Science News: 8/12/2024
- Those with the biggest biases choose first, according to new math study Abstract: In a new study, researchers created a sort of simulated voting booth — a space where people, or mathematical ‘agents,’ with various biases could deliberate over decisions. The results may help to reveal the mathematics of how the human brain acts when it needs to make a choice.
- Engineers bring efficient optical neural networks into focus Abstract: Researchers have published a programmable framework that overcomes a key computational bottleneck of optics-based artificial intelligence systems. In a series of image classification experiments, they used scattered light from a low-power laser to perform accurate, scalable computations using a fraction of the energy of electronics.
- A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues Abstract: A key question that remains in biology and biophysics is how three-dimensional tissue shapes emerge during animal development. Research teams have now found a mechanism by which tissues can be ‘programmed’ to transition from a flat state to a three-dimensional shape.
- New mechanism to cool buildings while saving energy Abstract: The movement of radiant heat — felt when a hot surface warms our bodies and homes — between buildings and their surroundings at ground level makes buildings with less skyward-facing surfaces harder to cool. A research team has demonstrated a new passive cooling technology that coats walls and windows with materials that can better manage heat movement between buildings and their surroundings at ground level. Findings could reduce the reliance on air conditioning and provide a more environmentally friendly, low-cost and scalable option for low-income communities with limited or no access to cooling and heating systems.
- Largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins Abstract: While seeking to unravel how marine algae create their chemically complex toxins, scientists have discovered the largest protein yet identified in biology. Uncovering the biological machinery the algae evolved to make its intricate toxin also revealed previously unknown strategies for assembling chemicals, which could unlock the development of new medicines and materials.
- Researchers develop AI model that predicts the accuracy of protein–DNA binding Abstract: A new artificial intelligence model can predict how different proteins may bind to DNA.
- Engineering researchers enhance perovskite solar cells durability with first-of-its-kind chiral-structured ‘springy’ interface Abstract: A research team has constructed an unprecedented chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, which enhances the reliability and power conversion efficiency of this fast-advancing solar technology and accelerates its commercialization.
- New technology uses light to engrave erasable 3D images Abstract: Researchers invented a technique that uses a specialized light projector and a photosensitive chemical additive to imprint two- and three-dimensional images inside any polymer. The light-based engraving remains in the polymer until heat or light are applied, which erases the image and makes it ready to use again. The technology is intended for any situation where having detailed, precise visual data in a compact and easily customizable format could be critical, such as planning surgeries and developing architectural designs.
- Researchers outline promises, challenges of understanding AI for biological discovery Abstract: Machine learning is a powerful tool in computational biology, enabling the analysis of a wide range of biomedical data such as genomic sequences and biological imaging. But when researchers use machine learning in computational biology, understanding model behavior remains crucial for uncovering the underlying biological mechanisms in health and disease. Researchers now propose guidelines that outline pitfalls and opportunities for using interpretable machine learning methods to tackle computational biology problems.
- 3D bioprinting advances research on respiratory viruses Abstract: Researchers develop a microstructured ‘artificial lung’ model using bioprinting technology.
- Effective new catalyst brings hope for cleaner energy, wastewater treatment, and green chemistry Abstract: A catalyst that significantly enhances ammonia conversion could improve wastewater treatment, green chemical and hydrogen production.
- Chemists develop new sustainable reaction for creating unique molecular building blocks Abstract: Polymers can be thought of like trains: Just as a train is composed of multiple cars, polymers are made up of multiple monomers, and the couplings between the train cars are similar to the chemical bonds that link monomers together. While polymers have myriad applications — from drug delivery to construction materials — their structures and functions are restricted by the chemically similar monomer building blocks they’re composed of. Now, chemists have developed a new reaction to create unique monomers in a controlled way. This reaction, which uses nickel as a catalyst, ultimately enables scientists to create polymers with unique and modifiable properties for drug delivery, energy storage, microelectronics and more.
