Important Innovations

  MIT's New AI System Mirai Transforming Mammograms             Source: Stock AI, Mammograms & MIT's Regina Barzilay From a Cancer Diagnosis to a Potentially Breakthrough, New AI  This is the story of an MIT artificial intelligence expert who turned her personal challenge with breast cancer into a new AI system that can predict the dreaded disease up to 5 years before it occurs.  Forecasting the disease so far in advance enables possible early intervention, treatment and prevention.  The new AI could benefit millions of people.  About 8 years ago, MIT's Regina Barzilay endured the brutal side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and 2 lumpectomies to overcome her cancer. When she returned to work at MIT, she decided to use her AI expertise to battle breast cancer and save lives. Brand New AI System Barzilay has designed and developed an AI system called Mirai that predicts breast cancer up to five years before there is a...

  Virgin Galactic's High Flying Experiments Source:  Virgin Galactic Research Scientist Kellie Gerardi Virgin Galactic, Sir Richard Branson's New Mexico-based space company, will fly scientific researcher Kellie Gerardi to space to test new health care technologies.  Gerardi is a researcher for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences. She is an expert in bioastronautics. She will serve as payload specialist on a dedicated research flight.  She will perform experiments on wearable health monitoring sensor systems and syringe designs for use in space.  She will also experiment with free floating liquids.  Gerardi has conducted experiments onboard reduced gravity flights at lower altitudes in conjunction with the Canadian Space Agency. Successful Manned Space Flight Virgin Galactic successfully tested its mothership VMS Eve and the VMS Unity space plane with two pilots onboard in May 2021.  This successful manned space flight will be follow...

  Inner-connectivity of the Moon & Humans                                   Source:  Stock image of Moon New Scientific Evidence of Ancient Superstitions About the Moon Ancient civilizations believed that the phases of the Moon triggered certain events.  They also believed that certain things happened only during specific phases of the Moon, like the full Moon.  New scientific research is providing credible evidence to support some of these superstitions about the interconnections between humanity and the Moon. Sleep Patterns A new study just published in the journal Science Advances demonstrates the impact of the phases of the Moon on sleep patterns.  100 volunteers from Argentina's indigenous communities and 450 volunteers from Seattle, Washington wore sleep trackers for two months to track their sleep patterns during the phases of the Moon.  The r...

Novel Flu Prevention Method Source:  Artist Rendering of the Bacteriophages German Scientific Discovery Scientists in Germany have invented a novel means of defeating the flu.  They've created non-infectious virus shells that the flu virus latches onto.  This essentially traps the flu virus and prevents it from causing infection. Highly Effective The virus shells, created by the scientists, are called bacteriophages or simply phages.  They act as a trap for the flu virus by mimicking lung cells, which is the normal target of the flu virus.  The shells encapsulate the flu virus, thereby rendering it ineffective.  Mathematical models show the non-infectious phages to work effectively against a number of flu strains, including the deadly Avian flu virus.  Tests in animal models and cell cultures showed the phages neutralizing the flu in human lung tissue, preventing the flu from taking hold and spreading infection. Next S...

Number of Environmental Factors Encroaching on their Habitats New Global Research One of nature's most beautiful and mysterious creatures - fireflies - are under threat globally.  This is another vestige of the perils of the global environment which is warming and being altered by Climate Change.  There are a number of causes to this existential threat including habitat loss and pesticides.  But a surprising new cause has been added by scientists to the mix.  The global expansion of light pollution from electric lights is causing major disruption to fireflies' nocturnal flights.  The world's light pollution is adding to the environmental stress already harming the global firefly population. Vanishing Natural Beauty A global assessment involving 350 top firefly experts has just been released.  Their conclusion is that some of the 2,000 species of fireflies now face extinction.  They found that fireflies are rapidly vanishing fro...

New Study:  Less Tiring, Just as Good Exercise Source:  Stock Image of e-Mountain Biking Brigham Young University Research New research from Brigham Young University indicates pedaling on an electric mountain bike with pedal-assist is a great workout and the effort seems easier from the rider's physical and psychological perspectives.  The study suggests that electric mountain bikes may help cyclists maintain or increase fitness during their workout. Variety of Electric Bike Rides Electric bikes are becoming increasingly common particularly in the US, Europe and Asia.  They're equipped with a small electric motor and battery. The pedal-assist electric bikes provide a boost of extra power which is the equivalent to a tailwind. Riders say the pedal assist makes hills flatter and distances shorter.  Throttle assist electric bikes power the bike even when you're not pedaling. Pedal-Assist Research The Brigham Young study found that with pedal-assist th...

Jupiter Hit by Massive Planet in Early Years of Our Solar System Source:  Astrobiology Center Japan - Jupiter Collision US-Chinese Astronomers' Research on Ancient Interplanetary Collision An international team of scientists have just reported that an ancient planet ten times bigger than the Earth may have crashed hard into Jupiter in the early stages of the solar system.  That cataclysmic collision may be the cause of Jupiter's less dense and more extended core, proportions different than previously thought and just discovered.  The astronomers are working on and analyzing data from the Juno probe that's been circling Jupiter for three years.  It's providing significant new information about our galaxy's largest planet, including the new discovery of the less dense and more extended core of Jupiter. US-Chinese Astronomers Collaborating Astronomers from Rice University in Texas and Sun Yat-sen University in China have just released a new theory.  They...

