Priority Warns: Farage Could Frighten the City and Empower Truss 2 – He Might Be Correct

Posted on May 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Zia Yusuf’s message was unequivocal. From the 34th floor of the Shard, with London’s skyline as his backdrop, the chairman of Reform UK unveiled an economic strategy aimed at demonstrating his party’s serious intent.

During a full English breakfast briefing with national journalists on Friday morning, Yusuf pointed out that reform leader Nigel Farage had flown in from a hotel 5,000 miles away in Las Vegas.

As he addressed the press, an outline of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Square Mile surrounding the banks and asset managers was visible. Even if the policy ideas might echo Donald Trump’s initiatives, they are decidedly pulled from the Westminster Playbook.

Yet, the real issue with Yusuf’s message to the city wasn’t the dubious reliability of the code. The West of the Finance — it was the party’s wider tax and spending policies that raised eyebrows.

Yusuf has been polling well, and scrutiny of reform and economic plans is intensifying. Recently, Farage’s tax and spending framework faced criticism from a Labour politician who labeled it as based on the same “fantasy economics” that led to the disruptive outcomes of Liz Truss’s policies.

The fear is that Yusuf and Farage might trigger a financial meltdown akin to the disastrous mini-budget of the former prime minister. Despite the grand view from the Shard, many economists remain skeptical about the practicality of their priorities.

The proposed reforms suggest a massive tax pledge of at least £600 billion. A significant portion of the expenses revolves around raising the personal income tax allowance to £20,000, an impressive leap from the current £12,570. Furthermore, they plan to raise the threshold for the UK’s 40% higher tax rate from £50,271 to £70,000.

Richard Tice, the party’s financial spokesperson, has questioned whether the total outcome of the reforms can be accurately assessed. Most politicians seem unaware of the Laffer curve. Named after US economist Arthur Laffer, this theory suggests that there exists an optimal tax rate that maximizes government revenue.

The premise is that tax reductions can invigorate economic activity, ultimately increasing revenue. While a 100% tax rate halts economic incentive altogether, the notion that tax cuts can offset their own costs has faced considerable backlash, including critique from prominent economists like Greg Mankiw, who referred to Laffer’s supporters as “charlatans and cranks.”

Tice admits there is an “optimal point,” while Yusuf asserts that reforms should “prioritize tax cuts appropriately and ensure that the figures add up.” Economists also caution that tax hikes announced by Labour could hinder economic growth.

Nevertheless, criticisms persist that the proposed reforms promise significant tax breaks without providing reliable strategies to avoid exacerbating the country’s fiscal deficit, which exceeds £10 billion.

Alongside a low UK economic growth rate, inflation that surpasses targets, rising national debt, and escalating global borrowing costs amid fears of a trade war initiated by Donald Trump, the room for further borrowing appears quite constrained.

After Farage’s recent welfare commitment, the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that the fiscal policies proposed by the reforms could ultimately cost between £600 billion and £800 billion annually, taking into account previous revenues and additional expenditures. The IFS cautioned that this isn’t yet balanced by equivalent spending cuts or tax hikes elsewhere.

Yusuf mentioned that the reform plans are a work in progress and may evolve as the party formulates its 2029 manifesto. “You shouldn’t just transfer or copy-paste all the policies from the 2024 document,” he added, implying that assumptions about the manifesto for the next general election need to be reconsidered.

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That seems a reasonable concern given the time frame until the next election, as the economy can shift at any moment. Workers are also criticized for backtracking on early commitments from 2024. Yet, voters are likely to demand higher expectations from government parties, especially with rising public discontent toward politicians who shift their targets.

However, Yusuf contended that savings could reliably stem from initiatives like “net-zero disposal,” eliminating overseas aid entirely, reducing “Quango expenditures” by 5% annually, and halting all funding for “exile hotels.”

“The figure I just provided could amount to as much as £7.8 billion?”

Economists at the Government Institute have expressed doubts about the feasibility of these savings, pointing out that a significant portion of the £45 billion net zero savings referenced by the reforms actually pertains to spending by the private sector rather than government expenditure.

When Truss opted for the mini-budget, she backed it with over 40 pages of financial documentation to validate her tax strategy, yet it still eroded investor confidence.

There is a genuine risk that history might repeat itself with the current reform initiatives.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Back Among Your Own: Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Revives Midnight Releases

Posted on May 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

tThis was an era when certain stores resembled nightclubs at the stroke of midnight, filled with a long line of eager customers.

Witnessing a crowd of gamers lined up to snag the latest hardware at midnight is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, if you happen to stroll by Smyths Toy Shop on the night of June 4th, you might just experience a nostalgia-infused event.

This particular launch marks the first major gaming console release since 2020, with fans eagerly anticipating the monumental Nintendo Switch 2.

What stands out about this launch is not just the excitement in the air, but also the surprisingly small queue. Approximately a decade ago, the hype of midnight launches began to fade. With more players opting for digital downloads, the need to go out and purchase a physical copy diminished.

The Nintendo Switch 2 could become the most significant game release ever. Photo: Richard Drew/AP

Consequently, Smyths stands as the sole UK chain participating in this event. Even in the US, which is known for its consumer culture during launch days, only Nintendo’s stores in San Francisco and New York have announced midnight openings.

This is a sharp contrast to the early 2010s. Back then, thanks to the monumental success of consoles like PlayStation, Wii, and Xbox, gaming launch events for titles like Call of Duty, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto were celebrated across thousands of stores around the globe, widely publicized and expertly managed.

For instance, Microsoft’s Halo 3 launch in the US featured actors dressed as Space Marines, with Bill Gates showing up at Best Buy in Seattle. Meanwhile, the Call of Duty Ghost event in the UK at Westfield Stratford hired a drill sergeant to rally the crowd.

“My favorite was Skyrim,” reminisces Greg Weller, who served as the UK Marketing Manager at Bethesda Softworks then. “I got the specs from the game’s flagship store on Oxford Street and decorated the entire front with Elder Scroll artwork. We even installed snow machines on the roof so that snow could cascade down Oxford Street in November. There was a competition for cosplay too.”

The launch of a console was a grand event comparable to a film premiere. For instance, during the Xbox One launch in 2013, Microsoft transformed Leicester Square into a hub of Xbox branding, complete with live performances from artists like B and Katy B. Just two weeks ago, Sony commandeered the Highline Hotel in New York, creating a massive video game arcade and showcasing games to thousands of eager fans.

Such extravagant launch events not only boosted retailer visibility but also created meaningful word-of-mouth promotion and press coverage. For fans, these gatherings offered a sense of belonging. “Having grown up gaming in the 90s, we often felt ostracized for our interests,” shares Rich Thompson, now the founder of Hull’s Black Rose Studios. “But hosting a midnight launch was electric. When Fallout 4 debuted, our local store even brought in a DJ. The atmosphere was like a celebration, with hundreds of people gathered.”

However, these late-night events occasionally spiraled into chaos. “We had one store in the city center filled with people coming out of pubs,” Thompson recounted. “Rowdy patrons sometimes caused trouble. I remember a significant fight breaking out on the night of a FIFA launch.”

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Soldiers at the Midnight Release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 at Game Oxford Street, London in November 2011. Photo: Michael Bowles/Rex

In 2006, a man was tragically shot by a masked robber while attempting to claim his new PlayStation 3 during a Walmart event in Putnam, Connecticut. (He later recounted to a local newspaper how despite his injuries, he remained in the store to pick up his console.) In London, the police were so apprehensive about potential disturbances that they prohibited the PlayStation 3 Midnight Launch at all stores in the city, except for Virgin Megastore on Oxford Street.

The shift towards digital media, fierce competition from online giants like Amazon, and the devastating impact of Covid lockdowns have led to a decline in specialist high street stores. Once boasting over 600 locations in the UK, the Game retail chain now counts around 240. Data from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association reveals that physical game sales in the UK plummeted by 35% last year.

Could the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 signal a change? As observed with the resurgence in vinyl records and unexpected spikes in Blu-ray sales (a response to consumer dissatisfaction with ad-laden streaming services), there appears to be a growing interest in physical media.

Interest in physical games seems to be on the rise. Boutique publishers like Strictly Limited and Limited Run are releasing elegantly packaged modern and classic titles, while game cafes and retro arcades are flourishing.

Ultimately, the unique experience of launch events, the buzz, the shared joy, cannot be duplicated through online transactions.

“Dad took me to the store in the middle of the night for the Xbox release,” reminisces Thompson. “He had just wrapped up a 12-hour shift. He thought it would just be the two of us, but there was an enormous line. The staff were handing out drinks, Limp Bizkit was blasting through the speakers. As a 13-year-old, I couldn’t imagine anything cooler. I looked up at my dad and saw the excitement on his face mirroring my own.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Radio Waves and X-ray Emitting Stars: A New Perspective from Our Galaxy

Posted on May 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Askap J1832-0911 – Likely a magnetar or a highly magnetized white dwarf star – emits radio signals and X-ray pulses for 2 minutes every 44 minutes. Paper published in Nature.

A combination of radio, X-ray, and infrared radiation in the field of ASKAP J1832-0911. Image credit: Wang et al., doi: 10.1038/S41586-025-09077-W.

Askap J1832-0911 is situated roughly 15,000 light-years away from Earth in Scutum.

This star was identified by astronomers utilizing the Australian ASKAP Radio telescope.

It belongs to a category known as long-term radio transients, first detected in 2022, characterized by variations in radio wave intensity over several minutes.

This duration is thousands of times greater than the regular fluctuations observed in pulsars. It’s a neutron star that spins rapidly, emitting signals multiple times per second.

“Askap J1832-0911 follows a 44-minute cycle of radio wave intensity, placing it in the realm of long-term radio transients,” stated Dr. Ziteng Wang, an astronomer at Curtin University’s node at the International Centre for Radio Astronomical Research (ICRAR).

Using NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory, researchers noted that ASKAP J1832 also exhibited regular variations in X-ray emissions every 44 minutes.

This marks the first discovery of an X-ray signal in long-term radio transients.

“Astronomers have observed countless celestial bodies through various telescopes and have never encountered anything behaving like this,” Dr. Wang remarked.

“It’s exhilarating to witness such new stellar phenomena.”

Through Chandra and the SKA Pathfinder, scientists found that Askap J1832-0911 experienced a significant reduction in both X-ray and radio wave signals over a six-month period.

Besides the long-term changes, the combination of 44-minute cycles in X-rays and radio waves differs from observations made in the Milky Way galaxy.

The authors are currently competing to determine whether Askap J1832-0911 truly represents long-term radio transients and if its unusual behavior can shed light on the origins of such objects.

Dr. Nanda Lea, an astronomer at the Institute of Space Sciences in Barcelona, Spain, commented:

“No exact match has been found so far, but some models fit better than others.”

It’s improbable that ASKAP J1832-0911 is simply a pulsar or neutron star drawn from a companion star, as its properties do not align with the typical signal strengths of these celestial objects.

Some characteristics might be attributed to neutron stars with exceptionally strong magnetic fields, known as magnetars, which are over 500,000 years old.

However, other aspects, such as its bright and variable radio emissions, make it challenging to categorize this as an aged magnetar.

In the sky, ASKAP J1832-0911 appears to be situated among debris from a supernova, which commonly contains neutron stars formed during such events.

Nevertheless, the team concluded that this proximity is likely coincidental and that the two entities are not associated with one another, suggesting that neither may host neutron stars.

They deduced that while isolated white dwarfs don’t account for the data, white dwarfs with companion stars might.

But such a scenario would necessitate the strongest known magnetic fields in white dwarfs within our galaxy.

“We continue to seek clues about this object and look for similar entities,” said Dr. Tong Bao, an astronomer at the Osservatorio Astronomico in Italy’s National Institute of Astronomy (INAF).

“Discovering mysteries like this is not frustrating; rather, it’s what makes science thrilling!”

____

Z. Wang et al. Detection of X-ray radiation from bright long-term radio transients. Nature Published online on May 28, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09077-W

Source: www.sci.news

Fossils from 73 Million Years Ago Reveal the Earliest Evidence of Bird Nesting in Polar Regions

Posted on May 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Polar ecosystems are bolstered and enriched by birds that nest there seasonally, serving as keystone members of these ecosystems. Despite the significant ecological role of polar birds, the origins of high-center nests remain unclear due to limited fossil evidence. A recent study conducted by paleontologists explored an extensive collection of bird fossils from the late Cretaceous Purine Cream Formation in Alaska.

Illustration of Cretaceous birds alongside other dinosaurs from the same period. Image credit: Gabriel Ugueto.

“Birds have existed for 150 million years,” stated Lauren Wilson, a doctoral candidate at Princeton University.

“For a significant portion of that time, they constructed nests in the Arctic.”

In their research, Wilson and colleagues studied the bones and teeth of fossilized birds from the Alaska Prune Creek Formation, dating back 73 million years.

They identified various bird types, including land birds, seagull-like birds, and diving birds that bear similarities to some modern ducks and geese, all of which were nesting in the Arctic while dinosaurs roamed the same territory.

Before this research, the earliest known evidence of breeding birds in the Arctic or Antarctic was approximately 47 million years ago, following the asteroid impact that wiped out 75% of Earth’s species.

“This will extend the timeline by 25-30 million years for records of birds breeding in the polar regions,” remarked Dr. Pat Druckenmiller, director of the University of Alaska Museum.

“The Arctic is recognized as a modern nursery for birds.”

“Finding bird bones from the Cretaceous period is exceptionally rare,” Wilson noted.

“Discovering baby bird bones is almost unheard of, making these fossils particularly significant.”

“We conducted extensive mapping of Alaska for fossil birds—it wasn’t on anyone’s radar,” added Dr. Druckenmiller.

“Now, we are one of the premier locations in the country for bird fossils from the dinosaur age.”

“Given the richness of this information, these small bones and teeth offer exceptional insights into the fauna from that era.”

It remains uncertain whether these newly discovered specimens are the earliest recognized members of Neornithes, a category that encompasses all modern birds.

Some of the newly unearthed bones exhibit skeletal characteristics exclusive to this group. Additionally, like contemporary birds, some did not possess true teeth.

“If they belong to a modern bird lineage, they would represent the oldest fossils ever found,” explained Dr. Druckenmiller.

“Currently, the oldest such fossils are about 69 million years old.”

“However, establishing that requires the discovery of a partial or complete skeleton.”

Survey results I will be featured this week in the journal Science.

____

Lauren N. Wilson et al. 2025. Evidence of bird nesting in the Arctic dates back to the Cretaceous period. Science 388 (6750): 974-978; doi: 10.1126/science.adt5189

Source: www.sci.news

California Democrats Urge Return of National Weather Service Staff

Posted on May 31, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

California House Democrats have urged the National Weather Service (NWS) to reinstate terminated employees and initiate the hiring of new forecasters, following the suspension of 24-hour operations for weather predictions in Sacramento and Hanford.

In a letter addressed to deputy administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Howard Luttonick and Commerce Secretary Laura Grimm, 23 Congressional Democrats criticized recent reductions in weather services, warning that it signals the onset of a public safety crisis with serious implications. The Weather Services division falls under NOAA, which is managed by the Department of Commerce.

“We demand the immediate reinstatement of all workers who have been terminated in these offices, the lifting of the federal employment freeze at NWS, and the establishment of adequate staffing at the Sacramento and Hanford weather forecasting offices to maintain their 24/7 operations,” the council members stated.

Since January, over 500 staff members from the Weather Bureau have departed the agency due to widespread layoffs initiated by the Trump administration, targeting many probationary positions. As a result, approximately 43% of the nation’s 122 weather offices are operating with staffing levels exceeding 20%. Independent meteorologists caution that these cuts may lead to delays in weather predictions and warnings, raising public safety concerns that have pressured the administration.

