Genes to Screens

In 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department turned to Parabon NanoLabs to help solve the 1990 murder of Maria Jane Weidhofer. Parabon, using DNA from the crime scene, created a 3D model of the potential suspect's face, a process known as DNA phenotyping. This method predicts physical features based on genetic attributes, although its accuracy and scientific validity are debated. Controversially, a detective later attempted to use facial recognition technology on this DNA-generated image, a move criticized by civil liberties experts and contrary to Parabon NanoLabs' terms of service. This attempt underscores the growing concern over the misuse of technology in law enforcement, particularly the blending of unproven methods that could lead to misidentification and potential miscarriages of justice. Despite these concerns, several police departments are interested in combining these technologies, citing the potential benefits of cold cases. However, experts like Jennifer Lynch from the Electronic Frontier Foundation argue that such practices are based on "junk science" and pose significant risks of falsely identifying suspects. Cops Used DNA to Predict a Suspect's Face—and Tried to Run Facial Recognition on It | WIRED.

Navigating the Seas of Self-Doubt

The Slate article A simple trick to get over impostor syndrome offers insight into overcoming impostor syndrome, where individuals doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as frauds. The author, a psychologist, suggests shifting from seeing oneself as an expected expert to embracing a "voyager" role in one's professional journey. This approach encourages continuous learning, adaptability, and acceptance of mistakes as part of growth. It alleviates the pressure to be perfect, aligning with qualities valued by employers and fostering a balance of confidence and humility. This mindset shift enables personal and professional development without the burden of impostor syndrome.

NCCIH on Bodybuilding and Performance Enhancement

Resistance training is integral to one's exercise regimen at any age. The National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health has a health information page on enhancement supplements: Bodybuilding and Performance Enhancement Supplements | NCCIH.

Neuroscience's Secrets to Creativity

"Find what you love and let it kill you." I love that quote when thinking about one's passions (although the original context was about alcohol addiction). How the "salience network" can unleash your creativity - Big Think delves into how breaking free from conventional thought processes can lead to significant creative breakthroughs, a concept supported by neuroscience. It highlights historical examples like Archimedes and Isaac Newton, who achieved their eureka moments not through relentless analysis but by stepping away from their habitual cognitive patterns. The brain's "salience network" plays a pivotal role in this process, signaling when things deviate from the norm and allowing for a fresh perspective. Essentially, the first step towards innovation is to move away from the "House of Habit." The article emphasizes that this ability to disrupt the default mode network (DMN) and embrace new sensory inputs isn't just for geniuses but is an intrinsic part of the human brain, helping to foster creativity and problem-solving in various fields.

Reflective Resolutions

The article, Five Questions to Ask Yourself Every Evening, explores the importance of self-reflection to understand our daily barrage of thoughts and emotions. It suggests that our minds, busy with a constant stream of ideas and feelings, often repress these thoughts, leading to potential mental health issues. To address this, the article proposes five introspective questions to help identify true worries, sadness, annoyances, bodily needs, and joys. This practice, inspired by Socrates' emphasis on self-knowledge, aims to bring peace and clarity to our minds, fostering a more joyful and balanced life. (Thanks, Allyssa)

The Write Way to Think

I've used journaling for years to clarify my thinking. The article How to Use Writing to Sharpen Your Thinking delves into how writing remains a vital tool for sharpening our intellectual abilities, even in the age of advanced AI. An influential venture capitalist and essayist, Paul Graham, emphasizes that writing is integral to clear thinking and understanding. In his article "Putting Ideas into Words," Graham notes that writing about a topic reveals gaps in one's knowledge, leading to more precise and complete ideas. Another Silicon Valley notable, Tim Ferriss, concurs and offers practical advice on enhancing thinking through writing. He suggests writing anything regularly, focusing on editing and re-editing to refine thoughts. Ferriss also recommends seeking feedback, particularly highlighting the "ten percent rule," where readers identify the most crucial parts of the writing. This process, he argues, is not just for aspiring writers but for anyone who wants to maintain mental sharpness in their pursuits. Graham's pithy tweet encapsulates the essence: "Reading won't be obsolete till writing is, and writing won't be obsolete till thinking is."

Art's Heart: Reviving Our Cultural Pulse

David Brook's excellent Opinion | How Art Creates Us - The New York Times (gift article) discusses the decline in cultural engagement in society and its impact on human empathy and character. Brooks advocates for the transformative power of art and culture, emphasizing their role in enriching emotional intelligence and understanding. He highlights how cultural experiences, like those of novelist Alice Walker, deepen connections and broaden perspectives. Arguing that society's increasing malaise partly stems from a cultural disconnect, Brooks urges a re-embrace of the humanities to enhance personal growth and societal well-being, underscoring the moral and emotional enrichment the arts provide.

Bitter Buzz - Caffeine's Dirty Little Secret

Panera's Charged Lemonade, introduced in 2022, has sparked controversy with its high caffeine content, leading to lawsuits and health concerns. Containing more caffeine than standard energy drinks, it's implicated in wrongful death cases and health issues. Panera responded by adding warnings, reducing caffeine levels, and limiting access. This situation reignites the complex debate on safe caffeine limits. Symptoms of excessive intake, known as caffeinism, include severe health risks. With varying individual tolerances and an array of highly caffeinated products available, the article underscores the challenge of regulating and understanding safe caffeine consumption. Caffeine’s Dirty Little Secret - The Atlantic (thanks, Diana).