Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
@samvrl.bsky.social
Interested in the study of risk, disasters, and robotics 🤖.
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Fn2N1sEAAAAJ&hl=es
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Fn2N1sEAAAAJ&hl=es
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
A rain shower yesterday afternoon with crepuscular rays filtering through the mist (Photo: Sicco Rood).
November 21, 2025 at 1:19 AM
A rain shower yesterday afternoon with crepuscular rays filtering through the mist (Photo: Sicco Rood).
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
The sophistication of AI friends is growing. The next version of ChatGPT will be able to act “more humanlike” and “like a friend” and will also allow “erotica” for verified adults, according to Sam Altman, OpenAI’s boss
A new industry of AI companions is emerging
It may have profound implications for society and what it means to be human
econ.st
November 8, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The sophistication of AI friends is growing. The next version of ChatGPT will be able to act “more humanlike” and “like a friend” and will also allow “erotica” for verified adults, according to Sam Altman, OpenAI’s boss
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
"Accountability in Government Use of AI: Citizen Concerns and Preferences" by Naikang Feng & Yanto Chandra answers the question about how ordinary citizens perceive accountability policies in government AI use. doi.org/10.1111/padm...
November 4, 2025 at 4:56 PM
"Accountability in Government Use of AI: Citizen Concerns and Preferences" by Naikang Feng & Yanto Chandra answers the question about how ordinary citizens perceive accountability policies in government AI use. doi.org/10.1111/padm...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Now available! This Columbia University Earth Institute Sustainability Primer, DISASTERS AND DEVELOPMENT, will be useful for undergraduate and graduate courses, and it is relevant and accessible to practitioners and other interested readers. buff.ly/CYDBmsM #NaturalDisasters @climate.columbia.edu
November 2, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Now available! This Columbia University Earth Institute Sustainability Primer, DISASTERS AND DEVELOPMENT, will be useful for undergraduate and graduate courses, and it is relevant and accessible to practitioners and other interested readers. buff.ly/CYDBmsM #NaturalDisasters @climate.columbia.edu
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
The loading-the-dishwasher struggle is real. Even—or especially—for the $20,000 1X Neo humanoid home robot.
🔗: on.wsj.com/47whlZ1
🔗: on.wsj.com/47whlZ1
October 31, 2025 at 3:41 AM
The loading-the-dishwasher struggle is real. Even—or especially—for the $20,000 1X Neo humanoid home robot.
🔗: on.wsj.com/47whlZ1
🔗: on.wsj.com/47whlZ1
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Japón inaugura el primer centro de datos 100% libre de emisiones que funciona con nieve, viento y energía solar.
ecoinventos.com/japon-inaugu...
ecoinventos.com/japon-inaugu...
Japón inaugura el primer centro de datos 100% libre de emisiones que funciona con nieve, viento y energía solar
Está en Ishikari, Hokkaido, donde las temperaturas invernales bajan hasta -5 °C, lo que permite usar aire frío natural para refrigerar los servidores.
ecoinventos.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Japón inaugura el primer centro de datos 100% libre de emisiones que funciona con nieve, viento y energía solar.
ecoinventos.com/japon-inaugu...
ecoinventos.com/japon-inaugu...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Older technologies have aided and perhaps enfeebled writers. “But with A.I. we’re so thoroughly able to outsource our thinking that it makes us more average, too,” Kyle Chayka writes.
A.I. Is Homogenizing Our Thoughts
Recent studies suggest that tools such as ChatGPT make our brains less active and our writing less original.
www.newyorker.com
October 7, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Older technologies have aided and perhaps enfeebled writers. “But with A.I. we’re so thoroughly able to outsource our thinking that it makes us more average, too,” Kyle Chayka writes.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
A psychotherapist decided to treat ChatGPT as if it were his patient. The experience left him “alternately gratified and horrified,” and, above all, unable to pull himself away.
