What has become of our cherished privacy? In today’s world, nearly every detail about us is known, traded, and exploited by social media platforms. Click. I have the amusing attire your self-righteous uncle crafted this morning. Click. I have a friend lamenting the promotion I missed out on. Click. Indeed, there are those strangers who will share their bedrooms with you—for a price.
One might expect a book titled Intimate with Strangers: Ascending and Descending in Private Life to provide opinions on this subject—but it does so in a way that is richer and more thoughtfully considered than most discussions you’ll find.
Author Tiffany Jenkins, a cultural historian, states, “Many attribute the rise of self-indulgent individuals broadcasting their lives online to narcissism, as well as tech companies that consume personal data, while overlooking the deeper changes at play.” This book explores those profound shifts.
Jenkins chronicles these developments primarily in the 20th century, revealing their multifaceted nature. The chapters address everything from the invasive capabilities of small cameras to the disruptive effects of Kodak Veeder to the significant implications of Bill Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky, which turned private matters into political upheaval.
Key highlights include the narratives of radical American groups in the 1960s, such as Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), who advocated for personal freedom yet ironically curtailed it. One activist couple even faced criticism for the “crime” of “Flagrant Monogamy,” as SDS yearned for purer and more innocent participants.
Even scientific thinkers aren’t exempt from this narrative. The early 20th-century activism of Paul Lazarsfeld, Edward Bernays, and Ernest Dichter focused on transforming people into data points. Though they meant no harm, their work undermined the notion that certain aspects of life should remain private and untouchable by corporate interests. The same can be said for Alfred Kinsey’s notorious research into human sexuality. Is nothing sacred?
We have allowed our two worlds to be compromised and blurred. The private is increasingly becoming public.
However, privacy did not disappear outright in the 20th century. Instead, it adapted, evolved, and resisted. Jenkins references Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) and Katz v. United States, emphasizing that her analysis encompasses a complex mix of laws, cultures, technologies, and even housing policies.
Nonetheless, Jenkins concludes that privacy has indeed diminished overall, particularly as the first half of the book meticulously charts its decline.
The discussion begins with the revolutionary appeals for personal conscience by Martin Luther and Thomas More in the 16th century, tracing through various religious and personal freedoms of the 17th century. Intimate with Strangers thoroughly examines these developments over the centuries.
Specifically regarding the 18th century, Jenkins argues that it marked the “arrival of the public and private domains.” In fact, she posits that this evolution may overshadow all other Enlightenment developments. This is a historical account that offers novel insights into our shared past.
It ultimately brings us back to our increasingly surveilled reality. “Had there been a clear demarcation between public and private realms at the inception of the World Wide Web, our online landscape would be vastly different today,” Jenkins asserts. Since the 18th century, we’ve allowed for a blurring of lines where privacy increasingly encroaches upon public life.
And what do we stand to lose? Quite a lot—though not everything is gone. “Originality begins in private,” Jenkins reflects in the epilogue. From this, we can infer that Intimate with Strangers began with precious privacy.
Peter Hoskin is the book and culture editor for Prospect Magazine
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Image captured by a Ukrainian drone during operation
upi/alamy
On June 1, Ukraine made headlines with a daring strike on Russian air bases. Utilizing inexpensive, compact drones concealed within trucks that had ventured deep into Russian territory, Ukraine successfully targeted numerous strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, resulting in a loss of $7 billion in military assets.
The drone swarm operation, dubbed Operation Spider-Web, showcased remarkable military strategy while also exposing the vulnerabilities that defense leaders globally may soon confront.
“Currently, there’s a 100% likelihood of a small drone assault on air bases in the US or UK,” stated Robert Bunker, a consultant for US firm C/O Futures. “A group with intention and capability is needed. This is a very modest expectation.”
The Ukrainian security service SBU reported that 117 first-person view drones were deployed in the attack, each carrying several kilograms of explosives provided by racing quadcopters. Last year, countries produced approximately 1.5 million of these drones for battlefield applications, each costing a few hundred dollars. Although they typically have a range of about 20 km, Operation Spider-Web demonstrated their capability to reach target areas and operate remotely.
The assault did not catch US defense analysts off-guard. According to Zachary Karenbourne, who authored a 2019 analysis on potential threats to strategic bombers: “Ukraine’s operation had a much broader scope and impact than I anticipated. I initially believed such an attack was merely part of a larger assault on enemy nuclear assets, but Ukraine managed to neutralize 34% of its nuclear bomber fleet with an exceptionally coordinated effort.”
What steps should nations undertake to shield themselves against comparable assaults? Generally, there are three strategies: physical barriers, electronic defenses, and kinetic measures.
The initial approach seems straightforward—erect physical defenses to deter drones. Some Russian aircraft targeted by Ukraine were stationed in bays protected by concrete blast walls or earthen berms meant to shield against ground explosions. However, these measures do not safeguard against aerial strikes. Russia is currently racing to construct hardened aircraft shelters, which are costly, running into millions and sufficiently large for fighters. There was an assumption that larger strategic bombers could forgo this protection, as they were expected to remain distant from frontlines and threats.
Anti-drone nets represent a more economical solution and have been adopted by both Ukraine and Russia in battlefield scenarios. Reportedly, Russian authorities have recommended implementing such barriers in airspace. However, following the Ukrainian strike, the challenge is that these nets can be easily dismantled.
“The net provides decent defense against initial UAS [Uncrewed Aerial System] attacks,” Bunker notes. Yet, given the low cost of drones, attackers can launch a first wave to neutralize the net before proceeding with subsequent strikes.
What about electronic defenses? Both Russia and Ukraine are currently utilizing jamming technologies to disrupt the communication between drones and their operators. While this can be effective in wartime, jammers typically function over limited ranges, necessitating comprehensive coverage of the airbase. “They need to be deployed and monitored around the clock,” Bunker indicates.
This approach has its complications. The operations of Spider-Web employed commercial mobile networks, but attackers can utilize any frequency to command the drone, so blanket jamming of all channels might not be feasible. “Jammers can disrupt friendly communications,” warns Karenbourne. “To forestall such assaults, we may have to endure increased risks to our own operations.”
Moreover, the SBU claims that the drones were designed to anticipate jamming and were outfitted with AI systems enabling them to reach their targets autonomously. Such drones are virtually impervious to jamming.
This leaves kinetic measures as a final defense. Known as shooting down drones, Russian airfields were fortified against conventional aerial attacks via surface-to-air missile systems and mobile anti-aircraft units, but these were ill-equipped to detect or engage small drones.
“A weaponry system designed for this task demands advanced acquisition and targeting capabilities to be effective against armed drones,” Bunker states. “If operated by humans, they need to be distributed strategically across the facility for defense and manned continuously.”
Auto-defense mechanisms present promising options, and Ukraine is already deploying AI-driven anti-drone machine gun turrets to safeguard cities from Russian assaults involving substantial Shahed drones. However, at an expense of around $100,000 each, these turrets can be easily surpassed by smaller, more affordable drones utilized in the Spider-Web operation. “A swarm of drones could well succeed,” Karenbourne admits.
In summary, while there is no definitive solution, militaries urgently need to discover ways to mitigate this looming threat. A recent statement from a US Air Force General to the Senate Committee noted that in 2024 alone, over 350 unauthorized drones infiltrated military installations across the United States. Moreover, American bases in the UK have reported similar drone incursions.
“While many may be hobbyists, at least some are definitely adversaries,” adds Karenbourne. These hostile drones are likely engaging in intelligence-gathering rather than attempts to strike. “If we were in a conflict with China, that might change dramatically.”
This indicates that operations akin to Spider-Web could easily be replicated, in Russia or elsewhere. “This issue extends far beyond a significant vulnerability,” Bunker concludes. “Current defenses cannot be adequately reinforced. The situation is deteriorating rapidly.”
Throughout history, the effects of wear and tear, along with natural aging, have resulted in oil paintings displaying cracks, discoloration, and peeling pigments, leaving lasting marks.
Repairing such damage is typically reserved for the most treasured artworks, requiring years of meticulous effort. However, a new approach promises to revolutionize this process, enabling the restoration of aging pieces in a matter of hours.
This innovative technique utilizes artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools to create reconstructions of damaged paintings, which are subsequently printed on a transparent polymer sheet and applied over the original artwork.
To showcase this method, Alex Kachin, a graduate researcher from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, undertook the restoration of damaged panels attributed to a master Dutch painter of the late 15th century, whose identity remains unknown, following a piece by Martin Schongauer.
The artwork, rich in detail, is visibly segmented into four panels, marred by fine cracks and speckled with countless tiny paint losses.
“Much of the damage involves small, intricate details,” Kachin noted. “It has been deteriorating for centuries.”
Kachin initiated the process by scanning the painting to ascertain the dimensions, shapes, and locations of the damaged areas, identifying 5,612 individual sections requiring repair.
Following this, a digital mask was created using Adobe Photoshop. Missing paint spots were filled in, with surrounding pigment colors adjusted accordingly. Repairs to patterned sections involved duplicating similar patterns from other areas of the painting. For instance, a missing facial feature of a child was sourced from a different work by the same artist.
Close-ups illustrating the masking results. Photo: Alex Kachin, MIT
Once the mask was complete, it was printed on the polymer sheet and painted over, followed by a varnish application to ensure it harmonized with the painting.
In total, 57,314 colors were utilized to restore the damaged sections. The modifications were crafted to enhance the artwork even if slightly misaligned.
Upon seeing the results, Kachin expressed satisfaction. “We dedicated years to perfecting this method,” he remarked. “It was a significant relief to realize that this approach enabled us to reconstruct and piece together the surviving parts of the painting.”
This approach, as detailed in Nature, can only be applied to works featuring a smooth varnish that allows for flat application. The mask can be removed using conservator solvents without leaving marks on the original piece.
Kachin envisions this technique facilitating galleries in restoring and showcasing numerous damaged paintings that might otherwise lack the value warranting traditional restoration efforts.
Nonetheless, he recognizes the ethical considerations surrounding the use of film overlays on paintings, questioning whether they might disrupt the viewing experience and the appropriateness of features derived from other works.
In a related commentary, Professor Hartmut Kutzke from the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo emphasized that this method enables quicker and more cost-effective recovery of damaged artworks compared to conventional methods.
“This technique is likely best suited for relatively low-value pieces kept in less visible locations, and may not be appropriate for renowned, high-value artworks,” he noted. “However, it could significantly increase public access to the arts, bringing damaged pieces out of storage and into the view of new audiences.”
While scientists pursuing cancer therapies find ample support, those researching diseases in potatoes face greater challenges in garnering attention and funding.
The Trump administration seems to have adopted the notion that many scientific pursuits are viewed as unnecessary or opaque, resulting in billions in proposed cuts to research funding.
Amidst this crisis, researchers are exploring innovative ways to garner public and political backing to counteract funding reductions.
A collective of Cornell graduate students aims to reshape public perceptions of science. They have enlisted over 500 researchers from all 50 states to write OP-EDs for local newspapers, which are set to be published next week. This initiative was proposed by Emma Scales, a Cornell doctoral student involved in the campaign.
“We’re engaging with people who are frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding funding allocations,” Scales explained. “I understand that I’m one of those who utilizes your resources. I apologize for not communicating better, but I’d appreciate feedback about my work.”
Isaco di Tomasi, Hannah Frank, Emma Scales, and Alex Rand lead the Cornell Policy Club, coordinating McClintock’s letters. Courtesy Emma Scale
The initiative, known as McClintock Characters, is one of several ongoing efforts by graduate students and faculty aimed at the same goal.
This reflects a mainstay belief that researchers cannot assume public support is a given. If proactive measures aren’t taken soon, many are beginning to realize that the public’s trust in scientists is waning, and funding may not be reinstated.
Science Homecoming letter-writing campaigns urge scholars to emphasize the importance of government investments in scientific endeavors. The new nonprofit, Stand Up for Science, is organizing demonstrations at State Fairs and Farmers Markets this summer, along with community Teach-Ins and Open Lab Days. Another new group, Your Neighborhood Scientist, publishes essays by researchers and fosters community-based dialogues about science.
Audrey Dorottos, a neuroscientist from the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of Your Neighborhood Scientist, sees her work as a means for scientists to express their enthusiasm.
“We aren’t just contributing static noise; we aim to humanize scientists, which is a fundamental objective,” she said.
Di Tomasi is delving into the fungal disease that contributed to the potato famine in Ireland. Courtesy Isako di Tomassi
The motivation behind the McClintock letters emerged in February when Isako Di Tomassi, a plant pathology doctoral student, expressed his frustrations online after losing his PhD advisor at the US Department of Agriculture due to recent significant government layoffs.
While Di Tomassi encountered some sympathy online, one commenter remarked that funding cuts were beneficial since they halted “frivolous research,” and many others expressed confusion regarding the purpose of their studies.
Di Tomasi and Scales began brainstorming solutions through the Cornell Advanced Science and Policy Club to facilitate researchers sharing their narratives.
They organized these efforts in tribute to the late Nobel Prize-winning cytologist Barbara McClintock, timing their actions for her birthday on June 16. Her research altered scientists’ understanding of genetic inheritance in corn, laying the groundwork for advancements in treating genetic disorders in humans.
Barbara McClintock, a pioneer in genetic research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, NY, circa 1947. AP
“Barbara McClintock is incredibly renowned,” Di Tomasi remarked.
Nevertheless, Di Tomasi noted that the aim is to bridge the gap between scientific professionals and public understanding, emphasizing that even routine experiments can be pivotal for medical and scientific advancements.
Researchers have committed to discussing a variety of topics, from breast cancer metastasis to memory formation and sustainable grape cultivation. Based on the collective audience sizes targeted by the organizers’ chosen news outlets, they anticipate reaching 8 million potential readers.
During a webinar on June 6, Katherine Xue, a microbiologist at the University of California, Irvine, guided about 100 participants on composing OP-EDs, using a 2015 OP-ED by Newt Gingrich advocating for increased research funding as a reference.
Xue encouraged participants to avoid technical jargon and to inject personal elements. She intends to write an article for her hometown newspaper in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, highlighting how her high school internships fueled her interest in microbiology.
“As scientists, we are conditioned to maintain a sense of detachment, but this approach has limitations,” Xue explained to NBC News. “Many people don’t see scientists as relatable, nor do they grasp what we are doing and why. This can lead to distrust in science.”
Recent surveys back up her assertions, revealing that while 76% of Americans express confidence in scientists, this number has dwindled from 87% in 2020, as reported by a Pew Research Center study. The report also noted that a majority of Americans believe scientists are poor communicators, and nearly half feel that scientists view themselves as superior.
The notion of supposedly frivolous research projects has long been a target for criticism. Some senators have highlighted what they perceive as wasteful spending in scientific research.
In a speech to Congress, Trump criticized what he considered absurdly funded projects backed by the Biden administration, including research misrepresented as making mice transgender (though in reality, it examined the effects of hormones on health and fertility). The White House defended the President’s comments.
In response to inquiries regarding the reduction of research funding, White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the administration is aligning with voter priorities. “The American people have tasked President Trump with recalibrating government expenditures to align with their values,” he clarified in an email. “The administration is committed to fulfilling this mandate.”
President Donald Trump criticized federally funded research during a congressional address on March 4th. Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images
For her upcoming book, Salmon Cannon and Floating Frog, Carly Ann York, an animal behaviorist at Lenore Lynn University in North Carolina, spotlighted several scientists who have faced scrutiny to advocate for their research.
One professor included in the book reacted with humor to the label “waste” applied to her research by participating in collaborative efforts with fellow scholars, like creating a mini science fair on Capitol Hill, to share research insights on shrimp combat inspiring new body armor designs for humans.
Carly Ann York became committed to scientific communication after grappling with explaining her studies on squid physiology to others years ago. Courtesy Carly York
“I hope more scientists adopt this mindset,” York stated. “It’s our responsibility to help the public comprehend how taxpayer money is utilized in research, what we do, and the impact of our work.”
Will the McClintock letters and similar initiatives achieve their intended results? While it’s uncertain how many students and faculty will participate, many participants hope their goals reach beyond immediate outcomes.
According to Michael Rubel, a physics professor at New York City College and a former Director of Public Relations for the American Physical Society, success hinges on sustained engagement with the public.
Rubel remarked that scientists should actively participate by attending community groups like Rotary clubs, churches, or PTA meetings.
“If researchers wait for the public to come to them, they will only engage a fraction of the population, and I doubt this will effect meaningful change,” he stated. “Meet audiences where they are. Understand what they value. You might be surprised.”
