3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. Lie detector tests…so 1980s. What honesty-assessment technology is being appplauded as the next best thing on the horizon?
Hint:
Answer: app developers are working on algorithms geared toward determining whether a person is being honest, or not, via facial cues. Researchers say we are very close to (with some apps having already achieved) the ability to track and interpret a wide range human emotions. However, how will we move from a world where little “white lies” (e.g. “so great to see you!”) are socially acceptable to one where everything we say or think may be put under a microscope? Maybe all we need at that point is for someone to generate an “emotion-blocking” app. Read more here.
2. What does the Ebola mouse model teach us?
Hint:
Answer: according to a new study, a recently developed mouse model indicates that genetics greatly influence the reaction spectrum of the Ebola virus. There has been considerable variation in how people respond to the Ebola virus once infected, from resistance all the way to excruciating pain leading to death. According to research data, Ebola survivors “experienced more activity in genes that order blood vessel repair and the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.” In addition, scientists believe that particular liver and spleen cells play a role in reaction to the virus. The hope is that the findings will help identify appropriate therapies and vaccines in the fight against Ebola. Read the details here.
3. A bad review? Oh no…what to do?
Hint:
Answer: last May, the European Union (EU) kicked Google in the gut when it ruled that people in the Union have a “right to be forgotten” online. Have the repercussions now reached our shores? A European pianist wishing to “control his personal image” recently requested a retraction from the Washington Post of a 2010 recital review. Unfortunately, for the pianist, the ruling does apply to content publishers such as the Post. Claiming “defamation,” the “truth-seeking,” wounded pianist will likely have to look beyond the Post for relief. Of course, now that the request for removal of the review has likely made greater headlines than the review itself ever did, the pianist has, it seems, ended his own concert. Read the story here.