Tag Archives: existence

2.6 Million-Year-Old Ethiopian Fossil Reveals Widespread Existence of Paranthropus Hominid

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The recently unearthed fossil represents the first known partial specimen of a 2.6-million-year-old lower jaw from Ethiopia’s Afar region, specifically belonging to the genus Paranthropus. This fossil is among the oldest remains found in the region and is likely the earliest of its kind across Africa. This groundbreaking discovery significantly reshapes paleoanthropologists’ perspectives on early hominid evolution, suggesting that these ancient relatives had a more extensive and adaptable lineage than previously recognized.

Paranthropus boisei. Image credit: © Roman Yevseyev.

The newly labeled fossil, MLP-3000, was discovered in the Mille Logia research area and comprises an edentulous mandibular body, complete with preserved roots and a partial molar crown.

Geological and magnetostratigraphic analyses indicate that these fossils date back approximately 2.9 to 2.5 million years during a period marked by dramatic environmental shifts in eastern Africa.

“To understand our evolutionary trajectory as a genus and species, we must also comprehend the ecological and competitive factors that influenced our evolution,” said Zeresenai Alemseged, a professor at the University of Chicago.

“This discovery offers more than just a snapshot; it sheds new light on the underlying forces driving the evolution of Paranthropus.

Until now, Paranthropus fossils had primarily been documented from southern Ethiopia to South Africa, with no prior findings in the Afar region. This lack of evidence was confounding given the region’s abundance of fossils spanning around 6 million years, including significant discoveries of Australopithecus and early homo.

Recent findings reveal that Paranthropus, from its earliest known existence, had a broader geographic range than previously understood.

“We seek to comprehend who we are and how we evolved, influencing our behavior and the environment around us,” Professor Alemseged stated.

“The fossil record showcases more than 15 hominin species, typically classified into four categories: facultative bipeds, habitual bipeds, obligate bipeds, and obligate hominids.”

“Numerous fossils belonging to more than a dozen species, including Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, and homo, have been discovered in the Afar region of northern Ethiopia. The lack of Paranthropus fossils in this area was striking and perplexing for paleoanthropologists, many of whom theorized that this genus never expanded that far north.”

“Some experts have posited that dietary specialization may have restricted Paranthropus, suggesting that competition with more adaptable homo species limited its range,” he added.

“However, this assumption is incorrect; Paranthropus was as adaptable and versatile as homo, and this discovery illustrates that its absence in the Afar area was merely a result of the fossil record.”

According to anatomical analysis, the jaw exhibits a unique blend of features, showcasing characteristics of Paranthropus alongside those found in more primitive hominids, including a notably robust mandibular body and exceptionally large posterior canines.

This mosaic of traits leads researchers to tentatively classify the fossil as Paranthropus sp., without assigning it to a specific species.

The context of this discovery is equally vital as the fossil itself.

The Mille Rogia area preserves sediments from a time of significant environmental change, roughly between 3 million and 2.4 million years ago, during which the climate shifted toward more open grasslands, becoming the dominant habitat.

Fossils of associated animal species highlight these habitat transformations; Paranthropus was not confined to a narrow ecological niche but could thrive in various environments.

The presence of Paranthropus in the Afar region additionally suggests that multiple hominin lineages coexisted in this area during the late Pliocene.

Fossils of early homo and Australopithecus, dating to a similar period, have already been located at nearby archaeological sites, indicating a surprising level of diversity in early homo evolution.

By extending the known range of Paranthropus over 1,000 km north of its previously recognized boundaries, this discovery challenges long-held assumptions regarding the ecology and migration patterns of early hominids.

“This new finding enhances our understanding of adaptation and behavior, including the competitive dynamics between species, diet, physical adaptations, and potential use of stone tools,” Professor Alemseged remarked.

“Discoveries like this spark intriguing questions that prompt us to examine, revise, and formulate new hypotheses about the significant differences among major hominin groups.”

This important finding has been detailed in the following article: paper, published in today’s edition of Nature.

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Zeresenai Alemseged et al.. First long-distance Paranthropus fossils expand the distribution of this adaptable genus. Nature published online on January 21, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09826-x

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists Reject the Existence of Sterile Neutrinos

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Researchers within the MicroBooNE (Micro Booster Neutrino) collaboration have determined, with 95% probability, that a single sterile neutrino does not exist.

Utilizing data from the MicroBooNE detector, physicists announce one of the preliminary searches for sterile neutrinos with two accelerator neutrino beams. Image credit: Gemini AI.

Neutrinos are tiny subatomic particles that seldom interact with matter, allowing them to traverse the Earth without being impeded.

Current particle physics theory recognizes three types of neutrinos: electron, muon, and tau neutrinos.

