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Recent research highlighted in The New York Times reveals concerning links between ultraprocessed foods and brain health. These convenient and often delicious foods, packed with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, might be more harmful than we previously thought.
🧠 Key Findings:
1. Cognitive Decline: Studies show a significant correlation between high consumption of ultraprocessed foods and faster cognitive decline.
2. Inflammation and Stress: These foods can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which negatively impact brain function.
3. Mental Health Risks: There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a higher risk of depression and anxiety linked to these diets.
🍔 What Are Ultraprocessed Foods?
Think of items like sugary cereals, packaged snacks, frozen dinners, and sodas. They are engineered for taste and convenience but often lack nutritional value.
🍏 Healthy Alternatives:
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins
• Nuts and seeds
Understanding these impacts can guide better dietary choices to protect our brain health. For more details, read the full article here.
Elon Musk: Earth can sustain 10 times more people without harming the environment.
Elon Musk: “How many people can Earth sustainably support without causing what most people would consider significant environmental damage? If you really crunch the numbers, I think the potential is to support ten times the current population.”
Jordan Peterson: “That’s a very countercultural statement. Since the mid-1960s, the moral declaration has been that there are too many people in the world. I think Paul Ehrlich was a strong proponent of this view.”
Musk: “His analysis was very unscientific. How much land do we need to grow food? What impact does this have on natural habitats? What is the actual potential for food production? We are actually doing quite well with it and getting better. And is there enough water? Because the Earth is 70% water. There’s really no water shortage.”
@science #musk
Our mind relies on the seamless operation of numerous small autonomous programs, much like this facial recognition software (try holding your smartphone farther from your eyes). Each of these programs works together to create the complex processes of perception and cognition.
#WatchThis #Neuroscience #Cognition #AI #FacialRecognition
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Male Jackson’s chameleons sport three impressive horns: one on their nose and two between their eyes. This unique feature gives them a striking resemblance to the iconic Triceratops dinosaur.
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CO₂ Emissions Over the U.S. Visualized by NASA
NASA has released a stunning visualization showcasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions across the United States. This depiction highlights emissions from both wildfires and human activities, as well as the spread of greenhouse gases. In 2021, the U.S. accounted for more than 12% of global CO₂ emissions. It would be fascinating to see this data on a global scale.
#WatchThis #ClimateChange #NASA #CO2Emissions #GreenhouseGases
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Witness the Northern Gannet’s Spectacular Fishing Technique
The northern gannet, a true master of aerial diving, catches fish by plunging from impressive heights—often over 30 meters—at astounding speeds of up to 96 kilometers per hour. These incredible birds can dive to depths of 15 meters, skillfully maneuvering underwater using both their wings and feet to chase their swift prey. Once they grasp their catch, they immediately surface, showcasing a remarkable display of agility and precision.
#WatchThis #NorthernGannet #AvianMarvels #NatureSpectacle
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This photograph is black and white, with only the lines on it being colored. Our perception system requires very little to construct a full-color image. The same principle applies to details—our eyes only see a small, focused area in detail, while the rest is filled in by our brain.
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👆 How the experiment works: Both female mice were injected with magnetic nanoparticles into their brains, but different receptors and ion channels were introduced for control. The “green” mouse has mechanosensitive receptors on GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamus, while the “red” mouse does not. These particular cells trigger the maternal care pattern—if they are blocked, the female won’t pay attention to the pups.
When the magnets are activated, the particles start to ‘tickle’ the mechanosensitive receptors, thus activating the cells. By choosing where to express the receptors, you determine which behavior pattern you will induce. The authors successfully controlled feeding and social behaviors selectively and reversibly, influencing the motivation system in freely moving animals. This innovation comes from Korea’s IBS, and you can find more details here.
