A new planning algorithm generates backup plans efficiently and provides mathematical guarantees on its risk of failure, while also identifying conditions that trigger a switch to a particular contingency plan. The algorithm uses probabilistic pruning and optimistic heuristics to make the problem tractable.
Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for trapping hard-to-detect molecules using forests of carbon nanotubes. The team created a three-dimensional array of permeable nanotubes within a microfluidic device, which they coated with polymers to capture specific bioparticles.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $37 million to fund research on co-robots that can collaborate with people, advancing the development of robots for critical tasks like infrastructure inspection and manufacturing. The awards support projects across various fields, including healthcare and search-and-rescue operations.
The National Institutes of Health is funding the development of three innovative robots to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The robots, including a smart-walker for elderly mobility and a hand-worn device for visually impaired grasping objects, aim to enhance independence and quality of life.
MIT researchers developed a new algorithm that reduces computation time for complex models by 200 times, using probability distributions and relevant data. The 'shrinking bull's-eye' algorithm can apply to various fields, including engineering, geophysics, and subsurface modeling.
A new MIT study proposes refueling on the moon to reduce launch mass for a Martian mission, with the potential to save 68% of cargo. The research suggests that establishing an infrastructure in space could enable sustainable travel between planetary bodies.
Carnegie Mellon University has established an analytics lab with Boeing to develop AI-powered solutions for aerospace data. The lab aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of data generated in aircraft design, construction, and operation, enabling safer, more reliable, and efficient aircraft operations.
Researchers at MIT's SMART program conducted a six-day experiment using autonomous golf carts to ferry tourists around winding paths. The system, which used off-the-shelf sensors and dynamic algorithms, demonstrated a 98% user satisfaction rate and showed potential for elderly transportation applications.
Researchers at the University of Washington have released new guidelines to ensure makerspaces are accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines address unique challenges faced by students with various disabilities, including visual impairments and motor impairments.
Brown University professor George Em Karniadakis has been awarded the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize by SIAM for his contributions to applied mathematics, specifically in computational fluid dynamics and stochastic modeling. The $5,000 prize recognizes his research bridging high-level mathematics with practical applications.
The NASA-led group has developed a wide-field-of-view imager capable of detecting soft X-ray emissions produced when the solar wind encounters neutral gas, including Earth, Mars, and comets. The imager uses Lobster-Eye optics to focus soft X-rays onto a plane located at half the radius of the sphere.
Researchers studied the exoskeletons of deep-sea shrimp and shallow-dwelling shrimp, revealing differences in structure and performance. The deep-sea exoskeleton is softer yet capable of withstanding temperature extremes, while the surface-shrimp exoskeleton is harder and better protects against predators.
Researchers at MIT have found that a combination of artificial gravity and exercise can significantly lessen the effects of extended weightlessness in space. The study involved healthy participants pedaling a stationary bicycle while spinning in a centrifuge, with results showing improved bone density and cardiovascular activity.
A new study found that the Laurentide ice sheet initially began shrinking through calving of icebergs before shifting into a regime where melting on the continent took precedence, leading to its demise. The shift in 'radiative forcing' prior to 9,000 years ago kicked deglaciation into overdrive.
Researchers have developed a prototype coating for wind turbine blades that mimics the intricate structure of an owl's wing, reducing noise production by up to 30dB. The coating, made of 3D-printed plastic, has shown promising results in wind tunnel tests, potentially leading to more efficient and quieter wind turbines.
Scientists will measure trace gas concentrations, aerosols, and cloud properties in Alaska's North Slope to improve estimates of carbon emissions. The goal is to reduce uncertainty in global climate simulations and projections.
Researchers develop algorithm to generate lower-level control systems from scratch, solving complex Dec-POMDP models in a reasonable amount of time. The approach decomposes the problem into two graphs, reducing complexity and enabling practical application in robotics.
Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.
