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Science Lesson About Elephant Whiskers
There are about 1,000 tiny hairs on an elephant’s rugged trunk, all designed to help the animal feel, a new study found.
From cancer to Alzheimer's, high school students seek science solutions
Woo! Science is honored to present the Community Impact Award to winners at the Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
5 ways to resist the urge to keep looking at your phone
So you want to spend less time on your phone. How do you do that when it's designed to suck you in? Life Kit spoke to experts in behavioral science, psychology and technology for real-world advice.
2 science-backed ways to improve your breakfast
Eating the majority of your calories earlier in the day can be beneficial, but so can adding more fiber and protein.
2 science-backed ways to improve your breakfast
Eating the majority of your calories earlier in the day can be beneficial, but so can adding more fiber and protein.
University of Toledo to Host Regional Science Day on March 14
Students from eight northwest Ohio counties to compete in the annual science fair and the chance to move on to the state research competition.
Exercise and brain function, hedgehog hearing, and can AI change our minds?
The Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample, talks to Madeleine Finlay about three eye-catching science stories from the week
Old NASA science satellite plunges back to Earth
The U.S. Space Force said the Van Allen Probe A came in west of the Galapagos Islands.
Dr. Scolese speaks at AAS Goddard Space Science Symposium; discusses a
The National Reconnaissance Office is working to advance cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum sensing, to better meet the demands of its customers, NRO Director
Depression may start with an energy problem in brain cells
Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments.
Translate science into practice at ADA 2026 Scientific Session
The Scientific Session will focus on clear, actionable insights dentists can use to support their clinical decision-making.
Help needed for State Science Fair at SIU April 24-25
SIU is hosting the 2026 Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) State Science Fair April 24-25.
A “ghost” great white shark just reignited a Mediterranean mystery
A rare encounter with a juvenile great white shark caught by fishermen in April 2023 has reignited scientific interest in the mysterious population of these apex predators in the Mediterranean Sea. By reviewing records spanning more than 160 years, researchers found that great whites still appear sporadically in Spanish Mediterranean waters, suggesting the population—though elusive and declining—has not vanished. The discovery of a young shark raises an intriguing possibility: these legendary predators may still be reproducing in the region.
Old NASA science satellite plunges back to Earth
The U.S. Space Force says the Van Allen Probe A plunged uncontrolled from orbit on Wednesday.
3 Questions: On the future of AI and the mathematical and physical sciences
MIT Professor Jesse Thaler discusses the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and the mathematical and physical sciences.
Brooklyn students showcase creative science skills
RED HOOK, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Experiments, robots and demonstrations filled the gym at Summit Academy Charter School in Red Hook, where students became teachers and scientists during a new day-long eve...
Breakthrough to Strengthen Bones Could Reverse Osteoporosis
A potential treatment for millions.
Old NASA science satellite falls back to Earth
An old NASA science satellite is no more. The U.S. Space Force says the Van Allen Probe A plunged uncontrolled from orbit on Wednesday, reentering over the Pacific west of the Galapagos Islands.
Old NASA science satellite plunges back to Earth
An old NASA science satellite is no more
Old NASA science satellite plunges back to Earth
An old NASA science satellite plunged uncontrolled from orbit and reentered over the Pacific on Wednesday. The U.S. Space Force said the Van Allen Probe A came in west of the Galapagos Islands. NASA...
State College Student Wins 1st Place, and a $250K Prize, in National Math and Science Competition
A State College Area School District student won first place on Tuesday night in a national math and science competition for high school seniors billed as
2026 William T. Pecora Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals or teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth (land, oceans, and air), educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision-makers, or supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. Both national and international nominations are welcome.
KBE discusses science standards, assessments and student performance during March virtual meeting
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Members of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) discussed science education in Kentucky, including a closer look at the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science, how Kentucky’s assessment and accountability systems measure science proficiency, and student performance,
Want to hack your body with peptides? If only the science agreed
Performance-enhancing peptides are increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts and biohackers, despite limited human testing and potential health risks.
Breakout Ventures raises $114M fund to back AI science startups
Breakout Ventures is finding growing success by backing early-stage startups in scientific fields such as biology and chemistry.
