Jessica Meyer

Originally shared by Futurism 1.0

The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence (INFOGRAPHIC): http://buff.ly/23VRVzY

Samsung's Gear 360 VR camera gets a release date

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

Samsung's Gear 360 VR camera gets a release date

'Samsung's Gear 360 joins an increasingly crowded market of 360-degree cameras for virtual reality, though its $400 price tag would make it one of the cheaper offerings we've seen. But, given that it's meant to complement Samsung's $99 Gear VR headset, the lower price makes sense. '

http://mashable.com/2016/04/27/samsung-gear-360-release-date/#fWp_k8lbLSq2
http://mashable.com/2016/04/27/samsung-gear-360-release-date/#fWp_k8lbLSq2

Title

Originally shared by Polynomial -C

Fructose Disrupts Brain Gene Networks, Omega-3 Restores Them | GEN News Highlights | GEN

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

Fructose Disrupts Brain Gene Networks, Omega-3 Restores Them | GEN News Highlights | GEN

'Fructose in the diet can mean epigenomic reprogramming of the brain, changing the expression of hundreds of genes, including genes that may lead to a greater predisposition toward metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and brain disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. A link between fructose and the epigenome, report scientists based at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has emerged from an exercise in an emerging discipline called nutrigenomics.'

http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/fructose-disrupts-brain-gene-networks-omega-3-restores-them/81252653/

Systems Nutrigenomics Reveals Brain Gene Networks Linking Metabolic and Brain Disorders - EBioMedicine

'... Highlights

•Fructose promotes transcriptomic and epigenomic reprogramming to perturb brain networks linking metabolism and brain function.
•The extracellular matrix genes Bgn and Fmod emerge as key regulators of gene networks responsive to fructose.
•The omega-3 fatty acid DHA reverses fructose-induced genomic and network reprogramming.

Meng et al. report fructose as a powerful inducer of genomic and epigenomic variability with the capacity to reorganize gene networks critical for central metabolic regulation and neuronal processes in the brain; conversely, an omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, has the potential to normalize the genomic impact of fructose. Our findings help explain the pathogenic actions of fructose on prevalent metabolic and brain disorders and provide proof-of-concept for nutritional remedies supported by nutrigenomics evidence. Our integrative approach complementing rodent and human studies supports the applicability of nutrigenomics principles to predict disease susceptibility and to guide personalized medicine.
...'

http://www.ebiomedicine.com/article/S2352-3964(16)30143-8/abstract
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/fructose-disrupts-brain-gene-networks-omega-3-restores-them/81252653

Inside OpenAI, Elon Musk’s Wild Plan to Set Artificial Intelligence Free

Originally shared by Ward Plunet

Inside OpenAI, Elon Musk’s Wild Plan to Set Artificial Intelligence Free

This morning, OpenAI will release its first batch of AI software, a toolkit for building artificially intelligent systems by way of a technology called reinforcement learning—one of the key technologies that, among other things, drove the creation of AlphaGo, the Google AI that shocked the world by mastering the ancient game of Go. With this toolkit, you can build systems that simulate a new breed of robot, play Atari games, and, yes, master the game of Go.
http://www.wired.com/2016/04/openai-elon-musk-sam-altman-plan-to-set-artificial-intelligence-free/

China Unveils Weaponized Robot Security Guard

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

China Unveils Weaponized Robot Security Guard

'... The droid was on show at the Chongqing Hi-Tech Fair last week and is expected to be used to patrol areas prone to civil unrest or violence.

“AnBot has a high degree of autonomy,” Xiao Xiangjiang from the National Defense University said at the event. “It can patrol, avoid obstacles, identify and recharge on its own.

“It is equipped with weapons to prevent and control violence by remote control. Moreover, it could be a service provider, which makes it more practical.”

The weapon Xiangjiang refers to is reportedly an electrically charged riot-control tool. The AnBot also features an SOS button that members of the public can use to notify police of a problem.
...'

http://europe.newsweek.com/robot-security-guard-anbot-robotics-452934?rm=eu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFPwrC6Mba8

Exercise genes? Study suggests certain people with depression may benefit more from exercise than others

Originally shared by Ward Plunet

Exercise genes? Study suggests certain people with depression may benefit more from exercise than others

Call it personalized medicine for depression—but the prescription in this case is exercise, which University of Florida Health researchers have found helps people with certain genetic traits. A UF study has found that specific genetic markers that put people at risk for depression also predict who might benefit from exercise, according to a study published recently in The Journal of Frailty & Aging. The researchers found that men who were carriers of two specific genes had the most significant response to exercise. The results suggest physical activity as part of a treatment plan—exercise as moderate as walking—could help the carriers of these genes.

link: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-04-genes-people-depression-benefit.html

Title

Originally shared by Polynomial -C

Breakthrough to enable fast and easy development of vaccines via 'bacterial superglue'

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

Breakthrough to enable fast and easy development of vaccines via 'bacterial superglue'

https://futuristech.info/posts/breakthrough-to-enable-fast-and-easy-development-of-vaccines-via-bacterial-superglue

Would you pay $200k to have your body frozen? Maybe one day have a new body installed

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

Would you pay $200k to have your body frozen? Maybe one day have a new body installed

https://futuristech.info/posts/would-you-pay-200k-to-have-your-body-frozen-maybe-one-day-have-a-new-body-installed

A humanoid diving robot outfitted with human vision, haptic force feedback and an artificial brain -- in essence, a...

Originally shared by Wayne Radinsky

A humanoid diving robot outfitted with human vision, haptic force feedback and an artificial brain -- in essence, a virtual diver -- retrieved vases and other artifacts from La Lune, a sunken ship belonging to King Louis XIV of France, which sank 20 miles (30 km) off the southern coast of France in 1664.
https://news.stanford.edu/2016/04/27/robotic-diver-recovers-treasures/

Scientists were able to connect a brain to a tablet.

Originally shared by Next Nature Network

Scientists were able to connect a brain to a tablet.
http://buff.ly/1SM1FHH

#food #avocado #health

#food #avocado #health
http://www.realfarmacy.com/daily-avocado/

Grass flip flops exist, for some reason

Originally shared by Mike Elgan

Grass flip flops exist, for some reason

It's like walking barefoot through a field of Astro-Turf.

http://www.grassflipflops.com/

"In Santiago, Chile, a five-person startup is using machine learning to figure out how to create its own versions of...

Originally shared by Wayne Radinsky

"In Santiago, Chile, a five-person startup is using machine learning to figure out how to create its own versions of vegetarian substitutes for animal products."

"Giuseppe was created to understand molecular connections between food and the human perception of taste and texture."

"While the exact methodology is 'classified,' NotCo cofounder Matias Muchnick says that NotCo is drawing on 'data regarding how the brain works when it's given certain flavors, when you taste salty, umami, sweet.' That pre-existing data is being collected by the NotCo team, which includes a food scientist and a data scientist. NotMilk won't just have the same flavor as dairy milk, he says. Through data crunching, it'll taste even better."
http://www.techinsider.io/chilean-startup-uses-machine-learning-for-meat-subsitutes-2016-4

China’s New Security Robots Are the Robocops You Have Been Waiting For http://ow.ly/8JOujz

Originally shared by Let's Make Robots

China’s New Security Robots Are the Robocops You Have Been Waiting For http://ow.ly/8JOujz
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/time/topstories/~3/N3OKV44gIns/

Hover Flying Camera is Like Having Your Own Paparazzi | Digital Trends

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

Hover Flying Camera is Like Having Your Own Paparazzi | Digital Trends

'The Hover looks nothing like a traditional quadcopter. Roughly the size of a thick book – it even looks like one – the Hover unfolds to reveal the wings – two panels, each containing two propellers in a metal caging. Made with carbon fiber, it’s incredibly lightweight, yet sturdy; in fact, it comes in just under 0.55 pounds (0.53 pounds or 8.5 ounces, to be exact), which exempts it from the Federal Aviation Administration’s registration requirement. When folded, the Hover can be easily stashed in a backpack or in the provided carrying case, and it’s less likely to draw attention like most quadcopters would.'

