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m ph365 con December 9, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication proofread by TranSpread In an era where autonomous navigation, medical diagnostics and remote sensing are rapidly evolving, traditional cameras—limited to capturing only the red, green, and blue (RGB) light intensities—are falling short of data demands. These cameras often miss essential spectral and polarization details crucial for identifying materials, distinguishing healthy from diseased tissue, providing unique 3D situational awareness and tracking environmental changes. The fast development of artificial intelligence and the emerging field of "spatial intelligence" also drive the need for imaging technologies that can capture more information-rich data, empowering us to view and understand the world in unprecedented ways. Researchers from Purdue University have made a breakthrough stride in advancing spectro-polarimetric imaging by merging the fields of novel optical materials and computational imaging. Their advance is embodied in the development of a novel imaging device called the "Nonlocal-Cam," which is published in the journal eLight . Unlike traditional cameras that capture RGB images, the Nonlocal-Cam can extract additional spectral and polarization information that has remained inaccessible to conventional imaging systems. The team's work opens new pathways for applications ranging from machine vision and next-generation microscopes to heat-assisted detection and ranging (HADAR). Central to the Nonlocal-Cam's innovation is a new mechanism for dispersing light in a compact and effective way. Dispersion is a familiar phenomenon—such as in rainbows or Isaac Newton's famous prism experiment. In conventional dispersion, white light is split into spectral colors by passing through a dispersive material such as water droplet or glass prism. However, this type of dispersion is generally weak in transparent media, and it merely "bends" light, causing color (or wavelength) separation in the spatial domain. This spatial separation is not ideally suited for imaging applications. The Nonlocal-Cam addresses this limitation by leveraging a property known as 'nonlocal dispersion' in optical activity . Optical activity refers to the phenomenon where light's polarization rotates as it passes through specific materials. This effect arises fundamentally from the 'nonlocality' of optically active materials, where the refractive index varies with the light's momentum. Notably, the researchers have shown that this polarization rotation is always highly dependent on the light's wavelength, allowing for color separation in the polarization domain rather than the spatial domain. "Our Nonlocal-Cam merges the fields of nonlocal electrodynamics and computational imaging, enabling us to capture hidden information about light's spectrum and polarization," explains lead researcher Xueji Wang. The camera is based on a simple, robust design using α-quartz crystals—one of the most abundant and affordable materials—making it cost-effective and scalable for various practical uses. By leveraging advanced computational techniques, the Nonlocal-Cam achieves high spectral resolution with minimal hardware requirements while maintaining robustness against noise and measurement errors. The team demonstrated the camera's ability to capture images in laboratory and outdoor environments, showing its potential for applications such as physics-driven machine vision and high-precision imaging in extreme conditions. Most significantly, the researchers have demonstrated that the nonlocal dispersion of optical activity—the foundation of the Nonlocal-Cam's design—is universal. This phenomenon spans the entire spectrum, from ultraviolet to infrared, and can be harnessed by choosing suitable materials, making the Nonlocal-Cam a versatile tool for advanced imaging applications. Prof. Zubin Jacob, the team leader of the study, highlights the technology's future potential: "This work paves the way for new imaging devices that could revolutionize fields requiring detailed spectral and polarization data. From environmental monitoring to advanced microscopy, the Nonlocal-Cam offers a new dimension of information capture." More information: Xueji Wang et al, Exploiting universal nonlocal dispersion in optically active materials for spectro-polarimetric computational imaging, eLight (2024). DOI: 10.1186/s43593-024-00078-2 Journal information: eLight Provided byTranSpreadConfluent director Matthew Miller sells $33.36m in stockBy MEAD GRUVER and AMY BETH HANSON, Associated Press A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge’s order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.Nauticus Robotics Completes Aquanaut Mark 2 Evaluation Agreement with a Global Supermajor Oil & Gas Customer

Many of us have felt it, and now it's official: "brain rot" is the Oxford dictionaries' word of the year. Oxford University Press said Monday that the evocative phrase "gained new prominence in 2024," with its frequency of use increasing 230% from the year before. Oxford defines brain rot as "the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging." The word of the year is intended to be "a word or expression that reflects a defining theme from the past 12 months." "Brain rot" was chosen by a combination of public vote and language analysis by Oxford lexicographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. While it may seem a modern phenomenon, the first recorded use of "brain rot" was by Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 ode to the natural world, "Walden." Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said that in its modern sense, "'brain rot' speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time." "It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. It's not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year," he said. Last year's Oxford word of the year was "rizz," a riff on charisma, used to describe someone's ability to attract or seduce another person. Collins Dictionary's 2024 word of the year is "brat" – the album title that became a summer-living ideal.

Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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A new documentary by German filmmakers is set to offer a less-than-glowing review of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s efforts to establish them as extremely wealthy global influencers and philanthropists since they departed royal life nearly five years ago. “Harry and Meghan set the bar very high,” Ulrike Grunewald, the director of “The Lost Prince,” told The Daily Mail over the weekend . The documentary is set to air in Germany on Tuesday. “They want to be global benefactors who bring about tangible change. So far, they have not lived up to this image at all.” For the 45-minute film, Grunewald wanted to look into whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex succeeded in “finding freedom” by leaving the U.K. and moving to the United States. During their exit, the couple also vowed to become financially independent entrepreneurs and world-renowned thought leaders. To answer questions about the couple’s post-“Megxit” life, Grunewald said she did reporting in the couple’s new hometown of Montecito, looked into the work of their Archewell Foundation and Harry’s involvement in the Invictus Games and examined recent reports that they’ve “separated” — at least professionally. “I was interested in whether Harry and Meghan’s strategies for an independent life are working,” Grunewald said. “After four years, the results are very mixed.” “Now they mainly appear separately, as they were unable to create a functioning image together,” Grunewald said. They have come down to earth.” On one hand, Harry may have found a new sense of personal freedom by leaving the confines of royal life. “To be fair, from his point of view Harry wanted the best for his own family,” Grunewald said. “And sure he has now gained valuable experience in California and learned what it means to have to stand on his own two feet. He would never have been able to do that in the close circle of the royal family.” But Harry now has decide for himself what he has to offer to the world, Grunewald said. Sure, he still carries “the glamor” of being the son of King Charles III and of the late Princess Diana, Grunewald said. “But in the tough atmosphere of the Hollywood industry,” this allure can wear off, she said. Grunewald is likely referring to the couple’s struggles to become Hollywood media moguls. In late 2020, Harry and his American TV actor wife signed multimillion-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, saying that they planned to create “impactful” content “that informs,” “gives hope” and “unlocks action.” But the couple notoriously parted ways with Spotify in 2023, after Meghan only produced one 12-episode podcast and they were branded “grifters” by one of the platform’s executives and star podcasters, Bill Simmons. As for Netflix, they starred in “Harry and Meghan,” their blockbuster 2022 blockbuster docu-series about their acrimonious departure from royal life. But they also began to lose some public good will in both the U.K. and the United States, due to the perception that they had gone too far in publicly criticizing Harry’s royal relatives in the docu-series and in interviews. While lovers of royal gossip also turned Harry’s 2023 memoir, “Spare,” into a global best-seller, it also became clear that some people started to become uncomfortable with Harry’s choice to reveal family secrets. “People have long memories and few revelations can be more damaging to their image than the private details that Harry and Meghan have made public themselves in the last few years,” Grunewald said. Meanwhile, their Netflix partnership has gone “somewhat downhill,” The Times UK also reported . Harry’s documentary about his work with the Invictus Games failed to make Netflix top 10, and there’s still no sign of Meghan’s Netflix cooking show, which is said to have been finished over the summer. Next week, Netflix releases “Polo,” a documentary series that the couple co-executive produced. But neither Harry nor Meghan appear in the series, which happens to be about an elite sport that most people probably don’t care about. The trailer also tries to market the documentary as a Bravo-like reality TV show about “dirty, sweaty boys ... riding” — hardly “impactful” content that “gives hope” and “unlocks action.” Former British friends of Harry reportedly were left in “appalled hysterics” over the “tacky” new series, while a Hollywood executive cautioned that the couple were “running out of last chances” to prove they can make compelling TV that is not about themselves, the Daily Beast reported. The Daily Mail preview about the new German documentary doesn’t address whether it looks into Meghan’s other commercial endeavors, including the premiere of her Netflix cooking show which could coincide with the launch of her new life-style brand, American Riviera Orchard. But Meghan’s company has been the subject of numerous reports about bureaucratic difficulties with the US trademarks office and questions over whether she has the business savvy to get her line of strawberry jam and other products ready to sell. Harry and Meghan also may be struggling in other areas of their post-Megxit life, according to “The Lost Prince.” For one thing, the couple don’t appear to have “integrated” themselves into Montecito’s elite social circles, Grunewald told the Daily Mail. “The cultural life is very lively, but everything often takes place in closed circles and Harry and Meghan rarely take part in these activities,” Grunewald said. “They seem have isolated themselves a lot.” In the past four years, Harry and Meghan, together or separately, have turned up at a few star-studded events in and around Montecito and Santa Barbara. For example, in 2023, they attended Kevin Costner’s annual star-studded fundraiser for local first responders at his estate near Santa Barbara. More recently, they appeared at the September launch of a new book store near their Montecito home, owned by celebrated literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson, said to be a good friend of Meghan’s. Their Montecito neighbors Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres also joined the party, though DeGeneres has recently left California and established a new home in the U.K. Nonetheless, Grunewald’s documentary suggests that Harry and Meghan don’t spend much time in Montecito. A neighbor, Richard Mineards, told Grunewald that the couple haven’t set out to “put down particularly deep roots” in the area. Every once in a while, they’re seen at the local market or on walks — always with security guards in tow. “Sometimes you will see her at the farmers’ market or with a dog, but generally you don’t see her and you just don’t see much of him,” Mineards said. As for the Archewell Foundation, Grunewald argues that the nonprofit, launched with great fanfare in 2020, doesn’t seem to be effectively organized, while the Invictus Games appears to be a bright spot in the couple’s portfolio — even if the filmmaker said that Harry is little more than “a figurehead.” Harry founded the International sports competition for wounded veterans and service people. Jack Royston, the royal reporter for Newsweek, is reportedly interviewed for “The Lost Prince” and says, “I believe that Invictus is genuine and authentic work. Harry is completely devoted to it.”

