🤖 Tech & Computer Science

AI model can reveal the structures of crystalline materials

MIT chemists developed a generative AI model to better determine the structure of powdered crystals, aiding in material applications like batteries and magnets. The study, led by MIT and Stanford researchers, highlights the importance of structure in material properties.

OmniBench: Towards The Future of Universal Omni-Language Models

OmniBench is a new benchmark for evaluating models' ability to process visual, acoustic, and textual inputs together. Current models, called omni-language models (OLMs), show significant weaknesses in tri-modal tasks, with poor performance. The study calls for improved training to enhance multimodal integration.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Short-range order always appears in new type of alloy

A US research team discovered that short-range order in multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) forms regardless of processing methods. This insight will help scientists enhance the properties of MPEAs, which are unique alloys made from three or more elements. Known for their strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, MPEAs hold promise for extreme environments like power plants, aerospace, and automotive technologies.

Nanopore sequencing set to transform our understanding of proteins

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new protein sequencing method using a biological motor to pull proteins through a nanopore, enabling the analysis of full-length proteins and detection of post-translational modifications at single-molecule resolution. This method could revolutionize protein analysis, addressing the vast diversity of proteoforms arising from genetic mutations and modifications.

Physicists use quantum correlations of photon pairs to hide images from standard cameras

Researchers at the Paris Institute of Nanoscience at Sorbonne University have developed a quantum imaging method using entangled photons to hide images from conventional cameras. By encoding images into the spatial correlations between these entangled photons, the visual information becomes invisible to standard imaging technology. This breakthrough could have important applications in quantum computing and cryptography.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Simple intervention can prevent lifelong disability in premature babies

A Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent cerebral palsy in their babies. Despite costing just £5 per dose, its global availability remains inconsistent. Although recommended by the WHO since 2015, implementation challenges persist. Neonatologist Karen Luyt has worked to ensure the treatment is accessible to all eligible mothers in England, especially those in labor before 30 weeks of gestation.

Bird flu is spreading rapidly in California; infected herds double over weekend

The H5N1 bird flu is rapidly spreading through dairy farms in California, doubling the number of infected cow herds from 17 to 34 in just a few days. California, now second only to Colorado in herd infections, reported its first cases on August 30, despite the outbreak starting in March. Officials emphasize early detection and biosecurity measures to contain the spread. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross assured farmers of the state's readiness to address the outbreak with urgency.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

The human heart shows signs of ageing after just a month in space

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that engineered human heart tissue weakened and developed irregular beating patterns after just one month in space, mimicking aging effects. This research sheds light on the molecular pathways behind spaceflight's impact on the heart. Long-term exposure to microgravity has been known to cause cardiovascular issues, but studying these effects in astronauts is challenging, says co-author Deok-Ho Kim from Johns Hopkins University.

Comet A3 Could Be the Year’s Brightest—Here’s How to See It

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinan-Atlas), discovered by China's Tsuchinshan Observatory, is set to become a bright object in Earth's sky. It will reach its perihelion on September 27, coming within half the distance from Earth to the Sun, and may become the brightest comet of the year when it passes closest to Earth on October 12. At that time, it could be visible to the naked eye, with a predicted magnitude of around 1.9. Stargazers should mark their calendars for this celestial event.

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