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/zero-zero-robotics-launches-hover-flying-camera/
http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/zero-zero-robotics-launches-hover-flying-camera/

Our most-read post last week.

Originally shared by Singularity Hub

Our most-read post last week.
http://bit.ly/1SIW4lg

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/d-twelve-lamp-modular-magnetic-lighting-system-25-04-2016/

Originally shared by Geeky Gadgets

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/d-twelve-lamp-modular-magnetic-lighting-system-25-04-2016/
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/d-twelve-lamp-modular-magnetic-lighting-system-25-04-2016

Despite efforts, childhood obesity remains on the rise

Originally shared by Ward Plunet

Despite efforts, childhood obesity remains on the rise

The alarming increase in U.S. childhood obesity rates that began nearly 30 years ago continues unabated, with the biggest increases in severe obesity, according to a study led by a Duke Clinical Research Institute scientist. Reporting online April 26 in the journal Obesity, the researchers found that for 2013-2014, 33.4 percent of children between the ages of 2 through 19 were overweight. Among those, 17.4 percent had obesity, which includes a range from the lower end of the designation criteria to the higher end._

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-04-efforts-childhood-obesity.html

Singapore Is Taking the ‘Smart City’ to a Whole New Level - WSJ

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

Singapore Is Taking the ‘Smart City’ to a Whole New Level - WSJ

' ... As part of its Smart Nation program, launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in late 2014, Singapore is deploying an undetermined number of sensors and cameras across the island city-state that will allow the government to monitor everything from the cleanliness of public spaces to the density of crowds and the precise movement of every locally registered vehicle. ... '

http://www.wsj.com/articles/singapore-is-taking-the-smart-city-to-a-whole-new-level-1461550026?mod=e2fb
http://www.wsj.com/articles/singapore-is-taking-the-smart-city-to-a-whole-new-level-1461550026?mod=e2fb

This Battery-Free Computer Sucks Power Out Of Thin Air

Originally shared by Panah Rad

This Battery-Free Computer Sucks Power Out Of Thin Air
http://www.fastcodesign.com/3059141/this-battery-free-computer-sucks-power-out-of-thin-air?partner=rss

04/05/16 By Matthew R. Francis

Originally shared by Vladimir Pecha

04/05/16 By Matthew R. Francis
Perplexed by gravity? Don’t let it get you down.
http://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/six-weighty-facts-about-gravity

A new book promises algorithms to solve life's problems that run on your brain instead of a computer.

Originally shared by Wayne Radinsky

A new book promises algorithms to solve life's problems that run on your brain instead of a computer. "Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions (Henry Holt and Company, 2016) argues that a successful algorithm is one that focuses on what matters, minimizes regret and does not waste precious time."

For example, "One helpful and statistically proven strategy highlighted in the book is the '37% Rule,' just one example of an 'optimal stopping' problem. These algorithms are designed to limit the time spent deciding whom to date, where to live, what job to take and even where to park."
http://news.berkeley.edu/2016/04/26/algorithmstoliveby/

Hover Camera

Originally shared by Takayuki Yamazaki

Hover Camera
Toss this compact camera drone in the air and it will autonomously capture you in 4K video.

Video: https://youtu.be/aOn-BG4h0pQ

#drone #selfflying #autonomous

Alphabet’s Next Big Thing: Building a ‘Smart’ City

Originally shared by John Rodrigues
http://www.wsj.com/articles/alphabets-next-big-thing-building-a-smart-city-1461688156

Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets is the new lobbyist group created by Google, Volvo, Ford, Uber, and Lyft

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets is the new lobbyist group created by Google, Volvo, Ford, Uber, and Lyft

https://futuristech.info/posts/self-driving-coalition-for-safer-streets-is-the-new-lobbyist-group-created-by-google-volvo-ford-uber-and-lyft

New intelligent security robot has one big thing others don't - A weapon - "Electrically charged riot control tool"

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

New intelligent security robot has one big thing others don't - A weapon - "Electrically charged riot control tool"

https://futuristech.info/posts/new-intelligent-security-robot-has-one-big-thing-others-don-t-a-weapon-electrically-charged-riot-control-tool

Researchers have accidentally made batteries that could last 400 times longer - ScienceAlert

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

Researchers have accidentally made batteries that could last 400 times longer - ScienceAlert

' ... While the new battery would still need to be recharged, the big difference is it would keep working efficiently over 200,000 charge cycles - which is pretty much a lifetime of use when it comes to devices such as phones, computers, cars, and even spacecraft. And it's a whole lot longer than the lifespand of today's lithium batteries. ...'

http://www.sciencealert.com/researchers-accidentally-made-batteries-that-last-400-times-longer

Researchers Might Have Accidentally Made Batteries Last 400 Times Longer | Energy | Science | Australian Popular Science

'... The Irvine battery technology uses a gold nanowire, no thicker than a bacterium, coated in manganese oxide and then protected by a layer of electrolyte gel. The gel interacts with the metal oxide coating to prevent corrosion. The longer the wire, the more surface area, and the more charge it can hold. Other researchers have been experimenting with nanowires for years, but the introduction of the protective gel separates UC Irvine's work from other research.

"[The gel] does more than just hold the wire together. It actually seems to make the metal oxide softer and more fracture-resistant. It increases the fracture toughness of this metal oxide that is doing the charge storage," Penner said.

While the technology promises consumer electronics that last 400 times longer, this initial test platform isn't a true battery. Batteries have an anode, which allows electricity into the system, and a cathode, which outputs electricity. Instead of having both, the researchers linked together two cathodes that alternate charging each other. The continuous cycling from cathode to cathode makes a perfect system to test repeated recharging.

Penner says that it's like pouring water back and forth between two cups. After a few hundred transfers from one cup to the other, some water will usually spill out, leaving less "charge." That's a normal battery. Penner's system transferred the "water" between the "cups" 200,000 times, only losing about 5 percent.
...'

http://www.popsci.com.au/science/energy/researchers-might-have-accidentally-made-batteries-last-400-times-longer,418483
http://www.sciencealert.com/researchers-accidentally-made-batteries-that-last-400-times-longer

Nike has just revealed the new Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a sneaker that jumped right out of 'Back to the Future'.

Originally shared by Interesting Engineering

Nike has just revealed the new Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a sneaker that jumped right out of 'Back to the Future'. I guess they're a year too.....