Legislators from California noted that the weather forecasting offices in Hanford and Sacramento were particularly hard hit, compromising their ability to provide continuous staffing around the clock.

“Currently, the Sacramento office has seven vacant meteorologist positions out of 16, while the Hanford office is short eight out of 13. Both offices are functioning at half their capacity as they approach the peak of wildfire season,” the letter states. “If the NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Sacramento and Hanford cannot monitor overnight conditions across the entire Central Valley, it jeopardizes the safety of our residents.”

The Weather Bureau typically provides meteorologists to assist firefighters during the wildfire season.

“This is an imprudent and unwarranted risk that does not serve the American public,” the letter declared. “Halving the staffing levels in offices responsible for forecasting wildfires, atmospheric rivers, and natural disasters endangers lives and undermines government efficiency.”

NOAA communications director Kim Doster reaffirmed that the NWS is dedicated to prioritizing public safety.

“The National Weather Service continues to fulfill its core mission amidst recent restructuring and is taking measures to prioritize critical research and services necessary for keeping American citizens safe and informed,” Doster stated in an email.

The Hanford office of the Weather Bureau is situated in the San Joaquin Valley, not far from the site of the longstanding Lake Tulare reconstruction in 2023.

The Central Valley region is responsible for producing 40% of the country’s fruits and nuts, according to the US Geological Survey. Farmers in the Central Valley depend on accurate forecasts for making informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting.

In the meantime, Sacramento forecasters are predicting extreme heat and a heightened risk of wildfires this weekend, indicating an early onset of the wildfire season.

Representative Jim Costa, who represents parts of the San Joaquin Valley and has received forecasts from the Hanford office, facilitated a letter to NOAA. Other notable signatories include Councillors Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, and Doris Matsui, amongst the 22 others.

Pressure has been mounting for months, calling for reductions in weather services.

One external meteorologist reported that weather balloon launches have been curtailed to about 12 understaffed offices, noting that missed balloon releases hinder better understanding of tornado risks during thunderstorm events near Omaha, Nebraska.

Following this incident, Nebraska Representative Mike Flood intervened with the administration and obtained additional forecasters temporarily assigned to an office near Omaha.

Earlier this month, five former directors of the Weather Bureau cautioned that further staffing cuts could lead to unnecessary fatalities.

“Our greatest fear is that the weather offices are severely understaffed, resulting in unnecessary loss of life,” wrote a former superintendent who served from 1988 to 2022.

NOAA has attempted to address the staffing shortage by temporarily reallocating personnel to fill gaps in the workforce and exploring more permanent reallocations within the agency.

Approximately two weeks ago, NOAA considered transferring 76 meteorologists and a total of 155 staff members to play a vital role.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Kalian Bradley from Time Ministry Discusses Time’s Calien Bradley

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

“I must set some rules for how time travel operates”… Kaliane Bradley

DreamcatcherDiana/Shutterstock

Concept of time distortion. Hypnotic clock with chains swaying above the clouds. — “I must set some rules for how time travel operates”… Kaliane Bradley

DreamcatcherDiana/Shutterstock

The awkward reality about time travel in my novels; Time Saving started as a mere device to thrust Victorian naval officers into the modern era, allowing them to grapple with washing machines and athletes. The initial concept was: “What if your favorite polar explorer resides in your home?”—he had to arrive in one of two ways. I could either freeze Graham Gore, the icebound captain, for 200 years in Arctic stasis or find a route to drag him into semi-obscurity in London. Of the two options, the latter required significantly less effort.

Even the early drafts of the book lacked a serious take on time travel consequences. The published work shows a government agency investigating historical “foreigners” to determine if time travel warps their body and mind. Initially, the narrative opens in medias res, depicting a baffled Gore asking the narrator how a refrigerator functions. The sequence of action and reaction was far from a priority for me; I simply aimed to amuse my friends.

However, as I continued writing, I realized the necessity of establishing guidelines for time travel mechanics, since comedy benefits from a defined universe. (It’s no joke—thrillers need stakes. A lack of tension is neither exciting nor engaging.) The primary rule: foreigners cannot return (or so the ministry claims). The ministry also doesn’t have the authority to leap forward (likewise). Expatriates have one-way tickets only. This framework was essential for the humor to resonate, explaining why dashing Gore and his reluctant companions were forced to cohabitate. If he could always return home, what significance would their increasingly complicated coexistence hold?

Time Saving is fundamentally a book about time travel, where such occurrences are rare. Across more than 350 pages, it happens only once. I often describe it as a narrative about people navigating bureaucracy in various settings. It’s astounding that readers embraced it.

I had to reflect on the implications for Gore and the other foreigners while adhering to this rule during writing. Moreover, even if they did travel, it would lead to their demise. To preserve the timeline, the ministry selects individuals who are destined to die, ensuring that their absence won’t alter history. Naturally, these foreigners shy away from returning to plague-ridden London or the Battle of the Somme or John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 Arctic expedition. Who would want to revisit places where they met their end? Yet, they are also reluctant to feel like outsiders in a foreign land. Thus, I portrayed them as refugees.

At this point, I began to take my novels more earnestly. My obsession with the real figure of Graham Gore deepened, as I sought to imagine his life, thoughts, and emotions. I delved into periodicals and literature from his era, attempting to understand how he perceived the world—a world that I now see through different lenses based on location. Increasingly, I endeavored to capture the emotional and psychological essence of being a refugee in a system that treats you as grateful, obedient, and useful.

Concurrently, I sought to comprehend the ministry itself. I began crafting this book amid the fall of 2021, inspired by a decade of the UK’s hostile environment policy. Did the government genuinely believe that giving the means for time travel would result in a welcoming of asylum seekers? This theme echoes throughout the book, prompting readers to consider whether it’s a form of time travel.

Thus, my book is not a scientific exploration of time travel’s mechanics, but rather a narrative journey—a story about traveling through time. I genuinely believe that all fiction embodies time travel; it traverses through distinct timelines, a cherished gift of preserved moments we can revisit, stepping back into a past that hasn’t yet happened.

Kaliane Bradley’s

Time Saving

The newest selection for the New Scientist Book Club. Join us and read along
here.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Check Out a Sneak Peek of Kaliane Bradley’s The Ministry of Timeistry for June’s Book Club

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Kaliane Bradley’s protagonist receives surprising news at the Ministry of Time

andrey_l/shutterstock

The interviewer mentioned my name before interrupting my thoughts. I never say my name, not even internally. She got it right, but usually, it’s not the case.

“I’m Adela,” she introduced herself, sporting eye patches and blonde hair reminiscent of hay. “I’m the Vice President.”

“Of…?”

“I hold a position.”

This was my sixth interview. The role was an internal posting, involving Gausch’s use of top secret stamps for documents with salary bands, classified as “security clearance required.” Since I had never reached this security level before, I was puzzled as to why no one explained the job to me. I was thrilled, as my current salary was about to triple. I had to maintain impeccable grades that necessitated my role in emergency response, protecting vulnerable populations, all while managing my home office in the UK. I anticipated working closely with refugees, particularly those with high profit status and specific needs, without realizing the extent of their operations. I assumed they were primarily politically significant exiles from Russia or China.

Adela, the vice-director, held knowledge I could only imagine.

“Your mother was a refugee,” she initiated, a common opening for job interviews.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“From Cambodia,” she continued.

“Yes, ma’am.” I had faced this question repeatedly during the interview process. Typically, people don’t originate from Cambodia, so I posed my answer hopefully, wishing to adjust their perceptions. You don’t Look Cambodian, an earlier interviewer had remarked candidly, inferring I appeared bright like a pilot light under the gaze of camera monitors. I often received such comments, which implied: You resemble someone from a more Mediterranean background — perhaps Spanish — and you don’t reflect the weight of genocide.

There was no further inquiry regarding adaptation to genocide. (Family still there) Understand that? Have you ever traveled there? Sympathetic smile? A beautiful country yet shadowed by sorrow. When I visited I could see it in their eyes. They were exceptionally welcoming… Adela nodded. She requested an unusual fourth option and pondered if it was appropriate to say “dirty country.”

“She wouldn’t label herself a refugee, nor even a former refugee,” I mentioned. “It’s peculiar to hear people use that term.”

“The individuals you assist are unlikely to prefer such terms either. We prefer ‘foreigners.’ In response to your query, I am the deputy director of the expatriates.”

“And they are foreigners from…?”

“History.”

“Excuse me?”

Adela shrugged. “We have time travel,” she stated, as casually as one might explain the coffee machine. “Welcome to the Ministry.”

This excerpt is shared with permission from Kaliane Bradley’s Time Saving, Published by Scepter. This is the latest selection for the New Scientist Book Club. Join us and read along here.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Google Closes Due to Misunderstanding of German Autobahn

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A frenzy erupted across Germany’s Autobahn and highways at the onset of one of Thursday’s busiest holiday weekends, prompted by Google Maps erroneously suggesting that extensive sections were closed.

Navigators in major cities like Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Berlin encountered maps populated with glaring red dots, signaling stoppages on highways spanning western, northern, southwestern, and central Germany. The disruption also impacted areas of Belgium and the Netherlands.

Users dependent on Google Maps perceived a nationwide standstill. This confusion was intensified by the fact that numerous Germans were on the move for the four-day Ascension holiday.

Reports of closures created bottlenecks on alternative routes, as motorists sought detours, resulting in extended delays. Police and traffic control were inundated with inquiries from concerned individuals seeking assistance.

Motorists who used or switched to alternative applications like Apple Maps or Waze, or who tuned into radio traffic updates, received a vastly different perspective.

On social platforms, users inquired about the chaos and expressed their dissatisfaction. “They can’t close all the highways,” one user remarked. Another quipped, “It’s like the Autobahn system has broken out in acne.”

Some speculated on whether there had been a significant terrorist incident, while others speculated about foreign meddling in a cyberattack.

The cause behind the navigation failure remains unclear.

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A spokesperson from Google informed German outlets that they are currently analyzing the situation to determine the cause. They began mending the false closure notifications after receiving user reports of suspicious errors.

The spokesperson stated, “We can’t comment on a specific incident.” They highlighted that information comes from three primary sources: public data, third-party providers, and user inputs. While map data is updated frequently, the frequency varies.

“Generally, these sources form a solid foundation for accurate and timely map information,” the spokesperson added.

Road users were recommended to consult multiple resources when planning their upcoming travels.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Larry Niven’s Ringworld: Our Take on the Sci-Fi Classic – Impressive Math but Disappointing Teela

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Book Club shares their thoughts on Larry Niven’s Ringworld

Eugene Powers/Alamy

Experiencing the vibrant world created by Michel Nieva in his dystopian vision was something special—even more so while exploring Larry Niven’s classic science fiction work, Ringworld. Initially published in 1970, it reflects the hallmark traits of that era’s science fiction writing. While not a negative experience, it certainly offers a jarring shift for the New Scientist Book Club. Revisiting Ringworld as an adult from my teenage years prompted me to reflect on how it held up over time.

It’s important to note that much of what I cherished from Ringworld remains intact. The novel still evokes a sense of wonder, showcasing the depth of imagination, the expansive scale of its universe, and the cosmic distances it portrays. I fondly remember our protagonist, Louis Wu, at the brink of a distant planet, captivated by the Longfall River cascading into the highest waterfall in known space. His gaze followed it through the foggy mist, enthralled by the allure of the unknown.

Its grand scope is a significant aspect of why science fiction resonates with me. What insights can one gain, and what remains uncharted? The haunting imagery of razor-sharp sunflowers on Ringworld—the crew’s exploration of its vastness—created indelible impressions. Ringworld encapsulates that sense of wonder perfectly with lines like, “Men can lose their souls among the white stars… They call it A distant look. It’s perilous.”

Furthermore, I appreciated Niven’s ability to weave historical breadcrumbs into the narrative, referring to influential figures like Freeman Dyson, who inspired the concept of the Dyson sphere, as “one of the ancient natural philosophers, predating even the atomic age.” Such details are enjoyable nuggets to uncover. Additionally, Niven’s portrayal of aliens—from speakers to creatures—brilliantly evokes their essence through clever naming and design, particularly the inspiring vision of the speaker as a colossal version of our domestic cat.

As I previously mentioned, the prose does feel distinctly rooted in its time—somehow dated—with sexist undertones amidst the engaging scientific elements and intricate mathematics. The characters tend to lack depth; Louis Wu, for instance, can be quite off-putting, while Teela, our sole female character, deserves more agency. The narrative often drifts rather than following a tightly plotted journey, with characters simply moving from one event to the next without clear direction.

Intense discussions have emerged within our Facebook group, with many sharing similar sentiments. “I found enjoyment, yet felt distracted by the slow progression and the scientific facets overshadowed by the pervasive sexism,” remarked Eliza Rose, who likened it to early spy films where attractive women exist merely as accessories to the male protagonists.

Alain Pellett expressed distinct discomfort regarding Louis Wu’s treatment of women, noting that his interactions come off as unsettlingly superficial.

Gosia Furmanik, who grew up during Niven’s era, pointed out the challenge faced by non-male authors in finding supportive literary spaces. She stated, “Returning to science fiction after discovering works by authors beyond this genre’s prevalent pitfalls has been crucial,” reflecting on Ringworld in her review.

Undoubtedly, the arc of Teela’s character drew significant criticism from many readers. “I was frustrated with the conclusion of Teela’s storyline, which suggested women can only achieve significance through male figures,” wrote Samatha Lane.

Samantha also addressed a pivotal critique regarding the notion that “human males stand as the most astute beings in the universe.” This hubris roots itself in traditional humanism, positioning humanity at the center of all. This echoes the ongoing narrative surrounding our historical conquests in space—just a year after landing on the moon.

On a positive note, Niall Leighton spoke highly of the sheer scale of the novel, noting it hasn’t aged as poorly as some science fiction from that time.

Some readers appreciated Niven’s rigorous incorporation of mathematics into the narrative, stating it added an enjoyable layer to the experience. Linda Jones noted, “It has certainly enriched my enjoyment,” whereas Darren Rumbold found Klemperer Rosettes “particularly appealing.” However, not all shared this enthusiasm, as Phil Gersky commented, “I was eager to delve into this classic sci-fi novel. Unfortunately, the technobabble often marred my experience.”

Ultimately, I believe our Book Club’s exploration of this science fiction classic serves as a fascinating exercise capable of resonating with modern readers. I’m contemplating a journey into another classic soon, with suggestions pouring in from members eager to explore works by Ursula K. Le Guin, NK Jemisin, and Joan D. Vinge.

Next, we’re diving into a more contemporary read: Karian Bradley’s bestselling time travel novel, Time Saving. Yes, it features a female lead, and indeed, it passes the Bechdel Test. You can visit Karian’s site to read more about her novel and explore the intriguing opener. Join us for the discussion and share your thoughts over at our Facebook page.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Sure! How about: “I Need Help: Overwhelmed by Candy Crush!”

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

aAs far as I recall, my wife began her daily routine with a 30-minute Candy Crush session. From her perspective, I kicked off each day by declaring it a trivial pastime. Now that I’m writing for the Guardian, I feel the need to articulate my thoughts more elegantly. Please, for your own sake, don’t follow in my footsteps. Candy Crush Soda Saga nearly derailed my life in just a week.

I appreciate the game mechanics. As Oscar Wilde famously said, those who fail to appreciate contoured chains of matching candies truly miss out on life’s joys. Wrapped in charming candy visuals—think fizzy bottles and gummy bears—the game captivates visually. Match a color bomb with a candy fish, and suddenly the colors transform, with candies resembling animated eyes gobbling up everything, creating a delightful explosion of sensory joy.

“What’s that clicking sound?” my wife inquires.

“Would you prefer tactile feedback?” I respond.

“Yeah, I thought it was damaging my phone, so I turned it off.”

