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Showing posts from February, 2025

Can deep learning transform heart failure prevention

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A deep neural network called CHAIS may soon replace invasive procedures like catheterization as the new gold standard for monitoring heart health. The ancient Greek philosopher and polymath Aristotle once concluded that the human heart is tri-chambered and that it was the single most important organ in the entire body, governing motion, sensation, and thought. Today, we know that the human heart actually has four chambers and that the brain largely controls motion, sensation , and thought. But Aristotle was correct in observing that the heart is a vital organ, pumping blood to the rest of the body to reach other vital organs. When a life-threatening condition like heart failure strikes, the heart gradually loses the ability to supply other organs with enough blood and nutrients that enables them to function. Researchers from MIT and Harvard Medical School recently published an open-access , introducing a noninvasive deep learning approach that analyzes electrocardiogram (ECG) signals t...

'3.5 billion years ago': China's Zhurong rover discovers long-lost ancient beach on Mars

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  China’s Zhurong rover , part of the Tianwen-1 mission, has made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars—evidence of an ancient beach that existed 3.5 billion years ago . This discovery, made in the Utopia Planitia region, suggests that Mars once had large bodies of water , supporting the theory that the Red Planet was once a habitable environment. Using its ground-penetrating radar, the Zhurong rover detected layered sedimentary structures similar to those found in terrestrial coastal environments. These formations indicate that an ocean or large lake once covered the area, leaving behind shoreline-like deposits . Scientists believe that fluctuating water levels, wave activity, and sediment movement contributed to shaping this ancient Martian beach. This finding aligns with previous studies that suggest Mars had an extensive hydrosphere in its early history. The presence of sedimentary structures and mineral deposit s further supports the hypothesis that liquid water played a crucial...

Google Warns Of National Security Threat From Cybercrime Attacks

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When the term national security threat is used in a cyber sense, thoughts maybe turn to the likes of suspected Chinese state-affiliated hackers , or perhaps Russian ransomware gangs claiming to have data that could But according to a report from the Google Threat Intelligence Group, financially motivated cybercrime attacks, including those without any ties to state actors or aspirations, can be just as harmful to national security. “A single incident can be impactful enough on its own to have a severe consequence on the victim and disrupt citizens' access to critical goods and services,” Google has warned, concluding that cybercrime must be treated as a national security priority that requires international cooperation. National security practitioners pay more attention to state-affiliated hacking groups than they do to cybercrime activity, despite the latter making up the vast majority of malicious activity online, according to a Feb. 12 Nothing wrong with that, you might think...

Treat air pollution as public health emergency

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Air pollution is linked to one in nine deaths around the world. In India, over a billion people live in areas where dangerous particulate matters exceed national quality standards. We must treat it as a public health emergency The global mortality data associated with air pollution is staggering. The World Health Organization says air pollution is linked to one in nine deaths and 7 million premature deaths every year. According to the State of Global Air 2024 report, air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths in 2021, making it the second most important risk for mortality, especially among children under five. Every year, 6.7 million people lose their lives prematurely due to the combined impact of poor indoor and outdoor air. Outdoor pollution accounted for 4.2 million of these deaths, primarily from cancer, respiratory infections and cardiovascular disorders. Almost 90 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries like India, which are disproportionately affected ....

New flowering plant species ‘Torenia goalparensis’ discovered in Goalpara

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  🌿 Torenia goalparensis: A Newly Discovered Flowering Plant in Goalpara Researchers have discovered a new species of flowering plant, Torenia goalparensis , in the Goalpara district of Assam, India. This remarkable find adds to the rich floral diversity of the northeastern region, which is known for its unique and endemic plant species. 🌱 Taxonomy & Classification Torenia goalparensis belongs to the Linderniaceae family, a group of flowering plants commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Torenia is known for its vibrant, tube-shaped flowers, often referred to as wishbone flowers . 🌺 Morphological Features The newly discovered species exhibits distinctive features that differentiate it from other Torenia species:Flowers: The blossoms of Torenia goalparensis are small, tubular, and display a striking combination of purple and blue shades with yellow markings. Leaves: The plant has lanceolate to ovate green leaves with serrated edges, arranged oppositely ...