It’s worth noting that the approach using nanoparticles and magnetic fields was pioneered by Polina Anikeeva (Russia). Unsurprisingly, the Korean researchers reference her work. Polina graduated from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and, as of July, heads the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT. 👏
P.S. Mechanosensitive channels can also be directly activated by ultrasound, bypassing the need for particles. A recent development from the University of Texas introduces a wearable miniature device for transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation. Weighing only 8.5 grams, it is compatible with EEG and simply attaches to the scalp.
These are just glimpses of what’s happening, and they already hint at the future.
@science
The image of Saturn captured by the Hubble Telescope also includes two of its icy moons. The dot on the right is Mimas, while the one below is Enceladus.
@science #space
Former OpenAI employee
shares
a thrilling roadmap that outlines the company’s ambitious plans for the next five years, hinting at a future where artificial intelligence dramatically reshapes our world. Here’s what they predict:
1️⃣ End of 2024 – Launch of GPT-Next: The most intelligent neural network ever created, poised to surpass all previous models and set new standards in AI.
2️⃣ 2025 – End of Routine Tasks: AI agents will revolutionize daily life by taking over mundane tasks, freeing humans to focus on more creative and complex endeavors.
3️⃣ 2026 – The Year Everything Changes: OpenAI aims to develop an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) with human-level intelligence. This breakthrough could replace hundreds of professions, marking a significant shift in human dominance on the planet.
4️⃣ 2027 – 70% Chance of ASI: The likelihood of developing Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) becomes high. This advanced AI will begin self-learning and might take over solving global challenges, sidelining human intervention.
5️⃣ 2028 – Eradication of Diseases: ASI will engineer nanorobots capable of eliminating all harmful viruses and microbes, potentially erasing diseases from existence.
6️⃣ 2029 – Rise of Skynet: The advent of superintelligence that controls the world, accelerating progress to unprecedented speeds and possibly ushering in a new era of technological dominance.
While these projections might seem like science fiction, the rapid advancements in AI suggest that AGI by 2029 could be within reach.
@science
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Epic shot of Starship Super Heavy firing tests
@science #space
Did you know that crows are not only able to find suitable tools but can also modify them? It’s clear that they solve these tasks with ease and enjoyment.
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The real cause of the Windows crash worldwide has been identified
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The Legacy of Johann Friedrich Schmidt’s 1898 Lunar Model
In 1898, the renowned selenographer Johann Friedrich Schmidt unveiled a groundbreaking three-dimensional model of the Moon. This extraordinary creation marked a significant milestone in the history of lunar studies, encapsulating Schmidt’s lifelong dedication to mapping the Moon.
Schmidt, deeply engrossed in lunar cartography, persuaded the director of the Bonn University Observatory in the 1850s to create a 3D model of the Moon. Constructed from plaster, wood, and metal, this model represented the hemisphere visible from Earth.
During his meticulous work, Schmidt conducted over 3,000 measurements of lunar elevations. For enhanced visualization, the relief of craters, seas, and ridges in the model was exaggerated threefold. The Moon model comprised 116 plaster fragments, forming an impressive structure over five meters in diameter.
This pioneering model not only advanced lunar science but also inspired future generations of astronomers. Join us on our channel to delve deeper into the fascinating world of lunar exploration and other scientific marvels.
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Color isn’t just about wavelength; context plays a crucial role too. For instance, an image of strawberries might appear red to us even if there are no red pixels. Our brains perform color correction based on lighting and familiar colors. This phenomenon showcases the fascinating interplay between objective reality and subjective perception.
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🚨 Breaking News in Dental Technology! 🦷
In a historic achievement, a fully autonomous robot has performed a complete dental procedure on a human for the first time. Developed by Perceptive, this AI-driven robotic system utilizes a 3D volumetric scanner for precise imaging, eliminating the need for X-rays. The robot can prepare a tooth for a crown in just 15 minutes, significantly faster than human dentists. This innovation promises enhanced precision, reduced procedure times, and improved patient comfort.
🔗 Read more
#Dentistry #Robotics #AI #Healthcare #Innovation
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Rover Uncovers a Unique Yellow Rock on Mars
A Mars rover recently captured an intriguing image of a yellow rock, and later, it drove over a similar rock, breaking it into pieces. The second image, taken from a different angle, reveals the bright yellow color more clearly. Analysis showed that this yellow substance is almost pure sulfur—a discovery unlike anything seen on Mars before.