“How so?”

“I felt it was exerting too much… pressure.” She compares her phone to a USS company, and herself to Scotty, who diverts an alarming amount of power from the shields.

We’ve had countless discussions about Candy Crush while playing in bed. Our dialogue has evolved from printed broadsheets to matching Jelly Beans on our mobile devices. Fortunately, you can engage with one hand while the other repeatedly punches you in the face as you reflect on the futility of your existence.

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Ultimately, this game serves no purpose in the grand scheme. There’s no compelling narrative or tangible outcome. I might climb the levels with a board game pass, but whether I’m at level 150 or my wife at 8,452 (gulp!), the patterns remain unchanged.

That’s when the game unveils its microtransactions. At that point, you’re ensnared by the mechanics and candy colors, ready to spend your money quicker than the children who grab their fixes. Truly, Candy Crush Soda Saga seems like a creation that Stringer Bell would’ve devised in business school. Once praised as the most effective delivery system for poison, it’s now outperformed.

This game “suggests.” Often it’s not a coincidence when the suggestions lead to failure. The design incentivizes spending money for enjoyment. While I understand the purchase, it isn’t outright gambling—though it feels akin to it, especially now that gaming companies are screaming about setting limits, while this game implores you to continue just one more time.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/RcQGjiIz19E?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Candy Crush Soda Saga – Extended Game Play Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

I’ve lost count of my many obsessions in life. (I’ve even struggled with counting addictions.) Yet, this ranks among the worst. It took me just three days to fall dangerously deep. Last Sunday, I devoted three hours to Candy Crush Pop Saga and nearly missed the Scotland Cup final. Unlike my wife, I was left reeling for the rest of the day.

A wave of self-loathing as an addict consumes me. I recognize the futility, yet I can’t detach. At least cocaine has a quick fix. In comparison? In a week, I wasted half the time of *Twilight Princess*, or a third of *Majora’s Mask*. And those games at least provide a narrative. Had it not been for this deadline looming over me, I might have contemplated burying my phone to escape the grip of Candy Crush.

Ironically, there’s little distinction between this and the arcade games I cherished as a child. Titles like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Space Invaders were all engineered to siphon another coin for another round. They were far more repetitive. Thus, examining Candy Crush critically, I’d argue those games were time-wasters too.

But why didn’t they feel that way?

Back then, all I had was time. In my 50s, however, it feels like a dwindling resource. Perhaps if I played Galaxian now, it would feel akin to Candy Crush: a descent into a hellish gaming experience, akin to watching that event horizon movie on a treadmill while donning LEGO pants. A game that offers nothing continuously. It’s waiting for Godot, but with gummy bears instead of humans. Nothing changes; no one arrives, and the emptiness is excruciating.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nigel Farage Proposes Bitcoin Donations for UK Reform

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Nigel Farage has announced that he will accept donations via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

He made his appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, where he was introduced as a “British presidential candidate.” Farage stated:

He mentioned that the reforms are set to introduce crypto assets and digital finance legislation, aiming to reduce the tax on cryptocurrency transactions from 24% to 10%, thereby transforming the UK into a “crypto powerhouse.” He further noted that the cryptocurrency framework established by his party includes the “Bank of England’s Bitcoin Digital Reserve.”

Farage asserted that the new bill would prohibit banks from criticizing customers who engage in cryptocurrency trading.

On Thursday, the reform website underwent updates to facilitate cryptocurrency donations, with a disclaimer specifying that all contributions must comply with Election Commission regulations, and anonymous donations are prohibited.

During the conference, Farage referred to the acceptance of political donations in digital currencies as “innovative” and later commended the United States for being a “pioneer” in its approach to digital assets.

“My message to the British public, especially the youth, is to help guide our nation into the 21st century,” he said. “We must acknowledge that cryptocurrency and digital assets are here to stay.”

In his address, Farage criticized the inaction of previous Conservative governments concerning the current Labour government and the cryptocurrency landscape. He remarked: “Rishi Sunak delivered one speech about cryptocurrency when he was briefly Prime Minister. What has changed regarding London’s status as a global financial hub? Just one speech and nothing more.”

A spokesman for Reform UK confirmed that the party will accept cryptocurrency donations, with further details anticipated to be disclosed on Friday.

Reform UK is categorized under corporate governance as a private entity led by individuals, rather than functioning as a member-driven association like other political parties. The organization overseeing Reform UK is identified as Reform 2025, a nonprofit with just two members and two directors.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New AI Tools Predict Which Men Will Respond to Prostate Cancer Treatments

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Medical professionals have created an artificial intelligence tool capable of predicting which men diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to benefit from treatment, potentially lowering the risk of mortality.

Abiraterone is regarded as a revolutionary treatment for the condition, which is the most prevalent cancer among men in over 100 countries. It has already enabled countless individuals with advanced prostate cancer to enjoy extended lifespans.

Nonetheless, some nations, including the UK, have ceased offering this “remarkable” medication to men whose cancer has not metastasized.

Currently, teams from the US, UK, and Switzerland are developing AI assessments that determine which men are likely to gain from Abiraterone. This “promising” advancement enhances the healthcare system to allocate medications more effectively to suitable candidates while allowing others to avoid unnecessary treatments.

The AI test was unveiled in Chicago at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the largest cancer conference globally.

Nick James, a professor specializing in prostate and bladder cancer research at the London Cancer Institute, serves as a consultant clinical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads the development team.

“Abiraterone has already greatly enhanced the prognosis for hundreds of thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer,” James stated. “We recognize that for many men whose cancer hasn’t spread yet, it can have significant implications.

“However, the treatment comes with side effects and necessitates additional monitoring for potential issues such as hypertension or liver abnormalities. It is extremely valuable to identify those most likely to truly benefit, as it may slightly elevate the risks of diabetes and heart complications.

“This research indicates that those who respond optimally to abiraterone, as well as those who fare well with standard treatments alone, can decide between hormone therapy and radiation therapy.”

The AI tool examines tumor images and identifies features that may not be discernible to the naked eye. Prostate Cancer UK, the Medical Research Council, and arterial funded teams analyzed biopsy images from over 1,000 men exhibiting high-risk prostate cancer that had not metastasized.

AI analysis pinpointed 25% of the men in the study who were most likely to gain from Abiraterone. For these individuals, the medication halved the risk of mortality.

In the study, patients received a score indicating a positive or negative biomarker. This was then compared with outcomes. Among those with biomarker-positive tumors, the risk of death was reduced from 17% to 9% after five years for one in four men.

For patients with biomarker-negative tumors, Abiraterone decreased the risk of death from 7% to 4%. The research team indicated this result was neither statistically nor clinically significant, meaning these men are better off with standard treatment alone and can avoid unnecessary therapies.

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Professor Gert Attard, the research co-leader at UCL Cancer Institute, noted, “This study highlights that, within a sizable cohort of patients, new algorithms can be utilized to glean information from routinely available pathology slides to customize treatments to individual patients, thereby minimizing unnecessary interventions while maximizing the effectiveness of treatment.”

James mentioned that fewer men may require the medication than previously believed, suggesting that health services should contemplate administering it to men whose cancer hasn’t spread.

While it has been sanctioned for use within the NHS for advanced prostate cancer in England, it has yet to receive approval for newly diagnosed high-risk cases that have not metastasized. However, men with indications of high-risk cancer have had access to treatment in Scotland and Wales for two years.

“Abiraterone costs just £77 per pack compared to thousands for new treatments,” James remarked. “We sincerely hope this new research will clarify who truly benefits from this drug, especially given NHS England’s decision not to fund it for high-risk non-metastatic prostate cancer cases.”

Dr. Matthew Hobbs, research director at Prostate Cancer UK, termed the AI test as “promising.” He further elaborated:

Source: www.theguardian.com

Diabetes: Simple Strategies for Reversal and Prevention Explained by a Doctor

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Visualize your body as a large sugar container. At birth, this container is empty. As the years progress, you consume sugar and refined carbohydrates, gradually filling the container. Each time you eat again, if the container is already full, the sugar spills over the edges.

This scenario mirrors what happens in your body. When you consume sugar, your body releases the hormone insulin, allowing sugar to enter the cells for energy. If you don’t adequately burn off this sugar, your cells become saturated over time, and they can no longer effectively utilize it.

Upon consuming sugar again, there is so much present that insulin cannot transport any more, resulting in excess sugar entering the bloodstream. This sugar travels in the form of glucose, and an overload – known as hyperglycemia – is a primary indicator of type 2 diabetes.

When excess glucose exists in the bloodstream, insulin’s ability to facilitate the transfer of sugar to the cells diminishes. Many refer to this as insulin resistance, but the root issue is not with insulin itself; it’s that the cells are overflowing with glucose.

High blood sugar represents just one facet of the problem. Not only is there an excess of glucose in the blood, but there’s also too much in all the cells. Type 2 diabetes manifests as an overflow of glucose throughout the body.

In response to this excess, the body produces more insulin to combat resistance, pushing more glucose into the already overcrowded cells to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

This approach is temporary, as it fails to address the root cause: the surplus sugar. Continuously transferring excess sugar from the bloodstream to the cells only worsens insulin resistance. Eventually, regardless of increased insulin levels, the body cannot force more glucose into the cells.

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So what happens if you don’t eliminate excess glucose? Initially, the body increases insulin production in an effort to drive more glucose into the cells, perpetuating a cycle of resistance.

Glycemic spikes occur when insulin levels cannot keep up with growing tolerance; that’s typically when a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

Doctors may recommend medications like insulin injections or the drug metformin, but these just continuously clear glucose from the blood, redirecting it into other organs like the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, creating further issues without resolving the underlying problem.

Remember the container filled with sugar? Insulin has moved sugar from the blood into a body that cannot handle it. So once you eat again, more sugar spills into the bloodstream, prompting insulin to push it back into the body.

The more glucose your body accepts, the more insulin it needs to combat this resistance. Yet, this insulin will lead to increased resistance as cells expand.

Eventually, if your body surpasses its natural insulin production, you may need medication. Initially, one drug is sufficient, but this can escalate to multiple drugs at higher doses.

The concerning truth is: if you require increasingly larger doses of medication to maintain stable blood sugar, your diabetes is actually worsening.

Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable…without medications

Recognizing that type 2 diabetes stems from excess sugar in the body points to the solution: eliminate the sugar. Don’t just hide it—remove it altogether. There are essentially two ways to achieve this.

Reduce sugar intake.
Burn off the remaining sugar.

That’s all there is to it. The best part? It’s natural and completely free—no medications, no surgeries, and no costs involved.

Step 1: Reduce sugar

The initial step is to completely eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugars lack nutritional value and can be safely omitted. Complex carbohydrates, which are essentially long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbs like wheat flour, digest rapidly into glucose.

The best approach is to minimize or eliminate bread and pasta made from white rice and potatoes, as well as those crafted from white flour.

It’s important to maintain a moderate, rather than high, protein intake. Once ingested, dietary proteins such as meat break down into amino acids. While protein is essential for health, excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, leading the liver to convert them into glucose. Thus, consuming too much protein can also increase sugar levels, making it advisable to avoid highly processed protein sources like protein shakes, bars, and powders.

What about dietary fats? Natural fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil—key components of the Mediterranean diet—are known to minimally affect blood sugar or insulin and have beneficial effects on heart disease and diabetes. Eggs and butter also serve as excellent sources of natural fats.

Dietary cholesterol associated with these foods has proven harmless to human health. Consuming nutritional fats doesn’t contribute to type 2 diabetes or heart disease; rather, it fosters feelings of fullness without introducing sugar into the body.

To limit sugar intake, focus on consuming whole, natural foods. Aim for a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in natural fats.

Step 2: Burn remaining sugar

Exercise—both tolerance training and aerobic activity—can positively impact type 2 diabetes, although dietary adjustments are typically more effective. Fasting is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for burning sugar in the body.

Fasting is essentially the absence of eating. When you eat, your body stores the energy from food. In contrast, when you fast, your body needs to burn stored energy, with glucose being the most accessible energy source. Longer fasting durations can burn away stored sugar.

This may sound drastic, but fasting is the oldest known dietary practice and has been embraced throughout human history without issues. Those on prescription medications should consult their healthcare providers before making changes.

The bottom line? If you don’t eat, your blood sugar will drop. If you refrain from eating, you will lose weight. So, what’s the problem? Largely, it’s unfounded.

A popular fasting strategy includes fasting for 24 hours, 2-3 times a week, or doing 16-hour fasts 5-6 times weekly. The key to reversing type 2 diabetes lies within our reach.

What is essential is an open mind and the courage to challenge conventional beliefs and paradigms.

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This text has been extracted from Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dr. Jason Fung—Out Now (£14.99, Greystone Books).

Available for purchase at Amazon, Foyles, or Waterstones.

Photo credit: Jason Fung

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

US Set to Confront Six Major Hurricanes: What This Implies

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Atlantic hurricane season has yet to commence, but forecasters are already raising concerns. Indeed, the 2025 season, which officially spans from June 1st to November 30th, is anticipated to be remarkably busy.

As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the likelihood of below-average activity stands at 60%. They foresee up to 19 named storms, with as many as 10 hurricanes and between 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).

Meanwhile, private forecasting firm Accuweather has a similar outlook, but adds another concerning prediction: up to six storms could directly impact the U.S. coastline.

This news comes on the heels of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Helen and Milton in 2024. “Overall, it looks like it will be an even busier year,” said Alex Dasilva, Accuweather’s lead hurricane expert, to BBC Science Focus.

So, what gives scientists such confidence? While accurately predicting the timing and location of a storm remains elusive, there is increasing clarity regarding the broader factors that influence each season. This year, numerous climate indicators are aligning unfavorably.

The Atlantic is Storing Energy – A Lot of It

Hurricanes derive their power from warm ocean waters, and this year, the Atlantic is exceptionally heated.

“Sea surface temperatures are again significantly above average,” explains Dasilva. While 2025 may not match the record warmth of 2023 and 2024, conditions across most of the Atlantic Basin remain notably high.

However, it’s not just about surface temperatures; the ocean’s heat content plays a crucial role in driving the most formidable storms. This metric reflects how deeply the warm water extends beneath the surface.

“It’s truly impressive,” notes Dasilva. “When you’re at the surface, the water feels pleasantly warm. Now, imagine it extending hundreds of meters below in a region like the Western Caribbean, where mid-season temperatures can reach 80°F [27°C].”

The depth matters. Hot water serves as high-octane fuel for hurricanes; the deeper it extends, the more energy available for storms. This explains the “rapid strengthening” observed in many recent hurricanes, which can intensify dramatically within just a few hours.

“When you observe a storm rapidly intensifying, it’s something that explodes—because it encounters the highest oceanic heat, particularly off the Gulf Coast, Western Caribbean, or the southeast coast,” Dasilva adds.

Scientists now recognize that climate-driven ocean heat is on the rise yearly. As our planet warms, much of the additional heat gets absorbed into the ocean, creating a reservoir of deep energy for storms to utilize.

This doesn’t automatically mean more hurricanes overall, but those that do form are more likely to rapidly gain strength and achieve greater intensity.

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Changing Pacific Patterns Could Elevate Season End

The Pacific will serve as the puppeteer while the Atlantic supplies the fuel.

Key players include El Niño and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—the natural cycle of warming and cooling in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This cycle has a substantial influence on hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

A comprehensive book could be written about ENSO, so let’s summarize it briefly. During El Niño, warm waters from the tropical Pacific migrate eastward toward the Americas. During La Niña, the reverse holds true, with warm waters moving westward toward Asia and cooler waters prevailing near the Americas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvlfyhs64iy

These shifts not only affect the Pacific but also change wind patterns worldwide, including in the Atlantic, either facilitating or hindering hurricane development.

