🤖 Computer Science

RA-Net: reverse attention for generalizing residual learning

The reverse attention (RA) architecture enhances residual learning by guiding low-level information transfer with high-level semantic features. Implemented via Modified Global Response Normalization (M-GRN), RA-Net significantly outperforms standard residual networks, improving ImageNet-1K classification accuracy by 1.7%, COCO detection box AP by 1.9%, and ADE20K segmentation mIoU by 0.7%, without increasing parameters or computational cost.

Learning to grok: Emergence of in-context learning and skill composition in modular arithmetic tasks

Large language models solve new tasks via in-context learning and skill composition. Studying modular arithmetic, researchers found GPT-style transformers generalize out-of-distribution with increased pre-training tasks. The smallest effective model has two transformer blocks, while deeper models need early stopping. Interpretability studies show structured representations and reveal learned algorithms.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

New model suggests partner anti-universe could explain accelerated expansion without the need for dark energy

The accelerated expansion of the universe, driven by dark energy, is explained by the Lambda-CDM model as a cosmological constant in Einstein's equations, though its small value is not fully understood. Alternative theories include quintessence, modified gravity (e.g., scalar-tensor-vector gravity), and higher-dimensional models like the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) model, which alters gravity at large distances due to higher-dimensional effects and variable brane tension.

20 years. 20 chemists. 20 stories.

These chemists all became members of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2004, when Chemistry World was first launched. To mark our anniversary, Phillip Broadwith asked them to reflect on the last two decades of their careers in chemistry. The first 10 interviews are published here, with another 10 to follow later in the year.

New catalyst brings commercial high-efficiency zinc-air batteries closer to reality

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are promising for renewable energy but currently use expensive, inefficient noble metal catalysts. Researchers developed a superior metal-nitrogen-carbon catalyst using iron, cobalt, and nickel, improving ZAB performance and cost-efficiency. They also optimized a flexible carbon dot/polyvinyl alcohol film as a solid-state electrolyte, resulting in a high-performance, flexible battery suitable for wearable devices.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

The brain can store nearly 10 times more data than previously thought, study confirms

A new study confirms that the brain can hold nearly 10 times more information than previously thought. The brain's memory storage, measured in "bits," depends on the synapses between neurons. Previously, scientists believed synapses had limited sizes and strengths, restricting storage capacity. However, recent research shows the brain's capacity is much larger than once believed.

Ultrasound offers a new way to perform deep brain stimulation

MIT researchers developed an alternative to deep brain stimulation using ultrasound delivered by a hair-thin fiber, avoiding issues like electrode corrosion and scar tissue. In mice, this method effectively triggered dopamine release in brain regions targeted for Parkinson's disease treatment.

High Confidence Alzheimer's Drug Donanemab Will Get FDA Panel Nod

The FDA's advisory committee will meet on June 10 to discuss donanemab's application for treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease. The decision was delayed to review phase 3 TRAILBLAZER-ALZ 2 trial results. The meeting will evaluate evidence, reasons for the delay, and potential concerns.

Insomnia linked to higher ovarian cancer risk and mortality in new genetic study

EOC is a leading cause of cancer death in women, with nearly 13,000 U.S. deaths in 2022. Early detection is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and high recurrence rates. Identifying risk factors like sleep disorders is crucial, as insomnia affects up to 60% of EOC patients and may increase cancer risk. Studies link insomnia and circadian disruption to higher EOC risk, but more research is needed to confirm this association.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Chinese Probe Heads Back to Earth With Samples From the Moon’s Mysterious Far Side

China’s Chang’e 6 mission collected lunar samples from the Moon’s far side and began its return trip to Earth. The ascent vehicle launched from the Aitken Basin on Monday and is en route back. This mission, launched on May 3, landed on the Moon to gather samples from the largest and oldest impact crater, which could provide insights into the Moon's formation and differences between its near and far sides.

A 'new star' could appear in the sky any night now. Here's how to see the Blaze Star ignite.

The "Blaze Star" (T Coronae Borealis), 3,000 light-years away, is expected to brighten and become visible to the naked eye by September 2024. It will reach a magnitude of +2, similar to Polaris. Located in the Corona Borealis constellation, between Boötes and Hercules, it will be easy to spot by finding some of the brightest stars in the summer night sky .

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