Humanoid diving robot hunts for sunken treasure in French shipwreck

‘Robo-mermaid’ able to reach depths too dangerous for human divers retrieves vase from wreck of Louis XIV’s flagship

Robotics scientists at the US’s Stanford University have achieved a remarkable first: they have successfully sent an automated avatar – which they describe as a robo-mermaid – down to an ancient shipwreck to retrieve a vase from the sunken vessel.

La Lune, the flagship of Louis XIV of France, sank 20 miles off the south coast city of Toulon in 1664. Only a few dozen of the hundreds of men on board survived. The wreck, which lies at a depth of 100 metres, had never been disturbed until the OceanOne robot craft reached it two weeks ago and recovered the grapefruit-size vase.

Continue reading...
via Humanoid diving robot hunts for sunken treasure in French shipwreck

That’s odd: Axis of evil stretches across the cosmos

Unexplained waves disrupt the smooth sea of radiation left over from the big bang. They could be evidence of cosmic complications we can’t see
via That’s odd: Axis of evil stretches across the cosmos

Processed food bad, natural food good? We’ve got it so wrong

The trend of demonising all processed food is misguided and will only doom attempts to persuade busy consumers to eat a balanced diet, says Anthony Warner
via Processed food bad, natural food good? We’ve got it so wrong

Record ivory burning shows world is failing Africa’s elephants

As Kenya prepares to symbolically destroy a huge stockpile of poached ivory, it is time for a radical rethink of how to save elephants, says Paola Cavalieri
via Record ivory burning shows world is failing Africa’s elephants

Let people most affected by gene editing write CRISPR rules

At a human gene editing summit in Paris today, scientists, ethicists and lawyers made the case for those affected by gene editing to call the shots
via Let people most affected by gene editing write CRISPR rules

Ebola virus does a total shutdown to hide before a fresh strike

Evidence that Ebola can lie dormant for over a year suggests that 17,000 survivors of the disease in West Africa could yet spread the virus to many others
via Ebola virus does a total shutdown to hide before a fresh strike

Strange Manx comet is time capsule from the early solar system

The tiny-tailed comet C/2014 S3 is a preserved piece of the original material that made the rocky planets, not a dirty snowball like its cometary siblings
via Strange Manx comet is time capsule from the early solar system

Video Friday: iCub Does Yoga, Wooden Walking Robot, and Wind Tunnel for Drones



Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
via Video Friday: iCub Does Yoga, Wooden Walking Robot, and Wind Tunnel for Drones

Muscular dystrophy is tragic, but patients aren’t always right

A US panel has rejected a new drug for muscular dystrophy. It was the right call, says Clare Wilson – it’s a myth that ground-breaking drugs are being kept from us
via Muscular dystrophy is tragic, but patients aren’t always right

The teenager who can’t help speaking in a French accent

Scanning the brain of a boy who has foreign accent syndrome has revealed that we use the cerebellum, a primitive region of our brains, to plan speech
via The teenager who can’t help speaking in a French accent

Revealed: Google AI has access to huge haul of NHS patient data

A data-sharing agreement obtained by New Scientist shows that Google DeepMind's collaboration with the NHS goes far beyond what it has publicly announced
via Revealed: Google AI has access to huge haul of NHS patient data

Weasel halts LHC experiments after chewing on a power cable

The Large Hadron Collider has suffered a power outage after the unfortunate critter chewed on a 66 kilovolt electrical transformer
via Weasel halts LHC experiments after chewing on a power cable

Why are religions so judgemental? Ask evolution

The rise of moralising religions like Christianity can be explained by evolution – and so can their eventual downfall, says evolutionary psychologist Nicolas Baumard
via Why are religions so judgemental? Ask evolution

Feedback: In the key of A, a secret plot to weaponise music

Plus Pastafarian plaques leave German pastor steaming, plutonium homeopathy offers a nuclear solution, Wagner opera presages relativity, and more
via Feedback: In the key of A, a secret plot to weaponise music

Japanese satellite’s death spiral linked to software malfunction

The Hitomi X-ray space telescope has failed just months after its launch, leaving astronomers hoping to glimpse black holes devastated
via Japanese satellite’s death spiral linked to software malfunction

A new politics of climate change could save the world

Diagnosing global warming leaves us transfixed like rabbits in the headlights: the point now is to act, argue a clutch of new books
via A new politics of climate change could save the world

Coma brain scans predict if a person will ever recover awareness

Detecting brain circuits that switch back and forth give a good indication of whether someone with brain damage is ever likely to recover full consciousness  
via Coma brain scans predict if a person will ever recover awareness

Inside the lost cave world of the Amazon’s tepui mountains

They rise like stone fortresses from the green jungle below, each hiding a secret, long-lost world. Now, we're getting some of the first glimpses inside
via Inside the lost cave world of the Amazon’s tepui mountains

What 3DR was up to at NAB 2016

Last week at NAB 2016, we unveiled our new drone: Solo.

You might remember we unveiled Solo at NAB 2015. You remember right. However, you may also remember our promise last year, that we built Solo to evolve: You wouldn’t have to buy a new drone this year in order to get this year’s drone technology.

And so this year, we give you: Solo!

We’re proud to say we delivered on last year’s promise, both in terms of new (free) software, as well as a broad lineup of new hardware from our Made for Solo program.

For the software news — including sense-and-avoid via software; new Smart Shots; and rewind — click here.

The new hardware:

 

sony_camera_2x

The Sony UMC-R10C for 3DR’s Site Scan enterprise solution. Available for preorder this summer.

Capture ultra-high resolution images with the gimballed Sony UMC-R10C. The large APS-C image sensor allows for exceptional low-light and low-noise performance. Automatically trigger 20MP stills that are ideal for high-resolution inspections and photorealistic georeferenced 2D and 3D models.

 

 

Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 2.01.02 PM

A gimbal for the Flir Vue and the Flir Vue Pro IR cameras from RHP International.

Thermal imaging is here!

