Science News 06/14/2023

In this enlightening episode, we navigate the intricate world of risk and resilience of urban systems with Dr. Logan. Holding a Doctorate from the University of Michigan and an active member in numerous professional organizations like the Society for Risk Analysis and the Association of American Geographers, Dr. Logan's contributions to the field are formidable. His research paves new ways in designing cities resilient to climate change through the lens of risk science, systems engineering, modeling, and statistics.The episode centers around Dr. Logan's recent groundbreaking paper on sea-level rise (SLR). While traditionally, the focus has been on properties at risk of inundation due to rising sea levels, Dr. Logan proposes an often overlooked but critical metric: the risk of population isolation. His team’s findings suggest that a significant number of people might face isolation, cut off from essential services, much before their properties are inundated. These revelations have substantial implications for how we approach SLR in terms of policy, planning, and even human rights.Through the paper’s insights, Dr. Logan emphasizes the importance of considering not just the physical flooding but the broader, cascading consequences that SLR can introduce. This holistic understanding can dramatically reshape how cities and countries approach SLR, ensuring that adaptation strategies are comprehensive, efficient, and prioritize the well-being of at-risk communities.Journey with us into a world where the rising tides pose risks that stretch beyond mere property damage. Learn about the complexities of planning for a future where inundation and isolation go hand in hand and discover the strategic interventions that can help us build a resilient and inclusive future.Urban Systems, Resilience, Climate Change, Risk Science, Sea-Level Rise, Population Isolation, Inundation, Adaptation Policy, Infrastructure, Displacement, Relocation, Global Climate Adaptation.Logan, T.M., Anderson, M.J. & Reilly, A.C. Risk of isolation increases the expected burden from sea-level rise. Nat. Clim. Chang. 13, 397–402 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01642-3

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the intersection of mathematics and neuroscience with Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis. Boasting a PhD in Mathematics and an MSc in Theoretical Physics from the renowned University of Cambridge, Dimitris' academic journey is truly impressive. After publishing numerous papers in mathematics and physics, he shifted his focus to his true passion: neuroscience. His collaborations with leading minds in the field, such as Peter Grindrod, Karl Friston, and Earl Miller, have fortified his expertise in machine learning and developing mathematical methods to analyze brain data.Currently positioned as an Associate Professor at City—University of London and maintaining a Research Affiliate status at MIT's Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department, Dimitris has earned numerous accolades in his career. His commitment to the field is evident from receiving multiple fellowships from prestigious institutions to being honored with several awards, including the Poincare Institute Award.In this episode, we'll also unpack his latest paper which explores a groundbreaking concept: how does the brain's anatomy influence its function? Contrary to the prevailing view, Dimitris and his team propose that the geometry of the brain plays a more pivotal role in its dynamics than previously believed. Through analysis of human MRI data, the team presents evidence that brain activity can be better understood by examining the resonant modes of the brain's geometry instead of just its complex interregional connectivity. This finding has far-reaching implications, reshaping our understanding of how task-evoked activations span across the brain and the role of wave-like activity.Join us as we traverse the intersections of math, brain anatomy, and function, unveiling the mysteries of the human mind with Dr. Dimitris Pinotsis.Pang, J.C., Aquino, K.M., Oldehinkel, M. et al. Geometric constraints on human brain function. Nature 618, 566–574 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06098-1Keywords: Theoretical Neuroscience, Cambridge, Machine Learning, Predictive Coding, Deep Neural Networks, Cognitive Neuroscience, Fellowships, Neural Field Theory, Brain Geometry, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Wave Dynamics, Brain-wide Modes, Spatiotemporal Properties.

