AI is cracking a hard problem – giving computers a sense of smell

The Point by Modern Sciences - June 27, 2024

Author

Don Smith
June 27, 2024

In partnership with

By The Modern Sciences Team

June 27, 2024

Hello once again, Cultivators of Curiosity!


Welcome to the 4th installment of The Point by Modern Sciences. Today, we explore how AI gives computers the sense of smell, revolutionizing industries from perfumery to medical diagnostics. We also delve into the contributions of the Chandra X-ray Observatory in mapping the universe and uncovering the secrets of black holes. Lastly, we investigate the potential collapse of the Atlantic Ocean circulation and the historical clues that inform our understanding of this critical issue.


Discover why these articles matter to you and the broader scientific community.


TECH

AI is cracking a hard problem – giving computers a sense of smell

Unlike vision, which relies on a few receptor cells, the human sense of smell involves about 400 receptor cells, making machine olfaction a complex task. Read more.



Top points:

  • Revolutionizing Smell Recognition: Similar to how voice assistants and facial recognition have revolutionized other sensory technologies, advances in machine olfaction are transforming our ability to digitize and describe smells.

  • Overcoming Data Challenges: Initially hindered by a lack of large-scale datasets, the field of machine olfaction saw a breakthrough with recent initiatives. These efforts spurred the development of robust machine-learning models capable of predicting human-perceived odor descriptors from molecular structures.

  • State-of-the-Art Technologies: Recent advancements, such as graph neural networks, have significantly enhanced the accuracy and applicability of machine olfaction. These innovations pave the way for diverse applications, from personalized perfumes to advanced chemical sensors and medical diagnostics.



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SPACE

I’m an astrophysicist mapping the universe with data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory − clear, sharp photos help me study energetic black holes

Launched in 1999, Chandra detects X-rays from astronomical phenomena like supernovae and black holes, providing detailed images and spectra crucial for understanding the universe. Read more.



Main ideas:

  • Role of Chandra X-ray Observatory: Since 1999, Chandra has provided astronomers with detailed images and spectra of high-energy phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae, by detecting X-rays that can't be observed from Earth's surface.

  • Discoveries with Chandra: Chandra has revealed how supermassive black holes and their host galaxies interact, showing X-ray emissions and feedback effects that influence galaxy formation and evolution, crucial for understanding the universe's development.

  • Future of X-ray Astronomy: As Chandra nears the end of its operational life, astronomers rely on its data, combined with other telescopes like Hubble and James Webb, to answer fundamental questions about the universe. This highlights the need for a successor to continue this vital research.



EARTH

Is collapse of the Atlantic Ocean circulation really imminent? Icebergs’ history reveals some clues

The Atlantic current system distributes heat and nutrients globally, and variations in water density drive its circulation due to temperature and salinity changes. However, recent studies warn that it might shut down this century due to climate change. Read more.



Critical information:

  • Atlantic Current System Concerns: Recent studies warn that the crucial Atlantic Current, which circulates heat and nutrients globally, might shut down this century due to Greenland's ice melt, potentially leading to severe climate impacts.

  • Historical Insights: Past events, known as Heinrich events, show that massive iceberg releases have weakened the Atlantic current, but current ice loss from Greenland is unlikely to sustain the disruption long enough to cause a similar shutdown soon.

  • Future Risks and Mitigation: While the immediate risk of an Atlantic current collapse is low, rising ocean temperatures and continued ice melt necessitate robust climate change mitigation efforts to protect future generations.