  • Active 3-axis stabilized gimbal system
  • Supports Flir Vue and Vue Pro thermal cmaeras
  • Pan & tilt control from 3DR controller
  • Video and image capture on integrated mini SD card
  • Consolidated wire system

 

 

Screen Shot 2016-04-28 at 1.55.10 PM

Kodak PixPro SP360 4K 360 cameras. An immersive 360-degree VR camera from Kodak, Made for Solo with custom stitching software. It ships this summer, either as a bundle with the vibration-isolated hard mount ($999), or, if you have or buy the cameras separately, with the hard mount alone ($199).

As if Solo wasn’t cool enough.

  • Record 4k immersive 360 VR video from the air
  • Vibration-isolated attachments for two SP360 4k action cameras
  • Wearable remote control for synched recording
  • State-of-the-art post-production stitching software customized for Solo
  • Ships this summer

 

 

skylight The Fiilex AL250 Light for Solo

Sky light:

  • Dynamic set lighting from virtually any angle
  • Detachable, for hand-held use
  • Powerful enough for search & rescue and after-hours work
  • Mount with a gimbaled camera
  • 5600K CCT  2000 Lumen
  • Shipping in the next few weeks!

 

 

tether

The Hoverfly Tether for Solo

Endless flight:

  • 150 ft-long powered tether (plugs into standard outlets)
  • Set up a tripod in the sky: sports, events and job sites
  • Pair with Fiilex light for scene lighting
  • With Solo’s HDMI out, the perfect tool for live broadcast

And safety accessories from PolarPro: Prop guards and bright front/back LED lights, all Made for Solo.

PolarPro’s prop guards for Solo add an extra element of protection to your drone. They slip onto each Solo arm, with a retaining clip that locks them in place. Prop guards won’t prevent all crashes; however, they’re a great way to reduce the risk of damaging your drone.

The 3DR Solo LED lights from PolarPro securely mount to Solo for increased visibility while flying. The headlights are white and the taillights are red to allow pilots to determine their drone’s orientation in low light or at a distance.

The post What 3DR was up to at NAB 2016 appeared first on 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology.


via What 3DR was up to at NAB 2016

Your choice of chocolate and contraceptive affect your gut bugs

The largest ever study of microbiomes reveals 69 factors that affect the bacteria that live in your gut, including diet and everyday medicines
via Your choice of chocolate and contraceptive affect your gut bugs

Kingdom-busting volcanoes linked to the rise of the Roman Empire

Unrest that spelled the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, paving the way for the Roman Empire, may have been triggered by droughts caused by eruptions
via Kingdom-busting volcanoes linked to the rise of the Roman Empire

The upside of nightmares: How bad dreams are also good for you

Scary as nightmares are, they boost your creativity and provide a way to make sure night-time isn't fright time, as Michelle Carr is discovering in her lab
via The upside of nightmares: How bad dreams are also good for you

App watches you take your pills and knows when you’re faking

A smartphone app monitors drug trial participants to ensure they take their medication correctly, and can also check that people finish courses of antibiotics
via App watches you take your pills and knows when you’re faking

How Minecraft is helping children with autism make new friends

Playing video games online can be antisocial – but the Autcraft community is helping children with autism learn social skills and build relationships
via How Minecraft is helping children with autism make new friends

Antibiotics apocalypse: Tales from fighters on the front line

Our hospitals could one day be brought to their knees by antibiotic-resistant superbugs – doctors and scientists are seeing the first glimpse of such a world
via Antibiotics apocalypse: Tales from fighters on the front line

Stanford's Humanoid Diving Robot Takes on Undersea Archaeology and Coral Reefs



OceanOne is smaller, nimbler, and easier to control than traditional underwater ROVs
via Stanford's Humanoid Diving Robot Takes on Undersea Archaeology and Coral Reefs

SpaceX claims it can get to Mars by 2018 – what are its chances?

The timeline could slip, but industry experts are remarkably optimistic about Elon Musk's company's chances of landing a craft on Mars in the next few years
via SpaceX claims it can get to Mars by 2018 – what are its chances?

Processed food bad, natural food good? We’ve got it so wrong

The trend of demonising all processed food is misguided and will only doom attempts to persuade busy consumers to eat a balanced diet, says Anthony Warner
via Processed food bad, natural food good? We’ve got it so wrong

Nimble-fingered robot hands could help clean up nuclear waste

Robotic hands and arms that exactly mimic the precise movements of a human, instead of being controlled by a joystick, could help us work in dangerous environments
via Nimble-fingered robot hands could help clean up nuclear waste

Noah’s ark island is saving vulnerable species in Australia

Endangered species shipped to Wedge island are thriving there and seemingly engineering an ecosystem that benefits island's native species, too
via Noah’s ark island is saving vulnerable species in Australia

Lizard gets to grips with city life by evolving stickier feet

Anole lizards have a talent for evolution, and it's not confined to the wild – urban-dwellers have evolved new traits to help them climb windows and walls
via Lizard gets to grips with city life by evolving stickier feet

Are Engineers Designing Their Robotic Replacements?



The profession could be putting itself out of work
via Are Engineers Designing Their Robotic Replacements?

That’s odd: Unruly penguins hint where all the antimatter went

Rare “penguin” particle decays should all happen at the same rate. They don’t – perhaps providing a clue to why we live in a universe made of matter
via That’s odd: Unruly penguins hint where all the antimatter went

Sperm-binding beads could work as fertility aid or contraceptive

Microbeads coated in a human egg protein work as a contraceptive in mice and could also be used to select the best sperm for IVF  
via Sperm-binding beads could work as fertility aid or contraceptive

Map of the brain’s word filing system could help us read minds

Brain scans show how words linked to specific concepts are stored in themed areas, giving us a way to peek at people's thoughts
via Map of the brain’s word filing system could help us read minds

Milky Way’s nearest galaxies may be new to the neighbourhood

The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds have their stars all out of order, suggesting they only recently showed up on the Milky Way's doorstep
via Milky Way’s nearest galaxies may be new to the neighbourhood

Battle of the big cats sees tiger hunt and devour a lynx

A snow-covered forest in the far east of Russia was the stage for the cat fight – the first lethal encounter spotted between the two species
via Battle of the big cats sees tiger hunt and devour a lynx

Fungal products won’t win prizes for glamour but will be greener

Food, clothes and building materials made from mycelial threads impress Sjef van Gaalen at the Fungal Futures exhibition in Utrecht, the Netherlands
via Fungal products won’t win prizes for glamour but will be greener

