Who says we can’t still build things? In this issue: a look at the robots we’ve always wanted; a new model for space exploration; and efforts to flood-proof Louisiana’s coastline. Plus a wild, weird history of brainwashing; designing cheese with AI; and glow-in-the dark petunias.
Researchers are using generative AI and other techniques to teach robots new skills—including tasks they could perform in homes.
Also: Kamasi Washington, “The Outsiders” reviewed, Bang on a Can’s Long Play Festival, and more.
Four Twenty Five, a luxe new dining room from the mega-restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten, takes square aim at the expense-account crowd.
The most striking aspect of the former President’s hush-money trial so far has been that, for the first time in a decade, Trump is struggling to command attention.
REASON MAGAZINE (March 21, 2024) – The latest issue features ‘The AI Issue’…
AI developer Andrew Mayne explains why technology could create more jobs and lead to unprecedented economic growth.
Historical teaching and research are being revamped by AI.
Left alone, artificial intelligence could actually help small firms compete with tech giants.
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Vitamin D modulates intestinal epithelial cell function to enhance antitumor microbes
The gut microbiome has been shown to modulate the response of cancer patients to therapy, but precisely how microbiota affect anticancer immunity is still being elucidated. Giampazolias et al. report that vitamin D bioavailability in mice influences the composition of the gut microbiome (see the Perspective by Franco and McCoy). After dietary manipulation, vitamin D levels were observed to affect gut bacteria, which in turn improved cancer immunotherapy and antitumor immunity. In humans, low vitamin D levels were correlated with tumor development, and gene signatures of vitamin D activity were associated with improved patient responses to immunotherapy. These findings highlight the connection between vitamin D and the immune system through gut bacteria and may have applications for improving cancer therapies.
Lake Tanganyika contains one of the most impressive adaptive radiations, with about 250 species of cichlid occupying a variety of niches. Much research has focused on understanding the drivers of this and other adaptive radiations. Trembo et al. looked in depth at 57 of these cichlid species with regard to their behavior, ecomorphology, and genomics. They found that one behavior in particular, a tendency to explore, was related to niche adaptation, and they identified a regulatory gene that is highly associated with this behavior. These findings suggest the existence of an adaptive syndrome driven in part by a tendency to explore what is new.
Why leaving the ECHR would be a bad idea for Britain
America, China and the battle for supremacy
Intelligence sources are concerned about the country, which is surrounded by Italy
The musician is at the height of her commercial, but not her creative, power
Country Life Magazine (April 24, 2024): The latest issue features…
As the National Gallery counts down to its 200th anniversary, Carla Passino delves into the fascinating stories behind 10 paintings in the collection
The chairman of the National Gallery board of trustees picks an exquisite, skilful work that resonates with deeper meaning
In the second of two articles, John Goodall investigates the 20th-century evolution of Stansted Park in West Sussex
Hetty Lintell reveals the secret to staying fresh faced and fashion artist David Downton shares a few of his favourite things
Octavia Pollock hails the talented Stevenson clan, who saved countless lives at sea thanks to their prolific lighthouse building
Giles Kime on how decorative frames can give a room an extra edge and Arabella Youens on the creation of a family kitchen
Time has not been kind to way-side crosses, once beacons of the British landscape. Lucien de Guise follows a trail of destruction
Amelia Thorpe selects the best structures for growing climbers
Melanie Johnson gets creative with fresh, cooling spearmint
Lakeland fells form a dramatic backdrop to the captivating Arts-and-Crafts garden at High Moss in Cumbria, finds Non Morris
Crushing one is said to absolve you of all your sins, but the Devil’s coach horse beetle is also the gardener’s friend, says Ian Morton
A booming bittern and a colossal crane make it a memorable return to the Norfolk Broads for John Lewis-Stempel
It may be named after the Virgin Mary, but, warns Ian Morton, there is a hint of the profane about lady’s mantle
John Wright reveals how the pretty, but unpalatable ground ivy found its true calling as an ingredient in the brewing of ale
Times Literary Supplement (April 24, 2024): The latest issue features ‘The Mormon Conquest’ – Seth Perry on a people of the book; Is ‘green growth’ a mirage; Virginia Woolf’s rural retreat; China’s Shakespeare…
And What America Should Learn From It
By now, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambition to remake the world is undeniable. He wants to dissolve Washington’s network of alliances and purge what he dismisses as “Western” values from international bodies. He wants to knock the U.S. dollar off its pedestal and eliminate Washington’s chokehold over critical technology. In his new multipolar order, global institutions and norms will be underpinned by Chinese notions of common security and economic development, Chinese values of state-determined political rights, and Chinese technology. China will no longer have to fight for leadership. Its centrality will be guaranteed.
America’s Competition With China Must Be Won, Not Managed
The New Statesman – April 21, 2024:
They bet that direct attacks would not lead to a disastrous escalation. The Middle East is now on the…By Jeremy Bowen
The drone and missile strike conveyed as much weakness as it did strength.By Lawrence Freedman
Why was the prescription of puberty blockers to distressed children allowed to continue for so long?By Hannah Barnes
Boomers Daily 