Reference
Glossary
Plain-language explanations of terms used across Vrulum. Definitions describe how we use each term on this site.
A
- Additive manufacturing
- Making an object by adding material in successive layers. 3D printing is the best-known example.
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Computer systems designed to perform tasks that usually require human abilities such as recognising patterns, generating text or making decisions.
B
- Bioelectronic medicine
- The use of electrical signals to measure or influence the activity of nerves and other biological systems.
- Biomaterial
- A material designed to interact with a living system, for example as an implant, tissue scaffold or coating.
- Brain–computer interface (BCI)
- A system that records brain activity and translates it into commands for a computer or another device.
C
- Carbon capture
- Capturing carbon dioxide from a source such as an industrial exhaust or directly from the air so it can be stored or used.
- Claim type
- A label describing the status of a statement: demonstrated, reported but unverified, proposed, speculative, disputed or superseded.
D
- Demonstrated
- A result shown in an experiment, trial or operational setting. The label applies to the specific result and conditions reported, not every possible use.
E
- Evidence quality
- How directly and reliably available evidence supports a claim, taking account of study design, replication and independent review.
G
- Gene editing
- Changing selected DNA sequences in an organism. CRISPR is one family of tools used to do this.
M
- Metamaterial
- A material whose engineered structure gives it properties that are difficult or impossible to obtain from its ingredients alone.
- Momentum
- The pace of recent research and development activity. It does not by itself show that a technology works or is ready to use.
P
- Photonic computing
- Computing that uses light to carry out some information-processing tasks, often alongside conventional electronics.
- Proposed
- An idea or method described as a possible approach but not yet demonstrated in the stated form.
Q
- Quantum computing
- Computing that uses quantum states to process information. Potential advantages depend on the task and on overcoming substantial engineering challenges.
R
- Readiness
- How developed a technology is for a stated application, from early principles through testing to use in relevant settings.
S
- Speculative
- A possible future application or outcome that has not been demonstrated and remains uncertain.
T
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- A 1–9 scale used to describe how far a technology has progressed towards use. A level is meaningful only when tied to a specific application and rationale.
V
- Validation
- Testing whether a method or system performs as intended for a defined use, under stated conditions.