Never-before-seen moon spotted around dwarf planet Makemake

Astronomers have previously looked for a satellite orbiting the Kuiper belt object and found nothing, so were surprised when one turned up
via Never-before-seen moon spotted around dwarf planet Makemake

Smallest perching bird’s long-lost family revealed by genetics

The pygmy bushtit was thought to be the only surviving species of its genus. Now genetics is showing that it’s not so different from its larger cousins
via Smallest perching bird’s long-lost family revealed by genetics

State of US health: black health up, teen pregnancies down

A report on health in the US finds that people are living longer, racial disparities are improving, but suicide, heroin use and ADHD are on the rise
via State of US health: black health up, teen pregnancies down

Animals may be fed manure-bred maggots to make meat sustainable

An EU ban on the use of insect larvae in feed for farmed salmon, pigs and chicken may be relaxed after study concludes that it is safe
via Animals may be fed manure-bred maggots to make meat sustainable

Prescription monitoring system to curb drug abuse in Australia

Real-time monitoring for drugs like OxyContin, morphine and Xanax is intended to enable doctors and pharmacists in Victoria to curb addiction and offer help
via Prescription monitoring system to curb drug abuse in Australia

The 4 genetic traits that helped humans conquer the world

Red hair isn’t all we got from Neanderthals. Without DNA gleaned from extinct human species our ancestors might never have survived Earth’s extremes
via The 4 genetic traits that helped humans conquer the world

An Earth made verdant by greenhouse gases brings its own dangers

Fresh evidence that carbon pollution is greening our planet will be billed as good news by climate deniers. It isn't, says Olive Heffernan
via An Earth made verdant by greenhouse gases brings its own dangers

Zero Zero's Camera Drone Could Be a Robot Command Center in the Future



Hover Camera follows you by face recognition. Zero Zero Robotics says its camera drone may evolve into the eyes of a home robotics system
via Zero Zero's Camera Drone Could Be a Robot Command Center in the Future

Insects reveal an alien beauty in huge extreme close-up photos

You have never seen insects in such astounding detail before – each image took the photographer weeks to create from thousands of microscope shots
via Insects reveal an alien beauty in huge extreme close-up photos

Can two new books save the internet from its own success?

Monopolies love, and more or less own, the internet - but Pat Kane believes its revolutionary potential is not yet lost
via Can two new books save the internet from its own success?

Upside-down lightning and mystery blue glimpses caught on film

Fantastical light shows go on above thunderclouds, full of little-studied phenomena like upside-down lightning. Now they've been snapped from Earth and the ISS
via Upside-down lightning and mystery blue glimpses caught on film

'She has a name': Amazon's Alexa is a sleeper hit, with serious superfans

The always-on Amazon Echo is developing a personality among early adopters who say they aren’t worried about privacy, and welcome a listening ear

When Steven Arkonovich brought home his Amazon Echo, he knew the little machine’s basic functions: he could ask it to tell him the weather, add something to his shopping cart, or play NPR.

The Echo was always on, waiting, listening for his invocation. Say “Alexa” and it lit up blue, ready to answer questions – “Where is the nearest Chinese restaurant?” – or act on orders – ‘Call me an Uber’ – responding in a calm, confident female voice.

Related: Goodbye privacy, hello Alexa: here's to Amazon echo, the home robot who hears it all

I think of Alexa as a nice library lady who lives in the black cylinder

And there’s something transparent about Amazon selling a device that they’re telling you is listening

Continue reading...
via 'She has a name': Amazon's Alexa is a sleeper hit, with serious superfans

When the new guy’s a robot

The world's biggest ad agency has just hired its first AI creative director - a clever stunt or the beginning of the end for its human counterparts?
via When the new guy’s a robot

Plants may form memories using mad cow disease proteins

Prion proteins are infamous for their role in mad cow disease, but they also help yeasts form memories. They have now been discovered in plants
via Plants may form memories using mad cow disease proteins

Bathing in blue light before surgery may prevent organ damage

Exposing mice to blue light for 24 hours can reduce common post-surgical organ damage called reperfusion injury. Trials will soon begin in humans
via Bathing in blue light before surgery may prevent organ damage

To Build the Best Robotic Exoskeleton, Make It on the Cheap



So says exoskeleton pioneer Homayoon Kazerooni as he brings Phoenix, his latest invention, to market
via To Build the Best Robotic Exoskeleton, Make It on the Cheap

Hacking the LHC to sift trash could help find a mystery particle

The Large Hadron Collider is gearing up to try to confirm hints of an unexpected new particle, and there could be an unorthodox new way to spot it
via Hacking the LHC to sift trash could help find a mystery particle

Cassini gears up for final fiery plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere

After more than a decade orbiting Saturn, Cassini is almost out of fuel. The craft's final daring mission looms – a fatal dive into the gas giant's atmosphere
via Cassini gears up for final fiery plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere

My mind’s eye is blind – so what’s going on in my brain?

Dustin Grinnell can't think in pictures – but people like him are teaching us a lot about how our brains process the things we see
via My mind’s eye is blind – so what’s going on in my brain?

Bear dung helps Japanese cherry trees survive climate change

Cherry trees hit by rising temperatures can't escape, but their seeds are hitching a ride uphill to cooler habitats thanks to bears doing what they do in the woods
via Bear dung helps Japanese cherry trees survive climate change

Plant bleeds nectar when attacked to summon ant defenders

The bittersweet nightshade secretes sugary fluid from wounds, attracting ants that deter plant-eating pests
via Plant bleeds nectar when attacked to summon ant defenders

Huge never-before-seen lake spotted hiding under Antarctic ice

The subglacial lake is second in size only to Lake Vostok, but much nearer to research stations, making it easier to hunt there for new life forms
via Huge never-before-seen lake spotted hiding under Antarctic ice

Hidden motors: cycling’s mechanical doping problem hits new low

Cycling, a sport infamous for abuse of performance-enhancing drugs, must get to grips with the mechanical doping of bikes, says Lily Hay Newman
via Hidden motors: cycling’s mechanical doping problem hits new low

