Weekly Piece of Future #83
From Brain Tissue Renewal to Teacherless Education and Non-Invasive Health Monitoring
Hey there, fellow future-addicts!
Welcome to this week's edition of Rushing Robotics, where we unveil the latest breakthroughs from brain health innovations to sustainable energy solutions. Explore how cutting-edge research and technology are shaping the future and transforming industries.
🤯 Mind-Blowing
Discover how groundbreaking research funded by the US government is exploring the possibility of renewing aging brain tissue, potentially offering new hope for stroke patients and others with brain injuries. Meanwhile, a revolutionary plant-derived nanoparticle therapy developed by scientists from China and the US aims to tackle the deadliest brain cancer, glioblastoma, with impressive results in animal trials. And get ready for a glimpse into sustainable energy innovation with a new device that harnesses power from seawater, offering a continuous and eco-friendly energy source. Plus, witness the future of education as London's first 'teacherless' AI classroom prepares to reshape learning.
🔊 Industry Insights & Updates
Uncover the potential of a newly discovered 'edge state' in quantum phenomena that could pave the way for virtually limitless energy. Discover Microsoft's ambitious project with Atom Computing to build a quantum supercomputer that promises significant advancements in computing power. Plus, explore the breakthrough in perovskite solar cells that delivers high efficiency and durability, and learn about Japan's upcoming zeta-class supercomputer, set to revolutionize the realm of artificial intelligence.
🧬 BioTech
Learn about a promising new gene therapy that has dramatically improved vision in patients with a rare genetic condition. Discover how researchers at Princeton are physically manipulating DNA strands to unlock new possibilities in understanding gene expression and combating diseases like cancer. Plus, find out how a common food dye is being used to make mice's skin temporarily transparent, potentially revolutionizing medical imaging techniques.
💡 Products/Tools of the Week
Get the scoop on the latest tools and products designed to enhance your digital experience. Hoody AI offers a platform for anonymous access to top large language models, ensuring privacy while exploring AI capabilities. The Replit Agent simplifies software development by turning natural language prompts into functional applications. Discover how Brainybear's GPT-based chatbots provide intuitive, human-like interactions with minimal setup. And see how Serra's GPT-powered recruitment tool is transforming talent acquisition by eliminating the need for manual searches and reviews.
🎥 Video Section
Don't miss out on our video section featuring exciting robotics and technology showcases. Watch "I Lived With a Humanoid Robot for 48 Hours" for a firsthand experience of advanced robotics. See the AgileX Robotics PiPER Robotic Arm undergo extreme performance testing. Explore the MangDang MD Robot Starter Kits, perfect for those interested in robotics. And get introduced to the NSF Human AugmentatioN via Dexterity (HAND) Engineering Research Center at Northwestern Robotics.
Embrace these innovations and spread the word, as we all have a role in shaping the future! Stay hungry, stay futurish!
🤯 Mind-Blowing
Research funded by the US government aims to explore the possibility of replacing aging brain tissue with new tissue without the need for a full patient replacement. This brain renewal approach could offer solutions for conditions like stroke, where brain function is lost. However, Hébert, a biologist at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, has primarily suggested total brain replacement and other anatomical replacements as the most feasible way to prevent death from old age. Hébert is investigating techniques to progressively replace brain tissue with lab-grown, youthful tissue in stages, enabling the brain to adapt and retain memories and personal identity. Hébert told MIT Technology Review that he had proposed a $110 million project to ARPA-H to prove his ideas in monkeys and other animals, and that the government “didn’t blink” at the figure.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, scientists from China and the U.S. have developed a new plant-derived nanoparticle therapy aimed at treating glioblastoma, the deadliest brain cancer. Using bardoxolone methyl (BM), the nanoparticles are designed to pass through the blood-brain barrier and specifically target tumor cells. Researchers from Wuhan’s Renmin Hospital and Yale University injected these nanoparticles into mice, observing their successful penetration of the brain and targeted attack on tumor cells.
Scientists have developed an innovative energy-harvesting device that can potentially generate continuous electricity from seawater. The team at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) designed this harvester, which leverages the natural motion of sodium ions in seawater to produce power. This environmentally friendly device holds promise for a variety of uses, such as powering sensors and tracking environmental conditions. The technology is self-sustaining, offering continuous energy without the need for external sources.
The UK’s first 'teacherless' AI classroom is set to open in London, marking a significant shift in education. This private school will employ artificial intelligence instead of human teachers, offering tailored learning experiences. The technology adapts to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, adjusting lesson plans throughout the term. Strong subjects are revisited towards the end of the term for review, while weaker areas are addressed sooner. Critics, however, warn that AI-driven education could result in a “soulless, bleak future.”
Scientists have developed an impressive AI capable of predicting blood pressure levels by analyzing vocal biomarkers, with accuracy rates of 84% for women and 77% for men in detecting high blood pressure. Researchers at Klick Labs have made a breakthrough in health monitoring with a non-invasive technique that uses voice analysis to predict chronic hypertension. This cutting-edge method offers a glimpse into the future of early hypertension detection, as Klick Labs aims to improve health outcomes using an accessible and effective tool.
