Unitree G1 Gets Even More Agile and Dynamic

The Unitree G1 has received an update, making it even more agile and adaptable. It has now mastered running on rough terrain, showcasing its enhanced mobility and balance.

Interestingly, I think I might have figured out why its movements sometimes appear a bit unnatural. My guess is that there’s a gyroscope located in its center of mass, but that’s just a theory for now.

By the way, the Chinese New Year falls on January 29 this year. I have a feeling they’ll roll out even more updates in time for the celebrations. Let’s wait and see!

#Unitree #robots #science

Fresh Evidence of Quark-Gluon Plasma Droplets

Quark-gluon plasma, the primordial state of matter that filled the universe just moments after the Big Bang, has been directly observed in a groundbreaking discovery. Previously, physicists believed that colliding large ions with smaller ones couldn’t produce this exotic state of matter, the building blocks of protons and neutrons.

However, new data from the PHENIX experiment challenges this assumption. The findings provide the first direct evidence that high-energy particles created in a collider can lose energy and momentum, forming tiny droplets of quark-gluon plasma.

Dive deeper into this fascinating discovery here: Phys.org.

Stay curious!

Smart Waste-Sorting Robot Deployed in Hangzhou

In the innovative city of Qianjiang, Hangzhou, a cutting-edge waste-sorting robot has joined the effort to improve urban sustainability. Equipped with advanced technologies like visual learning, this autonomous robot can patrol the streets for up to 8 hours, efficiently carrying up to 35 kg of waste.

This development showcases how AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing urban waste management, contributing to cleaner and smarter cities.

The future of eco-friendly technology is here—making cities more sustainable, one step at a time!

#SmartCities #WasteManagement #Innovation

Which Side of the Singularity Are We On?

The surge of optimism surrounding our approach to AGI might not be unwarranted. On January 4, Sam Altman (regardless of your opinion of him, he is currently the most influential figure in AI) described his current status as: “near the singularity; unclear on which side.” Two days later, in an interview, he clarified that AGI would be created during Trump’s presidency—by 2029. On the same day, he elaborated in his “Reflections”:

“We are now confident that we know how to build AGI in the traditional sense. We believe that by 2025, we could see the first AI agents integrated into the workforce, fundamentally transforming company outcomes. […] We are beginning to target […] true superintelligence.”

If Altman’s prediction proves accurate, the implications for humanity will be monumental. In comparison, any events we currently consider critical—such as tomorrow’s inauguration of Trump—will pale into insignificance against the backdrop of the world being drawn into the black hole of the singularity.

So, what happened that brought us so close to the singularity, with AGI predictions suddenly accelerating? What caused timelines to plummet so drastically (as seen in the Exponential View chart referenced)?

Only Sam himself knows for sure. However, a compelling and straightforward explanation was offered by Gwern Branwen in a comment on Ryan Kidd’s post about the new paradigm of scaling outputs:

“I think what’s missing in the discussion of the scaling paradigm is the self-play feedback loop: much of the value of a model like o1 isn’t in its deployment, but in generating training data for the next model. Every problem solved by o1 now serves as a training data point for o3 (e.g., any o1 session that eventually stumbles upon the correct answer can be refined to eliminate dead ends and produce a clean walkthrough to train more nuanced intuition).”

You can test this hypothesis yourself with a simple four-step experiment:
1. Take a transcript of your conversation with ChatGPT on a problem it failed to solve satisfactorily.
2. Submit this transcript to Claude, asking it to solve the problem.
3. Review Claude’s response, which, even if not a perfect solution, will likely be significantly better than ChatGPT’s initial attempt.
4. Now reverse the roles: for another problem, give Claude’s unsatisfactory response to ChatGPT. Most likely, the same pattern will repeat—the second model will outperform the first by leveraging its output as training data.

This aligns with the historical development of AlphaGo versions: AlphaGo Fan, AlphaGo Lee, AlphaGo Master, and AlphaGo Zero. The last version trained entirely on self-play without human data. In just two years, the Elo rating of new versions skyrocketed from 3300 (already above most world champions) to an unimaginable 5185. After 2018, DeepMind ceased developing AlphaGo or participating in official matches, as it had become both uninteresting and meaningless—humans couldn’t come close to competing.

If Gwern Branwen is correct, this reflects the powerful effect of a “data flywheel,” where each new model generates data to train an even better one.

And if that’s the case, then Sam Altman is also right. Tomorrow’s inauguration of Trump, an event considered globally significant today, will fade into a trivial footnote as Earth enters the era of the singularity.

