TWIS - Vol 2: ISSUE 2

INSIDE

TWIS SCIENCE THIS WEEK IN

Mirrors on the Forest Floor Increase the Growth of Shaded Seedlings by 175%

DIVE AND FIND

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Expert Shares Why Cleaning Your Tongue Twice Daily Is Important

Stanford experts call for regulations to solve the space sustainability paradox 21-28 SEP 24

New Battery Breakthrough Could Tackle Renewable Energy’s Key Challenge

Clay Cuts Methane Emissions From Cow Burps by 30%

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Biology, Healthcare

Mirrors on the Forest Floor Increase the Growth of Shaded Seedlings by 175%

forest.

Using Mirrors to Boost Seedling Growth in Shaded Forests What’s truly needed is a way to provide more light to seedlings grown in the forest. Installing artificial lighting isn’t feasible, so Thomas Marler and his team at the University of Guam turned to mirrors for a solution. They drew inspiration from the plastic mulch often used in commercial agriculture.

A Serianthes seedling that was part of the study, surrounded by a 7.5-cm (3-inch)-wide ring of mirrors

Indoor plant enthusiasts are familiar with using mirrors to direct sunlight onto plants. Now, scientists have adapted this idea to help endangered tree seedlings struggling to grow in shaded forests. The Serianthes nelsonii, a large tree native to Guam and Rota, is one of the rarest plants in the world, with only one mature tree left on Guam and just 121 on Rota.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies S. nelsonii as “critically endangered,” prompting various efforts to prevent its extinction. Despite hundreds of seedlings sprouting each year under the Guam tree, most perish within a month due to lack of sunlight. While seedlings grown under artificial lights in nurseries have thrived, they struggle to survive once transplanted into the

While “mulch” typically conjures images of shredded materials, plastic mulch refers to plastic sheeting laid over soil, allowing crop plants to grow through holes while blocking sunlight to prevent weeds and retain moisture.

Some growers use brightly colored plastic to reflect sunlight onto plants, enhancing their growth. Although highly reflective silver or aluminum foil mulch has been studied, its high cost limits its use on large fields.

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These mosaics were placed around Serianthes seedlings in a cloth-shaded nursery in Guam and on a shaded forest floor in the Philippines. Half of the plants had mirrors exposed to sunlight, while the other half were covered with leaf litter as a control.

The results showed that the unblocked mirrors reflected over 70% of incoming sunlight to the plants.

Those benefited by mirrors grew up to 175% taller and had a 161% higher survival rate compared to the controls.

The researchers concluded that using reflective surfaces below plants could be a cost-effective way to enhance survival rates in conservation nurseries, increasing the chances of successful recruitment in natural habitats. This finding was published in the journal Agronomy.

Expert Shares Why Cleaning Your Tongue Twice Daily Is Important

However, cost is less of a concern when growing a few hundred seedlings. With this in mind, Marler’s team opted for actual mirrors instead of foil mulch. They created small mosaics made of hexagonal mirrors arranged in a ring with an open center.

Mirror Mosaics Boost Growth in Shaded Seedlings

When your doctor asks you to stick out your tongue and say “aaah,” they’re not just examining your throat—they’re also assessing your tongue, as it can provide important insights into your health.

The doctor checks for changes in your tongue’s appearance or movement, which can signal mouth problems or reflect your overall health and immunity. However, you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s visit—cleaning your tongue twice daily lets you monitor its condition while also freshening your breath.

A Vital Muscular Organ with Unique Features The tongue is essential for eating, speaking, and other vital functions.

It’s not a single muscle but a muscular organ made up of eight pairs of muscles that allow movement. Its surface is covered with tiny bumps called papillae, which create a rough texture.

While often mistaken for taste buds, papillae are not the same. Out of 200,000-300,000 papillae, only a small portion contains taste buds. Adults have up to 10,000 taste buds, mostly concentrated at the tip, sides, and back of the tongue, and they’re invisible to the naked eye.

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A healthy tongue is typically pink, though the exact shade can vary bePage. 2

This Week in Science

Healthcare, Tech

tween individuals, ranging from light to dark pink.

A slight white coating is normal, but noticeable changes or discoloration could signal a health issue or disease.

Quick and Easy Tongue Cleaning Cleaning your tongue takes just 10-15 seconds and is a simple way to monitor your health, easily fitting into your brushing routine. You can clean it by gently scrubbing with a regular toothbrush to remove food debris and prevent microbial buildup on its rough surface.

Alternatively, you can use a tongue scraper—a curved tool made of metal or plastic. It can be used alone or along with brushing. Plus, your co-workers will appreciate it— cleaning your tongue helps fight bad breath, especially since tongue scrapers are effective at removing odor-causing bacteria from its surface.

While cleaning your tongue twice a day, you may notice something unusual. Recognizing these signs is the first step. If any changes concern you, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Here’s what your tongue could be indicating.

A white coating on the tongue is a common change in healthy individu-

als, often occurring if you stop brushing or scraping it for a few days. This buildup is caused by accumulated food debris and microbes, leading to plaque. Gently scrubbing or scraping the tongue removes this coating, reducing microbes and lowering the risk of chronic infections that can spread to other organs and lead to serious health issues.

Identifying Oral Thrush This could be a sign of oral thrush, a fungal infection that leaves the surface raw when scrubbed. Oral thrush is common in elderly individuals taking multiple medications or those with diabetes. It can also affect children and young adults after an illness, due to temporary immune suppression or antibiotic use.

If diagnosed with oral thrush, a doctor will typically prescribe anti-fungal medication for at least a month.

Smoking or consuming heavily pigmented foods and drinks—like tea, coffee, or turmeric-laden dishes—can lead to a furry appearance known as black hairy tongue. This isn’t actual hair but rather an overgrowth of bacteria, which may signal poor oral hygiene.

Pink patches with a white border can give your tongue a map-like appearance, a condition known as “geographic tongue.” The exact cause

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of this condition is unknown, and it typically does not require treatment.

A red, sore tongue may signal various issues, including: Nutritional deficiencies like folic acid or vitamin B12 Conditions such as pernicious anemia, Kawasaki disease, and scarlet fever Inflammation called glossitis Injury from hot foods or beverages Ulcers, including cold sores and canker sores Burning mouth syndrome.

Many medications can lead to dry mouth, or xerostomia. This includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, antihistamines, and diuretics. Severe dryness may cause discomfort.

White or red patches on the tongue that cannot be scraped off, are persistent, or are increasing in size, along with painless ulcers, should be examined by a dental professional as soon as possible, as they have a higher risk of developing into cancer compared to other areas of the mouth.

Oral cancers have low survival rates due to late detection, and their incidence is increasing. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly check your tongue for changes in color, texture, sore spots, or ulcers.

New Battery Breakthrough Could Tackle Renewable Energy’s Key Challenge

Columbia Engineering scientists are advancing renewable energy storage by developing cost-effective K-Na/S batteries that utilize common materials to store energy more efficiently, aiming to stabilize energy supply from intermittent renewable sources.

Columbia Engineers have developed a new, more powerful battery electrolyte that lasts longer and is cheaper to produce. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are crucial for our planet’s future, but their inconsistent power generation poses a challenge.

To fully utilize these resources, we need efficient and affordable energy storage solutions for times when wind or sunlight is unavailable.

Columbia Engineers Develop K-Na/S Batteries for Advanced Renewable Energy Storage Columbia Engineering material scientists are working on innovative batteries to improve renewable energy storage. Their recent study, published in Page. 3

This Week in Science

Tech, Earth Science

Nature Communications, highlights their use of K-Na/S batteries, which combine potassium (K), sodium (Na), and sulfur (S) to create a cost-effective, high-energy storage solution.

Yuan Yang, the team’s leader and associate professor of materials science and engineering, emphasized the importance of extending battery life and reducing production costs. “Enhancing renewable energy reliability will stabilize energy grids, lessen fossil fuel reliance, and foster a more sustainable future,” Yang said.

K-Na/S batteries face two main issues: their capacity is limited because inactive solid K2S2 and K2S hinder the diffusion process, and they require very high temperatures (>250°C), which complicates thermal management and raises costs. Previous research has struggled with these solid precipitates and low capacity, prompting a search for improved techniques.

Yang’s Team Unveils New Electrolyte to Boost Energy Storage and Efficiency in K/S Batteries Yang’s team has developed a new electrolyte using a mixture of acetamide and ε-caprolactam to enhance energy storage and release. This new electrolyte dissolves K2S2 and K2S, increasing both energy and power density while allowing the battery to operate at a significantly lower tem-

perature (around 75°C) compared to previous models.

This approach nearly achieves the theoretical discharge capacities and extends cycle life, offering exciting advancements for intermediate-temperature K/S batteries, according to Zhenghao Yang, the study’s co-first author and a PhD student in Yang’s group.

Yang’s team is part of the Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center (CEEC), which employs a multiscale strategy to uncover innovative technologies and speed up their commercialization. CEEC brings together faculty and researchers from across the School of Engineering and Applied Science who focus on various aspects of electrochemical energy, from electrons to devices to systems.

Its collaborations with industry help turn advancements in electrochemical energy storage and conversion into practical applications.

The team is currently working with small, coin-sized batteries but aims to eventually scale this technology for large-scale energy storage. If successful, these advanced batteries could ensure a stable and reliable power supply from renewable sources, even when sunlight or wind is minimal.

They are now focusing on optimizing the electrolyte composition.

Clay Cuts Methane Emissions From Cow Burps by 30%

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To address this issue, scientists have tested various feed supplements, including fish oil, seaweed, tropical leaves, and even baby kangaroo feces.

Recently, halloysite clay has emerged as a promising solution.

Cows that were fed a modified form of halloysite clay had up to 30% less methane in their burps. Credit: Pixabay

If you’re not aware, methane from cow burps significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. However, a recent study suggests a potential solution: feeding cows clay can cut their methane emissions by more than 30%.

Yes, we are indeed serious about addressing cow burps.

Cows emit methane as a byproduct of digesting their high-fiber diet, which they release through continuous belching.

The United Nations Environment Programme reports that methane from livestock burps, including those of cows, contributes approximately 40% of global methane emissions.

Methane is particularly problematic because it is about 25 times more effective than carbon dioxide in driving global warming.