Toward a code-breaking quantum computer

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The most recent email you sent was likely encrypted using a tried-and-true method that relies on the idea that even the fastest computer would be unable to efficiently break a gigantic number into factors. Quantum computers, on the other hand, promise to rapidly crack complex cryptographic systems that a classical computer might never be able to unravel. This promise is based on a quantum factoring algorithm proposed in 1994 by Peter Shor , who is now a professor at MIT. As some researchers work to build larger quantum computers, others have been trying to improve Shor’s algorithm so it could run on a smaller quantum circuit. About a year ago, New York University computer scientist Oded Regev proposed a major theoretical improvement . His algorithm could run faster, but the circuit would require more memory. In the long run, this new algorithm could inform the development of novel encryption methods that can withstand the code-breaking power of quantum computers. Cracking cryptography ...

This fast and agile robotic insect could someday aid in mechanical pollination

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With a more efficient method for artificial pollination, farmers in the future could grow fruits and vegetables inside multilevel warehouses, boosting yields while mitigating some of agriculture’s harmful impacts on the environment. To help make this idea a reality, MIT researchers are developing robotic insects that could someday swarm out of mechanical hives to rapidly perform precise pollination. However, even the best bug-sized robots are no match for natural pollinators like bees when it comes to endurance, speed, and maneuverability. Now, inspired by the anatomy of these natural pollinators, the researchers have overhauled their design to produce tiny, aerial robots that are far more agile and durable than prior versions. The new bots can hover for about 1,000 seconds, which is more than 100 times longer than previously demonstrated. The robotic insect, which weighs less than a paperclip , can fly significantly faster than similar bots while completing acrobatic maneuvers like ...

Chinese superconducting quantum computer receives over 20 million global visits

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                                        China's independently developed third-generation superconducting quantum computer, Origin Wukong, has received more than 20 million remote visits globally, passing an important milestone in the country's quantum computing development, China Science and Technology Daily has reported. According to the Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center, users from 139 countries or regions have accessed Origin Wukong remotely, with the United States, Russia, Japan and Canada showing the highest levels of user activity. Among these countries, the United States is leading in foreign user visits. Origin Wukong has completed more than 339,000 quantum computing tasks since it went into operation on Jan. 6, 2024, covering a wide range of industries, such as finance and biomedicine. The quantum computer is powered by Wukong, a 72-qubit indigenous superconduct...

A bacteria-based Band-Aid helps plants heal their wounds

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  A novel bacteria-based Band-Aid for plants is making waves in agricultural science as an innovative way to help plants heal their wounds. Just like humans use bandages to cover cuts and promote healing, plants too can suffer from injuries, often caused by pests, weather conditions, or during human intervention like pruning. These wounds make the plants vulnerable to infections, disease , and a loss of nutrients, which can ultimately affect their growth and survival. Researchers have developed a bacteria-based Band-Aid designed to protect plant wounds and accelerate their healing process. This Band-Aid is composed of beneficial bacteria that play an essential role in plant health. The primary function of the bacteria is to create a protective barrier around the wound, preventing harmful pathogens and fungi from entering the plant tissues. The bacteria also promote the natural healing mechanisms of the plant by stimulating the plant's immune response and encouraging the growth of...

Young Scientist Global Innovator Award

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  This trophy represents the Young Scientist Global Innovator Award, symbolizing excellence in scientific research and groundbreaking innovation. It features a sleek, modern gold design with a globe at the top, signifying global impact and visionary contributions. The engraved plaque on the base proudly displays the award title in clear, professional lettering. The polished, reflective surface highlights its prestige and significance, making it an ideal representation of scientific achievement. The soft-lit background enhances the trophy’s elegance, making it a perfect award for recognizing young scientists who push the boundaries of knowledge and technology. 🌟 Why Nominate? 🔬 Honor Pioneering Scientists – Celebrate young researchers whose innovative breakthroughs are shaping the future of science and technology. 🌍 Advance Global Progress – Recognize scientific contributions that solve real-world challenges and create a sustainable, high-impact future. 💡 Inspire Future Inno...

