In a surprising twist of scientific exploration, chia seeds have played a crucial role in potentially confirming a mathematical model proposed by renowned British mathematician Alan Turing 71 years ago. Turing, celebrated for his role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II, may find posthumous validation in the growth patterns of these tiny seeds, shedding light on the chemistry behind nature's designs.
Turing's theory, introduced in 1952 while he was at the University of Manchester, suggested that patterns in nature result from chemical reactions between two homogeneous substances. These patterns, as described in his sole published paper, manifest across diverse plant and animal species, influencing the distinctive black-and-white stripes of a zebra or the unique ridges on a cactus.
Last summer, Brendan D'Aquino, a computer science undergrad at Northeastern University in Boston, collaborated with Flavio Fenton, a physics professor at Georgia Tech, to put Turing's theory to the test. Their innovative approach involved using chia seeds in a controlled laboratory setting, aiming to observe patterns reminiscent of those found in nature.
The experiment included distributing chia seeds evenly in eight trays using different planting methods and applying various growing parameters. These parameters involved adjusting the amount of water each tray received, manipulating evaporation levels with Saran Wrap, and utilizing different substrates, such as coconut fiber and paper towels, to influence water diffusion.
"We made sure that the seeds were spread everywhere in the trays, so it was completely homogeneous," explained Fenton, emphasizing the meticulous nature of their setup.
Within a week, the researchers began witnessing patterns resembling those observed in natural environments, mirroring computer simulations created using Turing's model, albeit focusing on vegetation.
"The patterns emerged because of this diffusion and growth," added Fenton, highlighting the pivotal role of these factors in shaping the observed patterns.
Brendan D'Aquino expressed the excitement of seeing Turing's theory materialize in a tangible manner. "To see it physically happen is really cool," he remarked, underscoring the significance of their experimental outcomes.
Natasha Ellison, a mathematical ecologist at Mississippi State University, commended the study, affirming the prevalence of Turing patterns in nature. "Turing patterns are seen in vegetation all over the world," Ellison noted, highlighting the global nature of these patterns.
The researchers, despite their findings not undergoing peer review, presented their results at the American Physical Society meeting in Las Vegas on March 7. With the aim of contributing to scientific understanding, the team plans to transform their experiment into a formal paper, further cementing the relevance of Turing's mathematical genius in unraveling the mysteries of the natural world.
New hope is on the horizon for heart attack survivors as researchers unveil a groundbreaking biomaterial that could potentially revolutionize heart attack treatment. A team of researchers, led by bioengineer Karen Christman from the University of California, San Diego, has developed a biomaterial capable of healing damaged heart tissue from the inside out.
Heart attacks result in the death of cardiac muscle tissue, leading to scarring and permanent damage within just six hours of the event. This damage hinders the heart's proper functioning, and current treatments are limited in their ability to prevent scar tissue formation.
Christman's team sought to address this limitation by creating a biomaterial that could initiate healing immediately after a heart attack, potentially salvaging tissue and promoting regeneration. In tests on rodents and pigs, the biomaterial showed promising results, repairing tissue damage and reducing inflammation shortly after a heart attack.
The key to the biomaterial's success lies in its composition, which includes the extracellular matrix—a lattice of proteins that provide structural support to cells in cardiac muscle tissue. Previous research had shown that stem cells derived from body fat could be used to heal various tissues, including the heart. Inspired by this, Christman's team wanted to harness the regenerative abilities of the extracellular matrix, which is more cost-effective than stem cells.
In 2009, the team created a hydrogel using particles from the extracellular matrix, but its larger size necessitated delivery through a needle, posing a risk of triggering arrhythmia. To address this issue, they modified the hydrogel, creating a thinner material composed of nanoparticles that could be delivered intravenously through heart blood vessels.
The results were promising. The modified biomaterial not only adhered to the damaged tissue but also bound to leaky blood vessels, preventing inflammatory cells from entering the heart tissue and causing further harm. This reduction in inflammation and stimulation of the healing process through cell growth could be a game-changer in heart attack treatment.