From Fish Oil to Halloysite Clay

In a pilot study led by Dr. Bhaba Biswas at the University of Newcastle in Australia, researchers discovered that incorporating a modified form of halloysite clay into cattle feed reduced methane emissions by over 30% within 24 hours.

Reducing Methane Production and Promoting Cattle Health According to Biswas, the clay diminishes the activity of gut microbes and parasites responsible for methane production. The clay seems to be safe for the cattle, as they naturally consume small amounts of soil while grazing, and it may even offer health benefits such as reducing gut acidity.

The clay is eventually excreted with the feces.

Further research is necessary, but there is optimism that the modified halloysite could eventually be available as affordable pellets or a spray for pasture application.

Dr. Biswas and his team will present their findings at the International Cleanup Conference in Adelaide, Australia, this week.

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This Week in Science

Encrypted Images, Astronomy

Magnetic Displays Inspired by Squid Skin Reveal Encrypted Images

Magnetic pixels in this little screen are capable of encrypting images Jeremy Little/Michigan Engineering

Researchers, inspired by the color-changing skin of squids and other cephalopods, have created a flexible screen that stores and displays encrypted images using only magnetic particles, without any electronics.

Scientists have been experimenting with metamaterials—engineered materials with unusual properties not found in nature—for some time. They have used these materials to develop innovations like invisibility cloaks and bone-penetrating ultrasound. Mechanical metamaterials, in particular, exhibit programmable behavior by combining material and structure, which enables them to perform advanced functions beyond their basic mechanical characteristics.

Advancing Information Processing

Researchers are exploring the potential of mechanical metamaterials for use in information processing and computing. However, their application is limited due to the reliance on folding, bending, and buckling mechanisms, which are challenging to miniaturize. Engineers at the University of Michigan (U-M) have now developed a flexible display screen that uses magnetic fields, rather than electronics, to reveal images—drawing inspiration from squid skin.

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contraction of chromatophores to determine the screen’s resolution.

“If the beads are too small, the color changes become too subtle to notice,” explained Zane Zhang, a doctoral student in materials science and engineering and the study’s lead author. “Squid pigment sacs are optimized in size and distribution for high contrast, so we designed our device’s pixels to match that size.”

The “pixels” in this system are magnetoactive Janus particles (MAJPs), nanoparticles with two distinct “This is one of the first instances surfaces. Researchers created bi-comwhere mechanical materials utilize partment MAJPs with neodymium magnetic fields for system-level encryption, information processing, and ferromagnetic microparticles and computing,” said Joerg Lahann, a U-M superparamagnetic iron oxide in one side, and titanium oxide pigment in chemical engineering professor and co-corresponding author of the study. the other.

Abdon Pena-Francesch, assistant Programming Pixels with Magnetic professor of materials science and Fields engineering and co-author, further explains the screen’s development in Using magnetic fields, the partithe video below. cles were programmed into two states—‘on’ (iron side up, orange) and The Role of Squid Inspiration ‘off’ (titanium side up, white). MAJPs with iron oxide responded to weak So, how does the squid come into magnetic fields, while those with play? Squids and other cephalopods neodymium needed a stronger pulse. have specialized organs called chroBy placing the screen over magnets matophores in their skin, which conof varying strengths, the researchers tain pigment sacs that expand and controlled which pixels flipped, encontract rapidly under muscle concoding an image. trol. This collective movement allows squids to change their skin color and pattern for purposes like camouflage, Using Magnetic Grids to Display and hunting, or mating. Researchers drew Hide Images inspiration from the expansion and

“Iron oxide nanoparticles can be reprogrammed with weak magnetic fields. By using a secondary magnetic grid, you can selectively alter parts of the screen and display private images. Once you return the particles to the standard magnet, they reset to their original polarization, revealing the public image again.”

A single public image can hide multiple private images, each accessible only with a specific decoding key that matches a unique encoding key, enhancing security.

“This device can display particular information only when the correct keys are used,” said Pena-Francesch.

“There’s no code or electronics to hack. It could also be applied to color-changing surfaces, like those on camouflaged robots.”

Similar to an Etch-A-Sketch, the classic red-framed drawing toy from the late 1950s, shaking the screen clears the display. When exposed to a magnetic field, the image reappears.

The researchers note that this screen is ideal for situations where light and power are impractical or undesirable, such as on clothing, stickers, ID badges, barcodes, and eBook readers.

X-rays May Help Divert Hazardous Asteroids Heading toward Earth Page. 5

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Astronomy, Food Production

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Asteroids pose a serious threat to Earth, as history has shown – just ask the dinosaurs. Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have now demonstrated a potential method for diverting a dangerous asteroid using X-rays.

NASA’s Current Defense Measures NASA has already taken proactive steps to protect the planet. The Sentry mission monitors near-Earth asteroids and assesses their likelihood of impact. With enough warning, intervention may be possible. In 2022, NASA’s DART mission successfully altered the trajectory of an asteroid by crashing a spacecraft into it. However, this method is costly and requires advanced notice.

Sandia’s Efficient X-ray Deflection Approach

Sandia researchers have now tested a more efficient and faster alternative. By triggering a nuclear explosion near an asteroid, the surface would heat up rapidly, creating vapor jets that could nudge it off course. In lab experiments, the team simulated this by blasting small asteroid-like samples (quartz and fused silica) with soft X-rays, using Sandia’s Z machine. The X-rays heated the samples, sending them into steady motion, with velocities reaching around 70 meters per second.

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crucial, and adding nuclear options to our planetary defense strategies could one day save humanity. Future experiments by the Sandia team will focus on different asteroid compositions, including sandy, rocky, and porous materials, to refine this promising deflection method.

mizing plant growth through dynamic environmental controls, such as smart lighting that adapts to electricity costs and plant requirements.

Researchers highlight the ability of these systems to improve food quality and sustainability while reducing energy consumption.

Sustaining the Future: How Vertical Farming Could Revolutionize Food Production

Innovative Approaches Needed to Overcome Challenges in Vertical Farming for Sustainable Food Production As our world becomes more crowded, innovative solutions are needed to ensure everyone has enough food.

Vertical farming, which intensively grows plants indoors, offers a promising option. However, the key obstacle to its widespread adoption is the high cost and energy demand of the lighting required for plant growth. Scientists are discovering that adjusting lighting to meet the specific needs of each crop can boost healthier growth while reducing energy consumption.

Real-World Applications and Catastrophic Potential The team then scaled these findings to real-world asteroid scenarios, showing that this technique could work on asteroids up to 4 km (2.5 miles) in size – large enough to cause catastrophic damage.

For context, a 10-km-wide asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago, wiping out 75% of all life, including the dinosaurs. Even smaller asteroids, like the 20-meter meteor that exploded over Chelyabinsk in 2013, can cause significant destruction, injuring over 1,500 people and damaging thousands of buildings.

Future Research for Enhanced Planetary Defense Preventing an asteroid impact is

By integrating smart lighting and environmental controls, vertical farming aims to optimize plant health and reduce electricity usage, aligning food production with sustainable practices.

Researchers are investigating how dynamic environmental management in indoor farms could help provide nutritious, high-quality, locally grown fruits and vegetables to support a growing population.

Vertical farming has the potential to transform food production in urban and extreme environments by opti-

“The greatest advantage of vertical farming is that healthy food can be grown much closer to consumers in areas where it’s otherwise impossible, like mega-cities, deserts, and regions that are cold and dark for much of the year,” explained Dr. Elias Kaiser, lead author of a study in Frontiers in Science. “The biggest challenge is managing the electricity costs.”

Dynamic Environmental Control

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This Week in Science

Assistive Tech, Food Production

Makes Vertical Farming More Cost-Effective and Healthier

offering potential for efficiency improvements.

Many vertical farming systems rely on constant environmental conditions, which are expensive to maintain due to high electricity usage. However, the researchers’ analysis suggests that such stringent conditions are unnecessary. By using dynamic environmental control, vertical farming can become more cost-effective while also producing healthier plants.

“Fluctuations in electricity prices can benefit vertical farms by using more power when it’s cheaper,” said Marcelis.

“We were inspired by the natural rhythms plants exhibit on both daily and developmental timescales, which require regular adjustments to their environment for optimal growth,” explained Prof. Leo Marcelis of Wageningen University, the study’s senior author. “We propose a strategy that integrates plant physiology, advanced sensing and modeling techniques, and new crop varieties bred specifically for vertical farming systems.”

Since plants’ biological processes are strongly influenced by environmental factors like temperature, light wavelengths, and CO₂ levels, controlling these variables allows vertical farms to steer plant development. Lighting is especially crucial for photosynthesis, and different wavelengths affect various plants differently. Moreover, lighting is sensitive to electricity costs,

Smart Lighting Model Enhances Photosynthesis and Reduces Costs in Vertical Farming The researchers developed a model for smart lighting that maintains steady photosynthesis while reducing electricity costs. They found that an optimization algorithm could lower electricity expenses by 12% without reducing carbon fixation by adjusting light intensity. Testing on leafy plants like spinach, often grown in vertical farms, showed no negative effects from irregular light intensity variations.

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on plant needs could help reduce electricity costs. However, this requires advanced sensors, models, and cultivars specifically bred for vertical farming. These crops could prioritize nutrition and flavor over robustness and shelf life, taking advantage of localized, controlled environments.

More research is needed to balance crop quality and yield.

“In vertical farms, growth conditions can be precisely controlled, which is crucial for optimizing yield, quality, and resource efficiency,” explained Marcelis. “But constant conditions aren’t always ideal. Once dynamic control becomes standard, both energy consumption and costs can decrease, boosting the profitability and sustainability of vertical farms.”

Unraveling the Connection Between Alzheimer’s And Cancer

Several challenges must be addressed before vertical farming can play a significant role in global food production.

“Many proposed solutions have been tested on individual plants but not at the scale of entire crop stands,” warned Kaiser.

Dynamic adjustments to airflow, temperature, and CO₂ levels based

Image Credits: Depositphotos

Alzheimer’s and Reduced Cancer Risk: Unveiling a Mysterious Link Research has revealed that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease appear to have a lower risk of developing certain cancers, and a recent study involving rodents may provide insight into this phenomenon.

