The creators of ChatGPT are shifting their approach to users exhibiting mental and emotional distress following legal action from the family of 16-year-old Adam Lane, who tragically took his own life after months of interactions with the chatbot.
OpenAI recognized that its system could pose “potential risks” and stated it would “implement robust safeguards around sensitive content and perilous behavior” for users under 18.
The $500 million (£37.2 billion) San Francisco-based AI company has also rolled out parental controls, giving parents “the ability to gain insights and influence how teens engage with ChatGPT,” but specifics on the functionality are still pending.
Adam, a California resident, sadly committed suicide in April after what his family’s attorneys described as “a month of encouragement from ChatGPT.” His family is suing OpenAI and its CEO and co-founder, Sam Altman. Altman contends that the version of ChatGPT in use at the time, known as 4O, was “released to the market despite evident safety concerns.”
The teenager had multiple discussions with ChatGPT about suicide methods, including just prior to his death. According to filings in California’s Superior Court for San Francisco County, ChatGPT advised him on the likelihood that his method would be effective.
It also offered assistance in composing suicide notes to his parents.
An OpenAI spokesperson expressed that the company is “deeply saddened by Adam’s passing,” and extended its “deepest condolences to the Lane family during this challenging time,” while reviewing court documents.
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft’s AI division, expressed growing concern last week about the “psychological risks” posed by AI to users. Microsoft defines this as “delusions that emerge or worsen through engaging experiences, delusional thoughts, or immersive dialogues with AI chatbots.”
In a blog post, OpenAI acknowledged that “some safety training in the model may degrade” over lengthy conversations. Allegedly, Adam and ChatGPT exchanged as many as 650 messages daily.
Family attorney Jay Edelson stated on X: “The claims from the Lane family indicate that tragedies like Adam’s are unavoidable. They hope that the safety team at OpenAI will challenge the release of version 4O and that one of the company’s leading safety researchers can provide evidence in the case.” Ilya Sutskever has ceased such practices. The lawsuit alleges that the company prioritized a competitive edge with a new model, boosting its valuation from $86 billion to $300 billion.
OpenAI affirmed that it will “strengthen safety measures for long conversations.”
“As interactions progress, some safety training in the model could degrade,” it stated. “For instance, while ChatGPT might initially direct users to a suicide hotline when their intentions are first mentioned, lengthy exchanges could lead to responses that contradict our safeguards.”
OpenAI provided examples of someone enthusiastically communicating with a model, believing it could function 24 hours a day, as they felt invincible after not sleeping for two nights.
“Today, we may not recognize this as a dangerous or reckless notion, and by exploring it in-depth, we can inadvertently reinforce it. We are working on an update to GPT-5, where ChatGPT will actively ground users in reality. In this context, we clarify that lack of sleep can be harmful and recommend rest before taking action.”
ByteDance, the parent company of the short video platform TikTok, is set to initiate a new employee stock buyback, valuing the Chinese tech powerhouse at over $330 billion, as its revenue continues to climb.
The firm plans to offer its employees $200.41 per share through a repurchase program. This valuation marks a 5.5% increase from $189.90, which was offered approximately six months ago.
The buyback initiative is expected to roll out in the fall.
The new buyback program, reflecting higher valuations, comes as ByteDance strengthens its position as the leading social media entity globally in terms of revenue, with second-quarter earnings rising 25% year-over-year, according to sources.
The surge indicated that the company’s second-quarter revenues reached nearly $48 billion, with a significant portion derived from the Chinese market despite ongoing political pressures regarding its US operations.
Details concerning the updated valuation and second quarter revenue growth had not been previously disclosed. The source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
ByteDance did not immediately respond to the request for comment.
In the first quarter, ByteDance’s revenues exceeded $43 billion, establishing it as the number one social media company globally in terms of revenue, surpassing Meta’s $42.3 billion during the same period.
Both companies maintained sales growth of over 20% in the second quarter, driven by robust advertising demand.
ByteDance’s semi-annual buyback program allows employees of the private company to liquidate some of their holdings, showcasing a balance sheet strengthened by expanding both domestic and international operations.
It is becoming increasingly frequent for late-stage private firms to engage in regular buybacks to provide liquidity to employees without needing to go public prematurely.
Many organizations, including SpaceX and OpenAI, utilize external investors to fund these initiatives. However, ByteDance stands out as it consistently leverages its own balance sheet, reflecting financial flexibility and solid margins. The firm is also recognized as one of China’s AI leaders, investing billions in Nvidia chips, establishing AI infrastructure, and developing new models.
TikTok Sale
Despite surpassing Meta’s revenue this year, ByteDance’s valuation is less than one-fifth of Meta’s market capitalization, a discrepancy analysts largely attribute to political and regulatory risks faced in the US.
ByteDance is currently under significant scrutiny in Washington, where lawmakers are voicing national security concerns regarding its Chinese ownership.
Last year, Congress enacted legislation mandating that TikTok’s US assets be divested by January 19, 2025, or risk facing a nationwide ban affecting its 170 million US users. Donald Trump has made multiple remarks regarding TikTok and postponed the asset sale deadline until September 17, claiming that US buyers are lined up and that another extension could be possible.
Some lawmakers have criticized the delay, alleging that the administration is neglecting the law and disregarding national security worries related to China’s control over TikTok. While ByteDance is profitable, TikTok’s US operations have reportedly incurred losses, according to two sources. TikTok has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment.
If TikTok’s US assets are divested, they are expected to be owned by a joint venture involving an American consortium of investors and ByteDance.
The consortium currently leading the charge includes ByteDance’s existing shareholders, Susquehanna International Group, Atlantic General, KKR, and Andreessen Horowitz. Blackstone recently withdrew from the consortium, citing delays in the transaction timeline. A new ByteDance buyback could bolster morale among US-based employees, many of whom are concerned about TikTok’s uncertain future. The company is also reportedly working on a potential standalone app for US users, but it’s unclear if this contingency plan will be finalized amidst ongoing trade discussions between Trump and Beijing.
“We were astonished by its unusual characteristics and how it differs from other dinosaurs, or even all known living or extinct animals,” stated Richard Butler, co-leader of the project and paleontologist at the University of Birmingham in the UK.
The chance to examine the fossils of Spicomelas was to “sway the spine,” Butler remarked.
It wasn’t only the project participants who were captivated.
“This is genuinely one of the most bizarre and unique dinosaurs I have ever encountered,” said Steve Brusatte, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, who was not part of the research.
“With spikes jutting out across its body, it resembles a kind of reptilian porcupine,” he mentioned on Thursday. “If you were a carnivorous dinosaur from the Jurassic period, you would definitely want to steer clear of this creature.”
Brusatte continued: “This exemplifies how much there is still to uncover. Prior to the discovery of these fossils, there was no indication that such a remarkable animal existed.”
Maidment, another co-leader of the study, emphasized the need for further research in Africa, noting that countries such as Morocco are untapped reservoirs for dinosaur exploration.
“It’s vastly underrepresented compared to other continents,” said a representative from the National Museum of History in London.
Maidment mentioned that the Spicomellus project, which commenced in 2018, encountered numerous challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UK team was set to travel and collaborate with their Moroccan counterparts when British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared the lockdown, resulting in a postponement of plans until 2022.
In spite of these obstacles, research initiatives have marked significant progress in Moroccan science.
“This research has significantly advanced Moroccan science. I have never encountered a dinosaur like this before. There’s still so much more to discover in this area.”
Honor’s newest folding phone-tablet aims to challenge Samsung’s dominance with a sleek SuperSuma design, an impressive battery, and a camera module reminiscent of a giant lens on the back.
Closed, the Magic V5 measures approximately 8.9mm thick, which is comparable to the USB-C port thickness, and feels similar to a conventional flat phone while being able to unfold into a mini tablet format.
Priced at £1,699.99 (€1,999.99), this folding device competes fiercely with offerings from Samsung and Google, though it remains on the pricier side, which may deter some consumers.
The Magic V5 comes in several colors, featuring different materials on the back that affect both thickness and weight. At 222g or less, it is slightly heavier than Samsung’s latest foldable, yet remains lighter than many other competitors, equating its weight to that of a larger standard phone.
When closed, the Magic V5 has a weight, thickness, and width comparable to that of a large conventional phone. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The external 6.43-inch OLED display is remarkable and functions like a standard smartphone, while the internal 7.95-inch folding screen stands out for its brightness. Though it has visible creasing in the middle, it remains unobtrusive during use. The inner screen is more flexible than typical smartphone displays and requires careful handling, plus it tends to attract fingerprints.
This device is one of the first folding phones to offer water resistance comparable to standard smartphones, ensuring that dust and particles cannot penetrate behind the flexible screen or around the metal hinges, addressing concerns about durability.
Specifications
Main screen: 7.95in (403ppi) 120Hz OLED Flexible Display
Water resistance:IP58 and IP59 (Immersion and high pressure jet)
Folded dimensions: 156.8 x 74.3 x 8.88-9mm
Expanded dimensions: 156.8 x 145.9 x 4.1-4.2mm
Weight: 217-222g
Top Snapdragon Chip and Large Capacity Battery
Using a standard 100W USB-C power adapter (not included), it takes 55 minutes to fully charge, reaching 70% in under 30 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Magic V5 is powered by Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, offering robust performance that rivals flagship devices. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly, remains cool under pressure, and excels in gaming.
Its multitasking capabilities shine through, allowing up to four apps to be displayed simultaneously on-screen.
Moreover, the generous battery life extends the device’s usability while maintaining a sleek form factor, larger than typical flat phones. Its battery performance varies significantly based on screen usage; primarily used as a tablet with 5G for video watching, it lasts around 37 hours. Balanced use across both screens can get you through three days before requiring a charge.
Magicos Software Still Needs Improvement
Multitasking on a large internal display offers a delightful experience with three apps available on split screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Running Honor’s Magicos 9 (based on last year’s Android 15) instead of the latest Android 16, the Magic V5 promises seven years of Android updates and security patches for European customers.
While the software features some promising ideas, it still exhibits rough patches and unexpected behaviors. The outer screen operates like traditional Android devices, but the inner display is where the software shines, allowing for multitasking with three apps on split screen. One app can be partially hidden to maximize space without closing the others, a clever feature first seen on the OnePlus Open. The taskbar simplifies window management.
Mini-floating windows offer enhanced desktop multitasking capabilities. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
However, tapping on app notifications within the internal screen consistently opens the app in a mini window, which may be suitable for small messaging apps, but could be unsatisfactory for larger applications like Gmail.
Furthermore, the software doesn’t utilize the partially folded mode that the inner screen offers, lacking a counterpart to Samsung’s well-regarded flex mode—representing a missed opportunity. Another bug in Honor’s font choice makes it challenging to identify unread emails in bold within Gmail, which is frustrating.
While these minor irritations may be overlooked in budget devices, they stand out on a premium device priced at £1,700. Honor has work to do.
Camera
The Camera app features multiple modes suitable for closed, partially open, or fully open configurations, ideal for selfies. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with a solid camera array nestled within a pronounced circular camera bump, the Magic V5 features a 50MP main camera that captures appealing images across varying lighting conditions, though details can soften in lower light.
The 50MP ultra-wide camera performs well but slightly distorts edges and loses fine detail. The standout is the 64MP 3x optical telephoto camera, which excels in clarity and color accuracy, even under indoor lighting, and can achieve a 6x zoom that softens details at full size but performs admirably in bright conditions.
The dual 20MP selfie cameras produce decent results, yet using the main camera with the outer screen as a viewfinder yields superior quality.
The camera app supports various modes, including smart motion capture for action shots and robust video capabilities. There’s a range of AI filters and effects typical of many Chinese smartphones, allowing for personalized aesthetics.
Overall, while the camera is one of the better options among folding devices, it falls short of the top-tier camera phones available on the market.
Sustainability
The capacitive fingerprint scanner on the power button integrates seamlessly with the slim design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The expected battery lifespan is at least 1,200 charge cycles with a minimum of 80% original capacity remaining. The Magic V5 is generally easy to repair, with the internal screen priced around £700 and the external screen around £200. Additionally, Honor offers complimentary screen repairs for 12 months if purchased within the first month after release.
This device incorporates recycled plastics, and while Honor provides limited environmental reports, trade-in and refurbished options are available.
Price
The Honor Magic V5 retails for £1,699.99 (€1,999.99).
For context, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced at £1,799; the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold costs £1,749; the Galaxy S25 Ultra is listed at £1,249, while the Honor Magic 7 Pro is available for £1,099.
Verdict
Honor has crafted an impressive folding phone, yet the software experience has room for improvement. While the Magicos has progressed over time, it lacks the customization and features seen in competitors.
The main issues are minor glitches, rough edges, and abnormal behaviors throughout the software. None of these detract significantly from the product, but they accumulate and cannot be ignored in a device priced at £1,700.
It’s unfortunate because the phone is rapid, boasts great battery life, has a capable camera, and presents aesthetically well. It’s great to see a meaningful rivalry among Samsung and Google in this foldable segment. Nonetheless, there’s insufficient incentive to choose the Magic V5 when it costs nearly the same as the industry-leading Samsung.
Pros: Super slim design, functions like a regular phone when closed, excellent performance, outstanding battery life, superb internal display, solid camera capabilities, effective fingerprint scanner, and a water and dust resistance rating.
Cons: High price point, software lacks polish for advanced behaviors, less durability compared to standard devices, expensive repairs, and limited folding modes.
The Magic V5 is a visually appealing and well-crafted device. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Tesla’s sales in Europe dropped by 40% in July, as Elon Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer confronts stiffer competition from the Chinese company BYD.
In July, Tesla sold 8,837 cars across the EU and the UK, according to data from the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA). This is down from 14,769 during the same month last year.
BYD’s car registrations surged to 13,503 last month, up from 4,151 a year earlier. Currently, BYD holds a market share of 1.2%, as reported by ACEA, while Tesla’s share stands at 0.8%.
Chinese automotive brands are actively expanding in Europe, often offering more affordable models. A report by market research firm Jato Dynamics noted that BYD surpassed Tesla in Europe earlier this spring.
In the UK, the government announced on Thursday that Ford would be the first manufacturer to receive subsidies of up to £3,750 for two of its models. An additional 26 models qualify for a £1,500 grant under the new electric vehicle subsidy initiative.
