Czech Academy of Sciences

Misperceptions of charismatic species' conservation status: Zoo visits and virtual exposure shape perceptions of extinction risk

Abstract Biodiversity loss is accelerating globally, yet species are not equally affected, and public perceptions of extinction risk often diverge from scientific assessments. Understanding what shapes public perceptions is critical for effective conservation communication, parti...

Pragmatics beyond Humans: Meaning, Communication, and LLMs

The paper argues that the emergence of large language models (LLMs) requires a conceptual and methodological reconsideration of pragmatics. It first challenges the traditional positioning of pragmatics within the semiotic trichotomy of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, suggestin...

Boosting NIR Emissions and Thermal Resistance in Cr3+-Doped MgGa2O4 Semiconductor Microcrystals by Energy Transfer for Smart Detection

High-radiant-intensity broadband near-infrared (NIR) emitters are highly desirable for nondestructive testing, night-vision imaging, and information encryption. However, the exploration of phosphors that possess both high luminous efficiency and outstanding thermal stability cont...

The Search for Life Elsewhere: Avoiding Hype and Fostering Public Understanding

The search for life beyond Earth presents unique challenges for science communication due to its interdisciplinary nature, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries, and the inherent uncertainties involved. The Lorentz Center workshop Breaking News: We Found Extraterrestrial L...

Medium-term prediction of clinically relevant outcomes in first-episode schizophrenia patients

Background Predicting long-term outcomes in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) remains difficult, despite being especially important early in the illness, when timely intervention is most critical. It also remains unclear how much data from the initial phase of illness is required...

Soil enzyme dynamics under PFAS contamination in arid and Mediterranean soils

Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants increasingly detected in agricultural soils, yet their effects on extracellular enzyme activities remain poorly resolved. This study examined the short- and long-term effects of perfluorooctanoic acid...