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Experts urge complex systems approach to assess A.I. risks

The study emphasizes the need for a coherent approach to understanding A.I. threats, recognizing the intricate interplay between technology and society. Experts propose involving laypeople and experts in risk assessment processes, as well as promoting social resilience to ensure better decision-making.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.

Ethical framework aims to counter risks of geoengineering research

A new framework for responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue has been launched by the American Geophysical Union to address the risks of geoengineering research. The framework proposes five key principles to guide research, funding and policy proposals, including consideration of physical, environmental and social consequences.

UTA study suggests simple steps may improve team ethics

A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.

Attribution science, uncertainty, and the Loss and Damage Fund

Event attribution science will inform financial decisions on Loss and Damage by considering uncertainties and allocating funds effectively. The authors propose a multi-method hazard framework to deal with uncertainties and highlight the importance of integrating local knowledge and expertise.

Shakespeare in sign language, seen through AI

A new paper in JCOM describes the development of an automatic translation app for sign language, designed through co-creation with deaf communities. The research team used a theatrical performance and AI tools to gather feedback from audiences, informing the app's design and features.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Legal challenges in human brain organoid research and its applications

A recent study categorizes human brain organoid research's legal challenges into five key themes: consciousness, consent, ownership, transplantation, and legal status. This categorization aims to establish regulatory priorities for the future, guiding responsible and ethical advancement in the field.

Cancer screening estimated to cost $43 billion a year in the United States

A modeling study estimates that cancer screening costs over $40 billion annually in the US, with an emphasis on enhancing equitable access to recommended screenings. However, experts argue that this estimate may underestimate the true cost due to lack of consideration for subsequent testing, ineligible patients, and overdiagnosis.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

A few surgical procedures account for high number of opioid prescriptions

Two studies published by researchers at the University of Michigan found that a handful of common surgical procedures, such as tonsillectomies and C-sections, account for large shares of all opioids dispensed after surgery. The studies suggest opportunities to reduce surgical opioid prescribing without compromising pain control.

Language change harms our ability to communicate and understand

A University of Leeds academic argues that changes to word definitions are causing 'hermeneutical disarmament', leaving people without specific words to describe useful concepts. This phenomenon is particularly concerning when it affects specific phenomena like emotional abuse and women's work.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The timeless wisdom of Sanpo-yoshi for present day businesses

A study found that companies with top management from Shiga Prefecture exhibited better environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performances. The Sanpo-yoshi values promoted inclusivity and elevated ESG metrics, suggesting a global standard for responsible business practices.

Proposals for cell donation procedures to create brain organoids

A comprehensive literature review and analysis reveal uncertainties in obtaining informed consent from cell donors due to the potential for brain organoid consciousness. Researchers propose three methods to address these concerns, emphasizing the importance of tailoring consent procedures and prioritizing ethical oversight.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Potential inheritable effects and ethical considerations of epigenome editing

This study examines the ethics and practical questions of epigenome editing for therapeutic purposes, including its potential for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. The authors propose criteria for evaluating the validity of human applications, highlighting the need for stringent regulations to ensure safe and ethical use.

The ethics of accepting tainted donations

A study surveyed over 4,500 laypeople and 700 professional fundraisers about acceptance of tainted donations. Respondents generally agreed that institutions should reject donations from criminals but accept those from morally ambiguous individuals.

People hold smart AI assistants responsible for outcomes

A new study reveals that people judge smart AI assistants as partly responsible for decisions, even when they're used as tools. Participants saw them as more responsible for positive outcomes, highlighting the need for organizations to consider social and moral norms in AI design.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Paper addresses ethics of bioethics conference in Qatar

The International Association of Bioethics has proposed a framework to guide the selection of future conference sites, including those with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The framework identifies multiple values and principles at stake, aiming to broaden conversation within bioethics about international conferencing ethics.

A dynamic systems model for effective low-carbon transitions

A new dynamic systems model supports low-carbon transitions by analyzing local stability and formulating effective policy strategies. The model aligns with Agent-Based Models, enabling policymakers to make informed choices and align national policies with sustainable development goals.

