A recent analysis of publishing records has revealed a surge in the number of “precocious” scientists who become top-cited authors early in their careers. These scientists publish an average of over one paper per week and often cite their own work at a rate significantly higher than the average. While some may attribute this to…
Earth on The Soothsayer / page 7
Scientists are considering climate engineering as a potential solution to global warming, despite public opposition and concerns about unintended consequences. Researchers are working to fill knowledge gaps and develop strategies for deploying reflective particles into the stratosphere to cool the Earth. However, many questions remain unanswered, including how much particulate matter is needed, when and…
The world of medicine is on the cusp of a revolution with the development of new weight-loss drugs and breakthroughs in various fields. Eli Lilly’s oral pill orforglipron and Amgen’s maritide are set to change the game in treating obesity and diabetes. Meanwhile, researchers are exploring the potential of GLP-1 agonists to treat other illnesses,…
Billionaire Elon Musk has emerged as a major political figure in the United States, pouring millions into Republican Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and using his social-media platform to question vaccine safety and climate science. As a result, Musk is joining forces with Trump to downsize the US government, potentially slashing the budgets and workforces of…
NASA’s Perseverance rover has finally reached the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars after a months-long climb, revealing a 4-billion-year-old landscape never before explored. The rover has been collecting rock and dirt samples, which may hold signs of extraterrestrial life. However, bringing these samples back to Earth for analysis could cost up to $11 billion,…
A group of philosophers and computer scientists are calling for AI companies to assess their systems for consciousness and put in place policies for treating them if they become conscious. This move marks a significant shift in the industry, with some experts warning that neglecting AI welfare could lead to harm or suffering. As AI…
Australia is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 16 for social media platforms, making it the highest in the world. The move aims to protect children from cyberbullying, scams, and adult content. However, researchers argue that there is minimal evidence to suggest that such bans will keep children safe online. The Australian government’s…
A recent study has found a link between exposure to extreme heat events and molecular changes that could reflect accelerated aging. The research, which analyzed DNA markers in over 3,000 people, suggests that prolonged exposure to hot weather can lead to biological deterioration, potentially developing into disability. The study’s findings highlight the need to understand…
Argentina’s science community is facing a severe crisis due to the country’s economic situation. President Javier Milei’s austerity measures have led to a significant reduction in the budget for science and research, causing a massive brain drain and threatening the country’s scientific progress. Researchers are struggling to make ends meet, and many are considering leaving…
The European Union has appointed a new research head, Ekaterina Zaharieva, to reshape the world’s biggest collaborative research programme and help stop the bloc’s economic and technological downward slide. The focus will be on strengthening industry involvement in the scheme to boost innovation, with a particular emphasis on increasing private investment in research and improving…