Using stories to teach human values to artificial agents is a technique developed by Mark Riedl and Brent Harrison at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The method aligns an AI's goals with human values by training robots to read stories, learn acceptable sequences of events and understand successful ways to behave in human societies.
A recent study suggests that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) should also identify genetic variants that predict behaviors increasing disease risk, allowing for targeted interventions. The study's lead author believes that GWAS can help develop more effective and better-targeted treatments by identifying modifiable risk factors.
Researchers developed an imaging device using a loose bundle of optical fibers, enabling non-invasive imaging without lenses or protective housings. The system uses time-of-flight technique to determine fiber positions and can produce images with high resolution.
New research predicts more frequent extreme weather events will disrupt global food production, leading to 'food shocks' that can wreak havoc on markets and families worldwide. The study highlights the increasing interconnectedness of global food systems, making countries vulnerable to distant production shocks.
A Kansas State University study found that food stores are largely unavailable in inner-city, low-income neighborhoods of smaller urban cities. The study used U.S. Census tract data to map neighborhoods according to racial composition and income, revealing a correlation between lower incomes and fewer food stores.
A team of scientists found that 5hmC localizes at sites of DNA damage and repair, with TET enzymes playing a critical role in maintaining its reparative function. This discovery raises the possibility that 5hmC helps keep chromatin open for other DNA damage response proteins.
RIT faculty will develop new cybersecurity curriculum on strategic thinking and tactics with a $25,000 Intel gift. The project aims to train future cybersecurity professionals in applying conventional warfare tactics for defense purposes.
A recent NYU study examined injection risk behaviors among heroin injectors in Colombian cities, finding 2.7% of participants tested positive for HIV and common practices like syringe sharing and clean needle exchange were prevalent. The study emphasizes the need for harm reduction interventions to prevent an HIV epidemic in Colombia.
A clinical trial found that modulating the endogenous opioid system improves serotonin-targeting antidepressant therapy effectiveness in patients with persistent depression. The combination drug ALKS-5461 produced significant symptom improvement, with lower doses showing stronger effects.
A new drug called bexarotene has been identified as a potential 'neurostatin' that targets the first step in the toxic chain reaction leading to brain cell death. This delay can prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from appearing, suggesting a new avenue for treatments.
Scientists have inventoried and categorized all of Earth's rare mineral species, revealing clues about the planet's sub-surface conditions and past biological upheavals. The rarest minerals are found at five or fewer locations worldwide and offer insights into what an inter-planetary probe might find.
Paul West will discuss how global and regional data sets can be used to enhance productivity while considering climate change and environmental impact on subsistence farmers. The talk aims to provide insights into the opportunities and risks related to improving food security and sustainability in data-limited areas.
The European Research Council has announced €585 million ERC Consolidator Grants to support 302 top mid-career scientists conducting innovative research across various fields. The grantees, including German, British, French, and Italian scientists, will develop groundbreaking ideas with potential impact on industries and global welfare.
Researchers discovered well-preserved ancient ant species in Burmese amber, revealing evidence of social behavior dating back to the Cretaceous period. The findings suggest that ants were highly competitive and territorial, with some species exhibiting unusual characteristics such as mammoth jaws.
The Daya Bay Collaboration has captured the most precise energy measurements of reactor antineutrinos, indicating two intriguing discrepancies with theoretical models. The measured energy spectrum shows a surprising excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around 5 million electron volts.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have predicted a new molecular form of frozen water, which could become the 18th known crystalline form of water. The proposed ice is about 25 percent less dense than a record-low form synthesized by a European team in 2014.
Researchers at the University of Washington successfully combined two different ultrathin semiconductors to form a new two-dimensional heterostructure. This device allows excitons to be preserved in valleys, enabling critical steps in developing nanoscale technologies that integrate light with electronics.
A six-year study of over 2,600 species revealed that temporal fluctuations across species are more important than diversity for maintaining ecosystem stability. Asynchronous species development strengthens the interplay between animals and plants.
