Mastodawn

Hacker News Apr 18, 2025

A Math Lesson From Hitler’s Germany

https://undark.org/2017/02/01/math-lesson-hitlers-germany/

#HackerNews #Math #Education #History #Hitlers #Germany #Undark #Critical #Thinking #Lessons #Learned

A Math Lesson From Hitler’s Germany

In the 1930s, prejudice and anti-science ideology destroyed the world’s leading math department, at Göttingen. It couldn't happen here, could it?

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 23, 2024

Gain-of-function research modifies organisms to study potential risks and benefits.

While advocates see pandemic preparedness, critics worry about safety and ethics.

https://undark.org/2024/12/23/unleashed-pandemic-pathogen-gof/

#research #biology #publichealth #mircobiology #undark #usa #GlobalHealth #science #pandemic #epidemic #Epidemiology #debate

The Elusive Payoff of Gain of Function Research

Experiments that make viruses more virulent or contagious present significant risks. Are those risks worth the rewards?

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 20, 2024

Biosecurity expert Gerald Epstein discusses how high-risk "gain-of-function" research is regulated and the remaining gaps, especially in privately funded studies.

https://undark.org/2024/12/20/interview-gerald-epstein/

#Biosecurity #PublicHealth #pandemic #biology #microbiology #science #politics #usa #undark #risk

Interview: Overseeing the Research That Might Start a Pandemic

Biosecurity expert Gerald Epstein discusses how certain high-risk science should be regulated.

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 19, 2024

Did you know most college STEM professors aren’t trained to teach?

Universities prioritize research expertise, often leaving students with unprepared instructors.

https://undark.org/2024/12/19/opinion-college-science-teaching/

#STEM #university #opinion #education #highereducation #science #technology #tech #undark #usa #news #future #college

Most College Science Professors Aren’t Trained to Teach

Opinion | STEM faculty are hired predominantly for research expertise, not necessarily teaching skill. This can hurt students.

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 17, 2024

Canada plans to ban open-net-pen salmon farming by 2029, a move hailed for its environmental benefits.

But removing old gear and cleaning up debris left behind will be a costly, labor-intensive process.

https://undark.org/2024/12/17/destructive-legacy-failed-aquaculture/

#farming #canada #environment #labor #science #undark #fishing #sustainability #salmon #pollution

The Destructive Legacy of Failed Aquaculture

Canada intends to shut down open-net-pen salmon farming by 2029. But removing infrastructure is challenging and costly.

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 16, 2024

A California man’s conviction despite DNA evidence pointing to his innocence has reignited debate over forensic algorithms.

Critics question the transparency and reliability of tools used in probabilistic genotyping like TrueAllele.

https://undark.org/2024/12/16/unleashed-data-dragnet/

#criminaljustice #science #DNAsequencing #crime #Algorithms #undark #unitedstates #USPolitics #usa #us #biology #genotyping #dna #california

The Data Dragnet: A New World of Technological Surveillance

Advances in DNA technology and artificial intelligence may usher in a more Orwellian world. But do they work?

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 12, 2024

Global conflicts often feel distant until their effects show up in a clinic.

Dr. Arjun V.K. Sharma reflects on treating patients displaced by war, from TB cases to stories of resilience.

https://undark.org/2024/12/12/opinion-patients-from-conflict-zones/

#opinion #war #medicine #GlobalHealth #ConflictZones #RefugeeCare #HealthcareWorkers #HumanResilience #PublicHealth #MedicalCare #TBPrevention #HIVAwareness #WarImpact #HealthAndHope #DisplacementStories #TorontoClinic #HealthcareHeroes #ImmigrantHealth #undark #canada

Caring for Patients from Conflict Zones

Opinion | When providing health care for new immigrants and refugees, the world’s faraway conflicts fall sharply into focus.

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 11, 2024

Supporters argue that gain-of-function studies are key to preparing for pandemics, but critics warn of their dangers.

#ScienceDebate #USPolitics #GainOfFunction #ResearchEthics #Biosecurity #PublicHealth #SciencePolicy #PandemicPreparedness #HealthResearch #Vaccines #EthicsInScience #ResearchSafety #Innovation #Bioethics #PublicHealthSafety #ScientificDiscovery #HealthPolicy #VirusResearch #ResponsibleScience #science #politics #undark

The Long, Contentious Battle to Regulate Gain-of-Function Work

For years, experts have tussled over whether — and how — to restrict risky pathogen research. Is a compromise possible?

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 10, 2024

New CDC data sparks debate: Is the dip in U.S. obesity rates due to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, or are lifestyle changes playing a more prominent role?

Experts say it’s too soon to tell.

https://undark.org/2024/12/09/weight-loss-drugs-obesity-rate/

#ObesityRates #GLP1 #WeightLossDrugs #PublicHealth #Semaglutide #Wegovy #Ozempic #ObesityResearch #HealthTrends #Nutrition #Exercise #HealthyLiving #Healthcare #ChronicDisease #WeightManagement #MedicalResearch #CDCData #Epidemiology #ObesityCrisis #weightloss #science #undark #medicine

Are Weight-Loss Drugs Contributing to a Fall in the Obesity Rate?

Results from a recent survey have prompted questions about the influence of GLP-1s on the obesity rate of U.S. adults.

Undark Magazine

Undark Dec 10, 2024

If confirmed as HHS secretary, RFK Jr. may focus on health risks from cell phone radiation, which is a longtime concern of his.

Experts remain divided, with some calling for more research into 5G safety.

#RFKJr #HHS #cellphone #radiation #5g #politics #unitedstates #CellPhoneRadiation #5GSafety #PublicHealth #FCCRegulations #WirelessTechnology #HealthPolicy #TelecomDebate #CancerResearch #Epidemiology #RadiationStandards #DigitalHealth #undark #science

In the Trump Administration Crosshairs: Cell Phone Radiation

In 2020, RFK Jr.'s nonprofit sued the FCC over 5G safety. As HHS secretary, he'd have the power to upend the tech.

Undark Magazine