Inside the lost cave world of the Amazon’s tepui mountains

They rise like stone fortresses from the green jungle below, each hiding a secret, long-lost world. Now, we're getting some of the first glimpses inside
via Inside the lost cave world of the Amazon’s tepui mountains

A looming water crisis demands creative thinking

Water may look like a local resource but is actually a global commons that requires a joined-up plan to distribute fairly
via A looming water crisis demands creative thinking

Vampire vine helps to destroy alien European weeds in Australia

The native devil's twine sucks life out of its victims, and holds promise as a control agent down under - causing most damage to invasive plants
via Vampire vine helps to destroy alien European weeds in Australia

Video Friday: Snakebot Swimming Robots and Duckies and Giant Eyeball Blimp



Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
via Video Friday: Snakebot Swimming, Robots and Duckies, and Giant Eyeball Blimp

Water telescopes first sky map shows flickering black holes

The High Altitude Water Cherenkov observatory has released its first map of the high-energy sky, catching pulsars, supernova remnants and blazars switching on and off
via Water telescope’s first sky map shows flickering black holes

Earths core is two-and-a-half years younger than its crust

We have long known that gravity makes the Earth's centre age more slowly than its surface – but the effect is much more pronounced than once thought
via Earth’s core is two-and-a-half years younger than its crust

Purple pain: Why grief runs so deep when a pop icon dies young

It is natural to be upset when a music star like Prince dies young, because of the combination of a premature death and loss of talent, says Dianna Kenny
via Purple pain: Why grief runs so deep when a pop icon dies young

Judge gene-edited crops by what they do not how they are made

Europe’s regulators should focus on food safety, not on whether they meet a ridiculous definition of a genetically modified organism, says Michael Le Page
via Judge gene-edited crops by what they do, not how they are made

First direct evidence of ancient Marss oxygen-rich atmosphere

Suspicions that Mars once had oxygen-rich air are backed by the NASA Curiosity rover's find of manganese oxide in surface rocks
via First direct evidence of ancient Mars’s oxygen-rich atmosphere

Huge never-before-seen lake spotted hiding under Antarctic ice

The subglacial lake is second in size only to Lake Vostok, but much nearer to research stations, making it easier to hunt there for new life forms
via Huge never-before-seen lake spotted hiding under Antarctic ice

Feedback: A hot tip on the latest celebrity diet

Plus a troupe of Tims needed for nominative determinism play, free range vacuum cleaners, the offical unit of beauty, bus prohibits passengers, and more
via Feedback: A hot tip on the latest celebrity diet

How to explore Guatemalas Mayan ruins from 4500 kilometres away

Virtual tourism is about to take off, giving people the chance to visit the world's most beautiful – and inaccessible – places without leaving home
via How to explore Guatemala’s Mayan ruins from 4500 kilometres away

The buzz of your skull can be used to tell exactly who you are

A biometric system that identifies individuals by the way sound passes through the bone of their skulls could be built into smart glasses
via The buzz of your skull can be used to tell exactly who you are

Meet our hybrid ancestors who kept extinct humans DNA alive

Neanderthals, Denisovans and other extinct humans live on inside our cells – but what was life like for the hybrid humans who carried their genes?
via Meet our hybrid ancestors who kept extinct humans’ DNA alive

Sleeping away from home? Half your brain is still awake

People often struggle to sleep their first night in an unfamiliar room, which might be because the left brain remains vigilant for threats
via Sleeping away from home? Half your brain is still awake

The foundations of schizophrenia may be laid down in the womb

People who develop schizophrenia may have been born with structural changes to the brain, caused by lower levels of an important signalling molecule
via The foundations of schizophrenia may be laid down in the womb

Half a degree extra warming would lead to catastrophic impacts

At the Paris climate summit world leaders agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2°C –  now a study shows that half degree may mean a world of difference
via Half a degree extra warming would lead to catastrophic impacts

Hubble telescope catches stunning picture of the Bubble Nebula

NASA’s largest space observatory has taken a striking picture of a giant cosmic bubble to celebrate being in orbit for 26 years
via Hubble telescope catches stunning picture of the Bubble Nebula

Hidden motors: cyclings mechanical doping problem hits new low

Cycling, a sport infamous for abuse of performance-enhancing drugs, must get to grips with the mechanical doping of bikes, says Lily Hay Newman
via Hidden motors: cycling’s mechanical doping problem hits new low

Childcare and housework are what give women more heart problems

Women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men because of traditional gender roles rather than because of biological differences between the sexes
via Childcare and housework are what give women more heart problems

Scientists exempted but anti-lobbying clause still did damage

A last-minute U-turn exempted scientists from the UK’s anti-lobbying rule but damage has been done and the future still looks difficult
via Scientists exempted but anti-lobbying clause still did damage

Dmitry Grishin Doubles Down on Robotics With New $100 Million Fund



The Russian investor still thinks that robotics is the next big thing
via Dmitry Grishin Doubles Down on Robotics With New $100 Million Fund

The layout of QWERTY keyboards shapes our feelings about words

Our emotional association with words and names seems to be influenced by our use of computer keyboards – an effect that has now been found all over the web
via The layout of QWERTY keyboards shapes our feelings about words

How two tiny dots defy the history of life and the solar system

Two specks of rock that formed when Earth was young suggest we've got to rethink everything from the story of the solar system to the origins of life
via How two tiny dots defy the history of life and the solar system

21-million-year-old fossil is North Americas first monkey

The extraordinary find pushes back the arrival of primates to the continent by 18 million years but raises another question - why didn't they thrive there?
via 21-million-year-old fossil is North America’s first monkey

Climate change has been kind to Americans but it wont last

Most of the US has better weather now than 40 years ago, and this might explain why Americans tend to be less convinced of the dangers of climate change
via Climate change has been kind to Americans – but it won’t last

Victorians experienced early climate change but missed the signs

Europe in Victorian times was already starting to see evidence of global warming, with temperatures rising by 0.4 °C and ice on lakes melting earlier
via Victorians experienced early climate change but missed the signs

NASAs Dawn probe may visit third asteroid after Ceres and Vesta

The team behind Dawn, the first ever asteroid-hopping spacecraft, have asked NASA for permission to extend its mission to a third destination  
via NASA’s Dawn probe may visit third asteroid after Ceres and Vesta

Dusty doughnut around massive black hole spied for first time

The bright discs of gas around a galaxy’s central black hole are thought to be obscured by a torus of dust. We’ve now seen one directly
via Dusty doughnut around massive black hole spied for first time

New Arctic life on barren seabed thrives on methane jets

Newly discovered species of fish, sea spiders, clams, starfish and snails have been spotted around methane plumes on an otherwise barren Arctic floor
via New Arctic life on barren seabed thrives on methane jets

Metadating helps you find love based on your everyday data

Some sites use algorithms to match people looking for love – "metadating" goes a step further and lets you pore over a potential date's data
via Metadating helps you find love based on your everyday data

Do flatlining emissions make Paris climate deal more realistic?