As stated by the new Minister of Industry and Science, Tim Ayles, Australia must either “aggressively pursue” the advantages of artificial intelligence or risk becoming “dependent on someone else’s supply chain.” The Labor government intends to impose further regulations on these rapidly advancing technologies.
Ayles, previously associated with a manufacturing union, recognized that there is significant skepticism surrounding AI in Australia. He emphasized the need for dialogue between employers and employees regarding the implications of automation in the workplace.
The minister insisted that Australia has “no alternative,” stating that the country is embracing new technologies while striving to become a global frontrunner in regulating and utilizing AI.
Ayers remarked to Guardian Australia, “The government’s responsibility is to ensure that we not only lean towards the opportunities for businesses and workers but also to be assured of our capacity to tackle potential challenges.”
“Australia’s strategy must prioritize regulation and strategy for the advantage of its people,” he added.
Ayers, who was elevated to Cabinet last month after serving in a junior role within manufacturing and trade, now leads the direction of the Labor Government’s flagship initiative. This comprehensive plan connects manufacturing, energy transition, research, and business policies.
Ayers faces immediate challenges regarding AI policy. His predecessor, Ed Husic, established critical frameworks focused on developing the local industry and setting essential guidelines for AI usage, which included discussions around new independent AI regulations.
Less than a month into his new role, Ayers stated that the government is still defining its actions, considering the rapid advancements in technology from similarly-minded countries. He indicated that the response would involve laws and regulations that have yet to be finalized, emphasizing the importance of swift action for Australia.
“There is no alternative but to adopt an Australian approach,” he asserted. “This approach dictates how we shape Australia’s digital future and how we ensure that we gain agency in technology development alongside global partners in these matters.
“The alternative is to remain passive and find ourselves at the mercy of someone else’s supply chain.”
The minister highlighted that Australia stands to “reap significant benefits” from AI adoption, particularly emphasizing increased productivity and economic growth. Ayers, who grew up on a cattle farm near Lismore, noted that both white-collar and blue-collar jobs have much to gain from automation and new technologies.
Drawing from his experience with manufacturing unions, he acknowledged the harsh reality that many workers have internalized the belief that the only more detrimental alternative would be for Australia to become a technological dead-end.
“However, I want to encourage companies and employers to consider the impact of AI adoption on enhancing job quality,” Ayers stated.
“Our industrial relations framework allows for adequate consultation and engagement at the corporate level, fostering discussions about these issues on an individual workplace basis.”
Recently, Australia’s Business Council released significant reports detailing Australia’s potential to emerge as a global leader in AI, enhancing productivity and boosting living standards through economic expansion.
“A recently published BCA document highlighted a significant level of skepticism among Australians regarding this new wave of technology, which is not unusual for our country,” Ayles remarked.
“Every wave of technological transformation shapes the labor market. This is a fact. The adverse consequences of technological evolution in employment have historically been outweighed by new investments and developments within employment and technology.”
Ayers also affirmed that the Labor party would sustain its forward agenda for Australia, emphasizing an “active” focus on boosting the production of key minerals, iron, and steel as part of the renewable energy transition.
“I am committed to doing everything in my power to establish new factories and enhance industrial capacities,” he stated.
“Specifically, areas like Central Queensland and Hunter and Latrobe have the opportunity to intersect with future energy benefits and industrial capabilities, permitting Australia to better support these communities as well.”
Astronomers have identified the largest known cloud of energy particles encircling galaxy clusters, with around 20 million annual clouds around the galaxy cluster PLCK G287.0+32.9.
This new composite image, created using X-rays from NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory (blue and purple), radio data from Meerkat Radio Telescope (orange and yellow), and optical images from Panstarrs (red, green, and blue), illustrates the giant galaxy cluster PLCK G287.0+32.9. Image credit: NASA/CXC/CFA/Rajpurohit et al. / panstarrs / sarao / meerkat / sao / n. wolk.
Located 5 billion light years from Earth in the Hydra constellation, PLCK G287.0+32.9 has garnered astronomers’ attention since its initial detection in 2011.
Prior research uncovered two bright relics, revealing a massive shock wave illuminating the cluster’s edges. However, the extensive, faint radio emissions filling the space between them went unnoticed.
Recent radio images have shown that the entire cluster is enveloped in a faint radio glow that is nearly 20 times the diameter of the Milky Way, suggesting an extraordinary and powerful phenomenon at play.
“We anticipated finding a bright pair of relics at the cluster’s edge. Found “The Harvard & Smithsonian Astrophysics Center” mentioned: “The Harvard & Smithsonian’s Astrophysics Center is a great way to help you get started,” Dr. Kamursh Rajprohit, an astronomer at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, noted.
“No energy particle clouds of this magnitude have been spotted in such galaxy clusters or anything comparable.”
Previous record holders, located around Abel 2255 in the Galaxy Cluster, spanned about 16.3 million light years.
In the central region of the cluster, Dr. Rajprohit and his team identified radio halos where frequencies of this scale are typically undetectable, marking the first discovery of size at 114 million light years at 2.4 GHz.
The findings posed questions for the team, providing compelling evidence of magnetic fields where cosmic ray electrons and magnetic fields extend throughout the cluster.
However, it remains uncertain how these electrons can accelerate over such vast distances.
“Very extended radio halos are seldom visible across most frequencies, as the electrons responsible for them tend to lose energy. They are aged and have cooled over time,” Dr. Rajpurohit stated.
“The discovery of this colossal halo has now led to a significant increase in radio emissions between the catastrophic impact and the rest of the cluster.”
“This suggests something is actively accelerating or re-accelerating the electrons, yet none of the usual explanations apply.”
“We suspect that extensive shock waves and turbulence may be contributing factors, but additional theoretical models are needed to arrive at a definitive conclusion.”
This discovery offers researchers a new pathway to investigate cosmic magnetic fields—one of the primary unanswered questions in astrophysics—helping to elucidate how magnetic fields shape the universe on the largest scales.
“We’re beginning to perceive space in ways we have never imagined,” Dr. Rajprohit emphasized.
“This necessitates a reevaluation of how energy and matter traverse through its grandest structures.”
“Observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, managed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, reveal boxy structures, comet-like tails, and several other distinct features of the cluster’s hot gas, indicating that the cluster is highly disturbed.”
“Some of these X-ray features correspond with radio-detected structures, pointing to substantial shocks and turbulence driven by merging events, facilitating electron acceleration or re-acceleration.”
“In the core of a cluster, some of these features may arise from the merger of two smaller galaxy clusters, or an explosion triggered by an exceptionally large black hole, or a combination of both.”
Disney and Universal have filed a lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company, claiming copyright violations. The entertainment titans have described the image generator behind Midi Johnny’s popular AI as a “bottomless pit of plagiarism,” alleging it replicates the studios’ most iconic characters.
The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in Los Angeles, accuses Midi Joan of illegally accessing two Hollywood studio libraries and creating numerous unauthorized copies of key characters, including Darth Vader from Star Wars, Elsa from Frozen, and Minions from Despicable Me. Midjourney has not yet commented on the matter.
This legal action from Disney and Universal marks a new chapter in the ongoing battle over copyright issues related to artificial intelligence, following prior lawsuits focusing on text and music. So far, these two companies are among the largest industry stakeholders to address the implications for images and videos.
“We are optimistic about the potential of AI technology when used responsibly to enhance human creativity; however, it’s crucial to recognize that piracy and copyright infringement carried out by AI companies is unacceptable,” stated a company representative.
Kim Harris, vice-chair and legal counsel at NBCUniversal, emphasized the need to “entertain and inspire while protecting the hard work of all artists who invest significantly in content.”
The studios assert that the San Francisco-based company, one of the pioneers in AI-driven image generation, must either cease infringing upon copyrighted works or implement technical measures to prevent the creation of AI-generated images of copied characters.
Nonetheless, studios claim that Midjourney continues to release updates to its AI image service, promoting high-quality infringing images. The AI is capable of recreating animated visuals based on user prompts. These companies train their models using vast datasets, often sourced from millions of websites.
In a 2022 interview with Forbes, Midjourney CEO David Holz mentioned that he built the company’s database through extensive “internet scraping.”
The lawsuit, initiated by seven entities holding the copyrights to various Disney and Universal Pictures Film Units, includes examples of AI-generated animations with Disney characters like Yoda wielding lightsabers, as well as universal characters such as the Dragon from Kung Fu Panda, Toothless, and Shrek.
“By leveraging plaintiffs’ copyrighted materials and distributing images (and soon videos) that unmistakably incorporate beloved characters from Disney and Universal, Midi Joan exemplifies a typical copyright-free rider, creating a bottomless pit of flexible liability,” the studios claim.
Disney and Universal are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent Midjourney from continuing to copy their works or providing image and video generation services without protective measures against infringement, as well as unspecified damages.
Founded in 2021 by David Holz, Midjourney operates on a subscription model, boasting a revenue of $300 million from its services last year alone.
This isn’t the first instance of Midjourney facing accusations of leveraging artists’ works to train AI systems. Approximately a year ago, a federal judge in California found that 10 artists, alongside Stability AI and others, were in litigation against Midjourney, alleging that these companies had copied and stored their works on their servers, rendering them potentially liable for unauthorized use. This ruling allowed the lawsuit to proceed based on misuse of images, and it is currently ongoing.
This case is part of a larger trend of lawsuits involving authors, media organizations, and record labels against high-tech firms over the utilization of copyrighted materials for AI training.
When asked whether the company sought consent from artists whose works are copyrighted, Holz remarked, “It’s practically impossible to gather 100 million images and trace their origins.” In a submission to the UK government last year, OpenAI stated, “Training today’s leading AI models without the use of copyrighted materials is unfeasible.”
In late 2023, the New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, along with Microsoft (which holds a 49% stake in the startup), for allegedly misusing and regenerating text from its articles. That suit is still pending. Other media outlets, including The Guardian, have negotiated licensing agreements with AI companies to use their archives. Similarly, authors have sued Meta, claiming it used a vast database of pirated books to train the LLaMA AI model, although many of those claims were dismissed.
In June 2024, major record companies filed lawsuits against two AI companies for copyright infringement. Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group Recordings, and Warner Records accused Suno and Udio of improperly using millions of songs to create a system capable of generating derivative music.
Paleontologists employing a novel method of geographic analysis have theorized about the dispersion of paleo-ausauromorphs following the Permian mass extinction, one of the most significant climate events in Earth’s history.
The earliest pale aurauromorphs, akin to contemporary reptiles, are perceived by many synthetic biologists as existing in dead zones, believed to thrive only in select regions due to extreme heat prevalent in tropical zones.
In a recent study, paleontologist Joseph Flannery Sutherland from the University of Birmingham, along with his team, uncovered clues on how these reptiles traversed the globe during the Triassic period.
The researchers employed a novel modeling technique grounded in landscape reconstruction and evolutionary phylogenies.
Having survived the extinction event, Archosauromorphs became a crucial component of the Triassic Earth’s ecosystem, paving the way for the emergence of dinosaurs.
Current research indicates their later success can be attributed to their ability to traverse up to 16,000 km (10,000 miles) across tropical dead zones to explore new ecosystems.
“Despite being among the direst climatic events in Earth’s timeline, resulting in the death of more species than in any other epoch, life persisted,” remarked Dr. Flannery Sasherland.
“The group of Archosauromorphs emerged from this event and became key players in shaping life thereafter.”
“The gaps in their fossil records are beginning to reveal insights into aspects of these reptiles we previously overlooked.”
“By utilizing the modeling system, we created images representing the condition of Archosauromorphs amid these gaps and their dispersal across the ancient landscape.”
“This research examined topography and routes mapped through both spatial and temporal dimensions, which we have coined as our ‘Tardis’ approach.”
“Our findings suggest these reptiles exhibit remarkable resilience to the extreme climates of the Panguian tropical dead zone, enabling them to endure these harsh conditions and reach distant regions.”
“This capacity to thrive in inhospitable tropical environments likely gave them the edge necessary to prosper in the Triassic landscape.”
“While life has often been dictated by environmental factors, integrating the limited and uncertain knowledge of ancient terrains with the incomplete understanding of extinct species is challenging,” stated Professor Michael Benton from the University of Bristol.
“However, combining fossil data with reconstructed maps of the ancient world offers a means to address these challenges within the context of evolutionary trees.”
Study published in the journal Natural Ecology and Evolution.
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JT Flannery-Sutherland et al. The phylogeny, described as a landscape, illuminates the ecological radiation of early paleoasauromorph reptiles. Nat Ecol Evol Published online on June 11th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41559-025-02739-y
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A recent study by astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope aimed to uncover signs of interaction between Uranus’ magnetic environment and the surfaces of its four largest moons: Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. The researchers predicted that, due to interactions with Uranus’ magnetosphere, the “leading” sides of these tidally locked moons should be brighter and more consistently illuminated compared to their “trailing” sides. This expectation stemmed from the belief that radiation darkening occurs on the trailing sides due to charged particles, such as electrons, captured in Uranus’ magnetosphere. However, their observations revealed no evidence of darkening on the trailing sides of the moons but found evident darkening on the leading side of the outer moon instead.
This web image displays Uranus alongside six of its 27 known moons (most of which are too small to be captured in this brief exposure). Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI/J. DEPASQUALE, STSCI.
Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon are tidally locked, consistently presenting the same faces toward Uranus.
The hemisphere of the moon that faces the direction of its orbit is termed the leading hemisphere, while the side that turns away is the trailing hemisphere.
The initial hypothesis suggested that charged particles captured along the magnetic field lines would hit the trailing sides of each moon, leading to darkening of those hemispheres.
“They are working diligently to understand this phenomenon,” noted Dr. Richard Cartwright, a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Applied Physics at Johns Hopkins University.
“To start, Uranus has an axial tilt of 98 degrees relative to its orbit.”
“This significant tilt means Uranus is dramatically askew in relation to the planetary orbital plane. Completing its 84-year orbit, it rolls quite slowly around the sun.”
“Observations during the Voyager 2 flyby indicated that Uranus’ magnetosphere was tilted about 59 degrees from the satellite’s orbital plane, suggesting a further inclination in the magnetic field.”
Uranus’ magnetic field lines rotate more swiftly than the moons orbit the planet, resulting in the magnetic field lines continuously sweeping by the moons.
If the Uranus magnetosphere interacts with the moons, the charged particles should preferentially strike the surface of the leading side.
These charged particles and cosmic rays from our galaxy could potentially cause darkening effects on the trailing hemispheres of Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon, which could lead to the presence of carbon dioxide detected on these moons.
Astronomers anticipated that the trailing hemispheres would show greater darkness compared to the leading ones, particularly for the inner moons, Ariel and Umbriel.
However, the findings contradicted this expectation, revealing that the leading and trailing hemispheres of both Ariel and Umbriel are quite similar in brightness.
Conversely, researchers noted observable differences in the outer moons, Titania and Oberon.
In an intriguing twist, the brightness variations were opposite to their hypotheses.
Both outer moons exhibit a darker, reddish leading hemisphere contrasted against their brighter trailing hemispheres.
The research team suspects that dust from Uranus’ irregular satellites coats the leading hemispheres of Titania and Oberon.
Irregular satellites are celestial bodies characterized by large, eccentric, and inclined orbits inrelation to their parent planet’s equatorial plane.
Constant impacts from micrometeorites on Uranus’ irregular satellites eject small particles into orbits around the planet.
Over millions of years, this particulate matter drifts inward towards Uranus, eventually crossing the orbits of Titania and Oberon.
These outer moons effectively collect this dust, particularly on their leading hemispheres.
It’s analogous to an insect striking the windshield of a car as it drives down the freeway.
This accumulated material results in Titania and Oberon exhibiting darker, reddish leading hemispheres.
These outer moons appear to shield Ariel and Umbriel from dust, resulting in no noticeable brightness differences for the inner moons.
“I believe a similar process occurs within the Saturn system and possibly the Jupiter system,” stated Dr. Brian Holler, an astronomer at the Institute of Space Telescope Science.
“This represents some of the first evidence we’ve gathered regarding material exchanges between Uranus’ moons.”
“It supports an alternative theory involving dust accumulation. I wasn’t initially inclined to accept this hypothesis, but the data often takes you by surprise,” Dr. Cartwright remarked.
These revelations lead scientists to suspect that Uranus’ magnetosphere may possess a more complex structure than previously assumed.
While there may be interactions between Uranus’ moons and its magnetosphere, they do not seem to yield the predicted asymmetries in the leading and trailing hemispheres, contrary to initial expectations.
