The SXSW Conference will take place from March 7-15 in Austin, Texas, bringing together a vibrant mix of ideas and innovations. Once again, UC San Diego will take center stage, showcasing cutting-edge research, transformative discussions on critical global challenges and a film premiere.

Astronomers conducted molecular gas observations of two enigmatic interstellar objects, which harbor abundant ices of water and organic molecules. The observations with the ALMA telescope have revealed the physical and chemical properties of these objects, but their characteristics do not match those of any previously known interstellar objects where ices have been detected. They may represent a new class of interstellar icy objects that provide an environment conducive to the formation of ices and organic molecules.

Trees compete for space as they grow. A tree with branches close to a wall will develop differently from one growing on open ground.

Now everyone from urban planners and environmental scientists to homeowners may access a new algorithm for tree reconstruction developed at Purdue University to see how the trees will shade an area or learn what a tree will look like in 20 years. Purdue computer scientists and digital foresters used artificial intelligence to generate this first-ever database, which contains three-dimensional models of more than 600,000 real trees.

Tokyo, Japan – A team led by a member of Tokyo Metropolitan University have made advances in the search for dark matter, observing galaxies using new spectrographic technology and the Magellan Clay Telescope. With a mere 4 hours of observations, precise measurements in the infrared range have set new limits on the lifetime of dark matter. Their findings highlight the crucial utility of their technology and extend the search to less explored parts of the spectrum.