At present, the Pacific is in the ENSO neutral phase, indicating that the warm waters are balanced. However, this isn’t necessarily good news.

“Research indicates that La Niña typically produces more storms, but neutral years are nearly as active,” says Dasilva. “The only time we’ve seen a significant reduction in storms is during El Niño.”

Why is this the case? During El Niño, robust upper winds from the Pacific often inhibit storms as they form in the Atlantic. Conversely, during neutral or La Niña years, these winds lessen, enabling hurricanes to form and strengthen more easily.

Moreover, a return of La Niña conditions later this year could set the stage for a busier end to the season.

“There’s a possibility for La Niña to resurge later in the season,” Dasilva notes. “If that happens, the latter part of the season could see heightened activity, so it’s important to keep a close eye on developments.”

With recent seasons demonstrating a trend towards more frequent storms, this increased warmth and favorable atmospheric conditions are notable.

Storm Trajectories Depend on Who’s at the Helm

While ocean temperature and ENSO conditions are crucial players, they aren’t the only factors at play.

Features such as the Bermuda-Azores high-pressure system—dominant over the Central Atlantic—greatly influence the final destination of storms once they form.

“This high-pressure zone in the Atlantic deflects storms around it,” Dasilva explains. “Most storms ultimately curve away towards the ocean and head toward Europe, but if this high pressure is particularly strong, it can stretch and push storms westward.”

However, the Bermuda-Azores system is dynamic and can shift throughout the season, making it challenging to accurately predict storm trajectories beyond a few days. “These dynamics can change rapidly, often hinging on timing,” Dasilva adds.

This season is also impacted by waters off West Africa.

Many of the most powerful Atlantic storms initiate as clusters of disturbed thunderstorms sweeping off the coasts of Africa as summer ends. In fact, around 85% of major hurricanes originate here.

However, this system is sensitive. Last year, unanticipated cooling off the West African coasts near the equator disrupted the jet stream, impeding the northward movement of storms and curtailing their development.

“Many believed the Atlantic was broken,” Dasilva said. The culprit was a pattern known as the Atlantic Niño, an obscure climate cycle that paradoxically has an opposing effect on hurricane activity compared to its namesake in the Pacific.

Dasilva anticipates a similar mid-summer slowdown again this year, but this doesn’t signify the season’s end.

The aftermath of a catastrophic flood caused by Hurricane Helen in North Carolina on September 28, 2024.

Inland Impacts

Another trend affecting the Atlantic hurricane season is the increasing influence of storms further inland.

A study published in Nature revealed that hurricanes making landfall have been slowing their rate of weakening over the past 50 years, with a 94% decrease in weakening rates. Essentially, this means that as storms travel inland, they often retain their strength, increasing the risk of damage far from coastal areas.

In 2024, Hurricane Helen struck Florida, triggering deadly floods in the southern Appalachian mountains. The storm was responsible for 94 fatalities and contributed to over 100 additional deaths. Furthermore, Hurricane Beryl spawned a tornado in western New York after making landfall in Texas.

“2024 was one of the most costly hurricane seasons on record, largely due to inland effects,” Dasilva states. “It’s critical for those living inland to monitor hurricane forecasts as closely as those living on the coast.”

Thus, whether you reside on the coast or inland, science signals a clear message: conditions are lining up for enhanced activity in 2025. Stay alert to forecasts.

About Our Experts

Alex Dasilva is a seasoned meteorologist and hurricane forecaster at Accuweather, specializing in long-range predictions and tropical weather. He currently serves as Accuweather’s lead hurricane predictor and frequently appears in broadcasts and live events to inform the media and the public about upcoming significant storm events.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research Uncovers That Humans Are Seasonal Beings

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Biological processes such as sleep, heart rate, and metabolism are regulated by the circadian clock found in nearly every cell in the human body. However, modern lifestyles challenge this natural timing mechanism in ways for which we are not well-suited. Factors like industrialization, shift work, artificial lighting, and smartphone usage significantly impact our sleep and circadian rhythms. A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals that our circadian rhythms continue to align with seasonal changes in sunlight. This result was published in the journal NPJ Digital Medicine.

Kim et al. We believe that substantial individual differences in shift work adaptation, which are vital for shift workers’ health, can be explained in part by the biological mechanisms of seasonal timing. Image credit: Sasin Tipchai.

“We may not want to admit it in today’s world, but humans are inherently seasonal,” stated Dr. Ruby Kim, the study’s lead author.

“The duration of daylight and the sunlight we receive significantly influence our physiology.”

“Our research demonstrates that the timing of biologically significant seasons plays a role in how individuals adapt to changes in their daily routines.”

“These findings could lead to new avenues for investigating and understanding seasonal affective disorders, a form of depression linked to seasonal variations.”

“It could also point to new areas of exploration regarding a range of health issues related to sleep schedules and alignment with circadian rhythms.”

“This work holds great promise for future discoveries, potentially impacting metabolic and cardiovascular health as well as mental health conditions such as mood disorders and anxiety.”

The study also indicated that humans possess a seasonal genetic component, which might explain the significant differences in how individuals are impacted by variations in daylight.

“Some individuals may adapt better, while others might fare much worse,” remarked Professor Daniel Foger, a senior author of the study.

Investigating this genetic component could help researchers and healthcare providers identify where an individual falls on the adaptation spectrum, although achieving this will require more time and effort.

For now, this study serves as an important first step in reshaping our understanding of human circadian rhythms.

“Many people tend to perceive their circadian rhythm as a singular entity,” explained Professor Foger.

“Our findings indicate that it’s not one clock, but rather two.”

“One clock tracks dawn, and the other tracks dusk. They communicate with each other.”

Researchers adjusted their studies of circadian rhythms according to seasonal sunlight by analyzing sleep data collected from thousands of participants using wearable health technology like Fitbits.

All participants were medical interns involved in a one-year internship as part of a healthcare study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Interns are shift workers whose schedules frequently change, which also changes their sleep patterns.

Moreover, these schedules often run counter to the natural day-night cycle.

The observation that the circadian rhythm of this group demonstrated seasonal dependence is a strong indicator of how deeply ingrained this feature is in humans, which is unsurprising.

“It makes a lot of practical sense. Our brain physiology has been attuned to track dusk and dawn for millions of years,” stated Professor Foger.

“Then industrialization came along in an evolutionary blink, and we’re still trying to catch up.”

Participants in the healthcare study also provided saliva samples for DNA analysis, enabling researchers to include genetic factors in their evaluations.

Previous genetic studies have identified specific genes involved in how circadian clocks in various animals respond to seasonal changes.

Since humans share this gene, the authors could pinpoint a smaller group of interns with slight variations in their genetic makeup.

For this group, shift work was more disruptive due to the misalignment between seasonal circadian rhythms and their sleep schedules.

This leads to many questions, particularly regarding the health implications and how shift work affects different individuals.

However, these are questions researchers will seek to investigate further in the future.

____

R. Kim et al. 2025. Seasonal timing and individual differences in shift work adaptation. npj digits. Pharmaceuticals 8, 300; doi:10.1038/s41746-025-01678-z

Source: www.sci.news

Cats Can Identify Their Owner’s Scent, Researchers Find

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Across the globe, people coexist with cats, engaging in various social behaviors with their furry companions. While olfaction is one of cats’ most crucial sensory abilities, its specific role in identifying humans remains unclear. A recent study conducted by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture examined how domestic cats use their sense of smell to differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar humans.

Miyairi et al. Ferris Catus’ behavioral response to human olfactory stimuli was explained. They suggest that cats use their sense of smell to recognize humans. Moreover, the olfactory exploration behaviors of cats are linked to their personality traits, indicating a lateralization in odor detection between the left and right nostrils. Image credits: Sci.news / makieni777 / rise-a-mui / alexas_fotos / dorothe / vaclav zavada / artem makarov / daga roszkowska / birgit / pasi mammela.

“Dogs (Canis Familiaris) and cats (Felis Catus) present unique social interactions,” said Dr. Yutaro Miyairi, the lead author of the study.

“Prior research has largely focused on how these animals bond with their owners.”

“For instance, dogs are adept at recognizing human emotional expressions through facial cues and vocal tones, demonstrating their ability to process social information from humans.”

“Cats, too, possess remarkable social cognitive skills that have piqued the interest of researchers.”

“However, studies on cat-human interactions have not progressed to the extent seen in canine research.”

In this study, the team aimed to determine whether cats can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar individuals using olfactory cues alone.

The researchers tested 30 cats by presenting them with plastic tubes containing swabs that had been rubbed under the armpits, behind the ears, and between the toes of their owners and unfamiliar humans.

Cats exhibited a significantly longer interest in unfamiliar scents compared to those from their owners or empty tubes.

Interestingly, the scientists observed that cats initially preferred using their right nostrils to smell unknown odors, later switching to their left nostrils as they became acquainted with the scents.

Cat owners were asked to complete an online survey to evaluate the relationship between their cats’ personalities and their ownership experiences.

Male cats with anxious temperaments tended to repeatedly sniff each tube, whereas those with more relaxed personalities approached the tubes in a calmer manner.

In contrast, there was no observable personality influence on the behaviors of female cats during the experiment.

The findings suggest that pet cats can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on scent alone, though it remains uncertain if they can identify a specific individual based solely on smell.

Additionally, the preference for investigating new scents with the right nostril implies a potential lateralization in brain function, a phenomenon also documented in other animals like dogs, fish, and birds.

“Our findings further support the idea that cats utilize their olfactory sense to recognize humans,” the authors stated.

“This also reinforces the significance of rubbing behavior that follows sniffing, which may suggest an exploratory phase that precedes scent marking.”

“This relationship calls for further exploration, particularly regarding whether cats can recognize specific individuals using olfactory signals.”

The study was published online in the journal PLOS ONE.

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Y. Miyairi et al. 2025. The behavioral response of pet cats to human odor. PLOS ONE 20(5): E0324016; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324016

Source: www.sci.news

Leprosy Was Present in America Long Before European Arrival

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Leprosy can be caused by two types of bacteria: Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.

Nobeastsofierce Science/Alamy

Contrary to popular belief, the influence of leprosy existed among the American populace long before Europeans arrived.

“The narrative was that Europeans introduced this dreadful disease to America,” states Nicholas Lascovan from the Pasteur Institute in Paris. “Our findings challenge that notion.”

Globally, the majority of leprosy instances result from the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. However, in 2008, Xiang-Yang Han and his team from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified a second causative agent, M. lepromatosis, in two individuals from Mexico afflicted with leprosy. Since then, more occurrences of this pathogen have been noted in the US, Canada, Brazil, and Cuba, as well as in four people from Singapore and Myanmar.

Driven to explore this less-studied pathogen, Lascovan collaborated with Han, other researchers, and indigenous communities to analyze ancient DNA from 389 individuals who lived in America before European contact.

They discovered M. lepromatosis at one archaeological site near the Alaska-Canada border and two locations along Argentina’s southeastern coastline, all carbon-dated to roughly 1,000 years ago. The bacterial genome exhibited slight variations, indicating a distinct strain separated by about 12,000 kilometers. “It has rapidly spread across the continent for centuries,” explains Lascovan.

DNA analysis from numerous modern cases, primarily in the US and Mexico, showed that nearly all contemporary strains are closely related, with minor variations from ancient times. Nonetheless, the team also recognized a rare and unusually ancient strain in modern populations that wasn’t found in archaeological sites, suggesting the existence of at least two distinct strains. Notably, M. lepromatosis is still present in North America today, alongside M. leprae, which was introduced by Europeans.

The findings imply that these bacteria have diverged and evolved within the United States for approximately 10,000 years. About 3,000 years ago, a lineage of the pathogen mutated into its current form, capable of infecting red squirrels in the UK and Ireland, causing issues such as skin swelling and unpleasant lesions.

Regarding their origins, genetic data indicate that M. lepromatosis and M. leprae diverged from a shared ancestor over 700,000 years ago, yet the precise location of this divergence remains unidentified.

Modern cases of M. lepromatosis appear to primarily affect the blood vessels of the feet, while M. leprae targets nerves, according to Han. Those infected with M. lepromatosis may experience blocked blood flow, tissue death, and skin breakdown, leading to potentially fatal complications from severe secondary infections caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The disease can also progress to internal organs such as the liver and spleen, resulting in some individuals succumbing before the skeletal system exhibits leprosy signs.

This may help clarify why archaeologists have not identified leprosy in ancient artifacts from the Americas, as Han mentions. While skeletal remains from Europe and Asia frequently show clear signs of leprosy-related bone damage, the ancient Canadian individuals examined in this study exhibited only ambiguous jaw lesions, which could arise from various conditions.

Annemieke Geluk from Leiden University in the Netherlands remarked that this “remarkable study” necessitates a rethink of the disease’s history. “My teaching materials indicate that there was no leprosy in the Americas before European colonization,” she noted, “I will need to revise my materials!”

Beyond its historical implications, this research also highlights pressing public health concerns. Leprosy is resurging in certain global regions, and rising antibiotic resistance complicates treatment. “Understanding this is highly critical,” says Geluk. “We need collaborative efforts worldwide to map existing strains.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Earliest Evidence of Ancient Birds Nesting Beyond the Arctic Circle

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration of an ancient bird nesting above the Arctic Circle

Gabriel Ugueto

Recent findings of bone fragments from Alaska indicate that birds have been nesting and breeding in the Arctic for at least 73 million years.

“It’s quite unusual, as raising a newborn in the Arctic is challenging,” explains study author Lauren Wilson from Princeton University.

Currently, around 250 bird species can thrive at the poles. Some migrate great distances to enjoy continuous daylight in summer, while others brave the winter, enduring extreme cold and long periods of darkness. However, knowledge about how these birds first adapted to the highest latitudes remains limited.

Wilson and her team searched for ancient avian traces within the Princreek Formation in northern Alaska, which formed on coastal floodplains about 73 million years ago. At that time, northern Alaska was approximately 1,000-1,600 kilometers closer to the Arctic than it is today.

The researchers retrieved ancient soil samples from several narrow rock layers, encountering temperatures of -30°C (-22°F) in a makeshift tent. “This has definitely been the most demanding fieldwork I’ve undertaken,” Wilson admits.

Back at the lab, they spent hours peering through microscopes at sediments smaller than two millimeters, hunting for tiny fossil bone fragments.

The team uncovered over 50 fossil fragments belonging to ancient birds, primarily from chicks and even embryos. The fossilized bones of these young birds exhibit a sponge-like texture, indicative of rapid bone growth.

Although birds likely began nesting in the Arctic Circle 73 million years ago, these fossils represent the earliest evidence of such behavior, extending the timeline of avian presence back by 30 million years.

However, many fossils are fragmented and do not clarify whether these birds remained year-round or only in the warm summer months.

“The Arctic’s food web, which supports life in extreme cold and darkness, couldn’t exist without the plethora of birds that inhabit high latitudes,” says Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh, who wasn’t involved in the study. “These fossils illustrate that birds have been a vital part of these high-latitude ecosystems for tens of millions of years.”

Wilson’s team identified three major bird groups represented among the fossil fragments: extinct tooth-like birds similar to ducks, extinct tooth-like birds reminiscent of gulls, and various species that may be related to modern birds.

Conversely, the samples did not include bones from older bird groups known as enantiornithines, or “opposite birds.” Gerald Mayle from the Senckenberg Institute in Germany, who also wasn’t part of the study, noted that this finding suggests that more advanced bird ancestors could survive the harsh Arctic conditions due to certain evolutionary advantages that older birds lacked.

