In new research Published in Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review, researchers from Borås University, Lund University, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found a total of 139 papers suspected of exploiting ChatGPT or similar large-scale language modeling applications. Of these, 19 were published in indexed journals, 89 were published in non-indexed journals, 19 were student papers in university databases, and 12 were research papers (mostly in preprint databases). Health and environment papers accounted for approximately 34% of the sample, with 66% of them published in unindexed journals.
A rain of words in dubious full-text papers fabricated by environment and health-related GPTs. Image credit: Haider others., doi: 10.37016/mr-2020-156.
Using ChatGPT to generate text for academic papers has raised concerns about research integrity.
Discussion about this phenomenon is ongoing in editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and social media.
There are currently several lists of papers suspected of exploiting GPT, and new papers are being added all the time.
Although there are many legitimate uses of GPT for research and academic writing, its undeclared uses beyond proofreading may have far-reaching implications for both science and society, especially the relationship between the two.
“One of the main concerns about AI-generated research is the increased risk of evidence hacking, meaning that fake research could be used for strategic manipulation,” said Björn Ekström, a researcher at the University of Boras.
“This could have a tangible impact, as erroneous results could penetrate further into society and into more areas.”
In their research, Dr. Ekström and his colleagues searched and scraped Google Scholar for papers containing specific phrases known as common responses from ChatGPT and similar applications with the same underlying model. Unable to access real-time data.
This facilitated the identification of papers whose text may have been generated using generative AI, resulting in a search of 227 papers.
Of these papers, 88 papers were written with legal and/or declared uses of GPT, and 139 papers were written with undeclared and/or fraudulent uses.
The majority of problematic papers (57%) dealt with policy-relevant subjects that are likely to impact operations (i.e., environment, health, computing).
Most were available in multiple copies on different domains (social media, archives, repositories, etc.).
Professor Jutta Haider from Borås University said: “If we cannot trust that the studies we read are genuine, we run the risk of making decisions based on misinformation.”
“But this is as much a media and information literacy issue as it is a scientific misconduct issue.”
“Google Scholar is not an academic database,” she pointed out.
“Search engines are easy to use and fast, but they lack quality assurance procedures.”
“This is already a problem with regular Google search results, but it becomes even more of a problem when making science more accessible.”
“People's ability to decide which journals and publishers publish high-quality, reviewed research is critical to finding and determining what is trustworthy research, and is important for decision-making and opinion. It is very important for formation.”
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Jutta Haider others. 2024. GPT Fabricated Scientific Papers on Google Scholar: Key Features, Pervasiveness, and Impact on Preemptive Attacks of Evidence Manipulation. Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review 5(5);doi: 10.37016/mr-2020-156
Google is currently under investigation by Britain’s competition watchdog regarding the effects of its search and advertising practices on consumers, news publishers, businesses, and other search engines.
The Competition and Markets Authority reports that Google dominates over 90% of general searches in the UK.
The CMA estimates that search advertising costs UK households nearly £500 annually, but competition can help lower this cost.
The CMA has announced an investigation to determine if Google is hindering competition in the market and engaging in potentially exploitative practices, such as collecting large amounts of consumer data without informed consent.
Additionally, the investigation will assess if Google is unfairly promoting its shopping and travel services using its dominant search engine position.
The investigation is expected to last up to nine months, during which Google will be required to share data with other companies and provide publishers with more control over their content.
This investigation marks the first under the new digital market competition regulations in the UK, enabling authorities to impose conduct requirements on technology companies.
Pressure from the US to regulate tech companies has been increasing leading up to President Trump’s inauguration. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg criticized European laws and expressed intentions to work with the new US administration to protect American companies.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has plans to integrate AI into the UK economy and establish partnerships with AI companies with a pro-growth approach to regulation.
The EU is reportedly reevaluating its investigations into US tech giants, including Google, Meta, and Apple, under digital market regulations, potentially altering the scope of the probes.
The CMA’s investigation will examine the impact of Google’s search, advertising platform, and AI assistant.
CMA Chief Executive Sara Cardel emphasized the importance of fair competition and consumer rights in search services and data privacy.
Google has responded by stating that search is crucial for economic growth and they will collaborate with the CMA to ensure compliance with new regulations.
aAfter utilizing birth control pills for a span of 15 years, Francesca* made the decision to explore how her body would respond without the influence of hormones. She opted to use a fertility tracking app (which monitors menstrual cycles and ovulation symptoms to predict the most fertile window for conception) after discovering it through social media channels.
“I have been on hormone medication since my teenage years, but as an adult, I lacked awareness of my menstrual cycle,” shared the woman from London, now in her early 30s. She was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at 18 and advised to continue hormone therapy to manage her symptoms. “Surprisingly, upon discontinuing the pill, most of my hormonal imbalance symptoms reduced significantly,” she recounted.
Initially, she found the app to be a beneficial tool. She diligently followed the instructions and even supplemented with ovulation tests for added precaution. “I felt a newfound sense of control over my menstrual cycle and body,” she noted.
However, after eight months, she encountered an unplanned pregnancy that led to a “traumatic” abortion. Believing it was due to human error, she resumed using the app, only to conceive again five months later. “Looking back, every time [these apps] are discussed, I feel compelled to caution others against their claims endorsed on online platforms and social media,” she emphasized. “We strongly advise exercising caution if relying solely on them for contraception.”
Francesca’s experience with fertility apps aligns with reports indicating an increasing number of women in England and Wales transitioning from traditional birth control methods like the pill to fertility tracking apps, heightening the risk of unintended pregnancies. She was among those who reached out to The Guardian to share her story.
She wasn’t alone in recounting experiencing an unwanted pregnancy while using a fertility tracker, although some women successfully leveraged the app to either avoid or achieve pregnancy. Testimonials varied, with some describing the app as “lifesaving” and “liberating.”
Notable in the shared experiences was the recurring theme of women feeling underserved by the healthcare system, despite the launch of the new Women’s Health Strategy in July 2022. “There’s a pervasive sentiment among many UK women that general practitioners often lack adequate training in women’s reproductive health,” Francesca observed. “[These apps] underscore these concerns and gaps in care.”
Other readers highlighted their positive encounters with the app. Sarah*, a 38-year-old from Yorkshire, relied on the app for contraception over 18 months and later for conception with her partner. She battled severe depression during certain phases of her menstrual cycle when off medication but found relief through the app.
“Staying off medication feels empowering,” she expressed. “I was prescribed it at 15 for menstrual complications, realizing in hindsight that it merely suppressed my cycle without addressing the underlying issues. It’s frustrating. Now, I take pride in monitoring my menstrual cycle. Thanks to the fertility app and my knowledge, I comprehend my body’s monthly rhythms. I no longer feel in conflict with my body.”
She and her partner weathered hardships over the past 15 months, enduring two early miscarriages and a medically necessitated termination. Nevertheless, the app provided solace. “The NHS advocates regular unprotected intercourse every few days, which can feel burdensome after 18 months of trying,” she reflected. “Moreover, observing my data recovery in the app imbues me with a sense of agency in healing after loss.”
Olivia, 30, from Leeds, discovered she had PCOS and was advised to shed weight prior to initiating pill-based treatment. Disenchanted with the contraceptive’s potential side effects, Olivia sought alternative birth control methods. She felt her doctor’s response lacked empathy and seemed scripted when discussing contraceptive options, prompting her to explore a different path.
“I’ve been tracking my periods for over a decade. The familiarity with my condition proved invaluable after the PCOS diagnosis,” Olivia explained. “It enabled me to anticipate and interpret my body’s signals effectively. And now, I’m expecting my first child.”
Hannah, 50, from Aberystwyth. regarded the fertility tracking app as “liberating” post decades of employing condoms and copper coils for contraception with her three children.
“I refrained from hormonal contraceptives like the pill throughout, deeming them unnatural,” she shared. “Thanks to the app, I now engage in intercourse confidently during specified times each month without harboring anxieties about mishaps.”
Astronomers have long believed that Jupiter's upper clouds, which form the planet's iconic light brown bands, are made of frozen ammonia. But new research shows that these clouds are actually lower in the atmosphere than we thought, and are made of ammonium bisulfide mixed with smog.
Hubble's photos of Jupiter show an ever-changing landscape due to its turbulent atmosphere. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Amy Simon, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / Michael H. Wong, University of California, Berkeley / Joseph DePasquale, STScI.
Citizen scientist Steve Hill has previously shown that it is possible to map a planet's atmosphere using just a special colored filter and a backyard telescope.
These results provided the first clue that the clouds are too deep in Jupiter's warm atmosphere to match clouds made of ammonia ice.
To find out, Hill and a team of professional astronomers from the University of Oxford, the University of Leicester and the British Astronomical Society used the MUSE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) to study the atmospheres of gas giant planets. did.
“MUSE will be able to scan Jupiter's atmosphere at different wavelengths and map the different molecules that make up Jupiter's atmosphere,” they said.
Their study shows that a new approach using backyard telescopes or VLT/MUSE can map the abundance of ammonia in Jupiter's atmosphere with remarkable accuracy.
In terms of clouds, they concluded that Jupiter's atmosphere closely resembles a layered cake.
A cloud of ammonium hydrosulfide covers the upper layer, but decorations of ammonia ice clouds carried to the top by strong vertical convection can also be seen.
However, the overall structure of the cake is still not fully understood, and the work of citizen scientists may be the key to figuring it out.
So the next time you gaze at Jupiter or Saturn from your backyard, you just might be uncovering some hidden secrets in our solar system.
“We tested the reliability of the filter imaging technique by applying it to VLT/MUSE observations of Jupiter and found that the method closely matches more sophisticated analyzes of these observations and is also consistent with observations of Jupiter.” We have shown that the microwave wavelengths studied by NASA's Juno spacecraft and the Super Large Array yield surprisingly reliable results,” the astronomers said.
“We show that the main reflection level at red wavelengths is at the 2-3 bar level, which is much lower than the expected ammonia ice cloud condensation level of 0.7 bar, and the ammonia We conclude that ice cannot be the main cloud component.”
“We also showed that the same technique can be applied to MUSE observations of Saturn, where extracted ammonia maps were measured by NASA's Cassini spacecraft and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope at pressures greater than 2 We found a very good agreement with the ammonia abundance.
of findings will appear in Geophysical Research Journal: Planets.
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Patrick G.J. Irwin others. 2025. Clouds and ammonia in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn are determined from band depth analysis of VLT/MUSE observations. JGR Planets 130 (1): e2024JE008622;doi: 10.1029/2024JE008622
In 2018, astronomers discovered that the corona of 1ES 1927+654, an actively accreting black hole with 1.4 million solar masses located in a galaxy some 270 million light-years away, suddenly disappeared and reassembled several months later. I observed that. The short but dramatic outage was the first of its kind in black hole astronomy. Now, astronomers using ESA's XMM-Newton Observatory have captured the same black hole exhibiting even more unprecedented behavior. They detected X-ray flashes from 1ES 1927+654 at a steadily increasing clip. Over a two-year period, the frequency of millihertz vibration flashes increased from every 18 minutes to every 7 minutes. This dramatic speed-up of X-rays has never been observed from a black hole before.
In this artist's concept, material is stripped from a white dwarf (bottom right sphere) orbiting within the innermost accretion disk surrounding the supermassive black hole of 1ES 1927+654. Image credit: NASA/Aurore Simonnet, Sonoma State University.
Black holes are a prediction of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity. They are gravitational monsters that trap any matter or energy that crosses their “surface,” a region of spacetime known as the event horizon.
In its final descent into the black hole, a process known as accretion, the doomed material forms a disk around the black hole. The gas in the accretion disk heats up and emits primarily ultraviolet (UV) light.
The ultraviolet light interacts with the cloud of electrically charged gas or plasma that surrounds the black hole and accretion disk. This cloud is known as the corona, and the interaction energizes the ultraviolet light and amplifies it into X-rays, which can be captured by XMM Newton.
XMM-Newton has been observing 1ES 1927+654 since 2011. Back then, everything was very normal.
But things changed in 2018. As the X-ray corona disappeared, the black hole erupted in a massive explosion that seemed to disrupt its surroundings.
The coronavirus gradually returned, and by early 2021, it seemed like normal conditions had returned.
However, in July 2022, XMM Newton began observing its X-ray output fluctuating at a level of about 10% on timescales of 400 to 1,000 seconds.
This type of fluctuation, called quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO), is notoriously difficult to detect in supermassive black holes.
“This was the first sign that something strange was going on,” said Dr. Megan Masterson. Student at MIT.
The oscillations could suggest that a massive object, such as a star, is embedded in the accretion disk and rapidly orbiting the black hole on its way to being swallowed.
As an object approaches a black hole, the time it takes to orbit decreases and the frequency of its oscillations increases.
Calculations revealed that the orbiting object was probably the remains of a star known as a white dwarf, had about 0.1 times the mass of the Sun, and was moving at an astonishing speed.
It was completing one orbit of the central monster, covering a distance of about 100 million km, about every 18 minutes. Then things got even weirder.
Over nearly two years, XMM Newton showed an increase in the strength and frequency of the vibrations, but not as much as the researchers expected.