Although more safety studies are needed before the biomaterial is ready for clinical trials, researchers are optimistic about its potential. The first human trial is likely to focus on repairing cardiac tissue post-heart attack, with other applications, such as treating leaky blood vessels in the brain after traumatic injuries, also being considered.
This groundbreaking discovery could pave the way for a new era in heart attack treatment, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
In a bid to combat global warming, a group of astrophysicists has proposed an eyebrow-raising idea: launching dust from the moon to create a sunshade between the Earth and the sun. The study, published in PLOS Climate, used computer simulations to explore scenarios where massive amounts of dust in space could reduce Earthbound sunlight by 1 to 2 percent. While the idea sounds like science fiction and would require significant engineering, the researchers see it as a potential backup option to existing climate mitigation strategies.
The team's concept is not the first space-based climate solution proposed. Various ideas, including using a glass shield between the sun and Earth or deploying trillions of small spacecraft with umbrella-like shields, have been considered. However, these ideas face numerous challenges, including high costs, technical difficulties, and potential dangers.
The researchers focused on lunar dust as a sunshade material due to its efficiency in scattering sunlight relative to its size. They suggest using an electromagnetic gun, cannon, or rocket to launch lunar dust into space, forming a temporary sun shield. One simulation involved shooting lunar dust from the moon's surface, while another considered launching dust from a space platform near Earth.
While the proposal is not without its challenges, it represents a creative and innovative approach to addressing climate change. However, some climate scientists view such space-based projects as distractions from more permanent climate solutions, like reducing fossil fuel consumption.
The study's authors emphasize that their idea is not a substitute for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on Earth. Instead, it could be a supplementary measure to provide additional time for humanity to address climate change. As with other climate engineering proposals, any implementation would require careful consideration, international consensus, and buy-in from scientific communities and organizations.
In a recent episode of CBS' 60 Minutes, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, expressed his anticipation of AI's widespread impact on virtually every industry and product. Google has become deeply invested in the AI space, competing with other tech giants like Microsoft in the race to dominate consumer AI.
Pichai foresees AI playing a significant role in various sectors, including healthcare, where radiologists might collaborate daily with AI assistants to prioritize critical cases or detect overlooked details. Similarly, AI could aid students in their learning, helping them understand complex subjects like math or history.
Despite the potential benefits, Pichai acknowledged that AI might also disrupt certain job roles, particularly those of "knowledge workers" such as writers, accountants, architects, and software engineers. Furthermore, AI's influence on disinformation and "fake news" is a concerning aspect that needs careful consideration.
The Google CEO believes that AI's impact on society can be positively influenced if we start addressing its implications early on. Google has been working on AI guidelines since 2018, aiming to reduce potential harm by gradually releasing AI products, allowing time for society and Google's engineers to adapt and enhance their understanding of the technology.
Pichai emphasized the importance of involving not only engineers but also social scientists, ethicists, and philosophers in the development of AI. He stressed that the decision-making process should be thoughtful and not solely left to companies like Google.
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it is crucial for society to remain vigilant, having meaningful discussions about its implications and working together to harness its potential for the greater good.
Z-Library, a notorious pirate eBook repository, claims that over 600,000 students and scholars worldwide use the platform to access millions of books for free. The site, which faced legal action in the United States resulting in the arrest of two alleged operators, continues to operate through the dark web despite the seizure of over 200 domain names connected to the platform by U.S. law enforcement. The recent removal of additional domains did not disrupt Z-Library's services.
The site is known for its commitment to providing free access to books, including educational materials and textbooks, making it a popular resource for students globally. The platform's user database statistics, although based on email addresses linked to educational institutions, likely underestimate the actual number of users, as individuals may use personal email addresses for registration.
China leads the world in Z-Library users, followed by India and Indonesia. Notably, the United States is excluded from the analysis due to the criminal prosecution of two alleged operators. Despite its population, Australia ranks high in Z-Library usage, surpassing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Monash University in Australia stands out for having the most public booklists created by users.
Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, while second in creating booklists, also appears in the top 5 universities that donated to Z-Library. The data highlight the global reach and diverse user base of Z-Library, demonstrating its value as a resource for students worldwide.