These neutrinos can transform from one type to another, a phenomenon known as oscillation.

Previous experiments had revealed neutrinos that seemed to oscillate in ways not consistent with the standard model.

To clarify this anomaly, scientists suggested a fourth type: sterile neutrinos, which interact only through gravity, complicating their detection.

“The existence of three distinct flavors of neutrinos is a fundamental aspect of the Standard Model of particle physics,” explained Dr. Andrew Mastbaum, a physicist from Rutgers University and a member of the MicroBooNE leadership team.

“Because of quantum mechanical interference, neutrinos of one flavor can eventually be detected as a different flavor, a phenomenon known as neutrino oscillation.”

“Numerous unusual findings that challenge the three-flavor model have led us to postulate the existence of an additional neutrino state, referred to as a ‘sterile’ neutrino, which does not directly interact with matter.”

In the experiment conducted by MicroBooNE, physicists investigated neutrinos from two distinct beams and analyzed their oscillations.

After a decade of data gathering and scrutiny, they uncovered no evidence of sterile neutrinos, effectively rejecting one of the leading theories for the peculiarities observed in neutrino behavior.

“This result signifies a pivotal moment,” remarked Dr. Mastbaum.

“It will ignite innovative ideas in neutrino research, helping us to better comprehend the underlying phenomena.”

“While we can rule out major possibilities, this alone does not unravel the entire mystery.”

“The Standard Model does not encompass everything, such as dark matter, dark energy, and gravity, prompting scientists to seek clues that extend beyond the model,” he observed.

“By dismissing one potential explanation, we can concentrate on alternative hypotheses that may yield significant advancements in our understanding of the universe.”

The findings will also provide valuable insights for forthcoming experiments, like the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE).

“Through meticulous modeling and a strategic analytical approach, the MicroBooNE team has extracted an extraordinary amount of information from this detector,” stated Dr. Mastbaum.

“In next-generation projects like DUNE, we are already utilizing these techniques to explore even more fundamental questions about the essence of matter and the nature of the universe.”

of the team results published in the journal Nature.

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Collaboration with MicroBooNE. 2025. Search for photosterile neutrinos using two neutrino beams with MicroBooNE. Nature 648, 64-69; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09757-7

Source: www.sci.news

The Mystery of Earth’s Ancient Frozen Nuclei Unveiled: Discovering the Reasons Behind Their Existence

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We may finally understand what caused the inner core of the Earth to freeze.

The inner core is a sphere of iron approximately 2,400 km (1,500 miles) in diameter, enveloped by a molten outer core. Its growth is responsible for generating the Earth’s magnetic field, which shields the planet from harmful solar radiation. However, the precise process by which the core first crystallized has remained unclear.

Recent research published in Nature Communications suggests a mechanism that hinges on deep Earth chemistry. By utilizing advanced computer simulations, scientists examined how various factors influence the freezing of iron under extreme pressure and temperature at the planet’s center.

They found that incorporating carbon allows iron to solidify under realistic conditions, positioning it as a key component in understanding the ingredients that contributed to the formation of the inner core billions of years ago.

“By investigating how Earth’s inner core formed, we gain insights not only into the planet’s history,” said Dr. Alfred Wilson from the University of Leeds, who led the study.

“We get rare insights into the chemistry of a region that we can never physically reach, and we can only speculate on how it might change in the future.”

The inner core lies deep within the planet, beneath layers of rock and magma – Credit: Getty Images/EPS Vector

At the extreme pressures found 5,000 km beneath our feet, iron doesn’t simply freeze when it drops below its melting point; it requires “super-cooling” of the crystals before they form. Pure iron must be cooled to as low as 1,000°C (1832°F), resulting in a significantly larger core than the one we see today.

New computer modeling indicates that the presence of carbon alters this equation. With less than 4% carbon in the mix, iron can crystallize at much lower temperatures, producing a core that aligns with seismic observations.

Scientists believe that the Earth’s center likely continues to host a mixture of elements. However, this research firmly highlights the critical role of carbon in one of geology’s greatest mysteries.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Discovery: A Galaxy That Defies Existence

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Embracing Life After 40

Worried that you’re past your prime? Think again! We’ve gathered the most effective workouts to try once you hit the big 4-0.

Discover Your Purpose

Finding purpose is essential for our wellbeing, both mental and physical. Join us as we explore how to uncover the meaning in your life.

Bird Migration Insights

How do birds manage to travel such incredible distances? Researchers are beginning to uncover the secrets—insights that may one day help us rejuvenate our own energy.

Understanding Hoarding

Hoarding isn’t just about collecting items; it’s recognized as a psychological condition that requires a nuanced approach for treatment.

