Category: today i learned (til)

For sure most people have already experienced some ‘disliking’ sounds before. For example, the emergency sirens, high-pitched yellings, public space noises, etc. What’s about daily life sounds? From the snoring, sniffling, heavy breathing, a few people might be triggered into intense negative emotion such as rage or disgust (Salamon, 2023). This is a sign of misophonia.

What is Misophonia? 

According to Kumar et al (2021), “misophonia is a common disorder characterized by the experience of strong negative emotions of anger and anxiety in response to certain everyday sounds” (para. 1). Most of the known triggers for misophonia are human-orofacial actions such as eating and chewing, including images and silent videos (Kumar et al, 2021). 

Patients and causes

The cause of misophonia remains unknown, but an experiment with 15 members of the same family suggests a possible hereditary factor (Sanchez & Silva 2017). These 15 Caucasians with misophonia span across 3 generations, with more than half being women. The younger generations reported to have misophonia earlier than their parents, with the youngest starting at age 2. Surprisingly, 80% of the women with misophonia have all of their children also diagnosed with misophonia, suggesting this is a genetic disorder. According to a study published in 2023 by journal PLOS One, nearly one out of five adults experience similar conditions, with women responding more intensely than men (Salamon, 2023).

A separate research focusing more on severe cases of misophonia suggest that the disorder involves brain regions, including the mirror neuron system, orofacial motor area, and both auditory and visual cortex. These areas seem to respond to sensory stimulation associated with the production of trigger sounds, potentially causing the patients to unknowingly mirror the perceived action (Kumar et al, 2021). The study further suggests that extreme negative reactions occur in misophonia possibly due to a sense of loss of control, invasion of personal space, or interference with current goals and actions. Kumar et al (2021) also highlight that automatic mimicry of eating behavior is commonly learned within families since young age, which may explain why a family member usually becomes the initial source of sound triggers developing misophonia. This finding is consistent with Sanchez and Silva’s study (2017), where younger generations tend to experience misophonia earlier than their parents – suggesting environmental factors contribute to the disorder.

According to Cleveland Clinic, a worldwide nonprofit academic medical center and healthcare provider, about 50%-80% of reported misophonia patients are women (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.) The information page suggests brain structure differences, family history or genetics are causes of the disorder. 

Cure and Prevention

Even though most people reported that misophonia has zero to minimal effect on their life (Sanchez & Silva 2017), many might encounter daily life struggles as residents in busy areas. There are people who cannot eat out at restaurants due to the eating noises, feeling uncomfortable in dark spaces which enhance hearing functions like in movie theater, etc – in some cases, misophonia can become socially impairing (Salamon, 2023). For the few severe situations, body reactions can include blood pressure increases, chest pressure or tightness, goosebumps, heart rate increases, or sweating (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). As misophonia is a lifelong condition, it could worsen or introduce chronic diseases.

Unfortunately, as the exact sources and causes of misophonia remain uncertain, there is no exact cure for it and therefore it is not officially recognized as a medical condition (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). Many patients are able to manage the condition using sound aversion methods like wearing earplugs or headphones, listening to white noise, practicing deep breath or muscle relaxation (Salamon, 2023). 

It’s very important to not criticize behavioral symptoms (Salamon, 2023) as chances are that they are experiencing some medical conditions. Much of the older generation lived with misophonia all their life without getting treatment. Sadly, they resist going to doctors because of the stigma surrounding mental disorders. Although misophonia is still an unofficial disorder, many experts recognize the patterns. If you ever encounter someone potentially experiencing misophonia and thinking they have gone mad, it would be nice to tell them about the disorder, and suggest ways to manage the condition in daily life.  

References

• Kumar, S., Dheerendra, P., Erfanian, M., Benzaquén, E., Sedley, W., Gander, P. E., Lad, M., Bamiou, D. E., & Griffiths, T. D. (2021). The motor basis for Misophonia. The Journal of Neuroscience, 41(26), 5762–5770. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0261-21.2021 
• Misophonia: What it is, triggers, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24460-misophonia
• Salamon, M. (2023, September 1). When everyday noises upset you. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/when-everyday-noises-upset-you 
• Sanchez, T. G., & Silva, F. E. (2018). Familial misophonia or selective sound sensitivity syndrome : Evidence for autosomal dominant inheritance? Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 84(5), 553–559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2017.06.014 

The Science of Smell

Of the five senses, scientists understand the least about smell. We recognize scents when small airborne molecules stimulate receptors in the back of our nose, which then send signals to our brain. Humans have about 500 different types of receptors, each one specific to a different scent molecule (“How the nose decodes complex odors”, 2020).

