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20Stanford marshmallow experiment
The Stanford marshmallow experiment was a study on delayed gratification in children, conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s by psychologist Walter Mischel. Children were given a choice between eating one marshmallow immediately or waiting a short period (about 15 minutes) to receive two marshmallows; follow-up studies suggested a correlation between the ability to delay gratification and later success in life, although these findings have been challenged.
How Sand Hill Road Became the Main Street of Venture Capital
This Wired article explores the history and evolution of Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, California, as the epicenter of the venture capital industry. The article highlights the factors that led to its prominence, including its proximity to Stanford University and the concentration of influential VC firms.
First-ever recording of a blue whale’s heart rate
Stanford University researchers have successfully recorded the heart rate of a blue whale in the wild for the first time. This measurement, obtained using ingenuity and luck, suggests that blue whale hearts operate at physiological extremes, potentially limiting their size.
Enhancing gut-brain communication reversed cognitive decline, improved memory formation in aging mice
A Stanford University study found that aging causes changes in gut bacteria in mice, hindering communication between the intestines and the brain. Restoring this gut-brain connection reversed cognitive decline and improved memory formation in older mice, bringing their memory performance on par with younger animals.
A Stanford grad student created an algorithm to help his classmates find love; now, Date Drop is the basis of his new startup
A Stanford graduate student has created an algorithm to help his classmates find love, leading to the creation of a new startup called Date Drop. The algorithm boasts a 10x higher conversion rate to actual dates compared to Tinder, according to the founder.
One vaccine may provide broad protection against many respiratory infections and allergens
Stanford Medicine researchers have developed a novel vaccine that offers broad protection against various respiratory viruses, bacteria, and allergens in mice, marking a significant step towards a universal vaccine. The new vaccine is designed to combat a wide range of respiratory threats, bringing scientists closer to a single solution for multiple infections.
Grab bestseller “Unforgettable Presence” by Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine K. Lee, a corporate keynote speaker and former LinkedIn founding editor, is promoting her new book "Unforgettable Presence," a guide for professionals looking to elevate their visibility and credibility. She is also an instructor at LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies.
Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address
This YouTube link is for Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address. The speech is known for Jobs' reflections on his life, including dropping out of college, getting fired from Apple, and facing his own mortality due to cancer.
Climate Physicists Face the Ghosts in Their Machines: Clouds
Climate physicists and computer scientists are collaborating to improve cloud modeling in climate simulations, addressing a critical factor in predicting the extent of global warming. Challenges in accurately representing cloud behavior and the computational demands of these models are driving this research, which aims to refine projections of future climate scenarios.
Single vaccine could protect against all coughs, colds and flus, researchers say
A Stanford University team has developed a nasal spray vaccine they believe could protect against all coughs, colds, and flus. The vaccine has been tested in animals, but human clinical trials are still needed.
Why Is Everyone So Nice to Eileen Gu?
The Free Press analyzes why Eileen Gu, born and raised in San Francisco and educated at Stanford, chose to compete in freestyle skiing for China instead of the United States. The piece dives into the perceived "niceness" towards her despite the controversial decision, exploring the complex factors that shaped her choice.
A Stanford grad student created an algorithm to help his classmates find love; now, Date Drop is the basis of his new startup
A Stanford grad student created an algorithm to help his classmates find love, and it is now the basis of his new startup, Date Drop. The startup claims its matches convert to actual dates at about 10x the rate of Tinder.
@eoghanmacguire.bsky.social on Bluesky
The URL links to the Bluesky profile of Eoghan Macguire, a journalist and editor at Bellingcat. The profile also mentions that he is an alum of @jskstanford.bsky.social.
Five things to know about measles, and its risk to the young and old
A Stanford Medicine article discusses the dangers of declining measles vaccination rates, particularly for young children and older adults. Infectious disease experts are concerned that vulnerable populations will face serious risks as immunity decreases.
Is YC for Cowards?
The *Stanford Review* article questions whether participating in Y Combinator (YC) indicates a lack of entrepreneurial courage, arguing that it might be a safer, less ambitious path compared to forging one's own way in the startup world. It suggests that the allure of YC's structure and resources could stifle true innovation and risk-taking.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
The Steve Jobs Archive commemorates the 20th anniversary of Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech with a digitally enhanced video and a behind-the-scenes look at its creation. The archive includes firsthand accounts and Jobs' personal drafts related to the speech.
AI-Generated “Workslop” Is Destroying Productivity
Generative AI adoption is widespread, yet companies are seeing minimal ROI. The issue stems from AI tools producing superficial content called "workslop," which requires significant rework from employees. Research indicates that 41% of workers encounter this issue, resulting in nearly two hours of lost productivity per instance, negatively impacting collaboration and trust.
Why More Companies Are Recognizing the Benefits of Keeping Older Employees - Stanford Center on Longevity
The Stanford Center on Longevity highlights the growing trend of companies recognizing the value of retaining older employees. The article discusses how older workers bring experience, stability, and mentorship capabilities, leading to improved company performance and innovation.
Mouthbreathing Machiavellis Dream of a Silicon Reich
Corey Pein's article in The Baffler explores the neo-reactionary figures and ideologies influencing Silicon Valley's rightward shift. It examines the philosophical underpinnings of this movement, revealing connections between tech elites and controversial political ideas.
Import AI 309: Generative bias; BLOOM isn’t great; how China and Russia use AI
Import AI #309 discusses bias in generative image models, citing research from Stanford University, Columbia University, Bocconi University, and the University of Washington showing that these models perpetuate biases present in their training data. It also touches on how China and Russia are utilizing AI.