The ecosystems that shaped the Princreek Formation existed when non-avian dinosaurs dominated the planet, with evidence that ancient birds coexisted with species like tyrannosaurs and horned ceratopsians in these Arctic environments. Some dinosaurs even nested within the Arctic Circle.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Pollinator Sounds Inspire Plants to Boost Nectar Production, Study Finds

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Visitors to flowers, including pollinators, generate distinct sounds through the movement of their wings during flight. These sounds play a significant role in fitness, providing crucial information to flowering plants and potentially influencing resource distribution while attracting pollinators. Recent research conducted by Professor Francesca Barbero from the University of Turin and her team examined the acoustic characteristics of the sounds made by various flight visitors, focusing on the Snapdragon (Anti-Ruhinam sp.) flowers in their natural habitat. Their findings indicate that behaviors such as hovering, landing, and takeoff yield unique acoustic signatures. Moreover, plants exhibit responses to vibroacoustic stimuli from these pollinators, hinting at possible adaptive reactions.

Recording devices, models of Anti-Ruhinam plants, and an approaching Rhodanthidium staticum bee. Image credit: A lively lab.

When pollinators visit flowers, they generate various distinct sounds, ranging from the flapping of wings while hovering to the sounds of landing and taking off.

Nonetheless, these sounds are relatively subtle compared to other vibrations and acoustics present in insect life, leading researchers to overlook the acoustic signals linked to wing and body movements in these insects.

Professor Barbero and her collaborators have investigated these signals, creating a non-invasive and effective approach to monitor impacts on pollinator communities as well as plant biology and ecology.

“The coevolution between plants and their pollinators has largely been explored through visual and olfactory cues, despite emerging evidence that both insects and plants are capable of sensing, producing, or transmitting vibroacoustic signals,” Professor Barbero stated.

The study’s authors played recordings of lively sounds produced by Spotted red resin honeybee (Rhodanthidium staticum) near growing snapdragons to monitor the flowers’ responses.

They discovered that the sounds of these efficient pollinators led snapdragons to enhance sugar and nectar production, even prompting changes in gene expression related to sugar transport and nectar formation.

These plant responses could serve as survival strategies and coevolutionary tactics, particularly as they can influence how long pollinators linger and their overall fidelity.

“The ability to recognize approaching pollinators through unique vibroacoustic signals may represent an adaptive strategy for plants,” Professor Barbero added.

“By responding to suitable vibroacoustic cues (like those from effective pollinators), plants can bolster reproductive success by encouraging favorable pollinator behavior.”

While it’s evident that lively sounds can elicit plant responses, it’s yet undetermined if plant acoustics can also influence insect behavior.

“If insect reactions to these responses are confirmed, we could harness sound to enhance economically significant plants and crops and increase their appeal to pollinators,” Professor Barbero mentioned.

The research team is continuously analyzing and comparing snapdragon reactions to various pollinators and nectar robbers.

“The myriad ways plants can discern biological factors, including beneficial and harmful insects, neighboring plants, and abiotic signals like temperature, drought, and wind, are genuinely remarkable,” Professor Barbero remarked.

The researchers shared their survey findings on May 21st at the joint 188th and 25th Acoustic Conference of the American Acoustic Association (ASAICA25).

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Francesca Barbero et al. 2025. Vibroacoustic signals produced by flower visitors and their role in plant interactions. asaica25 Presentation #3AAB1

Source: www.sci.news

How Misinformation on Social Media Fuels the Tension Between India and Pakistan

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

An unseen conflict unfolded earlier this month as missiles and drones flew through the night sky separating India and Pakistan.

Following the Indian government’s announcement of Operation Sindoah, rumors of Pakistan’s defeat rapidly circulated online, fueled by military strikes on Pakistan and extremist assaults in Kashmir, which prompted condemnation from Delhi towards Islamabad.

What initially started as a mere assertion on social media platforms like X quickly escalated into a cacophony boasting India’s military strength, labeled as “breaking news” and “exclusive” on one of the country’s leading news channels.

These posts and reports claimed that India had downed several Pakistani jets, captured pilots and Karachi ports, and taken control of Lahore. Additional unfounded claims suggested that the powerful chief of the Pakistani military had been arrested and a coup executed. A widely shared post stated, “We’ll be having breakfast in Rawalpindi tomorrow,” referencing the Pakistani city housing the military headquarters amidst the ongoing hostilities.

Many of these assertions included videos of explosions, collapsing buildings, and missiles being launched from the air. The issue was that none of these were factual.

“Global Trends in Hybrid Warfare”

The ceasefire on May 10th momentarily steered both nations away from the brink of full-scale war after an intense escalation in decades, triggered by extremists targeting tourist sites in Indian-controlled Kashmir—resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals, mostly tourists from India. India swiftly condemned Pakistan for the atrocities, while Islamabad denied involvement.

Even with the cessation of military hostilities, analysts, fact-checkers, and activists have meticulously tracked the surge of misinformation that proliferated online during this conflict.

In Pakistan, misinformation also spread widely. Just before the conflict erupted, the Pakistani government lifted a ban on X, which researchers later identified as a source of misinformation, albeit not at the same magnitude as in India.

A fabricated image intended to depict fighter planes engaging in combat in Udangh Haar, India. Photo: x

Claims of military victories from Pakistan circulated heavily on social media, paralleling an uptick in recycled AI-generated footage that was amplified by mainstream media outlets, prominent journalists, and government officials, leading to false narratives about captured Indian pilots, military coups, and dismantling India’s defenses.

Additionally, fabricated reports circulated that claimed Pakistan’s cyber attacks had largely disabled India’s power infrastructure, and that Indian troops were surrendering by raising white flags. Particularly, video game simulations became a favored method of disseminating misinformation about Pakistan that portrayed India in a favorable light.

A recent report on social media conflicts surrounding the India-Pakistan situation, released last week by the civil society organization The London Story, elaborated on how platforms like X and Facebook have become fertile grounds for spreading wartime narratives, hate speech, and emotionally charged misinformation, leading to an environment rich in nationalist fervor on both sides.

In a written statement, a representative from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, claimed to have implemented “significant steps to combat misinformation,” including the removal and labeling of misleading content and limiting the reach of stories flagged by fact-checkers.

Joyojeet Pal, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s Faculty of Information Studies, remarked that the magnitude of misinformation in India has “surpassed anything seen previously,” impacting both sides of the conflict.

PAL has noted that misinformation campaigns have outstripped the typical nationalist propaganda prevalent in both India and Pakistan.

Fraudulent images purporting to show the Narendra Modi Stadium in India on abandoned islands have circulated and been debunked on X. Photo: x

Analysts argue this exemplifies the emerging digital battleground of warfare, where strategic misinformation is weaponized to manipulate narratives and heighten tensions. Fact-checkers point out that the proliferation of misinformation, such as old footage and misleading military victory claims, mirrors earlier patterns seen in Russia’s initial stages of its conflict.

The Hate Research Centre (CSOH) based in Washington, D.C., has tracked and recorded misinformation from both nations, cautioning that the manipulation of information in the recent India-Pakistan conflict is “not an isolated occurrence but part of a larger global trend in hybrid warfare.”

CSOH Executive Director Raqib Hameed Naik stated that some social media platforms experienced “significant failures” in managing and controlling the spread of disinformation generated from both India and Pakistan. Out of 427 key CSOH posts analyzed on X, many garnered nearly 10 million views, yet only 73 were flagged with warnings. X did not respond to inquiries for comment.

Initial fabricated reports from India predominantly circulated on X and Facebook, often shared by verified right-wing accounts. Numerous posts openly expressed support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which is known for its Hindu nationalist stance. Some BJP politicians even shared this content.

Deepfake videos altering the speeches of Narendra Modi and other Indian officials have been disseminated on the same platforms that propagated them. Photo: x

Examples circulating included 2023 footage of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza incorrectly labeled as Indian strikes against Pakistan, and images from Indian naval drills misrepresented as proof of an assault on Karachi Port.

Images from video games falsely portrayed as real-life footage of the Indian Air Force defeating a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet were circulated, alongside scenes from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict being claimed as “major airstrikes in Pakistan.” AI-generated visuals of purported victories for India were also disseminated, as well as manipulated videos of Turkish pilots presented in fabricated reports of captured Pakistani personnel. Additionally, doctored images were used in misleading reports about the assassination of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Many of these posts, initially generated by Indian social media users, achieved millions of views, and such misinformation was later featured in some of India’s most prominent television news segments.

“The Fog of War Accepted as Reality”

The credibility of Indian mainstream media, already diminished by the government’s strong influence under Modi, now faces difficult scrutiny. Several prominent anchors have issued public apologies.

The Indian human rights organization Citizens for Citizens (CJP) lodged a formal complaint with the broadcasting authority, citing “serious ethical violations” in the coverage of Operation Sindoah across six major television networks.

CJP Secretary Teesta Setalvad stated that these channels have completely neglected their duty as impartial news sources, turning into “propaganda collaborators”.

Kanchan Gupta, a senior adviser to India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, refuted claims of governmental involvement in the misinformation efforts. He asserted that the government is “very cautious” about misinformation and has provided clear guidelines for mainstream media reporting on the conflict.

“We established a surveillance center operating 24/7 to monitor any disinformation that could have a cascading effect, and a fact check was promptly issued. Social media platforms collaborated to eliminate a multitude of accounts promoting this misinformation.

Gupta noted “strong” notifications had been sent to several news channels for broadcasting rule violations. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the chaos of war is widely regarded as a tangible reality, wherein the nature of reporting—regardless of it being an overt or covert conflict—tends to escalate in intensity.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Imagining the AI Revival of Agatha Christie

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Feedback provides up-to-date news on science and technology from New Scientist, delving into the latest findings and advancements. You can reach out to Feedback@newscientist.com with items you think our readers would find intriguing.

Is the Author Really Gone?

Occasionally, I notice advertisements for courses that claim to teach the secrets of becoming a remarkable creative writer. They seem delightful, but why bother with this when there’s an alternative?

A course that piqued my interest recently is the BBC Maestro, particularly one led by comic icon Alan Moore. We’ve refined parts of it, yet I feel this specialized method has dulled some of his more innovative ideas. Mention to Moore, who considers Northampton the center of the universe and penned a 1174-page novel around this notion, that he isn’t offering us anything fresh.

Maestro’s latest offerings feature surprisingly unusual instructors. Crime fiction maven Agatha Christie would be quite the surprise for keen readers, given that she departed in 1976. The promotional text is genuinely captivating.

Time travel? Cloning? No, this is a replica of Christie’s AI. Actress Vivien Keene was cast to portray a writer, and AI was utilized to recreate her face and voice.

A similar example – “Gen-AI-powered avatar inspired by Aldous Huxley’s science fiction concepts” – was showcased at the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event on May 7th. Marca Older, a humanitarian and science fiction writer with an impressive portfolio, attended and was left speechless. As she noted on Blueski, the avatar’s responses could be described as “the frustratingly vague ‘perhaps both’ response filled with jargon“.

Creating an AI clone might seem overwhelmingly complicated, but it does offer a certain reassurance, utilizing a bot based on a deceased author who won’t throw fits in the studio. In contrast, feedback feels like every writer’s struggle. I constantly wonder where my next paycheck will come from. It’s already challenging enough competing with those who radiate talent and charisma. Now, we’re battling with the legacies of the departed.

Or, as I remarked on Blueski, in a moment of unrelated frustration: “There are live, breathing science fiction authors! … You could invite them to participate!!” Feedback concurs: Whatever the context, we prefer to feature our own courses.

The Nature of Intelligence

In science, it’s fundamental to understand that correlation does not imply causation. Just because two variables appear related doesn’t necessarily mean they are connected—unless you’re inclined to believe that Maine’s divorce rate is a result of margarine consumption. It’s a rather basic concept often overlooked in feedback, yet we frequently encounter these misleading correlations.

Reporter James Dinneen draws our attention to unpublished research with an intriguing title: Human intelligence shaped by solar activity rhythms. It suggests a notable correlation between “high-energy solar proton events” and the number of Nobel Prize winners born in a given year.

Researchers specifically examined Nobel laureates “in the fields of science (including economics) and literature.” We must mention our amusement at the subtle parentheses around “economics.”

The authors assure us that the results are “adjusted for a six-month prenatal offset.” Why specifically 9 or 5 months? Will correlations solely emerge from this peculiar adjustment? Regardless, it leads to the hypothesis that “atmospheric radiation patterns could serve as environmental stressors impacting neural circuit formation during prenatal development.” Certainly, that’s one way to interpret the data.

If anyone comes across a more outrageous correlation-based claim, please send it to our usual address. Until then, feedback advises expectant individuals to consider wearing protective gear just in case.

Breakdowns

Feedback believes we should abandon nominal determinism, but alas, we can’t. It was amusing that Andy Greene’s email forewarned consultant urologist Nick Burns Cox, but a quick search from 2019 revealed he had indeed done it. However, in a delightful twist, Stephen Alexander on the May 19th Edition of BBC Radio 4’s Briefing Room featured one sound engineer, David Crackles.

Sam Edge (and we truly hope to scale new heights) flagged two occurrences from issue 3540 of the magazine. Reviews of Intertidal Zone somehow failed to highlight his “satisfactory and fitting” name, Yuvan Aves, from the naturalists who began his birdwatching career. A few pages later, he noted, “The science magazine was being reviewed by one Alexander Magazinov,” in your very own esteemed column (dear readers, take this as a guideline on how to submit).

Finally, while this isn’t overtly nominal deterministic, it’s certainly adjacent. Amy Marshsholl shared on Blueski: “OMG, I just saw a sign stating ‘Erectile dysfunction is a growing concern’”. The question remains: Was that intentional, or did someone genuinely miss the point?

Have you shared your feedback?

You can submit your stories via email at feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your home address. This week’s and previous feedback can be found on our website.

Source: www.newscientist.com

A Potential Breakthrough in Quantum Computing Design

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Could a new approach lead to error-free quantum computers?

Nord’s numbers

Canadian startups in quantum computing assert that the new Qubit technology will enable the development of smaller, more affordable, and error-free quantum computers. However, reaching that goal presents a significant challenge.

Traditional computers mitigate errors by storing redundant copies of information across multiple locations. This method, known as redundancy, requires quantum computers to utilize many additional qubits, potentially hundreds of thousands, to replicate this redundancy.

Julianne Camiland Lemire and her team at Nord’s numbers have engineered a qubit that promises to reduce this requirement to just a few hundred. “The fundamental principle of our hardware is to utilize qubits with inherent redundancy,” she notes.

Competing qubit technologies include small superconducting circuits and ultra-cold atoms. The Nord Quartique qubit employs a superconducting cavity filled with microwave radiation. Inside this cavity, photons are trapped and bounce back and forth, allowing information to be encoded within quantum states.

This design is not entirely new; however, it’s the first instance of employing “multimode encoding.” Researchers utilize multiple properties of photons simultaneously to store information, thereby enhancing resilience against common quantum computing errors.

Victor Albert from the University of Maryland mentions that effective quantum error correction necessitates more qubits, meaning information is stored in interconnected groups rather than isolated qubits, safeguarding the system from individual failures.

The innovative Qubit incorporates a second technique that enables the effective storage of information in a four-dimensional mathematical framework.

This is why NORD’s quantitative project anticipates that their error-resistant quantum computers will be up to 50 times smaller than those utilizing superconducting circuit qubits, the most advanced yet. Moreover, the company estimates that machines built with their Qubits will consume as much power as those using conventional methods.

Despite these advancements, Nord has not yet released data on multiple kits. Furthermore, ensuring the multimode encoding functions correctly is still pending, indicating that the new Qubit has yet to be applied in computational tasks. Significant technical hurdles remain before these teams can achieve scalable quantum computing.

“It’s too early to conclude whether this fault-resistant approach will inherently outperform other methods,” remarks Barbara Telhal at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Michel Devoret from Yale University observes that while the new development is “not groundbreaking,” it enhances the science of quantum error correction and reflects the company’s grasp of technical difficulties.