Additionally

  • Protect Bees: While pollinators need our help, the situation for bees may not be as dire as you think.
  • Four-Day Workweek: There’s research supporting the idea that a shorter workweek can enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. Find out what the studies reveal.
  • Q&A Section: This month’s questions include: Can animals engage with video games? Why do my eyelids twitch unexpectedly? What does “clubbed finger” refer to? Are there particles related to time? Will relocating near a golf course improve my health? Is breakfast cereal genuinely nutritious? Should I give up on high-intensity interval training? Can clothing chemicals disrupt my hormones? What are the most dangerous fish? Can we detect animals in infrared? And much more…

Issue 423 Launching on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025

Remember that BBC Science Focus is available across all major digital platforms. Find it on Android, Kindle Fire and e-readers, as well as the iOS App for iPad and iPhone.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

In Conclusion, We Unravel the Existence of Semi-Crystals

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Visualization of quasicrystal structures

Linkayaser, Alexey E. Madison, Picogk, Leap? 71 CC BY-SA 4.0

Quasicrystals may be unusual, but recent research reveals they are also the most stable arrangements for certain atoms, shedding light on their existence.

In standard crystals, atoms align in orderly grids, showcasing high stability; whereas in glass—like common glass or volcanic obsidian—the atoms are disarrayed. Glasses are termed metastable, meaning they can evolve due to environmental shifts such as heat or impurities from unwanted atoms. Given ample time, glassy structures can ultimately crystallize.

Quasicrystals occupy a unique middle ground: their atoms are arranged in non-repeating patterns, raising long-standing questions about their stability.

Wenhao San from the University of Michigan and his team are utilizing advanced computer simulations to investigate these structures. They examined two specific quasicrystals composed of scandium and zinc, and another featuring ytterbium and cadmium, simulating large quasicrystalline nanoparticles. Throughout their analysis, they measured the energy dynamics of these quasi-crystals in comparison to more conventional crystal structures.

The principles of physics suggest the most stable formations derive from atoms with the least collective energy, which the researchers found to be true. They discovered quasicrystals preferred due to their lower energy sustenance compared to typical atomic arrangements.

Sun expressed this finding as somewhat unexpected, noting that contrasting quasicrystals with glass can lead physicists to assume they are metastable. The innovative simulation techniques previously posed challenges, as they usually predicted a completely regular atomic arrangement, according to team member Vikram Gabini from the University of Michigan. Their fresh computational methods demonstrated that quasicrystals require very specific conditions to grow in laboratory settings.

“Quasicrystals exhibit remarkable vibrational characteristics that relate to thermal conductivity and thermoelectric effects. New methodologies might enhance our understanding of them,” remarked Peter Brommer from Warwick University, UK. “It’s possible the next breakthrough material will emerge from simulations rather than physical laboratories.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

I Highly Doubt the Existence of a “Nutrition Electron Microscope”

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Feedback is the latest science and technology news of new scientists, the sidelines of the latest science and technology news. You can email Feedback@newscientist.com to send items you believe readers can be fascinated by feedback.

A new kind of microscope?

Science is one of the most fruitful sources of new terms. There are conditions such as “mitochondrial integration” and “quantum fluctuations” and there is no way to make sentences reliable.

Recently, there have been various scientific papers that contain the phrase “.”Nutrition Electron Microscope/Microscope“The term suggests a device for scanning broccoli, but it is completely nonsense. There are scanning electron microscopes and tunneling electron microscopes, but there are no nutritional electron microscopes.

One possible explanation was proposed by Alexander Magazinov, a software engineer who illuminates Moonlight as a watchdog for Science Publishing. He pointed to Article from 1959 in Bacteriological reviewthe text was formatted into two columns. 4 To the bottom of the pagethe words “nutrition” and “electron microscope” appear next to each other in the left and right rows. Older papers are often scanned using optical character recognition, but such software can be a pain to deal with complex formats. “Nutritional electron microscope“According to the magazine, it is “artificial for text processing.”

But the journalist on Retraction Watch I discovered another possibilitythat was it Reddit has been flagged. In Falsi, the phrases “scanning electron microscope” and “nutritional electron microscope” are very similar, and, importantly, they use almost identical letters. The only difference is a single dot, nuqta. This means that small mistakes in translating paper from Persian to English are sufficient to create a “nutritional electron microscope.”

These explanations are not mutually exclusive, and feedback is satisfied that they can explain the appearance of this phrase. The bigger question is why it lasts in published research. Are these papers not strict? Peer reviews and checksto ensure high accuracy and therefore maintain the integrity of the scientific literature? Perhaps such “tortured phrases” should be included in the checklist of warning signs that the paper may be plagiarized or fraudulent.

Readers who encounter similar tortured phrases during their viewing of technical literature are invited to submit them to their regular address.