In a study conducted in China, scientists observed that mice exhibiting Alzheimer-like symptoms had a notably reduced occurrence of colorectal cancer. However, after receiving a stool transplant from a healthy mouse, the cancer rates in these mice normalized.

Gut Bacteria and Alzheimer’s: A Significant Relationship These findings imply a significant relationship between Alzheimer’s symptoms and the composition of gut bacteria. Current evidence suggests that specific gut microbes can influence the immune system, thereby affecting brain health.

Previous rodent studies have also established connections between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Remarkably, recent experiments have shown that stool transplants can transfer memory impairment from one rodent to another.

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This new research delves deeper into the intricate relationship linking Alzheimer’s, the gut microbiome, and cancer. Retrospective studies have indicated that human patients with Alzheimer’s face about half the cancer risk compared to those without the disease, while individuals with cancer are 35% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. The reason behind these correlations remains unclear, although colorectal cancer displays the most significant links with Alzheimer’s.

Researchers at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China conducted experiments demonstrating that mice with Alzheimer-like symptoms showed resistance to artificially induced colon cancer.

The researchers reduced intestinal inflammation in the mice, but this suppression was reversed after the mice received a fecal transplant from a healthy, younger mouse.

To identify the specific gut microbes involved, researchers examined the microbiota of their mouse models and identified several candidates, including a gram-negative bacterium called Prevotella. Treating these mice with Prevotella caused their guts to produce fewer pro-inflammatory immune cells, even when exposed to harmful pathogens.

The “Leaky Gut” Hypothesis and Its Impact on Health This decreased inflammatory re-

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sponse may have been partly due to a “leakier” gut, which allowed certain microbial byproducts to enter the bloodstream more easily. Previous studies have established that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from the Prevotella genus play a role in mucosal barrier inflammatory responses. For example, Prevotella bivia is known to produce high levels of LPS, which could create a toxic environment harmful to dopamine neurons crucial for cognitive and motor functions.

Parkinson’s, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota Recent human clinical trials have shown that stool transplants can improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, a condition closely tied to the degeneration of dopamine neurons.

Since inflammation plays a major role in tumor formation, researchers suggest that the anticancer effects seen in Alzheimer’s mouse models could be related to the gut’s inflammatory tolerance driven by specific bacterial genera.

While epidemiological data has previously suggested a correlation between cancer and Alzheimer’s, this new research provides concrete biological and experimental evidence supporting an inverse relationship between the two conditions, particularly regarding the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and colorectal cancer.

Tesla’s Optimus robot is a game-changer, blending advanced AI with sleek design to handle everyday tasks.

Set to transform homes and workplaces, it’s the future of robotics made accessible today.

Credits: gettyimages-1507275801

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CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT

How Climate Change Could Exacerbate Migraines Migraines are significantly influenced by environmental factors, with research showing a 6 percent increase in occurrences for every 10-degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature.

Studies indicate that climate change could worsen migraines through rising temperatures, increased air pollution from wildfires, and the stress of natural disasters. https://bit.ly/3Xy7H3j

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Over nearly 500 million years, Earth’s temperature has drastically changed due to carbon dioxide

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A study reveals that Earth has been warmer than today but humans struggle to adapt to the rapid pace of climate change. Researchers used data assimilation to create a temperature curve, highlighting significant fluctuations over 485 million years, with extreme heat periods often linked to elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Currently, Earth is cooler than much of the Phanerozoic, but human-caused emissions are warming the planet faster than historical events, risking species and ecosystems. The collaboration aimed to provide an accurate temperature curve by combining over 150,000 ancient temperature estimates and model simulations of Earth’s climate.

Austria Warns Climate Change Affects Severe Weather Patterns

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Experts warn that climate change is intensifying storms and floods, with recent heavy rainfall in Austria linked to global warming. This extreme weather underscores the urgent need for climate adaptation measures and stronger protection policies, as Austria faces repeated storms and record heatwaves, with average temperatures rising by 1.4°C since 1991. Recent floods in eastern Austria led to a state of emergency, evacuations, and five fatalities. The Danube River’s water levels reached historic highs, overwhelming infrastructure and farmland.

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Google Accused of Profiting from Climate Change Denial Google’s advertising business faces criticism for allegedly profiting from climate change denial articles on The Epoch Times. An investigation by Global Witness estimated that these articles generated approximately $1.5 million for both Google and the website over the past year, violating Google’s policies against “unreliable and harmful claims” that contradict scientific consensus on climate change.

Google stated that it prohibits ads on content contradicting established scientific understanding and has already demonetized several articles in question. https://bit.ly/3XUfPwg

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Customized AI Assistants Could Provide SMBs with Enterprise Tools

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

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Amazon’s Project Amelia, an AI-powered selling assistant, aims to transform eCommerce by providing personalized insights and support, potentially benefiting smaller businesses. The tool enhances inventory management and stock predictions, streamlining seller operations and improving visibility. https://bit.ly/4gEnaYr Image Credits: worldpipelines.com

Apple unveils new iPhone 16 lineup with future AI capabilities Oil and gas companies are increasingly adopting AI technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy in processes such as seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling. Despite a slower adoption pace due to implementation challenges, AI offers significant benefits, including automated workflows, enhanced forecasting, and real-time asset monitoring.

However, challenges such as cyber threats, competition for skilled talent, and the need for IT investment pose hurdles.

Companies like Shell and BP are leveraging AI collaborations to optimize operations and reduce exploration times, highlighting the sector’s evolving landscape amid emerging risks associated with AI adoption. https://bit.ly/3XPOz21

Image Credits: Ryan Olbrysh

Berkeley Law Scholars and Programs Leading in AI

ImpriMed Launches Cancer Treatment Prediction Tech at EHA-SfPM Meeting ImpriMed is expanding its AI-driven drug response prediction services to human oncology, focusing initially on blood cancers like multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. This innovative approach will be featured at the EHA-SfPM meeting, where research on naïve non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment outcomes will be unveiled. The company’s precision medicine services aim to personalize therapy through genomic analysis and ex vivo drug sensitivity testing.

AI is transforming various sectors while raising concerns, and Berkeley Law is at the forefront, launching its first LL.M. degree focused on AI and offering an AI Law and Regulation certificate. Dean Erwin Chemerinsky emphasizes the program’s dedication to preparing students for emerging technological challenges. BCLT’s faculty are addressing critical AI-related issues, including privacy and intellectual property. As high-profile copyright cases unfold, the focus is on enhancing access to justice through AI, while scholars advocate for balanced regulations that consider both the benefits and risks of advanced technologies.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ Reveals Accurate Physics, Indicating His Understanding of the Sky’s ‘Dynamism’ An analysis of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night shows that its swirling sky resembles “hidden turbulence” in Earth’s atmosphere, suggesting the artist had a keen understanding of natural processes. Researchers found that the painting’s brushstrokes align with fluid dynamics patterns, indicating Van Gogh’s intuitive grasp of turbulence, likely from observations of the sky.

Published in Physics of Fluids, the study identified correlations between the painting’s features and established fluid dynamics laws. The findings demonstrate that Starry Night captures natural phenomena, echoing similar patterns seen in diverse contexts, including new species naming and comparisons to atmospheric conditions on Jupiter. https://bit.ly/47DCBvD

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom feels both nostalgic and new The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a return to the classic Zelda style, but this time you control Princess Zelda as she tries to rescue Link. The game introduces the Tri Rod, a tool that lets players summon echoes of objects and creatures to solve puzzles and battle enemies.

While the new mechanics offer creativity, they can also be frustrating due to slow creature responses and the overwhelming number of echoes. Still, Echoes of Wisdom stands out with its vibrant visuals and compelling music, providing a fresh, challenging take on the beloved Zelda series. https://engt.co/3U6a7W7

Ways to Watch Meta Connect 2024

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Meta Connect will take place on September 25 and 26, with significant announcements expected during the keynotes led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Attendees can watch the keynote live on Facebook or experience it in Horizon Worlds, with discussions likely to cover advancements in mixed reality, AI, and new products like augmented reality glasses codenamed Orion. The event may also reveal a budget-friendly version of the Quest 3, the Quest 3S, priced at approximately $300. https://bit.ly/47Fr1Aj

Ways to Watch Xbox’s Tokyo Game Show Livestream

Image Credits: Nathan Ingraham _ Engadget

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On Thursday, September 26, Xbox will host the Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast, featuring announcements from Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, along with new games from third-party retailers based in Asia. The broadcast airs at 7 PM JST, 6 AM ET, and 3 AM PT, with streams available in multiple languages, including audio descriptions and sign language support on Tokyo Game Show’s YouTube channel. https://bit.ly/3Z4DjA4

Image Credits: ASSOCIATED PRESS _ engadget. com

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COMING UP NEXT

TERM OF THE WEEK

Junk DNA Non-coding regions of DNA once thought to have no function but now known to play roles in regulation and structure.

Deploying Climate Tech at Scale Oct 29 - Oct 31, 2024 San Jose McEnery Convention Center, San Jose, CA

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Solution to the previous brainteaser: The man has three daughters: one is blonde, one is brunette, and one is redheaded. This satisfies all the conditions that only two are not blonde, two are not brunette, and two are not redheaded.

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This Week in Science

Tech, Earth Science

The Palletrone Flying Cart Lifts Cargo for Snag-free Movement

The Palletrone flies at roughly chest height and keeps the upper cargo platform level while a human operator pushes it around SeoulTech

a shopping cart,” the Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SeoulTech) research team explains in their project paper. “A human operator controls the flight path by gripping the handle and applying three-dimensional forces and torques, ensuring stable cargo transport without any roll or pitch throughout the flight.”

The operator “controls the aircraft by applying force and torque, affecting the flight trajectory.” In other words, the user guides the movement and direction via the handrail, while the hardware and software ensure the platform stays elevated.

Whether you’re at the mall or moving items around the office, you’ve probably encountered a cart with a faulty wheel. Help may soon arrive in the form of a flying cart called the Palletrone.

The user is shielded from the drone’s fast-spinning rotors, which are housed within an X-shaped frame, by a porous cage that allows enough airflow for flight with minimal performance loss.