Global CO2 emissions have stalled. Have we reached a turning point, or are delegates at this week's UN signing ceremony putting their names to a doomed deal?
via Do flatlining emissions make Paris climate deal more realistic?

We are closing in on possible whereabouts of Planet Nine

The hunt for Planet Nine heats up as a new analysis of the Cassini spacecraft's data narrows down the orbit of the potential planet at the edge of the solar system
via We are closing in on possible whereabouts of Planet Nine

EU is good for UK science but hampers GM and clinical trials

The UK’s membership of the EU may have slowed adoption of some biotechnology, but overall it is has been good for science, says a House of Lords report
via EU is good for UK science but hampers GM and clinical trials

Sydneys nanoscience lab has floating floors and Faraday cages

Unveiled this week, the Sydney Nanoscience Hub has air 100 times cleaner than an operating theatre, and is shielded by Faraday cages
via Sydney’s nanoscience lab has floating floors and Faraday cages

The mobile games that are more about evolving beauty than action

Forget frenetic first-person shooters or difficult puzzles – the newest breed of smartphone games are a lot more gentle
via The mobile games that are more about evolving beauty than action

Vincent van Bot: the robots turning their hand to art

Twenty-six robots designed by students across the US will compete in an art contest that offers a glimpse into the creative potentials of artificial intelligence

A painter dips a small paintbrush into a cup of black paint, creating an impressionist portrait of a smiling old woman. With the skill of an old master, e-David is a one-armrobot powered by a PC, five paintbrushes and a palette of 24 colors. He takes photos as he paints, calculating where to lighten or darken his masterpiece, showing that artworks made by robots are not only made by the programmer.

Continue reading...
via Vincent van Bot: the robots turning their hand to art

Its mind-blowing what our puny brains can do

Physics is on a hot streak. Sean Carroll speculates on the next big breakthrough, and warns of quantum wars ahead
via It’s mind-blowing what our puny brains can do

Dementia incidence for over 65s has fallen drastically in UK men

Over the past 20 years, the incidence of dementia has fallen by 41 per cent in men – but only by 2.5 per cent in women, who are more prone to the disease
via Dementia incidence for over 65s has fallen drastically in UK men

Mobileye Bullish on Full Automation but Pooh-Poohs Deep-Learning AI for Robocars



Company abandons incrementalism, but will keep on annotating road scenes by hand instead of by machine
via Mobileye Bullish on Full Automation, but Pooh-Poohs Deep-Learning AI for Robocars

Pollutants found in fish we eat can compromise bodys defences

Some chemicals detected in yellowfin tuna stop cells expelling harmful molecules, raising new questions about how cocktails of pollutants affect health
via Pollutants found in fish we eat can compromise body’s defences

Zika may bring a wave of mental health problems in future years

Birth defects caused by Zika virus have dominated the news. Less well-known is the chance it could cause mental illness in later life, says Harriet Washington
via Zika may bring a wave of mental health problems in future years

Unprecedented global warming as 2016 approaches 1.5 C mark

Temperatures could soar to 1.3 °C or more above pre-industrial levels this year, taking us alarmingly close to 1.5 °C before the Paris deal even comes into effect
via Unprecedented global warming as 2016 approaches 1.5 °C mark

Hitchin a ride: Brittle star gets a lift on larger starfish

This unusual embrace was spotted in the warm, shallow waters of the Solomon Islands – but once the tiddler grows it will swamp its transport
via Hitchin’ a ride: Brittle star gets a lift on larger starfish

Why super-gonorrhoea is spreading and may soon be untreatable

England’s public health agency has launched an “incident response” because it has discovered more cases of gonorrhoea that are resistant to nearly all antibiotics
via Why super-gonorrhoea is spreading and may soon be untreatable

Science isnt as solid as it should be but science can fix it

Unconscious biases and data-torturing are weakening our knowledge base – but unlike politicians and bankers, scientists aren't covering up their failings
via Science isn’t as solid as it should be – but science can fix it

Brexit might lead to weaker environmental rules says report

A vote to leave the EU on 23 June would have uncertain, possibly detrimental effects on the UK's standards of environmental protection
via Brexit might lead to weaker environmental rules, says report

First evidence that sperm epigenetics affect the next generation

A frog study provides the strongest evidence yet that a father’s lifestyle may affect the next generation, via chemical tags that change gene activity
via First evidence that sperm epigenetics affect the next generation

Water telescope’s first sky map shows flickering black holes

The High Altitude Water Cherenkov observatory has released its first map of the high-energy sky, catching pulsars, supernova remnants and blazars switching on and off
via Water telescope’s first sky map shows flickering black holes

Gravitational wave hunters gear up to detect extreme black holes

The LIGO experiment only recently made the first sighting of gravitational waves, but already the team is preparing for their next feat
via Gravitational wave hunters gear up to detect extreme black holes

Robot Arm Helps You 3D Print By "Guided Hand"



Skill is no longer necessary for 3D printing in mid-air by hand
via Robot Arm Helps You 3D Print By "Guided Hand"

A Super-Stretchy Self-Healing Artificial Muscle



It's more like Mr. Fantastic than The Thing
via A Super-Stretchy Self-Healing Artificial Muscle

Computer generates all possible ideas to beat patent trolls

A project called All Prior Art generates millions of trivial ideas and places them in the public domain so they can’t be patented for profit
via Computer generates all possible ideas to beat patent trolls

Why so much science research is flawed – and what to do about it

Dodgy results are fuelling flawed policy decisions and undermining medical advances. They could even make us lose faith in science. New Scientist investigates
via Why so much science research is flawed – and what to do about it

How can we keep aircraft safe from future drone strikes?

