🤖 Computer Science

Oscillating latent dynamics in robot systems during walking and reaching

Controlling complex, dynamic systems like robots is challenging, but recent neuroscience findings suggest using oscillating patterns of activation in a learned latent space can effectively manage robot locomotion. This study extends the approach to less cyclic behaviors like reaching, demonstrating that oscillatory dynamics can control real robot states during these tasks, moving beyond the limitations of prior computational simulations.

Observational Scaling Laws and the Predictability of Language Model Performance

To understand how language model performance varies with scale, researchers propose using scaling laws built from around 80 publicly available models, bypassing the need for extensive model training across different scales. This observational approach provides insights critical for benchmarking and algorithm development.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

Researchers develop world's smallest quantum light detector on a silicon chip

Researchers at the University of Bristol have advanced quantum technology by integrating the world's smallest quantum light detector onto a silicon chip. This breakthrough, detailed in the paper "A Bi-CMOS electronic photonic integrated circuit quantum light detector" published in Science Advances, represents a significant step in scaling quantum technology.

Elevated carbon dioxide lets Sars-CoV-2 live far longer in droplets

New research claims that the Covid-19 virus is more stable in air with high levels of carbon dioxide, common in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. This increased stability means the virus lasts longer and is more likely to infect people. The study underscores the importance of good ventilation, as even a moderate rise in carbon dioxide significantly increases the risk of disease transmission.

Ion irradiation offers promise for 2D material probing

New research shows that the electronic properties of two-dimensional materials like graphene, essential for developing small and fast technologies, can be better understood by probing fast electronic processes after irradiating the materials with ions.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

DOJ Officially Moves to Reclassify Marijuana as Schedule III

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, signaling a significant policy shift on cannabis.

Body fat percentage beats BMI in predicting obesity-related health risks, study says

A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that body fat percentage (%BF) thresholds better predict obesity-related health conditions than body mass index (BMI). The research examined the correlation between %BF and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in a large sample of U.S. adults.

Keto diet may cause organ damage, mouse study finds

A new study in Science Advances reveals that ketogenic diets, popular for weight loss and metabolic benefits, may have a dangerous downside. Mice on a specific ketogenic diet accumulated senescent cells in their organs, which are linked to aging and disease. This finding suggests potential risks associated with the high-fat, low-carb regimen.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

Bright green fireball lights up the skies over Portugal and Spain (with photos)

Footage of a blue-green fireball meteor streaking across the night skies over Portugal and Spain has gone viral. The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed the meteor, captured by its cameras in Cáceres, Spain, at 6:46 p.m. EDT on May 18, was a piece of a comet traveling at around 100,000 miles per hour.

NASA to Start Designing More Sustainable Jet Engine Core

NASA, in collaboration with industry partners, is advancing to the next phase of designing a new jet engine concept for ultra-efficient airliners. This initiative aims to develop a hybrid-electric turbofan jet engine with a small core, potentially reducing fuel burn by 10% compared to current engines, supporting the goal of a more sustainable aviation industry.

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