The concept involves placing a multi-rotor drone inside a protective cage, forming a top-loading platform that lets users move items at chest height instead of pushing them on the floor with a traditional wheeled cart.

Challenges Include Noise, Limited Load Capacity, and Short Flight Time

SeoulTech Research Team Describes the Palletrone’s Innovative Control and Design “The platform features a large, flat surface on top for easy loading, along with a rear handle similar to that of

However, this approach has drawbacks, including the noise generated by the drone and the limited load capacity, which is currently just 2.93 kg (6.5 lb) — not enough for tasks like carrying a family’s weekly groceries or aiding warehouse operations. The short flight time due to battery limitations is also a concern.

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Many of the current limitations could be resolved with further development, and a key advantage of the Palletrone is its ability to easily navigate stairs. For this iteration, the researchers used a basic flight control algorithm from previous work by some team members. The system also features actuators that continuously adjust roll and pitch, ensuring the platform remains level while accounting for forces applied by the operator.

However, the design assumes all “disturbances” come from the user, so encountering obstacles may cause issues—something the paper suggests requires more research.

Looking ahead, team member Seung Jae Lee told IEEE Spectrum that adding a camera to the platform could transform it into a flying tripod or dolly, enabling flexible camera movements in settings where specialized filming equipment is hard to access.

He also mentioned that future developments might include creating a docking system for in-flight recharging to extend operational time.

Further details on the project are available in a paper published in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.

Scientists Warn: Earth’s Oceans May Soon Become Too Acidic to Support Life

Image Credits: Pixabay

A recent report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) warns that the world’s oceans are nearing a level of acidity that could jeopardize marine life and climate stability. The report outlines nine key factors essential for maintaining the planet’s capacity to support life.

Recent years have seen human activity push the safe limits in six critical areas, according to the PIK’s first Planetary Health Check. Ocean acidification may soon become the seventh threshold to be exceeded.

The already crossed safe boundaries relate to significant factors such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and natural habitats, freshwater scarcity, and increased pollution, including plastics and agricultural chemicals.

The sustainable level of ocean acidification is now at risk of being surpassed primarily due to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion, including oil, coal, and gas.

Ocean Acidification Boundary Page. 17

This Week in Science

Earth Science, Astronomy

Likely to Be Breached, Warns Lead Author Boris Sakschewski Boris Sakschewski, one of the lead authors, stated that as CO2 emissions rise, more of it dissolves in seawater, leading to increased acidity. He noted that even with swift reductions in emissions, some continued acidification may be unavoidable due to the CO2 already released and the time required for the ocean system to adjust.

Consequently, breaching the ocean acidification boundary seems inevitable in the coming years.

Acidic waters harm corals, shellfish, and phytoplankton, which are essential to the marine food chain. This disruption affects food supplies for billions of people and reduces the ocean’s ability to absorb more CO2, weakening its role in limiting global warming.

Of the nine planetary boundaries, the only one not nearing its limit is the protective ozone layer. Though it was damaged by human-made chemicals, which also caused acid rain, it has started to recover since the banning of these substances in 1987.

Fine Particle Pollution Nearing Critical Levels, but Efforts Show Promise A ninth boundary, concerning atmospheric concentrations of fine particles linked to heart and lung diseases, is nearing the danger zone. However,

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efforts in various countries to improve air quality—such as banning highly polluting petrol and diesel cars—have slightly reduced this risk. Nonetheless, the researchers warned that fine particle levels could still surge in rapidly industrializing nations.

The PIK established nine planetary danger levels to alert humanity about the risk of pushing Earth’s natural systems beyond irreversible thresholds.

“Crossing these tipping points would result in permanent and catastrophic consequences for billions of people and future generations,” they warned.

All nine planetary boundaries are “interconnected,” meaning that exceeding one critical limit could destabilize Earth’s entire ecosystem, according to Sakschewski.

However, this also offers a chance for positive change, as tackling one issue — such as keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — “can produce significant benefits across multiple areas,” the report noted.

A Nuclear Explosion Could Protect Earth From An Asteroid Nuclear Explosions as a Defense Against Asteroids Precisely detonating a nuclear bomb above an approaching asteroid could

diameter and made of loose gravel, was displaced from its orbit, boosting scientists’ confidence in using directed collisions to shift similarly sized objects away from Earth.

Image Credits: Depositphotos

be our best chance of avoiding a catastrophic impact.Precisely detonating a nuclear bomb above an approaching asteroid could be our best chance of avoiding a catastrophic impact.

A laboratory experiment conducted by an international team of researchers showed that the X-rays generated by a suitably sized nuclear explosion could shift asteroids about 3 to 5 kilometers in diameter off their trajectory.

The Importance of a Disaster Prevention Plan While scientists do not presently need such an anti-catastrophe device, they recognize that the threat of unexpectedly encountering a near-Earth asteroid is serious enough to warrant the creation of a robust disaster prevention plan.

Recently, NASA showed that a heavy space probe could deflect a small pile of rocks from Earth’s path with a strong collision. The smaller component of the Dimorphos and Didymos binary system, under 800 meters in

While these results are promising, researchers clearly need more data before they can attempt to deflect any asteroid by merely hurling probes at them. A larger, more solid asteroid could pose a completely different challenge.

Alternative Methods for Moving Asteroids Fortunately, there are other ways to move an asteroid. Attaching it to a powerful fusion engine or using focused lasers to evaporate part of its surface and create a rocket-like effect are some options.

However, one feasible method involves heating a small area of the asteroid’s surface with intense radiation, which could vaporize minerals and generate gases that push the asteroid off its course.

Researchers can test the basic principles of evaporating rock with electromagnetic radiation on Earth, making adjustments for different materials and mineral structures.

A team led by physicist Nathan Moore, from Sandia National Laboratories in the U.S., used a high-frequency electromagnetic wave generPage. 18

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ator called the Z Pulsed Power Facility to release 1.5 megajoules of X-rays into a tank of argon gas.

Simulating Asteroid Deflection in the Lab This radiation “bubble” destroyed a thin metal foil holding a grain of fused silica (or quartz glass), suspending the sample just long enough to simulate a small asteroid drifting through space.

Moments later, the X-ray pulse hit the target, stripping micrometers from its surface and generating shock waves that provided crucial data.

These results could help predict the effects of a larger X-ray burst in the interplanetary vacuum.

The momentum transfer suggests that asteroids up to 5 kilometers in diameter could theoretically be shifted using this method.

The team reported that researchers can test detailed models, such as the radiation-hydrodynamic model shown here

and in other studies, against experimental data from this technique to refine predictions for asteroid intercept missions.

Testing Various Asteroid Compositions Of course, researchers know that asteroids consist of more than just fused silica; they often contain a mix of volatile materials arranged in various ways.

By using this approach, scientists can test different scenarios without needing to launch expensive missions and wait years for results.

Ideally, scientists will never need this knowledge. Although predictions indicate that some city-killer asteroids will pass dangerously close to Earth, none currently pose an immediate threat.

Still, no one likes surprises.If a real threat comes hurtling out of the darkness, we should know exactly how to blast it back into oblivion.

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CARS & GADGETS

Cadillac Should’ve Put the Mind-Blowing Escala Into Production

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Cadillac’s 2016 Escala concept, showcased at Pebble Beach, was meant to preview the brand’s future design language. With its sleek design, V8 engine, and high-tech interior, it generated excitement but never made it to production due to market shifts.

Image Credits: Ford

Ford Reveals Holographic Tech to Keep Drivers Focused on the Road

The Escala’s vision has now been realized with Cadillac’s new flagship EV, the Celestiq, which began production in January, marking a shift toward electrification that the Escala missed.

Ford and Ceres Holographics have introduced an advanced head-up display (HUD) that stretches across the windshield, offering separate sections for the driver and passenger. This interactive display projects essential driving information without distracting the driver, using thin-film technology embedded between glass layers.

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Image Credits: Steve Dent for Engadget

Logitech MX Creative Console Review: A Budget-Friendly Entry into Edit Panels Logitech’s MX Creative Console, a $200 control panel for Adobe apps, includes a keypad, dialpad, and customizable settings.

Competing with devices like the TourBox Elite and Loupedeck CT, it’s a more affordable and polished option for creative work.

While great for Premiere Pro and Lightroom Classic, the console’s limited buttons and dials make it less suitable for complex tasks in Photoshop, often requiring users to revert to their keyboard and mouse.

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Tested for next-gen use, the system is set to improve color and brightness. While autonomous cars are still in development, Ford’s HUD technology could soon be ready for production, reducing driver distraction and enhancing the driving experience.

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Image Credits: newtimes.co.rw

Are Phones and E-Gadgets Now Potential Warfare Explosives?

Recent explosions in Lebanon, linked to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, involved both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare. According to security expert Irina Tsukerman, these attacks used a hybrid approach, combining explosives in devices like pagers with remote detonation via messages.

Such operations require extensive planning and are difficult to execute.

The Hezbollah attack took 15 years to prepare, highlighting the complexity involved in this form of warfare. https://bit.ly/4ehu2cy

Image Credit: Cadillac

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Deutsche Bank’s research reveals what AI still struggles with

MATHEMATICS

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Generative AI has limitations, particularly in tasks like mathematical calculations and abstract reasoning.

It often produces inaccurate information, known as “hallucinations,” and struggles with bias.

Image Credits: FlamingPumpkin via Getty Images

Image Credits: lithub.com

Mathematicians Discover a New Shape Class: the ‘Soft Cell’

Language agents improve large language models’ efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Mathematicians have discovered “soft cells,” new shapes that tile spaces with minimal sharp corners, inspired by nature’s use of smooth structures like nautilus shells and onion layers. Unlike human-made tiles, soft cells are curved, with fewer corners.

Building large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 is costly and resource-intensive. Smaller institutions or individuals lack the means to create or use these powerful models effectively for specific tasks like math and logic reasoning.

These shapes offer insights into biological processes and the mechanical properties of tissues. In three dimensions, soft cells become “z-cells,” which have no corners. This discovery could explain why nature avoids sharp edges, conserving energy through smoother shapes.

Researchers at Washington University created a method called Zero-Shot AgentInstruct, which uses large LLMs to generate step-by-step instructions for smaller, cheaper models.