How to Protect Your Lunch from Gulls at the Beach Source:  Cape Cod Seagull Remedy in New Scientific Research from UK It's a beautiful summer day here on Cape Cod. The beach is dotted with seagulls that are gliding Atlantic Ocean waves, soaring winds and walking the pristine shoreline.  Cape Cod, MA is surely one of the seagull capitals of the world and soaring seagulls are a symbol of this beautiful region.  But, what do you do if a seagull wants to join in your beach lunch?  They can be quite nudgy!  British scientists have just come up with an innovative remedy.  Just stare them down.  And they get the message. UK's Battle With Pushy Seagulls The UK is battling seagulls trying to get a piece of tourists' lunches and snacks in seaside communities.  UK scientists have come up with great research and a smart solution.  University of Exeter scientists examined whether if staring at seagulls might make them decide to back-off and not ...

Robot to Help Roboticists Invent New Robots Kinovo Robotics Movo Robo t This new robot is designed to help roboticists create new robots.  It's a two armed robot, a Movo Robot, built by Quebec-based Kinovo Robotics to build better robots.  This is a complete model specifically designed for researchers to use a robot to scan around for simultaneous localization and mapping research (SLAM).  It is WiFi enabled, can operate autonomously or by remote control. Omnidirectional Wheels The robot comes with one or two arms and a set of grippers.  It's designed to research how a robot can scan the environment and move around most efficiently and accurately.  It has omnidirectional wheels, LIDAR, and a head mounted, depth sensing Konect One  camera.  Onboard Intel CPU processes the robot's date collection, allowing it to control its movements.  It has a rechargeable battery with eight hours operating time.  It's the Roboticists' Robot.

IBM, Cera Care Test Self-Driving Car Sensors for New Use Keeping Elderly Home Longer with Tech This is a six month pilot program to see if LIDAR laser sensors can be used to help the elderly stay longer in their homes.  One of the big uses of LIDAR is to help self-driving cars "see".  IBM Research UK and Cera Care are teaming up to test the unique use of the LIDAR technology, Mapping Safety LIDAR uses laser light pulses to generate images and maps of surroundings and to help self-driving cars navigate streets.  In June, 15 volunteer households in the UK will have LIDAR sensors installed by IBM Research UK and Cera Care.  They'll use IBM machine learning software to build a detailed picture of each patient's daily routines and home environment.  They'll utilize the images to pinpoint and alert caregivers of any possible problems in health, falls, etc. during the patient's routine to let caregivers know when they need to be in the home.  It's a cutti...

New Research by Michigan State University Source:  Michigan State University Track Team Sports Lead to Better Grades and Retention Rates A new study by researchers at Michigan State University adds to the growing body of evidence that participating in recreational sports helps to improve grades and also helps students return to college for another year. 1800 Students Included The study included 1800 freshman at MSU.  The students who played intramural sports averaged 3.25 grad point averages versus 3.07 for those who didn't participate in sports activities.  Students who played sports also were 2.5 times more likely to come back to the university the next year. Right Number of Activities The findings are in the Journal of College Student Retention.  The researchers say the right number of activities are four to seven a year, ranging from intramural sports like ultimate frisbee and running to aerobics classes.

Less Depression Breakthrough Research New research from Washington University in St. Louis has documented a big medical benefit  for kids playing team sports.  The scientists have linked participation in team sports to less depression in boys ages 9 to 11. Brain Changes The scientists have also documented significant positive brain changes from playing team sports.  In adults, depression is associated with the shrinkage of the hippocampus.  That's a region of the brain important to memory and response to stress.  The new research has shown  participation in team sports  results in "larger hippocampal volumes in children" and significantly less depressions in boys 9 to 11. Improving Children's Mental Health The scientists found that non-sports activities like music and art did not have the same effects.  The results were particularly strong in team sports rather than non-team.  More than 4000 children participated in the study, alon...

Butterflies On the Decline From Industrial Farming and Pesticides New German Research Raises An Alarm Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have documented a dramatic decline in butterfly populations.  Meadows, adjacent to high intensity, industrial farming areas, are home to less than half of the butterfly species that are found in nature preserves.  Their research was done in Germany but it is a global wake-up call.  The scientists say the problem is high intensity agriculture and pesticides.  They add there is an urgent need for ecologically sustainable cultivation methods in agriculture.  For a great news blog, go to  Important Innovations Collection: New German Research on Butterflies & Big Agricultu... : Significant Population Decline from High Intensity Agriculture with Pesticides Source:  TUM Harmony Blue Butterfly Butterfly Popula...

