AI Ethics in the Digital Afterlife: Safeguards Needed to Avoid Unwanted AI "Hauntings"
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
London, UK (SPX) May 10, 2024
The prospect of interacting with digital avatars of deceased individuals, facilitated by advancements in artificial intelligence, poses potential psychological risks, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge. Researchers at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence have raised concerns about the emerging field of "digital afterlife," where AI-powered chatbots, known a

Using MRI, engineers have found a way to detect light deep in the brain
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
Boston MA (SPX) May 11, 2024
Scientists often label cells with proteins that glow, allowing them to track the growth of a tumor, or measure changes in gene expression that occur as cells differentiate.
While this technique works well in cells and some tissues of the body, it has been difficult to apply this technique to image structures deep within the brain, because the light scatters too much before it can be detect

AI systems are already deceiving us -- and that's a problem, experts warn
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
Washington (AFP) May 10, 2024
Experts have long warned about the threat posed by artificial intelligence going rogue - but a new research paper suggests it's already happening.
Current AI systems, designed to be honest, have developed a troubling skill for deception, from tricking human players in online games of world conquest to hiring humans to solve "prove-you're-not-a-robot" tests, a team of scientists argue in the

A better way to control shape-shifting soft robots
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
Boston MA (SPX) May 10, 2024
Imagine a slime-like robot that can seamlessly change its shape to squeeze through narrow spaces, which could be deployed inside the human body to remove an unwanted item.
While such a robot does not yet exist outside a laboratory, researchers are working to develop reconfigurable soft robots for applications in health care, wearable devices, and industrial systems.
But how can one c

High-throughput device streamlines advanced material synthesis
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
London, UK (SPX) May 07, 2024
A new device developed at the University of Birmingham allows for the rapid production of nanomaterial libraries using eco-friendly mechanochemical methods.
Dr. Jason Stafford, a researcher at the School of Engineering, designed the system to foster highly controlled reaction environments, streamlining the extensive time traditionally required for material production in labs.
This be

Quantum advances enhance understanding of high-temperature superconductors
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024
Technological advancements like superfast levitating trains, long-range lossless power transmission, and faster MRI machines hinge on the development of materials that superconduct electricity at room temperature.
Researchers have now published findings in the May 10 issue of Science that deepen our understanding of superconductivity in materials known as cuprates, which have confounded sc

Experiment Allows for Potential Millions of Qubits on Single Chip
Sunday, 12 May 2024 18:50
Berlin, Germany (SPX) May 07, 2024
In the ongoing quest for a viable quantum computer, global researchers are exploring numerous qubit technologies, yet a consensus on the optimal qubit type remains elusive.
Qubits, the core of quantum computing, are crucial for data processing, transfer, and storage. They must reliably store information and facilitate swift data processing, which depends on stable, rapid interactions among

Pakistan sends Cubesat to lunar orbit with China's assistance
Saturday, 11 May 2024 22:01
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 11, 2024
In a significant advancement in lunar exploration collaboration, China has transferred satellite data from the Chang'e 6 mission to Pakistan. The data, collected by a cube satellite named ICUBE-Q, was formally handed over during a ceremony in Beijing.
Zhang Kejian, the director of the China National Space Administration, presented the data package to Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, the Pakistani

SpinLaunch appoints new CEO to drive next phase
Saturday, 11 May 2024 22:01
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 11, 2024
SpinLaunch, known for enabling rapid and sustainable low-cost access to space, has announced a leadership shift to steer the company's further expansion and commercialization of its innovative space technologies.
The company's Board of Directors has named David Wrenn, previously Chief Operating Officer, as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This follows the departure of Jonath

First 'extreme' solar storm in 20 years brings spectacular auroras
Saturday, 11 May 2024 20:50
Washington (AFP) May 11, 2024
The most powerful solar storm in more than two decades struck Earth on Friday, triggering spectacular celestial light shows from Tasmania to Britain - and threatening possible disruptions to satellites and power grids as it persists into the weekend.
The first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun - came just after 1600 GMT, accor

Lunar lander company ispace sees opportunities in Japan-U.S. Artemis agreement
Saturday, 11 May 2024 15:30

New air-breathing spacecraft enhances Earth observation and communication capabilities
Friday, 10 May 2024 22:23
London, UK (SPX) May 10, 2024
The University of Surrey is pioneering a novel approach for powering low-orbit spacecraft using air as a propellant. Funded by the UK Space Agency, this initiative at the Surrey Space Centre aims to facilitate spacecraft operations at extremely low altitudes within the upper atmosphere.
This innovative spacecraft design is expected to advance Earth observation, climate monitoring, and sate

NASA chooses UF mission to monitor Earth's water and ice
Friday, 10 May 2024 22:23
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024
NASA has awarded the University of Florida a $12 million mission called GRATTIS (Gravitational Reference Advanced Technology Test in Space), aimed at enhancing how we monitor Earth's water and ice movements. This was the only project selected from a national call for submissions.
"GRATTIS will utilize advanced sensors to measure minute gravitational variations from space, aiding in the tra

NASA Grants Licenses for Advanced 3D-Printable Superalloy to American Firms
Friday, 10 May 2024 22:23
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024
NASA has entered a new phase of economic impact by licensing an advanced superalloy, named GRX-810, to four US companies. This move leverages NASA's research and development investments funded by taxpayers.
GRX-810, a superalloy designed for the demanding conditions of aerospace environments, promises enhanced durability and strength for parts used in airplanes and spacecraft, potentially

China launches communication test satellites into medium-Earth orbit
Friday, 10 May 2024 22:23
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 09, 2024
China successfully launched two experimental communication satellites, Smart SkyNet 1A and 1B, into medium-Earth orbit using a Long March 3B carrier rocket. The launch took place at 9:43 am from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. This event marks the 21st space launch in China this year and the 521st flight in the Long March rocket series.
The satellites, developed by
