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Feb 18, 2024

Nestars: Study suggests gravastars akin to nesting doll structure

Posted by in category: physics

Physicists have theorized the existence of new types of celestial objects that they name “nestars.”

These are gravitational condensate stars, or gravastars, nestled among other gravitational condensate stars, like a Russian matryoshka doll, or nesting doll.

This type of doll is distinguished by its hollow, round form and the ability to be split apart to reveal a sequence of increasingly smaller dolls nestled inside.

Feb 18, 2024

Astronomers investigate what causes bright flashes in space

Posted by in categories: nuclear energy, space

Some of the oddest cosmic phenomena are short but tremendously powerful bursts of radio waves, which, in a fraction of a second, can give off as much energy as the sun does in a year. Known as fast radio bursts, these incredibly bright flashes of energy are thought to be related to dying stars called magnetars. Now, using two separate telescopes, astronomers have observed one of these events just a few minutes before and after it occurred, giving the best look yet at what causes these strange events.

Astronomers used NASA’s NICER (Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer) on the International Space Station and NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) in low-Earth orbit to observe a magnetar called SGR 1935+2154. Magnetars are a type of neutron star, the dense core left behind after a star collapses and with an extremely strong magnetic field. In October 2022, this magnetar gave off one of these strange, fast radio bursts.

Feb 18, 2024

Legendary chip architect Jim Keller responds to Sam Altman’s plan to raise $7 trillion to make AI chips — ‘I can do it for less than $1 trillion’

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

AI processors need to get faster, says Jim Keller.

Feb 18, 2024

Japan’s flagship H3 rocket successfully reaches orbit after failed debut launch

Posted by in categories: robotics/AI, satellites

The H3’s main missions are to secure independent access to space and be competitive as international demand for satellite launches grows. “We made a big first step today toward achieving that goal,” Yamakawa said.

The launch is a boost for Japan’s space program following a recent streak of successes, including a historic precision touchdown on the moon of an unmanned spacecraft last month.

The liftoff was closely watched as a test for Japan’s space development after H3, in its debut flight last March, failed to ignite the second-stage engine. JAXA and its main contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have been developing H3 as a successor to its current mainstay, H-2A, which is set to retire after two more flights.

Feb 18, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease: Animal study looks at potential new treatment

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics, neuroscience

A study in mice and nematodes has investigated a potential new therapeutic approach that could help people with the genetic variant that predisposes them to Alzheimer’s disease.

Feb 18, 2024

Leaking underground propane tank found at Virginia home before deadly house explosion

Posted by in category: habitats

Authorities in Virginia are investigating the cause of a house explosion and fire that killed one firefighter, injured 10 others and leveled a home in a Washington, D.C., suburb.

Feb 18, 2024

Scientists reveal new green anaconda species

Posted by in category: futurism

A recent analysis reveals a newly identified species was lurking in plain sight.

Feb 18, 2024

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake shakes Mexico resort town Acapulco

Posted by in category: futurism

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit near the Mexican resort town of Acapulco on the Pacific coast on Saturday afternoon, according to the country’s national seismological service.

Feb 18, 2024

Warning: “AI Girlfriends” Are Hoarding Your Personal Data

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

Spilling your hopes, secrets, and fantasies to your AI girlfriend? You might want to reconsider.

In a new report, experts at the Mozilla Foundation warn that AI companion bots — including the popular app Replika — are plagued by deeply concerning privacy pitfalls and murky data use policies.

“So-called ‘AI soulmates’ are giving Mozilla the ick when it comes to how much personal information they collect,” reads the Mozilla report, “especially given the lack of transparency and user control over how this data is protected from abuse.”

Feb 18, 2024

OpenAI teases an amazing new generative video model called Sora

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

The firm is sharing Sora with a small group of safety testers but the rest of us will have to wait to learn more.

OpenAI has built a striking new generative video model called Sora that can take a short text description and turn it into a detailed, high-definition film clip up to a minute long.