Hidden Majoritarianism Hinders Women's Political Careers -
In the APSA Public Scholarship Program, graduate students in political science produce summaries of new research in the American Political Science Review. This piece, written by Ximena Caló, covers the new article by Daniel M. [...]
One possible recipe for life on Titan is a bust
An experiment mimicking conditions on the Saturn moon suggests that cell-like bubbles don’t form in methane lakes, puncturing hopes for alien life.
From Japanese walking to 75 Hard: what the science really says about viral fitness trends
Fitness advice spreads fast online, but not all of it is grounded in science. Research reveals which popular trends hold up and which don’t.
Lake Erie College, BGSU announce Exercise Science graduate school partnership
The agreement creates formal pathways to BGSU's Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy graduate programs for Painesville students.
Why we’re bad at detecting lies, according to scientists—and The Traitors
From cognitive overload to pretty privilege, the science behind The Traitors shows what really makes lies believable
This billionaire wants to make science better, especially for AI
In this edition of AI Prognosis: Seemay Chou and Becky Pferdehirt's bold vision for how Radial will change science for AI
Jaguar Health Presenting March 12 at the Life Sciences Virtual Investor Forum to Provide Updates on Near-Term Catalysts
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 11, 2026 /Jaguar Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAGX) today announced that Lisa Conte, the company's founder, president and CEO, will present virtually on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Life Sciences Investor Forum ...
'It's nature calling to humans, and humans deciding whether or not to reply': Why we need to start paying attention to our mutually beneficial relationships with other species
Live Science spoke with Rob Dunn, an applied ecologist and author of the book "The Call of the Honeyguide," about "mutualism" — how different species team up for their mutual benefit — and how humans can feel more connected to nature.
Exploring the science of "tundra tongue"
Highest risk of part of tongue being torn off is with temps between -5° and -15° C (23° to 5 °F).
A “Win-Win” For Cats And Humans Alike: Giant New Study Busts Open The Mystery Of Feline Cancer
Unfortunately, your cat will still hate going to the vet.
Trust SARHAchat with your reproductive health questions - College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty and students from nursing and computer science use AI and University resources to create a free chatbot that protects user privacy.
Astronomers think they just witnessed two planets colliding
Astronomers have caught what may be a rare cosmic catastrophe unfolding 11,000 light-years away. A seemingly ordinary sun-like star suddenly began flickering wildly, puzzling scientists until they realized the strange dimming was caused by vast clouds of hot dust and debris drifting across the star. The most likely explanation is a violent planetary collision—two worlds smashing together and scattering glowing material throughout the system.
Celebrate STEAM Launches Atlanta Science Festival
To kick off the 13th annual Atlanta Science Festival (ASF), Georgia Tech hosted Celebrate STEAM on March 7, welcoming thousands of visitors to experience hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays showcasing the innovation and excitement at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Concrete sensor manufacturer Wavelogix receives $500K grant from National Science Foundation
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Wavelogix, a manufacturer of novel, patented concrete strength sensors invented at Purdue University’s College of Engineering, has received a $500,000…
CERN Science Gateway celebrates its 1000th science show
CERN Science Gateway has reached another milestone: the delivery of its 1000th science show! Since opening its doors in October 2023, Science Gateway has welcomed nearly 900 000 visitors of all ages to explore the fundamental questions of the Universe. Among its most popular activities are the science shows – dynamic, interactive demonstrations led by CERN guides and tailored to a broad audience of different age levels, including school groups, families and the general public. Designed to make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining, these live shows combine spectacular experiments, multimedia elements and audience participation. From the physics of particle collisions to the properties of superconductivity, electromagnetism and cryogenics, the science shows translate the research carried out at CERN into engaging visual experiences. Visitors might see superconductors levitate, follow particles through different detector layers or discover the beauty in phase transitions. Each demonstration is carefully crafted to spark curiosity while maintaining scientific accuracy. Members of the CERN community are of course warmly invited to visit CERN Science Gateway with their family or friends and attend one of the science shows. To register, please visit this page, and don’t forget to check the programme for the coming days. Become a CERN guide and run your own super-cool science show (and more)! To become a CERN guide, you can join the introduction course held every 3–4 weeks, which will give you an overview of what being a CERN guide entails. From there, further courses are available depending on what type of guide you would like to be. Because, of course, CERN guides are needed everywhere at CERN. If you imagine yourself as a more ‘traditional’ guide, you should know that there are currently more than ten exciting visit points in CERN’s visits portfolio, such as the Antimatter Factory, the ALICE experiment (surface), the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) control room, the ATLAS experiment (surface), the CERN Control Centre (CCC), the Data Centre, the LHCb experiment (surface), the Synchrocyclotron (SC), the SM18 test facility and the newly inaugurated Linac2 visit point. Indeed, CERN’s Visits Service and Visual Impact and Exhibitions Section recently collaborated on redesigning the Linac2 visit tour, which has just reopened to the public after several months of renovation work. The new tour offers visitors and guides alike an enriched, more immersive experience, designed to highlight the history and scientific significance of this major facility. So, fancy becoming one of the insiders? Join the introduction course, check the guides website or contact guides.manager@cern.ch. And remember, becoming a guide can benefit you, too.
