-
Crunching Numbers to Test the Limits of Computers
Mathematics is a universal language that helps us understand and describe the world through logic and problem-solving. It shapes the technology we use daily, from smartphones and computers to the sensors in our cars. As computer technology rapidly evolves, artificial intelligence is pushing the boundaries even further—enabling faster access to information and smarter decision-making. But…
-
Feeling Anxious? You’re Not Alone
“I want to begin with the bad news.” That’s how Jaime Pineda, professor emeritus of cognitive science at UC San Diego, opened his recent talk at the Geisel Library. “The bad news is that many surveys have been done asking people whether there is a mental crisis in the U.S. Specifically, they ask if people…
-
2024 – The Year of AI
The AI revolution surged through 2024, transforming how we live, learn, and work. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E 2, and Bard redefined creativity and efficiency, empowering us to analyze data, craft content, and innovate across industries. From healthcare to finance, software development to art, these advancements are reshaping everyday life. But as AI accelerates,…
-
From Caves to Skyscrapers, How Humans Have Built the World
Reaching 1,450 feet in the air, Willis Tower in Chicago was the tallest building on the planet for nearly a quarter of a century. It now ranks 26th, having long been surpassed by the towering Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which rises nearly 3,000 feet into the atmosphere. From a simple cave to buildings of steel…
-
Unlocking the Mysteries of Physics
Have you ever wondered what physicists actually do? Clifford Johnson, a renowned physicist from UC Santa Barbara, gives you a look into the fascinating world of physics, highlighting the intersection of theory and experimentation. The Role of Theorists and Experimentalists Dr. Johnson shares his enthusiasm for theorists, who are like architects of the universe, creating…
-
Can Aging Be Reversed? See How Stem Cells May Hold a Key to Longevity
Aging—it’s the one thing none of us can escape. But what if the solution to slowing it down or even reversing it lies within our own bodies? Recent scientific discoveries about stem cells offer a promising glimpse into the future of aging, and it all starts with understanding how these incredible cells work. Shiri Gur-Cohen,…
-
What Do the Beatles Have to Do With the Fossil Lucy?
The story starts on November 24, 1974, following a long, hot morning of mapping and surveying fossils at the site of Hadar in Ethiopia. Before leaving to head back to camp, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson and graduate student Tom Gray decided to investigate a small gully that had previously been checked twice before by other workers.…
-
Spinal Cord Injury: Pioneering New Approaches to Healing and Recovery
In a recent seminar from the Southern California Stem Cell Seminar Series, Dr. Michael Lane, a leader in spinal cord injury research, shed light on groundbreaking strategies that may change how we think about nerve repair and recovery. If you or a loved one has been affected by spinal cord injuries, these insights offer a…
-
Fighting Climate Change Along the U.S.-Mexico Border
San Diego shares nearly 60 miles of border with its neighbors to the south, stretching from the Pacific Ocean in Imperial Beach to the eastern part of the county near the Otay Mountain Wilderness. While many news stories have highlighted the raw sewage issue affecting the Tijuana River Valley, where runoff pollutes the waters and…
-
Rain from a River in the Sky
Have you ever heard your local weather forecaster mention terms like “pineapple express” or “atmospheric river”? These intriguing phenomena might sound whimsical, but they play a crucial role in our weather patterns. So, what exactly are they, and is global warming to blame? What is an Atmospheric River? An atmospheric river is like a giant,…