Unraveling this mystery will necessitate further exploration into the enigmatic Uranus, its magnetosphere, and its moons.
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Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a silicate cloud in the atmosphere of the exoplanet YSES-1C and a disk in the evasion facility surrounding the planet YSES-1B.
Artist rendering of the YSES-1 system, featuring a central sun-like star, YSES-1B with its dusty evasive disc (right), and YSES-1C’s atmospheric silicate clouds. Image credit: Ellis Bogut.
YSES-1 is a solar-type star located approximately 309 light-years away in the constellation of Masca.
Also referred to as TYC 8998-760-1 or 2mass J13251211-6456207, this star is roughly equivalent in mass to our Sun but is only 16.7 million years old.
The system comprises two planets, YSES-1B and YSES-1C.
These planets orbit their parent star at distances of 160 and 320 AU, making them more distant from their star than Jupiter and Saturn are from the Sun.
YSES-1B and C could exhibit redder hues compared to other exoplanets (or brown dwarfs), indicating distinct atmospheric properties.
While the system has been observed with various telescopes before the Webb, comprehensive observations were not achievable prior to the Webb program.
“Directly imaged exoplanets are the only types we can truly photograph,” stated Dr. Ebert Nazkin, a postdoctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin.
“Typically, these exoplanets are younger, hotter from their formative layers, and astronomers observe this heat in the thermal infrared spectrum.”
Utilizing Webb’s spectroscopic capabilities, Dr. Nasedkin and his team obtained detailed spectra of the planets YSES-1B and YSES-1C.
These observations include the first direct detection of atmospheric silicate clouds on YSES-1C, validating prior hypotheses regarding its atmospheric structure.
These silicate clouds likely contain iron, which might contribute to rainfall on the planet.
Astronomers estimate that the cloud particles are less than 0.1 μm in size.
“Upon observing a smaller, more distant companion identified as YSES-1C, I detected a silicate cloud signature in the mid-infrared,” Dr. Nasedkin remarked.
“Composed primarily of sand-like particles, this represents the strongest silicate absorption feature documented in an exoplanet.”
“We believe this is connected to the planet’s youth. Younger planets tend to have slightly larger radii, and this expanded atmosphere enables clouds to absorb more light emitted by the planet.”
“We were able to employ detailed modeling to uncover the chemical makeup of these clouds as well as the size and shape of the cloud particles.”
The team also identified silicate disks surrounding YSES-1B, marking a rare observation of a substellar companion exoplanet.
This finding suggests that YSES-1B may be a relatively recently formed planet.
The discoveries enhance our understanding of the early stages of planetary formation and atmospheric development.
“The planets within the YSES-1 system are so widely separated that current formation theories cannot explain them. The discovery of distinct silicate clouds around YSES-1C and additional findings of small, hot, dusty materials around YSES-1B introduces further mystery and complexity regarding how planets form and evolve.”
The team’s results will be featured in the journal Nature this week.
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kkw hoch et al. Silicate cloud and evasive agent disks in the YSES-1 exoplanet system. Nature Published online on June 10th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09174-w
The newly discovered tyrannosaurid species, scientifically named Khankhuulu Mongoliensis, is recognized as the most notable ancestor of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Khankhuulu Mongoliensis. Image credit: Julius Csotonyi.
Khankhuulu Mongoliensis roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous period approximately 86 million years ago.
This dinosaur was a medium-sized, swift predator that emerged after the extinction of other large predatory dinosaurs.
As the most famed ancestor, it exhibited numerous similarities with the later Tyrannosaurus descendants.
Resembling the size of a horse (750 kg), Khankhuulu Mongoliensis was two to three times smaller than its colossal descendants.
It featured small rudimentary horns that evolved into more significant attributes in species like Albertosaurus or Golgosaurus, likely used for mating displays and intimidation.
Characterized by a long, shallow skull, Khankhuulu Mongoliensis lacked the bone-crushing capabilities seen in Tyrannosaurus Rex.
This new species can be likened to mesopredators, similar to modern coyotes, utilizing speed and agility to capture prey.
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis offers invaluable insights into the early stages of Tyrannosaurus evolution. We’ve observed numerous intriguing challenges in their evolutionary history,” remarked Jared Voris, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary.
Two partial skeletons of Khankhuulu Mongoliensis were discovered in the Baiansily Formation in southeastern Mongolia during 1972 and 1973.
Analysis of the specimens indicates that this new species is a close relative of the dinosaur group eutyrannosauria, serving as a direct ancestor to the giant, long-snouted tyrannosaurs and the shallower-nosed Ariolamini clade.
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis or closely related species likely migrated from Asia to North America approximately 85 million years ago,” stated Dr. Darla Zelenitsky, Ph.D. from the University of Calgary.
“Our findings suggest that a large-scale tyrannosaur was the first to evolve in North America due to this immigration event.”
“The results indicate that the migratory patterns of tyrannosaurs between Asia and North America were less frequent and more erratic than previously understood.”
“Khankhuulu Mongoliensis or its relatives crossed the land bridge into North America, eventually evolving into the iconic apex predator, Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The fossil record indicates that Tyrannosaurus was exclusive to North America for millions of years before its lineage split in Asia, leading to two distinct groups.
One lineage evolved into larger apex predators, ultimately resulting in Tyrannosaurus Rex, while another developed into medium-sized, elongated species dubbed Pinocchiolex.
The discovery of Khankhuulu Mongoliensis is detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.
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JT Voris et al. The evolution of the new Mongolian tyrannosaur and Euthiranosaur. Nature published online on June 11th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08964-6
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed on Wednesday its intention to lift current limitations on greenhouse gas emissions from coal and gas-fired power plants.
EPA administrator Lee Zeldin stated at a press conference that the carbon pollution standards established during the Biden administration “stifle” economic growth in the name of environmental protection. Zeldin, who was appointed by President Donald Trump in January, emphasized that this announcement marks significant progress in US energy management and reassured that the agency would not allow power plants to generate more electricity than they currently do. Presently, the electricity sector represents a quarter of total US emissions. Latest EPA Emissions Data.
Zeldin also indicated that the EPA plans to roll back regulations related to mercury emissions from power plants set by the Biden administration.
Environmental advocates argue that the EPA’s proposal intensifies the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape climate initiatives across various federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Energy, and the National Weather Service. In 2024, the Biden administration confirmed its commitment to address the climate crisis with the most stringent carbon pollution standards for power plants to date, which now face an uncertain future.
Gina McCarthy, who served as EPA administrator under President Joe Biden, described Zeldin’s announcement as a “political maneuver” in a statement on Wednesday that dismissed a “decade of scientific research and policy evaluation.”
“By allowing increased pollution, his legacy will be defined by those who cater to the fossil fuel industry at the cost of public health,” McCarthy stated.
On January 25th, Jeffrey Energy Center’s coal-fired power plant near Emmett, Kansas. Charlie Riedel / AP file
“Science and daily observations tell us that removing pollution standards on the largest industrial gas polluters in the United States is a mistake,” stated Jill Tauber, vice president of climate and energy litigation at Earthjustice, a nonprofit currently involved in litigation against the Trump administration over various environmental rollbacks.
US power plants are significant sources of global carbon emissions. A report from the Institute of Policy Integrity at New York University indicates that if the US electricity sector were treated as a separate nation, it would rank as the sixth largest emitter worldwide.
During the first Trump administration, the EPA loosened several Obama-era greenhouse gas regulations for power plants, but this latest announcement marks a shift towards completely eliminating such standards. Zeldin is following through on his commitment made in March to challenge the “religion of climate change” by revisiting or rescinding 31 regulations related to tailpipe emissions, coal ash, and wastewater management from oil and gas.
The proposed regulations, which are now open for public commentary, are facing scrutiny from legal advocates and environmental organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council. They contend that the EPA has a legal obligation to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.Legal precedent mandates that greenhouse gases be controlled by the EPA under the Clean Air Act.
“We are closely monitoring whether the EPA will remove these crucial standards based on legal reasoning that is likely to be unviable,” remarked Meredith Hawkins, Federal Climate Law Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The NRDC is prepared to take legal action to ensure our right to breathe clean air is upheld.”
Reducing historic limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants could significantly influence global climate change, as well as have adverse effects on human health and the economy.
Harvey Writer, a lawyer and law professor at George Washington University, expressed hope that if the EPA pursues its planned deregulation, energy companies and utilities committed to renewable energy investments will challenge the Trump administration in court.
“The primary consequence of the proposed regulations is uncertainty and instability,” he stated. “It leaves stakeholders unsure about the next steps ahead. This complicates investment choices and affects job-related decisions, generating widespread market uncertainty.”
Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants extend beyond climate concerns. The combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and various air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter. These pollutants are linked to higher instances of respiratory ailments and cardiovascular disease. Regulating carbon emissions from power plants can lead to a broader reduction in air pollution for communities near these facilities, according to Laura Kate Bender, vice president of national advocacy and public policy at the American Lung Association.
“This is a dual-edged sword. On the one hand, fossil fuel-fired power plants exacerbate climate change while simultaneously causing health issues,” Bender noted. “Climate change is a public health crisis, and mitigating carbon emissions in the electricity sector is crucial to addressing this emergency.”
Since the uproar surrounding the immigration attacks in Los Angeles began, a wave of inaccurate and misleading claims about ongoing protests has proliferated across text-based social networks. As Donald Trump significantly ramped up federal involvement, falsehoods shared on social media intertwined with misinformation propagated through channels established by the White House. This blend of genuine and deceptive information creates a distorted representation of a city that strays from the truth.
Various regions in Los Angeles have experienced substantial protests over the last four days in response to intensified immigration policies from the US presidential administration. Dramatic images circulated on Saturday from downtown Los Angeles depicted a car ablaze amid clashes with law enforcement. Many posts fostered the impression that chaos and violence engulfed the entirety of Los Angeles, despite the fact that disturbances remained limited to specific areas within the sprawling city. Trump sent 2,000 National Guard troops to the city without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has prompted the state to sue over this alleged infringement of sovereignty. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegses has ordered approximately 700 Marines to be deployed to the city.
As misinformation proliferates amid both street-level and legal confrontations, the intersection of lies and conflict is evident. Social media often acts as a catalyst for the spread of falsehoods, a trend noted during recent wildfires in Los Angeles, catastrophic hurricanes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the most egregious disinformation is the circulation of a video featuring Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum by conservative Russian accounts, leading into the protests and inciting the demonstrations showcased on the Mexican flag, as reported by the misinformed Watchdog News Guard. These misleading posts — crafted by Benny Johnson on Twitter/X, referencing pro-Trump outlets like wltreport.com and Russian state media RG.RU — garnered millions of views, according to the organization. On June 9th, Sheinbaum stated to reporters:
Posts about bricks stir up a mixture of real and fake news
Conspiracy-minded conservatives are quick to latch onto familiar tropes. A post on X claimed that the “Soros Funding Organization” had garnered over 9,500 retweets regarding brick pallets near Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, racking up more than 800,000 views. George Soros remains a recurring figure in right-wing conspiracy narratives, with the post similarly implicating LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom in the supposed shortage of supplies.
I encountered a post that read, “It’s a civil war!!!”
The images of stacked bricks originate from a Malaysian construction supplier, and the myth that these bricks were distributed to protesters dates back to the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Users on X shared insights regarding the “Community Notes,” while X’s built-in AI chatbot Grok also provided fact-checks in response to inquiries about the authenticity of the post.
In response to the hoax imagery, some X users shared a link to Real footage showing protesters slamming concrete bollards, intertwining truths and falsehoods, and obscuring the reality of the situation. Independent journalists who showcased the footage claimed it depicted projectiles hurled at police, although the footage revealed no such actions.
The Social Media Lab, a research group at Toronto Metropolitan University, was referenced in Blueski.
Trump and the White House are covered in mud
Trump himself fueled narratives suggesting that the protests were orchestrated and dominated by external agitators lacking genuine concern for local issues.
“These individuals are not protesters; they are troublemakers and anarchists,” Trump asserted on Truth Social, later screenshot and shared by Elon Musk on X. Others within the administration echoed similar sentiments on social media.
Los Angeles Times reporter noted that the White House claimed certain Mexican citizens had been arrested for assaulting an officer “during the riot.” However, it was established that customs and border protection agents had detained him prior to the protest’s commencement.
Sowing misleading information and fostering distrust
Trump has escalated the frequency of ICE raids nationwide, amplifying deportation fears throughout Los Angeles. Anti-ICE posts are also circulating misinformation, according to the Social Media Lab. One concerning post on Blueski, labeled “breaking,” alleged that a federal agent had just arrived at an LA elementary school seeking to interrogate first graders, when in reality, the incident occurred two months prior. Researchers have identified such posts as “Rage-Farming to Push Merch.”
The conspiracy platform Infowars has initiated a broadcast on X titled “Live Watch: LA ICE Riots Spread Across Major Cities Nationwide.” While protests against deportation have emerged in various locations, the level of confusion observed in Los Angeles is unmatched. The broadcast attracted 13,000 viewers simultaneously as X, a Los Angeles news service, aired coverage four nights after the immigration protest.
The spread of erroneous reporting undermines X’s credibility as a news platform, yet it continues to promote itself as the leading news application in the US, or more recently, in Qatar. Older images and videos are combined with new to instill doubts about legitimate news. After taking over Twitter in late 2022, Musk has endorsed user-generated fact-checking via the “Community Notes” feature, but has dismantled numerous internal avenues designed to counter misinformation. Particularly with the 2024 US presidential election approaching, researchers indicate that Musk himself has become a significant facilitator of misinformation, posting and resharing misleading claims that garnered around 2 billion views on numerous occasions. The Center for Countering Digital Hate.
Observations from the spacecraft have revealed the presence of both Arctic and Antarctic magnetic fields in the Sun’s southern hemisphere. This complex magnetic configuration is predicted to persist only temporarily during the solar maximum before undergoing a magnetic field reversal.
The European Space Agency (ESA) states that as the Sun transitions to its quieter solar minimum phase, this accumulation at the poles should occur gradually over time.
“The precise mechanics of this accumulation are still not fully understood. However, the Solar Orbiter has reached high latitudes at a crucial time to observe the entire process from a unique vantage point,” explains Sami Solanki, director of the Max Planck Institute for Solar Systems Research in Germany and a scientist working with the Solar Orbiter project.
While scientists have previously captured close-up images of the Sun, these were primarily taken from the Sun’s equator by various spacecraft and observatories.
The Solar Orbiter’s mission included a journey through the cosmos, featuring a close flyby of Venus, which allowed the spacecraft to tilt its orbit for a better view of the Sun’s higher latitudes.
The recently released image was captured in late March when the Solar Orbiter was positioned 15 degrees below the Sun’s equator, shortly followed by another observation at 17 degrees below the equator.
“We had no clear expectations for these initial observations. The Sun’s polarity is truly uncharted territory,” Solanki stated, as mentioned in a statement.
Launched in February 2020, the Solar Orbiter mission is a collaborative effort led by Europe in conjunction with NASA.
In the coming years, the Solar Orbiter’s trajectory is expected to tilt even more, providing increasingly direct views of the solar polar regions. According to ESA, the most impressive observations may still be on the horizon.
“This data will transform our understanding of solar magnetic fields, solar winds, and solar activity,” states Daniel Muller, the Solar Orbiter project scientist at ESA.
The Minion character originates from films produced by Universal Pictures.
Movie/Aramie
Disney and Universal have initiated a lawsuit against the AI image generator Midjourney, alleging widespread copyright infringement that enables users to produce images that “explicitly incorporate and mimic well-known Disney and Universal characters.” This lawsuit could mark a significant shift in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding AI-related copyright issues faced by book publishers, news outlets, and other content creators.
The Midjourney tool, which generates images based on textual prompts, boasts around 20 million users on its Discord platform. Users provide their input for creation.
In the lawsuit, the two film production giants provide examples where Midjourney can generate images surprisingly similar to characters it does not own rights to, like the Disney-owned Minions and characters from The Lion King. They assert that these results stem from the AI being trained on their copyrighted materials. They also contend that Midjourney “disregarded” their attempts to resolve these issues before resorting to legal action.
The complaint states, “Midjourney is a classic copyright-free rider and an endless source of plagiarism.” Midjourney has not yet issued a response to New Scientist‘s request for comment.
The lawsuit is applauded by Ed Newton Rex, a nonprofit advocate for fairer training practices within AI companies. “This is a monumental day for creators globally,” he comments. “The government has displayed unsettling tendencies toward legalizing intellectual property theft, potentially yielding to the intense lobbying from Big Tech.