University of Washington researchers are scaling up their 'Sheared Flow Stabilized Z-Pinch' device in hopes of achieving a sustainable fusion reaction. With a $5.3 million grant, they aim to create a proof-of-principle experiment that demonstrates the concept's scalability.
Two new nucleotides, 'Z' and 'P', have been found to form double helix structures similar to those made by the four natural bases C-G-A-T, opening up possibilities for creating new proteins with medical applications.
A new mathematical tool calculates turbulent air flow produced by plane wing tips, aiding in improved takeoff procedures and reduced delays. The study aims to establish strict separation standards for different aircraft sizes, enhancing aviation safety.
Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.
Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.
A team of UK researchers has designed Arterio-Venous Fistulae with reduced failure rates using computational simulation software from the aerospace industry. The new design aims to decrease blockages in dialysis connections, improving clinical outcomes for patients with end-stage renal disease.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has published a report on the commercialization of carbon nanotubes, outlining common themes and potential future research priorities. The report identifies the need for increased efforts in manufacturing, quality control, and scale-up to produce CNT-based bulk materials with improved properties.
A Yale University study found that people with high climate science literacy are actually more politically polarized on the issue. Despite recognizing the causes and consequences of climate change, those who score highest on a test measuring scientific evidence are more likely to hold extreme views.
Scientists discuss alternative chemistries of life, exploring possibilities beyond Earth, at the AAAS 2015 Panel. Researchers aim to unravel complex interplay of planetary and biological evolutionary networks.
Researchers at MIT have developed software that assesses risk in planning algorithms, suggesting low-risk alternatives when a solution is not possible. The system uses probabilistic models to determine the feasibility of a plan and can offer modifications to relax constraints or add resources to mitigate risks.
Researchers are studying peat fire emissions, which are a major contributor to carbon emissions and climate change. The study aims to understand the impact of peatfire smoke on human health and the climate.
A new system developed at MIT enables pattern-recognition systems to distill what they learn into simple examples, which humans can use to make better decisions. In experiments, human subjects using the system outperformed those using a similar algorithm by over 20 percent.
Researchers have developed a highly accurate airborne hygrometer, HAI, which simultaneously measures the amount of water present in the atmosphere as vapour, condensation, droplets, or ice. The device provides precise data on natural and anthropogenic cloud formation processes and their influence on climate development.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive cognitive test battery, Cognition, to measure the impact of spaceflight stressors on astronauts' cognition. The 10-test battery will be administered to the first astronaut on the International Space Station on November 28.
Researchers at MIT and Draper Laboratory have developed a new atomic timekeeping approach that could enable more stable and accurate portable atomic clocks. The system suppresses the AC Stark shift effect, allowing for smaller, less expensive devices with improved accuracy compared to current fountain clocks.
The University of Washington's fusion reactor design has the potential to produce economical fusion power, rivaling costs for new coal-fired plants with similar electrical output. The dynomak reactor uses a magnetic field within a closed space to hold plasma in place, allowing for continuous heating and electricity generation.
MIT researchers develop a scaling law to estimate the risk of brain injury for humans and animals, revealing that humans are more vulnerable due to thinner skulls. The method may aid in diagnosing traumatic brain injury and developing protective helmets.
MIT researchers developed an algorithm to gauge space debris rotation using visual information, achieving high accuracy in most measures. The algorithm's probabilistic approach and Gaussian distribution modeling enable efficient collection of space trash, including thousands of broken satellites.
Researchers developed a new technique to measure nanomechanical properties of microstructures undergoing stress and heating, revealing insights for improving microelectronics and battery designs. The technology uses laser-based Raman spectroscopy to study surface stresses and their impact on mechanical properties.
MIT researchers have created an algorithm that enables a drone to monitor its health in real-time, allowing it to take proactive measures during delivery missions. The approach simplifies planning by separating vehicle-level and mission-level tasks, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries.