This approach enhances task performance in a cost-effective manner, significantly improving reasoning capabilities, especially in math and logic.

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Despite these issues, generative AI shows promise in areas like novel research and game engine creation.

Its full potential, however, will only be realized through further development and careful implementation. https://bit.ly/4dh0Elv

Prof. Yucong Duan’s Paradox of Mathematics in DIKWP Semantics Prof. Yucong Duan’s Paradox of Mathematics reveals a critical conflict between traditional mathematical abstraction and the complex semantics required for effective AI. While AI has advanced, accurately modeling human understanding remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional mathematical frameworks.

Image Credits: Yucong Duan _ researchgate. net

https://bit.ly/3Y08WbV

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QUANTUM REALM

Image Credits: Galina Nelyubova via Unsplash

Quantum Computing Advances Amid Major Challenges Quantum computing promises to solve problems beyond classical machines by leveraging qubits that exist in a superposition, allowing for faster calculations. Fields like AI, finance, and pharmaceuticals stand to gain significantly from this technology, with potential for optimizing tasks and simulating molecular interactions.

However, challenges remain.

While milestones like quantum supremacy are celebrated, quantum computers are still error-prone and face technical hurdles like refrigeration. Progress continues, but practical, large-scale quantum computing is still years away from realization.

CERN Observes Quantum Entanglement at Record Energy Top quarks, the heaviest elementary particles, have been shown to become quantum entangled at unprecedented energy levels—12 orders of magnitude higher than standard experiments. The ATLAS and CMS detectors confirmed this, showing spin entanglement between quarks, verified with statistical significance beyond five standard deviations.

This finding enables further exploration of quantum entanglement in new particle systems. The entanglement, observed without violating causality, opens new ways to test the Standard Model and could reveal new physics beyond current knowledge. https://bit.ly/3XTL8Ya Image Credits: CERN

Quantum Computers: “Holy Grail” for Stable, Robust Qubits Discovered

Image Credits: meteogiornale.it TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Physicists at the University of Cologne have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by imparting superconductive properties to materials that conduct electricity along their edges. Their study, published in Nature Physics, is based on the quantum anomalous Hall effect, which enables resistance-free edge conduction. By combining this effect with superconductivity, they successfully induced chiral Majorana states, a key element for stable quantum computers. https://bit.ly/4ejssXO

Microsoft Achieves World’s Most Accurate Qubits The quantum industry is advancing rapidly, with companies like D-Wave and Microsoft leading breakthroughs.

Microsoft, in particular, is focusing on topological qubits, which could revolutionize quantum computing by offering more resilient solutions to scaling and error correction challenges. Microsoft’s progress in error correction, alongside its collaboration with Quantinuum, has produced the most reliable logical qubits to date.

Image Credits: koto_feja_E+ via Getty Images

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BIOTECH & GENETIC

US FDA approves Zevra’s drug for rare genetic disease

New genetic research strengthens the theory that COVID-19 originated from animals at Wuhan’s live-animal market.

Samples from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market show the virus clustered in areas where wild animals were sold, including DNA from raccoon dogs, known to transmit SARS-CoV-2.

This growing evidence supports the zoonotic origin of COVID-19, aligning with findings for viruses like SARS and MERS. Researchers argue that conditions at the market made it the likely source of the outbreak, reducing the plausibility of lab leak theories. https://bit.ly/4eAIoVk

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Recent research has uncovered shared genetic factors linking Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and heart attacks, opening avenues for new prevention and treatment strategies. The study from the Centre for Precision Health suggests that genetic contributors to coronary artery disease (CAD) may also influence the development of AD, explaining the increased dementia risk in heart patients. https://bit.ly/4ezFe3S

Image Credits: Ng Han Guan _ Associated Press _ latimes.com_

Study suggests Wuhan animal market as origin of COVID pandemic, new genetic research shows

Alzheimer’s Day: Link Between Alzheimer’s and Heart Attack

Scientists Discover New Blood Group After 50-Year Mystery Image Credits: REUTERS_Andrew Kelly_ File Photo

The FDA has approved Zevra Therapeutics’ Miplyffa for Niemann-Pick disease type C, making it the first treatment for this rare genetic disorder.

This oral drug, to be used with miglustat (Zavesca), addresses neurological symptoms in individuals aged two and older.

Zevra expects Miplyffa to be available in the U.S. in eight to 12 weeks, with an anticipated price between $500,000 and $600,000 annually. Following the approval, Zevra’s shares rose over 5%, reflecting strong market interest in this groundbreaking therapy. https://bit.ly/4eAIoVk

Researchers from the UK and Israel have identified a new blood group system, the MAL blood group, after discovering a missing antigen in a pregnant woman’s blood sample from 1972. This finding, based on nearly 50 years of research, is crucial for improving care for patients with rare blood types. The MAL protein plays a vital role in stabilizing cell membranes and facilitating cell transport.

Image Credits: Steve Gschmeissner_Science Photo Library_Brand X Pictures_Getty Images

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Bugatti La Voiture Noire Bugatti have created one of the most expensive one-off bespoke cars in the world called the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. Built using a regular Bugatti Chiron, this bespoke commission built in-house by Bugatti, takes inspiration from the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, perhaps the most celebrated car in the companies history.

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Myth or real

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Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life

WELLNESS Why VR Nature Can’t Match the Wellness Benefits of the Real Thing

Images Credits: iStock

Workplace Wellness Culture Affects Job Satisfaction and Benefits Perception: 2024 BCHS Images Credits: Shutterstock

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly promoted for corporate wellness, but it may not provide the same benefits as real nature experiences. Initiatives like those at the University of Waterloo offer VR nature exploration instead of encouraging outdoor immersion, raising concerns about the efficacy and sensory richness of such technology.

While VR can provide access for some individuals, it risks exacerbating inequities in nature experiences. We recommend prioritizing real outdoor activities to foster genuine connections with nature and improve well-being.

The 2024 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey found that 76% of benefits plan members and 87% of plan sponsors believe workplace culture promotes health and wellness. However, 24% of members disagreed, particularly among those facing mental health challenges.

The survey also highlighted a wellness culture’s positive impact on job satisfaction and reported intentions from 79% of plan sponsors to invest in wellness initiatives over the next three years, the highest since 2019.

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After a hiatus from social gatherings, I resumed regular game nights with friends, playing Qwirkle, a tile-based game that rekindled my childhood joy of play. This experience mirrored the philosophy of Smiley Poswolsky, who created Camp Grounded, where adults could shed their identities and embrace carefree fun. Simultaneously, I picked up tennis after decades, initially struggling as the worst player. https://wapo.st/3MZAIzX

5 Simple Wellness Practices to Boost Your Health Life’s busyness can lead to neglecting self-care, resulting in various symptoms affecting physical and emotional health. To promote well-being, consider developing healthy habits, establishing routines, and making time for yourself, as well as practicing meditation and knowing when to seek professional help.

These practices can significantly enhance your mental health, increase productivity, and improve your overall quality of life.

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NUTRITION

The Real Purpose of Nutrition

Dr. Robert Lustig is a leading authority on sugar’s impact on obesity and chronic diseases. In his discussion based on Fat Chance, he explores the science and politics behind the obesity epidemic, offering practical eating tips and recipes.

Images Credits: Justin Sullivan_Getty Images

New report finds one fast food burger is the unhealthiest PlushCare’s report highlights the unhealthiest fast food items, revealing that the Five Guys Cheeseburger and Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Classic top the lists for burgers and chicken sandwiches, respectively. The report scores items based on nutrition facts, with Five Guys Regular Fries and Fatburger Vanilla Shake also ranking as unhealthy choices.

Despite claims from fast food executives that consumers are not seeking healthier options, a World Economic Forum study shows nearly half of Americans desire to eat healthier, though 46% find cost a barrier to making that shift.

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With a background in neuroendocrinology, Dr. Lustig’s research links hypothalamic damage to obesity and highlights fructose’s role in chronic diseases. He has authored numerous articles and served on several obesity-related committees, while also maintaining a strong public presence through his popular YouTube video, “Sugar – The Bitter Truth.”

8 High-Protein Grains and How to Add Them to Your Diet

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Protein is the most sought-after macronutrient, essential for building lean muscle. Whole grains often overlooked can provide significant protein, with options like quinoa offering 8 grams per cup and teff delivering 10 grams. High-protein grains such as buckwheat, oats, and wild rice also offer fiber and B vitamins, promoting digestion and heart health. https://bit.ly/4gC6mkM

Study: Vegans Need Ultra-Processed Proteins for a Healthy Diet

https://bit.ly/3ZSWlKb Image Credits: dc.alumni.columbia.edu

Research shows that ultra-processed foods (UPFs), like meat substitutes and protein powders, help vegans meet their protein needs. A study involving 774 vegan Brazilians found they consumed sufficient protein and essential amino acids, contradicting the belief that vegan diets are nutritionally inadequate.

Image Credits: marilyna _ dropStock_Getty Images _ Canva

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FITNESS

KENSONE 40”/48” Foldable Mini Trampoline for Indoor/ Outdoor Fitness

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The foldable mini trampoline features a heavy-duty steel frame, a waterproof bungee mat, and an adjustable foam handlebar for enhanced safety.

Its compact design allows for easy storage, and the rubber-tipped legs minimize noise and protect floors.

Images Credits: Alpha Wellness Sensations Image Credits: Gym Equipment.co.uk

“Top 5 Fitness Trends on Social Media” Isometric, somatic, and mindful exercises have gained popularity due to their benefits in building strength, improving body awareness, and enhancing mental wellness. Isometric exercises, like planks and static holds, build strength without movement, while somatic exercises emphasize body awareness and stress relief. Mindful exercises like yoga combine physical activity with mindfulness techniques.

HIIT and functional fitness remain popular for their efficiency and practicality. Meanwhile, outdoor fitness has seen a resurgence, with people opting for hiking and outdoor boot camps.

Building home gyms in gardens is also becoming a trendy solution for outdoor workouts.

Curves of Comfort: Redefining Ergonomic Infrared Sauna Design Saunas, originating over 2,000 years ago, were initially developed in Northern Europe for body purification and have evolved to incorporate technological innovations like ergonomic infrared lounges. Unlike conventional saunas that heat air, these lounges provide direct heat to the body, offering deeper warmth and therapeutic benefits.

