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On February 2, 2024, a name likely familiar to many of you appeared on the radio show Science Friday. Gabe Guo, a current undergraduate senior at Columbia University majoring in Computer Science, published a research paper titled “Unveiling intra-person fingerprint similarity via deep contrastive learning” in the Science Advances Journal, January 12, 2024, alongside contributors Aniv Ray, Miles Izydorczak, Judah Goldfeder, Hod Lipson, and Wenyao Xu. In his research, it was found that, using AI analysis of fingerprints, there is a significant level of similarity between the prints on all of one individual’s fingers, contrary to prior belief.

On January 25, 2024, the State of Alabama executed one Kenneth Eugene Smith. After a failed lethal injection, the State decided to execute Smith via nitrogen gas, an untested and unvetted method that some argue is inhumane. The execution sets a dangerous precedent going forward regarding capital punishment in America, and has sparked renewed debate over the death penalty and its role in American society.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once considered a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, shocked his supporters on Sunday, January 21, 2024, by announcing the suspension of his campaign. In a video message posted on social media, DeSantis cited a lack of clear path to victory as the primary reason for his decision, emphasizing his commitment to not wasting volunteers’ time and resources.

With almost 200,000 orders, the Apple Vision Pro is currently one of the market's most popular headsets. Apple first released the prototype in early June of 2023, and it has been available in the United States since February 2nd, 2024. This innovative headset promises a new era of today's augmented and virtual realities. Unlike any other headset, it mixes digital content with the physical world. The Vision Pro is advanced technology with features that have never been seen before.

In the hearts of homes across the nation, our faithful canine companions bring joy, companionship, and a lot of tail-wagging excitement. Yet, a shadow has fallen on this idyllic picture. Recent reports from USA Today reveal a mysterious respiratory illness sweeping through our dog-loving community, affecting furry friends in 16 states since last August. The question on every dog lover's mind: what is this unseen threat? 

With Chicago temperatures sinking sub-zero, electric vehicle charging stations have become crowded with dead robots, depleted batteries, and anxious owners. Electric cars are prone to do less well in cold temperatures, mainly due to the chemical reactions that create power in the battery slow down in cold weather. Although most electric vehicle (EV) owners face a shortage in range in the winter, Chicago makes it even harder for EVs. Chicago and other parts of the US face a similar snowstorm that is expected to be dangerously cold. Most owners are frustrated and can't believe their EVs are dying within minutes, even with 30-60 miles of range

On January 5th, 2024, it was reported that the door plug blew off an Alaskan Airlines plane and sparked safety concerns. Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, a Boeing 737, experienced a mid-air incident that stunned the airline industry. An unexpected door plug suddenly detached as the plane took off from Portland, Oregon.

Whether this is your first time or third experiencing midterm exams, and however little or many tests you may have, no student gleans much enjoyment from the historically stressful week. Unless you somehow have no exams (and are the target of many envious feelings), you’ve likely been spending long hours on practice problems and Quizlet flashcards, both intellectually and emotionally preparing yourself  for what’s to come. And, like many of us, you probably find yourself getting incredibly distracted by the likes of Youtube, Tiktok, or pretty much anything but your schoolwork. It’s alright to take breaks when you need to, but engaging in procrastination when you’re supposed to be studying is less fantastic.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), though rare with fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States, stands as  the most common and clinically significant inherited blood disorder nationwide.  SCD treatment includes medications, transfusions, blood and marrow transplant and gene therapy. Recently,  the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first two gene-editing therapies to treat sickle cell disease.

Between January 12th and January 19th, heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds buffeted the United States, resulting in casualties across the country. Fortunately, following last year’s holiday snowstorm, many areas were far better prepared as people stockpiled resources ahead of time and utility vehicles were ready.