The stability of planetary systems has long been a topic of interest for physicists and astronomers alike. While we have a good grasp on the rules governing the orbits of two celestial bodies, the introduction of a third (or more) adds a level of complexity that leads to unpredictable instabilities. This so-called “three-body problem” has
In the realm of metalworking, researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with new techniques such as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding. These innovative methods have allowed for the production of metal components that are not only lighter and stronger but also more precise than ever before.
Robotic systems have come a long way from their early days of being stiff machines to the more advanced soft, humanoid, and animal-inspired robots that we see today. Among the various types of robots, legged robots, especially quadrupeds, have shown great promise in performing tasks at ground level, such as exploration and object transportation. However,
Spending long hours sitting at a desk watching YouTube videos or playing video games may seem harmless, but recent research suggests that it could have negative consequences on more than just our physical health. In fact, a study conducted by researchers from China revealed a potential link between sedentary behavior and an increased risk of
The traditional methods of indoor positioning, such as fingerprinting and sensor-based techniques, have long been utilized but come with significant drawbacks. These drawbacks include the need for extensive training data, poor scalability, and reliance on additional sensor information. These limitations hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of indoor navigation solutions, leading to the demand for more
The impact of climate change on soil carbon is a topic of increasing concern among scientists. Recent research conducted by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and collaborators has shed light on the vulnerability of soil organic carbon to microbial decomposition under warmer temperatures associated with climate change. While soil has the potential to sequester large
Polymer systems have the unique ability to spontaneously induce emulsion or microdroplets through mechanical mixing, creating an intermediate state of macroscopic phase separation. However, the challenge lies in the nonuniform size and random spatial arrangement of these droplets, which tend to grow larger over time in a process known as coarsening. Researchers have attempted to
The ability to recognize emotions is a fundamental aspect of human communication. Non-verbal cues play a significant role in conveying emotions, and researchers are now exploring whether machines can accurately predict emotional undertones in voice recordings. A recent study conducted in Germany delved into this topic by comparing the accuracy of machine learning models in
In a recent perspective paper published in Nature Machine Intelligence, researchers from the Oxford Martin Programme on Ethical Web and Data Architectures (EWADA) at the University of Oxford have shed light on the importance of a more thoughtful approach in embedding ethical principles in the development and governance of AI specifically for children. While there
Our immune system is a complex and highly efficient defense mechanism that protects our body from harmful pathogens. It is capable of distinguishing between our own cells and foreign invaders, launching a powerful response when needed. However, when the immune system malfunctions, it can lead to severe consequences, such as autoimmune disorders. Scientists are constantly
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a new species of yeast that resides in the guts of both mice and humans. This yeast, named Kazachstaniaweizmannii, has shown remarkable health benefits by combating the growth of another harmful yeast known as Candida albicans. Notably, C. albicans is typically harmless on the skin and mucous membranes,
As spring weather brings favorable conditions for flowers and plant life to bloom, a fascinating discovery in Lake Erie back in 2012 shed light on the unexpected abundance of diatoms beneath the ice cover. These microscopic, photosynthetic algae were thriving in the icy waters, thanks to a symbiotic relationship with heterotrophic bacteria that formed tiny