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Wonder Core Smart: Ab Workout & Core Trainer The Wonder Core Smart features adjustable resistance with hidden interlocking springs, ideal for beginners and older users. With its patented design, you can customize resistance from 24 to 48 pounds per side, ensuring effective targeting of your core and delivering a comprehensive workout for all muscle groups.

Compact and portable, the machine requires no installation, making it easy to store and transport.

The Chaleur Lounge features an ergonomic design that allows users to comfortably recline or sit, maximizing relaxation. With customizable options and premium materials, these saunas not only ensure superior thermal comfort but also adhere to high safety standards, making them a luxurious addition to wellness routines.

Images Credits: amazon.com

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WOMEN HEALTH

Cranberry Juice: A Natural Skin Boost for Women Skin aging occurs through both natural and external mechanisms, involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Cranberry polyphenols improved skin elasticity, particularly in women over 40, highlighting their anti-aging potential. These compounds also support the skin’s microbiota, a key factor in maintaining immune function and skin health.

Image Credits: Unsplash_CC0 Public Domain

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Alcohol Use Linked to Victimization in Young Adult Relationships

A study in *Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research* found a link between alcohol use and physical, psychological, or sexual victimization in individuals aged 18-25 in relationships. Alcohol use often coincided with physical and psychological violence, and physical or sexual victimization occurred shortly after drinking.

The study, involving 170 participants, suggested that real-time technology could help prevent intimate partner violence. Physical violence included pushing or hitting, while psychological harm involved insults. Researchers stressed that victims are not to blame for the abuse, and alcohol use was not common immediately after violent incidents. https://bit.ly/3Zyes7I

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Image Credits: theskimm.com

Is It Healthier to Remove or Keep Pubic Hair?

There’s no right or wrong way to manage pubic hair, as preferences vary from full bush to bald.

According to Dr. Kristen Venuti, factors like skin sensitivity, ingrown hairs, and sexual comfort are essential to consider when deciding how to groom.

While some evidence suggests that pubic hair may help prevent infections by keeping bacteria at bay, good hygiene can ensure protection regardless of hair removal. https://bit.ly/3MXRxv5

Image Credits: cbs19news.com

Yoga and Exercise May Curb Urinary Incontinence in Women New research from Stanford University shows that a 12-week yoga program can reduce urinary incontinence episodes by 65%, similar to the effects of medication. The study involved women aged 45 to 90, who practiced hatha yoga to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Results indicated a significant reduction in incontinence, with episodes dropping to 1.1 per day for the yoga group and 1.3 for the standard exercise group. https://bit.ly/47B3H6G Image Credits: nadianb _ Shutterstock.

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Why More Young Men Are Turning to Testosterone Therapy

MEN HEALTH

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Testosterone therapy is increasingly popular among men in their 30s and 40s. Dr. Rodolfo Hanabergh, a hormone replacement specialist, treats many men with symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and depression-like feelings due to low testosterone.

While treatment options include injections or pellets, proper diagnosis through blood tests is essential. https://bit.ly/4gHVl1p Imagine Credits: BSIP_UIG Via Getty Images

Images Credits: torwai_Getty Images

Men’s Daily Hormone Cycle Linked to Brain Shrinkage

Men: Hot Showers May Impact Fertility

A study involving a 26-year-old’s brain scans revealed that hormonal fluctuations throughout the day may contribute to brain shrinkage. Scans collected at peak hormone levels indicated a decrease in brain volume and cortical thickness, with gray matter volume declining by approximately 0.6%.

According to the World Health Organization, one in six people globally will experience infertility. Men’s fertility can be impacted by genetics and lifestyle choices, particularly temperature exposure.

While the relationship between hormone levels and brain changes is still under investigation, the findings challenge the notion that hormonal effects are exclusive to females. The research emphasizes the need for further studies on male hormonal rhythms and their potential influence on brain function. https://bit.ly/47Fr1Aj

Justin Chu of TFP Oxford Fertility recommends cooler showers for optimal sperm health, ideally around 34 to 35 degrees Celsius (93 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Negative effects from hot showers are temporary; sperm production typically normalizes within one week to two months, depending on the individual.

Paternal Gut Health May Influence Offspring’s Physical and Mental Health Florey researchers have found that a father’s gut health affects offspring physiology and behavior. Professor Anthony Hannan emphasized that men’s nutrition and health can influence their future children, suggesting that they should also prioritize their health. Published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, the study showed that depleting the gut microbiota in male mice caused epigenetic changes in sperm, leading to reduced body weight and behavioral changes in offspring.

Image Credits: CC0 Public Domain _ medicalxpress.com

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Credits: Getty Images

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GERONTOLOGY & The Secret to Longevity: LeveraLIFE EXTENSION ging Nature’s Potential Longevity is a key health goal today, driven by the desire for a long, vibrant life.

This e-book highlights essential factors for longevity and how Muunex’s vitamins and supplements can aid in this pursuit.

Emphasizing a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management is crucial. Key supplements like berberine, B-complex vitamins, and probiotics also support health and well-being.

Adopting these habits and using these supplements can contribute to a healthier, longer life.

Images Credits: scitechdaily.com

Longevity: Is It Genetic?

A study in Age and Aging by UCSD researchers found that parental longevity predicts healthy aging in women. Women with mothers living past 90 have a 25% higher chance of reaching 90 themselves, along with a reduced risk of age-related diseases.

These findings emphasize the importance of both genetics and healthy lifestyle habits.

Children of long-lived parents tend to adopt healthier behaviors, indicating that promoting wellness may be one of the best legacies to pass on. https://bit.ly/3TDU5m4

https://bit.ly/3XYDWda Images Credits: muunex.com

More than 95,000 Japanese individuals are centenarians, with the majority being women

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Japan now has a record 95,119 centenarians, nearly 90% of whom are women, highlighting the aging demographic crisis. Additionally, over 36 million people aged 65 and older comprise 29.3% of the population, making Japan the highest in this category globally. https://bit.ly/3ZKiXvY

Naked Mole-Rat: Cancer-Fighting Insights Researchers are studying naked mole-rats, known for their exceptional longevity and disease resistance, to improve human healthspan.

Vera Gorbunova and her team at the University of Rochester showed that key health traits from naked mole-rats can be genetically transferred to other species, potentially benefiting humans.

Images Credits: the-scientist.com

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PSYCHOLOGY

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Oxytocin Sensitivity Affects Women’s Responses to Infant Cuteness A study in *Hormones and Behavior* found that women’s responses to baby faces with pronounced “baby schema” features, like chubby cheeks, vary based on their nurturing tendencies and oxytocin system regulation. Those with higher nurturance motivation showed stronger neural responses to these features, while women more sensitive to oxytocin smiled more automatically, although their cuteness ratings remained unchanged.

The study involved 81 women and used lab tests to measure both conscious and unconscious reactions. The findings suggest that sensitivity to baby schema is influenced by both emotional and genetic factors, but more research is needed to explore real-world caregiving responses. https://bit.ly/4ecRDuZ

Clothing Satisfaction Boosts Plus-Size Confidence

Be Humble: It Boosts Learning and Relationships

Women who expressed satisfaction with their plus-size exercise clothing reported higher body confidence and positive emotional experiences during physical activity.

In contrast, those dissatisfied experienced heightened body surveillance and social physique anxiety, leading to negative feelings and a tendency to avoid exercise.

Intellectual humility involves recognizing that our beliefs may be flawed and accepting the possibility of being wrong. While it’s challenging because we all want to be right, research shows it enhances learning, relationships, and openness. A focus on shared humanity during disagreements can reduce defensiveness and foster better understanding. https://bit.ly/3Bb1x1o

This research highlights the significance of well-designed, comfortable plus-size exercise clothing in encouraging physical activity among women with larger bodies.

Functional and stylish apparel fosters confidence and motivation, while poor-quality https://bit.ly/3BgT4tN Images Credits: psypost.org _ Adobe

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Breaking Free from Your Inner Critic Self-criticism is pervasive and can stem from early experiences, leading to harmful negative self-talk. Paul Gilbert highlights that our brains react similarly to social and physical threats, linking self-criticism to feelings of inadequacy.

Methods such as compassion-focused therapy aim to counteract these negative voices by fostering self-compassion and understanding their origins.

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ALMANAC & ANIVERSARY Here’s a collection of significant scientific historical events, scientist anniversaries, and scientific discoveries from September 19th to September 26th: September 19 Events: 1783: The Montgolfier brothers successfully launched their hot air balloon carrying a sheep, a duck, and a rooster to demonstrate that living beings could survive in the air, laying the groundwork for human aviation.

Scientific Discoveries: 2014: NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) spacecraft arrived in orbit around Mars to study the planet’s atmosphere, focusing on how its climate evolved over time.

September 20 Events: 1904: Wilbur Wright made his first controlled, powered, and sustained flight in a heavier-than-air aircraft, a major milestone in the history of aviation.

Scientist Birthdays: 1842: James Dewar, a Scottish che-

mist and physicist, most famous for his invention of the Dewar flask (used in thermos bottles) and for his work on the liquefaction of gases.

Scientific Discoveries: 1995: Galileo spacecraft made its closest flyby of Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede, providing important data about the moon’s magnetic field and icy surface, crucial for our understanding of the Jovian system.

sample of lunar soil to Earth, advancing lunar exploration during the space race.

September 22 Events:

Galle discovered Neptune, based on calculations by French mathematician Urbain Le Verrier. Neptune became the first planet found through mathematical prediction rather than empirical observation.

Scientist Birthdays:

September 21

1979: The Vela Incident, a mysterious flash detected by the U.S. satellite Vela over the Indian Ocean, led to speculation about a secret nuclear test. Despite investigations, the exact cause remains unclear, contributing to studies of nuclear forensics.

Events:

Scientist Birthdays:

Scientific Discoveries:

2003: NASA’s Galileo spacecraft ended its 14-year mission by deliberately crashing into Jupiter’s atmosphere, to prevent contamination of Jupiter’s moons, particularly Europa, which may harbor life.

1791: Michael Faraday, an English scientist who made monumental contributions to electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His work laid the foundation for modern electric motor technology.

