A new study from the University of Cambridge uses robots to assess children's mental wellbeing, with the results showing that the child-sized humanoid robots could be a useful tool for psychological assessment but not a replacement for human interaction.

In recent years, social-assistive robots have emerged as a fascinating area of study, with numerous breakthroughs in how robots can provide assistance and support for humans. These robots have the potential to transform various industries and aid those in need, including elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and healthcare workers. One exciting example is PARO, a robotic seal developed by Takanori Shibata, a leading researcher in the field of social-assistive robots. PARO is designed to provide comfort and support to individuals who may feel lonely or anxious, such as elderly individuals living in care homes. Research has shown that interaction with PARO can lead to decreased levels of stress and improved well-being. Another notable development is the development of robotic exoskeletons. These wearable robots, like the ReWalk exoskeleton developed by Amit Goffer, allow those with spinal cord injuries to stand and walk again. This technology has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with mobility issues and increase their independence. Social-assistive robots are also being used in healthcare to assist nurses and doctors with tasks like monitoring patients and delivering medication. The robot Moxi, developed by Andrea Thomaz, is designed to assist nurses with non-patient-facing tasks, such as retrieving supplies and restocking rooms. This frees up nurses to spend more time with patients and provide better care. The development of social-assistive robots is a multi-disciplinary field that draws from computer science, engineering, psychology, and healthcare. Researchers in this field work to create robots that are both technically advanced and emotionally intelligent, capable of interacting with humans in a way that is natural and intuitive. In conclusion, social-assistive robots are transforming the way we provide care and assistance to those in need. With breakthroughs in technology and advancements in emotional intelligence, these robots have the potential to revolutionize various industries and improve the lives of individuals with mobility issues, disabilities, and those in care homes or hospitals. Exploring this exciting field can lead to a better understanding of how technology and empathy can come together to provide support and comfort for those who need it most. So why not dive deeper into this fascinating topic and discover how social-assistive robots are changing the game?

Can robots that respond to disasters and dangerous situations prompt us to be more prosocial? Research from Stanford Graduate School of Business and the University of Macau reveals that helpful robots don't inspire people and can even demotivate them to help others. Find out why and how this can impact the future of human-robot interaction.

Cognitive Sciences is a fascinating and interdisciplinary field that combines psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, computer science, and anthropology. It focuses on understanding how the mind works, including perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and language processing. It also explores the relationship between the brain and behavior, the development of cognitive abilities, and the impact of different cultures and environments on human cognition. One of the most exciting aspects of Cognitive Sciences is the potential to use research findings to develop new technologies and innovations. For example, neuroscientists are developing brain-computer interfaces that can help people with paralysis to communicate, while psychologists are using virtual reality to simulate real-life experiences to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. Some notable academic figures in this field include Noam Chomsky, who revolutionized the study of language, and Elizabeth Loftus, who has conducted groundbreaking research on false memories and eyewitness testimony. At the undergraduate level, students can choose from a variety of majors and modules, such as cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational linguistics, and artificial intelligence. They can also specialize in areas such as language acquisition, decision-making, or social cognition. A degree in Cognitive Sciences can open up a range of exciting career opportunities, such as working in research and development in tech companies, as a data analyst in marketing, or as a UX designer. Additionally, those interested in pursuing graduate studies can pursue careers in academia or research. Some potential employers for graduates in this field include Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. However, Cognitive Sciences graduates can also find employment in the public sector, such as in government agencies or non-profit organizations that focus on healthcare or education. To succeed in Cognitive Sciences, students need to have a strong interest in understanding how the mind works, as well as a solid foundation in math and science. They should also have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As a high school student, have you ever wondered how police sketches are created and how accurate they are? Forensic psychologists in the UK found that only 8% of sketches correctly identified suspects. This is because our brains are not wired to process individual facial features, but rather remember faces as a whole. This makes it difficult for witnesses to describe suspects verbally, and they often struggle to remember details of the face a few days after the crime. However, a new composite facial system called EvoFIT has been developed to help witnesses focus on the central part of the face, which is where recognition is most accurate. This system has helped catch criminals and has a 75% identification rate in laboratory experiments. Learning about facial recognition and the limitations of our memory can not only be intellectually stimulating, but it can also have practical benefits in solving crimes.

