🤖 Tech & Computer Science

PQSF: post-quantum secure privacy-preserving federated learning

This paper addresses privacy and security challenges in federated learning by proposing a new lattice-based multi-stage secret sharing scheme, Improved-Pilaram, which enhances security for the post-quantum era. Improved-Pilaram allows for the reconstruction of secret values using public vectors without altering the original shares. Based on this, the authors develop PQSF, a federated learning framework that uses double masking for secure parameter encryption. PQSF reduces communication complexity and cuts computational overhead by about 20%, making it more efficient than current methods while providing post-quantum security.

Astute RAG: Overcoming Imperfect Retrieval Augmentation and Knowledge Conflicts for Large Language Models

Researchers developed Astute RAG, a new approach to improve Retrieval-Augmented Generation systems for large language models. Astute RAG addresses issues of imperfect retrieval by balancing internal and external knowledge, resolving conflicts, and prioritizing reliability. Tested on Gemini and Claude, it outperformed existing methods, especially in challenging scenarios, enhancing the overall trustworthiness of RAG systems.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Nobel Prize in chemistry honors 3 scientists who used AI to design proteins, life's building blocks

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for innovative protein prediction and design techniques. Baker's Rosetta program and DeepMind's AI methods revolutionized the ability to analyze and create proteins. This breakthrough has significant implications for drug development and advances our understanding of these essential biological molecules.

Octopus suckers inspire new tech for gripping objects underwater

Virginia Tech scientists have created a new switchable adhesive inspired by octopus suckers. This innovation mimics the octopus's ability to firmly grip and rapidly release objects underwater using a pressure-driven system. The adhesive improves upon other natural adhesion methods and could significantly advance underwater exploration and manipulation technologies. By replicating the octopus's versatile gripping mechanism, researchers aim to enhance our capabilities in challenging aquatic environments.

Enigmatic particle might be a molecular pentaquark

Chinese physicists suggest that the Ξ(2030) particle, once thought to be a three-quark baryon, is likely a molecular pentaquark composed of five quarks. Their model, which includes a K meson and a Σ baryon, fits experimental data better than the traditional three-quark model, advancing the understanding of exotic pentaquarks.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Eating less can lead to a longer life: massive study in mice shows why

A large study on mice has found that calorie restriction can extend lifespan, but not solely due to weight loss and metabolic changes. Instead, factors like immune health, genetics, and resilience play a more significant role in longevity. The research, led by scientists from the Jackson Laboratory and Calico Life Sciences, highlights the complexity of the body’s response to caloric restriction, challenging conventional views on how it promotes longer life.

Could heparin offer new hope in the fight against dementia?

A study in Molecular Psychiatry suggests that heparin therapy may delay dementia diagnoses in Alzheimer's patients over 65 by up to two years, highlighting its protective potential. Alzheimer's disease, a leading cause of death in the elderly, incurs significant costs and affects millions globally. The study also explores how Alzheimer's risk is influenced by ApoE protein variants, which interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). This interaction may contribute to tau protein buildup, a key factor in Alzheimer's progression.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Astronauts could mine asteroids for food someday, scientists say

Researchers at Western University have proposed using microbes to convert organic compounds from carbonaceous chondrite asteroids into edible biomass, potentially sustaining astronauts on long space missions. This process, called pyrolysis, would break down asteroid materials in oxygen-free environments, producing nutrients for microbes to create food. The approach aims to reduce reliance on Earth-based resupplies, which are costly and complex, and could support deep-space exploration.

'Severe' geomagnetic storm to slam Earth Thursday, with auroras possible as far south as California and Alabama

A powerful G4-class geomagnetic storm is expected on Thursday, October 10, as charged solar particles from an X 1.8-class solar flare hit Earth. This storm could disrupt power grids, GPS, and satellites while making auroras visible as far south as Alabama and northern California. The flare, caused by the sun's magnetic fields snapping back, released a coronal mass ejection that will disturb Earth’s magnetic field upon arrival, potentially impacting critical technology.

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. 🚀