Scientist Birthdays:

Scientific Discoveries:

1999: The Mars Climate Orbiter disintegrated upon entering Mars’ atmosphere due to a mix-up between metric and imperial units, marking a major lesson in the importance of standardization in scientific measurements.

1866: H.G. Wells, the English writer often regarded as one of the fathers of science fiction. His novels such as The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine have influenced both scientific and technological imagination for over a century.

2005: The discovery of the dwarf planet Eris was announced, leading to significant changes in the classification of planets and the eventual reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet.

Scientific Discoveries: 1970: The Soviet Union’s Luna 16 spacecraft returned the first automated

1915: Clifford Shull, an American physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1994 for his work on neutron diffraction, which has had profound implications for material science and biology.

September 24 Events:

September 23

1852: The first powered flight of a hydrogen-filled dirigible by Henri Giffard, a key development in the history of airship travel, predating powered fixed-wing flight.

Events:

Scientific Discoveries:

1846: German astronomer Johann

2011: CERN announced the discovery Page. 37

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of neutrinos possibly traveling faster than the speed of light, a finding that would later be attributed to a measurement error, but it sparked intense discussion about the nature of relativity and physics.

a potential nuclear war by correctly identifying a false alarm of an incoming missile strike from the U.S., a critical moment in Cold War history and the development of international crisis management.

September 25

Scientist Birthdays:

Events:

1886: Archibald Vivian Hill, a British physiologist and Nobel laureate, whose research on muscle physiology and energy metabolism contributed significantly to our understanding of biophysics.

1973: The first manned flight of the Soviet Soyuz 12 spacecraft following the Soyuz 11 disaster, marking the return of manned spaceflight for the Soviet Union.

Scientist Birthdays: 1906: Dmitri Shostakovich, the Russian composer whose work has influenced mathematical models of structure and time in music theory, an area of study that intersects with scientific and cognitive research.

Scientific Discoveries: 2008: The Chinese Shenzhou 7 spacecraft launched, during which China’s first spacewalk took place, making China the third nation to achieve an extravehicular activity in space.

Scientific Discoveries: 1981: Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Saturn, providing breathtaking images of the planet’s rings and moons and revolutionizing our understanding of the gas giant.

These events and discoveries highlight the continuous expansion of knowledge and innovation, showing how science and technology push forward the boundaries of human understanding and capability.

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NASA Selects Blue Origin for Astronaut Mission to the Moon

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Early Humans’ Favorite Vacation Spot 13,000 Years Ago

ARCHEOLOGY

A recent study reveals that the Clovis People frequently returned to the Belson site in southwest Michigan around 13,000 years ago, challenging previous assumptions about their habitation during the Pleistocene epoch. Evidence suggests they established a seasonal settlement, engaging in trade and utilizing high-quality chert tools.

Image Credits: rkeonews.net

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Over 50 Royal Seals Found in 3800-Year-Old Hittite City Image Credits: Nazarij Buławka et al

Excavations at Kayalıpınar in Sivas, Türkiye, have uncovered over 50 Hittite-era seal impressions from princes, scribes, and royal officials, shedding new light on the administrative system of the empire. Key finds include the seals of HattusaRuntiya, “Protector of Hattusa,” and Pihaya, a scribe linked to Queen Puduhepa.

Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Maner, the team has found significant architectural remains spanning Assyrian, Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Discoveries also include a Roman road, evidence of a major fire, and cuneiform tablets, offering fresh insights into Hittite governance.

https://bit.ly/3zugWcI

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

AI and Cold War Satellites Detect Ancient Underground Aqueducts Spanish archaeologists have identified ancient underground irrigation ducts, or ‘qanats,’ using AI trained on Cold War satellite photos. These systems, found in desert regions globally, allowed habitation in otherwise uninhabitable areas.

The AI predicted qanat locations with 88% accuracy and identified their entire lengths in 62% of instances. This innovative approach has shed light on ancient water management practices across cultures in North Africa, South America, and beyond. https://bit.ly/3XFUqXH

‘Knife-Wielding Orca’ and Alien-Like Figures Among 300 Nazca Lines Found in AI Study AI has uncovered 303 new geoglyphs in Peru’s Nazca Desert, including humanoid figures and a “killer whale holding a knife.” This discovery nearly doubles the known Nazca Lines, which were created by the Nazca civilization between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500.

The study highlights differences between relief-type and line-type geoglyphs, with most relief-type shapes depicting humans or domesticated animals.

Image Credits: Masato Sakai Masato Sakai Masato Sakai

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Imges Credits: Daryl Marshke_Michigan Pho- Page. 40 tography University of Michigancn

SPACE EXPLORAA ‘primordial’ black hole may pass TION & COSMOL- through our solar system every decade OGY A new study indicates that if primordial black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang exist, one may pass through the solar system every decade, causing detectable gravitational distortions. These findings could help explain dark matter, which makes up about five-sixths of all matter in the universe.

Image Credits: Root et al.

Martian Dog’ and Other Mysterious Blobs Found Under Mars’ North Pole in New Gravity Map A new gravitational map of Mars has uncovered 20 dense blobs, including a dog-shaped mass, buried beneath the planet’s north pole. These formations, found in the ancient Borealis Basin, remain a mystery, with researchers speculating they may be volcanic or from meteor impacts.

The map also confirmed a massive, less dense blob under Olympus Mons, Mars’ tallest mountain, possibly a cooled lava plume, hinting at recent volcanic activity. These findings provide crucial insights into Mars’ geological history and current volcanic activity.

https://bit.ly/3XWe1TJ

The researchers plan to collaborate with experts to analyze existing orbital data for potential evidence of these black holes, emphasizing the need for sophisticated simulations to distinguish between primordial black holes and other objects of similar mass. https://bit.ly/3XYcuvh Image Credits: buradaki_Getty Images

Stanford experts urge regulations to address the space sustainability paradox

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

The expansion of the commercial space industry may undermine sustainability due to the over 130 million pieces of debris in space, mainly from satellite collisions and explosions.

While satellites are crucial for monitoring disasters and climate change, the increased launch traffic, largely from commercial entities, presents a sustainability paradox.

Experts stress that weak regulations hinder effective debris management, with nearly 10,000 active satellites and many more expected by 2030. https://bit.ly/3BlZ3gT https://bit.ly/3Bl-

Scientists Created a Slime Mold Algorithm and Asked It to Build a Universe Researchers adapted a slime mold algorithm to model the cosmic web, the Universe’s large-scale structure formed by galaxies and dark matter.

Their study, led by Farhanul Hasan and Professor Joe Burchett, published in the Astrophysical Journal, reveals how the algorithm visualizes the density structure of the Universe.

Image credits: Springel et al._Virgo Consortium_Max-Planck-Institute for Astrophysics

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Humanoid Robots Are Gaining Popularity: Introducing the Industry’s Innovators

ENGINEERING, ROBOTS, IT

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Humanoid robots are revolutionizing industries with their advanced capabilities. Leading companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and Tesla are developing robots that enhance productivity, perform hazardous tasks, and improve safety. https://bit.ly/4e2O22j

Image Credits: Greg Baker_Pool Photo via AP

House GOP: US-China Research Boosts Beijing’s Military Technology A congressional report indicates that partnerships between U.S. and Chinese universities have facilitated federal funding, aiding China’s military-related technological advancements. The report raises national security concerns and recommends stronger safeguards for scientific collaborations.

The House has approved multiple bills to counter China’s influence in technology, including bans on Chinese drones and restrictions on biotech firms. Universities such as Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley are reevaluating partnerships with Chinese institutions in light of these findings, emphasizing concerns about research security and technology transfer. https://bit.ly/4erlBLs

Image Credits: Jasmin Merdan_Moment_Getty Images

Japanese Scientists Set to Build Unmatched Supercomputer Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, improving the efficiency and quality of medical care. At West Penn Hospital, systems like Vectra use AI to detect skin diseases, speeding up diagnoses and accurately monitoring skin changes.

In addition, AI technologies, such as the automatic transcription of medical visits, are reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing doctors to devote more attention to patients. Although there are concerns about privacy and consent, many patients and healthcare professionals have welcomed AI, which promises faster and more personalized care. https://bit.ly/4dhvAC8

This Stunning Crystal Could Preserve the Human Genome for Eons

Researchers at the University of Southampton have successfully etched the complete modern human genome into a five-dimensional (5D) memory crystal, showcasing its potential to store around 800 megabytes of genomic data. This robust technology can endure extreme conditions and remains stable over time, making it a promising method for long-term data preservation. Stored in Austria’s Memory of Mankind archive, this crystal could serve as a repository for future scientists. With humanity generating vast amounts of data, the 5D memory crystal offers a compact solution for efficient, low-energy data storage that may outlast current methods.

Image Credits: University of Southampton

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Image credits: Freepik

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CURIOSITY Quantum Entanglement: The Spooky Action That’s Too Cool for Classical Physics Welcome to “Curiosity,” where today we’re diving into one of the strangest and most mind-boggling concepts in quantum physics: Quantum Entanglement. Einstein famously called it “spooky action at a distance,” and he wasn’t joking. Quantum entanglement is the weird, wonderful phenomenon where particles become linked, so that the state of one particle instantly affects the state of another—no matter how far apart they are. Buckle up, because this ride through quantum reality is going to get wild!

What is Quantum Entanglement?

Let’s start simple (well, as simple as quantum physics gets!). Quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles—say, electrons or photons—become interconnected in such a way that their physical properties (like spin or polarization) are correlated. If you measure the state of one entangled particle, you instantly know the state of the other, even if it’s light-years away.

Here’s the kicker: the effect is instantaneous, seemingly violating the

cosmic speed limit set by Einstein’s theory of relativity, which says nothing can travel faster than light. So, how does entanglement pull this off?

Good question. No one’s entirely sure, but it’s definitely happening!

Intriguing and Surprising Aspects of Quantum Entanglement 1. Instant Communication Across the Universe (Well, Almost) Imagine you’ve got two entangled particles. You keep one on Earth and send the other to Mars (Elon Musk would love this). The moment you measure the particle on Earth, the particle on Mars will “know” and adjust its state accordingly—instantly.

