Articles

Researchers explore the inner workings of large language models to enhance understanding and improve AI capabilities.

Scientists from Virginia Tech have discovered a method to transform blood into a thick gel, potentially revolutionizing menstrual products. The powder, derived from alginate, a polymer in algae, can trap blood effectively, reducing leaks. Tested in a silicone model, it outperformed commercial pads in retaining blood under pressure. The team also successfully trialed the powder as a liner for reusable menstrual cups, enhancing sustainability and user-friendliness. The innovation, praised by experts, awaits real-world testing.

The article discusses the Flynn effect, where global IQs have risen by 2.2 points per decade from 1948 to 2020, attributed to better nutrition and mental stimulation. Despite this, the article highlights that in rich countries, educational attainment has plateaued, while in poor and middle-income countries, malnutrition hinders cognitive development. It suggests fortifying basic foods with micronutrients, giving cash to poor families, and integrating nutrition education into healthcare systems as solutions. The article emphasizes the importance of nurturing human intelligence, which will complement AI in the workplace and provide a "tailwind in life" for adapting to new challenges.

After four decades of research, scientists are close to developing a vaccine that could protect salmon from sea lice, parasites that cause significant economic damage to the aquaculture industry. Traditional chemical pesticides are polluting and have led to resistance in lice, while mechanical delousing methods are costly and stressful for the fish. A peptide-based vaccine, which targets specific proteins crucial for the parasite's survival, has shown promising results in initial trials, reducing sea lice by up to 92%. However, the high cost of production may limit its affordability for all farmers. An alternative approach, focusing on bacteria within the lice's gut, has yielded a more affordable vaccine that is currently undergoing regulatory evaluation. While the effectiveness of these vaccines may not match traditional human vaccines, they represent a significant step forward in sustainable salmon farming.

The article discusses the digital legacy left behind when people die, comparing it to the dilemma faced by Max Brod after Franz Kafka's death. As data does not decay, the modern world is considered "post-mortal," with digital traces of the deceased persisting online. This raises philosophical questions about data ownership and the obligations of the living. The article also mentions technology enabling continued relationships with the dead, such as chatbots and virtual assistants programmed to mimic deceased relatives. The author, Carl Ohman, emphasizes the importance of data as an invaluable record of human behavior for future generations, but acknowledges the difficulty in determining what should be preserved.

Germany's football team, Die Mannschaft, exceeded expectations in the 2024 Euro, despite an early exit. The team's resurgence under coach Julian Nagelsmann mirrors Germany's own political and economic struggles. Historically, footballing triumphs have coincided with political milestones, such as the 1954 World Cup win that helped a war-torn nation rebuild. However, recent economic stagnation and social challenges have tested Germany's unity. The team's rejuvenation, with new talent and tactical changes, offers a parable for the country's need to embrace reform, innovation, and a new generation of leadership to overcome current crises.

One swords-and-scheming TV show seems more relevant today than the other

Kevin Barry's novel "The Heart in Winter" is a lyrical and foreboding tale of Tom Rourke, an Irishman and drug addict in Butte, Montana, who falls in love with newlywed Polly Gillespie. The lovers escape to Pocatello, Idaho, seeking freedom and a new life in San Francisco. Barry explores the Irish diaspora and the brutality of the American West, with influences of Cormac McCarthy and Jack Kerouac. The story is intimate, focusing on the characters' impulsiveness and restlessness, as they traverse the wild landscape, reflecting on love, death, and the violence of their world.

Researchers at the University of Santiago have developed new yeast strains that could revolutionize the flavor of lagers. Traditional lager yeast is a hybrid of two species, but the team created new hybrids by combining strains of one species found in Patagonia with the common brewing yeast. After accelerating evolution and selecting for desirable traits, they produced a hybrid named H3-E that is a more effective fermenter, hardier, and offers a spicy, clove-like flavor. Though it currently takes longer to ferment than commercial yeast, the researchers are optimistic about refining the technique for large-scale production.