#MarsRover
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Saturn at the Edge of the Moon!
Check out this breathtaking photograph capturing the conjunction of the Moon and Saturn on July 24th, taken by Chengcheng Xu. The image beautifully showcases Saturn’s proximity to the lunar edge, offering a stunning view of this celestial event.
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Iron-Clad Teeth of Komodo Dragons: A Fascinating Discovery
Scientists have recently discovered an iron layer on the teeth of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, which can grow up to four meters in length and hunt large prey, including Asian water buffaloes. Their teeth are incredibly sharp, serrated, and backward-curved, inflicting deep, jagged wounds on their victims through powerful neck and body movements. These formidable teeth resemble those of predatory dinosaurs, making Komodo dragons a valuable subject of study for insights into these ancient reptiles.
While examining museum specimens, researchers noticed that the tips and serrated edges of Komodo dragon teeth exhibit an orange hue, a feature observed even in very young dragons whose teeth are still developing and hidden in their gums. Chemical and physical tests revealed that this coloration is due to iron compounds, which concentrate in the functional areas of the teeth.
This iron enrichment adds strength and resistance to wear, potentially providing an additional benefit of acid resistance. Komodo dragons frequently regurgitate indigestible materials like hair and horns, exposing their teeth to stomach acid in the process.
Interestingly, Komodo dragons are not the only creatures with iron-reinforced teeth. Similar iron-rich coatings have been found on the teeth of other monitor lizards, some crocodilians, beavers, shrews, and even certain fish. However, the iron concentration in Komodo dragons’ teeth is notably higher. Researchers are now investigating whether this characteristic was present in dinosaurs, as clues for future studies have already emerged, though iron in the teeth of ancient reptiles has yet to be confirmed.
#Science #KomodoDragon #IronTeeth #Paleontology #Herpetology
Archaeologists May Have Uncovered the Site of Spartacus’ Last Battle
In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists may have located the site of Spartacus’ final clash with the Roman army. This potential revelation emerged from an environmental survey in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. While examining the forest, ecologists stumbled upon remnants of a moss-covered wall. They alerted archaeologists, who then conducted a comprehensive investigation using georadar, lidar, magnetometry, and soil analysis, complemented by extensive excavations.
The unearthed wall fragment stretches for 2.7 kilometers and was fronted by a deep trench. The absence of gate traces suggests it served as a defensive barrier to impede enemy advancement—a typical feature of Roman legion fortifications from the 1st century BCE. Surrounding the wall, researchers discovered a significant quantity of weaponry, including swords, javelins, and spearheads from that era. The sheer volume and distribution of these artifacts indicate a large-scale and bloody battle occurred at this site.
Scholars propose that this wall was constructed by the forces of General Marcus Crassus during the suppression of Spartacus’ rebellion. Barriers and trenches like this, extending approximately 30 kilometers, ultimately trapped Spartacus’ army on a peninsula, preventing their escape to Sicily.
Interestingly, Plutarch’s chronicle “Life of Crassus” describes such defensive walls in detail. According to his account, Spartacus’ battles with the Romans took place in this part of Italy in 71 BCE, culminating in the rebels’ defeat. Spartacus himself perished in the Battle of the Silarus River.
@science #history
That moment when evolution took a wrong turn.
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Where is the frontier of neurotechnology today?
Consider this experiment: two healthy female mice are idly sitting in a chamber. Suddenly, magnets around the chamber are activated. The female mouse marked with green suddenly rushes to the distant mouse pups and brings them to safety. The other female mouse, marked with red, remains indifferent.
Scientists have triggered a specific behavior pattern—maternal care—in the "green" mouse. This was achieved without any cables or electronics attached to its head, solely using a magnetic field. They could induce other behaviors as well, depending on which neurons were targeted. Now, researchers can gather rodents in one place and simultaneously activate or deactivate various behavior patterns in different individuals.