Newton-Rex alleges that Midjourney engineers previously justified their actions on the grounds that the art had become “ossified.” “Fortunately, this absurd defense is unlikely to hold up in court,” he adds.
Legal experts express candid perspectives on Midjourney’s likelihood of success. “It’s Disney; thus, Midjourney is in a precarious position, please excuse my bluntness,” remarks Andres Guadams from the University of Sussex, UK.
Guadams emphasizes Disney’s resolute approach to safeguarding its intellectual property—rarely, but effectively—underscoring the necessity of this intervention. The film studio took action several months following other entities, such as news publishers, in their pursuit against AI companies for the alleged unauthorized use of their creations. Many of those disputes were resolved through licensing agreements between the AI firms and copyright holders.
“Media conglomerates are excited about potential breaches. The models have improved to such an extent that they can effortlessly create characters that come to mind,” states Guadams. He believes Disney is biding its time because “unlike publishers, they’re not simply seeking licenses to survive.”
The involvement of these two media powerhouses signals a pivotal moment at the intersection of AI and copyright, according to Guadams. “The fact that they are targeting Midjourney sends a clear message,” he states. Midjourney specializes in image generation exclusively, making it relatively small compared to major AI corporations. “This acts as a warning to larger entities, urging them to implement stronger protective measures.”
While many major AI companies incorporate image-generating features in their chatbots, they tend to impose stricter controls on users’ abilities to produce images featuring copyrighted characters through considerable limitations.
Disney, which generated $91 billion in revenue last year, is not seeking to profit from Midjourney. “This could act as a call for negotiations. Since AI is not going away, Disney may be setting a precedent for future business interactions,” notes Guadams.
The entrepreneur expressed that she felt “humiliated” after departing from London Tech Week, the annual corporate gathering, while accompanying her baby daughter.
Davina Schonle was barred from entering the event on Monday after a three-hour journey of eight months and had to forgo a meeting with potential high-tech startup suppliers.
Schonle recounted to TheBusinessDesk.com that upon arriving at the entrance with her daughter in the stroller, she was asked if she was a VIP. She was informed that she could not enter with the baby. After attempting to retrieve her badge, she was redirected to an Informa State organizer who stated they lacked insurance.
This incident incited outrage and cast a pall over the event. Prime Minister Kiel Starmer addressed the gathering on the same day Schonle was denied entry. The tech industry is striving to distance itself from accusations of sexism and the perception that women are seen as second-class.
Schonle mentioned that this experience highlighted her worst fears regarding being a woman in this sector. She is the founder and CEO of HumanVantage AI, a startup leveraging AI technology to create conversational role-play corporate training platforms.
In a widely shared LinkedIn Post, Schonle remarked: “This moment was inconvenient, serving as a stark reminder that within the tech industry, we still have progress to make regarding inclusion beyond mere buzzwords.”
“Parents are integral to this ecosystem. Caregivers are innovators, founders, investors, and leaders. If a significant event like London Tech Week cannot accommodate them, what message does that send about who truly belongs in technology?”
London Tech Week, organized by Global Events Company Informa, addressed the situation in a statement: “We are aware that one of the participants was not allowed entry with children. As a business event, the venue is not equipped to accommodate specific needs, facilities, and safety measures for those under the age of 16.”
“We are appreciative of everyone’s support in the tech community during London Tech Week. We have reached out to the involved parties to discuss the incident and will use this experience to improve our approach at LTW in the future.”
Julia Hobbsbohm, a businesswoman and commentator on entrepreneurship and work-life balance, reacted to Schonle’s LinkedIn post, remarking: London Tech Week “The worst kind of tin ears.”
One of the most significant yet frequently overlooked success stories of this century is the increasing number of individuals who are surviving cancer.
Several of these improvements can be attributed to reduced smoking rates and the establishment of national screening programs for various types of cancer. Additionally, advancements in treatment options have introduced groundbreaking therapies, especially in immunotherapy, encompassing monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines.
Medications that focus on the interaction between cancer and our neurons show promising results
However, not all is positive. Despite encouraging advances, the incidence of cancer continues to rise, and there are indications that improvements in survival rates are slowing. To witness the extraordinary progress made thus far, one may need to reevaluate cancer from an entirely different perspective.
Fortunately, an emerging field known as cancer neuroscience may provide that new perspective, as detailed in a recent cover story. The realization that nerves play a crucial role in cancer proliferation and dissemination introduces a novel approach to treatment. Drugs designed to target the interaction between cancer cells and our neurons are already showing promise in clinical trials and are being hailed as potential breakthroughs in cancer therapy.
If cancer neuroscience leads to the next major breakthrough, the resulting drugs could be surprisingly affordable and accessible. For instance, some widely used beta blockers are currently under research.
This development is particularly welcome in light of the fact that many newer therapies can become prohibitively expensive, and challenges still exist in ensuring equitable, swift, and affordable access to optimal cancer treatments.
Reports indicate that Meta is preparing to unveil a substantial $15 billion (£11 billion) bid aimed at achieving computerized “Superintelligence.”
The competition in Silicon Valley to lead in artificial intelligence is intensifying, even as many current AI systems show inconsistent performance.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to announce the acquisition of a 49% stake in Scale AI, which is led by King Alexandre and co-founded by Lucie Guo. This strategic move has been described by one analyst in Silicon Valley as a “wartime CEO” initiative.
Superintelligence refers to an AI that can outperform humans across all tasks. Currently, AI systems have not yet achieved the same capabilities as humans, a condition known as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Recent studies reveal that many prominent AI systems falter when tackling highly complex problems.
Following notable progress from competitors like Sam Altman’s OpenAI and Google, as well as substantial investments in the underperforming Metaverse concept, observers are questioning whether Meta’s renewed focus on AI can restore its competitive edge and drive meaningful advancements.
Meta’s initiative has sparked fresh calls for the European government to embark on its own transparent research endeavors, ensuring robust technological development while fostering public trust, akin to the Swiss CERN European Nuclear Research Institute.
Michael Wooldridge, a professor at the Oxford University Foundation for Artificial Intelligence, stated, “They are maximizing their use of AI. We cannot assume that we fully understand or trust the technology we are creating. It’s crucial that governments collaborate to develop AI openly and rigorously, much like the importance of CERN and particle accelerators.”
Wooldridge commented that the reported acquisition appears to be Meta’s effort to reclaim its competitive edge following the Metaverse’s lackluster reception, noting that the company invested significantly in that venture.
However, he pointed out that the state of AI development remains uneven, with AGI still a distant goal, and “Superintelligence” being even more elusive.
“We have AI that can achieve remarkable feats, yet it struggles with tasks that capable GCSE students can perform,” he remarked.
Andrew Rogoiski, director of partnerships and innovation at the University of Surrey’s People-centered AI Institute, observed, “Meta’s approach to AI differs from that of OpenAI or Humanity. For Meta, AI is not a core mission, but rather an enabler of its broader business strategy.”
“This allows them to take a longer-term view, rather than feeling rushed to achieve AGI,” he added.
Reports indicate that King is expected to take on a significant role within Meta.
Meta has chosen not to comment at this time. Scale AI will be reached for additional comments.
ESA & NASA/SOLAR ORBITER/PHI Team, J. Hirzberger (MPS)
Thanks to the groundbreaking Solar Orbiter spacecraft, I had my first glimpse of the Antarctic region of the Sun. These images and other observations aim to enhance our ability to predict solar activity.
Capturing an image of the solar poles requires the spacecraft to move away from the zodiac plane, affecting nearly all objects in the solar system, which orbit within the sun’s flat disk. The Solar Orbiter, a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency and NASA, achieved this milestone. Launched in 2020, it gradually adjusted its trajectory to reach an angle steep enough to reveal the previously unseen polar areas of the Sun.
ESA unveiled the initial image of the Sun’s Antarctic region taken in March, with the spacecraft positioned at 15 degrees below the zodiac plane and currently at 17 degrees beneath it.
Seeing this image for the first time was truly remarkable. Lucy Green from University College London, which contributed to developing the Solar Orbiter, remarked, “We felt privileged as these previously concealed areas became accessible to us.”
The Antarctic of the Sun seen at various wavelengths
ESA & NASA/SOLAR ORBITER/PHI, EUI, SPICE teams
The Solar Orbiter has also been using measurements of magnetic fields and high-energy radiation emerging from the Sun’s Antarctic region, data that ESA has now shared. Understanding the magnetic fields in this area is crucial for our comprehension of the solar cycle, which shows intensive activity roughly every 11 years, states Green. “To fully grasp the Sun as a star, we need to analyze the magnetic fields surrounding it. The magnetic regions at the poles are integral to this understanding.”
“It might seem paradoxical, but one of the most critical areas on the Sun for forecasting space weather on Earth is not visually appealing when seen from Earth: the solar poles,” says Matthew Owens from the University of Reading, UK.
“These new images provide unprecedented insights into regions near Antarctica. As the Solar Orbiter mission progresses, it will ascend to higher latitudes and provide even clearer views of the pole,” he remarks. Space weather forecasts depend on knowing the magnetic structure at the poles, especially during the Sun’s least active phases over the next three to four years, says Owens.
The Solar Orbiter has also offered us a look into the Sun’s Arctic, but ESA is awaiting the data’s return to Earth. In the meantime, you can explore the Arctic through an approximation crafted by ESA in 2018 using clever imaging techniques.
The internet has faced a barrage of criticism, much of which stems from its own workings, yet it feels somewhat contradictory to voice such complaints. Detractors often lament a loss of innocence and freedom, harkening back to a time when the digital realm was not dominated by a select group of immensely powerful tech magnates.
I recall getting broadband for the first time in 2005. By the end of The Great Gatsby, I felt akin to one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Dutch sailors.
It’s disconcerting to ponder that this magnificent creation has been taken advantage of, utilized to harvest parts of our lives and sold for profit.
Some believe we need to unplug, retreat from everything, and stop entirely before we lose sight of truth or our identities. But is it really so wrong to linger a bit longer?
Here are the 10 most intriguing things I’ve encountered online.
This was the first stand-up special I ever watched. I’ve loved this segment about how hangovers intensify with age. Now that I’m in my 30s and have been sober for six years, I can argue with experience that it’s a different beast entirely. Still, I fondly appreciate that bit for the same reasons I did at 13.
In high school, I bonded with two siblings from my street. Their father was an illustrator who adored the Beatles, while their mother ventured into indie filmmaking. They introduced me to an array of offbeat films and art that felt a world away from the suburbs of Adelaide. Interestingly, Pilly Martin, one of the brothers, has made a name for himself as a filmmaker, releasing his first feature, “Psychosis,” in 2023.
3. The Beatles
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Speaking of the Beatles! James Donald Forbes McCann, one of Australia’s most accomplished comedians, often insists on this introduction; yet, his talent justifies every accolade. He transitioned to the US after opening for Shane Gillis and is now drawing crowds nationally. His performance “Deceive Me Once” is notable, but I couldn’t omit this profound piece regarding the Beatles.
4. Superfood by Andrew Portelli
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Andrew Portelli remains one of Australia’s finest comedians, even if it often goes unnoticed. Yet, there’s justice to be found throughout this long journey.
Lucy and I still frequently quote this video; it forms a foundation of our 15-year friendship, alongside “Get Your Shoes!” Furthermore, my friend Mebo produced a mixtape titled Midyear Mayhem in 2009, embodying the essence of MS Word-era gradients. It’s brilliant.
6. The Smallest Smile by Concetta and Luka
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This breakfast duo on Triple J, accompanied by comedian Alex Ward, shares sweet sentiments before responding as little as possible with smiles. You wouldn’t grasp the fun until you tried it yourself. Once the laughter fades, I appreciate the ironic twist of the radio team posting a purely visual joke on Instagram.
When I relocated to Melbourne in 2012, David Quirk was the first comic whose work I admired and shared a stage with. His set at the Festival Club was brilliant, and his unique style offers the perfect encapsulation of what he brings to comedy. Witnessing four audience members take the open mic stage at a Richmond monastic venue in 2012 was exhilarating, setting the stage for the next decade of my life.
8. Beam Me Up Softboi
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Although this Instagram account has remained relatively quiet in recent years, it was quite popular in the mid to late 20s. A Manchester-based account, it featured and shared ridiculous screenshots of the absurd things men say to women online. When it gained traction, I was beginning to acknowledge that the many failures of my own romantic pursuits might have been partly due to my choices (not sure?!). Reading these posts has always brought a chuckle, while being part of these discussions provided helpful context.
9. America Still Uses Fahrenheit
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I reject the notion that the internet is solely a negative force disrupting our lives. Like anything else, it has its flaws, but fundamentally, the internet reflects us. If we dislike what it reveals, the responsibility to change lies with us. We can adjust our algorithms to highlight the content we want to engage with, thus fostering the creation of what we desire. The journey begins with you. Here’s a lighthearted video of a man transforming into a cat.
Nestled in a quieter street of vibrant central London, the headquarters of a significant yet under-the-radar climate organization awaits your discovery.
The Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF) annually allocates hundreds of millions of dollars to some of the most impactful campaign groups and scientific institutions, at the forefront of research and advocacy in green transitions. It funds initiatives such as anti-methane vaccines for livestock, sustainable aviation fuel, geothermal energy, and carbon capture technologies.
As research budgets tighten in universities and across the UK, organizations like QCF step in to facilitate the shift toward net-zero emissions.
Established in 2019 as a charitable arm of the Four Seasons hedge fund, the QCF empowers founders Greg Skinner and Sunil Setya to tackle climate challenges. Recently recognized in the Sunday Times Rich List for their philanthropic efforts, they contributed over $6.7 million to climate-related initiatives last week through the foundation. In total, QCF has dispersed over $1 billion to climate interventions, ranking it as one of the largest and most influential climate charities globally.
Who decides which research projects to back, what causes to prioritize, and the strategic direction to pursue? Greg de Temmerman, a former nuclear physicist and the QCF’s Chief Science Officer, is tasked with evaluating proposals to identify the most promising initiatives.
Madeleine Cuff: Could you explain your transition from a nuclear fusion focus to climate strategy?
Greg de Temmerman: I worked on the ITER project [an international fusion experiment based in France] for seven years, the largest scientific endeavor on Earth. Throughout this period, I engaged in outreach efforts to demystify fusion. Unfortunately, the project faced mounting delays.
I was frequently interacting with decision-makers, which illuminated the divide between scientific research and policy-making. Consequently, I chose to exit fusion in 2020 and co-founded a think tank with a Parisian entrepreneur, aiming to bridge the gap between policymakers and early-stage technology. In 2023, I joined the Quadrature Climate Foundation where I continue this mission, but now with greater resources to effect change.
Controversial geoengineering initiatives, like this insulation project in Switzerland, are under scrutiny
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Explain your current role at QCF.
QCF’s mission is to promote projects and partnerships that can drive global change. Our portfolio includes support for early-stage technologies, advocacy, campaigns, technical work, capacity building, and more. It’s crucial to identify the problem at hand.
For instance, one might say, “I want to boost renewable energy,” but what obstacles stand in the way? Is it financial resources? Infrastructure issues? I was brought on board to ask these critical questions and ensure we pursue the right solutions.
How does charitable funding differ from traditional investments and government support?
Charitable funding doesn’t seek financial returns, allowing for greater risk-taking than typical investments. Moreover, we can move more swiftly than government entities. Essentially, we both catalyze the net-zero movement and act as a catalyst for other funding sources.
With an impressive annual budget reaching around $325 million in 2025, do you face significant influences?
We are notable players in climate finance but still small in comparison to what’s needed for a successful climate transition. While it feels empowering to operate at this scale, our budget pales in comparison to the global demands of climate mitigation.
You support various initiatives, from studying climate change impacts to advocating for clean tech entrepreneurship. Can you share a particular success?
We were among the first substantial funders of permanent carbon removal techniques. Our initiatives aimed to develop a compliance market while emphasizing accountability measures. This became critical following discussions ignited by the last international climate change report, which highlighted the necessity for negative emissions, leading to serious dialogue on the subject.
Last year, you introduced a new strategy, shifting focus towards adaptation and resilience in climate change. What prompted this shift?
The climate crisis is accelerating, with more extreme weather events becoming a norm. Adaptation is essential to any decarbonization efforts. This new strategy seeks to unify our initiatives under a coherent vision, aligning with what our founders find most impactful.
As part of the new strategy, you’ll be supporting climate intervention research, particularly geoengineering, which can be contentious. What motivates this funding?