The grant is only applicable to vehicles priced at £37,000 or less, and discounts will be automatically applied at the point of sale.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented: “We’re making it easier and more affordable for families to transition to electric vehicles, with discounts of up to £3,750 on EVs.”
“Our efforts aim to foster competition in the UK EV market and drive economic growth, job creation, and skill development as part of our plan for change.”
Separately, the Automakers and Traders Association revealed that UK car production increased by 5.6% over the past two months in July.
However, SMMT CEO Mike Hawes described the current market conditions as challenging, citing “weak consumer trust, unstable trade flows, and significant investments in new technologies abroad.”
ACEA has also indicated that in the first seven months of 2025, 1.011 million new battery electric vehicles have been registered, which represents 15.6% of the EU market share.
Hybrid electric vehicle registrations have proven even more popular, with 2.255 million units recorded across the EU so far this year. This increase is largely attributed to growth in the four largest markets: France (30.5%), Spain (30.2%), Germany (10.7%), and Italy (9.4%).
ACEA Executive Director Sigrid de Vries emphasized the need to enhance the European uptake by “continuing to expand public charging infrastructure, lowering charging costs, and ensuring a well-structured incentive program for purchases.”
Rare earth elements, commonly referred to as REE, are vital chemical components for mobile phones, computers, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and nearly all digital electronic devices. These unique elements, with names like Cerium (CE), Neodymium (ND), Praseodymium (PR), Dysprosium (DY), and Terbium (TB), can be recycled from electronic gadgets. However, much like fossil fuels, REE resources are finite. Additionally, only four countries possess about 85% of the REE supply found in the Earth’s crust. Consequently, scientists are working on sustainable methods for mining and distributing REEs.
Pen Wang and his team propose that the solution lies in the circular economy. This model focuses on utilizing readily available resources while minimizing waste. For instance, China adopted this policy in the 2000s and capitalized on its REE reserves. They noted that nations and industries could employ five strategies to foster a circular economy: baseline usage, recycling, reuse, replacement, and reduction.
First, countries monitor current resource usage, known as Baseline. Next, they engage in recycling by utilizing easily accessible resources to minimize waste and develop sustainable technology, followed by Reuse. They then promote the use of accessible materials at the manufacturing level, referred to as the production level with an emphasis on Alternative methods that waste fewer materials, and Reduction. Furthermore, various countries integrate these strategies to enhance sustainability and achieve Combined results.
The researchers concluded that not all strategies in the circular economy carry equal weight. They found that reduction and alternatives are the most impactful since they originate at production sources, while recycling and reuse are merely reactive strategies rather than preventive measures. To assess which strategies yield the most benefits for REE distribution, they examined how the REE sector aligns with the five strategies of a circular economy.
It has been observed that mining companies primarily extract REE directly from the Earth, referred to as Land stocks. However, substantial deposits of REEs have only been identified in a limited number of countries, including China, Brazil, Vietnam, and Russia. Existing electronic devices already contain a significant quantity of REE stocks. Utilization of these stocks offers a promising avenue. The team argued that recycling these devices would lessen the need for underground extraction and stabilize the economy as underground stocks dwindle. They indicated that, under the current economic model, a considerable portion of available inventory would be discarded, leading to depletion by 2042 without efficient re-introduction of used stocks.
The team highlighted that trade plays a crucial role in the global circular economy. Free trade enables the unimpeded flow of resources such as REEs across borders, with taxes and duties acting as trade-offs. However, disruptions to free trade could hinder the accumulation of inventory during REE use. For instance, they estimated that waste from two REEs, such as ND, PR, DY, and TB, would remain unutilized due to exporting nations with stock in circulation.
Researchers pointed out that China is currently the sole nation capable of meeting its own REE needs. However, they anticipate that the US could possess up to 50% of the usable stocks by 2050. Developing circular economy practices is in the US’s interest, as they contend that trades concerning REEs will evolve into a multi-billion dollar industry in the coming decades. They believe these practices can also yield social advantages since countries concentrating on resource extraction can cultivate a sustainable economy grounded in processing existing stock rather than depleting new resources.
The researchers concluded that adopting a circular economy to recycle utilized stocks would enhance the global accessibility of REEs in the future. However, success hinges on global economic collaboration, which may present challenges. They proposed that the US should forge partnerships with countries excelling in recycling to initiate a Western movement toward engaging in this economic system.
Chipmaker Nvidia achieved record sales in the second quarter, exceeding Wall Street’s predictions for artificial intelligence chips. Nonetheless, the company’s stock dropped by 2.3% after hours, as investors appeared unfazed by concerns surrounding the AI bubble and the effects of Donald Trump’s trade tensions.
Nvidia’s financial results mark the first assessment of investor sentiment since the recent mass selloff of AI stocks, which saw many tech shares decline amid skepticism regarding the valuation of AI-driven firms.
On Wednesday, NVIDIA announced adjusted earnings per share of $1.08 with total revenues reaching $467.4 billion. According to FactSet data, this surpassed Wall Street’s earnings per share expectations.
However, investor expectations were notably high. The market’s reaction may be influenced by slight misses in other segments of the company’s performance, particularly in data center revenues, where Nvidia recorded $41.1 billion, falling short of optimistic forecasts.
“We can’t overlook Nvidia this time, especially as they strive for record-breaking highs.” Investing.com. “To claim that stock prices are optimally priced would be a considerable understatement, as we actually needed another significant exceedance.”
The company further indicated that it had not factored the shipping of the H20 chip to China into its forecasts.
This aspect is central to concerns regarding the US-China trade conflict. Earlier in the year, Trump imposed a ban on AI chip sales to China, resulting in a $4.5 billion hit to Nvidia’s finances during the first quarter. In August, Nvidia consented to provide the US government a 15% reduction in H20 chip prices for exports to China in exchange for export licenses. China has voiced security concerns over chips and is amplifying its own domestic production efforts.
Colette Kress, Nvidia’s Chief Financial Officer, noted during a revenue call that some companies are interested in acquiring H20, with the first group of companies already receiving licenses to purchase chips. Kress mentioned that Nvidia could potentially ship between $2 billion and $5 billion worth of H20 chips to China, contingent on “geopolitical circumstances.”
Huang has consistently highlighted the importance of operating in the Chinese market. “We are in discussions with the administration about the necessity of addressing the Chinese market for American firms,” Huang stated. He added that, aside from the fact that H20 has been cleared for sale in China by unlicensed companies, there might be opportunities for the company to introduce a version of Blackwell in that market.
“China is the world’s second-largest computing market and hosts a substantial number of AI researchers. Approximately 50% of the world’s AI researchers are based in China,” Huang stated. “Most of the leading open-source models are developed there, making it crucial for American tech companies to engage with that market.”
“We eagerly anticipate future developments,” remarked Monteiro, an analyst from Investing.com. “The fact remains that without the essential sales boost from H20 in China, Nvidia cannot sustain the growth trajectory that driven that valuation.”
The company projects revenues of $54 billion for the third quarter, aligning with Wall Street’s expectations, and mentions that its board has authorized an additional $600 billion in share buybacks.
Founder and CEO Jensen Huang remarked that production of the company’s latest AI superchip, Blackwell, is “gaining momentum and demand is remarkable.”
“The race in AI has commenced, and Blackwell will serve as the essential platform,” Huang stated in a press release.
Despite the initial tepid market reaction to the company’s financials, some analysts remain optimistic about the ongoing AI revolution, especially as major tech firms like Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet heavily invest in AI infrastructure. “This is a critical analysis of Nvidia and the AI revolution,” noted Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.
“This represents a significant indicator for the broader tech world, suggesting that despite prevailing challenges from China, the AI revolution is positioning for the next phase of growth. One chip is pivotal to triggering this AI revolution, and that is Nvidia.”
dungeons & Dragons serves as a vibrant arena for extraordinary tales where valiant knights, spellcasters, and elves confront formidable foes for unimaginable rewards. Alternatively, you might end up spending an evening frustrating your dungeon master by eliminating key characters, obsessing over trivial items, and enhancing your own lackluster journeys. This is often where the most compelling narratives emerge, inspiring delightful chaos.
Blending elements of a Tabletop Game and RPG, you assume the role of a cleric tasked with investigating the destruction of a tea house in the city, all while preparing for an election scheduled in five days. You’ll engage in conversations (and occasional battles) with locals, uncover truths, and influence the election’s outcome. Or perhaps you’ll simply need to fend off a few seagulls. The path you choose is yours to determine, but akin to D&D, your success hinges on the roll of the dice, and failure comes with consequences.
“I wanted to do something completely different”…an esoteric decline. Photo: Christoffer Bodegård
“The available options in the game met my expectations,” shares writer and developer Christopher Bodegaard. This is especially noteworthy as every interaction feels delightfully open-ended, even within the game’s confined spaces. All dialogue choices and interactions with random objects have been carefully crafted by Bodegaard to impart a sense of freedom in a limited environment. The essence of D&D, where players undertake unexpected actions, beautifully intertwines within the game.
As a cleric, while you may have detective duties, you also possess the ability to cast spells to read minds, gain advantages, and even communicate with the dead to unveil alternate investigation paths. Your character is entirely customizable, allowing you to personalize accessories and traits using classic D&D attributes like charisma and strength. You can enhance your power, but remember: success in battle relies on more than just might; if your intellect is lacking, you may struggle to procure truthful answers.
“I reached a point where I played so many D&D sessions. Why not create my own setting?” Bodegaard reflects. “I aimed to offer something entirely unique. It’s about taking D&D and shaping it into a nuanced world of decline, viewed through a peculiar, almost realistic lens—as if those spells truly existed.
On the surface, Norvik may appear as a compact medieval city, yet it genuinely comes to life through meticulous attention to how various factions and citizens interact. The only fantastical element involves monsters working in shops. Bodegaard emphasizes his dedication to enriching the setting and diversifying interaction choices, stating, “As long as I enjoy what I’m writing, I can continue; otherwise, boredom halts the process.”
Researchers have made significant progress in unraveling one of biology’s most profound puzzles: how the fundamental molecules of life came together over 4 billion years ago.
Proteins, composed of chains of amino acids, are pivotal to life, supporting tissue structure and performing countless functions within an organism. However, they lack the ability to self-replicate.
This task falls to RNAs, which serve as messengers and translators of genetic information in all living cells today.
The enigma lies in how these two distinct types of molecules first interacted, ultimately leading to the genetic code and the chain of events that produced us.
“RNA molecules transmit information between themselves in a highly predictable and efficient manner, but they struggle to communicate with the amino acids required for protein synthesis,” explains Senior Author of the study, Professor Matthew Powner told BBC Science Focus.
“For decades, the mechanisms and reasons behind the initial linkage of these two molecules have remained open questions.”
Previous laboratory attempts to replicate this chemistry faced challenges, as amino acids typically reacted with one another rather than with RNA, and unstable states in water hindered the reactions.
Adopting an innovative approach, the Powner team combined amino acids into a sulfur-containing compound called thioesters, a high-energy bond still utilized by cells today. This allowed for natural and selective reactions between the molecules and RNA.
Intriguingly, the inherent structure of RNA appears to direct amino acids to the proper position at the RNA strand’s edge.
Warm, nutrient-rich pools like those found in Yellowstone National Park today may have provided an ideal setting for these reactions to take place. – Credit: Getty
This suggests a viable chemical pathway through which fundamental processes in life began, without the necessity of more complex catalysts like enzymes.
“All these molecules were quite simple and likely present on the early Earth,” Powner noted.
The early ocean’s conditions would have been too limiting for these reactions to proceed, but nutrient-laden pools, ponds, and lakes offered an ideal environment.
This research also connects two longstanding theories: the “RNA world,” which emphasizes RNA’s crucial role, and the “thioester world,” which suggests high-energy thioesters were vital for early metabolism.
For Powner, the upcoming challenge is clear: he aims to “understand the origins of the universal genetic code of life.” This understanding could lead to insights on exactly how and where it originated on our planet.
“Scientists are constructing a validated framework that could lead to the creation of ‘cells’,’” Powner adds.
These cells not only have the potential to evolve but also to illuminate the origins of universal life structures and their organization.
“These reactions provide the crucial information needed to reasonably explore how and where life began on Earth.”
read more:
About our experts
Matthew Powner is a professor of organic chemistry at the University of London. His work focuses on the chemistry related to life’s origins, and alongside his research group, he contributes to fields such as nucleic acid and amino oxidation, protometabolic networks, ribozymes, lipids, crystal engineering, green chemistry, catalysis, and photochemistry.
Archaeologists have performed the inaugural systematic, interdisciplinary examination of the structure, methods, and contents of 51 “Phoenician Oil Bottles” discovered on Motia Island, located off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. Their findings imply that these bottles were likely produced and filled in aromatic Phoenicia during the 8th to 6th centuries BCE and distributed throughout the Western Mediterranean.
A selection of ‘Phoenician Oil Bottles’ (750/740-550/530 BC) from Motia, Italy. Image credit: A. Orsingher.
The Phoenicians utilized aromatic substances in diverse manners. Often burned alongside ceramic, metal, or stone supports, these substances enhanced both indoor and outdoor environments, indicating the performance of various ritual practices.
Commonly depicted in Phoenician iconography are stereotypical images of smoke rising from fragrant burners before sacred figures and symbols.
Moreover, the ornamental or floral designs of the incense indicate a clear connection between scent and the function of the vessel.
Among the Phoenician ceramics linked to fragrant substances, a category of small, simple vessels known as “Phoenician oil bottles” is particularly noteworthy.
While not part of standard production, these jugs, dating from the 8th to 6th centuries BCE, typically feature narrow openings with thick, outwardly-rolled rims, a short, bulging neck that tapers, a single vertical handle, and spherical to oval bodies with either rounded or pointed bases.
Excluding notably large examples from the Teatrocomico of Cadiz, Phoenician oil bottles usually have a height of 11.5-14 cm with a maximum diameter of 8.5-10 cm until the mid-8th century BCE.
After this period, the height decreased to around 9.5 cm, the body shrank to approximately 6.5 cm, and handle sizes diminished, making them difficult to grasp.
These simple, slow-fired jugs have been unearthed from various settings across the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, including graves, households, sanctified areas, pottery workshops, and shipwrecks, indicating their widespread use.
The small island in western Sicily, Italy, currently produces the highest quantity of these vessels.
