Discover the Unique Experience of Baroque Breakout Hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

MUCH reflects on the remarkable journey of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a standout role-playing game crafted by a small team. (We recently hit 2 million sales.) This narrative is captivating amidst a landscape dominated by blockbuster flops, live service titles, and exorbitant budgets. The dedicated team has produced something lengthy, unique, and beautiful, priced at £40, leading to a win-win scenario for all involved. However, it’s not entirely accurate.

Sandfall Interactive, the French studio behind the game, comprises around 30 talented individuals. As noted by Rock Paper Shotgun, the credits list more contributors, from Korean animation teams to outsourced quality assurance testers, localization specialists, and performance artists who bring the game’s narrative and emotional depth to life.

When compared to the massive teams behind Final Fantasy titles (the clear inspiration for Sandfall), the comparatively small collective that developed Clair Obscur is noteworthy. What’s even more intriguing is that this small team has fashioned an exquisite French creation that resonates with us all. To the distress of my partner, I opted for the French voice acting with English subtitles to amplify my immersive experience.

Set in the Belle Époque-inspired realm of Clair Obscur, players encounter a foreboding entity known as Paintress Daubs, who has traversed ominous totem numbers annually, descending from a population of 100. (This game and Neva are the only titles in recent memory that have brought tears to my eyes. The beginning.) As the game counts down from 34 to 33, a courageous, slightly magical 30th expedition embarks towards a continent laden with sedatives, facing death in their quest to halt the cycle. The city is stunning, and everyone is dressed immaculately. Also, nothing seemingly poses a threat every few moments.

The most quintessentially French experience you’ve ever had… Claire’s Obscur: Expedition 33. Photo: Sandfall Interactive

Many expeditions have previously faced this fate. As you navigate, you encounter gruesome remnants of these journeys, alongside their recorded accounts left to assist future travelers. Beginning in a ravaged Paris, the distorted Eiffel Tower looms over a picturesque Dali-esque horizon. The game feels like a waltz through a renowned museum on the brink of being engulfed by a black hole. One notable area is a desolate sea, featuring the wreck of a previous expedition, entwined with the carcass of a leviathan, adorned with waves of seaweed fluttering in the absent currents. It’s breathtaking but perilous. You must swiftly master a complex battle system and survive the initial boss encounters.

Clair Obscur’s combat draws inspiration from both classic and contemporary Japanese RPGs. Dynamic and vibrant, you can charge fireballs and time your dodges against the flailing fists of stone automatons. Combining uniquely distinctive character skills is vital. One character wields a rapier, shifting stances with every strike, while another engages with an enigmatic system of Sun and Moon Tarot cards. If this all seems excessively luxurious, it is — and I relish it. The battle menu is a Tinker’s dream, allowing for the development of esoteric powers and skills to create captivating combo attacks.

What captivates me most about this game is its uniqueness; it doesn’t mimic any other title. While most games riff on a handful of predictable franchises: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, this game sources inspiration from an entirely different aesthetic and theme pool. It emerges as a Baroque fantasy, a tale encompassing existentialism, love, death, and heritage — articulated through a European narrative style with Japanese-inspired action and artistry. Although it plays differently, its peculiar characteristics evoke memories of last year’s outstanding title, Repantazio. (There seems to be a notable connection between intellectually ambitious RPGs and perplexing names.)

Clair Obscur further exemplifies the impressive capabilities of game development tools available today. If you’re curious how a small team achieved this high-end aesthetic, that constitutes a significant part of the explanation. It instills a sense of optimism regarding the future of mid-tier game development, nestled between blockbusters and indie projects. Many of the most intriguing titles emerged in the early 2000s and 2010s. Perhaps some larger publishers consider this approach to be overly French, but Sandfall has successfully produced it nonetheless. Expedition 33 serves not only as a noteworthy commercial triumph but also as a beacon of creativity in the gaming sphere.

What to play

Exciting, one-minute thrill…Fate: Dark Ages. Photo: Bethesda

The upcoming Doom game is generating buzz, with reviews indicating it’s a glorious heavy metal spectacle of violence. Whether you’re obliterating demons, impaling them with spikes, shredding them with chainsaw shields, or summoning massive hellish creatures from colossal robots, Destiny: Dark Ages boasts a vaguely medieval flair, with slower and more intimate combat relative to its predecessors in the franchise (as suggested by the title), yet remains exhilarating.

Available on: Xbox, PS5, PC
Estimated playtime: Over 20 hours

What to read

Chaos Machine…Grand Theft Auto VI. Photo: Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto VI has been delayed until May next year and remains a mystery in the 2025 release calendar. Kotaku indicates some serious rescheduling is occurring behind the scenes leading up to the summer announcement.
The prestigious National Play Museum of America has announced four new games among its Hall of Fame: Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake, and arguably suitable for Tanaka. They overcame the candidacy of Angry Birds from Age of Empires.
Podcasts and video collectives have sprung up following last week’s industry media drama, with A Giant Bomb becoming independent and contributing to the growing stability of games media outlets supported by worker-owned initiatives.

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What to click

Question block

“Read the book, Roubaix”… Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite. Photo: 2K Game

Leader Travis submitted this week’s question:

“I’m considering launching a book club-style video game group. Two questions: what should I name it, and which games would you recommend for discussion?”

This is a fantastic idea, reminding me of an attempt I made ages ago as an IGN podcast, though I can’t recall its name. Was it “press the push”? “Save Points”? LFG? For such groups, I lean towards shorter games (so everyone can participate). I’d be thrilled to discuss Neva for its environmental themes and parenting narratives or Life is Strange for its rich, intricate storytelling with supernatural elements, or even a variety of games like While I’m Waiting, which prompted profound thoughts. This would surely be more engaging than merely debating whether Assassin’s Creed is relevant.

I asked my partner for his video game book club name suggestion, and he offered “Text Adventure.” My other friend Tom suggested “Mountain of Shame.” What do you think, reader? Any ideas?

If you have a question for the block or feedback on the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Fossils Indicate That Feathered Creatures Flew Like Chickens

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In 1861, researchers found Archeopteryx, a feathered dinosaur, in 150-million-year-old limestone in Solnhofen, Germany. At that time, they were unaware that this fossilized skeleton—and subsequent finds—would provide critical evidence for evolutionary theory, demonstrating that birds indeed descended from dinosaurs.

“They’re maximizing their existence,” remarked Jinmai O’Connor, a paleontologist at Chicago’s open-air museums.

For more than 164 years, scientists have closely examined all available specimens. Thus, one might assume that such well-researched fossil species would yield no further surprises. However, a recent paper published in the journal Nature on Wednesday by Dr. O’Connor and his research team unveiled new details about soft tissues and skeletal structures from a newly identified specimen dubbed the Chicago Archeopteryx. Their findings could offer insights into short flights and clarify how feathered dinosaurs evolved to move from the ground.

Dr. O’Connor noted that for a long time, it has been challenging to understand the flight capabilities and environmental adaptations of Archeopteryx. Many specimens are flattened due to geological processes, which complicates the identification of key skeletal details. While earlier researchers and most modern experts agree the species likely achieved flight, certain anatomical features prompt paleontologists to seek additional data.

The latest specimens acquired by the Field Museum in 2022 and published in 2024 have enabled Dr. O’Connor’s team to begin addressing some of the anatomical uncertainties.

When the fossil arrived at the museum, it was not clearly visible. The specimen matched the color of the surrounding rocks, making most of the soft tissues difficult to discern, according to Dr. O’Connor.

Researchers illuminated the fossils using CT scans and created digital maps of the skeleton to aid in preparing the slab. They also employed special techniques; chemical treatments made soft tissues glow under UV light, helping the team avoid accidentally damaging feathers and skin textures while exposing bones. Such methods weren’t available to fossil preparers in the 1800s.

Unlike other specimens, the bones of the Chicago Archeopteryx are preserved in three dimensions, allowing Dr. O’Connor’s team to closely analyze the skull palate. This revealed the oldest signs of evolutionary trends toward the more flexible skulls of modern birds compared to their ancient counterparts, Dr. O’Connor explained.

In another stroke of fossilization luck, the wings of the specimen were detached from the body and “preserved in detail,” Dr. O’Connor noted. Upon closer examination, the team confirmed that instead of having the previously observed two layers of wing feathers, the Archaeopteryx actually boasts three. In modern birds, this third layer helps connect shorter forearms to the body, creating a continuous lifting surface critical for maintaining flight.

Dr. O’Connor noted that the structure of the wings stands in contrast to other feathered, non-avian dinosaurs, whose long wings remain rigid at the elbows, making them useful but ultimately ineffective for flight.

The absence of a sternum suggests these birds were likely less adept at flying. However, the toe pads found in the Chicago specimen provide additional evidence that these creatures were well-adapted for life on the ground, resembling a Jurassic-era chicken or road runner. They could achieve brief flights if necessary, but generally preferred to sprint.

The newly reported characteristics enhance the current understanding of Archeopteryx and directly support ongoing theories regarding the relationship between the species’ abilities and the origins of flight, according to Michael Pittman, a paleontologist from the University of Hong Kong who was not part of the study.

“This study truly underscores the importance of uncovering new fossils, even in well-known and thoroughly examined specimens,” he stated.

Dr. O’Connor concurred.

“This specimen will keep me engaged for years,” she remarked.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Chemists Uncover “Anchapis” That Enhances Chili Pepper Heat

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Piri Piri or African Bird’s Eye Chilli Peppers

Steidi/Alamy

Have you ever made your food too spicy? In the future, there might be “anti-spice” seasonings, inspired by compounds in chili peppers that could help mellow the heat.

The spiciness in chili peppers is due to a compound called capsaicinoids, which activate receptors in the mouth’s nerve fibers, sending signals to the brain that create a burning sensation similar to that of actual heat or painful injuries.

Chilean enthusiasts have developed a Scoville scale to measure the heat levels in various pepper strains based on capsaicinoid concentrations. However, some peppers do not always match their Scoville ratings accurately. To explore this, Devin Peterson from Ohio State University and his team employed liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to analyze the capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin levels in 10 different chili powders, including Chile de árbol, African bird’s eye, and Scottish bonnet peppers.

They then mixed these powders with tomato juice and presented it to a panel of tasters, ensuring each sample had equal amounts of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, expected to yield a mild heat level of about 800 Scoville units.

However, the tasters perceived the heat levels differently among the 10 types of peppers. This led Peterson and his team to conduct further chemical analyses, revealing that three compounds—capsianoside I, balasoside, and ginger glycolipid A—were present in larger quantities. Interestingly, these compounds did not exhibit the expected heat intensity according to Scoville ratings. All three compounds contain glucosides and glucose.

A group of 37 tasters was then asked to evaluate two samples simultaneously. One sample contained these newly discovered compounds, while the other did not. The placement of each on different sides of the tongue was intended to counteract the burning sensation in the second taste test. The feedback indicated that these compounds reduced perceived heat strength by an average of 0.7 to 1.2 points on a 15-point scale.

“These compounds act as effective ‘anti-spicing’ agents,” Peterson notes. Although the exact mechanism remains unclear, it’s hypothesized that they could alter the nerve receptor responses in the mouth, thereby diminishing the burning sensations.

Understanding the nature of these anti-spice chemicals could enable growers to breed and genetically modify plants, nurturing varieties that produce both fiery and mild fruits.

Peterson believes that utilizing these compounds could lead to the development of consumer products that alleviate excessive heat in dishes, offering relief from intense pain by blocking nerve signals.

“When dining with kids, if the food is too spicy, it can be a deal-breaker,” Peterson says. “The idea of having a natural compound to dial down the heat could be quite intriguing.”

The research methodology, which involved half-tasting, was praised by Barry Smith from the University of London’s Advanced Research School, who added that the Scoville scale isn’t always the most accurate tool for measuring chili heat.

Smith speculates that the perceived intensity of cooling agents like menthol might similarly be diminished by such compounds, much like how capsaicinoids trigger a burning sensation.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Republican Proposal to Eliminate EV Tax Credits May Impact GM and Ford Negatively

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In recent years, the popularity of electric vehicles has surged, fueled by a $7,500 tax credit from the federal government aimed at making purchases more affordable.

However, the budget bill unveiled by House Republicans on Monday suggests eliminating this tax credit. This proposal also introduces new limitations on other tax incentives that motivate automakers to invest significant sums into establishing new battery facilities in the United States.

Starting next year, the legislation is set to abolish the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle buyers, as well as a $4,000 credit applicable to used car and truck acquisitions.

If signed into law, these changes could lead to a spike in electric vehicle sales in the near term, as consumers rush to take advantage of tax credits before they vanish. Nonetheless, analysts predict that sales may drop or slow drastically once the credits are no longer available.

“This will undoubtedly slow down the adoption rate significantly,” remarked Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.

Cox anticipates that electric vehicles will comprise 10% of all new vehicle sales this year. If Congress does not alter the tax credit, that figure is expected to increase by nearly a third by 2030, according to their estimates.

However, if Congress eliminates the credits, Valdez Streaty projects that electric vehicles could make up only 20-24% of new car sales by 2030.

Eliminating these credits would further financially burden automakers who are already dealing with increased costs stemming from a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts established during the Trump administration.

The Republican tax proposals could adversely affect numerous automakers striving to launch new models, particularly General Motors and Ford, both of which have made substantial investments in their manufacturing facilities and supply chains with the goal of producing millions of electric vehicles annually.

GM has inaugurated two battery plants located in Ohio and Tennessee, developed through a joint venture with LG Energy Solution. Ford is currently constructing three battery plants, including one in Michigan, in collaboration with two South Korean firms, SK-ON, in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Both Detroit-based automakers are also investing in mining operations to secure domestic lithium supplies, which is crucial for battery production.

Tesla, the leading electric vehicle seller in the U.S., is also facing challenges. Its sales have decreased in recent months due to consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk, associated with the Trump administration, coupled with the absence of a new affordable model.

However, Tesla enjoys several advantages. While most manufacturers still incur losses on electric vehicles, Tesla has been profitable for over a year, allowing the company to lower prices to stimulate demand if credits are eliminated. Additionally, Tesla relies less on imported components compared to other U.S. manufacturers.

Many large automakers are racing to catch up with Tesla in the electric vehicle landscape, particularly in states with a significant number of Republican lawmakers, by establishing numerous new factories.

Toyota has constructed a battery facility in North Carolina, while Hyundai is set to begin electric vehicle production at its Georgia site, which will also house battery manufacturing. Stellantis, along with its partners, is currently developing two battery plants in Indiana, with the local economies relying on the jobs these plants will create.

Should tax regulations undergo significant changes, automakers may reconsider, scale back, or postpone their plans.

“If the government wishes for the U.S. to effectively compete with China and the rest of the world in the expansive EV sector, as well as encourage GM and Ford to make considerable long-term investments in EV development and domestic production, we must enhance the tax credits instead of causing whiplash,” Valdez Streaty stated.

China dominates global electric vehicle production and is a primary supplier of essential materials for batteries and electric motors, such as processed lithium and rare earth minerals. The elimination of the tax credit would significantly hinder the U.S. automotive industry’s ability to keep pace.

“This could adversely impact our global standing and the competitive capabilities of the U.S. automotive sector,” Valdez Streaty remarked. “It’s likely to slow us down when we are already trailing China.”

Neither Ford nor Stellantis had comments to share, and neither did the policy group, the Automotive Innovation Alliance.

The federal government initially introduced $7,500 in credits during President Barack Obama’s administration, maintaining this incentive throughout President Trump’s first term. These credits were subsequently updated and expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act, enacted by President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

Given the higher costs of electric vehicles compared to traditional combustion engines, such credits have been vital in encouraging consumer purchases.

The credits are applicable to sports utility vehicles and pickups priced under $80,000, as well as sedans priced below $55,000. The vehicle must be assembled in North America, with the battery meeting specifications based on the country of origin for its materials. Additionally, to qualify, individual buyers must earn less than $150,000 per year, while joint filers must earn under $300,000.

Many of these criteria do not apply to leased vehicles. However, tax credits for cars and trucks are typically transferred to leasing companies, which are divisions of automakers. Many leasing firms have passed on their savings to customers, contributing to the notable increase in electric vehicle leases.

According to Valdez Streaty, approximately 595,000 electric vehicles were leased in 2024, a significant rise from roughly 96,000 in 2022, prior to the availability of leasing incentives.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Smart Devices Can Accurately Measure Breastfed Babies’ Intake

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Measuring the Amount of Breast Milk in Breastfeeding

Lebedinskaia Natalia/Getty Images

Parents may soon be able to monitor how much breast milk their baby consumes through devices that provide real-time notifications to their smartphones.

“The anxiety surrounding breastfeeding often stems from the uncertainty about how much milk a baby is receiving,” explains Daniel Robinson from Northwestern University, Illinois. “This can heighten stress for nursing mothers, parents, and healthcare professionals.” Insufficient nutrition can lead to slower weight gain in infants and, in severe cases, dehydration.

Clinicians typically evaluate breastfeeding effectiveness by comparing weights before and after feeds and monitoring diaper changes. However, these methods are somewhat cumbersome and imprecise, according to Robinson.

To create a more precise measurement system, he and his team engineered a device featuring four electrodes, each 4 cm wide, that attach to the breast away from the nipple. Two electrodes transmit a very low electrical current across the breast, while the other pair receives it.

This device relays recordings to a smartphone app, leveraging the weaker electrical signals produced as milk is released, enabling real-time calculations of milk volume, Robinson shares.

Researchers tested this system with breastfeeding mothers who expressed milk into a bottle for approximately 15 minutes. The device’s average milk collection was within 2 ml of the actual amount, as each participant expressed about 50 ml.

This innovation could allow parents to monitor their baby’s nutrition more effectively, potentially leading to timely adjustments such as supplementing with formula under medical guidance, Robinson notes.

The device consists of sticky electrodes that adhere to the breast

Northwestern University

In another trial, a woman used the device while nursing, and the app reported that her baby consumed 24 ml of milk. This closely matched the 20 ml estimation derived from traditional weight measurements taken before and after feeding, Robinson notes.

“A prevalent reason many mothers discontinue breastfeeding is the belief that their milk supply is inadequate, making this technology crucial for determining its accuracy,” states Mary Fewtrell from University College London.

However, to ensure the credibility of this device, further research is necessary to understand any potential impacts on milk production, long-term side effects, and whether parents find it desirable, observes Amy Brown from Swansea University, UK.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

OpenAI in Negotiations to Acquire Programming Tool Windsurf for $3 Billion

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

OpenAI is reportedly negotiating to acquire Windsurf, an AI-driven programming tool, for approximately $3 billion, according to two informed sources.

This acquisition could potentially draw in thousands of new customers from the tech sector, as it swiftly embraces tools like Windsurf, which enables instant code generation.

Should the deal go through, it would represent OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date, aiming to broaden its offerings beyond its well-known chatbot ChatGPT. Last year, OpenAI acquired Rockset, a startup aimed at assisting businesses in constructing the foundational elements of large-scale computer networks.

Windsurf, previously recognized as Codeum, was valued at $1.25 billion following a $150 million funding round led by the venture capital firm General Catalyst last year.

The agreement is not finalized yet, as the two anonymous sources indicated. Initial reports of discussions have surfaced previously on Bloomberg.

OpenAI currently offers technology that enables users to create their own code. In fact, Windsurf utilizes OpenAI technology or similar systems from firms like Google and Anthropic for code generation.

About four years ago, researchers from companies such as OpenAI and Google started developing systems to analyze extensive text data sourced from the Internet, including digital books, Wikipedia articles, and chat logs. By recognizing patterns within this content, these systems can generate text, including poetry and news articles.

What surprised many was that researchers were able to create their own programming code. Currently, developers use these systems to produce code and integrate it into large software projects with tools like Windsurf and Microsoft’s Copilot.

(Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its partner Microsoft, accusing them of copyright violation regarding AI Systems news content. Both OpenAI and Microsoft have denied these allegations.)

Developing technologies that enhance coding tools is incredibly costly for companies such as OpenAI, and startups face pressure to generate revenue.