Putting ChatGPT on the Couch
When I played doctor with the chatbot, the simulated patient confessed problems that are real—and that should worry all of us.
www.newyorker.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:10 AM
A psychotherapist decided to treat ChatGPT as if it were his patient. The experience left him “alternately gratified and horrified,” and, above all, unable to pull himself away.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
🏢 Empresas | 🌟 CloudHQ destinará $4,800M a 6 centros de datos en Querétaro. 7,200 empleos en el sector de IA 📈
www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/8-c...
www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/8-c...
8 Claves de la millonaria inversión de CloudHQ en México para fortalecer la infraestructura de IA
La primera etapa de este proyecto representa una inversión previa de 250 millones de dólares.
www.eleconomista.com.mx
September 28, 2025 at 8:34 PM
🏢 Empresas | 🌟 CloudHQ destinará $4,800M a 6 centros de datos en Querétaro. 7,200 empleos en el sector de IA 📈
www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/8-c...
www.eleconomista.com.mx/empresas/8-c...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Volume 7, Issue 1 of the Occasional Paper Series #SICA_OPS is published!
This volume compiles research and practitioner insights focused on policy responses and governance challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
Read it here: www.sicaaspa.org/view-all-iss...
This volume compiles research and practitioner insights focused on policy responses and governance challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
Read it here: www.sicaaspa.org/view-all-iss...
View all issues | SICA
www.sicaaspa.org
August 22, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Volume 7, Issue 1 of the Occasional Paper Series #SICA_OPS is published!
This volume compiles research and practitioner insights focused on policy responses and governance challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
Read it here: www.sicaaspa.org/view-all-iss...
This volume compiles research and practitioner insights focused on policy responses and governance challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.
Read it here: www.sicaaspa.org/view-all-iss...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Beyond the risk of drowning, floodwaters are often full of sewage, medical waste, industrial chemicals and more. And even after the storm is over, many hazards can remain. Here's what to know.
The Unseen Health Dangers of Floodwaters
Even if the water looks safe, it could be filled with sewage and other hazards.
nyti.ms
August 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Beyond the risk of drowning, floodwaters are often full of sewage, medical waste, industrial chemicals and more. And even after the storm is over, many hazards can remain. Here's what to know.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
🔴 Política | CDMX activa Alerta Roja por intensas lluvias y granizo: afectaciones y cierres en transporte.
www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/cdm...
www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/cdm...
CDMX activa Alerta Roja por intensas lluvias y granizo: afectaciones y cierres en transporte
La tarde de este domingo en la mayoría de las alcaldías de la CDMX enfrentan lluvias y caída de granizo, con encharcamientos y cierres parciales en el
www.eleconomista.com.mx
August 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
🔴 Política | CDMX activa Alerta Roja por intensas lluvias y granizo: afectaciones y cierres en transporte.
www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/cdm...
www.eleconomista.com.mx/politica/cdm...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
At Alpha School in Austin, Texas, students spend just two hours a day on academics, led by artificial intelligence tools. The remaining hours rely on A.I. and an adult “guide” to develop other skills. New Alpha schools are set to open in about a dozen cities this fall. nyti.ms/3UuHfGC
July 27, 2025 at 4:37 PM
At Alpha School in Austin, Texas, students spend just two hours a day on academics, led by artificial intelligence tools. The remaining hours rely on A.I. and an adult “guide” to develop other skills. New Alpha schools are set to open in about a dozen cities this fall. nyti.ms/3UuHfGC
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
For common allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, immunotherapy—in the form of drops, shots or tablets—is now highly effective for most people. Progress has been slower for food allergies, but that is changing
Can you overcome an allergy?
Treatment is improving, even for the most dangerous
econ.st
July 27, 2025 at 5:40 PM
For common allergens, such as pollen and dust mites, immunotherapy—in the form of drops, shots or tablets—is now highly effective for most people. Progress has been slower for food allergies, but that is changing
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
🚨 As Central Texas continues to process the flooding devastation and loss of life and property, please consider donating to the vetted organizations listed in the screenshots as well as those listed in the Austin American Statesman.
