Scientists have made several groundbreaking discoveries that are redefining human experience and the environment. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong and Queen Mary University of London successfully reprogrammed mouse stem cells using genes from single-celled choanoflagellates, creating a chimeric mouse. This achievement links nearly 1 billion years of evolution, revealing ancient roots of multicellular life and potential for regenerative medicine.
Meanwhile, researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a solar-cell device that mimics the human brain’s ability to detect light intensity and human motion with 90% accuracy. This innovative technology, known as “edge AI,” has applications in various fields such as health monitoring, car cameras, and smartwatches.
A team from the City University of Hong Kong has also made significant progress in virtual reality (VR) technology. They have developed a portable, lollipop-shaped device that stimulates taste buds in VR, allowing users to experience flavors while immersed in virtual environments. This innovative device is capable of delivering up to nine flavors.
In another notable discovery, researchers at Seoul National University found that human actions of moving water around the Earth through pumping and redistribution have caused the Earth’s axis to shift by 31.5 inches over the past 20 years. The massive amount of water pumped, estimated at over 2,150 gigatons, is largely now in oceans, accelerating sea-level rise. This phenomenon has raised concerns about its potential consequences for our climate.
Source: https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/weekly-news-bites-29-november-24