HTC 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy S7 edge: The first big Android rivalry of 2016

Originally shared by Android Central
http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-10-versus-samsung-galaxy-s7-edge-first-big-android-rivalry-2016?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=gplus

This “Sweaty” Billboard Kills Mosquitoes | Smart News | Smithsonian

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

This “Sweaty” Billboard Kills Mosquitoes | Smart News | Smithsonian

' ... It’s called The Mosquito Killer Billboard, and its premise is both disgusting and deceptively simple. On the device’s website, which includes free blueprints for those who might want to make one of its own, its inventors explain the premise. The billboard emits a solution containing carbon dioxide and lactic acid that mimics human sweat and breath, attracting mosquitoes from a distance of up to nearly two and a half miles. Fluorescent lights make it even more attractive to mosquitoes and take advantage of the bugs’ need for a fixed point of light to navigate. When mosquitoes make it to the billboard, they’re lured inside, where they dehydrate and die. ... '

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sweaty-billboard-kills-mosquitoes-180958893
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79uqMKUoIjE

China is Building a Robot Army of Model Workers

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

China is Building a Robot Army of Model Workers

'Can China reboot its manufacturing industry—and the global economy—by replacing millions of workers with machines?

[...]

... replacing humans with machines is not an easy task. Most industrial robots have to be extensively programmed, and they will perform a job properly only if everything is positioned just so. Much of the production work done in Chinese factories requires dexterity, flexibility, and common sense. If a box comes down the line at an odd angle, for instance, a worker has to adjust his or her hand before affixing the label. A few hours later, the same worker might be tasked with affixing a new label to a different kind of box. And the following day he or she might be moved to another part of the line entirely.

Despite the huge challenges, countless manufacturers in China are planning to transform their production processes using robotics and automation at an unprecedented scale. In some ways, they don’t really have a choice. Human labor in China is no longer as cheap as it once was, especially compared with labor in rival manufacturing hubs growing quickly in Asia. In Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, factory wages can be less than a third of what they are in the urban centers of China. One solution, many manufacturers—and government officials—believe, is to replace human workers with machines.
...'

https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601215/china-is-building-a-robot-army-of-model-workers/#/set/id/601326/
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601215/china-is-building-a-robot-army-of-model-workers/#/set/id/601326/

Most of us dreamed of a treehouse as kids - but not all of us were fortunate enough to have one in the backyard.

Originally shared by Interesting Engineering

Most of us dreamed of a treehouse as kids - but not all of us were fortunate enough to have one in the backyard. And as we were growing up..

Tell Me What YOU'RE Doing For The Planet / Environment / Humanity?

Originally shared by Sean P. O. MacCath-Moran

Tell Me What YOU'RE Doing For The Planet / Environment / Humanity?

I'm often confounded by people who claim to be passionate about one environmental issue or another, but who still consume animal products; whether one's worried about water use, land pollution, air pollution, wildlife preservation, the health of the oceans, feeding humans, etc., one can make ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE greater impact on behalf of their cause by ceasing to consume or use animal products (and encouraging others to do the same) than could EVER be achieved by essentially ANY other activity.

If you doubt the truth of this this, then I challenge you to get your figures together and prove me wrong on this point.

17 Things You Didn't Know Google Chrome Could Do

Originally shared by Google+ Top Contributors

17 Things You Didn't Know Google Chrome Could Do

Some useful and fun stuff Google Chrome browser offers!

See them all on Buzzfeed: http://bzfd.it/1LZgm7t

#Chrome #Google #Browser #ChromeOS

Scientists Can Now Identify Individuals Based on Brain Waves—And It’s 100% Accurate http://buff.ly/1SGs4n5

Originally shared by Futurism 1.0

Scientists Can Now Identify Individuals Based on Brain Waves—And It’s 100% Accurate http://buff.ly/1SGs4n5

Artificial Intelligence: China Accelerates Bid For Global Dominance In ‘Robotics’

Originally shared by Kamran Shah
http://www.inquisitr.com/3032736/artificial-intelligence-china-accelerates-bid-for-global-dominance-in-robotics/

Singapore's 'Smart City' will be invasive to privacy - Networked sensors everywhere... follow you in the bathroom

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

Singapore's 'Smart City' will be invasive to privacy - Networked sensors everywhere... follow you in the bathroom

https://futuristech.info/posts/singapore-s-smart-city-will-be-invasive-to-privacy-networked-sensors-everywhere-follow-you-in-the-bathroom

Efficient and effective desalination possible via self-assembling nanoparticles

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

Efficient and effective desalination possible via self-assembling nanoparticles

https://futuristech.info/posts/efficient-and-effective-desalination-possible-via-self-assembling-nanoparticles

If God created his universe in seven days; what could AI do to ours?

Originally shared by 33rd Square

If God created his universe in seven days; what could AI do to ours? A new multimedia project explores the arrival of artificial intelligence and the promise of an Intelligence Explosion - where a Singularity would lead to an exponential increase in A.I. capabilities. This Super Intelligence could lead to the arrival of an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent being. How would humanity receive this new entity? http://www.33rdsquare.com/2016/04/seven-days-of-artificial-intelligence.html
http://www.33rdsquare.com/2016/04/seven-days-of-artificial-intelligence.html

Elizabeth Parrish, CEO of Bioviva USA Inc.

Originally shared by Ivan Raszl

Elizabeth Parrish, CEO of Bioviva USA Inc. has become the first human being to be successfully rejuvenated by gene therapy, after her own company’s experimental therapies reversed 20 years of normal telomere shortening.
http://bioviva-science.com/2016/04/21/first-gene-therapy-successful-against-human-aging/

A new camper has the ability to triple its size by expanding like a telescope in just under 20 seconds, and it has...

Originally shared by Interesting Engineering

A new camper has the ability to triple its size by expanding like a telescope in just under 20 seconds, and it has plenty of room inside.

This is the best time to become bilingual, according to brain science | World Economic Forum

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

This is the best time to become bilingual, according to brain science | World Economic Forum

'Any adult who has attempted to learn a foreign language can attest to how difficult and confusing it can be. So when a three-year-old growing up in a bilingual household inserts Spanish words into his English sentences, conventional wisdom assumes that he is confusing the two languages.

Research shows that this is not the case.

In fact, early childhood is the best possible time to learn a second language. Children who experience two languages from birth typically become native speakers of both, while adults often struggle with second language learning and rarely attain native-like fluency.

But the question remains: is it confusing for babies to learn two languages simultaneously?'

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/this-is-the-best-time-to-become-bilingual-according-to-brain-science
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/04/this-is-the-best-time-to-become-bilingual-according-to-brain-science

A Major Artificial Pancreas Trial is Set to Tackle Diabetes http://buff.ly/1SZNA3c

Originally shared by Futurism 1.0

A Major Artificial Pancreas Trial is Set to Tackle Diabetes http://buff.ly/1SZNA3c

Connected devices have started to shape the smart home landscape of the future.

Originally shared by IEEE

Connected devices have started to shape the smart home landscape of the future. Have you ever wondered what your home experience might be like in the near future? http://bit.ly/22HRwuY
http://bit.ly/22HRwuY

First happiness genes have been located: Genetic overlap between happiness, depression discovered

Originally shared by ScienceDaily
http://dlvr.it/L8Ln03

Eating chocolate improves cognitive function

Originally shared by Ward Plunet

Eating chocolate improves cognitive function

This is only a correlational study, but a previous paper using dark chocolate found improvements in cognition in a double blind controlled study.