Lemire expresses that the team is actively working on building additional Qubits and refining existing designs. They aim to implement a “perfect mechanism” for manipulating information stored within the Qubit, essential during quantum computational processes. The goal is to create a practical quantum computer featuring over 100 error-resilient qubits by 2029.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Efforts to Stop South Australia’s Tesla Project Continue After Council Approval | Elon Musk

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

An anonymous collective of activists in Adelaide is persistently opposing Elon Musk’s Tesla from establishing battery factories in residential areas.

Tesla has faced global scrutiny due to Musk’s associations with the Trump administration and staunch protests fueled by beliefs that billionaires often back through his social media channels.

This week, the discontent was palpable in the South Australian capital, a significant distance from Washington, D.C.

Approximately 95% of nearly 1,000 submissions voiced opposition to Tesla’s proposals for recycling showrooms and batteries, as well as repurposing the factory. Many expressed sentiments characterized as “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk.”

To maintain decorum, the local council revised the language in several submissions to clarify references to Musk and Tesla.

“We shouldn’t profit from support. [redacted] Who is openly [redacted]? It’s a salute [redacted]. Humans.”

The world’s richest individual has declared his departure from his government efficiency role, which has often led to chaotic and detrimental consequences, including job cuts and reduced funding for US government agencies. He is now facing challenges related to his businesses, including Tesla, amid declining sales.

Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the Marion City Council has moved past community disagreements and approved the factory project for further progression, pending state government approval. The council indicated that the project is expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

Nevertheless, the protest group “Tree Not Teslas” remains committed to their cause.

Environmental organizations and others opposed to the Tesla project argue that the trees designated for removal to clear the construction site are irreplaceable. They also hold Musk personally accountable.

“Neon,” a member of Tree Not Teslas, chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, partly because the group identifies as a collective.

He noted the group’s traction has been “extraordinary,” and their website has attracted thousands of visits, though he admitted it is hard to gauge their overall impact.

Neon stated that the fight will persist as the state government weighs the council’s proposal to reclassify the site as community land.

“We’re going to push it further. We have to take action regarding the state government,” Neon declared.

“We’ve raised awareness and are encouraging more people to get involved. This issue extends beyond just Congress; it’s a fundamental matter for the state.”

He emphasized that their campaign primarily aims to safeguard the trees on the site. “… Our central focus is on preserving the green space,” he clarified.

“We are indeed advocates for electric vehicles and green energy.

“However, the industry that obliterates green spaces… is ironically labeled as ‘green.’

The council has asserted that the area has been inaccessible to the public since 2016 due to pollution. Neon countered, claiming the trees are vital for restoring the land.

Neon also echoed comments made by Councillor Sarah Lascomb, who opposed the proposal, arguing that the factory’s plans to recycle or reuse Tesla batteries do not cater to the needs of most consumers who use different brands.

The ongoing debate centers around electric vehicle batteries, with the possibility of recycling Powerwall batteries at the site.

Guardian Australia reached out to Tesla for a statement.

Neon mentioned that the council voted 8-3 in favor of seeking state government approval, despite community pushback that made the public consultation process feel like a formality.

Mayor Chris Hannah stated that the project would generate jobs and revenue for the community, asserting that Tesla would establish operations elsewhere if not in Marion. According to Hannah, Tesla has committed to preserving the most significant trees and replanting more than necessary.

Neon argued that replacing established trees with seedlings minimizes their ecological benefits.

Premier Peter Malinauskas indicated that the state welcomes significant industrial development and is reluctant to oppose Musk, emphasizing that it’s “his prerogative.”

A spokesperson for the state government stated that they appreciate investments in South Australia and job creation, and will indeed consider the proposal.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unexpected Image Uncovers New Insights into the Sun’s Atmosphere

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldwmygyq3nm

Astronomers have uncovered new phenomena occurring in the solar atmosphere, aided by remarkable new images of stars.

In a study conducted by Dark Schmidt and his team at the US National Solar Observatory, they utilized the California Good Solar Telescope to capture these images. By employing a technique known as adaptive optics, they minimized distortions caused by Earth’s atmosphere during solar observations, enabling them to examine the features of the corona, which is the outer atmosphere of stars.

“The level of detail is unprecedented; these are things that no one has ever observed before,” Schmidt states.

Plasma flows through the sun’s corona

Schmidt et al./njit/nso/aura/nsf

Newly revealed details include plasma flows within the corona and the plasma loops referred to as solar prominences.

The images also provide the clearest view of coronal rain observed to date, displaying plasma droplets about the size of cities falling toward the sun’s surface as they cool and become denser. “Gravity pulls them down toward the sun,” Schmidt explains.

The observations were conducted during the summers of 2023 and 2024. Researchers anticipate that some images will shed light on why the solar corona is significantly hotter than the solar surface—a difference of millions versus thousands of degrees, a perplexing enigma.

One theory involves the magnetic fields that interact and reconnect within the solar corona. “In numerous images and videos we present, you can observe intricately intertwined structures and chaotic movements at a minute scale,” notes Schmidt.

Some features captured in the images remain unexplained, such as a plasma filament splitting into multiple fragments. “Currently, we are missing a conclusive explanation,” Schmidt conveys. “This could indicate a novel phenomenon, and it’s thrilling to see how other scientists will further investigate this.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tech Stocks Climb Following Strong Nvidia Results, Despite Concerns Over Chinese Competitors

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Even though leaders in the AI chip industry have raised concerns about the emergence of Chinese competitors, tech stocks experienced an upswing on Thursday, buoyed by robust results from Nvidia.

The Stoxx Europe Tech Index increased by 0.8% on Thursday, leading to a 2.4% rise in Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. Meanwhile, in the US, tech-focused NASDAQ futures surged by 2%, alongside a 6% pre-market gain for Nvidia’s shares.

The uptick in tech and artificial intelligence stocks followed Nvidia’s report that surpassed Wall Street expectations, with quarterly revenues jumping 69% to $44 billion (£32.6 billion). The company also expressed optimism that business transactions in the Middle East could offset losses from China.

In April, former US President Donald Trump announced restrictions on AI chip exports to China, effectively cutting off a significant revenue stream, although Nvidia continues to sell H20 AI chips to Chinese firms.

Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang cautioned that Chinese competitors are capitalizing on the vacuum left by US trade barriers. “Chinese rivals have adapted,” Huang stated to Bloomberg TV. He noted that Huawei, which has been blacklisted by the US government, is “extremely formidable.” “Like everyone, their capabilities are multiplying each year,” Huang remarked. “The volume has also significantly increased.”

While US government policies aim to shield AI technology from Chinese influences, Huang indicated that domestic businesses are simply exploring alternative options. “The importance of the Chinese market should not be underestimated,” Huang noted. “It’s home to the largest population of AI researchers globally.”

Nvidia mentioned that it anticipates losing out on $8 billion in revenue for the second quarter due to Trump’s trade restrictions.

Tech investors felt positive after a recent judicial ruling that might challenge the president’s aggressive trade regime, as the US trade court opposed Trump’s severe tariff policies. Nonetheless, uncertainty looms since the White House has already appealed this decision from the International Trade Court based in New York.

In other news, shares of Tesla, another key player in AI technology, climbed by 2.6% after CEO Elon Musk confirmed his decision to step down from his role in the Trump administration.

Musk has been “at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since January, ruthlessly cutting expenditures across various public sectors and institutions. He announced in April his intention to resign following a decline in Tesla’s revenue and his failure to secure a Supreme Court position, which had consumed millions in support of Republican candidates.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Uncover Planets That Devour Stars

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 2020, the Zwicky Transient Facility observed a location in the night sky that suggested the merging of two stars. This phenomenon was identified as a bright red nova, known as Submin’s Red Nova, or slrn. Two years later, astronomers revisited the same area and discovered indications that the star had engulfed nearby planets, referred to as ZTF SLRN-2020.

Earlier observations made using near-infrared telescopes revealed chemical traces such as titanium oxide and carbon monoxide. The event’s brightness was primarily in low-energy wavelengths rather than visible light, indicating a merger event involving bodies between the masses of Neptune and Jupiter.

The stars in this system are not active; the planet did not actively approach but was instead consumed by the star. This raised questions about the physical mechanisms that caused the interaction. The team examined two scenarios: one where a star expanded during its lifecycle to reach the planet’s orbit, and the other where a planet lost energy and spiraled inward toward the star, a phenomenon termed orbital attenuation.

To evaluate these scenarios, the team conducted follow-up measurements on ZTF SLRN-2020 using instruments onboard the JWST, specifically the Near-infrared Spectrometer and Mid-infrared Instrument. They also performed ground-based observations with the Gemini North Telescope Near-Infrared Imager. By combining data from these instruments, the team obtained a comprehensive understanding of the low-energy light emission patterns from ZTF SLRN-2020, revealing insights into the system’s current structure and dynamics.

Illustration of the ZTF SLRN-2020 system before and after the planet is engulfed. Left: A Sun-like star with an exoplanet akin to Neptune or Jupiter. Right: After the planet’s orbit decayed and it fell into the star, material was expelled, forming a cooler outer dust shell and a hotter inner dust disk. Created by the author using Microsoft PowerPoint.

In their analysis, astronomers identified four key characteristics. The remaining stars displayed a reddish hue, highlighting a significant presence of high-energy electrons in the star’s hydrogen, along with substantial carbon monoxide. There were also traces of phosphine, a compound typically found around gas giants and in the vicinity of young stars. Using computer modeling, the team evaluated which scenarios could realistically produce these observed patterns.

Measurements of star color indicated that ZTF SLRN-2020 is quite similar to the Sun but is roughly 70% of its size. The star is too young to have undergone the expansion associated with its later life stages. Consequently, the planet’s orbit became destabilized, leading to its gradual engulfment by the star. This collision likely released energy, igniting the star’s brightness in 2020 and stimulating the hydrogen in its outer layer.

The team theorized that during the collision, the star would have expelled material from the planet. The emissions of phosphine and carbon monoxide suggested that the ejected material originated from two different layers of dust around the star: a cold outer shell and a hot inner disk. Observations did not reveal any remnants of the planet’s core still orbiting the star, indicating that it was entirely consumed, losing even its outer layers.

The researchers deemed this event a new frontier in physics, as it marks the first observed case of planetary engulfment. The data collected from various instruments can provide future researchers with essential insights when investigating similar instances.

Post view: 56

Source: sciworthy.com

Nvidia Surpasses Wall Street Expectations Despite Trump’s Impact on China Sales | Technology

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Nvidia surpassed Wall Street’s projections in its quarterly revenue report on Wednesday, continuing a streak of financial successes for the technology leader. For the quarter ending in April, revenue reached $44.1 billion, a 69% increase from the previous year.

The company outperformed an investor forecast of $43.3 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were reported at $0.81, falling short of the anticipated 88 cents. Additionally, data center revenue soared to $39.1 billion, marking a 73% growth year-over-year.

Nvidia remains optimistic about the AI sector, both in terms of its advanced hardware and the regulatory challenges on the horizon, which investors are keenly monitoring.

“Nvidia has once again surpassed expectations, but maintaining this lead is growing more challenging,” observed Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Emarketer. “China’s export restrictions highlight immediate geopolitical pressures, but Nvidia also faces competition as rivals like AMD strengthen their positions based on certain cost-effectiveness metrics in AI workloads.”

CEO Jensen Huang stated, “The global demand for Nvidia’s AI infrastructure is remarkably strong. Countries worldwide see AI as a vital utility, comparable to electricity and the Internet.”

The chipmaker anticipates revenues of $45 billion for the second quarter of 2026.

Nvidia’s quarterly reports over the past year reflect explosive growth. However, the company is under increasing pressure from U.S. regulations.

Donald Trump’s announcement in April regarding tightened computer chip export regulations effectively barred Nvidia from selling its primary revenue source, the H20 AI chip, to China.

“H20 products were primarily designed for the Chinese market,” the company’s first quarter revenue report stated. Consequently, Nvidia expects to miss out on $8 billion in revenue for its second quarter.

Despite this setback, Huang expressed optimism about Trump’s intentions to allow companies to export chips with limited capabilities to China.

“The president has a plan and a vision. I trust him,” he noted.

However, Huang cautioned that losing access to China’s potential $50 billion AI market could jeopardize U.S. leadership in the global AI infrastructure race. “China is one of the largest AI markets, serving as a launchpad for global success,” he stated during the revenue call.

“China’s AI will progress with or without U.S. chips,” he remarked. “The issue isn’t whether China has AI—it’s already happening; the real question is if one of the world’s largest AI markets will rely on American chips.”

The company revealed that the recent SEC claims could cost them $5.5 billion. They noted only $4.6 billion in claims in the first quarter tied to H20 excess inventory and purchase obligations. Some materials may also be reused, affecting forecasts.

In an interview with Ben Thompson, Huang described the loss as “deeply painful.” Reports suggest a revenue loss of $15 billion. In the first quarter alone, the company could not ship an additional $2.5 billion in H20 revenue.

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“We have never written off so much inventory in history,” Huang remarked. “We’re not just losing $5.5 billion; we’ve also missed out on $15 billion in sales… and potentially… $3 billion in taxes.”

The tightened export regulations pose challenges: a committee within the U.S. Congress indicated that Nvidia is seeking feedback on China’s groundbreaking AI model, especially regarding Deepseek, an AI firm that mirrors products from U.S. AI companies without the same computational power.

The committee’s report alleges that Deepseek “secretly leaked American user data to the Chinese Communist Party, manipulated information to align with CCP propaganda, and trained on materials unlawfully acquired from the company.”

Despite the tightening export restrictions, analysts believe Nvidia has shown remarkable resilience this quarter.

“Amid industry integration and rising competition, geopolitical tensions have created a tougher business landscape. Nevertheless, the company has effectively focused on its operational core,” Investing.com commented.

“We’ve effectively managed supply and demand dynamics within data centers. Thus, the $4.5 billion impact from H20 during the quarter underscores NVIDIA’s ability to adapt to market changes,” they added.

Analysts also speculate that U.S.-China negotiations “might yield positive outcomes for Nvidia,” according to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.

“Nvidia is the sole chipmaker propelling the AI revolution. This narrative is underscored by their results and Jensen’s optimistic remarks,” Ives stated. “This indicates a significant lead in the broader tech landscape, suggesting the AI revolution is poised for further growth, despite the tariff challenges posed by Trump.”

Though Nvidia’s Chinese operations remain uncertain, analysts note a surge in demand for Nvidia chips in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The company has benefited from AI opportunities arising from Trump’s visit, which secured $600 million for U.S. businesses.

Nvidia announced plans to sell hundreds of thousands of AI chips to Saudi Arabia, including to a startup supported by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, employing 18,000 individuals with the latest technology.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Rare Footage Reveals Sharks Feeding in Unison

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

This exceptional footage captures a large group of sharks calmly feeding on decaying corpses off the coast of Hawaii.

The marine White Tip and Tiger sharks displayed no aggressive behavior toward one another or the film crew, and they shared the bloated remains with ease.

Marine biologists at the University of Hawaii Manoa conducted a study on this event, publishing their findings in the Science Journal Frontier of Fish Science.

First Author Dr. Molly Scott stated, “To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the feeding aggregation of tiger sharks and marine white tip sharks.”

“These species are seldom seen together in the wild due to their vastly different habitats.”

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-1.m4v

While most sharks hunt for their food, cleaning can also serve as an important food source.

Ocean white tips can grow to lengths of up to 2 meters and are threatened by roaming sharks, although they occasionally visit Hawaii’s Oshima during the spring and summer.

In contrast, tiger sharks can reach lengths of 4 meters and are more coastal, preferring to stay in the same area throughout the year.

According to Scott, witnessing these two species in the same location is “incredibly rare,” especially as they shared the food with no conflict.