The nun is too far away

Sometimes feedback can receive stories that feel so good. The setup is so clean and the rewards are amazingly inevitable at the same time, so we doubt ourselves. Is the reality very beautiful? And we remember that the Titanic faction was the largest ship ever on that maiden voyage when it was built and when bad things happened. Sometimes reality is melodramatic. So, I believe this story happened as explained, but it may not be.

Come to us from Charlie Watnaby. The late Father John, Charlie Watnaby, was a curator at the Science Museum in London. It is inevitably related to the issue of Scunthorpe. The difficulty of banning offensive words in online discussions when strings of the same letters can appear in harmless words such as “peacock” or “sussex.”

John’s story is, technically speaking, not an example of Scunthorpe’s problem, but it definitely contiguous to it. As Charlie explains, “On the early days of the Computing Gallery, machines were set up so that the public could enter their own words and see them on the big screen.

This may seem like an invitation to misconduct. Therefore, readers will be pleased to know that staff expect an inevitable attempt to write a torrent of filth on a big screen so that everyone can see. They drew a “long list of blasphems,” all of which were blocked.

“Everything was going well,” says Charlie, until the system was defeated by the most dangerous person possible: the computer expert. While trying to use the machine, he realized that some keystrokes did nothing. “After investigating, he was able to pull up the entire list of offence (or offensive) words on the big screen so that everyone could see.

Feedback is prepared to believe in 90% of this story, but in the absence of independent verification, it draws a line to the nun. But we are willing to do wrong about this too. If the abbey schoolchild was at the science museum on that fateful day, and if you think you remember, contact us.

Yodel-eh-oh

Senior news editor Sophie Bushwick has turned his attention to a press release entitled “.Monkeys are the best in the world Yoderer – New Research.” It describes research examining the “special anatomy” of the throats of apes and monkeys, known as vocal membranes. These membranes allow for “the same rapid transition of frequency heard in alpine yodering” but “a much more praised range”, sometimes “over three musical octaves.”

After such accumulation, there was a breathless feedback accompanied by feedback and feedback was made to find it Audio Recording A tufted cappuchin monkey. We were hoping for the diffusive appeal that sparked. Music sounds Or the focus of the Dutch rock yodeler. What we got was “Skroark Rark Eek.” And now we understand why Sophie said, “I can’t stop laughing.”

However, if you look closely, you will notice the missed opportunities. Do not hesitate to show us the “yodering” of the tufted cappuchin. However, this study also included Howler Monkey.

Have you talked about feedback?

You can send stories to feedback by email at feedback@newscientist.com. Include your home address. This week and past feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

A new realm of tiny creatures shakes up conventional notions of existence

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Theodor Diener had a problem. It was in 1967, and he and his colleagues successfully isolated an infectious agent that caused spindle tuber disease in potatoes that destroy crops. But it wasn’t like what they realised. They called it a virus, but it didn’t act like one thing.

It took Diener four years to demonstrate that mystical beings are even simpler than viruses. It is a single “naked” molecule that can infect potato cells and thus reproduce. He suggested calling it a wild. It was the smallest replicating agent ever identified. With a stroke, dinner expanded my understanding of living in the microscope world.

You might think that such a dramatic discovery would, uh, go viral. Almost no one noticed it yet. Apart from several other plant pathologists, the world of science has forgotten much about wilds for half a century. They had never even heard of him in 2020 when Benjamin Lee of the National Center for Biotechnology Information in Bethesda, Maryland, was encouraged to look into Wild.

Since then, there has been an explosion of discovery thanks to Lee and others. Now we know thousands of wilds and violids-like entities, with exotic names such as obelisks, ribojunctions, satellites and more. They appear to be found everywhere in a vast range of organisms and microorganisms. I don’t know what most of them are doing, whether most of them are benign or dangerous. However, these simplest replicators raise basic questions about the meaning of being alive. They can even go back to the origins of…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Astronomers Confirm Existence of Three Exoplanets Orbiting Nearby Solar-Type Stars.

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G-Dwarf is one of these outside planets, HD 20794D, which is likely to be a rocky planet where the parent’s star can live. HD 20794。

This image shows a resident zone around HD 20794 (green) and three planets in the system. Image credit: Gabrielpérezdíaz / smm / IAC.

“HD 20794 is not a normal star in HD 20794D,” said UNIGE ASTRONOMER XAVIER DUMUSQUE.

“Due to its lightness and proximity, it becomes an ideal candidate for the future telescope, and its mission is to directly observe the atmosphere of the outside planet.”

The HD 20794 is a bright G6V star in 6.04 % (19.7 light year) on the constellation of Ellidanus.

Stars, also known as LHS 19 or ERI, host at least three large -scale outside planets: HD 20794B, C, and D.

