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Basic research often involves lab work that won’t be appreciated until decades down the line. Sebastian Condrea/Moment via Getty Images

Tenacious curiosity in the lab can lead to a Nobel Prize – mRNA research exemplifies the unpredictable value of basic scientific research

The winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine made a discovery that helped create the COVID-19 vaccines. They couldn’t have anticipated the tremendous impact of their findings.
The course of nanotechnology, like the carbon nanotubes in this laboratory, has been guided by many stakeholders. VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Navigating the risks and benefits of AI: Lessons from nanotechnology on ensuring emerging technologies are safe as well as successful

Two decades ago, the nanotechnology revolution avoided stumbling by bringing a wide range of people to the table to chart its development. The window is closing fast on AI following suit.
Astronomers can estimate ages for stars outside the Solar System, but not planets. Corbis Historical via Getty Images

How do astronomers know the age of the planets and stars?

Measuring the ages of planets and stars is tricky. An observational astrophysicist describes the subtle clues that provide good estimates for how old different space objects are.
The intersection of politics and social media is fertile ground for AI-powered disinformation. AP Photo/John Minchillo

AI disinformation is a threat to elections − learning to spot Russian, Chinese and Iranian meddling in other countries can help the US prepare for 2024

ChatGPT and its ilk give propagandists and intelligence agents a powerful new tool for interfering in politics. The clock is ticking on learning to spot this disinformation before the 2024 election.
Natural selection can get to work in isolated locations. Birger Strahl/Unsplash

Tropical climates are the most biodiverse on Earth − but it’s not only because of how warm and wet they are

A new study reveals how the geography of global climates influences the rich patterns of species diversity in an ever-changing world.
Jurors tend to rely heavily on forensic testimony, even when they don’t understand it. andresr/E+ via Getty Images

Juries that don’t understand forensic science can send innocent people to prison − a short training video could help

Educating mock jurors about what kinds of statements are appropriate − or not − led to more critical assessments of forensic testimony and improved the quality of their decisions.
Rather than using AI to replace workers, companies can build teams that ethically integrate the technology. Yuichiro Chino/Moment via Getty Images

NASA’s Mars rovers could inspire a more ethical future for AI

AI poses a variety of ethical conundrums, but the NASA teams working on Mars rovers exemplify an ethic of care and human-robot teamwork that could act as a blueprint for AI’s future.
Deep brain stimulation can alleviate treatment-resistant depression for some patients. PM Images/Digital Vision via Getty Images

Depression recovery can be hard to measure − new research on deep brain stimulation shows how objective biomarkers could help make treatment more precise

Deep brain stimulation can help some people with treatment-resistant depression feel better, but it can be unclear whether a bout of low mood is a relapse or a bad day.
Survivors search through rubble on Oct. 7, 2023, in western Afghanistan, where a series of powerful earthquakes have killed thousands. Anadolu Agency/via Getty Images

3 powerful earthquakes strike Afghanistan in one week – here’s how people around the world prepare for disasters

One way to prevent the destruction wrought by a devastating earthquake – like the one that hit Morocco in September 2023 – is to construct resilient homes and buildings.