What is ‘techno-optimism’? 2 technology scholars explain the ideology that says technology is the answer to every problem

Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen is one of this concept’s biggest enthusiasts.

Jean Hardy, Assistant Professor of Media & Information, Michigan State University • conversation
April 24, 2024 ~6 min

The tragedy of sudden unexpected infant deaths – and how bedsharing, maternal smoking and stomach sleeping all contribute

Rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths have not gone down significantly over the last 20 years, and in some racial groups the numbers are rising.

Fern R. Hauck, MD, MS, Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia • conversation
April 18, 2024 ~6 min


Deepfake detection improves when using algorithms that are more aware of demographic diversity

New research found a way to both improve the accuracy of deepfake detection algorithms while also enhancing fairness.

Yan Ju, Ph.D. Candidate in Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo • conversation
April 16, 2024 ~3 min

Human brains and fruit fly brains are built similarly – visualizing how helps researchers better understand how both work

Studying the human brain is difficult because of its vast and intricate network of neural connections. The fruit fly offers a simpler but similar model that researchers can more easily map.

Kristin Scaplen, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, Bryant University • conversation
April 15, 2024 ~5 min

Tiny crystals capture millions of years of mountain range history – a geologist excavates the Himalayas with a microscope

Measuring the concentration of radioactive elements in a single, sand-size crystal reveals the growth of the Himalayan mountain range over time.

Matthew J. Kohn, Professor of Geosciences, Boise State University • conversation
April 9, 2024 ~5 min

Loneliness can kill, and new research shows middle-aged Americans are particularly vulnerable

The need to connect is fundamental. But diminishing social ties and community support are contributing to the loneliness epidemic.

Frank J. Infurna, Associate Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University • conversation
April 5, 2024 ~5 min

Could sharing a bedroom with your pets be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Pets provide a source of comfort and intimacy for many owners drifting off to sleep. But according to new research, they may also disrupt your ability to fall or stay asleep.

Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Trinity College • conversation
April 3, 2024 ~5 min

What is Volt Typhoon? A cybersecurity expert explains the Chinese hackers targeting US critical infrastructure

Chinese state-sponsored hackers are targeting critical infrastructure. Here’s what they’re doing, how the US government is responding and how you can help.

Richard Forno, Principal Lecturer in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
March 29, 2024 ~6 min


Many travel nurses opt for temporary assignments because of the autonomy and opportunities − not just the big boost in pay

A new study found that temporary assignments in new places reignited nurses’ passion to help others and helped them rediscover the meaningfulness of their work.

Ivan Gan, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, University of Houston-Downtown • conversation
March 29, 2024 ~4 min

Helping children eat healthier foods may begin with getting parents to do the same, research suggests

Not knowing whether their children will eat the healthy food put on their plates, parents may prepare a less healthy dish for themselves to serve as backup for the kids too.

Peggy Liu, Ben L. Fryrear Chair in Marketing and Associate Professor of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
March 26, 2024 ~3 min

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