A Taste of the Future: UConn Animal Science Students Tour Local Dairy Farms
“Food doesn't come from the grocery store. It comes from these farms”
Minerva Neurosciences Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results and Business Updates
Initiation of confirmatory Phase 3 trial with roluperidone for negative symptoms of schizophrenia is planned for Q2 2026, with topline data anticipated in 2H 2027BURLINGTON, Mass., March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NERV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today provided business updates and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Decembe
High schoolers are using AI to tackle cancer and build robotic surgeons
Finalists in the Society for Science and Regeneron $1.8 million science competition are increasingly turning to machine learning, and organizers are balancing innovation with misuse.
St. Francis teacher Peter Graven on geology, curiosity, and a summer in Costa Rica
Peter Graven, a St. Francis science teacher, shares insights into his classroom, his passion for geology and what he enjoys outside of school.
Is There Science Behind The ‘Nervous System Reset’?
What's the science behind the much-hyped idea that you can "reset" your nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve?
Mercer students, faculty bring space science to Girl Scouts
A Girl Scout leaned down and peered into the eyepiece of a telescope focused on the moon in the night sky above Mercer University.
‘Medical conscience’ bills would let providers refuse more health care
Legislation in at least eight states would expand the rights of doctors, nurses, hospitals and even insurance companies to refuse to provide or pay for care.
Mobile brain scans sound like science fiction. But they're now helping more Canadian patients
A rising number of Canadian facilities are using mobile brain scanners to help patients, by offering MRIs mid-surgery in hospital or diagnosing stroke right on the roadside. So what's the future of this game-changing technology?
Pleasant Valley 6th Graders Lead the Way in Supporting Science Camp
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – Pleasant Valley Middle School (PVM) students Emmy Emmons and Hazel Gillihan recently became the first students to present at the Gold Oak Union School District (GOUSD) February Board Meeting, sharing their experiences at Science Camp at Sly Park Environmental Education Center in Pollock Pines this past September. Working as a […]
Somerset conservation carpenter helping fix remote science base
Jo Oliver from Wedmore has been working in extreme conditions in Antarctica.
Science Shorts: Rice for weight control, functional dairy tech and more
Rice for weight control, functional dairy tech and more feature in this edition of Science Shorts
Curiosity Blog, Sols 4825-4831: Exploring the Borderlands
Written by William Farrand, Senior Research Scientist, Space Science Institute
A Most Unusual Lake
Lake Unter-See in Antarctica, sealed beneath thick ice, contains unusually high levels of dissolved oxygen and cone-shaped microbial reefs resembling some of Earth’s oldest fossils.
Jericho High contestant says everyone's a winner at Regeneron science finals
Jericho High School senior Ashka Shah was among the finalists at the Regeneron Science Talent Search in Washington D.C.