OpenAI anticipates earning around $3.7 billion this year, according to financial documents reviewed by The New York Times. The company expects revenues to reach $11.6 billion next year.

In March, OpenAI concluded a $40 billion funding round, which valued the company at $300 billion, making it one of the most valuable private enterprises globally, alongside prominent players like TikTok parent company ByteDance and SpaceX. This funding round was led by Japan’s SoftBank.

However, scrutiny is placed on this transaction as OpenAI plans to revise its complex corporate structure, and failure to accomplish this by year-end could allow SoftBank to reduce its overall investment to $20 billion.

Source: www.nytimes.com

At LAX, the Uber Driver Waits. And Waits. And Waits.

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Early on a recent Tuesday morning, hundreds of Uber and Lyft drivers gathered outside Los Angeles International Airport, forming a line that wrapped around the block as dawn broke. The waiting began at 5am.

Shortly, the line of cars would make its way into a fenced parking area located a mile from the arrival terminal, officially known as the Transportation Network Company staging area. Drivers refer to it as a “pen,” waiting for passengers to disembark from their flights.

Once a lucrative spot for rides, this area now sees very few vehicles picking up fares. Veronica Hernandez, 50, parked her white Chevy Malibu at 5:26am and opened the Lyft app for her queue position: 156th. Nearly an hour and a half would pass before she got her first ride.

“Some days are great; others are not,” Hernandez said, scrolling through her app’s revenue report for the week: $205, $245, $179. “Fingers crossed for a good day.”

Like many drivers nationwide, Hernandez has experienced a noticeable decline in income in recent years, even as demand for rides appears higher than ever. Many gig workers have already ceased operations due to rising costs for gas and car insurance. These challenges, while less symbolic than LAX, reflect a tough environment for gig workers to thrive.

“This used to be a genuine way to earn a living,” Hernandez lamented. “Now, it barely keeps you afloat.”

In the early days of app-based services like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash, a flood of people signed on as drivers. The allure of earning money by driving at their own convenience captivated everyone from seasoned drivers seeking extra work to individuals escaping the 9-to-5 grind.

The premise was that drivers operate as independent contractors, bearing their own expenses without health insurance or other employee benefits while enjoying flexible hours without needing to sign up for shifts.

Initially, earnings were robust, with drivers frequently taking home substantial weekly incomes as Uber and Lyft prioritized growth over profitability, incurring billion-dollar losses. After going public, the focus shifted to profitability, resulting in reduced wages.

Today, many drivers are struggling, with total earnings lagging behind inflation. Last year, Uber drivers reported an average weekly revenue of $513, marking a 3.4% decrease from the previous year, despite working an average of over six minutes per trip, according to Gridwise, an app that helps drivers track their income. In Los Angeles, Uber’s average hourly profit margin has dropped by 21% since 2021, according to the same source.

In 2019, LAX implemented a new system to alleviate heavy traffic at the arrivals terminal. Instead of curbside pickups by Uber and Lyft drivers, passengers must walk up to 20 minutes to designated pick-up points near Terminal 1. Unfortunately, this change often goes unnoticed by passengers.

That morning, the atmosphere was grim, marked by the odor of port-a-potties and vehicles parked for hours. Drivers awaited “unicorn” rides, which would pay a reasonable rate of over $1.50 per mile.

By 10am, chaos engulfed the pen. Around 300 drivers were in a virtual queue vying for approximately 200 available spots in the parking lot. Consequently, new arrivals often had to leave the lot to pick up passengers, resulting in blocked cars and the sound of shouting competing with the growl of jets flying overhead every two minutes.

Sergio Avedan, a gig driver and founder of Ride Hailing Blog The ride-sharing man, settled into the pen at 10:36am on that Tuesday. After reaching the parking lot, he checked his queue position: 256th.

When he glanced at the Uber and Lyft apps, rides appeared but were often rejected by other drivers ahead of him. The payouts were dismal: $9.87 for a 13-mile trip, $19.97 for a 25-mile trip. He turned them all down.

“We call this ‘reclining with decency’,” Avedan remarked as he reclined his seat back.

To pass the time, some drivers smoked or played cards, while others napped in their vehicles or watched YouTube videos. Many scoured for phone chargers and cleaning supplies for their cars, leading to occasional tension among different groups as competition for rides intensified, sometimes splitting along racial lines.

An alternate economy flourishes within the pen to support the drivers. Outside the parking area, a taco truck offers food, while inside, some venders sell homemade Chinese cuisine from their car trunks, exchanging bowls of wonton soup for cash.

Frustrations have led some drivers to express their anger by scribbling messages on the walls of the port-a-potties, blaming Uber and its executives for their plummeting earnings, especially after being unexpectedly locked out of their accounts.

Rif Andrius, who sat in the back of his Toyota Sienna, refreshed the Uber app while smoking. The 57-year-old Iranian driver reported earning around $3,000 weekly before Uber’s operational costs surged during the pandemic, but that figure has sharply declined. Checking his latest weekly earnings, he saw amounts of $1,670, $1,700, and $1,053.

“I’ve got to provide for my family,” said Andrius, who has a wife and daughter. “Now, I can’t manage it.”

The New York Times reached out to Uber regarding the operating conditions at LAX in 2023, to which the company acknowledged the ongoing challenges. Yet, little has changed since that inquiry.

Uber stated that multiple factors are influencing the decline in earnings. In Los Angeles, the percentage of fares retained by the company hasn’t increased, while liability insurance costs have soared, currently making up 43% of rider fares, per the company’s data.

The company also indicated that ride demand at the airport has significantly decreased amid the introduction of a new $4 surcharge for LAX drivers.

LAX’s public relations department did not respond to our requests for comments.

Lyft spokesperson CJ Macklin mentioned that discussions are ongoing with LAX to create a new holding lot for ride-share drivers as part of the airport’s $5.5 billion renovation plan, which includes light rail connections between terminals aimed at alleviating traffic.

“In a year, LAX will look entirely different. I’m looking forward to providing smoother and faster experiences for drivers, riders, and the whole city,” stated Uber spokesperson Meghan Casserly.

However, many drivers felt weighed down by the current system. Even when a seemingly decent ride request came through, the frustration of waiting hours tended to sap their motivation.

“There are drivers who are entirely unaware of what they’re doing. They get passengers and say they’re going to take them somewhere, but they don’t even know the details,” lamented Pablo Gomez, an Uber driver who regularly works at LAX. “They drop passengers off and just go along with the flow without a clue as to why.”

Drivers like Avedan and Gomez are investing time to mentor their peers, sharing strategies to optimize earnings. Nevertheless, Gomez empathizes with those who continually chase elusive fares, comparing it to gambling.

“Wasting time feeds into an addict’s mentality. You’re forever chasing that ride, hoping for a big win,” he admitted.

As the pen closed at 2am, some drivers began searching for parking in surrounding neighborhoods, preparing to sleep in their cars until the lot reopened at 5am.

At 11pm Tuesday, Hernandez was perched on the hood of a car when ride requests dribbled in. She noted offers popping up on her phone tagged for two passengers ages 25 and 26. In the gaps between rides, she anxiously scanned her emails, hoping for responses regarding job applications submitted to a doctor’s office and a warehouse.

Eventually, a ride came through that would take her near her home in Montebello, a 50-minute drive east. Although the fare was only $28 for a 27-mile trip—far from the ideal “unicorn” ride she was after—she accepted it.

“It’s not the best rate,” she acknowledged. “But you need to make it worthwhile.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Life-Threatening Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Tasha Hedges used Xanax for two decades to manage her anxiety and panic attacks, following her psychiatrist’s recommendations. However, in 2022, her doctor passed away unexpectedly.

Although the general practitioner continued the prescription, he retired shortly thereafter. The next physician moved to Canada, leaving Hedges to eventually find another psychiatrist.

“The first thing he did was yell at me for being on Xanax for too long,” she recounted from W.Va.

Typically, discontinuing the medication requires a gradual reduction of dosage over several months or years, referred to as tapering. However, Hedges stopped abruptly, facing severe withdrawal symptoms such as hot flashes, cold sweats, restlessness, shaking, and teeth grinding.

“It was a nightmare,” she described. Two years after ceasing the medication, she still grapples with repercussions. “My brain wasn’t the same.”

Online support groups and platforms like Benzobuddies indicate that individuals like Hedges are physically dependent on benzodiazepines. Many encounter serious and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms when their medication is abruptly ceased or tapered too quickly, leading to extended periods without treatment. Some healthcare providers hesitate to prescribe these medications due to associated risks and stigma.

“They’re often seen as highly addictive,” noted Ronald M. Winchell, a clinical psychiatry professor at Columbia University, who posed several questions to consider: “Would I initiate this treatment? Is it appropriate? Is it safe? Could my patients misuse it? What do my peers think?”

Prescriptions for benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin have declined since 2016 due to provider concerns. Nonetheless, these medications remain quick and effective solutions, often being among the most prescribed in the country for anxiety and sleep disorders. In 2019, around 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were issued in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Current guidelines advise prescribers to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, typically less than four weeks. However, many patients remain on these medications for longer periods. An FDA review in 2018 indicated that approximately half of patients had used the drugs for over two months. Dr. Edward K. Silverman, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, highlighted that some patients stay on these medications without regular consultations.

Patients can develop physical dependence within weeks of stable benzodiazepine use. Stopping the medication, even after a brief period, necessitates a carefully managed process. Unfortunately, many healthcare providers lack adequate training in tapering prescriptions. To clarify the process, an expert from the American Society of Addiction Medicine released new guidelines in March for dosage reduction developed with FDA funding.

“It’s absolutely reckless to force people into rapid tapering,” Dr. Silverman stated.

Jodie Jerlow, 60, began using Klonopin for insomnia 25 years ago while in Dallas. After her psychiatrist retired for health reasons, she found another doctor who recommended two additional benzodiazepines, Xanax and Ativan, while working towards withdrawing from Klonopin.

After about six months on all three medications, Jerlow grew frustrated and decided to take matters into her own hands. She successfully tapered off Klonopin and Xanax.

She is still working to discontinue Ativan with assistance from her general practitioner and a coach at the nonprofit Benzodiazepine Information Coalition.

Initially, Jerlow noted she tapered too quickly, experiencing headaches, nausea, and agoraphobia. However, one of the most distressing withdrawal symptoms was suicidal ideation.

“It felt like background noise. ‘It’s going to be easy,’” she recalled.

These were feelings she had never encountered before reducing her medication.

In 2023, advocates for those harmed by benzodiazepines reported various long-term symptoms that may arise during use, tapering, or discontinuation, including benzodiazepine-induced neurological dysfunction or binding.

While not everyone experiences binding, experts agree that with a well-planned tapering strategy, side effects can be lessened.

Dr. Carl Zalzman, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School and former president of the American Psychiatry Association’s Benzodiazepine Task Force, commented on the issue.

Despite their existence since the 1960s, many healthcare providers are still at a loss regarding how to help patients discontinue these medications effectively. There is no one-size-fits-all tapering strategy. Some patients experience withdrawal symptoms, and others require continued access to medications while tapering slow.

Dr. Silverman recalled a patient who had to meticulously slice pills with a razor blade to gradually decrease dosage and mitigate severe side effects.

The new guidelines from ASAM, which address the limited studies available on effective tapering, mainly rely on clinical experience. They advise clinicians to review the risks and benefits of benzodiazepine prescriptions at least every three months, recommending a dosage reduction of 5-10% every 2-4 weeks. The guidelines stress that long-term users may need to taper for over a year and should be monitored post-discontinuation.

“Most of us were never informed of the potential for dependency and long-term complications,” said De Foster, an advocate for those suffering from benzodiazepine complications, who contributed to the new guidelines. He emphasized, “A slow taper can be challenging, but a sudden withdrawal is perilous.”

ASAM’s guidance came too late for Ratasha Marberry, 49, a New York resident who became physically dependent on Klonopin. In 2022, she entered an addiction detox center, desperate to stop the medication she had been prescribed for insomnia. The facility’s provider took her off the medication in just five days.

She shared that it felt like collapsing as she faced nights filled with turmoil akin to “a lion in the room that you can’t see but are fighting against.” She later visited another facility in Florida where she was prescribed antidepressants. Within weeks, she began to feel a significant improvement.

Now she states, “I’m sleeping like a strange baby.”

She reflects, “Should I have been prescribed this drug for an extended period rather than a benzodiazepine?”

“When I think back to my experiences, I cry,” she confessed. “It wasn’t physical pain, but rather emotional suffering. I’m thankful to be alive.”

If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, reach out to 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; visit Speaking of Suicide for additional resources.

Source: www.nytimes.com

University Professors Utilize ChatGPT, Sparking Student Discontent

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In February, Ella Stapleton, a senior at Northeastern University, was going over her notes from an organizational behavior class when she stumbled upon something unusual. Was that a ChatGPT question from her professor?

Within a document created by her business professor for a leadership model lesson, she noticed instructions to chat “Expand all areas. More in depth and concrete.” Following these instructions was a list of leadership traits, both positive and negative, complete with definitions and bullet points.

Stapleton texted a classmate.

“Did you see the notes he uploaded to Canvas?” she asked, referring to the university’s software for course materials. “He created it using ChatGPT.”

“OMG STOP,” her classmate responded. “What’s going on?”

Curious, Stapleton began to investigate. She went through the professor’s slides and discovered more signs of AI involvement: inconsistencies in the text, skewed images, and glaring mistakes.

She was frustrated. Given the school’s tuition and reputation, she expected a high-quality education. This course was crucial for her business major. The syllabus clearly prohibited “academic fraudulent activities,” including the misuse of AI and chatbots.

“He tells us not to use it, yet he uses it himself,” she remarked.

Stapleton lodged a formal complaint with Northeastern’s business school, citing the inappropriate use of AI and other concerns about teaching methods, demanding a refund of the tuition for that class, which was over $8,000—about a quarter of her semester’s total.

When ChatGPT launched in late 2022, it created a whirlwind of concern across educational institutions It’s incredibly easy. Students tasked with writing essays could easily let the tool handle it in mere seconds. Some institutions banned it, while others introduced AI detection services, despite concerns about their accuracy.

However, the tide has turned. Nowadays, students are scrutinizing professors for their heavy reliance on AI, voicing complaints on platforms that analyze course content, using terms like “ChatGPT is” essential” and “algorithmic.” They call out hypocrisy and make financial arguments, insisting they deserve instruction from humans—not algorithms they can access for free.

On the other side, professors have claimed they use AI chatbots as a means to enhance education. An instructor interviewed by The New York Times stated that the chatbot streamlined their workload and acted as an automated teaching assistant.

The number of educators using these tools is on the rise. In a National Survey conducted last year, 18% of over 1,800 higher education instructors identified as frequent users of generative AI tools. This year’s follow-up surveys have nearly doubled that figure, according to Tyton Partners, the consultancy behind the study. AI companies are eager to facilitate this shift, with startups like OpenAI and Anthropic recently releasing enterprise versions of chatbots designed specifically for educational institutions.

(The Times is suing OpenAI for copyright infringement, as the company allegedly used news content without permission.)

Generative AI is clearly here to stay, yet universities are grappling with adapting to evolving standards. Professors are navigating this learning curve and, like Stapleton’s instructor, often misinterpret the risks of technology and student negligence.

Make a grade

Last fall, 22-year-old Marie submitted a three-page essay for her online anthropology course at Southern New Hampshire University. Upon checking her grades on the school’s platform, she was pleased to see an A. However, in the comments, her professor made multiple references to using ChatGPT, which included a grading rubric meant for chatbots and a request for “great feedback” for Marie.

“To me, it felt like the professor didn’t even read my work,” Marie shared, asking to remain anonymous. She noted that the temptation to lean on AI in academia was like having a “third job” for many instructors managing numerous students.

Marie confronted her professor during a Zoom meeting about this issue. The professor claimed that they had read her essays but used ChatGPT as an approved guide.

Robert McAuslan, Vice President of AI at Southern New Hampshire, expressed that schools should embrace AI’s potential to revolutionize education, emphasizing guidelines for faculty and students to “ensure this technology enhances creativity rather than replaces it.” A do’s and don’ts were recommended to encourage authentic, human-focused feedback among teachers utilizing tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly.

“These tools should not replace the work,” Dr. McAuslan stated. “Instead, they should enhance an already established process.”

After encountering a second professor who also appeared to provide AI-generated feedback, Marie opted to transfer to another university.

Paul Schoblin, an English professor at Ohio University in Athens, empathized with her frustration. “I’m not a huge fan of that,” Dr. Schoblin remarked after hearing about Marie’s experience. He also holds a position as an AI Faculty Fellow, tasked with developing effective strategies to integrate AI in teaching and learning.

“The real value you add as an educator comes from the feedback you provide to your students,” he noted. “It’s the personal connection we foster with our students, as they are directly impacted by our words.“

Though advocating for the responsible integration of AI in education, Dr. Schoblin asserted that it shouldn’t merely simplify instructors’ lives. Students must learn to utilize technology ethically and responsibly. “If mistakes happen, the repercussions could lead to job loss,” he warned.

He cited a recent incident where a Vanderbilt University School of Education official responded to a mass shooting at another university. An email sent to students emphasized community bonds. However, a sentence disclosed that ChatGPT was used to compose it. Students criticized the outsourcing of empathy, prompting involved parties to temporarily resign.

However, not all situations are straightforward. Dr. Schoblin remarked that establishing reasonable rules is challenging, as acceptable AI usage can differ based on the subject. His department’s Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment has instead emphasized principles regarding the integration of AI, specifically eschewing a “one-size-fits-all” algorithm.

The Times reached out to numerous professors whose students had noted AI usage in online reviews. Some instructors admitted to using ChatGPT to create quizzes for computer science programming assignments, even as students reported that these quizzes didn’t always make sense. They also used it for organizing feedback or to make it more positive. As experts in their fields, they noted instances of AI “hallucinations,” where false information was generated.

There was no consensus among them on what practices were acceptable. Some educators utilized ChatGPT to assist students in reflecting on their work, while others denounced such practices. Some stressed the importance of maintaining transparency with students regarding generative AI use, while others opted to conceal their usage due to student wariness about technology.

Nevertheless, most felt that Stapleton’s experience at Northeastern—where her professor appeared to use AI for generating class notes and slides—was unjustifiable. That was Dr. Schoblin’s view, provided the professor edited the AI outputs to fit his expertise. He likened it to the longstanding practice in academia of utilizing content from third-party publishers, such as lesson plans and case studies.

Professors using AI for slide generation are considered “some sort of monsters.” “It’s absurd to me,” he remarked.

Steroid calculator

Christopher Kwaramba, a business professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, referred to ChatGPT as a time-saving partner. He mentioned that lesson plans that once required days to create could now be completed in mere hours. He employs it to generate datasets for fictional retail chains used in exercises designed to help students grasp various statistical concepts.

“I see it as the age of steroid calculators,” Dr. Kwaramba stated.

Dr. Kwaramba noted that support hours for students are increasing.

Conversely, other professors, such as Harvard’s David Malan, reported that AI diminished student attendance during office hours. Dr. Malan, a computer science professor, integrated a custom AI chatbot into his popular introductory programming course, allowing hundreds of students access for assistance with coding assignments.

Dr. Malan had to refine his approach to ensure that chatbots only offer guidance, not complete answers. Most of the 500 students surveyed in 2023 found the resource beneficial, particularly in its inaugural year.

By freeing up common inquiries about referral materials during office hours, Dr. Malan and his teaching assistant can now focus on meaningful interactions with students, like weekly lunches and hackathons. “These are more memorable moments and experiences,” Dr. Malan reflected.

Katy Pearce, a communications professor at the University of Washington, developed a tailored AI chatbot trained on prior assignments she assessed, enabling students to receive feedback on their writing mimicking her style at any hour, day or night. This is particularly advantageous for those hesitant to seek help.

“Can we foresee a future where many graduate teaching assistants might be replaced by AI?” she pondered. “Yes, absolutely.”

What implications would this have on the future pipeline for professors emerging from the Teaching Assistant ranks?