They assumed that an object's orbital energy is being emitted as gravitational waves, as prescribed by the theory of general relativity.
To test this idea, they calculated when the object crossed the event horizon, disappeared from view, and stopped oscillating. It turns out to be January 4, 2024.
“Never in my career have I been able to predict anything so accurately,” says Dr. Erin Kara of MIT.
In March 2024, XMM Newton observed it again and the oscillations were still present.
The object was currently traveling at about half the speed of light, completing an orbit every seven minutes.
Whatever was inside the accretion disk, it stubbornly refused to be swallowed up by the black hole.
Either something more than gravitational waves is at play, or the entire hypothesis needs to be changed.
Astronomers also considered other possibilities for the origin of the vibrations.
Remembering that the X-ray corona disappeared in 2018, they wondered if this cloud itself was vibrating.
The problem is that there is no established theory to explain such behavior, so there is no clear path to take this idea further, so they go back to the original model and realize there is a way to fix it. I did.
“If the black hole has a white dwarf companion, the gravitational waves produced by the black hole could be detected by LISA, an ESA mission scheduled to launch within the next 10 years in partnership with NASA.” said Masterson.
An archaeologist from Oxford Cotswold Archeology (OCA) has made an exciting discovery of 321 11th-century AD silver coins (319 full pennies and 2 cut halfpence) in mint condition near the site of a future nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast. This finding sheds light on the social and political unrest of the 11th century and suggests that the change of government following the coronation of Edward the Confessor in 1042 caused significant turmoil among the population. This collection may have belonged to a local influential figure who felt threatened by the political changes and chose to bury his wealth as a precaution.
A treasure trove of 1,000-year-old silver coins. Image credit: Oxford Cotswold Archaeology.
The newly discovered cache of coins was carefully wrapped in cloth and lead.
The coins in the hoard were issued during the reigns of Harold I “Rabbit’s Foot” (1036-1040), Harthacnut (1040-2), and Edward the Confessor (1042-1066).
Most of the coins date back to the reign of Harold I, with Harthacnut issuing significantly fewer, and only 24 issued by Edward the Confessor.
While the majority of coins were minted in London, some were also minted in Thetford, Norwich, Ipswich, Lincoln, and Stamford.
A few coins were issued by smaller mints such as Langport and Uxbridge in southwest England, making them extremely rare.
“This hoard of coins offers a valuable glimpse into the historical context of that era, indicating that Edward the Confessor’s ascension to the throne was a time of uncertainty and societal unrest. This further supports the idea that it was a period marked by apprehensions,” said Alexander, a coin expert from OCA.
“The analysis of this coin hoard was a collaborative effort involving experts in numismatics, finds, conservation, and project partners.”
“It is a privilege to contribute to bringing this story to life.”
Despite representing considerable wealth for the time, these coins likely belonged to individuals of moderate status rather than high-ranking individuals.
They were probably a savings pot of a local influencer and were roughly equivalent in value to a small herd of cattle at that time.
“The hoard was affectionately named Masu for obvious reasons, so discovering it was truly an honor,” said OCA archaeologist Andrew Pegg.
“When I unearthed it, I saw the edge of a coin peeking out, and I was amazed!”
“It’s an impeccable archaeological time capsule,” he added.
“The insights we’re gaining from it are remarkable, and I am proud to contribute to the history of my corner of Suffolk.”
The mid-11th century in England was a period of uncertainty and shifting loyalties.
Edward the Confessor’s coronation in 1042 followed over 25 years of rule by Danish kings Canute, Harold, and Harthacnut. This event reinstated the House of Wessex on the English throne.
The change in leadership likely sparked uncertainty and apprehension among the populace.
Specifically, some affluent individuals connected to the previous regime were either exiled or had their assets seized after Edward’s coronation.
The hoard’s owner may have buried his wealth in fear of political changes, hoping to retrieve it later as a safety net.
“We may never fully understand why this treasure was left undiscovered,” concluded the archaeologists.
“The discovery of an 11th-century coin hoard is truly extraordinary,” said Damien Leydon, Site Delivery Director at Sizewell C.
“I achieved 40 seconds of uninterrupted concentration.”
Apparently, this is cause for celebration. For the past 10 minutes, I've been staring at my phone, trying to move a digital ball up a hill using only the power of my mind. The Mendi headset I wear analyzes my brain activity and reflects it in my games. The more you concentrate, the higher the ball will rise.
This exercise is thought to work your mental muscles, just like using weights to train your physical muscles, ultimately increasing your focus and reducing stress.
Like thousands of other people, I've been wearing smartwatches for years to help me track my fitness and improve my physical health. But the wearables industry has set its sights on a new target: mental health. We now have smart watches and brainwave-reading devices that not only analyze the state of our nervous systems, but perhaps intervene proactively to improve our well-being, and we now have mental health support. We're making it more accessible and wearable than ever before. “We're harnessing the brain's ability to rewire itself so that we can have more control over our emotions,” he says. Mustafa Hamada Mendi Chief Product and Scientific Officer.
As someone who suffers from stress and anxiety, I'm willing to try anything that helps me control it. But I have a background in neuroscience, so I’m wary of believing the hype. So I took a closer look at the growing number of devices targeting concentration, concentration, stress and anxiety to find out how they work and which ones actually make a difference…
Head of Batinomus Vaderi, Newly named marine isopod
Nguyen Thanh Son
A new species of large crustacean found off the coast of Vietnam has been named after Darth Vader.
Batinomus Vaderi It is a type of isopod, a group that also includes woodlice. The body length can be 30 centimeters and the weight can exceed 1 kilogram.
So far, the new species has only been discovered by fishermen trawling near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Peter Ng Professors from the National University of Singapore analyzed four specimens obtained from a fish store in Quy Nhon, in south-central Vietnam. Locals call them “sea worms”.
Researcher Peter Ng investigates giant isopods at a seafood market in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Thanh Son
Ng said the researchers chose this name for the species not only because of its resemblance to Darth Vader’s mask, but also because the creature lives in constant darkness at depths of 800 to 1,200 meters. This is also because it is believed that
“I’m the biggest star wars It’s my vintage so I’m a fan of the team. The first movie was in 1977, during my youth, and it was really cool,” Ng says. “But we all know that face batinomus He looks so much like Darth Vader that they had to name him after the Sith Lord. ”
The isopod has been a popular seafood delicacy in Vietnamese restaurants since 2017, and is said to be as delicious as lobster.
However, little is known about their ecology and how trawling affects their populations, team members say. Koni Sidaba Rock At the National Research and Innovation Agency in Cibinong, Indonesia.
“The size of the harvest is a concern. This is a challenge for all the deep-sea fish we fish,” she says. “Little is known about their ecology, so further research is needed to assess how best to conserve and manage this resource.”
Artist’s impression of the Blue Ghost’s moon landing
firefly aerospace
In a sign of increased commercial activity on the moon, two private spacecraft aiming to land on the moon will be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket.
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander and iSpace’s Resilience lander, both aboard the same Falcon 9 rocket, departed from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:11 a.m. on January 15. It is scheduled to launch at 1:11 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time (1:11 a.m. ET).
This launch will be iSpace’s second attempt to land on the moon. The company suffered its first failure in 2023 when its Hakuto-R spacecraft crashed into the moon’s surface. The Japanese company has since said it has upgraded Resilience’s hardware and software to avoid the mistakes that led to the crash.
Meanwhile, the American company Firefly Aerospace is making its first attempt. The company has a contract with NASA as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which pays private companies to accomplish scientific goals.
Resilience will carry six payloads to the lunar surface, including an experiment to use microalgae to produce food on the moon, and a micro rover that will roam, analyze, and photograph the landing area. Blue Ghost will combine 10 civilian and public payloads, including a radiation-hardened computer, a drill to measure how heat flows across the moon’s surface, and a satellite receiver that will seek to establish a permanent link with the moon. We plan to take it to the moon. Earth’s GPS network.
Resilience Lunar Module is ready for launch
iSpace
Both missions reach Earth orbit relatively quickly, within minutes of liftoff, but it takes much longer to reach the Moon. After orbiting Earth for 25 days, Blue Ghost will start its engines and begin a four-day journey to the Moon, where it will orbit for 16 days. After this, it will descend autonomously and land on a plain called Mare Crisium, where it will take two weeks to complete its scientific objectives.
Resilience will take a more circuitous route, passing the moon a month after launch, gliding deep into space for several months, then turning around and making the journey back to the moon. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is expected to land on a plain called Mare Frigoris within four to five months of launch.
If the mission is successful, they will be the second and third commercial spacecraft to land on the moon. The first craft was Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus lander, which landed last year.
Blue Ghost and Resilience are the first of about a dozen spacecraft hoping to make contact with lunar soil this year, primarily by NASA’s CLPS, many of which will serve as future human lunar surface residents. It is designed to test and demonstrate the technology required for These include the second and third missions of Intuitive Machines. IM-2 will explore digging buried ice near the moon’s south pole for use in future missions, as well as deploying two rovers and a lunar satellite to communicate with Earth.
I
If you’re tempted to give up running or hit the gym in the winter, think again. Whether you’re heading out for some fresh air and sunshine on a crisp blue-sky day, or blowing away cobwebs in the rainy darkness after work, running outdoors can make winter more bearable.
A few changes to your outfit and some clever accessories can help you stay warm, dry, and safer. Not all of the following are required. It depends on where you’re going, how far you’re going, and what time of day you’re going. Everything featured is unisex or has versions for women and men.
best winter running gear
protective headgear
Arc’teryx Norvan balaclava
£65 at Arc’teryx
Buff reflex DryFlx beanie hat
£21.07 on Amazon
£21.95 in buff
Wearing proper headgear can save you a run when the wind is blowing strongly or the temperature is very cold. The Arc’teryx Merino Balaclava can be worn around the neck, pulled up over the mouth, or as a balaclava that wraps around the ears and forehead. The top is open for ventilation. If you want full head coverage, you can also wear a Buff beanie. Both are highly reflective, breathable, and quick drying.
chest light
Provis chest light
£29.99 at Provis
£34.99 on Amazon
Wearing a chest light gives you the chance to see bikes, cars, and people long before they can reach you in the dark. This is especially important in areas without street lighting. It has super-bright 500 lumen front and backlights (white full, half, or low beam on the front, slow blinking red on the back), and a USB rechargeable battery that lasts 3 hours. The elastic, adjustable strap has Proviz 360 reflectance, which creates a dazzling shine when the light hits it.
If you can’t live without music or podcasts while running, but don’t want to lose awareness of your surroundings in the dark, bone conduction headphones are the perfect solution. Sound is conducted through the temporal bones at the sides and bottom of the skull, so you can hear cars, bikes, and people while immersing yourself in listening. This also eliminates the problem of earphones falling from sweaty ears.
If you’ve never tried it before, you’ll be amazed at the magic of hearing music as clearly as if it were through earphones. The sound quality on this wireless pair is great.
backpack cover
Provis backpack cover
£34.99 at Provis
£45.50 at Decathlon
If you’re a running commuter, you could buy a high-vis reflective backpack for those dark mornings and evenings, but this reversible cover is an inexpensive hack that you can slip over your existing backpack and enjoy its benefits. With its high reflectance, it lights up your body like a Christmas tree. Keeps the bag and its contents dry even when it rains.
Layering is key when running in the winter. A good quality technical baselayer and midlayer for the first few miles, combined with a running jacket (see below) if it’s wet or very windy, will keep you warm and sweat-free. can. You can delete either of the top two if you wish.
These baselayers are designed for mountain running, but are equally useful for urban runs. It’s made from breathable fabric with small vents in well-placed locations to quickly wick away sweat and moisture, and a deep chest zipper if you get too hot.
running jacket
asics metalan mens waterproof jacket
£142.99 in sports shoes
£151 at Asics
ASICS Metalan Women’s Waterproof Jacket
£120 at Sports Direct
£151 at Asics
If you’re going for a short 20-minute run in the rain, you can probably do without a running jacket. However, if you’re running long distances, a flexible, breathable technical running jacket is a wise investment for rainy and windy days.
This well-designed jacket packs into its own chest pocket, making it easy to store away when you don’t need it. It’s completely waterproof, so you can go out even during long downpours. It also switches around the bottom and hood to create a seal around the body. It’s also made from 50% recycled materials. A good running jacket will last for years if properly cared for.
running gloves
Limb Maze Runner gloves
£22.95 at Outdoor Action
£25.50 at Mountain Warehouse
Sealskins Wolferton running gloves
£40 at Sealskins
Cold hands and feet can ruin your winter run. Even if your face and body are hot, the wind will keep your hands cold. Regular gloves are cumbersome and make your hands sweaty, but running gloves are breathable and flexible.