- How Einstein was both right and wrong about gravitational waves Abstract: A century ago, Albert Einstein suggested that the universe might contain ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves – but then he changed his mind
- The surprising wall pattern that could keep buildings cooler Abstract: A zigzag design can maximise how much heat walls radiate into space, while minimising heat absorption from the ground
- Existing quantum devices could be used to disrupt the stock market Abstract: Commercially available quantum technology could let stock traders coordinate decisions to buy or sell nearly instantaneously using a technique called “quantum telepathy”
- Two NASA astronauts may be stuck on the space station until February Abstract: Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft had so many problems during its first crewed launch to the International Space Station that NASA officials aren’t sure whether it will be able to bring its crew back home as planned
- Could we take the entire solar system on a voyage through space? Abstract: To transport our planet across the universe, we would need to bring the whole solar system to sustain life on Earth – on this episode of Dead Planets Society, our hosts contemplate how to shepherd all that baggage on this scenic journey
- The sun could capture rogue planets from 3.8 light years away Abstract: A mathematical model suggests there is an unusual region of space where objects can get pulled into the sun’s orbit – meaning we may have to redraw the boundary of the solar system
- AI put in charge of setting variable speed limits on US freeway Abstract: Roads with variable speed limits, designed to manage traffic flow, are normally adjusted according to simple rules, but a 27-kilometre section of the I-24 freeway near Nashville, Tennessee, is now overseen by an artificial intelligence
- SpaceX prepares for Starship flight with first ‘chopstick’ landing Abstract: SpaceX is gearing up for the fifth launch of its massive Starship rocket, following four increasingly successful tests. What is the company hoping for, and what can we expect?
- DeepMind AI gets silver medal at International Mathematical Olympiad Abstract: AlphaProof, an AI from Google DeepMind, came close to matching the top participants in a prestigious competition for young mathematicians
- Space travel may make muscles age extremely quickly Abstract: Muscle cells that spent a week on the International Space Station revealed changes in gene expression that suggest microgravity can speed up ageing
- We’re ignoring easy ways to encourage children to be physically active Abstract: Events like the Olympics and Paralympics can be inspiring. But to get more kids moving, we need to address the “enjoyment gap” by shifting the emphasis from competitive sport to activity and play
- Can solar panels designed for space boost clean energy on Earth? Abstract: Efficient solar panels have helped make solar power the cheapest form of energy on the planet, and new designs based on space-age technology are going further
- How diseases like smallpox survived long ocean voyages Abstract: Modern mathematical tools reveal the conditions pathogens needed to remain active in a ship’s population for the duration of a historical journey
- Chip that entangles four photons opens up possibility of inviolable quantum encryption Abstract: Unlike classical encryption, which relies on mathematical algorithms, quantum encryption assures security based on physical principles. Detection of espionage or interference is guaranteed by unavoidable alteration of the quantum states involved.
- Bacteria’s hidden hand in tick survival Abstract: A new study led by Prof. Yuval Gottlieb from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has unveiled important information about the relationship between the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and its Coxiella-like symbiotic bacteria.
- New study examines the links between science fiction and astronomy Abstract: “Today’s science fiction is tomorrow’s science fact.” This quote, attributed to Isaac Asimov, captures science’s intricate relationship with science fiction. And it is hardly a one-way relationship.
- From jellyfish to basking shark, we’re developing 100 new signs to deepen deaf people’s connection with the ocean Abstract: For deaf people including schoolchildren, teachers and scientists, talking about marine species like the shortfin mako shark, loggerhead turtle and tiny phytoplankton usually means spelling out each term letter by letter. The lack of specific British Sign Language (BSL) signs for many marine species and concepts has made it challenging to have meaningful conversations about ocean conservation without resorting to tedious fingerspelling.
- NASA to launch 8 scientific balloons from New Mexico Abstract: NASA’s Scientific Balloon Program has kicked off its annual fall balloon campaign at the agency’s balloon launch facility in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Eight balloon flights carrying scientific experiments and technology demonstrations are scheduled to launch from mid-August through mid-October.
- Small chemical tweak boosts CO₂ capture by 15% Abstract: Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that small molecular tweaks to surfaces can improve absorption technology for direct air capture, or DAC, of carbon dioxide.
- Those with the biggest biases choose first, according to new math study Abstract: In just a few months, voters across America will head to the polls to decide who will be the next U.S. president. A new study draws on mathematics to break down how humans make decisions like this one.
- Aboriginal children as young as five are getting suspended from school. We can’t ‘close the gap’ if this is happening Abstract: The recent Closing the Gap report had some promising news for education, with a 25% increase in Aboriginal children enrolled in childcare over the past seven years.
- Bilingualism under threat: Structured literacy could make it harder for children to hold on to their mother tongue Abstract: From the beginning of the 2025 school year, all schools will be required to use structured literacy—also known as “phonics” or the “science of reading”—to teach children how to read. But the very nature of this approach to reading could cause bilingual children to lose their second language.
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