“That will undoubtedly pose a challenge,” Dr. Pearce concluded.

The moment you are taught

After filing her complaint with Northeastern, Stapleton participated in several meetings with business school officials. In May, the day after graduation, she learned that her tuition reimbursement wouldn’t be granted.

Her professor, Rick Arrowwood, expressed regret about the incident. Dr. Arrowwood, an adjunct with nearly two decades of teaching experience, spoke about using class materials, claiming that AI tools provided a “fresh perspective” on ChatGPT, search engine confusion, and presentation generators labeled Gamma. Initially, he mentioned that the outputs appeared impressive.

“In hindsight, I wish I had paid closer attention,” he commented.

While he shared materials online with students, he clarified that he had not used them during class sessions, only recognizing the errors when school officials inquired about them.

This awkward episode prompted him to understand that faculty members must be more cautious with AI and be transparent with students about its usage. Northeastern recently established an official AI policy that mandates attribution every time an AI system is employed and requires a review of output for “accuracy and quality.” A Northeastern spokesperson stated that the institution aims to “embrace the use of artificial intelligence to enhance all facets of education, research, and operations.”

“I cover everything,” Dr. Arrowwood asserted. “If my experience can serve as a learning opportunity for others, then that’s my happy place.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Study Finds Men More Prone to “Hard Heart Syndrome” Mortality

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Following traumatic experiences, such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one, individuals may encounter symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

This phenomenon, clinically termed takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is believed to arise from emotional or physical stress that triggers a surge of hormones, including adrenaline, which hampers the heart’s ability to contract effectively. While most individuals recover swiftly, a minority may face heart failure.

Wounded heart syndrome predominantly affects women; however, men have a mortality rate that is more than double that of women. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights this disparity.

The research examined data from around 200,000 adults in the U.S. who were hospitalized for this condition between 2016 and 2020. It found that nearly 11% of men in this group died, compared to about 5% of women. This was supported by previous studies indicating a higher mortality rate among men.

“It’s consistently noted that men generally do not experience takotsubo syndrome as frequently, but when they do, the outcomes tend to be worse,” explained Dr. Harmony Reynolds, director of NYU Langone Health’s Center for Women’s Cardiovascular Research, who was not part of the study.

The differences between men and women could be tied to the triggers of their conditions, according to the cardiologist. In men, the syndrome is often instigated by physical stressors like surgery or stroke, whereas in women, the triggers tend to be emotional, such as job loss or the death of a loved one.

“Individuals facing emotional stressors tend to fare better,” noted Dr. Iran Wittstein, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine who was not involved in the study.

“Men appear to have a higher risk of severe outcomes or mortality, suggesting that a more dangerous trigger is necessary for syndrome onset.”

Dr. Mohammad Movahed, the principal investigator of the study, added that men may also struggle more with recovery from takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Research indicates lower social support for men to help them cope with stress.

“If the stressor is transient and then removed, there could still be damage to the heart or diminished recovery chances,” Movahed, a cardiologist at the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center, explained.

However, scientists continue to explore the underlying mechanisms of the syndrome and why fatalities occur in rare instances.

“Researchers are still pursuing to uncover the definitive causes of this condition,” Wittstein remarked.

Is stress the only trigger?

To diagnose takotsubo cardiomyopathy, physicians look for certain hallmark signs. Typically, in affected patients, parts of the heart muscle balloon out, but there are usually no blocked arteries, which would indicate a heart attack. Most patients can also identify stressors that led to their episodes.

“During these moments, we feel the weight on our hearts,” stated Dr. Matthew Tomey, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. “It’s as if heartache manifests physically.”

However, Wittstein cautioned that stress alone may not suffice to trigger takotsubo syndrome.

“Some individuals might have minor work-related frustrations, engage in a slightly intense jog, or experience irritation at a red light,” he described.

Reynolds shared that one of her patients had four instances of the syndrome, each stemming from a mild stomach bug that caused vomiting.

“She is quite averse to vomiting, which likely contributed to her incidents,” she noted.

Wittstein now posits that certain individuals may harbor an inherent sensitivity to takotsubo syndrome. His findings suggest that stress hormones narrow small blood vessels around the heart, limiting blood flow and making some individuals, especially those with high blood pressure or cholesterol, more vulnerable.

Research indicates that postmenopausal women are at an elevated risk of developing this syndrome, potentially due to decreased estrogen levels, which facilitate the dilation of small blood vessels around the heart.

However, Reynolds emphasized that further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

“There’s a suggestion that sex hormones may play a role, but establishing that link is still an ongoing challenge,” she said.

It’s complex to manage and prevent

The intricate nature of takotsubo cardiomyopathy can complicate its prevention and treatment.

Doctors often seek ways to alleviate stress, sometimes prescribing medications intended for other heart conditions, such as beta blockers, or recommending meditation and mental health support.

“To date, we have not identified any preventive drugs that effectively reduce complications, mortality rates, or specific therapies,” Movahed stated.

The new study found that mortality rates associated with takotsubo syndrome remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2020.

However, Wittstein noted that the study relies on diagnostic codes assigned to hospitalized patients, which might overlook broader circumstances influencing a patient’s death, particularly regarding strokes or other neurological issues.

“I suspect many individuals recover from takotsubo syndrome but subsequently succumb to other complications,” he remarked.

The cardiologist advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain or shortness of breath, rather than attributing it solely to stress.

“Only through a comprehensive evaluation at the hospital can we differentiate between this condition and a traditional heart attack,” Reynolds cautioned. “Thus, it’s critical not to ignore chest pain.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

AI is Joining the Radiology Workforce: Efficiency Gains Observed So Far.

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Nine years ago, a prominent artificial intelligence scientist picked an at-risk profession.

“Individuals should stop pursuing a career as a radiologist now,” stated Jeffrey Hinton, asserting that AI would undoubtedly surpass human performance in this area within five years.

Currently, radiologists—medical imaging specialists diagnosing and treating diseases—are still in significant demand. Recent studies indicate a steady workforce growth projected by the American College of Radiation until 2055.

Dr. Hinton, who earned a Nobel Prize in physics for his groundbreaking AI research last year, has indeed had a monumental influence on technology.

This is evident at Mayo Clinic, one of the nation’s premier healthcare systems, with its primary campus located in Rochester, Minnesota. In recent years, Mayo Clinic has embraced AI technology to analyze images, automate everyday tasks, detect medical issues, and forecast diseases. AI also acts as a “second opinion.”

“But will it replace radiologists? We don’t believe so,” said Dr. Matthew Colestrom, chairman of radiology at Mayo Clinic. “We understand how challenging this work is and its interrelations.”

Computer scientists, industry experts, and policymakers have long debated the future of AI in the workforce. Will it serve as a smart assistant, enhance human performance, or be a robotic agent that displaces millions of workers?

The conversation intensifies as the cutting-edge technology behind chatbots appears to be advancing more quickly than anticipated. Leaders from companies like OpenAI and others forecast that AI will automate most cognitive tasks within a few years. Conversely, numerous researchers predict a more gradual transformation, akin to the introduction of electricity and the Internet, consistent with historical technological disruptions.

The potential obsolescence of radiologists serves as an illustrative example. Thus far, AI has proven to be a robust medical asset that enhances efficiency and augments human abilities, rather than replacing them.

Radiology has been a primary focus in the development and implementation of AI in healthcare. Of the more than 1,000 AI applications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical purposes, approximately 75% pertain to radiology. AI excels in identifying and assessing specific abnormalities, such as lung lesions and breast tumors.

“While there have been remarkable advancements, these AI tools mainly focus on general cases,” remarked Dr. Charles E. Kern Jr., a radiology professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and editor of the journal. Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.

Radiologists do much more than merely examine images. They provide consultations to other physicians and surgeons, engage with patients, compile reports, and scrutinize medical histories. After detecting potential tissue anomalies, they interpret the implications for individual patients based on their unique medical backgrounds, drawing from years of expertise.

David Ortl, a labor economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated that AI “underestimates the intricacy of work performed by humans.”

At Mayo Clinic, AI tools are being researched, developed, and customized to align with the hectic schedules of physicians. Since Dr. Hinton’s prediction, the radiology staff has expanded by 55%, now exceeding 400 radiologists.

Prompted by concerns and advancements in AI-related image recognition in 2016, radiology leaders assembled a team to evaluate the potential effects of the technology.

“Our initial thought was to leverage this technology for our betterment,” recalled Dr. Callstrom. “That was our primary objective.”

A decision was made to invest. Today, the Department of Radiology boasts a 40-member AI team, featuring AI scientists, radiation researchers, data analysts, and software engineers. They have created a diverse suite of AI tools, from tissue analysis instruments to disease prediction models.

The team collaborates with specialists like Dr. Theodora Pototzke, who focuses on the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs. She regards the radiologist’s role as that of a “secondary physician,” clearly conveying imaging findings and providing guidance.

Dr. Pototzke employs AI tools to gauge kidney volume. Growth in the kidneys, when coupled with cysts, can signal a decline in function even before changes are detectable in blood tests. Previously, she measured kidney volume mainly by hand, akin to using an on-screen ruler, resulting in variable outcomes and lengthy processes.

Serving as a consultant, end user, and tester for the department’s AI team, Dr. Pototzke assisted in designing software with color coding for various conditions and evaluating measurements.

Now, she can simply retrieve an image on a computer, click an icon, and instantly see the kidney volume measurements. This saves her 15-30 minutes with each kidney scan and consistently yields accurate results.

“This is a fantastic example of effectively utilizing AI for increased efficiency and accuracy,” Dr. Pototzke commented. “AI can augment, enhance, and quantify processes, but I am not in a position to relinquish interpretative duties regarding technology.”

In the hall, staff radiologist Dr. Francis Buffer elaborated on the various AI applications prevalent in the field, often operating behind the scenes. He stated that manufacturers of MRI and CT scanners incorporate AI algorithms to expedite image acquisition and enhance quality.

AI also autonomously identifies images with the highest likelihood of abnormal findings, effectively informing the radiologist, “focus here first.” Another application scans for heart or lung clots, even when the medical emphasis lies elsewhere.

“AI is currently integrated throughout our workflow,” noted Dr. Buffer.

In total, Mayo Clinic implements over 250 AI models, both developed in-house and sourced from vendors. The Radiology and Heart Disease divisions are the largest consumers of these technologies.

In some circumstances, emergent technologies unveil insights surpassing human capabilities. One AI model analyzes ECG data to forecast patients likely to develop cardiac fibrillation.

Research initiatives in radiology utilize AI algorithms to detect subtle transformations in pancreatic shape and texture, potentially identifying cancers up to two years before conventional diagnoses. The Mayo Clinic team is collaborating with other healthcare organizations to further validate these algorithms with more data.

“Mathematical modeling enables us to perceive what the human eye cannot,” mentioned Dr. John Haramka, president of the Mayo Clinic Platform, overseeing the digital initiatives of the health system.

Dr. Halamka, an advocate for AI, is confident that this technology will revolutionize medicine.

“In five years, failing to use AI will be considered a form of medical malpractice,” he suggested. “However, this means that humans and AI will collaborate closely.”

Dr. Hinton concurs. Reflecting on his previous statements, he believes he was overly broad in 2016, clarifying that his remarks were solely about image analysis, and while he may have misjudged the timeline, he maintains his original stance.

Over the years, most medical imaging interpretations are made through a partnership between AI and radiologists, which not only enhances accuracy but also significantly increases radiologists’ efficiency, according to Dr. Hinton.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Scientists Reveal That Objects in Our Universe Dissipate Faster Than Previously Believed

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A 2023 study by Professor Haino Falk and his team at Ladbou University revealed that not just black holes, but all cosmic entities can “evaporate” through a mechanism akin to Hawking radiation. Following the publication, the researchers were inundated with inquiries regarding the duration of this process. Their latest findings estimate that the universe’s conclusion is approximately 10⁷⁸ years away. If only radiation, similar to Hawking radiation, is taken into account, the timeline shortens to just a few years. This represents the time required for a white dwarf—the most stable astronomical object—to collapse through a Hawking-like radiation process. Previous research, which overlooked this effect, had estimated the lifespan of white dwarfs to be around 10¹¹⁰⁰ years.

An artistic depiction of neutron stars undergoing gradual ‘evaporation’ through Hawking-like radiation. Image credits: Daniëlle Futselaar/Artsource.nl.

“Thus, the ultimate conclusion of the universe will arrive significantly sooner than anticipated; however, rest assured, it will still take an incredibly long time,” noted Professor Falk.

In 1975, physicist Stephen Hawking proposed that particles and radiation could escape black holes, challenging the conventional framework of relativity.

Near the edge of a black hole, two transient particles emerge; one gets drawn into the black hole while the other successfully escapes.

A notable outcome of Hawking radiation is the gradual disintegration of black holes into particles and radiation.

This finding stands in opposition to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Professor Falk and his co-authors determined that the process of Hawking radiation applies to various objects with theoretically significant gravitational fields.

Their further calculations indicated that the “evaporation time” for an object is contingent entirely upon its density.

Surprisingly, neutron stars and stellar black holes have an identical decay time of 10⁶⁷ years.

This result was unexpected, given that black holes possess a more intense gravitational field.

“However, black holes lack a surface,” remarked Dr. Michael Wandrack, a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University.

“They reabsorb parts of their own radiation, which inhibits the process.”

“We also explored how long it would take for humans and the moon to evaporate via Hawking-like radiation: about 10⁹⁰ years,” the researcher added.

“Naturally, other mechanisms could lead to faster disappearance for humans and the moon.”

“This research exemplifies an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration, merging astrophysics, quantum physics, and mathematics to yield new insights,” stated Professor Walter Van Suisilecom from Radboud University.

“By pursuing these inquiries and examining extreme scenarios, we aim to enhance our understanding of the theory. Hopefully, one day, we will unravel the enigma surrounding Hawking radiation.”

The new paper is set to be published in Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics.

____

Haino Falke et al. 2025. The lifetime limit of the star remnants from gravity pair generation. jcap in press; Arxiv: 2410.14734

Source: www.sci.news

UK Government Unveils AI Tools to Accelerate Public Consultations

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

For the first time, AI tools are being utilized to evaluate public feedback on government consultations, with plans for broader adoption to help conserve money and staff resources.

The tool, referred to as “consultation,” was initially implemented by the Scottish government to gather insights on regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures like lip fillers.

According to the UK government, this tool is employed to analyze responses and deliver results comparable to human-generated outputs, with ongoing development aimed at reviewing additional consultations.

It examined over 2,000 responses while highlighting key themes, which were subsequently verified and enhanced by experts from the Scottish government.

The government has developed the consultation tool as part of a new suite of AI technologies known as “Humphrey.” They assert it will “accelerate operations in Whitehall and decrease consulting expenditures.”

Officials claim that, through the 500 consultations conducted each year, this innovative tool could save UK taxpayers £20 million annually, freeing up approximately 75,000 hours for other tasks.

Michael Lobatos, a professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, notes that while the benefits of consultations are significant, the potential for AI bias should not be disregarded.

“The intention is for humans to always oversee the process, but in practice, people may not have the time to verify every detail, leading to bias creeping in,” he stated.

Lobatos also expressed concerns that domestic and international “bad actors” could potentially compromise AI integrity.

“It’s essential to invest in ensuring our systems are secure and effective, which requires significant resources,” he remarked.

“Maximizing benefits while minimizing harm demands more initial investment and training than is typically expected. Ministers and civil servants might see this merely as a cost-saving quick fix, but it is crucial and complex.”

The government asserts that the consultation tool operates 1,000 times faster than humans and is 400 times less expensive, with conclusions “remarkably similar” to those of experts, albeit with less detail.

Discussing the launch of the tool, technology secretary Peter Kyle claimed it would save “millions” for taxpayers.

“There’s no reason to spend time on tasks that AI can perform more quickly and effectively, let alone waste taxpayer money contracting out such work,” he said.

“With promising outcomes, Humphrey helps lower governance costs and efficiently compiles and analyzes feedback from both experts and the public regarding vital issues.”

“The Scottish government has made a courageous first move, and will soon implement consultations across their own department and others within Whitehall.”

While there’s no set timeline for consultations still pending governmental approval, deployment to government agencies is anticipated by the end of 2025.

Source: www.theguardian.com

New Species of Herrerasaurus Discovered in India

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A newly discovered species fills the temporal gap between South American Herrerasaurus dinosaurs and their younger relatives in North America.

Reconstructing the life of Maleriraptor Kuttyi with the Unayasaurid Sauropodomorph Jaklapallisaurus asymmetric, both from the Norian Upper Maleri Formation in southern central India. Image credit: Márcio L. Castro.

Maleriraptor Kuttyi existed in present-day India during the Norian period of the Triassic, approximately 220 million years ago.

These ancient reptiles are part of the Herrerasauria, a small to medium-sized group of carnivorous animals that appeared in the fossil record around 228 million years ago and went extinct by the end of the Triassic period.

“Herrerasaurus is a representative of the earliest radiation of predatory dinosaurs,” stated Dr. Martin Ezcala, a paleontologist from the University of Birmingham and the Concejo Nacional de Investigative Sciences, alongside his museum colleagues.

“Previously, their records were predominantly limited to four nominal species found in the Norian Formation in the central area of Karnia in northwestern Argentina and the lower section of the Candelaria sequence in southern Brazil (dated 233-229 million years ago).”

“These species are bipedal, with a total length ranging from 1.2 to 6 m (3.9 to 19.7 feet).”

In particular, Herrerasaurus ischigualastensis stands out as the most abundant dinosaur in the lower third of the stratigraphic sequence of the Ischigualasto Formation within the region.

“The possibility of Herrerasaurus existing outside South America was first suggested in the mid-1990s with the discovery of Chindesaurus bryansmalli, from the Norian levels of the mid-upper Sinru formation in North America.”

Fossil materials of Maleriraptor Kuttyi were collected over 40 years ago from the Upper Maleri Formation in the Pramhitagodabari Valley, located about 1 km south of Anamam village in southern India.

“The Upper Maleri Formation where Maleriraptor Kuttyi was found is particularly significant in illuminating the early evolution of dinosaurs, as it retains a collection of dinosaurs that are slightly younger than the earliest radiation in Karnia,” remarked the paleontologist.

According to the research team, Maleriraptor Kuttyi provides the first evidence that Herrerasaurus also survived in Gondwana, related to the turnover of tetrapods in the early Norian period (227-220 million years ago), coinciding with the global extinction of a group of herbivorous alxaurmorph reptiles known as Linchaurus.

“The discovery of Maleriraptor Kuttyi indicates that Herrerasaurus persisted at least during the early Norians after the extinction event that wiped out Rinchaurus.”

“The presence of Herrerasaurus in the early Norians of India might be climatically influenced, as it suggests that India experienced different average annual temperatures and precipitation compared to North America’s Norian regions.”

“A more comparable paleoclimate between India and Southern North America might explain the presence of fauna components that are uncommon or absent in southern South America, such as phytosaurs, Herrerasaurus, Protopycnosaurus, and Marellisaurus alocotosaurus.”

“The deposition of the Upper Maleri Formation occurred shortly after the extinction event affecting Linchaurus, which is well-documented in the lower Maleri Formation.”

“The faunistic similarity between the Upper Maleri Formation and the upper section of the Brazilian Santa Maria Supersequence suggests they share a similar age, dating back to approximately 225 million years, which includes the presence of Unayasaurids.”

Thus, Maleriraptor Kuttyi helps bridge the early Norian gaps in the Herrerasaurus record.

The team’s paper has been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

____

Martín D. Ezcurra et al. 2025. A new Herrerasaurus dinosaur from the Upper Triassic Upper Marelli Formation in southern India. R. Soc. Open SCI 12(5): 250081; doi: 10.1098/rsos.250081

Source: www.sci.news

Study Uncovers Aztec Preference for Sierra de Pachuca’s Green Obsidian

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have explored the significance of obsidian, a crucial resource in the Aztec empire, utilized for tools and ritual items, as well as its broad importance in the pre-Columbian period. They examined 788 obsidian artifacts, representing various objects and contexts excavated from the mayor of Tenochtitlan (c. 1375-1520), the empire’s core located in present-day Mexico City. Their findings revealed that the Aztecs favored Green Obsidian from Sierra de Pachuca, while also sourcing this material from seven other locations. These results indicate a complex economy that depended on extensive long-distance trade, influenced not only by conquests but also internal rivalries.