They have a track period of 18.3, 89.7, and 647.6 days, along with 2.2, 3, and 5.8 global quality.

“The interest of Super Earth Planet The HD 20794D is located in a zone where the stars can live and the place where liquid water can exist.

“Instead of tracing a relatively circular orbit like the Earth or Mars, the HD 20794D trains an elliptical trajectory with a large change in the distance to the star during the revolution.”

“Therefore, the planet vibrates between the inner ends of the star -free zone (0.75 au) and the track (2 au).”

“If there is water in the HD 20794D, it will promote the appearance of life from ice state to liquid state during the Earth revolution around the stars.”

Astronomer monitored the HD 20794 system with the ESO’s very large telescope (VLT) in the paranal of Chile, the Echelle branch device of the rocky planet and the stable spectrum observation (espresso) device.

They participated in espresso data along with the data of the high -precision radial speed planetary searcher (HARPS) device installed in the 3.6 -meter telescope of Chile, including archive data and new measurements from recent archives and new measurements.

“The HD 20794 system is a high -priority target for future air characteristics evaluation with direct imaging facilities,” said researchers.

Their paper Published in the journal Astronomy and astronomical physics。

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N. Nari et al。 2025. Review of nearby star HD 20794 multi -planet system A & A 693, A297; DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202451769

Source: www.sci.news

The Top 9 Most Unusual Robots Currently in Existence

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Pop culture has been warning us about robots for years. Isn’t that interesting? iRobot or terminator, you probably have nightmares about rogue machines taking over the Earth. But what’s the real concern? That dystopian vision is starting to become a reality.

Today’s futuristic bots don’t have shotguns, Austrian accents, or even the dexterity of most sci-fi automatons. Instead, they are slowly learning to mimic human behavior.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/sciencefocus/wp-admin/post.php?post=194894&action=edit

They can talk, express “human emotions,” perform everyday tasks, and some can even walk, albeit like babies taking their first steps. We are witnessing the emergence of a world where humanoid robots will coexist with us, creating an unprecedented uncanny valley.

But with numerous robots being developed, which strange and fascinating robots are leading the way? Here are 10 of the weirdest ones to keep an eye on.

Ameca: “The world’s most advanced humanoid robot”

Credit: Engineered Arts

With a strong reputation in America, this robot developed by Engineered Arts has been dubbed the “world’s most advanced humanoid robot.” That’s quite a claim in the realm of eerie humanoid robots, so what makes it stand out?

Ameca may not sprint, do backflips, or crush bricks with its hands like some robots, but it does something even more peculiar. Ameca exhibits emotions…in a way. This robot is designed to convey emotions through its facial expressions and body movements.

It can smile, laugh, and express emotions through its entire body. In essence, Ameka is the most human-like robot in terms of movement. It won’t harm you or take your job, but it might just be the most captivating dinner guest at the table.

Boston Dynamics ATLAS: Athletic

When it comes to robotics, Boston Dynamics is a well-known name. Even if you’re not familiar with the brand, you’ve likely seen videos of their robots performing parkour, climbing ladders, and working on simulated construction sites.

While the company likes to showcase the agility of its robots in videos, most of these bots are intended for practical applications in industries such as oil and gas, energy, and surveillance.

After years of development, they’ve reached the current ATLAS model. A tall humanoid robot, ATLAS is fully electric-powered (as seen in the video above, it stands up in a remarkably human-like manner).

With its eerie circular face and large illuminated eyes, it resembles a walking Sauron, capable of smashing obstacles in its path and overcoming hurdles…quite unsettling, to say the least.

Unitree G1: Jack of all trades, master of none.

Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, offers a variety of products. Despite having an assortment of robot dogs, arms, and sensors at their disposal, it’s the Unitree G1 that truly embodies their innovative chaos.

The ‘Humanoid Agent AI Avatar’ comes with a price tag of $16,000 (approximately £12,500), which is surprisingly affordable in the world of humanoid robots.

However, it’s not entirely clear what purpose this robot serves. Unitree showcases videos of the robot twirling sticks like lightsabers, crushing chestnuts with its fists, popping coke bottle caps, and inexplicably hitting its own hands with hammers.

Watching the G1 run, jump, and contort into various positions feels like observing an exuberant child shouting, “Look what I can do!” over and over again.

Menteebot: A teachable robot

Menteebot is peculiarly affable, especially for its intended tasks. Its creators envision this lanky robot serving as an assistant to ordinary individuals, aiding them in completing challenging tasks.

Tasks include lifting and moving heavy boxes, sweeping, and even pushing a cart around the supermarket.

With arms and legs that swing disproportionately to its body and lacking agility, speed, or aesthetic appeal, Menteebot seems eager to experiment and acquire new skills that can simplify your life. May it bring blessings.