People who ate chocolate at least once a week performed better on multiple cognitive tasks, compared to those who ate chocolate less frequently, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maine, University of South Australia and Luxembourg Institute of Health

link: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-04-chocolate-cognitive-function.html

This One-Eyed Robot Is Your Own Personal Minion, And It Makes Video Calls - Forbes

Originally shared by Rob Jongschaap

This One-Eyed Robot Is Your Own Personal Minion, And It Makes Video Calls - Forbes

' ... Nxrobo has created BIG-i to learn on the fly with natural language voice programming, face recognition and motion tracking. As it learns from you, it can do more and more things based on your patterns of behavior. By example the company says BIG-i can be programmed to spot your child picking up a piece of fruit and then remind him to wash his hands first. Another scenario, if BIG-i sees a family member leaving the kitchen, it can remind them to turn off the oven. ... '

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2016/04/24/this-one-eyed-robot-is-your-own-personal-minion-and-it-makes-video-calls/#7a4e3a945ea9
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2016/04/24/this-one-eyed-robot-is-your-own-personal-minion-and-it-makes-video-calls/#7a4e3a945ea9

If we hope to one day leave Earth and explore the universe, our bodies are going to have to get a lot better at...

Originally shared by 33rd Square

If we hope to one day leave Earth and explore the universe, our bodies are going to have to get a lot better at surviving the harsh conditions of space. Using synthetic biology, Lisa Nip hopes to harness special powers from microbes on Earth — such as the ability to withstand radiation — to make humans more fit for exploring space. "We're approaching a time during which we'll have the capacity to decide our own genetic destiny," Nip says. "Augmenting the human body with new abilities is no longer a question of how, but of when." http://www.33rdsquare.com/2016/04/how-we-could-evolve-to-survive-in-space.html
http://www.33rdsquare.com/2016/04/how-we-could-evolve-to-survive-in-space.html

Title

Originally shared by EURICO SILVA CAPANEMA

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 17/2016.

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 17/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/04/engineered-artificial-ribosomes.html

Engineered artificial ribosomes, Tantalising EmDrive, Nanomagnet Holograph displays, Hafnium oxide memristors, Rejuvenation genetherapy confirmed, Improved CRISPR, Seawater uranium extraction, Implantable ultrasound communications, Biomimicry brighter LEDs, Actin memory role.

1. Artificial Synthetic Ribosome
Ribosomes in cells take in genetic code and sequentially synthesise a complete protein from specific amino acids that correspond to that code. A new, autonomous molecular machine based DNA has been developed as an artificial synthetic ribosome able to take specific sequence instructions and make new synthetic polymer materials out of different molecules in a similar way http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2016/04/ribosome-mimic-dna-molecular-machine-polymer-production. The full paper is also worth a look http://sci-hub.io/10.1038/nchem.2495. The system relies on (i) chemistry DNA hairpin sequences attached to specific reactant molecules, and (ii) instruction DNA hairpin molecules with sequences that control the order in which the different monomer reactant molecules are assembled. Autonomous, programmable, atomically precise synthesis of large molecules. In related news another engineered ribosome functions in bacteria to create proteins with beta-amino acids that has never been achieved in live cells before http://news.yale.edu/2016/04/21/new-protein-making-factory-promises-better-medicines.

2. EmDrive and Unruh Radiation
To date six independent experiments have replicated the original EmDrive results by building their own device and measuring a thrust from a hollow cone when microwaves are bounced inside it, all without a suitable explanation for a seeming violation of conservation of momentum. A new theory of inertia suggests inertia is the pressure Unruh radiation exerts on an accelerating body, an effect predicted by General Relativity, and which also explains the acceleration discrepanies in falyby anomalies https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601299/the-curious-link-between-the-fly-by-anomaly-and-the-impossible-emdrive-thruster/. The theory suggests inertia is quantised, predicts flyby anomalies and their discrepancy, predicts the magnitude of thrusts measured in all experiments done so far, and makes two predictions yet to be tested: (i) a dielectric in the cavity will enhance thrust, and (ii) changing cavity dimensions will reverse thrust. It also assumes photons have inertial mass and the speed of light changes in the cavity. Will be interesting to see where this goes.

3. Nanomagnet Pixels for Holographic Displays
Wide-angle 3D holographic displays have been developed that are powered by nanomagnets http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/tuot-npt041916.php. The nanomagnets in these displays are referred to as magneto-optic spatial light modulators; a laser focused on the surface defines the display pixel size, pixel switching occurs in 10 nanoseconds, with pixel size and pitch in this demonstration being 1 micrometer, and enabling a 30 degree viewing angle. A nice advance in spatial light modulators towards the goal of glasses-free holographic video displays.

4. Hafnium Oxide Memristors as Synapses
New memristors made of thin-film hafnium oxide and via conventional production processes show promise as artificial synapses in brain-like chips http://phys.org/news/2016-04-physicists-electronic-synapses-neural-networks.html. Demonstrations show the memristors reproducing electrical signalling behaviour as observed in biological synapses, including spike-timing-dependent plasticity, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression. Next step will be to incorporate these hardware prototypes into larger brain-like chips.

5. Rejuvenation Gene Therapy Confirmed Against Aging
BioViva has confirmed Liz Parish’s experimental gene therapy, undertaken last year for disabling myostatin and extending teleomeres, successfully extended the telomeres of the cells that were analysed (white blood cells) from 6.71kb to 7.33kb and so effectively removing an average of 20 years worth of telomere shortening http://bioviva-science.com/2016/04/21/first-gene-therapy-successful-against-human-aging/. As always an N=1 should be taken with a grain of salt; the company has received an injection of funding and repeatability will be key in convincing skeptics of the result. The same techniques could be used to target the Per2 gene, leading to rejuvenation of the mammalian immune system and prolonged lifespans http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=163209&CultureCode=en.

6. Single DNA Base Read/Writes Via CRISPR
A newly developed version of CRISPR can be targeted to specific sites in the genome and instead of cutting the DNA, precisely change one DNA base for another in order to correct precise single-base mutations or misspellings https://www.statnews.com/2016/04/20/clever-crispr-advance-unveiled/. This again reduces the risk of off-site target effects and provides an elegant way to make edits, provided the group can further improve the tool to be capable of all 12 basepair swaps (currently does 2). A protein nanopore array has been used for real-time single-base electronic DNA sequencing http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/cuso-cet042116.php. The nanopores incorporate a DNA polymerase protein that synthesises a complementary DNA strand as the strand of interest is passed through the pore; each of the four different nucleotides added incorporates a distinct tag that facilitates clearer and more accurate electrical signals that allow the sequence to be reconstructed.

7. Improvements in Extracting Uranium from Seawater
There are lots of efforts to extract useful elements from seawater with Uranium being of particular interest given the oceans collectively hold 4 billion tons of Uranium. Significant advances are being made with seawater extraction of Uranium via novel adsorbent materials that can now achieve 5.2 grams of Uranium per kilogram of adsorbent after 49 days in seawater, and with more recent tests showing 6 grams after 56 days https://www.ornl.gov/news/advances-extracting-uranium-seawater-announced-special-issue. There would be many benefits to achieving economical Uranium (and other metals) extraction from seawater.

8. Ultrasonic Data Transmission Through Flesh
Ultrasonic signals can now be used to transmit data through meat at 30 mbps, enough for HD video http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/ultrasonic-signals-transmit-data-through-meat-at-hd-video-quality. Current implanted medical devices are usually limited to much lower data rates, but having wireless data transmission via ultrasound able to deliver HD video offers a number of benefits including live-streaming video from swallowed camera-pills, easily managing large firmware updates to implanted devices, and others. Next step is animal studies and confirmation of the effect of bone structures on data rates.