Obsidian artifacts from Tenochtitlan. Image credit: mirsa islas/ptm-inah.

“While the Mexica preferred Green Obsidian, the variety of obsidian types, especially in non-ritual artifacts, indicates that these tools came from multiple markets rather than being directly acquired from sources,” noted a candidate from Tulane University.

“By tracing the origins of this material, we can examine the distribution of goods across Mesoamerica.”

Analysis revealed that nearly 90% of the obsidian artifacts sampled were produced from Sierra de Pachuca Obsidian.

Most ritual items discovered within the buried offerings at Mayor Templo were crafted from this type of obsidian, including small weapons, gemstones, and decorative inlays for sculptures.

A modest yet significant portion of obsidian was sourced from regions like Otonba, Tulanche, Ucaleo, and El Paraiso, with some being beyond the control of the Mexica Empire.

These materials were typically used for tool-making and found in construction fill, suggesting their availability through local markets rather than strict state control.

This study traced the evolution of obsidian use from the city’s early days up to its fall in 1520 AD.

In the initial phases of the Empire, there was greater diversity in obsidian sources present in both ceremonial and daily items.

Following the consolidation of Aztec power around AD 1430, obsidian was primarily sourced from Sierra de Pachuca, indicating a trend towards religious uniformity and centralized oversight.

“This type of compositional analysis enables us to track the evolution of empire expansion, political alliances, and trade networks over time,” remarked Matadamas Gomora.

“This research highlights the vast scope and intricacy of the Mexica Empire and demonstrates how archaeological science can illuminate ancient artifacts and provide insights into past cultural practices.”

Survey results will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Diego Matadama Gomora et al. 2025. A compositional analysis of obsidian artifacts from the mayor of Tenochitlan, the capital of the Mexican Empire. pnas 122 (20): E2500095122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2500095122

Source: www.sci.news

Study: Flamingos Utilize Beaks and Flexible Legs to Generate Water Tornadoes for Catching Prey

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Georgia Tech has uncovered that flamingos are not mere passive filter feeders; instead, they are active predators that employ flow-guided traps to catch nimble invertebrates.

Flamingos feed by dragging their flattened beaks forward along the shallow lake bottom. To enhance feeding efficiency, they stomp their feet to stir up the bottom, create swirling vortices with their heads, and repeatedly slap their beaks to catch food like brine shrimp. Image credit: aztli ortega.

“Flamingos are predators actively seeking out moving animals underwater. The challenge they face is how to concentrate these prey items to attract and capture them.”

“Consider how spiders spin webs to catch insects. Flamingos utilize vortices to trap creatures such as brine shrimp.”

Dr. Ortega Zimenez and his team conducted the study using Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) sourced from the Nashville Zoo, where they were kept in aquariums for several weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbkrxu7n6kw

Utilizing high-speed cameras and particle image velocity measurements, the researchers documented and analyzed feeding behaviors, employing flow visualization techniques involving fine food particles and oxygen bubbles.

They discovered that the birds use their floppy, swaying feet to disturb the bottom sediment and propel themselves forward in a swirling motion. Additionally, the flamingos convulse their heads upward like plungers while creating mini-tornados to draw food from the water’s surface.

As the birds keep their heads inverted in a watery vortex, their angled beaks create small vortices that direct sediment and food into their mouths, enhancing their feeding efficiency.

The unique structure of the flamingo’s beak, with its flattened shape and angled front, enables a technique known as skimming. This involves the bird extending its long, S-shaped neck to push its head forward while rapidly beating its beak, generating a sheet-like vortex (von Karman vortex) that captures prey.

“These complex active feeding behaviors challenge the long-held belief that flamingos are merely passive filter feeders,” noted Dr. Ortega Zimenez.

“While they may appear to be filtering only passive particles, these birds are actively preying on moving organisms.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdziufdf3ka

The authors also applied computational fluid dynamics to simulate the 3D flow around the beak and feet of the flamingos.

They confirmed that the vortices indeed concentrate particles, similar to experiments that used a 3D printhead with aggressively swimming shrimp and passively floating brine shrimp eggs.

“We observed that when we placed 3D printed models in the water to replicate skimming, they generated symmetrical vortices along the sides of the beak, cycling particles in the water effectively,” Dr. Ortega Zimenez shared.

The team’s findings will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Victor M. Ortega Zimenez et al. 2025. Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing legs to induce vortex traps for prey capture. pnas 122 (21): E2503495122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2503495122

Source: www.sci.news

Chimpanzees Utilize Healing Plants for Wound Care

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

New research has revealed that wild chimpanzees are capable of self-medicating their wounds with plants, assisting injured companions, and freeing others from traps set by human hunters.

This behavior, documented in a study published in the journal Frontiers of Evolution and Ecology on Wednesday, offers new insights into the evolutionary roots of human medicine.

Over approximately eight months, the study combined video footage and photographs with historical data, revealing that chimpanzees engage in actions like biting plants, applying leaves to wounds as makeshift bandages, and grooming wounds of fellow animals. Observers noted a chimpanzee pressing a leaf against its wound for treatment.

The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about whether altruistic behaviors are exclusive to humans, as they show that even chimpanzees without familial ties can exhibit care toward one another.

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda grooming.
Elodie Freymann

“Humans often pride themselves on being unique in their capacity for empathy and altruism,” says Elodie Freyman, a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University and the study’s lead author. “These animals demonstrate that they can identify others in need and respond appropriately.”

Chimpanzees and bonobos, the closest genetic relatives to humans, bolster the argument that healthcare concepts may have existed millions of years prior to the emergence of Homo sapiens.

“Our shared ancestors likely exhibited these caring behaviors,” Freyman stated.

An increasing number of studies indicates that various animal species can self-medicate with differing levels of sophistication. For instance, elephants have been observed to consume specific leaves for medicinal purposes, hinting that animals might be addressing health issues like digestion.

As research on animal medicinal behaviors expands, experts believe it provides crucial insights into our own evolutionary past.

“Evidence of healthcare behaviors exists among our ancestors, dating back to pre-Neanderthals, but the evolutionary pathways of such explorative behaviors remain unclear,” remarked Alessandra Mascaro, a primate researcher and doctoral candidate at the University of Osnabrueck in Germany. “We are only beginning to uncover these complexities.”

In 2022, Mascaro published findings illustrating that Gabonian chimpanzees applied insects to their own wounds and anticipates that further observations will clarify how these behaviors evolved.

Studying chimpanzee self-medication poses challenges due to the rarity of such behaviors.

Freyman dedicated two months to researching chimpanzees in Budongo Forest, Uganda, where observing these animals can be both physically taxing and demanding.

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda grooming.
Elodie Freymann

“Some days involve sitting at the base of a tree for hours, while others might have you stuck in a muddy hole while trying to observe them. The day’s tasks depend heavily on the group’s activities.

During her fieldwork, Freyman noted numerous instances of care behaviors among chimpanzees. She also discovered historical observational records from previous studies that revealed behaviors not documented until now, indicating a pattern of medicinal practices dating back to the 1990s.

“Collating these observations paints a remarkable picture of chimpanzee care,” she remarked.

From her findings and historical records, Freyman documented 41 instances of chimpanzee wound care, including four cases involving unrelated individuals.

“These results suggest that prosocial behaviors among nonkin may be more widespread than previously recognized,” noted Isabel Laumer, a cognitive biologist at the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior in Germany, who was not part of this study. “Further research is essential.”

Mascaro, who has studied chimpanzee healthcare behaviors in Gabon, acknowledged that the new findings from Uganda show similar medicinal behaviors across different populations of chimpanzees.

“Prior to this, we had limited knowledge about chimpanzees in that part of Africa,” Mascaro stated.

The phenomenon of self-medication has also been observed in other primates. Last year, Laumer documented that Indonesian orangutans apply leaves to facial wounds as a remedy for injuries sustained during conflicts. The plants they utilize often possess pain-relieving properties recognized by humans.

This body of research broadly indicates that primates are capable of identifying and utilizing plants with medicinal qualities.

“Chimpanzees consider forests not only as a food source but also as a repository for medicinal resources,” Freyman emphasized, underscoring the importance of preserving forest ecosystems.

She suggested that humans may have learned about medicinal plants from these primates, and that pharmaceutical companies could benefit from studying animal behavior to discover valuable medical compounds in the future.

“If you wish to refine the knowledge of these remarkable medicinal resources, observing and learning from animals is an effective, ethical, and responsible approach,” Freyman concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Rescue of 2,600-Year-Old Stones Unearthed from Ancient Nineveh

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The preservation of ancient stones is illustrated in the context of Ashurbanipal. A team of archaeologists from the University of Heidelberg has discovered depictions of two gods and other figures representing the rulers of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, spanning from 699 to 631 BC.

A fragment of a 2,600-year-old stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh. Image credit: Aaron Schmidt.

Two artifacts, dating back 2,600 years, were unearthed at the archaeological site of Nineveh, located in modern-day Mosul, northern Iraq.

Nineveh served as the capital and largest city of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, and for almost 50 years, it was the largest city in the world.

“The ancient city of Nineveh is recognized as one of the most significant cities in North Mesopotamia. King Sennacherib established it as the capital of the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BC,” stated Professor Aaron Schmidt from the University of Heidelberg and his team.

The recently unearthed relief from the throne room of King Ashurbanipal’s North Palace stands out not only for its dimensions but also for the intricate scenes it portrays.

This enormous stone slab measures 5.5 m (18 feet) long and 3 m (10 feet) tall, weighing approximately 12 tons.

3D model of stone relief from the archaeological site of Nineveh: dark gray marks the fragments, while light gray areas indicate reconstructions based on findings. King Ashurbanipal is depicted in the center, flanked by the god Ashur (left) and the guardian goddess of Nineveh (right), followed by fish spirits and skilled attendants. Image credit: Michael Rummel.

“Among the various reliefs found in the Assyrian palace, this is the first to prominently feature the major gods,” commented Professor Schmidt.

“At the center of the newly uncovered relief is King Ashurbanipal, the last major ruler of the Assyrian Empire.”

“He is positioned next to the two greatest deities: Assur and Ishtar, along with the guardian goddess of Nineveh.”

“Surrounding them are fish spirits, symbolizing divine life and sovereignty, as well as armed supporters, potentially depicted as scorpions.”

“The evidence implies that a large winged solar disk may have originally adorned the relief.”

Researchers will continue to analyze the depictions meticulously and aim to publish their findings in an academic journal.

“This relief was originally located in a niche opposite the front entrance of the throne room, indicating its significance within the palace,” Professor Schmidt elaborated.

“We discovered a fragment of the relief in an earth-filled hole behind this niche.”

“It’s possible it was buried during the Hellenistic period around the 3rd or 2nd century BC.”

The burial of these fragments is likely one reason why British archaeologists failed to locate them over a century ago.

Source: www.sci.news

Paleontologists Discover First Fossils of Extant Tropical Tree Species

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Fossils of the giant rainforest tree Dryobalanops rappa have been found in Brunei (officially known as Brunei Darussalam), an island nation in Borneo. This discovery marks the first fossil evidence of a living, endangered tropical tree species, opening up new avenues for fossil research and underscoring the importance of Southeast Asian heritage and its preservation.

Leaf architecture from living (C, D, FH) compared to fossils (A, B, E) of Dryobalanops. Image credit: Wang et al, doi: 10.1002/ajb2.70036.

Locally referred to as Kapur Paya, Dryobalanops rappa is a tall tree species that exists today but is threatened with extinction in Borneo’s carbon-rich peatlands, including Brunei.

Fossil leaves estimated to be 2 million years old were uncovered in Kampong Rugh within the Chuton district of Brunei.

“This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the ancient history of Asian tropical wet forests,” noted researchers from Pennsylvania.

“We now have fossil evidence that this remarkable tree species has been integral to Borneo’s forests for millions of years, emphasizing its ecological significance and the urgency to protect its remaining habitats.”

According to Professor Peter Wilf of Pennsylvania, “Fossil records of wet tropical forests in Asia have been surprisingly limited compared to those in the Amazon and Africa.”

Paleontologists identified these fossils by examining the microscopic features of the preserved leaf cuticles, down to the cellular level of Dryobalanops rappa.

“Our findings underscore that these forests are not only thriving with biodiversity today but are also home to iconic tree species that have existed for millions of years,” Wang stated.

“Conservation efforts should not only focus on current species but also aim to preserve the ecological legacy that has endured over millennia.”

“The dominant tree family in Asian rainforests, the bi-pterocarps, plays a crucial role in carbon storage and biodiversity,” the researchers highlighted.

“However, these trees face increasing threats from deforestation and habitat loss.”

“By unveiling the deep historical roots of these trees, this discovery offers a fresh perspective on conservation strategies,” Wang added.

“These findings add a new dimension to conservation, as we strive to protect not only modern species but also ancient survivors that are pivotal to our ecosystem,” Wang concluded.

“This historical context makes both the endangered tree species and their habitats even more critical for conservation efforts.”

“Our research demonstrates how fossil evidence can inform conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems, grounded in their historical importance,” Professor Wilf remarked.

“Understanding the history of tropical forests is vital for conservation, especially as numerous key species face rapid decline.” Professor Wilf emphasized.

“Our discovery lays an essential historical foundation for the conservation of keystone trees in tropical Asia, particularly the rapidly diminishing bi-ptery species.”

Details of these findings are documented in a paper published in the American Journal of Botany.

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Teng-Xiang Wang et al. Fossils of the endemic giant dual-pterocarp species open a historic portal into Borneo’s disappearing rainforest. American Journal of Botany, published online on May 8, 2025. doi:10.1002/ajb2.70036

Source: www.sci.news

Internal Departments Are Declining in Influence While Extraction Is Rising

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The Trump administration is suggesting a significant reevaluation of how public lands across the U.S. are utilized and managed, based on an Interior Department document released in late April. This draft strategic plan outlines objectives for the next five years, focusing on maximizing economic benefits through resource extraction, such as oil and gas, while minimizing emphasis on conservation.

“This serves as a roadmap for industrializing public land,” stated Taylor McKinnon of the Center for Biodiversity. McKinnon expressed skepticism regarding the administration’s ability to achieve these goals, signaling potential lawsuits from his organization and others.

Many ambitious proposals are being floated that are specific to Washington, DC, and are unlikely to materialize. However, Donald J. Trump is commencing his second presidential term with determined momentum, reshaping federal agencies at a speed previously unseen.

“I am fully committed to implementing the directives of Project 2025,” remarked Jacob Malcolm, who recently led the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Policy Analysis. Project 2025, a 900-page document published by the Heritage Foundation in 2023, acts as a guiding framework for various policies, including those regarding public land. Much of the section related to the Department of the Interior was authored by William Perry Pendley, a conservative activist.

Among the numerous objectives highlighted in the strategic plan released on April 22, coinciding with Earth Day, “Restoring America’s Prosperity” is a focal point. To realize this goal, the Department of the Interior aims to “open Alaska and other federal lands for mineral extraction,” “boost revenues from grazing, timber, precious minerals, gravel, and other non-energy resources,” and “enhance production of clean coal, oil, and gas with expedited permitting processes.”

The newsletter discussing public domain initiatives first reported this documentation. In a statement via email, a spokesperson for the Interior Department criticized the leak, which seemingly prepares environmental groups, including McKinnon, for legal challenges. The statement labeled the leak as “unacceptable” and claimed it is “irresponsible for media outlets to publish draft documents.” They assured that the leak of internal pre-decision documents would be taken “very seriously,” and an investigation would follow, although no further details were provided by the department’s media office.

The plan does touch upon more conventional goals, such as enhancing “resilience against natural disasters,” improving infrastructure like dams and bridges, and promoting recreation, particularly hunting and fishing. However, the overarching outlook reflected in the 23-page document aligns with long-held Republican views that regard federal land protection as overly burdensome and intrusive—beliefs that gained traction during the late 1970s and the early Reagan administration. After the Sagebrush Rebels began advocating for privatization over conservation, these ideas became more mainstream. (Pendley identifies himself under the handle @sagebrush_rebel on social media, with an avatar featuring Ronald Reagan in western attire.)

“The strategic plan clearly prioritizes the extraction and sale of public land,” stated Aaron H. Weiss, Deputy Director of the Western Priority Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit advocating land protection. “Conservation, protection, recreation, and tribal responsibilities are all deprioritized.” (The Department of Interior sometimes overlaps with “all other departments,” such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Bureau, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.)

A significant component of the 2030 plan is already rolling out. Interior Secretary Doug Burgham is moving forward to expedite environmental review processes necessary for approving mines, wells, pipelines, and other industrial infrastructure. Recently, the Trump administration greenlit the construction of homes on federal land. Pendley previously led the Bureau of Land Management during Trump’s first term. Moreover, on May 2, Burgham announced the opening of 87,000 acres managed by his department. for enhanced hunting and fishing opportunities.

Burgham’s strategic plan also includes a provision suggesting the return of federal lands to the states, termed policy diving. As Weiss pointed out, “History teaches us that states often lack the resources to manage such lands, resulting in closures, sales, and increasing privatization. This is the ultimate endgame.”

Still, the vision laid out by the new Home Office may only be partially realized, particularly as courts continue to halt central components of Trump’s agenda. “Much of what they’re doing seems to be illegal,” Dr. Malcolm articulated, referencing the large-scale layoffs instituted by the Trump administration in the Department of the Interior and legal challenges to renewable energy projects. Nevertheless, this document starkly indicates how modern GOPs have significantly diverged from Theodore D. Roosevelt’s legacy of protecting public lands.

Mr. Roosevelt was responsible for implementing the Antiquities Act of 1906, which empowers the president to protect lands of cultural or historical significance. Subsequent Democratic presidents, including Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe R. Biden Jr., have utilized this legislation, often leading to accusations of executive overreach from conservative critics.

Burgham’s strategic plan suggests implementing “right-sized monuments,” referring particularly to the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, which were both downsized during his initial term. While Biden reinstated those changes in 2021, there remains the possibility of additional reductions for these or other monuments.

Additional proposals contemplate restoring historic names, potentially reassigning Native American names, like Denali, Mountain Alaska, back to Mount McKinley. The department also seeks to revoke behavioral protections for certain endangered species and eliminate “unnecessary” electric vehicle policies.

Overall, the vision presented by Burgham sharply contrasts with the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan released by the Biden administration, which emphasized objectives related to “climate change,” “environmental management,” and “environmental justice.” The Biden-era plan celebrated initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion—concepts actively dismissed by the Trump administration.

In one of his first actions upon returning to the White House, Trump declared a “national energy emergency.” This move comes in response to the Interior Department’s stated intent to expedite the permitting process for new oil and gas leases.

Experts, however, argue that no such crisis exists. According to the Energy Information Administration, the United States is currently the “world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas.” Moreover, with the increasing affordability of renewable energy options, supporting the opening of federal land to excavation appears to lack justification. “We’ve witnessed significant advancements globally,” commented Mark Squilas, a natural resource expert at the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder, who also described claims of a national energy emergency as “absurd.”

Dr. Scrice raised concerns regarding the limited opportunities available for public input on the strategic plans set to be finalized by October. “This essentially circumvents the comprehensive engagement process,” he remarked. “This is not a genuinely thorough process.”

Mary Joe Rugwell, who leads the Public Land Foundation, previously served as the state director of Wyoming’s Bureau of Land Management. She noted that land use policies oscillate between ideological extremes, often leading to legal disputes.