Regeneron Science Talent Search 2026 Recognizes America’s Top Young Scientists, Awarding More Than $1.8 Million to High School Seniors for Innovative Research in Computational Mathematics, Neural Science, and Blood Cancer Treatment
$250,000 top award goes to Connor Hill in America’s longest running and most distinguished science and math competition Top $250,000 Regeneron Science Talent Search Winner Named Regeneron and Society for Science announced that Connor Hill, 17, of State College, Pennsylvania, won the top award of $250,000 in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), a program of Society for Science. TARRYTOWN, N.Y. and WASHINGTON, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Societ
DMV high school students among top 40 finalists in national science competition
Two students from the DMV are among the top 40 finalists in the nationwide science competition.
The Wild League aims to turn sports mascots into conservation champions
Lions, tigers and bears aren’t just among the world’s most iconic wildlife. They’re also among the most popular mascots in professional sports. A new study published in BioScience finds that across 50 countries and 10 team sports, 727 professional organizations use wild animals in their names, logos or fan nicknames. The most frequently represented species […]
ESA Investigating Fireball Over Europe After Meteorites Strike German Home
They reportedly punched a football-sized hole in the roof.
Scientists discover tiny plant trick that could supercharge crop yields
Researchers have uncovered a molecular trick used by hornwort plants that could help future crops capture carbon dioxide more efficiently. A unique protein feature called RbcS-STAR causes the key photosynthesis enzyme Rubisco to cluster into dense compartments, helping it work more effectively. When scientists added this feature to other plants, Rubisco reorganized in the same way. The finding raises the possibility of engineering more efficient photosynthesis into major crops.
Scientists may have found a pill for sleep apnea
A European clinical trial found that the drug sulthiame significantly reduced breathing interruptions in people with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Patients taking higher doses experienced up to 47% fewer pauses in breathing and improved oxygen levels during sleep. The drug helps stabilize breathing signals in the brain, reducing airway collapse. Scientists say the findings could pave the way for a pill-based alternative to CPAP machines.
A massive asteroid hit the North Sea and triggered a 330-foot tsunami
A long-running debate about the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea has finally been resolved. Scientists now confirm it formed when a roughly 160-meter asteroid struck the seabed about 43–46 million years ago. New seismic imaging and rare shocked minerals in rock samples provided the crucial proof. The impact would have sent a massive plume skyward and unleashed a tsunami over 100 meters (330 feet) high.
Ocean warming may supercharge a tiny microbe that controls marine nutrients
As deep-sea waters warm, scientists expected trouble for the microbes that help keep ocean chemistry in balance. Instead, researchers found that Nitrosopumilus maritimus can adapt to warmer, iron-limited conditions by using iron more efficiently. Because these microbes control key nitrogen reactions that support marine life, their adaptability could help sustain ocean productivity. In a warming world, they may play an even bigger role in shaping marine nutrient cycles.
Smart Plants in a Changing World Science
The Salk Institute is teaming up with the Del Mar Foundation for a three-part webinar series to highlight Salk's foundational research in brain health, cancer, and agriculture. Join us on Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. to learn directly from Salk scientist Lucia Strader about how plants sense and respond to their environments, and how understanding these natural survival strategies can help us develop crops that thrive in a changing world. The Del Mar Foundation is offering a 1:1 Challenge Match through June. Gifts made during the webinar series will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact on critical research. Donors who give $1,000 or more to an area of greatest need will also join the Discovery Society, with special access to Salk news and events. Salk Institute on Facebook / Instagram
Bumblebee Queens Can Breathe Underwater
A new study offers clues as to how the insects survive flooding as they emerge from a hibernation-like phase every winter.
Bumblebee Queens Can Breathe Underwater
A new study offers clues as to how the insects survive flooding as they emerge from a hibernation-like phase every winter.
Lisa Academy West Middle School science team heading to national tournament
Students at LISA Academy West Middle School will soon be headed to Hollywood.
CSU Spur hosts Girls & Science themed 2nd Saturday
Dallas County Opens $52 Million BSL-3 Public Health Lab
A public-private partnership with Hunt Real Estate, the facility will modernize and enhance Dallas County’s public health infrastructure.
