Using mechanisms inspired by nature to create new technological innovations is a signature of one Virginia Tech research team. The group led by Associate Professor Michael Bartlett has created an octopus-inspired adhesive, inspired by the shape of octopus suckers, that can quickly grab and controllably release challenging underwater objects.Using mechanisms inspired by nature to create new technological innovations is a signature of one Virginia Tech research team. The group led by Associate Professor Michael Bartlett has created an octopus-inspired adhesive, inspired by the shape of octopus suckers, that can quickly grab and controllably release challenging underwater objects.[#item_full_content]
For long periods of its history, artificial intelligence has lurked in the hinterland of science, often unloved and unfunded—but two Nobel prizes in one week suggest its time in the sunshine has finally arrived.For long periods of its history, artificial intelligence has lurked in the hinterland of science, often unloved and unfunded—but two Nobel prizes in one week suggest its time in the sunshine has finally arrived.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]
We have grown accustomed to seeing many aspects of our everyday world depicted using computer graphics, but some phenomena remain difficult for even the most experienced animators. Hair, specifically the highly coiled hair that is most common to Black characters, remains a notoriously difficult digital challenge.We have grown accustomed to seeing many aspects of our everyday world depicted using computer graphics, but some phenomena remain difficult for even the most experienced animators. Hair, specifically the highly coiled hair that is most common to Black characters, remains a notoriously difficult digital challenge.[#item_full_content]
We have grown accustomed to seeing many aspects of our everyday world depicted using computer graphics, but some phenomena remain difficult for even the most experienced animators. Hair, specifically the highly coiled hair that is most common to Black characters, remains a notoriously difficult digital challenge.We have grown accustomed to seeing many aspects of our everyday world depicted using computer graphics, but some phenomena remain difficult for even the most experienced animators. Hair, specifically the highly coiled hair that is most common to Black characters, remains a notoriously difficult digital challenge.Computer Sciences[#item_full_content]
Streamer Plex rolls out movie and TV show reviews
Following its $40 million fundraise at the beginning of this year, streaming media company Plex announced on Wednesday it’s rolling out a new TV show and movie reviews feature, putting its app in more direct competition with other apps, like Letterboxd and TV Time. The feature will also include social networking elements, as the reviews can be […]
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Following its $40 million fundraise at the beginning of this year, streaming media company Plex announced on Wednesday it’s rolling out a new TV show and movie reviews feature, putting its app in more direct competition with other apps, like Letterboxd and TV Time. The feature will also include social networking elements, as the reviews can be
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.[#item_full_content]
In dusty factories, cramped internet cafes and makeshift home offices around the world, millions of people sit at computers tediously labeling data.In dusty factories, cramped internet cafes and makeshift home offices around the world, millions of people sit at computers tediously labeling data.Business[#item_full_content]
European unicorn Alan becomes Canada’s first new health insurance company in almost 70 years
In 2016, when Alan originally launched its health insurance product in France, it was the first new health insurance company in the country in 30 years. Now, as Alan announces its expansion to Canada, the startup is about to break a new record: There hasn’t been a new health insurance company in Canada since 1957. […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
In 2016, when Alan originally launched its health insurance product in France, it was the first new health insurance company in the country in 30 years. Now, as Alan announces its expansion to Canada, the startup is about to break a new record: There hasn’t been a new health insurance company in Canada since 1957.
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.[#item_full_content]
Investors are betting on user-generated content in video games. Gamebeast’s founder explains why
Today on Equity, Rebecca Bellan sat down with Zander Brumbaugh, the 22-year-old founder of Gamebeast, a startup that offers Roblox developers tools like A/B testing and LiveOps to modify games without needing to release a new version or interrupt a user’s ongoing game. Gamebeast recently raised a $3.7 million pre-seed round, led by J2 Ventures […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Today on Equity, Rebecca Bellan sat down with Zander Brumbaugh, the 22-year-old founder of Gamebeast, a startup that offers Roblox developers tools like A/B testing and LiveOps to modify games without needing to release a new version or interrupt a user’s ongoing game. Gamebeast recently raised a $3.7 million pre-seed round, led by J2 Ventures
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.[#item_full_content]
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a soft robotic “finger” with a sophisticated sense of touch that can perform routine doctor’s office examinations, including taking a patient’s pulse and checking for abnormal lumps. This work was published October 9 in Cell Reports Physical Science.Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a soft robotic “finger” with a sophisticated sense of touch that can perform routine doctor’s office examinations, including taking a patient’s pulse and checking for abnormal lumps. This work was published October 9 in Cell Reports Physical Science.[#item_full_content]
Levy Health wants to help women identify fertility issues sooner
Caroline Mitterdorfer’s fertility journey began with an early-stage cancer diagnosis at age 27. Mitterdorfer told TechCrunch that her diagnosis made her realize how little she knew about her health and her fertility. She dove into researching the space and became a self-described fertility advocate. Through that work, Mitterdorfer noticed that it took a long time […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Caroline Mitterdorfer’s fertility journey began with an early-stage cancer diagnosis at age 27. Mitterdorfer told TechCrunch that her diagnosis made her realize how little she knew about her health and her fertility. She dove into researching the space and became a self-described fertility advocate. Through that work, Mitterdorfer noticed that it took a long time
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.[#item_full_content]