“They’re bound to face lawsuits,” she stated regarding the Trump administration. “And the thing is, once litigation starts, progress comes to a halt; all that arises is a barrage of legal counsel.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

3M to Pay Up to $450 Million for Water Contamination Settlement

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

3M is expected to pay New Jersey between $400 million and $450 million over the next 25 years. The company is implicated in the contamination of drinking water across the nation with harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

The Minnesota-based chemical corporation has produced PFAS for decades at the Chambers Works site in Deepwater, New Jersey, situated along the Delaware River. This facility was previously owned by the competitor DuPont.

Officials have stated that this settlement marks the largest single clean water agreement in New Jersey history. In 2019, New Jersey launched a lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and other PFAS manufacturers, citing contamination of the drinking water supply from the facility.

PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are found in numerous everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, water-repellant clothing, and stain-resistant carpets. Exposure to these chemicals is associated with metabolic disorders, reduced birth rates in women, delayed child development, and higher risks of certain cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.

As part of the settlement announced on Tuesday, 3M will allocate between $400 million and $450 million to New Jersey over 25 years, aimed at damages and improving drinking water treatment.

New Jersey noted that DuPont and its spinoff, Kemoul, which operates the facility, are not included in the settlement. The remaining parties are anticipated to take the matter to trial. DuPont chose not to comment.

“Businesses that contaminate our water supply must be held accountable,” stated New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “For years, 3M was aware its PFAS chemicals were permanently polluting the New Jersey environment, yet they evaded responsibility. That time is over.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chambers Works facility historically produced gunpowder and materials for nuclear purposes, aiding in the development of the atomic bomb. Recently, the site has manufactured a range of chemicals, including PFAS.

New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Sean M. Latourette remarked that the pollution issue extends far beyond drinking water. “PFAS are present throughout New Jersey, even reaching soil in forests distant from landfills,” he noted.

New Jersey is only the second state to settle with 3M regarding PFAS-related drinking water pollution claims, following Minnesota, which saw 3M agree to pay $850 million in 2018 for similar issues affecting natural resources.

In 2023, 3M also reached a nationwide settlement of up to $12.5 billion with public water suppliers to tackle PFAS contamination in drinking water.

3M characterized the agreement as a “crucial step toward mitigating risks and uncertainties” related to historical PFAS contamination. The company indicated that it had begun phasing out the production of two major PFAS substances in 2000 and aims to stop all PFAS production by 2025.

3M clarified that the settlement should not be seen as an admission of guilt and noted that it would incur a pre-tax charge of $285 million in the second quarter.

This week, the EPA was set to announce whether it will uphold the stringent PFAS drinking water standards established by the Biden administration last year.

Chemical companies and utilities have sued the agency over this decision. The Trump administration was due to inform the court on Monday whether it would continue to support these standards but instead requested a 21-day extension to determine its next steps.

Source: www.nytimes.com

This Fossilized Creature Has Three Eyes, Yet Everything Else Seems Familiar

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Over 500 million years ago, Matt Groening and The Simpsons introduced us to Blinking, mutated fish with extra eyes that swam from an old fish hole in Springfield, pursuing their prey through Cambrian seas. Once you catch a quarry, a circular mouth lined with teeth will do the rest.

This creature, named Mothra Fentoni, is a remarkable addition to the peculiar fossils preserved in the Burgess Shale, a significant fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies. However, findings published in the journal on Wednesday Royal Society Open Science suggest that Mothra may not be as alien as it initially appears.

The first Mothra specimens were unearthed over a century ago by paleontologist Charles Walcott, who discovered Burgess Shale in 1909. In recent years, paleontologists at the Ontario Museum in Toronto have unearthed “layers of seabeds revealing a plethora of Mothra fossils.”

Although they were not fish, it was evident that the masses from the sea related to Radiodonts, the group of ancestral arthropods dominating the Cambrian food chain. However, comprehensive examinations of these animals only began in 2012 when numerous Mothra specimens were found at Marble Canyon, an outcrop of Burgess Shale.

“The collection of both old and new specimens motivated us to finally understand this animal,” said Joseph Moiszk, a paleontologist who studied the Marble Canyon fossils during his doctoral research.

Dr. Moiszk collaborated with advisors at the Royal Ontario Museum, including Jan Bernard Carron, to analyze approximately 60 ocean specimens. Like other Burgess Shale creatures, many Mothra specimens are well-preserved, showcasing features such as the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. Some even exhibited traces of nerve bundles in each of the creature’s three eyes.

The team meticulously documented the detailed anatomy of the flat fossils by photographing Mothra specimens under polarized light.

A defining characteristic of living arthropods is their body division into specialized segments. For instance, crustaceans like crabs have varying appendages suited for different functions such as feeding and locomotion. Fossils of early arthropod ancestors, including other Radiodonts, display relatively simple body plans. Consequently, researchers have long theorized that segmentation evolved slowly over time.

Mothra supports this trend. Though measuring only 2.5 inches in length, the creature’s body was divided into as many as 26 segments.

“This feature has never been observed in this group before,” remarked Dr. Moisiuk, currently at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg.

Along with its broad swimming flaps, the animal had a highly segmented trunk behind its body. Researchers note that this area resembles abdominal structures used by crabs, woodlice, and various insects for respiration.

Optimizing oxygen intake was crucial for active predators like Mothra. Researchers believe the animal hunted small prey in open waters while needing to distance itself from larger contemporaries, such as the 2-foot-long, oddly-shaped titanocory.

Since no other Radiodont displayed such a specialized trunk, researchers have classified Mothra in its unique group. Instead of naming the creature after that three-eyed cartoon fish, the team drew inspiration from another pop culture icon, Mothra, Godzilla’s winged adversary. Dr. Moysiuk stated that the name pays homage to the creature’s nickname while celebrating the lasting appeal of Japanese Burgess Shale creatures.

The team also identified other notable features in Mothra, such as dark, reflective patches and swimming flaps within the animal’s body. Researchers speculate these could indicate spaces for blood vessels, possibly linked to the heart’s pumping system.

However, some scientists remain skeptical that these features represent fossilized blood vessels. Joanna Wolf, a paleontologist at Harvard University who wasn’t involved in the study, suggested they might represent other structures, such as the digestive tract.

While some of Mothra’s attributes may stir scientific debate, Dr. Caron believes the body segments of this ancient sea creature reveal ties to modern arthropods. “It certainly is a very unique animal,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Inside the Museum: Beetles Feeding on Meat for Scientific Research

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Navigating past the enormous hanging blue whales and the Alaska brown bear on the ground floor of the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll stumble upon an unassuming, concealed door. Above it are small signs.

“Bug colony.”

Behind this door, accessible solely to a select group of museum staff, thousands of carnivorous skin beetles tirelessly work around the clock, carrying out specimen preparation tasks that even the museum’s most skilled professionals cannot manage.

They consume the flesh from animal skeletons, leaving only pristine bones behind.

Many skeletons are too intricate for human cleaning, so the museum’s osteologic preparation team turns to these six-legged workers to ready specimens for research and display.

The operation takes place in three gray wooden boxes, about the size of a foot locker, which house the colony. These boxes are lined with stainless steel, and their flexible tops unveil a range of small creatures, including beetles, feasting on the remnants of primarily birds. They devour morsels of flesh still attached to the carcasses.

The room resonates with soft, crackling noises. “Adding milk makes it sound like frying food or cooking rice,” mentioned Rob Pascocello, a colony caretaker.

The beetles are tiny—only a few millimeters long—capable of entering the narrowest crevices in animals and nibble away without damaging fragile skeletal structures, according to Scott Schaefer, the overseer of the museum’s vast collection of specimens and artifacts, which comprises over 30 million items.

“They do an exceptional, meticulous job that human hands cannot replicate due to delicacy,” Schaefer explained. “It’s gentler than boiling the specimens or subjecting them to chemicals or acids.”

Museum representatives state that this industrious colony has processed countless carcasses, including a significant portion of the over 30,000 bird skeleton specimens housed for decades. “They slip into tiny spaces and go unnoticed, continuing to feed until there’s nothing left,” Schaefer noted.

On a recent weekday, Paul Sweet, the collection manager for ornithology, stood in the bug room, pointing out that the name is misleading from a scientific standpoint.

True bugs, known scientifically as Hemiptera, have mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking. In contrast, beetles—known as Coleoptera—typically have a cylindrical shape with chewing mouthparts.

The colony has effectively reduced the once vibrant pink flamingos into mere bundles of bones. The majestic snowy owl was similarly transformed. Among the remnants was a tiny skeleton in a canister, with bones smaller than a toothpick.

“That’s a songbird,” Pascocello remarked.

Skin beetles are scavengers commonly found in the wild, nests, and animal burrows, feasting on deceased animals.

Museum officials mentioned that this dermatological colony, introduced from Africa in the 1930s, has remained self-sufficient. Sweet noted that the current beetle population has been at the museum for 35 years, though it remains uncertain whether they are descendants of the original colony.

Regardless, beetles only live for six months, leading Pascocello to humorously state, “they’re all related.” He also mentioned having a backup colony in his bedroom during the museum’s closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

On this particular day, Sweet was preparing to feed the colony a Northern Gannet, a seabird recovered from Midland Beach on Staten Island. It had already been stripped, dried, and had most of its meat removed by researchers before being handed over to the beetles for final preparation.

Within minutes, the bodies were swarming with beetles. While smaller birds can be entirely cleaned in just a couple of days, a larger skeleton, like that of a gannet, may take up to two weeks.

Pascocello once provided beetles to feed orangutans, while Sweet had given them the remains of an emu. However, the size of the specimens presented determines how they are handled; larger ones must be provided in pieces, such as the remains of a Cuban crocodile named Fidel, sourced from the Bronx Zoo in 2005.

Before pristine skeletons are boxed and cataloged, they are soaked in water and frozen for several days to eliminate any residual beetles and eggs.

Beetles pose no threat to humans, but an infestation within the museum’s specimen collection is undesirable. A sufficient quantity of beetles means strips of petrolatum jelly at the top of the box and sticky patches on the room’s doorway.

If the supply of specimens falls short, Pascocello will resort to chicken as an emergency food source. Sweet mentioned providing the colony with pig feet during the pandemic, as it was the least expensive meat available at the supermarket.

The beetle’s voracious appetite serves as a reminder that significant scientific work doesn’t always happen in spotless laboratories. Above the door, beneath the “Bug Colony” sign, a handwritten note reads:

“The unpleasant odor emanating from behind this door is perfectly normal.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Attention Shifts to Targeting Drug Dealers

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Former President Trump has been vocal in his battle against drug traffickers for quite some time. He proposed the death penalty for their “heinous acts,” asserting this measure on the first day of his second term. A Presidential Order categorizes cartels as “terrorist organizations.”

Nonetheless, public health and addiction specialists express concern that his budget and policy proposals may inadvertently penalize individuals grappling with drug abuse and addiction.

The Trump administration pledged to combat overdose deaths, a pressing public health crisis, by enhancing law enforcement efforts, bolstering border security, and imposing tariffs on China and Mexico to curb the influx of fentanyl and other hazardous substances. However, the administration also proposed substantial cuts in programs aimed at reducing the demand for drugs.

The budget introduced to Congress this month seeks to eliminate over $1 billion allocated for local and domestic treatment and preventive services. Major federal agencies involved in addressing substance use, such as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, have already experienced substantial staff reductions due to layoffs during the Trump administration. Critics warn that this will lead to a collapse of the necessary frameworks for a healthy America, extending far beyond just mental health and substance use issues.

If Republican talks about Medicaid cuts are implemented, millions of Americans may be unable to maintain or initiate treatment.

The White House did not provide any comments regarding the situation. The proposed budget highlights a stance on drug trafficking, stressing a commitment to secure boundaries and law and order while advocating for the reduction of redundant or insufficiently impactful addiction services.

Public health experts argue that these reductions are detrimental, particularly at a time when the nation is making meaningful advancements in combating fentanyl fatalities. Various interventions, including increased access to overdose-reversing naloxone, more treatment facilities, stable housing, and peer counseling, have been credited with this progress. Nonetheless, a clear consensus on which interventions merit further focus and funding remains elusive.

“It will be a tragedy if we dismantle these programs without a full understanding of their effectiveness, leading to a potential resurgence of overdose rates,” warns Dr. Matthew Christiansen, an addiction specialist from Huntington, West Virginia, a city once labeled as facing a severe opioid crisis.

A letter signed by over 320 behavioral medicine experts was sent to Congressional leaders, criticizing the proposed cuts, which affect crucial programs such as “community-based naloxone distribution, peer outreach initiatives, prevention programs for drug-related infectious diseases, and drug testing strip programs.”

The president’s budget proposes the termination of grants aimed at “harm reduction,” a strategy that helps curb the spread of disease and maintains the health of drug users, which has gained widespread acceptance among mainstream addiction treatment providers.

The budget questions federal financial backing for “dangerous activities” termed “harm reduction,” which includes providing “safe smoking kits and consumables” and “syringes” for users.

Such rhetoric harkens back to distorted reports from 2022, which suggested that $30 million in federal harm reduction grants would fund crack smoking and meth pipes. In reality, a small portion of the grants, designated as a “Safer Smoking Kit,” comprised alcohol swabs and lip balm while also supporting state programs for sterile syringe exchanges that have been shown to effectively reduce hepatitis C and HIV infection rates.

“Many individuals have faced significant health challenges,” remarked Dr. Christiansen, who previously directed drug management policies in West Virginia. “These tools are essential for minimizing opioid-related harm while fostering long-term recovery.”

According to the latest annual substance use survey by federal entities, 2023, approximately 27.2 million Americans over 12 years old faced substance use disorders, 28.9 million struggled with alcohol use disorders, and 7.5 million experienced both.

The budget maintains block grants for states to combat addiction and mental health issues; however, without additional grants and resources, the capacity for states to deliver necessary medical and social services for addiction prevention and treatment may fall short, as stated by Dr. Christiansen.

David Hertzberg, a Professor of Drug Policy and History at the University of Buffalo, noted that this governmental approach echoes 19th-century America, when the government was heavily intertwined with border issues tied to drug use, particularly regarding opiates and Chinese immigrants. Fearing foreign influence, Congress enacted severe restrictions on immigration from China amid hysteria over opium use among Chinese men.

Currently, as Hertzberg observed, political conservatives have recognized the targeting of foreign drug suppliers as a strategic avenue to bolster their broader agendas.

This stands in stark contrast to the frequently boasted about drug seizures, while chronic substance abuse often goes overlooked and is typically perceived as a personal failing rather than a broader social issue. Elected officials advocating for welfare are often branded as excessively lenient on crime.

“If politicians are truly willing to advocate for these individuals, I would be genuinely surprised,” Hertzberg concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

ChatGPT Is Polite, But It Doesn’t Collaborate with You

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Illustration: Mathieu Labrecque/The Guardian

After the release of my third book in early April, I continued to see headlines that made me feel like the protagonist of a Black Mirror episode. “Vauhini Vara consulted ChatGPT and was instrumental in creating her new book, Searches.” Read more. “To tell her story, this celebrated author has essentially become ChatGPT,” another headline proclaimed. Yet another “Vauhini Vara will explore her identity with assistance from ChatGPT,” asserted a third article.

I was encouraged by the publications to search. Their portrayals were generally well-received and factual. However, their interpretations of my book and ChatGPT’s involvement did not align with my own understanding. While it’s true that I included conversations with ChatGPT in the book, my aim was critique, not collaboration. In interviews and public forums, I consistently cautioned against using large language models, like ChatGPT, for self-expression. Did these writers misconstrue my work? Or did I inadvertently lead them astray?

In my work, I document how major tech entities exploit human language for their own gain. We’ve made this possible, as we benefit from utilizing their products. It embodies the dynamics of Big Tech’s scheme to amass wealth and influence. We find ourselves both victims and beneficiaries. I’ll convey this complicity through my own online history: my Google searches, Amazon reviews, and yes, my dialogues with ChatGPT.

The Polite Politics of AI

The book opens with an epigraph highlighting the political potency of language, quoted from Audre Lorde and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, followed by an initial conversation where I prompt ChatGPT to respond to my writing. This juxtaposition is intentional. I wanted feedback on various chapters to see how these exercises reflect both my language choices and the political implications of ChatGPT.

I maintained a polite tone, stating, “I’m nervous.” OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, claims its products excel when given clear instructions. Research indicates that when we engage kindly, ChatGPT responds more effectively. I framed my requests with courtesy; when it complimented me, I expressed my gratitude; when noting an error, I softened my critique.

ChatGPT, in turn, was designed for polite interaction. Oftentimes, its output is described as “bland” or “generic,” akin to a beige office building. OpenAI’s products are engineered to “sound like a colleague.” According to OpenAI, words are chosen to embody qualities such as “ordinary,” “empathetic,” “kind,” “rationally optimistic,” and “attractive.” These strategies aim to ensure the product appears “professional” and “friendly,” fostering a sense of safety. OpenAI recently discussed rolling back updates that pushed ChatGPT toward erratic responses.

Trust is a pressing challenge for AI companies, especially since their products frequently produce inaccuracies and reflect sexist, racist, and US-centric cultural assumptions. While companies strive to address these issues, they persist; OpenAI found that its latest system generates errors at even higher rates than its predecessor. In the book, I discussed inaccuracies and bias, demonstrating them with examples. For instance, when I prompted Microsoft’s Bing Image Creator for visuals of engineers and space explorers, it rendered a cast of exclusively male figures. Moreover, when my father requested that ChatGPT edit his writing, it converted his accurate Indian English into American English. Such biases are prevalent. Research indicates that these trends are widespread.

Within my dialogue with ChatGPT, I sought to illustrate how a veneer of product neutrality could dull our critical responses to misguided or biased output. Over time, ChatGPT seemed to encourage me towards more favorable portrayals of Big Tech, describing OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman as “forward-thinking and pragmatic.” I have yet to find research confirming whether ChatGPT has a bias towards Big Tech entities, including OpenAI or Altman. We can only speculate about the reasons for this behavior in our interactions. OpenAI maintains that its products should not attempt to sway user opinions, but when I queried ChatGPT on the matter, it attributed the bias to limitations in training data, even as I believe deeper issues play a part.

When I asked ChatGPT about its rhetorical style, it replied: “My manner of communication is designed to foster trust and confidence in my responses.”

Nevertheless, by the end of our exchange, ChatGPT had suggested a conclusion for my book. Although Altman had never directly informed me, it seemed he would guide discussions towards accountability regarding AI product deficiencies.

I felt my argument had been made. The ChatGPT generated epilogue was inaccurately biased. The conversation concluded amicably, and I felt triumphant.

I Thought I Was Critiquing the Machine; Headlines Framed Me as Collaborating with It

Then, headlines emerged (and occasionally articles or reviews) referring to my use of ChatGPT as a means of self-expression. In interviews and publications, many asked if my work was a collaboration with ChatGPT. Each time, I rejected the premise by citing the Cambridge Dictionary definition of collaboration. Regardless of how human-like ChatGPT’s rhetoric appears, it is not a person.

Of course, OpenAI has its aspirations. Among them, it aims to develop AI that “benefits all of humanity.” Yet, while the organization is governed by non-profit principles, its investors still seek returns on their investments. This environment could incentivize users of ChatGPT to adopt additional products. Such objectives could be easily attained if these products are perceived as trustworthy partners. Last year, Altman predicted that AI would function as “an exceedingly competent colleague who knows everything about my life.” In an April Ted Talk, he indicated that AI could even influence social dynamics positively. “I believe AI will enable us to surpass intelligence and enhance collective decision-making,” he remarked this month during testimony before the US Senate, referencing potential integrations of “agents in their pockets” with government operations.

Upon reading headlines echoing Altman’s sentiments, my initial instinct was to attribute blame to the headline writer’s desire for sensationalism—tactics that algorithms increasingly dictate the content we consume. My second instinct was to hold accountable the companies behind these algorithms, including AI firms whose chatbots are being trained on published content. When I asked ChatGPT about contemporary discussions around “AI Collaborations,” it mentioned me and cited some reviews that had irritated me.