Figure AI: Multitasking

Credit: Figure AI

While numerous humanoid robots are designed for single purposes, Figure AI stands out for its versatility. Developed in collaboration with OpenAI, this robot excels at accepting voice commands and engaging in conversations with individuals.

Combined with training in various factory tasks, Figure can navigate through a typical workday while receiving verbal guidance on changing priorities.

In theory, this all sounds promising. In reality, there’s still much progress to be made. Like many other humanoid robots, Figure moves at a sluggish pace, as if wearing pants (or circuits?) that are slightly too tight. Its presence may be less intimidating than a robot from iRobot, but it could potentially lead to armies of Figure bots bustling around workplaces in the future.

Artemis: Messi of robots

Photo by Alex Hughes

The soccer-playing robot ARTEMIS carries high expectations from its creators. In fact, due to its exceptional performance, it has earned the moniker “The robot that beats Messi in soccer” (Artemis for short).

Developed by a team at UCLA, this remarkable footballer has been in development for years. Currently participating in RoboCup, an international autonomous robot soccer tournament, ARTEMIS and its fellow robots aspire to join a World Cup-winning team by 2050.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2023/10/ARTEMIS-football.mp4
Video of the ARTEMIS robot attempting to kick a soccer ball back and forth with Dennis Hong (the robot’s creator).

With such high aspirations, ARTEMIS is expected to be a phenomenal soccer player, right? Not entirely. Displayed at GITEX 2023, a major tech convention, ARTEMIS seemed to struggle with kicking the ball forward, often sending it airborne or simply slightly nudging it. Rumors have even emerged about a potential contract with Chelsea.

Neo Beta: Expensive new friend

Credit: 1X

Neo Beta is both remarkable and unsettling. Developed by 1X, it’s touted as a “significant advancement in robotics.”

The company envisions Neo as the first robot capable of assisting with household chores and daily tasks around the home. Thus far, it has been demonstrated making coffee, folding laundry, hugging individuals, and even picking up backpacks before they leave the house.

On paper, it sounds amazing, but in practice, any physical interaction may leave you on edge, and even a hug might provoke uneasiness.

In the coming years, Neo is likely to be a major breakthrough in home robotics, albeit one of the creepiest. Get ready to see more of that expressionless face staring back at you.

Slothbot: an intentionally slow robot

Designed to be cute, Sloth Bot conceals advanced robotics within a friendly appearance. Despite its cheerful demeanor, this sloth-like robot has a somewhat eerie vibe with its lifeless eyes and perpetual smile.

However, Sloth Bot’s capabilities are limited. Running on solar power, it requires cables for movement.

So what’s the purpose? Beyond its endearing appearance? The robot is intended to operate for extended periods in natural ecosystems, particularly under tree canopies, to collect microclimate data autonomously without human intervention.

VERO: Beach cleaning robot

VERO serves a singular purpose that may not be glamorous but is essential. VERO spends its time cleaning up cigarette butts on the beach. With a vacuum cleaner attached to each of its four legs, it uses cameras and sensors to identify and collect trash along the shore.

While many robots aim to replace or surpass human capabilities, VERO is refreshingly simple in its mission, and that’s what makes it endearing.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Free Energy Principle: Is One Idea Enough to Explain the Existence of Everything?

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Neuroscience seems like an unlikely place to find fundamental truths that might apply to everything in the universe. The brain is a special object that does things that few other objects in the universe are expected to be able to do. they recognize. they act. They read magazine articles. Usually they are the exception, not the rule.

Perhaps this is why the free energy principle (FEP) has attracted so much attention. In the early 2000s, what began as a tool to explain cognitive processes such as perception and behavior began to be presented as a “unified brain theory.” FEP was then put forward as the definition of life beyond the brain and, inevitably, as the basis for a new kind of artificial intelligence capable of reasoning. Today, some proponents argue that FEP even encapsulates what it means for something to exist in the universe. “The free energy principle can be read as the physics of self-organization,” says its founder. carl friston At University College London. “It's a description of what lasts.”

But some researchers, frustrated by the changes in scope, are skeptical that the FEP can deliver on many of its loftiest promises. “It was a moving target,” he says Mateo Colomboa philosopher and cognitive scientist at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.

All of this makes FEP a source of both fascination and frustration. While notoriously difficult to understand, its dizzying breadth is key to its enduring appeal. Therefore, given the claim that it can be used to explain…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Chemists show the existence of sulfurous acid in the gas phase in normal atmospheric conditions

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Chemists at the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research have discovered that sulfurous acid (H2So3), once formed in the gas phase, is kinetically stable enough to allow its characterization and subsequent reactions.

