Science

Sharper brains switch to a ‘not what you know, but who you know’ mindset online and on social media, study shows

Forming social connections online and via social media reduces how much people engage with and learn from the content posted but significantly boosts their networking performance, according to new research.

The study, led by the University of Bristol in the UK in partnership with the University at Buffalo, State University of New York in the US, found this shift of focus from learning about the actual content to concentrating on the related social connections is more marked among people with a better memory.

Lead author Dr Esther Kang, Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Bristol, said: “When you follow someone on LinkedIn, join a Facebook group, or become a member of an online community, you might assume you will learn more about the content they share. [Read more…] about Sharper brains switch to a ‘not what you know, but who you know’ mindset online and on social media, study shows

LEGO rocket reaches edge of space in record-breaking stratosphere mission for Project Hail Mary

A LEGO spacecraft has reached the edge of space – and made it back – setting a new world record in the process.

A model based on the film Project Hail Mary was launched nearly 35 kilometers above Earth using a high-altitude balloon, establishing a new Guinness World Records title for the highest altitude launch and retrieval of a LEGO set.

The mission, carried out by UK-based aerospace engineering company Sent Into Space in collaboration with Sony Pictures UK, saw the LEGO model climb to 34,988 meters (114,790 feet) into the stratosphere before safely returning to Earth. [Read more…] about LEGO rocket reaches edge of space in record-breaking stratosphere mission for Project Hail Mary

Brain-computer interface based on Rice research wins FDA approval for first clinical trial

Motif Neurotech, a company commercializing technology based on research at Rice University, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin the first clinical trial of its therapeutic brain-computer interface (BCI) for treatment of treatment-resistant depression.

The decision is a significant step supporting Motif’s mission to serve the nearly 3 million Americans living with the condition.

The early feasibility study will test Motif’s BCI technology, a small, wirelessly powered implantable device designed to deliver electrical stimulation to brain circuits linked to depression. [Read more…] about Brain-computer interface based on Rice research wins FDA approval for first clinical trial

Dassault Systèmes and Groupe Rocher use virtual twins to reinvent cosmetics R&D

Dassault Systèmes and the France-based pioneer of natural cosmetics Groupe Rocher have announced their collaboration to strengthen Groupe Rocher’s research and development with virtual twins – advanced science-based technologies already proven in all industries.

Founded in 1959, Groupe Rocher is a family-owned company with a deep heritage of pioneering development in natural, effective and committed beauty and wellness products with iconic brands Yves Rocher, Sabon, Arbonne and Dr Pierre Ricaud.

Its 200 scientific experts explore the full potential of plants every day: analyzing their composition and mechanisms, designing innovative extraction processes, and developing cosmetic formulations thanks to unique active ingredients. [Read more…] about Dassault Systèmes and Groupe Rocher use virtual twins to reinvent cosmetics R&D