These Extremities gloves feature superior insulation and reflective details. Sealskinz are water-repellent and have nifty retractable mittens that you can wear over your fingers on especially cold days. Both are touchscreen compatible, so you can keep your gloves on while using your smartphone.
warm socks
Sealskins Hillgay running socks
£18 at Sealskins
£18 on Amazon
For the other extremities, merino running socks will keep your feet comfortable without overheating and will quickly wick away moisture if they get wet. These are thicker than summer socks and reach mid-calf. In winter you can’t bare your ankles.
tracker device
Tile Pro
£34.99 on Tiles
£27.99 on Amazon
Running before and after work inevitably means running in the dark, but this Tile Bluetooth tracker gives you some peace of mind. Tile has partnered Life 360 is a safety app that shows your loved ones exactly where you are, so you can now use tiles to discreetly trigger SOS alerts. Press the button three times and your contacts will be asked to confirm their location. and Gold or Platinum membership Life360 allows you to dispatch emergency services to your exact location.
The tiles are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, so you can run with them or shove them in your pocket, and they have a range of 500 feet. Adding tiles can also save you tons of time spent looking for your keys or phone before heading out for a run.
I I’ve spent many years of my life online. I almost crashed my car because I was composing a message. Losing my data connection caused me to have a panic attack. I scrolled for hours and couldn’t remember anything I saw during that time. I chose screens over conversations, scenery, books, a good night’s sleep, and moments of quiet reflection.
I mean, I owned a smartphone.
In my early 20s, I worked as an online art influencer. That was my job. I documented every aspect of my life on Instagram for an audience of about 200,000 people. Nothing was off-limits: creative endeavors, mood swings, love affairs, hospitalization.
My life was a one-woman tabloid generating traffic for my art business. As much as I needed money, I also needed attention. I had very few friends. I had a lot of followers. That balance was not sustainable.
I became isolated and addicted to social media, two conditions that lasted forever. One day I broke down and deactivated my account. Everything changed when I ordered my old Nokia.
The impact of giving up my smartphone was immeasurable and truly life-changing. It takes sober judgment to know how distracted you are, how anxious you are, how easily you get bored, and how much you resist silence, presence, pain, and other natural human states did.
The benefits of the downgrade accumulated gradually over many months of withdrawals and adjustments. Years after my downgrade, I am still noticing new advantages in myself that have finally emerged from beneath the shadow of my technology addiction.
Now you will never be bored. All of them are interesting. I read long books. I go for long walks without headphones. When I have to wait, like when the bus is late or a friend goes to the bathroom, I just sit there. When I’m at my computer, I check my email etc. I’ve found that I don’t really care about the Internet when it’s out of reach.
Illustration: August Lamb
The most easily quantifiable benefit of downgrading is time. When you stop scrolling, your daily time returns. You can use that time to be healthy, social, or productive, or you can use it to do nothing. Laziness is a lost art, and in my opinion, laziness is essential to mental health and creativity. I spend a good portion of my day flipping through periodicals, drinking tea, and awkwardly pecking away at the piano. I believe that if you give your all, you won’t be able to waste your time.
If you’re interested in switching to a dumbphone, you may have questions about how practical or even possible it is. How do we live without Google Maps, calls over Wi-Fi, and two-factor authentication? These questions can make downgrading difficult to understand.
But remember that people have lived without smartphones for thousands of years. With time, patience, and smart workarounds, we can all find our way back to normal.
Here are my answers to some of the most common questions I receive.
How do I use two-factor authentication?
For security reasons, certain online platforms may require you to confirm your login through a smartphone app. There are several ways to deal with this depending on the platform you are using.
Purchase a physical security device Connect to your computer during authentication. One popular option is Ubikey.
Ask if you can receive SMS verification, If you work or study somewhere with an IT department. This means that you can get an authorization code sent to your dumb phone, and in some cases you can even enable this manually, but be aware that this is a less secure method.
some stupidMobile phones have a browser function One that supports two-factor authentication.
Use a spare phone (This may seem to defeat the purpose of downgrading at first; more on this later).
If you find yourself stuck on this particular problem, you are not alone. This is one of the most difficult and most important smartphone features to recreate. You can also check online forums such as: danphon subreddit) See more ideas.
How can I stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues?
After downgrading, you can still send text messages and make calls on your new phone. The only potential complication is that many of us use online messaging to keep in touch, especially internationally.
Luckily, you can access almost all of them from your desktop computer, including iMessage, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. And while laptops are internet-connected devices, they don’t prey on your attention like smaller handheld devices.
In my experience, the only people you really need to contact while you’re out are the people you’re coordinating with. What time are you there? or I’m going to be late – That’s emergency information.
Less urgent are group chats, messages to friends and family overseas, and DMs to social media acquaintances. These things may be feel But once you step away from them, you may realize that that sense of urgency was a product of software engineering, your own insecurities, or a combination of both.
How do you get around without a map app?
You may not realize it, but most Danphones come with a map app. In fact, unlike the bricks of the early 2000s, some modern Danphones come with Bluetooth, MP3 players, and even tiny, hard-to-use search engines.
If you feel you need these amenities, be sure to find a Danphone that offers them. (I used to have a flip phone with Google Maps, but I recently downgraded to an even less capable phone because I use the map feature obsessively and my estimated walking time is I was checking the arrival time every few blocks to see if it was going to happen.
But it’s also possible to live without digital navigation tools. I personally look up directions before leaving home, check posted traffic maps, ask for help from strangers, and get to know the area well enough to navigate intuitively. I like to move things in combination.
Interestingly, I found that I almost never needed to refer to the hand-drawn map. The process of writing down directions helps embed them in your brain. Over time, knowledge of local geography and transportation has accumulated, allowing you to travel without a map in most cases.
A hand-drawn map that August used on her trip to London and Berlin. She wrote them down before going out for the day.
What about listening to music or podcasts?
Even before the advent of smartphones, people were listening to audio on the go. Older MP3 players are available cheaply online, and certain dumbphones come equipped with audio players.
However, you’ll need to find a way to download what you want to listen to. The library is a great resource for CDs and audiobooks. Podcasts are free to download and listen to offline through Apple. If you’re looking for more recent releases, I highly recommend buying them on Bandcamp and using the money you save on your phone plan (not to mention the phone itself) to support musicians.
That being said, downgrading will certainly reduce your need for audio stimulation. You will soon find that you can happily move through the world with only recreational thoughts.
What about taking photos?
I carry a film camera with me wherever I go. Receiving film scans is the highlight of my month. The photos are of high quality and feel much more special than the 60,000 photos I took on my phone before I downgraded.
The film is not the only important difference. You may prefer a digital camera, and I know many dumbphone users who prefer digital cameras. Either way, using a real camera is a completely different experience for two reasons. One, the friction of ejecting another device makes taking a photo a more intentional act, and the single-purpose nature of the camera makes it distracting and intrusive while in use. That never happens. that.
Are there any things you can’t use without a smartphone?
Although I am a strong advocate of the feasibility of living without a smartphone, it is my opinion that there are some things that are simply not possible without a smartphone, namely when you are on the go, away from your computer and internet connection. I have to admit that. .
These include WhatsApp, Spotify, tickets to certain concerts and sports matches, electric car charging, location sharing, and more. It’s easy to obsess over these losses, but instead, I encourage you to think about all the things you gain in the process: time, presence, and peace of mind. Is there anything wrong with such things?
…Do you need a backup phone?
A spare phone is a smartphone that should ideally be turned off and put away except in special circumstances. Many dumbphone users keep their smartphones in a drawer or at a friend’s house in case they need them for authentication. There are certain services and applications that rely on everyone having access to a smartphone, and the complexity involved in getting around these obstacles may not be worth it.
So if you feel like you need a spare phone, there’s no shame in keeping it for the moment you need it (for example, if you own an electric car and need to charge it. ).
However, for other mundane tasks, the less accessible they are, the less urgent they will feel. Do you really need to check your email on the train? Do you really need to buy concert tickets at the hospital? Or can these things wait until you’re in front of your computer?
It’s easy to tally up the inconveniences associated with downgrading. Instead, I recommend thinking about what you can gain, although it is difficult to quantify. Isn’t your newfound presence, attention, and free time worth missing an email or being late to an event every once in a while?
There are certainly downsides, and you might be tempted to see that as a good reason to go back. In such a case, think back to your original motivation for downgrading. Who did you want to be? Isn’t it worth it?
It’s been years since I downgraded, but I was so completely adapted to Danphone that I forgot all about it until someone reminded me of it. “Do you miss your smartphone?” they ask, and I remember the height of my addiction. How could I miss that moment? I was hardly there.
Amazon is set to deploy nearly 150 electric heavy goods vehicles in the UK to reduce carbon emissions from its delivery operations. The company has purchased over 140 electric Mercedes-Benz HGVs and eight Volvo trucks, marking the UK’s largest order for electric trucks. These vehicles will join Amazon’s fleet over the next 18 months, increasing its current electric HGV fleet from nine vehicles.
The switch to electric logistics is being supported by government funding under the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator Program (ZEHID). Amazon plans to set up fast-charging points across its UK network to keep its electric trucks operational.
Amazon’s investment in green transport is part of a £300m initiative announced in 2022 to increase its electric HGV fleet to 700 vehicles by 2025. However, challenges such as a lack of public infrastructure, high costs, and range concerns are hindering the industry-wide transition to electric HGVs.
Amazon Logistics European vice president Nicola Fyfe stated that the company’s commitment to electric vehicles aligns with its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The move includes large-scale deliveries by rail and foot in city centers, expanding Amazon’s green delivery options.
Amazon’s shift towards electric vehicles represents a significant step in its sustainability efforts and commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
CCenter staff at some of the world's biggest tech companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft and Netflix, have all accused the employer of retaliating against union organizers, constantly monitoring staff and denying them even bathroom breaks.
In the United States or Europe, if you're looking for technical or customer support from a major technology company, you might end up talking to an employee at Tele Performance's call center in Greece.
Teleperformance, the world's largest call center operator, Approximately 12,000 workers Based in Greece, we serve over 140 markets around the world in 43 different languages and dialects. The company is 7 multilingual hubs In Greece, it takes place in Athens, Chania and Thessaloniki.
Workers in Greece who have been seeking a collective agreement with Teleperformance say that the company has recently retaliated Targeted firings of union leaders, etc.
they say wages have increased unchanged Since 2010, Greece has been hit by creditor austerity measures despite high inflation and rising costs of living in recent years.
Mr. Nikos Spilleris, a call center worker at Teleperformance, Setep, The union representing teleperformance workers in Greece explained that its efforts began in early 2024 in response to years of no wage increases and increased production pressures placed on workers.
Setep Teleperformance call center employees go on strike in Greece. Photo: SETEP/Courtesy of SETEP
“They judge you on dozens of productivity metrics, and depending on the project, you have to be on the phone multiple times. Not being allowed to go to the bathroom even if you want to. is common,” Spilleris said. “If an employee is sick or absent for any reason, that is considered counterproductive and is grounds for renewing or not renewing the employee’s contract.”
Reports suggest that Chinese authorities have initiated discussions regarding the potential sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk if the app cannot avoid a ban. Authorities prefer TikTok to remain under the control of Chinese parent company ByteDance but are exploring other options, including a sale to Musk.
A TikTok spokesperson dismissed the report as “pure fiction” and reiterated the company’s stance of not selling its U.S. operations. TikTok has become one of the largest social networks globally, surpassing other popular platforms in app downloads and user numbers.
Concerns over potential Chinese influence led to U.S. lawmakers passing a bill requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok’s platform or face a ban. The Supreme Court has also mandated a decision on TikTok in the U.S. by January 19th.
The report suggests that TikTok’s U.S. operations could be sold through a competitive process or a government deal, indicating ByteDance may no longer have sole control over TikTok’s future. Chinese government involvement in ByteDance gives rise to regulatory concerns.
One scenario proposes Musk’s social media platform X taking control of TikTok US jointly, although no final agreement has been reached yet. Details regarding ByteDance’s awareness of discussions and Musk’s involvement remain unclear.
A sale to Musk would grant him greater influence over the U.S. information ecosystem, following his acquisition of Twitter and subsequent rebranding. Concerns over regulatory scrutiny and big tech censorship have also been raised.
If TikTok faces a ban, users may express concerns, as seen in jest from popular influencer Mr.Beast. TikTok has clarified government investment does not impact its global operations outside of China.
There has been no immediate response from Musk, Mr. X, Chinese authorities, or Commerce Ministry to requests for comments.
Tap water in the Los Angeles area could be unavailable for some time due to concerns about damage to infrastructure and chemicals from wildfires, experts say. At least two water authorities have issued warnings about possible contamination from ongoing fires. Experts are worried about the risks to human health from chemicals and pathogens entering the water system, but accurate assessment may take time.
Residents in Pacific Palisades and neighboring communities have been advised to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, and other purposes due to potential contaminants like benzene entering the water system. The Pasadena Department of Water and Power has also instructed residents to switch to bottled water until further notice following concerns about debris impacting the water quality.
Drinking water systems can become contaminated after wildfires, as seen in past incidents in urban areas. Loss of water pressure in the system can be a sign of contamination, triggering careful analysis of the water quality. Environmental engineers are conducting tests in key areas to determine when the water will be safe to drink again.
While there is concern about potential contamination from flame retardants and ash from burnt materials, experts are mainly focused on monitoring benzene and other harmful chemicals due to their carcinogenic properties. Boiling water does not eliminate these chemicals, so the authorities have rescinded the “boil water” advisory. The testing process for dangerous chemicals can take weeks or even months to complete.