But what makes some molecules have scents? Well, the molecules must be able to travel through the air to the back of the nose, so they have to be volatile. Volatility is how easily the molecule evaporates at room temperature. The more a molecule evaporates into the air, the more likely it is that it reaches the receptors in the back of our nose. Even then, there must be a receptor for that specific molecule for it to be recognized (Gang, 2005).

The whole process seems simple enough, but most scents are a combination of tens to hundreds of different scent molecules. The smell of chocolate and cocoa products, for example, is made of over 600 scent molecules (Counet et al., 2002). Scientists still don’t fully understand how more complicated scents work, (Gottfried & Wilson, 2011) but most have been found to be made of just a few major compounds, such as the southern magnolia flower. Its scent comes from a mixture of 14 different molecules, but two, beta-caryophyllene and beta-cedrene, are the main compounds (Garg & Kumar, 1999).

Many common scents can be traced back to specific molecules. Even small changes in a molecule can cause large changes in its scent. Check out a few familiar scents below!

Common Scent Molecules

6-Acetyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydropyridine gives popcorn and baked goods their typical smell. A slight change creates 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline, which is the main component of rice’s smell (Dhrubo, 2015).

4-Anisaldehyde is used a lot in the fragrance industry. It has a very strong sweet floral scent and is very similar to vanillin. Vanillin, as you may have guessed, is the main component of vanilla’s scent. Natural vanilla extract is made of hundreds of different molecules, but synthetic vanilla scent is usually just pure vanillin (Dhrubo, 2015).

Benzaldehyde has an almond-like odor and is very useful in the fragrance industry because of its simple structure (Dhrubo, 2015).

Cinnamaldehyde makes up for around 90% of the scent of cinnamon (Dhrubo, 2015).

Natural honey is an extremely complicated scent, made up of 187 volatile compounds, and varies based on its nectar source (Mahmoud et al., 2024). Phenylacetaldehyde is the main component of honey’s scent, but methyl phenylacetate is used for a synthetic honey scent because of its strength. It only takes a little bit of methyl phenylacetate to make a perfume or candle honey-scented (Dhrubo, 2015).

Even fresh cut grass has its own molecule. (Z)-3-hexenal is one of the molecules released when grass is damaged, and is what gives it that freshly mowed lawn smell (Dhrubo, 2015).

If you want to learn more about fun molecules, the American Chemical Society (ACS) has been publishing a “Molecule of the Week” since 2001. This past week’s molecule was myristicin, which is a primary component of many spices such as nutmeg, dill, parsley, and anise. Interestingly, its structure is very similar to that of amphetamines and can cause hallucinations if ingested in high doses (much higher than used for cooking). On their website, they have an archive of over one thousand molecules, complete with properties, history, and fun facts! Click here to check it out.

 

How the nose decodes complex odors. (May 12, 2020). National Institute of Health. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-nose-decodes-complex-odors

Gang, D. (June 2005). Evolution of Flavors and Scents. Annual Review of Plant Biology. 56, 301-325. https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.arplant.56.032604.144128

Gottfried, J., Wilson, D. (2011). Neurobiology of Sensation and Reward. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92786/

Counet, C., Callemien, D., Ouwerx, C., Collin, S., (March 15, 2002). Use of Gas Chromatography−Olfactometry To Identify Key Odorant Compounds in Dark Chocolate. Comparison of Samples before and after Conching. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50(8), 2385–2391. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf0114177

Garg, S., Kumar, S., (1999). Volatile constituents from the flowers of Magnolia grandiflora L. from Lucknow, India. Journal of Essential Oil Research 11(5),, 633-634. https://aromadb.cimapbioinfo.in/web_essentialoil_details.php?id=CRESOL159

Mahmoud, M., Kilic-Buyukkurt, O., Aboul Fotouh, M., Selli, S. (October 2024). Aroma active compounds of honey: Analysis with GC-MS, GC-O, and molecular sensory techniques. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 134(106545). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157524005799#:~:text=Compounds%20such%20as%20phenylacetic%20acid,the%20distinctive%20smell%20of%20honey.