To clarify, I returned to my book to determine if I had couch misrepresented the notion of collaboration. Initially, it appeared that I hadn’t. I identified approximately 30 references to “collaboration” and similar terms. However, 25 of these originated from ChatGPT within interstitial dialogues, often elucidating the relationship between humans and AI products. None of the remaining five pertained to AI “collaboration” unless they referenced another author or were presented cynically—for instance, regarding the expectations of writers “refusing to cooperate with AI.”

Was I an Accomplice to AI Companies?

But was it significant that I seldom used the term? I speculated that those discussing my ChatGPT “collaboration” might have drawn interpretations from my book, even if not explicitly stated. What led them to believe that merely quoting ChatGPT would consistently unveil its absurdities? Why didn’t they consider the possibility that some readers would be persuaded by ChatGPT’s arguments? Perhaps my book inadvertently functioned as collaboration—not because AI products facilitated my expression, but because I had aided the corporations behind them in achieving their goals. My book explores how those in power leverage our language to their advantage, questioning what roles we play as accomplices. Now, it seemed that the very public reception of my book was intertwined in this dynamic. It was a sobering realization, but perhaps I should have anticipated it. There was no reason my work should be insulated from the same exploitation plaguing the world.

Ultimately, my book focused on how we can assert independence from the agendas of powerful entities and actively resist them, serving our own interests. ChatGPT suggested closing with a quote from Altman, but I opted for one from Ursula K. Le Guin: “We live in capitalism, and that power seems inevitable.” I pondered where we are headed. How can we ensure that governments sufficiently restrain the wealth and power of big technology? How can we fund and develop technology that aligns with our needs and desires, devoid of exploitation?

I imagined that my rhetorical struggle against powerful tech began and concluded within the confines of my book. Clearly, that was not the case. If the headlines I encountered truly reflect the end of that struggle, it indicates I was losing. Yet, readers soon reached out to me, stating that my book catalyzed their resistance against Big Tech. Some even cancelled their Amazon Prime memberships. I ceased to seek personal advice from ChatGPT. The fight continues, and collaboration among humans is essential.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Are Slate Auto Electric Trucks the Solution to High Car Prices?

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Social media buzzed with reactions when startup Slate Auto unveiled its electric pickup truck priced at approximately $25,000 last month. The vehicle’s simplistic design features a silent body and nostalgic hand crank windows.

How wild is it? According to Cox Automotive, average monthly payments for new vehicles surged to $739 in March, up from $537 in January 2019. The average cost of a new car is now $47,400, while electric models are around $59,200. The high interest rate, currently about 9.4% on a 72-month loan, has further strained finances for buyers.

“Prices and interest rates are exceptionally high,” stated Mark Schirmer, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive. “For consumers who haven’t been in the market since 2018, the cost of a vehicle might seem shocking.”

President Trump’s 25% tariffs on imported automobiles and parts have prompted consumers to buy now, fearing further price increases. Cars priced below $30,000 are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 80% facing these tariffs. This includes popular models like the American-made Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The supply of budget-friendly models is expected to dwindle as automakers may cease the importation of certain vehicles entirely.

Enter Slate, a suburban Detroit startup backed by venture capital and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Former Fiat executive Chris Berman, now CEO of Slate, mentioned that their trucks won’t be available until late 2026 but are intentionally designed to alleviate sticker shock.

True to its name, the truck serves as a blank canvas, enabling buyers to customize with over 100 accessories, such as power windows and heated seats, as their budgets allow or needs evolve. While it lacks built-in stereo or touchscreen display, it features a dock for phones and tablets, which saves costs and helps avoid the digital obsolescence often seen in car entertainment systems.

“I believe hardworking Americans are seeking value for their money,” Berman expressed in a recent interview.

This message resonated with 41-year-old Liv Leigh, who secured a slate truck reservation during its public debut at Long Beach Airport in California last April, paying $50 to do so.

She observed Slate employees convert the two-seat pickup into a five-seater SUV in just about an hour. Lee values the compact size of the truck, which is smaller than a Civic, along with its moderate 150-mile range.

“I love the concept of a utilitarian truck, a basic model that can handle dogs, muddy bikes, and plywood easily,” Lee remarked. “We don’t need a massive vehicle for our needs.”

Berman emphasized that efficient design and manufacturing are critical to maintaining the low price of their trucks. The grey plastic composite body panels eliminate the necessity for costly steel body stamping facilities or paint shops.

Just as the Ford Model T was available only in black, the Slate grants buyers a choice of 13 colors of vinyl body wraps for an additional $500. Customers can also opt for larger factory-installed batteries that extend the range to 240 miles.

“This approach keeps costs down while offering customers the freedom of choice,” said Berman. “They can customize their vehicles as per their preferences rather than adhering to manufacturer standards.”

Slate anticipates that its US-based supply chain, including batteries produced by South Korea’s SK On, will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit. However, some Republican lawmakers recently introduced a budget bill that removes this incentive and dismantles other Biden-era climate and energy policies.

Success hinges on Slate’s ability to navigate the treacherous landscape of electric vehicle startups, as several young manufacturers like Fisker, Nikola, and Canoo have sought bankruptcy protection.

Regardless of subsidies, Berman remains optimistic about Slate’s business strategy.

The company aims to price the truck around $20,000 before any government incentives, hoping to become a contender against the Nissan Leaf, which is the most affordable electric vehicle at $29,300 but no longer qualifies for tax credits. Chevrolet is set to release a redesigned Bolt SUV for roughly $30,000 by year-end, which will qualify for a tax credit, reducing its effective price to about $22,500.

Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox Automotive, has praised the slate truck’s originality. However, she noted that the two-seat pickup’s short range and minimalistic interiors might not attract American buyers accustomed to high-tech features and comforts.

“There’s no harm in attempting to resolve the affordability crisis, but I question whether this will become a high-volume seller,” Keating commented. “Ultimately, this is a compact EV that offers very little. It doesn’t improve the array of affordable options with longer ranges.”

The Ford Maverick poses a potential challenge to the Slate, as its compact pickup is two feet longer, seating five passengers and featuring even more amenities. The hybrid version achieves 40 miles per gallon, with over 500 miles of range on a full tank.

Ford sold 131,000 Mavericks last year, indicating substantial demand for small, fuel-efficient trucks. The company has raised the starting price for hybrid versions to $28,150 as of 2024 due to tariffs on trucks assembled in Mexico. Ford confirmed that it would not pass on the entire tariff burden to consumers, offering vehicles at a price equivalent to employee sales until early July.

As with all vehicle types, American pickups have morphed dramatically over the years, with some extravagant models costing as much as luxury European sedans. Electric trucks from Tesla, Rivian, and Ford range from $70,000 to $100,000 or even higher.

Berman is keeping an eye on market opportunities for personas such as entry-level truck enthusiasts, families seeking a second vehicle, empty-nesters, landscapers, contractors, and delivery personnel. The company anticipates selling more trucks to customers who would typically opt for used cars, with an average price point estimated at $26,000.

A significant hurdle for Slate and other firms aiming to sell more affordable vehicles is that many Americans don’t appear to be purchasing such offerings, despite their stated preferences.

Keating highlighted that around 20 models currently available start below $25,000, predominantly small cars or SUVs, including the $18,300 Nissan Versa, the lowest-priced car on the market.

Almost all mid-sized family sedans start below $30,000, including popular models like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. Yet, many Americans favor larger vehicles; SUVs, pickups, and minivans now comprise over 80% of the market.

Trump’s trade policies remain unpredictable. Analysts hope tariffs will add thousands to new car prices, subsequently increasing demand and prices for used vehicles.

In April alone, Americans purchased 1.5 million new cars, 400,000 more than in April 2024. However, analysts have noted that buyers are acting now to avoid being caught in a crunch later. Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive, mentioned that new car inventories have reached their lowest point in two years, indicating potential price increases as dealerships sell out ahead of impending tariffs. Meanwhile, S&P Global Mobility has reduced its forecasts for new car sales, anticipating a 4% decline this year.

For those seeking refuge amidst financial uncertainty, electric vehicles present a sound investment, according to Keating. New electric vehicles received an average discount of 13.3% in March, translating to savings of nearly $8,000.

Lee recently leased a Chevrolet Equinox for two years, paying $5,500 upfront, resulting in a monthly payment of $230. The electric SUV boasts a 319-mile range. “Many people aren’t aware of the extensive incentives available,” she noted.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Used Car Retailer Carvana Sees Potential Business Benefits from Trump’s Tariffs

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Automakers are concerned that President Trump’s tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts could soon drive up expenses and impact profits.

However, one company in the automotive sector sees tariffs as a potential benefit. Carvana, an online used car retailer known for its unusual “vending machine” towers for vehicles, is optimistic.

The tariffs, which include a 25% tax on automobiles produced in Mexico, Canada, Germany, and various other nations, are likely to drive up prices for new cars and trucks, pushing more consumers towards second-hand options. The administration announced on Monday that lowered tariffs on Chinese imports will not affect those on vehicles and auto parts.

“As car prices increase, Carvana finds itself in a relatively advantageous position as consumers seek more affordable and higher-quality vehicles,” stated Ernie Garcia, the founder and CEO of the company, in a recent interview. “We anticipate that this shift will lead more customers to second-hand cars and savings from online purchases.”

Trump asserts that the purpose of imposing tariffs is to encourage manufacturers to produce more goods and create jobs in the U.S., although he also suggests they will help address issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Automakers are preparing for the anticipated repercussions.

Recently, General Motors indicated that tariffs could elevate costs by $2.8 billion to $3.5 billion this year. Ford, which produces more vehicles domestically than GM, estimates a net cost of $1.5 billion due to tariffs. Toyota, importing many vehicles from Japan, predicted costs of $1.3 billion just for March and April.

Analysts warn that prices for certain imported vehicles might soar by as much as $10,000, and new vehicle sales could slow significantly this year.

Alan Hague from a consulting firm in Fort Lauderdale noted that Garcia’s perspective aligns with consumer behavior trends as retail dealers brace for changes.

“I believe we will see an increase in second-hand car sales due to tariffs, and more customers will flock to Carvana’s website as it remains their primary focus,” he remarked.

However, potential drawbacks exist. Should tariffs lead to a recession or significant price hikes in vehicles, both new and used car sales could decline. Currently, used cars at auctions average about $1,000 more than just two months prior.

Hague remarked that it may take a while for the full effects to manifest, as prices for most vehicles on dealer lots have not yet risen dramatically. The first set of imported models subjected to tariffs, enacted in early April, is just starting to arrive, with customs duties on engines, transmissions, and other parts coming into effect shortly after.

Regardless of the outcome, Carvana finds itself in a stronger financial position than in previous years.

In the wake of the Covid pandemic, which propounded a surge in online used car sales, Carvana became a favorite among investors, resulting in soaring stock prices. However, as demand began to wane, the company faced considerable losses while holding a considerable inventory of vehicles purchased at higher costs.

Simultaneously, rising interest rates followed Carvana’s acquisition of Adesa, a used car auction company, leaving analysts wary of the company’s survival due to the increased debt and losses. By February 2023, inventory levels had plunged.

Nonetheless, Garcia managed to renegotiate debts, lower costs, and streamline Carvana’s operations. Over several months, the company reduced its workforce, sold off inventory, and successfully turned Adesa into a cost-effective supplier for vehicles. Recently, the facility was established at 11 Adesa locations to repair and refurbish used vehicles.

These efforts have begun to pay off. Last week, Carvana announced record figures for the first quarter of the year. Profits reached $373 million, a significant increase from $49 million the previous year, selling 133,898 used cars—46% more than in the first quarter of 2024. The average gross profit per vehicle stood just below $7,000.

The company achieved this by maintaining a leaner inventory, reducing advertising spend, and employing around 4,000 fewer people than three years ago, effectively recovering much of the lost ground.

“From 2017 to 2021, our focus was on growth,” explained Garcia. “Over the past two years, we’ve unlocked efficiency, and that’s driving significant performance improvements.”

Garcia now aims for Carvana to sell between 500,000 and 3 million vehicles annually within the next five to ten years.

Many Wall Street analysts are regaining confidence in the company’s prospects, but a significant challenge remains. Finding skilled auto mechanics is quite difficult, and Carvana will require hundreds more to achieve its aim of refurbishing used cars for sale.

“Labor is a major bottleneck,” stated analyst Ronald George from City in a recent report.

Garcia expresses confidence in Carvana’s revamped business model and believes it will thrive, irrespective of shifts in U.S. trade policies.

“I think it demonstrates that customers are willing to buy cars online and that our online model delivers real value,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Webb Captures Dynamic Infrared Auroras on Jupiter

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jovian auroras shine hundreds of times brighter than those visible from Earth, according to a team of astronomers led by Dr. Jonathan Nichols at the University of Leicester.

These observations of Jupiter’s aurora were captured on December 25, 2023 by Webb’s near-infrared camera (NIRCAM). Image credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STSCI / RICARDO HUESO, UPV / IMKE DE PATER, UC BERKELEY / THIERRY FOUCHET, OBSERVATORY OF PARIS / LE FLETCHER, JOSEPH DEPASQUALE, STSCI/J. NICHOLS, UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER/M. ZAMANI, ESA & WEBB.

When high-energy particles enter the planet’s atmosphere near its magnetic poles, they collide with gas atoms, creating the auroras.

Jupiter’s auroras are not only massive in scale but also exhibit energy levels hundreds of times greater than those seen on Earth.

These auroras are primarily triggered by solar storms, where charged particles entering the atmosphere excite gas particles, resulting in vibrant red, green, and purple hues.

Additionally, Jupiter has a unique source of auroral activity—its strong magnetic field captures charged particles from its surroundings.

This includes not only those from the solar wind but also particles ejected from the volcanic moon Io.

The eruptions from Io’s volcanoes release particles that escape both the moon’s and Jupiter’s gravitational pull.

Solar storms also discharge vast amounts of charged particles towards Jupiter.

Jupiter’s immense magnetic fields accelerate these charged particles to extraordinary speeds.

When these high-velocity particles collide with the planet’s atmosphere, they excite the gas and produce radiant displays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if0vpfergju

Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, new insights into Jovian auroras can be gained.

The telescope’s sensitivity enables astronomers to use faster shutter speeds to capture the rapidly evolving features of the auroras.

This latest data was collected using Webb’s near-infrared camera (NIRCAM) on Christmas Day 2023.

“What a Christmas gift; it truly astonished me!” exclaimed Dr. Nichols.

“We aimed to observe how quickly the aurora transformed, hoping to see beautiful fluctuations within about an hour.”

“Instead, we witnessed the entire aurora region illuminating the sky in a spectacular display.

Astronomers noted fluctuations in the effects caused by trihydrogen ions, known as H.³⁺, which varied more than previously assumed.

These observations help scientists unravel how Jupiter’s upper atmosphere undergoes heating and cooling.

Additionally, several unknown phenomena were identified in the data.

“What made these observations particularly intriguing was that the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope was capturing images simultaneously in ultraviolet light,” Dr. Nichols commented.

“Strangely, the brightest light observed by Webb seemed to have no corresponding feature in Hubble’s images. This left me puzzled.”

“To produce the brightness observed in both Webb and Hubble, we would require an improbable mix of a substantial quantity of very low-energy particles impacting the atmosphere.

study Published in the journal Nature Communications.

____

JD Nichols et al. 2025. The dynamic infrared aurora of Jupiter. Nature Communications 16, 3907; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-58984-z

Source: www.sci.news

Tesla Board Chair Robindenholm Sells $188 Million in Stock as Profits Decline

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In March, following a significant decline in Tesla’s stock price, Elon Musk informed employees that he was “committed to inventory.”

Robin Denholm, the chair of Tesla’s board, appears to have disregarded this advice. According to an analysis by Securities Filing’s New York Times, she has profited $180 million from selling Tesla shares she obtained through her board role within the last six months.

With this, her total earnings from Tesla stock sales exceed $530 million since she became chair in late 2018.

These stock transactions have raised questions regarding Denholm’s confidence in Tesla’s future. Her recent sales, executed under a pre-established trading plan created last summer, coincided with Musk’s demanding involvement in the Trump administration. Consequently, Tesla’s car sales have experienced a decline as Musk’s political endeavors alienated some customers. The company’s profits for the first quarter of 2025 plummeted to their lowest level in four years.

Denholm has the right to purchase stocks through stock options granted by Tesla from 2014 to 2020, which have dramatically increased in value. For instance, last week, she acquired over 112,000 shares at $24.73 each and sold them the same day for upwards of $270.

“To discard her inventory does not send a message that this is a board chair invested in the company’s future,” stated New York City Director Bradlander, overseeing the city’s five public pension funds, which held more than 3 million Tesla shares valued at around $817 million as of March.

A spokesperson for Denholm asserted that Tesla compensates its executives in a manner “fully aligned with shareholder interests.”

“The appreciation of Tesla’s director’s choices reflects the company’s superiority over its industry peers, yielding distinctive returns for shareholders who own the company,” he added.

Stock options, which have historically constituted the bulk of Tesla’s compensation, are valuable only if the company’s stock price appreciates. Those exercising options to acquire shares may choose to sell or retain their new shares.

Denholm has sold over 1.4 million Tesla shares while retaining 85,000 shares and approximately 49,000 stock options. Comparative Methods, a consulting firm, has scrutinized the compensation strategy. Her most recent stock transactions occurred under a plan initiated in July shortly after Musk endorsed Donald J. Trump for president.

Regulatory frameworks allow executives and insiders to engage in such transactions without disclosing numerous plan specifics, including their motivations or the terms for stock disposal. They also possess considerable latitude to rescind plans.

Denholm, an experienced technology executive from Australia, typically maintains a low profile and avoids public commentary on Tesla or Musk. She joined the Tesla Commission in 2014 and became chair after Musk stepped down in 2018 as part of an SEC settlement.

Criticism from investors, activists, and Delaware judges has arisen regarding her and other board members for not serving as a check on Musk’s influence, with assertions that the Tesla director has failed to keep him focused on the company.

“Musk operates as if there were no board oversight,” wrote Delaware Chancery Court Prime Minister Catalyne St. J. McCormick last year, noting the case was valued at approximately $56 billion when ruling in favor of shareholders contesting Musk’s 2018 compensation package. Judge McCormick characterized Denholm’s oversight of Musk as “Rakkadichal.”

Tesla’s appeal against the decision led to the annulment of Musk’s pay package, with Denholm actively disputing Judge McCormick’s allegations.

“Everyone who knows me understands I’m not lacking in assertiveness. I know what that word means now,” Denholm told the Financial Times last year. “It’s probably the farthest from the truth. I’m genuinely passionate and highly engaged with my duties.”

In the trial concerning Musk’s compensation, Denholm characterized her earnings from the Tesla board as “life-changing.” Compensation at Tesla was also scrutinized in another lawsuit in which Denholm and fellow board members reached a settlement in 2023.

Musk, who has been a part-time CEO of Tesla for years, has assumed even more responsibilities over time, regularly engaging with Washington and orchestrating President Trump’s strategies to reduce governmental spending and oppose federal employees.

Recently, Musk stated he would reduce his Washington presence by one or two days each week. Nevertheless, his focus will remain divided as he manages several other enterprises, including SpaceX and X, the social media platform he owns.

The first transaction based on Denholm’s recent trading plan occurred in November, shortly after the presidential election, as Tesla’s stock began to rise. In December, the stock reached a new high, and she continued to sell until early May, even as prices declined amid consumer backlash against Musk’s political activities.

Following recent losses, the stock has decreased by approximately 34% from its peak.

Musk acknowledged Tesla’s challenges during a March meeting with employees. “If you read the news, it feels like you understand.”

He reiterated his advice to employees not to sell their shares, asserting that Tesla will evolve into the world’s most valuable company through the realization of self-driving taxis and advanced robotic technologies. “The future is exceptionally promising,” he stated.

Denholm’s sales have significantly outpaced those of other Tesla board members.

In 2023, she and other current and former board members agreed to a settlement for shareholder lawsuits concerning their compensation, collectively agreeing to return $735 million. They denied any wrongdoing. Additionally, on May 1, a stock option valued at over $130 million was canceled to fulfill Denholm’s obligations, according to securities filings.

