News & Updates
The latest news and updates from companies in the WLTH portfolio.
Turmoil Within: Exploring the Science of Chaos in the Heart and Brain
A groundbreaking study from Kyoto University has unveiled a novel approach to understanding the intricate connection between brain activity and heart function by focusing on the chaotic fluctuations present in heartbeat variability. Unlike traditional measures of heart rate variability (HRV), which have long been used to gauge autonomic nervous system performance, this research spotlights chaos theory and nonlinear dynamics to decode subtle signs of cognitive engagement embedded in cardiac rhythms. This innovative work holds promise for revolutionizing how we non-invasively monitor brain-heart interactions during mental tasks. Heart rate variability has historically been studied through time-domain and frequency-domain methods, capturing the intervals between heartbeats to infer autonomic regulation. However, these linear approaches often fall short in reflecting the complex, higher-order processes of the central nervous system, especially during cognitive exertion. The Kyoto team hypothesized that the underlying chaotic dynamics within heartbeat sequences, often dismissed as noise, may instead carry physiologically meaningful signatures indicative of brain activity under cognitive load. To test this hypothesis, the researchers subjected human participants to a series of cognitive challenges designed to activate executive functions and mental processing. Heartbeat data collected during these tasks were meticulously analyzed both by conventional HRV indices and by chaos-based metrics that quantify the unpredictability and nonlinear patterns inherent in the heart's rhythm. The contrast in findings was striking: conventional measures remained largely unchanged or inconsistent, while chaos quantifiers exhibited robust, reproducible shifts closely tied to cognitive task engagement. These results suggest that chaotic fluctuations within heartbeat variability serve as a sensitive and reliable window into the brain's influence on cardiac function. This phenomenon, known as brain-heart coupling, reflects the bidirectional communication pathways between the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, mediated through complex neural, hormonal, and autonomic mechanisms. The Kyoto study establishes chaotic dynamics not merely as a random artifact but as a purposeful physiological marker woven into the fabric of systemic integration. The nonlinear analytical tools applied in this research stem from chaos theory, a branch of theoretical physics dedicated to the study of dynamical systems that appear random yet follow deterministic laws. By leveraging metrics that capture the fractal and entropic properties of heartbeat intervals, the team quantified how cognitive efforts systematically modulate cardiovascular control. This approach unearths layers of regulation unseen by traditional HRV metrics, which commonly rely on assumptions of stationarity and linearity. One of the most compelling implications of this research is its potential to enrich clinical and applied neuroscience fields. Continuous, non-invasive monitoring of chaotic heartbeat dynamics could one day provide real-time insights into an individual's cognitive state, mental workload, or emotional stress without necessitating cumbersome neuroimaging or invasive procedures. This may open doors for improved mental health diagnostics, stress management, neurorehabilitation, and even enhancements in human-machine interfacing where adaptive systems respond to subtle physiological cues. Collaboration with Toshiba Information Systems Corporation was pivotal in this project, bringing to bear advanced signal processing and data analysis expertise to detect minute nonlinear patterns in physiological datasets. This interdisciplinary fusion underscores the growing convergence of engineering principles and life sciences in tackling complex biomedical problems. It also demonstrates the value of integrating computational sophistication with experimental physiology to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Looking beyond the laboratory, there is enormous appeal in validating these chaotic heartbeat signatures across broader populations and varied clinical contexts. The Kyoto research team is actively pursuing international partnerships to explore the utility of their findings within intensive care units, neurological disorder management, and psychiatric treatment frameworks. Such collaborations aim to cement chaos-based heart rate variability as a universal biomarker bridging brain and body function. From a theoretical standpoint, this study challenges prevailing notions regarding the origin and interpretation of variability in heartbeat intervals. Rather than relegating the observed fluctuations to random noise or external disturbances, the data reframes them as integral components of a complex adaptive system. This reconceptualization invites new perspectives on how physiological networks self-organize and maintain homeostasis under cognitive demands. In sum, this pioneering work from Kyoto University not only advances the frontier of heart rate variability research but also provides a transformative lens through which to view the synchronous dance of mind and heart. By harnessing chaos theory's analytical power, researchers have unveiled a quantitative marker that captures the essence of mental exertion as it resonates through the cardiovascular system. This breakthrough paves the way for innovative applications that monitor and interpret the ever-changing landscape of human cognition and physiology. The implications for personalized medicine are profound. Imagine wearable devices capable of detecting cognitive strain or emotional upheaval through changes in heartbeat chaotic patterns, alerting users to take preventative action before symptoms escalate. Such technology could revolutionize stress monitoring, cognitive workload management, and ultimately enhance quality of life by aligning physiological signals with mental well-being. Moreover, this study enriches our understanding of neurocardiology and the integrative biology of human function. The heart, long symbolic of emotion and vitality, reveals itself here as a dynamic organ whose rhythm is finely tuned by the brain's cognitive states. Unraveling this complexity through chaos enables a more nuanced appreciation of health, disease, and the continuity between mind and body. As science continues to navigate the fine line between order and disorder, findings like these illuminate that what appears as chaotic may hold the key to deeper biological truths. The Kyoto University team's seminal research underscores the breathtaking complexity of physiological regulation and heralds a new era in system-level biomedical investigations. Subject of Research: People Article Title: Chaotic fluctuations mark the sign of mental activity in task-based heart rate variability News Publication Date: 24-Mar-2026 Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-43385-z References: Chaotic fluctuations mark the sign of mental activity in task-based heart rate variability, Scientific Reports, 2026, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-43385-z Image Credits: KyotoU / Toshiba Information Systems Japan Corporation Keywords: Chaos theory, Heart rate, Cognitive function, Biomedical engineering
'God of chaos' asteroid to pass close to Earth in 2029
A rare asteroid will soon be visible to the naked eye in a rare celestial event, according to astronomers. Asteroid 99942 Apophis - named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, darkness and fire - is expected to safely pass close to Earth on April 13, 2029, according to NASA. The asteroid will pass within roughly 20,000 miles of Earth - nearly 12 times closer than the moon's average distance from Earth, and closer than many satellites in geosynchronous orbit - making it one of the closest approaches ever recorded for an object of its size and a "very rare event," according to NASA. The approach will be visible to observers on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere, weather permitting, according to NASA. It will be close enough that sky-watchers won't need a telescope or binoculars to see it, astronomers say. When Apophis was first discovered in 2004, it was labeled a potentially hazardous asteroid because of the possibility that it could impact Earth in 2029, 2036 or 2068, according to NASA. After closely tracking the asteroid and its orbit using optical telescopes and ground-based radar, astronomers are now confident that there is no risk of Apophis impacting Earth for at least 100 years.