In cases of low contamination levels, flushing water pipes may eliminate the hazard, but in severe cases, pipe replacements might be necessary. Contamination around destroyed buildings poses the highest risk in the water distribution system. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly assess and address the contamination to ensure public safety.
SSome celebrities have unique collections, like art, rare film prints, or old-fashioned action figures. (Leonardo DiCaprio is included.) Tom Hanks, on the other hand, is known for collecting typewriters, which may seem practical yet cumbersome. A portion of Hanks’ typewriter collection is now on display in a church in Sag Harbor, Long Island.
Hanks has personally selected 35 typewriters from his collection of over 300, including the electric typewriter used on the set of Mad Men. The exhibit features a variety of typewriters, from the classic 1969 Olivetti to a modern translucent model designed for an imprisoned writer in the 1980s. The display also includes some simpler typewriters for a hands-on experience, highlighting the physical presence that is integral to the typewriter’s allure.
Hanks shares a fictionalized account of his typewriter’s origins in his short story “These Are the Meditations of My Heart,” included in his collection “Uncommon Type.” The physical act of typing on a typewriter holds a special significance for him, as he often carries one with him and uses it daily for various tasks, like note-taking or making lists.
Photo: Joseph Jagos / Church, Sag Harbor
The exhibition design for Hanks’ typewriter collection was entrusted to Simon Doonan, a renowned creative director known for his work on various projects. Doonan’s approach to the exhibit reflects the interactive nature of collecting typewriters and highlights the historical significance of these machines in the 20th century.
Tom Hanks surrounded by several typewriters at the California Typewriter. Photo: American Buffalo Photo
Doonan emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of typewriters, describing them as visually engaging and immersed in design language that reflects their respective eras. While acknowledging the historical significance and practical use of typewriters, he also recognizes their potential for conveying both love letters and sinister messages, much like their portrayal in various movies over the years.
The physical experience of using typewriters, especially older models, is highlighted by the manual adjustments, satisfying key presses, and carriage movements that define the process. For those who appreciate the tactile nature of typewriters, Tom Hanks’ collection offers a glimpse into a bygone era filled with unique stories waiting to be told.
A new image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows two protostars in the Orion Nebula, a diffuse nebula located about 1,350 light-years away in the constellation Orion.
This Hubble image shows two protostars, HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, within the famous Orion Nebula. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / T. Megeath.
The Orion Nebula is visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy speck surrounding the Hunter's Sword star Theta Orionis, below Orion's belt.
This nebula has been known as a star since the beginning of astronomical records, but it is so remarkable that it was first recognized as an expanded nebula in 1610, just one year after Galileo Galilei first used a telescope. It got attention.
Detailed descriptions of the Orion Nebula began to appear in the late 17th century, and it has been a popular target for anyone with a telescope ever since.
Also known as NGC 1976, Messier 42, M42, LBN 974, and Sharpless 281, this nebula is about 24 light-years long.
Only two million years old, this object is an ideal laboratory for studying young and nascent stars.
It offers a glimpse of what happened when the sun was born 4.6 billion years ago.
“The Orion Nebula is home to hundreds of newborn stars, including the protostars HOPS 150 and HOPS 153, the subject of this image,” Hubble astronomers said in a statement.
“The names of these protostars come from the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey, conducted in collaboration with ESA's Herschel Space Observatory.”
“The object visible in the upper right corner of this image is HOPS 150. It is a binary star system, with two young protostars orbiting each other.”
“Each animal has a small dusty disk around it from which it gets its nutrition.”
“A dark line across the bright glow of these protostars is a cloud of gas and dust more than 2,000 times wider than the distance between Earth and the Sun that dips into the pair of protostars.”
“Based on the amount of infrared light emitted by HOPS 150 and the light at other wavelengths, we can see that the protostar is on its way to becoming a mature star.”
“Extending to the left of the image is a narrow, colorful outflow called a jet. This jet comes out of frame from the nearby protostar HOPS 153,” they said.
“HOPS 153 is a much younger object than its neighbors, still deeply embedded in its birth nebula and shrouded in a cold, dense cloud of gas.”
“Hubble can't penetrate this gas to see protostars, but the jets released by HOPS 153 appear bright as they plow into the gas and dust surrounding the Orion nebula.”
“The transition from a tightly wrapped protostar to a full-fledged star will have a dramatic impact on the surroundings of HOPS 153.”
“When gas falls into a protostar, its jets spew matter and energy into interstellar space, creating bubbles and heating the gas.”
“By stirring up and warming nearby gas, HOPS 153 may control the formation of new stars in its vicinity and even slow its own growth.”
Consuming elderberry juice daily for one week (12 ounces of juice daily) significantly increases the gut microbial community associated with health benefits, according to a new randomized, placebo-controlled study. Compared to placebo, elderberry juice significantly increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and decreased Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, elderberry juice increased. FaecalibacteriumRuminococcaceae , and Bifidobacterium Bacteroidetes and lactic acid-producing bacteria decreased.
Elderberry is a small dark purple fruit that grows on the elderberry tree, which is native to Europe. Image credit: TheOtherKev.
More than 70% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. The latest estimates indicate that 42% of adults suffer from obesity, and this is expected to increase to 48-55% by 2050.
Obesity has myriad and multifaceted causes. Proactive dietary management of obesity-related cardiometabolic complications includes dietary patterns that incorporate food sources rich in bioactive food components, such as the Mediterranean-style diet.
These dietary patterns include 5 to 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of polyphenols that promote human health and longevity.
Anthocyanins are a diverse subclass of flavonoids that have been widely studied for health-promoting properties, including metabolic changes associated with obesity, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, research results ranging from translational studies in rodents to large prospective cohort studies show that anthocyanin-rich berries have a protective effect against obesity-related morbidity and mortality. It's proven.
The mechanisms of action of anthocyanin benefits include preventing the intestinal absorption of monosaccharides, promoting cellular metabolism in adipose and muscle tissue, and modulating the gut microbiome.
“We have previously shown that consuming 600 g of blackberries per day for one week increases insulin sensitivity as evidenced by dietary challenge testing and decreases in respiratory quotient by 24-hour indirect calorimetry. “We demonstrated that fat oxidation also increases.” Dr. Patrick Solverson and colleagues at Washington State University.
“The aim of this human study was to determine whether the metabolic benefits observed with other anthocyanin-rich berries also apply to elderberry.”
Researchers tested elderberry's effects on metabolic health in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 18 overweight adults.
While maintaining a standardized diet, participants consumed either elderberry juice or a placebo with a similar color and flavor specifically designed by North Carolina State University's Food Innovation Lab.
Post-intervention clinical trials showed that participants who consumed elderberry juice had significantly increased amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, such as Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and decreased amounts of harmful bacteria, such as Bacteroidetes. It was shown that
In addition to positive changes in the microbiome, elderberry intervention improved metabolism.
The results showed that elderberry juice lowered participants' blood sugar levels by an average of 24%, significantly improving their ability to process sugar after ingesting carbohydrates. Results also showed that insulin levels were reduced by 9%.
Additionally, the results suggested that elderberry juice may increase the body's ability to burn fat.
Participants who consumed elderberry juice showed a significant increase in fat oxidation, or the breakdown of fatty acids, after a high-carbohydrate meal or during exercise.
“Food is medicine, and science is catching up to that conventional wisdom,” Dr. Solverson said.
“This study contributes to a growing body of evidence that elderberry, which has been used as a folk medicine for centuries, has many benefits for metabolic as well as prebiotic health. .”
“Other berries also contain anthocyanins, but usually in lower concentrations,” he added.
“To get the same amount of anthocyanins found in 6 ounces of elderberry juice, you would need to consume 4 cups of blackberries a day.”
Christy Teets others. 2024. A 1-week elderberry juice intervention enhances fecal microbiota and suggests improved glucose tolerance and fat oxidation in a randomized controlled trial. nutrients 16(20):3555;doi: 10.3390/nu16203555
While the solar system’s moons such as Europa and Enceladus have thin crusts over deep oceans, Mercury has a thin crust over a large metallic core. Thin sheets are generally likely to wrinkle. Europa has linear features, Enceladus has “tiger stripes” and Mercury has foliated cliffs. Neutron stars may have similar characteristics. These neutron star mountains can generate detectable oscillations in space and time known as gravitational waves, according to a new study.
Artist’s impression of a neutron star. Image credit: Sci.News.
Neutron stars are a trillion times denser than lead, and their surface features are largely unknown.
Nuclear theorists investigated the mountain-building mechanisms active on the moons and planets of the solar system.
Some of these mechanisms suggest that neutron stars likely have mountains.
A mountain in a neutron star would be much more massive than any mountain on Earth. They are so huge that the gravitational pull from these mountains alone can generate gravitational waves.
“These waves are so weak that they require highly detailed and sensitive techniques carefully tuned to the expected frequencies and other signal characteristics,” said nuclear astrophysicist Jorge Morales and professor Charles Horowitz at Indiana University. It can only be discovered through search.”
“The first detection of continuous gravitational waves opens a new window on the universe and will provide unique information about neutron stars, the densest objects after black holes.”
“These signals may also provide sensitive tests of fundamental laws of nature.”
The authors investigated the similarities between neutron star mountains and surface features of solar system objects.
“While both neutron stars and certain moons, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus, have a thin crust over a deep ocean, Mercury has a thin crust over a large metallic core. The thin sheet Wrinkles are universally possible,” they said.
“Europa has linear features, Enceladus has tiger-like stripes, and Mercury has curved, step-like structures.”
“Mountained neutron stars may have similar types of surface features that can be discovered by observing continuous gravitational wave signals.”
“Earth’s innermost core is anisotropic, and its shear modulus is direction-dependent.”
“If the material in the neutron star’s crust is also anisotropic, a mountain-like deformation will occur, and its height will increase as the star rotates faster.”
“Such surface features could explain the maximum spin observed in neutron stars and the minimum possible deformation of radio-emitting neutron stars known as millisecond pulsars.”
team’s paper Published in a magazine Physical Review D.
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JA Morales and CJ Horowitz. 2024. The anisotropic neutron star crust, the mountains of the solar system, and gravitational waves. Physics. Rev.D 110, 044016; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevD.110.044016
A new genus and species of an ankylosaurid dinosaur has been discovered in China’s Kangdaliang Mountain (1,262 meters above sea level).
There are two Ankylosaurs. Image credit: Stuart Pond.
Tianzenosaurus Chengi roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous Period, between 84 and 72 million years ago.
This ancient species belonged to the ankylosaurus group of armored dinosaurs that inhabited the planet from the mid-Jurassic period to the late Cretaceous period.
These intriguing creatures were recognized for their robust armor made of bony plates known as osteoderms.
These plates covered their backs and sides, providing defense against predators.
One distinctive feature of many ankylosaurid species, including Tianzenosaurus Chengi, was a large bony club at the end of its tail, which could be used as a potent weapon against predators.
The fossilized remains of this new species were unearthed in the second layer of the Late Cretaceous Huiquanpu Formation in Shanxi Province, China.
“The skull of the new species is flat and low, adorned with irregular bony plates on the roof, a rounded occipital bone slightly surpassing the skull’s roof, and a short, small, and flat bony projection at the back. These skull features differentiate it from Tianchisaurus from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, during the Middle Jurassic period, Shamosaurus from Mongolia in the early Cretaceous period, Ankylosaurus from the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous, and Euoplocephalus not only from North America but also from Pinacosaurus from the Late Cretaceous of China and Mongolia,” as stated by Dr. Qiqing Pang and colleagues from Hebei Geographical University.
Tianzenosaurus Chengi shares its discovery location with another known species of this genus, Tianzenosaurus Yongi.
“The identification of this new species not only offers rare ankylosaurian fossil findings from China but also provides valuable insights for the study of ankylosaurian taxonomy, migration, evolution, and the paleobiogeography of Cretaceous dinosaur fauna. This discovery holds significance,” remarked the paleontologists.
Their published paper can be found in the Hebei Geography University Journal.
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Pan Chi Ching et al. 2024. New species of an ankylosaurid dinosaur — Tianzenosaurus Chengi sp. nov., Late Cretaceous, Tianzhen County, Shanxi Province, China. Hebei Geography University Journal 6; doi: 10.13937/j.cnki.hbdzdxxb.2024.06.006
The tattooed hand of a 1200 year old mummy from Peru
Michael Pittman and Thomas G. Kaye
Laser scanning of a South American mummy reveals the intricate details of a tattoo dating back more than 1,200 years.
The mummy, belonging to a pre-Hispanic tribe known as the Chancays, was discovered in 1981 at the Cerro Colorado cemetery in Peru’s Huaura Valley.
It was obvious to the naked eye that many of the 100 mummies were tattooed, but the ink smeared beyond the boundaries of the original design and faded, making it impossible to see what the original markings looked like. It was impossible.
In a new study, michael pitman Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong shined a laser on the specimens in a dark room and took long-exposure photographs. The laser brightened the skin and created a sharp contrast with the non-fluorescent tattoo ink.
This technique, which does not damage mummies, has never been used for tattoos before. Importantly, Pittman says, it shows not only where the ink is on the surface, but also where it is in the deeper layers of the skin.