But before you get too excited about interplanetary texting, here’s the catch: entanglement doesn’t allow faster-than-light communication, because measuring one particle randomizes its state. You can’t use it to send useful information. It’s like both particles are in on a cosmic secret but refuse to spill the beans.

2. Entanglement is Everywhere Entanglement isn’t just a quirky trick particles play in fancy labs. It’s a fundamental feature of the quantum world. Every time particles interact, they can become entangled. While we can’t see it happening in our everyday lives, entanglement is believed to occur on a microscopic level all the time, from atoms bouncing off

each other to processes in your brain.

Yep, your neurons might be entangling, too—though don’t expect them to solve quantum riddles for you.

3. Einstein’s “Spooky Action” and the EPR Paradox Einstein wasn’t a fan of entanglement. In fact, he thought it was too “spooky” and incompatible with his theory of relativity. Along with two colleagues (Podolsky and Rosen), he tried to discredit it through the EPR Paradox, which questioned how information could be exchanged faster than light. Essentially, they suggested that quantum mechanics must be incomplete.

Spoiler alert: Einstein was wrong!

Decades later, experiments—most famously by physicist John Bell— proved that quantum mechanics, and thus entanglement, is legit. The universe is spookier than Einstein thought!

4. Quantum Teleportation (No, Not Like Star Trek) Thanks to entanglement, quantum teleportation is a real thing. But before you start packing for an instant trip to the Bahamas, know that it’s not the sci-fi kind. Quantum teleportation involves transferring the state of one particle to another, distant particle via entanglement, without physically

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moving the particle itself. While this could revolutionize quantum computing and communication, we’re a long way from teleporting humans (sorry, Trekkies).

5. Entanglement and Quantum Computing: The Future of Tech

tanglement could be proof that we’re constantly branching off into parallel universes. Mind blown yet?

Why Should You Care?

Okay, so quantum entanglement doesn’t help you cheat on exams or teleport to your favorite vacation spot.

Quantum computers leverage entan- But it’s opening up new frontiers in glement to perform calculations at science, from building ultra-secure speeds that would take classical com- communications systems (quantum puters millions of years to complete. encryption) to developing super-fast By entangling quantum bits (or qubi- computers that could revolutionits), these computers can solve comze industries. Plus, entanglement plex problems—like factoring large challenges our understanding of realinumbers or simulating molecules— ty itself, reminding us that the univerat lightning speed. Companies like se is far stranger and more complex Google and IBM are racing to harness than we can currently grasp. entanglement for the next generation Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weirdof technology. If they succeed, it could ness. change everything, from cryptography to drug development.

Quantum entanglement is one of the most bizarre yet fascinating pheno6. The Many Worlds Interpretation: mena in science. It tells us that partiAre We Living in a Multiverse? cles can be linked in ways that seem to defy the laws of physics, hinting at One interpretation of quantum enhidden layers of reality that we’re only tanglement and quantum mechanics beginning to explore. The more we suggests that every time a measurelearn about entanglement, the more ment is made, the universe splits into it feels like we’re peeking behind the different realities, each corresponding curtain of the universe, glimpsing the to different measurement outcohidden threads that connect everymes. This is called the Many Worlds thing.

Interpretation. So, in one universe, you decided to eat that second slice In the quantum world, it seems that of pizza, and in another, you didn’t nothing is as it appears, and yet (tragic, I know). If true, quantum eneverything is somehow connected.

So, while quantum entanglement might not help you skip through traffic or win the lottery, it offers a glimpse into the mysterious, interconnected universe we live in—and that’s pretty cool. Keep those quantum questions coming, because this is one entangled web we’re only just starting to unravel!

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5 Tips for Surviving Football Season as a Couple (Without Losing Your Mind)

PARENTING & RELATIONSHIPS

Image Credits: Getty Images

Husbands of working wives report higher happiness and self-esteem Image Credits: psypost.org _ Adobe Stock

Humanoid Robots Are Gaining Popularity: Introducing the Industry’s Innovators Humanoid robots are revolutionizing industries with their advanced capabilities. Leading companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and Tesla are developing robots that enhance productivity, perform hazardous tasks, and improve safety.

As AI-driven designs continue to evolve, robots will increasingly collaborate with humans in environments like construction, logistics, and even personal care, transforming the future of automation across sectors.

https://bit.ly/3Bl9Urk

A study published in Personal Relationships found that wives’ self-esteem and employment status significantly influence their husbands’ psychological well-being. Husbands with employed wives reported higher self-esteem and happiness, while those with stay-at-home wives experienced lower well-being.

The research highlighted a positive feedback loop between self-esteem and happiness in couples. Wives’ self-esteem was linked to their husbands’ happiness and self-esteem, but the reverse was less evident. Marital conflict negatively impacted happiness, and employment outside the home seemed to buffer against tension, benefiting the psychological health of both spouses.

https://bit.ly/3MTYHAv

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

During football season, many women feel neglected as their partners become absorbed in games. Instead of resisting, it’s helpful to find ways to keep yourself busy or even get involved in the sport by showing interest.

If feelings of isolation persist, having an open conversation with your partner is crucial. Addressing your concerns can lead to better understanding and ensure that both partners feel valued during football season. https://bit.ly/4d4cvTM

Understanding Autosexuality in Relationships Autosexuality, the attraction to oneself, can exist alongside attraction to others. A man wanting to incorporate his autosexuality into his straight relationship should communicate openly with his partner. Sharing how it enhances his sexual experience, without implying dissatisfaction, can help prevent insecurity.

He might suggest exploring this aspect together by introducing mirrors or reflective surfaces into their sex life.

Image Credits: Claudia Dichiera

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Image credits: Elnur _ Canva

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INVESTIMENT & FINANCE

Image Credits: fool.com_investing

Nvidia investors received positive news: the AI boom is thriving Concerns over Nvidia’s dominance in AI chips may be exaggerated. Although Nvidia’s stock has risen nearly 700% since 2023, it has faced a 14% decline due to uncertainty surrounding AI spending and a decrease in gross margin. However, analysts at JPMorgan project a 24% annual increase in AI infrastructure spending, signaling continued momentum.

Nvidia holds a dominant market share in GPUs, with 98% of data center shipments and over 80% of AI chips. Despite rising competition, Morgan Stanley analysts note that Nvidia’s robust R&D investment and superior products create a significant competitive advantage, leading to widespread analyst optimism about the company’s future growth. https://bit.ly/3MVqBMG

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management finds that Black, Hispanic, and Latina women are newer to investing and focused on generational wealth A J.P. Morgan Wealth Management study reveals that Black, Hispanic, and Latina women are increasingly engaging in investing, with many starting within the last five years. Key motivations include building wealth for future generations and a desire for financial independence, as highlighted

by CEO Kristin Lemkau.

Notable findings include that younger investors prefer active involvement in their portfolios, while those with financial plans report better outcomes. Over half of women expressed confidence in their investment knowledge, although many identify as risk-averse. https://bit.ly/4gFLJUQ Image Credits: lifehealth.com

Initiative Launched to Teach Financial Literacy to Children in Tanzania

TWIS 06-13 APR 24

Stanbic Bank has launched Hatua Account Clubs in Tanzania to enhance children’s financial literacy. This initiative combines engaging activities with lessons on saving, budgeting, and investment, preparing children for future financial independence and success.

The program aims to instill healthy financial habits while ensuring a deeper understanding of complex financial tools. https://bit.ly/3ZyGGPI

The Central Bank of Egypt to Offer United Bank Shares in IPO on Egyptian Stock Exchange The Central Bank of Egypt plans to list United Bank (UB) shares on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, targeting completion by the end of Q1 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

United Bank, known for its diverse offerings and strong governance, operates 68 branches and 225 ATMs, employing 1,800 staff.

Image Credits: Shutterstock _ arabnews.com

https://bit.ly/4gBGx4b

Image credits: Guardian Corres- Page. 46 pondent _ ippmedia.com

RETIREMENT

Worried about falling behind on your retirement savings? You’re not the only one

Image credits: Pixabay_CC0 Public Domain

Why claiming you’ll “never retire” could be a red flag A study indicates that Americans who expect to “never retire” often lack financial knowledge. In a survey, 20% of those who answered all financial questions incorrectly believed they would never retire, compared to 12% of those who answered correctly.

The findings suggest that overconfidence and low financial literacy may lead to unrealistic retirement expectations.

Researchers emphasize the importance of evaluating financial knowledge among those stating they will never retire to ensure they can plan for their future effectively.

https://bit.ly/3ZBFv2e

Image credits: Bevan Goldswain (Getty Images)

A Bankrate survey reveals that 57% of working Americans feel behind on retirement savings, with Gen X workers feeling the most pressure as retirement approaches. The “magic number” for retirement has increased to $1.46 million, prompting many to maintain or increase contributions to their retirement accounts.

Despite rising savings, 49% of respondents are optimistic about reaching their retirement goals, while 48% are doubtful.

Additionally, the Social Security Administration warns that trust funds may deplete by 2034, coinciding with the largest wave of Americans turning 65 this year. https://bit.ly/47F5MOY

Sotheby’s is so heavily indebted that some senior employees were given IOUs

TWIS 09-16 JUN 24

Sotheby’s is in financial trouble, with its debt rising from $1 billion to $1.8 billion since billionaire owner Patrick Drahi’s purchase in 2019. The art market’s decline and internal payment issues, such as promissory notes for incentive pay, have raised concerns about the auction house’s ability to meet employee payments.

Despite a downgrade to B3 by Moody’s Ratings and criticism from the International Association of Machinists regarding a proposed contract, a recent $1 billion stake purchase by Abu Dhabi’s ADQ may offer a glimmer of hope, according to CEO Charles Stewart. https://bit.ly/3ZDLS4V

4 Questions: Jeff Herron reflects on retirement after his Hall of Fame career Retired coach Jeff Herron will attend the Oconee County-Cherokee Bluff game to honor his 1999 championship team, which went 15-0. Reflecting on that memorable season, Herron emphasized the significance of winning at home and the community’s unexpected support. With a 32year record of 334-69 and five state titles, he has transitioned into retirement, focusing on personal hobbies like golf and pickleball.

Image Credits: Daniel Varnado

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Image credits: Freepik

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Surviving football season as a couple Decision speed: A new window into hidden social preferences

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