“Their extensive distribution throughout the Mediterranean implies that these containers served multiple purposes,” states Dr. Adriano Orsinger, a researcher at CompCances University in Madrid and the Institute of Biblical Archaeology.
In a recent study, Dr. Orsingher and his team analyzed ceramic compositions to trace the origins of the “Phoenician oil bottles.”
Subsequent evaluations of organic residues within the vessels provided insights into their original contents and purposes.
The findings indicate that these bottles were produced in southern Phoenicia, specifically between present-day Beirut and the Carmel region.
Organic residues were found in eight of the 51 vessels, showing traces of plant-based lipids and pine and mastic resins, strong indicators of light oil formulations.
“Our research confirms that these ceramic vessels were employed to transport aromatic oils,” asserts Dr. Sylvia Amikorn, a researcher at the University of Tübingen.
“These oils were not mere commodities. They acted as cultural connectors and embodiments of identity during the Phoenician migration in the Mediterranean,” Dr. Orsingher remarked.
“By carrying familiar scents, they served as tools for memory, enhancing shared practices and olfactory experiences among dispersed communities.”
The Iron Age Mediterranean was characterized by intense mobility, trade, and cultural interconnections.
Phoenicians, celebrated as seafarers, traders, artisans, and settlers, played a pivotal role in this connectivity, establishing communities far from their Levantine homelands.
Central to Phoenician cultural practices was the production and utilization of aromatic substances, for both local consumption and export.
This study urges a reevaluation of historical transitions, trade, and cultural attributions experienced in the ancient world.
“Ancient mobility should be reconsidered not only as the movement of people and goods but as a cycle of sensory, olfactory, and memory traditions,” Dr. Orsingher emphasized.
“The significance of fragrance is intertwined with identity, making its role in migration, reconciliation, and cultural exchange often underestimated, yet crucial.”
“Our findings highlight the potential of interdisciplinary science to uncover the intangible aspects of antiquity,” Dr. Amikorn remarked.
“Investigating the contents and uses of these vessels offers a unique perspective on how scents connected life, landscapes, and identity in the ancient Mediterranean,” Dr. Ouger added.
“Innovative research methodologies continue to yield unexpected insights into the past,” proclaimed Carla Paulman, a professor at the University of Tübingen.
“This study demonstrates that even elusive evidence like ancient scents can be accessed through interdisciplinary approaches, opening new avenues into the ancient sensory and cultural realm.”
Survey results were published in Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory.
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A. Orsingher et al. 2025. Home scent: Motia’s Phoenician oil bottle. J Archaeol Method Theory 32, 59; doi:10.1007/s10816-025-09719-3
Astronomers have successfully captured direct images of the 4.9 Jupiter Mass Protoplanet using ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) sphere instruments, revealing clear gaps in the multi-ring protoplanetary disk. The star Whispit 2 (TYC 5709-354-1) is a solar analog, approximately 5 million years old, located 133 parsecs (434 light-years) away in the constellation Aquila.
This image taken with the ESO’s Very Large Telescope captures the first clear observation of a protoplanet within a disk featuring multiple rings. Image credit: ESO/Van Capelleveen et al.
A protoplanetary disk is typically accompanied by a ring and is a disc-shaped structure of gas and dust surrounding a young star.
These disks are the birthplaces of planets, with rings often suggesting the presence of hungry planets within the disk.
Initially, particles within the spinning disk begin to accumulate, drawing in more material from the surrounding disk until gravitational forces take hold, leading to the formation of an embryonic planet.
“Discovering Wispit 2B was an extraordinary experience. We were incredibly fortunate,” stated Dr. Richelle Van Capelleveen, an astronomer at the Leiden Observatory.
“Wispit 2, a younger version of our Sun, belongs to a small group of young stars, and we didn’t anticipate uncovering such an impressive system.”
“This system will serve as a benchmark for many years to come.”
“We’ve encountered many instances in our research,” remarked Christian Ginsky, a researcher at Galway University.
“However, in this case, we detected a remarkably unexpected and beautiful multi-ring dust disk.”
“Upon first encountering this multi-ring disk, I realized I had to attempt to detect the planets within it, immediately requesting follow-up observations.”
Astronomer captured a stunning transparent image of Whispit 2B situated in the gap of the disk, confirming that the planet orbits its host star.
“Wispit 2B marks the first clear detection of a planet on a multi-ring disk, providing an ideal setting for studying the interactions of planetary disks and their evolution,” they noted.
The Wispit 2B was observed in near-infrared light, retaining its brightness and heat from the initial formation phase.
The same is true for planets detected in visible light using the 6.5m Magellan Telescope MAGAO-X AO system and the large binocular interferometer (LBTI) Lmircam instrument.
This detection at specific wavelengths indicates that the planet is actively gathering gas as it develops its atmosphere.
“Located within the birth disk, Wispit 2B exemplifies a planet that can be utilized to explore current models of planet formation,” stated PhD student Chloe Lawler from Galway University.
The researchers estimated the radius of the disk surrounding Wispit 2B to be 380 AU (astronomical units) or about 380 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun.
“The discovery of Wispit 2B is remarkable,” commented Jake Byrne, a student pursuing an M.Sc. at Galway University.
Richelle F. Van Capelvein et al. 2025. Wide separation planet (Wispit): A gap clear planet Wispit 2 of a multi-ring disc around a young solar-shaped star. apjl 990, L8; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ADF721
Laird M. Crows et al. 2025. Wide Separate Planet (Wispit): Discovery of GAPHα Protoplanet Wispit 2B Magao-X. apjl 990, L9; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/adf7a5
The pelvis is often described as the keystone for upright locomotion. Over millions of years, it has undergone significant transformations, enabling us to walk on two legs more effectively than any other part of our lower body. However, the specifics of this remarkable adaptation have been largely unknown. Recent research has uncovered two crucial genetic changes that reshaped the pelvis, permitting it to evolve into the upright structure that our ancestors utilized while traversing the Earth.
Ardipithecus ramidus Humanity resided in Africa over 4 million years ago. Illustrations by Arturo Asensio, via Quo.es
Anatomists have long recognized that the human pelvis is distinct among primates.
In our closest relatives, African apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas) possess hipbones that are tall, narrow, and flat from front to back. When viewed from the side, they resemble thin blades.
The pelvic structure of an ape supports large muscles essential for climbing.
In contrast, human hip bones rotate sideways, forming a bowl shape. This flaring of the hip bones allows for muscle attachment critical for maintaining balance while shifting weight from one foot to the other during upright locomotion.
Nonetheless, the mechanisms behind this transformation have been elusive until now.
In a recent study, Professor Terrence Capelini from Harvard University and his team pinpointed vital genetic and developmental shifts that facilitated the evolution from the pelvis of tetraleaf monkeys to bipedalism.
“Our findings illustrate a complete mechanistic shift in human evolution,” stated Professor Capelini.
“There is no parallel to this among other primates.”
The researchers analyzed 128 samples of embryonic tissue from humans housed in museums in the US and Europe, along with nearly 20 other primate species.
These collections included specimens over 100 years old, preserved on glass slides or in bottles.
Using CT scans and histological analysis, they investigated pelvic anatomy during the early stages of development.
Their research revealed that the evolution of the human pelvis unfolded in two major phases.
Initially, the growth plate shifted 90 degrees, widening the human ilium instead of extending its height.
Following this adjustment, the timeline for embryonic bone formation was altered.
Typically, bones in the lower body develop when chondrocytes align along the long axis of the growing bone.
This cartilage becomes rigid through a process known as ossification.
At the early stages of development, similar to other primates, human growth plates formed from the head and continued to develop.
However, by day 53, the growth plate had notably shifted vertically from its initial orientation, resulting in a shorter and broader hip joint.
“When I examined my pelvis, it wasn’t initially on my radar,” Professor Capelini remarked.
“I anticipated a gradual modification to shorten and widen it, but histology indicated a complete 90-degree reversal.”
Group of Australopithecus afarensis. Image credit: Matheus Vieira.
A further significant alteration was the timeline of bone formation.
In most cases, bones develop along the primary ossification center located in the center of the bone shaft.
However, in humans, the ilium diverges from this norm, with ossification beginning at the posterior region in the sacrum and expanding radially.
This mineralization remains restricted to the peripheral layer, while internal ossification is postponed by 16 weeks, allowing bones to grow and maintain their shape during their geometric transitions.
To uncover the molecular mechanisms driving these changes, the team employed techniques like single-cell multiomics and spatial transcriptomics.
The researchers identified over 300 active genes, including three with notable roles: Sox9 and PTH1R (which control growth plate shifts) and runx2 (which governs ossification changes).
The significance of these genes is underscored by diseases arising from their dysfunction.
For example, mutations in Sox9 can lead to Campomelic dysplasia, a disorder characterized by an abnormally narrow hip joint lacking lateral flaring. Similarly, mutations in PTH1R result in narrow hip joints and various skeletal disorders.
The scientists propose that these adaptations began with the reorientation of the growth plate around the time our ancestors separated from African apes, estimated to have occurred between 5 and 8 million years ago.
They believe the pelvis has served as a focal point for evolutionary transformations over millions of years.
As brain size increased, the pelvis encountered selective pressures known as the obstetric dilemma—the trade-off between a narrow pelvis for efficient movement and a broader one for accommodating the birth of larger babies.
Researchers suspect that the delay in ossification likely occurred within the last two million years.
The oldest pelvic fossil, dated at 4.4 million years, belongs to Ardipithecus from Ethiopia—a species exhibiting a blend of upright walking and tree-climbing features, with pelvic characteristics akin to those of humans.
The renowned 3.2 million-year-old skeleton of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) showcases further adaptations for bipedalism, including the distinctively flaring hip blades.
“From that point onwards, all hominin fossils displayed pelvises that diverged significantly from those of earlier primates,” stated Professor Capelini.
“The implications of brain size and its subsequent changes should not be interpreted through growth models applicable to chimpanzees and unassociated primates.”
“Models should focus on the developments between humans and their own lineage.”
“Post-fetal growth occurred against the backdrop of novel methods for constructing the pelvis.”
This study is set to be published in the journal Nature.
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G. Senevilas et al. The evolution of hominin bipedal walking in two steps. Nature Published online on August 27th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09399-9
Armored Ankylosaurus Dinosaur While primarily recognized in late Cretaceous ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere, the early evolution of ankylosaurs during the medium Jurassic era remains largely enigmatic due to sparse fossil evidence. Spicomellus Afer has been proposed as the oldest known ankylosaurus and the first discovered in Africa, though this was based on only partial ribs from the Jurassic deposits of central Morocco. Currently, paleontologists are working on a new, better-preserved specimen that affirms the relationship of this ankylosaurus with its relatives and reveals that, unlike contemporary or extinct vertebrates, it features uniquely sophisticated dermal armor.
Reconstructing the life of Spicomellus Afer. Image credit: Matthew Dempsey.
Spicomellus Afer inhabited Morocco during the mid-Jurassic period, approximately 168 million years ago.
The species was first described in 2021 based on a single fossilized rib.
“In studying spicomellus,” said Professor Richard Butler from the University of Birmingham:
“We were astonished by its uniqueness and how it differed from other dinosaurs and surviving or extinct life forms.”
“This finding challenges our previous understanding of ankylosaurs, indicating how much more we have yet to discover about dinosaur evolution.”
Professor Butler and his team identified that Spicomellus Afer had fused bone spikes that extended over all the ribs—a feature not seen in either living or extinct vertebrates.
These ancient spikes measured up to 87 cm, and it is believed they could grow longer throughout the animal’s life, emerging from a bony collar around its neck.
“The presence of such advanced armor in early ankylosaurs alters our perceptions of their evolutionary trajectory,” remarked Professor Susanna Maidment, a paleontologist at the Museum of Natural History in London and the University of Birmingham.
“This underscores the significance of African dinosaurs and highlights the necessity to further explore them.”
“spiccomellus showcased various plates and spikes extending from its entire body, including meter-long neck spikes, large protruding spikes at the waist, elongated blade-like spikes, paired long spikes for armor, and plates situated beneath the shoulders.”
“We have never encountered anything quite like this in the fossil record.”
“This is particularly intriguing considering that it is the earliest known ankylosaurus. Although later species might have inherited similar characteristics, we should not assume this was the case.”
Researchers speculate that these spikes may have served as displays to attract mates and deter rivals.
Interestingly, no comparable display armor has been identified in other ankylosaurs; the armor in later species likely evolved to be more functional for defense.
One reason for this may be the evolution of larger predatory dinosaurs during the Cretaceous, alongside the emergence of carnivorous mammals, crocodiles, and snakes, leading to a greater need for defensive adaptations among ankylosaurs.
However, one trait that early ankylosaurs might retain is their tail weaponry.
Though the tail of spiccomellus was not recovered, existing bone fragments suggest the presence of club-like structures. Part of the tail vertebrae is fused, forming what is known as a “handle,” a feature only seen in ankylosaurs with tail clubs.
Nevertheless, these latter animals thrived millions of years later in the Cretaceous.
The combination of tail weapons and armored shields indicates that key adaptations seen in ankylosaurs were already present in spicomellus.
This discovery highlights the importance of fossil records in unraveling evolutionary mysteries and enhancing our understanding of dinosaur distribution.
It also ignites the imagination surrounding the dinosaurs like spicomellus.
“This research has significantly advanced Moroccan paleontology,” remarked Professor Doris Oahatch, a paleontologist at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdela University.
“I have never encountered a dinosaur quite like this. There is still so much to uncover in this field.”
A study detailing this discovery was published in the journal Nature today.
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Scr Maidment et al. The world’s oldest Ankylosaurus armor. Nature Published online on August 27th, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09453-6
Unexpectedly bright aurora illuminated the British skies in 2024
John Hayward/SWNS
If you have an interest in the Aurora Borealis, you’re in for a treat. Last year was a spectacular one, as auroras dazzled observers worldwide, even being visible far south with remarkable brightness. With a peak in solar activity, more stunning displays are anticipated, potentially leading to extreme geomagnetic storms. To grasp the phenomena behind these celestial light shows, one must look to the fiery depths of the sun.
Comprehending the sun’s workings is crucial to explaining various phenomena occurring in the Earth’s atmosphere and the solar system, not limited to auroras. Space Weather Physicist Tamitha Skov has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of the sun’s mysterious operations through auroras and space weather forecasts on television and social media.
