Working to better forecast the size of future earthquakes and tsunamis! Science Now 29

The video discusses various scientific advancements funded by the National Science Foundation. It covers research on increasing crop yields through gene variations in tomatoes, understanding brain functions related to reading difficulties, improving the reliability of prosthetic limbs, and forecasting earthquakes using slow slip events. Each section highlights the potential impact of these studies on agriculture, education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness.

What is the main goal of the genetic toolkit developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory?

• To increase the nutritional value of tomatoes

• To enhance fruit production in tomato plants

• To reduce the water requirements of crops

• To make tomatoes resistant to pests

How does the new computer model developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers help in understanding reading?

• By translating text into speech

• By teaching new reading techniques

• By improving the speed of reading

• By identifying the brain regions involved in reading

What potential application does the reading model have according to the researchers?

• Enhancing vocabulary

• Improving memory retention

• Speed reading training

• Diagnosing reading disorders

What is the main challenge faced by powered lower limb prosthetics?

• High cost of production

• Limited battery life

• Errors causing instability

• Heavy weight

How do researchers aim to improve the reliability of prosthetic limbs?

• By using lighter materials

• By translating muscle signals into user intent

• By reducing the size of the prosthetics

• By enhancing battery efficiency

What are slow slip events and how are they useful?

• Rapid shifts in tectonic plates, useful for predicting landslides

• Minor shifts in tectonic plates, useful for predicting weather changes

• Gradual shifts in tectonic plates, useful for predicting earthquakes

• Sudden shifts in tectonic plates, useful for predicting volcanic eruptions

What technology did USF geologist Tim Dixon's team use to study slow slip events?

• Seismographs

• High precision GPS

• Satellite imagery

• Drones