Section: Science & Technology

Why the AI world is suddenly obsessed with a 160-year-old economics paradox

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Understanding the intricacies of energy efficiency can be a complex task, particularly when discussing Jevons Paradox. This concept illustrates a counterintuitive reality: as technology improves and resource efficiency increases, consumption of that resource often rises instead of falls. It raises important questions about our approach to sustainability. This primer will help clarify the paradox and

Read & Share   sourced from: NPR

Chinese AI tech could cut projected spike in US electricity

Source Logo

by: Josh Wolsky  |  

A new artificial intelligence model from China, DeepSeek, has taken the tech world by surprise, raising important questions about the future of energy consumption in data centers. With DeepSeek’s promise of efficiency, industry analysts suggest that projected energy demands for upcoming data centers might be overstated, particularly as many utilities plan large-scale fossil fuel projects.

Read & Share   sourced from: Floodlight

This ancient building material is making a comeback

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Straw isn’t just for barns and fairy tales. It’s emerging as a serious contender in the world of sustainable construction. Long valued for its affordability and insulation power, straw is now being adapted into modern prefab panels, making it easier than ever to integrate into contemporary building projects. In Slovakia, EcoCocon has taken things a

Read & Share   sourced from: Fast Company

State governments seek to leverage AI’s promise while mitigating its hazards

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

State governments are starting to navigate the AI frontier, blending excitement with cautious experimentation. From chatbot-assisted customer service to tools streamlining housing processes, AI promises big payoffs—but not without risks. Leaders are grappling with data quality, governance, and the unpredictable long-term costs of AI, even as pilot programs show encouraging productivity gains. For some, it’s

Read & Share   sourced from: Route Fifty

9 unexpected things we learned about mental health and our brains in 2024

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Keeping our brains in top shape is a topic that never goes out of style, and for a good reason—our minds are our lifelong companions. NPR’s health reporters have been diving into the latest findings on mental wellness. They’ve gathered top insights that captured readers’ attention, offering a glimpse into the science behind brain health.

Read & Share   sourced from: NPR

Subscribe to Today in Minot!

It's the free, easy way to stay informed about what's happening in Minot, and it helps support independent local news and journalism.

A nation exhausted: The neuroscience of why Americans are tuning out politics

Source Logo

By: Arash Javanbakht, The Conversation |

“I am definitely not following the news anymore,” one patient told me when I asked about her political news consumption in the weeks before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This conversation happened around the time I talked with a local TV channel about why we saw I am a psychiatrist who studies and treats fear

Read & Share   sourced from: The Conversation

Clay County, MN bans sale of flavored vapes

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Clay County is taking a stand against flavored vaping. In a packed meeting, students, health professionals, and residents urged county commissioners to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco, citing its appeal to young people and health risks. The ordinance passed narrowly, banning most flavored products while sparing menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco. The decision, effective

Read & Share   sourced from: InForum

Watch & Learn: The Mind-bending Math Inside Black Holes

by: MinotVoice  |  

Black holes: the cosmic enigma that bends reality and ignites our imaginations. Ronald Gamble, a theoretical astrophysicist at NASA, merges math and creativity to decode their mysteries. Ready to plunge beyond the point of no return? Dive in with NASA’s Curious Universe podcast—where your questions lead you into the wonders of the cosmos.

Read & Share   sourced from: Curious Universe

Double D-Haw 2024 Raises $25,000 for Trinity Health Foundation; 2025 Date Set

by: MinotVoice  |  

Another year of Double D-Haw is in the books, and it was one for the record! On September 21, 2024, The Blue Rider Bar in Minot once again turned a vibrant evening of food, art, music, and community spirit into real, tangible support for breast cancer patients. Over 200 patrons enjoyed a seafood boil—courtesy of

Read & Share  

The Arctic just hit an unfortunate climate milestone

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

The Arctic circle is a place you’d associate with icy stillness and solitude. But times are changing fast—so fast, it feels like the Arctic is trying to tell us something urgent. The past nine years were the warmest ever recorded there. This year, we observed record-breaking rains and an explosion of plant life. Scientists are

Read & Share   sourced from: Grist

Monarch butterflies will get federal protections as a threatened species

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

The monarch butterfly, a symbol of transformation and resilience, is closer to receiving federal protection. U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials plan to list the beloved pollinator as a threatened species by next year, citing climate change and habitat loss as dire threats. While the designation would shield monarchs from harm, it balances conservation with everyday

Read & Share   sourced from: Associated Press

Subscribe to Today in Minot!

It's the free, easy way to stay informed about what's happening in Minot, and it helps support independent local news and journalism.

Environmental Testing in ND Will Take Big Step Forward With New State Lab

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Picture this: North Dakota is gearing up to tackle one of today’s pressing environmental challenges right in its backyard. By 2026, a state-of-the-art lab on Bismarck’s Capitol grounds will allow local testing for “forever chemicals”—those pesky PFAS found in everyday products that refuse to break down. Until now, samples had to journey out of state,

Read & Share   sourced from: North Dakota Monitor

Stay informed, not overwhelmed

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

In today’s fast-paced world, the news seems to echo our deepest fears, and it’s no surprise that many have chosen to step back. Yet, how do you keep informed without losing your sanity? If worrying headlines and political antics leave you feeling edgy, it’s crucial to find balance. Here are some strategies to manage news

Read & Share   sourced from: Iowa Capital Dispatch

Whooping Cough Making Comeback in North Dakota

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

Whooping cough, a disease many might think belongs to the past, has aggressively resurfaced in North Dakota. This year alone, the state witnessed an alarming rise from 17 to 102 cases across 16 counties. That’s a wake-up call for everyone, especially with schools and childcare centers in the mix. Whooping cough starts innocuously like a

Read & Share   sourced from: KX News

Area Backyard Flocks Host First ND Bird Flu Cases This Year

by: MinotVoice  |  

Two backyard chicken flocks in Bottineau and McHenry Counties (both are near Minot) have tested positive for bird flu. A third case in Ransome county was also confirmed. The sites have been quarantined, and the flocks “depopulated.” The full news release from the ND Department of Agricutlure follows below. — NEWS RELEASE, ND DEPT OF

Read & Share  

Fluoride in Drinking Water Is Safe. Here’s the Evidence

Source Logo

by: MinotVoice  |  

For decades, U.S. municipalities have added fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay, benefiting millions. However, misinformation about fluoride’s alleged health risks, fueled by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., threatens its future use. Although local and state governments currently decide on fluoridation, federal actions might change this. Current scientific consensus supports fluoride’s benefits,

Read & Share   sourced from: Scientific American