Curious Dilettantes #0005
Curious Dilettantes #0005
Learn something that expands your mind, in less than 5 minutes each week.
The Eye
Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish artist whose name predicted his future, as his art revolves the bold use of colors as a primary vehicle to communicate his thoughts and ideals. No medium is off-limits, as Pantone’s artwork has found its way into sculptures, installations, murals, buildings, watches, and even a Formula 1 car.
The Mind
Could Duolingo be more effective at treating Alzheimer’s than the drug lecanemab? While no studies have been done to support this particular possibility, scientists have discovered that speaking two languages or more helps slow the cognitive decline associated with the disease by five years. They believe that the development of proficiency in an additional language helps to build what they call “cognitive reserve”. Learning a new language creates additional networks of neural connections, which may contribute to this reserve.
What’s even more interesting is that the research show that proficiency in a second language is more important than when the new language was learned. If this holds true, then the claim that a smartphone app is more efficacious than a drug at treating Alzheimer’s may not be that far-fetched.
The Machine
3D printing has been around for a while, and most of us are familiar with them for building trinkets, tools and smaller items. However, home construction with 3D printers is here, and more amazingly, 2-storey homes are being built using this technology.
The Heart
This fascinating animated chart provides a visualization of data from the American Time Use survey. It shows that as we age, the people that we spend the most time with changes. In our latter years, the person who matters most? Our spouses.
The Wonder
Today is Chinese New Year, which marks the beginning of the year in the Chinese lunar calendar. A vital part of any Chinese New Year celebration is the lion dance. In this performance, the athleticism, precision and artistry of world-class practitioners of the sport is on full display. While it’s easy to be wowed by the display of pure physical prowess, pay attention to the subtleties of the movements of the eyes and mouth. They all combine to produce a stunning display of power and grace.
Note: The interesting action begins at 1:18