As our lives become more intertwined with technology, the concept of virtual identity has become increasingly important. From social media profiles to online banking accounts, our virtual identities can have a significant impact on our lives. However, with the rise of AI and other advanced technologies, questions about the ethics of virtual identity are becoming…
Imagine a world where patients and their families can directly fund scientists developing the next breakthrough drug or treatment that they need. A world in which drug development is a collaborative, open, and decentralized process. Such a future is not only possible, but the decentralized science movement is making it a reality.Through blockchain, crypto, and…
Cognitive scientist Gary Marcus believes advances in artificial intelligence will rely on hybrid AI, the combination of symbolic AI and neural networks. Deep learning, the main innovation that has renewed interest in artificial intelligence in the past years, has helped solve many critical problems in computer vision, natural language processing, and speech recognition. However, as the…
Executive summaryGenomic surveillance in Belgium is based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a selection ofrepresentative samples, complemented with targeted active surveillance initiatives and targetedmolecular markers aiming to early detect and precisely monitor the epidemiological evolution ofvariants of concern (VOCs). Currently, 5.050 sequences of samples collected in Belgium are availableon GISAID in open access. During…
The Invisible Landscape
“Bard of the Archaic Revival” Terence McKenna, the visionary ethnobotanist and self-proclaimed “bard of the archaic revival,” offered a unique, often exhilarating, and occasionally alarming perspective on the burgeoning cyberculture of the late 20th century. Far from a conventional technologist, McKenna approached the digital realm through the lens of psychedelics, shamanism, and a deep, almost mystical, understanding of […]
Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelics, are a class of psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perception, mood, and thought processes. Their modern usage is multifaceted, ranging from a burgeoning field of clinical research and therapy to spiritual practices and recreational use. Understanding their role, benefits, and dangers requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging both their therapeutic potential and inherent risks. I. […]
The inevitability of bottom-up organization across different parts of the world stems from its inherent strengths in system-maintenance, schooling, adaptive learning, and inclusivity, while also reflecting a deep historical precedent of cooperative networks. This approach, though sometimes slower in decision-making, leverages the collective intelligence and agency of individuals directly involved, leading to more resilient, relevant, […]
