Likely Just a Plane: Drone Expert Recommends Calm Approach Following New Jersey Sighting

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

aFirst, mysterious lights were spotted flashing across the New Jersey night sky in mid-November. These sightings then extended to New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and even as far as Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona. Eye witnesses in Virginia Beach reported seeing flying objects unlike anything they had seen before, prompting speculation and concern.

The origin and control of these flying objects remain a mystery, with many pointing towards the possibility of drones. Lawmakers like Rep. Pat Ryan and Representative Chris Smith have expressed worry about the national security implications and the sophistication of these drones.

Don’t panic, experts say

Experts in drone technology and national security are advising calmness amidst the rising concerns. They explain that the situation in New Jersey may be a result of misunderstandings, lack of concrete information, and confusion about identifying drones in the night sky.

November 2024: Drones spotted flying over Bernardsville, New Jersey

A joint statement from federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense, clarified that the reported sightings were a mix of legal drones, planes, helicopters, and misidentified “fake drones.”

While the flurry of drone sightings has caused some alarm, officials emphasized that there is no immediate threat to national security or public safety. They continue to investigate the matter.

Drone Panic transforms an ordinary plane into a drone

Just before Thanksgiving, reports emerged of drones hovering over northern New Jersey, creating a sense of unease in the community. This led to an increase in people observing the night sky, resulting in more drone sightings in the Northeast.

The surge in drone reports coincides with air traffic delays at nearby airports, potentially exacerbating the situation. Experts highlight the need for accurate identification of drones to prevent unnecessary panic.

December 5, 2024: Evening sky and unidentified lights near Lebanon Township, New Jersey

Loss of vision at night makes the problem worse

Poor visibility at night can lead to optical illusions in the sky, making it challenging to distinguish between drones and other aircraft. Experts caution against jumping to conclusions and urge the use of technology to verify drone sightings.

Federal agencies have deployed radar systems to detect drones, aiming to provide clarity and reassurance to the public. They emphasize that the majority of drones in the airspace are recreational or hobbyist, with only a small fraction posing potential threats.

Alleviating fear of drones

Efforts to address the drone concerns have been made by temporarily suspending drone flights in New Jersey and providing informational resources. Federal agencies are actively tracking drones and ensuring airspace safety.

Experts classify drone threats into categories of ignorance, carelessness, and criminal intent. They emphasize the importance of accurate identification and caution against overreacting to drone sightings.

How to actually spot a drone

Distinguishing between drones and planes based on their flight patterns is crucial, as drones exhibit agile movements not seen in traditional aircraft. Utilizing technology like drone scanners can aid in identifying drones accurately.

Experts recommend verifying drone sightings before reporting them to authorities, as misidentifications can lead to unnecessary panic. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of drones is essential in mitigating public concerns.

Don’t shoot the drone

Calls to shoot down drones from public officials raise concerns about safety and legality. Experts caution against such actions, as they can pose risks to bystanders and create further complications.

The closure of airspace due to drone sightings indicates a proactive response from authorities to potential threats. Experts emphasize the need for accurate reporting and response protocols to address drone-related incidents effectively.

Source: www.theguardian.com

NASA’s solar probe achieves closest approach to the sun of any artificial object

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

overview

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is expected to dive extremely close to the sun’s surface on December 24th.
The spacecraft will have to fly closer to the Sun than any other man-made object in history, less than 3.86 million miles away.
The mission was designed to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere and help researchers learn how solar storms erupt into space.

NASA is preparing to “taste” the sun on Christmas Eve.

The bureau’s Parker Solar Probe is just days away from making its closest approach ever to the Sun on Tuesday, when it will fly closer to our star than any other man-made object in history.

The spacecraft, about the size of a small car, is scheduled to dive to within 3.86 million miles of the sun’s surface at 6:40 a.m. ET on Tuesday. It passes by at approximately 430,000 miles per hour. According to NASA.

“If you think about it, it’s like going 96 percent of the way to the surface of the sun,” said Kelly Kolek, a program scientist in NASA’s heliophysics division.

Because mission controllers cannot communicate with the spacecraft during maneuvers, NASA will have to wait about three days before receiving a signal that the spacecraft has survived its rendezvous with the sun.

The first images of the close encounter will then likely be transmitted to Earth sometime in January, the agency said.

As the Parker Solar Probe swoops toward the Sun, it will likely fly through a plume of solar plasma and potentially fly into the star’s active regions, Kolek said.

The mission was designed to study the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere, an extremely hot region known as the corona. Scientists are keen to look at the corona up close because researchers have long puzzled over why the outer layer of the sun’s atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than the star’s surface.

Observations of the corona will also help researchers study how storms that form on the sun’s surface erupt into space. For example, the spacecraft will be able to observe streams of the most energetic solar particles coming from the Sun and exploding into space at supersonic speeds.

“This is the birthplace of space weather,” Kolek said. “While we have observed space weather from afar, Parker is now living space weather. In the future, we will be able to better understand how space weather forms.” , when we look at solar storms through a telescope, we can understand what they mean for us here on Earth.”

During periods of intense space weather, the Sun can emit huge solar flares and streams of charged particles known as solar wind directly to Earth. When these explosions interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they could not only supercharge the aurora, but also damage satellites and take out power grids.

Kolek said the Parker Solar Probe mission will help researchers better predict space weather and its potential impacts, similar to the work meteorologists and atmospheric scientists do about weather on Earth. said it was helpful.

The Parker spacecraft launched into space in 2018 and has orbited the sun more than 20 times since then. The Christmas Eve flyby will be the first of three final flybys planned for the mission. The spacecraft is named after Eugene Parker, the pioneering astrophysicist at the University of Chicago who first theorized the existence of the solar wind. Mr. Parker passed away in 2022 at the age of 94.

Last month, the spacecraft flew near Venus in a maneuver intended to slingshot its way to the sun. The upcoming approach was timed to coincide with the sun’s most active period in its 11-year cycle. This busy phase is typically characterized by a flurry of solar storms and high magnetic activity and is known as solar maximum.

Scientists like Kolek are hoping the Parker Solar Probe will have a front-row seat if a storm hits the sun’s surface on Christmas Eve.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Winter Solstice: Everything You Need to Know About the Shortest Day of the Year

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

As temperatures drop, winter officially begins on Saturday.

Learn about the winter solstice, the start of astronomical winter, and the shortest day of the year.

What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice marks the start of astronomical winter, different from the meteorological winter based on the calendar.

In middle school science class, you may have learned that the Earth rotates around the sun in a large circle and on its axis, creating day and night. The axis tilt causes varying sunlight amounts in the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.

The winter solstice refers to the moment when half of the Earth is furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year. It also signals an increase in sunlight for the next six months.

When is the winter solstice?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice falls on December 21st, this year it is on December 21st. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st.

For people on the equator, their winter solstice is in June, and summer solstice in December.

What is the vernal equinox?

There are two vernal and autumnal equinoxes each year.

During the spring equinox, the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, bringing equal sunlight and darkness.

The spring equinox in March marks the astrological end of winter, while the autumnal equinox in September marks the end of summer.

When is the next astrological seasonal change?

After the winter solstice, expect astronomical seasonal changes on specific dates:

Vernal Equinox (Spring): Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:01 a.m.

Summer Solstice: Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:42 p.m.

Autumnal Equinox (Fall): Monday, September 22, 2025, 2:19 p.m.

Can you see the winter solstice?

As the winter solstice approaches, the sun’s orbit sets lower in the sky, resulting in longer shadows. On the day of the solstice, the shadow will be the longest of the year at noon.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Could Makeup Contain Harmful Microplastics? A Scientist’s Perspective

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The cosmetics industry is a thriving sector. The European market is projected to reach 96 billion euros in 2023, with the UK being the fourth largest consumer at 11 billion euros after Italy, France, and Germany.

Both men and women are increasingly using cosmetics on a daily basis, and this trend looks set to continue. However, there are concerns about the safety of the ingredients used in these products.

In the European Union and other regions, ingredients in cosmetics are subject to strict regulations. Only approved ingredients are allowed, and this list is regularly updated based on new scientific findings.

The process of banning certain ingredients from cosmetics in Europe is overseen by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The agency first notifies about its intention to restrict certain chemicals, followed by a call for evidence where stakeholders provide data on the safety of the chemicals in question.

After thorough evaluation by scientific committees, recommendations are made, and a final decision is reached by the European Commission, a process that can take several years.

Companies are informed about upcoming regulatory changes so they can voluntarily replace substances that will be restricted in the future. An example is the ban on plastic microbeads, which were promptly removed from products ahead of the ban.

However, plastic remains a common ingredient in cosmetics, especially in leave-in products. Although not included in the microbead ban, these products will be phased out over the next seven years as part of the EU’s restrictions on the use of microplastics.

Microplastics are a concern due to their potential harm to humans, mainly because of their small size and persistence in the environment. There are also worries about the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, which have raised health concerns.

The use of PFAS in cosmetics is limited, but there are potential ways for them to enter products unintentionally. Regulations are in place to phase out PFAS in cosmetics, and efforts are being made to ensure consumer safety.

What Does the Future Hold for Cosmetics?

Considering the small percentage of products containing PFAS and the ongoing efforts to phase them out, restrictions on the use of PFAS in cosmetics are not expected to greatly impact the industry.

Regulatory bodies are actively working to phase out harmful chemicals from cosmetics and ensure product safety. Consumers can stay informed by checking ingredient labels, utilizing databases like cosmile, and using apps to identify potential health risks in cosmetics.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Illusion of God: Exploring the Pope’s Popularity as a Deepfake Image in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

For Pope, it was the wrong kind of Madonna.

The pop legend behind the ’80s anthem “Like a Prayer” has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks after posting a deepfake image of the Pope hugging her on social media. This further fanned the flames of an already heated debate over the creation of AI art, in which Pope Francis plays a symbolic and unwilling role.

Catholic Church leaders are accustomed to being subject to AI fabrications. One of the defining images of the AI boom was Francis wearing a Balenciaga down jacket. The stunningly realistic photo went viral last March and was seen by millions of people. But Francis didn’t understand the funny side. In January, he referenced the Balenciaga image in a speech on AI and warned about the impact of deepfakes.

An AI-generated image of Pope Francis wearing a down jacket. Illustration: Reddit

“Fake news…Today, ‘deepfakes’ – the creation and dissemination of images that appear completely plausible but false – can be used. I have been the subject of this as well.” he said.

Other deepfakes include Francis wearing a pride flag and holding an umbrella on the beach. Like the Balenciaga images, these were created by the Midjourney AI tool.

Rick Dick, the Italian digital artist who created the image of Madonna, told the Guardian that he did not intend to offend with the photo of Frances putting his arm around Madonna’s waist and hugging her. Another image on Rick Dick’s Instagram page seamlessly merges a photo of the Pope’s face with that of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They are more likely to be offended.

AI image of Madonna and Pope Francis. Illustration: @madonna/Instagram

Rickdick said Mangione’s image was intended to satirize the American obsession with Mangione being “elevated into a god-like figure” online.

“My goal is to make people think and, if possible, smile,” said the artist, who goes by the stage name Rick Dick, but declined to give his full name.

He said that memes (viral images that are endlessly tweaked and reused online) are our “new visual culture, fascinated by their ability to convey deep ideas quickly.”

Experts say the Pope is a clear target for deepfakes because of the vast digital “footprint” of videos, images, and audio recordings associated with him. AI models are trained on the open internet, which is filled with content featuring prominent public figures, from politicians to celebrities to religious leaders.

Sam Stockwell, a researcher at Britain’s Alan Turing Institute, said: “The Pope is frequently featured in public life and there are vast amounts of photos, videos, and audio clips of him on the open web.” said.

“Because AI models are often trained indiscriminately on such data, these models are more sensitive to the facial features and facial features of individuals like the Pope than models with less large digital footprints. It makes it much easier to reproduce the similarities.”

Rick Dick said the AI model he used to create the photo of Francis that was posted to his Instagram account and then reposted by Madonna was created on a paid platform called Krea.ai by the pope and the pop star. It is said that the robot was trained specifically for images. However, realistic photos of Francis can also be easily created using freely accessible models such as Stable Diffusion, which allows users to place Francis on a bicycle or on a soccer field with a few simple prompts.

Stockwell added that there is also an obvious appeal to juxtaposing powerful figures with unusual or embarrassing situations, which is a fundamental element of satire.

“He is associated with strict rules and traditions, so some people want to deepfake him in unusual situations compared to his background,” he said.

Adding AI to the satirical mix will likely lead to more deepfakes from the Pope.

“I like to use celebrities, objects, fashion, and events to mix the absurd and the unconventional to provoke thought,” said Rick Dick. “It’s like working on a never-ending puzzle, always looking for new creative connections. The Pope is one of my favorite subjects to work on.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Is Africa’s esports industry growing rapidly, but is the infrastructure able to keep pace?

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

○On a recent Sunday afternoon in Nairobi’s upscale neighborhood, Daniel Badu had his headphones wrapped around his head, his elbow resting on a pillow, and he was rapidly tapping on the screen of his cell phone.

