Five Questions with Jacob Roberts’19 - The actor and filmmaker on creativity, collaboration, and celebrity canines
Jacob Roberts ’19, an actor and filmmaker, reflects on his inspirations, experiences at Harvard, and off-screen memories. He admires Elaine May for crafting comedic premises that reveal deep truths about human nature. At Harvard, his favorite course was Louis Menand’s interdisciplinary exploration of Cold War art and ideas. Outside filmmaking, Roberts fondly recalls his time as a veterinary assistant, even encountering celebrity pets. On set, he recalls the challenge of accidentally giving an actor mild hypothermia while filming a lake scene. As a self-identified “Zillennial,” Roberts humorously counters stereotypes about screen-obsessed Gen Z.
One musician-turned-law student’s journey to advocate for artists
Krysta Hyppolite, a Harvard Law School 3L and accomplished cellist, merges her passions for music and law to address systemic challenges in the music industry. With a background in cello performance and politics, she transitioned to law after witnessing economic and legal obstacles faced by musicians, particularly during technological shifts. Her work with the Recording Artists Project and Transactional Law Clinics has illuminated the limitations of legal solutions and inequities in labor protections for artists. Balancing music and legal studies, Hyppolite envisions a career blending business, advocacy, and performance.
Looking Back on My 2024 Brands to Watch
In 2023, Harvard faced criticism on various fronts, including free speech and financial responsibility, leading to the resignation of President Claudine Gay in early 2024. The school initially tapped Provost Alan Garber as interim president, but the selection of a new permanent president was complicated by issues related to free speech and DEI. Instead of making an immediate decision, Harvard removed the "interim" label from Garber’s title while noting that a full presidential search would begin soon. This delay seems to have helped stabilize the situation as the university enters 2025.
Harvard-trained Catholic attempts to explain why some women have lots of kids
Catherine Ruth Pakaluk, a Harvard-trained economist and mother of eight, addresses why some women choose large families in her book Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. Contrary to common perceptions, Pakaluk emphasizes that her Catholic faith wasn’t the main motivator for her family size. Instead, she explores the deep personal conviction that motherhood, with its sacrifices and rewards, is the most worthwhile pursuit. Through interviews with 55 women across the U.S., Pakaluk uncovers a range of reasons behind their choices, grounded in a desire for meaning, connection, and a contribution to the future. Despite the hardships of raising large families, the women she interviewed share a common belief that having children is a profound, transformative good.
Woman and her friends pretend to have been accepted into Harvard and the video is comedy gold
A recent viral TikTok video showcases a hilarious, over-the-top reaction from a group of friends pretending one of them, Giana Acquafresca, has been accepted into Harvard. The video, which captures the entire group eagerly awaiting the faux acceptance letter, features dramatic expressions of joy, with one friend even pretending to pray. The video is so realistic that viewers were convinced it was a genuine reaction. In a similar viral trend, another woman, Madi, shared a heartfelt story about discovering an unopened scholarship letter from Maryville College, which eventually led to her receiving an official offer. The clip resonated with many as Madi reflected on the pressure of making such a significant decision at a young age.
Dr. Chatbot is not ready to see you: Critical flaws in medical AI systems exposed by Harvard-Stanford study
A recent study reveals that AI doctors, when tasked with diagnosing through conversation rather than multiple-choice tests, showed a significant drop in accuracy—from 82% to as low as 26% in some cases. Current AI systems struggle with essential clinical skills like asking follow-up questions and synthesizing information across multiple exchanges. These findings suggest that AI tools are better suited to complement human doctors rather than replace them, as they are not yet capable of handling independent patient interactions effectively.
A liquid biopsy for metastatic prostate cancer - Circulating tumor cells in blood supply prognostic clues.
A liquid biopsy method using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is gaining attention for predicting the progression of metastatic prostate cancer. CTC counts in blood samples provide prognostic insights, with higher counts indicating worse outcomes, such as faster disease progression and poorer survival rates. A recent study involving 503 men with hormonally-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer showed that patients with higher baseline CTC counts had shorter survival and faster resistance to hormonal therapy. This research underscores the potential of CTC assays, such as CellSearch, to guide treatment decisions, offering a promising tool for personalized care in prostate cancer.
Neither running nor weights: Harvard professor reveals the five best sports to stay fit
Dr. I-Min Lee, a Harvard professor, recommends five low-impact exercises to stay fit without the need for intense activities like running or weightlifting. Her top picks include swimming, which offers stress relief and muscle engagement; strength training using simple household items to boost metabolism; tai chi, which enhances balance and mental well-being, especially for older adults; walking, which supports brain function with just a 30-minute daily routine; and pelvic floor exercises to maintain core stability and prevent discomfort. These activities promote health, fitness, and longevity while minimizing injury risks.