Asteroid Apophis God of Chaos to Pass Earth April 13 2029 - News Directory 3
Apophis, discovered in 2004 by astronomers Roy Tucker, David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, measures approximately 450 meters (1,480 feet) in length... The near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis, popularly known as the "God of Chaos," will make a close but safe flyby of Earth on April 13, 2029, passing within approximately 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) of the planet's surface -- a distance closer than many satellites in geosynchronous orbit. This proximity offers a rare opportunity for scientific observation, as the asteroid will be visible to the naked eye under clear, dark skies, particularly across parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia during its closest approach.
Perplexity Releases Personal Computer for Mac
Perplexity today released a new expansion of Perplexity Computer for the Mac called Personal Computer. This brings the multi-modal orchestration capabilities of Computer to, well, a computer, where it can work with your files, apps, connectors, and the web. "Personal Computer makes Perplexity Computer a more personal orchestrator, elegantly hybridizing the local and server environments for maximum security and productivity," Perplexity explains. "AI changes how we think about the computer." Perplexity announced Perplexity Computer back in February, describing it as "the next evolution of AI." The idea is that it integrates previous interfaces, like chat and agents, into a single system, a "general-purpose digital worker," that can execute entire workflows by running multiple asynchronous tasks. AI, Perplexity said at the time, is now the computer. And now it's on the computer, or at least a computer: Perplexity Personal Computer for Mac takes Perplexity Computer local so it can integrate with your files, apps, and other tools. And you can initiate tasks from your phone, similar to how Claude Cowork for Windows/Mac can work with Dispatch. "You can ask Personal Computer to read your to-do list," Perplexity explains. "In fact, you can ask it to DO your to-do list. In Notes, just press both CMD keys to activate Personal Computer, and ask. Computer will read your Notes to-do list, reason how to accomplish each task, and work across all of your local files, iMessage, email, connected apps, and the open web to get it done." Personal Computer can also organize messy folders of files into project sub-folders and compare local files against web-based information, and you can interact with it using your voice. It uses a secure sandbox for files and undertakes auditable and reversible actions. Personal Computer for Mac is available now to Perplexity Max subscribers, and Perplexity will bring it to other tiers soon while prioritizing users on the waitlist.
Apophis Countdown: Asteroid 'God Of Chaos' Will Pass Closer Than Satellites, Visible To Naked Eyes!