Badu and his four teammates from the Ora 233 team, all wearing black and yellow kits, represented Ghana and Kenya’s Delta e in the final of the 1st Carry 1st Africa Cup, a continental tournament for first-person shooter videos. They were competing in the popular game “Call of Duty: Mobile”.

Esports events are on the rise in Kenya and other parts of Africa, due in part to increased access to the internet and devices such as smartphones, PCs, and gaming consoles. Popular titles include EA Sports FC, Call of Duty, and Tekken.

Daniel Badu aka Ruin of Ghana’s Aura 233 team at Carry1st Africa Cup Final. Photo: Edwin Ndeke/Guardian

To cater to the growing interest, professional teams, university leagues, national federations, and competitions such as the Carry1st Africa Cup have been established.

The trend is part of a growing interest in video games in general in Africa, which has one of the continent’s youngest populations. 2021 Report It said the number of video game consumers on the continent increased from 77 million to 186 million from 2015 to 2021.

Some of them have now moved on to professional gaming. Badu, known by the game’s alias Ruin, started playing Call of Duty: Mobile in 2019 after years of playing console games.

“I’ve been playing video games for as long as I can remember,” the 19-year-old said. Badu began his professional journey by joining various lower-tier teams to gain experience, showcase his skills, and make a name for himself. Last year, he was scouted by Ace Gamers Esports, a professional esports organization based in Accra, and signed a contract after a trial.

Ace Gamers also recruits, trains, and manages players for EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, Mortal Kombat, and other games. Badu said the contract gives him the opportunity to improve his game by playing with like-minded people and also gives him access to tournaments. “I have made it this far by playing the game and continuing to hone my game, so I can compete with the best players in Africa,” he said.

Spectators watch the Carry 1st Africa Cup Final at the Nairobi Game Development Center on November 24. Photo: Edwin Ndeke/Guardian

At the event in Nairobi, production staff sat behind large monitors selecting shots for the livestream. One floor below, the audience cheered and screamed as they watched the action unfold on television screens.

After seven months of qualifying events involving over 100 teams in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa, six teams advanced to the two-day Carry1st Africa Cup finals, with South Africa’s Noxious Gaming ultimately Winning the championship (NxG).

“Large esports events are a great way to synergistically increase the attention of all gamers and drive interest from new gamers,” says Senior Community Manager at Carry1st, a pan-African games publisher headquartered in the Cape. said Dominion Eromosere, cum event leader. town.

Since its founding in 2018, the organization has hosted more than 400 tournaments, primarily through universities. Its online network, Tribe, attracts hundreds of thousands of gamers from across the continent.

Grassroots, national, and continental tournaments are becoming an important way to discover talent, hone player skills, and increase the popularity of esports. Other events taking place this year include the IESF Africa Esports Championship in Casablanca in August and the women-only Tekken Kongou Esports Championship in Kinshasa in November.

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Members of the South African Noxious Gaming (NxG) team that won the inaugural Carry1st Africa Cup. Photo: Edwin Ndeke/Guardian

“The tournament breathes life into the ecosystem,” said Magdaline Mumbi, who finished fourth for Kenya at the Kinshasa Games. Mumbi, whose gaming nickname is Bambina, was a casual PlayStation gamer until six years ago when he competed in a Tekken tournament at a university event and came in second place.

From that point on, she began playing several games competitively while seeking mentorship in the Kenyan esports community. She made the leap by being selected for the national team to participate in the Dota 2 Battle Arena Games, a global Esports game, to be held in Turkey in 2022. “2022 allowed us to see a bigger picture of what esports is all about,” Mumbi said. “You can actually make money doing this.”

Magdaline Mumbi, aka Bambina, participated in the Kongo Esports Championship in Kinshasa in November. Photo: Magdaline Mumbi

For the African scene to further grow and compete in the global multi-billion dollar esports industry, it will need to overcome technological and financial challenges.

Poor internet infrastructure often results in poor connectivity. Also, because most games’ servers are hosted outside of Africa, there is often a delay between the device you play on and the server, an issue known as “high ping,” which can make intercontinental matches and matches between players from different African countries difficult.

“A lot of esports is rooted in online multiplayer gaming, and Africa doesn’t have the best infrastructure. [for this]” Badu said. “[African players] are at a huge disadvantage.”

Carry1st is working to address that issue. For the past two years, the company has partnered with game developers to help launch servers for Call of Duty: Mobile and tactical shooter Valorant in Africa.

Financially, it’s difficult to get player sponsorship, and above all, there are very few tournaments that pay out big bucks. The total prize money for the Nairobi tournament was $15,000. “Limited funding and sponsorship are hitting the field hard,” said Mumbi, who is also a chess instructor.

“If we can prove how entertaining e-sports is and how many people are watching it, people will invest in it,” Eromose said.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of YouTube and Skibidi Toilets on the Christmas Toy Market | Advertisement

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

LLetters to Santa used to be filled with ideas from Argos catalogs and children’s TV ads, but for today’s kids who have grown up ‘swiping and streaming’, YouTube is now the main source of influence. This shift is evident in this year’s Christmas wish list, with some children asking for plastic toilets.

The holiday season is a critical time for the toy industry, with consumers spending approximately £900 million, a quarter of the annual sales, on dolls, games, and action figures.

Despite the high stakes, this year’s sales could fall short without a significant last-minute surge. Current data from Sarkana shows that spending is about 5% lower compared to 2023.

Reaching today’s kids in bulk has become a challenge, with traditional broadcast TV campaigns struggling to reach more than 30% of the targeted child audience. In contrast, over 80% of children aged 4 to 9 regularly access YouTube, and more than 70% play games, as reported by research firm Childwise.

Melissa Simmons, executive director of British toy company Circana, notes the shift from traditional TV advertising to digital platforms, saying that YouTube has become an integral part of children’s daily lives.

While online video sharing platforms like YouTube are increasingly seen as alternatives to traditional children’s television, the two mediums are converging. Many children’s favorite shows are now distributed on YouTube, blurring the line between television and online content.

As children spend more time watching videos online, toy manufacturers have adapted their strategies to align with these shifts. They now collaborate with popular online creators and integrate merchandising plans from the outset.

PAW Patrol maker Spin Master has launched Unicorn Academy, which is more of a “complete franchise ecosystem” than a TV show. Photo: Reuters

Spin Master’s Unicorn Academy is an example of this trend, with a multi-platform approach that includes movies, series, and toy lines to create a comprehensive franchise ecosystem.

Rachel Simpson Jones, editor of Toy World magazine, highlights the importance of storytelling and character-driven content in successful toy lines, reflecting children’s expectations shaped by their consumption of various forms of digital content.

YouTube, alongside other tech giants like Google, holds significant influence over children’s preferences, as noted by the Toy Retailers Association. Major toy brands are now leveraging YouTube channels to connect with young audiences and create engaging content.

In this digital landscape, trends can quickly emerge and shape the toy industry. Brands need to adapt rapidly to meet changing consumer preferences and capitalize on online platforms to reach their target audience.

With children’s tastes evolving rapidly, retailers face challenges in predicting which products will resonate with young consumers. The dynamic nature of children’s preferences, influenced by online trends, poses a constant challenge to the toy industry.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Surviving 24 Hours without GPS Navigation on Your Smartphone

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Research from Harvard University published in the British Medical Journal shows that taxi and ambulance drivers have a lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease compared to other workers.

This is likely because navigation and spatial memory, which are affected by Alzheimer’s, are related to the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is first affected by the disease. Both taxi and ambulance drivers, however, have a lower life expectancy, with averages of 68 and 64 years respectively, and Alzheimer’s typically affects individuals over 65.

Despite the convenience of GPS, there is an argument against it as it may impact memory and spatial skills, leading to a “use it or lose it” situation. Studies have shown that reliance on GPS, such as Google Maps, can affect our ability to navigate without it.

Surviving without GPS for 24 hours can be challenging, requiring individuals to rely on traditional navigation methods. The author shares a personal experience of getting lost while trying to find a bar without GPS, highlighting the reliance on technology for navigation.

The author reflects on the importance of traditional navigation tools like maps and the need to maintain spatial awareness. Despite advancements in technology, like GPS, the author acknowledges the value of traditional navigation methods.

Navigating without GPS can be a daunting task, especially in areas with complex layouts and limited landmarks. The author shares the struggle of finding a location without GPS and the sense of accomplishment when finally reaching the destination.

Central London, with its mix of landmarks and modern developments, poses unique challenges for navigation. Even with technology, such as GPS, finding specific locations can be difficult due to unconventional addressing methods.

Despite the challenges of navigating without GPS, the author finds satisfaction in finally reaching their destination, emphasizing the importance of traditional navigation skills.

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘Quantum teleportation defies expectations: It’s a reality now’

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking achievement in human communication has been made by scientists with quantum teleportation. However, this technology is not meant for teleporting people or objects, but rather for teleporting information.

The scientists have found a way to instantly teleport information over any distance without the need for advanced technology. They believe that quantum teleportation is a feasible option, as discussed in a study published in optica.

Professor Prem Kumar from Northwestern University led the research and expressed excitement about the possibilities this breakthrough opens up for quantum and classical networks. This advancement could revolutionize quantum communications and make them more efficient.

Optical communications, which involve transmitting information as light signals, underpin most telecommunications systems. The recent study proposes that quantum teleportation could enhance the security and speed of these communications, limited only by the speed of light.

An Innovative Breakthrough

Quantum teleportation harnesses quantum entanglement, allowing particles to exchange information instantly regardless of their distance apart. Instead of using millions of light particles like classical communication, quantum communication relies on pairs of single photons.

A team at Northwestern University, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, discovered a method to guide these delicate photons through fiber optic cables more efficiently. By identifying specific wavelengths that minimize interference from other signals and implementing special filters, they successfully transmitted quantum information alongside regular internet traffic.

This success could pave the way for secure and rapid quantum communications, aligning with the goals of the International Year of Quantum Technology designated by the United Nations in 2025.

Future Applications

With this breakthrough, existing fiber optic networks could integrate quantum teleportation, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure. This advancement holds promise for applications like quantum cryptography, sensing, computing, and potentially a new quantum internet.

Professor Kumar aims to test quantum teleportation over longer distances and explore entanglement swapping to enhance communication quality and security. Once proven effective on real underground cables, this technology could be fully integrated into communication networks.

Meet the Experts

Jim Al-Khalili CBE FRS, a theoretical physicist and Emeritus Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey, is a prominent figure in the field. He has made significant contributions to science communication through his books and media appearances.

For more information:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How are human activities impacting the Earth’s tilt and rotation, and what are the implications for the planet?

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Most of us are aware that our planet is constantly spinning around its own axis as it orbits the sun. However, the Earth actually rotates around a tilted axis of 23.44°, leading to changes in its slope over time due to natural oscillations and cycles.

Human activities, such as global warming and groundwater extraction for irrigation, are causing significant changes in Earth’s tilt. Scientists have found that as polar ice melts and water redistributes, it can affect the planet’s rotation.

Researchers estimate that pumping large amounts of groundwater for irrigation purposes has led to significant changes in Earth’s tilt over recent decades. This redistribution of water mass is impacting the planet’s rotation, with measurable effects on sea levels and pole shifts.

Experts like Professor Seo Ki-won note that even small changes in water mass can affect Earth’s rotation, leading to shifts in its axis. These changes have been observed over the past few decades, indicating the impact of human activities on a global scale.

While these changes may not directly impact the climate, they do have implications for systems that rely on precise measurements and timing, such as GPS and financial markets. As Earth’s rotation slows due to mass redistribution, adjustments will need to be made to prevent system failures.

It is becoming increasingly clear that human activities are influencing not just the climate, but also the fundamental movements of Earth within space. As we continue to alter the planet’s mass distribution, we must be prepared to adapt our technologies and systems to accommodate these changes.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Argentina is home to the oldest newly discovered species of pterosaur

Posted on December 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A new genus and species of Monophenestratan pterosaur has been identified from partial and postcranial fossils discovered in the Chubut province of Patagonia, Argentina. named Mercamtel Pateco an ancient flying reptile that predates the currently oldest members of the Monophenestrata clade by at least 8 million and perhaps 10 million years.

rebuilding the life of Mercamtel Pateco. Image credit: Pedro Andrade.

Mercamtel Pateco They lived in what is now Argentina during the most recent Early Jurassic period, 184 to 174 million years ago.

The ancient species is a member of Monophenestrata a large clade of pterosaurs consisting of Darwinoptera, Anurognatidae, and Pterodactylidae.

“Pterosaurs were the first clade of actively flying tetrapods that achieved great success during the Mesozoic Era, achieving a worldwide distribution from the Triassic to the Cretaceous.” Dr. Alexandra Fernandes researchers from the Bavarian National Institute of Paleontology and Geology and colleagues in Germany and Argentina.