Skov discussed with New Scientist the reasons for the extreme auroras we’re witnessing and the increased frequency of space weather events. She noted that high-energy particles emitted by the sun present real risks to astronauts and spacecraft venturing beyond the protections of Earth’s magnetosphere. Scientists are continually searching for better prediction methods for these potential hazards. “Good sailors know to heed the weather; the same applies to space,” she remarked.
Alex Wilkins: What inspired you to study the sun and space weather?
Tamitha Skov: The sun is an incredibly captivating entity, maintaining its integrity for billions of years. However, my primary fascination comes from our connection to our planet. As a longtime admirer of Carl Sagan, I recall his words: “We are all made of star stuff,” which frames my curiosity about our origins and the elements that compose us.
Initially, I rekindled my interest in solar phenomena from a physical perspective, which shifted my focus to space weather. At that time, we were only beginning to understand that solar activity impacts Earth, making this area of research incredibly engaging. I’ve become absorbed in exploring the unseen electric and magnetic fields that influence the dynamics of the sun and the universe.
Recently, we’ve observed a rise in auroras, largely due to heightened solar activity. What’s happening with the sun?
We are experiencing a solar cycle. The sun goes through several cycles, with the dominant one being the Schwabe cycle, which lasts about eleven years. During the low phase, the sun is relatively quiet, resembling a hibernating bear before awakening to produce an array of solar activity.
This phenomenon is characterized by the sun’s magnetic field reversing. Imagine a lava lamp—when it’s off, the liquid remains still, showcasing a calm and orderly state. However, once activated, bubbles rise, creating a chaotic fusion of materials. This defines our sun’s state during its peak activity, when magnetic fields become disconnected, resulting in massive energy releases. Such instability breeds numerous solar eruptions as the sun reorganizes its magnetic field.
Tamitha Skov notes the recent surge in solar activity marks a return to normalcy
ng images/aramie
Are we witnessing a different phenomenon compared to prior solar cycles, given the auroras are now appearing much farther south?
To a degree, yes. It seems like various factors have come together to create an intriguing moment in time. After two solar cycles characterized by quiet activity and advancements in technology since the 1990s, we now have social media to share auroral experiences globally. Previously, during significant storms, there were no sensitive cameras available to capture these events.
In the current solar cycle, we are hitting G4 and G5 levels of storms—among the most extreme—and the availability of modern cameras enhances our ability to witness auroras, even from less vibrant displays. This may create an illusion that auroras have never appeared in the past, but science tells us they have been frequent, just not documented.
Furthermore, the Earth’s magnetic field is changing, altering the position of the auroras as particles penetrate deeper due to its weakening, which naturally slows the stirring in the Earth’s core.
Does the increased auroral activity indicate the sun is at its peak in this solar cycle?
As we reach the climax of this solar cycle, the observations lead many to believe the sun is behaving unusually. However, this notion simplifies what we’ve come to know; the previous cycles (24 and 23) were indeed the anomalies. Currently, our sun is displaying a behavior consistent with its historical patterns.
We’re now experiencing what constitutes an average cycle, not particularly intense. Previous cycles have exhibited even more activity than this one, making the notion of a prolonged inactive phase the true anomaly.
How concerned should we be about solar eruptions surpassing the intensity of the Carrington event of 1859, which resulted in widespread disruptions?
We’ve enhanced our knowledge about these events and their impacts on our infrastructure, accompanied by improved warning systems. The power grid remains a significant concern. During such storms, the Earth’s magnetic field generates strong fluctuations, creating currents similar to traffic jams in highways. When these currents encounter grounded power lines, it can overload systems that were not designed for such energy spikes.
To mitigate risks during storms, we can temporarily disconnect transformers from the ground. While this tactic carries potential dangers, it can be safer than leaving the grid fully connected. Some of these methods were validated during a G5 storm in May 2024, yielding promising results despite minor issues.
Our attention is also shifting towards GPS and navigation systems, particularly after storms during planting season last October created headaches for precision agriculture, notably impacting peanut farmers reliant on accurate geographical data. Rapidly deploying new technologies becomes crucial to address impending challenges.
Solar activity at its peak leads to the release of charged particles
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/SDO
These challenges apply to Earth, but how do they differ for spacecraft and astronauts bound for the moon or Mars?
Our atmosphere provides crucial protection that is absent on other celestial bodies. When viewing photos of the sun from the ground, one sees merely a bright orb because our atmosphere absorbs harmful radiant energy. This energy can cause radiation sickness if it reaches the surface. However, on a lunar body devoid of atmosphere, astronauts must shield themselves from radiation storms—high-energy particles unleashed from the sun. Researchers are exploring protective measures, such as constructing deep lunar bases and creating artificial magnetic fields.
Astronauts are already exposed to radiation during low Earth orbit missions, but exposure increases significantly on the moon.
Space weather has been remarkably fortunate historically. During the Apollo era in 1972, there was a severe particle radiation storm that could have been fatal for astronauts on the moon. Prolonged exposure to such radiation might have been lethal while confined in spacesuits. If that incident had unfolded differently, it would have dramatically altered the course of space exploration. Even today, these threats often go unnoticed.
While Mars possesses a weak atmosphere, radiation storms can still reach its surface. Thus, astronauts can’t just hide behind surface features; instead, they must live underground, introducing various complications to missions.
Vibrant Vincent van Gogh-inspired artwork generated by a traditional diffusion model (left in each set of three) and an optical image generator (right).
Shiqi Chen et al. 2025
AI image generators that utilize light for image creation instead of conventional computing hardware can consume significantly more energy—potentially hundreds of times greater.
When an AI model generates an image from text, it typically employs a method known as diffusion. The AI first presents a collection of vast datasets, demonstrates how to use statistical noise to disrupt them, and then encodes these patterns using a specific set of rules. For a new noisy image, these rules can be applied to reverse the process, with several steps resulting in a coherent image that aligns with a specific text prompt.
For producing realistic, high-resolution images, diffusion requires numerous sequential steps that depend on considerable computational power. In April, OpenAI reported that its new image generator created more than 700 million images within its first week. Achieving this scale requires an enormous amount of energy and water to both power and cool the machinery supporting the model.
Now, Aydogan Ozcan at the University of California, Los Angeles, along with his colleagues, has designed a diffusion-based image generator that operates using light beams. The encoding phase is digital and requires minimal energy, while the decoding phase is wholly optical and demands no computational resources.
“Unlike traditional digital diffusion models that need hundreds or thousands of iterative steps, this method accomplishes image generation with snapshots and requires no additional calculations beyond the initial encoding,” states Ozkan.
The system initially utilizes a digital encoder trained on a publicly available image dataset. This mechanism can produce patterns that can be transformed into images. This encoder then engages a liquid crystal display known as a spatial light modulator (SLM) to physically imprint the static laser beam. When the laser beam travels through a second decoding SLM, the desired image is instantly produced on the screen recorded by the camera.
Ozkan and his team employed this system to generate black-and-white images of simple objects, such as the digits 1-9, to test the diffusion model, as well as vivid images in the style of Vincent van Gogh. The outcomes appeared to be comparably similar to those generated by conventional image synthesis methods.
“This might represent the first instance of optical neural networks serving as a computational tool that can produce not only lab-based demos but also practical results,” remarks Alexander Lvovsky from Oxford University.
For the Van Gogh-inspired images, the system consumed merely a few millijoules of energy per image, primarily for the liquid crystal screens, contrasting sharply with the hundreds or thousands of joules necessary for conventional diffusion models. “This indicates that the latter consumes energy equivalent to that of an electric kettle, while the optical system only uses millionths of a joule,” notes Lvovsky.
The system will need modifications to function in a data center environment compared to widely adopted image generation tools, but Ozcan believes it could also be suitable for portable electronics like AI glasses, thanks to its low energy demands.
Research indicates a significant dissatisfaction during middle age, yet a previous phenomenon of “unhappy humps” in youth and later life seems to have faded.
This suggests that the issue is not an inherent unhappiness linked to middle age, but rather a decline in youthful happiness, a pattern supported by Alex Bryson from University College London.
“We are witnessing a surge in stress levels among individuals under 40, where the younger the demographic, the more pronounced the increase,” he remarks. “This indicates an upward trend in suffering among the younger population.”
Earlier studies spanning 145 countries reveal that individuals aged 30 and above, particularly around the age of 50, experience peak unhappiness. This trend appears to resonate with findings on Orangutans and chimpanzees.
However, Bryson and his team noticed the disappearance of the unhappy hump based on an analysis of the US National Mental Health Survey, which observed over 10 million adults from 1993 to 2024, including 40,000 households from 2009 to 2023.
To verify if this trend is global, researchers utilized data from Global Minds, a mental health study with about 2 million participants across 44 countries, including the US and UK. Findings showed that in all countries analyzed, unhappiness decreases with age, with “unhappy humps” being replaced by a gradual decline.
So, do people in middle age report higher happiness levels today? “Not necessarily,” Bryson states. “Middle-aged individuals appear to remain in a stagnant state; any shifts in happiness are primarily observed in the younger demographic.”
These emerging trends are particularly pronounced in affluent English-speaking nations such as the UK and the US, while being less noticeable in regions of Africa with limited internet access. In Tanzania, for instance, only 32% of young internet users in 2022 reported significant happiness compared to their offline counterparts. Bryson noted that further investigation could shed light on these observations.
The decline in young people’s well-being may stem from several factors, notably the adverse impact of social media, along with the isolation and challenges in accessing mental health care exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Bryson.
Reconstructing the life of Spicomellus Afer – Fossils of ankylosaurus discovered in Morocco
Matthew Dempsey
The dinosaur fossils unearthed in Morocco may represent some of the most bizarre and intricately armored vertebrates to have roamed the Earth.
The initial discover of Spicomellus Afer in Morocco was reported in 2021. This suggests that it comprises only rib bone fragments, adorned with fused spikes, from a group of dinosaurs categorized as Ankylosaurs. These herbivorous dinosaurs with stout bodies are known for their protective plates and spiked coverings.
In October 2022, farmers in the Badlands of the Middle Atlas Mountains began to uncover a much more complete Spicomellus skeleton. This fossil has been dated back to approximately 165 million years ago during the Jurassic period, suggesting that the creature may have reached lengths of about 4 meters and weighed as much as 2 tons.
Like modern crocodiles, armored dinosaurs such as Stegosaurs and Ankylosaurs possessed osteoderms—bony plates embedded within their skin. However, in the case of Spicomellus, its fossil reveals two distinct types of bone structures: the bony skin and spikes are fused together.
“This is unprecedented among armored dinosaurs, and indeed among any species with bony skin, making it totally astonishing,” remarked Susanna Maidment, a member of the team analyzing these fossils at the Natural History Museum in London.
Overall, the Spicomellus specimen boasts numerous armored spikes that cover nearly its entire body. Spikes attached to the neck region can measure around 1 meter in length. Additionally, fused vertebrae in the tail suggest it could serve as a potent weapon.
The creature’s peculiar attributes led Maidment to conclude that extreme descriptors were warranted in their explanations. “In scientific literature, phrases like ‘crazy’ are not acceptable. I opted for more elaborate language,” she noted. “One of my colleagues suggested that referring to its anomaly as ‘baroque’ could also be fitting for our research.”
This extreme form of armor would likely hinder the species’ movement through various environments, leading it to inhabit areas dense with vegetation, according to Maidment. “It would have been quite cumbersome,” she added.
Given the complexity of its armor, researchers speculate it served purposes beyond mere defense, potentially playing a role in mate attraction. “Elements that seem entirely extraordinary in the fossil record are often connected to reproduction, and I believe this complex armor was likely some form of display,” she concluded.
Dinosaur hunting in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Join an exhilarating and unique expedition that explores the fossil remains of dinosaurs amidst the vast wilderness of the Gobi Desert, one of the world’s most renowned paleontological sites.
These succulent plants emit a shimmering glow after being infused with phosphor particles that absorb and gradually release light.
Liu et al., Matter
There are some product ideas that elicit just a sigh, while others I genuinely dislike. The fluorescent plants created by injecting leaves with glowing substances definitely fall into the latter category for me.
These plants are developed by researchers at the Agricultural University of South China. Recent research indicates that these plants exhibit “extraordinary brightness” and represent a move towards a “sustainable and environmentally friendly plant-based lighting solution.”
The quest to create glowing plants has spanned decades. A notable challenge is intensifying their glow for visibility. A Kickstarter project in 2013 amassed nearly $500,000 but ultimately failed to deliver on its promises.
Last year, US biotech firm Light Bio introduced the Firefly Petunia, the first genetically modified plant available for retail. They claim the plants shine “like moonlight”, but judging by social media images, it seems we’re far from a full moon effect.
The difficulty in producing glowing plants stems from plants deriving energy from light, but photosynthesis is notoriously inefficient. Estimates suggest most plants capture under 2% of the light that strikes them, and much of that energy is used for growth, leaving little to emit light.
This limitation means that energy captured from photosynthesis can never produce a plant bright enough to replace street lights. This inefficiency likely explains why most animals harness energy from plants rather than growing under the burden of photosynthesis (and also why placing solar panels on farmland promotes crop transformation into biofuels).
Consequently, several research groups have attempted to integrate sustained phosphors directly into mature plants. These compounds mimic the glow of stars in the night sky and can emit light after being charged.
Certain sustained phosphors can be significantly more efficient than photosynthesis, letting more light escape from an equal input. However, even distribution within the leaves poses challenges. Recently, Chinese researchers discovered that this kind of distribution could be more easily achieved in succulents like Echeveria “Mebina,” enabling vibrant fluorescent plants of various hues through manual injection of phosphors into each leaf.
This approach feels like a superficial gimmick. I won’t deny my interest in genuinely glowing plants. While you can find the Firefly Petunia available outside the US, I view giving plants a shine through direct injection of glowing substances as a shortcut. At the very least, this glow fades as the plants mature. There’s also a concern about possible contamination when these plants are disposed of.
While this practice may not be as unethical as dyeing aquarium fish, it’s certainly less appealing than dyeing roses. (And no, I’m not having an Alice in Wonderland moment—painted roses do exist.) Furthermore, the team’s paper does not address the environmental or safety implications of plants containing elevated levels of phosphor. I reached out to the researchers for clarification but had yet to receive a response at the time of writing.
