Category Archives: Reviews

March 2022 Previews: Scientific American Mind

March 2022 - Scientific American

CONSCIOUSNESS

Astonishing Conscious Mind

Neuroscientists may have discovered the brain regions that give rise to our identity

Human consciousness remains one of the biggest puzzles in science. Indeed, we have made moderate progress on how to measure it but less on how it arises in the first place. And what gives rise to our sense of self? In February we published a special collector’s edition exploring these mysteries and more. This issue’s cover story, by researcher Robert Martone, is a fascinating look at new discoveries on a region of the brain that helps us create a mental picture of our present and future identities (see “How Our Brain Preserves Our Sense of Self”).

Elsewhere in this issue, contributing editor Daisy Yuhas talks with linguist Sarah Frances Phillips about new research illuminating the neurological basis for multilingualism (see “How Brains Seamlessly Switch between Languages”). How the brain both creates our individual reality and enables us to thrive in that reality is nothing short of astonishing.

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Preview: Science News Magazine – February 12

February 12, 2022 | Science News

Cover Preview: Science Magazine – February 11

Caribbean Stays: Cap Maison On Saint Lucia

Cap Maison, an iconic boutique hotel on the North of the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, is a perfect example.

Quietly understated with staff so full of joy, it was hard not to be swept along with the wonderful atmosphere, as you soak up  jaw-dropping views out to sea and bask in the sound of waves that are audible — and visible —  from the vast beds, fitted with cloud-like bedding.

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Science: RNA Test Detects Pre-Eclampsia, Machine Vision, Recycling Urine

RNA in blood reveals signs of pre-eclampsia before symptoms occur, and the issue of urine in our sewage and what can be done about it.

In this episode:

00:46 Predicting pre-eclampsia

Cell-free RNA circulates in the blood and can give clues as to what is going on in the body. This can be used to detect disease before symptoms occur. Now researchers have analysed cell-free RNA in pregnant people and have found it can give early warning signs of a serious, and sometimes fatal, disorder of pregnancy — pre-eclampsia.

Research Article: Moufarrej et al.

07:19 Research Highlights

Upgrading machine vision by modelling it on human eyes, and stacked skeletons which could show attempts at repair after European tomb raiders.

Research Highlight: Retina-like sensors give machines better vision

Research Highlight: ‘Spines on posts’ hint at ancient devotion to the dead

09:55 The problems of pee

Sewage and the way it is managed can cause serious problems, for example contaminants in waste can lead to harmful algal blooms. One of the major causes of this is urine, and so some researchers have been promoting a deceptively simple solution — separate out the urine.

News Feature: The urine revolution: how recycling pee could help to save the world

Book Review: Toilets – what will it take to fix them?

16:40 Briefing Chat

We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, how China has planned to make this year’s Winter Olympics carbon neutral, and how a new radio telescope in Namibia will help us understand black holes.

Nature News: China’s Winter Olympics are carbon-neutral — how?

Nature News: 

Preview: Times Literary Supplement – February 11

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Photo Reviews: The Sunday Times Magazine At 60 Years

Science: Extreme Old Age Gene Quest, Gravitational ‘Glint’ Waves, Early Springs

The quest for a longer life continues – raising the question of whether we can escape death. The team discusses a rare gene variant that may explain why centenarians live so long – and how we might be able to use it to create age-defying drugs.

The team explores a theory that suggests gravitational waves may be the thing that finally helps us detect dark matter – we just need to look for the ‘gravitational glint’.

Spring is rolling around earlier and earlier. The team examines a new study which shows that since the 1980s, the warming climate has brought the season forward by a month – which could have major ecological implications. They also discuss a study which looks at the impact of marine heatwaves on things like coral and fish populations.