“Meanwhile, the pterosaur Bauplan transitioned from the basal non-monophenestratan ‘non-pterodactyloid’ body shape to a more derived pterodactyloid body shape. ”

“This evolutionary event has become better understood in recent years with the recognition of the Darwinoptera clade. Darwinoptera primarily exhibit a variety of morphological attributes during this transition and are considered to be “non-pterodactyl”. It has been considered to be an “intermediate” monofenid, combining the plesiomorphic features of “.” It has wing-like characteristics. ”

“Records of Mesozoic pterosaurs are abundant in the Northern Hemisphere, but records from the Southern Hemisphere are relatively sparse.”

“Although it is possible that Argentinians may be excluded, all carpNon-pterodactyl monophenestratan pterosaurs have so far been found only in the Northern Hemisphere, namely Britain, Germany, and China, and first appeared during the Batonian period (168 to 165 million years ago). ). ”

“The apparent success of these monofenid forms and their pterodactyl descendants replaced the Rhamphorhynchus body form (which disappeared in the early Cretaceous) and survived until extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.”

“However, there is still a lack of knowledge about monofenestral stratus in nonpterodonts, especially in terrestrial depositional environments.”

discovered by paleontologists Mercamtel PatecoThe fossilized remains of – a portion of the skull, two associated teeth, and some postcranial elements – are located at the Queso Lajad site in the Canadon Asphalt Formation.

They also found an isolated tooth of a ctenochasmatid pterosaur pterosaur at the same location.

“The Canadon Asphalt Formation is widespread in the north-central Chubut province of Argentina,” they said.

“This is part of the deposits of the Canadon Asphalt Basin, a large half-graben structure in central Patagonia that opened with the onset of the South Atlantic during the Early Jurassic.”

“The production area of Queso Laryado is located approximately 5.5 km northwest of the village of Cerro Condor in the middle reaches of the Rio Chubut River.''

“The Fossil Formation is a 0.8 meter thick carbonate, partially silicified mudstone underlying the Canadon Asphalt Formation.”

According to the researchers, Mercamtel Pateco This marks the world's earliest appearance of a monophenestratan pterosaur, predating the current oldest member of this clade by at least 8 million and perhaps 10 million years.

This species is also the first and only non-pterodactyl monophenestratan to inhabit the supercontinent of Gondwana.

“Mercamtel Pateco “This is the most conclusive evidence to date for the existence of Monophenestrata in the Late Late Jurassic, and the novel traits expressed in this new species also contribute to morphological diversity.” The scientists concluded.

“Furthermore, if confirmed by future discoveries, the possible existence of Ctenochasmatidae, currently indicated by a single tooth, would not only place the origin of pterodactyls in the Early Jurassic, but also their early diversification. It may even indicate that it already happened in that era.”

“While our understanding of long-term pterosaur diversity and dispersal has traditionally been dominated by Northern Hemisphere Lagerstätten, high phylogenetic diversity of Early Jurassic pterosaurs also existed in Gondwana. It is now clear that the Canadon Asphalt Formation is the only one that now shows evidence for at least three different species. ”

“This further highlights that we still lack knowledge about the Jurassic pterosaur fauna of Gondwana, and while we await further field sampling and recovery of pterosaur fossils, the southern hemisphere probably someday It is clear that there is an inherent potential to match the abundance of the hemisphere. “

discovery of Mercamtel Pateco is reported in paper in a diary Royal Society Open Science.

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Alexandra E. Fernandez others. 2024. The oldest monophenestratan pterosaur from the Queso Rayado region (Toarcian, Canadon Asphalt Formation), Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina. R. Soc. Open Science 11(12):241238;doi: 10.1098/rsos.241238

Source: www.sci.news

How can the US Supreme Court and President Trump prevent the TikTok ban?

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

TikTok is a video sharing social media platform

Anatoly Babii / Alamy

A US law banning popular video-sharing app TikTok is expected to take effect in early 2025, but the US Supreme Court has ruled agreed To hear TikTok’s legal challenge to this. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has signaled he may take action against the law, raising new questions about whether it will survive.

What does a TikTok ban actually do?

From January 19, 2025, “Act to protect Americans from regulatory applications by foreign adversaries' will prevent US companies such as Google and Apple from allowing users to access or update TikTok through their own app stores unless TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance sells the app to US companies. It turns out. It would also require internet service providers to block the platform on US internet browsers. The bill was approved by the House and Senate with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024.

If the ban were implemented, it would be virtually impossible for new users in the US to download the TikTok app. Kate Ruan At the Center for Democracy & Technology, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. For the 170 million existing TikTok users in the United States, the app may remain on their phones. However, not having access to updates will reduce functionality over time.

People in the United States may still access TikTok using virtual private network (VPN) services that disguise the user's location. But the experience of using the app could still deteriorate, Ruan said. TikTok content will no longer be stored on nearby U.S. servers, so it will load more slowly.

These restrictions stem from privacy and security concerns. US lawmakers fear that the Chinese government could force ByteDance to hand over TikTok users' data, pressure the app to change its algorithm, and present content that could manipulate public opinion. , said TikTok is a “national security threat.” However, no solid evidence has been provided to support these claims. TikTok said We are investing heavily to keep U.S. data safe. From outside influences and manipulation.

“It is deeply concerning that a country like the United States, which has always led the world stage in championing a free, open, and interoperable internet, is taking steps to ban access to entire platforms within its borders. 'This is unusual and should be done,' says Luan.

Will the Supreme Court block TikTok's ban?

Previously, he was a judge on the D.C. Lower Circuit Court of Appeals. allowed With U.S. law in effect, the Supreme Court agreed to hear TikTok's appeal. TikTok position That is, the ban amounts to censorship that violates Americans' right to free speech under the First Amendment.

“We hope courts will seriously address how this law violates these rights and how governments should account for the rights of social media users when seeking to regulate these speech platforms. I think so,” Luan said. “Despite the fact that some users have filed lawsuits claiming that this law violates their First Amendment rights, which are different from TikTok, the court did so in the process of considering this particular law.” have not done so.”

The most likely short-term impact, Ruan said, is that the U.S. Supreme Court will temporarily halt enforcement of the law while the justices consider the case. This could delay implementation of the law for months, no matter how long it takes for the Supreme Court to rule in 2025. TikTok specifically seeks such a suspension in its court filing.

Ruane said the ban violates First Amendment rights and that the government would be justified in such an outright ban if the Supreme Court found that the U.S. government had less restrictive options at its disposal. It is possible that an injunction could be issued that would make it virtually impossible to do so. The Supreme Court could also ask the lower D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its analysis of the case. Such a decision could force governments to find more tightly tailored options for regulating TikTok.

How can Trump stop banning TikTok?

President-elect Trump supported plans to ban TikTok during his first term, but has since changed his mind. During the 2024 presidential campaign, he promised:Save TikTok'' he urged American voters to support him in a post on his social media platform “Truth Social.'' On December 16th, President Trump met TikTok's CEO later said in a press conference that the administration would “consider” the ban. Even if the Supreme Court ultimately agrees to keep the ban in place, President Trump could change the law's impact.

For example, the president could meet with U.S. lawmakers and ask for changes, such as repealing or amending domestic laws, Ruane said. She also described a possible scenario in which President Trump could instruct his administration's attorney general not to enforce the law, but warned that it would be outside the norm for how the U.S. government normally operates.

Even if President Trump's attorney general announces that the US government will not enforce the ban, US companies such as Google and Apple remain reluctant to allow people to access apps through their platforms. There is a possibility. “If I were in charge of legal risk at one of these companies, I don't know if I would be able to say, 'We believe in it.' [decision]It’s okay to allow access to this app, which is prohibited,” Ruane said.

What does the US ban on TikTok mean for the rest of the world?

If passed, the U.S. ban could have significant ramifications around the world. First, people in other countries will not be able to access new content from US-based TikTok creators and influencers. But more importantly, the U.S. government's actions could prompt other countries to consider similar restrictions.

The US is not the first country to take action against TikTok, with the Indian government blocking the app since 2020, but Luan said the US ban would lead to “authoritarian regimes” They expressed concern that this could prompt the banning of all apps, including those that are Similar national security justification.

“This will no doubt be used as a justification to ban TikTok elsewhere, and to ban access to other applications that have served as important speech platforms in countries where the internet is less open. will also be used,” Luan said.

Will banning TikTok protect privacy?

The ostensible purpose of the ban is to protect the privacy of U.S. TikTok users and prevent their data from falling into the hands of other countries, as well as to prevent the Chinese government from potentially manipulating the content presented to U.S. app users. It is to address the concerns that there are. But Ruane says there are many alternative steps U.S. lawmakers could take before blocking TikTok completely.

For example, governments could require TikTok to be more transparent about how it collects and shares individual user data and what steps it takes to protect privacy. There is sex. Lawmakers could require platforms to share how their algorithms filter and control the content users see to alleviate concerns about tampering, Ruan said.

The U.S. government may also consider enacting consumer privacy laws that would provide better legal protections for how social media platforms share personal data with other companies and the government. “These consumer privacy and transparency choices are not as extreme as banning the entire platform,” Ruan said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Newly Discovered Hairy Pitcher Plant Resembling an Orangutan Found in Borneo

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The orange fur on the underside is Nepenthes The leaves are why this plant is named after an orangutan

Alviana Damit

A newly described species of Nepenthes, one of the largest and furriest species ever discovered, has been identified in the wild mountains of Malaysian Borneo.

The back of the leaf is Nepenthes The team that discovered the plant in May 2023 decided to name it after the native Borneo orangutan because of its thick, rust-colored fur.Pongo Pygmaas) People who share the Meriow Mountains in central Sabah.

“It's certainly not as hairy as an orangutan. It's more like a really hairy-chested human,” he says. alastair robinson At the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia. “But the color is almost the same as orangutan fur.”

He suggests that the plant may have a common name: orangutan pitcher plant. Robinson and his colleagues discovered just 39 plants during their two expeditions, which they say are at high risk of extinction if not protected from poaching by collectors.

Mr Robinson said there was evidence that poachers had entered the area and stolen the specimens even before arriving at the scene, as the plants had been sold online.

Nepenthes A genus of carnivorous plants found throughout the tropics of Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific Ocean and consisting of more than 160 species. It is very popular in the black market horticulture industry because its leaves form spectacular water containers. In the wild, animals fall into these pitchers and drown before being consumed by the digestive enzymes produced by plants.

Mr Robinson said that because the mountain is “essentially a rock mountain”, there is no running water above 300 meters, so the pickasaw is often the only water source for local wildlife. states.

Their jugs reach 45 centimeters in length and can hold much more than 2 liters of water. They're “like their own little ecosystem,” Robinson says.

This new species was first photographed in 2004, but was mistaken for a known variety. “I've been studying Nepenthes “I have lived in Borneo for many years and this species is the furriest species I have ever come across,” says a team member. Alviana Damit At the Forest Research Center in Sandakan, Malaysia. “Naming it after an orangutan is the perfect tribute.”

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plant/
endangered species

Source: www.newscientist.com

UFOs: Uncovering the Secrets the US Government is Keeping

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

On November 13, 2024, four witnesses appeared before the Joint Subcommittee. US Congressional Oversight and Accountability for a testimony session on so-called “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).” This is a necessary rebranding of the term “UFO.” The people who spouted these three letters in the past were rarely seen as trustworthy or worthy of testifying before the U.S. government.

The four witnesses were Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, former commander of the U.S. Navy’s Meteorological and Marine Command; Luis Elizondo, former director of the Defense Department’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program; investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger; Former NASA Deputy Administrator Michael Gold.

4 people submitted written testimony before the hearing. Shellenberger also allegedly original document An anonymous whistleblower report regarding a program called “Immaculate Constellation,” an “unauthorized special access program” for top-level monitoring of UAP-related activities.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2024/12/UFOs-above-athens-1.mp4

This footage taken in June 2023 claims to show a line of UFOs in the sky.

The document referred to an extensive database of high-quality evidence collected over several decades, all of which had previously evaded democratic oversight by Congress and most executive branches.

Ann early hearing Held on July 26, 2023, former U.S. Navy pilots testified about events such as encounters with the famous “tic-tock object” and 2004 FLIR (forward-looking infrared) video from the USS. Nimitz Encounters, and GoFast and gimbal videos from the 2015 USS roosevelt Incident.

Previous reports of UAP/UFO sightings date back to the 1940s, and some even centuries earlier. There also seemed to be waves of UFO sightings.

Suspicions of a government cover-up have been floating since the Roswell incident in 1947, but the latest surge in interest in government secrets was sparked in 2017. new york times article About the Department of Defense’s alleged UAP program.

This has led to a bipartisan interest in Congress to uncover the extent to which the U.S. government and intelligence community covered up the sightings. They promised to provide transparency to the American people.

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So far, it’s safe to say that attempts at transparency have been a total failure. Witnesses have refused to disclose classified material that could violate confidentiality oaths, and the government’s refusal to declassify the material (or even acknowledge its existence) has created obstacles. This had an impact on the full-scale discussion on UAP disclosure.

The hearing on November 13, 2024 was no exception. Chairman Nancy Mace began the cover-up game by saying she had no intention of “revealing names.” She also said there were people trying to influence her not to hold this hearing.