Dhrubo, J. S. (2015) Esters, Terpenes And Flavours: Make The Mood Cheers by Three Musketeers!. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Medicine, 4(8), 1-40. https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1438667348.pdf

And, the explosion of information across scientific and technical fields over the past few decades has created a world overflowing with data. Scientific publications, repositories, visualization platforms, as well as computational tools, have expanded dramatically to accommodate this surplus; however, the rate of knowledge production now exceeds the capacity of most audiences to process and internalize it meaningfully (Schröder et al., 2023). The dominant assumption remains that more information leads to more clarity, yet the trend of adding more slides, graphs, bullet points, along with articles, produces fact-stacked communication that fails to recognize that clarity does not come from completeness (Olson, 2013). Clarity emerges from narrative. Audiences do not automatically derive meaning from information. Although accuracy remains a priority in an information-dense world, narrative structure is often avoided in fear of oversimplification, even though effective communication is increasingly essential.

But, information alone does not create understanding. The pursuit of more information mirrors the linguistic pattern of “and, and, and,” a communication style that overwhelms audiences with unordered detail and no narrative arc (ABT Narrative Training Program, n.d.). The brain requires structure to make meaning. The human language network encodes experience and knowledge as causal chains, not isolated facts (Chen & Bornstein, 2024); therefore, understanding relies on semantic cognition, the ability to construct a mental situation model from relationships among elements. Without narrative causality, no such model can form (Schröder et al., 2023), so when information is embedded in a narrative framework, audiences understand faster, remember longer, and also make more informed decisions (Schröder et al., 2023). Even expert audiences benefit from narrative scaffolding. Therefore, the MIT Communication Lab explicitly teaches Randy Olson’s And, But, Therefore (ABT) narrative structure in scientific communication because raw information is insufficient; without a narrative, understanding does not transfer.

Therefore, understanding is the recognition of context, conflict, and resolution (Chen & Bornstein, 2024). The brain naturally thinks in stories, so Olson’s ABT model formalizes this cognitive pattern: “And” establishes shared reality, “But” highlights tension or a knowledge gap, and “Therefore” delivers implication or resolution (Olson, 2015). ABT is effective because it aligns with the brain’s cognitive architecture by providing meaning through structure, communicating the why, the stakes, as well as the direction; therefore, narrative is not optional for understanding. When findings are presented with contextual relevance, interpretation, and recall improve because ABT mirrors the brain’s process for constructing understanding.

We live in a world full of information, yet sharing it effectively is essential. But without a narrative structure, information fails to transfer. Therefore, the ABT model enables communication that conveys not only data, but meaning, memory, as well as insight. This article not only describes the ABT narrative but also embodies it through performing it. Using Randy Olson’s ABT-O-Meter, which quantifies narrative coherence, the writing scored an AND Frequency of 2.5% percent, which falls within the optimal 2% to 6% range, ensuring the writing remains connected but not repetitive. This article also has a Narrative Index score of 44, which remains above the threshold of 20 associated with narratively strong composition. This confirms that this article itself functions as a real-world example of the ABT framework in practice.

 

References

ABT Narrative Training Program. (n.d.). The ABT framework. https://abtframework.com/

ABT Narrative Training Program. (n.d.). Randy Olson’s ABT-ometer: Analyze your text using narrative metrics. https://abtnarrative.com/abt_analyzer.html

Chen, J., & Bornstein, A. M. (2024). The causal structure and computational value of narratives. Trends in Cognitive Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2024.01.003

MIT Communication Lab. (n.d.). Scientific storytelling: The ABT method. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/cee/commkit/scientific-storytelling/

Olson, R. (2013). Randy Olson: Great Challenges Day [Video]. TEDMED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERB7ITvabA4

Olson, R. (2015). Houston, we have a narrative: Why science needs story. University of Chicago Press.

Schröder, K., Eberhardt, W., Belavadi, P., Ajdadilish, B., van Haften, N., Overes, E., Brouns, T., & Calero Valdez, A. (2023). Telling stories with data: A systematic review. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/pdf/2312.01164

From ages 6-10, my uncle took my cousin and I to Navy Pier every summer. It’s July, school is out, the sun is shining, and not one multiplication table in sight! Fatty fair foods to our left and Lake Michigan to our right, the only thing missing was the adventure! Navy Pier doesn’t have many rides but there are a few that I was definitely excited for as a child. The only problem is, I can’t ride rollercoasters. And no, I am not afraid of heights. I still tried though it made my stomach hurt, but it got too much at one point and I stopped riding rollercoasters that day, and for the rest of my life. 