In the gas phase, sulfurous acid, once formed, exhibits some kinetic stability with a lifetime of at least 1 second in atmospheric water vapor conditions. Image courtesy of Berndt others., doi:10.1002/anie.202405572.

Sulfurous acid Having formula H2So3 The molecular weight is 82.075 g/mol.

This molecule, also known as sulfuric acid(IV) or thioic acid, is a difficult-to-reach acid that has never before been observed in aqueous solution.

However, sulfite Detected It was discovered in the gas phase in 1988 by dissociative ionization of diethyl sulfite.

“The only experimental detection of sulfurous acid to date was achieved in 1988 by the team of Helmut Schwarz at the Technical University of Berlin using in situ generation with a mass spectrometer,” said Dr. Torsten Berndt of the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research and colleagues.

“Under vacuum conditions, we estimated an extremely short lifetime of more than 10 microseconds.”

“Theoretical calculations show that H2So3 As a possible reaction product of the gas-phase reaction of OH radicals with dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which are produced from ozone and water molecules in the troposphere primarily in the presence of ultraviolet light.”

“DMS is produced primarily by biological processes in the ocean and is the largest source of biogenic sulfur in the atmosphere, producing approximately 30 million tonnes per year.”

The researchers experimentally investigated possible reaction pathways to H.2So3 It starts with DMS.

Formation of H2So3 Its formation in the gas phase was clearly demonstrated in a flow reactor under atmospheric conditions.

“Under our experimental conditions, sulfurous acid remained stable for 30 seconds, regardless of humidity,” the researchers said.

“With the existing experimental setup, longer residence times have not yet been explored.”

“Therefore, H2So3 It may persist in the atmosphere long enough to affect chemical reactions.”

“The observed yields were somewhat higher than theoretically expected.”

According to related model simulations, about 8 million tons of H2So3 They form every year all over the world.

“In this pathway, the mass of H increases by about 200 times.2So3 Sulfuric acid (H2So4“It produces carbon dioxide (CO2) from dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere,” said Dr Andreas Tilgner and Dr Eric Hofmann from the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research.

“The new results may contribute to a better understanding of the atmospheric sulfur cycle.”

Team paper Published in the journal Applied Chemistry.

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Torsten Berndt others2024. Gas-phase production of sulfurous acid (H)2So3) floats in the atmosphere. Applied Chemistry 63(30):e202405572;doi:10.1002/anie.202405572

Source: www.sci.news

We are closer than ever to proving the existence of the multiverse.

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Shutterstock/Dr. Norbert Lange

We think of this universe as containing everything that exists, has existed in the past, and will exist in the future, but that may not be the case – there are many ways in which other universes exist.

One is that we may be part of a branch of an infinite number of universes collectively known as the multiverse. These universes could have emerged shortly after the Big Bang, could be hiding in extra dimensions, or could suddenly appear whenever quantum properties shift from different states into a single reality.

The idea of a multiverse rose to scientific prominence in the 1980s with the invention of inflation, a period when the early universe suddenly expanded. Inflation explains why the universe is so flat and smooth, but it also predicts the creation of many independent bubble universes.

Cyclic Universe

But inflation is only one path to a multiverse, and critics say it has some merit. In recent years, many cosmologists have turned to alternative theories, such as cyclical universe theory, which claims that the universe is expanding and compressing endlessly. These theories still claim multiple universes, but at different times.

“What I don’t like about inflation is that there is very little true prediction. You never get back more than you put in.” Neil Tulloch Physicist at the University of Edinburgh in the UK. Model of a cyclical universe In my 2001 book Inflation Rivals, I argued that there must be a better explanation for inflation.

In a cyclical universe…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Pentagon report finds no evidence of US cover-up of UFO existence

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According to a recent Pentagon report, there is no reliable evidence to support the belief that U.S. authorities have hidden extraterrestrial life in the form of unidentified flying objects, despite the strong beliefs of some Americans.

The report provides various explanations for UFO sightings. Over 40% of Americans believe that life forms from another galaxy have visited Earth.

The report, which spans 63 pages and focuses on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), concludes that most sightings are due to misidentification of ordinary objects or phenomena.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Rider stated that there is no verifiable evidence to support claims that the U.S. government and private companies are accessing or reverse engineering extraterrestrial technology.

The report lists various satellites and data-gathering vehicles developed by governments or private companies that could be mistaken for UFOs. It also highlights unclassified aircraft from companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman as possible sources of false UAP reporting.

Despite the findings of the report, Americans’ beliefs in UFOs are unlikely to change due to the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation, as well as confirmation bias facilitated by modern technology.

The report’s conclusions seem to contradict some elements of a previous House Oversight Subcommittee hearing last July that had firmly established UAP in the public consciousness.

