🤖 Computer Science

AI-driven research in pure mathematics and theoretical physics

In the past five years, the use of AI algorithms in pure mathematics and theoretical sciences has surged. Despite the rigorous nature of these fields, AI has made significant strides. This Perspective categorizes approaches to discovery as ‘top-down’, ‘bottom-up’, and ‘meta-mathematics’, highlighting both advancements and limitations. While AI won't replace theorists soon, combining human expertise with AI will become essential in theoretical research.

Latent-INR: A Flexible Framework for Implicit Representations of Videos with Discriminative Semantics

Implicit Neural Networks (INRs) are effective for video compression but lack semantic meaning for tasks like retrieval. A new framework decouples spatial and temporal aspects using per-frame latents and hypernetworks, maintaining compression efficiency and aligning with vision models like CLIP. This enables video retrieval, open-ended chat via VideoLlama, and tasks like interpolation and superresolution, adding semantic capabilities to INRs.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Researchers dig deeper into stability challenges of nuclear fusion—with mayonnaise

Researchers are using mayonnaise to study the physics of nuclear fusion, specifically the structural integrity of fusion capsules in inertial confinement fusion. Arindam Banerjee from Lehigh University highlights the potential of fusion to provide limitless clean energy but acknowledges the challenges in replicating the sun's conditions on Earth.

‘Event-responsive’ electron microscopy focuses on fragile samples

A new STEM technique adjusts the electron beam based on scattering to minimize damage to fragile samples, allowing high-resolution imaging with fewer electrons. This "event-responsive electron microscopy" aims to improve imaging of delicate materials.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

Second brain implant by Elon Musk’s Neuralink: will it fare better than the first?

Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted a second brain-computer interface (BCI) in a person with a spinal cord injury. This follows issues with the first implant. The new device, with 400 of its 1,042 electrodes providing brain signals, aims to avoid previous mechanical difficulties. Neuralink plans to implant up to eight more devices this year. Scientists hope for continued safe advancements in this technology.

Man Sticks 2-Foot Eel up His Butt, Gets Surgery After Eel Chews Through His Intestines

Doctors in Vietnam saved a man's life after a 2-foot eel he had inserted into his anus chewed through his intestines. The man, who also inserted a lemon to prevent the eel from escaping, required surgery that involved removing part of his colon. The bizarre incident was reported by Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi.

Dopamine treatment can reduce Alzheimer's plaques and improve memory

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan discovered that dopamine treatment in mice with Alzheimer's disease alleviates brain symptoms and improves memory. The study, published in Science Signaling, found that dopamine promotes the production of neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down harmful plaques in the brain. This finding could lead to a new treatment approach if similar results are observed in human trials.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

China begins launching a megaconstellation, and it sounds a lot like Starlink

China launched 18 Qianfan satellites into low-Earth orbit on August 6, 2024, using a Long March 6A rocket. This marks the first step in China’s efforts to develop a satellite network to rival SpaceX's Starlink, which is banned in China. The satellites were successfully deployed into a polar orbit, supporting China's ambitions to provide broadband Internet across its region of influence.

Meet the crew for SpaceX's Ax-4 mission to the ISS

Axiom Space has announced the crew for its fourth commercial spaceflight, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), to the ISS. The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and include international astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Sławosz Uznański (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). This mission highlights Axiom Space’s goal of expanding global access to space and fostering international collaboration.

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