Graphene-enhanced ceramic tiles make striking art

In recent years, materials scientists experimenting with ceramics have started adding an oxidized form of graphene to the mix to produce ceramics that are tougher, more durable, and more resistant to fracture, among other desirable properties. Researchers at the National…

THC-tainted pizza sickens dozens in Wisc.; Owner blames oil bottle mix-up

Dozens of people in Wisconsin have been sickened and at least five needed emergency medical services after inadvertently eating pizza tainted with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis, officials of Public Health Madison & Dane County reported late…

Are we on the verge of a self-improving AI explosion?

If you read enough science fiction, you’ve probably stumbled on the concept of an emergent artificial intelligence that breaks free of its constraints by modifying its own code. Given that fictional grounding, it’s not surprising that AI researchers and companies…

Is autism a factor in conspiracy mentality? New study says no

Is autism a risk factor for conspiracy thinking, or could it actually protect against it? A study in Cognitive Neuropsychiatry set out to explore these contrasting ideas, finding that autism does not seem to influence belief in conspiracy theories at…

SpaceX has caught a massive rocket. So what’s next?

The stupefying and stupendous capture of a Starship rocket earlier this month by two mechanical arms marked a significant step forward in SpaceX’s efforts to forever alter humanity’s relationship with the heavens. Yet as remarkable as the rocket catch was,…

Scientists Say: Dialect

Dialect (noun, “DY-uh-lekt”) Dialects are varieties of the same language. A dialect might be used by people of a certain region, ethnicity or other social group. Dialects are shaped over time as people make or lose contact with each other.…

Moderate altruism enhances romantic desirability in online dating profiles

A study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that moderately altruistic individuals are rated as more romantically desirable than highly altruistic or non-altruistic individuals in online dating contexts. Altruism is considered an attractive trait in romantic partners. Studies suggest that…

Depressed individuals mind-wander over twice as often, study finds

A new study has found that individuals with major depressive disorder report mind wandering over twice as often as healthy adults. These individuals saw their mind wandering as more negative. Mind wandering was more frequent in depressed individuals who reported…

Hyperarousal peaks in the morning for insomniacs

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research suggests that people with insomnia experience heightened levels of hyperarousal—a state of persistent tension or restlessness—compared to those without sleep difficulties, especially in the morning. This arousal was also found…

A how-to for ethical geoengineering research

Over the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, the world’s temperatures hovered near 1.5° C above pre-industrial temperatures, and the catastrophic weather events that ensued provided a preview of what might be expected to be the new normal before mid-century. And the warming…

Are Boeing’s problems beyond fixable?

As Boeing’s latest chief executive, Kelly Ortberg’s job was never going to be easy. On Wednesday, it got harder still. That morning, Ortberg had faced investors for the first time, telling them that ending a debilitating strike by Boeing’s largest…