🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Apple Intelligence is now live in public beta. Here’s what it offers and how to enable it.

Apple has launched the public betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, featuring its generative AI, Apple Intelligence. Available in U.S. English for iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models, key features include AI-powered writing tools, photo cleanup, and major Siri updates.

A lightweight parallel attention residual network for tile defect recognition

This paper proposes a method to improve defect detection in magnetic tiles, enhancing image details and using a lightweight network (LPAR-Net) with an Attention Parallel Residual Block (APR). The method achieves 93.63% accuracy, outperforming models like DenseNet and MobileNet, and is effective on a strip steel defect dataset as well.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Researchers build AI model database to find new alloys for nuclear fusion facilities

A study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers has developed an AI model to identify new alloys for shielding fusion reactor components, advancing nuclear fusion facilities. Initiated under former AI Director David Womble, the project continues under the Artificial Intelligence for Scientific Discovery program. The alloys are crucial for high-temperature resistance and mechanical strength in nuclear plants. The findings are published in Scientific Data.

Vortex cannon generates toroidal electromagnetic pulses

Researchers from China, Singapore, and the UK have developed a horn microwave antenna, or "vortex cannon," capable of generating toroidal electromagnetic pulses. These doughnut-shaped topological structures, called skyrmions, could be used for information encoding and studying light–matter interactions. While toroidal topologies are common in physics, this marks the first time they have been directly generated in electromagnetic waves.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Cancer Risk: Are Pesticides the New Smoking?

Pesticides improve crop yields but are linked to health risks, including cancer. A recent U.S. study assessed broader cancer risks and regional disparities in exposure, aiming to guide public health policies for better protection.

Amyloid-β and tau disrupt brain activity, driving early cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s risk

A recent study in Nature Neuroscience explored how amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau deposits jointly impact brain function and cognitive decline in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ initially triggers neuronal hyperactivity, while tau later reduces activity, leading to synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction. The study aims to further understand the interaction between Aβ and tau in Alzheimer's progression.

Gallium-doped bioactive glass kills 99% of bone cancer cells

Osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer in children and young adults, has seen little treatment improvement since the 1970s. Researchers at Aston University developed a gallium-doped bioactive glass that kills over 99% of cancer cells. While treatment focuses on tumor elimination and preventing recurrence, survivors often face bone mass deficits. Bioactive glasses can aid in both bone repair and targeted therapy.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

So-Called ‘Space Balloon’ Completes Crucial Test Ahead of Tourist Flights

Space Perspective has moved closer to its goal of luxurious high-altitude travel with a successful test of its Neptune vehicle. Launched from Florida on September 15, the hydrogen-fueled craft ascended for four hours into the stratosphere, maintaining cabin pressure and stability before splashing down. This mission, Development Flight 2, was the first to use the actual Neptune capsule at its maximum altitude, following a previous test with a lighter mockup.

SpaceX fires up 6th Starship to prep for test flight (video, photo)

SpaceX conducted a static fire test on September 18 at its Starbase site in South Texas, igniting the six Raptor engines of Ship 31, the upper stage for the upcoming sixth Starship test flight. The test is part of preparations for a flight expected several months from now, with SpaceX sharing photos and videos of the event on its X account.

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