9. Biomimicry for Brighter LEDs
The amount of light emitted by LEDs was boosted by 60% by carefully shaping the outer surface of the LED to mimic the structure of a firefly’s lantern http://gizmodo.com/scientists-made-leds-60-percent-brighter-by-copying-fir-1771979185. This essentially amounts to forming a nanostructured lens on top of the LED and these structures reduce the difference in refractive index between the material body and air, allowing more light to be emitted. This opens up the possibility for more power-efficient LEDs, but I’m also wondering if they can flip it and improve the efficiency of photodetectors and photovoltaics?

10. The Role of Actin in Memory
New models suggest that actin, the protein that helps to control cell shape, is responsible for the formation of long-term memories http://news.rice.edu/2016/04/18/thanks-actin-for-the-memories/. This concerns studies of the energy landscape of proteins and how actin filaments pull upon and stabilise certain proteins to form longer, more stable, and insoluble prion-like fibers. This offers another piece of evidence for the biological role of prion-like proteins, and also suggests a healthy role for some types of protein aggregates in cells, which are often considered a sign of disease and malfunction. This provides a mechanism for synaptic structures to last many years, if not decades, although the transition from short-term memory to this form of long-term memory is not yet known.

SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html

Did you Know?

Originally shared by Khalid Kyle

Did you Know?

A bolt of lightning is 5 times hotter than the Sun’s surface. On average, over 100 lightning bolts strike the Earth's surface each second which equals to 8.6 million times a day and there are between 1,800 to 2,000 thunderstorms happening around the world at any given moment.

Sources: goo.gl/gVnrcZ | goo.gl/6WvP67

Why AI won't wipe out humanity ... yet

Originally shared by Panah Rad

Why AI won't wipe out humanity ... yet
By the end of the century this becomes a serious question, but I think it's way too early to run for the hills
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/20/why-ai-wont-wipe-out-humanity-yet.html

Created with the help of Kickstarter funding, “Rise” is a short film about the future of sentient robots where our...

Originally shared by 33rd Square

Created with the help of Kickstarter funding, “Rise” is a short film about the future of sentient robots where our mistreatment of them has serious consequences.
http://www.33rdsquare.com/2016/04/short-film-rise-explores-robot-uprising.html

VIDEO: Creepy swimming robotic snake could be helpful for future underwater inspections

Originally shared by Futuristech Info

VIDEO: Creepy swimming robotic snake could be helpful for future underwater inspections

https://futuristech.info/posts/video-creepy-swimming-robotic-snake-could-be-helpful-for-future-underwater-inspections

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 05/2016.

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 05/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/01/googles-alphago-wearable-sensors-lego.html

Google’s AlphaGo, Wearable sensors, Lego molecules, Programmed 3D assembly, Scalable bioplastics, Conductive plastics, Nerve magnetic fields, Electric charge wakes, Universal tumour vaccine, Decoding human thoughts.

1. Google General Machine Learning Masters Go
Google’s new AlphaGo machine learning system is the first to routinely defeat human players at Go, and proved itself by defeating the European champion 5-0 https://googleblog.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/alphago-machine-learning-game-go.html. The system combines advanced tree search with deep neural networks 12 layers deep containing millions of neural connections that let it evaluate a Go board, predict the other player’s next move (57% of the time), and execute its own next move to win. In march AlphaGo will face off against the top Go player in the world. This marks the successful completion of one of the grand challenges of AI, but importantly this is a general machine learning system that figured out itself how to win at Go, and it’ll be exciting to see the system extended to helping with important real-world problems. In related news new methods to grant short-term memory to recurrent neural networks offer significant benefits http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/software/the-neural-network-that-remembers, and another machine learning system automatically fixes bugs in software code http://news.mit.edu/2016/faster-automatic-bug-repair-code-errors-0129.

2. Flexible Wearable Sensors
Flexible and transparent pressure sensors just 8 micrometers thick have been created that are able to measure the pressure distribution of rounded surfaces and retain accuracy even when bent over a radius of just 80 micrometers http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/uot-fat012216.php. The sensor patch includes carbon nanotubes and graphene to form nanofibers in an elastic polymer as well as organic transistors and electronic switches; testing with small artificial blood vessels showed accurate measurement of small pressure changes. Interesting in wearables, implantables, and robot / device skins. In related news a complete wearable smart sweat sensor detects the wearer’s sodium, potassium, lactate, and glucose levels and sends these via Bluetooth to a smartphone or other device http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/diagnostics/smart-wearable-sensor-takes-sweatmonitoring-to-next-level; very promising platform technology.

3. Self Assembled Lego Molecules
New chemistry research has created methods to produce libraries of giant molecules out of different precisely arranged modular nano building blocks made of smaller orthogonally functionalised nanoparticles http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/acs-fwl012216.php. The orthogonal functionalisation of the building blocks ensures that they can only come together in a specific fashion and in a specific order, and so allowing the controllable or programmable self-assembly of complex molecular superstructures and novel materials. With further work and scale such atomically precise molecular fabrication technology should transform device creation and function. In related news self-assembling block copolymers have formed the first self-assembled superconductor http://phys.org/news/2016-01-self-assembled-superconductor.html.

4. Programmatic Assembly of Complex 3D Structures
In related news a fundamental origami fold or tesselation called the Miura-ori is being used to fold a 2D surface into almost any 3D structure http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2016/01/designing-pop-up-future. This is a fascinating exploration of simple geometry, as the structures can be folded flat before expanding back to their defined 3D shape as needed - think of a surgical tool introduced through a small cut before expanding to a functional shape. The group designed a program that can take an arbitrary 3D structure and calculate the placement and size of folds needed to create it from a 2D surface and fold it flat. And a new 4D printing technique involves the creation of 3D printed hydrogels into structures that fold and change shape over time depending on environmental conditions http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpressrelease/239/.

5. Scalable Renewable Bioplastics
A joint venture between DuPont and ADM has successfully created a breakthrough in industrial chemistry for the efficient mass conversion of fructose into one of the key fundamental building blocks used in the mass production of polymers http://www.adm.com/en-US/news/_layouts/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?ID=703. This has been a long-sought-after goal in industrial chemistry and is a platform technology that will enable the cost-efficient production of a wide range of renewable, high-performance chemicals and polymers independent of conventional materials and sources from the oil and petroleum industry.

6. Plastics Conduct Current 1,000 Times Better
On the topic of advanced new plastics and chemistry, charge transport in certain polymers have boosted by three orders of magnitude http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/uu-beu012816.php. These materials are based on relatively conventional semiconducting organic polymers, but by creating a technique able to control the chain and crystallite orientation within the bulk polymer film these materials can now have electron mobilities 1,000 times faster, and all without metallic doping. This is just one order of magnitude shy of electron mobilities in silicon devices, and the result should greatly improve applications in organic solar cells and photodiodes.

7. External Measurement of Nerve Magnetic Fields
For the first time the tiny magnetic fields produced by individual nerves have been measured non-invasively from outside the body at room temperature http://www.technologyreview.com/view/546146/first-laser-measurements-of-magnetic-fields-of-single-nerves/. The sensor uses a laser beam to detect the effect of a magnetic field on a gas of caesium atoms that polarises light depending on the magnetic field properties; this is a highly sensitive optical magnetometer that has been made to work at room temperature and can be used to detect the precise activity of nerves from several millimeters away. Further improvements might allow the technique to reach larger distances and smaller nerves, perhaps even neurons, and with the possibility of not just measuring activity but directly modulating activity.

