Lidar, or light detection and ranging systems, uses lasers to detect objects, their distance, and velocity. Current lidar systems are bulky, but that may change with new acoustic lidar technology developed by Stanford engineers. They created a compact lidar system using lithium niobate coated with electrons to modulate light millions of times a second, capturing an object’s 3D shape. The lithium niobate changes shape when electricity passes through the electrodes, which allows it to modulate light so quickly. Further developments in this tech could lead to 3D smartphone cameras. Read full article here
Research
Improving media literacy could boost trust towards the news, IMPRESS report suggests
The UK media is regulated by the likes of IPSO and Ofcom. The report by press regulator IMPRESS highlights the link between low levels of media literacy and trust in the news. The study found that three quarters of those who did not know if journalists were regulated did not trust the news. It suggests that improving media literacy is one way to stem the erosion of trust, and shows that audiences have an appetite for information on news processes. Stakeholders need to collaborate in order to rebuild trust in the news, and independent media is well placed to do this. Read full article here
Merv
February 1, 2023