The world is experiencing an unprecedented shift towards renewable energy sources, bringing about new challenges related to energy storage. In this exciting episode, Dr. Hunt joins us to discuss his innovative solution: Lift Energy Storage Technology (LEST).LEST is a novel concept of energy storage, leveraging the potential of high-rise buildings. The principle is simple yet innovative: using lifts and vacant apartments in tall buildings to store energy. Dr. Hunt describes how energy is stored by elevating containers filled with wet sand or other high-density materials, effectively using gravity as a storage medium. Interestingly, this system can be incorporated into existing buildings with minimal modifications, using pre-existing lift systems to transport these containers.The cost and potential of LEST are also explored. With an estimated installed storage capacity cost ranging from 21 to 128 USD/kWh, dependent on building height, LEST presents a competitive and decentralized solution for energy storage, with a global potential estimated to be around 30 to 300 GWh.Tune in as we delve into this revolutionary concept that may well shape the future of urban energy storage, providing a solution to the challenges posed by the increasingly variable nature of renewable energy sources.Keywords: Dr. Hunt, Lift Energy Storage Technology, LEST, Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, Gravitational Energy Storage, High-rise Buildings, Decentralized Energy Storage, Renewable Energy Challenges.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.124102 Lift Energy Storage Technology: A solution for decentralized urban energy storage

In this groundbreaking episode, we are joined by the acclaimed scientist Dr. Michael Levin, who introduces us to the Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere (TAME). This innovative framework seeks to understand and manipulate cognition in unconventional substrates. By harnessing the power of synthetic biology and bioengineering, we are provided with opportunities to create novel embodied cognitive systems, disrupting conventional philosophies of the mind.Dr. Levin presents a novel perspective on morphogenesis, viewing it as an example of basal cognition. He suggests that problem-solving in various domains, such as anatomical, physiological, transcriptional, and traditional behavioral spaces, can potentially drive cognitive capacities during evolution.One of the most striking discussions is about the importance of developmental bioelectricity in evolution. Implemented by the pre-neural use of ion channels and gap junctions, it scales cell-level feedback loops into anatomical homeostasis, contributing to the plasticity of bodies and minds and enhancing evolvability.Tune in as we delve into this thought-provoking discussion, where we explore the intersections of computational science, evolutionary biology, basal cognition, and more. This conversation carries significant implications for cognitive science, evolutionary biology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence.Keywords: Dr. Michael Levin, Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere, TAME, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Cognition, Morphogenesis, Basal Cognition, Developmental Bioelectricity, Evolution, Cognitive Science, Regenerative Medicine, Artificial Intelligence. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/t6e8p

In this enlightening episode, Dr. De Pascali presents his revolutionary work on GeometRy-based Actuators that Contract and Elongate (GRACE), a class of pneumatic artificial muscles poised to have significant applications in fields ranging from biodiversity conservation to elder care.While artificial actuators have been successful in mimicking the contraction performance of muscles, the complexity, versatility, and grace of movements realized by muscle arrangements have remained largely unrivaled. Dr. De Pascali's GRACE, however, are designed to contract and extend, capturing the versatility of biological muscles.Comprising a single-material pleated membrane, GRACE can be fabricated at different scales and with varying materials, allowing a broad spectrum of lifelike movements. Intriguingly, GRACE can be produced through low-cost additive manufacturing and even directly integrated into functional devices, such as a fully 3D-printed pneumatic artificial hand. This allows for faster, more straightforward prototyping and fabrication of devices based on pneumatic artificial muscles.Join us as we delve into this innovative realm of biomimetic machines with Dr. De Pascali and explore how this breakthrough can redefine the landscape of robotics and prosthetics.Keywords: Dr. De Pascali, Biomimetic Machines, Pneumatic Artificial Muscles, GRACE, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, Prosthetics, Artificial Actuators.3D-printed biomimetic artificial muscles using soft actuators that contract and elongate https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.abn4155

