🤖 Tech & Computer Science

Frontier is about to offer 7-gig fiber across several states

Frontier is launching a new 7-gig fiber internet plan nationwide for $309.99 per month, offering the fastest widely available fiber speeds with symmetrical 7Gbps upload and download. This plan includes unlimited data and a Wi-Fi 7 router. While Frontier is the first to offer 7Gbps nationwide, it is not the cheapest high-speed option. Google Fiber has an 8Gbps plan for $150/month in select cities, and Optimum offers an 8Gbps plan for $300/month in the New York area.

Smart customer service in unmanned retail store enhanced by large language model

The paper introduces a framework for unmanned retail that combines visual recognition and fine-tuned large language models to understand customer needs and guide them to products. It enhances shopping experiences by efficiently analyzing preferences and recommending products.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

New research suggests a way to capture physicists' most wanted particle—gravitons

Stevens professor Igor Pikovski and his team propose a method to detect single gravitons, the theoretical quantum components of gravity, using quantum technology. This breakthrough, described in Nature Communications, suggests that an experiment once deemed impossible could soon be achievable.

Making safer, easier-to-apply flame retardants

Polyurethane foam, commonly used in furniture and bedding, is highly flammable. Traditional halogenated flame retardants, while effective, pose health and environmental risks. At the American Chemical Society Fall 2024 meeting, researchers from Texas A&M University introduced a new, safer flame retardant containing boron that makes foam self-extinguishing and is easier to apply than previous methods. This new approach requires only a single dunk in a room-temperature solution, improving on earlier, more complex techniques.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

AI and brain implant enables ALS patient to easily converse with family 'for 1st time in years'

Brain-computer interfaces, a revolutionary technology, help paralyzed individuals regain lost functions by recording brain signals and bypassing damaged nerves. Initially focused on restoring arm and hand movements, recent developments are now aiming to restore speech for those who cannot communicate verbally.

Thyroid Surgery Increases Kidney Disease Risk

Despite daily medication, hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy increases the risk of kidney disease. A study of 2,421 thyroidectomy patients in Denmark found that those with hypoparathyroidism had a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to a matched general population group. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², confirmed by multiple measurements.

Novel biochip diagnoses deadly brain cancer in under an hour

Researchers developed a biochip with a small electrokinetic sensor to detect active EGFRs on extracellular vesicles in blood samples. The sensor enhances sensitivity and selectivity by allowing multiple antibody bonds per vesicle. Synthetic silica nanoparticles report active EGFR presence via a voltage shift, indicating glioblastoma, while minimizing interference from other sensor technologies.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

SpaceX delays Polaris Dawn astronaut launch until at least Aug. 30 due to bad weather

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has been delayed multiple times due to preflight issues and unfavorable weather forecasts. Originally set for August 26, the launch was pushed to August 27 due to a helium leak and then further delayed to August 28 due to poor weather conditions. The mission aims to send four astronauts into Earth orbit aboard a Crew Dragon capsule.

Perseverance Kicks off the Crater Rim Campaign!

The Perseverance rover has begun a new phase of exploration by ascending the Jezero Crater rim after two months studying the Neretva Vallis region. This marks the start of the Crater Rim Campaign, the rover's fifth strategic exploration campaign, focusing on diverse and potentially significant rock samples.

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