Bad times to be a migrant even if you are a Monarch

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6395/1294.full

For example, the abundance of monarchs was one of the highest in decades in the Northeast during the 2017 breeding season, but in the subsequent winter, the population was well below historic levels in Mexico.
...
Recent evidence points to a decline beginning >45 years ago in another U.S. population of monarchs, which migrates within California (14). Such long-term and broadscale negative population trends suggest continent-wide changes that transcend single explanations such as herbicide-tolerant crops.

Modeling efforts are helping to elucidate the causes of the shrinking monarch populations (13), but as is the case for most declining species, multiple stressors likely conspire.

Про не к добру

Событие: https://geish-a.livejournal.com/1292161.html
Реакция: https://arbat.dreamwidth.org/948352.html

Вне зависимости от личности людей и schadenfreude, можно видеть степень разрушения слабых связей в обществе. Обычно, слабые связи работают лучше сильных, когда нужно найти работу или новое решение личной проблемы. Учитывая что сейчас хорошие времена (экономически), в плохие времена будет, скорее всего, хуже.

(no subject)

I wonder whether associativity is key to modeling the difference b/w products and services. Time-wise, e.g. using pain killers as a product is associative, while using services of a doctor or a medical insurance is not. Consider for example a cancer patient. Switching pain killer pills is, practically, costless and equivalent in outcomes, i.e. (1 o 2) o 3 = 1 o (2 o 3). On the other hand, switching insurance is costly and path-dependent, especially, if the condition worsens over time, i.e. (1 o 2) o 3 ≠ 1 o (2 o 3). This is a structural issue, independent of information costs.

(no subject)

I still find it a bit surprising when a guy says, "My husband still lives in Paris." But not as surprising as 30 years ago.

TIL: Default Mode Network Modulation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Default_mode_network#Modulation
http://www.econtalk.org/michael-pollan-on-psychedelic-drugs-and-how-to-change-your-mind/

In neuroscience, the default mode network (DMN), also default network, or default state network, is a large scale brain network of interacting brain regions known to have activity highly correlated with each other and distinct from other networks in the brain.[3]
...
Meditation – Structural changes in areas of the DMN such as the temporoparietal junction, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus have been found in meditation practitioners.[31] There is reduced activation and reduced functional connectivity of the DMN in long-term practitioners.[31] Various forms of nondirective meditation, including Transcendental Meditation[32] and Acem Meditation,[33] have been found to activate the DMN.

Psychedelic drugs – Reduced blood flow to the PCC and mPFC was observed under the administration of psilocybin. These two areas are considered to be the main nodes of the DMN.[37] One study on the effects of LSD demonstrated that the drug desynchronizes brain activity within the DMN; the activity of the brain regions that constitute the DMN becomes less correlated.[38]