Brick laying bot company emerges from stealth
From Superinnovators 21/02/24 Amsterdam-based startup Monumental (f. 2021) emerged from stealth this week with a $25 million raise to expand its AI-powered, autonomous construction robots across Europe. The funding, co-led by Plural and Hummingbird, will enable the scaling of robot deployment and enhancement of their capabilities in handling diverse construction tasks. Founded by serial entrepreneurs […]
Red light can reduce blood glucose levels, says study
A recent study published in the Journal of Biophotonics reveals that exposure to 670 nm red light can stimulate mitochondrial energy production, leading to significant reductions in blood glucose levels, offering potential non-invasive benefits for diabetes management and raising concerns about the health impacts of blue light from LEDs.
A flicker of truth: Piercing the “continuity illusion”
A recent study by the Champalimaud Foundation reveals the superior colliculus’s critical role in processing the continuity illusion, fundamentally altering our understanding of motion perception in animals and humans.
Angle-dependent holograms made possible by metasurfaces
A research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology has developed a groundbreaking metasurface display technology capable of producing angle-dependent holograms, promising significant advancements in the fields of virtual and augmented reality, encrypted imaging, and information storage.
Newly discovered brain cells play a key role in right and left turns
Researchers have discovered a network of neurons in the brain of mice that help them make right and left turns. In the future, the discovery may be used in treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Five dazzling new species of eyelash vipers discovered in Colombia and Ecuador
Researchers at the Khamai Foundation have identified five new species of eyelash vipers in Colombia and Ecuador, enhancing our understanding of biodiversity and underscoring the need for conservation efforts in these regions.
Darting around with a tiny brain
Physicist Elisabetta Chicca’s latest research at the University of Groningen demonstrates how understanding insect brain functions can lead to advancements in creating energy-efficient computing, exemplified by a robot designed to navigate like an insect.
Floating swimming pool will filter dirty New York river water
From Superinnovators 19/02/24 US non-profit + POOL (f. 2014) have signed a historic partnership with New York State government to launch a river-sourced swimming facility, revealed last month. Set for summer 2024 for testing and opening to the public in 2025, the project received a £12.6m ($16m) investment to pilot and expand across New York. […]
Spring loaded nutcracker
From Superinnovators 19/02/24 Germany-based Take2-Design created Naomi, a nutcracker that utilises a helical spring with an attached striker to crack nuts. The device, which won a Reddotdesign award in 2013, is secured to a tabletop with one hand while the other pulls and releases a ball on the spring’s end, causing the striker to forcefully […]
There is no proof that AI can be controlled, according to extensive survey
The article discusses the significant challenges and potential dangers of controlling artificial intelligence, as highlighted by AI Safety expert Dr. Roman V. Yampolskiy, who argues for a cautious approach to AI development due to the lack of evidence for safe control and the possible existential risks it poses.