, performance and energy efficiency; however, it is also a highly energy-intensive process. This Comment discusses the potential of a simple two-mirror projector to tackle the longstanding issues of energy consumption and capital costs in existing EUV lithography technologies.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"2-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brittany Hazelgrove, Lukas Matter, Brad Raos, Bruce Harland, Leo Cheng, Maria Asplund, Darren Svirskis
{"title":"Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in vivo for neurotechnology and bioelectronics","authors":"Brittany Hazelgrove, Lukas Matter, Brad Raos, Bruce Harland, Leo Cheng, Maria Asplund, Darren Svirskis","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00126-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00126-6","url":null,"abstract":"Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a well‐established electrochemical technique that provides invaluable information regarding the properties and functionality of electrodes within bioelectronic devices. EIS is the primary technique that reports on electrode properties in vivo using the implanted device itself. Nevertheless, there are many inconsistencies in the way this technique is implemented and reported on. Without a clear understanding of the experiment and experimental set‐up, it is challenging to draw meaningful conclusions and for results to be extrapolated across studies to benefit and advance the field. This Review discusses in vivo EIS experiments, specifically focusing on challenges in the experimental set‐up, the equipment used, data presentation and circuit modelling for neural interfaces. We propose guidelines for methodical reporting and a consistent, standardized use of terminology, paramount in understanding the performance of electrodes functioning at neural interfaces and promoting the transferability of findings across studies. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) describes the properties of the electrodes within bioelectronic devices. This Review discusses the value of EIS, key considerations for experimental set-up and how EIS can be used to understand biological changes during in vivo experiments.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 2","pages":"110-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Europe’s pilot line for advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration of electronic components and systems (APECS)","authors":"Patrick R. Bressler, Michael Töpper, Peter Ramm","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00134-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00134-6","url":null,"abstract":"The European Chips Act of 2022 calls for European microelectronics pilot lines to develop and validate novel design and fabrication technologies for next-generation microelectronic chips. Fundamental for new electronic components and systems, advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration technologies are the focus of the APECS pilot line.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"4-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Towards fab-compatible two-dimensional electronics","authors":"Jianfeng Jiang, Peng Wu, Yifan Liu, Jing Kong, Lian-Mao Peng","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00125-7","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00125-7","url":null,"abstract":"2D semiconductors, one of the transformative technologies for sub-1-nm technology node integrated circuits, are at a tipping point in transitioning from laboratory research to industry manufacturing. Therefore, 2D transistor fabrication and chip integration that are compatible with standard foundry workflows and benchmarks that meet industry requirements must be established.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"6-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Innovating beyond electrophysiology through multimodal neural interfaces","authors":"Mehrdad Ramezani, Yundong Ren, Ertugrul Cubukcu, Duygu Kuzum","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00121-x","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00121-x","url":null,"abstract":"Neural circuits distributed across different brain regions mediate how neural information is processed and integrated, resulting in complex cognitive capabilities and behaviour. To understand dynamics and interactions of neural circuits, it is crucial to capture the complete spectrum of neural activity, ranging from the fast action potentials of individual neurons to the population dynamics driven by slow brain-wide oscillations. In this Review, we discuss how advances in electrical and optical recording technologies, coupled with the emergence of machine learning methodologies, present a unique opportunity to unravel the complex dynamics of the brain. Although great progress has been made in both electrical and optical neural recording technologies, these alone fail to provide a comprehensive picture of the neuronal activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. To address this challenge, multimodal experiments integrating the complementary advantages of different techniques hold great promise. However, they are still hindered by the absence of multimodal data analysis methods capable of providing unified and interpretable explanations of the complex neural dynamics distinctly encoded in these modalities. Combining multimodal studies with advanced data analysis methods will offer novel perspectives to address unresolved questions in basic neuroscience and to develop treatments for various neurological disorders. Flexible and transparent neural probes have facilitated the integration of electrical and optical neural recording techniques in multimodal experiments. Combining these studies with state-of-the-art computational methods would deepen our understanding of neural dynamics, advancing neuroscience and improving brain–computer interface systems.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 1","pages":"42-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.com/articles/s44287-024-00121-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Underwater acoustic communications","authors":"Zhengnan Li, Mandar Chitre, Milica Stojanovic","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00122-w","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00122-w","url":null,"abstract":"Underwater wireless communication is an enabling technology for various applications, ranging from basic sciences such as oceanography and marine biology to offshore industries such as fish farming or oil and gas drilling, search and rescue operations, and military and exploratory missions. It is also critical for climate monitoring, pollution control and military operations. Radio frequencies do not propagate well through water except over short distances, making acoustic waves the preferred choice for many of these applications. However, acoustic waves are confined to low frequencies, limiting the communication bandwidth. Additionally, sound travels underwater at a relatively low speed and propagates over multiple paths. Delay spreading over tens of milliseconds results in frequency-selective distortion, whereas motion induces significant Doppler effects. The worst properties of radio channels — poor link quality of a mobile terrestrial channel and long delay of a satellite channel — are combined in an underwater acoustic channel, which is often said to be the most challenging communication medium in use today. In this Review, we discuss existing efforts in modelling underwater acoustic propagation channels, processing communication signals and establishing networks. We then summarize some of the future research directions in underwater acoustic communications. Underwater acoustic communication is crucial for many marine applications. This Review highlights the fundamentals of acoustic propagation, signal processing and networking, and explores directions for future research.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"2 2","pages":"83-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143404276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Programmable sound bubble headsets","authors":"Silvia Conti","doi":"10.1038/s44287-024-00128-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s44287-024-00128-4","url":null,"abstract":"An article in Nature Electronics presents a headset with customizable real-time sound bubbles that adapt to user needs.","PeriodicalId":501701,"journal":{"name":"Nature Reviews Electrical Engineering","volume":"1 12","pages":"766-766"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142798556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}