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May 17, 2019
Scientists Want to Create a Universe in a Lab, And They Actually Could
Posted by Quinn Sena in category: futurism
May 17, 2019
Vatican conference on robotics and artificial intelligence
Posted by Michael Lance in categories: ethics, robotics/AI
The Vatican is hosting a 2-day conference on the impact of robotics and AI on humanity.
A 2-day conference focusing on the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on humanity, that began in the Vatican on Thursday, is being organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
By Robin Gomes
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May 17, 2019
Researchers have identified the first human-specific fusion gene
Posted by Paul Battista in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience
University at Buffalo researchers have identified the first human-specific fusion gene—a hybrid of two genes—implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. The finding suggests that a neurotransmitter receptor, previously successful in animal studies but that failed in human trials for Alzheimer’s, might still turn out to be a valuable therapy.
In a paper published in February in Translational Psychiatry, the UB researchers reported that this human fusion gene acts on a receptor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in memory and learning, and which is reduced in people with Alzheimer’s.
The fusion gene is CHRFAM7A, which is very common in people and has been implicated in many neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disease.
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May 17, 2019
Nanotechnology vs. cancer: How tiny particles sniff out the deadly disease
Posted by Paul Battista in categories: biotech/medical, nanotechnology
MIT professor Sangeeta Bhatia is currently devising a simple urine test that works just like a pregnancy test to detect cancer the moment it starts. In this video, Big Think contributor Susan Hockfield, president emerita of MIT, explains how the new technology works.
May 17, 2019
The Amazing Ways The Ford Motor Company Uses Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: robotics/AI, transportation
Ford Motor Company, ones of America’s oldest companies, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in many ways from the supply chain to production to used car sales to self-driving vehicles. The company prioritizes technology, and this focus is one reason it’s leading the path to the future.
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May 17, 2019
Elon Musk says SpaceX Starlink internet satellites are key to funding his Mars vision
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: Elon Musk, internet, space travel
Starship is designed to be a fully reusable launch system, and is intended to transport as many as 100 people at a time to and from the moon or Mars.
On the call Wednesday, Musk clarified that SpaceX’s recent fundraising rounds “have been oversubscribed.” He said SpaceX has the funding needed to build and launch enough Starlink satellites to begin using the network.
“At this point it looks like we have sufficient capital to get to an operational level,” Musk said.
May 17, 2019
Scientists create mind-controlled hearing aid
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, neuroscience
A mind-controlled hearing aid that allows the wearer to focus on particular voices has been created by scientists, who say it could transform the ability of those with hearing impairments to cope with noisy environments.
The device mimics the brain’s natural ability to single out and amplify one voice against background conversation. Until now, even the most advanced hearing aids work by boosting all voices at once, which can be experienced as a cacophony of sound for the wearer, especially in crowded environments.
Nima Mesgarani, who led the latest advance at Columbia University in New York, said: “The brain area that processes sound is extraordinarily sensitive and powerful. It can amplify one voice over others, seemingly effortlessly, while today’s hearing aids still pale in comparison.”
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May 17, 2019
This startup is planning a flying taxi service that costs about the same as normal taxis
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: mobile phones, transportation
A flying taxi that you can order through an app? This German company plans to make that a reality in the next six years.
Munich-based startup Lilium unveiled its five-seater electric air taxi prototype on Thursday. The Lilium Jet, which conducted its first flight earlier this month, is part of an app-based flying taxi service that the company expects will be “fully-operational in various cities around the world by 2025.”
The battery-powered jet is capable of traveling 300 kilometers (186 miles) in 60 minutes on a single charge, and will connect cities through a network of landing pads. Commuters will be able to book rides from their nearest landing pad through a smartphone app.