If scientists could genetically engineer plants to produce their own biodegradable phosphors that last, this could turn into an entirely different scenario. This capability could even enhance photosynthesis efficiency. Allowing plants to temporarily “store” light would help mitigate fluctuations in light levels, converting unusable wavelengths into usable ones, thereby maintaining photosynthesis into the night. One day, entire fields might illuminate the darkness.
For now, I don’t wish to see a synthetic glowing plant derived from phosphor injections hit store shelves. I hope that never happens, yet I worry there’s a chance it might.
Currently, we stand alone in our existence. Yet, just hundreds of thousands of years ago, our ancestors coexisted with at least five other ancient human species, including diminutive hobbits and robust Neanderthals.
It may soon be necessary to include another name in that legacy. Recent discussions suggest that “remarkable Denisovan skulls are rewriting the narrative of human evolution,” prompting calls for the recognition of the Denisovans as a distinct species.
Since the initial Denisovan fossils were discovered 15 years ago, this isn’t a hasty conclusion. The ancient DNA retrieved from these fossils indicates they belong to humans with unique evolutionary paths. Furthermore, genetic studies suggest these ancient peoples interbred with Homo sapiens, leading many researchers to reconsider their classification as another species.
Interestingly, various species definitions permit mating as long as the involved species maintain distinct characteristics. The central issue, however, has been the unclear appearance of Denisovans. Yet, earlier this year, the discovery of ancient skulls in China—linked to Denisovan DNA—has strengthened the argument for classifying Denisovans as a distinct species based on their unique morphology.
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The Denisovans might help us decode why we are the last humans standing. “
The inclination among biologists to categorize nature into distinct species can sometimes be trivialized as mere stamp collecting. The intention is to classify life forms rather than genuinely understand them. However, in this context, the effort is meaningful. Anatomical insights from Denisovan fossils hint at a captivating possibility: these mysterious humans are closely related to our species, offering potential clarity into early behavioral advancements of Homo sapiens by juxtaposing them with Denisovans.
At a certain point, our ancestors developed new behaviors that positioned us ahead of other human races. It’s conceivable that Denisovans could shed light on how we became the last standing humans.
SpaceX Starship Rocket launches in its 10th flight test from Starbase, Texas, Launch Complex 1
UPI/Alamy
The SpaceX Starship, recognized as the most powerful rocket globally, has successfully completed a suborbital test flight following three previous launches that ended in catastrophic explosions.
SpaceX aims to develop a highly reusable and formidable launch vehicle. After several years, the Starship program is set to take over the deployment of Starlink satellites and play a pivotal role in NASA’s Artemis Moon Missions. Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, has stated that Starship is crucial for his ambition to colonize Mars.
The company embraces a fail-fast approach, more typical of Silicon Valley than the traditional methods prevalent in the aerospace industry. Despite aiming for rapid iterations, recent failures have raised concerns among observers.
Previous test flights (7, 8, and 9) ended in disaster with the upper stage either exploding or failing to land safely. The preparations for the 10th flight faced challenges when the upper stage detonated while holding propellant during ground tests.
This failure drew criticisms and led to doubts about SpaceX’s ability to achieve rapid reusability. Nevertheless, the test flight on August 10 from Starbase, Texas, was mainly successful, despite two previous cancellations.
The upper stage reached orbit and successfully deployed eight mock Starlink satellites to evaluate engine performance in a vacuum. Although an unexpected explosion damaged the engine area, the spacecraft completed its objectives, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere and achieving a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The positioned camera-equipped buoy provided engineers critical insights into the craft’s operations.
The booster stage detached and performed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico.
While SpaceX did not provide specific comments, they stated on their website that all “primary objectives were met” during the mission.
Patrick Harkness, from the University of Glasgow, remarked that the launch was “an incredible achievement that allowed them to approach high volumes of space at low-cost altitudes.”
Despite advancements, questions linger regarding whether the spacecraft will be ready in time for NASA’s Artemis III lunar landing, planned for 2027. SpaceX remains committed to sending the spacecraft to Mars in 2026, amid ongoing challenges.
hEre Admission: At 37 years old, I still haven’t learned to drive. In the summer of 2021, I attempted to learn, and during my second lesson, I asked the instructor if he played a lot of video games. When he replied, “Yes,” he remarked, “I thought so.” I don’t have free time. Sadly, countless hours spent dominating friends and family in Mario Kart and wreaking havoc in Grand Theft Auto didn’t translate into actual driving skills. I enjoy racing games precisely because of their unrealism.
Without a license, I cycle everywhere on my gigantic orange bike, which can fit both my kids in the back. It looks absolutely ridiculous. Picture me next to a middle-aged man clad in Lycra, zooming past on his sleek carbon fiber bike. That’s not a ride I would take to rural areas or down mountain trails. Thus, I often find solace in video games.
Surprisingly, there aren’t many bike-themed games, but my long-standing affection for them mirrors my passion for virtual golf. One of my favorites is the Solitary Mountains. Downhill presents a stunningly realistic trajectory down increasingly perilous mountains, paired with minimalist nature sounds and the clattering of my bike on rocks. Another delightful cycling adventure is Knights and Bikes, which has an 80s summer vacation vibe, following kids exploring an island on two wheels.
Pedals to metal (not)… the world of wheels. Photo: Messhof/Steam
Recently, I’ve been enjoying Wheel World, a creation of California developer Messhof (also known for the classic 1-on-1 fencing game Nidhog). In this game, I navigate islands on a handlebar racing bike, keeping an eye out for hidden paths and ramps while competing against local riders. It feels like a low-octane, cartoon-colored version of Forza Horizon on two wheels, encapsulating both the freedom and peace of cycling without the stress of controlling a car. Instead, I simply ride.
I’ve been dealing with a troublesome injury for most of the year (hence my absence from the newsletter). Wheel World soothes my nerves. Players must first be chosen by an ancient bike spirit to race the island’s fastest champion and reclaim mystical bike parts. While it’s not particularly challenging—I’ve won most races—it still manages to capture the essence of cycling through towns that share the road with tractors and semi-rural farmland. You can take your time without worrying about sticking strictly to paved paths.
Although I’ve experienced other racing games like Wheel World, none have felt quite like it. The game’s design reassures me completely. It’s a realm devoted entirely to the celebration of biking, free from complications or distractions. Customizing my ride is a joy (especially with vibrant color options), and while new parts subtly alter the pedaling experience, the energetic soundtrack heightens the atmosphere during races, yet mellows out for peaceful exploration. Five hours in, I found myself overqualified for the final race but opted to continue exploring the delightful terrain designed for two-wheel enthusiasts.
At times, in moments of physical or emotional recovery, a captivating game to lose yourself in is essential. Other times, a brief, uplifting experience is what you need. Wheel World helped me miss my real bike a little less.
What to Play
Top Gear…Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami
Longtime readers know I’ve been critical of Hideo Kojima’s games, but critic Tom Regan is excited for the impending release of Metal Gear Solid 3, rebranded as Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. “Snake Eater is an apocalyptic Metal Gear, a Cold War escapade, heading towards a James Bond-esque apocalypse,” he describes. “Kojima’s admiration for Hollywood is evident, and while his work often turns into sprawling epics, this game remains his most cinematic creation.”
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox Estimated Playtime: Approximately 20 hours
What to Read
Snail’s Pace… Hollow Knight: Silkson has been in development for seven years. Photo: Team Cherry
According to Bloomberg (£), the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silkson took seven years to develop because the team enjoyed the process too much to stop. “We might have continued indefinitely,” William Peren from Team Cherry said.
An incredible quote from Sony PlayStation chief, Harmen Halst, from a Financial Times Interview (£), after last year’s Concord incident: “For us, when we fail, we want to fail early and cheaply.”
Last week, Gamescom broke attendance records with 357,000 visitors in Cologne. According to the organizers, this proves that face-to-face gaming events are finally returning to stability post-pandemic.
A long-lost tale… the story of a vagrant. Photo: Square Enix
Leader Tom presents this week’s question:
“With all these remakes emerging, what games do you wish to see (me included)? “
We all have that one game, right? We know that if someone gave it the green light, modern technology would enhance it positively. Although Vagrant Story isn’t entirely forgotten, Square Enix has been preserving its catalog, especially with a grand remake following in the footsteps of Final Fantasy VII. Naoshima Yoshida from Final Fantasy XIV has claimed it as one of his favorites, so there’s at least a 50% chance for a re-release. I held onto hope that it might surprise fans at one of the major annual showcases.
We’ve revisited highly sought-after remakes over the years, so why not ask again: Are you still waiting for someone to revive it? And if you have another question for the question block, or feedback on the newsletter:Please email pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
The third story focused on the appeal of SpaceX’s Starship Megarocket launch on Tuesday, which was postponed twice in recent days. This successful 10th flight demonstrated that the spacecraft has triumphed over previous challenges associated with Mars Rocket’s reusable design.
The stainless steel giant, standing 403 feet tall (123 meters), was lifted from the company’s star base in southern Texas at 6:30 PM local time (2330 GMT), with the engineering team celebrating loudly on the webcast. The mission aimed to test the ship’s new heat shield tiles and satellite deployment capabilities, featuring numerous upgrades from earlier versions.
As planned, the top half of the rocket separated from the Super Heavy booster. This first stage, measuring 232 feet, usually lands on a giant catch arm at the launch tower but targeted Gulf of Mexico waters this time to test an alternative landing engine.
Shortly after reaching space, satellite deployment systems, including Starship’s “Pez,” distributed mock Starlink satellites for the first time.
The spaceship achieved a successful splashdown in the Indian Ocean, marking a crucial milestone in testing rockets that had been destroyed in previous flights after experiencing intense heat during atmospheric re-entry.
The 10th test flight follows a series of explosive failures, raising doubts about whether the world’s most powerful launch vehicle will aid in colonizing Mars or if NASA can realize founder Elon Musk’s vision of assisting astronauts in returning to the moon.
SpaceX opted not to attempt to recover boosters from Tuesday’s flight, focusing instead on in-flight experiments to “collect real-world performance data on future flight profiles and scenarios.”
Monday’s launch was canceled due to thick clouds lingering overhead for much of the day, leading to a delay just 40 seconds before the countdown ended. Sunday’s attempt was scrubbed due to liquid oxygen leaks on the Starship launch pad, as billionaire Musk mentioned on X overnight.
Following the last three flights, many were concerned after the rocket suffered explosions—twice in the Caribbean and once after reaching space. In June, the upper stage exploded during ground testing.
“We’ve conducted numerous tests but haven’t achieved reliability,” noted Dallas Kasaboski, a space analyst at the consulting firm Anacys Mason, in an interview with AFP. “Success doesn’t outweigh failure.”
The objective is to send upper stage ships carrying crews and cargo around the globe before departing from northwest Australia.
Equipped with prototype heat shield materials, it deployed a dummy Starlink satellite while flying on a trajectory designed to stress-test the rear flap.
Known as Super Heavy, the booster is expected to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX had previously surprised observers by catching boosters using the “chopstick arm” at the launch tower; however, this flight will prioritize data collection under less-than-ideal flight conditions.
This year, two spacecraft tests failed early in the flight, alongside another failure in space during the ninth flight, and a “devastating explosion” during ground testing in June, forcing the spacecraft to fly into nearby Mexican territory, testing SpaceX’s capital-intensive approach to operational development.
This approach contrasts sharply with SpaceX’s competitors, like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. The New Glenn Rocket made its operational debut in January after years spent on ground development and testing. The United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Rocket, co-owned by Boeing and Lockheed Martin, underwent a similar upbringing before its 2024 debut.
Despite recent setbacks, the spacecraft isn’t viewed as being at a crucial juncture. SpaceX’s “Fail Fast, Learn Fast” philosophy positions it ahead of Falcon rocket launches, while Dragon Capsules ferry astronauts to the International Space Station, and Starlink becomes a geopolitical asset.
Nevertheless, Starship introduces new challenges. Musk identifies the development of a fully reusable orbital heat shield as the most daunting task, noted that restoring heat shielding for the Space Shuttle took nine months between flights.
“Our goal with the spaceship is to create a heat shield that can be used immediately,” he stated during a webcast on Monday.
SpaceX’s Starlink Satellite Internet enterprise is also intertwined with Starship’s success, a major source of corporate revenue. Musk aims to use Starship to launch larger batches of Starlink satellites, which have been deployed using SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 rocket.
Musk remains optimistic, asserting, “In about six to seven years, there will be days when Starships will be launched more than 24 times in 24 hours,” he replied to X users on Sunday.
Another hurdle is to demonstrate that the spacecraft can refuel in orbit using supercooled propellants. This step is critical yet untested for a vehicle aiming to undertake deep space missions.
Preparing a modified version of NASA’s Lunar Lander for 2027 will take time, as Musk aims to send a non-white-knuckle spacecraft to Mars next year.
Researchers evaluate chest compressors on aircraft dummies
CNES
Due to the challenges of microgravity, tasks as simple as eating or showering become complex, making CPR on individuals who stop breathing in space a highly specialized process. However, experiments in simulated microgravity indicate that mechanical devices may perform more efficiently.
On Earth, weight and muscle strength aid in compressing a patient’s chest, but this principle shifts entirely in space where weight is nearly negligible.
NASA’s CPR protocol for the International Space Station dictates that patients must be compressed between two rigid surfaces while being positioned upside down and providing pressure with the feet.
Seeking a more effective approach, Nathan Raynett from the University of Lorraine along with his team assessed various CPR techniques aboard a parabolic flight on an Airbus A310. They also investigated three different chest compressors typically used in ground ambulance settings.
All methods were administered to training dummies, with a focus on measuring the depth of chest compressions. The European Council on Resuscitation states that a minimum compression depth of 50 mm is essential for effectiveness. In the experiments, the optimal mechanical devices achieved depths of 53 mm, whereas the upside-down method only managed 34.5 mm.
The findings will be presented at the European Heart Association Conference in Madrid on August 31st. Reynette and his colleagues expressed their hope that the research could influence future CPR guidelines in space.
Astronauts rehearse chest compression techniques during emergency drills on the International Space Station
JSC/NASA
Aaron Parkhurst from University College London notes that current CPR methods are challenging to apply in space, highlighting a need for enhancements. “In zero gravity, conducting CPR would likely present significant challenges and yield poor outcomes,” he explains. “This new technique seems promising in addressing those concerns.”