Indeed, these scientific endeavors should predominantly come from public funding, which has been lacking for various reasons. Thus, we decided to support this research to ensure that vital questions are being explored.
This sector raises major ethical concerns. How can you justify financial support for it?
I don’t have a definitive stance on the ethics of geoengineering. Currently, it’s a complex arena that necessitates rigorous understanding, and I don’t endorse any immediate applications of geoengineering techniques.
Our intent is to spark discussions about geoengineering, especially as new startups emerge in this field, despite existing research lagging behind.
Is your support strictly for foundational research, or do you engage with field trials as well?
Much of our backing centers around fundamental climate science. One pressing issue in geoengineering is understanding cloud formation, which parallels many critical challenges in climate science. We funded a minimal outdoor experiment in the U.S. that was suspended after a few weeks due to public backlash. We prefer to remain cautious and utilize robust climate models to predict the impacts of geoengineering. Comprehensive observational capabilities are essential for effective outdoor trials, and we believe there remains much work in foundational climate science.
In the current political climate, with leaders like former President Trump rolling back climate policies, how do you navigate these headwinds?
Transition involves disruption; established systems resist change while new ones emerge, and this tension can be challenging. It’s essential to foster understanding of this dynamic and communicate the complexities inherent to the transition process.
The upcoming years may be tough. Addressing climate issues has become increasingly challenging. In the UK, rising electricity costs compound the disconnect between the public’s perception of renewable energy benefits and their current bills, which can lead to skepticism.
However, there’s compelling motivation to move away from fossil fuels, independent of climate beliefs. Oil and gas markets are notoriously unstable, making diversification essential for resilience. The key is to demonstrate that energy transitions benefit everyone, regardless of their views on climate action.
Oil refinery at sunset in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Panoramic Images/Alamy
Climate disinformation and malign players pose challenges. What can be done to combat this?
Attacks on climate science persist, but the overwhelming evidence supports the scientific consensus. While some may cling to flat Earth beliefs, the facts remain clear. Increasingly, the discourse pivots to contesting solutions rather than the scientific basis itself. For instance, searching “Electric Car” on YouTube reveals numerous videos disputing their efficacy. These discussions, while interesting, rely heavily on data and understanding.
What exciting prospects lie ahead for QCF in the coming year?
To transform industries, we must bring down energy costs, and there are opportunities to achieve that. Furthermore, tackling industrial emissions—once deemed difficult—is now achievable with ready solutions. It’s an exhilarating time as skeptics claimed decarbonizing sectors like steel was impossible. But now, we know we can do it.
As you’ve identified as a major player, how do you cope with the responsibility of influencing climate transition?
It’s about recognizing our role within the broader system and acknowledging our limitations. It’s vital to approach initiatives with the belief that we can unlock new possibilities, while remaining open to the reality that we may not always be correct.
How do you maintain optimism in a time where climate progress appears stagnant?
I often say my optimism shines on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; I’m more pessimistic on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with Sundays reserved for reflection.
A man with paralysis is connected to a brain-computer interface system
Lisa E. Howard/Mitely Wairagkar et al. 2025
Men who have lost their ability to speak can engage in real-time conversations and even sing using brain-controlled synthetic voices.
The brain-computer interface captures neural activity through electrodes implanted in the brain, instantly creating audio sounds that match intended pitch, intonation, and emphasis.
“This represents a breakthrough in instantaneous speech synthesis, achieving this within 25 ms,” says Sergei Stavisky from the University of California, Davis.
While advancements are needed to improve speech clarity, Maitreyee Wairagkar, also at UC Davis, notes that the individual who lost his speech due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis expresses happiness and feels that he has found his true voice.
Existing speech neurospheres that utilize brain-computer interfaces typically require a few seconds to convert brain activity into sound. Stavisky mentions that this delays natural conversation and if the connection falters, it can feel like speaking on a poor-quality phone call.
To create a more seamless speech experience, Wairagkar, Stavisky, and their team implanted 256 electrodes in the areas of the male brain responsible for facial muscle control necessary for speech. In subsequent sessions, they introduced thousands of sentences on a screen, recorded brain activity, and prompted the subject to vocalize with specific intonations.
“For instance, phrases like ‘How are you today?’ or variations such as ‘How are you? today?’ can significantly alter the meaning of sentences,” explains Stavisky. “This approach allows for a richer, more natural dialog, marking a significant advancement over previous technologies.”
The researchers utilized an AI model trained to link particular patterns of neural activity with corresponding words and tonal variations, resulting in synthetic speech that mirrors both the content and emotional delivery intended by the user.
The AI was trained with audio recordings from before the male’s condition deteriorated, employing voice-cloning technology to ensure the synthetic speech bore a resemblance to his original voice.
In another phase of the study, researchers attempted to teach him to sing a simple melody with varying pitches, with their models accurately interpreting the intended pitch in real time and adjusting the produced singing voice accordingly.
He also utilizes the system to communicate spontaneously, making sounds such as “hmmm,” “eww,” and forming words, as noted by Wairagkar.
“He’s a remarkably articulate and intelligent individual,” says David Brandman from UC Davis. “Despite his paralysis, he has continued to participate actively in work and engage in meaningful conversations.”
Do our brains really develop from practically anything, allowing us to generate complex thoughts, actions, and even reflections on ourselves? Recent experiments with tadpoles have integrated electron implants into brain precursors during early embryonic stages, potentially bringing us closer to answering this question.
Earlier efforts to investigate neurodevelopment relied on tools like functional magnetic resonance imaging and rigid electrode wires. Unfortunately, the imaging resolution was often too low to be effective, while the rigid wires caused significant damage to the brain, yielding little more than a snapshot of specific developmental moments.
Researchers, including Jia Liu from Harvard University, discovered a material (a type of perfluropolymer) closely resembling brain tissue. They employed this to create a flexible, elastic mesh encasing an ultra-thin conductor, which was placed onto the neural plate—a flat structure that serves as the precursor to the brain—in the embryos of the African clawed frog (Axenopath Ravis).
As the neural plates folded and expanded, these ribbon-like meshes were enveloped by the developing brain, maintaining functionality amidst stretching and bending in the tissue. When the researchers sought to measure signals from the brain, they connected the meshes to computers to visualize neural activity.
The implants did not harm the brain nor provoke an immune reaction, and the tadpole embryos developed as anticipated. In fact, at least one grew into a normal frog, according to Liu.
“It’s incredible to integrate all these materials and ensure everything operates seamlessly,” said Christopher Bettinger from Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania. “This tool has the potential to significantly advance basic neuroscience by enabling biologists to observe neural activity throughout development.”
The team derived two key insights from their experiments. First, the patterns of neural activity shifted as tissue differentiated into specialized structures, resulting in distinct functions. Liu noted that tracking an organism’s self-organization to a computer was previously deemed impossible.
The second area of focus was how brain activity in animals changes following amputation. Traditionally, it was believed that electrical activity would revert to its original developmental state. The research team confirmed this by utilizing implants in experiments with Axolotls.
Liu’s team is now broadening their research to include rodents. Unlike amphibians, rodent development occurs within the uterus, making the implantation of meshes more challenging. It requires in vitro fertilization and more intricate signaling measurement techniques compared to simply wiring the mesh to computers. Nonetheless, Liu is optimistic that the insights gained from observing early stages of conditions like autism and schizophrenia will justify the complexities involved.
Bettinger mentioned that similar devices could also be applied to monitor neuromuscular regeneration following injuries and during rehabilitation. “Overall, this highlights the remarkable potential of highly compliant electronic applications,” he stated.
A surprising announcement at the end of the summer Gamefest presentation on June 6th unveiled the ninth installment in the legendary Capcom Survival Horror Series: Resident Evil Requiem, slated for release early next year.
Devoted fans of the franchise, which has inspired films, TV shows, and more, quickly began analyzing the trailers. These trailers spotlight the protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the 2003 title Resident Evil Outbreak. Requiem is set to take place in Raccoon City, the fictional hub infamous for battling the spread of zombified T-viruses.
At a demo in LA last week, the game director introduced Requiem, emphasizing its core theme of “addictive horror,” noting that Grace Ashcroft presents a far more vulnerable and frightening character compared to the military-trained protagonists of earlier entries.
Tops Curler…Resident Evil Requiem. Photo: Capcom
I heard the audience’s reaction to the demo before experiencing it myself—screams and gasps filled the air. As I stepped into a dim room alongside dozens of others, I was met with a shocking scene. Everyone would likely scream if they found themselves waking upside down on a gurney. This snippet of Resident Evil Requiem made it hard not to cringe in shared distress as the gameplay unfolded, with Grace attempting to escape her bindings. Ultimately, she breaks free, transitioning from cutscenes to first-person gameplay, providing various options to search for items in settings that resemble deserted hotels and hospitals.
As you can expect, some rooms still possess working electricity, but Grace predominantly navigates through eerily lit environments, shrouded in an unsettling crimson emergency glow. While searching for a locked door and the key to the fuse box, she faces something lurking in the shadows. Just as she discovers tools necessary for escape, she stumbles over a body. Before she can grasp who it is, a grotesque, massive creature resembling a wild beast appears, characterized by enormous black eyes, large ears, menacing teeth, and oversized hands.
The creature seizes the body and starts to bite into it, evoking a striking resemblance to Goya’s depiction of Saturn consuming his son. I felt goosebumps tingling on my arms as the creature reappeared during the gameplay preview, punctuated by the terrified screams of the player. Eventually, the demo offers a moment to regroup, displaying a pause menu that allows switching between first and third-person perspectives. Gasps and murmurs fill the crowd, noting that this is the first Resident Evil game allowing viewpoint changes (except for the previous title, where this feature was introduced as a paid update in 2021).
The closing line, “This is an overture to our darkest symphony,” flashed on the screen before the demo wrapped up, leading us into a shadowy corridor towards the exit. “What was that?” someone muttered behind me. While not every Resident Evil installment has challenged the boundaries of video game horror, this particular presentation made a strikingly unsettling debut.
Autonomous AI agents may soon communicate across the Internet
Outflow Designs/Istockphoto/Getty Images
What does the future of the internet hold? As AI companies evolve, previously open web spaces are being overtaken by digital silos controlled by commercial AI models, sidelining enthusiasts and small businesses. In response, a coalition of grassroots researchers is determined to champion an open approach to AI.
Central to this effort is the notion of AI “agents.” These are software programs that navigate the web and interact with online platforms based on human directions, such as planning holidays and making bookings. Many perceive these agents as the next stage of evolution following services like ChatGPT, yet they face significant challenges in functionality. This is largely due to the web’s design, which favors human interaction; thus, developers are recognizing that AI agents require specialized protocols to effectively engage with online content, services, and each other.
“The objective is to establish infrastructure that facilitates communication among bots, much like software does,” explains Catherine Frick from Staffordshire University, UK.
Several competing solutions to this challenge have emerged. For instance, Anthropic, the creators of the Claude chatbot, have introduced the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which standardizes the way AI models connect to various data sources and tools. In April, Google announced its own take with the Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol, offering a distinct approach to this concept.
While these methods share similarities, they have important differences. MCP focuses on standardizing AI models’ connections to external data repositories and tools, creating a secure universal channel for two-way communication—akin to having a phone number or email for messaging. In contrast, A2A expands on this by enabling autonomous agents to discover one another, exchange information, and collaborate on tasks.
For instance, you can link your AI chatbot to the code-sharing platform GitHub via MCP, yet Google asserts that A2A could enable agents to manage job interviews, conduct calls, perform background checks—all in one streamlined process, with the agent team operating simultaneously.
However, as these protocols originate from major tech companies, concerns arise that the creators of the most successful protocol might leverage it for their own commercial gain. The MCP model necessitates oversight from a central server for connections, whereas A2A comes with its own costs, assuming that authorized agents will cooperate.
“We want to prevent an ‘Agent Internet’ from evolving into yet another ‘silo alliance,'” warns Gawee Chan, who serves as chairman of the AI Agent Protocol Group. Founded in May as part of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Standards Organization, Chan emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in developing this new layer of the Internet. “If we genuinely believe that AI is a transformative technology for human society, we need an open, neutral community to guide protocol development, ensuring that its future is shared by all companies, not just a select few,” he states.
In pursuit of this goal, Chang has initiated an open-source alternative to the Big Tech Agent Protocol with the Agent Network Protocol (ANP), which predates both MCP and A2A. ANP facilitates AI agents in discovering each other and establishing identities across the web, reminiscent of the early days of the internet, when individuals created personal websites and email accounts independent of large tech intermediaries. This autonomy allows ANP-driven models to function without a central authority, enabling direct communication between distinct AI models on the same device without needing internet verification.
Flick supports the emergence of open-source, non-commercial alternatives for Agent AI. “Essentially, our aim is to restore the fundamental principle of democratization to the Internet, which is how it all began,” she remarks. Without such alternatives, she warns that tech giants could create “walled gardens” reminiscent of the challenges seen in app stores and social media platforms. “If we rely on major corporations for this, they will execute it primarily to maximize profits,” she cautions.
Google claims that its protocols are designed for universal benefit. “We will continue to enhance [A2A] to tackle real-world challenges businesses face in deploying agent frameworks. At its core, it’s structured for the future’s demands,” says Rao Sarapaneni from Google Cloud.
“We have always believed in ensuring that advancements in AI serve everyone,” adds Theo Chu, an anthropologist. “When I developed MCP, I recognized that one key strategy to avoid fragmentation and vendor lock-in—which hampers the advancement of other technologies—was to make it open-source.”
Chu asserts that MCP is integrated across major platforms, including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google. “The success of MCP will stem from its ability to expand choices rather than restrict them,” she notes. “The collective value of the ecosystem is increased for everyone.”
The W3C Group is eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to establish technical standards industry-wide, but no specific timeline has been set. “Ultimately, our focus isn’t on the triumph or failure of any one protocol but rather on the holistic growth of the agent ecosystem.”
Elon Musk expressed regret early Wednesday in a social media update regarding some of his statements and posts about President Trump from the previous week.
Musk noted on his X platform that his remarks about Trump had “gone too far.”
Musk, recognized as the wealthiest individual globally, was formerly one of Trump’s closest advisors, overseeing significant initiatives aimed at reducing federal spending and the workforce. However, a dramatic public fallout occurred following Musk’s departure from his role in the administration.
Both individuals exchanged sharp words on social media, with Trump declaring last week that he was uninterested in mending their relationship.
Musk’s public admission of regret signals a possible thaw in his tensions with the president. Just last week, Musk had shared a post from X indicating that he and Trump were “strong together.” He has since deleted some of his most critical social media content. Meanwhile, Trump has moderated some of his public criticisms of Musk.
Protests in Los Angeles have also underscored a critical area of agreement between the two men: immigration. Musk has recently mirrored Trump’s rhetoric regarding the protests and emphasized the need for a robust governmental response.
Musk’s post on Wednesday illustrates the intricate relationship dynamics between him and Trump. Having contributed approximately $275 million to Trump’s reelection efforts, Musk stands as the largest donor in Republican politics and boasts more followers than anyone else on X, the platform he owns.
However, Trump wields considerable political influence over Musk. Both Tesla and SpaceX have secured billions in federal contracts in recent years. During last week’s online sparring, Trump even threatened to withdraw support as a strategy to “save money” on the federal budget.
Musk’s enterprises were awarded a $3 billion federal contract in 2023 alone by 17 different federal agencies. Several federal bodies are currently investigating or suing Musk’s companies.
Allies of both men have encouraged a reconciliation. The tension initially arose from Musk’s criticism of Trump’s hallmark domestic policy, which was condemned for contributing to a significant national debt. However, disagreements soon devolved into minor, fleeting jabs.
For instance, Musk suggested that the Trump administration had failed to release documents related to notorious investor Jeffrey Epstein because Trump was implicated. At another point, Trump questioned why Musk didn’t conceal his dark circles with makeup during an appearance in the Oval Office last week.
The clash on social media coincided with Musk’s commitment to step back from politics and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, a federal initiative targeting cost-cutting.
Tesla is facing sluggish sales internationally, as Musk’s political stance has emerged as a point of contention for the car brand. Sales have declined in the US, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and France, even as other electric vehicle manufacturers gain momentum.
Upcoming tests this month will be crucial for Tesla, which plans to launch a new autonomous taxi service in Austin, Texas, dubbed Robotaxi.
SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace firm, is also encountering significant hurdles. The company is working on the development of the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed, and previous test flights have yielded mixed results.
