From IEEE Spectrum · 15 stories
Remote Indigenous Community Builds One of Canada's Fastest Fiber Networks
The Fort Albany First Nation, a remote Indigenous community in northern Ontario, has built its own fiber-to-the-home network, the Western James Bay Telecom Network (WJBTN). This network provides high-speed internet access, outperforming satellite options, and played a role in a recent search and rescue operation.
North Carolina Central University Launches First HBCU AI Research Institute
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) launched the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) in January 2025, becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to establish an AI research institute. This initiative addresses the growing demand for AI literacy across various disciplines and aims to provide students and faculty with essential skills for an AI-transformed labor market.
NIST Researchers Complete 10-Year Effort to Measure Gravitational Constant
Researchers at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) completed a decade-long project to measure the gravitational constant (big G), yielding a value of 6.67387 x 10-11 m3/(kg s2). This effort aimed to address inconsistencies in previous measurements of the fundamental constant, which remains one of the most uncertain in physics.
Former IEEE President K.J. Ray Liu Receives Haraden Pratt Award for Leadership
K.J. Ray Liu, the 2022 IEEE President, was honored with the Haraden Pratt Award for his leadership, specifically for increasing diversity in the IEEE Fellow program and realigning geographical regions for equitable global representation. This recognition highlights his contributions to the organization's governance and inclusivity efforts.
Graduate Student Develops Space Robotics Algorithm for NASA
Sarah Downs created a robot assembly algorithm for NASA and the U.S. Air Force, enabling satellite antennas to be correctly inserted. This algorithm addresses the peg-in-hole challenge in robotics, enhancing the effectiveness of assembly tasks in space.
New White Paper Highlights Complexities of VHF and HF Signal Propagation
A white paper explores VHF signal propagation complexities and HF radio's resurgence amid satellite vulnerabilities. It discusses VHF and HF propagation mechanisms impacting communications and technology advancements enhancing HF utility.
Ajay Prasad's Journey in Product Lifecycle Management
Ajay Prasad, an IEEE Senior Member, is recognized for his role in managing product lifecycle solutions at Dassault Systèmes. His career was influenced by early experiences and the Y2K crisis, shaping his problem-solving approach in engineering and technology sectors.
O-RAN Architecture Proposed for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communications
A researcher proposes using Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, suggesting it could address real-world wireless signal challenges that current V2X models often overlook. This approach would reuse existing cellular networking protocols, potentially simplifying V2X development and improving coordination among vehicles.
The Magnetophon: A German Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder's Historical Impact
The Magnetophon, a high-fidelity reel-to-reel magnetic tape recorder developed by AEG and I.G. Farben, debuted in 1935. This device, based on Fritz Pfleumer's magnetic tape invention, was foundational to later audio recording technologies and influenced radio broadcasting.
Engineers need a product manager mindset to adapt to evolving job roles
The tech industry is seeing an increase in "product engineer" roles, which combine engineering skills with product management responsibilities. This shift requires engineers to develop a product-minded approach, moving beyond task execution to identify and solve business problems.
Salary Negotiation: It's Not Just About the Money
This article argues that negotiating a job offer is beneficial for both the candidate and the hiring company, countering the idea that candidates should simply accept the first offer in a tough market. It highlights that initial salary offers are often the floor, not the ceiling, and negotiation can lead to better outcomes beyond just compensation.
Build a Backyard Radio Telescope to Detect Dark Matter's Gravitational Effects
This article details how to construct a small radio telescope to observe the gravitational effects of dark matter by measuring the speed of interstellar hydrogen clouds. The project uses a homemade pyramidal-horn antenna and off-the-shelf electronics to detect 1,420.4-megahertz radio emissions. This method allows hobbyists to engage with fundamental astrophysics research from home.
COMSOL Webinar to Detail Lunar Regolith Simulation for Mission Safety and Infrastructure
A COMSOL Multiphysics webinar will demonstrate how simulation software can model lunar regolith behavior for space exploration. The webinar will cover plume-regolith interaction during lunar landings and induction heating for thermal processing of lunar soil. This information is relevant for developing safer lunar missions and future space infrastructure.
IEEE International Leadership Conference to Address Tech Expert to Leader Transition
The inaugural IEEE International Leadership Conference (ILC) will take place on October 3-4 in Budapest to help mid-career technical professionals transition into leadership roles. The conference aims to provide practical tools for developing systems thinking, adaptive leadership, and team alignment, moving beyond individual technical contributions.
DTU's CELCORR develops simulation apps to prevent high-voltage electronics failures from humidity
The Centre for Electronic Corrosion (CELCORR) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is developing models and simulation applications to predict and mitigate corrosion in high-voltage electronics caused by humidity. This research addresses the increasing demand for reliable high-voltage electronics in applications like electric vehicles, wind farms, and data centers, where humidity-induced failures can lead to significant issues including fire hazards.