8. New Charge Wake Phenomena on Metal Surfaces
An interesting new phenomenon has been discovered on gold surfaces in which the two-dimensional equivalent of Cherenkov radiation can be produced and controllably steered around the surface http://www.research.a-star.edu.sg/research/7443/left-in-the-wake. This starts by (i) shining polarised light on the surface, (ii) excited electrons produce a wave of charge whose velocity results in (iii) surface plasmon wakes being produced that (iv) can be steered using an array of nanostructured apertures. Interesting nanoscale photonics with possible future applications in holograms and special directional lenses.

9. Possible Universal Tumour Vaccine
An early experimental cancer vaccine against seeks to target two properties shared by all growing and metastasising tumours, (i) increased proliferation facilitated by active telomerase, and (ii) angiogenesis and blood vessel growth https://www.fightaging.org/archives/2016/01/one-possible-approach-to-a-universal-tumor-vaccine.php. Co-immunization in mice against both of these factors was shown to have a more potent inhibitory effect on tumours than either alone. The vaccine, which with further tests and development might be a possible universal vaccine against cancer, takes the form of a recombinant adenovirus that expresses key telomerase and angiogenesis proteins and induces potent immune-cell mediated attack of tumour cells and suppression of angiogenesis.

10. Decoding Human Thoughts in Realtime
Improved signal analysis techniques with electrodes implanted into the brains (temporal lobes) of patients are now able to predict - after training - what class of images the person is viewing with 96% accuracy http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/uowh-sdb012716.php. These predictions and measurements are calculated within 20 milliseconds of the patient observing a particular image. The study only investigated a couple of distinct visual phenomena but the promise is that with very high-density electrode arrays you would be able to calculate not only what sensory information the person was taking in in real-time but also perhaps what sensory phenomena they are thinking about.

SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 04/2016.

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 04/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/01/gut-microbe-therapeutics-better-brain.html

Gut microbe therapeutics, Better brain imaging, Superfluid knots, Weaving molecular chains, New brain insights, Living microdroplet reactors, Fermi Paradox nonequilibrium, Memristor chips on market, Modular food computer, Graphene advances.

1. Therapeutics via the Gut Microbiome
Seres and Synlogic are companies trying to launch modified bacteria as drugs designed to live in and complement the human gut microbiome http://www.technologyreview.com/news/545446/companies-aim-to-make-drugs-from-bacteria-that-live-in-the-gut/. Seres wants to introduce specially-selected bacteria into the gut to help restore a healthy microbiome, while Synlogic wants to introduce genetically modified bacteria designed to take up residence and perform useful functions such as metabolising toxins and other compounds that some people have trouble with. I’ve been thinking about different ways you might functionalise the gut microbiome in beneficial ways for years now and think the opportunities here are immense - it’s good to see these early approaches entering clinical studies but I worry if they go the conventional route they might suffer similar difficulties to that of bacteriophage therapies.

2. Better Brain Imaging and Sensors
The nVista system is an implantable miniature microscope that allows researchers to track brain activity in mice in realtime http://gizmodo.com/gopro-for-mouse-brains-records-neural-circuits-in-real-1746582790. The device is very light to allow animals to move around relatively unobstructed and is capable of tracking the activity of up to 1,000 individual neurons simultaneously. In related news a new type of tiny sensor can be implanted to monitor brain temperature and pressure and then later dissolve away when no longer needed; measurements are conveyed via an implanted wireless transmitter https://news.illinois.edu/blog/view/6367/312684 - the group are moving towards clinical trials and exploring other application areas.

3. Tying Complex Knots in Superfluids
After preparing a superfluid a new technique involving targeting the superfluid with rapidly changing and specifically structured magnetic fields allows the superfluid to be tied in knots; quantum knots in the form of a self-reinforcing soliton comprised of a toroidal ring structure in three dimensions https://www.amherst.edu/news/news_releases/2016/01-2016/node/626688. This builds on previous work in which the group used similar techniques to create synthetic magnetic monopoles. This is a very interesting new natural phenomenon to explore and harness and the group will continue to probe the properties of these knotted superfluid objects.

4. New Materials from Woven Molecular Chains
The first three dimensional covalent organic framework materials have been created by weaving together helical organic threads http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/01/21/weaving-a-new-story-for-cofs-and-mofs/. This should result in a new generation of materials with novel properties stemming from the base structure of individual molecular chains being woven together in a precise, ordered, and controlled way. Removing metal from the chains resulted in a 10-fold increase in elasticity of the material while adding metal restored the materials original stiffness. The technique has generalities in that it should allow many long threads of covalently-linked molecules to be woven and cross-together at regular intervals and is applicable to metal organic frameworks, nanoparticles, and polymers.

5. New Brain Insights
We had a trio of interesting brain insights this week. First, it appears synapses can vary in size in far greater increments than originally thought, resulting in estimates for the memory capacity of the human brain being revised upwards by an order of magnitude and helping to explain the computational efficiency of the hippocampus for example http://www.salk.edu/news-release/memory-capacity-of-brain-is-10-times-more-than-previously-thought/; every 2 - 20 minutes your synapses go up or down to the next size. Second, network analysis of brain activity reveals that 70% of all information within cortical regions passes through just 20% of the region’s neurons, further supporting the brain’s preference for efficiency over vulnerability http://news.indiana.edu/releases/iu/2016/01/hub-neurons.shtml. Finally, new micro-tissue engineered neural networks are small columns of biomaterial through which neurons have grown axons and which, when implanted, can connect neuronal populations in the brain (and possibly elsewhere) and replace damaged axonal tracts http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/News_Releases/2016/01/cullen/.

6. Mimicking Living Systems with Microdroplet Reactors
A new microfluidic system promises better, easier bioreactors for synthetic biology applications http://phys.org/news/2016-01-microdroplet-reactors-mimic.html. The new system first establishes water-in-oil test sites in discrete wells formed in the microfluidic chip, with each site bordered by electrodes able to apply an AC voltage over the site; water-in-oil droplets introduced in a digital fashion to the channels flow past the reaction sites and (i) when AC is applied the droplets fuse to the site, while (ii) the shear force of the travelling droplets induces fission and the droplet travelling on. Fusion uses the travelling droplets to introduce new molecules to the sites, while fission can carry away waste products, production products, or signalling products for collection and analysis. This does away with complex valves and mixers and is able to maintain chemical reactions in the sites far from equilibrium. In related news a new microfluidic microbubble technique efficiently produces liposomes for study, drug delivery, and artificial cell applications http://phys.org/news/2016-01-closer-artificial-cell-divisionby.html.

7. Fermi Paradox and Planetary Extinction
A new study on early planetary environments and life suggests a “Gaian Bottleneck” that prevents life from evolving beyond the simple single-celled stage, essentially operating as an early Great Filter preventing the rise of complex intelligent life on otherwise habitable planets thought to be ubiquitous throughout the galaxy http://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/the-aliens-are-silent-because-they-are-extinct. The authors suggest that new life commonly dies out on fledgling new worlds due to runaway heating or cooling arising from the unstable nature of young planetary environments, and before life has a chance to evolve a complex global ecosystem of simple organisms capable of regulating atmospheric gases.

8. Commercial Offerings of Memristor Chips
Knowm has launched a portfolio of three memristor chip products made available to customers seeking to include the chips in their computing hardware http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1328733. Memristors can act as emulators of synapses and brain networks with the promise of offering brain-like computing and energy efficiency; such chips will have powerful deep learning and neural network emulation applications across a range of areas in future. The commercial availability of memristor-based chips is great news although we’ll have to wait and see when they make their way into consumer-facing products and services.