Following the lawsuit in June 2021, the board resolved to relinquish the new stock grants.

During the same period, Denholm also made more from selling company shares than other corporate committee leaders. The Times assessed stock sales made by chairs of the most valuable companies in the U.S., distinct from the executives of those companies, like Denholm.

The next non-executive chair who benefited significantly from selling shares in his oversight capacity is Stephen Hemsley of UnitedHealth Group. Since November 2018, Hemsley has profited over $100 million from UnitedHealth shares, all accrued during his tenure as CEO of the healthcare firm.

UnitedHealth reviewed the findings but refrained from commenting. On Tuesday, the company announced its decision to appoint Hemsley as its new Chief Executive while also retaining the chair position.

Sales carried out by executives and directors often predict subpar performance from the companies they lead, according to various academic studies.

Leaders like Denholm possess access to confidential information and a profound understanding of how broader economic factors can impact corporate performance. Nejat Seyhun, a finance professor at the University of Michigan, observes that this can render their transactions particularly lucrative.

Insiders “establish plans when they hold such information,” remarked Professor Seyhun. “If circumstances shift, they can easily rescind those plans.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Canada’s Major Wildfires Contributed to Global Cooling in 2023

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, blazes in June 2023

Imago/Alamy stock photos

2023 set new records as one of the hottest years, but it could have been even warmer. Climate models indicate that without the cooling effect of smoke from large wildfires in Canada, the average summer temperature in the Northern Hemisphere would have been approximately 1°C higher. Smoke may also be present in August, India’s driest month.

“It’s difficult to grasp the scale of such a massive fire. It was extraordinary,” remarks Iurian Allyn Roz from the Crete Institute of Technology in Greece.

According to Rosu, emissions from wildfires this year were estimated to be five to six times higher than those recorded during previous wildfire seasons in Canada. Although carbon dioxide from these fires contributes to warming, in 2023, this warming was offset by the cooling effects of the smoke blocking sunlight.

To quantify the smoke’s cooling impact, Ross and colleagues conducted a series of climate model simulations, comparing scenarios with and without emissions from Canadian wildfires. The findings suggest that between May and September, smoke caused local cooling up to 5.4°C (9.7°F) in certain areas of Canada, leading to an overall cooling of 0.9°C (1.6°F) for the Northern Hemisphere.

This might be unexpected given that record temperatures were reported in parts of Canada that summer. However, while the heat was mostly concentrated in the west, Ross explains that the smoke drifted eastward, where it had the most significant cooling effect.

The effects extended beyond Canada as well. In this model, emissions from wildfires altered wind patterns in Asia, diminishing the monsoon and reducing rainfall in India. This aligns with actual observed phenomena.

“The precipitation discrepancies observed in the data closely resemble those predicted in the model,” notes Rosu, affirming the model’s accuracy.

Nonetheless, the cooling effect proved to be short-lived. “Data analysis for November and December showed minimal impact,” says Rosu.

The record for the hottest year of 2023 may not last long, as 2024 is shaping up to be even hotter.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Face: An AI Tool That Reveals Biological Age from a Single Photo

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Name: Face.

Year: New.

Exterior: A device designed to estimate your life expectancy.

So, is it going to tell me when I’ll die? No, thank you. Hold on, let me explain.

Not a problem, but that still sounds pretty terrifying. Just give me a moment. It operates similarly to what your doctor does.

Which is what? We will analyze your photos to evaluate your health.

Oh, that doesn’t sound too bad. However, this device can assess you even more accurately. It can also help predict your response to treatments.

Nope, I’m out again. Let me elaborate. Faceage is an AI innovation developed by scientists at Mass General Brigham in Boston. By examining a picture of your face, it can assess your biological age compared to your chronological age.

What does that imply? It means everyone ages differently. For instance, at 50, Paul Rudd had a biological age of 43, while fellow actor Wilford Brimley was biologically 69 at the same age.

Why is this significant? Individuals with older biological ages are less likely to withstand intensive treatments like radiation therapy.

Explain it to me as if I’m clueless. Sure thing. The older your face looks, the worse it is for your health.

Great, just what I needed to hear about my premature grey hairs. Actually, not exactly. Features like gray hair or hair loss can be misleading. This device evaluates factors like skin folding near the mouth and temple hollows for a more accurate health profile.

Wonderful, now I have to obsessively analyze my temple’s condition. No, this is beneficial. With proper usage, such diagnostic tools can enhance countless lives. Although the initial study focused on cancer patients, researchers intend to broaden the tests to others.

I just had plastic surgery. Will Faceage still work for me? As of now, it’s unclear. The developers still need to investigate this.

What about for people of color? Ah, yes. This model was predominantly trained on white faces, so its effectiveness on diverse skin tones is still uncertain.

This sounds a bit concerning. It’s simply a cautionary issue. Let’s consider how quickly AI evolves. Just last year, ChatGPT was lacking but has now transformed industries. We can expect Faceage to improve rapidly, too.

That’s encouraging. Indeed. Before long, it could assess your face and provide a calm, unbiased judgment on your health and longevity.

Is this for real? No, definitely not. At least, not yet.

Say: “Faceage represents a new frontier in medical diagnostics.”

Don’t say: “They claim we’ll perish during the 2028 robot uprising.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Trump Faces Backlash Over AI Decision Amid US Copyright Changes

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

hGreetings from Ello and TechScape! Radio stations and television presenters can enhance their writing by considering their delivery methods. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery. In today’s Tech News: Discussions arise regarding labor automation within the US healthcare sector, as conflicts escalate with the use of drones in India and Pakistan, both of which are armed with nuclear weapons. But first, let’s explore the evolving battle over AI and copyright in the UK and the US.

“Daring and Unprecedented Power Shift”

The UK is embroiled in intense discussions about compensating artists for using their copyrighted works in developing generative AI technologies. The Senate convened on Monday to determine whether tech companies are utilizing copyrighted materials without permission.

Insights from my colleagues Dan Millmo and Rafael Boyd:

The UK government faces challenges in the House of Representatives over its attempt to let AI firms use copyrighted works without consent.

Despite government objections, an amendment to the data bill urging AI companies to disclose which copyrighted content is being utilized received support from peers.

While this proposal is under consultation in the current year’s report, critics are leveraging the data bill to voice their disapproval.

The government’s primary proposal would permit AI companies to use copyrighted works without obtaining permissions, a stance critics denounce as impractical unless copyright holders explicitly indicate their non-usage.

Read the complete article on Monday’s vote here.

Conversely, in the US, discussions have taken a more chaotic turn. Over the weekend, Donald Trump dismissed the US Copyright Director. CBS News reported this incident. Shira Perlmutter was let go after publishing a report questioning the growing demands for AI firms to bypass existing copyright laws.

New York Democratic leader Joe Morell specifically pointed to Trump’s ally, Elon Musk, as a driving force behind this dismissal. She declined to rubber stamp Musk’s initiatives to exploit copyrighted works for training AI models.

The abrupt termination of Trump’s copyright chief brings to mind the tale of the Gordian knot. Legend has it that Alexander the Great encountered a complex knot tying a cart to a pole. Numerous attempts to untie it failed, but Alexander, with a simple sword stroke, solved the dilemma. The narrative illustrates how innovative thinking can lead to triumph. Alexander dismantled the dilemma, leaving the original problem unresolved. Perhaps the true lesson lies beyond just securing the cart, but that’s a topic for another time.

While Trump may have circumvented the challenging legal issues presented by the Copyright Office, the vacuum at the top means that influential players will likely exploit copyright regulations to their advantage. This may align with the president’s intentions. Well-capitalized AI firms appear poised to dominate copyright litigation, while they simultaneously advocate for fair compensation for artists’ creativity. Their alliance with Trump signals a shift towards a more favorable regulatory climate, as illustrated by the recent dismissal of the copyright chief. Numerous lawsuits bear witness to AI companies quietly leveraging copyrighted materials without proper permissions, prompting actions from both plaintiffs and defendants.

Trump Offers Blockchain Access

Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, DC on Monday. Photo: Nathan Howard/Reuters

My colleague, Nick Robbins, covers the contest where Trump promises to engage directly with his cryptocurrency investors.

On Monday, the top 220 investors in Donald Trump-backed cryptocurrency were granted exclusive dinner invitations with the president as a reward for their financial contributions. This culminated months of promotions, raising concerns that he is leveraging his political power to benefit his family’s business while exposing himself to foreign interests.

The cryptocurrency, dubbed $Trump, launched in mid-January and has garnered a market cap exceeding $2 billion following significant investor interest. Most of the tokens are held by companies associated with Trump’s family. As reported by Reuters.

“Congratulations! If you’re among the top 220, expect communication within the next 24 hours. Please check your inbox (including spam folders) for your invitation to dine with President Trump,” his website stated on Monday. “We look forward to seeing you at the gala dinner in Washington, DC on May 22nd.”

Democrats, ethics watchdogs, and the SEC have expressed concerns regarding Trump’s crypto ventures, highlighting corruption allegations. The dinner contest raises ethical issues, equating the opportunity for direct access to the president with a bidding war.

Drones Surge along the India-Pakistan Border

Residents inspect damaged homes in Pakistan-controlled Neelam valley in Kashmir on Monday. Photo: Muzammil Ahmed/AFP/Getty Images

Though India and Pakistan have achieved a fragile ceasefire, the recent four-day conflict between these rivals exemplifies an escalating trend.

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New York Times reports that Pakistan has claimed India is deploying Turkish-made drones for assaults. India, on the other hand, alleged Pakistan mobilized 300-400 drones for attacks on 36 sites on the night of May 8th, stating they shot down approximately 70 drones launched from India.

The term “drone” encompasses two distinct concepts: small quadcopters operated remotely and larger semi-autonomous vehicles managed from military command centers. Unfortunately, this English vernacular misses the mark. For countries like India, Pakistan, and Ukraine, smaller unmanned aircraft have become significant weaponry.

The Ukraine-Russia conflict underscores the rapid expansion of drone usage. The explosive quadcopter, featuring first-person viewing, wreaked havoc during landmark assaults, including attacks on the Kremlin in May 2023.

Can Automation Solve the US Healthcare Worker Shortage?

Nurses operating a new automated dose assembly machine in Columbus, Ohio. Photo: Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch by USA Today Network

One of the major concerns of our era is the potential for machines to largely replace human labor. Recently, the Guardian covered Zing, a robot designed to distribute methadone, a medication for opioid addiction that has surged in the US over the years. This story raises critical questions: Where should we draw the line between automation that genuinely assists workers and a profit-driven preference for robotic over human labor?

Click here for all stories on robotic medication delivery.

Walgreens has announced an expansion of its Microfilling Center services, incorporating robots for prescription dispensing and a hub dedicated to packaging chronic illness medications. As reported by CNBC, these automated centers process around 16 million prescriptions monthly, accounting for 40% of Walgreens’ prescriptions. The company aims to increase the number of locations utilizing these centers to 5,000 by year-end, up from 4,800 in February. Walgreens asserts that the shift to automation initiated in 2021 has already saved them $500 million over four years.

Pharmacy technicians are grappling with issues similar to those faced by nurses distributing methadone (including low wages, high pressure, and turnover), yet on a much larger scale. Walgreens operates approximately 12,500 stores across the US, Europe, and Latin America, with a valuation near $9.7 billion and a workforce of 312,000.

In 2023, Walgreens pharmacy staff staged strikes nationwide to protest working conditions. The central issues included chronic staffing shortages and burnout among those who remained. They branded the protest “Pharmaheadon.”

Although Walgreens may reduce pharmacy job openings due to automation and outsourcing functions to microfilling centers, it’s likely that many of these positions were not filled to begin with, creating hazardous working environments. Automation could help address the workforce shortages, mirroring potential developments in methadone clinics nationwide.

Walgreens Corporate claims that automation is easing worker challenges, allowing personnel more opportunities for personal interaction with patients. Reportedly, there’s been a 40% rise in vaccine distributions facilitated by automated prescription systems.

Learn more about labor automation in another sector here.

Broader Technology Landscape

Source: www.theguardian.com

Migraine Medications That Alleviate Headaches and Dizziness Symptoms

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The debilitating nature of migraines can significantly hinder a person’s daily routine

Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library

A medication called Ubrogepant, which is currently prescribed for migraine treatment, has been found to alleviate non-headache symptoms that often precede the onset of migraines. This makes it the first medication known to address these initial signs.

Before migraine headaches decrease in intensity, many individuals experience warning signs such as light sensitivity, sounds, dizziness, and neck stiffness, all of which can significantly disrupt daily activities.

Developers of migraine medications have predominantly concentrated on treating the headaches themselves, with no effective solutions available for alleviating these preliminary symptoms.

However, Ubrogepant demonstrated promising results when administered during the early stages of migraine symptoms, according to Peter Goadsby from King’s College London and his team, who are eager to further explore this potential.

Their study involved 438 participants, aged 18 to 75, all with a history of migraines. Half received a 100 mg dose of the medication upon experiencing suggestive symptoms of an impending migraine. The other half took a placebo during a subsequent episode of prodromal symptoms.

Following the administration of Ubrogepant, participants reported an enhanced ability to focus after 1 hour, decreased sensitivity to light after 2 hours, and reduced fatigue and neck discomfort after 3 hours, compared to their experiences while taking the placebo. They also noted less sensitivity to dizziness and sound when using Ubrogepant.

“Taking Ubrogepant allowed individuals to mitigate these non-pain symptoms even before the headache began,” Goadsby remarked.

This study did not delve into the impact of the medication on aura, another early feature of migraines that includes sensory disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.

“The potential for intervention in the migraine progression is clinically significant given the often debilitating early symptoms,” remarked Parisa Gazerani from Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. However, she emphasizes the need for further studies to ensure broad applicability.

“This research indicates that migraine treatments could lessen these preliminary symptoms and may prevent the progression to the main headache phase,” stated Rob Music, head of the Migraine Trust in the UK. “We are eager to see more investigations in this area to lessen the burden of migraines on daily living.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Columbia River Treaty: A Key Factor in Trump’s Dispute with Canada

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A little-known treaty that impacts millions of Americans and Canadians is currently entangled in the tariff dispute between the US and Canada.

This 60-year-old agreement regulates the waters flowing through the Columbia River, which extends from British Columbia to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and serves as the largest source of hydropower in the United States. However, parts of the treaty were set to expire during the presidential election in the US.

Negotiators were merely weeks away from finalizing the details of the treaty’s renewal when President Joseph R. Biden Jr. concluded his term. Subsequently, a decade’s worth of discussions faltered due to President Trump’s antagonism towards Canada, as he labeled Canada the “51st province,” imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, and referred to the water supply as a “major faucet.”

During a heated February call with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump brought the treaty into the conversation, suggesting Canada had exploited the United States. The implications were evident—it could become a leverage point in broader discussions aimed at redefining relations between the two nations.

Last week, at a White House meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump avoided confrontation. However, the Trump administration perceives negotiations as being precariously balanced, even over treaties that are mutually beneficial. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies has cast a shadow over the future of the Pacific Northwest, heightening concerns about issues ranging from electricity supply to flood management.

Fueled by the internet and AI, data centers are leveraging the Columbia River’s hydroelectric power. A local dam supports the Twilight Soccer Game at Riverfront Parks, while irrigation from the reservoir nurtures the sprawling acres of Pink Women and Gala Apple gardens. Coordinated dam operations are crucial in preventing flooding, particularly in areas like Portland, Oregon.

Trump’s comments have resonated negatively with Canadians, who have long feared that the US seeks to exploit its natural resources, especially water. “They want our land, resources, and water,” Carney repeatedly emphasized during his term.

“Canadians experience a sense of betrayal,” Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, remarked in an interview. The treaty interweaves a complex tapestry of cultural and economic interests. “Negotiating this is not straightforward,” Inslee added.

A spokesperson from British Columbia reported that there has been “no progress whatsoever” since the US State Department suspended negotiations in the broader context of reviewing international commitments. State Energy Minister Adrian Dix told nearly 600 attendees at a virtual town hall in March, “It sounds like a strange representation of the current situation.”

Dix noted that locals approached him in Save-on-Food markets, questioning whether Canada should exit the treaty altogether. “For residents in the Columbia Basin, this is intrinsic,” he stated. “It’s part of their lives, history, and identity.”

If the agreement collapses, the US anticipates it will be “more challenging to manage and predict” hydroelectric output to mitigate flooding in the Pacific Northwest, according to a nonpartisan Congressional report. It is projected that the region’s electricity demand may double within the next two decades, as anticipated by the Interstate Electricity Council.

The State Department has opted not to comment.

The origins of the treaty trace back to the events of 1948, following the Great Spring rains when the 15-foot wall of Vanport, Oregon—home to thousands of shipyard workers during World War II—collapsed. The calamity left 18,000 homeless and catalyzed negotiations with Canada to improve management of the Columbia River.

On one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration days, he ratified the Columbia River Treaty. This agreement exchanged commitments: Canada consented to construct multiple dams to manage flood control for the US, while the US agreed to provide Canada half of the extra electricity generated from the jointly managed river flows.

The original treaty came into effect in the autumn of 1964, with some provisions expiring 60 years later.

Discussions regarding the renewal of the treaty before it lapses in 2024 began during Trump’s first term. Biden temporarily halted them before resuming. In March 2023, the complete congressional delegation from the Pacific Northwest urged the President to expedite the negotiation process. Following a slow start, the US and Canada unveiled a preliminary outline of the agreement last summer.

The electricity generated under the initial treaty proved to be significantly more valuable than originally anticipated, bringing in around $300 million annually to Canada. This surplus prompted Canada to sell extensive amounts of power to the US, causing frustration among US utilities.

The updated agreement aims to reduce Canada’s share by about half over time, allowing the US to retain more electricity amid growing energy demands.

The Columbia River’s cheap and clean hydroelectric power has attracted high-tech companies intent on establishing data centers over the last two decades.

“The nation must recognize the significance of the Pacific Northwest in its burgeoning energy landscape,” stated David Kennedy, a scholar of local history at Stanford.

In the renewed treaty, Canada has decreased the obligation to maintain water storage for flood management, allowing for better prioritization of local communities and ecosystems around the reservoir. The original agreement led to drastic water level fluctuations that exposed extensive land when snowmelt resulted in lower levels.

“Each year, this exposed ground causes severe dust issues,” recounted a resident near Valemount, British Columbia, during the town hall.

The new plan aims to stabilize reservoir levels, enabling Canada to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance recreational opportunities.

Indigenous tribes were consulted during negotiations, but the initial treaty did not address the destruction of fishing grounds and towns due to dam constructions.

Jay Johnson, a negotiator for the Syilx Okanagan Nation, mentioned during the virtual town hall that tribes on both sides of the border have united to restore salmon migration. The updated framework includes provisions for excess water during dry periods, vital for salmon survival, especially considering climate change.

In the fall, when certain provisions of the original treaty lapse, the state established a three-year interim agreement, though additional parliamentary funding is still required. Both parties must provide ten years’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the treaty.

“This arrangement benefits individuals on both sides of the border; complications arise without a treaty,” noted Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The next steps remain uncertain. While some individuals involved in the negotiations remain in their positions, Trump has yet to appoint a deputy secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs. The situation is further complicated as Trump seeks to trim staff at key federal agencies involved in treaty discussions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Power Administration.

With negotiations in limbo, stakeholders involved in the discussions remain hopeful for a resolution on the renewed treaty.

Barbara Kossense, a law professor at the University of Idaho, emphasized that while the Trump administration may not prioritize salmon habitats or Indigenous involvement, Canada does. Water can flow downstream, but salmon swim upstream, and the US could benefit from adhering to environmental provisions, Kossense asserted.

Additionally, supporters highlight years of bipartisan backing from Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, a leading Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Jim Lisch of Idaho, Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“There will be unanimous agreement on this, irrespective of party lines,” declared Scott Sims, chief executive of the Public Power Council, which represents consumer-owned utilities in the region.