A near-Earth asteroid, 99942 Apophis, also dubbed the God of Chaos, will make a terrifyingly close encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. With a mean diameter of 340 meters (1,115 feet), the asteroid has a long axis of at least 450 meters (1,480 feet). An asteroid of this size and this close passes by Earth once in a few thousand years. Apophis is grouped with Athens, a group of Earth-crossing asteroids with an orbital period that is shorter than 365 Earth days. If its orbital period around the Sun exceeds one year, it will be classified under the Apollo group. Discovered on June 19, 2004, by astronomers Roy Tucker (1951-2021), David Tholen, and Fabrizio Bernardi at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona, scientists initially speculated it might impact Earth by either 2029, 2036, or 2068! The potentially hazardous asteroid has since been tracked and its path mapped out meticulously. Apophis will not collide with Earth for at least not the next 100 years. However, in 2029 the NEO will fly closest to the planet by nearly 20,000 miles, or about 32,000 kilometers. That is scarily closer than most satellites in geosynchronous orbit, which is about 22,326 miles, or 36,000 kilometers. In its 2021 study Davide Farnocchia of NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) stated "A 2068 impact is not in the realm of possibility anymore, and our calculations don't show any impact risk for at least the next 100 years. With the support of recent optical observations and additional radar observations, the uncertainty in Apophis' orbit has collapsed from hundreds of kilometers to just a handful of kilometers when projected to 2029. This greatly improved knowledge of its position in 2029 provides more certainty of its future motion, so we can now remove Apophis from the risk list." The latest calculation of the trajectory of Apophis was done with a 70-meter radio antenna and the Deep Space Network (DSN) to track the asteroid's motion precisely with an accuracy of about 150 meters. The scientists are trying to determine Apophis' spin state to determine its orientation. It will help scientists know if the NEO will cause "asteroid quakes" during the 2029 flyby. For stargazers in the Eastern Hemisphere, the asteroid will be visible even without the aid of a telescope or binoculars. Meanwhile, NASA's spacecraft OSIRIS-REx is on its way to rendezvous with Apophis for study and accompany its flyby in 2029. See Also: Will Doomsday Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact The Moon In 2032? NASA Shares Update With Latest James Webb Data Cover: ESA
One Platform, Zero Chaos : Discover How Infraon Infinity Unites Context, Action, and Intelligence for Smarter IT Operations - Newspatrolling.com
Starting Small, Scaling Smart : The Unified Advantage Many IT teams dream of a single platform but fear big-bang migrations or vendor lock-in. Infraon Infinity takes a different approach: begin wherever pain is greatest - whether it's asset visibility through ITAM, service management through ITSM, comprehensive network monitoring, or predictive operations powered by AIOps - and expand modularly from there. As a unified platform, Infraon Infinity lets organizations activate capabilities on demand, paying only for what delivers value today while building toward full operational unification tomorrow. From Discovery to Insight in One Ecosystem The journey often starts with visibility. Infraon Infinity's auto-discovery engine continuously scans and identifies devices, applications, servers, and cloud resources across your entire infrastructure - on-premises, hybrid, or multi-cloud - automatically populating the centralized CMDB with accurate, real-time relationships and dependencies. Teams gain a complete 360° topology map of their environment without deploying separate discovery tools for each function or disparate scans. Network monitoring capabilities establish performance baselines automatically across all discovered assets, creating intelligent thresholds that distinguish normal behavior from anomalous patterns. The AIOps engine analyzes historical performance data, user behavior, and environmental changes to build predictive models - enabling operators to focus on genuine exceptions rather than constant manual threshold checking across fragmented monitoring dashboards. Turning Insights into Automated Outcomes Once visibility is established, Infraon Infinity turns data into immediate action. Intelligent event correlation reduces alert fatigue by aggregating signals from monitoring, network devices, applications, and user reports - automatically suppressing duplicate alerts and noise while surfacing genuine incidents that require attention. When real issues arise, AIOps-powered diagnostics guide engineers with contextual information pulled from the unified CMDB: asset configurations, warranty status, service dependencies, previous incident history, and recommended fixes - all displayed in a single unified dashboard. One-click automated remediation workflows handle routine problems like disk cleanup, service restarts, or patch deployment, while complex issues are intelligently routed with complete context to the right expert based on skills, availability, and workload. The ITSM capabilities integrate seamlessly across the platform: service requests automatically convert to incidents when issues are detected, change management workflows link directly to impacted assets in the CMDB, and approval chains flow without external email chains or manual handoffs. For MSPs, the multi-tenant architecture isolates client data while enabling shared monitoring templates, standardized workflows, and reusable automation playbooks that accelerate client onboarding and ensure consistent service delivery across portfolios. Optimizing for the Long Term With day-to-day operations running smoother through automation and intelligent workflows, teams unlock higher-order benefits. Predictive analytics models within Infraon Infinity analyze usage trends across compute, storage, and network resources to prevent costly over-provisioning while avoiding performance bottlenecks. ITAM capabilities identify underutilized software licenses, support renewal negotiations with usage data, and flag compliance risks before audits. Predictive maintenance models flag hardware failures, performance degradation, and security vulnerabilities before they impact end users - shifting IT operations from reactive firefighting to proactive risk mitigation. MSPs especially benefit from the multi-tenant design that enables scalable service delivery while maintaining data isolation and security across diverse client portfolios. Real-World Impact: Measurable Gains Organizations adopting Infraon Infinity report dramatic improvements: incident resolution times drop as engineers access complete context from the CMDB instead of switching between tools; IT teams consolidate 5-7 separate monitoring, ticketing, and asset management licenses into one platform; and new IT initiatives reach value faster because teams aren't re-integrating fragmented tools with every project. The unified architecture enables teams to scale operations without proportional headcount growth -- automation handles routine tasks, AIOps identifies patterns humans would miss, and the integrated ITSM-ITAM workflow eliminates manual data entry across systems. End users experience fewer disruptions because predictive monitoring and automated remediation catch and resolve problems before they escalate into service-impacting incidents. Why One Platform Wins In a world of accelerating digital transformation and multi-cloud complexity, fragmented point solutions slow adaptation and create operational blind spots. Infraon Infinity offers the opposite: a unified foundation where monitoring data flows natively into ITSM tickets, ITAM maintains the authoritative CMDB for all modules, and AIOps intelligence layers across the entire platform - enabling smarter decisions and faster execution without APIs, integrations, or data synchronization overhead. Start small with the module addressing your greatest pain point - whether network monitoring, service desk automation, asset discovery, or client management - achieve quick wins through immediate visibility and automation, then expand to transform end-to-end IT operations on a single, unified platform built for the modern enterprise.
