Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Nanomagnets can choose a wine, and could slake AI's thirst for energy

Researchers at NIST have developed a new type of hardware for AI that uses magnetic tunnel junctions, which are less energy-intensive than traditional silicon chips. The new technology has already passed a virtual wine-tasting test and shows promise for reducing energy use in AI systems.

Robot dog learns to walk in one hour

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.

A brain network for social attraction

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have discovered a specialized neural circuit in zebrafish that enables recognition of conspecifics. This pathway, which runs from the retina to the thalamus, triggers shoaling behavior and regulates social approach and affiliation.

A robot learns to imagine itself

A Columbia University team created a robot that can learn and understand its own body, planning motion and avoiding obstacles without human assistance. The robot's self-model was accurate to about 1% of its workspace, paving the way for more self-reliant autonomous systems.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How preschoolers’ brains develop self-control

Research finds that preschoolers' brain maturation improves inhibitory control abilities, with 4-year-olds outperforming 3-year-olds in tasks requiring stopping actions. The cognitive control network's distinct regions and white matter connections are associated with different aspects of self-control development.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Neuronal circuit serving social interaction

Researchers have identified a neural circuit responsible for detecting 'affective' touch and influencing social behavior in mice. Activation of this circuit triggers social bonding, while disruption leads to reduced social interaction.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Using GPUs to discover human brain connectivity

A new GPU-based machine learning algorithm, ReAL-LiFE, can rapidly analyze large amounts of data from diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) scans of the human brain. This allows for faster analysis and prediction of brain connectivity, enabling better understanding of brain-behaviour relationships at scale.

Tiny limbs and long bodies: Coordinating lizard locomotion

A multidisciplinary approach reveals a continuum of locomotion dynamics in lizards, with short-limbed species exhibiting snakelike waves and long-bodied species bending like lizards. The findings deepen understanding of evolution's implications for locomotion and have applications for advanced robotics designs.

Silence for thought: Special interneuron networks in the human brain

Researchers have discovered a prominent network of silencing interneurons in the human cortex, which could be linked to enhanced working memory and reasoning abilities. This unique network relies on abundant connections between inhibitory interneurons and is distinct from those found in mice.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Sniffing out your identity with breath biometrics

A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed an olfactory sensor capable of identifying individuals by analyzing the compounds in their breath. The system, combined with machine learning, achieved an average accuracy of over 97% in authenticating up to 20 individuals.

Extra “eye” movements are the key to better self-driving cars

A new AI system uses artificial neural networks to recognize objects more accurately and stably, despite changing visual inputs. The system mimics human eye movements to improve machine vision capabilities, reducing errors in self-driving cars and other applications.

New model helps identify mutations that drive cancer

A new computer model has been developed to rapidly scan cancer genomes and identify harmful driver mutations that contribute to tumor growth. The model, trained on genomic data from various types of cancer, found additional mutations in 5-10% of patients that could help doctors identify more effective treatment options.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

For communication between brain areas, milliseconds matter

Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that brain area communication is dynamic and changes over rapid timespans, with influences varying on a fast timescale. This finding suggests that cortical areas may control different aspects of processing in downstream regions over very short time spans.

How sleep builds relational memory

Research suggests that during deep sleep, neurons representing related items fire in close temporal order, triggering synaptic plasticity and forming strong connections. This process strengthens or creates new relational memories, which can be essential for learning connections between objects or people.

Quest for elusive monolayers just got a lot simpler

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created an automated scanning device that detects monolayers with high accuracy, reducing processing time and costs. The system utilizes AI-powered image processing to analyze images of materials, identifying monolayers with near 100% accuracy in just nine minutes.

Scientists build subcellular map of entire brain networks

Researchers have developed an imaging technique to capture information about brain tissue at the subcellular level, combining seven methods to visualize neural networks and individual cells. This approach allows for a complete picture of brain structure and function, overcoming challenges of imaging tissues at different scales.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Capturing cortical connectivity close-up

Researchers propose a new method to study neural networks using intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI), which provides detailed maps of brain activity in living subjects. The study shows that ISOI can reveal cortical architecture at columnar resolution, offering a more accurate picture of brain network activity than existing methods.

DeepSqueak tool identifies marine mammal calls #ASA182

A new tool called DeepSqueak uses deep learning to identify marine mammal calls with high accuracy, even in noisy environments. The tool was originally developed for rodent ultrasound signals but has been adapted to detect sounds at other frequencies, including humpback whales and delphinids.