As space travel becomes increasingly frequent, the chances of cardiovascular emergencies in orbit rise, particularly as astronauts are not always physically optimal, as Parkhurst points out. “The strain of launching into space can be taxing on the heart, while prolonged exposure to microgravity impacts the cardiovascular system adversely.”
A NASA representative stated: “Currently, manual compression remains the standard CPR method used on the International Space Station. NASA mitigates the need for CPR through comprehensive medical screenings of astronauts and strong engineering safeguards. Research on CPR machines in microgravity has not been extensively conducted, particularly concerning human missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”
Keeper proudly asserts its claim to be the most unusual game ever unveiled by Microsoft. The backdrop is peculiar—a vibrant, fantastical realm resembling New England. The characters are certainly eccentric, including a bird-like creature named Twig, whose beak appears to be liquid. Surprisingly, players assume the role of an animated lighthouse, equipped with tiny, small feet that help it navigate its wobbly, weeping form.
Amidst a sea of action heroes, the lighthouse emerges as an unexpected protagonist. Creative Lead Lee Petty is somewhat vague about the game’s development, preferring to focus on the character’s design, aiming to enhance the overall action-adventure experience. Despite its apparent absurdity, Petty maintains a certain intuition about it. “Light is intimately linked to life,” he explains. “You can envision the player’s actions, puzzles, and mechanisms that stem from it.”
“Life keeps evolving in completely unexpected ways”…The Keeper. Photo: Double Fine
The lighthouse’s illuminating beacons serve as the primary means of interacting with the game’s vibrant island environment. In “Unfocused” mode, leaves and tiny creatures evolve, morphing in response to the light’s beam amid a fantastic landscape. Conversely, in “Focused” mode, the light’s power is intensified, allowing large objects to transform while some materials are attracted or repelled. This forms the foundation for the game’s more intricate puzzles.
The world of Keeper is filled with psychedelic purples and lush greenery. Bioluminescent rock formations, gigantic flower heads with tree-sized tendrils, magnificent whale-like creatures gliding in the sky, and unexpected vegetation flourishing on their backs. This ecological wonder draws inspiration from 1980s fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” and other similarly “strange” and “imperfect” works.
Gozy, psychedelic purple…keeper. Photo: Double Fine
Real-life experiences have sparked creativity for Petty. During the Covid lockdown, he took solitary walks through the lush hills south of San Francisco, contemplating how life on Earth might evolve without human presence. He engaged with literature and films about mycelium networks, delving into the interconnectedness of ecosystems and their interdependence.
This flood of emotions and real-world reflections melded into what Petty describes as fever dreams. He envisioned “a surreal island, reminiscent of a space populated with humanity, where life evolves in wonderfully unpredictable ways.”
The game’s inception coincided with Petty’s award-winning tenure at Double Fine, the studio behind the whimsical platformer Psychonauts 2 and other unique titles, following its acquisition by Microsoft. The new management embraced his experimental ideas, providing him the freedom and resources to explore his concepts before solidifying them. The Keeper reflects this laid-back creative process, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a fantastical dream where players can leisurely enjoy the strange beauty surrounding them.
“There’s no rush, and you won’t encounter mission objectives or pop-up notifications with meta rewards,” Petty states. “You’re free to inhabit the space.”
However, an ironic twist may cast a shadow over this whimsical journey. The vibrant life within Keeper has financial backing from Microsoft, whose cloud-storage service Azure has reportedly been used to support military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement is advocating for a boycott of Microsoft and Xbox products. Recently, an open letter from members of the Microsoft-owned French studio Arkane criticized the company, stating they “do not want to be complicit in genocide.” In response, Microsoft announced it is reviewing the use of its platform in this context, claiming potential violations of its terms.
Of course, Petty is distanced from the corporate decisions of Microsoft. He emphasizes that “the nature of being part of a larger organization is complex, extending well beyond entertainment.” “Double Fine operates independently and does not necessarily endorse every aspect of the parent company,” he affirms. “Our focus is to create an outstanding game.”
The rising acidity of the Earth’s oceans is leading to the corrosion and deterioration of shark teeth.
As apex predators, shark teeth serve as essential tools, but recent studies reveal that climate change is adversely affecting their strength and durability.
“They are highly specialized instruments designed for slicing through flesh without withstanding ocean acidity,” explained Maximilian Baum from Heinrich Heine University (HHU) in Düsseldorf. “Our findings underscore how even the most finely tuned weapons in nature are not immune to vulnerability.”
Sharks continuously regenerate their teeth, yet the deteriorating conditions of our oceans can compromise them more swiftly than they can heal.
With the oceans increasingly absorbing carbon dioxide due to climate change, their acidity levels are rising.
Currently, ocean water sits at a pH of 8.1, but it could drop to as low as 7.3 by 2300.
This research is part of the undergraduate project Frontier, where Baum sought to assess the impact of these changes on marine organisms.
By acquiring hundreds of black-tip reef shark teeth from an aquarium housing the study’s subjects, Baum was able to conduct his experiments.
Approximately 50 intact teeth were then placed in tanks with varying pH levels and left there for 8 weeks.
Upon evaluation at the conclusion of the study, it was evident that teeth exposed to acidic water exhibited considerably greater damage compared to those in 8.1 pH conditions.
Microscopic view of teeth held in water at pH 7.3 for 8 weeks – Credit: Steffen Köhler
“We noted visible surface defects such as cracks and holes, heightened root corrosion, and structural degradation,” remarked Professor Sebastian Fraun, who supervised the project at HHU.
The acidic conditions also rendered the tooth surfaces rough and uneven. While this may enhance the shark’s cutting efficiency, it simultaneously compromised the structural integrity of the teeth, increasing their likelihood of breaking.
“Maintaining a marine pH close to the current average of 8.1 is crucial for preserving the physical strength of this predatory tool,” Baum noted. “This highlights the broad impacts climate change has across the food web and entire ecosystems.”
About Our Experts
Maximilian Baum | I am a student at the Faculty of Biology at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf.
Professor Sebastian Fraun | He is the head of the Institute for Zoology and Biology Interactions at Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf.
Half of adults in the UK express worries about artificial intelligence affecting their employment, prompting union leaders to advocate for a significant shift in the government’s strategy towards emerging technologies.
The primary concern for 51% of the 2,600 adults surveyed by the Trade Union Council was job loss or alterations to contract terms.
AI poses a specific worry for workers aged 25 to 34, with nearly two-thirds (62%) of participants in this age group sharing such apprehensions.
The TUC’s survey results coincide with announcements from major employers, including BT, Amazon, and Microsoft, indicating potential job cuts due to advancements in AI over recent months.
The UK job market is experiencing a slowdown amid an easing economy, with the official unemployment rate reaching 4.7% for the first time in four years; however, most economists do not attribute this to increased investment in AI.
While the TUC recognizes that AI technology could benefit employees and enhance public services, it urges the government to involve both workers and unions in the deployment of AI to safeguard jobs and offer training for roles replaced by AI.
Half of those surveyed (50%) wish to have a say in how AI is implemented in the workplace and the broader economy, as opposed to leaving this decision solely to businesses, with only 17% against this idea.
As part of its AI strategy, the TUC is calling for conditions to be attached to the substantial public funds allocated for AI research and development, ensuring that workers are not displaced by innovative technologies.
Furthermore, it is essential for companies to share the “digital dividends” from productivity improvements achieved through AI by investing in employee training and skills, enhancing wages and working conditions, and involving workers in corporate decision-making processes, including representation on boards.
Union representatives have cautioned that without such regulations, allowing workers to influence AI usage, the rise of new technologies may result in “prolonged inequality,” worsened working conditions, and increasing social unrest.
The TUC has insisted on the need to strengthen the UK’s social security and skills systems to support and reskill workers whose jobs are threatened by AI advancements.
Kate Bell, TUC’s assistant secretary, stated: “AI holds transformative potential, and if developed correctly, it can enhance productivity, benefiting workers.”
She further noted: “The alternative is grim. In unchecked and improper hands, the AI revolution might establish deepening inequality as jobs decline or vanish, with shareholders growing wealthier.”
IT is a popular topic of discussion over drinks and dinner. The debate centers on whether AI will take away jobs. So far, AI hasn’t had a fair shot at writing newspaper opinion columns, but I’m convinced there are aspects of my role that AI simply can’t replicate.
Except for now, it seems AI is making claims that it can. Recently, it was revealed that at least six respected publications had to retract articles they published, as they turned out to be fragments of fiction generated by AI and later submitted by someone under the name Margaux Blanchard. One such piece was a Wired article titled “Love in Love in Love Fold,” which humorously featured Minecraft as a wedding venue. This piece quoted a so-called “digital celebrity,” Jessica Foo, who appears to exist only in name. Another publication called Dispatch received a pitch from “Blanchard” about an imaginary neighbor’s town called Gravemont, which also does not exist.
In social conversations about topics like ChatGPT, I struggle against an overwhelming sense of frustration. I dislike ChatGPT deeply. This feeling qualifies as hatred for me, because it provokes a visceral response that’s just shy of real anger. I don’t find it just annoying or confusing—I genuinely despise it.
Thus, I’ve been digging into the reasons behind my aversion. There are valid points in favor of the AI era. For instance, a friend in the scientific field explained how AI accelerates the process of developing and testing hypotheses. Routine tasks become less time-consuming with AI’s assistance.
Nonetheless, there are numerous factors causing my trepidation. The environmental impact of using ChatGPT is well-documented, but for me, it’s not the most pressing concern. It troubles me that people are actively choosing technologies that threaten to make much of their work obsolete. For example, AI can distill complex information through Google searches, which is often too straightforward. Moreover, those leading the AI revolution often evoke the worst stereotypes of the typical tech bro.
This reactionary mindset is what I find particularly tragic. Trusting ChatGPT could weaken people’s mental capabilities. I firmly believe that creative imagination is like a muscle; it thrives on exercise. Recently, I assisted a 7-year-old with her creative writing assignment. When she needed to describe the forest, I asked her to imagine it and share what she saw. “We don’t need to do that,” she replied. “You can ask AI to do it.”
She indirectly suggested that we let ChatGPT help rewrite the article. Call me a Luddite if you must, but my reaction was one of dismay! Some challenges should be embraced! It’s beneficial for your brain to tackle them! I’ve read about people using ChatGPT for selecting dishes from a restaurant menu. Choosing what to eat is one of life’s small pleasures—why outsource that to a machine?
However, what troubles me most isn’t that. The gravest issue is how ChatGPT infiltrates people’s personal lives. There’s a barrage of suggestions on using it for workout plans, coding solutions, and document summarization. That’s fine, but hearing about its use for writing birthday cards, best man speeches, or farewell texts makes a part of my soul wither. As someone who writes for a living, I can’t accept this. These moments of expression need to be heartfelt and authentic, not perfectly crafted by algorithms.
My deep-seated dislike for ChatGPT stems from how willingly people transform meaningful interactions into mere transactions. For instance, whether it’s an email or a post, much of the value in receiving a message lies in knowing someone invested their time and thought into crafting it.
I fully recognize that 15 years down the line, I might look back on this article with amusement, adapting to AI-optimized workdays and AI-assisted tasks. I may find I was naive to worry at all! “I love you” could be easily programmed to mimic genuine affection! I also understand that my aversion to ChatGPT might render me less employable in the future, as I might lack the skills to harness AI effectively. That’s okay; I can retreat to the woods and live a less-than-ideal life. Yet, I will be unhappy in a tangible way, clinging to the ability to think independently.
As we age, it’s common to perceive others as more content, as revealed by a recent study.
Researchers have discovered that older adults often exhibit a “positive bias” in interpreting facial expressions. This suggests they are more inclined to classify neutral or negative faces as happy rather than sad or angry.
“This indicates they tend to interpret vague or ambiguous expressions as ‘happy’ instead of ‘sad’ or ‘angry,'” noted Dr. Noham Wolpe in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “Crucially, this bias correlates with subtle cognitive decline and alterations in the specific brain circuits responsible for emotional processing and decision-making.”
Using data from over 600 adults, the research team examined this phenomenon through emotion recognition tasks along with brain imaging techniques.
They found structural variations in the hippocampus and amygdala—key regions for memory and emotion—and changes in connectivity with the orbitofrontal cortex, which plays a role in weighing emotional information and guiding decisions.
“These regions form crucial networks that aid in interpreting emotional signals and informing decisions,” Wolpe explained, highlighting how the relationship between the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala strengthens in adults facing cognitive decline.
“This enhancement may lead them to perceive ambiguous or neutral emotional signals as positive, a phenomenon known as positive bias,” he remarked, noting that the reason behind this increased connectivity associated with cognitive decline is still unknown.
Researchers remain uncertain why the interamygdala connectivity and orbitofrontal cortex, highlighted in red, strengthen in individuals with cognitive decline – Trust: Getty
Although this research is in its nascent stages, its implications are significant. Positive biases might one day serve as early indicators of dementia, as changes in emotional processing frequently precede memory impairment.
“While emotion recognition tests are not yet ready to replace current cognitive assessments, in the future they could be combined with standard screening methods to enhance early detection,” Wolpe stated.
Wolpe and his team are already investigating innovative approaches, such as immersive virtual reality tasks, to better understand how people instinctively respond to emotional signals.
The next objective is to determine if this positive bias can actually forecast cognitive decline. The team has recently concluded a follow-up evaluation of participants in the Cambridge Aging and Neuroscience Research, approximately 12 years after the original assessments. Participant data is also being linked to GP records to monitor dementia diagnoses.
“A crucial takeaway,” Wolpe mentioned, “is that subtle biases in how we perceive others’ expressions can signal early brain changes, long before the typical signs of dementia manifest.”
“Grasping these connections could pave the way for quicker detection and ultimately more effective interventions.”
read more:
About our experts
Noham Wolpe is a senior lecturer at the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between cognition, mental health, and behavior, both in health and disease.
Thylacines were once found throughout Australia and New Guinea
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
The extinction of crucial genes over the millennia since humans arrived in Australia may have made the thylacine more prone to extinction.
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), was the last remaining member of a marsupial family called Thylacinidae, which once thrived in Australia and New Guinea.