Former US intelligence official David Groush claimed during the hearing that he knew colleagues who had been injured by a drone and had recovered “inhumane biological products” from a downed drone. The Pentagon had previously denied these claims.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Confirmation of the existence of a new form of magnetism

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AC magnetism works differently than standard magnetism

Libor Chemeikal and Anna Birk Hellenes

A new type of magnetism has been measured for the first time. Alternative magnets that combine the properties of different types of existing magnets could be used to make high-capacity, high-speed memory devices and new types of magnetic computers.

Until the 20th century, permanent magnets were thought to consist of only one type of ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic effects are seen in objects with relatively strong external magnetic fields, such as refrigerator magnets and compass needles.

These fields are caused by the magnetic spins of the magnet’s electrons aligned in one direction.

But in the 1930s, French physicist Louis Niel discovered another type of magnetism called antiferromagnetism, in which the spin of the electrons alternates up and down. Although antiferromagnets do not have the external magnetic field of ferromagnets, they exhibit interesting internal magnetic properties because of their alternating spins.

And in 2019, researchers Complex currents in the crystal structure of certain antiferromagnets, called the anomalous Hall effect, which could not be explained using the conventional alternating spin theory. Current flowed without an external magnetic field.

When we looked at the crystal from the perspective of a sheet of spins, it seemed to us that: A third type of permanent magnetism, called vicarious magnetism, may be responsible. Alternating magnets look like antiferromagnets, but the sheets of spin look the same no matter what angle they are rotated from. This explains the Hall effect, but no one had seen the electronic signature of the structure itself, so scientists weren’t sure if it was definitely a new kind of magnetism.

now, Juraj Krempaski and his colleagues at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Billigen, Switzerland, and his colleagues have discovered that by measuring the electronic structure within the crystals of magnesium telluride, previously thought to be antiferromagnetic, they were able to create an alternating magnet. confirmed the existence of

To do this, they measured how light reflected off magnesium telluride and found the energy and speed of the electrons in the crystal. After mapping these electrons, they found that they matched almost exactly the predictions given by simulations of alternating current magnetic materials.

The electrons appear to be split into two groups, which allows them to move more within the crystal and is the source of the unusual magnetic properties. “This gave us direct evidence that we can talk about metamorphic magnets and that they behave as predicted by theory,” Krempasky says.

This grouping of electrons appears to originate from the nonmagnetic tellurium atoms in the crystal structure, which separates the magnesium’s magnetic charge into each plane, allowing for its unusual rotational symmetry.

“It’s really amazing to prove that these substances actually exist,” he says. Richard Evans At York University, UK. Not only can electrons in alternating magnets move more freely than electrons in antiferromagnets, but this new type of magnet has no external magnetic fields like ferromagnets, so it could be used to create non-interfering magnetic devices. Evans says. each other.

This characteristic can increase the storage capacity of your computer’s hard drive. This is because commercially available devices are packed with ferromagnetic materials so tightly that external magnetic fields in the material begin to interfere. AC magnets can be packed more densely.

They say this magnet could even lead to spintronic computers that use magnetic spins instead of electrical current to perform measurements and calculations. joseph barker At the University of Leeds in the UK, memory and computer chips have been combined into a single device. “This may give more hope to the idea that spintronic devices can become a reality,” Barker says.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Upcoming Antimatter Science to Provide Insights into the Existence of All Living Beings

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After years of extremely precise experiments, a group of researchers at CERN finally succeeded in creating and carefully capturing a sample of antihydrogen (the antimatter version of hydrogen) in September of this year. The sample was held in magnetic confinement to prevent it from hitting the walls of the container and quickly disappearing. The ALPHA-g experiment aimed to answer how antimatter behaves and revealed that it actually falls the same way that regular matter does.

Antimatter is known for generating high-energy radiation when it encounters normal matter, but contrary to popular belief, it has been shown to be less extreme than expected. For example, positrons, known as antielectrons, are exactly the same as electrons but with opposite charges and “parity.” Physicists had not experimentally confirmed that antimatter behaves the same way as regular matter until the ALPHA-g experiment.

Despite its violent tendencies, antimatter’s nature has raised questions about the definition and properties of matter in physics. The debate revolves around the conception of matter, where rest mass is the simplest definition. Matter encompasses various substances, atoms, molecules, protons, neutrons, electrons, quarks, and neutrinos. However, what constitutes matter becomes blurry when considering massless elementary particles and the contribution of energy to the mass of an object.

Exotic materials, like dark matter and negative mass materials, add complexity to the matter debate. The fact that matter and antimatter exist in unequal amounts, although not fully explained, has led to the formation of stars, galaxies, and planets. Antimatter experiments like ALPHA-g offer insight into matter’s nature and the existence of the universe.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com