9. Open Source Food Computer
The Food Computer from the Open Agriculture Initiative is a new platform seeking to standardise indoor hydroponics and plant cultivation and so better enable rapid growth, industrial scale, cost efficiencies, and accessibility for the sector http://spectrum.ieee.org/computing/embedded-systems/mits-food-computer-the-future-of-urban-agriculture. The Food Computer is an advanced indoor plant cultivator and hydroponic system that precisely monitors and controls light exposure temperature, humidity, CO2, water cycle, and nutrient exposure to create an optimal “recipe” for each type of plant. The system is inherently modular with Food Computers coming in (i) Personal Food Computer, (ii) Shipping Container, and (iii) Warehouse Scale sizes for personal, small scale, and large scale use - and all benefiting from cheaper and better sensors, computers, and lighting.

10. Graphene, Graphene, and More Graphene
First, a new spongy graphene elastomer functions as a flexible ultra-light pressure and vibration sensor that far exceeds the response range of human skin http://monash.edu/news/show/revolutionary-new-graphene-elastomer-exceeds-sensitivity-of-human-skin. Second, terahertz frequency lasers can now be made tunable thanks to the combination of graphene with a quantum cascade laser http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/latest/?archive=twelvemonths&id=15750. Third, simulations show that fast and accurate DNA sequencing is possible by passing DNA through functionalised graphene nanopores http://www.nist.gov/mml/acmd/nist-simulates-fast-accurate-dna-sequencing-through-graphene-nanopore.cfm. Fourth, specific and controllable placement of molecules is possible via graphene sheets decorated with custom patterns http://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/ucla-scientists-create-graphene-barrier-to-precisely-control-molecules-for-making-nanoelectronics. Finally, graphene nanoelectromechanical systems can controllably modulate the emission of light from single-photon nanodiamond emitters http://phys.org/news/2016-01-on-chip-nano-optics-graphene-nano-opto-mechanics.html.

Archive: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/01/gut-microbe-therapeutics-better-brain.html

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 09/2016.

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 09/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/02/precise-dna-motors-next-gen-atlas.html

Precise DNA motors, Next gen Atlas, Commercial deep learning, DARPA electro-optic chip, Sophisticated CRISPR tools, Quantum dot solids, Low power WiFi, Artificial organs, Cancer imaging & targeting, Stabilising proteins.

1. DNA Origami Atomically Precise Molecular Motors
Self assembled DNA origami structures can now be formed into atomically precise molecular motors 40nm in size that include a spinning crank, an axel bearing, and a container to hold the two together http://phys.org/news/2016-02-nanoscale-rotary-apparatus-tight-fitting-3d.html. The device is currently driven around by random thermal motions but the group are investigating mechanisms to provide driving power and unidirectional control; a future array of such devices, functionalised, might drive specific synthesis and assembly reactions. In related news self assembled DNA origami structures have been used to package / disguise cancer drugs and deliver them inside of drug resistant cells https://news.osu.edu/news/2016/02/23/dnatrojan/, and DNA origami rods bound to gold nanoparticles form a hinge that can be opened and closed with light http://www.mpg.de/10319146/nanoplasmonic-dna-nanostructure-light.

2. Next Gen Atlas Robot
Boston Dynamics has demonstrated its next generation bipedal Atlas robot http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/next-generation-of-boston-dynamics-atlas-robot. The new Atlas is shorter, lighter (82kg), electrically powered, hydraulically actuated, self-balancing (quite a sight to see in the video), untethered, all-terrain, and overall a big improvement on the old Atlas. Be sure to watch the video if you haven’t seen it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY.

3. Commercial Deep Learning for Images and Sounds
Google launched their Cloud Vision API as a service for anyone to use for high throughput automated image analysis for things like object labelling, text extraction, sentiment labelling, specific content filtering, and other features and represents an effort to enable applications to see, hear, and make information in the world more useful http://googlecloudplatform.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/Google-Cloud-Vision-API-enters-beta-open-to-all-to-try.html, and Google has also launched PlaNet, able to determine where in the world almost any photo was taken without using geotagged data http://gizmodo.com/googles-new-ai-can-tell-where-your-photo-was-taken-with-1761125788. Landr launched an automatic music mastering service developed with machine learning algorithms that allows artists to upload their songs and quickly and cheaply master the audio to improve the tracks http://www.canadianbusiness.com/innovation/startups-to-watch-montreal-landr/.

4. DARPA’s Electronic Photonic Chip
DARPA unveiled its most advanced electronic photonic chip http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-02-19, a microprocesor that intimately combines electronic and photonic components to speed up chip operation and interchip communication. Some of the main innovations in this chip include the design and arrangement of the optical waveguides for simultaneously shuttling potentially hundreds of different wavelengths of light.

5. Very Sophisticated CRISPR Tools
The Boomerang system represents yet another powerful advance in the sophistication and effectiveness of the CRISPR genome editing system http://sg.idtdna.com/pages/decoded/decoded-articles/synthetic-biology/decoded/2016/02/08/boomerang-targeting-cancer-treatments-to-cancer-cells. Boomerang extends the CRISPR platform with powerful new tools, in this case providing a molecular switch that requires the presence of two distinct cellular signals to turn on, and once activated can be linked to produce a variety of outcomes as desired including (i) diagnostics to determine the presence of certain cells, (ii) reporter molecules to label and make visible certain cells, (iii) molecules or enzymes to induce cell death, (iv) molecules or enzymes to induce a range of cell behaviours. For example, you might infect every cell of an organism with this machinery and only those cells that expressed two cancer signals would be killed. In related news new software algorithms help to quickly design more effective CRISPR constructs http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/diagnostics/software-helps-gene-editing-tool-crispr-live-up-to-its-hype.

6. Quantum Dot Lego Solids
For the first time quantum dot nanocrystals have been controllably synthesised into larger crystals to form atomically coherent square superlattices http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cu-qds022416.php. These 5nm quantum dot crystals aren’t just connected by ligands but can now be fused and connected directly to each other to enable superior electrical, optical, and energy properties. These are referred to as atomically coherent quantum dot solids. The only hurdle remaining for pushing this platform forward to produce truly amazing materials is forming uniform, identical quantum dots as atomic differences in quantum dot size and composition lead to defects.

7. WiFi at 10,000 Times Less Power
A new WiFi system allows devices to transmit data at 11 megabits per second using 10,000 times less power than would normally be required http://www.washington.edu/news/2016/02/23/uw-engineers-achieve-wi-fi-at-10000-times-lower-power/. The system basically works from a main, central transmission unit broadcasting WiFi that draws power from the mains supply, while other devices within range simply reflect these signals, transmitting packets as they do so. This enables true passive WiFi devices and so is a genuine breakthrough technology for Internet of Things applications and distributed ubiquitous sensors.

8. Artificial Organ Innovations
First, tissues including ear, bone, and muscle can be printed at human scale and when implanted form functional tissues and a blood supply http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2016/Scientists_Prove_Feasibility_of_%E2%80%9CPrinting%E2%80%9D_Replacement_Tissue.htm. Second, the development of artificial kidneys based on silicon nanofilter chips powered by blood flow with arrays of nanofilters for removing certain molecules and hosting living kidney cells to provide other important filtration functions http://www.medgadget.com/2016/02/artificial-kidney-made-of-nanofilters-and-living-cells-to-replace-dialysis.html. Finally, functional liver tissue can now be 3D printed and which closely resembles real liver tissue with a combination of different cells and metabolic functions, and which is intended for a range of applications including high throughput drug screening http://universityofcalifornia.edu/news/uc-san-diego-lab-prints-3-d-functioning-liver-tissue.