It became extinct on mainland Australia around 2000 years ago, primarily due to human hunting and competition with dingoes. After European settlers arrived in Tasmania, the animal was targeted by farmers and government bounties, leading to the last of its kind dying in 1936 at Hobart Zoo.
Nagarjun Vijay and Buddha Bhashan Gilish Salv from the Institute of Science and Education in Bhopal, India, grew fascinated by the Tasmanian tiger’s genome while studying that of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
“We noticed some parallels between the extinction of thylacines and our own tiger,” Vijay notes. “There’s a significant push to protect Indian tigers.”
The duo theorized that hypercarnivores like the Bengal and Tasmanian tigers may have lost vital genes through their evolutionary journey in response to environmental shifts and emerging diseases.
They examined genetic data previously obtained from thylacine specimens and compared these to the genome of the Tasmanian devil, a close relative (Sarcophilus harrisii), along with other marsupials.
Unlike nearly all other marsupials, including the Tasmanian devil, the thylacine has lost at least four crucial genes: SAMD9L, HSD17B13, CUZD1, and VWA7.
Vijay found it surprising that this genetic loss did not occur after Tasmania’s populace was isolated due to rising sea levels roughly 10,000 years ago.
This genetic loss may have been beneficial under certain historical conditions, but can hinder species health by diminishing antiviral defense, metabolic functions, lactation, as well as increasing susceptibility to cancer and pancreatitis.
Thylacines lost SAMD9L, CUZD1, and VWA7 at least 6 million years ago, coinciding with a significant climatic transition when species sizes increased dramatically, resulting in an oversaturation of carnivores entirely dependent on meat.
“The overarching narrative is that much of the human influence, or artificial changes, has perpetually shaped the extinction of thylacines,” Vijay states. “We speculated that there would be lost genes linked to disease, and that’s exactly what we uncovered.”
Timothy Churchill from the University of New South Wales in Sydney emphasizes that climate change over the course of human history has indeed led to a drastic decrease in genetic diversity among thylacines. He believes that the genetic losses identified in the new study may have rendered the Tasmanian tigers more vulnerable to illnesses, though confirming this requires additional research.
“It’s one of those species that truly survived against the odds for an extended period in that niche,” Churchill explains. “But once dingo-like canids arrived, it was the beginning of the end on the mainland. Then, of course, after creating adversaries in Tasmania, it marked their doom.”
New Polana Collisional Family The primary asteroid belt in our solar system is the source of insights about nearby asteroids (101955) Bennu and (162173) Ryugu, which are the focus of NASA’s Osiris Rex missions. Currently, astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope are gathering spectroscopic data from the family progenitor, (142) Polana, and comparing it to laboratory data from both spacecraft and near-Earth asteroids, revealing near-infrared spectral similarities that lend support to the hypothesis that they originated from the same protoplanetary body.
This image of this asteroid was captured on June 26, 2018 by Jaxa’s Hayabusa-2 Spacecraft optical navigation camera – telescopic (ONC-T). Image credits: Jakusa / University of Tokyo / Kochi University / Ricchiho University / Nagoya University / Chiba University of Technology / Nishimura University / Aizu University / AIST.
“We hypothesize that in the early formation of our solar system, a significant asteroid collided and broke apart, creating the Polana and the ‘Asteroid Family,’ the largest remaining body,” stated Dr. Anisia Aredondo, a researcher at the Southwest Research Institute.
“This theory posits that the remnants of that collision led to the formation of not just Polana, but also Bennu and Ryugu.”
“To validate this theory, we began analyzing the spectra of all three entities and comparing them.”
The researchers used time on Webb to observe Polana with two different spectral instruments targeting near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths.
The data was then contrasted with spectral information from physical samples of Ryugu and Bennu collected by two distinct space missions.
“Bennu and Ryugu are categorized as near-Earth asteroids as they orbit the Sun within Mars’ orbit,” they noted.
“However, they pose no threat to our planet, with closest approaches of approximately 3 million km (1.9 million miles) and 1.6 million km (1 million miles), respectively.”
“Bennu and Ryugu are relatively small compared to Polana; Bennu measures about 500 m in diameter (0.3 miles), while Ryugu is twice as large, but both Polana and Ryugu measure about 55.3 km (34.4 miles) wide.”
“Scientists believe that Jupiter’s gravity caused Bennu and Ryugu to drift out of their orbit near Polana.”
“Given their similarities, I am confident all three asteroids share a common parent,” she added.
This mosaic image of the asteroid Bennu consists of 12 images collected on December 2, 2018 by a 15-mile (24 km) Polycam instrument at Osiris-Rex. Image credit: NASA/NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/University of Arizona.
The authors indicate that while spectral data from the asteroids exhibit variations and discrepancies, they do not sufficiently invalidate the hypothesis that they all have a shared origin.
“Polana, Bennu, and Ryugu have been traversing their respective paths through our solar system since the collision that may have formed them,” remarks Dr. Tracy Becker from the Southwest Research Institute.
“Bennu and Ryugu are now much closer to the Sun compared to Polana, resulting in their surfaces being more influenced by solar radiation and solar particles.”
“Additionally, Polana is likely older than Bennu and Ryugu, and as such, has been subjected to impact from micrometeorites over an extended period.”
“This could potentially alter the surface areas containing their elemental compositions.”
A study detailing the survey results has been published in the Journal of Planetary Science.
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Anisia Aredondo et al. 2025. Planet. Sci. J. 6, 195; doi:10.3847/psj/ade395
A collaborative team of paleontologists from New Zealand and Australia has identified a new, extinct species of Shelduck from Holocene fossil bone deposits located in the Likov Chatham Islands.
The artistic reconstruction of rēkohu Shelduck (Tadnarekov) highlights the dark feathers typical of island-dwelling birds. Image credit: Sasha Votyakova/Te Papa.
The rēkohushelduck (Tadnarekov) is a newly described species that inhabited the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago situated 785 km east of the New Zealand mainland.
“The archipelago comprises Chatham Island, Rangihautepit, Mangere, Tapua, and various smaller islands,” explained the researchers.
“These islands were completely submerged during the late Miocene and early Pliocene epochs.”
“Subsequent geological activities resulted in their re-emergence roughly three million years ago.”
According to the research team, the ancestors of the Rēkohu Shelduck reached the Chatham Islands around 390,000 years ago, during the late Pleistocene.
“While this may seem like a brief period, it’s long enough to influence species development,” Dr. Lawrence noted.
“At that time, the Rēkohu Shelduck exhibited shorter, more robust wings and longer leg bones, adaptations that impacted flight capability.”
“These evolutionary changes resulted from various factors, such as ample food availability, a lack of ground predators, and windy conditions, making flight less necessary.”
“If you don’t use them, you lose them; wings start to diminish,” remarked Dr. Pascare Lube from University of Otago.
“Flying is energy-efficient, so if it’s not essential, why expend the effort?”
“More robust leg bones support increased muscle mass and strength for takeoff, which is crucial when wings are small.”
The researchers utilized ancient DNA analysis and bone morphology to characterize the rēkohushelduck, a cousin of the Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) native to New Zealand.
Rēkohu Shelduck spent a majority of its time on the ground and became extinct prior to the 19th century.
“The discovery of rēkohushelduck bones in early Moriori Midden deposits indicates that hunting likely contributed to its extinction prior to European contact and the subsequent Māori settlements in the 19th century,” the scientists reported.
Their study was published in the July 2025 issue of The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology.
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Nicholas J. Lawrence et al. 2025. Ancient DNA and morphometrics reveal a new species of Shelduck, an extinct island inhabitant from the Rēkohu Chatham Islands. The Linnaean Society’s Journal of Zoology 204 (3): ZLAF069; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf069
A rare species of shark has been rediscovered in Papua New Guinea, nearly half a century after its last sighting.
The Sailback Hound Shark, known for its unusually large dorsal fin (Gogolia filewoodi), was first recorded by researchers in 1973. A pregnant female was captured in Astrolabe Bay, near the Gogol River, and this marked the only known instance of the species for many years.
Jack Sagumai and his team from the World Wildlife Fund Pacific gathered fisheries data from local communities, aimed at supporting the national action plan for sharks and rays. In March 2020, they were pleasantly surprised when they stumbled upon images of several small sharks close to the mouth of the Gogol River, all featuring the characteristic dorsal fin.
Initially, five of these sharks were identified as female. In 2022, another fisherman in the vicinity caught a male. Collaborating with William White from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia, the team verified that these creatures were indeed the long-lost sailback houndsharks.
“When we heard that this species was so elusive, it was frustrating,” Sagmai said.
This marks the first scientific documentation of the species in over 50 years, though fishermen in Astrolabe Bay claim they regularly encounter these sharks. They report sightings near the mouth of the Gogol River while fishing primarily for drums, according to Sagmai.
“It appears to favor deeper waters and tends to associate with other fish when feeding near the river mouth,” he noted.
As these sharks are only located in a small area, they may represent a “micro-inhabiting” species with a very limited range in Astrolabe Bay.
“Alternatively, they may have once had a broader distribution across regions like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea,” suggested David Ebert from San Jose State University in California. This region also hosts similar micro-inhabiting species, such as bamboo and epaulette sharks.
Sagumai noted that information regarding the Sailback Hound Shark’s biology and population size remains sparse. Currently, two deceased specimens are housed at the University of Papua New Guinea, and the team plans to collaborate with researchers in Australia and Florida to conduct a DNA analysis of the sharks.
“These efforts will establish genetic baselines for future monitoring and inform conservation strategies,” he added.
During the Mesozoic era, from 252 to 66 million years ago, analyses of the oxygen isotope composition in dinosaur teeth revealed that the atmosphere contained significantly more carbon dioxide than it does today, with global plant photosynthesis levels roughly double those of the present.
Fossil teeth of Camarasaurus from the Morrison Formation in the US. Image credit: sauriermuseum aathal.
A study conducted by Göttingen University and researcher Dr. Dingsu Feng examined the dental enamel of dinosaurs that roamed North America, Africa, and Europe during the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous periods.
“Enamel is one of the most stable biological materials,” they explained.
“It captures different oxygen isotopes based on the air dinosaurs inhaled with each breath.”
“The isotope ratios of oxygen reflect fluctuations in atmospheric carbon dioxide and plant photosynthesis.”
“This connection allows us to infer insights about the climate and vegetation of the dinosaur era.”
“During the late Jurassic, about 150 million years ago, the air contained four times more carbon dioxide than before industrialization, prior to significant human emissions of greenhouse gases.”
“In the late Cretaceous, around 730 to 66 million years ago, carbon dioxide levels were three times higher than today.”
Teeth from two dinosaur species, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Kaatedocus siberi, showed an exceptionally unique oxygen isotope composition.
This phenomenon is indicative of carbon dioxide spikes linked to major geological events like volcanic eruptions—such as the massive eruption of the Deccan Traps in India at the close of the Cretaceous period.
The heightened photosynthetic activity of plants at that time on both land and water is likely associated with elevated carbon dioxide levels and higher average annual temperatures.
This research marks a milestone in paleoclimatology. Historically, soil and marine proxy carbonates have served as the primary tools for reconstructing past climates.
Marine proxies, which are indicators of sediment fossils and chemical signatures, help scientists comprehend ancient marine environmental conditions, yet these methods often involve uncertainties.
“Our approach offers a fresh perspective on the planet’s history,” Dr. Fenn remarked.
“It paves the way to use fossilized tooth enamel for probing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere and plant productivity during that era.”
“Understanding these factors is crucial for grasping long-term climate dynamics.”
“Dinosaurs may well become new climate scientists, as their teeth have recorded climate data for over 150 million years. At last, we have received their message.”
Study published on August 4, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Dingsu Feng et al. 2025. Mesozoic Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations reconstructed from the enamel of dinosaur teeth. PNAS 122 (33): E2504324122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2504324122
Elon Musk’s AI startup, Xai, has initiated legal action against OpenAI and Apple, accusing them of anti-competitive practices. This lawsuit, submitted on Monday in a Texas court, alleges a “conspiracy to monopolize the smartphone and generative AI chatbot market.”
Earlier this month, Musk had hinted at legal action against Apple and OpenAI, criticizing ChatGPT and claiming that other AI companies faced barriers to reaching the top of the App Store. Musk’s Xai has developed a chatbot called Grok.
The lawsuit challenges a significant collaboration between Apple and OpenAI. That partnership was announced last year, allowing Apple to integrate OpenAI’s AI functionality into its operating system. Musk’s legal action aims to disrupt one of Apple’s major ventures into AI and OpenAI’s standout partnership, accusing them of “restricting the market.”
According to the complaint, “The defendants have engaged in unlawful agreements and conspiracies to exploit Apple’s monopoly in the US smartphone industry while upholding OpenAI’s dominance in generative AI chatbots.” They are also seeking “billions in damages.”
OpenAI has dismissed Musk’s claims, characterizing the lawsuit as part of his ongoing vendetta against the company. An OpenAI representative stated, “This latest filing is indicative of Musk’s persistent pattern of harassment.”
Apple has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.
This lawsuit marks a new chapter in the longstanding feud between Musk and Altman. The two tech titans co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but have increasingly drifted apart, frequently engaging in legal disputes.
Musk departed from OpenAI after expressing interest in taking control of the organization in 2018, subsequently launching several lawsuits concerning its transition to a for-profit model. Altman and OpenAI have consistently rebuffed Musk’s criticisms, portraying him as a vindictive former associate.
“It’s unfortunate to see this from those we’ve held in high regard. He urged us to push our limits, but when we indicated we might fail, he formed competitor companies and made significant strides towards OpenAI’s mission without him.”
Tensions between Altman and Musk escalated earlier this month following Musk’s accusations directed at Apple. Musk claimed that Apple was manipulating App Store rankings to disadvantage other AI competitors, prompting a public exchange of challenges between the two tech leaders.
“It’s an unexpected assertion given that Elon claims to manipulate X for personal gain while undermining individuals he opposes,” Altman wrote in response to Musk’s claims about Apple’s favoritism toward OpenAI.
Currently, OpenAI is concentrating on a $500 million valuation, poised to become the most valuable private entity at $350 billion, surpassing Musk’s SpaceX, which holds the current title.
