Jeff Sebo on digital minds, and how to avoid sleepwalking into a major moral catastrophe
"The general case for extending moral consideration to AI systems is that they might be conscious or sentient or agential or otherwise significant. And if they might have those features, then we should extend them at least some moral consideration in the spirit of caution and humility."
Source: 80000hours.org
“Meet the patient” session: a strategy to teach medical students about autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord injury
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system is an important long-term consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet, there is a scarcity of teaching resources about this topic for preclinical medical students. Given the association of SCI sequelae with emergency complications and mortality, it is imperative...
Source: biomedcentral.com
Tantalising sign of possible life on faraway world
Nasa's James Webb Telescope may have discovered a molecule thought only to be produced by life.
Source: bbc.com
Large Language Models: Don't Believe the Hype
We've reached the Skynet moment for AI, it would seem. GPT-4, cast in the role of Terminator, has not only achieved consciousness, but it's coming for
Source: datanami.com
Digital map created of UK's underground pipes and cables
It is hoped a digital map of power cables, gas pipes and sewers will help avoid accidents.
Source: bbc.com
In the ’80s, We Decided Bike Helmets Make Riders Safe. Cyclists Have Paid for It Ever Since.
Good review of the complex science around cycle helmets and safety. The article also touches on the unintended effects of helmet mandate laws (which have been repealed in many US cities). Shout out to Ian Walker of Swansea University and his heroic measuring of passing distance of vehicles with various...
Source: slate.com
Gender differences in individual variation in academic grades fail to fit expected patterns for STEM - Nature Communications
Fewer women than men pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), despite girls outperforming boys at school in the relevant subjects. According to the ‘variability hypothesis’, this over-representation of males is driven by gender differences in variance; greater male...
Source: nature.com
Science education in an age of twitter disinformation / Post.
Science education needs to adapt to a world of misinformation on social media and beyond.
Source: post.news
Atrial fibrillation screening using smartphones increases detection and treatment
Your access to the latest cardiovascular news, science, tools and resources.
Source: escardio.org
Youth Endowment Fund Toolkit for reducing youth violence
Good summary of evidence-based approaches to reducing violent youth crime. Follow the science not politicians. “An overview of existing research on approaches to preventing serious youth violence.”
Source: youthendowmentfund.org.uk
British Science Festival: The fight against microplastics
The British Science Festival is coming up In September, and one of the topics being explored across different events is microplastic pollution and how to tackle it. We discuss the events and why taking action now matters.
Source: britishscienceassociation.org
Quantum microphone works even better than a regular one
By detecting tiny movements of particles of light, a quantum microphone has recorded human speech that is easier to understand than if it is captured by an equivalent classical version
Source: newscientist.com
Mountain gorillas: The ripple effect of conservation
Justin Rowlatt finds out what gorilla conservation can teach us about protecting other species. 'The secret of this success? Dr Gladys Kalema Zikusoka was the Uganda Wildlife Authority's first vet in 1995, then she set up the charity Conservation Through Public Health. Perhaps surprisingly, she says,...
Source: bbc.com
The Lyonesse Project: a study of the coastal and marine environment of the Isles of Scilly (OASIS ID cornwall2-58903)
This project was commissioned by English Heritage and carried out between 2009 and 2013 by Historic Environment Projects, Cornwall Council with a team of specialists from Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Exeter and Plymouth Universities, English Heritage's Scientific Dating Team, volunteers and local experts and...
Source: archaeologydataservice.ac.uk
Particle physics could be rewritten after shock W boson measurement
“The standard model of particle physics has stood the test of time for decades, but now a new measurement of a particle called the W boson could indicate a chink in its armour.” The scientists took 10 years to do the analysis as it was so complex! “The analysis was so complex that the result took...
Source: newscientist.com
Senior health professionals call for urgent climate briefing of all MPs by the chief scientific adviser: open letter to
Dear prime minister,
We wish to make you aware of our concern for the health of Angus Rose, a 52 year old man, who at the time of writing is on day 34 of a hunger strike outside Parliament, consuming only fluids, vitamins, and minerals.
His not unreasonable demand is that all members of parliament...
Source: bmj.com
Health impacts of wood burning cost EU and UK €17 billion a year
Wood-based home appliances are responsible for 63 per cent of the health costs from air pollution related to heating and cooking in homes in the European Union and UK
Source: newscientist.com
International Women's Day: UTI testing '50 years out of date'
Areas of women's health have been neglected for too long, says scientist developing rapid test.
Source: bbc.com
Behavioural and social sciences are critical for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response
Source: who.int
Biopharma futures
I've been looking at a few industry reports on the future of biopharma as part of a course I'm on with INSEAD Business School on Business Strategy and Financial Performance. I thought I'd share some of my ramblings on Biopharma Futures. Expectations are high Pharmaceutical
companies are operating...
Source: deanjenkins.me
RSS feed