This would not be a problem if it wasn’t affecting my daily life. In addition to not being able to enjoy 98% of the rides at Disney World, I have severe motion sickness. Motion sickness is a common condition so, I was not surprised that I have it.

But my motion sickness doesn’t only affect me as a passenger. When I drive over large bumps or up steep hills, I flinch because of the stomach pain. Not only is this dangerous, but an Atlanta speed bump is nothing compared to a rollercoaster(at least it’s not supposed to be)!

So why can’t I ride rollercoasters? Why do I need to brace for impact driving up to my parents’ house? My mom gave me my first answer because she has a similar issue: Vertigo. Vertigo, though described as the sensation of spinning that leads to dizziness, is actually a symptom of several diseases/conditions such as: chronic migraines, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV), persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD), or Meinere’s disease.  It’s also described as “disequilibrium”, which is just the feeling of being unbalanced constantly.

Here’s the science:

The stomach drop that many people feel when riding coasters is because your internal organs lag behind when you fall(Berg, 2024). This slight disconnect makes you feel like you’re weightless! Your internal organs don’t move as fast as the rest of your body so that sends a signal to your brain fooling you into thinking gravity no longer exists.

For people with Vertigo, this feeling is exhilarating. For me, it causes extreme nausea and pain. My stomach churns and my head starts aching, and then after 30 seconds it’s over. It turns out Vertigo is an inner ear problem. The inner ear is located in the vestibular system, which is a maze of canals filled with fluids and tiny crystals called otoconia.

According to University of California San Francisco, otoconia are “composed of calcium carbonate, and help the utricle sense head tilt and acceleration by acting as a weight that will slide relative to the hair cells with head position changes”.  They can be easily displaced by external factors such as age or trauma, but it can also be a genetic mutation. 

When the otoconia ends up in the wrong palace such as the semicircular canals, your brain thinks that there is movement of fluid throughout the inner ear when there really is not. This miscommunication of signals is what causes serious nausea, dizziness and even severe pain. Essentially, your inner ear tells your brain that you’re moving at a rapid pace but your eyes are also telling your brain that you’re not moving at all. Because the brain is receiving different signals, the rest of the body suffers the consequences. 

For me, it depends on the activity. Yes, I can ride the kiddie rides at Six flags. No, I cannot ride “Goliath”. I am not afraid of heights or planes. But when a plane lands, I often brace myself because the speed at which we land does cause a lot of pain. I also do not get sea sick, which is interesting because many people with motion sickness also have sea sickness.

Solutions:

1. Motion sickness glasses. 
   1. Though they may look funny, many people have said these glasses help with car rides. The liquid inside the glasses helps balance the signal your inner ear and your eyes are sending to the brain.
   2. Antihistamines 
      1. Antihistamines can often be used to suppress the vestibular system’s hyperactivity when moving.
         1. Medicine such as Mezclizine, commonly known as Dramamine is the most popular form of medicine to help reduce motion sickness. Cinnarizine is also an antihistamine that is used for travel sickness.
   3. Surgery
      1. For people with Meniere’s disease, surgery may be required to correct the inner ear’s dysfunction.
   4. Sit in the passenger seat!
      1. Because the front wheels of responsible for the direction of the car, turns may feel less harsh. If you sit in the back, you’re farther away from the turning wheels so motion sickness is more likely. Drivers are even less likely to feel motion sickness.

My solutions:

1. I take iron supplements to help with dizziness/anemia, so that motion sickness doesn’t make me pass out.
2. I don’t ride rollercoasters.

References

https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/prevention-wellness/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-vertigohttps://ohns.ucsf.edu/balance-falls/BPPV

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/vertigo/https://

www.rd.com/article/motion-sickness-glasses/

https://www.meandve.org.uk/information-and-support/treatment-and-management/surgery

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3Yocer34/Lielrs9QrT29fb-6T_CN2Q/edit?utm_content=DAG3Yocer34&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heel.com%2Ftherapeutic-areas%2Fvertigo%2Fvertigo&psig=AOvVaw3VWlit1xLmX4e-YTrBrPfh&ust=1762563486136000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBYQjRxqFwoTCLCOsOTq3pADFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.warrantywise.co.uk/blog/advice/travel-advice/10-ways-to-deal-with-car-sickness/#:~:text=Sit%20in%20the%20front%20seat,further%20from%20the%20turning%20wheels.

