The pursuit of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has sparked intense debate among experts, with some hailing it as a revolutionary breakthrough and others dismissing it as a marketing term. Despite the unclear definition of AGI, tech companies continue to push for its development, with some claiming significant progress. However, experts warn that the hype surrounding…
Science on The Soothsayer
A team of researchers from Linköping University in Sweden and Cornell University in the US has made a significant breakthrough in recycling perovskite solar cells, a promising material for next-generation solar panels. The team has developed a simple, non-toxic, water-based solvent to recycle almost all components of perovskite solar cells, which can be used to…
A recent review of studies evaluating healthcare AI models has found that only 5% use real patient data, and most assessments focus on medical knowledge rather than practical clinical tasks. Experts argue that current benchmark tests are distracting and don’t adequately account for the complexities of real-world cases, leading to hubris and potential failures in…
Researchers from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing have announced a breakthrough in quantum error correction using cat qubits, which could shorten the time required to develop large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers by up to five years. This innovation uses a special type of qubit called a cat qubit to reduce the total…
Two private companies, Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace, have successfully landed their spacecraft on the moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. While Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander experienced technical difficulties and landed on its side, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander touched down safely, marking a significant milestone in private lunar exploration. The…
Researchers have discovered hundreds of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter’s moon Io, with high-resolution images revealing dozens of massive lava lakes. These lakes are significantly larger than their Earthly counterparts and offer valuable insights into the moon’s volcanic activity and magma movement. The findings are expected to shed light on the plumbing system that powers Io’s…
Researchers in Australia have developed a nanosensor that can detect the onset of gestational diabetes with 95% accuracy. The superparamagnetic “nanoflower” sensor uses specially engineered nanoparticles to isolate and detect biomarkers in the blood associated with complications in early pregnancy. This technology has the potential to revolutionize risk assessment and improve clinical decision-making in obstetric…
Thousands of scientists, researchers, and advocates gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to protest federal employee firings and proposed funding cuts by the Trump administration. The rally, one of 32 events across the country, aimed to promote science and defend federal support for research. Participants expressed concern over the potential threat to scientific…
Physicists in Austria have successfully verified a long-predicted phenomenon from Einstein’s special theory of relativity, known as the “Terrell effect.” This effect states that objects moving near the speed of light will appear rotated to an external observer. Researchers used a laser and an ultrafast stop-motion camera to capture the rotation of a sphere and…
A global network of small, Wi-Fi-enabled telescopes has enabled hobby astronomers to contribute to astronomical research, discovering hundreds of asteroids, comets, and exoplanets. The network, led by the French company Unistellar, has expanded its reach through partnerships with nonprofits and universities, making it accessible to communities worldwide. This collaborative effort has transformed the way people…