In the vast Atlantic Ocean, the hogfish is showing a talent that seems straight out of a science fiction novel. This species has the extraordinary ability to observe its surroundings through its skin, without the use of its eyes. The process behind this phenomenon is the subject of in-depth study, with researchers seeking to unlock the potential technologies this vision mode might inspire.

At the heart of the hogfish’s skin vision are special cells’named chromatophores, which are cells capable of changing color. However, the standout role is played by another set of cells, their iridophores. These cells are sensitive to light and send the signals to chromatophores, managing a complex interaction that enhances a visual understanding of their environment.

Exploring the complexities of this vision mode is not without challenges. Scientists are on the verge of fully understanding the complex relationship of these cells. The complicated manner in which these cells communicate and cooperate to create a unique vision system presents a fascinating yet difficult field of study. As Justine Allen, a researcher deeply involved in this study, admits, “We are far from truly understanding it.”

Despite the challenges, the scientific community is buoyant about the potential breakthroughs that might occur from this line of research. Revealing the secrets of hogfish’s skin vision can potentially lead to revolutionary developments in various fields. The horizon seems to be broad with possibilities like the creation of smart clothes that adapt to changing light conditions, or highly advanced cameras that copy the hogfish’s unique visual capabilities. Furthermore, the applications could extend to the car industry with smart cars adapting to changing environmental conditions, or even in the medical field with devices capable of non-invasive (非侵入的) sensing techniques.

As researchers explore deeper into this mystery, the potential seem limitless. Understanding the hogfish’s unique vision can open doors to technologies that are yet to be realized, presenting a future where science fiction might just integrate with reality.

It’s possible that your phone’s face-unlock might finally be able to work while you’re wearing a mask. Researchers have found that facial recognition algorithms are getting better at recognizing faces in masks, according to data published on Tuesday by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). Using independent testing of more than 150 separate facial recognition algorithms, the new report suggests masks may not be as big a problem for facial recognition systems as initially thought.

When NIST first examined masks’ effect on facial recognition in July 2020, it found that algorithms weren’t great at identifying faces with masks. “Face recognition can make errors, which can implicate people for crimes they haven’t committed,” writes the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). “It is particularly bad at recognizing African Americans and other ethnic minorities, women, and young people.” But the pandemic has given developers plenty of time to focus on the mask problem, and NIST’s data shows that facial recognition algorithms are getting better at working with masked faces. “After the pandemic, some developers have submitted algorithms which show significantly improved accuracy and are now among the most accurate in our test,” the report reads. NIST’s public ranking for facial recognition tests bears out this report. Eight different algorithms now hold false rates below 0.05 percent.

Nevertheless, there remain a number of limitations to the study. NIST researchers did not employ actual images of masked faces. Instead, they applied masks digitally to ensure consistency across the sample. As a result, “We were not able to get a thorough simulation of the endless variations in color, design, shape, texture, and ways masks can be worn,” the report states. The digital mask was a blue surgical mask covering the full width of the face, but testers noted that performance varied considerably depending on how high the mask was placed on the face.

In what’s believed to be a first London’s Imperial College Business School is using holographic technology（全息技术）to present lectures to students. From California a product manager was beamed onto a stage like magic. The head of Imperial’s EdTech Lab says, this presents a window to the world. Through holograms（全息图）we can bring in lectures from across the globe, and they can appear in front of our students in a realistic manner. That’s the key.

The developer of the technique explains how it works. “We’re presenting a 2D image as a 3D image, and the iris（虹膜）is flat so we see everything in 2D.Our brain changes it to 3D. We’re doing exactly the same trick. We’re presenting a 2D image but with depth of field and a really good vision. My brain just changes it to a 3D image.” Attendees say there are many ways this tool can help educators and students.

The second thing we could do with that is having CEOs coming to the classroom, and engaging with students. And the third way probably is maybe to have Albert Einstein coming to the classroom. There might be a long wait for that. Meanwhile, master student Josephine Collins says she prefers the interaction a hologram lecture offers compared to those presented online.

I wouldn’t mind it. I think its very interesting if we can have access to different lectures and different things like guest speakers. That’s something I would definitely enjoy. Developers say the cost of holographic technology has dropped considerably since the days it was used mostly in big-budget music shows making it possible for educational institutions to afford it.