 

Image adapted from “Perpetual stew laughing” taken by Annie Rauwerda is CC BY-SA 4.0.

References

Hebb, D. O. (1949). The organization of behavior: A neuropsychological theory. New York: Wiley.

Hochberg, L. R., Serruya, M. D., Friehs, G. M., Mukand, J. A., Saleh, M., Caplan, A. H., Branner, A., Chen, D., Penn, R. D., & Donoghue, J. P. (2006). Neuronal ensemble control of prosthetic devices by a human with tetraplegia. Nature, 442(7099), 164-171. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04970

Mullin, E. (2024, May 22). Neuralink’s first user is ‘constantly multitasking’ with his brain implant. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/neuralink-first-patient-interview-noland-arbaugh-elon-musk/

University of Washington. (n.d.). WaNPRC neuroscientist featured for pioneering work on brain-computer interface. Washington National Primate Research Center. Retrieved from https://wanprc.uw.edu/pi-feature-pioneering-work-bci/

Wilkes, T. (2018, May 16). Prof. Normann describes the Utah Electrode Array. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah. Retrieved from https://www.bme.utah.edu/2018/05/16/prof-normann-describes-the-utah-electrode-array

 

Pssst… you… yes you… Can you hear me? 

You hear someone speak to you, but nobody is around. What if that was your reality? Being able to communicate with someone without the need for texts, calls, words, or even movement seems like a hard idea to grasp outside of a superhero’s world, but scientists are taking steps towards this “superpower”. Characters like Professor X, Jean Grey, and even Aquaman have been some of the coolest because of their unique ability to communicate without words or movements. While we haven’t yet achieved that level of communication, researchers are creating amazing brain-to-brain connections that show us telapathy is not based too far off from real possibilities. Not created through superpowers, magic potions, or spells, but through STEM.

Brain-to-Brain Connection

When you strip back the glitz and the glam from telepathy, what is left is simply a transfer of information from one brain to another. Neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis and his team explore this transference using a brain-to-brain interface (BBI), which is very similar to the brain-machine interface I wrote about in my telekinesis article here. This BBI uses the brain signal from a designated encoder and transfers it over to a decoder, which, using the encoder’s electrical signals, can receive information and solve tasks based on the encoder’s experiences and knowledge (Chappell, 2013). Apart from the ability to decode and transfer brain signals, the rats showed an ability to actively collaborate using this brain-to-brain connection. Researchers called it a demonstration of “…the first time that a direct channel for behavioral information exchange can be established between two animal’s brains without the use of the animal’s regular forms of communication” (Boston University, 2013). Thinking beyond rats, this type of communication could have bigger implications for collaboration between humans for complex tasks and problem-solving scenarios.

Challenges

As was the case with Telekinesis, one of the biggest hurdles when thinking of this technology is the complexity of the brain. As of now, brain-to-brain connections have only been possible in rats, though they are working to move towards monkeys. Researchers are still working to be able to transfer more complex patterns and even abstract thoughts/ideas (Boston University, 2013). Though the technique used to research this “telepathic” connection has been described as crude due to its limitations, it is still a big step towards telepathy between humans.

Conclusion

It is apparent that the type of telepathy we see in superhero movies is still a long way from happening, maybe it won’t happen, but this experiment proves that brain-to-brain communication is not just science fiction. With every experiment and new findings, researchers are getting closer to understanding what telepathy truly is and how information can be transferred between minds. I am excited to see how far STEM can take what we thought to be impossible to a near-future reality.

And as Professor X once said, “The greatest power on Earth is the magnificent power we all of us possess… the power of the human brain!”

