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- In the head of the corner: people with "square" skulls and "elixirs" of youth
In the head of the corner: people with "square" skulls and "elixirs" of youth
Russia has created rejuvenation products from the umbilical cord of a horse and developed an AI algorithm for analyzing data with small samples. And in China, they are developing a magnetic "smart" fabric that can transmit the sensations of virtual reality. In addition, the remains of a man with a square head were found in Mexico. For the first time, European scientists have come up with an implant that allows people who have lost their sense of smell to smell. The most interesting events from the world of science can be found in the weekly Izvestia collection.
AI Detective will solve problems with data shortage
Researchers from Kazan National Research Technical University named after A.N. Tupolev – KAI have proposed a method that enables AI systems to draw conclusions in conditions of information scarcity.
The innovation is based on the introduction of "detective" methods into algorithms, the principle is based on the idea of resonance. When information is received by the system, it compares it with the patterns in memory. If they are similar, then there is a "consonance", and the data belongs to the same class. If there is no similarity, then the new information itself becomes a template.
— In the case of rare information, adding new information to the set needs to be weighed. Even a single measurement can lead to an imbalance of the model. The decision should be made through additional expert evaluation. For these purposes, the system distributes information into classes and simultaneously uses many attributes that are assigned different "weights". If the required "weight" is not gained, it means that the "beginner" is knocked out of the patterns stored in the model's memory," explained Svetlana Novikova, a developer and professor at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at KNRTU—KAI.
The effectiveness of the method has been confirmed in practice. It was used to analyze the zinc content in children's blood using 240 anonymized samples. Despite the small sample, the model revealed a clear link between the quality of drinking water in different areas and the health of children, which allowed for specific measures to be taken.
Scientists have created anti-aging drugs from horse umbilical cord
A student startup based at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology has developed a series of innovative skin rejuvenation products. They are based on cellular reprogramming technologies (restarting cell development). For these purposes, the specialists used exosomes (nanobubbles) from mesenchymal stem cells of the umbilical cord of a horse.
— These particles repair the skin and fight aging at the cellular level. In addition, unlike plants, horses are close to humans, so the exosomes in the products effectively penetrate human skin cells and activate the synthesis of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid due to their biological cargo," said Anastasia Igolinskaya, project leader.
She said that the effect of the drugs lasts for 6-12 months, which is twice as long as that of analogues. Currently, prototypes of creams, serums, masks and patches are undergoing a mandatory testing cycle. However, experts noted that cellular reprogramming is a young field, and in—depth research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
"Smart" magnetic fabric will help you experience virtual reality
Researchers at the Research Institute of Intelligent Wearable Systems (RI-IWEAR) of the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong have created fabrics that can reversibly and controllably change shape, stiffness and other properties under the influence of a magnetic field. The secret of the technology lies in polyethylene fibers containing microscopic magnetic particles. Scientists twist threads from fibers and weave "smart" textiles.
The developers have shown practical applications of the material in a number of prototypes. They created a fabric with controlled ventilation, a manipulator glove for a robot that can change the grip stiffness depending on the fragility of objects, and clothes that can convey the sensations of the virtual world.
Our research marks the beginning of an era of innovation in the field of smart fabrics, said Professor Tian Xiaoming, Head of Research and Director of RI-IWEAR. She stressed that the developments are safe for humans, since weak magnetic fields are sufficient to control them.
The implant will help to "hear" odors with the help of electricity
A team of scientists from Europe has presented a device that can help people who have lost their sense of smell. The development combines technologies of an "artificial nose" and electrical stimulation of nerve endings. The solution does not copy the natural olfactory systems, but uses an alternative pathway, acting through the trigeminal nerve.
It is one of the cranial nerves that provides sensation to most of the face, including the skin, teeth, and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. In the context of the sense of smell, it plays an additional role, allowing you to feel the effects that accompany odors. For example, the burning sensation from mustard, the coolness from menthol, or the tingling sensation from soda.
Scientists have created a special chemical sensor that captures "odorous" molecules and converts them into unique electrical impulses. These signals are transmitted to the trigeminal nerve via an electrode in the nose. The technology does not recreate aromas, but it allows you to recognize certain odors in order to use them, for example, to warn the brain about a fire, a leak of household gas or spoiled food.
Remains of a noble man with a "square" head found in Mexico
Scientists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico (INAH), examining the materials of the archaeological monument "Montezuma Balcony", which is located in the state of Tamaulipas (Mexico), discovered an almost square-shaped skull. It belonged to a man over 40 years old who lived in the area in the period 400-900 AD, the classic era of Mesoamerican history. According to the researchers, this is a unique variant that has not been seen before.
— As a result of [comparisons with previous finds], a variety was discovered that had not been previously recorded and has not yet been described for this region, — noted in a message on the website of the scientific organization.
As explained by anthropologists, deliberate deformation of the skull was common among cultures in the territory of modern Mexico and adjacent to it. The tradition was distinguished by a variety of techniques and shapes of heads. They were also complemented by various headdresses and ornaments. Changing the upper body was often considered a sign of beauty, power, and noble birth.
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