A key objective of behavioral science research is to better understand how people make decisions in situations where outcomes are unknown or uncertain, which entail a certain degree of risk.
The ability to predict people’s choices in these situations could be highly advantageous, as it could help to draft effective initiatives aimed at prompting people to make better decisions for themselves and others in their community.
Researchers at Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) and various institutes in the United States recently developed a new computational model called BEAST-GB, which was found to predict people’s decisions in situations that entail risk and uncertainty.
A team led by scientists at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have generated a highly exotic type of light beam, called a Poincaré beam, using the FERMI free-electron laser (FEL) facility in Italy, marking the first time such a beam has been produced with a FEL.
The technique could improve how scientists study materials and drive advancements in high-performance technologies, such as next-generation computer chips. The results are published in Nature Photonics.
“This is a significant step forward,” said SLAC scientist and collaborator Erik Hemsing. “Poincaré beams allow us to probe materials in new ways, capturing complex behaviors in one pulse. It’s exciting to think about what researchers will do with this.”
“Context engineering is the delicate art and science of filling the context window with just the right information for the next step.” — Andrej Karpathy. A frontier, first-principles handbook inspired by Karpathy and 3Blue1Brown for moving beyond prompt engineering to the wider discipline of context design, orchestration, and optimization.
Philosophers of physics aren’t just thinking deep thoughts; they’re making concrete contributions! From loop quantum gravity’s critique of string theory to Landauer’s principle, their insights force physicists to rethink assumptions. #PhilosophyOfPhysics #QuantumGravity #StringTheory #PhysicsResearch #TheoreticalPhysics
The hosts delve into “The Future of Science” (Будущее Науки) by Viktor Filaletov (Виктор Филалетов), offering a profound exploration of science’s fundamental nature, evolving methodology, and crucial future prospects. The sources consistently portray science as a systematic process of knowledge acquisition, driven by the meticulous study of regularities and an unwavering commitment to understanding reality. At its core, scientific activity involves rigorous observation, precise experimentation, and the development of robust theories through the generalization of observations and facts. This entire scientific work is depicted as a deeply intellectual activity, fueled by intellectual curiosity and the unyielding pursuit of objective truth.
A significant focus is placed on scientific methodology, highlighting the importance of systematic research, the interplay of logic and intuition, and precise data analysis in tackling diverse scientific problems and achieving groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Scientific progress is depicted as a continuous, dynamic process, requiring constant critical thinking, scientific skepticism, and an openness to challenge established theoretical frameworks for ongoing intellectual development. The text distinguishes between fundamental research and applied research, acknowledging the vital role of both in advancing knowledge and understanding the world.
The sources candidly address the inherent challenges in scientific research, including navigating uncertainty in science and confronting the inherent limits of human understanding and perception. They underscore the vital human element, where scientific thought and scientific creativity are integral to the investigative process. Furthermore, crucial ethical considerations and profound scientific responsibility are discussed, particularly regarding the immense societal impact of science and its implications for future generations. The relentless pursuit of scientific truth often necessitates confronting the unknown and achieving scientific validation through empirical evidence. The text also touches upon the philosophical aspects of science and the importance of scientific integrity in all endeavors.
Looking towards the future of science, the discourse emphasizes relentless innovation and accelerated technological advancement. A compelling and recurring theme is the necessity of interdisciplinary research and expanded global scientific collaboration to effectively address and solve complex global challenges. The ongoing evolution of scientific thought and collective intellectual development are posited as essential drivers for uncovering new scientific breakthroughs and pushing the very frontiers of knowledge. Ultimately, scientific inquiry is presented as an unending pursuit of understanding, continually redefining our comprehension of the world and ensuring the future of scientific endeavor remains vibrant and impactful. #science #philosophy #FutureOfScience #ScientificResearch #ScienceProgress #KnowledgeDiscovery #HumanityForward #deepdive #skeptic #podcast #synopsis #books #bookreview #science #aiart #ai #artificialintelligence #booktube #aigenerated #videoessay
Since its release in November of 2022, the use of ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) has proliferated throughout many disciplines, providing writing assistance for everything from speeches to contracts. So, it may not be surprising that some scientists might utilize ChatGPT to quicken the pace at which they publish their research.
This lecture was recorded at the Ri on 14 June 2025.
Imagine if we could keep our mobile phones on full brightness all day, without worrying about draining our battery? Or if we could create a fuel cell that used sunlight to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen? Or if we could build a low-power sensor that could map out brain function?
Whether it’s optoelectronics, spintronics or quantum, the technologies of tomorrow are underpinned by advances in materials science and engineering. For example, chirality, a symmetry property of mirror-image systems that cannot be superimposed, can be used to control the spin of electrons and photons. Join functional materials scientist Jess Wade as she explores how advances in chemistry, physics and materials offer new opportunities in technological innovation.
