🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Meta Llama: Everything you need to know about the open generative AI model

Meta's Llama is a family of open AI models, with the latest being Llama 3.1 8B, 70B, and 405B. The smaller models run on devices like laptops, while the 405B model requires data center hardware. All models have a 128,000-token context window, and cloud-hosted versions are available via AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Enhanced stock market forecasting using dandelion optimization-driven 3D-CNN-GRU classification

The paper proposes a 3D-CNN-GRU hybrid model for stock market forecasting, achieving 99.14% accuracy. Key techniques include wavelet transform for data cleaning, DOA for feature selection, and BCA for tuning. While promising, the model is limited to the Nifty 50 index, suggesting the need for broader datasets in future research.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Researchers make sound waves travel in one direction only, with implications for electromagnetic wave technology

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that allows sound waves to travel only in one direction without affecting forward propagation. This could be useful for technical applications with electromagnetic waves, avoiding unwanted reflections. The method overcomes previous challenges where suppressing backward sound waves also weakened forward waves.

A new facility will harness plasma to upgrade interplanetary craft

On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated during reentry due to plasma breaching its wing, killing all aboard. Engineers are now exploring how to use plasma for spacecraft navigation, rather than just enduring its extreme conditions. This involves embedding magnets in spacecraft to control the plasma environment, potentially enhancing precision in aerospace and military applications.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

‘Gelzempic’ Could Make Popular Weight Loss Drugs Easier to Take

Researchers in France have developed a hydrogel version of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, allowing for monthly injections instead of weekly. Created by biotech company Adocia, this slow-releasing formulation aims to improve adherence rates. Semaglutide has shown significant weight loss results but has a drop-off in long-term use, possibly due to its frequent dosing schedule.

AI in Medicine Sparks Excitement and Concerns Among Experts

At the ERS 2024 Congress, experts discussed AI in medicine, emphasizing its rapid integration and the need for strict regulation. Traditional bioethical principles are crucial, but the new principle of "explainability" is gaining importance due to AI's unique features. There are ongoing concerns about trust and the extent of AI's use in healthcare.

Researchers propose ketogenic diet as a novel treatment for anorexia nervosa

A study in Frontiers in Nutrition proposed a neurobiological model supporting a therapeutic ketogenic diet (TKD) for anorexia nervosa (AN). The model integrates behavioral traits, brain metabolism, and neurotransmitter function to address both the metabolic and psychological aspects of AN. This approach aims to improve understanding and treatment of AN, which is characterized by severe emaciation, food avoidance, and high relapse rates.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

SpaceX will start launching Starships to Mars in 2026, Elon Musk says

SpaceX's Starship megarocket is set to begin uncrewed Mars missions in two years to test landing reliability, with the first crewed flights planned for four years from now. The goal is to build a self-sustaining city on Mars within 20 years. The Starship system includes a Super Heavy booster and a 165-foot-tall upper-stage spacecraft.

Eartheye Space raises $1.5 million

Singapore startup Eartheye Space raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to grow its satellite-tasking platform, likened to "Uber Eats" for Earth-observation data. The funds will support expansion into Africa, the Middle East, and the USA, and enhance data access, staffing, and AI training.

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