Science Archives

How AI Could Improve Patient Care (if Used Properly)

What potential does generative AI offer to transform doctor-patient relationships in the US? How might chatbots empower patients? AI could revolutionize the doctor-patient relationship in America by empowering patients with information and alleviating pressures on overburdened doctors. As generative AI becomes powerful and broadly used, AI companies and healthcare organizations must mitigate its potential risks and ensure its ethical, effective use. Here’s how AI in patient care may be used to improve the healthcare experience.

The Motivation Chemical: How Dopamine Drives and Rewards You

A cartoon of two people affection by the motivation chemical to run after a giant trophy.

Why is dopamine known as the motivation chemical? How does dopamine influence our thinking? Dopamine is called the motivation chemical because it inspires us to think about and focus on future happiness and work towards something. By looking more closely at how this neurotransmitter works, you can understand why you’re motivated in the ways that you are. Consider these explanations of how dopamine works and how it influences motivation.

The Top 3 Disadvantages of Pesticides (Rachel Carson)

A hand holding a dying plant next to a poison bottle, demonstrating the disadvantages of pesticides.

What are the disadvantages of pesticides? Why wasn’t the public properly informed about pesticides in the 20th century? Much of Silent Spring is dedicated to describing the damage done by pesticides to various species. Many pesticides have been linked to cancer, nerve damage, blood diseases, impaired thyroid function, and birth defects. Check out why biologist Rachel Carson worries about the use of pesticides.

Pesticide Regulation: Silent Spring’s Life-Changing Difference

A poison bottle with a pesticides regulation warning.

What’s the current status of pesticide regulation? Why was the public unaware of the dangers of pesticides in the 20th century? Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking book Silent Spring influenced governments to take a closer look at the chemical makeup of pesticides. Even though pesticide spraying is still controversial today, there’s no doubt her book made a difference in the environmental community. Keep reading to learn how public and government opinions on pesticides have changed.

The Harmful Effects of Pesticides on Humans and Animals

A coughing man holding a spray bottle andexperiencing a harmful effect of pesticides on humans.

What are the harmful effects of pesticides on humans? What can pesticides do to insects and animals? In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson warns that pesticides will do more damage to your health than good. Common effects of pesticide spraying on insects, animals, and humans can include nerve damage and convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, difficulty breathing, and mass death. Find out more about how pesticides are negatively affecting you and other species.

The 11 Best Books on AI: Preparing for Future Technology

Is artificial intelligence a problem or solution for humanity? What are the best books on AI to read right now? Determining AI as a problem or solution isn’t so simple. There’s still so much we don’t know about it, despite our hand in creating it, but there are many experts out there who can help you learn more about the potential benefits and risks of computer intelligence. Below we’ll look at the best books on AI that warn about the evolving technology and advise how to live with it.

AI Model Collapse: What It Is & the Risks It Poses

What is AI model collapse? What are the consequences of model collapse? Is it already happening? Model collapse is the complete erosion of AI models that occurs when they’re trained on flawed content generated by other AI models. Model collapse can lead to nonsensical, inaccurate, and biased AI output. Experts say that diverse, human-curated data is key to stopping AI model collapse. Keep reading to learn about AI model collapse, and for examples of it happening today.

Rachel Carson: Pesticides Do More Harm Than Good

Why did biologist Rachel Carson criticize pesticides? How effective are pesticides for pest control? According to Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, pesticides aren’t necessary to protect food in countries like the United States. She also argues that they threaten the nature of the ecosystem and ultimately strengthen pests. Continue reading to learn more about Carson’s findings on pesticide usage.

Henry David Thoreau and Nature: Woods & Wildlife at Walden Pond

Why is Henry David Thoreau considered one of the founders of ecology? How did he connect nature with spirituality? During his two years at Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau spent hours every day walking and observing the nature that surrounded him. He also strove to live by the rhythms of the natural world. Continue reading to learn about Henry David Thoreau and nature at Walden Pond.

Antarctica Is Melting: 3 New Discoveries About the Melt

Antarctica is melting, but why is that so consequential for the climate everywhere else on Earth? Would cutting emissions now help the situation? Changes that occur in Antarctica have planet-wide effects because the continent helps regulate the global climate. With the sea ice at its lowest peak since records began, some scientists are beginning to worry. Keep reading for a look at the three new discoveries about the loss of ice in Antarctica.