From black holes restarting to disappearing stars to a newly discovered particle, there were some fascinating happenings this month in our universe. Not to mention all the advancements in AI and neuroscience.
We hope you enjoy this month's update. Here are the top stories from the past month (in mostly chronological order).
1.
This scientist says he's built a jet engine that turns electricity directly into thrust
Futurism
"Essentially, the goal of this technology is to try and use electricity and air to replace gasoline."
2.
A Rare, Ultra-Bright Star Has Disappeared Without a Trace
ExtremeTech
Astronomers went looking for this well-known star in late 2019 only to find that it was missing. The team has devised several possible explanations, but this is a real head-scratcher.
3.
NASA unveils new rules to protect the moon and Mars from Earth germs
Space.com
"We're trying to balance the interests of the science community, the interest of the human exploration community and the interest of the commercial community."
4.
Kernel raises $53 million to bring neuroscience insights to businesses
VentureBeat
Kernel raised $53 million to develop a new generation of brain tech that allows companies to leverage insights from the latest neuroscience.
5.
In a first, astronomers watch a black hole’s corona disappear, then reappear
MIT News
A colliding star may have triggered the drastic transformation.
6.
I attended a virtual conference with an AI version of Deepak Chopra. It was bizarre and transfixing
CNN
This past week I watched doctor and wellness advocate Deepak Chopra lead a short meditation over Zoom.
7.
CERN: physicists report the discovery of unique new particle
The Conversation
The unique nature of the new particle could help us understand other, more complex mechanisms in physics that are not within our reach today.
8.
OpenAI's latest AI text generator GPT-3 amazes early adopters - SiliconANGLE
SiliconANGLE
OpenAI's latest AI text generator GPT-3 amazes early adopters - SiliconANGLE
9.
Quantum loop: US unveils blueprint for 'virtually unhackable' internet
phys.org
US officials and scientists have begun laying the groundwork for a more secure "virtually unhackable" internet based on quantum computing technology.
10.
AI feat helps machines learn at speed of light without supervision
Big Think
Researchers discover how to use light instead of electricity to advance artificial intelligence.
11.
MIT Dream Research Interacts Directly With an Individual’s Dreaming Brain and Manipulates the Content
SciTechDaily
Device not only helps record dream reports, but also guides dreams toward particular themes. The study of dreams has entered the modern era in exciting ways, and researchers from MIT and other institutions have created a community dedicated to...
12.
The AI Foundation raises $17 million to create digital AI-powered personas
VentureBeat
The AI Foundation, a startup developing technology that powers digital personas, has raised $17 million in venture capital.
13.
Airbus to build 'first interplanetary cargo ship'
BBC News
The European aerospace company will make a huge satellite to bring Mars rocks back to Earth.