Top Picks: Latest Developments in Digital Information
In the realm of science and technology, exciting developments are taking place, with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and various universities leading the charge.
At NASA, an AI assistant named Henry is making waves. This small rover is not just exploring the lab; it's guiding visitors, recognising patterns in human speech and facial expressions to provide information and directions. Henry is also being developed to offer emotional support for astronauts, a crucial aspect of long-duration space missions.
Meanwhile, researchers from Tufts University and the University of Vermont have been busy creating something truly extraordinary: programmable organisms, or "living machines." These organisms, made from frog DNA, can move using pulses generated from their heart tissue and survive for weeks at a time. Led by Michael Levin at Tufts University, this groundbreaking research opens up a world of possibilities for the future of biology.
Elsewhere, researchers from Stanford University have developed an imaging system that uses AI to detect hidden objects around corners. This system, capable of producing images of objects as small as 1-centimeter tall, could revolutionise search and rescue operations, making them more efficient and effective.
In a separate study, researchers from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology have used a supercomputer to predict that the Earth has had four, rather than five, mass extinctions. This finding challenges long-held beliefs about the history of life on our planet and could lead to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to mass extinctions.
Finally, researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified nine factors that can predict gestational diabetes. These factors include a woman's age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, and results of past glucose tests during pregnancy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment of gestational diabetes, improving the health of mothers and their babies.
These advancements in AI and biology are just the tip of the iceberg. As we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, we can look forward to a future filled with exciting discoveries and innovations.