#AGI #AI #science

DIY Fusion: How to Build a Nuclear Reactor in Your Kitchen (with AI)

A guy managed to assemble a neutron fusion reactor in his kitchen, using AI as his consultant. 🔬

Technical Specs:
• 30kV/10mA Electrostatic Precipitator
• Vacuum at 3 mTorr (253,333 times deeper than atmospheric pressure!)
• Bubble Detector for neutron counting
• Homemade Deuterium extracted from heavy water via electrolysis

The most impressive part? The entire deuterium production process cost just $112:
• $32 for a hydrocar PEM
• $80 for 50g of D₂O (heavy water)

From this, he managed to produce 56 liters of D₂ gas! 🧪

How AI Helped:

The author heavily relied on Claude for:
• Process debugging
• Safety checks
• Following complex instructions

While this isn’t a commercial reactor, as a demonstration of AI-assisted DIY, it’s absolutely mind-blowing. 🔥

The Journey:

The build was live-streamed over 36 hours straight. Remarkably, just months earlier, the same individual assembled a plasma reactor. What’s even more fascinating? He didn’t have deep expertise in nuclear physics—he simply asked Claude the right questions. Independent study would have required thousands (if not tens of thousands) of hours.

The Bigger Picture:

As exciting as this is, it’s also a bit terrifying. If a hobbyist can pull this off in fusion, imagine the possibilities with biology. We might someday look back at bats with nostalgia. 🦇

AI-powered DIY is here, and it’s opening doors to both innovation and ethical challenges.

Incredible Results of AI in Education: Transforming Learning Outcomes

In a groundbreaking experiment, Nigerian schoolchildren used Microsoft Co-pilot Tutor for six weeks (two sessions per week). The results were staggering: their academic progress was equivalent to two additional years of schooling. This approach proved to be 80% more effective than any other pedagogical intervention to date.

Why AI is a Game-Changer in Education:
• Unmatched Impact: The educational benefits of AI are among the most significant across any field today.
• Ready-to-Deploy Technology: Unlike other sectors where reliability or safety concerns exist, AI in education is robust and scalable (up to at least the PhD level).
• Efficiency: Accelerated learning at a fraction of the time and cost.

The Opportunity:

This success story highlights the immense potential for AI-powered educational solutions. With the technology already mature, it’s only a matter of time before someone (for now, Microsoft) builds a multi-billion-dollar business in this space.

Education is being revolutionized—and it’s only the beginning.

This is no joke: the future power of the United States will be built on the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Deals will not be offered to states, but directly to individuals—control in exchange for health, education, and more. For example, microchipping in return for a long life with a guaranteed standard of living.
…
Larry Ellison of Oracle predicts that AI will develop mRNA vaccines tailored to each individual, producing them robotically within 48 hours.

#AI

The image doesn’t show a mission control center for space exploration; instead, it’s the control room of the EAST experimental fusion reactor. Located at the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, EAST has set a new record for plasma confinement—1,066 seconds. The previous record of 403 seconds was also achieved there in 2023. This is a major breakthrough.

The key takeaway is that physicists have developed a way to sustain plasma for over 1,000 seconds. ITER, the world’s largest fusion reactor under construction in France, is expected to operate using similarly long pulses. Chinese experts are actively contributing to the ITER project, making this achievement a win for the global scientific community.

Unfortunately, as is often the case with updates from Chinese research centers, the information provided is incomplete. For example, there is no mention of the plasma’s temperature. In previous EAST experiments, it reached 120 million degrees Celsius, whereas ITER’s plasma is expected to exceed 150 million degrees (and up to 300 million degrees at its core).

Nevertheless, this is excellent news. Now we wait to see how Japan responds. Over a year ago, experiments began at JT-60SA, currently the largest tokamak in operation. It is designed to confine plasma at temperatures of up to 200 million degrees.

#Physics #Energy #Fusion #science

$500B and Trump, Musk, Altman, Nadella—it’s like a kindergarten show.
Every media outlet, blogger, and Telegram channel has been buzzing for the past 24 hours about this so-called Stargate Project.
But when you listen to what the project insiders are saying, it becomes clear: if this isn’t a scam, it’s just a perfectly timed PR stunt conveniently aligned with the whole inauguration buzz.

You’ve all heard of Trump, I assume.
Musk vs. Altman? Check the picture for that drama.
And Nadella playing clueless with his “All I know is I’m worth my $80 billion” act? Here’s the link: YouTube.

So how do we take their statements seriously now?

Scientists Capture Rare Footage of “Black Ejections” on the Sun

Researchers have shared remarkable footage of rare “black ejections” on the Sun, captured by the Solar Astronomy Laboratory of the Space Research Institute (IKI) and the Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (ISZF) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The video reveals a “ghostly structure of an intense black color,” part of which is ejected into space while the rest dissipates in the solar corona.

This black plasma cloud is associated with a cold prominence containing large amounts of neutral hydrogen. This hydrogen can almost completely absorb the short-wavelength radiation falling on it from behind. The entire process lasted about three hours.

Stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries!

🚨 Environmental Catastrophe in the Black Sea Region

Dear friends, colleagues, and followers,

We are reaching out to you with an urgent matter. A devastating environmental disaster has occurred in the Black Sea region. Two vessels, severely damaged by a recent storm, have spilled significant amounts of fuel oil, threatening the unique ecosystem of the Black Sea.

