2023 – Page 52 – Impact Lab

Niantic’s Peridot: An AR-Enabled Pet Game with Amazon’s Immersive Shopping Integration

May 12, 2023

Imagine playing fetch with a delightful virtual pet named Leopard through augmented reality (AR) on your phone. This interactive experience, reminiscent of popular games like Pokemon Go, is now a reality thanks to Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go. But it doesn’t stop there. Niantic envisions this as a prototype for a future world of AR glasses, which may arrive in the next decade. Excitingly, it also marks the debut of a new Amazon shopping service, adding an intriguing dimension to the gameplay.

More than Just a Virtual Pet: Peridot, available for Android and iOS, is an app that introduces AR-enabled virtual pets, drawing inspiration from the concept of Tamagotchi. Originally conceived as a design idea for Niantic’s vision of virtual companions on future AR glasses and headsets, Peridot has evolved into a fully realized game. It offers a wide range of hatchable and breedable pets that users can nurture and feed through their smartphones.

Robots

National Science Foundation Boosts Robotics Research with $5 Million Fleet of Standardized Humanoid Robots

May 12, 2023

Significant progress has been made in human-robot interactions in recent years. However, the lack of an affordable and generalized modular robotic platform has hindered researchers’ ability to share and compare findings, impeding further advancements in the field. In a bid to accelerate progress in robotics, the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent US government-funded agency supporting research and education, has announced an initiative to distribute a $5 million fleet of standardized humanoid robots called Quori bots. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and advancements in robotics research.

The NSF plans to distribute an additional 50 Quori bots to various research projects, in partnership with Oregon State University, University of Pennsylvania’s GRASP Laboratory, and robotics software company Semio. Initially developed with support from the NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Community Research Infrastructure, Quori robots are equipped with an omnidirectional wheeled base, an expressive video screen face, two gesturing arms, and a bowing spine. These versatile robots are designed to operate in both laboratory settings and real-world environments.

Alzheimer's Disease

Mind in Peril: The Astonishing Truth Behind Women’s Swift Decline in Alzheimer’s

May 12, 2023

Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Prof. Hermona Soreq, a leading researcher in the field of gene expression in the brain, has made a significant breakthrough in the study of Alzheimer’s disease. The research explains why women experience more severe and faster dementia than men. It has long been known that women with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from accelerated dementia and the loss of cholinergic neurons compared to males. However, until now, the causes of this discrepancy have remained unknown. In a recently published article titled “Sex-specific declines in cholinergic-targeting tRNA fragments in the nucleus” in the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, Soreq and her colleagues at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences discovered a molecular mechanism that takes place in the brain of female Alzheimer’s patients.

The team discovered that a family of tiny RNA fragments has a direct relationship with the rate of disease development in women. The researchers found that the reservoir of the brain’s fragments in the brain reflects a rapid development of cognitive impairment among women with Alzheimer’s, but it is not reflected in the brain structure of women. The study showed that the decline in the reservoir of RNA fragments in the brain leads to a speedup in the development of cognitive decline in females.

Health

Blood Speaks: How AI Unlocks Early Parkinson’s Disease Detection with High PrecisioN

May 12, 2023

In a groundbreaking study published in ACS Central Science, researchers have leveraged the power of neural networks to analyze biomarkers in patients’ bodily fluids, paving the way for early detection and potential prevention of Parkinson’s disease. Led by scientists from the UNSW School of Chemistry, the team utilized blood samples from healthy individuals collected by the Spanish European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) to develop a machine learning tool called CRANK-MS (Classification and Ranking Analysis using Neural network generates Knowledge from Mass Spectrometry).

Traditionally, metabolomics data analysis has relied on statistical approaches and limited correlations involving specific molecules. However, the researchers adopted a different approach by considering associations between metabolites and harnessing the computational power of CRANK-MS to understand the complex interactions within the data. By examining extensive metabolite datasets from both Parkinson’s patients and matched control subjects, they identified unique combinations of metabolites that could serve as potential indicators or early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.

Jet

Hydrogen Takes Flight: Swiss Jet Prototype Could Redefine Supersonic Travel

May 11, 2023

A European company aims to revolutionize air travel with its sustainable hypersonic jet prototype set to cut flight times by 75%.

Destinus, the Swiss-based company, has already flown two prototypes successfully and is now preparing for a third test flight to evaluate the fuel systems. The design of the jet is based on the “Waverider” shape, also used in hypersonic cruise missiles and the Concorde jet, enabling it to “ride” the sound barrier.

Tesla

From Perception to Decision: Tesla’s FSD v12 Shifts Gears with End-to-End AI Approach

May 11, 2023

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) package is set to receive a significant update with the integration of end-to-end AI in its upcoming FSD Beta v12, according to Elon Musk. While FSD Beta already utilizes neural nets powered by artificial intelligence for environmental perception, the decision-making and driving input aspects rely on traditional programming. Previously, Musk stated that AI wouldn’t be necessary for this part, but he seems to have reversed his stance.

Musk recently highlighted the forthcoming v11.4 update, emphasizing the improvements in FSD Beta. He also mentioned the future v12 update, which would introduce “end-to-end AI” capabilities. However, no specific timeline was provided for this update. Tesla is currently expanding the release of v11.4 beyond its internal fleet, signaling progress in its self-driving ambitions.

