Researchers Discover Genetic Bridge between Ancient and Modern Populations of North Caucasus
Although the North Caucasus played a crucial role in the ancient colonisation of Eurasia and the shaping of its cultural and genetic heritage, the genetic history of its indigenous cultures has not yet been fully explored. Scientists have, for the first time, conducted deep sequencing of ancient DNA from members of the Koban culture that emerged in the late Bronze Age in the North Caucasus and compared this genetic data with that of modern populations of the Caucasus. Their findings confirm the role of Koban culture carriers as an ancient genetic bridge between the Bronze and Iron Ages in the North Caucasus. The study has been published in the European Journal of Human Genetics.
Participation in Crowdfunding Can Generate up to 73% in Returns Annually
Backers of projects on crowdfunding platforms can expect rewards from their pledges. For example, funding someone's idea on Kickstarter can result in an average annual return of 11.5%, with design projects known to deliver returns as high as 70%. However, it is important to note that these returns do not come in the form of direct cash payments but rather as savings on the purchase of the product once it hits the market. This has been demonstrated in a study by researchers at the HSE Faculty of Economics published in Economic Analysis Letters.
HSE Distinguished Professor Sergey Karaganov Moderates Plenary Session at SPIEF
At the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russian President Vladimir Putin participated alongside the Presidents of Bolivia and Zimbabwe, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora and Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. For the first time, a representative from HSE University—Sergey Karaganov, Academic Supervisor of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs and HSE’s distinguished professor—served as the moderator of the plenary session.
Scientists Rank Foreign Languages by Their Benefit for the Brain
An international team of researchers, with the participation of scientists from the HSE Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, studied how the choice of a foreign language affects human cognitive abilities. It turns out that languages greatly differing from one's native language stimulate cognitive function at the initial stage of their study, while those similar to the native language have a delayed effect and help the brain work more efficiently at a higher level of proficiency in a foreign language. The results of the study have been published in the journal Bilingualism: Language and Cognition.
Processing Temporal Information Requires Brain Activation
HSE scientists used magnetoencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging to study how people store and process temporal and spatial information in their working memory. The experiment has demonstrated that dealing with temporal information is more challenging for the brain than handling spatial information. The brain expends more resources when processing temporal data and needs to employ additional coding using 'spatial' cues. The paper has been published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.
New Opportunities: ICEF Hosts China’s SWUFE Delegation
On May 22, ICEF HSE hosted a delegation from the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics’ Research Institute of Economics and Management (RIEM SWUFE) in Chengdu, China, led by RIEM Executive Dean Professor Dong Yan. The parties exchanged signed copies of a cooperation agreement for the joint delivery of a Double-Degree Bachelor Programme in Economics and Finance. They also discussed future prospects for cooperation in areas such as a joint Master’s programme, student and faculty exchange, summer schools, and joint research projects.
HSE University and Sber Conduct Foresight in Artificial Intelligence
HSE University, in collaboration with Sber, have conducted a foresight study on artificial intelligence (AI). Its early results were discussed by the participants of a strategic foresight session on exploratory research in AI, held at the Coordination Centre of the Russian Government, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. The results from the foresight study will inform the Unified Research and Development Programme in the Field of AI.
HSE University Experts Take Part in Preparing Report ‘Russia—Oman—Partnership Prospects’ at SPIEF 2024
The report, prepared by the Roscongress Foundation and experts of the HSE Institute for Public Administration and Governance, covers the current situation in the economy of the Sultanate of Oman and the prospects for Russian-Omani partnership. Prior to SPIEF 2024, HSE was the first Russian university to sign a cooperation agreement with the University of Nizwa (Oman).
‘I Am Able to Tell My Students Things That I Always Wanted to Tell People in Russia’
Ana Livia Araujo Esteves, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a journalist, a third-year doctoral student of International Relations, and visiting lecturer at the HSE School of International Regional Studies. In her interview for the HSE News Service, she speaks about her motivation to carry out research and teach students in Russia, shares some tips for people from Latin America living in Moscow, and talks about why a dog can be a reason to stay in Russia for just a bit longer.
The Witcher Cookbook and Human Jaws: Game Future Fest 2024 Held at HSE University
On May 25, HSE Art and Design School held an annual festival dedicated to video games and geek culture—Game Future Fest 2024. Gamers, developers, designers, potential investors and employers, as well as those interested in game dev, gathered to play, support student projects, attend workshops, and chat with teammates. The event was held at HSE University on Staraya Basmannaya Ulitsa.