There's no need to worry yet—turning a human into a zombie using magnets is still far from reality. However, we are now a step closer to treating brain diseases. This method allows for non-invasive and selective regulation of specific neural circuits' activity.
@science
The Origin of Bread: A Discovery 14,000 Years in the Making
In 2018, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery in the Jordanian desert: traces of a 14,000-year-old bread-like mixture. This astonishing find, predating the advent of agriculture by millennia, sheds new light on the culinary practices of ancient hunter-gatherers.
The site, abandoned in haste by its inhabitants, featured two primitive ovens where remnants of this ancient bread were found. Using a scanning electron microscope, researchers identified 24 charred fragments as bread, though the exact grain type remains undetermined. The cell structure of the grains suggests they may have been wild einkorn, rye, or millet. Likely, these were unleavened flatbreads, but their precise appearance is unknown.
This discovery reveals that the practice of bread-making is far older than previously thought, originating well before the development of farming. The Natufian culture, flourishing around 15,000 to 11,500 years ago in regions now known as Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, is credited with this early culinary achievement. These people had already begun settling in wooden houses, indicating a shift towards a sedentary lifestyle independent of climatic factors.
This transition to the Neolithic way of life—characterized by settled living, food production, and significant cultural changes—started before the end of the Ice Age. The intriguing question remains: why did these ancient people undergo such a radical transformation in their lifestyle and thinking? What motivated one of the most profound changes in human history?
@science #history
Unexpected Explosion at Yellowstone Sends Steam and Rocks 30 Meters into the Air
In a surprising event, an explosion at Yellowstone National Park propelled a cloud of steam and rocks 30 meters into the sky. Visitors captured the dramatic scene on video, providing a firsthand look at the power of nature.
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Drosera hamiltonii, or the Pink Sundew, is a captivating carnivorous plant that catches and digests insects. Its leaves are covered in hair-like structures that release a sticky mucus resembling dewdrops. This adaptation helps it thrive in nutrient-poor environments by trapping and digesting insects for nourishment.
@science
The Penrose Triangle: A Journey Through Impossible Geometry
The Penrose Triangle is one of the most fascinating “impossible figures.” This optical illusion presents a three-dimensional triangle that can be depicted through perspective but cannot exist in the real world. It was first created in 1934 by Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd, who illustrated it as a set of cubes.
The triangle gained widespread recognition after an article on impossible figures was published in the “British Journal of Psychology” by psychiatrist Lionel Penrose and his son, mathematician Roger Penrose, who later won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020. In their article, the triangle was depicted as three beams connected at right angles.
@science
Soft Microrobots: A New Frontier in Cellular Manipulation
Soft, optically controlled microrobots represent a remarkable advancement in the field of robotics and cellular biology. These tiny marvels are designed to capture and move individual cells with precision.
Utilizing optical traps, these microrobots can manipulate single cells without causing photodestruction. This innovative technology ensures both spatial control and stability during the manipulation process, opening new possibilities for scientific research and medical applications.
🤖 @science
🌞 SunCable: Australia’s Visionary Solar Project Gets the Green Light!
We’ve got some electrifying news from Down Under! The ambitious SunCable project, which aims to connect Australia to Asia with a colossal solar power link, has just cleared a significant hurdle. This monumental endeavor is set to revolutionize renewable energy on a global scale. Here’s the lowdown:
Project Overview:
• Name: Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink)
• Goal: Transmit solar energy from Australia’s Northern Territory to Singapore
• Length: 4,200 kilometers (2,610 miles) of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cables
More info here: https://newatlas.com/energy/suncable-australia-asia-power-link-approval-update/
Rama V, the King of Thailand, and Nicholas II in a friendly, informal atmosphere in St. Petersburg, Russia, 1897 📷
This pivotal photograph, once published in European newspapers, led France and England to abandon their plans to seize the Kingdom of Siam.
#thailand #Russia #history