Tech News related to EV – Carbon Emissions, Computer Attacks – Laser Light, AI – X-Rays, Face Detection – Deep Neural Networks, Mind-Controlled Robots, Electronic Sensors – Heart Cells’ Misbehaviors
Note: I do not write/own any of the tech news bits (and cover picture) given here. The links on each of the news bits will redirect to the news source. The content given under each headline is a basic gist and not the full story.
*Cover Picture Designed by: Freepik*
1. Study Finds Electric Vehicles Provide Lower Carbon Emissions Through Additional Channels
Source: Yale University
19 Dec 2021
A recent study found that the total indirect emissions from electric vehicles pale in comparison to the indirect emissions from fossil fuel-powered vehicles. This is in addition to the direct emissions from combusting fossil fuels — either at the tailpipe for conventional vehicles or at the power plant smokestack for electricity generation — showing electric vehicles have a clear advantage emissions-wise over conventional vehicles.
2. Computer Attacks with Laser Light
Source: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
21 Dec 2021
Computer systems that are physically isolated from the outside world (air-gapped) can still be attacked. This is demonstrated by IT security experts of KIT in the LaserShark project. They show that data can be transmitted to light-emitting diodes of regular office devices using a directed laser.
3. Artificial Intelligence Accurately Detects Fractures on X-rays, Alerts Human Readers
Source: Boston University School of Medicine
21 Dec 2021
A new study has found that artificial intelligence (AI) can help physicians in interpreting x-rays after an injury and suspected fracture. The AI algorithm (AI BoneView), was trained on a very large number of X-rays from multiple institutions to detect fractures of the limbs, pelvis, torso and lumbar spine, and rib cage.
4. Face Detection in Untrained Deep Neural Networks
Source: The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
21 Dec 2021
Researchers have found that higher visual cognitive functions can arise spontaneously in untrained neural networks. A research team has shown that visual selectivity of facial images can arise even in completely untrained deep neural networks.
5. Mind-Controlled Robots Now One Step Closer
Source: Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne 21 Dec 2021
Two EPFL research groups teamed up to develop a machine-learning program that can be connected to a human brain and used to command a robot. The program adjusts the robot’s movements based on electrical signals from the brain. The hope is that with this invention, tetraplegic patients will be able to carry out more day-to-day activities on their own.
Original written by: Valérie Geneux
6. ‘Pop-up’ Electronic Sensors Could Detect When Individual Heart Cells Misbehave
Source: University of California – San Diego
23 Dec 2021
Engineers have developed a powerful new tool that monitors the electrical activity inside heart cells, using tiny “pop-up” sensors that poke into cells without damaging them. The device directly measures the movement and speed of electrical signals traveling within a single heart cell—a first—as well as between multiple heart cells. It is also the first to measure these signals inside the cells of 3D tissues.
Original written by: Liezel Labios
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