In this episode, we're privileged to have an in-depth conversation with renowned researchers Dr. Pedro Jacob and Dr. Okray about their groundbreaking research on the fascinating world of multisensory integration and memory enhancement. This duo's cutting-edge study, conducted on the humble fruit fly, Drosophila, explores how associating multiple sensory cues with objects and experiences can dramatically improve object recognition and memory performance.Dr. Jacob and Dr. Okray delve into the mysterious neural mechanisms that are involved in binding sensory features during learning and how these mechanisms amplify memory expression. Their research uncovers a remarkable memory phenomenon, where combining colors and odors can enhance memory performance, even when each sensory modality is evaluated individually.Our experts also shed light on the pivotal role of mushroom body Kenyon cells (KCs), revealing that they are crucial for the improvement of both visual and olfactory memory after multisensory training. They further share their findings about how multisensory learning binds activity between modality-specific KCs, generating a multimodal neuronal response from unimodal sensory input.This engaging conversation goes on to explore the process of cross-modal binding, its role in expanding memory engrams, and how this broadening effect can improve memory performance post-multisensory learning. The researchers discuss their insights about how this process allows a single sensory feature to bring up the memory of a multimodal experience.Tune into this episode for a deep dive into the complex world of multisensory integration and memory, with insights that promise to reshape our understanding of learning and cognition. Don't miss this exciting journey into the fly's mind!

In this enlightening episode, we welcome the renowned scientist Dr. Hoelz, who has dedicated his life to studying the architecture and function of the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC). We delve into his groundbreaking research on the cytoplasmic face of the NPC, which plays a pivotal role in the transport of proteins and nucleic acid complexes. Using advanced techniques such as biochemical reconstitution and cryo-electron tomography, Dr. Hoelz and his team have elucidated the near-atomic structure of this critical component of the cell. He talks about his surprising findings, including the heterohexameric cytoplasmic filament nucleoporin complex and the role of NUP358 in efficient translation. Dr. Hoelz further discusses the potential implications of these discoveries on understanding diseases related to nucleoporin mutations and viral virulence factor interference with NPC function. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for those interested in the intricate molecular dynamics within our cells. DOI: 10.1126/science.abm9129

In "Science News," we plunge headfirst into the exciting world of cutting-edge scientific research. Each week, we unravel the latest breakthroughs and understand what they mean for our world.In each episode, we cover a diverse range of topics, from ground-breaking medical advances, intriguing astronomical discoveries, fresh insights into climate change, and the latest leaps in artificial intelligence. Our conversations explore not just the "what" but also the "how" and "why" of these discoveries, giving listeners an inside look at the scientific process itself.Whether you're a science enthusiast, a budding researcher, or someone who's simply curious about the world, "Science News" offers an accessible and engaging way to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of science. Prepare to have your curiosity piqued and your knowledge expanded.

This episode offers a deep-dive into the intricate dynamics of Arctic warming with Dr. Ielpi, an expert whose extensive research has shed light on the unique transformations occurring within Arctic rivers. Driven by atmospheric warming, permafrost is being destabilized, leading one to assume an increase in the lateral mobility of river channels. Contrary to this expectation, Dr. Ielpi's groundbreaking research has unveiled a surprising decrease in the lateral migration of large Arctic rivers by about 20% over the past half-century.Join us as we delve into this paradox, exploring the indirect effects of atmospheric warming such as bank shrubification and the decline in overland flow. We'll examine how these factors are impacting sediment and organic matter residence times in floodplains, and what this means for watershed-scale carbon budgets and climate feedbacks. Be prepared for a riveting discussion that challenges assumptions and provokes a rethink on the implications of Arctic warming. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01620-9

In "Science News," we plunge headfirst into the exciting world of cutting-edge scientific research. Each week, we unravel the latest breakthroughs and understand what they mean for our world. In each episode, we cover a diverse range of topics, from ground-breaking medical advances, intriguing astronomical discoveries, fresh insights into climate change, and the latest leaps in artificial intelligence. Our conversations explore not just the "what" but also the "how" and "why" of these discoveries, giving listeners an inside look at the scientific process itself. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a budding researcher, or someone who's simply curious about the world, "Science News" offers an accessible and engaging way to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of science. Prepare to have your curiosity piqued and your knowledge expanded.