Winter is here, which means lots of snow for the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s explore the captivating world of snowflakes by delving into their intricate structure and formation. To quote Aristotle, “To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” Snowflakes are captivating, with each delicate ice crystal’s unique hexagonal shape. The dendrite form of snowflakes is a study in water chemistry. Professor Krystopher Chutko of the University of Saskatchewan explains, “When ice forms at the molecular level, the angle between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms will always be 120 degrees—put the three of these together to get a complete ring of molecules with a six-sided structure. Since a growing snowflake doesn’t change too much, those attachments tend to occur evenly across the six points of the hexagonal flake. “Molecule by molecule, the snowflake grows and eventually begins to fall. This takes the snowflake to a new part of the atmosphere where temperature and humidity are different, resulting in new ice structures forming but still with the same angles,” defined Chutko. A typical dendrite is made up of about a quintillion individual water molecules. Between that and the slight changes in temperature and humidity, no two snowflakes likely form similarly, resulting in no two snowflakes being alike. Snowflake size and shape are determined by cloud temperature and humidity. The colder the air surrounding a growing snow crystal is, the more intricate the snowflake will be. More elaborate snowflakes are grown when the humidity is high. If the temperatures within the cloud are warmer or the humidity is low, expect the snowflake to be shaped like a simple, smooth, hexagonal prism. The mesmerizing beauty of individual snowflake patterns is incredible. Not only are these minuscule structures very intricate, but...

The advancements in today’s technology are incredible. Biologists are now discovering AI-powered genetic engineering to de-extinct animals of the last Ice Age, from wooly mammoths to the Tasmanian tiger and even the return of the dodo bird. Let’s discuss how they are doing this and what simulations and optimizations will be used to make this all possible. Scientists and biologists are starting with the comeback of a wooly mammoth to help the endangered African elephants. These elephants have declined by nearly 90% in the past three decades. Poaching took more than 100,000 African elephants between 2010 and 2012. Using genome reconstruction optimization, AI algorithms optimize reconstructing extinct animal genomes from fragmented DNA. AI could assist in filling gaps, identifying suitable genetic material from related species and predicting genetic issues. An Asian elephant with wooly mammoth DNA would be more of a hybrid animal that looked and acted like a mammoth but shares DNA with the living species. Ecosystem integration simulations create AI-driven simulations that predict how reintroduced extinct species might influence food chains, habitats and biodiversity within their ecosystems. This could help guide decision-making on whether to proceed with de-extinction efforts. As far as genetic diversity is concerned, ethical and social implications are a part of the assessment. AI tools can gather and analyze public opinions, ethical concerns and potential social impacts of bringing back extinct animals, which will help scientists, biologists, and policymakers make informed decisions about de-extinction projects. For example, de-extinction research in Neanderthals could start a new chapter in the search for antibiotics and other valuable biomolecules, allowing scientists to harness AI and systematically explore long-extinct organisms to help us better understand life’s molecular diversity and sequence space. Genetic diversity enhancement uses AI algorithms to guide the selection of individuals for...

From pinball to Pac-Man, arcade games and their video counterparts tend to be relegated to the children’s table – derided as juvenile entertainments that sap brainpower and encourage antisocial behavior. Lately, though, that perspective has shifted as more and more studies reveal a host of social and mental benefits associated with game play, especially for those 65 years and older. While a lot of study has gone into the effects of video games on children and young adults, in the past few years attention has shifted to how video game play can affect perceptual and cognitive abilities in older adults – specifically senior citizens aged 65 and older. Because age can influence an individual’s ability to participate in physical activities, many see video games as a perfect addition to senior living healthcare protocols. For many seniors facing mobility challenges, the interactive feature of online video games can with the isolation and deteriorating brain function so many elderly adults face as they age. With a plethora of options – from immersive adventure games to puzzle-solving offerings – video games can help enhance cognitive function and increase social interaction by allowing players to connect with other users through the game’s online community. A variety of studies has attempted to establish a connection between video game play and cognitive function. While many researchers have reported significantly improved mental functionality, including improved memory and analytical reasoning older adults as the result of playing a video game, the connection between video game play and increased cognitive function can be tenuous. A Frontiers in Psychology report from 2013 concluded, “video game interventions may hold promise in terms of addressing declines associated with cognitive aging, but there are still many unknowns.” Follow-up tests found that the seniors who played the strategy...