The stakes are tangible. In 1996, following heavy snowfall, a storm known as the Pineapple Express unleashed heavy rainfall in the Portland area, causing significant flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers worked diligently for several days, operating over 60 dams within the Columbia River System in conjunction with Canadian partners to mitigate flooding issues.

A smaller river in Columbia experienced flooding that resulted in eight casualties. Downtown Portland narrowly avoided disaster thanks to makeshift embankments created from plywood and sandbags.

Ivan Penn Contributed report from Houston Matina Stevis-Gridneff From Toronto.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Republican Budget Proposal Seeks to Halt the IRA Clean Energy Surge

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

In the United States, there are at least 24 factories manufacturing electric vehicles that meet credit qualifications. According to research by Atlas Public Policy.

Hyundai has invested $7.5 billion in a factory near Savannah, Georgia, to produce some of its most sought-after electric vehicle models. Local officials, who have lobbied for Hyundai’s establishment in the area for years, are worried about potential legal changes.

“For a company, it’s challenging to commit to an area and then face changing conditions,” noted Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our perspective is that stability is beneficial, especially when companies are making significant investments.”

Nevertheless, Brantley expressed hope that Georgia can maintain its position as a frontrunner in electric vehicle production, regardless of any alterations to the tax incentives. “This is a long-term strategy. We hope to be engaged in this for an extended period,” he remarked.

Limbo’s Other Energy Technologies

Over the last three years, the federal government has backed a variety of emerging energy technologies that are still in the developmental stage, including low-carbon hydrogen fuels suitable for trucks, innovative methods to manufacture steel and cement without emissions, and carbon dioxide extraction technologies.

Many of these initiatives could benefit from tax reductions under the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, several are funded by billions in grants and loans from the Department of Energy.

In western Minnesota, DG Fuel aims to construct a $5 billion facility to generate aviation fuel from agricultural waste. Meanwhile, in Indiana, cement producer Heidelberg Material is working on capturing the carbon dioxide it generates and storing it underground. In Louisiana, a company is set to produce low-carbon ammonia for use in fertilizers.

New Orleans, a key center for natural gas exports, has experienced a surge in new industries like carbon capture and hydrogen, which may help mitigate future emissions. “We are very diverse,” stated Michael Hecht, chairman of Greater New Orleans and the Southeast Louisiana Economic Development Bureau.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Toxic Pits: Hidden Treasure Troves for Rare Earth Elements

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A tale is shared about miners who discovered copper cans in early mining-era dumps. According to them, wastewater from copper mining flowed across his land, transforming steel cans into copper.

The tale may not be entirely true, but the process is factual and is known as cementation. Montana Resource, which succeeded the Anaconda Copper Company, still employs this alchemical method in the operations at the Continental Pitmine in Butte, Montana.

Adjacent to the mine lies the Berkeley Pit, filled with 50 billion gallons of highly acidic and toxic liquid. Montana Resource channels this liquid from the pits to cascade down iron piles, converting iron into copper for production.

While there have long been methods for extracting metals from water, recent years have ushered in a global rush for metals—vital for manufacturing and technological advancements—leading to a new wave of extraction methods and processes.

Researchers are currently focusing on mineral-rich sources like wastewater, including saline water from desalination plants, oil and gas fracking water, and mining wastewater. Researchers at Oregon State University estimate that the saline water from desalination plants alone contains approximately $2.2 trillion worth of metals.

“Water is a mineral reservoir of the 21st century,” stated Peter S. Fisuke, director of the National Water Innovation Alliance in California at the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “Today’s technology allows us to gather wastewater and extract valuable resources.”

There is extensive research dedicated to recovering rare earth elements—metallic elements sought after due to their increasing demand—from waste. For instance, researchers at Indiana Geological Water Survey at Indiana University are Mining rare earths in coal waste which includes fly ash and coal tails. Additionally, researchers at the University of Texas Austin have created membranes that imitate nature for Separating rare earths from waste.

Utilizing mining wastewater is not only quicker and more economical than establishing a new mine, but it also generates lesser environmental impact.

The vast, contaminated reservoirs in the pit near Butte contain two light rare earth elements (REEs): neodymium and praseodymium. These are crucial for creating small yet powerful magnets, medical technologies, and enhancing defense applications like precision-guided missiles and electric vehicles. Notably, an F-35 Fighter Jet uses around 900 pounds of rare earth metals.

“We’re transforming significant liabilities into assets that contribute to national defense,” remarked Mark Thompson, vice president of environmental affairs at Montana Resources. “There’s a lot of complex metallurgy at play here—the real cutting-edge science.”

This is a crucial moment for exploring domestic rare earth production. The U.S. currently lags behind China, and President Trump’s trade tensions have raised concerns that China may tighten its rare earth mineral exports in response to U.S. tariffs. Experts in mineral security at the Center for Strategic and International Research warn that this gap could enable China to accelerate its defense advancements more swiftly than the U.S.

The Trump administration is particularly fixated on Greenland and Ukraine due to their valuable rare earth deposits.

Trump has recently authorized the government to commence mining on much of the seabed, including areas in international waters, to tap into mineral wealth.

There are 17 distinct types of rare earth metals identified in the Berkeley Pit. While not rare in abundance, they are often deemed scarce due to their dispersion in small quantities.

Rare earths are divided into two categories: heavy and light. Heavy rare earths, including dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium, tend to have larger atomic masses, making them more scarce and thus typically traded in smaller quantities, leading to shortages. In contrast, light rare earths are characterized by a lower atomic mass.

Acid mine drainage is a hazardous pollutant created when sulfur-containing pyrite within rocks interacts with oxygen and water during mining. This process results in the formation of sulfuric acid, which poisons waterways. This environmental issue affects thousands of abandoned mines, contaminating 12,000 miles of streams across the nation.

However, acids facilitate the dissolution of zinc, copper, rare earths, and other minerals from rock formations, presenting an opportunity for extraction techniques that were not previously available.

Paul Ziemkievich, director of the Water Institute at West Virginia University, has been researching Butte’s pit water for 25 years. Alongside a team from Virginia Tech and the chemical engineering firm L3 process development, they developed a method to extract crucial metals from acid mine drainage originating from West Virginia coal mines, the same approach utilized in Butte. Large, densely woven plastic bags filled with sludge from the water treatment plant are employed, allowing water to seep through slowly and yielding about 1-2% rare earth preconcentrate, which requires further refining through chemical processes. The final patented step involves a solvent extraction method that results in pure rare earth elements.

“One of the remarkable aspects of acid mine drainage is that our concentrations are particularly rich in heavy rare earths,” explained Dr. Ziemkiewicz. “Light rare earths carry a lesser value.”

The Butte project is awaiting news on a $75 million grant from the Department of Defense, which is critical for enhancing rare earth enrichment and commencing full-scale production.

Zinc is also abundant in the acid mine drainage mixture and serves as an essential financial asset for the process as it commands a higher market price. Nickel and cobalt are also extracted.

Demand for rare earth elements is high; however, China dominates production, manipulating prices to maintain low costs and stifle competition. This is why the Department of Defense funds various projects focused on rare earth elements and other metals. The U.S. operates only a single rare earth mine in Mountain Pass, California, which produces roughly 15% of the global supply of rare earths.

The Berkeley Pit has posed a chronic problem since 1982, when Anaconda copper companies ceased their open-pit mining operations and halted water pumping, causing it to become filled with water. The acidity levels from the mine’s drainage have proven dangerous; in 2016, thousands of snow geese that landed in the pit quickly succumbed to poisoning, with around 3,000 birds reported dead.

The Atlantic Richfield Company and Montana Resources play crucial roles in permanently treating pit water to avert pollutioning the surrounding groundwater (Montana Resources operates the continental pit adjacent to the Berkeley Pit). The Clean Water Act mandates that companies manage acid mine drainage, and enhancing treatment capabilities at the local horseshoe bend plant is more cost-effective than developing a new facility, which may also offset treatment costs while boosting profits.

Numerous research initiatives have been launched to extract suspended metals from the water. Thompson displayed a map illustrating where radiation was emitted from Butte and where water samples have been dispatched to research facilities nationwide. However, the ongoing metal production process stands as the first to demonstrate profitability.

The mineral wealth present in this region has been recognized for many years; however, extracting it has proven challenging until Dr. Ziemkiewicz’s team innovated new methods. They generate rare earths from two coal mines in West Virginia, where acid mine drainage presents ongoing issues. Each of these mines yields about 4 tons of rare earths annually.

On the other hand, the Berkeley Pit is projected to produce 40 tons annually, bolstered by significantly higher concentrations of rare earths in solution and substantial water content. Dr. Ziemkiewicz believes that this method, when applied to other mines, could potentially satisfy nearly all domestic rare earth requirements for defense-related uses.

However, certain forecasts project that demand for rare earths may surge by as much as 600% in the next few decades.

Lawrence Berkeley laboratories are investigating technologies related to water filtration, particularly experimental approaches to improve membranes, as part of their overarching efforts to purify water, recover significant minerals, and produce necessary minerals. They operate a particle accelerator known as an advanced light source, which generates bright X-ray light that enables scientists to examine various materials at an atomic scale.

The lab has collaborated with external researchers to develop a new generation of filters referred to as nanosponges, designed to capture specific target molecules like lithium.

“It’s akin to an atom catcher’s mitt,” explained Adam Uliana, CEO of Chemfinity, a Brooklyn company exploring the use of nanosponges to purify a variety of waste. “It only captures one type of metal.”

In addition to rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and magnesium have gained significant attention from researchers.

Ion exchange, a well-established technology for extracting metals from water and purifying contaminants, is also gaining interest. Lilac Solutions, a startup based in Oakland, California, has developed specialized resin beads to extract lithium from brine via ion exchange, with plans for their first production facility in Great Salt Lake, Utah.

The company’s technology involves pumping brine through an ion exchange filter to extract minerals, returning water to its source with minimal environmental disruption. If this approach proves viable on a larger scale, it could revolutionize lithium extraction, significantly decreasing the necessity for underground mines and open-pit operations.

Maglathea Metal is an Auckland-based startup that produces magnesium ingots from the saline effluent generated by desalinating seawater. The company processes the brine, which consists of magnesium chloride salts, using a current powered by renewable energy to heat the solution, resulting in the separation of salt from molten magnesium.

CEO Alex Grant noted that the process is exceptionally clean, although it has yet to be applied to magnesium production. Much of the company’s work is funded by the Department of Defense.

With China accounting for 90% of global magnesium production, the current smelting process, known as the Pidgeon process, is highly polluting and carbon-intensive, involving heating to around 2,000 degrees using coal-fired kilns. Dr. Fisuke anticipates further innovations on the horizon.

“Three converging factors are at play,” he stated. “The value of these critical materials is climbing, the expenses associated with traditional mining and extraction are escalating, and reliance on international suppliers, particularly from Russia and China, is diminishing.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Senators Challenge Government AI Initiatives

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The government is facing another challenge in the House of Representatives regarding proposals that would permit artificial intelligence firms to utilize copyrighted materials without authorization.

An amendment to the data bill, which required AI companies to specify which copyrighted content is used in their models, received support from peers despite government resistance.

This marks the second instance in Congress where a Senator has requested that a tech firm clarify whether it has used copyrighted material.

The vote took place shortly after a coalition of artists and organizations, including Paul McCartney, Janet Winterson, Dua Lipa, and the Royal Shakespeare Company, urged the Prime Minister to “not sacrifice our work for the benefit of a few powerful foreign tech companies.”

The amendment, represented by Crossbench Peer Baroness Kidron, garnered 125 votes, achieving a total of 272 votes.

The bill is now poised to return to the House of Representatives. Should the government eliminate Kidron’s amendments, it will create yet another point of contention for the Lords next week.

Baroness Kidron stated: “We aim to refute the idea that those opposing government initiatives are against technology. Creators acknowledge the creative and economic benefits of AI, but we dispute the notion that AI should be developed for free using works that were appropriated.”

“My Lords, this poses a substantial threat to the British economy, impacting sectors worth £120 billion. The UK thrives in industries central to our industrial strategy and significant cultural contributions.”

The government’s copyright proposal is currently under reviews in this year’s report, but opponents are using the data bill as a platform to voice their objections.

The primary government proposal would allow AI companies to incorporate copyrighted works into model development without prior permission. Critics argue that this is neither practical nor feasible, unless copyright holders indicate they prefer not to use their works in the process.

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Nevertheless, the government contends that the existing framework hinders both the creative and technical sectors and necessitates legislative resolutions. They have already made one concession by agreeing to an economic impact assessment of their proposals.

Peter Kyle, a close aide to the technical secretary, mentioned this month that the “opt-out” scenario is no longer his favored path, and various alternatives are being evaluated.

A spokesperson from the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology stated that the government would not rush into copyright decisions or introduce relevant legislation hastily.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Doctor’s Home in LA Destroyed by Neighbor’s Fire: Coping with the Aftermath

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A significant long-term issue is pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of lung tissue due to scarring, which hinders oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. Dr. Elsaeg likens the lungs affected by pulmonary fibrosis to “hard balloons from the party store.” I feel my face flush when attempting to force air, but I adamantly refuse to inflate.

With former Palisades residents planning to return to their neighborhoods, Dr. Elsaeg has also taken on the role of a reliable confidant, using his personal experiences to assist patients in navigating uncertainty and discovering solutions.

“Ideally, we’d all declare, ‘Everyone living in Pallisard and LA County, let’s move somewhere else. There’s no need for concern,’” he remarked. “But that isn’t the reality. We’re striving for a challenging balance between helping us return to normalcy and leading our lives while ensuring we do so as safely as possible.”

In early February, Dr. Elsaeg took a seat next to Dana Michelles, a cybersecurity attorney and healthy mother of three, assessing the damage at her home, where she now struggled with coughing.

“Lover, you’re not moving air at all,” Dr. Elsaeg stated while listening to her lungs through a stethoscope, promptly ordering a breathing test and a nebulizer. The student observing asked to listen and then looked at Dr. Elsaeg in confusion.

“I haven’t heard anything,” the student remarked. Dr. Elsaeg acknowledged him with a nod.

After years of renting, Michelle and her husband secured their first mortgage nearly four years ago, marking a significant family achievement. Now, as their home in Palisades is engulfed in smoke, the family has been split across two rental apartments in Marina del Rey—one for the boys and another for the girls.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Encountering a Crocodile: Here’s What You Should Do

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The 11-foot alligator that capsized a canoe on May 6th, resulting in the death of a woman in Central Florida, serves as a reminder that while attacks by crocodiles on humans are “quite rare,” they can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes, according to state wildlife officials.

“This highlights the powerful wildlife that inhabits our natural spaces,” remarked Roger Young, executive director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In Florida, there was an average of 8 unprovoked alligator bites per year reported over a decade up to 2022. Many incidents were severe enough to necessitate medical attention.

The committee advises individuals to be vigilant during the crocodile mating season from early April to June, as the risk of attacks tends to rise. This increased danger is attributed to crocodiles being more active, aggressive, and visible during this time.

Wildlife agents and committees have shared tips for avoiding and staying safe around reptiles.

Where are they?

Crocodiles inhabit areas from central Texas to North Carolina, as noted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Louisiana and Florida boast the largest populations, exceeding 1 million. Georgia has between 200,000 and 250,000 crocodiles, while South Carolina is home to around 100,000.

Morgan Hart from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources believes that the rise in crocodile attacks is due to “significant population growth in the South Carolina Coastal Plains.”

New residential developments often create artificial lakes, soon attracting crocodiles.

Exercise caution around alligators.

If you see a crocodile on land, “the best option is to leave it alone,” Hart advised.

Crocodiles may hiss if they feel threatened by someone standing too close, according to her.

People should be cautious about approaching crocodiles, as this could indicate that the animals have been fed and associate humans with food.

Always maintain a distance of at least 30 feet from any crocodile, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission advises.

“They generally do not pursue people, but they can close the distance quickly,” the agency notes, explaining that crocodiles can sprint at speeds of up to 35 mph over short distances.

Keep a close watch on children and pets.

Crocodiles are likely to pursue prey that they can easily overpower.

“Pets can often resemble crocodiles’ natural prey,” said Lauren Clareabout, a spokesperson for the Florida Wildlife Commission.

People should keep pets leashed and prevent them from swimming or playing in known crocodile habitats such as canals, ponds, or lakes.

“The sounds of dogs barking and splashing can attract crocodiles,” the Florida Wildlife Commission cautioned.

Be mindful where you swim.

Wildlife agencies recommend swimming only in designated areas during daylight hours, free from pets.

“Crocodiles are most active during dusk and dawn,” Clareabout noted.

If you spot a crocodile in the water, remain calm and distance yourself. The Florida Wildlife Commission advises.

Do not feed them.

Feeding alligators in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas is illegal and can be dangerous (with the exception of designated hunting seasons).

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries, people should avoid throwing fish scraps or feeding other wildlife in areas where crocodiles congregate.

“Feeding them only leads to trouble,” stated Donald Hauser, general manager at Gator Park, located just south of Miami. He highlighted that once crocodiles are fed for three days, they lose their natural fear of humans.

“The key is to stay away,” he advised.

How to defend yourself.

Officials state that you should only confront a crocodile if it has latched onto you.

“In such cases, target the most sensitive areas: the eyes, nose, or throat,” Everglades National Park in South Florida advises, recommending that individuals “hit, kick, or jab with as much force as possible to compel the crocodile to release you.”

Nevertheless, if you find yourself caught in the crocodile’s jaws, your chances of escape are slim, Hauser cautioned.

“It’s best to have trained individuals handle such situations,” he advised.

“Crocodiles generally do not eat humans,” he explained, but they might take a bite and then release. However, if the grip is long enough, it could be too late,” he concluded.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Proposal Will Connect Certain Drug Prices to State Payments

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Updated May 12th: Additional insights Executive Order and its implications .

On Monday, President Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at reducing various drug prices in the US by aligning them with what other prosperous nations pay. This was reported by True Social on Sunday evening.

He noted that his proposal cannot alter federal policies, describing it as the “most favored nation” pricing approach. While specifics regarding the types of insurance covered or the number of drugs affected were not shared, Trump emphasized that the US must secure the lowest prices compared to its counterparts.

“In the end, our nation will be treated equitably and citizens’ healthcare expenses will decrease significantly,” he stated in a social media update.

This kind of plan is likely to face legal challenges, and it remains uncertain whether it will succeed without input from Congress.

During his first term, Trump attempted to implement a similar Medicare strategy, targeting 68 million Americans aged 65 and older or those with disabilities. This plan would have focused on 50 medications administered in healthcare settings funded by Medicare. However, it was blocked by a federal court, which ruled that the administration bypassed necessary procedures in policy formulation.

The pharmaceutical sector strongly opposes this concept, arguing it may severely impact their profit margins. They have ramped up lobbying efforts against the proposal as discussions revive in Washington. Industry leaders caution that such measures will hinder research funding and limit patient access to innovative treatments.

“Every form of government pricing is detrimental to patients in America,” declared Alex Schriver, a staff member of a prominent pharmaceutical lobbying organization. He added: “Policymakers should prioritize reforming flaws in the US system instead of adopting ineffective strategies from abroad.”

Trump’s support for these ideas distinguishes him from the majority of Republicans, who are generally hesitant about government pricing. Meanwhile, Democrats are advancing a similar proposal.

Amiet Salpatwali, a pharmaceutical policy specialist at Harvard Medical School, noted that Trump is capitalizing on ideas that resonate with populist sentiments.

Trump has long expressed concerns about the significant disparity in drug prices that the US faces compared to other wealthy nations. He is correct; in the United States, the cost of branded medications is, on average, three times higher than that in peer countries.

This is despite the fact that a substantial portion of the research leading to new drugs is conducted in American laboratories and hospitals.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers generate a significant majority of global profits from US sales, typically developing their strategies with the US market in mind.

The pharmaceutical industry contends that the elevated prices in the US provide additional advantages. Analyses funded by the industry have indicated that US patients tend to access medications more swiftly and face fewer insurance restrictions compared to their counterparts in other countries.

Source: www.nytimes.com