Hate speech: Words can hurt more than actions

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that people condemn verbal hate speech more severely than nonverbal discrimination with identical consequences. The researchers concluded that words are perceived as worse than actions due to a phenomenon known as action aversion and the explicit nature of verbal formulations.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

How good or evil are you when gaming?

A study by Macquarie University researchers explores how players respond to morality meters in games, showing that most ignore clear moral choices but use them when ambiguous. The research provides insights into the impact of morality meters on player behavior and has implications for moral education and awareness.

Study highlights complicated relationship between AI and law enforcement

A recent NC State University study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and law enforcement. The study reveals that law enforcement agencies must be involved in developing public policies regarding AI technologies, such as autonomous vehicles. Key findings also suggest that many officers lack understanding of ...

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Rationing: A fairer way to fight climate change?

New research suggests that rationing could help states reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly and fairly. By allocating resources based on needs, rather than market forces, policymakers can create a more equitable approach to climate change mitigation.

Study finds only about half of AI-generated ads only labeled as such

A University of Kansas study analyzed over 1,000 AI-generated ads and found that they are only labeled as ads about half the time, often appealing to consumers in positive ways. The prevalence of AI in programmatic advertising raises concerns about consumer deception and the need for updated guidelines to require transparency.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Autonomous driving: New algorithm distributes risk fairly

Researchers developed an ethical algorithm to distribute risk fairly in autonomous vehicles, considering multiple factors such as responsibility and traffic regulations. The new approach enables more nuanced decision-making in critical situations, weighing risks and avoiding aggressive maneuvers.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

How voice technology influences what we reveal about ourselves

Researchers investigate how voice technology affects consumers' willingness to disclose personal info, with potential benefits for marketers and policymakers. The study reveals that voice technology can both increase and decrease disclosure, depending on the context.

Water cutoff countermeasures using disaster emergency wells

A survey by Osaka Metropolitan University found that disaster emergency wells complemented the Kumamoto city government's emergency water supply, speeding up water delivery and improving access. However, some welfare facilities did not use emergency wells despite being nearby, highlighting the importance of publicizing their locations.

Mathematical formula tackles complex moral decision-making in AI

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a blueprint for incorporating ethical guidelines into AI decision-making programs. The new mathematical formula, based on the Agent, Deed, and Consequence (ADC) Model, considers intent, character, and consequences of actions to make more informed decisions.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Would helping only the least advantaged benefit society as a whole?

A study by Hun Chung questions the assumption that helping the least advantaged benefits society as a whole, finding potential gaps in Rawls' theory. The research suggests that even with an optimal state, further improvements can occur without worsening the situation of the least advantaged group.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Common Ground

Researchers found that a third of proposed decarbonization bills passed with bipartisan co-sponsors, while two-thirds passed in Democratic-controlled state legislatures. Bipartisan bills tended to focus on environmental social justice components and expand consumer choice.

The living legacy of names

Researchers analyze over 2,000 national park names, revealing 52 places commemorating violence against Indigenous peoples and 10 using racial slurs. The study supports renaming efforts to address erasure of indigenous sovereignty.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Innovative solutions to the exploitation of health data in the global South

A new €1.4 million research project will examine how to regulate the collection and migration of health data in Africa to protect privacy and prevent exploitation. The project aims to develop legal mechanisms to protect health data, co-create guidelines with app developers, and test their feasibility with stakeholders.

View the Feb.18 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards ceremony

The 2021 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards ceremony will be held on February 18, with winners from India, Spain, Ethiopia, Zambia and Malawi. The global awards program recognizes journalists who cover important issues in science, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

A triple-system neural model of maladaptive consumption

A triple-system neural model of maladaptive consumption presents a new understanding of compulsive seeking and consumption behaviors. The model identifies three brain regions that may drive maladaptive behaviors: the impulsive system, reflective system, and interoceptive-awareness system.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.