Lyft is keen on partnering with Japan's Marubeni to bring a fleet of self-driving cabs on to its platform next yearLyftLyft plans to introduce robotaxis equipped with Mobileye technology as early as 2026, beginning in Dallas, Texas. According to CEO David Risher, the service will later expand to additional cities with thousands of autonomous...
Plasma sparks naturally (left) and ultrasound-guided (right)Josu IrisarriElectricity is naturally unpredictable, typically requiring wires and circuits for control. However, researchers in Europe and Canada have successfully directed sparks through open air and around obstacles using ultrasound waves.In open air, electricity naturally spreads in unpredictable directions—much like a lightning bolt. Its path is influenced by...
Credit: PixabayDepression impacts about 280 million people globally and is known to affect eating habits. A recent study from researchers at University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn, and University Hospital Tübingen reveals that while people with depression often experience a reduced appetite, they tend to crave carbohydrate-rich foods. The study, published in...
Credit: PixabayAt the end of 2024, astronomers spotted a new asteroid in the night sky. It was designated 2024 YR4—"Y" for its December discovery, "R4" as the 117th rock found in late December, and "2024" marking the year of detection.Once identified, astronomers began tracking its position to refine its orbit. Initial calculations suggested a...
Credit: PixabayA mysterious cosmic explosion has left astronomers baffled, presenting either an incredibly rare cosmic alignment or an entirely new phenomenon.The event, labeled EP240408a, was first detected on April 8, 2024, by the Einstein Probe, an X-ray space telescope. Initially, it resembled a typical gamma-ray burst, known for its bright X-ray emissions. However, follow-up...
Credit: PixabayResearchers recently found that eight psychiatric disorders share a common genetic foundation.A new study has pinpointed specific genetic variants involved, revealing that many remain active longer during brain development. This extended activity suggests they influence multiple developmental stages, making them potential targets for treating multiple conditions.“The proteins produced by these genes are highly...
Snapshots of realized sleepy mood expression on a child android robot. Credit: Hisashi IshiharaOsaka University researchers have developed a technology that enables androids to express moods like excitement or drowsiness through dynamic facial movements modeled as overlapping, decaying waves.While androids can mimic human expressions, their movements often feel artificial, creating discomfort. Traditional approaches rely...
Credit: PixabayAllergic rhinitis and asthma, often linked, can severely impact respiratory health. Searching for better treatments, scientists analyzed the nasal mycobiome—the community of fungi in the nose. Their study revealed that individuals with allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, have distinct fungal compositions compared to healthy individuals. This suggests chronic respiratory conditions may disrupt...
Credit: PixabayDementia has no cure, and while some new drugs may slow its progression, they remain expensive and only marginally effective for many. However, a recent Cambridge-led study links commonly used prescription drugs—such as antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines—to a lower risk of dementia.Since these drugs are already approved with well-known safety profiles, they could...
Credit: PixabayCan a pandemic change the Moon’s temperature? A 2024 study suggested global lockdowns reduced Earth’s heat radiation, cooling the Moon. But new research says otherwise.The original idea: As businesses shut down in 2020 and people stayed home, carbon emissions dropped, lowering terrestrial radiation—the heat Earth emits and the Moon absorbs. Scientists noted a...