The suspected drone collision with a passenger plane at Heathrow airport could accelerate regulation and herald the rise of geo-fencing technology
via How can we keep aircraft safe from future drone strikes?

38 genes influence when you lose your virginity. But so what?

A genetic study has found areas of the genome linked with the age at which people have sex for the first time. What should we make of it, asks Clare Wilson
via 38 genes influence when you lose your virginity. But so what?

3D Robotics Announces Transformative New Software for Solo

The latest stream of cutting-edge software from 3DR includes augmented reality, interactive scene awareness and new Smart Shots, and it will dramatically enhance the aerial filming experience and all-around safety of drone flight.

Apr. 18, Las Vegas — Today 3DR, America’s largest drone maker, announced their Solo smart drone will support a suite of advanced software that will make Solo more powerful, more safe and overall a more versatile drone. From the drone’s release at NAB 2015, 3DR has promised this kind of evolution. The new software includes augmented reality, customizable geofencing, automatic flight path rewinding and two new Smart Shots, Pano and Zipline. It will be compatible with any and every Solo, dramatically multiplying the possibilities for creative storytelling, and making the experience of flight safer and more sophisticated than ever.

Scene Awareness via Software

In 2016, 3DR has invested in a software approach to scene awareness. The company evaluated the current state of sense-and-avoid hardware, and, while available and viable to mount on drones like Solo today, it’s still imperfect. As opposed to first-generation on-board hardware that can make pilots overconfident to the point they might overlook their environment, this comprehensive approach does the opposite, raising the user’s awareness of their environment and of what they’re asking the drone to do in that environment. It makes everyone a safer, more informed and more effective pilot.

 

Augmented Reality

Breakthrough Augmented Reality features enhance the overall flying and Smart Shot experience. The Solo app will overlay visuals in real time on your mobile screen; for example, animating your home point, or your Orbit point of focus. This improves the visualization and execution of creative shots, along with providing another dimension of real-time scene awareness for safer, more informed and more productive flights.

AR

 

Custom Geofencing

New in-app geofencing gives users the ability to define a virtual fence around Solo at any time in flight just by drawing on their screen with their fingertip. Users can define this virtual “safety net” for Solo to fly within by setting four points on their satellite view; this will create an area around Solo that the drone can’t leave. Users can do this before taking off or while Solo is in the air, allowing them to easily block off nearby obstacles or entire areas at any time.

geofence-2

 

Rewind

With the press of a button, Solo will retrace its exact path for the last 60 feet of your flight (this distance will be user-definable in the app) to ensure it avoids obstacles on its way back home.

rewind2-2

New Smart Shots

Pano

Solo now has a new “Pano” Smart Shot. (Smart Shots are 3DR’s breakthrough computer-assisted cinema technology that enables users to capture the kinds of complex shots that used to require years of practice.) Pano allows users to easily design and capture an aerial panorama. Take time to set up the perfect shot, then Solo automatically pans and snaps the right photos at the right time.

pano-2-2

 

Zipline

The Zipline Smart Shot allows users to set an infinite ray in any direction the camera is facing, just by pushing a button. They can then fly up and down that line, controlling speed and direction as well as the camera. Quickly fly in any direction to catch fast-moving subjects; or fly at an angle, even straight up, for dynamic shots. Zipline also has a “spot lock” feature for fixing the camera on a point of interest independent from the zipline. Look at something, press spot lock and Solo keeps the camera fixed on the subject while the copter approaches and passes on the zipline, for a dramatic flyby.

 

Follow Updates

The inventors of the follow drone continue to lead the way in this technology. Follow now offers a “leash” mode, where Solo will always follow from directly behind the subject. This can also be useful for obstacle avoidance; if the subject travels along a path with obstacles on either side (at a reasonable distance), Solo will take the same route. In addition to leash mode, Solo will also account for altitude changes (available on iPhone 6 and above) when following a subject climbing or descending slopes. And those who want to shoot over water will be happy to see the new “boat mode,” which allows Solo to take off from a moving platform.

 

“We didn’t design Solo as a product, but as a platform — which is industry jargon for ‘ongoing experience,’” said Colin Guinn, CRO of 3DR. “This means that instead of pouring our innovation into a whole new drone to sell you, we keep developing on Solo, so the technology in the drone you have today just gets better as time goes on. Solo has delivered on that promise, a drone that’s evolved ahead of the technology curve and anticipated with what serious pilots and creatives really want in their drone. We’ve always been committed to thoughtfully applying the smartest technology to help you harness your own creativity, so you can easily and quickly create and capture the incredible shots you want. This release extends the experience you can take to the air, and also makes everyone a more engaged and safer pilot.”

To buy Solo, click here.

 

The post 3D Robotics Announces Transformative New Software for Solo appeared first on 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology.


via 3D Robotics Announces Transformative New Software for Solo

Don’t like the buttons on your toaster? Just print your own

Software that scans your home appliances, then lets you design and 3D print new layouts for their controls heralds a new era of home hacking
via Don’t like the buttons on your toaster? Just print your own

No link between major earthquakes that struck Japan and Ecuador

Both Japan and Ecuador lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire, but the timing of the quakes of the last few days is a coincidence
via No link between major earthquakes that struck Japan and Ecuador

Dolphins have a language that helps them solve problems together

When faced with a puzzle that two can solve better than one, bottlenose dolphins chatter away, suggesting that they have a specific vocalisation for working together
via Dolphins have a language that helps them solve problems together

'Exam factory' schools urged to shift emphasis to online learning

Institute of Directors report says computer-based teaching would prepare students for a future when work is done by robots

High-quality, low-cost online courses could be used to shift schools away from being “exam factories” and help students keep pace with the threat of automation, according to a new report by the Institute of Directors.

The report argues that the internet allows schools to be more flexible and adapt learning towards “a future in which more and more work is taken over by robots or computers”.

Related: Welcome to the robot-based workforce: will your job become automated too?

