Don’t look. Or, more accurately, you can’t look. You wouldn’t be able to see anything if you tried. A few banalities to start us off: Artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning systems, is increasingly being used to make high-stakes medical decisions. This includes decisions regarding diagnoses, surgical outcome predictions, technical skill evaluation, and disease risk […]
Navigating the shadows of black-box systems Read More »
Although still a relatively new field, the applications and possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly expanding. AI technology has been utilized in virtual assistants and chatbots in customer service, fraud detection and risk assessment in finance, surveillance and threat detection in law enforcement, and much more. Especially in this past year, AI has made
Using AI to predict diseases Read More »
Imagine the sun-kissed shores of Okinawa, where residents embrace the Ikigai philosophy — a lifelong pursuit of purpose intertwined with passion, skill, and societal contribution. This idyllic island serves as a testament to the potential for extended, vibrant lives. Now, let’s embark on a journey, into the microscopic realm of cells, where the mitochondrial theory
The Ikigai of the cell: Unveiling the mitochondrial theory of aging Read More »
For centuries, the rare cosmic occurrences known as eclipses have both inspired and terrified onlookers. Signs of both spiritual and scientific marvels, solar eclipses have often coincided with major historical events, sometimes even rewriting their outcomes. According to ancient records, for example, a great shadow descended over a battle in 585 BCE between the Lydians
The end of the eclipse Read More »
Everyone knows the story, even if they haven’t read it or seen it for themselves. They’ve probably heard some of the iconic quotes, ranging from “Where the hell have you been, loca?!” to “You better hold on tight, spider monkey.” But in case you haven’t figured it out, I’m talking about the “Twilight” series —
Opinion: Why the legacy of ‘Twilight’ lives on Read More »
Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee penned a letter calling Israel “entirely responsible” for the attack. It was followed by swift and intense backlash. The student signers were “doxxed,” and Jewish alumni demanded a list of the students in order to avoid inadvertently hiring one of them.
Opinion: Free speech and democracy in a partisan society Read More »
Theoretically, the more cells an organism has, the higher the incidence of malignant transformation. If this were true, humans should be considerably more cancer-prone than something as small as a mouse; however, this is not the case. “Peto’s paradox” describes the phenomenon that, despite the increase in cell number, instances of cancer don’t increase in
The whale that lives forever: Cancer prevention mechanisms in the bowhead whale Read More »
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel approach that has the potential to increase the accuracy and efficiency of early lung cancer detection. The new diagnostic test is based on nanosensors, capable of entering the body via an inhaler or nebulizer, and a strip-based paper urine test that can identify DNA barcodes associated with particular
Could inhalable nanosensors become the future of cancer research? Read More »
The pink, squishy organ inside our heads is often considered the ultimate biological control center. There is no doubt that the brain is extraordinary, complex, and great at its difficult job of controlling organisms; however, it is not the only player in cognition. Instead, scientists are now realizing that other types of cells possess forms
Plants and the ‘roots’ of cognition Read More »