Mariana Byndloss named NAS Frontiers of Science Fellow
National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science Fellows are future leaders of science who meet to develop their leadership potential.
Suspended NOAA satellite chief warns of threats to federal science programs
The head of NOAA’s satellite unit, on administrative leave for months, warned that workforce reductions and cuts have “lobotomized” the federal government.
Plant Sciences Outreach Day Broadens Horizons for High School Students
North Carolina High school students gathered at NC State University in February to gain hands-on experience with plant sciences and get inspired for their futures.
Clemson graduate Michael Newman turns passion for science into communications career
In graduate school, Newman realized that while he loved science, bench research was not for him. Instead, he's spent his career as a science communicator.
LISA Academy West Middle School team headed to Nationals following Arkansas State Science Olympiad win
The Science Olympiad team at LISA Academy West Middle School has now won the Arkansas State Science Olympiad Championship! Since their big win, they have now earned the right to represent the Natural...
March 12 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts-Entertainment Source: Activities
March 12: Solano County Science and Engineering Fair, 4 p.m., Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo. March 12: Box Of Pearls Janis Joplin, 6:30 p.m., Empress Marquee Club, 324 V…
NASA’s Dragonfly Mission Begins Rotorcraft Integration, Testing Stage
NASA Dragonfly’s integration and testing – the activities involved in assembling the mission’s rotorcraft lander and testing it for the rigors of launch and
SciVenture science fair highlights local students’ creativity and scientific thinking
It takes place Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Discovery.
How Much of Science Is Fake?
For decades, scientists were above reproach. Not any more. Joe Nocera investigates the murky world of fraudulent research, and the sleuths exposing dishonest science.
ChatGPT can now create interactive visuals to help you understand math and science concepts
On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced dynamic visual explanations, a new ChatGPT feature that allows users to see how formulas, variables, and mathematical
Henry Ford, Covenant announce new joint venture for neurological care
As part of the deal, Covenant HealthCare and Henry Ford Health plan to build a joint neurosciences outpatient facility in Saginaw Township.
A particle accelerator helped scientists create stunning 3D ants
Researchers have developed a high-tech system that rapidly scans ants and converts them into detailed 3D models. Using a synchrotron accelerator, X-ray imaging, robotics, and AI, the team scanned 2,000 specimens in just a week and produced models of 800 species. The images reveal microscopic anatomy that was previously difficult to study. The growing Antscan database could become a powerful digital library of biodiversity.
What’s Your Chronotype? How Brain Science Can Boost Performance
A collaboration between Wharton and Slalom explores how aligning work with individuals’ biological rhythms can help teams perform their best.
Webinar 3/25: NASA CSDA Vendor Focus
Join us on Wed., March 25 at 2:00 p.m. EDT (-04:00 UTC) to learn more about NASA Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program vendor Satellogic and
ZOO ATLANTA CELEBRATES LEARNING, SCIENCE, AND MORE ON MARCH 14
Educator Appreciation Day offers free admission for educators; Biomechanics Day invites people of all ages to explore the amazing world of bioinspired design
The Startup Trying a New Trick to Develop AI For Science Discovery
OpenAI and Anthropic have raised tens of billions of dollars on the promise of artificial intelligence that can make new discoveries in fields like medicine, biology and physics. And yet,we’re nowhere close to that. (You might recall this awkward moment from last fall when a ChatGPT-generated ...
New training at NSU helps educators teach computer science
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – New training at Northwestern State University’s School of Education is helping teachers integrate computer science into their lesson plans. NSU’s School of Education pa...
