Short Takes – 10-16-24

Routine dental X-rays are not backed by evidence—experts want it to stop. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “The [American Dental Association] association's guidelines from 2012 recommended that adults who don't have an increased risk of dental caries (myself included) need only bitewing X-rays of the back teeth every two to three years. Even people with a higher risk of caries can go as long as 18 months between bitewings. The guidelines also note that X-rays should not be preemptively used to look for problems: "Radiographic screening for the purpose of detecting disease before clinical examination should not be performed," the guidelines read. In other words, dentists are supposed to examine your teeth before they take any X-rays.”

Axiom Space, Prada Unveil Spacesuit Design for Moon Return. AxiomSpace.com press release. Pull quote: “The AxEMU incorporates multiple redundant systems and an onboard diagnostic system to ensure safety for crewmembers. The suit also uses a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and a robust cooling technology to remove heat from the system. It includes advanced coatings on the helmet and visor to enhance the astronauts’ view of their surroundings, as well as custom gloves made in-house featuring several advancements over the gloves used today. The spacesuit architecture includes life support systems, pressure garments, avionics and other innovative systems to meet exploration needs and expand scientific opportunities.”

Senate Republicans pump brakes on year-end omnibus. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “If Harris defeats Trump and Democrats win the House majority, it’s unclear if Johnson would even remain as minority leader in the House. He might face less pressure, however, on the subject of the omnibus.”

Energy-thirsty indoor vertical gardens ripe for improvement. NewsWise.com article. Pull quote: “"As these systems become more mainstream, improvements in design and energy management will make them more sustainable. Transitioning to renewable energy sources would further enhance their environmental benefits,” Prof Lombi says.”

Widespread ice deposits on the moon. ScienceDaily.com article. Pull quote: “"We can't accurately determine the volume of the PSRs' ice deposits or identify if they might be buried under a dry layer of regolith. However, we expect that for each surface 1.2 square yards (square meter) residing over these deposits there should be at least about five more quarts (five more liters) of ice within the surface top 3.3 feet (meter), as compared to their surrounding areas," said McClanahan. The study also mapped where fewer, smaller, or lower-concentration ice deposits would be expected, occurring primarily towards warmer, periodically illuminated areas.” Journal article here.

The federal government is likely to receive a record number of FOIA requests again in 2024. GovExec.com article. Pull quote: “Moreover, AI can assist in maintaining the security of sensitive and confidential information, a critical concern for government agencies. Many FOIA requests involve documents that contain classified, personal, or legally protected information. AI systems can be trained to recognize these types of content and apply redactions automatically, helping ensure that sensitive information is not inadvertently released.” Let’s hope that these AI systems are not hackable.