The top online news from 2023, and using cough sounds to diagnose disease
Jan 4, 2024
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This podcast episode discusses the top online news stories of 2023, including cat expressions and mind reading. It also delves into a project using cough sounds to diagnose tuberculosis, showcasing the potential of smartphones for this screening tool.
Cough sounds can be used to screen for tuberculosis, potentially enabling early detection and intervention.
Cats can make 276 different facial expressions, challenging the perception that they are aloof or antisocial.
Deep dives
Using Cough Sounds as a Screening Tool for Tuberculosis
Researchers have developed a method to use cough sounds as a screening tool for tuberculosis (TB). By collecting cough data from TB patients and non-TB individuals, the researchers transformed the cough sounds into visual representations called spectrograms. They trained a deep learning model to classify these spectrograms as TB or non-TB, achieving an accuracy of 79%. The next step is to develop a smartphone app that can capture and analyze cough sounds to aid in TB screening, potentially facilitating early detection and intervention.
Analyzing Facial Expressions Reveals Cats Make 276 Different Expressions
A study found that cats can make 276 different facial expressions, suggesting they use these expressions to communicate various emotions without relying on language. Researchers recorded cats in a cat cafe in Los Angeles to obtain 194 minutes of cat facial expressions. The study also compared the number of facial expressions in cats to chimpanzees, finding that cats make similar expressions to their primate counterparts. These findings shed light on the complexity of feline communication and challenge the perception that cats are aloof or antisocial creatures.
Transforming Cement into Batteries for Power Storage
Researchers have developed a method to turn cement into a material capable of storing electrical charge, potentially transforming buildings and roads into sources of power. By mixing carbon black particles with cement, researchers created an interconnected network of wires within the cement that can conduct electricity. While only small-scale tests have been conducted so far, researchers envision that this technology could be used to power homes, electric vehicles, and store energy from renewable sources. Further research is needed to scale up the technology and explore its full potential.
The Importance of Discussing Mad Scientists in Science Education
A study highlights the importance of discussing mad scientists in science education, as it helps the public better understand the ethical oversight and review boards in scientific research. The study involved a panel discussion where ethical implications of hypothetical scenarios involving mad scientists were addressed. By using pop culture characters such as Professor Frank from The Simpsons and Cave Johnson from the video game Portal, the panel aimed to engage the audience and provide insights into the ethical considerations in science. The findings emphasize the need to debunk misconceptions and promote transparency in the practice of science.
Best of online news, and screening for tuberculosis using sound
This week’s episode starts out with a look back at the top 10 online news stories with Online News Editor David Grimm. There will be cat expressions and mad scientists, but also electric cement and mind reading. Read all top 10 here.
Next on the show, can a machine distinguish a tuberculosis cough from other kinds of coughs? Manuja Sharma, who was a Ph.D. student in the department of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Washington at the time of the work, joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about her project collecting a cough data set to prove this kind of cough discrimination is possible with just a smartphone.
This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy.
Audio credit for human infant cries: Nicolas Grimault, Nicolas Mathevon, Florence Levréro; Neuroscience Research Center, ENES and CAP team. UJM, CNRS, France.
