Nokia and Australian operator NBN trumpeted the first live demonstration of 10G, 25G, 50G and 100G speeds over a fiber broadband network using multiple next-generation PON technologies. The test showcased the capability of supporting diverse user needs using similar active and passive components.

Sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles rose 14% in Europe in the first quarter as sales of electric vehicles increased at a more moderate pace of 6%, according to the Center of Automotive Management. "The ramp-up of fully electric cars is stalling at a critical level transition phase and is moving in favor of combustion engines and hybrids, particularly PHEVs," said Stefan Bratzel, director of CAM.

Cedars-Sinai researchers have used neuroprosthetics technology to harness the power of the cerebellum to improve patients' ability to manipulate robotic limbs, according to a study published in Science Advances. "There is a lot of buzz about neuroprosthetic technology, but there are still many unsolved problems," said David Underhill, biomedical sciences department chair at Cedars-Sinai. "This study suggests that some of those could be resolved by involving the cerebellum as well as the motor cortex to help patients gain use of neuroprosthetic devices more quickly and improve their ability to control them accurately."

A mobile eye tracker may be able to estimate the cognitive load of lower-limb prosthesis users by measuring pupil diameter and gaze fixation time in relation to subjective ratings of cognition, according to a study published in Clinical Biomechanics. Researchers recorded eye tracking data and kinematics as study participants completed physical tasks while focusing their gaze on a certain point for as long as possible, then compared the results to their assessment of cognitive load.

Cannabis products provider Kanha FX uses nanotechnology to create cannabis items that target specific therapies and reduce the time it takes to feel effects, says Kanha's Cameron Clarke. "Nanotechnology is a technology where the cannabinoid particles ... are nanoscale ... they're absorbed directly into the bloodstream," Clarke says.

Thermal batteries are gaining favor for their ability to store energy as heat while producing zero emissions. There are engineering challenges to overcome, such as inefficiencies and conversion, but several startups are performing field tests with carbon or graphite blocks and thermophotovoltaic technology.

The Energy Department has introduced a new roadmap that envisions funneling billions of dollars grid enhancements over the next three to five years to stretch the capacity of existing infrastructure and accelerate renewables integration. It expects the strategy to add 20 gigawatts to 100GW of capacity to support peak energy loads "less than a quarter of the cost of conventional alternatives," says official Maria Robinson. "The solutions that we talk about in this report are ready to go today and can serve as a bridge to address near-term concerns and needs."

ASME's International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition is now accepting abstracts. Make your plans to join us in Portland, Ore., Nov. 17-21. Regardless of your mechanical engineering specialty, IMECE provides the world's premier opportunity to present your newest research, connect with your global engineering community and advance your career. IMECE papers are also eligible for priority publication in more than 20 of ASME's esteemed journals, including the Open Journal of Engineering. Learn more.

ASME’s Turbo Expo has announced this year’s keynote session, “Accelerating the Transition in Innovation and Technology Towards a Net-Zero World,” featuring experts from Imperial College London, Rolls-Royce, Siemens Energy and more. Attend Turbo Expo to find your next R&D partner or employer, advance your products, learn the industry and promote your company. Make your plans today to join 2,500-plus professionals at ExCeL London, June 24-28.