“This allowed us to see the bleeding that had accumulated over the lifetime of the tattoo owner and reveal the original, finer design of the tattoo,” he says.
Researchers say the tattoo is so minute that it must have been created using a needle-and-ink technique using cactus needles or sharp animal bones, rather than a “cut-and-fill” method. That’s what I think.
Tattoos appear to have been important to the Chancay people, Pittman said, as they appear on the majority of known mummified human remains.
Forearm with Chancay mummy tattoo
Michael Pittman and Thomas G. Kaye
“Many of the designs, which are geometric patterns featuring triangles and diamonds, are also shared in other art mediums such as pottery and textiles, and some ceramic figures show geometric tattoo designs. Some are,” he says.
Some tattoos have intricate designs that seem to require special effort, while others are small and simple. “Thus, ancient Chancay tattoos show some similarities with the variations in design and significance that can be observed in tattoos today,” Pittman says.
Pittman says many traditional tattoos made by other ancient peoples can also be viewed in detail using laser-stimulated fluorescence technology. “We therefore plan to apply this method to other ancient tattoos from cultures around the world and try to make other interesting discoveries,” he says.
Meta owns social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram
JRdes / Shutterstock
In 2024, Meta allowed more than 3,300 pornographic ads, many featuring AI-generated content, to run on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The survey results are available below. report by AI forensics a European non-profit organization focused on researching technology platform algorithms. Researchers also found inconsistencies in Meta’s content moderation policies by reuploading many of the same explicit images as standard Instagram and Facebook posts. Unlike ads, these posts violated Meta’s terms and were quickly removed. community standards.
“I am disappointed and not surprised by this report, as my research has already revealed double standards in content moderation, particularly in the area of sexual content,” he said. carolina are At the Center for Digital Citizenship at Northumbria University, UK.
The AI Forensics report focuses on a small sample of ads targeting the European Union. As a result, the explicit meta-authorized ads primarily target middle-aged and older men promoting “shady sexual enhancement products” and “dating sites,” with a total reach of 8.2 million impressions. It turned out that it was exceeded.
This permissiveness reflects a widespread double standard in content moderation, Allais said. She says tech platforms often block content by “women, femme presentations, and LGBTQIA+ users.” That double standard extends to the sexual health of men and women. “Examples include lingerie and period-related advertising. [removed] Ads from Meta are approved, but ads for Viagra are approved,” she says.
In addition to discovering AI-generated images within ads, the AI Forensics team also discovered audio deepfakes. For example, some ads for sex-enhancing drugs featured the digitally manipulated voice of actor Vincent Cassel superimposed over pornographic visuals.
“Meta prohibits the display of nudity or sexual activity in ads or organic posts on our platform, and we remove violating content shared with us,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Bad actors are constantly evolving their tactics to evade law enforcement, which is why we continue to invest in the best tools and technology to identify and remove violating content.”
The report comes at the same time that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced he would be eliminating the fact-checking team in favor of crowd-sourced community notes.
“If you really want to sound dystopian, which I think there’s reason to do so at this point given Zuckerberg’s latest decision to eliminate fact checkers, Meta You could even say that they’re quickly stripping agencies of their users by taking money from questionable ads,” Allais said.
Astronomers have long believed that Jupiter’s upper clouds, which form the planet’s iconic light brown bands, are made of frozen ammonia. But new research shows that these clouds are actually lower in the atmosphere than we thought, and are made of ammonium bisulfide mixed with smog.
Hubble’s photos of Jupiter show an ever-changing landscape due to its turbulent atmosphere. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Amy Simon, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / Michael H. Wong, University of California, Berkeley / Joseph DePasquale, STScI.
Citizen scientist Steve Hill has previously shown that it is possible to map a planet’s atmosphere using just a special colored filter and a backyard telescope.
These results provided the first clue that the clouds are too deep in Jupiter’s warm atmosphere to match clouds made of ammonia ice.
To find out, Hill and a team of professional astronomers from the University of Oxford, the University of Leicester and the British Astronomical Society used the MUSE instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) to study the atmospheres of gas giant planets. did.
“MUSE will be able to scan Jupiter’s atmosphere at different wavelengths and map the different molecules that make up Jupiter’s atmosphere,” they said.
Their study shows that a new approach using backyard telescopes or VLT/MUSE can map the abundance of ammonia in Jupiter’s atmosphere with remarkable precision.
In terms of clouds, they concluded that Jupiter’s atmosphere closely resembles a layered cake.
Ammonium hydrosulfide clouds cover the upper levels, and in some cases decorations of ammonia ice clouds carried to the top by strong vertical convection can be seen.
However, the overall structure of the cake is still not completely understood, and the work of citizen scientists may be the key to figuring it out.
So the next time you gaze at Jupiter or Saturn from your backyard, you just might be uncovering some hidden secrets in our solar system.
“We tested the reliability of the filter imaging technique by applying it to VLT/MUSE observations of Jupiter and found that the method closely matches more sophisticated analyzes of these observations and is also consistent with observations of Jupiter. “We have shown that the microwave wavelengths studied by NASA’s Juno spacecraft and the Super Large Array yield surprisingly reliable results,” the astronomers said.
“We show that the predominant reflection level at red wavelengths is at the 2-3 bar level, which is much lower than the expected ammonia ice cloud condensation level of 0.7 bar, and the ammonia We conclude that ice cannot be the main cloud component.”
“We also showed that the same technique can be applied to MUSE observations of Saturn, where extracted ammonia maps were measured by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope at pressures greater than 2 We found a very good agreement with the ammonia abundance.
of findings will appear in Geophysical Research Journal: Planets.
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Patrick G.J. Irwin others. 2025. Clouds and ammonia in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn are determined from band depth analysis of VLT/MUSE observations. JGR Planets 130 (1): e2024JE008622;doi: 10.1029/2024JE008622
The raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area are still causing havoc, with firefighters facing strong winds in their efforts to control the blazes.
But what exactly does it mean to “contain” a wildfire?
Simply extinguishing the fire does not mean it is completely out. Containment refers to the establishment of a perimeter around an active fire to prevent it from spreading and consuming more land.
Firefighters work to suppress wildfires by creating natural barriers like roads, highways, rivers, and waterways to surround the flames and prevent them from spreading. They also construct containment lines by digging trenches and clearing vegetation around the fire.
The level of containment is expressed as a percentage, reflecting how well the fire has been contained, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
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The largest fire in the Los Angeles area, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 23,000 acres and is 14% contained as of Monday. The Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena is 33% contained, while the Hearst Fire in Sylmar is 95% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Containment is a crucial measure of progress in firefighting efforts, but it can change as the fire develops and environmental conditions fluctuate.
In Southern California, strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pose a significant fire risk in Los Angeles and Ventura counties over the next few days. Dry, windy conditions can fuel existing fires and accelerate new ones.
Even after a fire is extinguished, it may continue to burn for some time. The primary goal is to prevent the fire from crossing the containment line.
Fact-checkers were confident about the target audience for this week’s news, which was delivered through Mark Zuckerberg’s selected medium. The awkward video message announced Meta’s plan to transition from professional third-party fact-checking to a user-driven “community notes” model similar to X, starting in the US.
Upon hearing the news, one fact-checker expressed concerns about Meta’s intention to please President Trump. Their public response on the matter was more tactful but conveyed the same sentiment.
Across the Atlantic, questions arose about how the European Union would respond to Mr. Meta’s decision, especially if the next US president was watching. The implications could extend beyond Europe’s borders for fact-checkers globally.
Meta’s fact-checking program, which spans 130 countries and is a significant source of funding for fact-checking worldwide, was established shortly after the 2016 US election. Despite Meta’s investment of $100 million in fact-checking efforts since then, concerns remain among fact-checkers about potential changes in the future.
The EU’s new policies will have varying effects on fact-checkers globally depending on Meta’s rollout outside the US. The company’s plans for the EU remain unclear, but there are currently “no immediate plans” to suspend fact-checking within the EU.
The EU’s regulatory framework for digital platforms, including Meta, is being tested through initiatives like the Code of Practice on Disinformation. However, enforcement and interaction with fact-checkers remain unresolved issues.
The European Commission’s response to Meta’s decision will be crucial in testing DSA principles and influencing Meta’s policies worldwide.
Overall, fact-checkers anticipate Meta will phase out third-party fact-checking globally after implementing the new system in the US. The impact on the fact-checking movement, which relies heavily on Meta’s funding, could be significant.
The future of fact-checking remains uncertain, with potential consequences for fact-checkers worldwide. Many organizations may need to scale back or close operations if Meta discontinues its support, impacting efforts to combat misinformation.
Rappler, a Philippine news site, warned that the challenges faced in the US could signify a larger struggle to preserve truth and individual agency in the face of increasing dangers.
Melting ice in the Rocky Mountains has led to the discovery of a 5,900-year-old white bark pine forest. Scientists discovered more than 30 trees during an archaeological survey on Wyoming's Beartooth Plateau at about 3,100 meters above sea level, 180 meters above the current tree line.
This, he says, “allows us to learn about past conditions at high altitudes.'' Kathy Whitlock at Montana State University. Japanese white pine (Albicari pine) These plants needed to grow during warmer weather, she says, because they don't currently grow at this elevation.
To understand the history of the lost forests, Whitlock's team analyzed tree rings and used carbon dating to find out how old the forests were. They discovered that the tree lived between 5,950 and 5,440 years ago, a time when temperatures were steadily dropping.
Data from ice cores in places like Antarctica and Greenland suggest that these temperature drops were influenced by centuries of volcanic eruptions in the Northern Hemisphere. These produced enough aerial deposits to block sunlight and lower global temperatures until the environment became too cold for these high-altitude trees to survive.
Although the newly discovered tree was lying flat, it was in exceptional condition, indicating that it was rapidly preserved after death. Although there is no evidence of avalanche cover, there are traces consistent with the current expansion of the ice sheet.
Climate models suggest that more continuous volcanic eruptions occurred in Iceland 5,100 years ago, causing further temperature drops, team members say Joe McConnell at the Desert Research Institute in Nevada. These temperature drops led to the expansion of the ice belt, and “the fallen trees were buried in the ice and protected from the elements for the next 5,000 years,” he says.
Only in recent decades have temperatures warmed enough to free trees from their ice cellars. The current tree line is “likely to shift upward as temperatures rise in the coming decades,” Whitlock said.
“This discovery was made possible thanks to anthropogenic climate change. Rising temperatures are exposing areas that have been buried under ice for thousands of years,” she says. “While discoveries like this are scientifically interesting, they are also a sad reminder of how vulnerable alpine ecosystems are to climate change.”
“This study is a very elegant and careful use of a rare 'time capsule' that tells us not only about these mountain forests 6,000 years ago, but also about the climatic conditions that allowed them to exist.” '' he says. Kevin Antukaitis at the University of Arizona.
These trees are not the first such finds that researchers have unearthed from Rocky Mountain ice. Previous research had found “fragments of wooden shafts used for arrows and darts,” Whitlock said. One of the shafts has been radiocarbon dated to be more than 10,000 years old, “which tells us that people have been hunting in high-altitude environments for thousands of years,” she says.
In today’s society, there is a growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics due to their potential to enhance workflow, communication, and technical capabilities. However, researchers are faced with the challenge of adapting robots quickly to external stimuli for more fluid movement in their environments. To achieve this, scientists are exploring the intricate systems of brain cells that communicate through neural networks.
A team of researchers from Cornell University aimed to address limitations in robotics that computer programs have struggled with, such as short lifespan, intensive maintenance, and low responsiveness to environmental changes. They investigated the potential of improving biohybrid neural networks using living materials combined with synthetic materials to enable faster reactions to unpredictable situations and problem-solving in robots.
Previous studies have utilized neural networks based on animal and plant cells to enhance robot movement and environmental responsiveness. However, maintaining these cells in artificial environments can be challenging and requires extensive care. The researchers in this study focused on using a more robust non-animal system based on fungi, which transmit information through electrical signals similar to animals.
Fungi create mycelial networks to transport nutrients, detect signals, and respond to environmental cues, making them resilient and less susceptible to contamination compared to animal cells. The researchers built two robots—one with independent arm movements and the other with forward-backward motion—and integrated the Eryngium mushroom fungus into their control boards to observe natural electrical signals and responses to stimuli.
By growing the fungi on the robot’s control interface and analyzing the bioelectrical signals, the researchers discovered that the network effectively controlled the robot’s functions. They also observed the fungus’s response to different light stimuli, leading to the conclusion that fungal biohybridization could revolutionize robotics with its adaptability and sensory capabilities.
The researchers conducted experiments to test the robot’s reaction to ultraviolet light, showcasing the fungus’s ability to control the robot’s movements solely through natural electrical signals. They proposed that fungal biohybridization offers a promising avenue for advancing robotics by leveraging fungi’s resilience and sensory capabilities for improved adaptability and reliability.
