🤖 Computer Science

An automatic deep reinforcement learning bolus calculator for automated insulin delivery systems

A new fully automatic insulin delivery (FAID) system for type 1 diabetes uses a deep reinforcement learning algorithm to manage unannounced meals without patient intervention. In virtual trials, this FAID system effectively maintained glycemic control, demonstrating its potential to replace hybrid systems that require meal announcements.

Scalable Nested Optimization for Deep Learning

Gradient-based optimization, essential for machine learning, typically updates one set of parameters for a single objective. Increasingly, applications like hyperparameter optimization and generative adversarial networks require nested optimization with different parameter subsets for different objectives. Classical methods often fail at large scales. This thesis develops scalable tools for nested optimization in deep learning.

⚛️ Physics and Chemistry

New titanium:sapphire laser is tiny, low-cost and tuneable

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a compact, integrated titaniumlaser powered by a simple green LED. This design drastically reduces the cost and size of such lasers by three orders of magnitude and halves the power consumption. Titaniumlasers, vital in research and industry, have been difficult to miniaturize due to high power requirements. This new development could democratize access to this important technology.

The demonstration of vacuum levitation and motion control on an optical-electrostatic chip

Researchers at ETH Zurich have advanced the control of levitated microscopic objects in a vacuum by using a hybrid photonic-electric chip to levitate a silica nanoparticle. Unlike traditional optical techniques, this new approach, detailed in Nature Nanotechnology, allows for robust levitation, precise position detection, and dynamic control, offering new possibilities in force and torque sensing and precision acceleration.

All-metal aromatic ring isolated for the first time

Researchers in Germany have created the first all-metal aromatic ring with a four-atom bismuth species, raising questions about aromaticity in heavier elements. Unlike previous metal aromatic compounds, this one doesn't need stabilizing non-metal substituents.

🧬 Biology & Medicine

FDA approves Eli Lilly’s early Alzheimer’s treatment

The FDA approved Eli Lilly's early Alzheimer's treatment, donanemab (brand name Kisunla), making it the second U.S. drug aimed at slowing the disease's progression. It will compete with Eisai and Biogen's Leqembi, both of which are monoclonal antibodies that target brain amyloid.

The gut microbiome has a circadian rhythm. Here's how it might affect your health.

The gut microbiome, a community of digestive tract microbes, operates on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, impacting various bodily functions like sleep regulation and drug metabolism. Research shows that in adults, certain gut microbes fluctuate daily, and a recent study found that even in 2-week-old babies, these microbes have a circadian rhythm that strengthens with age. This rhythm persists outside the body, indicating it's intrinsically regulated.

Study reveals refined carbs heighten inflammation and cardiovascular risk

Carbohydrates, a primary energy source, have uncertain effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and inflammation markers like IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α. While they influence insulin and fat storage, their direct inflammatory impact is unclear. Studies suggest low-carbohydrate diets may reduce inflammatory markers more than low-fat diets.

🔭 Space & Astronomy

SpaceX launching 20 Starlink satellites from Florida early on July 3

SpaceX plans to launch 20 Starlink internet satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Wednesday morning (July 3). The Falcon 9 rocket launch is scheduled for a window opening at 2:57 a.m. EDT (0601 GMT). SpaceX will livestream the event on its X account, starting five minutes before liftoff. The first stage of the Falcon 9 is expected to land on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic Ocean approximately eight minutes after launch, pending successful execution.

Volunteer Crew to Exit NASA’s Simulated Mars Habitat After 378 Days

Four volunteers completing NASA’s yearlong Mars habitat simulation will exit on July 6 from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA will broadcast their exit live at 5 p.m. EDT on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, and social media. The crew simulated Mars mission operations, including "Marswalks," grew vegetables, and managed equipment and habitat under conditions mimicking those of a Mars mission.

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