VSL release Synchron Harpsichord (Blanchet)
The latest instalment in VSL's Synchron Series line-up captures the sound of a faithful copy of a François Étienne Blanchet harpsichord, and the announcement comes alongside the launch of a special promotion that sees discounts of up to 45% applied across the company's range of piano libraries. Synchron Harpsichord (Blanchet) captures a two-manual instrument from the collection of Viennese doctor and musician Kurt Gold-Szklarski. Built by Eckehard Merzdorf in 2010, it is a faithful copy of a 1746 original by François Étienne Blanchet, the renowned French 'facteur des clavessins du Roi'. VSL say that the instrument reflects the golden age of Blanchet's harpsichord building, combining elegance with tonal richness. It was prepared and tuned at Vienna Synchron Stage by renowned Sicilian instrument maker and musician Sebastiano Calì, and offers a sound which the company say remains true to its historical roots while being perfectly suited to modern productions. The resulting library offers a versatile palette of six registrations derived from the instrument's authentic stop configuration. The lower manual features 8' and 4' stops, while the upper manual provides 8' and a distinctive lute stop, enabling registrations such as 8' low, 8' up, 4', 8'+8' (coupled), 8'+8'+4' (tutti) and lute. Each registration is instantly accessible, and is complemented by several mixer presets that range from intimate to ambient, allowing users to shape their sound with ease. The instrument has been recorded with an extensive multi-microphone setup, including condenser, ribbon and valve close mics, as well as Decca Tree and surround configurations. As always, Standard and Full versions of the library are available, with the latter offering the full complement of mic signals. Alongside the new instrument, VSL have released a free update that kits their Synchron Piano Player out with a MIDI recorder and player (standalone mode), MIDI demos by composers such as Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven and Schumann (also available in plug-in mode), velocity curve presets for a wide range of keyboard controllers, the option to lock a user's preferred pedal noise volume per piano, and other improvements. To mark the occasion, all of the company's Synchron and Studio Pianos are available at discounts of up to 45%. Flagship instruments and historic gems from renowned piano makers such as Bösendorfer, Fazioli, Steinway & Sons, Yamaha, Bechstein and Blüthner, all captured by VSL at their Synchron Stage Vienna facility. You can find out more via the link below. www.vsl.co.at/piano-promotion-2026 Synchron Harpsichord (Blanchet) runs in VSL's Synchron Player, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX versions are available. Synchron Harpsichord (Blanchet) is available now, and is currently (7 April 2026) being offered at the following introductory prices: www.ilio.com/synchron-harpsichord-blanchet
Polymarket Launches Major Infrastructure Overhaul With Enhanced Order Book and Native USD Token - Blockonomi
Timing coincides with evolving regulatory framework for prediction markets Polymarket has launched a comprehensive infrastructure transformation designed to enhance trading performance, market depth, and platform capacity. The modernization brings a sophisticated order book architecture and proprietary collateral system. This strategic rebuild demonstrates the platform's evolution toward institutional-grade trading capabilities amid an improving regulatory landscape. Polymarket has implemented a completely redesigned infrastructure built around its enhanced central limit order book technology. The revamped architecture streamlines order configurations and accelerates matching processes throughout all trading pairs. This foundation enables quicker trade completion and reduced price spreads. The refreshed infrastructure incorporates support for sophisticated cryptographic signature protocols and blockchain-based attribution frameworks for third-party developers. These enhancements enable technical teams to monitor transaction pathways and deploy automated trading approaches with greater precision. Additionally, the platform has optimized its revenue collection and allocation procedures. Throughout the migration period, all active order books will undergo a complete refresh to synchronize with the modernized infrastructure. A brief scheduled downtime will facilitate this conversion and guarantee platform reliability. The infrastructure transformation balances enhanced capabilities with uninterrupted service delivery. The modernized infrastructure features a shift from USDC.e to Polymarket USD as the primary collateral mechanism. This proprietary token maintains complete one-to-one reserve backing through USDC deposits and enables uniform settlement processes across all trading markets. This adjustment strengthens liquidity uniformity and streamlines asset management protocols. Most platform participants will experience automatic conversion through the standard user interface. Power users requiring manual control can convert holdings through a designated smart contract function. The infrastructure therefore provides a systematic pathway for both automated and manual asset transitions. This collateral evolution mirrors an industry-wide movement toward platform-specific settlement instruments within exchange ecosystems. It facilitates optimal trade processing while minimizing liquidity segmentation across different pools. The infrastructure thus embraces contemporary exchange architecture standards. The platform transformation emerges during a period of increasing regulatory definition for prediction markets within United States jurisdiction. Multiple judicial rulings have clarified federal authority over event-based derivative instruments. The infrastructure development therefore progresses alongside a maturing regulatory landscape. Polymarket has architected its infrastructure to satisfy institutional requirements as compliance standards become more established. The reconstructed technical foundation accommodates expanded trading volumes and strengthened operational durability. This infrastructure positions the platform for wider adoption within compliant market structures. Technical teams utilizing platform integrations must upgrade their software development kits and regenerate order signatures to function with the new infrastructure. The platform will distribute comprehensive migration documentation and updated technical resources prior to full deployment. This infrastructure transition guarantees compatibility across all connected systems and trading implementations.