Nancy Mace speaks at a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. – Photo courtesy of Getty

All witnesses except Gold are not allowed or unwilling to discuss certain questions in public session, or are not allowed or unwilling to discuss them completely. (Shellenberger claimed it was to protect his journalistic sources). They also reported being subject to threats or outright intimidation not to disclose confidential material.

close encounter

If Mr. Gold had confidential information, he never disclosed it. He simply, and rightly, emphasized the need for independent scientific and academically rigorous investigation of the phenomenon.

However, that did not stop witnesses from claiming knowledge of the crash recovery program and encounters with underwater UAPs and USOs (Unidentified Submersible Objects). They also implied that staff were being treated for injuries sustained from contact with the UAP, and that humanity was already dealing with non-human intelligence (NHI).

Information that, if true, would fundamentally change our view of our place in the universe. This also shows that there is still a lot of sensitive material hidden away.

Witnesses are allowed to speak to some extent about facts that are usually considered “official secrets,” but are prohibited from releasing confidential material that supports their claims. This means you can never really know if what they say is true.

Two senior members of the Eighth U.S. Air Force have identified metal fragments found by a farmer near Roswell, New Mexico as debris from a weather balloon. This is the basis for the 1947 Roswell Incident, which was the alleged crash of an alien spacecraft.

Their testimony is always subject to ample doubt. They may all be sincere in their beliefs or have access to relevant evidence, but it is this personal editing that inevitably leads the witness to failure and, at worst, ridicule. It will be done.

But in many previous hearings, they have only presented what they were told, or in legal parlance, “hearsay evidence”, a type of evidence that legal systems around the world consider to be questionable. I haven’t.

This makes it easy for so-called “falsifiers” to point out that evidence is always announced to be released soon, but is never actually released.

And unfortunately, not all of the witnesses who appeared before Congress on November 13th have impeccable reputations for due diligence and fact-checking information.

For example, Elizondo was recently exposed during a lecture. Presenting a photo said to have been taken in Romania in 2022 Obtained from government contact. He claimed it belonged to a giant “mother ship”, but it turned out to be a fake.

His response was to congratulate those who realized his mistake and to say that he is always happy to see false evidence removed from a serious UAP story.

This “non-human” alien corpse was presented to Mexican politicians in 2023. Experts around the world have labeled the corpse a hoax. – Photo credit: Getty

Regardless, former U.S. officials should reconsider their blind allegiance to secrecy and consider whether there is really any benefit to complying with the government’s demands for silence. Their current reluctance to disclose information only further fuels the US government’s quest to obfuscate the democratic process.

If the witnesses’ claims are true, this knowledge should be shared with the world, not held by one country’s government.

battle of words

The question of whether we are alone in space or even here on Earth is not, by definition, a national security issue. This myopic view, currently held by domestic intelligence agencies, is not appropriate for future policy principles.

It is inevitable that at some point someone will have to make the drastic decision to release or publish confidential material to which they have access, and have to impose their name and risk the consequences.

In fact, the threat of legal consequences not only lends greater credibility to the whistleblower’s character, but also increases the credibility of their testimony. Why risk making confidential documents public unless you are 100% sure they are true?

Even if the truth becomes public, it is unlikely to have any real impact. Steals Jack Ryan’s line, “If a bomb goes off, there’s no use trying to defuse it.” A clear and present danger.

Until then, the meaningless show of unchecked hearsay testimony will continue to be repeated on the floor of Congress. It is better to ignore the protests of witnesses that no real information can be revealed and to actively prevent the spread of unverifiable claims than to remain in a perpetual state of limbo of alien gossip and innuendo. Probably.

Keeping their mouths shut will ultimately do great damage to the truth behind UAP.

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For more fact-checked news, visit the BBC. confirm website of bit.ly/BBCVerify

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

AI can now differentiate between American and Scottish whisky aromas

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence. Experts utilized this method to anticipate the scents emanating from whiskey and distinguish whether it was produced in the United States or Scotland.

This study is a crucial advancement towards a computerized system that can forecast the intricate aromas of whiskey based on its molecular makeup. Traditionally, expert panels evaluate woody, smoky, buttery, or caramel hints to ensure consistency in scent across different batches of the same product.

“One of the key advantages of AI is its unwavering consistency,” noted Dr. Andreas Glaskampf, the lead researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging in Freising, Germany.

“While trained professionals may introduce subjectivity, AI complements human olfaction by offering efficiency and consistency,” he continued.

Detecting the aroma of whiskey poses a significant challenge due to the complex chemical blends that form the dominant notes in spirits. These chemicals interact in the nose, often masking each other to produce a distinct aroma profile, making it hard to predict a whiskey’s scent from its chemical composition.

In the recent research, scientists collected data on the chemical composition and aroma of 16 American and Scottish whiskies, such as Jack Daniel’s, Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig, and Talisker, from an expert panel. This data trained an AI algorithm to predict the five primary aromas and origins of a drink based on its molecular components.

One algorithm showed over 90% accuracy in distinguishing between American and Scottish whiskies, excelling in identifying each drink’s five dominant notes compared to individual human experts. Further details can be found here.

Compounds like menthol and citronellol aided in detecting American whiskey’s caramel-like aroma, while methyl decanoate and heptanoic acid were essential in identifying Scotch’s smoky or medicinal notes.

Beyond whiskey, researchers are exploring applications in various fields, from spotting counterfeit products based on scent variations to innovating the recycling process for plastics with less noticeable odors in new products.

Dr. William Peverer, a senior lecturer in chemistry at the University of Glasgow, believes this AI-based approach could offer more reliable consistency compared to human taste panels, ensuring a stable flavor profile batch after batch.

While this study focused on a limited number of whiskies, the performance of AI with larger datasets and its adaptation to evolving flavor notes as the spirit ages in barrels remain to be seen. External factors like consumption environment may also influence flavor perception, requiring further research according to Dr. Peverer.

Source: www.theguardian.com

SEGA Embraces Modernity: Looking Forward to the Future

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

F
For over a decade, from the late ’80s to the early 21st century, Sega was one of the coolest video game companies on the planet. The company’s arcade games, from Golden Ax to Virtua Fighter, were huge hits. The Mega Drive brought a punk rock attitude to the console scene, challenging Nintendo’s family-friendly approach with eye-popping TV commercials and censorship-aiming games like Mortal Kombat and Night Trap.

But perhaps it wasn’t until the Dreamcast era that Sega studios produced some of their most innovative and extravagant work. Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Space Channel 5, and more were colorful celebrations of Tokyo pop culture. Now, Shuji Utsumi, who at the time managed developers at Sega Japan, is CEO of Sega America & Europe and plans to return the company to creative heights.

Hyper colorful…Crazy taxi. Photo: Sega

Mr. Utsumi has had a long and varied career in gaming, joining Sony with the launch of the PlayStation in 1993, before moving on to Sega, Q Entertainment, Warner Music, and Disney Interactive. He returned to Sega in 2019 and eventually became co-chief operating officer during a difficult period for Sega Europe. “European studios have some really great IP, but they also have their challenges,” he says. “We had to work on rebuilding the group.” This process meant the cancellation of Creative Assembly’s multi-million dollar online shooter Hyenas, the first of many live service game closures across the industry. It became the property of

Since taking over as CEO of Sega America and Europe in April of this year, Utsumi’s approach has been to further strengthen Sega’s heritage. Last December, the company announced new titles in its classic franchise treasure trove of Crazy Taxi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Ax, and Shinobi. At the Game Awards in Los Angeles last week, Sega also announced the return of Virtua Fighter. “We have some great pillars like Sonic, Persona, and Yakuza. But at the same time, we also have other properties that really show the style, attitude, and background of Sega. If we do this right, gamers will love it. There are high expectations, and if we can meet them, we will be able to return to Sega.”

Attracting attention to the Japanese RPG scene… Metaphor: ReFantazio. Photo: Associated Press

in
recent interviews
Speaking to Eurogamer, Utsumi said he wants Sega to be the rock’n’roll of Nintendo’s pop music again. But while little has been revealed about the nature of these returning series (will they be reboots of the original or all-new adventures?), he says they won’t be nostalgia exercises for nostalgia’s sake. Make a firm statement. “Gamers loved Sega because we showed gamers a new style, attitude and lifestyle,” he says. “We want to bring back that feeling. But we need to be innovative, not just a nostalgic company. We need to appeal to modern gamers as well. We respect our old IP, but we don’t want to We also ask them to think about innovation in each project.

“Our studio is really capable, very technologically advanced, and we have the drive to make it happen. The time has come when we have to challenge ourselves as much as we have in the past. We want to come back with a ‘n’ roll mindset. We can’t just be rock ‘n’ roll right now. Maybe we need hip-hop too!”

This sounds more like Dreamcast-era Sega attitude than Mega Drive-era teen brat iconography. Utsumi not only ushered in the birth of music-obsessed Jet Set Radio and Space Channel 5, but also co-founded Q Entertainment with Tetsuya Mizuguchi, a studio that put dance music at the heart of its design philosophy through titles like Rez and Lumines. Co-founded. How was this kind of creativity fostered in Tokyo in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in game development at Sega?

“SEGA was a challenger at the time,” says Utsumi. “The PlayStation was so successful that when the Dreamcast was released, the PlayStation 2 was the target. It was such a cool machine that young developers had to get creative. I think the product was very impressive, but you know, the PlayStation 2 beat us, so I can’t really say much about its success.”

Great success…like a dragon: infinite wealth. Photo: Sega

The past five years have seen a resurgence of interest in a very Japan-centric game design concept at Sega and other companies. The worldwide success of role-playing adventures such as Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and most recently Metaphor: ReFantazio has led to the long-standing success of Western series such as Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty. After its dominance, Japan’s RPG scene has regained mainstream attention. Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Why did that happen? “Everyone else was doing first-person shooters. We’re not very good at that, let’s be honest,” he jokes. . “But we can offer something else that we believe in. Of course we will listen to Western audiences, but we have a great opportunity to be unique in a Japanese way.” I think a lot of people became interested in Japanese anime and Korean dramas and music during the coronavirus pandemic…I think that audience is still there. , that’s really lucky.”

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Another change since COVID-19 is the increased presence of video game properties in other media. The third Sonic the Hedgehog movie is currently in theaters, and the crime TV series Like a Dragon: Yakuza began streaming on Amazon earlier this year. It’s not just about the commercial potential of extending Sega’s brand. Utsumi believes there are also important creative reasons. “Nowadays, you might be watching a movie on your phone, playing a game seconds later, and then on TikTok…Users are used to that behavior, and in response, creators are We have to think in a new way about that audience. To capture these trends, we need to combine our creative talents by working with animation and film talent. , we can be inspired.”

Blue Movie: Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Photo: Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.

Sega in 2025 and beyond will be reinvesting in classic titles, introducing Golden Axe, Virtua Fighter, and Jet Set Radio to new audiences rather than simply excavating them as museum pieces. When asked about the possibility of a new mini-console based on the Saturn or Dreamcast, he was dismissive. “I’m not going in the Mini direction. That’s not me. I want to embrace the modern gamer.” Sega later clarified that it had no plans to make more Minis.

This is a theme he repeats over and over again. Sega’s legacy exists, but it must be brought forward. “We are not a retro company,” Utsumi concluded. “We really appreciate our heritage and cherish it, but at the same time we want to deliver something new. Otherwise we will become history. . That’s not what we’re aiming for.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Bitcoin imposter found guilty after persistently suing developer

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A computer scientist from Australia who falsely claimed to be the creator of Bitcoin has been given a one-year suspended prison sentence after the High Court in London found him guilty of contempt for continuing to sue people.

The judge, Mellor, revealed that Craig Wright, 54, was actually Satoshi Nakamoto, the individual behind Bitcoin. It was discovered that he had been deceitful about his claims.

Wright had asserted ownership of intellectual property related to Bitcoin, but the High Court determined that he had lied about his involvement and produced fake documents on a large scale. His claim was subsequently revoked.

Despite being instructed to stop legal action against Bitcoin developers, Wright proceeded to file a lawsuit against cryptocurrency developers concerning intellectual property matters. This resulted in lawsuits totaling over £900 billion.

During the court proceedings, it was stated that Wright had made repeated claims of being Nakamoto, causing distress to individuals associated with the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (Copa).

Wright was found guilty on five counts of contempt of court and sentenced to a 12-month suspended prison term, along with a requirement to pay £145,000 in costs within two weeks.

His recent legal actions were described as a desperate attempt to gain publicity, with claims of judicial bias and mistreatment being made. The judge ultimately confirmed Wright’s contempt without a doubt.

During the court session, Wright, appearing via video link from an undisclosed location in Asia, expressed intent to appeal the decision. He had refused to attend in person unless compensated for costs and lost profits.

In a previous High Court ruling, Mellor stated that Wright was not as clever as he portrayed himself to be and had lied extensively regarding his identity as Satoshi Nakamoto.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk asserts influence in Washington by vetoing spending bill | Elon Musk

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk utilizes his social media platforms and threat to spend millions against Republicans in primaries to advocate for a bipartisan Congressional spending bill to keep the government running, but the bill was diluted. House Republicans rushed to create a new deal after Musk’s initial failure. The revised agreement provided funding for several months while suspending the debt limit at Trump’s request, but it did not pass in the House of Representatives.