FFrom pinball to pachinko, humanity has spent billions of hours fascinated by the whimsical effects of physics on metal balls. it's entertainment, barionaireperhaps reached its zenith. The premise is childishly simple. You drop the ball onto the pyramid-shaped course and watch helplessly as it clatters towards the gutter at the bottom. Along the way, the ball bounces off pins and bumpers it encounters along the way, causing special effects and gradually accumulating dollar-based points along the way.
Some bumpers, colorfully rendered as anthropomorphic characters, are straightforward in nature. They might add a little cash to the pot or produce a second ball. Others are more complex, such as reversing gravity or teleporting a ball to another location. Initially the board is mostly empty, but each time you roll you have the opportunity to strategically add one of three new bumpers to your layout, thereby increasing the amount of points you can earn on your next run.
Here lies the challenge. It takes 5 attempts to build a cash pot that meets or exceeds a level's financial goals. If this goal is not achieved, the game is over. Once you address a challenge, your next goal will increase exponentially. You'll soon need to make virtually tens of thousands of dollars per ball just by strategic bumper placement and the luck of the bounce. At first it's a pedestrian-only Bagatelle-esque board game, but it soon becomes a carnival of firework-like effects, with fountains of coins and balls cascading down, setting off dizzying chain reactions.
It's a simple joy to watch your score accumulate through outlandish multipliers, and while the physical aspects of the game are completely passive, you'll be able to find the most beneficial bumper placements in the game's 55 spaces. There is a world of strategies to find out. board. The year begins with a seemingly simple yet obsessive challenge.
Experts in online abuse have warned that the increase in online racism due to fake images is just the beginning of the problems that may arise following a recent update of X Company’s AI software.
Concerns were first raised in December last year when numerous computer-generated images produced by Company X’s generative AI chatbot Grok were leaked on social media platforms.
Signify, an organization that collaborates with leading sports bodies and clubs to monitor and report instances of online hate, has noted a rise in abuse reports since the latest update of Grok, warning that this type of behavior is likely to become more widespread with the introduction of AI.
Elaborating on the issue, a spokesperson stated that the current problem is only the tip of the iceberg and is expected to worsen significantly in the next year.
Grok, introduced by Elon Musk in 2023, recently launched a new feature called Aurora, which enables users to create photorealistic AI images based on simple prompts.
Reports indicate that the latest Grok update is being misused to generate photo-realistic racist images of various soccer players and coaches, sparking widespread condemnation.
The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) expressed concerns about X’s role in promoting hate speech through revenue-sharing mechanisms, facilitated by AI-generated imagery.
The absence of stringent restrictions on user requests and the ease of circumventing AI guidelines are among the key issues highlighted, with Grok producing a significant number of hateful prompts without appropriate safeguards.
In response to the alarming trend, the Premier League has taken steps to combat racist abuse directed towards athletes, with measures in place to identify and report such incidents, potentially leading to legal action.
Both X and Grok have been approached for comment regarding the situation.
Billions of pounds are set to be invested in enhancing Britain’s computing capacity, with ministers unveiling plans to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into the country’s operations, despite widespread public concerns about the repercussions of using AI.
Keir Starmer has introduced an ambitious scheme to boost AI computing power under public ownership 20-fold by 2030 and leverage AI in various applications, ranging from identifying potholes to supporting educators. The initiative is in the works.
Labour’s strategy to ‘unleash’ AI involves the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to position the UK as a ‘world leader’ in this rapidly advancing sector. The government’s proposals include potentially contentious measures to release public data to foster the growth of AI firms. This includes offering anonymized NHS data to “researchers and innovators” for training AI models. The government assures the presence of “robust privacy protections”, ensuring the data remains beyond the control of private entities.
Ministers are optimistic that AI could combat Britain’s sluggish economic expansion and generate an economic injection of up to £470 billion over the coming decade, based on their internal forecasts. The action plan signals a shift from the UK government’s earlier emphasis on addressing critical challenges.
The administration’s commitment to nurture the AI sector has been well received by tech giants like Microsoft, Anthropic, and OpenAI. Mr. Starmer emphasized the necessity for governmental support in the AI domain. Regulatory bodies are tasked with “actively backing innovation,” a stance that may clash with individuals advocating for public protection.
However, experts caution about the societal, employment, and environmental impacts of AI. Recent government research underscores that the terms “robot,” “scary,” and “worry” are top-of-mind for the average person regarding AI.
The political initiative also aims to expedite investments in new small-scale nuclear reactors to power energy-intensive technologies.
Susie Alegre, an expert in technology and human rights, mentions the Post Office scandal as a stark reminder of the perils of overreliance on technology without sufficient oversight mechanisms.
Mr. Starmer urged all cabinet members to prioritize the integration of AI, stating that AI’s transformative potential can enhance various facets of daily life. He stressed the need for swift and decisive action, recognizing the fierce global competition in the realm of AI.
Endeavors to bolster the UK’s AI hardware could position cloud computing as vital to the country’s economy, society, and security as internet access, electricity, oil, and gas. This strategic move is propelled by the belief that…
Innovations in AI have come a long way since I first used ChatGPT to generate emails two years ago. Take Google’s experimental “AI research assistant,” notebook LM, for example. This tool goes beyond text prompts by allowing users to upload various types of content like videos, links, and PDFs. It organizes your original sources and notes, provides content overviews, answers questions, and even creates podcast-like summaries. As AI tools evolve, we can anticipate more advanced features integrated into everyday software. However, it’s crucial to remember to fact-check and verify the information generated by AI.
Escape Algorithmic Constraints
If you find yourself trapped in a repetitive cycle of music or TV recommendations, it’s time for a change. Platforms like Netflix offer options to reset your viewing history, allowing you to start fresh with new recommendations. Similarly, diversifying your listening habits on Spotify can broaden the range of choices offered to you. Utilize features like Private Session mode or Exclude from Preference Profile to customize your content recommendations based on your preferences.
Identifying AI-Generated Videos
As text-to-video tools become more prevalent, the rise of AI-manipulated videos, known as “deepfakes,” is inevitable. Keep an eye out for watermarks indicating AI generation and be cautious of anomalies like incorrect anatomy or physics in videos. Contextual clues are key in spotting AI-generated content, so stay alert for any content that seems too outlandish or suspicious.
Verify, Watch, and Backup
Incidents of “snatch theft” are on the rise, with thieves targeting mobile phones for resale overseas. While prevention is challenging, ensure to backup important data on your device to mitigate potential losses. Enable automatic syncing to cloud services or manually backup media files through device settings to safeguard your data. In the event of theft, having backup copies ensures that vital information is not lost.
If you ask anyone who regularly conducts interviews, they will tell you that being the one interviewed is a strange experience. It becomes even more bizarre when the interviewer has been deceased for a year and a half. Virtually Parkinson is a new podcast where celebrities are interviewed by an AI model trained to mimic the late Michael Parkinson. The announcement of this podcast last year caused quite a stir, with some calling it blasphemous and others questioning its purpose in the realm of AI innovation.
The podcast requires a team of engineers, researchers, and producers to ensure that the AI model accurately replicates Parkinson’s style of interviewing. However, despite the technological advancements, there are concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in this manner. The producers of Virtually Parkinson are conscious of these concerns and ensure that all interviews are conducted responsibly.
The podcast aims to explore the relationship between AI and humans, sparking discussions on the future of technology in entertainment. While some may find the concept exploitative, others see it as a way to preserve a national treasure’s legacy. The series continues to evolve, with each interview improving the AI model based on feedback.
During an interview with the AI Parky, the experience was both intriguing and uncanny. The AI model’s rigid format and lack of emotional response made the interaction feel artificial. Despite this, the interview showcased the potential of AI technology in the entertainment industry.
As technology continues to advance rapidly, the future of AI in entertainment looks promising. The creators of Virtually Parkinson are constantly refining the AI model to enhance the user experience. Whether you agree with the concept or not, it’s clear that the future is already here with AI-driven interviews like Virtually Parkinson.
TCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's decision this week to resign as leader of the Liberal Party brings the impending general election, which will be held amid political turmoil caused by President Donald Trump's “America” policies. The race for leadership has begun against the backdrop of the Deaf general election. First, there is “economic nationalism.” It also gave Tesla CEO Elon Musk an opportunity to insert himself into yet another country's political turmoil.
Since Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation on Monday, Mr. Musk has repeatedly posted about Canadian politics on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, which he acquired for $44 billion in 2022. He celebrates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's ouster, interacts with Canada's right-wing influencers, and has praised a video by Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poièvre.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have promoted the idea of Canada becoming part of the United States, but all major Canadian party leaders, including Mr. Poilievre, reject this idea. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Tuesday that there is “no snowball effect” for President Trump's proposal to become a reality.
“Miss, you're no longer the Governor of Canada, so it doesn't matter what you say,” Musk tweeted late Tuesday night.
Musk's post symbolizes a widening of his attempts to influence global politics over the past year, during which he has allied himself with a number of right-wing populist leaders and sought to influence far-right influence. It has expanded its power and persistently voiced conservative dissatisfaction. After spending more than $200 million to support President Trump's reelection campaign, he positioned himself as a key figure in determining U.S. policy and forcing foreign leaders to take Trump's provocations seriously. Ta.
Outside the United States, most of Mr. Musk's attention has been focused on the United Kingdom, where he has recently reignited the uproar over a child sex abuse scandal while promoting anti-immigration views, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer a “rapist.” “I'm doing it,” he accused. British”. Mr. Musk is also exerting influence on Germany's upcoming elections. Supports far-right, anti-immigration AfD party In an editorial, he hosted leader Alice Weidel for a livestream interview on his platform.
Musk's meddling in European politics has prompted leaders in Britain, France and Germany to speak out against his election interference and misinformation. Now it looks like it's Canada's turn to deal with the world's richest man.
While Musk remains in the background, Prime Minister Trudeau's Liberal Party is likely to hold a leadership election to replace Musk as prime minister, followed by a general election soon after.
Enliven Poièvre
In a series of posts after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, Musk expressed support for Poièvre, whose Conservative Party is widely expected to dominate Canada's general election after three years in Liberal government. There is. Musk's posts to his more than 200 million followers have already drawn comments from major political party leaders, highlighting how important he is as the country faces this year's political turmoil. Indicates whether it has the potential to become an element.
Canada's left-wing NDP leader Jagmeet Singh responded to Musk's tweet, saying, “Elon Musk and other billionaires support Pierre Poièvre because if he wins, they will… Because it will make you richer,” he posted.
In the days of Poilievre Asked about support for Mr. Musk “It would be great if we could convince Mr. Musk to open some factories here in Canada,” he said at a press conference Thursday. He also mentioned Musk's ambitions for space travel.
“My 3-year-old son wants to go to Mars, so I think Mr. Musk is the right person to reach out to him,” Poièvre said. “If I had a chance to meet with Mr. Musk, I would say, 'How can we create an economy that brings hundreds of billions of dollars of investment back to Canada?'”
Mr. Poièvre fits the mold of other conservative politicians who have appealed to Mr. Musk. He was once known as a combative, baby-faced lawmaker nicknamed “Skippy” by other members of Congress, but in recent years he has ditched his glasses and tie and taken on a more populist personality. Poilievre, an Alberta native, has positioned himself as an opponent of “Prime Minister Trudeau's woke authoritarian policies.” used for conspiratorial rhetoric About “Globalist Elite” and Promises to reduce immigration While blaming the Liberal Party for economic inflation.
Many of Poièvre's points revolve around the adoption of virtual currencies, cuts to government funding, and a new punitive government position with the power to withhold government subsidies to universities that don't protect free speech. It's reminiscent of ideas that Musk himself might promote, such as creating a “guardian of the world.” We are committed to protecting freedom of speech on campus. Poilievre also Support ban on trans women It promised to cut funding from women's bathrooms, locker rooms and sports, and cut funding to Canada's national public broadcaster and news organizations.
Musk posted a 2023 clip of Poièvre eating an apple while disdainfully answering questions from a local news editor, calling it a “masterpiece.” The billionaire also praised Poièvre's video talking about spending cuts and inflation. In a third post, Musk tweeted, “Great interview,” sharing Poilievre's remarks. Talking with right-wing commentator Jordan PetersonIn it, the Conservative leader promised “the biggest crackdown on crime in Canadian history.” Mr Poièvre's interview with Mr Peterson drew condemnation from both the Liberal Party and the NDP over the fact that it was sponsored by a US-based Christian anti-abortion group.
According to opinion polls taken before Prime Minister Trudeau resigned, the Conservative Party has great advantages And Canada this year, even if Last month's survey It has been shown that only 37% of Canadians view Poièvre himself favorably.
Despite Musk's support, Poièvre may also face a balancing act over how closely to work with Trump, who remains an unpopular figure in Canada. According to a public opinion poll during the US presidential election, Only 21% of Canadians support it While Trump was re-elected, another poll in November showed that About 19% of Canadians trust Musk's opinion. about their country's politics.
As in the U.S., many of the Canadian political accounts Musk is associated with tend to be respected conservative media influencers, which Musk spreads to his millions of followers. are.