Knoxville, Tennessee – From exhilarating goals to devastating defeats, the FIFA World Cup captivates its audience.
Next year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will commence, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic event.
This tournament may feature superstars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and is the first occasion where three nations co-host in 16 cities, making it the most complex World Cup ever, as per FIFA.
“No matter if they’re in Seattle or playing in Guadalajara, I need these pitches to perform consistently. I want the same bounce and the same player-to-grass interaction,” said an expert.
“Safety is paramount and must be my top priority,” Ferguson stated during an interview at the University of Tennessee facility in Knoxville, where researchers collaborate with Michigan State to help FIFA evaluate each venue’s pitch preparations for the tournament.
“Players need to feel confident as they make quick directional changes; the ground must be stable,” he added.
Managing over 12 venues for NFL games and concerts full of monster trucks is no small feat.
The U.S. venues could face increased scrutiny after last summer’s Copa America Tournament raised concerns, notably from players like Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who referred to conditions at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a “disaster.”
“There’s no doubt that last year’s tournament raised the stakes,” Ferguson remarked, referencing the tournament that featured the best 16 teams from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
“Research was in progress, but Copa highlighted more traditional hesitations regarding international football pitches. Venue schedules are packed with events transitioning from one to another continuously.”
U.S. stadiums have long been central to the debate on natural versus artificial turf in terms of safety. Next summer, all venues will adopt artificial stitch blends of natural grass, focusing on both the underlying structure and the grass itself.
In April, NBC News had exclusive access to the Knoxville facility, where researchers led by Professor John Solochan are tackling these challenges.
The team is investigating artificial stitches and layering techniques beneath the grass to improve root growth and ensure light use, contributing to consistent pitch quality indoors and outdoors.
Solochan, who specializes in turfgrass science and management, mentioned that the mix for warm-season venues includes Bermudagrass, while cool-season venues use a blend of perennial rye and Kentucky bluegrass. Indoor venues also benefit from recommended drainage layers, contributing to a firmer pitch.
“Many of these trials here were unsuccessful,” Solochan explained as he showcased a grid filled with grass plots labeled with different variables. Some experiments involved sewing fibers together to fortify the play surface, while others examined the upper layers typical in World Cup venues featuring flooring for concerts and artificial turf.
The facility includes setups that simulate indoor stadium growth conditions, along with a flex machine that tests the impact on players’ ankles by pressing soccer shoes into the grass. The initial data shows promising insights.
“You can track the speed of the ball as it moves. By analyzing the footage, we can determine its recovery speed, angle, and exit coefficients,” Solochan noted while standing next to a machine resembling one used for NFL punt returns.
Ferguson concluded, “It’s the science that underpins the game. That’s what elevates the sport.”
Deserts like Death Valley can be an extraordinary source of drinking water
Mimi Ditchie Photography/Getty Images
The compact panels managed to extract a glass of clean water from the arid air of Death Valley, California.
Although the atmosphere over extremely dry regions can retain a significant amount of water, extracting it into usable supplies has proven challenging. Previous methods, including simple mesh fabrics and mist-capturing nets crafted from synthetic spider silk, have struggled to function effectively in real-world conditions.
Now, Xuanhe Zhao from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his team have created a unique water collector, about 0.5 meters tall and 0.1 meters wide. It features a glass panel embedded with absorbent hydrogels—gel-like substances formed from long polymer chains and lithium salts, enabling it to gather water molecules.
The hydrogel is designed to fold into an origami-like configuration, enhancing surface area to capture moisture during the night. The absorbed water evaporates when sunlight hits the glass panel the next day. The interior of the device is coated with a specialized cooling material, which collects the evaporated water as it condenses and drips into a storage compartment below.
Zhao and his team conducted a week-long test of the apparatus in Death Valley, where humidity can plummet to as low as 5%. In comparison, the annual average in London hovers around 70%. They discovered the device can harvest up to 160 milliliters of water each day, enough to fill a small glass.
It’s estimated that eight of these panels could meet the daily drinking water requirements of an average adult, making them especially beneficial in arid regions. “Given the compact design of the device, we believe larger arrays could provide drinking water to households for consumption,” says Zhao.
Zhao and his colleagues assert that while the device shows promise in real-world conditions, Daryl Williams from Imperial College London cautions that extended testing—beyond a week—could present challenges. “Outdoor environments are generally hostile. We want to observe how the device performs under such stress after three, six, or even nine months.”
Hong Kong authorities have issued a warning regarding mobile games created in Taiwan, labeling them as “separatist” and potentially leading to legal repercussions.
The game, Inverted Front: Bon Fire, allows players to “swear allegiance” to various groups associated with significant issues or targets in China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Uyghur, Kazakhs, and Manchuria, with aims to “overthrow the communist regime,” referred to as the “People’s Republic.”
While some elements of the game’s narrative and place names are fictional, the website claims that it is a “non-fiction work” and that any resemblance to the PRC’s actual institutions, policies, or ethnic groups is “intentional.”
Players can also opt to “leave the Communists and defeat all enemies,” which has elicited strong reactions from authorities, including the Communist Party of China (CCP).
On Tuesday, Hong Kong police remarked that the inverted front “defines an armed revolution and promotes independence between Taiwan and Hong Kong,” criticizing the game.
Downloading the game may lead to accusations of possessing inflammatory materials, and in-app purchases could be construed as financially supporting a developer “for activities of secession or subversion,” the police noted.
Recommendations for the game could be seen as an “incitement to abdication.”
In this inverted worldview, the communists are portrayed as conquerors of surrounding regions, ruling with unprecedented cruelty as a colonial force, causing many to flee. Decades later, only Taiwan is depicted as “dodging lasting deterioration.”
The game prompts players to consider whether Taiwan can remain safe by avoiding provocations or whether “we should learn from the mistakes of the past 30 years that allowed today’s communists to grow into giants.”
In player descriptions, the game characterizes the communists as “heavy, reckless, and incompetent,” accusing them of “corruption, embezzlement, exploitation, genocide, and pollution.”
On its Facebook page, the developer, known as ESC Taiwan or Taiwan’s Overseas Strategic Communication Working Group (ESC), stated that it gained attention. On Wednesday, the game claimed it topped download charts in Hong Kong’s app store after a surge on Tuesday night.
“We recommend that users change the country or region of their Apple ID to successfully download the game.”
The developers have committed to not actively filtering or reviewing words or phrases in the game, addressing recent concerns about censorship in Chinese-created or related games. The location of ESC Taiwan remains undisclosed.
Police warnings regarding this game are part of a broader crackdown on democratic dissent in Hong Kong, where the CCP has tightened its grip on the city. In 2020, Beijing implemented national security laws in Hong Kong, with the city government’s approval, criminalizing widespread dissent.
Critics accuse the authorities of weaponizing these laws to target opposition voices, including activists, politicians, labor unions, journalists, media, and children’s literature.
As the protests surged in Los Angeles other areas of the city witnessed a collaborative gathering of gaming journalists and developers showcasing new games during the annual summer festival this week. The core issue remains advertising writes Correspondent Alyssa Mercante in her dispatch. .
Summer Game Fest (SGF), a yearly festival and marketing extravaganza based in Los Angeles, was initially established to rival the popular E3. After a few years, it has now taken its place. The 2025 event served as a thoughtful reminder of the significant shifts in the gaming industry since the pandemic. While E3 dominated the city’s convention center in downtown LA, SGF has taken a different route, nestled amid the fashion district and close to Skid Row. Few gaming companies participate, and public access is limited, with cosplaying mainly for marketing.
The highlight of the event was hosted by Geoff Keighley, a beloved figure in the gaming community, during a live show at YouTube Theatre near the airport, streamed to millions. Tickets were available for purchase. Some gaming enthusiasts and small content creators expressed that attending in person wasn’t worth the expense, as they could easily catch the lengthy stream online, leading to severe traffic congestion while leaving Inglewood.
This year’s event had its challenges, including a test gate crash, yet it felt like the most documented one ever. Participating in SGF is a luxury, but it also presents a chaotic blend of marathons and sprints. During brief intermissions, if you manage to snag one, you would gulp down canapés, wash them down with Red Bull, savor a surprisingly delightful gamer-branded ice cream, and attempt to jot down your thoughts.
Find your peace…urban jungle. Illustration: Kylyk Games/Assemble Entertainment
Throughout the weekend, I witnessed numerous games, many of which I can’t disclose, but once again, the standout titles were the indie games. These are memorable not just for their originality or quirkiness, but also because they typically impose fewer restrictions during play, allowing developers to be more open to inquiries, free from the pressure of a looming audience.
At 1 PM, I dove into a lively Media Indie Exchange party and was quickly captivated by Urban Jungle, a plant-themed game that resonated with my newfound interest in gardening. Arranging plants in an adorable little room provided a fleeting moment of tranquility amidst the bustle of people exploring various indie titles.
Then there was Petal Runner, a pixel-art RPG reminiscent of Pokémon titles from the Game Boy era. Published by IAM8bit and conceived by two individuals who connected through Instagram comments on Cyberpunk artwork, it’s a charming, non-violent RPG. Instead of the usual tactic of capturing cute creatures to make them fight, players help them find new homes and “calibrate” through a variety of retro mini-games. They then ride their bikes (inspired by the programmer’s love for Tron: Legacy) to deliver another pet. In just 15 minutes, its contemporary chiptune soundtrack, appealing color palette, and adorable creatures won me over.
On the other hand, ThickAs a Thief is a multiplayer stealth game. Developers mentioned aiming to create a multiplayer experience that steers clear of three “black holes”: shooters, PVP combat, and pure action gameplay. The result feels like a blend of Assassin’s Creed and Dishonored. Sneak through maps set against a dark early 1900s backdrop, infused with bursts of vibrant colors, while contending with other players and thwarting security and civilians in your path.
Slay your dragon… Monster Hunter now. Photo: Niant
I also had the chance to experience a new season of Monster Hunter Now from Niantic, the creators behind Pokémon Go. This augmented reality game immerses you in a real-world environment filled with Capcom’s iconic monster lore, streamlining epic battles into quick, minute-long skirmishes (compared to potentially hours in the main series). Additionally, I played a new four-player party game, Lego Party. Together with two other journalists, we joyously screamed as our Lego characters tumbled over one another during mini-games or fought for gold bricks in a race to the top. It was a blast, and we laughed heartily while enjoying this game we felt was needed to shake off the lethargy of the day.
Regardless of the size of the dev teams or variety in projects, every game I engaged with this weekend emanated boundless passion and creativity. This reflects the unwavering commitment that drives so many in this industry, paired with advancing technology that allows small teams (sometimes just one or two individuals) to craft beautiful and intricate games. Seeing fellow journalists and developers enthusiastic and wide-eyed was an adrenaline rush, especially as many of us grappled with job uncertainties, recent layoffs, or concerns about our futures.
Nonetheless, it was impossible to overlook the larger scenario unfolding in LA, which cast a somber shadow over this otherwise light-hearted weekend of gaming. Protests erupted in the city on Saturday, with citizens rallying against harsh, extremist anti-immigrant policies. The constant hum of helicopters served as an eerie soundtrack to the weekend. Many attendees, from within and beyond the state, were notably concerned about the mounting events. We exchanged updates in discreet conversations, whispered about the National Guard, and advised each other to travel in groups for safety. On Sunday night, countless journalists and developers were advised against leaving Downtown due to LAPD’s determination to contain the area and quell the protests.
On the concluding day of SGF, we pondered the strangeness of previewing video games amidst such politically charged times. Some shared tales of playing kickoff demonstrations featuring tanks and soldiers, only to suddenly hear the whir of helicopters overhead, sparking confusion about whether they were still immersed in a game or confronting reality. Alyssa Mercante
What to Play
Tension sci-fi…changes. Photo: 11-bit studio
From the creators of Frostpunk, It Will Be Changed is an intriguing sci-fi strategy game where a stranded space worker, Yang, generates clones of himself to assemble a team sufficient to escape an exoplanet before the approaching sun incinerates everything. The twist is that each clone embodies a different alternate universe incarnation of Yang, presenting unique challenges. Envision being trapped within a distant base solely with your altercations.
I initially presumed Alters would lean towards a comedic tone, occasionally light-hearted and amusing, but surprisingly, it seamlessly incorporates survival elements in Base Building. I certainly intend to engage with it further.
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Estimated playtime: 20-30 hours
What to Read
Fear…Resident Evil Requiem. Photo: Capcom
Keith and I tuned into a continuous stream while Alyssa covered the ground at the summer game fest showcase and trailer from the UK, evaluating the most intriguing games showcased.
The standout announcement was likely the new Xbox handheld, though its unveiling was shrouded in confusion. The ROG Xbox Ally X (why does Microsoft consistently botch nomenclature?) is an Xbox-branded variant of an existing portable PC model. Nonetheless, Alyssa was thrilled with its performance during her brief demonstration.
We were also deeply engaged in playtesting a plethora of gameplay on the Nintendo Switch 2. For reviews, Keith covered the console, while I focused on the flagship game, Mario Kart World.
What to Click
Question Block
While the guest issue remains ambiguous this week, as always, if you have any queries or feedback regarding the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or reach us at buttons@theguardian.com.
Last week, Elon Musk shared a reconsideration of some of his tweets, seemingly trying to distance himself from a controversial fallout that jeopardized his business interests as Tesla’s CEO.
Musk was formerly the largest supporter of President Trump’s election campaign, but tensions sharply escalated last week when the world’s richest man criticized presidential aides and mocked his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a series of posts.
On Tuesday, Musk posted on x, the social platform he owns: “I regret some of my posts about President @Realdonaldtrump last week. They went too far.”
Investors appeared to welcome the possibility of a resolution, as indicated by a 2.6% increase in Tesla’s stock price during pre-market trading.
This public dispute marked a significant shift in their previously friendly relationship. During the campaign, they proclaimed themselves allies, with Musk briefly serving in the Trump administration at the head of the “Government Efficiency Department.” However, experts indicate that this department’s cost-cutting measures were deemed unlawful.
The relationship soured when Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” alleging it added 2.4 trillion dollars to national debt, branding it as “nasty hatred.”
In response to Musk’s harsh criticism, Trump remarked that the tech mogul was “mad,” while also highlighting potential financial ramifications for Musk’s ventures.
Trump mentioned Tesla in relation to his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that electric vehicle pioneers are facing declining sales in several markets, particularly in Europe, partly due to Musk’s allegiance to him.
Investors are hopeful that Musk’s alignment with Trump will lead to a boost in Tesla’s market valuation, anticipating that the White House may adopt a more favorable stance towards the company’s autonomous driving technology. Musk’s attempt to reconcile came just a day before Tesla launched its “Robotakshi” service in Austin, Texas, a significant move to reinforce its status as the world’s most valuable automaker, despite facing challenges with an aging product line.
Trump also threatened Musk’s major enterprise, SpaceX, claiming that cutting Elon’s government subsidies and contracts could save billions from the federal budget.
However, the likelihood of the U.S. government rescinding SpaceX contracts seems minimal, given the strategic importance of its satellite launches. Before retracting his threat, Musk had hinted at discontinuing the Dragon Spacecraft, a crucial vehicle for transporting NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.
The ninth major entry in the survival horror franchise returns us to the ruins of Raccoon City, mixing cinematic action with psychological terror. The story focuses on FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, but how will she fit into this iconic series?
The newest project from Sega’s Ryugotoku Studio, known for Yakuza, is a historic action-adventure set in early 21st-century Japan. The team offers a compelling mix of shadowy detectives, street gangs, and jazz music.
An exciting collaboration: James Bond teams up with the creators of the Hitman series for a reimagined adventure that focuses on Bond’s origins and legends. Featuring globe-trotting espionage, stealth, and gadgets, it is an exhilarating video game reminiscent of Goldeneye.
Players of this charming rural life simulation will step into the shoes of garden magicians exploring the shadowy aspects of their village. Developed by Failbetter, known for narrative-driven games like Sunless Sea, the team is developing something truly unique here.
Big Walk
A Big Walk. Photo: House House
Australian developers House House, known for their surprise hit Untitled Goose Game, now present players with bird-like creatures embarking on a quirky co-op adventure in an island filled with whimsical puzzles. A nostalgic experience reminiscent of 1970s children’s animation.
A surprising twist comes from Game Freak, the creators of Pokémon, presenting a dark, post-apocalyptic action-adventure in a ravaged Japan threatened by machines and monsters. Players use flora as weapons alongside their loyal dog companions in a captivating narrative experience.
