The Neolithic period, considered to be the last part of the Stone Age, may have been a brutal time to be alive for many people in Europe. Archaeological studies have found evidence of massacres involving entire communities, somewhat common abductions of young females, executions and mass graves. The areas of Achenheim and Bergheim, in Northeastern France, were found to have experienced this kind of violence sometime around 4300–4150 BCE.| phys.org
If you love nothing more than devouring a page-turner in your free time, you're becoming a rare breed. Reading for pleasure among adults in the United States has fallen dramatically in the last two decades. A new study from the University of Florida and University College London, published in iScience, found that leisure reading, or reading for fun, has declined by 40% in the last 20 years.| medicalxpress.com
Tropical rainforests still represent a treasure trove of undiscovered species. While many species of plants, animals, and insects have been identified over the years, some parts of these tropical ecosystems are difficult to access and pose challenges for researchers. In particular, the high canopies of tropical forests can be hard—and often expensive—to study without causing local damage.| phys.org
Lithium metal (Li-metal) batteries are among the most promising alternatives to widely employed rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, as they could store more energy and thus extend the battery life of many electronic devices. Despite their potential, existing Li-metal batteries have been found to be less stable than Li-ion batteries, while also exhibiting lower coulombic efficiencies (CE) and degrading faster over time.| techxplore.com
Large language models (LLMs), advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models trained to analyze and generate texts in different human languages, have become increasingly widespread over the past few years. Since the release of the conversational platform ChatGPT, which relies on different versions of an LLM called GPT, these models have become widely used by individuals worldwide, while also making their way into some professional and research settings.| phys.org
Deep neural networks (DNNs), the machine learning algorithms underpinning the functioning of large language models (LLMs) and other artificial intelligence (AI) models, learn to make accurate predictions by analyzing large amounts of data. These networks are structured in layers, each of which transforms input data into 'features' that guide the analysis of the next layer.| phys.org
To effectively tackle a variety of real-world tasks, robots should be able to reliably grasp objects of different shapes, textures and sizes, without dropping them in undesired locations. Conventional approaches to enhancing the ability of robots to grasp objects work by tightening the grip of a robotic hand to prevent objects from slipping.| techxplore.com
Neutrinos are tiny and neutrally charged particles accounted for by the Standard Model of particle physics. While they are estimated to be some of the most abundant particles in the universe, observing them has so far proved to be highly challenging, as the probability that they will interact with other matter is low.| phys.org
Sunlight shining on specialized floaties can now produce fuel for plants by recovering ammonia from wastewater. Researchers designed a floatable amino-grafted (-NH2) MXene (Ti3C2)-based (AMS) sponge that, when scaled efficiently, can provide two sustainable solutions simultaneously: cleaning up wastewater and providing ammonia (NH3), an essential nitrogen source for plants, to farmers at a lower cost.| techxplore.com
Humanoid robots, robots with a human-like body structure, have so far been primarily tested on manual tasks that entail supporting humans in their daily activities, such as carrying objects, collecting samples in hazardous environments, supporting older adults or acting as physical therapy assistants. In contrast, their potential for completing expressive physical tasks rooted in creative disciplines, such as playing an instrument or participating in performance arts, remains largely unexplored.| techxplore.com
Fuel cells are energy solutions that can convert the chemical energy in fuels into electricity via specific chemical reactions, instead of relying on combustion. Promising types of fuel cells are direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), devices specifically designed to convert the energy in methyl alcohol (i.e., methanol) into electrical energy.| techxplore.com
What if windows could clean themselves at the flick of a switch? We're not quite there yet, but we are getting closer. Researchers in China have developed a transparent, easy-to-produce self-cleaning glass that can remove particles in just 10 seconds using an electric field.| techxplore.com
To support the ongoing transition to electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse emissions, engineers have been trying to develop batteries that can store more energy, while also operating safely and lasting for long periods of time. Typically, however, high-energy batteries entail longer charging times, which is not ideal for most real-world applications.| techxplore.com
Hydrogen (H2) is an Earth-abundant molecule that is widely used in industrial settings and could soon contribute to the clean generation and storage of electricity. Most notably, it can be used to generate electricity in fuel cells, which could in turn power heavy-duty vehicles or serve as back-up energy systems.| techxplore.com
AI is a relatively new tool, and despite its rapid deployment in nearly every aspect of our lives, researchers are still trying to figure out how its "personality traits" arise and how to control them. Large learning models (LLMs) use chatbots or "assistants" to interface with users, and some of these assistants have exhibited troubling behaviors recently, like praising evil dictators, using blackmail or displaying sycophantic behaviors with users. Considering how much these LLMs have already...| techxplore.com
Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, materials that can conduct electricity and are only a few atoms thick, are promising alternatives to the conventional silicon-based semiconductors currently used to fabricate many electronics. Despite their promise, these materials have not yet been deployed on a large scale.| techxplore.com
To further reduce the size of electronic devices, while also improving their performance and energy efficiency, electronics engineers have been trying to identify alternative materials that outperform silicon and other conventional semiconductors. Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors, materials that are just a few atoms thick and have a tunable electrical conductivity, are among the most promising candidates for the fabrication of smaller and better performing devices.| techxplore.com
Guilt is a highly advantageous quality for society as a whole. It might not prevent initial wrongdoings, but guilt allows humans to judge their own prior judgments as harmful and prevents them from happening again. The internal distress caused by feelings of guilt often—but not always—results in the person taking on some kind of penance to relieve themselves from internal turmoil. This might be something as simple as admitting their wrongdoing to others and taking on a slight stigma of so...| techxplore.com
In recent years, engineers have been working to develop increasingly sophisticated devices that can help humans to interact better with computers. These technologies, including brain-machine interfaces, electroceuticals and wearable health care devices, could potentially advance both existing medical practices and the capabilities of human users.| techxplore.com
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