In one post this week, Musk shared misleading claims about Trudeau from far-right media entrepreneur Ezra Levant, which were later corrected by a community note. Levant publishes the website Rebel News, whose contributors include British anti-Muslim extremist Tommy Robinson, Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes and former top commentators. face goldiewas fired after appearing on a neo-Nazi podcast. Musk also exchanged tweets with Lauren Southern, an early “alt-right” Canadian influencer and former Rebel Media host who gained notoriety by creating anti-immigrant YouTube videos. promote of white supremacist “The Great Successor” conspiracy theory.
Jordan Peterson is another Canadian touchstone for Musk. In addition to sharing Peterson interviews with Poièvre and exchanging the occasional tweet, Musk appeared on Peterson's show last year. In it, the tech mogul claimed that his transgender child “died” after receiving gender-affirming care and was “killed by a wake-up mind virus.” . Vivian Wilson, Musk's transgender daughter, responded that Musk's characterization was wrong and that her father was absent.
Musk also frequently interacts with Canadian marketing professor Gad Saad at X. Gad Saad has developed an online following through his books and podcast appearances attacking what he calls “the parasitic ideas that are destroying the Western world.”
“I read your insightful book on the parasitic wake-mind virus,” Musk tweeted on Third last year. “It gave me nightmares.”
Musk celebrates Prime Minister Trudeau's resignation
While Mr. Musk has expressed support for Mr. Poièvre, he is relishing Mr. Trudeau's fall from grace. On Wednesday, he shared an AI-generated meme of Donald Trump playing a sad violin in the background of Trudeau's resignation speech, and also responded to an old tweet of his own in which he predicted Trudeau would lose power. did.
Musk has expressed opposition to Trudeau multiple times in recent years over issues such as COVID-19 safety restrictions, most notably in 2022 when he shared a meme comparing Trudeau to Hitler. It was. Musk deleted the tweet after being criticized by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Holocaust Museum, but as recently as December he again called for Trudeau's political ouster.
Prime Minister Trudeau had been a target of right-wing media long before the Musk attack, with far-right commentators such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson portraying him as some kind of socialist dictator and of Canada as a dystopian hellscape. He dedicated a corner to drawing like this.
Within Canada, the reasons for Trudeau's resignation are more complex. Although he maintained a progressive glow internationally, many Canadians across the political spectrum came to find Mr. Trudeau's personality sinister and hypocritical. domestic scandal. Rising cost of living, inflation and fatigue with the minority Liberal government lost significant support from his party. The recent collapse of the cabinet, the failure of last year's by-elections and the threat of a no-confidence vote ended up being a death sentence for his leadership.
I I'm concerned that I wrote that this time last year, my urge to acquire material things had subsided somewhat. thing In the world. Unfortunately, the internet seemed to see it as a challenge I couldn't refuse, and in recent months I found myself wanting something again, lots of things.
Perhaps that's not surprising. Everything whispers or screams at us from every screen we stare at. “The constant barrage of ads on Instagram is exhausting,” my best friend said gloomily just last week, and she was right. My eyes are constantly bombarded with offers of miracle goop, health equipment, expensive knitwear and green-tinted “disruptors” perfect for mature skin. Almost everything. Just a minute or so of scrolling reveals “calfPRO” (completely unintelligible, amazing), kombucha, cleanser, eco-frying pan, a jumper “reminiscent of Phoebe Philo-era Celine,” and, inexplicably, Canadian waters. were provided in succession. Sea urchin.
There are bigger problems in this new lawless age of social media than the relentless onslaught of targeted advertising, but everything the internet wants, in addition to the urgent upskilling of critical reading that the world needs. We need to find a way to counter it. we buy it. Otherwise, to take a random example, you might end up awkwardly receiving the candy-colored bra you bought in a fugue state after seeing it on your phone 800 times a week. This bra, apparently made of satsuma net and wrap film, provides no support to the wearer at all, instead fighting tirelessly to reposition everything I do – Sorry, but their – Breast tissue is attached to the armpits. It's destined for landfill, where it will strangle seabirds and break down into microplastics that will poison generations of our descendants.
Deinfluence is now a genre of online content where creators fight back against consumer culture by explaining how they are content with a pair of trainers and basic shampoo. That's great, but it's inevitably common. I think we need to take matters into our own hands because the scale and targeting of the data-driven, algorithmic discontent industry is so granular. Because who better to eliminate its influence on you than yourself? Only you know your desires and weaknesses better than an all-powerful algorithm. Only you can fight effectively. I've been trying to de-influence myself for the past few weeks and it's been quite a struggle. I'm weak-willed and getting stupider by the minute by internet nonsense. And algorithms are tireless. But I have a secret weapon. It helps you call out your deepest and most ridiculous desires because you know them so well. Now, when I'm tempted, that's exactly what I do. Similarly:
perfect reusable coffee cup: Let's see what happened to the last perfect reusable cup you bought. I left it on the bench on my second outing. It's very ecological. I drink too much coffee anyway.
“parallel”Gymnastics bar “te”: Do you really believe that you can train your tired, unsteady body to do a handstand with this length of wood? Having two big babies has chopped your core and strengthened your shoulders. It will be about the size of a sparrow. This is why people over 35 can't use TikTok (unless you understand the very relevant concept of “delulu”).
500 pound jumper with a crow on it: You think you look like Alexa Chung or Björk or some other quirky-chic style icon. You'll look like Giles Brandreth. If you're lucky.
“The last charger you need to buy”: Can I rephrase that? “I need the last charger until I leave it on the train, like the last three,” would be more accurate.
Miracle cleanser: Unless by some miracle it actually crawls out of the tube and applies automatically, you won't use it – you're too lazy.
Innovative “plant-based” electric toothbrush: Remember that destructive plant-based deodorant you bought? It's still unpleasantly accusing you of your bathroom drawer? Try getting really destructive do not have I bought this with some skepticism.
It's cruel, but at least in my case, it's absolutely necessary and almost a full-time job. Think Canadian sea urchin is rich, creamy, and limited in availability? Hmm.
FFirst, Mark Zuckerberg removed his gray hoodie. Then he let his curls grow. Now, he is shifting his styling focus to his left wrist, sporting a $900,000 (£740,000) watch by Swiss brand Greubel Forsey, made of white gold and limited to only three pieces per year. This addition to his watch collection includes a $1.2 million rose gold Patek Philippe watch and the thinnest watch ever made.
The trend of mechanical watches is on the rise, driven by Generation Z, who are embracing traditional aesthetics for a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Depop has reported a 34% increase in watch searches, attributing the shift to analog watches exuding a classic style and functionality.
Despite predictions that smartwatches would eliminate traditional Swiss watches, there has been a decline in sales as consumers opt for old-fashioned timepieces. TikTok showcases a variety of watch styles and brands, from high-end Rolex to more affordable options like Casio and Swatch.
Luxury watches have also found their place on the red carpet, with celebrities accessorizing their outfits with iconic timepieces. Watches of Switzerland Group notes a growing interest among Gen Z customers in Swiss-made watches, emphasizing brand recognition and sustainability.
Wearing a watch can convey status and personal style, reflected in popular television shows and public figures showcasing their timepiece choices. Even high-profile individuals are opting for more modest watch brands, signaling a shift towards less conspicuous displays of wealth.
This shift towards authenticity and understated luxury resonates with Gen Z, who look for genuine expressions of style rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The appeal lies in something real and meaningful, rather than a symbol of affluence.
○On August 4, 2024, the riots and unrest following the murder of three children in Southport, Merseyside, escalated further. That day, violence struck Rotherham, Middlesbrough and Bolton, where people tried to set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers, amid chaos amid far-right misinformation and rumors. Elon Musk showed a renewed interest in British affairs, posting a photo of the violence in Liverpool on X with the characteristically cautious caption: “Civil war is inevitable.” And 24 hours later, a wave of unrest reached the city of Plymouth.
It struck the city center throughout the evening of August 5th. To quote the Guardian, “150 police officers in riot gear and with dogs tried to separate the far-right mob and anti-racism demonstrators.” Others defended the mosque. Bricks, bottles and fireworks were thrown. Six people were arrested, several police officers were injured, and two civilians were taken to hospital. local civil servant He said the events were “unprecedented.”
Where should the city's 260,000 residents turn for reliable information? As ever, people's social media feeds are filled with falsehoods and provocations, making more traditional media the obvious choice. But if you had been listening to your local BBC radio station while the riots were going on, you might not have known anything about them. BBC Radio Devon ran reports of the violence on the 6 o'clock news, but Plymouth was not mentioned at all on the 7pm and 9pm news. Other breaking news stories mentioned what was happening but failed to make it into a major story. The violence was horrifying and very important, but the attention of the city's supposedly most reliable news sources was clearly elsewhere.
We now know all this thanks to BBC reaction to Complaint by David LloydHe is a radio veteran who has worked in both corporate and commercial stations. The relevant official document written by the company's complaints manager is very easy to read. It included an admission that “there was little evidence that the BBC was present at the scene” and that some of the content related to “some logistical issues” on the day. . Issues include “securing journalists with the necessary riot training'' and “technical problems with broadcasting kits.''
there were, The report says:“Elements of System Failure.” Even online, where modern businesses say they need to focus most of their efforts, there is no dedicated live coverage of the Plymouth riots, and as the report suggests, major social media platforms lack sufficient updates. Not posted. Regarding the latter point, he said, “If it weren’t for staff vacations, we could have done more.”
A spokesperson said: The BBC accepted the findings of its complaints department and had “already made adjustments to its working practices” before the Plymouth complaint was investigated. But the mix of excuses and admitted shortcomings remains mind-boggling. And the larger story of this corporate degradation of local broadcasting and how it fits into similar changes in commercial radio and the dire state of Britain’s local press is left untouched. As Mark Zuckerberg abandons meta fact-checking and Musk becomes endlessly radicalized by his platform, the result is a growing vacuum in local news. There is a growing susceptibility to online lies that may soon surpass people’s ability to fully understand what is going on in their immediate lives. someone's control.
The story of Plymouth is a case study in the impact of change, which still appears to be chronically overlooked. These include the forced cuts to BBC Radio’s broadcasts in 2023, and the fact that many local stations now only broadcast regionally specific programs until the afternoon. Share produce locally or nationally until breakfast time the next day. Number of spectators This drastic cut has further diminished an already fragile part of the national media landscape, further reduced listeners and hastened the decline of local radio, while our nation’s public broadcasters have The obvious question is whether the survival of such a major broadcasting station can be guaranteed. Grassroots news, who will do it?
It’s certainly not commercial radio. Eight years ago, broadcasting regulator Ofcom announced a relaxation of rules allowing commercial station owners to reduce the minimum hours of daytime local programming from seven hours a day to three. In 2019, radio giant Global consolidated more than 40 independent breakfast shows featuring local news and takeaways into three nationally broadcast programs, exposing its newsroom to fluctuations in efficiency. Since then, a single reporting team has been assigned to cover an area stretching from Cornwall to Gloucester.
And then there is the terrible fate of local newspapers that may have successfully transitioned into the online world, but have been repeatedly mismanaged, cut and wiped out, especially by online giants. Between 2009 and 2019, more than 320 such titles closed in the UK. Just over a year ago, Reach, the owner of Mirror, Express and a number of local titles grouped online under the “Live” banner, announced its third job cuts in a year. This reduced the total number of roles lost. The company's local and regional news websites drew a healthy audience of about 35 million people per month, but its reliance on siphoning digital advertising revenue put its long-term survival at risk. As one anonymous Reach official stated, the results were clear. “Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff and many other major cities will soon no longer have a local newspaper, and it is increasingly likely that they will no longer have a well-known local newspaper.”Local authorities and others Accountable news website. ”
In some areas, nimble local news outlets are beginning to fill the gap. In Hull, a start-up company called story of the hull It was founded in 2020 as an online operation by two former Hull Daily Mail employees and expanded into print last year. Last week's headlines reflected the city's experience with the 2024 riots: “Shame, Resilience, Justice.” won an award On this year’s cover. Bristol Cable has long pioneered a new kind of investigative and political reporting, driven by the fact that its titles are owned by its readers. Manchester has a Substack newsletter The Millis currently setting up branches in Liverpool, Birmingham, Sheffield and London.Former Guardian staffer Jim Waterson has also started up to fill the void left by the retrenchment of the Evening Standard. central london. All of these projects highlight one stark point: a place not only needs its own journalism, but can provide an audience to support it.
The problem is that they still outnumber some parts of the country, let alone the world, where the worst kinds of news cycles are unfortunately a reality. Something happens, but what do people read or hear about it? Is it nothing at all, plucked from the corners of the internet by some foreign billionaire, or amplified by an algorithm, true or false? It’s such a bad version that the question of whether or not is gone and the deceptive narrative creates its own shockwaves. If that is the future we all need to avoid, then local reporting should be our first antidote.
IIt started with an anonymous email. It read, “That's true. I'm sorry to have to contact you.” Below that word were three links to internet forums. “HUGE trigger warning…they contain vile photoshopped images of you.”
Jody (not her real name) froze. The 27-year-old from Cambridgeshire has had problems in the past with her photos stolen to set up dating profiles and social media accounts. She called the police, but was told there was nothing they could do and pushed it to the back of her mind.
However, I couldn't ignore this email that arrived on March 10, 2021. She clicked on the link. “It was like time stood still,” she said. “I remember screaming so loud. I just completely broke down.”
