SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission Set for Groundbreaking Civilian Spacewalk

SpaceX is poised to make history with the Polaris Dawn mission, scheduled for August 26, 2024. Led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, this ambitious venture will send four civilian astronauts to an unprecedented altitude of 1,400 kilometers aboard a Crew Dragon capsule. The five-day mission's highlight will be the world's first private spacewalk, testing SpaceX's newly designed extravehicular activity suits.

The crew has undergone rigorous training for two and a half years, preparing for the mission's unique challenges, including increased radiation exposure. With over 40 scientific experiments planned, Polaris Dawn aims to study the effects of space radiation on human health. The mission also includes a partnership with Doritos, sending a new Zero Gravity Cool Ranch chip flavor into space, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Space + 6 other sources 

Dropbox Acquires AI Startup Reclaim.ai to Enhance Productivity Tools

Dropbox has made a strategic move to bolster its productivity offerings by acquiring Reclaim.ai, an AI-driven task prioritization startup. Since its 2019 launch, Reclaim has grown significantly, now serving over 43,000 companies and 320,000 users worldwide. The Portland-based startup specializes in AI-powered scheduling and task management.

Following the acquisition, Reclaim will continue to develop its product, with plans to introduce new features such as Outlook support, Smart Meetings, and a Habits 2.0 platform. The startup's co-founders and team will join Dropbox, bringing their expertise in calendar management and AI-driven productivity solutions. This acquisition aligns with Dropbox's vision of integrating smart calendar functionality into its suite of tools, potentially revolutionizing how users manage their time and tasks.

Geekwire + 1 other sources 

Halophytes: Nature's Answer to Food Security in Saline Environments

Researchers are turning to halophytes, salt-tolerant plants, as a promising solution for agriculture in saline environments. With around 11 million square kilometers of land affected by salinization, these plants could play a crucial role in addressing global food security challenges. Halophytes show potential for food, fodder, and bioenergy production in areas where traditional crops struggle to grow.

The research focuses on validating laboratory findings in field studies and integrating sustainable practices to reclaim salt-affected lands. Recent advances in genetic engineering, along with the use of engineered nanoparticles and mycorrhizal fungi, show promise in enhancing salinity tolerance. As climate change exacerbates soil salinity issues, the development of halophyte-based agriculture could be key to feeding a projected global population of 10 billion in the coming decades.

MDPI + 1 other source 

Google's HeAR AI Model Revolutionizes TB Detection in India

Google has introduced Health Acoustic Representations (HeAR), an innovative AI model designed to extract health insights from acoustic data. In India, Salcit Technologies is integrating HeAR into its Swaasa® product to enhance early detection of respiratory diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB). The StopTB Partnership has endorsed HeAR, recognizing its potential as a low-impact tool for TB screening.

HeAR has demonstrated superior performance compared to other models, excelling in multiple tasks and showing effectiveness in medical audio analysis. The model's ability to work with various microphones and require less training data makes it particularly valuable for global health applications. By leveraging AI to analyze cough sounds and other bioacoustic data, HeAR could transform TB diagnosis, making it more accessible and affordable worldwide.

Decrypt + 1 other source 

Kamala Harris Nominated at DNC Amid Biden's Exit, Sets Vision for Unity and Reform

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago is set to officially nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, marking a pivotal moment in American politics. This development comes amid President Biden's decision to step down, creating a significant shift in the Democratic Party's leadership.

Harris's campaign focuses on national unity, pragmatic reformism, and a hopeful vision for the future. Key issues being addressed include economic policy, immigration reform, gun control, and women's reproductive rights. The convention features prominent speakers like Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders, aiming to rally support for Harris's candidacy. Despite the challenges of President Biden's exit, Harris currently leads national polls by an average of 2.5%.

NY Times + 38 other sources 

WHO Declares Mpox Emergency Amid Severe Outbreak in DRC

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox an international public health emergency, with a particularly severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since the start of 2024, the DRC has reported nearly 17,800 cases and 541 fatalities. In response, global efforts are underway to provide vaccines, with Japan contributing 3.5 million doses for children and the U.S. offering 50,000 doses.

A more virulent strain of mpox, known as Clade 1b, is emerging in the DRC and spreading to neighboring countries. Health officials stress the importance of increased testing and vaccine access to combat the outbreak. While the WHO emphasizes that mpox is "not the new Covid," the situation highlights the need for vigilance and international cooperation in addressing emerging health threats.

Medical Xpress + 11 other sources