New Computer Language Unlocks Hidden Pollutants in Environmental Data

In a breakthrough for environmental science, researchers at UC Riverside have developed a programming language called Mass Query Language (MassQL) that enables biologists and chemists to quickly identify previously unknown pollutants in massive chemical datasets. This innovative tool has already helped scientists discover toxic compounds hidden in plain sight.

The power of MassQL lies in its ability to function like a search engine for mass spectrometry data, which is akin to a chemical fingerprint. By making it easier to search these vast datasets, the language allows researchers to find patterns that would otherwise require advanced programming skills. This has significant implications for environmental science, as scientists can now quickly identify pollutants in water, air, and other samples.

Developed by Mingxun Wang, an assistant professor of computer science at UC Riverside, MassQL was created to empower chemists and biologists without extensive coding experience to mine their data exactly how they want. This user-friendly approach has the potential to revolutionize environmental research, enabling scientists to quickly identify pollutants and develop strategies for removal.

One notable example of MassQL’s effectiveness is its use by Nina Zhao, a UCR postdoctoral student now at UC San Diego. She employed the language to sift through the entire world’s mass spectrometry data on water samples, searching for organophosphate esters – compounds commonly found in flame retardants. The results were staggering: MassQL pulled out thousands of measurements, including some chemicals that have not been previously described or catalogued.

These findings highlight the importance of MassQL in environmental science. By providing a powerful tool for identifying pollutants, researchers can now develop strategies to address these toxic compounds and protect human and animal health.

MassQL’s development was made possible by a collaborative effort involving over 70 scientists from various fields. This consensus-driven approach ensured that the language would be useful across multiple disciplines and real-life situations.

The potential applications of MassQL are vast, ranging from detecting fatty acids as markers of alcohol poisoning to identifying new drugs to combat antibiotic resistance. The research team has demonstrated the effectiveness of the language in a variety of scenarios, including finding forever chemicals on playgrounds.

As Wang notes, “I wanted to create one language that could handle multiple kinds of queries. And now we have. I’m excited to hear about the discoveries that could come from this.”

With MassQL, researchers can now quickly identify pollutants and develop strategies for removal, paving the way for a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

The world of sports has long been fascinated by the unique charm of boccia – a Paralympic game that transcends age and ability barriers. A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has taken this phenomenon a step further with Extended Reality (XR) Boccia, an innovative rehabilitation program that combines physical exercise with emotional benefits for older adults. Developed by Associate Professor Masataka Kataoka’s research group, XR Boccia offers a fresh alternative to traditional boccia and treadmill walking, making it perfect for environments with limited space.

The researchers conducted an intriguing study to investigate the effects of XR Boccia on participants over 65. The findings reveal that both XR Boccia and traditional boccia showed significant improvements in mood, vitality, and energy among participants after experiencing these programs. Notably, there was no substantial difference in lower limb muscle activity during any of the exercises, although a notable increase in rectus femoris muscle activity (which helps extend the knee) was observed in both types of boccia compared to treadmill walking.

The implications of this research are groundbreaking. Associate Professor Kataoka noted that XR Boccia could be an effective rehabilitation exercise for older adults, boasting both physical and emotional benefits. Given its adaptability and practicality, it’s suitable for indoor environments like hospitals and nursing care facilities. The researchers aim to further investigate long-term results in a larger population of older adults and continue updating the XR program.

The study was published in PLOS One, shedding light on this innovative approach to rehabilitation. With XR Boccia, we may be witnessing a new chapter in the journey towards better health and happiness for older adults, one game at a time.

Researchers at Caltech have made a breakthrough in developing a simple algorithm for underwater robots to harness the power of ocean currents. Led by John Dabiri, the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, the team has successfully created a system that allows small autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to ride on turbulent water currents rather than fighting against them.

The researchers began by studying how jellyfish navigate through the ocean using their unique ability to traverse and plumb the depths. They outfitted these creatures with electronics and prosthetic “hats” to carry small payloads and report findings back to the surface. However, they soon realized that jellyfish do not have a brain and therefore cannot make decisions about how to navigate.

To address this limitation, Dabiri’s team developed what would be considered the equivalent of a brain for an AUV using artificial intelligence (AI). This allowed the robots to make decisions underwater and potentially take advantage of environmental flows. However, they soon discovered that AI was not the most efficient solution for their problem.

Enter Peter Gunnarson, a former graduate student who returned to Dabiri’s lab with a simpler approach. He attached an accelerometer to CARL-Bot, an AUV developed years ago as part of his work on incorporating artificial intelligence into its navigation technique. By measuring how CARL-Bot was being pushed around by vortex rings (underwater equivalents of smoke rings), Gunnarson noticed that the robot would occasionally get caught up in a vortex ring and be propelled clear across the tank.

The team then developed simple commands to help CARL-Bot detect the relative location of a vortex ring and position itself to catch a ride. Alternatively, the bot can decide to get out of the way if it does not want to be pushed by a particular vortex ring. This process involves elements of biomimicry, mimicking nature’s ability to use environmental flows for energy conservation.

Dabiri hopes to marry this work with his hybrid jellyfish project, which aims to demonstrate a similar capability to take advantage of environmental flows and move more efficiently through the water. With this breakthrough, underwater robots can now ride the tides, reducing energy expenditure and increasing their efficiency in navigating the ocean depths.