Tan Eng King – Asian Scientist Magazine

Older Adults Prefer AI Companions That Don’t Pretend To Be Human

A new study suggests that authenticity and natural interaction, rather than human-like design, may encourage older adults to embrace AI chatbots for companionship.

7 Must-Read Stories In July 2016

A list of India’s top scientists and features on Singapore’s scientific pioneers made for popular reads in July 2016.

Health

This Molecular Switch Helps Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Resist Treatment

Researchers uncover how the long non-coding RNA Smyca helps triple-negative breast cancer cells repair DNA damage and survive treatment.

Health

The First 24 Hours of A Viral Infection May Help Determine Its Outcome

A Japanese study in mice suggests that differences in the body’s antiviral response emerge within a day of infection, and may help explain why the same virus affects individuals so differently.

Health

For Some Disaster Survivors, The Trauma Can Last Over A Decade

A 15-year study of Great East Japan Earthquake survivors found that worsening post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first two years were strongly linked to persistent symptoms years later.

Japanese Researchers Win Prestigious Lasker Awards

The Lasker Foundation awarded four Japanese researchers across two categories for their groundbreaking work in hemophilia and narcolepsy.

Environment

This New Tech Could Help The Ocean Absorb More CO₂

The technology can extract dissolved carbon from seawater and lock it away as stable minerals, potentially enabling long-term carbon storage with lower energy use.

Environment

Adding Fiber To Silkworms’ Diet Makes Their Silk Stronger

Researchers developed silk that has higher tensile strength and is less prone to shrinking by simply feeding silkworms with fiber-enriched food.

Environment

The 2004 Sumatra Earthquake Is Still Moving The Ground—600 km Away

A new study finds that land up to 600 km from the earthquake’s epicentre continues to sink by a few millimetres each year.

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