This week’s list of top data news highlights covers February 8, 2025 to February 14, 2025, and includes articles on addressing body image disorders with VR and understanding facial expressions of pigs with AI.
Researchers at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, in collaboration with MIT, have developed a deep-learning model called ProtGPS. Unlike other AI tools that predict protein structures, ProtGPS predicts where proteins go inside a cell and how they group together in different cellular environments. The model was trained on nearly 5,000 human proteins with known destinations in the cell and was highly accurate when tested on new data. Understanding where proteins end up is important for studying how cells function and develop diseases, which could help scientists design better drugs and treatments.
2. Teleporting with Quantum Tech
Researchers at the University of Oxford have used quantum teleportation, a method of instantly transferring quantum information using quantum mechanics, to transfer information between separate quantum processors for the first time. This breakthrough is a key step toward scaling quantum systems. The research could help build a quantum Internet for ultra-secure communication and advanced computing.
3. Playing with AR at the Super Bowl
Fox Sports used augmented reality (AR) graphics to enhance its Super Bowl LIX broadcast, making the viewing experience more immersive. By leveraging lidar technology, which scans the stadium to create a 3D map, FOX ensured AR visuals remained stable and precisely placed, even when cameras moved. This technology allowed for more dynamic on-screen graphics, from game analysis to set extensions, pushing the boundaries of sports broadcasting.
4. Addressing Body Image Disorders with VR
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island College of Business are using 3D body scan technology and virtual reality (VR) to help alleviate body image issues associated with trying clothes on. The scan includes 12 sensors that build a detailed 3D avatar of the user with over 100 different measurements, giving an accurate representation of their height and shape. Users can use these measurements in a virtual fitting room instead of trying on clothes in traditional fitting rooms. The system helps reduce anxiety about weight and body image, improving self-perception and supporting therapeutic interventions.
5. Designing Self-Fixing Roads
Google, in collaboration with researchers from King’s College London and Swansea University in Wales, is developing self-fixing road technology. The system relies on bio-based spores embedded in asphalt that release repair agents when cracks form, preventing potholes. Machine learning models optimize the spores’ composition and activation process, ensuring efficient repairs. This approach minimizes maintenance costs, extends road lifespans, and promotes sustainable infrastructure by combining AI with biomaterials.
6. Diagnosing Autism from Speech
Researchers at the University of Negev in Israel have developed a new AI tool, ASDSpeech, that uses machine learning to assess social-communication abilities in autistic children by analyzing speech features like pitch and duration. Trained on recordings of 136 children, the system can estimate social skills with up to 60 percent accuracy. The study suggests that speech difference can be clinically significant for autism diagnosis, and researchers aim to expand their open data repository for future research.
7. Improving Children’s Online Safety with Age Estimation
Google is using machine learning to improve child online safety by automatically applying protective settings when it detects a user may be under 18. The system analyzes factors such as browsing habits, the types of videos watched on YouTube, and overall usage patterns to estimate a user’s age. If flagged as a minor, the user is notified of adjusted settings and given options to verify their age with an ID, credit card, or selfie.
8. Understanding Pig Expressions
Researchers from the University of West of England Bristol and Scotland’s Rural College have developed an AI system called Intellipig that scans the facial expressions of pigs and provides farmers with insight on the state of their pig’s hunger and distress. The system captures images, identifies individual pigs based on prior data, and interprets their expressions to determine whether they need specific food or require a farmer’s attention due to pain, illness, or emotional distress. This technology enhances farmers’ ability to monitor animal health, welfare, and overall well-being.
The City of Toronto is improving passenger safety and reducing traffic violations by deploying an AI-powered streetcar enforcement system from Gatekeeper Systems. The system uses intelligent cameras to detect vehicles that pass streetcars when their passenger doors are open, capturing evidence for authorities and automatically creating tickets. This initiative aims to enhance road safety, increase compliance with traffic laws, and protect pedestrians boarding or exiting transit.
10. Simulating Universe Expansion
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee used the Frontier supercomputer to model the universe’s expansion and the influence of dark matter, running simulations 300 times faster than previous benchmarks to gain a more detailed understanding of cosmological relationships. This breakthrough helps researchers better understand how cosmic structures form and evolve over time.
