🤖 Computer Science

A Multimodal Dataset for Mixed Emotion Recognition

A new dataset focuses on mixed emotion recognition using EEG, GSR, PPG, and facial video recordings from 80 participants watching videos. The dataset includes multimodal signals and self-assessments from 73 participants. Validation shows mixed emotions can be identified with 80.96% accuracy using SVM and all modalities.

Self-Taught Evaluators

We propose a method to improve model evaluators using only synthetic data. Our iterative self-improvement scheme trains an LLM-as-a-Judge, enhancing Llama3-70B-Instruct's RewardBench performance from 75.4 to 88.3, surpassing GPT-4 and matching top reward models without human annotations.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

The Higgs particle could have ended the universe by now—here's why we're still here

Despite its 13.7 billion-year existence, the universe may be unstable due to the Higgs boson. New research suggests models involving light primordial black holes are unlikely, as they would have caused the Higgs boson to destabilize the cosmos. The Higgs boson, linked to particle mass via the Higgs field, plays a crucial role in particle interactions.

Sound waves move objects in liquid

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a method to manipulate objects in disordered environments, like liquids, using sound waves. Unlike traditional optical and acoustic tweezers, which trap objects, this technique guides them using pressure waves. This innovation could benefit biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery, as it works without the need for a strictly controlled medium.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Injectable goo could fix joints without surgery, early study suggests

Scientists have developed an injectable "goo" capable of regrowing cartilage, which has been tested in sheep. This innovation aims to repair joint damage from degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis and sports injuries, such as ACL tears. The goo could potentially restore cartilage, which cushions joints and prevents bone friction, alleviating pain and mobility issues.

Upper Back Nerve Block More Effective in Chronic Arm Pain Relief

A study finds ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) more effective than stellate ganglion block (SGB) for chronic upper arm pain. TPVB provided better pain relief and a greater increase in hand temperature shortly after the procedure. Both methods offered similar pain relief at 1 and 4 weeks, but TPVB showed more immediate benefits.

Pomegranate peel extract restores skin balance, fights infections

The skin microbiota consists of various microorganisms that live in balance, influenced by factors like body site, age, sex, and skin pH. Key species include Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, and Propionibacterium. Staphylococcus epidermidis is vital for maintaining this balance and has antimicrobial effects against harmful bacteria like S. aureus. Disruptions in this balance can lead to dysbiosis, marked by fewer beneficial microbes and more pathogens.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Watch private Cygnus freighter arrive at the ISS early Aug. 6

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus freighter, launched on August 4, is set to dock with the ISS on August 6 at 3:10 a.m. EDT. Live coverage of the docking will start at 1:30 a.m. EDT on Space.com.

NASA Seeks Student Missions to Send to Space in 2026, Beyond

NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) is offering new opportunities for small spacecraft, or CubeSats, to fly on upcoming missions. This program supports U.S. educational institutions, non-profits, and museums, as well as NASA centers, aiming to engage students in space careers and enhance educational and scientific research.

🌐 Others

Hurricane Debby Blows $1 Million Worth of Cocaine Onto Florida Beaches

Hurricane Debby has struck the U.S. coast with 70 mph winds, and it also washed ashore 25 packages of cocaine in the Florida Keys. The 70 pounds of cocaine, valued at about $1 million, were discovered by a "Good Samaritan" and reported to authorities.

Thanks For Reading!

Please move this email to your Primary Inbox (if it is not already there) to make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting news and updates!
Reply directly to this email with any questions, comments or suggestions. 🚀