Musk, the world’s richest man, played a significant role in the 2024 election, supporting Trump and spreading right-wing rumors. He criticized the spending bill on social media, misrepresenting its contents and impact. Trump and Vice President-elect Vance opposed the bill, but Musk’s public opposition was more prominent.

Musk urged the public to contact legislators to defeat the bill and celebrated its failure as a victory for the people. While he has no formal role in the Trump administration, he wields significant influence over the party and future president through his organization.

The incident exemplifies Musk’s influential role in using social media to attack opponents and influence public opinion. He vowed that no legislation should pass until Trump takes office and pledged to hold dishonest politicians accountable.

Congressional Republicans largely supported Musk, with Senator Rand Paul suggesting him as Speaker of the House. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also expressed openness to the idea. Democrats criticized Musk’s influence and power, with Congressman Pocan creating images depicting Musk controlling Trump.

Musk spread misinformation about the bill, falsely claiming lawmakers would receive a significant pay raise. Fact-checks have disproven these claims, but Musk continued to mislead on social media. Republican Rep. Crenshaw was also caught in rumors about a pay increase, which he denied.

Musk responded to Crenshaw’s claims, emphasizing that Congress should only give raises with a balanced budget. Crenshaw advised Musk to verify sources before amplifying misleading information.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nearly 50 hidden pterodactyl specimens discovered through UV-stimulated fluorescence

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

These relatives are Pterodactylus. This will allow paleontologists to reconstruct the flying reptile’s life history from hatching to adulthood.

holotype specimen of Pterodactylus antiquus. Image credit: Robert SH Smyth & David M. Unwin, doi: 10.1080/14772019.2024.2421845.

Almost 250 years ago, the first pterosaur fossil was discovered in a quarry in northern Bavaria, Germany.

Dubbing Pterodactylus, this 150-million-year-old fossil provides the first evidence of a group of extraordinary flying reptiles that filled the skies of the Mesozoic Era, soaring above dinosaurs on wings spanning up to 10 meters or more.

This first pterosaur was only about the size of a turtledove, but it completely reshaped our understanding of prehistoric life.

Despite being the original “pterodactyl”, Pterodactylus was soon overshadowed, quite literally, in people’s consciousness by the more dramatic appearance of giant pterosaurs. Pteranodon and Quetzalcoatlus attracted attention. but Pterodactylus remained popular among pterosaur scientists.

For centuries, Pterodactylus and other similar pterosaurs in Bavaria are the focus of ongoing scientific research, and much of what we know about pterosaurs, from the shape of their wings and the way they fly to the way they eat and grow. It helps shape the.

But one question always remains. Among these many pterosaurs, which one is the true pterosaur? Pterodactylus And which belong to completely different species?

This confusion has continued for centuries and continues to this day.

Thanks to a new study that analyzed data from dozens of Pterodactylus The mysteries of specimens displayed in museums around the world have been solved, and the true nature of these fossils has finally been revealed.

Paleontologists Robert Smith and Dave Unwin from the University of Leicester shine an intense UV torch on fossil bones to make them fluoresce, allowing them to distinguish one type of pterosaur from another, almost visually. The researchers succeeded in revealing the details of tiny bones that cannot be seen.

Use Pterodactylus Unique features found in the head, hips, hands, and feet led them to systematically examine other fossils from the same deposits, and to their surprise, they discovered many other fossil examples. Pterodactylus It was “hidden” among what is believed to be another species of pterosaur.

“By examining many fossils in collections across Europe, we were able to re-identify more than 40 specimens. Pterodactylus” said Smith.

“UV-excited fluorescence is amazing in the amount of detail it can reveal. Features that were once hidden are now clearly visible.”

Complete your entire concept in the blink of an eye Pterodactylus It has changed dramatically.

With nearly 50 examples confirmed to date, knowledge about this most important pterosaur is exploding.

“We are now able to construct a complete and detailed skeletal anatomy of this important pterosaur,” Dr. Unwin said.

“The soft tissues of more than 20 specimens have been fossilized, allowing us to reconstruct the top of the head, the shape of the body, the webs of the feet, and even the wings.”

“UV-excited fluorescence is a well-known technique, but the difference in this case is that we were able to combine a new, high-quality light source with a systematic ‘catch-all’ approach, which revolutionized our research and will have a significant impact. Understanding pterosaurs.”

of result Published in Journal of Systematic Paleontology.

_____

Robert S. H. Smith & David M. Unwin. 2024. Re-evaluation of Pterodactylus antiquus and Diopecephalus flathead: Two troublesome classification concepts. Journal of Systematic Paleontology 22 (1): 2421845;doi: 10.1080/14772019.2024.2421845

Source: www.sci.news

Analaria: The Unimaginable Sound

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Some people can’t imagine a dog barking or a police siren. I can’t get the song out of my head. They have no inner voice. Anauraria It was proposed in 2021 by scientists at the University of Auckland to explain the little-known condition of the silent mind. This time, the University of Auckland is hosting a world conference on imagined sounds in the mind, aimed not only at scientists but also at philosophers, musicians, poets, and writers.

Aphonia is a lack of auditory imagery, or the inability to hear anything in the inner ear. Image credit: Vat Roai.

Professor Tony Lambert from the University of Auckland said: “Scientists are interested in how the brain creates, or does not create, imaginary sounds such as inner voices.”

“But for writers, musicians, and poets, it can be an important part of the creative process, so they too have insights to share.”

“Charles Dickens said he could hear the voices of his characters. So did Alice Walker. Some readers even picture the voices of their characters in their heads.”

For Sang Hyun Kim, a student at the University of Auckland with a quiet mind, the idea of other people hearing imaginary voices may seem strange. And he will be intrigued to see what research turns out about auditory imagery.

of heart ear and inner voice The conference will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from April 14th to 16th, 2025.

We would like to include personal accounts of individuals who have experienced anodynia and hyperacusis, the experience of highly vivid auditory images.

“Some people say they can reproduce a symphony in their heads in great detail; others report weak auditory imagery, while others report nothing at all,” the researchers said.

“It is estimated that nearly 1% of people in New Zealand experience aphonia. This is often accompanied by aphantasia, a lack of visual imagination.”

“There doesn’t seem to be any downside to a silent mind. On the contrary, recent research suggests there may be positive outcomes associated with increased attention.”

“The concept of musicians experiencing atonia seems perplexing. How can you play a role without being able to conjure up sounds in your head?”

“I don’t understand this either,” Professor Lambert said.

“The mind of such a musician may contain representations of music that are not auditory in nature. This is similar to the difference between hearing music and music represented as a musical score. Masu.”

“Overall, auditory imagery has received far less research attention than visual imagery.”

“Our conference is unique in that it focuses on these issues from a very interdisciplinary perspective.”

“Who doesn’t imagine voices, music, and other sounds?” If so, how common is this? What is the psychological impact of experiencing a quiet inner world? Is that so?”

“We have good answers to the first two questions. The last question is a much bigger question, but we believe we have made significant progress.”

“Ongoing research in the Aunaularia Laboratory at the University of Auckland includes neuroimaging studies that combine high-density EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and electromyography of the activity of muscles used in speech production. .”

“The conference’s lineup of keynote speakers from around the world includes experts in fields called voice hearing (auditory hallucinations) and cognitive literary studies.”

Source: www.sci.news

Physicists discover proof of asymmetry between matter and antimatter in decay of baryons and beauty hadrons

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The standard model of particle physics predicts an asymmetry between matter and antimatter known as charge parity (CP) violation. However, the size of this asymmetry in the Standard Model is not large enough to explain the disequilibrium, and so far the asymmetry has only been observed in certain decays of particles called mesons. In two new studies, LHCb collaboration CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has discovered evidence of CP violation in baryon decay and beauty hadron decay into charmonium particles, shedding light on these two pieces of the matter-antimatter puzzle.

Exterior view of the LHCb detector. Image credit: CERN.

Experiments involving LHCb have previously searched for baryon CP violation by looking for differences in the way matter and antimatter baryons decay into other particles.

However, these investigations have so far been essentially empty-handed.

One LHCb study provided evidence for a process in the specific collapse of the bottom lambda baryon, but subsequent studies analyzing larger samples of such collapses did not increase that evidence.

in first new studyLHCb physicists scrutinized proton-proton collision data obtained during the first and second runs of the LHC and discovered various decay modes of the bottom lambda baryon, including decay into a lambda baryon and two kaons. You have searched for

We then investigated the CP violation in each decay mode, essentially by counting the number of decays of the bottom lambdabaryon and its antimatter partner and taking the difference between the two.

In the case of the lambda baryon and its decay into two kaons, this difference showed evidence of a CP violation with a significance of 3.2 standard deviations.

in second studythe LHCb team focused on the decay of a beautiful charged meson into J/psi and a charged pion.

J/psi is a charmmonium particle, a meson consisting of a charm quark and a charm antiquark.

We performed an analysis similar to the lower lambda baryon study, also using data from the first and second runs of the LHC, and found evidence for CP violation in this decay mode of charged meons. Again, the significance is 3.2 standard. Deviation.

This finding represents evidence of CP violation in the decay of beauty hadrons to charmonium particles.

“Our study represents an important step toward establishing whether CP violations are present in these types of collapses,” the authors state.

“Data from the high-luminosity LHC, with its third experiment and planned collider upgrades, will shed further light on these and other parts of the matter-antimatter puzzle. .”

_____

LHCb collaboration. 2024. Study of Λ0b and Ξ0b decay to Λh+h'- and evidence of CP violation in Λ0b→ΛK+K- decay. arXiv: 2411.15441

LHCb collaboration. 2024. First evidence of direct CP violation to charmonium decay in cosmetology. arXiv: 2411.12178

Source: www.sci.news

Discover the worst Christmas game ever – and why I can’t get enough of it

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

IIf you own an Xbox and have some sense, you’ll probably be spending this Christmas playing the new Indiana Jones game. And perhaps feeling smug about the fact that it’s a timed exclusive, PlayStation owners will end up pressing their noses against frosted glass like Victorian orphans.

But, PS5 fans, please wipe your tears. Because I found the game that will save Christmas. And it’s only 79p. Let’s say “hello” and “hohoho” to Santa’s Speedy Quest.

I discovered this gem while scouring the PlayStation Store looking for cheap and awful games to laugh at on my Twitch stream. (This is also how I discovered the seminal classic Stroke the Beaver, but that’s another story.) SSQ fits the bill perfectly, and is incredibly cheap (if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription). It’s actually just 23p if you’re paying a fee), which on the face of it is terrible. But it’s also addictive, hilarious, and much more layered than it seems.

At one point during the stream, I might have described this as the pinnacle of the video game medium. It’s a lot like the three pints of Baileys I pre-consumed, maybe a little stronger. But I stand by the claim that Santa’s Speedy Quest is, in its own simple and diabolical way, a work of twisted genius.

As you might imagine, SSQ lacks the polish and high production values of blockbusters like Indiana Jones and The Great MacGuffin. It looks like it was made with Microsoft Paint. It also doesn’t contain any original gameplay ideas, unless you consider “Make Flappy Bird Santa” innovative.

Nothing innovative or original…Santa’s Speedy Quest. Photo: ERIK GAMES

Contains 8 mini games. It all looks familiar. None of them are attractive in and of themselves. Two of them are variations on the “dodge the snowball” concept, depending on whether the snowball comes vertically or horizontally. There are no collectibles, health potions, power-ups, etc. There is no multiplayer mode or online play. I can’t even pause. When you press start, the game continues in the background with a metaphysically challenging message: “You can’t stop this game.”

It feels like Christmas 2008 all over again. At the time, the Wii’s success flooded the market with minigame collections that ranged from poor to very poor quality. I was forced to review many of them just to put food on the table on Christmas Day. on the verge of extinction At Hasbro Family Game Night. I still don’t know if Vienetta was worth falling in love with.

However, here’s the twist. Santa’s Speedy Quest does not allow you to choose which mini-games to play. All must be played. In random order. Continuously without a break. Just for a few seconds at a time. increasing at an increasingly rapid pace and at seemingly arbitrary intervals.

“1.4x faster,” the game shouts. 2.6 times. 3.2 times. This poses a unique challenge for your brain, as it forces you to repeatedly switch between familiar gameplay mechanics that run at breakneck speeds without any notice. All the while, an electro-piano version of Jingle Bells loops endlessly in the background, picking up speed so that the sound becomes distorted and jumbled, like you’re in a horror movie set in an amusement park. I’ll put it away. You can’t stop this game.

And here’s the kicker, the devilish details that elevate Santa’s Speedy Quest from a below-average minigame collection to a diabolical Sisyphean masterpiece. The game takes a snapshot every time you launch another minigame, and when you come back, gameplay continues from that point.

This creates strategic choices. Are you always trying to make sure you’re in a good position so you can pick up where you left off? Mentally recording each state of play every time you get kicked out and knowing which buttons to press when you’re put back in? Do you remember? Or have you forgotten all about it and desperately relied on reflexes dulled by the fact that you were 47, near menopause, and had three pints of Baileys?

