🤖 Computer Science

Experiment-free exoskeleton assistance via learning in simulation

Exoskeleton development is hindered by the need for extensive human testing and custom control laws. A new method uses simulation-based learning with musculoskeletal and exoskeleton models and reinforcement learning to create a versatile control policy without human tests. This approach, implemented on a hip exoskeleton, significantly reduces metabolic rates for walking, running, and stair climbing. It could accelerate the development and adoption of assistive robots for various users.

Beyond LLaVA-HD: Diving into High-Resolution Large Multimodal Models

Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) need high resolution for visual tasks, but current methods are computationally expensive. The proposed SliME framework reduces this cost by using a mixture of adapters for global context and query embeddings to minimize local image tokens. Alternating training between global and local components improves performance. SliME outperforms benchmarks with only 2 million training data and includes a new high-detail dataset.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

New theory links quantum geometry to electron-phonon coupling

A study in Nature Physics presents a theory linking quantum geometry to electron-phonon coupling (EPC), crucial for phenomena like superconductivity. EPC involves interactions between free electrons and lattice vibrations, forming Cooper pairs that enable superconductivity. The study highlights how quantum geometry influences EPC strength. Dr. Jiabin Yu, Moore Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University, led the research.

Sun’s magnetic field may have a surprisingly shallow origin

A new model suggests the Sun's magnetic field originates just 20,000 miles below its surface, challenging deeper origin theories. Developed by Northwestern University and the University of Edinburgh, this could improve solar storm forecasts. Recent measurements support this shallow origin, contradicting older, deeper theories.

Nanomaterial researchers recognized with 2024 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience

The 2024 Kavli Prize in Nanoscience was awarded to Robert S. Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad A. Mirkin for their contributions to nanomedicine, including advancements in drug delivery, diagnostic tests, and imaging technologies.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Early-Life Excess Weight Tied to Subsequent Stroke Risk

Research shows women with obesity in youth face over twice the risk of stroke before 55. Analyzing 50 years of data on 10,000 adults, the study found a 5% stroke occurrence, with higher risks for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes linked to early obesity. Lead author Ursula Mikkola advises addressing youth obesity nonjudgmentally. The study was published in Stroke on June 6.

Sleep deprivation disrupts memory: here’s why

Poor sleep disrupts a key brain signal for long-term memory in rats, and even subsequent normal sleep doesn't fully restore it. Published in Nature, the study underscores a critical memory processing window that, once lost, cannot be regained. Researchers foresee potential treatments to enhance memory based on these findings.

Just thinking about a location activates mental maps in the brain

MIT research shows brain maps in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex are not just for physical navigation but also for mentally recalling sequences of experiences, even without sensory input.

How a few days in space can disrupt a person’s biology

Hayley Arceneaux, a childhood cancer survivor with a prosthetic leg, made history in September 2021 as the first such person to travel to Earth's orbit. Her journey symbolizes the increasing participation of civilians in space travel, prompting new research on its health effects. Studies show brief spaceflights can disrupt immune cells and cognition, but these effects generally reverse after returning to Earth.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

David Charbonneau and Sara Seager bag the 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics

David Charbonneau of Harvard University and Sara Seager from MIT won the 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics for advancing the study of exoplanet atmospheres. Their work, honored by the Kavli Foundation and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, includes spectroscopic techniques that assess the potential habitability of exoplanets.

'At least 150,000 tons' of water frost discovered atop Mars' tallest volcanoes

Water frost has been found on Mars' equatorial volcanoes for the first time, challenging previous beliefs. This discovery, on the towering Tharsis mountains, reveals up to 150,000 tons of frost forming nightly and evaporating by morning. Lead researcher Adomas Valantinas highlights its implications for understanding water on Mars. Published in Nature Geoscience on June 10.

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