Dosadiva
Dosadiva. Photo: Outer Loop Games
The Outer Loop team, creators of Thirsty Suitor, brings us a vibrant sci-fi narrative where two sisters take a stand against malevolent corporations by cooking real meals for their community. Expect a blend of spices and heartfelt tales.
Blippo+
Blippo+. Photo: Panic
Not exactly a game but rather a peculiar TV simulator, Blippo+ invites players to surf through bizarre alien broadcasting networks filled with surreal soap operas and glitchy FMV experiences. The question remains: does the outlaws of the Hypnotic Universe meet Radio Time? Absolutely, bring it on.
Did you ever think there would be a mashup of Muppets and Mike Tyson Punch-Out? Well, now you can! At the Summer Game Fest, new developer Sans Strings Studio showcases the power of Unreal Engine 5 to bring forth this surreal boxing adventure, aptly named for the absurdity it represents.
Paralives
Paralives. Photo: Paralives Studio
Following the success of Inzoi, players will engage in a single-player life simulation filled with customization options without the need for DLC. With ample opportunities to interact with characters and their beloved pets, it’s set to offer a rich experience.
A Steampunk adventure crafted by the team behind Wasteland and Saints Row, this title features a dystopian city where residents enhance themselves with clockwork body parts. Intriguing elements reminiscent of Bioshock raise the stakes!
Persona 4 Revival
Persona 4 Revival. Photo: Atlus
In an exciting announcement, Atlus confirmed the remake of the iconic 2008 role-playing adventure filled with occult rituals and chilling murders in rural Japan. Further details remain scarce, but the anticipation is palpable.
Inheriting a creaky old hotel, you’ll spend 30 days solving puzzles and renovating while navigating its labyrinthine corridors. Mixing creepy adventures with refurbishment elements, this game was a standout moment at the Xbox showcase.
Keeper
Keeper Photo: Double Fine
Created by the developers of Psychonauts, this quirky new game allows players to control anthropomorphized lighthouses exploring coastal areas accompanied by seabird companions. What intriguing concoction drives this studio?
Everything Will Rise
Everything Will Rise. Photo: Speculative Agency
The gaming world may not need another deck-building strategy game—unless it’s a courtroom drama where environmentalists are suing corrupt billionaires over river pollution. It’s a timely narrative crafted by an Amsterdam-based studio.
Over the last two decades, more than 5 million U.S. households, stretching from California to Georgia and Maine, have installed solar panels on their rooftops, harnessing solar energy and cutting down on electricity costs.
However, this progress may be abruptly halted.
A recent domestic policy bill approved by House Republicans aims to cut tax incentives for homeowners and solar leasing companies, which have significantly contributed to the rise in rooftop solar adoption, by the end of this year. Analysts and industry experts warn that if this legislation is enacted, it would result in an immediate slowdown in installations.
Ben Airth, policy director at Freedom Forever, one of the largest residential solar installers in the country, stated, “This is setting us back.” He remembers a time when solar installations were primarily undertaken by wealthy environmentalists preparing for retirement.
According to an analysis from energy data firm Ohm Analysis, residential solar installations could decline by 50% next year if the House bill is enacted. Without tax credits, homeowners would take an average of 17 years to recoup their solar investments. A more pessimistic forecast from Morgan Stanley predicts an 85% decrease in rooftop solar demand by 2030.
Republicans also seek to limit tax breaks for other renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines and large solar farms, but the repercussions for rooftop solar could prove to be even more drastic. Rooftop solar costs 2-3 times more per unit of power than large solar arrays installed on agricultural land and in deserts, making the residential sector more susceptible to subsidy alterations.
The Senate is currently drafting its version of the domestic policy bill, while solar industry executives are lobbying in Washington for more progressive energy credit initiatives. They emphasize that the solar sector currently employs around 300,000 workers and that rooftop systems significantly reduce homeowners’ electricity expenses.
Nonetheless, some conservative Republicans are explicitly opposed to any restoration of renewable energy tax incentives.
Texas Republican Chip Roy criticized, stating, “We’re devastating our energy infrastructure, wrecking our grid, ruining our landscapes, and compromising our freedoms.” He added, “I don’t support that.”
The existing uncertainty is jeopardizing an industry that is already grappling with high tariffs and soaring interest rates. Last week, Solar Mosaic announced it would provide loans for homeowners to install rooftop panels, following its bankruptcy declaration. Recently, Sunnova Energy, one of the largest rooftop solar providers in the U.S., followed suit.
Experts suggest that even if rooftop solar ultimately becomes unsubsidized, rising electricity prices nationwide could still make solar energy more financially appealing. Nevertheless, the transition may be challenging, likely resulting in increased bankruptcies and layoffs.
Zoe Gaston, a leading analyst for residential solar at Wood Mackenzie, mentioned, “But that market will inevitably be smaller.”
Significant Tax Revisions
For the past 20 years, Congress has provided tax credits for the installation of solar panels on rooftops. However, these subsidies faced major reductions through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated hundreds of billions of dollars toward technology aimed at tackling climate change.
The legislation has extended the residential solar credit, allowing homeowners to recoup 30% of their solar system costs until 2032. It has also broadened the Investment Tax Credit for businesses constructing low-emission power sources like solar and battery technologies.
These changes have led to a surge in solar leases, allowing homeowners to avoid upfront costs for rooftop systems that can exceed $30,000. Instead, the solar company owns the panels and applies for tax credits, while homeowners lease the equipment and ideally save money through lower utility bills.
Currently, over 50% of residential solar systems are financed in this manner, making rooftop solar more attainable for schools, hospitals, and small businesses.
Moreover, the House bill forbids businesses from claiming tax credits if they utilize components sourced from China, which dominates the solar supply chain. Many companies have expressed that the legislation is written so broadly that it would inhibit their ability to claim credits effectively.
Gregg Felton, CEO of Altus Power, which develops solar projects for rooftops and parking lots, remarked that the House bill “adequately represents the industry’s impact.”
If Congress significantly cuts support for renewable energy, experts predict that companies will still invest in large solar arrays, as they frequently represent one of the most cost-effective methods to increase energy generation, even without subsidies. Conversely, rooftop solar remains more expensive, requires more labor, and carries greater risks.
Kenny Plannenstiel, COO of Big Dog Solar, an Idaho-based installation firm, noted that rooftop solar has gained traction in emerging markets like Montana and Idaho.
“There is substantial interest among those wanting to take control of their energy future, as well as among those concerned about grid reliability,” Pfannenstiel added. With the tax credit in place, “the financial argument for these customers installing solar and battery systems has become much stronger,” he explained.
If the credits disappear, some customers may still desire solar panels, Pfannenstiel noted, but the market will “shrink significantly.”
The repercussions could be far-reaching. If a solar leasing company goes under, there may be no one left to service the solar panels, resulting in job losses for thousands of installers and electricians.
In recent years, over 30 solar plants have commenced operations in the U.S., but a slowdown in demand could lead to their closure.
Freedom Forever, a California-based solar installer, noted that two years ago, none of their components were sourced from the U.S.; now, approximately 85% are, including inverters manufactured in Texas and Florida. This shift is driven by the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided extra credits for utilizing domestic components.
Without these credits, Airth cautioned, “the industry will revert to relying on the lowest-cost components, often produced overseas.”
Debates Over Rooftop Solar
The fight for tax credits in Congress is not the sole hurdle for rooftop solar. While the technology remains favored by homeowners, certain states are starting to retract support amidst considerable backlash.
Electric utilities and some analysts argue that rooftop solar users increase costs for everyone else, as solar households pay lower monthly utility bills but depend on the grid for backup power. This shifts the cost of grid maintenance onto other households, often those with lower incomes. (Supporters of solar disagree, claiming utilities overlook the many benefits of rooftop installations, such as avoided transmission expenses.)
The conflict has been particularly intense in California, the nation’s leading rooftop solar market. In 2022, regulators significantly decreased the compensation that new solar households could receive for the electricity they generate. As a result, rooftop installations plummeted by 85% statewide, affecting installers, manufacturers, and distributors.
Currently, some officials advocate for a reassessment of the existing solar grant program’s impact on Californians who may not afford solar panel systems, as stated by Democratic state legislator Lisa Calderon.
Rising interest rates have further complicated the affordability of rooftop solar systems, making it costlier to secure funding for new equipment. Additionally, both the Trump and Biden administrations have imposed increased tariffs on solar products from China.
Some stakeholders within the rooftop solar sector argue they have to focus on cost-cutting measures.
Not only is rooftop solar pricier than large utility-scale solar farms, but the price of a U.S. home solar installation is three times that of a similar system in Australia. Some analysts attribute the difference to the regulatory challenges.
“Eventually, our industry may function without tax credits,” stated Chris Hopper, co-founder of Aurora Solar, a software company specializing in home solar systems. “I believe we can navigate these credit phase-downs over a reasonable timeframe.
“However, sudden changes would be devastating,” Hopper emphasized. “Rapid adaptation is simply not feasible.”
A few years back, when I started covering Silicon Valley’s push to replace human labor with artificial intelligence, most tech leaders had the decency to at least pretend otherwise.
“We’re not automating workers, just enhancing them,” they’d say. “Our AI tools won’t eliminate jobs; they’ll serve as helpful assistants, liberating employees from tedious tasks.”
Yet, while such claims aimed to soothe anxious employees and obscure corporate automation agendas, they reveal more about the technology’s limits than about executives’ intentions. Back then, AI lacked the capability to automate a majority of roles, particularly for degree-holding professionals in sectors like technology, consulting, and finance.
Things are beginning to shift. Modern AI systems can now develop software, generate comprehensive research reports, and tackle intricate math and science challenges. The new AI “agent” enables users to carry out lengthy task sequences and verify their own output. While many regions still face labor shortages, some experts fear that the recent uptick in unemployment among college-educated individuals is already being attributed to AI taking over certain entry-level positions.
On Thursday, I witnessed a glimpse of the future at Laborg, thanks to an event hosted by Mechanize in San Francisco. They have an ambitious mission: to automate every job—including those held by miners, doctors, lawyers, software engineers, and designers responsible for our buildings and even our children’s education.
“Our aim is total work automation,” stated Tamay Besiroglu, one of Mechanize’s 29-year-old founders. “We aspire to achieve a fully automated economy as swiftly as possible.”
The aspiration for complete automation is not new. Economist John Maynard Keynes foresaw in the 1930s that machines would take over nearly all jobs, generating material wealth and freeing individuals to pursue their passions.
Naturally, that vision never materialized. However, recent strides in AI have rekindled hopes that technology capable of large-scale labor automation is on the horizon. Dario Amody, CEO of Humanity, recently cautioned that AI could displace half of entry-level white-collar positions within the next five years.
Mechanization represents one of many startups aiming to make this possible. Founded this year by Besiroglu, Ege Erdil, and Matthew Barnett, who has a background at Epoch AI, a firm researching AI system capabilities.
They have attracted investments from prominent tech figures, including Stripe’s Patrick Collison and Google’s chief AI scientist, Jeff Dean. Currently, they operate with a team of five and collaborate with major AI companies. (They declined to disclose specifics due to a non-disclosure agreement.)
Mechanize’s strategy for job automation via AI employs a method known as reinforcement learning, the same technique utilized to train computers to play board games nearly a decade ago.
Today, top AI firms enhance their language models’ performance using reinforcement learning for additional calculations prior to generating responses. Frequently termed “thinking” or “inference” models, these are stunningly proficient at narrow tasks, like coding and solving complex math problems.
However, most roles demand handling multiple tasks, and today’s leading AI models struggle with complex workloads or navigating intricate enterprise systems.
To address this, Mechanization is designing a novel training environment for these models. Essentially, they create intricate scenarios to teach the AI what actions to take in specific contexts and assess its performance.
For instance, to automate software engineering tasks, Mechanize simulates an environment reminiscent of the one software engineers use, complete with a virtual machine encompassing an email inbox, Slack account, coding tools, and a web browser. AI systems are tasked with utilizing these tools to accomplish given objectives. Success yields rewards, while failure incurs penalties, prompting the system to try again. With sufficient iterations and well-structured simulations, AI could ultimately replicate what human engineers accomplish.
“It’s akin to designing a rather mundane video game,” Besiroglu remarked.
Mechanization starts with the field of computer programming, where reinforcement learning has already shown some potential. The hope is to extend this strategy to automate roles across various other white-collar sectors.
“We’ll know we’ve truly succeeded when we develop an AI system capable of undertaking nearly all responsibilities that can be handled by a computer,” the company articulated in a recent blog post.
There are lingering questions about the efficacy of Mechanize’s methods, particularly for non-technical jobs where success isn’t as straightforward to measure. (For instance, what does it mean for an AI to succeed as a high school teacher? Even if students achieve high standardized test scores, what if they remain dissatisfied and disengaged? Could reward hacking result in merely giving students the correct answers to boost their scores?)
The founders of Mechanize are realistic about the challenges in automating such positions. Mr. Barnett estimates that achieving full automation may take between 10 to 20 years, while Erdil and Besiroglu anticipate a timeline closer to 20 to 30 years.
These timelines are modest by Silicon Valley standards. However, I commend Mechanize for its transparency regarding its objectives, unlike many AI enterprises developing labor supply technologies behind closed doors.
Nevertheless, I noticed that their proposition seemed to lack empathy for those whose jobs are at stake and bore no consideration for whether society is ready for such monumental change.
Besiroglu maintains that AI will ultimately generate wealth that can be redistributed to displaced workers through concepts like “radical abundance” and universal basic income to help sustain their quality of life.
However, similar to many AI firms delving into labor supply technology, Mechanization has yet to propose new policies for easing the transition into an AI-driven economy, nor do they advocate for enhancing the social safety net or retraining workers for new employment.
During the Q&A, I raised the ethical question of whether it’s morally right to automate all labor.
Barnett, identifying as a libertarian, replied that he believes AI fosters economic growth, drives life-saving advancements in medicine and science, and that a society fully automated is preferable to one that still relies on human labor in a low-growth environment.
“If society as a whole becomes significantly wealthier, I believe the benefits outweigh the downsides for those losing their jobs,” Barnett noted.
As public health organizations indicate that women’s personal information is vulnerable to exploitation by private entities, experts advocate for public health groups to create alternatives to for-profit period tracker applications.
A study from the University of Cambridge reveals that smartphone apps used for menstrual cycle tracking serve as a “Goldmine” for consumer profiling, collecting data on exercise, diet, medication, hormone levels, and birth control methods.
The economic worth of this information is often “greatly underestimated” by users who share intimate details in unregulated markets with profit-driven businesses, according to the report.
If mishandled, data from cycle tracking apps (CTAs) could lead to issues like employment bias, workplace monitoring, discrimination in health insurance, risks of cyberstalking, and restricted access to abortion services, research indicates.
The authors urge for improved regulation in the expanding Femtech sector to safeguard users as data is sold in large quantities, suggesting that apps should offer clear consent options regarding data collection and promote the establishment of public health agency alternatives to commercial CTAs.
“The menstrual cycle tracking app is marketed as empowering women and bridging gender health disparities,” stated Dr. Stephanie Felberger, PhD, of the Center for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge, the lead author of the report. “Nevertheless, its underlying business model relies on commercial usage, wherein user data and insights are sold to third parties for profit.
“As a consequence of the monetization of data collected by cycle tracking app companies, women face significant and alarming privacy and safety threats.”
The report indicates that most cycle tracking apps cater to women attempting to conceive, making the stored data highly commercially valuable. Other life events, aside from home purchasing, do not trigger such notable shifts in consumer behavior.
Data pertaining to pregnancy is valued at over 200 times more than information about age, gender, or location for targeted advertisements. Furthermore, tracking cycle duration can allow for targeting women at various phases of their cycles.
The three most popular apps project a quarterly download figure of 500 million yen for 2024. The digital health sector focused on women’s wellness is anticipated to surpass $60 billion (£44 billion) by 2027, as noted in the report.
In light of the considerable demand for period tracking, the authors are calling on public health entities, including the UK’s NHS, to create transparent and reliable apps as alternatives to commercial offerings.
“The UK is ideally positioned to address researchers’ challenges related to menstrual data access, as well as privacy and data concerns, by developing an NHS app dedicated to tracking menstrual cycles,” added that the parent-child relationship in the US Reproductive Medicine Plan currently utilizes its own app.
“Apps situated within public health frameworks, which are not primarily profit-driven, can significantly reduce privacy violations, gather essential data on reproductive health, and empower users regarding the utilization of their menstrual information.”