Users' comments express gratitude for saving money on books, including textbooks. Despite public appreciation, Z-Library remains susceptible to legal challenges and ongoing crackdowns by U.S. authorities. However, the platform's operators seem determined to persist in providing free access to books.
A groundbreaking study published in Science reveals that over 50% of the world's largest lakes are losing water due to a combination of climate change and unsustainable human consumption. This trend poses significant challenges to global water resources and ecosystems.
Researchers, led by Fangfang Yao, a climate fellow at the University of Virginia, analyzed satellite observations spanning decades to gain insights into lake water storage variability. Motivated by environmental crises, including the drying of the Aral Sea, an international team of scientists from various institutions developed a novel technique to measure changes in water levels across nearly 2,000 of the largest lakes and reservoirs, which account for 95% of the world's total lake water storage.
Freshwater lakes and reservoirs store 87% of the planet's water, making them vital for both human and Earth ecosystems. However, long-term trends and changes in water levels have remained largely unknown until now.
The study's results are striking: 53% of lakes worldwide experienced a decline in water storage, equivalent to the combined volume of 17 Lake Meads, the largest reservoir in the United States. Climate change and human water consumption were identified as the primary drivers behind the decline, affecting around 100 large lakes globally. Surprisingly, previously unknown factors such as the desiccation of Lake Good-e-Zareh in Afghanistan and Lake Mar Chiquita in Argentina also contribute to water losses. Notably, both dry and wet regions are witnessing a reduction in lake volume, highlighting more widespread drying trends than previously understood.
Large reservoirs faced significant challenges as well, with nearly two-thirds experiencing notable water losses. Sedimentation emerged as the leading cause of storage decline, surpassing the effects of droughts and heavy rainfall, especially in long-established reservoirs filled before 1992.
However, the study does offer some hope. Around 24% of lakes experienced significant increases in water storage, particularly in less populated areas like the inner Tibetan Plateau and the Northern Great Plains of North America. Regions with newly constructed reservoirs, such as the Yangtze, Mekong, and Nile river basins, also saw growing lake volumes.
The implications for sustainable water resource management are substantial, as a quarter of the world's population, roughly 2 billion people, resides in the basin of a drying lake. Urgent action is necessary to incorporate the impacts of human consumption, climate change, and sedimentation into effective water resource management strategies.
Ben Livneh, a co-author of the study and associate professor of engineering at CU Boulder, emphasizes the need to adapt and explore new policies to mitigate large-scale declines in lake water storage. Encouragingly, successful conservation efforts in Lake Sevan, Armenia, have led to increased water storage due to strict enforcement of conservation laws on water withdrawal.
As shrinking lakes become a global reality, it is imperative to protect these invaluable resources. Understanding the causes and effects of declining water storage will enable us to implement sustainable solutions and safeguard our precious lakes for future generations.
In the world of cybersecurity, hackers are constantly coming up with new tricks to infiltrate computer systems. One such tactic involves hiding malicious programs in a computer's firmware—the deep-seated code that tells a PC how to load its operating system. It's a sneaky move that can give hackers access to a machine's inner workings. But what happens when a motherboard manufacturer installs its own hidden backdoor in the firmware, making it even easier for hackers to gain entry? That's the alarming situation that researchers at Eclypsium, a firmware-focused cybersecurity company, have uncovered in Gigabyte motherboards.
The hidden mechanism discovered by Eclypsium operates within the firmware of Gigabyte motherboards, which are widely used in gaming PCs and high-performance computers. Every time a computer with one of these motherboards restarts, code within the firmware quietly initiates an updater program that downloads and executes software. While the intention behind this mechanism is to keep the firmware updated, it is implemented in a highly insecure manner. This opens the door for potential hijacking, allowing the mechanism to be exploited for installing malware instead of the intended program. What's more, because the updater program is triggered from the computer's firmware, outside of the operating system, it becomes incredibly difficult for users to detect or remove.
Eclypsium has identified 271 models of Gigabyte motherboards that are affected by this hidden firmware mechanism. This revelation sheds light on the increasing vulnerability of firmware-based attacks, which have become a preferred method for sophisticated hackers. State-sponsored hacking groups have been known to employ firmware-based spyware tools to silently install malicious software on targeted machines. In a surprising turn of events, Eclypsium's automated detection scans flagged Gigabyte's updater mechanism for exhibiting behavior similar to these state-sponsored hacking tools. It's a disconcerting finding that raises concerns about the potential misuse of this access.