9. Imaging Cancers and Reprogrammed Skin Cells vs Cancer
Reprogramming skin cells into induced neural stem cells and delivering them into the brain results in these cells seeking out and killing cancer cells in the brain and boosting survival rates for glioblastoma by between 160% and 220% http://uncnews.unc.edu/2016/02/24/unc-chapel-hill-researchers-make-groundbreaking-discovery-use-skin-cells-to-kill-cancer/; the group hope to further boost the effectiveness of the cells’ cancer killing abilities. In related news cancer cells can be accurately imaged and visualised in 3D, providing further insights and stunning images http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/cp-ci3021716.php.

10. Preventing Proteins from Unfolding
New work suggests that proteins can be reinforced with covalently bonded polymers such as PEG to prevent unfolding and significantly boost mechanical stability http://phys.org/news/2016-02-protein-unfolding.html. While only demonstrated in certain protein structures (alpha sheets) and yet to be demonstrated generally, I see this as a useful tool for stabilising and improving the performance of protein-based biomaterials and solutions of enzymes for drug or production purposes.

SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 08/2016.

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 08/2016.
Permalink here: http://www.scitechdigest.net/2016/02/cancer-immunotherapies-radio.html

Cancer immunotherapies, Radio invisibility mesh, Sophisticated robot hand, Nanostructured glass memory, Biosensing plasmonic interferometry, Implantable antennas, DNA insertion protocols, Neuromorphic silicon cochlea, Amazing drone applications, Variable negative stiffness.

1. Latest Results for Cancer Immunotherapies
Cancer immunotherapies that involve reprogramming a person’s own immune cells to attack and destroy cancer cells continue to be developed to ever-greater effectiveness and sophistication. Latest clinical trial results show a long sustained multi-year remission (I wonder when they can claim “cure”?) in 27 out of 29 patients originally expected to live 3 months https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2016/02/immunotherapy-remission-blood-cancer-AAAS-riddell.html. Cancer immunotherapy platforms like this lend themselves to being repurposed to treat a wide range of conditions including cancer clearance and removing senescent cells. The group hope to move from blood into lung and breast cancers next.

2. Copper Mesh Provides Radio Invisibility
A simple mesh of regularly spaced 4mm copper cubes forms sheets that are invisible to long wavelengths such as radio waves regardless of propagation direction http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/semiconductors/materials/metallic-mesh-becomes-invisible-to-antenna-signals. Radio waves pass through the material completely unaltered as if it wasn’t there. Applications include better protective shielding for antennas, to protect antennas from observation and damage, as well as tuning the specific frequency of interest so that only that band can pass through to be received and transmitted by the antenna. The group believe they can adapt the design to microwaves, terahertz, and possibly the infrared.

3. Sophisticated Biomimetic Anthropomorphic Robot Hand
This is without doubt the most incredible robot hand I’ve seen http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/medical-robots/biomimetic-anthropomorphic-robot-hand. Made from 3D printed plastics, laser-cut rubber, springs, cables, and motors, this robotic hand can impressively mimic natural human hand structure, function, and motions - check out the video to see it mimic a human hand movement in real time. A great prototype platform for further development for robotics and prosthetics.

4. Nanostructured Glass Memory Could Last Billions of Years
New nanostructured glass memory discs can have data written to them in 5 dimensions (3D location + orientation + size) using femtosecond lasers, and achieving a memory capacity of 360 Terabytes in a form thermally stable up to 1,000 degrees C and potentially lasting billions of years http://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2016/02/5d-data-storage-update.page. The pattern recorded in the glass can then be read out using an optical microscope and polariser. Prototypes were made to store famous important documents.

5. Plasmonic Interferometry & Biosensors
Newly developed plasmonic interferometers no longer need expensive complicated coherent light sources; not needing coherent light is a game changing paradigm shift for the field and is enabled by incorporating fluorescent atoms integrated directly into the tiny hole at the centre of each interferometer https://news.brown.edu/articles/2016/02/plasmons. Each concentric interferometer on the surface of the chip can be tuned to be sensitive to particular fluids or compounds and producing distinct signals if a particular chemical is present or not - very promising for cheap, quick, easy, reliable biosensing applications.

6. Better Implantable Antennas & Radios
A new injectable / implantable antenna radio measuring 1cm long and 1mm wide can efficiently transmit radio signals half a meter away and through 3cm of tissue http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/injectable-radios-to-broadcast-from-inside-the-body, with transmission bursts being powered by a tiny capacitor that is drip-charged by a tiny battery. The group has designed their system in a modular fashion, to be in and out with other systems for different applications, e.g. temperature, pH, pressure, etc.

7. Rapid Protocol Development for Inserting DNA into Cells
A simple new microfluidic device enables rapid screening for the correct electroporation conditions required to open up membrane pores in different types of cells and organisms in order to introduce DNA and other molecules successfully into cells without killing the cells http://news.mit.edu/2016/microfluidic-device-dna-insertion-bacteria-genetic-engineering-0219. Simple proofs of concept each time with fluorescent molecules or antibiotic resistance genes allows rapid screening for cells successfully engineered with the technique.

8. Neuromorphic Silicon Cochlea
A silicon cochlea, using just 55 microwatts of power to run, processes sound as a neuromorphic auditory system in a similar fashion to humans http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/biomedical/devices/silicon-cochlea-mimics-human-hearing. The system possesses two independent ears, each sensitive to 64 channels (humans have 1,000 or so) and can efficiently filter out different channels. More channels and integration with neuromorphic imaging systems are planned. I’m wondering if you could use this in smartphone SOCs for better speech recognition and ultimately better human hearing prosthetics?

9. Recent Advances in Drone Applications
We had several interesting drone advances this week. First, the Russian military now have an autonomous / remote-operated drone that carries an RPG / missile launcher to seek and destroy tanks and other targets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b93H5U6bcVI. Second, Dronebox is a set-and-forget platform for storing a drone out in the field in a protective box that recharges the drone (solar power) and communicates to home base, allowing the drone to perform autonomous sentry duty patrols around the box on a daily basis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8NJLtcJy_Q. Third, a deep neural image recognition network allows drones to autonomously follow and navigate forest and mountain trails for patrol and search-and-rescue purposes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umRdt3zGgpU; the training method is pretty cool and long-term applications for this are amazing. Finally, we have dextrous flying drones equipped with a flexible manipulator arm for grasping, carrying, and interacting with the environment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7l3pF8K_ow.

10. Dynamically Variable Negative Stiffness
A dynamically active variable negative stiffness system has been developed with millisecond actuation times and capable of 100x stiffness changes http://www.hrl.com/news/2016/0219/ and be sure to check the video. This is interesting for robotic biomimicry applications seeking to impart onto robots the benefits humans enjoy from a wide range of variable stiffness structures present in our joints and muscles that help us accomplish a much wider range of strength and precision tasks than would otherwise be possible. It’ll be interesting when we start to see advances like this become more prevalent in robotics.

SciTech Tip Jar: http://www.scitechdigest.net/p/donate.html

SciTech #ScienceSunday Digest - 11/2016.