🤖 Tech & Computer Science

ElevenLabs’ text-to-speech app Reader is now available globally

ElevenLabs, an AI startup, has expanded its Reader app globally, now supporting 32 languages. The app, which launched in June in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, allows users to listen to text content like articles and e-books in various languages and voices. ElevenLabs, valued as a unicorn after raising $80 million, also offers an API for dubbing and text-to-speech, and its technology is used in platforms like Rabbit r1, Perplexity, Pocket FM, and Kuku FM. The Reader app is its first product for consumers.

Machine learning-based energy management and power forecasting in grid-connected microgrids with multiple distributed energy sources

This paper discusses the use of Support Vector Regression (SVR) to improve power generation forecasting in grid-connected microgrids with renewable energy. The SVR model, using historical data and weather patterns, significantly outperformed traditional models, reducing errors in solar and wind power predictions. This enhanced accuracy led to optimized energy management and an 8.4% reduction in operating costs.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Quantum dot liquid scintillator could revolutionize neutrino detection

A team at King’s College London developed a safer, more environmentally friendly neutrino detector liquid scintillator using water-based quantum dots (QDs). Unlike traditional toxic and flammable organic scintillators, this new scintillator uses non-toxic, non-flammable materials, making it easier and safer to work with. The QDs emit blue light, ideal for detection by particle physics sensors.

Small molecule organic eutectics show potential for replacing plastics

Researchers at The University of Warwick have developed promising eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics using organic eutectic mixtures—combinations of small organic molecules forming unique glasses and liquids. These materials, identified through advanced analysis, could replace polymers in various products, supporting a shift towards a circular economy and addressing environmental concerns.

Self-assembling RNA strands ‘tamed the chemical chaos’ in prebiotic mixtures

New research suggests that self-assembly processes may have helped stabilize complex molecules, such as RNA, on early Earth. This increased resistance to hydrolysis could have been crucial in sustaining the molecules necessary for the origin of life amidst the unstable prebiotic environment.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Uterus Transplants in Women With Uterine-Factor Infertility Show High Rate of Live Births

Uterus transplants in women with absolute uterine-factor infertility showed a 70% success rate for live births. The study involved 20 women who received womb transplants from 18 living and 2 deceased donors, with anti-rejection medication administered until the uterus was removed after successful births or graft failure.

New project aims to study the combination of two therapies for pediatric brain cancer

Natasha Sheybani, a biomedical engineering professor at the University of Virginia, is collaborating with Children's National Hospital researchers to study a combination of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and low-intensity focused ultrasound for treating high-risk pediatric brain cancer. The two-year project aims to improve treatment effectiveness by triggering an immune response in the brain to help CAR T-cells combat the tumors.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew lands at launch site ahead of 1st-ever private spacewalk mission (photos, video)

The Polaris Dawn mission team arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, preparing for their upcoming launch. Funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, this is the second private SpaceX mission under the Polaris program, following the 2021 Inspiration4 mission, which raised $250 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

NASA CubeSats Launch as Commercial Rideshares

NASA launched two CubeSats, PTD-4 and PTD-R, on August 16 as part of the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator series. These small satellites aim to advance space exploration by testing new technologies, including a deployable solar array with an antenna (PTD-4) and simultaneous ultraviolet and infrared optical sensing (PTD-R).

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