Setback for China's SpaceX rival: Tianlong-3 maiden flight fails
According to reports, the Tianlong-3 lifted off from the Jiuquan space center in northern China at 12:17 p.m. China Standard Time. The goal of the mission was a sun-synchronous orbit. Reuters and Golem (a German outlet) both report that although the rocket successfully left the pad, the mission failed and the payload could not be placed into its intended orbit. Space Pioneer has not yet provided any specific details about the payload itself. From a technical perspective, the Tianlong-3 marks an important development step for Space Pioneer and for China's private space industry. The first stage is powered by nine TH-12 engines, while the second stage uses a single vacuum-optimized TH-12 engine. According to Golem, the rocket did not yet fly in a reusable configuration during its debut, although the program is clearly geared toward reusability in the long term and according to Reuters, is intended to help China catch up with SpaceX in the commercial launch market. After around two minutes of flight, there was apparently a problem in the propulsion system. Initial images suggest that an explosion may have occurred in the area of one of the engines. The exact sequence of events has not yet been officially confirmed, but current reports indicate that the flight path deviated from its intended course either near the end of first-stage operation or during the transition to the second stage. Since the second stage relies on only a single engine, it is significantly less fault-tolerant than the first.
Wetware AI: Living Brain Cells Trained to Run Chaos Math - Neuroscience News
Summary: The line between biology and computer science just got even blurrier. Researchers have successfully trained living rat neurons to perform complex machine learning tasks. The study integrated cultured neuronal networks into a "reservoir computing" framework. Using a technique called FORCE learning, the team taught these biological circuits to generate intricate mathematical patterns -- including the chaotic Lorenz attractor -- proving that living "wetware" can serve as a functional, real-time computational resource. A research team at Tohoku University and Future University Hakodate has demonstrated that living biological neurons can be trained to perform a supervised temporal pattern learning task previously carried out by artificial systems. By integrating cultured neuronal networks into a machine learning framework, the team showed that these biological systems can generate complex time-series signals, marking a significant step forward in both neuroscience and bio-inspired computing. The study was published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on March 12, 2026, highlighting a novel intersection between living neural systems and computational technology. The findings suggest that biological neural networks (BNNs) may serve as viable alternatives or complements to existing machine learning models. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and spiking neural networks (SNNs) have long been used in machine learning and neuromorphic hardware. A framework known as reservoir computing has emerged as an efficient approach for processing time-dependent data by leveraging the dynamic properties of recurrently connected ANNs and SNNs. In conventional ANN-based reservoir computing, methods such as First-Order Reduced and Controlled Error (FORCE) learning enable real-time adaptation by continuously adjusting output signals in response to errors. These techniques allow artificial systems to generate a wide range of temporal patterns, including periodic and chaotic signals. However, whether similar approaches could be applied to biological neural networks has remained an open question. To address this gap, the researchers constructed biological neural networks using cultured rat cortical neurons and incorporated them into a reservoir computing framework. By applying FORCE learning to optimize the system's readout layer, the team successfully trained the biological networks to produce complex temporal signals comparable to those involved in motor control. A key innovation in the study was the use of microfluidic devices to precisely guide neuronal growth and control network connectivity. This approach enabled the researchers to create modular network architectures that minimized excessive synchronization, thereby promoting the rich, high-dimensional dynamics required for effective reservoir computing. Using this system, the BNN-based framework was able to generate a variety of time-series patterns, including sine waves, triangular waves, square waves, and even chaotic trajectories such as the Lorenz attractor. Notably, the network demonstrated flexibility by learning and stably reproducing sine waves with periods ranging from 4 to 30 seconds within the same system. "This work shows that living neuronal networks are not only biologically meaningful systems but may also serve as novel computational resources," said Hideaki Yamamoto, a professor at Tohoku University. "By bridging neuroscience and machine learning, we are opening a pathway toward new forms of computing that leverage the intrinsic dynamics of biological systems." Looking ahead, the research team aims to improve the stability of signal generation after training has concluded. Future efforts will focus on reducing feedback delays and refining the FORCE learning algorithm. In parallel, the platform may be expanded into a microphysiological system for studying drug responses and modeling neurological disorders, further extending its impact across both scientific and medical fields. Author: Public Relations Office Source: Tohoku University Contact: Public Relations Office - Tohoku University Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News Original Research: Open access. "Online supervised learning of temporal patterns in biological neural networks under feedback control" by Yuki Sono, Hideaki Yamamoto, Yusei Nishi, Takuma Sumi, Yuya Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata, Yuichi Katori, and Shigeo Sato. PNAS DOI:10.1073/pnas.2521560123 Abstract Online supervised learning of temporal patterns in biological neural networks under feedback control In vitro biological neural networks (BNNs) provide well-defined model systems for constructively investigating how living cells interact with their environments to shape high-dimensional dynamics that can be used to generate coherent temporal outputs, such as those required for motor control. Here, we develop a real-time closed-loop BNN system that is capable of generating periodic and chaotic temporal signals by integrating cultured cortical neurons with microfluidic devices and high-density microelectrode arrays. We show that training a simple linear decoder with fixed feedback weights enables the system to learn and autonomously generate diverse temporal patterns. When feedback is switched on, the irregular activity in the BNNs is transformed into low-dimensional, structured dynamics, producing coherent trajectories that are characterized by stable transitions between different neural states. BNNs trained on various target frequencies -- ranging from 4 to 30 s -- can be trained to sustain oscillations at distinct frequencies, demonstrating their adaptability. Importantly, top-down control of the self-organized network formation with microfluidic devices is the key to suppressing excessive synchronization and increasing dynamic complexity in BNNs, facilitating the training process and the generation of robust outputs. This work offers a biologically inspired platform for understanding the physical basis of cortical computations and for advancing energy-efficient neuromorphic computing paradigms.