Researchers develop technique to efficiently calculate mutual information between nodes in probabilistic graphical models, allowing for targeted data collection and reducing computational time. By leveraging Gaussian distributions, the algorithm can assess data usefulness before it becomes available.
Researchers from MIT developed an algorithm that allows distributed agents, such as robots, to collect data and analyze it independently. The algorithm outperformed a standard algorithm that works on aggregated data in experiments involving several different data sets.
Scientists have developed a new glucose-sensing protein to help prevent complications associated with dropping or spiking blood-sugar levels in diabetes. The protein, engineered to be stable and detect glucose levels within the range present in people with diabetes, could enable continuous monitoring.
Researchers studied a rat's balancing strategy to lateral impact, finding it bends flexible body to absorb energy and resists force through side-sway. The study reveals key mechanisms for animal stability during locomotion and inspires improvements in bionic robots.
Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to study respiratory disorders and provide surgeons with more accurate treatment approaches. The method leads to better surgical outcomes, reduced surgeries, and improved patient recovery.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that combines control programs to enable multiagent systems, such as teams of robots or networks of devices, to collaborate in unprecedented ways. The system takes into account uncertainty and automatically plans around it to guarantee optimal results.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are investigating ways for robots to work alongside humans in settings like manufacturing plants and elderly homes. They aim to develop algorithms that enable robots to collaborate with people on tasks, enhancing productivity without compromising safety.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing unique approaches to drone autopilot systems, enabling them to track missing persons, navigate through smoke during wildfires, and deliver packages. The technology has the potential to save lives and provide significant time- and cost-efficiencies for first responders.
A study found that residents of major US cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Environmental manipulations such as maintaining humidity and using air filters can help manage the condition.
Researchers develop penguin-inspired propulsion system using a novel spherical joint mechanism, enabling three degrees of freedom and unlimited rotational range. The system aims to shed light on the swimming mysteries of penguins, which can accelerate from 0 to 7 m/s in under a second.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
Radiation oncologists face higher workloads and decreased confidence when treating unfamiliar cases, as shown in a UNC study. The researchers used NASA-TLX to measure perceived workload and found that performance decreased with longer completion times.
A recent MIT study found that high-energy electron activity in space may contribute to failures in geostationary satellites. The research team analyzed data from eight satellites and found that most failures occurred during declining phases of the solar cycle, particularly when Kp index was three or less.
Researchers at NASA and the University of Florida create single fixation protocol to study plant growth in space, allowing analysis of both molecular and morphological features. The new method uses RNA later and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy to preserve tissues without damage.
A new FINDER technology uses microwave radar to detect human breathing patterns and heartbeats in rubble. The system is sensitive enough to locate victims buried under 30 feet of debris, revolutionizing search and rescue operations.
Researchers at MIT have developed an inflatable antenna that can significantly amplify radio signals, allowing CubeSats to transmit data higher rates and farther. The design uses a sublimating powder to inflate the antenna in space, increasing its communication range seven times compared to existing CubeSats.
Scientists have developed a new way to predict turbulent flow near walls, which could reduce drag by 30% and save the global economy billions in fuel costs. This breakthrough has the potential to optimize vehicle performance and reduce emissions.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new way to analyze turbulent flow near walls, which can help reduce drag and fuel consumption in aircraft and ships. By breaking down complex equations into smaller blocks, they found that commonly observed features of wall turbulence can be explained by superposing just three response modes.
Researchers found that sunlit snow is a major source of atmospheric bromine in the Arctic, purging pollutants and destroying ozone. The loss of sea ice could disrupt this delicate balance and have extreme effects on atmospheric chemistry.
The premier issue of New Space journal marks a significant milestone in the field of commercial space ventures. The inaugural issue features premium content from leading experts, including editorials, roundtable discussions, and peer-reviewed original articles.
Scientists have transmitted a secure quantum code via satellite, promising secure global communication. The experiment uses quantum states of single light quanta, making data transmission virtually un-hackable.