The flora and fauna of the entire coastline are now in grave danger. This unprecedented situation affects every nation bordering the Black Sea, and it demands immediate action.

We are calling on the scientific community, companies with expertise in environmental restoration, and anyone with innovative technologies or solutions to help mitigate the impact of this disaster.

If you or your organization have knowledge, technologies, or ideas on how to clean up the spill and restore the fragile ecosystem, we urge you to get in touch with us. If you know someone who could assist or provide guidance, please share this post with them.

Let us join forces to help the Black Sea recover as quickly as possible. Together, we can make a difference.

🌊 Let’s protect and restore the unique beauty of the Black Sea for future generations.
__
Please contact @Wmkali

The reaction time of a cat is approximately 20–70 milliseconds, while that of a snake ranges between 44–70 milliseconds.

For comparison, the reaction time of a human is around 250 milliseconds.

Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt—255 compared to Egypt’s 138!

The pyramids in Sudan, located in the region of Nubia, were built during the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization that ruled along the Nile from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Geographically, this corresponds to the northern part of modern Sudan.

Kushite pyramids are smaller and more slender in shape compared to their Egyptian counterparts. On average, a Kushite pyramid stands between 6 and 30 meters tall, whereas the iconic Egyptian pyramids, like the Great Pyramid of Giza, reach heights of up to 138 meters.

The Kushites began building pyramids approximately 800 years after the Egyptians stopped constructing theirs. Like the Egyptians, the Kushites used these monuments as royal tombs for kings, queens, and nobles.

One of the largest concentrations of Kushite pyramids is found in the ancient city of Meroë, which is home to around 200 pyramids.

Sadly, in the 1830s, many Sudanese pyramids were severely damaged by an Italian treasure hunter, Giuseppe Ferlini. Seeking quick access to their interiors, he destroyed the tops of around 40 pyramids using explosives, causing irreparable damage to these ancient structures.

Today, Sudan’s pyramids remain in a fragile state, suffering from the effects of wars and a lack of resources for preservation. Meanwhile, Egypt’s pyramids continue to draw millions of tourists each year, overshadowing the lesser-known but equally fascinating legacy of the Kingdom of Kush.

🚗 History in Motion: The Birth of the First Gasoline-Powered Car

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz made history by receiving a patent for what is widely regarded as the first commercially viable gasoline-powered car—the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This groundbreaking invention marked the beginning of the automotive era and set the foundation for modern motoring.

Benz's Motorwagen was a marvel of its time, featuring elements that are still synonymous with today's vehicles. It boasted a robust chassis, an internal combustion engine, electric ignition, a carburetor, a cooling system, transmission, and brakes—precursors to the sophisticated systems in modern cars.

However, one notable omission was a reliable steering mechanism. This challenge led to the Motorwagen's unique three-wheeled design, sacrificing a second wheel for better maneuverability—a clever workaround that highlights Benz's resourcefulness.

Over five years, approximately 25 units of this pioneering vehicle were produced and sold. Unfortunately, none have survived, leaving us with only historical accounts and a replica at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. This reproduction stands as a testament to Benz's legacy and the ingenuity of early automotive pioneers.

As we reflect on this milestone, it's remarkable to consider how far automotive technology has evolved—from the three-wheeled marvels to the sleek, efficient machines of today. Here's to Carl Benz, the father of the gasoline engine and the man who ignited the spirit of motoring innovation. 🚗💨

#Science #Innovation #CarlBenz #AutomobileHistory #MercedesBenzMuseum

Researchers at EvolutionaryScale have utilized an advanced AI model, ESM3, to design a novel green fluorescent protein named esmGFP. This protein’s genetic sequence is only 58% similar to its closest known counterpart, indicating a significant divergence that would have taken over 500 million years to evolve naturally. This breakthrough not only showcases the potential of AI in accelerating molecular design but also opens avenues for advancements in medical research and biotechnology.

Otter Gang Wars in Singapore

In Singapore, rival otter clans are battling for territory in the city’s waterways. These intelligent animals form tight family groups, defending prime locations through dramatic chases and skirmishes. As their numbers grow, so does the competition. Who will dominate the otter underworld?

Watch Earth Live from the ISS – Now in 4K! 🌍🚀

The International Space Station (ISS) now offers a live 4K stream of breathtaking views of Earth! Perfect for a moment of meditation, the feed provides a stunning perspective from space.

The system includes three cameras:
🔹 A wide-angle view capturing Earth’s vast horizon.
🔹 A detailed view covering an area of 240×180 km.
🔹 A docking camera that monitors spacecraft arrivals and departures.

Since the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, the stream goes dark every 45 minutes when night falls. During these gaps or signal losses, previously recorded footage is played.

Tune in and experience our planet like never before! 🌌📡

At this very moment, somewhere in the world, robots are being trained to replace athletes. Their training is based on datasets from Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. 🚀🤖 #FutureOfSports #AI
@science