Exklusiv und Neu

Happy Friday, y'all 🫶

Scientists Have Artificial Skin With Incredible Sensing Capabilities

Researchers have created an artificial skin that surpasses human skin in its sensitivity to detect pressure applied by an object and its approach.

In a study published in the journal Small, scientists utilized the dual-responsive artificial skin for various purposes, including controlling virtual game characters, navigating electronic maps, and scrolling through digital documents. The artificial skin was able to distinguish different signals from approaching targets, enabling touchless object identification.

COVID-19 Vaccination Linked to Fewer Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Other Cardiovascular Issues

Analyzing the most extensive datasets in the United States, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have revealed that vaccination against COVID-19 is associated with fewer heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues among people who were infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The research letter, “Impact of Vaccination on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with COVID-19 Infection,” was published on February 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Breaking the Shackles of Anxiety and Depression: How Psychedelic Experiences May Improve Mental Health

Researchers conducted a machine learning analysis of data from nearly 1,000 respondents to a survey about their previous non-clinical experiences with psychedelic drugs. The analysis suggests that individuals who scored the highest on questionnaires assessing the mystical and insightful nature of their experiences consistently reported improvements in their anxiety and depression symptoms.

The analysis also suggests that a challenging experience while on these substances, one that feels frightening or destabilizing, can have beneficial results, especially in the context of mystical and insightful experiences. This could be helpful for practitioners to know as they guide patients through clinical trials testing psychedelics’ therapeutic potential.

NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array Reveals Hidden Light Shows on the Sun

Some of the hottest spots in the Sun’s atmosphere appear in the NuSTAR telescope’s X-ray view.

Even on a sunny day, human eyes can’t see all the light our nearest star gives off. A new image displays some of this hidden light, including the high-energy X-rays emitted by the hottest material in the Sun’s atmosphere, as observed by NASA’s Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR). While the observatory typically studies objects outside our solar system – like massive black holes and collapsed stars – it has also provided astronomers with insights about our Sun.

Happy Weekend, everyone 🫶

Commonly Used Blood Pressure Drug Could Help Treat PTSD

Scientists have discovered new evidence that suggests a blood pressure medication that has been in use for over 50 years could potentially be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that is becoming more prevalent and can have a significant impact on a person’s life.

Clonidine, a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is also being explored as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is because clonidine acts on adrenergic receptors in the brain, best known for their key role in the “fight or flight” response, a heightened state of awareness that helps protect us in dangerous situations.

New Aurorae Detected on All Four of Jupiter’s Major Moons

A team led by Caltech and Boston University observed the moons in Jupiter’s shadow so that their faint aurorae, which are caused by the gas giant’s strong magnetic field, could be spotted without competition from bright sunlight reflected off of their surfaces. They used Keck Observatory’s High-Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES), a grating cross-dispersed, echelle spectrograph, as well as high-resolution spectrographs at the Large Binocular Telescope and Apache Point Observatory to make the observations.

All four of the Galilean moons show the same oxygen aurora we see in skies near the Earth’s poles, but gases on Jupiter’s moons are much thinner, allowing a deep red color to glow nearly 15 times brighter than the familiar green light.

Chemists Have Synthesized an Ocean-Based Molecule That Could Fight Parkinson’s

The team utilized a technique that they believe could speed up the drug discovery process in the production of lissodendoric acid A.
Organic chemists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have synthesized the first artificial form of a molecule found in a sea sponge, which holds potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson’s disease and similar disorders. The molecule, named lissodendoric acid A, has the ability to counteract molecules that can harm DNA, RNA, proteins, and even destroy whole cells.

In a surprising turn, the research team utilized an unusual, long-neglected compound called a cyclic allene to control a critical stage in the chemical reactions required to create a usable form of the molecule in the laboratory. This breakthrough, according to the team, has the potential to be beneficial in the development of other complicated molecules for pharmaceutical studies.

“Transforming Industries” – Light-Based Tech Could Inspire Moon Navigation and Next-Gen Farming

Leading scientists in the field predict that lithium niobate chips, which are extremely thin, will surpass silicon chips in light-based technologies. These chips have a wide range of potential applications, from detecting ripe fruit from a distance on Earth to guiding navigation on the Moon.

According to the scientists, the artificial crystal of lithium niobate is the preferred platform for these technologies because of its superior performance and advancements in manufacturing techniques.

By detecting tiny changes in laser light, the lithium-niobate chip can be used to measure movement without needing external signals, according to Mitchell.

Ultrasonic “Tornado”: A New Faster Way To Break Down Blood Clots

Researchers have created a new tool using “vortex ultrasound” – a sort of ultrasonic tornado – to effectively break down blood clots in the brain. This innovative technique was shown to eliminate clots faster than current methods in an in vitro model of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

Researchers Discover That Electrons Play a Surprising Role in Heat Transfer Between Layers of Semiconductors

Researchers are exploring the potential applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials in transistors and optoelectronics, as semiconductor devices continue to become smaller. Controlling the flow of electricity and heat in these materials is essential for their functionality, but a deeper understanding of these behaviors at the atomic scale is required first.

Scientists Discover the Origins of a Devastating Childhood Illness

The researchers from Karolinska Institutet together with scientists from Singapore Immunology Network and Newcastle University have now been able to show that both theories are close to the truth. The researchers combined so-called single-cell sequencing, the microscopy of samples, and the tracking of cells from patients recruited from, among others, Karolinska University Hospital.