“We observed up to 12 small individual sharks feeding intermittently on very decomposed corpses, and we saw no aggressive behavior, whether interspecific or intraspecies,” she noted.

“This amazed me. I expected some aggressiveness when multiple sharks were feeding around these small corpses, but it appeared that each shark understood its role in the social hierarchy.”

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-2.m4v

A larger shark approached and bit the body directly, while a smaller shark consumed a floating piece.

It appears that the social order allowed the larger sharks to feed first, except that smaller female tiger sharks tended to dominate the two largest marine white tips.

“Some individuals, like female tiger sharks, may have been either shy or bold about their size,” Scott explained. “They might not have been welcomed to join in, as the feeding order was already established before they arrived.”

The smallest sharks remained just beneath the surface, snacking on scraps.

While all these sharks are primarily hunters, they may engage in cleaning when opportunities arise, such as when they detect a body.

https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2025/05/New-Shark-Vid-3.m4v

The observations continued for over eight hours, and by the next day, the body was gone.

The floating carcass was first spotted in April 2024 by a tourist boat about 10 km off the west coast of Big Island.

The observed feeding lasted 8.5 hours, with at least nine marine white tip sharks and five tiger sharks participating, while a few individuals were in the water the whole time.

“None of the photographers reported any frightening, aggressive, or harmful interactions with the sharks,” Scott remarked. “I hope this presents a new perspective that sharks are not the mindless predators they are often portrayed to be.”

Researchers also aim for this unusual observation to deepen the understanding of shark behavior, particularly their interactions with one another.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Australian Mom Considers “Cryogenic” Solution for Son After Heartbreaking Loss

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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Before the Great Wall: Chinese Rulers Carved Shallow Grooves

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Excavation of Mongolia’s medieval wall system by archaeologists

Gideon Shelach-Lavi et al. 2025

Long before the construction of the Great Wall of China, other significant walls were erected on the Eurasian steppes, not with the intent of safeguarding the Mongolian army. Recent diggings indicate that they were established to regulate movement and to showcase power, similar to modern boundary walls.

The Great Wall of China spans thousands of kilometers, with its longest segment measuring approximately 8,850 kilometers. This section originates from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) and served as a physical barrier against Mongol incursions.

In contrast to large fortifications, the earlier systems consist of a network of trenches, walls, and enclosures approximately 4,000 km wide across northern China, Mongolia, and Russia.

This infrastructure was developed between the 10th and 12th centuries by various dynasties, primarily the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234 AD). It was primarily constructed by the people of Siberia and the Zurchen from northeastern China, who were herders.

Gideon Shelach-Lavi from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, along with his team, has utilized satellite imagery and drones to explore and map these ancient walls. They are now investigating a 405 km section excavated in Mongolia, including one of the enclosures.

The structure features a trench about 1 meter deep and 3 meters wide, with the earth piled on one side, forming a compact earth wall that stands 1-2 meters tall. At intervals, a thick square stone enclosure approximately 30 meters wide was added along the wall.

The purpose of these walls is still unclear, as historical records are scarce, and they were not built at natural geographical divides, according to Shelach-Lavi.

Many historians believed they were constructed to thwart Genghis Khan’s army, which reigned over the Mongol Empire from 1206 to 1227. However, Sherach Ravi asserts that these structures would not have been particularly effective for defense. “They were not designed to repel military invasions,” he states.

Instead, he theorizes that the walls were primarily a demonstration of power — showing that the region was under the control of the Jin Dynasty. The walls allowed for the regulation of people through the enclosure gates, managing the flow of people, goods, and animals. He suggests that even though they may not have stopped armies, the walls might have been effective in preventing smaller attacks.

“The objective seems to be guiding individuals towards these enclosures, allowing for control and taxation,” he explains. “It’s all about monitoring movement, which is not so different from what we observe today.”

The findings at the enclosure also illuminate the lifestyle of the inhabitants. “This is a picturesque area,” remarks Sherach Ravi. “We have uncovered extensive evidence of livestock grazing, hunting, and fishing.”

Moreover, within the enclosure, researchers discovered stone platforms or benches that could have served as stoves or beds for the Han Chinese during the Song Dynasty, who were in conflict with the Jin Dynasty.

This suggests that significant resources went into building and maintaining garrisons, indicating that people lived there year-round and engaged in agriculture. “This is remarkable, as even today, farming activities are minimal in this region,” he notes.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

It suggests that humpback whales are nearsighted and often collide with objects.

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Recent studies indicate that humpback whales often collide with objects due to their surprisingly limited vision.

This gentle giant struggles to discern fine details until it is quite close, which may explain the unfortunate incidents of these animals becoming entangled in fishing nets or crashing into small vessels.

To gain insights into how humpback whales perceive their surroundings, a group of marine biologists examined the left eye of a deceased whale after it had been stranded.

In the study, the researchers found that the rear part of the whale’s eye was considerably thicker than anticipated. This suggests that the distance from the retina to the lens (the eye’s focal length) is much shorter than expected.

A shorter focal length implies that the whale’s capability to resolve finer details is significantly lower than previously believed.

This theory was further supported by the team’s count of the neurons responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, which revealed a stark contrast.

While a typical human eye has around 40,000 retinal ganglion cells per square millimeter, humpback whales possess only about 180.

Humpback whales are known to collide with small boats as they fail to detect them – Credits: Getty Images/Marnie Griffith

This level of poor vision typically doesn’t hinder whales, but Professor Lori Schweikert from the University of North Carolina Wilmington noted in BBC Science Focus.

“Apart from prey, humans, and some bird species, many animals possess relatively low vision,” says Schweikert.

“However, their visual capabilities are often adequate for their survival needs in their natural habitats. For humpback whales, they may primarily need to recognize large shapes, such as a big school of prey or other swimming whales.”

Humpbacks can identify large objects from a distance, but finer details come into focus only when they are about 45-60 meters away, or within 3-4 lengths of their bodies.

This means whales may struggle to see thin strands of fishing nets.

“At close range, they should be able to identify such structures,” Schweikert adds.

About our experts

Professor Lori Schweicart serves as an assistant professor of biology and marine biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her research centers on the physiological mechanisms involved in light reception within marine settings.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Giant Glacier Collapse Triggers Landslides, Engulfs Swiss Villages

Posted on May 29, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Birch Glacier triggered an avalanche of ice, snow, water, and rocks as its edge collapsed.

Jean-Christophe Bott/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Many glaciers in the Swiss Alps separated from the mountains, resulting in debris, mud, and ice crashing down onto the village of Blatten.

Authorities had been warning for weeks about the potential collapse of the Birch Glacier due to visible cracks in the ice. Earlier this month, both residents and livestock were evacuated from Bratten, a village situated in the valley beneath the glacier, which houses around 300 individuals.

Webcams and drone footage captured on the 28th show massive clouds of debris swirling through the Alpine valley as the glacier gives way, with immense flows of mud and rock blanketing the hillside and much of the village.

A press briefing in a nearby settlement on May 28th reported one person missing, though there were no immediate casualties. Much of Bratten is now covered beneath debris. The glacial collapse also registered as a 3.1 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale, according to seismic data.

Images from the location indicate that, in addition to the village, vast expanses of forest have been devastated, which has dammed the nearby Lonza River, heightening the risk of floods in the area.

“Nature is more powerful than humanity. Those living in the mountains understand this. However, today we witnessed an exceptional event. It’s deeply disturbing to see the aftermath,” reported a Swiss news outlet.

As global temperatures rise, Alpine glaciers are becoming increasingly unstable. Official statistics show that in Switzerland, glaciers lost 10% of their volume between 2022 and 2023.

The melting of glaciers leads to the collapse of rocks and ice, resulting in debris flows into the valleys below. Research indicates that climate change is contributing to an increase in small rockfalls and landslides in the Alps.

However, further investigation is necessary to understand the specific events that transpired in Blatten, as stated by Mylène Jacquemart from ETH Zurich, who will assess the extent of the glacier failures and the underlying reasons. “Clearly, incidents similar to Bratten are rare. This is a complicated sequence of processes,” she elaborated.

Jack Mart emphasized the challenge of detecting changes in the frequency and severity of significant landslides.

“The alterations induced by climate change in the alpine regions (such as increased melting, reduced snow cover, warmer temperatures, and more rain than snow) negatively affect rock stability,” she noted. “Yet, could this series of events have occurred without climate change? It’s possible. A crucial question in hazard management is whether there is a noticeable rise in the frequency of certain events. Are occurrences that previously happened every decade now becoming more frequent?

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Humanity’s First True Urban Pest: A 60,000-Year History of Infestation

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

As the saying goes, “Don’t bite bed bugs.”

Recent studies reveal that these pests have been accompanying humans since they ventured out of caves approximately 60,000 years ago, possibly earning the title of “the first true urban pest.”

Researchers indicate that understanding the symbiotic relationship between bed bugs and blood-sucking parasites could enhance predictive models for the spread of pests and diseases as urban populations swell. This finding was detailed in a study published in the journal Biology Letters on Wednesday.

Through genetic analysis, Virginia Tech researchers have found that the populations of bed bugs that fed on humans began to dwindle until the last ice age around 20,000 years ago.

At this point, the two lineages began to diverge.

“The most thrilling part is the resurgence of human-associated strains and a rise in effective population,” stated Lindsay Miles, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech. News Release from Wednesday.

Bed bug populations also surged approximately 12,000 years ago when humans began forming large settlements that evolved into cities like Mesopotamia. The study noted that furniture and blood-sucking pests such as rats and cockroaches became domestic nuisances.

The research indicated a decline in the bat bedbug.

The analysis of demographic patterns “offers compelling evidence that human-associated lineages closely followed the demographic history and movement of modern humans toward the first city,” concluded the researchers.

“Bed bugs shared living spaces with early humans, and as humans migrated, they took along a subset of the population, leading to reduced genetic diversity in those strains associated with humans,” explained Warren Booth, an associate professor of urban entomology at Virginia Tech.

The team observes an “effective population size,” which refers to the number of breeders contributing to the next generation, allowing them to glimpse past trends, according to Miles.

The earliest human civilizations emerged around 10,000 years ago, creating optimal conditions for the “proliferation of pests in communal cities,” as noted by Miles and Booth in the study results.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Sexting Sensation: Why Text Messaging is the Hottest Trend in TV Shows

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the concluding episode of Ted Lasso’s second season, Ted sends a straightforward text to his ex-wife: “Knock, Knock.” It’s not particularly unusual, but the striking part is that this seems to be the very first message he ever sent to his son’s mother. Until now, she’s never texted him back. The empty spaces surrounding the message indicate that the characters have a history of communication.

This issue has been a thorn in the side of television. Why does Emily in Paris receive her boyfriend’s first text saying, “Hey, how about Paris?” Or when Rebecca mistakenly texts her crush using her eccentric ex-girlfriend’s best friend’s phone—why is their conversation history nonexistent when she sees a message about a house party several episodes later? In 2021, Wired journalist Zack Jason highlighted in a series of articles that these characters have no texting history, making it “not allowed and awkward to witness.”

It seems that studios and streamers have taken note. Nowadays, television writers strive to accurately portray their characters’ texting history.

In the dark comedy currently airing, friends and neighbors often text one another. When Jon Hamm’s character Coop wishes to meet up with his lover, we see a long history filled with previous booty calls, and even sexy snapshots. When his son texts his crush, it’s evident that she has previously replied with just “K.” Meanwhile, the newly released thriller series The Stolen Girl showcases text threads bursting with emojis between spouses and colleagues. Ted Lasso’s approach was revised in Season 3; viewers can now observe Ted’s interactions with various people, including a message to his upstairs neighbor stating, “I swear to you, I’m not playing music.”

“I swear to you, Mrs. Shipley, I’m not playing music”… A very unusual call in Ted Lasso’s Season 3. Photo: Amelia Tate

“It drives us all mad when there’s no text history. That’s something we’ve fought for years,” states Dave Henri, managing partner at Modern Motion, a California-based graphic design firm. The Magic Phone software can be installed on a set of prop devices. The app syncs with a Bluetooth keyboard that allows crews to trigger notifications, or a bubble that pops up when someone is typing, enabling actors to send past messages and display appropriate responses in real-time. Magic Phone allows productions to incorporate text message histories complete with convincing timestamps, and its realism is employed in several Apple TV+ productions, including morning shows, shrinks, and Ted Lasso.

“I believe studios and creatives are recognizing that viewers are accustomed to analyzing these devices,” Henri adds. “A lot of thought goes into this now because fans know to look for errors.”

A contemporary worker, Rodgers, collaborated on Ted’s extensive text history in Season 3. He notes that it went through 25 to 30 revisions before the visuals were perfected. “We engaged with the writers, directors, and showrunners, reflecting on what Ted had previously told his mother or what he said to his doctor three months back,” states Rogers. Several graphics were adjusted post-premiere to enhance viewer experience for those watching the show later. “If they realized that sending a message at 10:53 AM wasn’t feasible, they aimed to rectify it to ensure it was flawless.”

Ambika mod of The Stolen Girl. Photo: Matt Squire/Disney

An astonishing amount of effort goes into crafting what appears on the screen for just a moment. “You’re simply sending text messages, and there are 13 or 14 iterations. We think about what a character’s phone displays, what the contact image should be, or whether we even need that image,” Rogers explains. A unique gag for observant viewers shows that Ted’s mother had texted him previously, attaching a photo of a router without a plug and stating that her internet was down. “We loved the three or four different photos they provided of that router. That’s how detailed we get.”

While adding Easter eggs like this can be enjoyable, past texts must not distract from the central plot. This is because the audience tends to miss the “hero text” being sent or received during crucial moments. Script editor Charlie Neal faced this dilemma with The Stolen Girl. Important texts were written into scripts by head writers, but he filled in the conversation history, subsequently approved by writers and producers. “What’s needed is to keep the focus on what’s significant,” he emphasizes. Past texts must not be “quirky, attention-catching, or lengthy” as viewers’ attention can drift away. Conversely, overly mundane messages may also distract. If silence prevails, it becomes distracting too.

Neal even drew inspiration from his own real-life text exchanges. “What do you text your colleagues about?” might be something like, “I’m heading out for coffee, would you like something?” However, he had to ensure that nothing was added that could misrepresent the story or alter the audience’s perception of characters. Continuity is paramount—if a character receives a text on one day, it must be visible in the next day’s history, occasionally amidst random messages.

A booty call between friends and neighbors. Photo: Amelia Tate

In the end, Neal wrote 10-20 historical texts for each interaction, although only one or two appear on the screen. At one point in The Stolen Girl, a character scrolls through the DMs sent to a media outlet’s social media profiles, and Neal even had to “channel the voices of internet trolls” to craft these messages. He was also tasked with assigning names to the senders. All names displayed onscreen must receive approval from the legal department; for instance, if a journalist named Amelia Tait appears alongside another journalist named Amelia Tait, Neal named the troll after a fellow crew member.

Ultimately, while texting history may not make or break a show, it is certainly appreciated by the audience. “Today’s television viewers are so perceptive that they will notice if the minor text dated April 26th contradicts anything else in the script,” observes Neal. Actors enjoy interacting with these sound devices as well. “Helping an actor visualize and react to the message is truly one of the best experiences,” Henri remarks. Interestingly, Harrison Ford was reportedly a fan of the Magic Phone on a reduced set, and Kandy even notes how one actor’s typing appears like that of a skilled hacker due to the software, despite their actual method resembling “hunting and pecking with just two fingers.”

Nowadays, if a character’s text history is absent, viewers might feel confident that it was a deliberate choice. “When a typing bubble repeatedly appears and vanishes without any action, it’s a modern metaphor for unresolved communication,” Kandy points out—almost a sign that the text is meant to signify something. The team behind crafting these messages is pleased that their work is finally receiving recognition. “We often go unnoticed or are overshadowed in industry roles,” Rogers states. “But we’re continually evolving,” or to put it another way, people may not exclaim “OMG” at the moment, but if you know, you know (iykyk).

