Science & Tech
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Mapping our deep-rooted relationship with medicinal plants
Regions with longer histories of human settlement tend to have greater variety, study finds
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Technically, it’s possible. Ethically, it’s complicated.
Surge in AI use heightens demand for Harvard program that examines social consequences of computer science work
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Solving mystery at tip of South America
Study finds previously unknown ancient lineage of indigenous people, which gave rise to surprisingly diverse mix of cultures
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Is AI dulling our minds?
Experts weigh in on whether tech poses threat to critical thinking, pointing to cautionary tales in use of other cognitive labor tools
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A potential quantum leap
Harvard physicists unveil system to solve long-standing barrier to new generation of supercomputers
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No one knows the answer, and that’s the point
‘Genuinely Hard Problems’ pilots novel approach to scientific education
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Most precise accounting yet of dark energy and dark matter
Analyzing more than two decades’ worth of supernova explosions, astrophysicists now have the most precise limits yet on the composition and evolution of the universe.
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Take lesson on barbecue, sprinkle liberally with thermodynamics
The best thing about learning science through barbecue is the flavor.
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Legendary Battle of Himera was triumph of Greek heroism, kind of
Genomic look at remains suggests victorious army got hand from substantial number of foreign mercenaries.
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Black hole burps up shredded star
For the first time, astronomers have observed a black hole burping up stellar remains years after it shredded and consumed the star.
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Better predictions on rise of oceans on warming Earth
Harvard researchers take sea level fingerprints from theory to fact.
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Want to know how cold it was in 1490? Ask a tree
Tree rings could hold clues to climate change and forest change.
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Randall Munroe and the power of ‘What If?’
Randall Munroe is asking “What If?” again. You might like the answer.
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Harvard partners with Amazon Web Services in quantum internet push
Harvard faculty leaders explain implications for the field — and the future.
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So you learned everything you know about sharks from a movie?
At a book talk, marine conservationist David Shiffman explained why he adores sharks and how we can help save them from extinction.
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Designing a way to make oxygen injectable
Porous liquids hold promise as bridge therapy, game-changer for artificial blood substitutes, preserving organs for transplant.
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Why were reptiles such evolution success story?
Fast climatic shifts due to global warming coincided with high rates of morphological change in most reptiles.
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Look at life in lab
A summer program gives Harvard students firsthand experience with quantum research.
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Astronomers see carbon dioxide on planet outside solar system for first time
Discovery powered by James Webb Space Telescope could yield new clues on composition, formation of planets outside solar system.
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A matter of vision
Federico Capasso believed a flat lens could revolutionize advanced products, devices. But he needed help innovating one, and getting it to market.
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Think of them as utility players
New study shows that microglia cells “listen in” to neighboring neurons and change to match them.
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To sleep, perchance they dream?
New Harvard study documents REM in spiders.
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Finding much to like in Senate climate deal
John Holdren, who served as President Obama’s top adviser on science and technology policy, discusses the climate deal and its potential impact.
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When you talk silly to baby, the world joins in
Study finds striking similarities in infant-directed speech and song in cultures spanning six continents.
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Tracing history of early seafarers through genes
New genetic research shows untold migration to remote Pacific islands was generally matrilocal.
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Teaching algorithms about skin tones
Google adopts sociologist’s skin-tone scale, which aims to promote inclusion, diversity, help fix problems in facial recognition, other technologies.
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Novel food wrap offers shelf preservation
Harvard researchers have developed a biodegradable, antimicrobial food packaging system that extends shelf life and eliminates foodborne illness.
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Keeping cool without warming the planet
Harvard scientists have developed a revolutionary new mechanism that could unlock environmentally friendly air conditioning.
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Brain practices new tasks while we sleep
Researchers look at “replay” during sleep, which is theorized to be a strategy the brain uses to remember new information.
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Women in STEM need more than a law
Women scientists have seen gains in STEM since the addition of Title IX, but culture remains an obstacle.
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How humans evolved to get along (to extent that we do)
According to a new study, bonobo group dynamics show they are a model for the evolution of human peacemaking.
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Leeches as tool for map biodiversity
Scientists looking to measure the biodiversity of wild animals in a nature reserve are taking their lead from leeches.
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Global helium shortage slams brakes at Harvard labs
Latest helium shortage is impacting scientific research, equipment, and progress of grad students.
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How the brain responds to infection
Study illuminates connections to immune system.
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Thoreau’s flowers shine light on climate change
‘In Search of Thoreau’s Flowers: An Exploration of Change and Loss’ exhibition marries art and science at Harvard Museum of Natural History.
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The language of dreams
Proficiency, place, emotion, or something else? These late-night conversations defy easy explanation.