🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Three more execs out at OpenAI, including technology chief Mira Murati

OpenAI is facing a leadership shakeup, with three key executives, including Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, announcing their departures. Murati, who played a pivotal role in developing ChatGPT and DALL-E, shared her decision on X, followed by Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and VP of Research Barret Zoph. These exits come amid OpenAI's efforts to grow, attract investment, and restructure for-profit operations, with reports suggesting the company could soon be valued at $150 billion.

Deep residual 2D convolutional neural network for cardiovascular disease classification

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a global health issue, highlighting the need for improved diagnostics. Automated, AI-driven ECG analysis systems offer a solution by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and accessibility, especially in community hospitals. This study implemented a deep 2D convolutional neural network (2D-CNN) on the PTB-XL dataset for cardiac disorder detection. The model achieved high performance across 2, 5, and 23 CVD classes, with AUCs of 95%, 93.46%, and 92.18%, respectively, demonstrating its potential to assist healthcare professionals and improve ECG interpretation.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

New on-chip laser fills long sought-after green gap

Researchers at NIST and the University of Maryland have developed an on-chip laser that can emit green light, overcoming a significant challenge in optics. By modifying a silicon nitride microresonator, they converted infrared laser light into green light, a breakthrough for applications like quantum sensing, medicine, and underwater communication. The team thickened the microresonator and adjusted its cladding to cover over 150 distinct wavelengths in the green spectrum, filling the previously elusive "green gap." This innovation enhances the versatility of green lasers in various fields.

Alternating currents for alternative computing with magnets

A new study explores using spin waves, or magnons, to create energy-efficient, reprogrammable circuits. This alternative to traditional CPU technology could help overcome size and power limitations in modern computing, offering a promising solution for more sustainable devices.

Chloride ions tunnel free from PVC

A study by researchers at the University of Alabama found that quantum tunneling is the main mechanism driving chloride ions to leach from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While initially skeptical, the team discovered that the reaction barrier was extremely narrow, allowing chloride ions to pass through via tunneling rather than thermal activation. This insight challenges the assumption that tunneling is unlikely with heavy atoms like chlorine.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

FDA Okays Osimertinib After CRT in Locally Advanced, Unresectable NSCLC

The FDA has approved osimertinib (Tagrisso) for treating locally advanced, unresectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults with specific EGFR mutations after chemoradiation therapy. This approval follows findings from the LAURA trial, where osimertinib significantly improved progression-free survival (39.1 vs. 5.6 months). The drug, already approved for first-line treatment in metastatic cases, targets patients with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 mutations.

Epigenetic switch controls renin production in unexpected cell type

Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered how smooth muscle cells in the kidneys can change function to produce renin, helping regulate blood pressure when it drops significantly. Normally involved in contracting and relaxing arteries, these cells switch to renin production under prolonged low blood pressure. The team identified a key biological "switch" that triggers this transformation, offering insights that could lead to new treatments for high blood pressure and vascular diseases.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

How to watch SpaceX's Crew-9 astronaut launch for NASA on Sept. 28

SpaceX is set to launch the Crew-9 astronaut mission for NASA on Saturday, Sept. 28, from Cape Canaveral at 1:17 p.m. EDT. The mission, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, will send NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to the International Space Station (ISS) for a five-month stay. Originally, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson were part of the crew but were replaced to accommodate the return of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore in February.

NASA Hosts Two Workshops for Consultation on LEO Microgravity Strategy

NASA conducted workshops in London and Washington to gather international and industry feedback on advancing microgravity science in low Earth orbit. The agency released 42 draft objectives for input from stakeholders, covering areas like science, technology, and international cooperation. This feedback will shape NASA’s framework for human presence in LEO, set to be finalized this winter.

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