Source: www.theguardian.com

How Visualization Transforms Your Perception and Fosters Success

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Envisioning a specific action is a strategy effectively employed by athletes to achieve outstanding results.

Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

This article is part of a special series exploring the fundamental possibilities of human imagination. Click here for more details.

Are you feeling anxious about upcoming events? Picture a magical anti-anxiety pill in front of you for a moment, and let it dissolve your nerves. Visualize the package, feel yourself taking the pills from the foil, and then imagine bringing it to your mouth, dropping it, and recalling the sensation of swallowing.

These were the instructions given by Jens Gaab, a colleague at the University of Basel in Switzerland, in a recent study investigating the potential of the placebo effect. University students preparing for exams were instructed to practice this visualization twice a day for three weeks.

Surprisingly, it proved effective. Participants who engaged in this mental exercise reported reduced test anxiety compared to a control group who had to monitor their anxiety levels as the trial approached. “And they performed significantly better,” Gaab notes.
It is now widely recognized that placebo pills can alleviate symptoms, and the findings from Gaab and his team indicate that such effects can be achieved through mere imagination. This is only one of the many incredible ways in which our imagination can enhance our health, happiness, and success. So, how can we maximize these advantages?

Why does visualization work?

The effectiveness of visualization is well-documented in sports science. “Multisensory imagery can be a game changer…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Elden Ring Nightreign Review: FromSoftware Delivers Multiplayer Mayhem to the Realm

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A A standalone spinoff from FromSoftware’s immensely popular single-player dark-fantasy game Eldenling, the multiplayer-focused Eldenling Night League is an intriguing mix that often feels like a blend of various gaming experiences.

Each session, whether solo or in a team of three, begins as players enter a compact, dense world, striving to gain strength as the rapidly closing ring constricts around them. Instead of facing other players, you will combat various monsters and explore locations directly drawn from Eldenling’s universe. After every match, players obtain upgrade materials to enhance future runs and advance the game’s narrative alongside rogue elements. This complexity can be quite overwhelming.

Race against the clock… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco

Each session presents a frantic race against time to develop an in-flight strategy that takes you across the map. The match unfolds over three days. In the first two days, you can quickly become a local boss, acquire minor buffs with powerful passive abilities, gain weapons with impactful skills, or evade the encroaching rings to ensure successful runs. Each night culminates in a more formidable battle than ever faced, heightening the stakes.

It’s a thrilling yet intense experience as you gear up for the final day. As dawn breaks, you find yourself ready to enter the desolate arena and confront one of several challenging mega bosses designed for group play.

Nightreign is predominantly tailored for a trio of players. You can venture solo, but this poses a significant risk. If you inadvertently fall victim to a boss attack and perish, there’s no one to revive you. Furthermore, many enemies intended for teamwork can easily overwhelm an individual player.

Going solo is not advisable… Eldenling Night League. Photo: Bandai Namco

Ultimately, this game emphasizes momentum. The urgency you feel while navigating the world is palpable. Every moment prompts the question: Am I wasting time exploring this corner? Can I defeat this boss quickly enough to secure a reward? It’s an exhilarating experience as you rush to assess equipment and make build decisions on the fly, yet it strays from the traditional FromSoftware formula, as many elements have been adapted for speed.

For instance, there’s no stats option for leveling up. Leveling has been simplified to button mashing at rest areas. While the world is filled with numerous minor enemies, defeating a couple in quick succession will only help you reach level 2; engaging with them feels minimal since tackling bosses is the key to gaining strength.

This momentum gives Nightreign a “one more run” allure, but the fast pace diminishes much of the world to mere distractions that squander your time. The glitches we’ve encountered in the review versions contribute to this irritation. Spending five minutes on a dragon only to glitch through the wall feels particularly frustrating.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Djtsw5k_DNc?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN – REVEAL GAMEPLAY TRAILER" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

One of the most criticized mechanics in the Dark Souls series was the necessity to return to the boss arena upon death. Fans were relieved when Eldenling allowed respawning just outside the arena. However, Nightreign’s experience feels like a cumbersome regression, almost Sisyphean. Each run demands approximately 35 minutes to reach the final boss, yet these bosses often have unique mechanics capable of obliterating unsuspecting teams with just a few hits. You find yourself rolling that boulder up the hill repeatedly, which feels awfully punishing.

Given Elden Ring’s triumph in adapting FromSoftware’s intricate design philosophy into an open world, it’s disappointing that the developers seem to have missed the mark with Nightreign. The repetitive nature of the game and its reliance on content borrowed from Eldenling—often haphazardly arranged—leaves the world feeling more like a fan-made mod than a unique title.

The efforts to preserve established gameplay mechanics are commendable, and defeating massive enemies alongside friends adds to the gratification of overcoming what initially felt like an insurmountable challenge. Nonetheless, the game’s pacing issues and dependence on Eldenling’s assets detract from the overall experience.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Shakespeare’s Macbeth: A Tale of Violence and Decadence—Not Grand Theft Auto

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Last week, The Guardian engaged with the creators of Lili, Macbeth’s video game, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. The prominent quote from this piece stated, “Shakespeare will write for today’s game.” Shakespeare was immersed in the Elizabethan era of theatre, a time when, much like contemporary video games, plays were regarded as mere popular entertainment and often overlooked for serious analysis or preservation! Authorities at the time similarly fretted over the violent and obscene nature of these plays and their potential influence on the masses.

If he were to embrace the notion of a 21st-century Shakespeare crafting games, what type would that entail? Our key argument is that Shakespeare was invested in populism and entertainment. Thus, if we focus on pure profit, he might develop casual smartphone games—akin to Tencent’s massively popular multiplayer arena game, King of Honor, which raked in $2.6 billion (£1.9 billion) last year. However, while the Bard had a fascination with royalty and honor (and certainly making money), it’s a stretch to envision Hamlet as a multiplayer arena-style battler. Surely, our noble characters would barely utter, “O, this would melt, thaw, and settle into dew. Before it evaporates with a barrage of sc-heat.” There’s also little room for the intricacies of storytelling or military rhetoric in battle royale games like Fortnite, despite Shakespeare’s acknowledged affinity for conflict and mortality.

No, if Shakespeare were to return in the early 21st century, it seems he would gravitate towards open-world role-playing adventures. In such a realm, he would have the freedom to craft nuanced stories with an array of characters in diverse settings. The marsh of King Lear could transform into a desolate wasteland, echoing the ravages of Fallout. Macbeth’s Castle might resemble Elden Ring’s ghostly dungeons or settings in The Witcher 3. Verona, home to Romeo and Juliet, could present a captivating yet troubled rendition reminiscent of GTA’s Los Santos. The persistent themes of Shakespeare—war’s nature, revenge, madness, and free will—are at the heart of fantasy RPGs. His talent for incorporating characters from all walks of life is mirrored in the intricate social hierarchies of expansive open-world games. Shakespeare’s historical narratives blend real and fictional figures, akin to the Assassin’s Creed series, which also grapples with themes of identity, disguise, and fantasy.

“This castle has a comfortable seat”… The Witcher 3 represents the kind of open-world RPG that a reborn bard could inspire. Photo: CD Projekt Red

Moreover, open-world games possess a similarly free-form structure and psychological depth as Shakespeare’s theatrical works. They feature subplots, side quests, nonlinear timelines, and morally complex characters. Vast and sprawling, these games invite diverse interpretations; audiences often become both spectators and participants within the narrative. Likewise, Shakespeare aimed for his audiences to engage with the performance, utilizing asides, quips, and monologues to blur the lines between the stage and the audience. Today’s vocal and interactive gamers share more with Shakespeare’s Elizabethan viewers than with the polite crowds of modern theater.

This intriguing intersection of Shakespeare and open-world games is gradually gaining recognition. A few years back, the RSC commissioned three artists to explore live theater interactions with technology. One such artist, digital creator Adam Clarke, experimented with staging Shakespeare’s performances in Minecraft. Recently, I viewed Grand Theft Hamlet, an incredible documentary showcasing efforts to perform Hamlet within Grand Theft Auto during the COVID lockdowns. After all, if any genre can technically express Shakespeare’s fundamental philosophy, it’s that of open-world online video games, where everyone is merely a player on the great stage of life.

What to play

An intriguing strategy sim… Lift Lift. Photo: Adriaan de Jongh

It’s always refreshing to witness a familiar video game genre reimagined thoughtfully. Lift Lift, created by Dutch designer Adriaan de Jongh and his small team, offers a fresh take on tower defense games—think Plants vs. Zombies. In this version, the landscape is significantly more expansive, incorporating tactical elements like the capacity to lay the groundwork for new towers before gathering the necessary resources. With engaging visual aesthetics and sound effects, this strategy sim proves appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike.

Available on: PC
Estimated playtime: Over 15 hours

What to read

It’s a flesh scar… Elden Ring. Photo: Bandai Namco

Writer, director, and gaming enthusiast Alex Garland has confirmed his involvement in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Elden Ring, produced by A24 and Bandai Namco. If realized, the initial moments of the film will depict the protagonist’s repeated defeats at the hands of the Tree Sentinel Knight.
Pac-Man officially turns 45! The BFI features articles tracing the game’s development, from its origins as a pizza-inspired saga to the distinct personalities of the ghosts. However, Ms. Pac-Man remains the superior game.
Game design icon Peter Molyneux recently participated in a Q&A at the Nordic Game 2025 Conference, where gi.biz shared his intriguing insights on the fate of Project Milo. If you have to ask what it is, you may never know.
For those intrigued, check out Hurt Me Plenty, an exquisite coffee table book exploring the finest first-person shooters from the 2000s. It dissects titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Half-Life 2, and Unreal Tournament, along with an obscure gem known as Code Name: Nina—an insightful overview of this pivotal era in shooter game design.

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The oddest game contender… Seaman. Photo: Sega

This query comes from Andy, who asked:

What is the strangest game you’ve ever played? Last year, I explored Harold Halibut on Game Pass, which stands out as one of the most bizarre experiences I’ve encountered. I’m eager to hear about other unusual gaming journeys.

I’ve played many peculiar titles. Seaman (the fish who speaks with Leonard Nimoy’s voice), Mr. Mosquito (where you embody a mosquito), and Catamari Damacy (where you roll up a massive ball of trash for the King of the Universe) have all left an imprint. I’ve also ventured into more obscure games like the Spectrum classic Fat Worm Blows a Sparx (you are a microscope worm trapped in a computer), the strange Amiga adventure Tone’s Tass Town (where you’re caught in a punk-infused 1980s dimension), and the quirky PlayStation 2 voyeur simulator Polaroid Pete (you’re a photographer capturing odd happenings in a park).

My personal favorite is Sega’s Ambulance Emergency Call, a game reminiscent of Crazy Taxi. If you collide too much, you have to perform CPR while transporting a critically ill patient. It was a notable arcade hit, yet it surprisingly didn’t make it to home consoles—I can’t fathom why!

If you have a blocking question or anything to share about the newsletter, please reach out to pushingbuttons@theguardian.com

Source: www.theguardian.com

Trump Media Company Secures $2.5 Billion Investment for Bitcoin Acquisition

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

On Tuesday, Donald Trump’s media organization announced that institutional investors are set to acquire $2.5 billion in stock, with plans to build Bitcoin reserves from the generated revenue.

Around 50 institutional investors are expected to put $1.5 billion into a private placement for Trump Media and Technology Group, the firm behind Truth Social, along with a $1 billion conversion of senior notes into common stock, as per the company’s statement.

Trump Media aims to utilize its revenues to establish a “Bitcoin Treasury Department.” This initiative will mirror the president’s actions and develop a “strategic Bitcoin Reserve” for the U.S. government.

Devin Nunes, former Congressman and current CEO and Chairman of Trump Media, stated in a press release: “We view Bitcoin as the pinnacle of financial freedom. Currently, Trump Media holds cryptocurrency as a significant portion of their assets. Nunes added that purchasing a substantial amount of Bitcoin will enhance subscription payments and promote a true social “utility token,” which is a form of cryptocurrency used for app purchases on a designated blockchain.

During his initial term, Trump, who once described cryptocurrency as “not money,” critiquing its value as “based on thin air,” has since shifted his perspective on technology. He was the first major candidate to accept donations in cryptocurrency during his campaign. Since assuming office, he has introduced his own cryptocurrency.

Just last week, Trump compensated 220 individuals involved in another cryptocurrency venture, Trump’s Memecoin, leading to allegations that he has blurred the lines between his responsibilities as president and personal interests during a lavish dinner at a luxury golf club in Northern Virginia.

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At an event hosted at his Mar-A-Lago club in Florida during the May 2024 presidential election, Trump received confirmation that supporters from the cryptocurrency sector would significantly fund his re-election. He plans to address major Bitcoin events throughout the campaign, with Vice President JD Vance scheduled to speak at a gathering this week.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Recreating the Initial Steps of Life’s Evolution

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

RNA is believed to have been crucial in the initiation of life

Shutterstock/nobeastsofierce

The quest to decipher how dormant molecules might have sparked life brings researchers closer to their goal. A team has developed a method using partially replicable RNA molecules, suggesting that genuine self-replication could eventually be achieved.

RNA is a pivotal molecule in the discussion of life’s origins, as it can store information like DNA and catalyze reactions akin to proteins. While neither function is perfect on its own, the dual capability has led many scientists to theorize that life originated with self-replicating RNA molecules. “This was the molecule that governed biology,” says James Atwater from University College London.

Nonetheless, engineering self-replicating RNA molecules is a challenging task. RNA can form double helices similar to DNA, which can also be copied in a similar manner. By separating the two helices and adding RNA nucleotides to each strand, one could theoretically produce two identical helices. However, the binding between RNA strands is so strong that it complicates their separation for replication.

Recently, Attwater and his team found that a trio of RNA nucleotides (triplets) can be tightly bonded, preventing the strands from re-zipping. “Three is the sweet spot,” Attwater elaborates, noting that longer combinations are prone to errors. Thus, in their methodology, the team mixed RNA enzyme double helices with the triplet sequences.

By acidifying the solution and heating it to 80°C (176°F), the helices can be separated to allow for triplet pairing. When the solution is then made alkaline and cooled to -7°C (19°F), the highly concentrated liquid remaining as water freezes activates the RNA enzymes, which then bind the triplets together to form new strands.

Currently, researchers have succeeded in replicating RNA enzymes of up to 30 nucleotides in length from an original strand of 180 nucleotides. They believe that enhancing enzyme efficiency could lead to full replication.

Attwater highlights that this “very simple molecular system” possesses intriguing characteristics. One is the potential correlation between triplet RNA sequences and the triplet code that dictates protein sequences in modern cells. “There may be a connection between the biological mechanisms employed for RNA replication and the way RNA is utilized in present-day biology,” he explains.

Additionally, the team has identified that the triplet sequences most likely to facilitate replication exhibit the strongest bonding. This suggests that the earliest genetic code may have consisted of this set of triplets, which adds another layer of interest.

Researchers contend that the conditions required to support this process might naturally occur. Given the need for freshwater, it’s likely that such processes transpired on land within geothermal systems.

“The materials we see today can be found on Earth. Icelandic hot springs display a mixed pH, similar to what we use,” Attwater notes.

“RNA nucleotide triplets convey highly specific functional information in every cell,” remarks Zachary Adam from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “This research is captivating as it may indicate a purely chemical role (rather than informational) for RNA nucleotide triplets that could predate the emergence of living cells.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

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This article is part of a special series exploring the fundamental possibilities of human imagination. Click here for more details.

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