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via 'Exam factory' schools urged to shift emphasis to online learning

Space station turf war is coming – who will own low Earth orbit?

The International Space Station's days are numbered, but China, Russia, the US and private corporations are vying for position in the new space order
via Space station turf war is coming – who will own low Earth orbit?

Video Friday: MIT Mini Cheetah, Jibo Sound Localization, and BB-8 Meets Mars Rover



Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos
via Video Friday: MIT Mini Cheetah, Jibo Sound Localization, and BB-8 Meets Mars Rover

Waking supervolcano makes North Korea and West join forces

Rare example of collaboration with isolationist regime's researchers helps reveal secrets of one of the world’s largest volcanoes
via Waking supervolcano makes North Korea and West join forces

Turn your skin into a screen with a super-thin digital display

Electronic skin with an LED display can be used by athletes to show their heart rate – and could one day place a smartphone screen on the back of your hand
via Turn your skin into a screen with a super-thin digital display

Cow’s milk has vital prebiotic for a healthy baby’s microbiome

Cow's milk prebiotic could be used to soup up baby formula, and encourage the growth of essential gut bacteria in infants
via Cow’s milk has vital prebiotic for a healthy baby’s microbiome

We are zombies rewriting our mental history to feel in control

Ever thought you have an uncanny knack of predicting events? It's probably down to shortcomings in the human brain
via We are zombies rewriting our mental history to feel in control

Mysterious deep-sea sharks biting chunks out of migrating whales

Cookie-cutter sharks rise from the depths to feed on whales – and the wounds they leave are shedding light on both the sharks and their prey
via Mysterious deep-sea sharks biting chunks out of migrating whales

Warning: Wakefield’s anti-vax film may make you sick

Andrew Wakefield's documentary attempting to prop up his discredited linking of MMR vaccine to autism is one for the conspiracy theorists, says Paul Offit
via Warning: Wakefield’s anti-vax film may make you sick

Face-to-face with Great Barrier Reef’s worst coral bleaching

Laura Hampton reports from ground zero on efforts to document the worst coral-bleaching event on record at Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef
via Face-to-face with Great Barrier Reef’s worst coral bleaching

Feedback: The scientific predictions hiding in classic fiction

Plus dogged detectives pulling DNA from poo, climate-friendly carbon dioxide providing a chill, bookish camels and tiny moons, and more
via Feedback: The scientific predictions hiding in classic fiction

Will weaponised drones end the need for boots on the ground?

Small, armed drones that look like insects or birds could hold territory in war zones, without the need for troops on the ground, says David Hambling
via Will weaponised drones end the need for boots on the ground?

Take a punt: The thrilling science of risk and chance

In a world where luck, risk and probability control our everyday lives, three books help us cope better with tricky choices
via Take a punt: The thrilling science of risk and chance

Los Angeles launches hunt for unknown species hiding in cities

Cities worldwide hold much wildlife that is little studied, an oversight that the new campaign run by LA's Natural History Museum aims to remedy
via Los Angeles launches hunt for unknown species hiding in cities

Coral reefs set to lose tolerance to bleaching as oceans warm

As ocean temperatures rise, coral reefs could lose the 'practice run' periods of milder warming that now prepare them to survive bleaching
via Coral reefs set to lose tolerance to bleaching as oceans warm

Saturn probe Cassini hoovers up dust from distant stars

A rare haul of interstellar dust was picked up in orbit around Saturn, and could give us clues to how the solar system formed from the remnants of other stars  
via Saturn probe Cassini hoovers up dust from distant stars

Trees share vital goodies through a secret underground network

For the first time we've seen mature wild trees sharing carbon via their roots, and it turns out they share a lot more than we previously thought
via Trees share vital goodies through a secret underground network

Rain makers: How high-flying bacteria could control the clouds

Microbes in the clouds seem able to hijack the weather for their own good, summoning drizzle and downpours. Can we use them to control where rain falls?
via Rain makers: How high-flying bacteria could control the clouds

Newly discovered hormone could fight type 2 diabetes and obesity

It's evaded our detection so far, but now a hormone made by fat cells, discovered in two people with abnormally low fat, could help treat diabetes and obesity
via Newly discovered hormone could fight type 2 diabetes and obesity

Never-before-seen galaxy spotted orbiting the Milky Way

The Crater 2 dwarf is our galaxy's fourth biggest satellite, but its ghostly nature let it elude detection - until now
via Never-before-seen galaxy spotted orbiting the Milky Way

Wireless signal sent through meat fast enough to watch Netflix

Ultrasonic waves transmit data through soft tissue 1000 times faster than radio, which could help medical implants send and receive high-definition video
via Wireless signal sent through meat fast enough to watch Netflix

How to make apps that help Europe-bound Syrian refugees

Syrian refugees are the most tech-savvy migrants in history and developers are creating apps to help them – but high-tech solutions aren't always best
via How to make apps that help Europe-bound Syrian refugees

Watch cancer surgery streamed live in virtual reality here

Got a VR headset? Tune in at 1 pm London-time to immerse yourself in colon cancer surgery, or watch the action via 360-view cameras in your web browser
via Watch cancer surgery streamed live in virtual reality here

UN climate chief: Here’s why Paris climate deal will work

With diplomats soon to head to New York to sign the Paris agreement, the world is already making progress towards achieving its goals, says Christiana Figueres
via UN climate chief: Here’s why Paris climate deal will work

New Scientist Live

Do you want to know the great things that science is discovering and what it can do for you? Come and find out “straight from the horse’s mouth” at New Scientist Live
via New Scientist Live

In sync: How to take control of your many body clocks

You have not one, but thousands or even millions of body clocks. Learn to control them, and you can tackle problems from jet lag to weight loss
via In sync: How to take control of your many body clocks

Brain implant lets paralysed man move his hand with his thoughts

Ian Burkhart is the first paralysed person to regain control of his own hand and fingers using a mind-reading device implanted in his brain  
via Brain implant lets paralysed man move his hand with his thoughts

I’m the first quadriplegic person to regain thought-control of my arm

Ian Burkhart became paralysed when he broke his neck six years ago, but now a device that reads his thoughts enables him to control his arm movements
via I’m the first quadriplegic person to regain thought-control of my arm

