Research

In the pre- and post-holiday period, it can be hard to keep your mind on anything other than festive cheer. So, what better way to learn about intriguing research than by looking at it through the holiday prism? From tangerines and champagne to snow fortresses and Arctic exploration, we at ITMO NEWS put together a list of cool new studies and technologies with a wintery twist.

Read more: AI Sommelier, the Perfect Christmas Tree, and Carbon Lights: Top Science Projects With Festive Vibes

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Want to become a better reader, but struggle to get your head around a lofty classic tome? To help aspiring readers, an ITMO student has produced an interactive AI model that assists the user in reading and interpreting the Russian classics. Such an approach, the creator believes, should encourage users to flex their “brain muscles” rather than “dumb them down.”

Read more: ITMO Student Develops AI-Driven App to Help Read Classical Literature

Education

The calendar year has just started and the new academic year is still a ways away, but it’s already high time to start planning your educational future. Following the publication of new regulations for admission to Russian universities, we’ve produced updated guides on how (and when) to apply to each tier of studies at ITMO University. Stay on the lookout for additional guides on admission for international students!

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Productivity

Of course, getting yourself to build long-term plans, read serious books, or simply work and study after the holidays can be a challenge in itself. There are, after all, actual biological and psychological factors behind this state of being. How do you deal with them in a timely-yet-healthy manner? ITMO NEWS spoke to a psychologist about the science of post-holiday torpor and how best to overcome it.

Read more: How To Get Back to Work/Classes After a Long Break

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More and more users are turning to AI as a form of therapy. Is this a breakthrough for public health or a massive threat to our well-being? With the help of another expert, we also investigated the ways in which AI can help you stay on top of your mental health, as well as how to tell when you need to talk to an actual specialist.

Read more: AI vs Therapists: Can You Get Help From AI?