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An experimental neuroimaging study in Poland found that exposure to hate speech diminishes the brain’s response to stories about other people suffering. The effect was present irrespective of the group membership of the person suffering in the story – whether they were Polish, like the participants, or Arab. The study was published in Scientific Reports.

Hate speech is a form of communication that involves the expression of discriminatory, hostile, or prejudiced sentiments and ideas directed towards individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics.

Exposure to hate speech deteriorates neurocognitive mechanisms of the ability to understand others’ pain, was authored by Agnieszka Pluta, Joanna Mazurek, Jakub Wojciechowski, Tomasz Wolak, Wiktor Soral, and Michał Bilewicz.

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Scientists have identified two types of brain cell linked to a reduced risk of dementia in older people — even those who have brain abnormalities that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease1.

The finding could eventually lead to new ways to protect these cells before they die. The results were published in Cell on 28 September.

Plaques in the brain.

The most widely held theory about Alzheimer’s attributes the disease to a build-up of sticky amyloid proteins in the brain. This leads to clump-like ‘plaques’ of amyloid that slowly kill neurons and eventually destroy memory and cognitive ability. But not everyone who develops cognitive impairment late in life has amyloid clumps in their brain, and… More.

People with an abundance of specific neurons are more likely to escape cognitive decline despite having signs of Alzheimer’s in their brains.

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Restoration of lost memories.

Prof Bryce Vissel, who leads the Clinical Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine Initiative (CNRM) at St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, and his team, have identified a molecule in the brain that controls loss of nerve cell connections.

This molecule we are calling ‘the switch’ is decreased in the Alzheimer’s brain but no one really understands why, or what role it plays. When ‘encouraged’ or ‘forced’ to be expressed normally again, in our laboratory tests of a mouse model, this molecule can actually rescue its memory.

We have been able to also restore the mouse model’s synapses. Synapses refer to the… More.

Leaving a bequest is a selfless act of generosity. Hear how Robin Ann Underhill helped St Vincent’s continue compassionate care.

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The robot can drive on various surfaces such as concrete or packed soil and carry up to three times its own weight in equipment such as a camera or sensors.

Imagine a tiny robot that can move on its own, powered by light and radio waves. It can carry a camera, a sensor, or a Bluetooth device and transmit data over long distances. It can navigate through different terrains and environments and follow light sources to keep going. It sounds like science fiction, right?

Source: Mark Stone/University of Washington.

Meet MilliMobile

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Areas of New York City are sinking while others are rising at varying rates due to both natural and man-made factors.

One of the key indicators of climate change is the rise in sea levels at a global scale, with recent rates being unprecedented in the last 2,500 years. In an exciting study published yesterday, 27 September, NASA-based scientists found that some areas of New York City are sinking while others are rising at varying rates due to natural and man-made factors.

Interesting Engineering had reported earlier on a similar study, which said that New York is sinking due to a natural phenomenon called subsidence, where heavy objects, like buildings, gradually settle over time or when… More.

Shuo Guo/iStock.

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The UK government says AI could be “a real game-changer” for healthcare.

A leading neurosurgeon in the UK has said that brain surgery using artificial intelligence (AI) is possible within two years, making it safer and more effective.

“You could, in a few years, have an AI system that has seen more operations than any human has ever or could ever see,” Dr. Hani Marcus told BBC. Dr. Marcus is a consultant neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and an Honorary Associate Professor at the University College (UCL) London Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

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Gravitational acceleration of anti-matter is close to that of matter on Earth and scientists are now working to measure it accurately.

Experiments conducted by the Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) collaboration at the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland, have shown that antihydrogen particles, too are pulled downward by gravity and do not levitate as some physicists suggest a press release said.

Antihydrogen is the simplest antimatter particle that we know exists. The opposite of hydrogen contains antimatter components such as an antiproton, a negatively charged proton, and a positron, a positively charged electron.

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Mihai Gruieti, the CEO of Digital Gate Amg who is dedicated to advancing embedded systems encourages tech professionals to embrace AI adaptation rather than harbor apprehensions.

As you wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, head out for a run with your headphones on, and return home to bake breakfast cookies in a microwave/oven. Ever thought of how such electronics are functional and advancing so rapidly?

Now, imagine a small-sized computer that can perform a specific task but each chip is customizable for different industries and jobs. Even operating a microwave or listening to music on headphones are all operational due to embedded system applications.

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Meta Platforms will showcase the new AI chatbot with distinct personalities at this week’s Meta Connect conference.

Meta announced the launch of a variety of AI-powered persona-based chatbot prototypes less than two months ago with an aim to keep up the artificial intelligence race, joining other tech giants.

Now, Mark Zuckerberg’s company is all set to release generative AI chatbots with distinct personalities across its social media applications. The roll-out announcement is expected to be made at the Meta Connect conference, which commences tomorrow from September 27 to 28.

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