SpaceX, Amazon, and Google want data centers in orbit -- four engineering barriers stand in the way - Silicon Canals
Editor's note: Daniel Voss is a health science journalist and former neuroscience researcher. This article represents a departure from his usual coverage area, exploring the intersection of emerging space technology and the broader infrastructure challenges shaping the future of computation. The race to build data centers in orbit isn't really about computing in space. It's about who controls the next era of computing on Earth. SpaceX has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission to launch a constellation of orbital data centers. Google is reportedly planning a test constellation of data-crunching satellites. Amazon, already dominant in cloud infrastructure and increasingly active in launch services, is positioning itself for the same frontier. The premise is seductive: unlimited solar power, free thermal dissipation into the vacuum of space, and no strain on terrestrial energy grids already buckling under AI workloads. But the deeper logic is strategic -- the companies capable of solving four fundamental engineering barriers will lock in an advantage that no terrestrial competitor, and no nation without its own launch capability, can easily overcome. As Silicon Canals has reported, the US and China already control 90% of AI data centre capacity. Moving compute to orbit wouldn't just extend that dominance -- it would harden it into something approaching permanence, raising the barrier to entry for every nation without its own rockets. The engineering challenges are real, but so is the power consolidation they enable. Whoever solves these problems first doesn't just build a better data center; they reshape the geopolitics of computation itself. Space is cold, but cooling electronics there is harder than on Earth. In constantly illuminated sun-synchronous orbits, equipment temperatures can remain extremely high -- too hot for safe long-term electronics operation. Without convection or flowing water, heat must be radiated away through specialised systems. Industry experts note that thermal management and cooling in space is generally a huge problem. The European Space Agency has been developing mechanically pumped fluid loop systems for satellite heat rejection, but scaling these to data-center size remains unproven. Beyond the magnetosphere's protection, cosmic radiation degrades semiconductor performance and introduces errors. Aircraft crews already face a higher risk of developing cancer from radiation exposure at cruising altitude; orbital hardware faces far greater bombardment. Recently, Nvidia touted new hardware designed for orbital AI compute, and startup companies have launched satellites fitted with advanced GPUs. But experts at Carnegie Mellon University note that redundancy requirements are severe: systems need not only to meet current needs but also require redundancy, extra parts, and reconfigurability to continue working when components fail. Proposals for massive satellite constellations run headlong into physics. As of early 2026, there are roughly 15,000 active satellites in orbit -- more than triple the number five years ago -- with SpaceX's Starlink constellation alone accounting for over 7,000 of them. Approved filings with the ITU and FCC would add tens of thousands more: Amazon's Project Kuiper plans 3,236 satellites, and SpaceX has approval for up to 12,000 Starlink units with applications pending for 30,000 beyond that. Researchers have estimated that low Earth orbit can safely support somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 active satellites across all orbital shells, given the minimum spacing needed for collision avoidance -- a ceiling that begins to look uncomfortably close when data-center constellations are added to the manifest. Starlink satellites already perform extensive collision avoidance manoeuvres. Low Earth orbit is already quite crowded. This congestion problem contains its own concentrating logic: extremely large constellations may not be feasible unless controlled by a single entity capable of coordinating thousands of orbital manoeuvres in real time -- which means, in practice, SpaceX or a company very much like it. A 2024 feasibility study led by Thales Alenia Space concluded that gigawatt-scale orbital data centers could exist before 2050, though requiring solar arrays far larger than the International Space Station's. Industry estimates suggest the cost-competitiveness crossover may occur within the next couple of decades. Each of these four barriers -- thermal management, radiation hardening, orbital congestion, and raw economics -- is a genuine engineering challenge. But none of them are abstract. They are filters, and they favour incumbency. The companies most aggressively promoting orbital compute -- SpaceX, Amazon, Google -- are also the dominant players in launch services, cloud infrastructure, and AI training. Every barrier that persists is a moat that deepens their advantage. If orbital data centers become viable, the question won't simply be whether the engineering works. It will be whether the rest of the world can afford to participate -- or whether computation itself becomes a resource controlled from orbit by a handful of firms with the rockets to get there.