The leaderboard isn’t even real…Santa’s Speedy Quest. Photo: Eric Games

Each time you fail a minigame, you are removed from the roster until you run out of minigames, and the game ends. You’ll then see your score and a breakdown of your performance in five key areas: speed, coordination, timing, reflexes, and decision-making. There are leaderboards with seemingly plausible player names like SHADOWBLADE23, but they are fake. No online functionality.

I get this because SSQ has really taken off in my Twitch community, but our high scores don’t show up on each other’s leaderboards. Instead, we have to rely on sharing screenshots on Discord as proof of our efforts. But it doesn’t matter. I’m having a great time.

That’s because Santa’s Speedy Quest is exactly the game you need at this time of year. Easy to learn for non-gamers, difficult to master for serious players, and perfect for reigniting old feuds and creating hotly contested rivalries. It’s a vulgar, stupid, cynical money grab that relies on outdated ideas and sentimental nostalgia. But isn’t it all about this time of year?

Source: www.theguardian.com

Utilizing Neuroscience to Discover the Ideal Children’s Toy

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

“Lloyd,” he told me. “His name is Lloyd.” Of course. Why is the green Lego Ninjago called a different name? This plastic figurine has shot to the top of son Sam's Christmas list.

Anyone who knows young children will relate. While they covet the Barbie Color Reveal Deluxe Styling Head, which promises instant but fleeting joy, we want to buy a woodland activity kit that is sure to nourish the body and mind.

If you are despairing of such a choice, help is readily available. Thanks to our increased understanding of the cognitive benefits of specific toys, we now have a better understanding of the relative merits of different toys. This Christmas, I decided to use this research to identify the perfect toy, or at least get as close to it as possible.

If you dig deeper into this world, you'll quickly discover that some toys are really better for young brains than others, and that computer games aren't as evil as you think. Now you know the secret to buying toys without getting bored. Cupboard.

Although toys may seem like a relatively recent invention, they have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. Analysis of rock fragments dating back 60,000 to 80,000 years in South Africa's Western Cape suggests that children may have been tinkering with dull and functionally useless copies of adult stone tools. Ta. These ancient playthings are thought to have been key to the development of cognitive skills, such as the ability to imagine alternative scenarios and come up with new ideas.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Jim Carrey’s Energizing Performance Brings Laughter to the Third Installment

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

a The third Sonic movie came out with a strong sense of inevitability, creating excitement among its core pre-teen fanbase. The Marvel Cinematic Universe could learn from how it keeps audiences entertained. The buzz around Sonic’s unconventional teeth is now a thing of the past, but Jim Carrey truly shines in his double role, showing his dedication even if it’s just for the money. The movie is doing a good job overall, appealing even to those who may have forgotten the intricacies of early ’00s games. It’s an engaging experience.

The Sonic reboot introduces a “dark” version of Sonic in the form of Shadow, a hedgehog with black and red coloring. As the story unfolds, Shadow escapes from his containment unit, prompting Sonic and his sidekicks to intervene. They end up working alongside Ivo Robotnik to uncover secrets at an abandoned military base, leading to a complex narrative.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/w0Eya8mcpuU?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Sonic The Hedgehog 3 | Official Trailer | Paramount Pictures UK" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Drawing from over 30 years of gaming, the film offers rich plotlines, character development, and dramatic incidents. While the human element may vary, the voices of Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, along with James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, add depth to the story. Carrey’s performance stands out, injecting humor and energy into the movie. His presence prevents the film from falling flat and enhances the overall experience.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Announcements of ‘The Witcher IV’, ‘Okami 2’, and Other Game Award Winners | Games

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

aDeserving winners – Balatro, Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio dominates the board – game award Last Thursday brought us many end-of-the-year announcements, like unexpected gifts under the tree. It was the best show ever in terms of newsworthy announcements. It felt a bit like an old-school E3 conference. Of course, if you haven’t watched the three-hour video game awards show live from LA, which aired just after midnight UK time, here’s what you need to know.

Seeing it for the first time The Witcher IV

We’ve known for a while that another dark fantasy RPG was in development at Poland’s CD Projekt, and now we know. next witcher game Instead of father figure Geralt, the film stars Ciri, a white-haired warrior and villain, and the trailer shows her locked in a battle with a striking and gruesome monster. I had a good look at this whole trailer – I spent about 200 hours on The Witcher III back in the day and I’m looking forward to this one Very.

new games from naughty dog

A wise use of the Pet Shop Boys … Intergalactic: Heretical Prophet. Photo: Naughty Dog

The next project from the developers of The Last of Us will be called Next Project. Intergalactic: Heretic Prophet And as the name suggests, this is science fiction. You are trapped on a planet at the edge of the known galaxy, where no one has returned for 600 years, cut off from communication with civilization. Although the premise feels a little tired, I love the stylish lines and bright colors of this space fantasy, as well as the clever use of Pet Shop Boys in the trailer.

us too saw the new trailer Another AAA game that looks promising is Mafia: The Old Country, set in Sicily. (Guardian games columnist Dominic Diamond recently played the remake of the original Mafia to see if he was too old to be a Mafia after all.)

A sequel I wasn’t expecting

The 2006 painting “Okami,” pictured here, is scheduled for a sequel in 2026. Photo: Capcom

I loved In the 2006 Zelda-like painting Okami, in which he plays a wolf god who fights demons across ancient Japan with the help of magical ink, I long ago gave up hope of seeing a sequel. (Apart from “Oishinden,” which was produced in 2010) by a different studio). It was then announced that the game’s original director, Hideki Kamiya, was working on it. Okami 2 The announcement of his new studio, Clover, was as much of a surprise as the announcement of Shenmue III at E3 2015. The studio name is an inside joke. Kamiya’s previous studio, which created the original Okami, was Clover.

Another unexpected announcement from Capcom: new onimusha game – Another PS2-era hit about samurai in feudal Japan. Just as exciting, but much more forgiving than the Ninja Gaiden action games (also side scrolling sequel). Sega is also participating in the revival, with the Like a Dragon team tasked with working on a new installment of the Virtua Fighter series. And 90’s dinosaur hunter Tulloch is taking on a new challenge in his next game. Tulloch: Origin (Warning: Violent trailer).

A future co-op classic

In Split Fiction, two aspiring writers are trapped together in a VR simulation of their own story. Photo: Electronic Arts

Swedish developer Hazelight is known for A Way Out, a cooperative game about two brothers trying to escape from prison, and It Takes Two, a magical realist platformer about a couple on the brink of divorce, Masu. The next piece is about two aspiring writers, one science fiction and one fantasy, who are trapped together in a VR simulation of their own story. Fight by switching between dragons and mechs. it is called split fiction.

Meanwhile, a new game from the creators of Overcooked is also coming. It’s a creepy cooperative horror incident. called stage frighttwo players run through an escape room-style scenario. and AlsoFrom Software has New Elden Ring co-op spinoff This is a bit like Elden Ring meets Monster Hunter. While I’m a bit skeptical of this, I’m also happy at the prospect that From Software’s new game might actually be completed. Because playing it totally counts as quality time with your partner.

And finally…

Fumihito Ueda led the team at Sony’s Japan Studios that created a trilogy of standard games: Shadow of the Colossus, ICO, and Toriko the Man-Eater. All of these games made me think differently about how games express ideas. I’m currently back to game development at a new studio in Tokyo. Project: Robot. There’s only a one-minute trailer here, but I’m still going to play anything this guy is in if I get the chance.

what to play

Sinking into nature… Naiad. Photo: Steam

In the craziness of working parenthood in December, I found peace of mind. naiada free-flowing game about becoming a water nymph. Swim through beautiful river scenery, following schools of small fish, listening to chirping birds, enjoying piano music and the sounds of nature. Sometimes they reunite lost ducklings with their mothers, or make brief appearances in the human world (unfortunately, these are the most frustrating parts). I felt like I was immersed in nature on the steam deck.

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Available: computer
Estimated play time: 3-4 hours

what to read

The CD Projekt logo at its headquarters in Warsaw, Poland. Photo: Kacper Pempel/Reuters

bloomberg We interviewed the CEO of cd project red To learn more about how the studio has changed since Cyberpunk 2077 in preparation for The Witcher IV.
If you want to know more about the background of the Okami sequel, check out VGC great interview and Hideki Kamiya.
classic adventure game under the steel sky I turned 30 last week – eurogamer To commemorate this occasion, we conducted an interesting interview with the manufacturer.

www.theguardian.com

UK arts and media oppose proposal to grant AI companies permission to utilize copyrighted content

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Authors, publishers, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, and newspaper publishers have all opposed the Labor government’s proposal to create a copyright exemption for training algorithms by artificial intelligence companies.

Representing thousands of creators, various organizations released a joint statement rejecting the idea of allowing companies like Open AI, Google, and Meta to use public works for AI training unless owners actively opt out. This was in response to the ministers’ proposal announced on Tuesday.

The Creative Rights in AI Coalition (Crac) emphasized the importance of respecting and enforcing existing copyright laws rather than circumventing them.

Included in the coalition are prominent entities like the British Recording Industry, the Independent Musicians Association, the Film Institute, the Writers’ Association, as well as Mumsnet, the Guardian, the Financial Times, the Telegraph, Getty Images, the Daily Mail Group, and Newsquest.

The intervention from these industry representatives follows statements by Technology and Culture Minister Kris Bryant in Parliament, where he promoted the proposed system as a way to enhance access to content for AI developers while ensuring rights holders have control over its use. This stance was reinforced after Bryant mentioned the importance of controlling the training of AI models using UK content accessed from overseas.

Nevertheless, industry lobbying group Tech UK is advocating for a more permissive market that allows companies to utilize and pay for copyrighted data. Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Conservative Party’s culture, media, and sport select committee, criticized the government’s alignment with AI companies.

Mr. Bryant defended the proposed system to MPs by highlighting the need for a flexible regime that allows for overseas developers to train AI models with UK content. He warned that a strict regime could hinder the growth of AI development in the UK.

Creatives in the industry are urged to seek permission from generative AI developers, obtain licenses, and compensate rights holders if they wish to create or train algorithms for various media formats.

A collective statement from the creative industry emphasized the importance of upholding current copyright laws and ensuring fair compensation for creators when licensing their work.

Renowned figures like Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Julianne Moore, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Bonneville have joined a petition calling for stricter regulations on AI companies that engage in copyright infringement.

Novelist Kate Mosse is also supporting a campaign to amend the Data Bill to enforce existing copyright laws in the UK to protect creators’ rights and fair compensation.

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During a recent House of Lords debate, supporters of amendments to enforce copyright laws likened the government’s proposal to asking shopkeepers to opt-out of shoplifting rather than actively preventing it.

The government’s plan for a copyright exemption has faced criticism from the Liberal Democrats and other opponents who believe it is influenced by technology lobbyists and misinterpretations of current copyright laws.

Science Minister Patrick Vallance defended the government’s position by emphasizing the need to support rights holders, ensure fair compensation, and facilitate the development of AI models while maintaining appropriate access.

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK Data Regulator Slams Google for ‘Irresponsible’ Ad Tracking Changes

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The UK’s data protection regulator has condemned Google for enabling advertisers to track customers’ digital “fingerprints,” expressing concerns about the difficulty of blocking online surveillance technology even for privacy-conscious users, calling it “irresponsible.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK stated that this practice undermines consumer control and choice regarding data collection and usage. Google’s decision to introduce this method creates expectations for a privacy-focused internet, deviating from current standards.

Fingerprinting involves gathering unique signals from a device’s software or hardware to identify a user or device, similar to an advanced form of cookies.

Data watchdogs note that fingerprinting is challenging to detect and block, making consent more difficult compared to cookie notifications often encountered while browsing the web.

Google recently announced its entry into the rapidly expanding Connected TV (CTV) advertising space, emphasizing the need for brands to effectively target desired audiences while also improving customer privacy.

In a statement in 2019, Google acknowledged the lack of control users have over their fingerprint data compared to cookies, labeling this practice as user-choice infringing and wrong.

Stephen Almond, Executive Director of Regulatory Risk at the ICO, emphasized that companies must adhere to legal and transparent deployment of advertising technology, warning of potential action from the ICO if guidelines are not followed.

The ICO asserts that fingerprinting is an unfair method of online tracking which compromises user choice and control over data collection.

Google indicated it will engage in further discussions with the ICO regarding its policy change.

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A Google spokesperson mentioned that privacy-enhancing technology enables partners to succeed on emerging platforms such as CTV without compromising user privacy. They reaffirmed the commitment to providing users with the choice of personalized ads and promoting responsible data use across the industry.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Over 140 Facebook moderators in Kenya diagnosed with severe PTSD from digital media duties

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Over 140 Facebook content moderators have been diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of being exposed to distressing social media content, including violent acts, suicides, child abuse, and terrorism.

Dr. Ian Kananya revealed that these moderators, based at a facility in Kenya contracted by social media companies, worked long hours and were diagnosed with PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) by the Head of Mental Health Services at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

A lawsuit filed against Meta, Facebook’s parent company, and the outsourcing company Samasource Kenya, which employed moderators from across Africa, brought to light the distressing experiences faced by these employees.