 

 

 

References 

Chappell, B. (2013, March 1). Researchers connect rats’ minds via internet. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/03/01/173257749/researchers-connect-rats-minds-via-internet

Telepathic rats communicate via brain-to-brain connections, »  the nerve blog  | Blog Archive  | Boston University. (2013, March 8). © 2025 Boston University. https://sites.bu.edu/ombs/2013/03/08/telepathic-rats-communicate-via-brain-to-brain-connections/

Imagine a world where you can move objects and complete tasks simply by thinking about them. Sounds like a pretty relaxing and too-good-to-be-true idea, right? What if I told you that researchers are closer to this reality than you may think? In pop culture, characters like Raven from Teen Titans and Wanda from WandaVision may make telekinesis seem like an impossible out-of-this-world ability. Still, when translated into the real world and boiled down, telekinesis has nothing to do with supernatural powers and everything to do with our brain’s signals. 

How is this possible?

Researchers are using brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to simulate what we know as telekinesis. As the name suggests, these machines create a connection between brains and machines, translating the brain’s electrical signals into commands the machine can follow. This connection allows thoughts to control tangible items (Brain–Machine Interface Projects, n.d.). In medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, you might see a patient hooked up to a machine that has funny-looking lines. Well, that tool is an electroencephalography (EEG), and it is used to view brainwave activity using electrodes. In BMIs, this brainwave activity is translated into digital commands, which can be boiled down into 3 simple steps: signal detection, signal processing, and command execution.

 

Real-World Applications

There have already been some great advances in this technology and researchers are working to continue to push the bounds between ideas and reality. Miguel Nicolelis, a neuroscientist from Duke University, was one of the creators of a virtual arm used to further explore this mind-machine connection. As he explains it, “We trained these animals to use their own brain activity to control an avatar arm and hand that could explore objects, virtual objects that we created for them” (Npr, 2011). The connection between the monkey’s senses and this virtual arm was so strong that the monkeys assimilated the arm as their very own, and they could even feel the texture of objects solely using the virtual arm. 

Nicolelis is hoping that this advancement can lead to even bigger uses, such as exoskeletons that would allow paralyzed individuals to use a BMI to walk and move again (Npr, 2011). A step in the right direction was seen when researchers used brain implants on paralyzed individuals to allow them to control tech devices without the need to lift a finger. Using just their thoughts, these individuals were able to perform tasks commonly performed on devices such as browsing the internet, streaming music, and even sending emails/texts to their loved ones (Sanders, 2018). Although this was not a physical feat of walking and moving again, the ability to communicate with their loved ones and with society in this way is an amazing step in the right direction.

Challenges 

Although researchers have been able to accomplish many things using BMIs, brainwave activity, and brain implants, there are still many challenges that come with trying to make telekinesis happen outside of a controlled environment. The brain is deeply complex, our thoughts, ideas, and intentions are often too specific for a machine to translate into commands. Many times, machines struggle to translate these complex thoughts and turn them into tangible actions. There is also the issue of mobility with these BMIs as researchers are currently trying to create wireless and more efficient versions. Another big differentiation between BMI technology and pop culture’s versions of telekinesis is the matter of levitation. As of now, no technology allows us to lift objects using solely our brains without the help of things like magnets and robotics. 

Conclusion 

There is still a long way to go before we can say that telekinesis is real and fully possible, but these advancements give hope that maybe one day we will be able to accomplish great feats using solely our minds and our ideas. I think it can be used for many good things, such as giving paralyzed individuals the ability to move again, and although it isn’t like Eleven from Stranger Things lifting a car, I find it just as interesting.

 

 

 

References 

In today’s data-driven world, few forms of personal information are as personal and revealing as genetic information. Genetic sequencing has become more widely available and used, from determining health predispositions to investigating ancestry. But this growing availability also poses significant risk. Once digital, genetic information is vulnerable to breaches, abuse, and unauthorized surveillance. In order to safeguard this critical data, robust cybersecurity measures are required—and one of the most effective solutions out there is GNU Privacy Guard (GPG). GPG is open-source, free encryption software that adheres to the OpenPGP standard, used to ensure secure data encryption and digital authentication. Its value as a vehicle for genetic data security protection has grown exponentially in recent times, particularly in the wake of widely publicized breaches against firms. Effective resources such as GPG do exist, however, and ethical considerations are still at the top of the agenda—spanning data ownership dilemmas to the dangers of genetic discrimination.

How GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) Safeguards Genetic Data

GPG employs public-key cryptography to allow users to securely encrypt, decrypt, and verify digital data. When genetic information is encrypted with the public key of the recipient, only their private key can unlock it—offering complete protection from misuse. GPG also utilizes digital signatures, which verify origin and integrity and ensure the genetic data remains undamaged and that it came from a reliable source. Such trust is paramount for organizations responsible for dealing with sensitive genetic information.