Forum, an alternative porn website, has hundreds of photos of her alone, on holiday and with friends and housemates, alongside a caption labeling them as 'sluts'. The comments included calling her a “slut” and “prostitute,” asking people to rate her, and asking her what kind of fantasies she had. they will.
The person who posted the photo also shared the invitation with other members of the forum. It involved using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit “deepfakes,” digitally altered content, using fully clothed photos of Jodi taken from her private Instagram.
“I've never done anything like this before but I love seeing her being fake…happy to chat and show more of her too…:D,” they wrote. Ta. In response, users posted hundreds of composite images and videos of the woman's body and Jodi's face. One posted an image of her wearing high school girl clothes and being raped by a teacher in a classroom. Others showed her full “nude”. “I was having sex in every room,” she said. “The shock and devastation still haunts me.”
The now-deleted fake images show that a growing number of synthetic, sexually explicit photos and videos are being created, traded and sold across social media apps, private messages and gaming platforms in the UK and around the world. Masu. As well as adult forums and porn sites.
Inside the helpline office. Photo: Jim Wileman/Observer
Last week, the government announced a “crackdown” on blatant deepfakes, expanding current laws that make it a criminal offense not only to share images, but also to create them without consent, which will be illegal from January 2024. I promised. Someone making them for you – is not going to be covered. The government will also ask whether the crime was consensual (campaigners say it must be) or whether the victim can prove that the perpetrator had malicious intent. I haven't confirmed whether it is necessary or not yet.
At the Revenge Porn Helpline's headquarters in a business park on the outskirts of Exeter, senior practitioner Kate Worthington, 28, says stronger laws with no loopholes are desperately needed.
Launched in 2015, the helpline is a dedicated service for victims of intimate image abuse, part-funded by the Home Office. Deepfake incidents are at an all-time high, with reports of synthetic image abuse increasing by 400% since 2017. However, it remains small compared to overall intimate image abuse. There were 50 incidents last year, accounting for about 1% of the total. caseload. The main reason is that it's vastly underreported, Worthington says. “Victims often don't know their images are being shared.”
The researchers found that many perpetrators of deepfake image abuse appear to be motivated by “collector culture.” “A lot of times it's not with the intention of the person knowing,” Worthington said. “Buyed, sold, exchanged, traded for sexual gratification or for status. If you are finding this content and sharing it alongside your Snap handle, Insta handle, or LinkedIn profile. , you may receive glory.'' Many are created using the “Nude'' app. In March, a charity that runs a revenge porn helpline reported 29 such services to Apple, which removed them.
There have also been cases where composite images have been used to directly threaten or humiliate people. The helpline has heard cases of boys creating fake incestuous images of female relatives. A man addicted to porn creates a composite photo of his partner engaging in non-consensual sex in real life. Stories of people who were photographed at the gym and deepfake videos made to make it look like they were having sex. Most, but not all, of those targeted are women. Approximately 72% of the deepfake incidents identified by the helpline involved women. The oldest was in his 70s.
There have also been cases where Muslim women have been targeted with deepfake images of themselves wearing revealing clothing or without their hijabs.
Regardless of intent, the impact is often extreme. “Many of these photos are so realistic that your coworkers, neighbors, and grandma won't be able to tell the difference,” says Worthington.
Kate Worthington, Senior Helpline Practitioner. Photo: Jim Wileman/Observer
The Revenge Porn Helpline helps people remove abusive images. Amanda Dashwood, 30, who has worked at the helpline for two years, says this is usually a caller's priority. “It says, 'Oh my God, help me. I need to delete this before people see it,'” she says.
She and her colleagues on the helpline team, eight women, most under 30, have a variety of tools at their disposal. If the victim knows where the content was posted, the team will issue a takedown request directly to the platform. Some people ignore the request completely. However, this helpline has partnered with most of the major helplines, from Instagram and Snapchat to Pornhub and OnlyFans, and has a successful removal rate of 90%.
If the victim doesn't know where the content was posted, or suspects it's being shared more widely, they can send a selfie to be run through facial recognition technology (with their consent) or vice versa. Ask them to use image search. tool. Although this tool is not foolproof, it can detect material being shared on the open web.
The team can also advise you on steps to stop your content from being posted online again. They plan to direct people to a service called StopNCII. The tool was created by online safety charity SWGFL, which also runs a revenge porn helpline, with funding from Meta.
Users can upload real or synthetic photos, and the technology creates a unique hash and shares it with partner platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pornhub, and Reddit (but not X or Discord). If someone tries to upload that image, it will be automatically blocked. As of December, 1 million images had been hashed and 24,000 uploads were proactively blocked.
Alex Wolff was found guilty of a derogatory nature.I'm posting images, not soliciting them. Photo: Handout
Some people call the police, but responses vary widely depending on the force used. Victims who try to report fraudulent use of composite images are told that police cannot cooperate with edited images or that prosecution is not in the public interest.
Helpline manager Sophie Mortimer recalls another incident in which police said: “No, that's not you. It's not you.” It’s someone who looks like you,” and refused to investigate. “I feel like police sometimes look for reasons not to pursue these types of cases,” Mortimer said. “We know it's difficult, but that doesn't negate the real harm that's being caused to people.”
In November, Sam Miller, assistant chief constable and director of the violence against women and girls strategy at the National Police Chiefs' Council, told a parliamentary inquiry into intimate image abuse that police lacked a “deep understanding of violent behavior”. I'm worried,” he said. Discrepancies in laws and precedents. “Yesterday, one victim told me that out of the 450 victims of deepfake images she has spoken to, only two have had a positive experience with law enforcement,” she said. Ta.
For Jodi, it is clear that there is a need to raise awareness of the misuse of deepfakes, not only among law enforcement but also the general public.
After being alerted to her deepfake, she spent hours scrolling through posts trying to piece together what happened.
She noticed that they were not shared by strangers, but by her close friends alex wolf, a Cambridge University graduate and former BBC Young Composer of the Year. He had posted a photo of her with a cut out of him. “I knew I hadn't posted that photo on Instagram and only sent it to him. That's when the penny dropped.”
London fixed gear and single speed (LFGSS) is a great online community of fixed gear and single speed cyclists in and around London. Unfortunately, this columnist is not eligible for membership. He doesn’t live in (or near) a big city and needs a lot of gear to climb the gentlest slopes. That’s why we admire more rugged cyclists who disdain Starmie’s assistance. Archer or Campagnolo hardware.
But bad news is on the horizon. As of Sunday, March 16th, LFGSS will be retired. Dee Kitchen is a core developer at Software Wizards (and Cyclists). microcosm is a platform for operating non-commercial, privacy-friendly, and accessible online forums such as LFGSS. announced On that day, he announced that he would “remove the virtual servers hosting LFGSS and other communities, effectively immediately terminating the approximately 300 small communities I run, as well as a small number of larger communities such as LFGSS.” said.
Why does the kitchen do this? Answer: he read statement
It was announced on December 16 by Ofcom, the regulator appointed by the government to enforce the provisions of the Online Safety Act (OSA). “Providers are currently obliged to assess the risk of unlawful harm to their services, with a deadline of March 16, 2025. Following the Code, which has completed a parliamentary process, providers will be required to assess the risk of unlawful harm to their services from March 17, 2025. “We must take steps to protect our users from illegal content and activity as set forth in our Terms and Conditions or use other effective means. If a provider does not act quickly to address service risks, we are prepared to take enforcement action. ”
Please wait a moment. OSA isn’t just about protecting children and adults from harmful content, bullying, pornography, etc. It’s not just about discussions about fixed gear bikes, cancer support, dog walking, rebuilding valve amps, etc. Is it? It may sound strange, but the answer seems to be no. of act requires
Services that process user-generated content have baseline content moderation practices and use those practices to remove reported content that violates UK law and to prevent children from viewing pornography. And that applies to every Services that process user-generated content and have “links to the UK”.
Mr. Kitchen believes the online forums he hosts fall within the scope of this practice and, as he is based in the UK, there is “no way around it”. “I can’t afford to spend probably tens of thousands of dollars to get through the legal and technical hoops here for an extended period of time…The site itself barely gets in a few hundred donations each month, and it takes a little more to run it. It costs money…this is not a venture that can afford the compliance costs… If I did, what would remain is a disproportionately high personal liability for me that could easily be used as a weapon by disgruntled people banned for egregious behavior. ” That is why he believes he has no choice but to shut down the platform.
Some may think that he is overreacting, that common sense will prevail and that legal precedent will eventually emerge. But the OSA is a new piece of legislation, a meandering evolution of the 2019 White Paper on Online Harms and the chaotic passage of Parliament at a time when the Conservative Party was busy mismanaging the country. (One grizzled political insider described this to me as a “dog’s breakfast.”) In such a situation, the cost of being an early test case would give anyone pause. . I’ve been a blogger for decades, and from the beginning I decided not to allow comments. my blog Partly because I didn’t want the burden of moderation, but also because I was worried about the legal ramifications of what people posted. So instead of the kitchen, I would like to do what he has decided.
Many years ago, I had an exchange with Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, at a Royal Society conference. From a conversation with a new Labor Minister, I realized the following: This guy thinks the web is the internet! And I told Tim that. “It’s much worse than that,” he replied, “and millions of people around the world think so.” facebook It’s the internet. ”
The root of the problem with OSA is that it was framed and enacted by legislators who believe that the “internet” consists only of the platforms of a few big tech companies. So they passed laws supposedly to deal with these corporate thugs, without imagining the unintended consequences for the actual internet of people using technology for purely social purposes. And in doing so, they inadvertently raise the famous question posed by Alexander Pope in a letter to Dr. Arbuthnot in 1735: “Who breaks the butterfly on the wheel?” It will end up being put away.
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 250 words for consideration for publication, please email observer.letters@observer.co.uk.
In Einstein’s theory of gravity, mass distorts space-time, creating an effect known as gravitational time dilation. This means that observers with different gravitational potentials measure elapsed time differently. Therefore, when you are close to a black hole, time slows down compared to time that is far away from the black hole.
Observers far away from the black hole say that for objects that fall into it, time stops at the so-called “event horizon” (the edge of the black hole, the point of no return).
Nothing appears to cross the event horizon. However, an observer who falls into a black hole does not experience time stopping at the event horizon. They will see time passing normally, but far away from the black hole they will see time speeding up. The closer you get to the event horizon, the faster time appears to move farther away from the black hole.
Gravitational time dilation can actually be measured. In 1976, NASA launched an atomic clock into space to measure the passage of time at an altitude of 10,000 km (6,214 miles) compared to the Earth’s surface. The results of this measurement matched exactly what was expected from Einstein’s theory.
At sea level, time moves a billionth of a second slower per year than at the top of Mount Everest.
This article answers the question (asked by Sean Roberts via email): “What happens to time at the event horizon of a black hole?”
If you have any questions, please email us at:questions@sciencefocus.comor send us a messagefacebook,×orInstagramPage (remember to include your name and location).
Check out our ultimatefun factsMore amazing science pages.
In the wake of Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg’s pledge to team up with Donald Trump to pressure countries he deems as “censoring” content, efforts to enhance online safety have been emphasized. A government official has cautioned that Britain’s new law addressing hate speech is firm and non-negotiable.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, in an interview with observer, expressed optimism that recent legislation aimed at safeguarding online platforms for children and vulnerable individuals would attract major tech companies to the UK, supporting economic expansion without compromising safety measures.
As Keir Starmer prepares to unveil a significant tech initiative positioning the UK as an ideal hub for AI technology advancement, the government is under scrutiny from Elon Musk, a vocal Trump loyalist.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is dedicated to positioning the UK as a frontrunner in the AI revolution. Photo: Linda Nylind/The Guardian
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent decision to lift restrictions on topics like immigration and gender on meta platforms has stirred controversy. He emphasized collaboration with President Trump to combat governmental attacks on American businesses and increased censorship worldwide.
Despite not mentioning the UK specifically, Zuckerberg criticized the growing institutionalized censorship in Europe, hinting at potential clashes with the UK’s online safety law.
Peter Kyle, who is set to reveal the government’s AI strategy alongside Keir Starmer, acknowledged the overlap between Zuckerberg’s free speech dilemmas and his own considerations as an MP.
However, Kyle assured that he would not compromise on the integrity of the UK’s online safety laws, emphasizing the non-negotiable protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has raised concerns about European online censorship policies. Photo: David Zarubowski/AP
Amid discussions with tech conglomerates and the unveiling of an AI Action Plan, the UK government aims to leverage its reputation for online safety and innovation. The plan emphasizes attracting tech investments by positioning the UK as a less regulated and more conducive environment for technological advancements.
As big tech leaders engage with President Trump nearing the inauguration, meta is changing its fact-checking approach to a “community notes” system similar to Company X, owned by Musk.
Elon Musk’s vocal criticisms of the UK government, particularly targeting Keir Starmer, have sparked controversy within the Labor Party and raised concerns about safety. Despite disagreements, the government remains committed to enacting robust measures against harmful online content.
While open to discussions with innovators and investors like Musk, Peter Kyle remains steadfast in prioritizing the advancement of technology to benefit British society both now and in the future.
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