ONT

Jan 15 2025SCIENCE

Turning Big Data into Simple Control: How Surrogate Models Help

Imagine you're trying to steer a huge, complex system, like an ecosystem or a healthcare network. Agent-based models (ABMs) help us simulate these systems, but controlling them can be tough. Enter surrogate modeling: a clever technique that simplifies things. This method turns complex ABMs into smal

reading time less than a minute
Jan 15 2025TECHNOLOGY

Tablets for Kids: Fun, Learning, and Safety All in One

Choosing a tablet for your kid can be a tough decision. You want something that's both fun and educational, right? Let's break it down. First off, think about what your kid needs. Younger ones might be happy with a tablet that's more like a toy, while older kids might want something that feels more

reading time less than a minute
Jan 15 2025WEATHER

Why January in South Carolina Feels Like the Coldest Month

Ever wondered why January in South Carolina often feels colder than December? You're not alone. The reason lies in how the Earth stores and loses heat. Even though winter starts in late December, it takes time for the ground and air to cool down after the warmth of summer and fall. This delay, calle

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025CELEBRITIES

Fighting Over tWitch’s Memory: The Holker vs. Boss Family Feud

Ever since the death of dancer and DJ Stephen 'tWitch' Boss in December 2022, his wife Allison Holker and his family have been entangled in a bitter dispute. At the heart of the feud is a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prevents Boss's family from profiting from his life story. This NDA, which w

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025POLITICS

Pete Hegseth: Veteran, Controversy, and a Pentagon Nomination

Pete Hegseth, a decorated veteran and former Fox News host, is set to face the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing to lead the Pentagon. His nomination comes with a trail of controversies, including allegations of sexual assault and misconduct in the workplace. Despite denyi

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025TECHNOLOGY

Android 16: Is a Vertical Volume Slider the New Normal?

Ever wished your Android device's volume slider looked a bit more modern? Android 16 might just be answering that wish! The latest developer preview showed off a new look for volume controls. Instead of the usual horizontal bar, Google is switching to a vertical slider. One side is dark, and the oth

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025ENVIRONMENT

Discovering New PFAS in Soil: What We Found and Why it Matters

Soils near an industrial park in Shandong Province, China, were found to contain 81 different perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This was done using a new approach that helps scientists find unknown compounds without needing to know their structure beforehand. Among these PFAS, 12

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025SPORTS

Miami's New Defensive Coach: A Costly Bet with High Hopes

Mario Cristobal, the coach of the Miami Hurricanes, has a big task ahead. His team missed the playoffs last season due to a weak defense. So, he decided to make a change. He fired the defensive coordinator and hired a new one, Corey Hetherman, from the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Hetherman did a great

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025ENVIRONMENT

Protecting Channels: Why Bed Material Matters in Stormwater Control

Storms can be tough on city channels, especially when urbanization changes how water flows. We've been using rules called the Unified Stormwater Sizing Criteria (USSC) to manage this, but it turns out they might not be keeping channels safe from erosion. So, let's dig into how we can do better. Fir

reading time less than a minute
Jan 14 2025POLITICS

Jennifer Rubin and Norm Eisen Launch New Media Venture

Veteran columnist Jennifer Rubin has left The Washington Post and teamed up with former ethics chief Norm Eisen to start a new publication called The Contrarian. They aim to counter what they see as a growing authoritarian threat, focusing on pro-democracy content. The founders have already recruite

reading time less than a minute