What's particularly troubling about Gigabyte's updater mechanism is that it is riddled with vulnerabilities. It downloads code without proper authentication and often over an unprotected HTTP connection, instead of the more secure HTTPS. This means that the installation source can easily be spoofed, leaving users vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, the mechanism is configured to download from a local network-attached storage device (NAS), but this creates an opening for malicious actors on the same network to silently install their own malware by spoofing the NAS location.
Eclypsium has been working closely with Gigabyte to address these issues, and the motherboard manufacturer has expressed its intention to fix the vulnerabilities. However, the complexity of firmware updates and hardware compatibility may pose challenges in effectively addressing the problem. The discovery of this hidden firmware mechanism is deeply concerning due to the large number of potentially affected devices. It erodes the trust that users have in the firmware that underlies their computers, drawing parallels to the infamous Sony rootkit scandal of the mid-2000s. While Gigabyte likely had no malicious intent behind their hidden firmware tool, the security vulnerabilities it presents undermine user confidence in the very foundation of their machines.
In a remarkable display of intellectual trickery, physicist Alan Sokal pulled off an audacious hoax that left the academic world in a tizzy. The Sokal affair, or as some called it, the Sokal hoax, was an elaborate experiment designed to test the intellectual rigor of a leading cultural studies journal. With a touch of mischief and a sprinkle of nonsense, Sokal aimed to expose the intellectual laziness and ideological bias that he believed plagued certain sectors of the American academic Left.
In 1996, Sokal submitted an article titled "Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity" to the journal Social Text. The article proposed that quantum gravity, a topic of immense scientific complexity, was nothing more than a social and linguistic construct. Sokal's intention was to investigate whether the journal would publish an article filled with gibberish as long as it flattered the editors' ideological predispositions.
To Sokal's astonishment, the article was accepted and published in the journal's spring/summer 1996 issue, which was aptly themed "Science Wars." It seemed that the editors had fallen for Sokal's intellectual prank hook, line, and sinker. However, just three weeks later, in the magazine Lingua Franca, Sokal revealed that his article was nothing but an elaborate ruse.
The revelation sparked a firestorm of controversy, raising questions about the scholarly merit of commentary on scientific matters by those in the humanities, the influence of postmodern philosophy on social disciplines, and academic ethics. Some wondered whether Sokal had crossed a line by deceiving the editors and readers of Social Text, while others questioned whether the journal had adhered to proper scientific ethics.
Sokal's prank also led to further exploration of the broader issues at hand. In 2008, he published a book titled "Beyond the Hoax," delving into the history of the affair and its enduring implications. The hoax served as a wake-up call, reminding academia of the importance of intellectual rigor, critical thinking, and responsible scholarship.
Despite the serious debates it ignited, the Sokal affair provided a dose of humor to the often dry world of scholarly discourse. Sokal himself humorously remarked that those who believed the laws of physics were merely social conventions were welcome to test their validity by defying them from the windows of his twenty-first-floor apartment.
In the end, the Sokal affair highlighted the need for thoughtful examination of ideas, rigorous scholarly inquiry, and a healthy dose of skepticism. It served as a reminder that while the pursuit of knowledge is noble, sloppy thinking and intellectual shortcuts have no place in the hallowed halls of academia.
In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the Dark Web has emerged as an unlikely yet captivating source for training generative AI models. While conventional generative AI is trained on the visible, relatively safe surface-level web, the Dark Web provides a treasure trove of malicious and disturbing content. This unexplored territory has sparked debates about the potential benefits and risks associated with developing generative AI based on the underbelly of the internet.
The Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet that standard search engines don't index, harbors a range of unsavory activities. It attracts cybercriminals, conspiracy theorists, and those seeking anonymity or restricted content. By specifically training generative AI on Dark Web data, researchers aim to tap into the unique language and specialized patterns of this secretive domain.
