Science & Technology

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Giant friction experiment at Kīlauea volcano

A new analysis of the 2018 collapse of Kīlauea volcano’s caldera helps to confirm the reigning scientific paradigm for how friction works on earthquake faults. The model quantifies the conditions necessary to initiate the kind of caldera collapse that sustains big, damaging eruptions of basaltic volcanoes like Kīlauea and could help to inform forecasting and mitigation.

AI tool streamlines feedback on coding homework

Stanford professors develop and use an AI teaching tool that can provide feedback on students’ homework assignments in university-level coding courses; a previously laborious and time-consuming task.

Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence —

Rooting out anti-Muslim bias in popular language model GPT-3

Large language models are showing great promise, from writing code to convincing essays, and could begin to power more of our everyday tools. That could lead to serious consequences if their bias isn’t remedied, Stanford researchers say.

Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance

A scientific research and technology partnership, led by Stanford and engaging five other public and private universities and institutes, will explore peak human performance with the goal of transforming human health on a global scale. The Alliance will be directed by Stanford bioengineer Scott Delp.

Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute —

Skilled actions snap cerebellar circuits into sharp synchrony

A dramatic shift in brain activity may act as a neural “conductor” to orchestrate the precise timing of skilled movements, according to research by Mark Schnitzer’s group at the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.

Precourt Institute for Energy —

Scientists turn methane into methanol at room temperature

The discovery may be an important step toward a methanol fuel economy with abundant methane as the feedstock. Rich in hydrogen, methanol can drive new-age fuel cells that could yield significant environmental benefits.

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