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants organization got exactly what it deserved in getting blown out by Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Giants were embarrassed in Sunday's 30-7 loss , taunted by Mayfield after a touchdown run just before halftime. And then they saw their fans walk out on them again when the Bucs extended their lead to 30-0 and sent New York (2-9) to its sixth straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for the Giants since 2019, when they dropped a franchise-record nine straight games to finish 4-12. That led to the firing of coach Pat Shurmur after two seasons. Third-year coach Brian Daboll is clearly in trouble, with the Giants guaranteed a second straight losing season. They were 6-11 in a 2023 season that featured a lot of injuries. Daboll, who denies he has lost the team, isn't the only one whose job is in jeopardy. General manager Joe Schoen is on the hot seat and so is this entire franchise, which is celebrating its 100th year. It's one thing to lose. It's quite another to give up, and that's what the organization did when it decided to bench Daniel Jones a week ago and then release him on Friday after the 27-year-old asked co-owner John Mara to let him walk away. While he wasn't playing well, Jones was the Giants' best quarterback. He gave them more a of chance to win than either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock. Removing him from the picture was all but certain to make the Giants worse, even if it was a good business decision. If Jones was hurt and unable the pass his physical before the 2025 season, the team would have been on the hook for a $23 million cap hit. The problem is the players care about now. By getting rid of Jones and elevating DeVito to the starting role, the front office was telling the team it didn't care about winning with seven games left in the season. So the players gave a lackluster effort. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence called the team soft. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers said he was sick of losing. Left tackle Jermaine Eluemunor said he saw a lack of effort by some players. What they all were saying was they were angry at being betrayed. Money is never more important than winning, and the Giants made that mistake. What’s working At this point in the season? Nothing. What needs help The offense once again. The Giants have scored a league-low 163 points, including only 60 in six games at MetLife Stadium, where they are winless this season. They have scored in double figures at home twice. Daboll's team has been held scoreless in the first half in three of 11 games and it has been held without a first-half touchdown seven times. Daboll said he will continue to call the offensive plays. Stock up S Tyler Nubin. The rookie has had a team-high 12 tackles in each of the last two games. His 81 tackles for the season are just two behind team leader Bobby Okereke. Stock down RB Tyrone Tracy. The rookie leads Giants running backs with 587 yards on 116 carries — a 5.1-yard average for the fifth-round pick. But holding onto the ball has been a big issue. Tracy's fumble in overtime cost New York a chance to win in Germany against Carolina. He also lost the ball in the third quarter at the Bucs 5-yard line with New York down 23-0. It earned him a seat on the bench. Injuries LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) left Sunday's game in the first quarter. Chris Hubbard filled in at tackle and the Giants luckily got back DL Kayvon Thibodeaux this past week after he missed five games with a broken wrist. DeVito was banged up but Daboll expects him to start against the Cowboys. Key numbers 10 — The Giants have gone 10 consecutive games without an interception, tying the NFL record held by the 1976-77 San Francisco 49ers and the 2017 Oakland — now Las Vegas — Raiders. The Giants and Raiders now share the single-season mark. What’s next A national showcase on Thanksgiving Day for the NFC-worst Giants at Dallas. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Tom Canavan, The Associated Press