Researchers found a massive star pretending to be a supernova, emitting X-rays consistent with a neutron star core. The system's unique pairing suggests it may be one of the rarest types of binary systems, offering insights into star formation and evolution.
Researchers developed a new technology to detect disease biomarkers in nucleic acids, which can be used as indicators of what's going on inside cells and tissue. The approach uses nanotechnology to identify specific target sequences and quantify them through electronic signatures.
Vittoria Flamini has created computer models to determine if a percutaneous pulmonary valve will fit in a child's heart before surgery. The simulation takes at least a day and involves manipulating images of the patient's heart sent by medical teams.
Researchers discovered that obesity promotes pancreatic and breast cancer progression by increasing tumor-infiltrating immune cells and promoting a pro-tumor microenvironment. Blocking the VEGFR-1 pathway may prevent tumor growth and metastasis in obese patients, offering potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.
Research success increasingly hinges on honing teamwork skills, according to experts at Arizona State University. Developing communication and leadership skills is key to team chemistry and overcoming language barriers.
VILLUM FONDEN awards $150 million grant to establish a new research centre at Technical University of Denmark, focusing on developing sustainable fuels and chemicals. The centre will be led by Professor Ib Chorkendorff and aims to contribute to the green transformation of global society.
A New Brunswick family's initial attempt to trap snowshoe hares for sport inadvertently created an ecological experiment that shaped the vegetation of tiny Hay Island and Kent. The hares' impact, including mowing down young saplings and altering tree growth patterns, has now been reversed as scientists monitor the island's recovery.
Researchers have created a new method to create flat optical lenses that can bend light to a single point, correcting a widespread misconception. The new lens is up to 10 times thinner than current camera lenses and could be used in medical devices, drones, and future smartphones with high-powered cameras.
A new IU study employs genome-wide sequencing to analyze the evolutionary mechanisms driving genetic divergence in 13 species of wild tomatoes. The research reveals three major genetic strategies behind tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change, including recruitment, introgression, and de novo evolution.
Researchers identified Gabra3 as a key driver of metastatic breast cancer progression. The gene promotes cell growth and invasion when activated by RNA editing.
Researchers found that by-product metals and minerals are indeed more price volatile than commodity materials, with a 50% increase in volatility over the past 50 years. However, monthly price data showed mixed evidence, which may be attributed to smaller transaction volumes and unchanged published prices for several months at a time.
Researchers found that brains prioritize high-reward memories, reinforcing them through repetition at rest. This process strengthens connections and helps fix memories in place.
The MyShake Android app uses smartphone accelerometers to detect earthquakes, analyzing data from millions of phones to create a dense seismic network. The goal is to provide early warning systems for areas without traditional networks.
Scientists identify protein interference with nucleocytoplasmic transport as essential for causing ALS and FTD. Toxic dipeptide repeat proteins translate from repeat-containing RNA disrupt normal cellular function.
Researchers have developed a new experimental test that can detect signs of Lyme disease near the time of infection. The approach uses vesicle-like particles derived from the cell wall of the bacteria to provide a unique indicator of infection.
Researchers identified the genetic 'map' of the human parasitic scabies mite using cutting-edge genome technologies, which could lead to new ways of preventing and treating scabies infestations. The study also found that certain animal strains of mites may infect humans, with major implications for disease control programs.
New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
Scientists use soda-lime glass to create resilient and high-performing graphene, improving technologies from solar cells to touch screens. The sodium in the glass enhances electron density in the graphene, overcoming challenges in achieving this balance.
Research by Marketing Professors Derick F. Davis, Rajesh Bagchi, and Lauren G. Block found that alliterative promotional messages facilitate quicker processing, leading to increased sales and preference among consumers. The study also demonstrated that altering message components can boost sales without lowering prices.
Researchers have developed a searchable database of 10,000 chemicals with available safety data, predicting the toxicity of similar untested substances. The 'chemical landscape' map allows for safer product development and reduces animal testing.
A new study of wild tomato genetics reveals complex genetic mechanisms driving diversification of plant species, with potential applications for creating more resilient crop plants. The research identifies three major genetic strategies behind the tomato's ability to adapt to ecological change.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have identified a network of genes that enables sharks to regenerate their teeth throughout their lifetime. Humans possess similar cells, but with limited tooth regeneration ability.