SpaceX Falcon 9 successfully launches Transporter-16 mission from Vandenberg
On March 30, SpaceX conducted a successful launch of its Transporter 16 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the 21st launch from Vandenberg SFB in 2026, demonstrating again how dominant they are in the commercial space industry. According to Vandenberg Space Force Base, Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E), and multiple microsatellites and cubesats were deployed into Sun-Synchronous Orbit on this dedicated rideshare mission. These satellites represent many international startups, research institutions, and government agencies that are using this mission as an affordable way to send their products into orbit.The Falcon 9 first-stage booster performed a successful RTLS (Return-to-Launch-Site) landing at Landing Zone 4 shortly after completing its primary mission. This marks another successful recovery of a reusable booster by SpaceX.According to SpaceX, the Transporter-16 mission was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, delivering 119 payloads (large and small) into Sun-Synchronous orbit (SSO). Based on official ride-share launch integration information from SpaceX, the commercial and institutional payloads deployed included over 20 countries with a wide variety of CubeSats and microsats of various standardised form factors.The rideshare model also creates an opportunity for smaller research institutions to share costs associated with launching on a single rocket. This shared rocket cost significantly decreases the barriers experienced by various research institutions when attempting to launch to space.One of the government payloads of great importance was for the NGA's MagQuest project. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) developed this project as a platform that utilises three different CubeSats to test the magnetic fields of the Earth. The information measured by these CubeSats is used for maintaining the World Magnetic Model (WMM), the system that provides accurate global navigation for GPS-enabled devices and commercial and ocean-going vessels. The mission is the first in deploying the Space-based PhOtonics for Quantum Communication (SPOQC) satellite. The SPOQC satellite is a '12U CubeSat' that will serve as a demonstrator for an 'unhackable' method of transmitting quantum-encrypted photons from space via orbiting satellites to grounded stations. This is the first step in developing a robust, worldwide quantum secure internet capable of protecting against future cyber threats.According to the Vandenberg Space Force Base, the Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E). The booster of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle (1st stage) successfully executed its Return to Launch Site (RTLS) landing at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) after separation from the 2nd stage of the launch vehicle. The RTLS landing of the 1st stage booster is unique to Vandenberg SFB missions and typically results in an audible sonic boom along the entire coastline of Central California from deceleration through the atmosphere of the booster.
New York City Joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and More US Biggest Cities Engulf in Massive 'No Kings Protest' Uprising: Civil Rights and Immigration Tensions, Economic Stress and Foreign Policy Backlash Trigger County Wide Travel Chaos - Travel And Tour World
New York City joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and more US biggest cities engulf in massive 'No Kings Protest' uprising, as civil rights and immigration tensions, economic stress and foreign policy backlash trigger county-wide travel chaos. New York City joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and more US biggest cities engulf in massive 'No Kings Protest' uprising. Civil rights and immigration tensions intensify. Economic stress rises sharply. Foreign policy backlash spreads fast. Therefore, county-wide travel chaos expands rapidly. Moreover, New York City joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and more US biggest cities engulf in massive 'No Kings Protest' uprising again signals deep disruption. Transport slows. Flights shift. Streets fill. Authorities react quickly. Travel patterns change. Consequently, Travel And Tour World urges readers to read the entire story for full clarity, impact, and unfolding consequences across regions. The "No Kings" protests on March 28-29, 2026 spread across thousands of locations in the United States, with major activity in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis. Authorities monitored events under established protest and public safety frameworks defined by federal and local agencies. New York City emerged as a central hub due to its scale and institutional visibility. The city operates under clearly defined protest and assembly guidelines managed by the New York City Government. These frameworks allow large gatherings while ensuring law enforcement oversight. Demonstrations spread across boroughs and key civic zones. Authorities coordinated crowd management and transport adjustments. Public messaging focused on safety and lawful assembly. The city's infrastructure supported large gatherings efficiently. Media coverage amplified developments rapidly. This combination positioned New York as both symbolic and operational centre of the protests. Los Angeles demonstrated a decentralised protest pattern across multiple districts. The city follows public assembly regulations outlined by the City of Los Angeles. These policies allow demonstrations while maintaining civic order. Protesters gathered in civic plazas and major intersections. Authorities implemented traffic control and public advisories. The city's emergency response systems remained active throughout. Community organisations played a key role in mobilisation. Messaging reflected regional socio-economic concerns. Los Angeles effectively amplified national protest narratives while maintaining structured oversight. Chicago served as a Midwest coordination point due to its infrastructure and central location. Protest activities operated under the city's public assembly and parade regulations managed by the City of Chicago. Demonstrations were concentrated in downtown corridors. Authorities coordinated closely with emergency management teams. Public safety messaging remained consistent. The city facilitated large gatherings without major disruptions. Regional participants travelled into Chicago, strengthening turnout. This elevated the city's role as a strategic protest hub. Its influence extended across neighbouring states. Washington, D.C. became the focal point due to its proximity to federal institutions. Protests here are governed by federal regulations overseen by the National Park Service, which manages demonstrations in key federal areas. Gatherings took place near symbolic government landmarks. Messaging focused on national policy and governance issues. Federal agencies monitored developments closely. Security presence was heightened but controlled. Protesters used the location to maximise political visibility. Media attention remained concentrated here. The city's role reinforced the protest's national significance. Minneapolis and Saint Paul became the operational core of the protests. Local authorities coordinated through frameworks outlined by the State of Minnesota emergency management systems. Large-scale gatherings were recorded across the Twin Cities. Crowd sizes reached significant levels. Coordination between local agencies ensured controlled movement. Community networks played a strong role in mobilisation. Messaging