🤖 Tech & Computer Science

How Google is changing to compete with ChatGPT

Demis Hassabis now oversees Google's entire Gemini AI product, streamlining research and development for faster improvements. Nick Fox takes charge of Search, Ads, and other core services, replacing Prabhakar Raghavan. These changes aim to better integrate AI into products and enhance Google's business strategy.

An adaptive robust watermarking scheme based on chaotic mapping

This paper presents an adaptive image watermarking scheme using DWT, HD, and SVD, offering high security and robustness. The encrypted watermark is embedded in the Y component of YCbCr color space, achieving a PSNR of 45.34dB, SSIM of 0.9987, and strong resistance to attacks. It also provides a high embedding capacity of 0.6667bpp with fast execution time (1.11 seconds).

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Physics-based model helps pedestrians and cyclists avoid city pollution

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a physics-based tool that helps pedestrians and cyclists visualize and avoid urban pollution in real time. The model simulates how harmful particulates from vehicles, such as those from tires and brakes, are dispersed into the environment. It allows users to see how pollutants move in relation to traffic and make safer travel choices. The tool also offers guidance for urban planners and policymakers to improve public health by addressing pollution sources in city environments.

Viscous electronics: Fluid-like electrons are unlocking new tech possibilities

A study by researchers at the National University of Singapore reveals that in emerging quantum materials like graphene, electrons behave collectively like a viscous fluid rather than as individual particles. This discovery challenges the traditional view of electron behavior in metals and semiconductors. The team found that exposing graphene to terahertz electromagnetic radiation heats the electron fluid, reducing its viscosity and electrical resistance. This finding could significantly impact future technology development.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

At-home brain stimulation could be promising depression treatment, trial hints

A clinical trial published in Nature Medicine supports the use of at-home brain stimulation for treating depression. In the study, 87 patients used a headset delivering weak electric currents to the brain under remote supervision for nearly three months, showing significant symptom improvement compared to a control group using non-active headsets. This suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be a viable first-line treatment. However, experts raised concerns about the trial's design, which may limit its applicability to a broader population.

New CAR T cells offer controlled treatment for solid tumors

Ludwig Cancer Research scientists have created new chimeric antigen-receptor (CAR) T cells that can be activated and deactivated with existing drugs, improving safety and efficacy for treating solid tumors. This innovation addresses challenges in current CAR T cell therapy, which works well for blood cancers but struggles with solid tumors due to risks of harmful immune responses and T cell dysfunction. The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Molecular Stool Testing Could Cut Post-Polypectomy Colonoscopies by 15%-41%

Noninvasive multitarget stool DNA testing and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) could match colonoscopy in reducing long-term colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, potentially decreasing the need for colonoscopies by 15%-41%. The Dutch MOCCAS study found that annual FIT-based surveillance, especially with FIT FOB-Gold at a threshold of at least 32 µg/g feces, could be most effective. While multitarget DNA tests detected advanced lesions better, they are more costly than colonoscopies, whereas FIT could save costs. This shift to noninvasive methods could alleviate the surveillance burden on healthcare resources and be more acceptable to patients.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Argotec inaugurates new satellite factory

Italian small satellite manufacturer Argotec has opened its new SpacePark headquarters and manufacturing facility, aimed at increasing production and exploring new business opportunities in Europe and the U.S. The facility features 11,500 square meters of space, including 1,000 square meters of clean rooms. The building, designed by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer over 40 years ago, resembles a sci-fi spaceship. CEO David Avino chose the site to minimize environmental impact rather than building a new facility from scratch.

Space Force Is Tracking New Debris Field After Communications Satellite Breaks Apart

The Intelsat 33e communications satellite broke apart in geostationary orbit after losing power due to an anomaly, creating additional space debris that raises collision risks for other spacecraft. Intelsat reported that recovery is unlikely and is working with Boeing, the satellite's manufacturer. The U.S. Space Force confirmed the breakup and is tracking 20 debris pieces, stating there are no immediate threats while investigating the cause, which may involve an explosion of the satellite's propulsion system.

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