🔊 Industry Insights & Updates
OpenAI is set to release a new series of models, starting with o1-preview, a cutting-edge reasoning model specifically designed to tackle complex problems. Unlike previous iterations, these models are engineered to spend more time analyzing and thinking before providing a response, allowing them to reason through intricate tasks more effectively. Whether in science, coding, or math, o1-preview outperforms earlier models by solving more challenging problems. Through extensive training, the models refine their reasoning, employ different strategies, and learn to recognize and correct mistakes. OpenAI o1 ranks in the 89th percentile on competitive programming questions, as seen on Codeforces, and places among the top 500 U.S. students in the qualifier for the USA Math Olympiad (AIME). Additionally, it surpasses human PhD-level accuracy in solving complex problems across physics, biology, and chemistry, as demonstrated by the GPQA benchmark.
Scientists have uncovered a hidden 'edge state' that could potentially lead to virtually limitless energy while exploring quantum phenomena. Studying effects like the quantum Hall effect and ‘edge state’ electrons is challenging due to their occurrence at incredibly small scales. Researchers at MIT have developed an experimental setup that replicates the quantum Hall effect using an ultracold cloud of sodium atoms instead of electrons. By extending interaction times to milliseconds, rather than femtoseconds, this new approach provides a clearer view into the quantum world’s elusive mysteries.
Microsoft has teamed up with Atom Computing to develop what could become the world’s most powerful quantum supercomputer, which will also be offered for commercial use. According to the company, this quantum machine represents a significant advancement in its Azure Quantum compute platform. Microsoft is working to deliver next-generation, reliable quantum hardware to customers by integrating Atom Computing’s neutral-atom technology into the Azure Quantum ecosystem.
A joint research effort between China and the U.S. has led to a breakthrough in perovskite solar cells, where high-concentration passivation was achieved without impacting cell performance. The researchers used a π-conjugated terpyridine Lewis-base molecular passivator, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 25.24%. Even after 2,664 hours of light exposure, the cells maintained 90% of their efficiency, showcasing the stability of this approach.
Japan is set to embark on a revolutionary journey in computing with the construction of the world’s first “zeta-class” supercomputer starting next year. Expected to be operational by 2030, this machine will boast speeds 1,000 times faster than today’s top supercomputers. The $750 million project reflects Japan’s determined efforts to secure a leading position in the fast-growing realm of artificial intelligence.
🧬 BioTech
A new gene therapy trial has demonstrated potential in significantly improving vision for people with Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA1), a rare genetic disease causing severe vision loss in early childhood. Affecting fewer than 100,000 individuals globally, the condition can lead to near blindness. After receiving the gene therapy, some participants saw a "100-fold" improvement in their vision, while others reported an astounding "10,000-fold" enhancement. This remarkable change is comparable to seeing clearly in moonlight after previously needing bright indoor lights to see.
A research team at Princeton has developed a groundbreaking tool that allows them to study chromosomes by physically manipulating DNA strands. By unlocking a key discovery, they can now explore the fundamental processes of gene expression to find new solutions for diseases like cancer. The researchers first solved a long-standing mystery by determining that chromosomes behave both like elastic and liquid. This insight enabled them to physically bend DNA strands and probe the genome. Building on prior work with condensates—membrane-less organelles that perform cellular functions before dispersing—they engineered condensates that respond to laser light, allowing them to peel back the “curtains” of DNA for deeper study.
A common food dye, when combined with a specific solution, has made mice's skin temporarily transparent. Researchers from the universities of Texas and Stanford conducted this groundbreaking study, which could significantly advance medical imaging. The process involved using a simple mixture of water and tartrazine, a widely used food coloring. When applied to the skulls and abdomens of the mice, the dye quickly made the skin in those areas transparent. This effect is reversible and harmless, as the dye is biocompatible. If adopted, this technique could revolutionize how internal organs are observed in living organisms.
💡Products/tools of the week
Hoody AI offers a dashboard that provides anonymous access to top large language models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, and more. Users can chat with multiple models simultaneously, interact via voice, upload documents, and edit prompts—all within a single platform. Hoody AI prioritizes privacy and anonymity, requiring no email or phone information. The platform is designed to ensure complete privacy, making it impossible for Hoody AI to track user activities on their network, aligning with both ethical and legal standards.
The Replit Agent is a sophisticated AI-powered tool designed to streamline the process of building software projects for users at all levels of expertise. By interpreting natural language prompts, this tool makes it possible to create applications from scratch with ease. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a novice, the Replit Agent offers a user-friendly approach to software development. It can take your initial ideas and transform them into fully functional applications, handling the complexities of coding and development so you can focus on bringing your vision to life.
Brainybear GPT-Based AI Chatbots make setup quick and easy, allowing you to get started in under three steps with no complex training or configurations required. These chatbots engage in conversations that feel natural and human-like, ensuring smooth and intuitive interactions. They are equipped to handle any question you might ask, no matter how unconventional. Over time, they get smarter and more helpful, learning from each chat to continuously improve.
Serra redefines recruitment with its GPT-powered search engine that eliminates the need for manual keyword selection and candidate reviews. Recruiters can now use plain English to conduct searches, and Serra will instantly present the most suitable matches. The AI handles all the complex research and analysis, providing a streamlined and effortless way to find the best talent. This revolutionary tool not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy of candidate selection, ensuring that recruiters can efficiently locate top candidates without the traditional hassle.
