Raghu Meka, a computer scientist at UCLA, and Zander Kelley, a Ph.D. student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, made significant progress in the field of combinatorics by addressing the mystery of arithmetic progressions. Initially working on abstract games in computer science, their research led them to explore arithmetic progressions, a simple yet historically challenging mathematical pattern. Their breakthrough involved improving the understanding of the density of sets and when arithmetic progressions must appear. This advancement has implications for various mathematical and computer science applications, such as communication networks and image compression. The work of Meka and Kelley demonstrates the potential for fresh perspectives to make substantial contributions to longstanding mathematical problems.

Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers a rich cultural experience with Ottoman relics like Stari Most and Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. It's a compact city ideal for exploring on foot, with attractions such as the Museum of War and Genocide and Kajtaz House. The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages leisurely coffee breaks and the city serves as a base for regional exploration. Local cuisine is hearty with Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences, and dining options like Šadrvan and Divan offer traditional dishes. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to living museums, with affordable options available. Day trips can include visits to Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Kravice Waterfalls, and local tour companies like Mostar Travel and ToursByLocals offer guided experiences.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for depression involves physical components like electrodes in the brain, wires under the skin, and a battery-powered control unit in the chest, which can cause self-consciousness and discomfort among patients. The treatment requires regular tasks and visits to the lab at Mount Sinai. Patients like Jon, who underwent surgery on August 22, 2022, experience a period of adjustment and may face challenges such as malaise and relapses. Psychological support is crucial to help patients distinguish between depression and normal sadness. Studies suggest that DBS can lead to sustained improvements in 60 percent of patients over three to six years. The technology does not create artificial happiness but rather clears the way for natural emotions. The article also addresses the stigma around mental disorders and their treatments and mentions the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as a resource.

Psychedelic drugs like MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD are being explored as potential treatments for mental health disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Studies suggest that when combined with psychotherapy, these substances can provide immediate, powerful, and lasting relief for some individuals. The research has gained public attention and academic interest, with investments flowing into the field. However, questions remain about how these therapies work, who they might benefit, and the social, legal, and accessibility challenges they face. Psychedelics are currently classified as Schedule 1 substances in the U.S., and their use is illegal. Despite the hurdles, the potential of psychedelics to revolutionize mental health care is recognized, and efforts are underway to include diverse populations in clinical trials and to understand the biological mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects. Oregon has begun legalizing therapeutic psilocybin, and other states may follow. The article also acknowledges the long history of Indigenous use of psychedelics for healing and the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into the conversation.

A study involving nearly 400,000 participants from 38 countries found that individuals who grew up outside cities are better at navigation than those raised in urban areas. The research, which utilized a video game called Sea Hero Quest, indicated that people from rural areas performed better, especially in countries with cities that have simple, gridlike layouts. Cognitive scientist Antoine Coutrot suggests that exposure to complex environments in childhood could develop cognitive processes for better spatial skills, although definitive conclusions about the impact of childhood environment on navigation cannot be drawn solely from the video game data.

A study published in Current Biology on March 22 reveals that dogs can form mental concepts of objects, as indicated by neural signs of surprise when shown an unexpected toy. Neuroscientist Ellen Lau from the University of Maryland and ethologist Marianna Boros from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest conducted research with 27 pet dogs, finding that dogs displayed a strong neural signal, similar to the human N400 effect, when they saw a toy different from the one mentioned by their owner. This suggests dogs have a deeper understanding of words than previously thought.

The article discusses the 'hard problem of consciousness' and the mysteries surrounding why we sleep and dream. It highlights the lack of understanding in these areas despite advances in brain science. The phenomenon of lucid dreaming, where individuals are aware they are dreaming, is explored, including its potential psychological benefits and its use in research to better understand dreams. The author shares personal experiences with lucid dreaming and its positive effects. The article also references a Nautilus magazine piece on the challenges of studying dreams and the limited but interesting findings from attempts to communicate with dreaming subjects.

Rats have demonstrated the ability to move a digital cube to a target using only their brain activity, a study in Science reveals. This ability, akin to mental time travel, was facilitated by electrodes recording signals from the hippocampus while the rats navigated a 3-D virtual world. The research, conducted by neuroscientist Albert Lee and colleagues, could have implications for diagnosing and treating memory disorders. Experts like Mayank Mehta from UCLA commend the study, suggesting it could open up exciting possibilities in neuroscience.

Researchers have developed OrganEx, an artificial system that preserves cellular life in pig organs after death by pumping a mixture of artificial fluid and the animal's blood, providing oxygen, nutrients, and protection against inflammation and cell death. This system, which outperformed the existing ECMO treatment, could hint at new methods for keeping human organs healthy for transplantation. The study, led by neuroscientist Nenad Sestan at Yale University School of Medicine, showed that OrganEx reduced cell death and even aided in tissue repair.

Experts indicate that data on coronavirus infections in the United States have become less reliable due to fewer tests, reduced local government reporting, and home test results not being officially counted. Hospitalizations are rising, and more than 100,000 known cases are reported daily. Indirect measures like wastewater testing and internet searches for symptoms suggest the virus is still spreading. Beth Blauer of Johns Hopkins University highlights the crumbling testing data infrastructure and the challenges in gauging COVID-19 risk, emphasizing the need for public health infrastructure improvement and collective empathy.

As the Omicron variant spreads rapidly, it challenges existing COVID-19 testing and treatment strategies. Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants and is leading to high hospitalization rates, particularly among vulnerable populations. Rapid tests may not detect Omicron as effectively in the early stages of infection, and some treatments, like monoclonal antibodies, are less effective against it. New antiviral pills are promising but scarce. The healthcare system is under stress, and experts are calling for improved testing and treatment methods to prevent hospital overloads.

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting school closures have led to significant learning losses and mental health challenges for students. The shift to online learning has disproportionately affected children from Black, Hispanic, and underserved communities, with many students lacking reliable internet access or a quiet place to study. Schools have traditionally acted as a safety net, providing consistent meals and adult supervision, but the pandemic has disrupted these services. As schools reopen, educators and parents must address not only the academic setbacks but also the emotional toll on students. Data indicates that depression and anxiety among children and teens have increased, with emergency room visits for mental health issues rising significantly. The return to school presents an opportunity to make schools more responsive to the needs of children.

Neurotechnology's potential to read and modify brain activity raises significant privacy and ethical concerns. Elon Musk's Neuralink and other advances in the field are rapidly progressing, with applications ranging from medical treatments to potential commercial and manipulative uses. Ethical discussions are ongoing, with no consensus on regulation. The article explores the implications of neurotechnology, including the potential for privacy violations and the need for ethical guidelines to protect cognitive liberty.

Laura is a distinguished journalist and broadcaster with a focus on travel, currently based in the West Midlands. She has an extensive portfolio, having contributed to major outlets such as the BBC, Conde Nast Traveller, and Lonely Planet. Laura is known for her practical travel advice, notably on Which? podcasts, and has recently discussed passenger rights on GB News following an air traffic control incident. Her background includes a role as LADbible Group's first SEO journalist and a reporter for Free Radio. She has also shared her expertise as a guest lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton. In 2021, Laura started the True Travel Podcast, which has gained international listenership, with the UK, USA, and Germany being the top countries tuning in.