🤖 Computer Science

A deep image classification model based on prior feature knowledge embedding and application in medical diagnosis

A new image classification model combines ResNet50 and Radial Basis Probabilistic Neural Network (RBPNN) to tackle issues like low signal-to-noise ratio and target correlation. It uses feature pyramids, self-attention mechanisms, and dynamic clustering to extract and enhance image features. Tested on brain tumor MRI and cardiac ultrasound datasets, the model achieved 85.82% and 83.92% accuracy, respectively, outperforming three mainstream models.

3D-GRAND: Towards Better Grounding and Less Hallucination for 3D-LLMs

Integrating language and 3D perception is essential for robots to interact with the physical world. While large language models (LLMs) excel in language tasks, their adaptation to 3D environments is limited by the lack of datasets linking language and 3D scenes. The new 3D-GRAND dataset addresses this gap, featuring 40,087 household scenes and 6.2 million scene-language instructions. Instruction tuning with 3D-GRAND improves grounding and reduces hallucinations in 3D-LLMs. Additionally, the 3D-POPE benchmark evaluates these models, highlighting the importance of large-scale 3D-text datasets for embodied AI.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Nonreciprocal quantum batteries exhibit remarkable capacities and efficiency

Nonreciprocity in physics involves systems responding differently based on wave direction, breaking time-reversal symmetry. Traditionally used in quantum technology for signal control and noise reduction, nonreciprocity had not been explored for quantum energy storage. Researchers from the University of Gdansk and the University of Calgary developed nonreciprocal quantum batteries, enhancing energy capacity and efficiency, as reported in Physical Review Letters.

Sucking carbon dioxide from air in Iceland

Climeworks' Orca facility in Iceland, the largest direct air capture (DAC) plant in the world, captures 4,000 metric tons of CO2 annually and stores it underground by mineralizing it into stone. This approach provides a permanent solution for carbon storage, directly removing CO2 from the atmosphere rather than just reducing emissions. Despite high costs and energy demands, Orca represents a significant advancement in scalable climate technology

New method optimizes lithium extraction from seawater and groundwater

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed an optimized method to extract lithium from dilute sources such as seawater and groundwater. This technique could significantly broaden lithium sources and meet rising demand for electric vehicle batteries. The new method, published in Nature Communications, addresses the limitations of current extraction techniques that are slow and energy-intensive.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

The world’s largest fungus collection may unlock the mysteries of carbon capture

Kew Gardens in London is renowned for its botanical collection, featuring towering redwoods and giant Amazonian water lilies. However, its most impressive asset is the fungarium, the world's largest collection of fungi, located underground beneath a laboratory. The fungarium houses 1.3 million specimens of fruiting bodies, providing a comprehensive reference for fungal biodiversity. Curators, including Lee Davies, are digitizing the archive, which contains about half of all known fungal species.

1st Neuralink user describes highs and lows of living with Elon Musk's brain chip

Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below the neck since a 2016 accident, has a Neuralink brain-computer interface (BCI) implant, which he received through robotic surgery in January. Despite having a computer chip in his skull and an electrode array in his brain, Arbaugh says he feels no sensation from the implant, but it has significantly improved his ability to reconnect with the world. Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk, has brought renewed attention to BCIs, which have the potential to greatly benefit those with quadriplegia and other disabilities.

PTSD Rates Soar Among College Students

Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among college students have significantly increased, according to recent research. The study highlights that a growing number of students are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and trauma, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal pressures. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and resources on college campuses.

Study uncovers gut microbes' role in childhood obesity

A study in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN examined the causal links between the gut microbiome and pediatric adiposity. It found that genetics, environment, lifestyle, and gut flora all play significant roles in childhood obesity. Specific gut bacteria imbalances, like Clostridium and Eubacterium rectale, are associated with higher obesity risk. The study suggests that altering gut microbiota through fecal transplants and prebiotic supplements might be potential treatments for obesity in children.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

World's first wooden satellite could herald era of greener space exploration

Researchers in Japan unveiled the world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. The 10-centimeter cube, made from magnolia wood, aims to be more sustainable and less polluting than metal satellites. The wood will burn up completely upon re-entry, releasing only water vapor and carbon dioxide, thus reducing space debris.

Astronauts test SpaceX Starship hardware and spacesuits for Artemis 3 moon mission (photos)

In preparation for the Artemis 3 moon mission in 2026, NASA tested new Axiom Space spacesuits with SpaceX's Starship Human Landing System (HLS). This test, conducted at SpaceX's headquarters, assessed the compatibility and flexibility of the spacesuits with the HLS. It provided valuable feedback on the system's design and the ease of using the suits.

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