Images and videos depicting disturbing content caused some moderators to have physical and emotional reactions such as fainting, vomiting, screaming, and leaving their workstations.

The lawsuit sheds light on the toll that moderating such content takes on individuals in regions where social media usage is on the rise, often in impoverished areas.

Many of the moderators in question turned to substance abuse, experienced relationship breakdowns, and felt disconnected from their families, due to the nature of their work.

Facebook and other tech giants use content moderators to enforce community standards and train AI systems to do the same, outsourcing this work to countries like Kenya.

A medical report submitted to the court depicted a bleak working environment where moderators were constantly exposed to distressing images in a cold, brightly lit setting.

The majority of the affected moderators suffered from PTSD, GAD, or MDD, with severe symptoms affecting a significant portion of them, even after leaving their roles.

MetaSource and Samasource declined to comment on the allegations due to the ongoing litigation.

Foxglove, a nonprofit supporting the lawsuit, highlighted the lifelong impact that this work has had on the mental health of the moderators.

The lawsuit aims to hold the companies accountable for the traumatic experiences endured by the moderators in the course of their duties.

Content moderation tasks, though often overlooked, can have significant long-term effects on the mental health of those involved, as seen in this case.

Meta stresses the importance of supporting its content moderators through counseling, training, on-site support, and access to healthcare, while implementing measures to reduce exposure to graphic material.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Uber and its CEO contribute $1 million each to President Trump’s inaugural fund

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Uber and its CEO have donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, joining a growing list of technology companies and executives seeking to build good relations with the incoming administration.

This donation was announced by a spokesperson for Uber Technologies. The Wall Street Journal reported that on Tuesday, Uber and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi each donated $1 million to Trump’s fund. Uber did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.

Uber had previously donated $1 million to President Biden’s 2021 inauguration, but Khosrowshahi did not donate to that event, according to the Wall Street Journal. The $1 million donation to Trump’s fund is said to be Khosrowshahi’s largest contribution to a political candidate or presidential inaugural fund.

The donations from Uber and Khosrowshahi add to a growing list of tech companies and executives who have pledged to donate $1 million to the president-elect’s inaugural fund.

Mehta, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed last week that he had donated $1 million to the foundation. CEO Sam Altman of OpenAI also planned to make a $1 million personal donation to the foundation. Amazon is also preparing to donate $1 million to Trump’s fund.

Unlike companies and executives like Mark Zuckerberg, Mehta, and Jeff Bezos, Uber and Khosrowshahi do not have a historically strained relationship with President Trump, making their donations especially significant.

Notably, Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer, is the brother-in-law of Vice President and former Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Mr. West took time off to volunteer with Mr. Harris’ presidential campaign before returning to his role at Uber.

Donations to inaugural committees are common among large companies looking to establish better relations with the new administration.

According to Amazon, the company donated $57,746 to President Trump’s first inaugural fund in 2017. Open Secrets reported that other companies such as Google and Microsoft also made donations. Mehta confirmed to the Guardian that he did not donate in 2017.

Recent donations from tech companies and executives come amidst reports of perks being offered to top donors to the president-elect’s inaugural fund. Since Trump’s election win, he has dined with several technology company executives.

In the past month, Trump has dined with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at his Mar-a-Lago mansion. Apple CEO Tim Cook; as well as Google’s Sundar Pichai and Sergey Brin; are among those who have had dinners with Trump. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to have dinner with Trump this week.

Source: www.theguardian.com

El coche de Google Maps proporciona pistas importantes en el caso de persona desaparecida en España.

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A man was seen loading white bags into the back of a red Rover car in a deserted street in northern Spain.

The Google Maps camera captured a suspicious moment in the village of Tahueko in October, which later led to the arrest of two men who disappeared the previous year.

In November 2023, a Cuban national living in Spain was reported missing, sparking an investigation by the police, as reported by El Pais newspaper.

Suspicion arose after the missing man’s relatives received texts from his phone indicating a change in plans, leading to the involvement of the police.

The investigation focused on the man’s former partner and another individual, resulting in the arrest of a couple in connection with his death and disappearance.

Police praised the role of Google Maps in providing crucial evidence for solving the crime, emphasizing the images that were captured during the investigation.

Residents of Tahueco mentioned seeing the images on Google Maps but did not attach much significance to them initially.

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One resident mentioned not suspecting the man in the images, while another was unaware of any sinister implications in the photo of the car trunk.

Source: www.theguardian.com

UK police chief says that young people driven to violence by selecting and mixing fear online

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The leader of counter-terrorism in Britain has expressed concern that more young people, including children as young as 10, are being lured towards violence through the “mix of fear” they encounter on the internet.

Vicky Evans, the deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism, noted a shift in radicalization, stating, “There has been a significant increase in interest in extremist content that we are identifying through our crime monitoring activities.”

Evans highlighted the disturbing trend of suspects seeking out material that either lacks ideology or glorifies violence from various sources. She emphasized the shocking and alarming nature of the content encountered by law enforcement in their investigations.

The search history reveals a disturbing fascination with violence, misogyny, gore, extremism, racism, and other harmful ideologies, as well as a curated selection of frightening content.

Detectives from the Counter-Terrorism Police Network are dedicating significant resources to digital forensics to apprehend young individuals consuming extremist material, a troubling trend according to Evans.

The government introduced measures to reform the Prevent system, aimed at deterring individuals from turning to terrorism. They are also reassessing the criteria for participation in Prevent to address individuals showing interest in violence without a clear ideological motive.

Evans emphasized the persistent terrorist threat in the UK, particularly in “deep, dark hotspots” that require urgent attention. Despite efforts to prevent terrorism, the UK has experienced several attacks in recent years.

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There have been 43 thwarted terrorist plots since 2017, with concerns over potential mass casualty attacks. The counter-terrorism community is also monitoring the situation in Syria for any potential threats from individuals entering or leaving the country.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exploring the Production of Higgs Boson Pairs in Proton-Proton Collisions with the CMS Experiment

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

CMS Collaboration physicists used data from high-energy proton-proton collisions from Experiment 2 at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to released The latest research into the production of Higgs boson pairs, known as De-Higgs, has placed constraints on the rate of their formation.

Event display of candidate events for Higgs pair generation. Image credit: CERN.

According to physicists, Higgs particle pair can be created in two main ways.

The first is called gluon-gluon fusion, in which gluons (particles inside colliding protons) interact to produce the Higgs boson. This process allows scientists to study the interaction between one so-called intermediate state Higgs boson and two final state Higgs bosons.

The second method involves quarks, also inside the colliding protons, which emit two vector bosons. These vector particles interact to form a Higgs particle, allowing the study of the interaction between two Higgs particles and two vector particles.

CMS physicists performed the latest analysis by exploring multiple ways DeHiggs could collapse.

These final states resulted from the decay of Higgs boson pairs into bottom quarks, W particles, tau leptons, and photons.

By combining these searches and analyzing all the data simultaneously using advanced analytics techniques such as boosted decision trees and deep neural networks, the collaboration was able to extract more information than ever before. .

This study allowed the researchers to set an upper bound on the Higgs pair production rate with a 95% confidence level.

The measured limits are now 3.5 times higher than the Standard Model’s prediction for total DeHiggs production and 79 times higher than the Standard Model’s prediction for DeHiggs production by vector boson fusion.

The LHC’s Run 3 data acquisition era is underway, and the amount of data collected by CMS experiments has already doubled, and CMS researchers are making progress in analyzing it.

One of the most exciting prospects for measuring the self-interactions of the Higgs boson is the upcoming High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), scheduled to become operational in 2030.

In this new phase, the accelerator will provide CMS with the highest luminosity ever reached in a collider.

Considering luminosity predictions and systematic uncertainties, scientists estimate that the first evidence of Higgs formation may begin to appear in about half of the HL-LHC data.

“We look forward to further investigating this rare and exciting phenomenon,” they said.

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CMS cooperation. 2024. Combined search for non-resonant Higgs boson pair production in proton-proton collisions at √s=13 TeV. CMS-PAS-HIG-20-011

Source: www.sci.news

Earwig fossil discovered in Denmark dates back 55 million years

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Apachius Madseni This is the first fossil representative of the mysterious earwig family Apachiidae.

Apachius Madseni. Image credit: Simonsen others., doi: 10.11646/palaeoentomology.7.5.7.

The newly described species lived in what is now Europe during the early Eocene, about 55 million years ago.

with scientific name Apachius Madsenithe ancient insect was about 1.9 centimeters (0.75 inches) long.

belongs to the genus Apacius in the family Apacidaeis part of a larger insect order Dermatoptera (commonly known as earwig).

Currently, extant species of this family are found only in south-central Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

They are generally characterized by relatively large, flat bodies and often bright colors.

“Today, the Apaceae family consists of 15 living species in two genera, 13 of which are Apacius And in two Dendroiketes) similarly Apachius Madseni'' said paleontologist Jan Audun Rasmussen of the Mors Museum.

“The current species are distributed in Central Africa (three species) and from India to the Philippines and Australia (the remaining species).”

The discovery of Apachius Madseni Therefore, we show that the range of Apacidae has expanded considerably, indicating that the current distribution of this family is not necessarily indicative of its past distribution or biogeographic origin. ”

almost completed single Apachius Madseni The fossil was discovered in a fur layer in Mors, northwestern Denmark.

“This fossil is the second species of Dermatoptera to be described from the fur layer, and the first representative of the enigmatic Apacidae,” the paleontologists said.

According to the authors, this formation's diatomaceous clay deposits formed the seafloor of northwestern Denmark during the early Eocene, when Denmark was completely covered by sea.

Because modern members of the Apaceae family live under the bark of trees, they believe that: Apachius Madseni It was carried to the sea covered in the bark of a tree trunk that is thought to have drifted ashore from Sweden or Norway about 55 million years ago.

“It's no surprise that we found the ancestor of this tropical and subtropical earwig family so far north as Denmark,” Dr. Rasmussen said.

“55 million years ago, the ocean that covered what is now Denmark was subtropical to almost tropical, as evidenced by the fish, bird, insect, and plant fossils found in ancient seafloor deposits on the islands of Mors and Fir. It is reflected.”

of findings appear in the diary paleoentomology.

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Thomas J. Simonsen others. 2024. Apachius Madseni (Dermoptera: Apacidae) sp. November discovery in the Ypresian fur layer in Denmark: the first fossil record of the mysterious earwig family Apacidae. paleoentomology 007 (5): 638-644;doi: 10.11646/Paleoentomology.7.5.7

Source: www.sci.news

New Research Explores Mysterious Qualities of Liquid Brine Found on Mars

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Mars is at the extreme of salt water stability. And only the combination of the most favorable environmental conditions and the salt with the lowest eutectic temperature could stabilize brine, at least temporarily, on the surface of Mars, one researcher says. new research Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This image of an impact crater in the Sirenum Fossai region of Mars was taken by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance rover on March 30, 2015. The crater is approximately 3,300 feet (1 km) wide and appears to be relatively recent due to its sharp edges and wells. -Stored emissions. The steep inner slopes are carved by canyons and contain slope lines that may recur on the equator-facing slopes. Image credit: NASA / JPL / University of Arizona / Alfred McEwen.

Liquid water is an important prerequisite for a habitable planet. However, the combination of Mars' low temperatures, atmospheric pressure, and water vapor pressure means that any liquid water found on Mars would likely freeze, boil, or evaporate quickly, making it unlikely that Mars exists. .

However, paleontologists continue to insist that liquid water exists on Mars.

Of particular interest is the discovery of seasonal black stripes called repeat slope lines.

These features appear in some places on Mars when temperatures rise above -23 degrees Celsius (-10 degrees Fahrenheit) and disappear when it gets colder.

They are often described as possibly being associated with liquid water.

The new study puts a damper on the idea that liquid water is likely to be found soon in Mars' recurring slopes, permafrost, or salt water.

“If we look closely at RSL, its behavior is consistent with a sand or dust flow, and water is not required for RSL formation,” said lead author Dr. Vincent Chevrier, a researcher at the University of Arkansas. said.

Other researchers believe that brine, a highly salty solution like Earth's oceans, may hold the key to finding liquid water on Mars.

Salt water can freeze at much lower temperatures, and Mars is rich in salt.

Among these salts, perchlorate appears to be the most promising because of its extremely low eutectic temperature (the temperature at which the melting point of the mixture is lower than that of the single components).

For example, calcium perchlorate brine freezes at -75 degrees Celsius (-14 degrees Fahrenheit), but the average surface temperature near the equator of Mars is -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit), so theoretically This suggests that there may be zones where calcium coagulates. Perchlorate water can remain liquid, especially underground.

Dr. Chevrier and his colleague, Dr. Rachel Srank of the Lunar and Planetary Institute, then considered all the arguments for and against brine that could form a stable liquid.

“A variety of limiting factors, including the relatively small amount of most promising salts, water vapor pressure, and ice position, strongly limit the amount of brine present at the surface and in the shallow subsurface,” the researchers said. Ta.

“And even if saline waters formed, they would still remain uninhabitable by terrestrial standards.”