Indian Scientists Discover New Planet In Distant Star System Using PARAS-2 Spectrograph At Mount Abu Telescope

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  In a significant development, a team of scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have discovered a new exoplanet, TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet in a wide binary system, according to a ISRO statement. The planet has a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii , orbiting a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit. TOI-6038A b lies in the transition region between Neptune-like and gas giant exoplanets, classified as a “Sub-Saturn”—a category absent in our solar system. This makes it a unique subject for studying planetary formation and evolution. Significant Achievement for Indian Astronomy This marks the second exoplanet discovery using the advanced PARAS-2 spectrograph , attached to the 2.5-meter telescope at PRL's Mount Abu Observatory in Gurushikhar, Mount Abu. It is also the fifth exoplanet detection using the combined efforts of the PARAS-1 and PARAS-2 spectrographs, underscoring India's g...

Newly discovered asteroid with 100x Hiroshima bomb power may hit Earth in 2032—what are the odds of its impact?

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  In December 2024 , astronomers discovered an asteroid named 2024 YR4, estimated to be approximately 60 meters (196 feet) in diameter. Current assessments indicate that this asteroid has a 1 in 43 chance (approximately 2.3%) of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. If 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, the energy released would be substantial, potentially equivalent to 100 times the energy of the Hiroshima atomic bomb . Such an impact could devastate a metropolitan area, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Newly discovered asteroid with 100x Hiroshima bomb power may hit Earth in 2032—what are the odds of its impact? related Description 350 words In December 2024, astronomers discovered an asteroid named 2024 YR4, estimated to be approximately 60 meters (196 feet) in diameter. Current assessments indicate that this asteroid has a 1 in 43 chance (approximately 2.3%) of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. If 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, the energy released ...

Young Scientist Trailblazer Innovation Award

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  The Young Scientist Trailblazer Innovation Award recognizes outstanding early-career researchers who have made groundbreaking contributions to science and technology. This prestigious honor celebrates innovation, creativity, and scientific excellence, highlighting individuals who push the boundaries of knowledge and drive transformative discoveries. Awardees are selected based on their pioneering research, impact on society, and potential to shape the future of their field. 🌟 Why Nominate? 🔬 Recognize Groundbreaking Talent – Celebrate exceptional young scientists whose research is driving transformative advancements in science and technology. 🌍 Accelerate Global Innovation – Highlight scientific contributions that address real-world challenges and create a lasting impact on society. 💡 Inspire the Next Generation – Encourage young researchers to push the frontiers of knowledge and innovation. 🏅 Who Can Apply? This prestigious award is open to:  Early-career scientist...

A novel class of quantum particles behaves in unexpected ways

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  Scientists have recently discovered a new class of quantum particles that exhibit behavior defying conventional quantum mechanical predictions. These novel particles challenge existing frameworks and may pave the way for breakthroughs in quantum computing , condensed matter physics , and fundamental physics theories. Quantum particles are typically described by wave-particle duality , entanglement , and superposition principles. However, the newly discovered class exhibits unexpected properties such as anomalous interaction dynamics , unconventional symmetry breaking , and nontrivial topological effects . Unlike traditional quantum particles—like electrons , photons , or quasiparticles such as anyons —these particles demonstrate exotic correlations that cannot be fully explained using existing models. One key finding is that these particles exhibit fractional statistics in higher-dimensional systems , indicating potential connections to topological quantum matter . While ...

China’s Chang’e-7 mission sends flying robot to moon’s south pole in groundbreaking

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China is advancing its lunar exploration endeavors with the Chang'e 7 mission, scheduled for launch in 2026. This ambitious mission aims to investigate the Moon's south pole, focusing on the search for water ice and a comprehensive study of the lunar environment. A notable feature of Chang'e 7 is the deployment of a mini-hopping probe, a six-legged, rocket-propelled robot designed to explore regions inaccessible to traditional rovers. This innovative probe can crawl, jump, and fly, enabling it to traverse the Moon's rugged terrain and access permanently shadowed craters where water ice may reside. The mission's scientific objectives are multifaceted. They include investigating the lunar surface environment and detecting water ice within the soil, conducting high-precision studies of the Moon's morphology, composition, and structure, and examining its interior structure, magnetic field, and thermal characteristics. Additionally, Chang'e 7 will perform a gen...