How does GPG particularly serve genetic data well? It does end-to-end encryption, ensuring information is encrypted when it transits (such as between labs and providers) and when on storage. Second, as an open-source solution, GPG permits its codebase to be inspected by communities—leading to quicker vulnerability recognition and closure than that from closed-source counterparts. Third, GPG aids in compliance with rigorous privacy policies and protocols such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and NIST recommendations. No encryption technique is completely secure, however. Handling of private keys in a mishandled fashion, inadequate operation security, or system setting faults can cause confidentiality to be compromised. Encryption must be part of a comprehensive security plan not one huge blob. Perhaps the most significant ethical difficulty in the processing of genetic information is that no informed consent exists. Most consumers of genetic test services do not know that their information can be retained forever or used as research data.

Ethical Implications and Breaches

23andMe and AncestryDNA, some of the most popular DNA testing service providers, have been accused of hiding consent provisions deep within terms and conditions. People must be made aware in a transparent manner how their data will be utilized, to whom it will be revealed, and what the long-term implications will be. In 2018, 23andMe struck a deal with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which provided the pharma company access to millions of customers’ genetic maps in an effort to advance medicine discovery. Although these arrangements can benefit medicine, they amplify concerns over commodification of personal intimate data. Genetic information may provide one’s susceptibility to illness, mental illness, or even personality. This is dangerous and doesn’t allow proper consent for all customers.

Examples of genetic data breaches 

1. Veritas genetics — 2019

In 2019, Veritas Genetics had a server was set up improperly that exposed customer data like sensitive test results. This could have been prevented with access controls and proper encryption.

2. GEDmatch and criminal investigations

GEDmatch is an internet-based service that compares autosomal DNA data from different testing companies. Law enforcement used the service to solve a case that had been pending for decades. But it created ethical and moral questions regarding whether genetic data should be exchanged recreationally or medically should be allowed to be used in criminal investigations. 

Citizen’s information is a constitutional right to be protected. As technology evolves, many professionals have tried implementing/worked with the authorities to enforce the following strategies with an ethical perspective:

1. Respecting ownership data rights

2. Following GDPR, NIST, and HIPAA regulations

3. Implementing rigorous procedures and incident response policies

4. Implementing consent mechanisms

Such initiatives can enable gap filling of the ethical cybersecurity issue. As genes are increasingly tested, ethical data stewardship will only become more necessary. Innovation v.s. privacy as well as ethics is not only a technological puzzle but also making sure to keep morals alive.

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References

General Data Protection Regulation. (2024, April 22). General Data Protection RegulationGDPR. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). https://gdpr-info.eu/.

GSK and 23andMe sign agreement to leverage genetic insights for the development of novel medicines. GSK. (2018, July 25). https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-and-23andme-sign-agreement-to-leverage-genetic-insights-for-the-development-of-novel-medicines/

Orr, J. (2023, August 29). Incident of the week: DNA-testing company Veritas Genetics discloses unauthorized access of Customer Data. Cyber Security Hub. https://www.cshub.com/attacks/articles/incident-of-the-week-dna-testing-company-veritas-genetics-discloses-unauthorized-access-of-customer-data

Ross, R., & Pillitteri, V. (2024). Protecting controlled unclassified information in nonfederal systems and organizations. NIST Special Publication 800-171. https://doi.org/10.6028/nist.sp.800-171r3

Ross, W. L. (2020). Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and organizations. NIST Special Publication. https://doi.org/10.6028/nist.sp.800-53r5

Trujillo, M., Collings, P., Klosowski, T., Hussain, S., & Lynch, J. (n.d.). Genetic information privacy. Electronic Frontier Foundation. https://www.eff.org/issues/genetic-information-privacy#:~:text=In%202013%2C%20the%20HIPAA%20Omnibus,or%20long%2Dterm%20care%20insurance.

Wickenheiser RA. Forensic genealogy, bioethics and the Golden State Killer case. Forensic Sci Int Synerg. 2019 Jul 12;1:114-125. doi: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2019.07.003. PMID: 32411963; PMCID: PMC7219171.

https://gnupg.org/

Infographic Created by Sajdah Muhammad