Accelerating the pace of machine learning

A new distributed learning technique, GD-SEC, reduces communication requirements in wireless architecture, improving efficiency and reducing computational cost. The method employs data compression to transmit only meaningful, usable data, enhancing the impact of machine learning while minimizing its limitations.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Teaching physics to AI makes the student a master

Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning algorithm that incorporates known physics into neural networks, allowing for new insights into material properties and more efficient predictions. The approach helps the algorithm attain transparency and accuracy, even with limited training data.

Effects of stress on adolescent brain’s “triple network”

A new study found that acute stress and repeated traumas in adolescents alter functional connectivity between the default mode, salience, and central executive networks. This may lead to a maladaptive response to stressful experiences and increased neural vulnerability.

NeuroMechFly: a digital twin of Drosophila

Researchers at EPFL's School of Life Sciences create a digital twin of Drosophila called NeuroMechFly, which uses biomechanical modeling and machine learning to simulate the fly's movements. The model is validated through experiments that demonstrate its accuracy in replicating real animal behaviors.

Eating sea squirts may reverse the signs of ageing, study shows

A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

An easier way to teach robots new skills

Researchers developed a machine-learning method that allows robots to pick up and place never-before-seen objects in random poses, requiring only 10 human demonstrations. The system uses a neural network specifically designed to reconstruct 3D shapes, enabling the robot to generalize to new object orientations.

This algorithm has opinions about your face

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to model first impressions and accurately predict how people will be perceived based on a photograph of their face. The algorithm's findings align with common intuitions or cultural assumptions, such as people who smile being seen as more trustworthy.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Neural network improves control over quadrotor drones

A new control allocation method using a neural network improves the performance of quadrotor controllers by considering aerodynamic effects. This approach reduces errors in command generation and delivers better thrust and torque signals.

Fetal exposure to drugs may affect infants’ brain development

A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.

When neurons behave like a double-edged sword

A new study found that microglia regulate neuronal subtypes differently in response to bacteria, affecting intrinsic excitability. Pyramidal cells exhibited lower excitability, while Purkinje cells showed higher excitability when modulated by microglia.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Fixing AI systems

A project aims to develop software toolkits to assess neural network robustness and potential security vulnerabilities. The goal is to create a framework for building secure AI systems, emphasizing human expertise in data collection and testing.

Scientists pinpoint what makes brain cells develop in a specific order

Researchers have identified the complete series of 10 factors that regulate the development of brain cell types in the visual system of fruit flies. This discovery opens new avenues of research to understand how brain development evolved in different animals and holds clues for regenerative medicine.

Rational neural network advances machine-human discovery

A novel 'rational' neural network reveals underlying mathematical equations through Green's functions, enabling humans to understand machine-generated findings. This breakthrough in partial differential equation learning holds promise for advancing scientific exploration of weather systems, climate change, and more.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Mathematical paradoxes demonstrate the limits of AI

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Oslo identify a century-old mathematical paradox as the Achilles' heel of modern AI. The paradox limits the existence of stable and accurate neural networks, making many AI systems untrustworthy in high-risk areas.

The nature of the experiment largely determines its result

Researchers reexamined hundreds of experiments on neural activity and consciousness, finding that experiment parameters determine results. The study used artificial intelligence to predict which theory would be supported by each experiment with 80% success.

Drug-resistant bacteria flaunt their curves

A study published in Frontiers in Microbiology has found that machine learning analysis of microscopy images can be used to identify bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Researchers discovered that shape changes in bacterial cells can predict drug resistance, suggesting a new approach for detecting and predicting drug resistance.

Duke scientists find brain network that makes mice mingle

Researchers at Duke University found a collection of coordinated brain regions that predict and direct social behavior in mice. By analyzing the electrical activity of these regions, they identified how social or solitary an individual mouse is and were able to prompt them to be more gregarious. This study may lead to better diagnostic...

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Fingertip sensitivity for robots

A team of scientists developed a soft haptic sensor that can accurately estimate contact points and forces using computer vision and deep neural networks. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect even tiny forces and detailed object shapes.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Perovskites used to make efficient artificial retina

KAUST researchers develop an artificial electronic retina that mimics human vision and recognizes handwritten numbers with high accuracy. The retina uses perovskite nanocrystals to detect light intensity via capacitive change, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to existing systems.