High School Students Advance from State Science and Engineering Fair to International Competition
Charleston, W.Va. - The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce that Pavan Subramani from Morgantown High School (Monongalia County), Iqraa Zaman from George Washington High School (Kanawha County) and the team of Jaxon Milam and Joseph Nodurft from the Linsly School (Ohio County) have advanced from the 72nd annual West Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair (WVSSEF) to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The state-level fair serves as the qualifier for the ISEF, and these four students will represent the Mountain State in Phoenix in May.To compete in the WVSSEF, students in Grades 3-12 had to win their local, county and regional science and engineering fairs. Today’s competition resulted in 48 first place winners, 53 second place winners and 46 third place winners. For the full detailed list, view the 2026 WVSSEF Official Results.The WVSSEF challenges students to think critically about the world around them, encouraging them to find answers to unsolved questions and address problems by introducing proactive solutions. Students are also provided the opportunity to present their projects to judges—industry professionals and university professors—to discuss the research findings, scientific methodologies and hypotheses involved in their work.“The West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair is a highlight of every school year, as it brings some of the Mountain State's most accomplished students together as a showcase of the immense talent and potential they possess," said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. "These young scholars show time and time again that the future economy of West Virginia is bright. The attention to detail in every project and the passion and joy expressed by our students are truly inspiring."The WVSSEF featured 273 aspiring scientists, chemists and engineers who presented 209 projects featuring material science, animal science, plant science, physics, astronomy, engineering and more.View event photos.
UA Little Rock to Host Hands-On Workshop on the Science of Art Conservation
Students and faculty at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will have the opportunity to explore how chemistry helps preserve works of art during a hands-on conservation science workshop ... UA Little Rock to Host Hands-On Workshop on the Science of Art Conservation
Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair showcases Gwinnett’s emerging STEM leaders
The 48th Annual Gwinnett Regional Science, Engineering + Innovation Fair brought together students from across Gwinnett County to present their talented and purposeful work.
Traditional Pacific navigators bring the intricate science of
Organized by Sophia Perez, Indigenous Technologies Coordinator for the Berkeley Center for New Media, a weeklong series of public workshops beginning March 9 will feature master navigators teaching
Montana Tech to host Data Science Day for high school students
Montana Technological University is inviting high school students to campus later this month for a day focused on data science and technology.The university wil
Scientists discover molecule that stops aggressive breast cancer in its tracks
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new molecule that could open the door to treating triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. The compound, called SU212, targets and disables a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to fuel their growth. In tests using humanized mouse models, the molecule caused tumors to shrink and slowed the spread of cancer by forcing the enzyme to break down.
Youth Science Contest returns with updated Washington Tracking Network website
For immediate release: March 10, 2026 (26-033) Contact: DOH Communications
Mental health solutions for the digital age
Ask the digital natives of Gen Z about the source of their biggest mental health challenges, and most will say social media and AI.Several of the nearly 400 guests at the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council at UCLA on March 8, explicitly named the endless stream of content on their phones as serious stressors. “Everybody is addicted to (Tik Tok) as if they were addicted to substances,” said Jantin Asmar, 17, a senior at Virtual Academy in Antelope Valley. “We’re always chasing that dopamine. We’re expecting that dopamine rush and it’s really decaying our interactions with others.” High school student Jantin Asmar was among nearly 400 people who attended the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) Even young teens feel pressure to be on social media constantly, both to consume content and collect “likes,” said 13-year-olds Chloe and Sophia, both students at Brentwood School. “Everyone’s always on, and you miss stuff if you’re not on it,” Chloe said, adding that social media’s emphasis on appearances is leading to eating disorders: “That’s a big thing for our generation.”The incessant influx of images and updates creates expectations that “weigh teenagers down,” said Linda Kou, 16, a junior at San Gabriel High School.Even though digital spaces allow people to connect with others beyond their immediate surroundings, it doesn’t always translate to real-life community, said Kelah Morgan, 17, a senior at Animo South Los Angeles Charter High School. High school students Kelah Morgan, left, and Linda Kou, shared about the challenges presented by social media. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) “Even if you see people saying that they relate to you online, it might be hard to find people in your personal life who you see every day who you feel comfortable enough to say, ‘You see me online, but this is me in real life and what I’m actually going through,’” she said.Solutions for our digital timesThe Gen Z Wellness Summit was intentionally designed as a free, in-person gathering where young people interested in mental health from across the southland could meet in person. “Peer support is the most important element of maintaining our mental health in community,” said Helena Hansen, MD, PhD, director of UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.Keynote speakers at the summit addressed AI, social connection and self-empowerment, while breakout sessions included discussions about eating disorders, dating, substance use, phone detox and breathwork. Here are some of the day’s top takeaways:Beware of FOPO: Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, a psychology professor at Columbia University, said that rather than FOMO, or fear of missing out, we ought to be more aware of FOPO: fear of people’s opinions. “Just think about how much your FOPO might be holding you back in your life,” Dr. Kaufman said. “And just that inner contemplation should be enough for you to change your life, because there’s so many things we don’t go after because we have debilitating FOPO.”We don’t need to feel like we’re the best – or what he called “narcissistic self-esteem” – but it’s helpful to acknowledge our own worth, recognize our good qualities and develop self-belief in the skills and talents we’ve cultivated. When we have that – dignity and self-respect, without needing everyone to like us – FOPO is less of a concern.Self-reflection is most effective in community: “When we try to self-reflect alone, we sometimes ruminate,” said Ira Bedzow, PhD, executive director of the Emory University Purpose Project. “But when we self-reflect with people that we trust … (it) allows us to hold ourselves accountable to different ways of seeing and different ways of hearing and different ways of being.”Opening up about our experiences and listening to others are skills we can develop, Dr. Bedzow said.He invited students to participate in what he called a “fishbowl exercise,” where four students sat in a small circle, surrounded by a dozen or so students forming a larger circle. Those in the inner circle answered such questions as: “What stops you from being you today?” and “What helps you feel most like you?”Within minutes, the group in the small circle (the fishbowl), were sharing intimately about their life challenges as those in the outer circle nodded in understanding.After the exercise, one participant said, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that it wasn’t just me who feels that way.”Another remarked on how “personal” it felt to share face-to-face with others, even strangers.Don’t let AI crush your creativity: Theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming, PhD, has been studying artificial intelligence for more than 20 years. And while she said “it’s reasonable to be concerned” about the fast-growing technology, it can also help humans become better problem-solvers when used strategically.“The smartest thing on the planet today are humans and machines working together creatively,” Dr. Ming said. “What gets more valuable in humans as machines get smarter? Our ability to explore the unknown.“Your unique voice is literally your value to the world … but most of us for most of our lives have been taught to not be unique,” she continued. “Be your own person. Celebrate being different. It is genuinely, measurably, truly valuable.”In a breakout session called “Phone Detox? IYKYK: Living Your Story IRL” led by Don Grant, PhD, students shared their frustrations with AI compromising academic work, art and creativity.“Art is a translation of human experience,” one participant said. “When people use AI, they diminish their own human experience.”Dr. Grant urged them, as “the last generation to remember a world before AI,” to remember the power of imagination and creativity – and to act on it.Remember that social media distorts perceptions: Stuart B. Murray, PhD, PsyD, who directs the Eating Disorders Program and Translational Research in Eating Disorders Program at UCLA, asked the students in his breakout session to take a spontaneous selfie and edit it to conform with society’s beauty standards. All 20 girls in the room immediately got to work, thickening their hair, slimming their faces, plumping their lips.“The pressure to look like what we present on social media can be crippling,” Dr. Murray said. “We now know that social media use is part of a causal pathway into an eating disorder.”Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, he said, with one in three students on college campuses exhibiting clinically meaningful eating-disorder symptoms. More than 4 million people in California will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.Even for those who don’t develop anorexia or bulimia, the ubiquity of modified images online distorts what we consider normal, making us feel worse about ourselves. Remembering that, he and other speakers said, might inspire us to log off occasionally and spend time in the real world with people who love us as we are.
Validating Generative AI-Based Social Science
On Feb. 20, the Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design convened an interdisciplinary group to discuss the validity and trustworthiness of social and behavioral data simulated by large language models.
NASA Invites Media to 63rd Annual Goddard Space Science Symposium
Media are invited to attend the 63rd annual Goddard Space Science Symposium, taking place Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13, at the National Housing
Scientists 'Re-Watch' Videos Seen by Mice by Studying Their Brains
A free episode idea for Black Mirror.
Aveeno® announces research collaboration to advance skin health science and education as skin care brand celebrates 80 years of innovation
Collaboration to focus on preclinical and clinical research, professional education, and innovative strategies to amplify advancements in skin science