Fish That Shouts Louder Than a Gunshot

German ichthyologists have made a fascinating discovery involving the Danionella cerebrum species of fish. Remarkably, these fish can produce sounds exceeding 140 decibels, louder than the noise of a gunshot. What makes this even more astonishing is the size of these creatures; they are tiny, semi-transparent fish with body lengths not exceeding 12 millimeters.

The Danionella species are equipped with a unique sound-producing apparatus comprising a drumming cartilage, a specialized rib, and a fatigue-resistant muscle. This mechanism accelerates the drumming cartilage with a force of over 2000 g, striking the swim bladder to create a rapid and loud pulse. These pulses amalgamate to generate loud signals.

Scientists believe that this deafening noise serves a vital communication function for the fish in the murky rivers of Southeast Asia, where they reside. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of aquatic life but also highlights the extraordinary adaptations of even the smallest creatures in nature.

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Innovative Jellyfish Modification by Caltech Researchers Opens New Avenues for Ocean Exploration

A professor and a graduate student at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have embarked on a groundbreaking project to explore the ocean in an unconventional way. Unlike typical genetic modifications, their approach is purely engineering-based. They've designed a bumper, resembling a cap, that significantly enhances the jellyfish's hydrodynamic properties. This innovation follows their previous success in implanting a device akin to a pacemaker, which encourages the animal to swim faster. Combined, these modifications enable the jellyfish to swim at speeds up to 4.5 times faster than their unaltered counterparts.

The primary goal of these biohybrid robotic jellyfish is to gather critical data on the ocean's chemical composition, temperature, oxygen levels, and more. The sensors required for these measurements are conveniently housed within the 3D-printed conical structure attached to the jellyfish. Remarkably, each modified jellyfish costs about $20, presenting a cost-effective alternative to the exorbitant daily expenses of over $50,000 associated with chartering a research vessel.

The researchers emphasize the ethical aspect of their work, noting that jellyfish lack a brain and the capacity to experience pain. Therefore, these laboratory modifications do not inflict suffering on the animals. This innovative approach not only paves the way for more efficient and humane oceanic research but also demonstrates the potential of biohybrid systems in environmental monitoring.

Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating intersection of biology and engineering as we continue to explore the mysteries of the ocean in sustainable and innovative ways. @science

On February 17th, a plasma jet erupted near the Sun's south pole, reaching an altitude of 200,000 kilometers before detaching and drifting into space. This massive plasma cloud is now slowly dissipating as it travels through the cosmos. Unlike most solar flares that occur near the equator, the unusual location of this flare signals the Sun's approach to the most active phase of its 11-year cycle, known as the solar maximum.
📷 Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau for @science

Explore one of the world’s most complex interchanges: the Huangjuewan in Chongqing, China.
With 15 exits and 20 lanes weaving through four directions across five levels, navigating this marvel without a GPS is a true nightmare.
#engineering
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Telegram’s valuation has soared to an impressive $30 billion, underscoring its robust growth and increasing prominence in the digital communication sphere. In tandem with this remarkable valuation, the demand and prices for premium Telegram usernames have surged, highlighting their significant investment potential.

For those looking to capitalize on this opportunity, consider exploring the unique username currently available at auction

Researchers have demonstrated that brain stimulation at a 40 Hz frequency can protect brain tissue from the harmful effects of chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and methotrexate. This treatment, involving light and sound exposure, not only protected brain tissue but also helped prevent memory loss and cognitive function decline in animal models. Remarkably, the positive effects of the 40 Hz frequency persisted for four months, emphasizing its potential in shielding patients from the toxic side effects of cancer treatments. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans. For more detailed information, please visit https://news.mit.edu/2024/noninvasive-treatment-chemo-brain-0306

ChatGPT now has a body — the startup Figure, together with OpenAI, developed the robot Figure 01.

The "sensory and communication organs" (hearing, speech, vision) are entirely handled by OpenAI's neural networks, while Figure developed a lightweight and agile framework.

In just a couple of years, one might be able to buy one for their home.

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SpaceX’s third test flight of Starship ended unexpectedly when it lost communication 48 minutes in, at 75 km altitude. Initially aiming for a descent into the Indian Ocean, the spacecraft likely disintegrated around 65 km. Despite the setback, the flight provided captivating visuals of atmospheric entry, showcasing plasma formation around the spacecraft. The incident offers valuable insights for future missions.

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🌐 The Explosive Growth of AI-Powered Fraud: A Global Challenge

Recent data reveals a staggering increase in AI-powered fraud, particularly deepfake-specific fraud cases, which have surged dramatically from 2022 to 2023. The statistics from the Sumsub Identity Fraud Report 2023, showcased by Statista, underline a significant rise in such fraudulent activities across the globe.

Highlights from the report include:
- The United States noted 3,000 cases, leading in North America.
- Belgium experienced a 2,950% increase, the highest in Europe.
- The Philippines reported the largest jump in Asia with 4,500 cases.
- Brazil saw 828 cases, marking the situation in South America.

These numbers, derived from over 2 million cases of identity fraud attempts from 224 countries/territories, raise concerns over the growing sophistication of fraud techniques. The data underscores the urgent need for robust verification systems and awareness about digital identity safety.

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China has developed automatic complexes for vein blood collection, accurately identifying puncture sites in seconds.

@gadget for @science

Behold one of the longest cable car rides in the world - the descent from Mount Tianmen in China. Spanning 7.45 kilometers, the journey takes approximately 40 minutes, featuring sections with such steep elevation changes that passengers' ears pop.

👍 - I'd take the ride
⚡️- Just watching scares me

@science

Astounding Discovery in Deep Space: The James Webb Space Telescope Uncovers Frozen Alcohol Clouds

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have utilized the MIRI instrument aboard the James Webb Space Telescope to identify clusters of matter around the protostars IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385, revealing the presence of frozen ethyl alcohol and, potentially, acetic acid. This remarkable finding highlights the existence of key ingredients essential for the formation of potentially habitable worlds, even in areas where planets have yet to emerge. The James Webb’s ability to peer into the depths of space and uncover such fascinating phenomena continues to enrich our understanding of the universe’s complexity and the potential for life beyond Earth.
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