Soft robotics, an emerging field that combines mechanical engineering, materials science, and biology, has been inspired by nature's most unique creatures. One such creature is the jellyfish, which has a mesmerizing propulsion mechanism that allows it to move through water with ease. The jellyfish's propulsion mechanism involves its bell-shaped body contracting and expanding, which generates a vortex ring that propels it forward. Scientists and engineers have taken inspiration from this mechanism to design soft robotic devices that can mimic the jellyfish's movements. One example of such a device is the "Robojelly", a robot developed by researchers at Virginia Tech. It uses a shape-memory alloy to mimic the jellyfish's bell-shaped body and artificial muscles to replicate its propulsion mechanism. Another example is the "Jellyfishbot", a robot developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore. It uses a 3D-printed soft silicone material to mimic the jellyfish's body and a piezoelectric material to generate the propulsion mechanism. These soft robots have the potential to be used for underwater exploration, monitoring ocean environments, and even search and rescue missions. The development of these robots has been made possible by advancements in materials science, which have allowed for the creation of soft and flexible materials with the necessary mechanical properties, and in control systems, which have allowed for the precise control of the robots' movements. Leading academics in the field include John Dabiri, a centennial professor at Caltech who has studied the fluid dynamics of jellyfish propulsion, and Cecilia Laschi, a professor at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy who has developed soft robotic devices inspired by octopuses and jellyfish. In conclusion, soft robotics inspired by jellyfish propulsion mechanisms has opened up new possibilities for underwater exploration and monitoring. By mimicking the natural movements of these creatures, researchers have developed soft robots that can navigate through water with greater efficiency and agility than traditional robots.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a genius? How do they come up with their brilliant ideas? How do they solve complex problems? If you find these questions intriguing, then a career in Cognitive Sciences might be the perfect fit for you! Cognitive Sciences is the study of the mind and its processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, and decision-making. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, philosophy, and computer science to understand how the brain works. As a Cognitive Scientist, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of the human mind and its relation to behavior. You will conduct research, analyze data, and develop theories to explain how the brain processes information and how this relates to behavior. One of the most exciting aspects of this field is the potential to make a real impact on people's lives. For example, Cognitive Scientists have developed therapies to help people with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They have also created tools to improve memory and cognitive function in aging populations. Typical duties of a Cognitive Scientist include conducting experiments, analyzing data, presenting findings, and collaborating with other researchers. There are many areas of specialization within Cognitive Sciences, including cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational linguistics, and artificial intelligence. To become a Cognitive Scientist, you will typically need a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics, or Computer Science. Many universities offer undergraduate programs specifically in Cognitive Sciences, which provide a broad foundation in the field. Helpful personal attributes for a career in Cognitive Sciences include a strong analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well in a team. You should also have a passion for understanding the human mind and a desire to make a positive impact on society. Job prospects in Cognitive Sciences are excellent, with many opportunities available in academia, government, and the private sector. Notable employers include universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and tech firms such as Google and Microsoft. In conclusion, a career in Cognitive Sciences is a fascinating and rewarding path for those with a passion for understanding the human mind. With excellent job prospects and the potential to make a real impact on people's lives, it is an exciting field to explore. So, if you're curious about the mysteries of the mind, then Cognitive Sciences might just be the perfect career for you!

Researchers in Sweden have discovered that the timing of sounds is crucial for autonomous vehicles to navigate complex social situations and communicate with people in traffic. By analyzing video recordings, they found that the timing and duration of sounds were most important for signaling the bus's intentions. This new approach to sound design is applicable to any autonomous system or robot, and underlines the importance of understanding traffic as a social phenomenon.

Unlock Your Brain's Potential: Boost Your Learning Speed by Matching Brainwave Rhythms! Cambridge researchers have discovered that entrainment, a simple technique that matches the brain's natural rhythm, can enhance cognitive skills and support lifelong learning. By syncing with our brain's alpha waves, this technique can triple the learning rate and increase our capacity to absorb new information. The possibilities of brainwave entrainment are endless, from enhancing virtual reality training for pilots and surgeons, to helping children with attentional deficits in the classroom.

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly come up with creative ideas while others struggle to think outside the box? It turns out that there is a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon. The field of neuroscience has been studying the brain's creative processes, and the findings are fascinating. First, let's define creativity. It's not just about making art or music. Creativity is the ability to generate original and useful ideas. It involves thinking divergently, which means thinking beyond what is obvious and exploring many possible solutions to a problem. So, how does the brain generate creative ideas? One theory is that the brain has a default mode network, which is a set of brain regions that become active when the mind is at rest. This network allows the brain to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, leading to creative insights. Another theory is that creative thinking is linked to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning and decision-making. Studies have found that the prefrontal cortex is more active when people are engaged in creative thinking. In addition, research has shown that certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, play a role in creativity. These chemicals are released when the brain is in a state of arousal, such as during a challenging task or a new experience. Leading academics in the field of neuroscience of creativity include Dr. Rex Jung, who studies the brain basis of creativity and Dr. Mark Beeman, who focuses on insight and creative problem-solving. Innovations in the field include fMRI scans and EEGs, which allow researchers to see the brain in action during creative tasks. In conclusion, the science of creativity is an exciting and rapidly evolving field. By exploring this topic, you can not only improve your own creative abilities but also gain a deeper understanding of the human brain and what makes us unique as a species. So go ahead, unleash your creative brain!

Do you see social connections where others don't? A Dartmouth study shows our brains respond more strongly to information interpreted as social versus random. Previous studies relied on labels assigned by researchers, but this study uses a subjective approach based on participants' own perceptions. The results demonstrate a bias towards perceiving information as social, with participants more likely to declare random animations as social than vice versa. The findings could help us better understand autism spectrum disorder and gain a more nuanced understanding of social perception.

