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Apr 28, 2020

Elon Musk wants SpaceX to launch the next generation of space telescopes

Posted by in categories: Elon Musk, satellites

Musk also tries to assure scientists his Starlink satellites won’t ruin the sky as many fear, and says he’d like to help send more observatories into orbit.

Apr 28, 2020

SpaceX to test Starlink “sun visor” to reduce brightness

Posted by in categories: Elon Musk, satellites

WASHINGTON — SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk said April 27 that he hopes to test a new way to reduce the brightness of the company’s Starlink satellites on the next launch for the broadband megaconstellation.

In a briefing to a committee working on the next astrophysics decadal survey, Musk said the experimental “VisorSat,” along with a new approach for orienting Starlink satellites as they raise their orbits, should address concerns raised by astronomers that the Starlink constellation could interfere with their observations.

“Our objectives, generally, are to make the satellites invisible to the naked eye within a week, and to minimize the impact on astronomy, especially so that we do not saturate observatory detectors and inhibit discoveries,” Musk said.

Apr 28, 2020

AI-Powered Rat Could Be a Valuable New Tool for Neuroscience

Posted by in categories: biological, information science, neuroscience, robotics/AI

Can we study AI the same way we study lab rats? Researchers at DeepMind and Harvard University seem to think so. They built an AI-powered virtual rat that can carry out multiple complex tasks. Then, they used neuroscience techniques to understand how its artificial “brain” controls its movements.

Today’s most advanced AI is powered by artificial neural networks —machine learning algorithms made up of layers of interconnected components called “neurons” that are loosely inspired by the structure of the brain. While they operate in very different ways, a growing number of researchers believe drawing parallels between the two could both improve our understanding of neuroscience and make smarter AI.

Continue reading “AI-Powered Rat Could Be a Valuable New Tool for Neuroscience” »

Apr 28, 2020

Scientists create glowing plants using mushroom genes

Posted by in category: habitats

New technique could help shed light on plants’ workings – and lead to unusual home decor.

Apr 28, 2020

How Large Companies Evaluate AI Startups

Posted by in categories: business, robotics/AI

As an AI Consultant, I often have to evaluate AI startups to determine if their solutions would make sense for us and if they can become a real business partner over the long term. Our process for evaluating startups is more or less…

Apr 28, 2020

Scientists Have Figured Out The Best Materials to Use if You’re Making a Mask at Home

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, materials

Depending on who you ask and where you are, wearing a mask can be an important part of the strategy to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

With the CDC recommending surgical and N95 masks should be kept for medical personnel on the front line, if you do want or need a mask, you should be purchasing or making a cloth one.

But when looking at cloth masks, which materials work best for keeping your germs in and other people’s germs out?

Apr 28, 2020

Pentagon officially releases videos of ‘unidentified’ flying objects

Posted by in categories: materials, military

Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised Monday’s release of the videos, but said more action is needed.

“I’m glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available,” he tweeted. “The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed.”


The Pentagon on Monday officially released three videos of “unidentified” flying objects that have been previously leaked to the public.

Continue reading “Pentagon officially releases videos of ‘unidentified’ flying objects” »

Apr 27, 2020

Antiparasitic drug Ivermectin kills coronavirus in 48 hours

Posted by in category: biotech/medical

Around the world, scientists race to develop a vaccine or treatment against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Now, a team of researchers has found that a drug already available around the world can kill the coronavirus in a lab setting in just 48 hours.

Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Colorized scanning electron micrograph of an apoptotic cell (green) heavily infected with SARS-COV-2 virus particles (yellow), isolated from a patient sample. Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. Credit: NIAID.

Apr 27, 2020

San Francisco Paid the Price for Lifting Spanish Flu Lockdown Early | NowThis

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, business

During the 1918 flu, San Francisco lifted its lockdown early — and paid a dire price.
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In US news and current events today, the coronavirus pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak has had people around the world in lockdown. People in the United States and the world at large have had to quarantine and practice social distancing and self-isolation when necessary.

Continue reading “San Francisco Paid the Price for Lifting Spanish Flu Lockdown Early | NowThis” »

Apr 27, 2020

New 3D Concrete Printer Could Be a Major Advancement in Construction

Posted by in categories: 3D printing, materials

By more accurately printing complex geometric patterns, this new 3D printing method makes construction projects more efficient with less waste and faster time to market.


A new 3D printing method could revolutionize the way additive manufacturing is used to print materials on construction sites.