Article archives

MI weekly selection #246

MI weekly selection #246

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Cloud bands like those around Neptune observed on brown dwarfs Cloud bands similar to those around Neptune have been detected surrounding brown dwarfs, massive objects that aren’t quite planets and didn’t make the cut as stars. This is the first time cloud bands have been found in brown dwarf atmospheres. Space.com Stimulating perirhinal cortex causes […]

What does the “we don’t understand how artificial intelligence takes decisions” statement mean?

What does the “we don’t understand how artificial intelligence takes decisions” statement mean?

Computer science

By Julián Estévez

Specialized media sometimes publishes similar headlines to the title of the present article. For instance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. They are all referred to deep learning, which is a part of artificial intelligence. However, if we get algorithms to work and achieve advanced intelligent applications, what is exactly not understandable? Deep learning […]

MI weekly selection #245

MI weekly selection #245

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

CRISPR edits genes in pigs to make organs safer for transplants Researchers have inactivated porcine endogenous retroviruses using CRISPR-Cas9, paving the way for potentially safer pig-to-human transplants. After 25 retroviruses were edited out of the pig DNA, the genetic material was added to pig eggs, which were implanted in sows who gave birth to piglets […]

One year or one cell division older?

One year or one cell division older?

BiologyBiomedicineHealthMolecular biology

By Invited Researcher

Aging is one of those topics mankind is always trying to understand, especially whether it can be reversed or stopped. With increasing age come not only alterations in appearance, but also associated changes like the degeneration of tissues such as muscles, bone and neural tissues or a higher predisposition for disease. In recent years, we […]

MI weekly selection #244

MI weekly selection #244

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

First look at inner workings of water vortexes The links, twists and writhes of water vortexes and how they all work together have been observed for the first time. The findings could help researchers better understand larger vortexes, such as tornadoes and other storms. New Scientist Well-preserved armored dinosaur hid from predators with countershading The […]

Alpha by design

Alpha by design

BiologyNeurobiology

By José Ramón Alonso

In social species, the dominant individual is often called the alpha. Depending on the species, the alpha may be a male, a female, both or a pair. The alpha individual usually presents a certain behavior: dominant, assertive, brash and usually has privileged access to food, mates, or best space, while the other members of the […]

MI weekly selection #243

MI weekly selection #243

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Genetic study offers new clues about tardigrades Tardigrades make very specific proteins that help their cells keep their shape even when there is no water present, helping explain why the tiny creatures can survive desiccation. The study also suggests that tardigrades, despite looking more like an arthropod, are closer relatives of nematodes. New Scientist Increased […]