👉🏽 www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
👉🏽 www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
July 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
🚨 As Central Texas continues to process the flooding devastation and loss of life and property, please consider donating to the vetted organizations listed in the screenshots as well as those listed in the Austin American Statesman.
👉🏽 www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
👉🏽 www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
📱¿Necesitamos una nueva app de mensajería? Parecería que no, pues ya tenemos varias opciones como WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, etc. Sin embargo, eso podría cambiar con Bit Chat, el nuevo experimento de Jack Dorsey. @animalmx.bsky.social te cuenta más detalles.
Bit Chat, la nueva app de mensajería del creador de Twitter que funciona sin internet
animalpolitico.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:11 AM
📱¿Necesitamos una nueva app de mensajería? Parecería que no, pues ya tenemos varias opciones como WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, etc. Sin embargo, eso podría cambiar con Bit Chat, el nuevo experimento de Jack Dorsey. @animalmx.bsky.social te cuenta más detalles.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Here's how you can help those impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country, along with safety tips for dealing with flood warnings and what to do when you encounter flood waters.
Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help
Catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country has killed 32 people, including 18 children, with seven victims still unidentified. Rescue crews are searching for 27 missing girls from Camp Mystic. Mo...
www.texastribune.org
July 5, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Here's how you can help those impacted by the catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country, along with safety tips for dealing with flood warnings and what to do when you encounter flood waters.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
🤖 At #ASPA2025, Dr. Samanta Varela Castro reflected on robots as socio-technical actors in public space.
How do form, movement & interface shape public trust?
Tensions between street-level bureaucracy & spatial organizing raise key questions on ethics, design & discretion.
#HRI #PublicAdmin
How do form, movement & interface shape public trust?
Tensions between street-level bureaucracy & spatial organizing raise key questions on ethics, design & discretion.
#HRI #PublicAdmin
July 4, 2025 at 12:16 AM
🤖 At #ASPA2025, Dr. Samanta Varela Castro reflected on robots as socio-technical actors in public space.
How do form, movement & interface shape public trust?
Tensions between street-level bureaucracy & spatial organizing raise key questions on ethics, design & discretion.
#HRI #PublicAdmin
How do form, movement & interface shape public trust?
Tensions between street-level bureaucracy & spatial organizing raise key questions on ethics, design & discretion.
#HRI #PublicAdmin
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Has A.I. become a part of your daily work routines, or helped you with a breakthrough? We want to know what it assists you with and if it has failed you in some way. Let us know in this form.
Tell Us: How Are You Using A.I. at Work?
Has A.I. become a part of your daily work routines? We want to know.
trib.al
July 1, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Has A.I. become a part of your daily work routines, or helped you with a breakthrough? We want to know what it assists you with and if it has failed you in some way. Let us know in this form.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
#ArteEIdeas | Estados Unidos decidió este lunes reforzar la protección federal de todas las especies de pangolines, los únicos mamíferos de piel escamosa y los que sufren más tráfico ilegal en el mundo. 🇺🇸🦔
Estados Unidos refuerza la protección del pangolín: El mamífero más traficado del mundo
Estados Unidos decidió este lunes reforzar la protección federal de todas las especies de pangolines, los únicos mamíferos de piel escamosa y los que
www.eleconomista.com.mx
June 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
#ArteEIdeas | Estados Unidos decidió este lunes reforzar la protección federal de todas las especies de pangolines, los únicos mamíferos de piel escamosa y los que sufren más tráfico ilegal en el mundo. 🇺🇸🦔
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
When fires swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades, they didn’t just destroy homes — they hit water systems too. Small utilities are struggling to rebuild, and rates may rise without more support.
@ianjames.bsky.social for @latimes.com:
www.latimes.com/environment/...