Nature Leading in Innovation Research Bees are Intelligent, Clever Counters This new research from scientists in the UK is astounding.  Bees have brains that can count. In fact, the scientific research, published in the journal Science, concludes bees have significant cognitive abilities with little brain power.  An insect with the power to count.  The potential science and innovation is significant for other animals, artificial intelligence and robotics.  For more on this news, go to Important Innovations Collection: Bees Can Count : Busy Intelligent Bees Source: Queen Mary University of London: Bees Counting New UK Research This is an amazing discovery.  Research...

Breakthrough Research - Certain Genes Shrink Tumors Source:  Washington State University Photo of Tasmanian Devil Washington State University Innovative Cancer Research Scientists at Washington State University have discovered genes and genetic mutations that appear to shrink deadly cancer tumors in Tasmanian devils.  This finding could have important implications for treating cancer in humans and other mammals. Cancer Fighting Genes Leading to Drug Creation The WSU scientists say some of the genes that they believe trigger tumor regression in the devils are also in humans.  This could lead to the development of drugs that shrink and potentially decimate tumors in humans. A Species Plagued by Cancer The devils are the largest carnivorous marsupial and found only in Tasmania.  A deadly, facial tumor disease has pushed the devils to near extinction.  80% of the population is gone.  An international team of scientists, led by WSU, found some of t...

Dogs Appear to Have Metacognitive Abilities Source:  Max Planck Institute Research from the Max Planck Institute Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History have performed some innovative research on dogs.  The scientists findings:  dogs know what they know and know what they don't know.  Dogs problem solve by actively seeking information. Canine Cunning Brains This new research strongly suggests that dogs have metacognitive abilities.  They're aware when they don't have enough information to solve a problem and actively search for what they need to know to get the desired results.  This is similar to how primates behave but it's the first time it has been documented in dogs. DogStudies Lab At the Institute's DogStudies Lab the scientists created a test in which the dogs had to find a reward - a toy or treat - behind one of two fences.  The scientists found that the dogs looked for significantly more informati...

Benefits Vary Among Dynamic & Static Exercises Stock Photo:  Strength Training New Research The American College of Cardiology reports that static exercise activity like strength training is good and better for your heart.  It has stronger results for reducing heart disease risk than dynamic exercise activity like cycling, running and walking. Results The results were presented at the LCC Latin America Conference 2018 in Lima, Peru. More than 4,000 American adults were tracked and analyzed on their exercise routines.  The research concludes that all types of physical activity and exercise are good for the heart.  But static activities, like aerobics and strength training, even in small amounts, proved to be the most beneficial. Your Takeaways The bottom-line from this research is that all exercise works.  Static and dynamic work separately, they work together but static exercise stands out as the most beneficial in preventing heart disease. ...

Cleveland Clinic Landmark Research Source:  Stock Photo Cardiorespiratory Fitness is Key Here's another great reason to even more enjoy your favorite exercise like running or biking.  It's now proven to lead to a longer life.  Researchers at the renowned Cleveland Clinic have found that cardiorespiratory fitness leads to a longer life.  And they say there are no limits to the benefits of aerobic fitness. Substantive, Long Term Research Results This is a very substantive study.  The research team retrospectively studied testing results on 122,007 patients who exercised on treadmills.  The time frame is from January 1, 1991 thru December 31, 2014... almost 2 decades.  The researchers measured all causes of mortality relating to fitness and exercise. Aerobic Fitness Extends Life The researchers say aerobic fitness is the key to a long life.  And there is no limit on how much exercise is too much.  According to the stud...

Rising Acidification of the Oceans Dissolving Shells Source:  University of Tsukuba, Japan Climate Change's Relentless Pace Another startling sign of climate change.  The ocean is getting increasingly acidified.  To the point that in sea regions with high level of carbon dioxide the shells of sea snails are dissolving from it.  Marine biologists say shelled sea creatures are fighting for survival. International Research Marine scientists from the University of Tsukuba, Japan and University of Plymouth, UK studied the impact of rising carbon dioxide levels on shellfish.  They found those living off Japan with high levels of carbon dioxide are 1/3 the size of their counterparts.  They also found shell deterioration in terms of thickness, strength, density, structure and in some cases shells totally dissolved. Scientific Warning The UK and Japanese university scientists warn that if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise unchecked, it poses ...

New Research:  Aerobics Improve Cognitive Performance Source:  Maryanne Kane's Photo of Katie Kane in Competition Running to Prime Your Mind Our brains are at their best when our bodies are in motion, like running, walking, biking rather than sedentary and sitting at a desk.  A new study by German scientists just confirmed it.  As a runner, I've always thought that I do my most deliberative thinking during a morning run.  Now science confirms it.  Wondered if as a jogger, biker, runner, walker and exerciser, you've had the same instincts?  Do you do your best thinking in motion?  Active Motion Works Scientists from Ludwig-Maximilian University in Germany took electroencephalogy brain readings on 24 participants when exercising and at rest.  They found that exercise and upright posture improved visual working memory (that's the ability to maintain visual info to do ongoing tasks) significantly over passive and sea...