Building a New Type of Efficient Artificial Intelligence Inspired by the Brain

Traditionally, artificial intelligence stems from human brain dynamics. However, brain learning is restricted in a number of significant aspects compared to deep learning (DL). First, efficient DL wiring structures (architectures) consist of many tens of feedforward (consecutive) layers, whereas brain dynamics consist of only a few feedforward layers. Second, DL architectures typically consist of many consecutive filter layers, which are essential to identify one of the input classes. If the input is a car, for example, the first filter identifies wheels, the second one identifies doors, the third one lights and after many additional filters it becomes clear that the input object is, indeed, a car. Conversely, brain dynamics contain just a single filter located close to the retina. The last necessary component is the mathematical complex DL training procedure, which is evidently far beyond biological realization.

New Species Discovered: The Largest Penguin That Ever Lived

An international team, including researchers from the University of Cambridge, reported the discovery in the Journal of Paleontology. The paper’s senior author, Alan Tennyson from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, discovered the fossils in 57 million-year-old beach boulders in North Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island, between 2016 and 2017.

New Portable Mosquito Repellent Device Passes U.S. Military Testing

A device developed at the University of Florida for the U.S. military provides protection from mosquitos for an extended period and requires no heat, electricity, or skin contact.

Smart Energy Savings: Chameleon-Like Building Material Changes Its Infrared Color

Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) have designed a chameleon-like building material that changes its infrared color—and how much heat it absorbs or emits—based on the outside temperature. On hot days, the material can emit up to 92 percent of the infrared heat it contains, helping cool the inside of a building. On colder days, however, the material emits just 7 percent of its infrared, helping keep a building warm.

Happy Weekend y'all!

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles

Trend 5. Closed floor plans
The growing popularity of working and learning from home means that open floor plans are losing their appeal, and in 2023 home design we’ll continue to see closed-concept spaces, with separate places to work, take Zoom calls, and do homework becoming more desirable.

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles

Trend 4. Home Retreats
Tying in with the fine living trend, more than ever, people are making their homes feel like a retreat, with things like sumptuous sofas, plush cushions, luxurious bedding, spaces to do yoga or meditate, spa-like bathrooms, rock gardens, and quiet places to work becoming must-haves.

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles

Trend 3. Natural stone finishes
Natural stone finishes are having a big moment — particularly materials that incorporate unexpected tones and patterns — and that trend will continue in 2023.

Some of the most popular stone elements include travertine, marble, exotic slabs of granite, soapstone, limestone, and other natural materials.

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles

Trend 2. The Return of Color
After the past few years of non-stop neutrals, in 2023 we’ll see a return of color in home decor, paint colors, and bedding.

Tying in with the other home trends in this post, a luxurious palette of rich jewel tones, soothing greens, timeless blues, and warm earth tones will dominate in 2023.

2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles

Trend 1. Luxe living
Luxurious living and an elevated mindset are where things are headed in 2023, and you’ll see that idea reflected throughout all of the trends on this list.

Fine living doesn’t have to mean fancy or expensive — it’s more about refinement and an elevated approach to how we decorate and live in our homes. It involves creating spaces that feel sumptuous, sophisticated, and timeless — however that looks for you.

These are the technology trends that will shape our lives in 2023

5. The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of connected sensors and infrastructure that can collect data on everything from household heating to traffic jams on city streets.

Selin believes the IoT will continue to transform the energy sector in 2023. “Smart thermostats to track energy consumption and regulate temperatures help in reducing energy consumption and costs. More and more devices are coming to market that use smart sensors and data-driven intelligence to inform energy choices and drive energy efficiency.”

Marr predicts 2023 will see a rise in IoT products and services related to health and well-being, “with devices such as smartwatches offering sophisticated sensors for monitoring various health indicators.”

These are the technology trends that will shape our lives in 2023

4. Semiconductors and self-reliance
Prakash predicts the war in Ukraine will usher in a new era of geopolitics and globalization.

“The pursuit of self-reliance, a catalyst of vertical globalization, will accelerate in 2023, affecting every aspect of technology,” he says. “Automakers in China are buying their own ships to export their cars to the world,” he adds, and points to Apple’s plans to move production outside China.

Another trend to watch will be the fight over the semiconductors that power our smartphones, computers, automobiles and home appliances. Prakash says semiconductors are set to upend world affairs in 2023, and become an area of competition between the US and China.

These are the technology trends that will shape our lives in 2023

3. Sustainability tech
“The entire field of sustainability, underpinned by technologies, will play a monumental role in 2023,” says Abishur Prakash, co-founder and geopolitical futurist at the Center for Innovating the Future (CIF), in Toronto, and author of “The World is Vertical: How Technology is Remaking Globalization.”

These are the technology trends that will shape our lives in 2023

2. The metaverse
Despite Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, losing billions of dollars on its metaverse efforts, the idea of spending time in virtual online worlds is increasingly becoming part of the public consciousness, and the buzz is set to grow in 2023, according to Khanna.

“The metaverse will also become more mobile and accessible through devices such as headsets and smart glasses, and businesses will need to consider how they can leverage these opportunities to create immersive and efficient experiences,” he says.

These are the technology trends that will shape our lives in 2023

1. Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of our daily lives, found in everything from e-commerce to social media algorithms. Ayesha Khanna, co-founder and CEO of Addo, an AI and data solutions firm, predicts an explosion of AI-generated images and music in 2023. She adds that while it will not replace humans, “AI will become the new team member for humans in many jobs, contributing ideas and drafts.”

Happy Weekend everyone 🫶

Cheers to new beginnings, new opportunities, and an upgraded version of ourselves. May this new year bring us healing, abundance, and pure joy 🌱✨