@ianjames.bsky.social for @latimes.com:
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Smaller water districts were hit hardest by L.A. firestorms, UCLA report finds
The January firestorms damaged water systems in large areas of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In a new report, UCLA researchers examine the toll on 11 community water systems.
www.latimes.com
May 29, 2025 at 11:48 PM
When fires swept through Altadena and Pacific Palisades, they didn’t just destroy homes — they hit water systems too. Small utilities are struggling to rebuild, and rates may rise without more support.
@ianjames.bsky.social for @latimes.com:
www.latimes.com/environment/...
@ianjames.bsky.social for @latimes.com:
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
🧠Con el desarrollo de la Inteligencia Artificial, algunas personas optan por utilizar a chatbots como psicólogos.
No obstante, especialistas consideran que estos programas informáticos son "terapeutas inexpertos".
Vía BBC Mundo.
No obstante, especialistas consideran que estos programas informáticos son "terapeutas inexpertos".
Vía BBC Mundo.
“Mi psicólogo de IA me ayudó a superar momentos difíciles”: los riesgos y beneficios de usar un chatbot como terapeuta
www.animalpolitico.com
May 25, 2025 at 7:06 PM
🧠Con el desarrollo de la Inteligencia Artificial, algunas personas optan por utilizar a chatbots como psicólogos.
No obstante, especialistas consideran que estos programas informáticos son "terapeutas inexpertos".
Vía BBC Mundo.
No obstante, especialistas consideran que estos programas informáticos son "terapeutas inexpertos".
Vía BBC Mundo.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
👩🌾#HoyEnAnimal | Agricultores y productores de Mexicali, Baja California, emplean prácticas sostenibles para conservar el río Colorado.
Los campesinos utilizan el cauce de manera eficiente y siembran ciertas especies para contrarrestar la crisis hídrica.
Los campesinos utilizan el cauce de manera eficiente y siembran ciertas especies para contrarrestar la crisis hídrica.
Los ranchos tradicionales en Mexicali se transforman para conservar el río Colorado
www.animalpolitico.com
May 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM
👩🌾#HoyEnAnimal | Agricultores y productores de Mexicali, Baja California, emplean prácticas sostenibles para conservar el río Colorado.
Los campesinos utilizan el cauce de manera eficiente y siembran ciertas especies para contrarrestar la crisis hídrica.
Los campesinos utilizan el cauce de manera eficiente y siembran ciertas especies para contrarrestar la crisis hídrica.
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Sunburns not only increase your risk of skin cancer but also increase your risk of heat-related illness and dehydration. On #DontFryDay, learn how to protect your skin by finding shade and wearing protective clothing.
Learn more: bit.ly/3Vhzzcc
#HeatSafety #NIHHIS
Learn more: bit.ly/3Vhzzcc
#HeatSafety #NIHHIS
May 23, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Sunburns not only increase your risk of skin cancer but also increase your risk of heat-related illness and dehydration. On #DontFryDay, learn how to protect your skin by finding shade and wearing protective clothing.
Learn more: bit.ly/3Vhzzcc
#HeatSafety #NIHHIS
Learn more: bit.ly/3Vhzzcc
#HeatSafety #NIHHIS
Reposted by Samanta Varela, Ph. D.
Just out and OA in Policy Design & Practice:
"Educating for uncertainty: Integrating abductive reasoning into the public policy curriculum"
by M Ramesh & Michael Howlett @howlettm
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
"Educating for uncertainty: Integrating abductive reasoning into the public policy curriculum"
by M Ramesh & Michael Howlett @howlettm
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com
May 23, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Just out and OA in Policy Design & Practice:
"Educating for uncertainty: Integrating abductive reasoning into the public policy curriculum"
by M Ramesh & Michael Howlett @howlettm
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
"Educating for uncertainty: Integrating abductive reasoning into the public policy curriculum"
by M Ramesh & Michael Howlett @howlettm
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....