focused on civil rights and governance. The scale of participation influenced national trends. These cities emerged as symbolic anchors of the movement. Traverse City and Big Rapids demonstrated the expansion of protests beyond major urban centres. These cities operate under local civic administration frameworks aligned with the State of Michigan. Smaller communities organised independently. Authorities maintained a monitoring presence. Participation reflected local adaptation of national issues. The spread into smaller towns marked a structural shift. Protests are no longer limited to metropolitan hubs. This expansion increased the overall geographic footprint. It also strengthened the perception of nationwide mobilisation. San Francisco and Seattle sustained high engagement through established protest cultures. Local governance frameworks such as the City and County of San Francisco and City of Seattle regulate demonstrations. Events were organised across multiple zones. Authorities maintained structured oversight. Protest messaging focused on social equity and governance. Digital coordination supported turnout. Participation remained consistent across locations. These cities contributed to shaping national narratives. Their influence extended across activist networks. Houston and Atlanta reflected growing engagement in the South. Demonstrations operated under municipal and state-level frameworks such as the City of Houston and City of Atlanta. Participation levels were moderate but significant. Protesters addressed economic and policy concerns. Authorities implemented safety measures. The South showed increasing involvement in national issues. This indicates a shift in geographic participation. Civic mobilisation is expanding into new regions. These cities are becoming more influential in protest dynamics. The protests represent a structural evolution in civic mobilisation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and USA.gov civic rights resources outline the balance between public safety and the right to protest. This movement operates across urban and rural layers. It is decentralised and network-driven. Participation spans multiple regions simultaneously. Digital coordination enables synchronised action. The issues are multi-dimensional. They include governance, economic, and civil rights concerns. This combination creates sustained momentum. The scale reflects deeper societal engagement. The nationwide spread of protests signals a significant shift in civic participation. Authorities across federal, state, and local levels continue to monitor developments through structured frameworks such as Ready.gov for public safety preparedness. The decentralised model suggests ongoing mobilisation potential. Urban and rural participation will shape future trends. Policy responses may evolve in reaction to sustained pressure. The protests could influence political outcomes. They may also reshape governance approaches. Public discourse is already shifting. The long-term impact will depend on continuity and scale. However, this moment has already redefined nationwide protest dynamics. New York City joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and more US biggest cities engulf in massive 'No Kings Protest' uprising because civil rights and immigration tensions, economic stress and foreign policy backlash trigger county-wide travel chaos at an unprecedented scale. The cause is layered and interconnected. Civil rights concerns continue to drive large sections of the population into the streets, especially in diverse urban centres. Immigration tensions further intensify this mobilisation, creating urgency and emotional momentum. Economic stress acts as a powerful multiplier, pushing individuals already affected by inflation, housing costs and job insecurity into active participation. At the same time, foreign policy backlash has broadened the scope of the protests. It connects domestic dissatisfaction with global developments, increasing the size and intensity of demonstrations. As a result, New York City joins Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and more US biggest cities engulf in massive 'No Kings Protest' uprising not as isolated incidents but as part of a synchronised national movement. This convergence explains why the protests are both widespread and sustained. The immediate answer lies in this convergence of triggers. When governance concerns, civil rights issues, economic pressure and foreign policy tensions align, they create a tipping point. That tipping point has now been reached. Consequently, travel systems are directly impacted. Road closures, public transport disruptions and increased security measures are causing county-wide travel chaos. Airports, highways and city centres are experiencing delays and operational shifts. The reason this matters is its scale and structure. This is not a short-term disruption. It reflects a deeper transformation in civic mobilisation across the United States. The decentralised nature of the movement ensures continued activity. Therefore, travel, tourism and mobility sectors must prepare for ongoing volatility as this nationwide protest wave evolves further.
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 119 payloads on smallsat rideshare mission from California
SpaceX is gearing up to launch its third largest smallsat rideshare mission on Monday morning. The Transporter-16 mission will fly 119 payloads to a Sun-synchronous, low Earth orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket launching from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East is scheduled for 4:02 a.m. PDT (7:02 a.m. EDT / 1102 UTC). Spaceflight Now will have live coverage beginning about 30 minutes prior to liftoff. The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission has the tail number B1093. This will be its 12th flight including a pair of missions for the Space Development Agency and nine batches of Starlink satellites. A little more than 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1093 will target a landing on the drone ship, 'Of Course I Still Love You,' positioned in the Pacific Ocean. If successful, this will be the 187th landing on this vessel and the 592nd booster landing for the company to date. Like all of SpaceX's rideshare missions, this flight supports dozens of customers, from companies to sovereign governments to academia. Two companies who managed manifesting the majority of the payloads are Exolaunch (57 payloads) and Seops Space (19 payloads). "Exolaunch is enabling launch access for more than 25 commercial, institutional, and government customers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, France, Finland, Greece, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, and more on this mission," Exolaunch said in a statement in February. The payloads overseen by Seops Space are a combination of 14 CubeSats and five PocketQubes. The latter of which are from a company called Alba Orbital and are Earth observation satellites. "The Seops Transporter-16 manifest represents a truly global cross-section of the small satellite community, with payloads originating from 13 countries, including Canada, France, Malaysia, Nepal, Norway, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam," Seops said in a statement. Other notable payloads include Varda Space's sixth reentry satellite bus, designed for on-orbit manufacturing, and the so-called 'cake topper,' the Gravitas satellite from K2 Space. The Gravitas satellite has a wingspan of 40 meters with its solar panels unfurled and weighs about two metric tons. It's designed to produce 20 kW of electricity.