Record early ice melt in Greenland due to freak warm weather

Greenland's ice usually doesn't start melting much until mid-May. This April’s temperatures above 10 °C have led a tenth of the ice there to start melting already
via Record early ice melt in Greenland due to freak warm weather

What’s behind bankruptcy of world’s largest private coal firm

US giant Peabody Energy filed for bankruptcy today. Its decline is part of a larger trend ushering in the end of coal and rise of renewables
via What’s behind bankruptcy of world’s largest private coal firm

Watch a rattlesnake plan attack by clearing path for its strike

A snake has been caught on film pushing grass out of the way near a ground squirrel burrow as if in preparation for an attack on its prey
via Watch a rattlesnake plan attack by clearing path for its strike

Ease up doom mongers, Planet Nine is not about to destroy us

Contrary to tabloid tales, a distant extra planet in our solar system is not about to send comets raining down on us, says astronomer Phil Plait
via Ease up doom mongers, Planet Nine is not about to destroy us

First evidence that sperm epigenetics affect the next generation

A frog study provides the strongest evidence yet that a father’s lifestyle may affect the next generation, via chemical tags that change gene activity
via First evidence that sperm epigenetics affect the next generation

Time to declutter – what consumer VR means for interior design

Exploring virtual worlds requires us to tidy up the actual one – should we swap out our possessions to make space for virtual ones?  
via Time to declutter – what consumer VR means for interior design

Laser-driven liquid marbles can push 150 times their own weight

Beetles can skate across water by decreasing the surface tension - now tiny engines made from droplets, nanopowder and laser light are using the same trick
via Laser-driven liquid marbles can push 150 times their own weight

DEA mellowing out on cannabis would make medical research easier

The US Drug Enforcement Agency is mulling its classification of marijuana and reviewing the science - something its tough laws have stymied
via DEA mellowing out on cannabis would make medical research easier

The clap trap: Did ancient STIs make humans monogamous?

Biologist David Barash weighs up the latest explanation for one of human evolution's enduring mysteries and finds that there are more plausible alternatives
via The clap trap: Did ancient STIs make humans monogamous?

Autonomous Weapons "Could Be Developed for Use Within Years," Says Arms-Control Group



Critics warn that robotic weapons will soon be able to make killing decisions on their own
via Autonomous Weapons "Could Be Developed for Use Within Years," Says Arms-Control Group

Is it a robot? Is it a phone? Yes it’s both! Introducing RoBoHoN – video

Introducing RoBoHon, a smartphone which doubles up as a tiny robot, created by Japanese electronics firm Sharp. The robo-phone can walk around, read out your messages, and has a projector embedded in its head so it can beam images onto flat surfaces. But would you pay the hefty price tag of ¥198,000 (£1,282) for it?

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via Is it a robot? Is it a phone? Yes it’s both! Introducing RoBoHoN – video

World's cutest smartphone robot can be yours – for a hefty price tag

RoBoHoN is adorable, can recognise your face, read your messages aloud, wake you up and announce phone calls, but is probably out of your price range

The cutest robo-smartphone ever made is hitting shelves in Japan next month - but is it cute enough to drop almost £1,300?

RoBoHoN (which translates roughly as “heart moving phone”) is an adorable tiny robot, which doubles up as a smartphone. Or is it a smartphone that doubles up as a robot?

Continue reading...
via World's cutest smartphone robot can be yours – for a hefty price tag

CaptionBot is Microsoft's latest AI experiment - and at least it isn't racist

After the difficulties experienced by Twitter bot Tay, the new service is providing amusement while learning how to automatically caption images

After the somewhat awkward experience last month of having an AI Twitter bot go full-on racist in a few hours once it interacted with humans, Microsoft have released a new AI experiment on to the internet - CaptionBot.

The idea is that you upload a photo to the service, and it tries to automatically generate a caption that describes what the algorithm sees. You are then able to rate how accurately it has detected what was on display. It learns from the rating, and in theory, the captions get better.

Microsoft's image captioning tool sees through the so-called "moon landings" https://t.co/WWr7O1XeE3 H/T @robmanuel http://pic.twitter.com/BDd9X4KdNp

I was hoping to get a definite answer from https://t.co/b5DYRwRxWz but it's raised a lot more questions http://pic.twitter.com/WVz4gC9kLi

A mixture of amazing, complementary and wrong from https://t.co/zMWockgew4 :-) Really great work @Microsoft http://pic.twitter.com/AfNTfJzhuf

Lol. https://t.co/CcyyDR1Vus #startrek http://pic.twitter.com/bIiZ1cxQYW

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via CaptionBot is Microsoft's latest AI experiment - and at least it isn't racist

Wharf strikes: union fights for job security in the age of automation

Dock workers carry out rolling 48-hour strikes across Australia in face of lockout threat, sparking comparisons with 1998 waterfront dispute

As wharfies prepare to go on a 48-hour strike at Patrick Stevedores’ Port Botany site, memories of the historic 1998 waterfront dispute are fresh.

Related: Crew forced off Alcoa cargo ship after two-month industrial dispute

Related: The hits, the misses, and the zealous overreach of the trade union royal commission | Paul Karp

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via Wharf strikes: union fights for job security in the age of automation

Hitachi Upgrades EMIEW Robot to Help Clueless American Tourists



Pepper may have some competition in the commercial customer service space
via Hitachi Upgrades EMIEW Robot to Help Clueless American Tourists

Google’s Alphabet has a new Japanese robot

Latest robot from Alphabet-owned University of Tokyo spin-out Schaft can traverse uneven terrain and stairs, and carry up to 6okg

Google’s Alphabet has a new walking robot that wouldn’t look out of place in Interstellar or science-fiction homes of the future.

The reportedly as-yet-unnamed robot was shown off at the New Economic Summit in Tokyo by Alphabet-owned Japanese robotics company Schaft. It has a very different design to Alphabet’s other robots made by Boston Dynamics, with a compact two-leg design and central body that can be moved up or down to cope with different tasks.

No name yet for Google #Schaft prototype bipedal robot, aimed at helping society by carrying heavy loads #NEST2016 http://pic.twitter.com/wuMMG65GPg

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via Google’s Alphabet has a new Japanese robot
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