ReachBot: The Insect-Like Robot Exploring Moon and Mars Caves An insect-like robot, ReachBot, is being designed to navigate the challenging terrains of caves on the Moon and Mars. https://youtu.be/4aIT1augLuw ReachBot’s Advanced Capabilities ReachBot, developed by the Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Lab at Stanford University, is equipped to scan its surroundings and identify graspable points on rocky surfaces. This mechanism is similar to how a multi-fingered hand operates, allowing ReachBot to explore areas currently beyond reach for other robots. Testing and Development Before venturing into the caves of the Moon or Mars, researchers tested a ReachBot prototype in California’s Mojave Desert.…
Author: Team Interstellar
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Discovery of the Haliskia Pterosaur in Australia Ancient Skies Over the Eromanga Sea Long ago, a fearsome pterosaur soared above the shallow Eromanga Sea, which once covered what is now inland Australia. This formidable flying reptile, known for its bony crest on both jaws and spike-shaped teeth, was perfectly adapted to snare fish and other marine prey. Unearthing the Haliskia Fossils Scientists recently announced the discovery of this creature’s fossils in Queensland, Australia. Named Haliskia peterseni, it lived alongside dinosaurs and marine reptiles during the Cretaceous Period. The remains are the most complete of any pterosaur found in Australia. With…
“Antarctica Metaverse” Video Game Makes Antarctic Science Accessible Exploring Antarctic Ecosystems Through Virtual Reality Developed by the University of Chile’s video game laboratory, “Antarctica Metaverse” is an innovative video game that allows players to explore various ecosystems, conduct scientific diving, sample native species, complete scientific logs, and detect pollution. This engaging approach aims to safeguard the region’s biodiversity by raising awareness about environmental issues. Victor Fajnzylber, the director of Antarctica Metaverse, explained that the game leverages video game languages and virtual reality to make Antarctic science accessible to a broader audience. The game features futuristic elements that project what pollution…
G7 Leaders Pledge to Accelerate Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Commitment to a Sustainable Future Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) developed democracies are set to commit to an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels during this decade. This pledge is part of a draft statement to be issued at the end of their ongoing summit in Italy. The G7 nations—comprising the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—aim to achieve a net-zero carbon emission target by 2050, aligning with the best available scientific recommendations. “We will transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a…
DNA Analysis Reveals Insights into Maya Child Sacrifice Discovery of the Chultun In 1967, archaeologists discovered an underground cistern, known as a chultun, near a sacred water body at Chichen Itza, a significant ancient Maya city on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Inside the chultun, they found skeletal remains of over 100 children. DNA Findings and Ritual Significance Recent DNA analysis of 64 of these children has shed light on the practice of child sacrifice at Chichen Itza before European contact. The remains revealed that all the children were boys, mostly aged 3 to 6, including brothers and two sets of identical…
Pentagon Chooses Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA for Security Space Missions The U.S. Department of Defense has selected Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to compete for national security space missions. These selections are part of a $5.6 billion award programme. Selection Details The Pentagon has not specified which rockets were chosen but mentioned that seven companies vied for a place in the programme. The selected rockets must be ready for their first missions by December. Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA are the first chosen under the Pentagon’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 procurement programme. This competition…
Apple Shares Surge to Record High After AI Unveiling Apple shares rose over 7% to a record high on Tuesday. This surge nearly reclaimed its title as the world’s most valuable company from Microsoft. The increase followed it’s announcement of new AI features aimed at boosting iPhone demand. Apple Stock Performance in 2024 Despite the recent rise, the company has been trailing the S&P 500 in 2024. This lag is due to declining iPhone sales and concerns that Apple is falling behind other tech giants in the race for AI dominance. On Tuesday, it’s stock soared 7.3%, closing at $207.15.…
Elephants May Use Names to Communicate with Each Other Over the years, researchers studying elephants have observed a fascinating behaviour. Sometimes when an elephant makes a vocalisation to a group, all the others respond. At other times, only a single individual replies to the same call. This raises the question: could they be addressing each other by names? A recent study of wild African savannah elephants in Kenya suggests this might be the case. Researchers analysed the vocalisations—mainly rumbles produced using their vocal cords—of more than 100 elephants in Amboseli National Park and Samburu National Reserve. Using a machine-learning model,…
Engineers in China Enhance Humanoid Robots’ Facial Expressions and Emotions In Dalian, a city on China’s northeastern coast, engineers at Ex-Robots are developing humanoid robots with an emphasis on facial expressions and emotions. https://youtu.be/lx-l3uVe71I Robot Development Process Inside the Ex-Robots factory, neck-length silicone masks, silicone arms, and feet are laid out on tables. Disembodied heads are displayed, while Emotionally Intelligent Humanoid Robots at various stages of construction stand nearby. Robot design drawings decorate the walls. “We have our own software and algorithm teams,” said Li Boyang, the Chief Executive of Ex-Robots. He mentioned that humanoid robots are the most complex…
Volunteers Protect Sea Turtle Eggs Amid Rising Temperatures On a secluded Malaysian beach, volunteers are taking action to protect sea turtle eggs. They carefully relocate newly laid eggs to cooler, shady areas, responding to concerns that rising temperatures are resulting in fewer male hatchlings. Temperature Determines Sex At the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary on Redang Island, researchers have noted a decrease in male sea turtle hatchlings. This change is attributed to climate change and exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has caused prolonged hot and dry spells. The temperature at which turtle eggs incubate determines the sex of…