Proponents argue that Dark Web-trained generative AI could serve as a valuable tool to identify and track evildoers. Its ability to comprehend specialized languages and detect endangering trends could aid in cybersecurity and provide legal evidence for criminal prosecutions. Moreover, some believe that exploring the Dark Web's emergent behaviors through generative AI research could yield valuable insights.
However, ethical concerns loom large. Critics argue that delving into the Dark Web for generative AI training poses significant risks. They fear that it could inadvertently strengthen the capabilities of malicious actors and potentially undermine human rights. The potential misuse of Dark Web-trained generative AI is a worrisome aspect that demands careful consideration.
It is important to note that both conventional and Dark Web-trained generative AI models are susceptible to errors, biases, and falsehoods. While Dark Web-based generative AI may uncover hidden patterns and insights, it also runs the risk of perpetuating and amplifying malicious content. The challenges and potential pitfalls associated with interpreting and utilizing generative AI outputs from the Dark Web are similar to those of conventional AI.
Despite the risks, researchers have already embraced the concept of Dark Web-trained generative AI. Various projects, often referred to as "DarkGPT," have emerged, although caution must be exercised to avoid scams or malware posing as legitimate Dark Web-based generative AI applications.
One notable research example is DarkBERT, a language model trained on the Dark Web specifically designed for cybersecurity tasks. Researchers have found it to be more effective in handling Dark Web-specific text compared to models trained on conventional web data. DarkBERT showcases the potential of Dark Web-based generative AI, particularly in domains like cybersecurity.
The debate surrounding Dark Web-based generative AI is still in its early stages. The intersection of AI ethics and AI law is critical to navigate the development and deployment of AI systems responsibly. Striking the right balance between leveraging the potential benefits of Dark Web-trained generative AI while mitigating the associated risks remains a paramount challenge.
As AI continues to evolve, the question of whether we should expose AI systems to the Dark Web's depths requires careful consideration. The potential insights gained from the Dark Web could help society identify and combat evildoing. Alternatively, it could expose AI systems to an abyss that might shape their behavior and decision-making in unexpected and potentially detrimental ways.
Ultimately, the development and deployment of generative AI, whether based on the conventional web or the Dark Web, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications. As we embark on this technological journey, let us tread cautiously, guided by wisdom and a clear understanding of the potential consequences.
In the midst of a whirlwind of game trailers and exciting announcements, Sony took a brief moment during its recent PlayStation Showcase livestream to reveal two new hardware products that left gamers buzzing with anticipation.
The standout announcement was undoubtedly Project Q, although the final name for this highly-anticipated device is still pending. Confirming long-standing rumors, Sony unveiled a new PlayStation handheld that promises to revolutionize gaming on the go.
Unlike its predecessors, Project Q will primarily focus on streaming capabilities. Sony plans to offer users the ability to stream any non-VR game from a local PlayStation 5 console using Remote Play over Wi-Fi. However, it's important to note that the handheld won't be capable of playing games on its own. Its true power lies in its streaming functionality.
Sony is no stranger to Remote Play, as the company has been offering this feature on other devices for some time now. By syncing a DualSense controller with their macOS, Windows, iOS, or Android device, players can already stream their favorite games over Wi-Fi or the Internet. However, streaming games over the Internet can come with latency challenges that impact the overall gaming experience.
As for the specifics of Project Q, the handheld boasts an impressive 8-inch HD screen, providing gamers with a vibrant and immersive display. In addition, it will feature ""all the buttons and features of the DualSense wireless controller,"" ensuring that players have a familiar and comfortable gaming experience in their hands.
In addition to Project Q, Sony also revealed plans to launch Bluetooth earbuds that resemble the popular AirPods. What sets these earbuds apart is their ability to simultaneously connect to a PlayStation console, a mobile device, as well as PCs. This versatility allows gamers to seamlessly switch between different platforms without the hassle of constantly pairing and unpairing their audio devices.
While Sony has not yet announced release dates or pricing for these new products, it's clear that these announcements serve as a statement of intent from the PlayStation brand. Gamers can look forward to a future where gaming becomes even more accessible, whether it's through the convenience of streaming on a handheld or the flexibility of audio connectivity.