Scientists at UCLA have developed a new approach using CRISPR/Cas9 to correct genetic mutations that cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach, which can be used in clinical trials within 10 years, has the potential to treat 60% of patients with the deadly disease.
The Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights is expanding its services to provide novel programs and support medical, behavioral and social services for torture survivors and their families. The center will gather outcomes data and build critical infrastructure related to new initiatives and programs.
Experts are looking into alternative materials that can be used in building houses, focusing on local sources such as bamboo and straw bales, while also considering economic and environmental factors. Khanjan Mehta emphasizes the importance of scalability and finding suitable alternatives for cement, which is often scarce and expensive.
Cobia, a promising fish for aquaculture, has recently been reported from the Colombian and Panamanian Pacific coast, indicating their rapid spread. The species is considered an excellent food fish, but its invasive potential poses significant threats to native ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific.
Researchers found that urban homes have more human bacteria, such as Streptococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae, while rural homes have higher proportions of environmental bacteria like soil species. This shift could contribute to immune disorders like asthma and obesity in the industrialized world.
Beluga whales have been found to dive to depths of up to 900 meters to maximize their encounters with prey, such as Arctic cod. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of beluga migration and feeding patterns in the Arctic, shedding light on the impact of climate change on these elusive marine mammals.
The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrinos' energy spectrum, revealing two intriguing discrepancies with theoretical predictions. The data indicates an excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around 5 million electron volts, a deviation of up to four standard deviations.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have developed tiny 'mini-brains' made up of human brain cells, which can be replicated on a large scale. These mini-brains can help study neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and autism, reducing the need for animal testing.
Research by Michigan State University found that ethical leaders are more likely to experience mental exhaustion, leading to moral licensing and increased abuse towards employees. To combat this, experts recommend prioritizing employee self-care, such as breaks, sleep, exercise, and boundary-setting.
A team of researchers from China and CU Boulder confirms the existence of a massive, flightless bird called Gastornis that roamed the Arctic 53 million years ago. The fossil evidence includes a single toe bone found on Ellesmere Island, which was previously discussed but never closely examined.
A nationwide survey found that over 1500 middle and high school science teachers were unaware of or misinformed about the scientific consensus on climate change. Many teachers also brought climate change denial into the classroom, allowing students to discuss controversy without guiding them to scientifically supported conclusions.
A study in yeast reveals that nutrients can affect gene expression, suggesting a complex interplay between metabolism and genetics. The findings have implications for understanding how cells respond to certain drugs and may explain why some individuals fail to respond to treatment.
Wyss Institute researchers create protein actuators that can mechanically puncture cell membranes and release beneficial molecules. The system, inspired by bacterial R bodies, uses pH levels to extend and retract the nanoneedles, enabling precise control over cell delivery.
A multidisciplinary team from the Monell Center has characterized the identity and functionality of salt-responding taste cells on the tongue. The knowledge may lead to novel approaches to develop salt replacers or enhancers that can help reduce sodium content in food.
A study in mice reveals that changes in the lateral septum, a brain structure tied to anxiety and fear control, trigger 'septal rage' - sudden, violent outbursts. The research may lead to better understanding of aggression in other animals, including humans.
Researchers found that e-cigarette chemicals suppress key immune genes in the nasal mucosa, similar to smoking cigarettes. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may have broader effects on respiratory immune responses than initially thought.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a high-cholesterol diet and frequent egg consumption are not associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease. The study included over 1,000 men aged 42-60 years and found no link between dietary cholesterol or eggs and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed a method to create ordered crystal-like structures from micelles using shear flow, enabling faster drug discovery and material sciences applications. The technique involves adding external shear flow to induce controlled crystallization at ambien...
A study published in Cell Press identified a neural circuit mediating social seeking behavior driven by a loneliness-like state in mice. The discovery sheds light on the neuroscience of isolation and may help understand social anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.