Social Science Fiction, an Interview with Ada Palmer

An Interview with Computer Science Department Chair

Constructing highly detailed 3-D models of large complex sites using range scanners can be a time consuming manual process. One of the main drawbacks is determining where to place the scanner to obtain complete coverage of a site. We have developed a system for automatic view planning called VuePlan. The system proceeds in two distinct stages. In the initial phase, the system is given a 2-D sit...

Science Translator: An Interview with Louisa Stark

The Genetics Society of America's Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education recognizes significant and sustained impact on genetics education. The 2015 awardee, Louisa Stark, has made a major impact on global access to genetics education through her work as director of the University of Utah Genetic Science Learning Center. The Center's Learn.Genetics and Teach.Genetics websites are ...

Social Robots a Meeting Point between Science and Fiction

fi ction had taken separate paths which seldom crossed. Industrial robots in production lines had little to do with the androids inhabiting Asimov or Philip K. Dick’s stories. In recent years, the remarkable advances in disciplines such as mechanics, electronics and computer technology, along with the need to open new markets, have led to the development of humanoid robots. These new robots are...

Asthma protection with bacteria--science or fiction?

What is the role of bacterial exposure in asthma protection and prevention? This topic is receiving increasing attention, particularly based on epidemiological findings relating to the ‘hygiene hypothesis’. More than a decade ago the observation was made that infants living in a microbial-rich environment show a high degree of protection, particularly against respiratory allergies and allergic ...

Fiction informed by science.