AI

From Sci-Fi to Reality: AI Discovers Game-Changing Drugs to Eradicate ‘Zombie’ Cells

May 11, 2023

Researchers from Integrated Biosciences, a biotechnology company combining synthetic biology and machine learning, have showcased the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovering innovative senolytic compounds, which are being studied for their ability to combat age-related processes such as fibrosis, inflammation, and cancer. The recently published paper titled “Discovering small-molecule senolytics with deep neural networks” in the May issue of Nature Aging outlines the AI-guided screening of over 800,000 compounds, leading to the identification of three drug candidates with superior medicinal chemistry properties compared to existing senolytics.

Described as a significant milestone in both longevity research and AI-driven drug discovery, the study has received collaboration from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Dr. Felix Wong, co-founder of Integrated Biosciences and the publication’s first author, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the research demonstrates the potential to explore chemical space virtually and uncover multiple promising anti-aging compounds with higher chances of success in clinical trials than current options.

Science & Technology News

Worldcoin’s Revolutionary Crypto Wallet: A Game-Changer for the Masses

May 9, 2023

In the age of large language models (LLMs) and ChatGPT, AI is poised to make a weird internet even weirder – turning the content-driven social media apps, news sites and media platforms of today into future uncanny valleys that blur the line between man and machine.

As advances in AI make it more difficult to discern bots from humans, Sam Altman, the co-founder of Open AI – the company behind ChatGPT – thinks blockchains can help.

Altman’s crypto project, Worldcoin, rose to prominence last year with a controversial, Silicon Valley vision for a universal basic income (UBI): a crypto token that can be distributed in equal quantity to everyone in the world.Worldcoin is back again this week with a new launch – this one poised to be its biggest yet. World App, Worldcoin’s crypto wallet, built on the Ethereum sidechain Polygon, is the first product from the elusive identity upstart that anyone, anywhere will be able to download.

Robotics

Revolutionizing Human Potential: Jizai Arms’ Wearable Robotics and AI Symbiosis

May 9, 2023

Recent advancements in robotics aim to create new experiences for humans that can assist in their work and social interactions. One such innovation is being brought forth by Jizai Arms, a company offering a wearable backpack that allows users to attach robotic limbs powered by AI for social interaction needs. The company’s vision is to create a symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, where both freely interact with each other, having the same goals and aspirations.

Jizai Arms is a Japanese company that has pioneered in the field of wearable robotics, introducing a remarkable product that promises to enhance human capabilities like never before. The Jizai Bodies, their flagship product, is a set of four mechanical arms that users can strap to their back, enabling them to perform a multitude of tasks with ease. The real marvel lies in the integration of AI for seamless movement control, opening up endless possibilities for human-machine interaction.

Electric Vehicles

Autev’s Mobile Charging Robots to Revolutionize EV Charging

May 9, 2023

Autev, a Seattle-based startup, has launched its mobile charging robots that can convert parking spots into autonomous charging spaces, providing on-demand autonomous EV charging services that are more convenient and reduce the need for fixed charging infrastructure.

These intelligent massive battery packs on wheels can be summoned through an app and autonomously make their way to the desired location, where users can plug in their vehicles and leave them to charge. The firm hopes the service will ensure a seamless and convenient charging experience, improving EV owners’ overall satisfaction with electric transportation.

Space

Revolutionize Your Space Experience with the Quantum Solar System

May 9, 2023

If you’re a space enthusiast or an astronomer, the Quantum Solar System may be of great interest to you, as it offers a unique way to explore the universe and its planets. This innovative product is an excellent tool for learning more about the planets in our solar system, while also serving as a great conversation piece for your guests.

The Quantum Solar System utilizes cutting-edge magnetic levitation technology to create a stunning visual display of the planets orbiting the sun in a realistic manner. The planets appear to be floating in mid-air, giving off a magical and futuristic vibe. The product provides an immersive and interactive experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.

As part of the recently launched project, early bird bonuses are now available, with prices starting from approximately $549 or £437, depending on the current exchange rates. The Quantum Solar System is an excellent investment for those who want to explore the universe in a unique way, and it’s also a perfect gift for science enthusiasts of all ages.

The Quantum Solar System is not only visually appealing, but it is also an educational tool that can help deepen your knowledge of astronomy and planetary science. By watching the planets in motion, you can learn more about their rotations, sizes, and other features. You can also use the Quantum Solar System to teach children about the wonders of the universe and inspire their curiosity and interest in science.

Overall, the Quantum Solar System is an innovative product that combines technology and science to create a visually stunning and educational experience. Whether you’re a professional astronomer or just someone who loves space, this product is definitely worth checking out.

By Impact Lab

Science & Technology News

Get wild with SoftZoo: MIT’s open-source platform for creating soft robots

May 9, 2023

The world of soft robotics is expanding rapidly, with MIT recently unveiling SoftZoo, a virtual open framework platform that simulates 3D model animals performing various tasks in different environmental settings. Researchers can use the program to design and optimize their own creations, with the aim of co-designing the soft robot bodies and their controllers for specific tasks.

SoftZoo offers an open source program that enables researchers to experiment and test their robot ideas. This allows them to find the best configuration for a robot’s shape, thereby enabling them to design soft robotics algorithms that can perform various tasks. The platform helps users understand the best strategies for robots to interact with their environments.