Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the trachea near the cricotracheal junction, leading to labored breathing and often requiring surgery. This study aimed to quantify the effects of SGS on vocal fold vibration and sound production using synthetic vocal fold models. An experimental device simulating SGS was developed, allowing for adjustable severity of stenosis. The study found that significant changes in acoustics occurred at 65% to 70% obstruction, while glottal area and flow resistance were notably affected at 80% to 90% obstruction. Additionally, an MRI-compatible posturing device was created to study the effects of vocal fold posturing, revealing that the frequency of vibration did not significantly vary with elongation.

The article reviews 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' and its effectiveness as a political comedy in the context of the current political climate. It contrasts the original 2006 'Borat' film with the sequel, noting the latter's direct approach to addressing issues in the Trump administration. The piece reflects on the challenges Sacha Baron Cohen faces in enlightening audiences with the same comedic template and the varying interpretations of the film's humor among different audience segments. The article suggests that while the film's explicitness may alienate some viewers, it remains an important and enjoyable work, especially during uncertain times.

The article discusses the dual nature of human society, capable of both cooperation and conflict, and explores how mathematical modeling can help design societies that promote cooperative behavior. The study led by the author used a network-based model to understand the conditions under which cooperation is favored. It found that strong, reciprocated connections between a small number of individuals encourage cooperation, while too many weak connections do not. The research suggests that for global cooperation to succeed, such as in addressing climate change, we need structures that foster strong local connections. The article also notes that while platforms like Twitter are good for information sharing, they may not be as effective in promoting cooperation.

Inclusive fitness, a concept in sociobiology, is critiqued by Nowak, Tarnita, and Wilson (NTW) for its limited applicability in understanding the evolution of social behavior. NTW argue that inclusive fitness does not exist for most evolutionary processes and that eusociality can arise through simple mutations influenced by demographic and ecological parameters rather than relatedness. Liao, Rong, and Queller (LRQ) attempt to rebut NTW's findings with models that NTW argue are biologically implausible and mathematically flawed. NTW maintain that inclusive fitness is unnecessary for explaining evolutionary phenomena, advocating instead for a more robust mathematical theory of evolution.

The study explores how asymmetric spatial population structures can influence the rate of neutral genetic substitutions, challenging the widely accepted notion that the rate of neutral substitution (K) equals the mutation rate (u). Using mathematical models, the authors demonstrate that spatial structures can either accelerate or decelerate the molecular clock rate, depending on variations in birth and death rates across different sites. The findings have implications for understanding genetic mutations in biological populations, such as intestinal crypts, and social networks, like Twitter, where network topology affects the rate of idea replacement. The research highlights the importance of considering spatial structure in evolutionary biology and its potential impact on estimating evolutionary timelines and understanding cancer progression.