Astroscale lands record £12M contract for pioneering space debris removal

Astroscale Japan Inc. has secured a groundbreaking £12 million ($81.4 million) contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for a five-year project focused on removing space debris from orbit.

This landmark deal, the largest in Astroscale's history, will utilize the ADRAS-J2 satellite equipped with a robotic arm to capture and deorbit the upper stage of an H-IIA rocket launched in 2009. The mission represents the first commercial attempt to safely approach and survey a large, non-cooperative piece of space debris, paving the way for safer and more sustainable space exploration.

The Register + 2 other sources 

Nvidia's AI weather model outshines top U.S. forecasts, promising life-saving precision

Nvidia has unveiled StormCast, a groundbreaking generative AI weather model that outperforms the top U.S. short-range weather prediction model in storm evolution forecasts. Developed in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of Washington, StormCast enhances local weather forecasting by accurately tracking storm cell development at the mesoscale level.

The model has demonstrated a 10% increase in accuracy compared to NOAA's best existing 3-kilometer regional weather models, with lead times of up to six hours. If validated, StormCast could lead to more reliable short-term forecasts, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.

Axios + 2 other sources 

Rural Indian girls pedal towards equality as cycling rates soar

A heartening trend is emerging in rural India, where cycling among girls has surged from 4.5% in 2007 to 11% in 2017, thanks to state-run bicycle distribution schemes. This initiative has significantly improved school enrollment and retention rates for girls, addressing higher dropout rates due to household chores and long walks.

The study, published in ScienceDirect, reveals that the overall percentage of students cycling to school increased from 6.6% in 2007 to 11.2% in 2017, with rural cycling rates doubling over the decade. This simple yet effective program is breaking barriers and paving the way for greater educational opportunities and independence for rural girls.

BBC News + 2 other sources 

Urban greenery: A vital solution to combat heat waves and boost public health

Recent research emphasizes the crucial role of urban vegetation in regulating temperatures and improving public health outcomes. Studies show that effective urban heat management strategies, such as increasing tree cover and using reflective materials, can lower city temperatures by over 10 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce heat-related premature deaths by 20-60% in various U.S. cities.

Planting trees across half of available space can decrease summer afternoon temperatures by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit and cut heat-related deaths by 40-50%. As urbanization trends continue, incorporating urban greenery and strategic design in city planning is becoming essential to mitigate the effects of heat and enhance thermal comfort.

Yahoo News + 1 other source 

AI voice cloning apps revolutionize content creation and accessibility

AI voice cloning technology has made significant strides in 2024, transforming audio content creation for creators, businesses, and individuals with speech impairments. Leading apps like Resemble AI, Respeecher, and ElevenLabs offer unique features ranging from security-focused tools to Hollywood-grade voice recreation.

These technologies are enhancing personalization in customer service, improving accessibility for those with language barriers, and revolutionizing industries from e-learning to media production. As the technology advances, it also raises important ethical considerations around consent and privacy, emphasizing the need for responsible use in this rapidly evolving field.

There’s an AI 

Goldman Sachs reports positive revenue growth despite election uncertainty

Goldman Sachs' recent report reveals ongoing positive real revenue growth of 2.4% year-over-year, aligning with their short-term GDP growth estimates. While election uncertainty has a marginal impact on business investment, decreasing capex growth by 5 percentage points among affected companies, many are postponing decisions until after the election.

The labor market has fully rebalanced, with shortages and costs returning to pre-pandemic levels. Despite concerns about consumer health, the report indicates a more optimistic outlook, with positive real income growth reported across all income groups. This comprehensive analysis, covering 93% of reporting companies, provides valuable insights into the current economic landscape.

Investing.com 

Revolutionary adaptive brain stimulation halves Parkinson's symptoms

A groundbreaking form of brain stimulation, known as adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), has shown to significantly outperform traditional constant deep brain stimulation (cDBS) in alleviating Parkinson's symptoms. In a pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, aDBS reduced the most bothersome symptoms by approximately 50% compared to cDBS.

This innovative approach uses real-time brain data and artificial intelligence to adjust stimulation levels based on individual symptoms, functioning like a cruise control system for the brain. While promising, experts stress the need for larger clinical trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of aDBS before it can be approved as a standard treatment.

The Guardian + 4 more sources

Scientists trace Martian meteorites to source craters, unraveling Mars' volcanic history

Researchers have successfully traced six Martian meteorites back to their source craters on Mars, significantly enhancing our understanding of the planet's volcanism and evolution. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that approximately 200 Martian meteorites have been linked to five impact craters in the Tharsis and Elysium volcanic regions.

By analyzing the characteristics of these meteorites and the conditions of their ejection from Mars, scientists have gained valuable insights into the Red Planet's geological history. This breakthrough could inform future Mars exploration by identifying scientifically promising locations on the planet's surface and potentially recalibrating Mars' geological timeline.

Phys + 1 other source