As high school students, have you ever wondered if what you see is really what is out there or if your brain constructs its own version of reality? The Ames Illusion, devised by American ophthalmologist Aderlbert Ames Jr. in 1934, demonstrates how our assumptions about the world can lead us to perceive things inaccurately. By assuming that the room is box-shaped and that the back wall is perpendicular to the line of sight, we are fooled into thinking that objects are the same size when they are not. Learning about perception and illusions like the Ames Illusion can help you develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of how the brain processes information. These skills can be applied to many fields, from science to art, and will help you navigate the world with a more discerning eye.

Did you know that we may have around 20 or more senses, not just the traditional five? Our brain is constantly engaged in the act of perception, analyzing, synthesizing and interpreting all the data generated by our senses. Perception can use bottom-up processing, where the brain relies on analyzing sensory data, or top-down processing, where past experiences are used to make a best guess about what might be there. However, this type of processing can result in mistakes. Our ability to navigate the world is entirely dependent on the complex mechanisms which interpret all the noise our senses make and give it meaning. Learning about perception and the different ways our brains process information can help us understand how we experience the world around us. It can also help us appreciate the complexity of the human brain and how it shapes our perceptions.

Are you interested in the future of prosthetics and robotics? Check out this fascinating article from MIT Technology Review about a soft electronic skin that could revolutionize the way people with prosthetics interact with their surroundings. The skin, which is thin and stretchable, contains sensors that measure pressure and temperature, sending electrical signals to an implanted electrode in the brain. The research team from Stanford University hopes this technology could lead to better prosthetics and even robots that can feel human-like sensations. Read the full article to learn more!

Get ready to be inspired by the fascinating world of ants! Researchers, led by Professor L. Mahadevan, have unlocked the secret to how ants work together to perform complex tasks with simple parameters. By observing and mimicking the behavior of black carpenter ants, the team has developed robots, nicknamed RAnts, that can cooperate and complete tasks using simple rules. This groundbreaking research has the potential to solve other complex problems and revolutionize the way we think about teamwork and cooperation.

As high school students, we often believe that our intelligence and education will protect us from making errors. However, research shows that this is not always the case. In fact, greater intelligence and expertise can sometimes amplify our mistakes. This phenomenon is known as cognitive miserliness, where we rely too much on our gut feelings and are swayed by irrelevant information and our own emotions. This can lead to poor financial decisions, falling for fake news, and even polarized political views. However, there are techniques we can use to avoid these thinking traps, such as arguing against ourselves, self-distancing, mental time travel, and fine-tuning our emotional awareness. By learning about these concepts and implementing them in our lives, we can become more effective critical thinkers and decision-makers, both in our personal and academic lives.

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the nervous system, one of the most fascinating and complex topics in the field of science. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge from many areas, including biology, psychology, and computer science. It explores the inner workings of the brain, how it processes information, and how it affects our behavior and emotions. The field of neuroscience encompasses many exciting and meaningful areas of research. For example, neuroscientists have made important discoveries about addiction, learning and memory, and mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. They are also exploring the potential of brain-machine interfaces and other advanced technologies to help people with disabilities. Some of the most well-known figures in neuroscience include Nobel Prize winners such as Eric Kandel, who made groundbreaking discoveries about the biological basis of memory, and Roger Sperry, who pioneered research on the split brain. At the undergraduate level, typical majors and modules include courses in neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and cognitive neuroscience. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in research projects, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge neuroscience techniques and technologies. Graduates of neuroscience programs may pursue further specializations in areas such as neuropharmacology or cognitive psychology. They are prepared for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, including research, medicine, and education. Notable employers in the field include pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, and academic institutions such as Harvard University. To succeed in the field of neuroscience, students should have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and math, as well as excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They should also be curious and passionate about understanding the brain and its functions.

Brain science supports the idea that universal human rights, such as agency, and freedom from want and fear, are crucial for a healthy society. Brown University scholars introduce "dignity neuroscience" to explain why these concepts have remained largely unchanged throughout history. They argue that societies that fail to offer their citizens such rights can cause lasting neurological and psychological consequences. This paper offers scientific evidence to demonstrate why universal human rights need to be defended and respected across the world.

How babies learn language within hours of birth? A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour has found that newborns can start differentiating between natural and slightly unnatural speech sounds in just a few hours after birth. The study, which involved measuring changes in oxygen levels in the babies' brains while exposing them to different vowel sounds, sheds new light on the rapid learning process of the infant brain. This study highlights the importance of sensory experiences in infancy and the potential for nurturing creative abilities from an early age.

Silence is something that we all need in our lives, yet in today's world, it can feel like there's no space for it. Harriet Shawcross, a filmmaker and journalist, believes that we would all benefit from a little bit more silence in our lives. In her research, she has found that silence can have a positive impact on both the body and the brain. Studies have shown that silence can promote the growth of brain cells in the part of the brain responsible for memory. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and help us relax. Silence can even enable people to say things that they've never been able to say before. However, too much silence can be a bad thing, as it can lead to a feeling of torpor. Overall, silence is something that we should all strive to have more of in our lives, as it can have both intellectual and practical benefits.