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Reinforcement learning in 2-D space with varying gravitational fields

Rousseau et al. | Jun 07, 2025

Reinforcement learning in 2-D space with varying gravitational fields
Image credit: NASA

In this study the authors looked at the ability to navigate planes in space between randomly placed planets. They used machine and reinforcement learning to run simulations and found that they were able to identify optimal paths for travel. In the future these techniques may allow for safer travel in unknown spaces.

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The effect of music on teenagers in combatting stress and improving performance

Josyula et al. | Nov 16, 2024

The effect of music on teenagers in combatting stress and improving performance
Image credit: Stefany Andrade

Here, the researchers investigated how exposure to active versus passive music affects a teenager's ability to perform a challenging task, namely a Sudoku puzzle, under stressful conditions. Following testing 75 high school teenagers split into two group, the researchers found that singing in a choir (active music) yielded a greater improvement in performance compared to passive listening for brief time periods.

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Risk factors contributing to Pennsylvania childhood asthma

Li et al. | Oct 30, 2024

Risk factors contributing to Pennsylvania childhood asthma
Image credit: The authors

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States. But not all people experience asthma equally, with factors like healthcare access and environmental pollution impacting whether children are likely to be hospitalized for asthma's effects. Li, Li, and Ruffolo investigate what demographic and environmental factors are predictive of childhood asthma hospitalization rates across Pennsylvania.

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Optimizing surface contact area and electrolyte type to develop a more effective rechargeable battery

Rajapakse et al. | Oct 27, 2024

Optimizing surface contact area and electrolyte type to develop a more effective rechargeable battery
Image credit: Rajapakse and Rajapakse 2024.

Rechargeable batteries are playing an increasingly prominent role in our lives due to the ongoing transition from fossil energy sources to green energy. The purpose of this study was to investigate variables that impact the effectiveness of rechargeable batteries. Alkaline (non-rechargeable) and rechargeable batteries share common features that are critical for the operation of a battery. The positive and negative electrodes, also known as the cathode and anode, are where the energy of the battery is stored. The electrolyte is what facilitates the transfer of cations and anions in a battery to generate electricity. Due to the importance of these components, we felt that a systematic investigation examining the surface area of the cathode and anode as well the impact of electrolytes with different properties on battery performance was justified. Utilizing a copper cathode and aluminum anode coupled with a water in salt electrolyte, a model rechargeable battery system was developed to test two hypotheses: a) increasing the contact area between the electrodes and electrolyte would improve battery capacity, and b) more soluble salt-based electrolytes would improve battery capacity. After soaking in an electrolyte solution, the battery was charged and the capacity, starting voltage, and ending voltage of each battery were measured. The results of this study supported our hypothesis that larger anode/cathodes surface areas and more ionic electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride and potassium sulfate resulted in superior battery capacity. Incorporating these findings can help maximize the efficiency of commercial rechargeable batteries.

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