“Utilizing cycle tracking apps is beneficial. Women deserve better than having their menstrual tracking data treated merely as consumer data,” remarked Professor Gina Neff, executive director of the Mindeoo Center.
In the UK and the EU, period tracking data falls under “special categories” and enjoys greater legal protection, similar to genetics and ethnicity. In the United States, authorities collect menstrual cycle data which may hinder access to abortion services, according to the report.
My wife and I will always cherish the day we brought home our miniature Schnauzer puppy. At just four weeks old, she fit snugly in my palm. During the ride home, I sat in the back seat with her, gazing down at her big, playful eyes as she cuddled against my knees.
In the subsequent weeks and months, we joked that it felt like a dress rehearsal for having a human baby.
Nowadays, a growing number of people embrace this sentiment, referring to themselves as “dog parents” and viewing their furry companions as stand-ins for children.
Recent research by European psychologist, Laura Gillette and Professor Enikő Kubinyi from Elte Etovas Roland University in Budapest, highlights this trend and raises important questions about its correlation with the global decline in human fertility rates.
Interestingly, my wife and I welcomed human twins a few years after we got our pup. But with rising living costs and a shift towards individualistic values, are many opting for dogs instead of children?
Rise in Puppy Ownership
In the UK, fertility rates are at a historic low: in 2023, the average was 1.44 children per woman (over 2 is needed to maintain the population), with just 591,072 births, the lowest since 1977.
In contrast, the number of pet dogs has surged by a million in the last decade, with 45% of owners being millennials. Many of us now treat our dogs like little humans, ordering Puppuccinos at local cafes and creating social media accounts for our pups.
According to Gillette and Kubinyi, our natural caregiving instincts, honed over thousands of years of domestication, push us toward nurturing our dogs. Their appealing features, such as large eyes and rounded faces reminiscent of infants, compel affection. In fact, many popular breeds exhibit “pedomorphism,” retaining baby-like traits into adulthood.
Research shows dogs have evolved to express more facial emotions than other animals, eliciting emotional responses from humans.
Moreover, many owners communicate with their dogs using a high-pitched, affectionate tone often employed when addressing babies, known as motherese.
Gillette and Kubinyi draw parallels between human parenting and dog ownership. Psychologists have long noted that children develop various attachment styles that correlate with their behavior, shaped primarily by emotional consistency from their parents.
There is also evidence that dog owners can experience something akin to postnatal depression. A 2024 study found that new puppy owners may feel “puppy blues”, characterized by emotional stress, anxiety about responsibilities, and challenges in adjusting to life with a new puppy.
If raising a puppy mimics many aspects of parenting, is opting for a dog over a baby a smart choice? It’s likely cheaper and less disruptive to your career. Personally, I’d argue that cleaning up after a puppy is easier than changing diapers, though neither option is exactly pleasant.
But does being a dog parent guarantee greater happiness than being a human parent? The answer is complex.
Early parent-child dynamics are often linked to high stress and sleep deprivation. Photo Credit: Getty
The Weight of Responsibility
Research shows that human-parent relationships can lead to short-term happiness declines. While parents experience moments of anticipated joy, they often face a drop in happiness during the initial years of parenting, likely due to the rigorous demands of their roles.
This happiness penalty tends to diminish over time, eventually returning to pre-parenting levels. These findings surprised many who believed parenthood was the pinnacle of joy in life.
Ultimately, how one measures happiness—whether through fleeting joy or long-term life satisfaction—matters. Many parents still regard having children as the most meaningful experience in their lives.
What about dog owners? Again, the findings are intricate. In large longitudinal studies focusing on pets, the benefits of ownership aren’t always as rosy as expected.
Much like stories about parenting, mixed results concerning pet ownership likely stem from the emotional challenges of caring for dogs, including the demands of training and concerns about safety.
Additionally, factors such as financial stability and societal influences play a significant role. Parental happiness is generally higher in nations with supportive child policies.
Age also influences satisfaction for both dog and human parents. For instance, parents in their 30s tend to report higher happiness compared to those who become parents in their early 20s. Notably, older dog owners often find that their furry companions help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Having a dog also encourages more physical activity and facilitates social interaction with other dog owners.
Comparing the joys of babies and puppies might not be the right angle. Both offer unique rewards and teach us to celebrate the better aspects of human nature that we choose to embrace.
A group of physicists from Oxford University has accomplished the lowest error rate (just 0.000015%, or one error in 6.7 million operations) in quantum logic operations.
Ion trap chip rendering. Image credit: Jocchen Wolf and Tom Harty of Oxford University.
“As far as we know, this is the most accurate qubit manipulation ever reported globally,” stated Professor David Lucas from Oxford University.
“This represents a crucial milestone in constructing a practical quantum computer capable of solving real-world problems.”
To conduct meaningful calculations on quantum computers, millions of operations must engage numerous qubits.
Consequently, if the error rate is excessively high, the end result of the computation becomes useless.
Error correction techniques can address mistakes, but they require additional qubits, which come at a cost.
By minimizing errors, new methodologies decrease the number of qubits needed, leading to a reduction in both the cost and size of the quantum computer itself.
“By significantly decreasing the chances of errors, this advancement will greatly lessen the infrastructure necessary for error correction, paving the way for future quantum computers to be smaller, faster, and more efficient,” said Molly Smith, a graduate student at Oxford University.
“Kitz’s precise control is beneficial for other quantum technologies, including timepieces and quantum sensors.”
This groundbreaking accuracy was attained using trapped calcium ions as qubits.
These ions are ideal candidates for storing quantum information due to their longevity and resilience.
Researchers adopted an alternative method, using electron (microwave) signals to manage the quantum states of calcium ions instead of traditional lasers.
This technique is more stable than laser control and offers several advantages for constructing practical quantum computers.
For instance, electronic control is less expensive and more robust than lasers, facilitating easier integration into ion trap chips.
Moreover, the experiment was conducted at room temperature and without magnetic shielding, simplifying the technical necessities of operating quantum computers.
“This record-setting achievement signifies a significant milestone, but it is part of a larger challenge,” the author remarked.
“In quantum computing, both single and two-qubit gates must function together.”
“Currently, the gates of the two-qubit systems still experience a very high error rate, approximately 1 in 2,000 even in the best demonstration to date.
Their paper has been published online in the journal Physical Review Letters.
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MC Smith et al. 2025. Single qubit gate with errors at the 10-7 level. Phys. Rev. Lett, in press; doi: 10.1103/42w2-6ccy
With the aid of the NICAM (Near-infrared camera), astronomers aboard the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have captured new images of the Sombrero Galaxy.
The new Webb/Nircam image reveals the prominent bulge of the Sombrero Galaxy, which consists of a dense cluster of stars at the galaxy’s center, while dust on the outer rim obscures some starlight. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/STSCI.
The Sombrero Galaxy is situated approximately 28 million light years away in the Virgo constellation.
Also referred to as Messier 104, M104, or NGC 4594, this galaxy was discovered by the French astronomer Pierre Méchain on May 11, 1781.
It has a diameter of 49,000 light years, which is nearly twice that of our Milky Way galaxy.
The Sombrero Galaxy displays features typical of both spiral and elliptical galaxies.
It features a spiral arm and a prominently illuminated central bulge that resembles two hybrid forms.
Viewed edge-on, the Sombrero Galaxy sits at a six-degree angle south of its plane, with the dark dust lane creating a striking visual.
“Researching galaxies like the Sombrero through various wavelengths, including near-infrared with Webb, as well as data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, assists us in understanding the formation and evolution of this intricate system and its constituent materials,” said an astronomer.
“Unlike Hubble’s visible light images, the dust disk is not detectable in Nircam’s new near-infrared imagery.”
“This is because the longer wavelengths of infrared radiation emitted by stars penetrate dust more effectively, resulting in less obstruction of stellar light.”
“In mid-infrared images, the dust actually emits light.”
“Research indicates that the smooth surface and subtle glow of the galaxy hint at a turbulent history,” the astronomer noted.
“Anomalies discovered over the years suggest that this galaxy may have been involved in a violent merger with at least one other galaxy.”
“Spectroscopic analyses reveal unexpected variances among the stars in these globular clusters.”
“Stars that form under similar conditions and from the same materials typically share similar chemical ‘fingerprints,’ such as the same abundance of elements like oxygen or neon.”
“However, the apparent variations among stars in this galaxy’s globular clusters are notably significant.”
“The merging of various galaxies over billions of years can explain these discrepancies.”
“Further evidence supporting the merger hypothesis is seen in the distorted look of the galaxy’s inner disk.”
“While our observations categorize it as edge-on, it actually gives the impression of being at quite an angle,” they added.
“Seen from six degrees off the galaxy’s equator, our viewpoint allows us to glimpse it slightly from above, rather than straight on.”
“From this vantage point, the inner disk appears tilted inward, resembling a funnel rather than a flat plane.”
“Nircam’s advanced resolution reveals parts of the galaxy that look red, indicating the presence of red giants—cooler stars that shine brightly due to their larger surface areas.”
“These red giants are also visible in mid-infrared, but the smaller blue stars in the near-infrared become indistinguishable at longer wavelengths.”
“Additionally, Nircam’s images capture a variety of galaxies in differing shapes and colors scattered across the backdrop of space.”
This color diversity offers astronomers insights into characteristics such as their distances from Earth.
Genetic and archaeological findings indicate a significant Neanderthal migration from the western regions to central and eastern Eurasia during the late Pleistocene. Genetic evidence points to dispersion occurring between 120,000 and 80,000 years ago, while archaeological sites in Altai date back to as early as 60,000 years ago. The specifics of the migration route and its timing have been heavily debated due to the limited number of archaeological connections between these regions. Recent studies suggest that Neanderthals likely utilized river valleys as natural pathways, enabling them to traverse approximately 3,250 km (2,000 miles) through the Urals and South Siberia in under 2,000 years.
E. Coco & R. Iovita suggest that the Neanderthals could have quickly spread from Caucasus Mountains to Altai Mountains, running along the north route between MIS 3 and MIS 5e. Image credit: Abel Grau, CSIC Communications.
“Our research indicates that despite facing natural barriers like mountains and large rivers, Neanderthals may have traversed northern Eurasia much more swiftly than previously thought,” stated Dr. Emily Coco, PhD, who initiated this investigation as a PhD student at New York University and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Algarve.
“These findings offer valuable insights from archaeological records regarding ancient migration routes that remain underexplored and highlight the potential of computer simulations to unveil new information about ancient movements that have shaped human history.”
In creating a simulation of the two Millennial Journeys of Neanderthals, Dr. Coco and her colleague Dr. Radu Iovita from New York University analyzed topographic elevations, ancient river paths, glacial barriers, and temperature variations to model individual movement decisions.
The researchers identified two potential migration routes from ancient periods – during ocean isotope stage 5E (approximately 125,000 years ago during MIS 5E) and during ocean isotope stage 3 (from MIS 3, starting around 60,000 years ago) – both characterized by warmer temperatures making them conducive for movement.
Simulations indicated that Neanderthals could reach the Siberian Altai Mountains in Eurasia within 2,000 years in either MIS 5E or MIS 3, following the same general northern route through the Urals and southern Siberia, often intersecting with known archaeological sites from the same timeframe.
The authors believe this study enhances our understanding of Neanderthal interactions with other ancient human populations.
Specifically, their route would have led them to regions already inhabited by Denisovans, which aligns with existing evidence of interbreeding between the two species.
“The Neanderthals could have traveled thousands of kilometers from the Caucasus Mountains to Siberia in just 2,000 years by navigating river corridors,” said Dr. Iovita.
“While some researchers speculate about this type of rapid, long-distance travel based on genetic evidence, demonstrating it has been challenging due to the sparse archaeological record in the region.”
“Our detailed computer simulations suggest that this transition may have been a predictable outcome of the landscape conditions during prior warm climate periods.”
E. Coco & R. Iovita. 2025. Agent-based simulations reveal the possibility of multiple rapid northern routes for the dispersion of the second Neanderthal from the West to East Eurasia. PLOS 1 20 (6): E0325693; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325693
John L. Young, a computer-savvy architect, utilized his expertise to establish Encryption, a significant repository of sensitive documents that predates WikiLeaks and often surpasses it with an unrestricted approach to disclosing government secrets. He passed away on March 28th at a rehabilitation facility in Manhattan, at the age of 89.
His death went largely unreported at the time and was attributed to complications from large-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as confirmed by his wife, Deborah Nazzios.
Founded in 1996 by former CIA executives, Cryptome offers a collection of leaked, obscure documents in the public domain, organized in reverse chronological order, displayed in a minimalist style reminiscent of typewriter output.
Over time, the site has amassed about 70,000 documents, spanning from innocuous National Intelligence University course catalogues to sensitive disclosures, including the identities of numerous intelligence agents from the US, UK, and Japan.
“I am a steadfast opponent of all forms of government secrecy,” he stated to The Associated Press in 2013. “I’m pleased with the exposure and advocate for complete transparency.”
Young often received visits from the FBI and his internet service provider. At times, he would temporarily shut down the website to avoid legal issues, yet he was never charged with a crime, and Cryptome consistently returned online.
Around a decade ago, Cryptome had already been operating alongside WikiLeaks and other whistleblowing sites. Young initially supported WikiLeaks and even co-registered its domain, but later became critical of its leader, Julian Assange.
Unlike Assange, who considered himself a journalist, Young identified as an archivist, asserting that as long as a document was authentic, it deserved encryption. He maintained that he held vast amounts of information without being responsible for its content.
Young, who had been a leftist radical during the 1960s, retained his critical perspective of the government, often suggesting to journalists that they could be spies and accusing former associates of being double agents.
With degrees in philosophy and architecture, Young spent the 1970s leading a design nonprofit in New York.
In the 1980s, he specialized in ensuring that building systems and infrastructures complied with legal codes, a mission that would eventually parallel Cryptome’s objectives.
“As architects, we are mandated by state law to prioritize public health, safety, and welfare,” he explained to the website’s assistant in 2014. “In the interest of public welfare, we should act as architects who monitor those in authority.”
Young was an early proponent of computer-aided design, sparking discussions around digital privacy that began gaining traction in the late 1980s.
He joined the mailing list of cypherpunks, a collective of hackers and programmers advocating for internet openness and resisting government surveillance of online activity.
During a time when most government documents were only available in hard copy, Young made a scanner available for free to anyone wishing to leak secret documents online.
“Cryptome played a crucial role in demonstrating the potential for internet transparency,” he remarked, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending civil liberties in the digital domain.
Despite having admirers, Young faced criticism, even from those who appreciated his work, for not considering national security implications while uploading documents online.
Nonetheless, he countered that his efforts were, in fact, beneficial to the government.
“Understanding your vulnerabilities and confronting them is essential; you shouldn’t conceal them,” he told The Associated Press.
John Lee Young was born on December 22, 1935, in Millersview, a small town in central Texas. His mother, Beatrice (Rhodes) Young, was a homemaker, while his father, Orby Young, worked as a patrol construction worker. They divorced when John was young, and he spent his childhood living with various relatives throughout the state.
After graduating from school at 14, he spent three years picking cotton, peddling religious icons, and selling Fuller Brush products door-to-door before enlisting in the US military in 1953.
Assigned to the German Corps of Engineers, he traveled across Europe during his downtime, absorbing the extensive architectural heritage of the continent.
In 1956, despite not having a high school diploma, Young enrolled at Texas Tech. He later transferred to Rice University in Houston, graduating in 1963 with degrees in philosophy and architecture. He subsequently worked on a historic preservation project in the city.
Young pursued further education at Columbia University in 1967, where he enrolled in the inaugural Historical Preservation Program at the School of Architecture.
A year later, he joined fellow students in occupying Avery Hall, the university’s main building, in protest against the plans for a new gym.
Despite emerging as a leader among protesters, he graduated in 1969 without facing expulsion.
Young’s first wife, Martha (Calhoun) Young, passed away in 1968, leaving him to raise four children. His second marriage to Marjorie Hoogue ended in divorce. In 1990, he met Nazzios, and they married in 1998.
Surviving him are three children and two grandchildren from his first marriage—Malcolm, Lilac, and Anina Young—as well as the memory of his deceased daughter, Dara. He resided in Manhattan.
Even after founding Cryptome, Young continued his architectural practice, collaborating with Nazzios to maintain the website in a cost-effective manner, contributing roughly $2,000 a year for upkeep.
He regarded it as a public service, a means of giving back to society.
“Individuals like John Young contributed significantly to the internet and its unique offerings during the ’90s and early 2000s,” Cohn remarked.
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