FUSION SUCCESS
Scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California have announced a second successful net energy gain in a fusion reaction, further advancing the pursuit of fusion energy. The latest experiment took place at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on July 30 and produced a higher energy yield than the previous one conducted on December 5, 2022. In the December experiment, scientists used lasers to focus on a fuel target, fusing two light atoms into a denser one, releasing energy in a process known as fusion ignition. They generated 3.15 megajoules of energy output after delivering 2.05 megajoules to the target, thus producing more energy from fusion than the laser energy used to initiate it. The U.S. Energy Department hailed the achievement as “a major scientific breakthrough decades in the making,” highlighting its potential to impact both national defense and clean power. Fusion, the process that powers the sun, has been a scientific target for nearly a century. The realization of fusion on Earth could transform the energy landscape by offering a clean and virtually limitless energy source if the technology can be scaled to a commercial level, potentially aiding in the fight against climate change. (Reuters)
HEALTHCARE VIOLENCE
Gun violence in U.S. hospitals and medical centers has surged, making healthcare one of the most violent fields in the nation. Health care workers now suffer more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than any other profession. Last month, a shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland, Oregon, resulted in the death of a security guard. The event is part of a growing trend, with health care workers constituting 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence injuries in 2018. In response, around 40 states have increased penalties for violence against healthcare workers, and hospitals have armed security officers or created their own police forces. Critics argue that private hospital police can exacerbate healthcare and policing inequities. The dysfunctional healthcare system, understaffing, growing nurse-to-patient ratios, and pressures related to consumer satisfaction surveys are cited as underlying factors in the rise in violence. Some fear that promises of increased safety will be temporary due to the costs associated with security measures. (Associated Press)
JAMBOREE IS DONE.
Organizers of the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea have urgently requested the evacuation of approximately 43,000 scouts from their campsite in North Jeolla province due to the approaching Typhoon Khanun. The evacuation comes just days after a heatwave caused mass illnesses, leading American and British groups to withdraw and Korean media to label the event “a national disgrace.” Though the jamboree will continue, Seoul has decided to close the campsite and relocate participants, providing 1,000 buses for evacuation. The government has also planned cultural tours and a K-Pop concert before the official closure on August 12. Critics have pointed to poor planning, citing inadequate facilities and a lack of scout expertise in organizing the event. The series of problems, including the typhoon’s expected heavy rain and strong winds, has been a significant public relations setback for South Korea and has required emergency funding to salvage the event. (Channel News Asia)
TENURE NEEDS A MAKEOVER.
The North American tenure system, which protects academic freedom and offers stability in university positions, is under scrutiny and transformation. The story of Tolu Odumosu, who was denied tenure at the University of Virginia due to changed policies, illustrates inconsistencies and potential biases within the tenure process. A faculty grievance committee raised concerns about racial bias and regulations; however, Odumosu’s appeal was unsuccessful. He subsequently left for a position with tenure at Morgan State University. According to a survey, 87% of U.S. institutions offer tenure, but Odumosu’s case shows the power and ambiguity that tenure committees hold. Discussions are ongoing about addressing biases, opaque processes, and adapting the system to the needs of modern academia. Some universities are broadening criteria or rethinking evaluations, but concerns about bias and unclear criteria persist. The tenure system is seen as pivotal but in need of evolution to meet contemporary expectations. (Nature)
D&D SAYS NO AI PLEASE.
The Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) franchise has decided to ban the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating art for its characters and scenery. The decision was made after fans noticed a particular AI-generated artwork, which appeared distorted and questioned its authenticity on social media. Hasbro-owned D&D Beyond discovered that an illustrator they had collaborated with for nearly a decade had used AI for artwork in an upcoming book, “Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants.” In response, Wizards of the Coast, the Hasbro subsidiary that runs the franchise, has spoken to the artist, clarifying rules and stating that AI will not be used for future projects. They are also updating guidelines to make it clear that artists must not use AI art generation. While AI-generated art is becoming more common, leading to copyright and labor concerns across various industries, the glitches in such art can still catch the discerning eye. Hasbro, which acquired D&D Beyond for $146.3 million last year, did not respond to requests for comment on the issue. In contrast, Hasbro’s rival Mattel has experimented with AI-generated images for Hot Wheels toy cars, though the details of that endeavor are not clear. (Associated Press)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.