“Despite these drawbacks and limitations, there is always a possibility that Martian life adapted to these salt waters and some terrestrial life could survive in them. This is a planetary protection consideration because there is a possibility that

“Therefore, detecting brine in situ remains a key objective for Mars exploration.”

The next hurdles ahead, the authors say, are improving the equipment needed to detect small amounts of brine, better identifying the best places to look for brine, and conducting more experiments under Martian conditions. It is suggested that this is to enable room measurements to be carried out.

“Despite our best efforts to prove otherwise, Mars remains a cold, dry, and completely uninhabitable desert,” Chevrier said.

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Vincent F. Chevrier and Rachel A. Slank. 2024. The elusive nature of liquid brine on Mars. PNAS 121 (52): e2321067121;doi: 10.1073/pnas.2321067121

Source: www.sci.news

Cooler White Dwarfs Found to Have Less Bulge than Hotter Counterparts in Recent Study

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Using a catalog of 26,041 white dwarfs observed by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, astronomers confirmed a long-predicted effect in these ancient, ultra-dense stars.

Concept art of two white dwarfs with the same mass but different temperatures. The hot star (left) is slightly swollen, while the cool star (right) is more compact. Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa / Johns Hopkins University.

At the end of their stellar evolution, stars that are not massive enough to become neutron stars or black holes eject their outer layers and leave their cores as compact remnants known as white dwarfs.

All stars with initial masses in the range of 0.07 to 8 solar masses (about 97% of all stars) end their lives as white dwarfs.

Dr Nicole Crumpler said: 'White dwarfs are a great way for us to work together to test theories underlying commonplace physics in the hope that we might discover something exotic that points to new fundamental physics. It is one of the best characterized stars ever made.” , an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University.

“If you want to look for dark matter, quantum gravity, and other unusual things, you need to have a good understanding of normal physics.”

“Otherwise, what seems novel may just be a new manifestation of an effect we already know.”

The new study was based on measurements of how these extreme conditions affect the light waves emitted by white dwarf stars.

As light moves away from such a huge object, it loses energy in the process of escaping gravity and gradually turns red.

This redshift effect stretches light waves like a rubber band so they can be measured with telescopes.

This is caused by the distortion of space-time caused by extreme gravity, as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

By averaging measurements of a white dwarf's motion with respect to Earth and grouping them according to gravity and size, astronomers can isolate gravitational redshifts to determine how high temperatures affect the volume of their gaseous outer layers. We measured the impact it had.

The team's 2020 study of 3,000 white dwarfs confirmed that electron degeneracy pressure causes stars to shrink as their mass increases. Electron degeneracy pressure is a quantum mechanical process that keeps dense nuclei stable for billions of years without the need for the nuclear fusion that normally underpins our sun and other planets. Types of stars.

“Until now, we haven't had enough data to confidently confirm the subtle but important effects of increasing temperature on the mass-size relationship,” Crumpler said.

“The next frontier may be detecting very subtle differences in the chemical composition of the cores of white dwarf stars of different masses,” said Dr. Nadia Zakamska, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University.

“The maximum mass a star can have to form a white dwarf, as opposed to a neutron star or a black hole, is not completely understood.”

“These increasingly precise measurements will help test and refine theories about this and other poorly understood processes in the evolution of massive stars.”

“This observation could also help in attempts to discover signatures of dark matter, such as axions and other hypothetical particles,” Crumpler said.

“By providing a more detailed picture of the structure of white dwarfs, these data could be used to reveal the signals of certain models of dark matter that cause interference patterns in our galaxy.”

“If two white dwarfs are in the same dark matter interference patch, the dark matter will change the structure of these stars in the same way.”

Although dark matter has gravity, it does not emit light or energy that can be seen with telescopes.

Scientists have learned that the sun makes up most of the matter in the universe because its gravity affects stars, galaxies, and other space objects in the same way that it affects the orbits of planets. I am.

“We've been banging our heads against the wall trying to figure out what dark matter is, and I'd say we've been caught flat-footed,” Crumpler said.

“We know a lot about what dark matter is not, and there are limits to what dark matter can and cannot do, but we still don't know what it is.”

“That's why it's so important to understand simple objects like white dwarfs, because they give us hope of discovering what dark matter is.”

of study will appear in astrophysical journal.

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Nicole R. Crumpler others. 2024. Detection of temperature dependence of mass radius and gravitational redshift of white dwarfs. APJ 977, 237;doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad8ddc

Source: www.sci.news

Mars’ polar regions covered in white due to carbon dioxide ice

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists using ESA's Mars Express spacecraft's high-resolution stereo camera have captured stunning images of Earth's mysterious landscapes. Australe Scopri Region in the southern hemisphere of the red planet.

Frozen landscape of the Australe Skopli region on Mars' south pole. Image credit: ESA / DLR / FU Berlin.

“Here, a layer of carbon dioxide ice and dust envelops the site, turning Mars white,” ESA researchers said in a statement.

“The contrasting light and dark layers are especially striking on the exposed surfaces of hills and valleys.”

“They track the seasonal polar layered deposits characteristic of the region, which form when layers of ice freeze and trap varying amounts of dust within them. It is something that will be done.”

“It's probably better to take a sled ride, but either way, dress warmly, because it's -125 degrees Celsius (-193 Fahrenheit) outside so it's cold,” they added.

“Skiers and sledders on Mars will have to slalom around potentially hundreds of dust jets.”

“That's because ski season is almost over and it's starting to look like spring, or even summer. This image was taken on June 16, 2022, near the Antarctic summer solstice.”

If you zoom in on the image above, you can see numerous dark spots where the ice has already sublimated. This is a sure sign that the sun's warming rays have been hitting the area for some time.

“When sunlight hits the translucent upper layer of carbon dioxide ice, it warms the underlying surface,” the scientists explained.

“The ice at the bottom of the layer begins to sublimate, forming pockets of trapped gas.”

“As the pressure increases, the overlying ice suddenly cracks, causing gas to burst out from the surface.”

“These gas fountains carry black dust from below, which falls to the surface in a fan-shaped pattern depending on the prevailing wind direction.”

“Fan lengths range from tens of meters to hundreds of meters.”

“If you look more closely, it often appears that the fans follow the boundaries between polar layered deposits.”

“Perhaps these boundaries represent zones of weakness, from which escaping dust-laden jets can more easily break through the ice layer.”

“We may have missed the chance to create 'Frosty the Snowman,' but it's still a wonderful time of year on Mars.”

Source: www.sci.news

New research suggests the moon could be older than initially estimated

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

overview

New research suggests the moon may be older than many scientists thought.
This study suggests that the moon rock samples taken during the Apollo missions date back to an event in which the moon's surface melted, rather than the moment the moon formed.
Therefore, the authors believe that the Moon formed about 4.51 billion years ago, which is more than 100 million years earlier than the generally accepted estimate.

The moon may be more than 100 million years older than some scientists previously thought, according to a new study.

The study was published on Wednesday. journal naturechallenges long-held ideas The moon is thought to have formed about 4.35 billion years ago after an object the size of Mars crashed into the early Earth and created our natural satellite.

That timeline is based on analysis of lunar rock samples taken during NASA's Apollo mission. But new research shows that the moon formed much earlier, about 4.51 billion years ago, and then underwent a dramatic “remelting” phenomenon around the time other scientists thought the moon first formed. It suggests that you have experienced it.

According to the authors, the melting occurred because Earth's constant gravitational pull distorted the moon and made it extremely hot as it moved away from Earth. According to the study, this process altered the moon's surface and hid the moon's true age.

The study's lead author, Francis Nimmo, a professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, said the extreme heating caused the moon's surface to re-melt, effectively “resetting all the clocks” on the moon's rocks. 'There is a possibility.

“So moon rocks don't tell us when the moon formed, but they tell us when subsequent events that heated the moon occurred,” he says.

The scientific community has disagreed for decades about the exact age of the moon. Nimmo and his colleagues are not the first to offer older estimates. This new discovery adds to the growing consensus that there may be more to the moon's history than the Apollo samples revealed.

For example, planetary scientists have wondered how a massive collision occurred 4.35 billion years ago, when most large objects in the history of the solar system were thought to have already come together to form planets. I have had a hard time explaining why the moon was formed.

“Those who studied the Apollo samples had reasonable guesses about the moon's age, but those who modeled how the planets in our solar system formed are wondering why so much material still remains after 200 million years. “It was always difficult to explain why the solar system was still flying,” Nimmo said. “That's the way it is, and the two camps want different ages.”

The adjusted schedule by Nimmo's team may also help explain why. A mineral called zircon found on the moon It was discovered in Apollo's moon rock and is estimated to be approximately 4.5 billion years old. The moon's zircons, like other minerals on the moon, were thought to have crystallized during the moon's extreme temperatures, but their much older age has long puzzled scientists. .

In a new study, Nimmo and his colleagues suggest that the moon's overheating is the product of a process known as “tidal heating.”

“There are certain spots where the moon's orbit can be temporarily thrown off as it gets pushed aside,” Nimmo said. “During that time, the moon can be squeezed and stretched by Earth's gravity, which causes it to heat up.”

Similar tidal heating is thought to occur between Jupiter and its moons. a 2020 survey Researchers have discovered that the gas giant's gravity can stretch and squeeze some of its icy moons to the point where they heat up their interiors and melt rocks into magma. It is believed that this also applies to Jupiter's moon Io.

Recent and upcoming lunar missions could provide better insight into the moon's evolutionary history, Nimmo said. This includes China's Chang'e 6 mission, which collected samples from…

“The evolution of the solar system was very rapid. In just tens of millions of years, all the objects we know today were formed,” Munker said. “That's why we need very good temporal resolution for these very early events and why it's important to understand how the Earth-Moon system formed.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Unveiling the Scientific Techniques for Baking the Ultimate Holiday Gingerbread

Posted on December 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the smell of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your home. A blend of warming spices and rich molasses, it’s a must-have snack on a winter’s day. And when I was a kid, it was always gingerbread that I fed Santa every Christmas Eve. In fact, gingerbread might be my favorite biscuit. It has the perfect balance of crunch and chewing power.

I’d like to think I know a thing or two about how to accomplish that. Participated in the 2023 series. Great British Bake Off He also received the notoriously difficult handshake from judge Paul Hollywood during Biscuit Week.

My success lies in the careful application of science to the art of baking. So let me share some key insights you need to bake gingerbread that will really turn heads, and the science behind why they’re so important. I’m a chemist by trade, so I eschew the traditional gingerbread house and instead assemble biscuits to create a stand-alone Christmas ‘chemistry’. Drool was already coming out of my mouth.

As with all biscuits, the first step is to prepare the dry ingredients. Flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda (see “Ingredients and Instructions” on the right) are required, and each has an important role to play. The flour acts as a binder and helps form the structure of the biscuit, while the sugar caramelizes to create sweetness, color, and texture.

Gingerbread’s flavor comes from a blend of spices, with ginger and cinnamon being the main ingredients.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Diamond Wafers for Electronics: A Thin and Adhesive Solution

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

This thin diamond wafer is also very flexible

Nature, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08218-x

Ultra-flexible thin diamond wafer — This thin diamond wafer is also very flexible

Nature, DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08218-x

A new method of using adhesive tape to create ultrathin diamond wafers could aid in the production of diamond-based electronics, which may one day provide a useful alternative to silicon-based designs.

Diamond is an excellent insulator, and at the same time has unusual electronic properties that allow electrons with a certain energy to move with little resistance. This means it can handle high energy with higher efficiency than traditional silicon chip designs.

However, manufacturing practical diamond chips requires large, very thin wafers, similar to the thin silicon wafers used to make modern computer chips, which have proven difficult to create.

now, Chu Zhiqing and colleagues at the University of Hong Kong have discovered a way to use adhesive tape to fabricate extremely thin and flexible diamond wafers.

Chu and his colleagues first embedded nano-sized diamonds in a small silicon wafer and then sprayed methane gas at high temperatures onto them to form a continuous, thin sheet of diamond. Next, we made a small crack on one side of the pasted diamond sheet, and then used regular adhesive tape to peel off the diamond layer.

They say that this exfoliated diamond sheet is extremely thin, less than a micrometer, much thinner than a human hair, and smooth enough to use the kind of etching techniques used to make silicon chips. I discovered.

“This is very reminiscent of the early days of graphene, when cellophane tape was used to produce the first monolayers of graphene from graphite. I never imagined this concept would be applied to diamond. “I did,” he says. julie macpherson At the University of Warwick, UK.

“This new edge-exposed delamination method will enable numerous device designs and experimental approaches,” he says. Mete Atature at Cambridge University. One area that could be particularly useful is increasing control over quantum devices that use diamonds as sensors, he says.

Chu and his colleagues say the diamond films they can produce are about 5 centimeters in diameter, showing that the method works as a proof of principle. andrea ferrari But that’s smaller than the 20 to 30 centimeters that are standard in many wafer processes, and it’s not clear whether the new method can be scaled up, he says.

The manufactured wafers also appear to be polycrystalline, but they are not as smooth and regular as single-crystal diamond, which may limit their use in some applications, McPherson said.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com