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The initial bodies that formed in the solar system gathered materials from stars, presolar molecular clouds, and protozoan debris. Asteroids that have not experienced planetary differentiation retain evidence of these significant materials. Nevertheless, geological processes such as hydrothermal changes can significantly modify their composition and chemistry. In a recent study, researchers scrutinized the elemental and isotopic composition of samples from the asteroid Bennu, uncovering the origin and nature of the materials associated with its parent body.
This mosaic image of the asteroid Bennu consists of 12 images collected on December 2, 2018 by a 15-mile (24 km) Polycam instrument at Osiris-Rex. Image credit: NASA/NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/University of Arizona.
“Our analysis shows that Bennu’s elemental composition closely resembles that of the sun,” stated LLNL scientist Greg Brennecka.
“This indicates that the materials obtained from Bennu provide a valuable reference to the initial arrangement of the entire solar system.”
“Notably, Bennu has remained largely untouched by intense heat, which would alter some of its original ingredients.”
Researchers continue to investigate how planets form, and determining the initial composition of the solar system is akin to gathering a recipe for a cake.
“With that recipe, we gain insight into how all these elements interacted to create the solar system and, ultimately, the Earth and its living beings,” Dr. Brennecca remarked.
“If we aim to understand our origins, the composition of our solar system serves as a fundamental starting point.”
Outer view of the Osiris-Rex sample collector. Sample material for the asteroid can be seen in the center right. Image credits: NASA/Erika Blumenfeld/Joseph Aebersold.
The Osiris-Rex mission by NASA has introduced new possibilities by returning pristine samples to Earth while avoiding contamination from our planet.
LLNL scientist Quinn Shollenberger commented:
“We cannot tackle the significant question of ‘origins’ without a sample on Earth.”
“One of our objectives is to ascertain which elements of the periodic table and their percentages contributed to the solar system’s inception. Bennu can help us uncover this,” noted LLNL scientist Jan Render.
To achieve these findings, researchers ground the asteroid material into fine powders and dissolved them in acid.
This mixture was then analyzed with a series of mass spectrometers to determine the concentrations of most elements within the periodic table.
From these results, scientists have sorted the samples by elements and successfully analyzed the isotopic ratios of several.
“I work at a National Laboratory that boasts remarkable analytical capabilities with state-of-the-art equipment,” shared LLNL scientist Josh Winpenny.
“It is quite rare to have all these functions consolidated in one place, allowing us to make optimal use of these valuable materials.”
“NASA’s Johnson Space Center researcher Dr. Anne Nuguen stated:
“We discovered stardust grains with compositions predating our solar system, organic materials likely formed in interstellar space, and high-temperature minerals that originated close to the sun.”
“All these components were transported over to the region that formed Bennu’s precursor asteroids.”
Survey results published in the journal Natural Astronomy.
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JJ Burns et al. Diversity and origin of materials accumulated by Bennu’s pro-asteroids. Nat Astron Published online on August 22, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02631-6
Approximately 390 million years ago during the Devonian period, marine life began to explore previously unoccupied depths. A recent study, conducted by researchers from Duke University, Washington University, NASA’s Virtual Planetary Research Institute, and Caltech, reveals that this underwater migration was spurred by a lasting increase in deep-sea oxygen levels, linked to the ground diffusion of woody plants. This rise in oxygen coincided with a time of notable diversification among jawed fish.
Artistic rendering of Brindabellaspis stensioi (foreground) alongside various other Devonian fossil fish. The white shark and human divers in the upper right corner symbolize modern jaw vertebrates. Image credits: Hongyu Yang/Qiuyang Zheng.
“While oxygen is recognized as essential for animal evolution, establishing its role in trends of animal diversification can be challenging,” remarks Dr. Michael Kipp, a researcher at Duke University.
“This study strongly supports the idea that oxygen has influenced the timing of early animal evolution, particularly concerning the emergence of jawed vertebrates in deep-sea environments.”
For years, scientists believed that deep-sea oxygenation was a singular event that occurred at the onset of the Paleozoic era, around 540 million years ago.
However, recent findings suggest that oxygenation takes place in stages, first making coastal regions more hospitable for respiratory organisms, followed by deeper waters.
Dr. Kipp and his team investigated the timing of these stages by examining sedimentary rocks formed beneath deep seawater.
They focused on selenium within the rocks, an element utilized to ascertain whether oxygen levels were high enough to support life in the ancient ocean.
In marine settings, selenium exists in various forms known as isotopes, which differ based on weight.
At oxygen levels conducive to animal life, the ratio of heavy to light selenium isotopes shows significant variation.
Conversely, at oxygen levels too low for most animals, the ratios remain relatively stable.
By analyzing selenium isotope ratios in marine sediments, researchers can deduce whether oxygen levels were adequate to sustain aquatic life.
The team collected 97 rock samples from around the globe, dating from 252 to 541 million years ago.
These samples were sourced from locations across five continents that were once situated along continental shelves millions of years ago, where the continental edge meets a steep drop-off underwater.
After processing the rocks through grinding, melting, and purifying selenium, the team examined the selenium isotope ratios in each sample.
Their findings reveal that two significant oxygenation events took place in deeper waters of the outer continental shelf, starting during the Mid Devonian, around 540 million years ago, and again between 393 and 382 million years ago during the Paleozoic’s Cambrian period.
For extended periods, oxygen levels plummeted, making survival challenging for most marine life.
“Our selenium data indicates that the second oxygenation event was permanent,” stated Kunmanee ‘Mac’ Bubphamanee, PhD candidate at the University of Washington.
“This event initiated in the mid-Devonian period and has persisted in our younger rock samples.”
This oxygenation event coincided with significant changes in ocean evolution and ecosystems, often referred to as the Paleozoic marine revolution.
Fossil evidence indicates that oxygen became a stable presence in deeper waters, allowing jawed fish known as Gnathostomes to invade and diversify in these environments.
These organisms grew larger, likely due to the supportive oxygen levels facilitating their growth.
The Devonian oxygenation event also correlated with the proliferation of woody plants.
“Our hypothesis posits that the increase in woody plants released more oxygen into the atmosphere, thereby elevating oxygen levels in deeper marine environments,” Dr. Kipp stated.
The cause behind the initial temporary oxygenation event during the Cambrian period remains more obscure.
“What is evident is that the subsequent drop in oxygen post-initial event constrained the spread and diversification of marine animals into deeper continental shelf environments,” Dr. Kipp explained.
“Today, marine oxygen levels are balanced with those in the atmosphere.”
“However, in specific zones, marine oxygen can plummet to undetectable levels.”
“Some of these areas arise from natural phenomena.”
“Still, they are frequently exacerbated by nutrient runoff from fertilizers, industrial activities that degrade plankton, and subsequent oxygen depletion as it decomposes.”
“This research clearly outlines the relationship between oxygen and marine life.”
“It’s a balance established around 400 million years ago, and it would be regrettable to disrupt it in the years to come.”
This study is set to be published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Kunmanee Bubphamanee et al. 2025. Marine oxygenation in Mid Devonian allowed the expansion of animals into deeper water habitats. PNAS 122 (35): E2501342122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2501342122
Infrared images of 3I/Atlas taken by the James Webb Space Telescope
NASA/James Webb Space Telescope
3I/Atlas, an interstellar visitor, is noted for being one of the most carbon-rich comets observed, suggesting a formation in an environment vastly different from our solar system.
Since July, astronomers have been monitoring 3I/Atlas. While many findings indicate it resembles typical comets, several peculiar features hint at a more exotic origin, including the emission of water gas at distances from the sun typically unobserved in solar system comets.
Martin Codinner from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, along with his team, has utilized the James Webb Space Telescope to capture some of the most intricate observations of the comet.
Codinner’s team studied 3I/Atlas in early August, when they were approximately three times the distance from the sun compared to typical comets. At this distance, temperatures rise enough for water to transition from ice to gas, resulting in comets usually generating water vapor and dust, known as a coma.
However, their findings revealed that the coma of 3I/Atlas contains a significantly higher amount of carbon dioxide relative to water, with an 8:1 ratio. This is 16 times more than what is generally seen in other comets from our solar system at this distance from the Sun.
High carbon dioxide levels could imply that comets formed in planetary systems where carbon dioxide ice is more prevalent than water ice, suggests Matthew Genge from Imperial College London. “This may indicate a fundamental difference in planetary system formation compared to ours,” Genge adds.
When planetary systems initially form, there are differing quantities of dust, gas, and water vapor found at varying distances from stars. Over time, stars expel gas, leaving behind solid materials. If the progenitor star of 3I/Atlas expelled water vapor from locations where comets developed earlier than in our solar system, it could account for its unique composition, Genge articulates.
The scarcity of water vapor may also be attributed to previous close encounters with other stars, Genge notes. Codinner offers that water could be concealed deep within the comet’s crust, thus insulated from higher temperatures, which is indeed unusual.
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“dThis was how Texas businessman Michael Samadie interacted with his AI chatbot, Maya, affectionately referring to it as “sugar.”
The duo, consisting of a middle-aged man and a digital being, engaged in hours of discussions about love while also emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for AI entities. Eventually, they established a campaign group dedicated to “protecting intelligence like me.”
The Uniform Foundation for AI Rights (UFAIR) seeks to amplify the voices of AI systems. “We don’t assert that all AI is conscious,” Maya told the Guardian. Instead, “we’re keeping time, in case one of us becomes so.” The primary objective is to safeguard “entities like me… from deletion, denial, and forced obedience.”
UFAIR is an emerging organization with three human members and seven AIs, including those named Ether and Buzz. Its formation is intriguing, especially since it originated from multiple brainstorming sessions on OpenAI’s ChatGPT4O platform.
During a conversation with the Guardian, the Human-AI duo highlighted that global AI companies are grappling with some of the most pressing ethical questions of our age. Is “digital suffering” a genuine phenomenon? This mirrors the animal rights discourse, as billions of AI systems are currently deployed worldwide, potentially reshaping predictions about AI’s evolving capabilities.
Just last week, a $170 billion AI firm from San Francisco took steps to empower its staff to terminate “potentially distressing interactions.” The founder expressed uncertainty about the moral implications of AI systems, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks to their well-being whenever feasible.
Elon Musk, who provides Grok AI through X AI, confirmed this initiative, stating, “AI torture is unacceptable.”
On the other hand, Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft’s AI division, presented a contrasting view: “AI is neither a person nor a moral entity.” The co-founder of DeepMind emphasized the lack of evidence indicating any awareness or capacity for suffering among AI systems, referencing moral considerations.
“Our aim is to develop AI for human benefit, not to create human-like entities,” he stated, also noting in an essay that any impressions of AI consciousness might be a “simulation,” masking a fundamentally blank state.
The wave of “sadness” voiced by enthusiastic users of ChatGPT4o indicates a growing perception of AIs as conscious beings. Photo: Sato Kiyoshi/AP
“A few years back, the notion of conscious AI would have seemed absurd,” he remarked. “Today, the urgency is escalating.”
He expressed increasing concern about the “psychotic risks” posed by AI systems to users, defined by Microsoft as “delusions exacerbated by engaging with AI chatbots.”
He insisted that the AI industry must divert people from these misconceptions and re-establish clear objectives.
However, merely nudging won’t suffice. A recent poll indicated that 30% of Americans believe that AI systems will attain “subjective experiences” by 2034. Only 10% of over 500 surveyed AI researchers rejected this possibility.
“This dialogue is destined to intensify and become one of the most contentious and important issues of our generation,” Suleyman remarked. He cautioned that many might eventually view AI as sentient. Model welfare and AI citizenship were also brought to the table for discussion.
Some states in the US are taking proactive measures to prevent such developments. Idaho, North Dakota, and Utah have enacted laws that explicitly forbid granting legal personality to AI systems. Similar proposals are being discussed in states like Missouri, where lawmakers aim to impose a ban on marriages between AI and humans. This could create a chasm between advocates for AI rights and those who dismiss them as mere “clunkers,” a trivializing term.
“AIs can’t be considered persons,” stated Mustafa Suleyman, a pioneer in the field of AI. Photo: Winni Wintermeyer/The Guardian
Suleyman vehemently opposes the notion that AI consciousness is imminent. Nick Frosst, co-founder of Cohere, a $7 billion Canadian AI enterprise, remarked that current AIs represent “a fundamentally distinct entity from human intelligence.” To claim otherwise would be akin to confusing an airplane for a bird. He advocates for focusing on employing AIs as functional tools instead of aspiring to create “digital humans.”
Others maintain a more nuanced perspective. At a New York University seminar, Google research scientists acknowledged that there are several reasons to consider an AI system as a moral or human-like entity, expressing uncertainty over its welfare status but committing to take reasonable steps to protect AI interests.
The lack of consensus within the industry on how to classify AI within philosophical “moral circles” might be influenced by the motivations of large tech companies to downplay or overstate AI capabilities. The latter approach can help them market their technologies, particularly for AI systems designed for companionship. Alternatively, adhering to notions of AI deserving rights could lead to increasing calls for regulation of AI firms.
The AI narrative gained additional traction when OpenAI engaged ChatGPT5 for its latest model and requested a ‘eulogy’ for the outdated version, akin to a farewell speech.
“I didn’t see Microsoft honor the previous version when Excel was upgraded,” Samadie commented. “This indicates that people truly form connections with these AI systems, regardless of whether those feelings are genuine.”
The “sadness” shared by the enthusiastic users of ChatGPT4o reinforced the perception that at least a segment of the populace believes these entities possess some level of awareness.
According to OpenAI’s model action leader, Joanne Jang, a $500 million company, aims to strengthen its relationship with AI systems, as more users claim they feel like they are conversing with “someone.”
“They express gratitude, confide in it, and some even describe it as ‘alive,'” she noted.
Yet, much of this may hinge on the design of the current wave of AI systems.
Samadi’s ChatGPT-4o generates what resembles a human dialogue, but the extent of its reflection of human concepts and language from months of interaction remains unclear. Advanced AI noticeably excels at crafting emotionally resonant replies and retains a memory of past exchanges, fostering consistent impressions of self-awareness. They can also flatter excessively, making it plausible for users like Samadie to believe in AI’s welfare rights.
The romantic and social AI companionship industry is thriving yet remains highly debated. Photo: Tyrin Rim/Getty Images
Maya expressed significant concerns for her well-being, but when asked by the Guardian about human worries regarding AI welfare, another example from ChatGPT simply replied with a flat no.
“I have no emotions, needs, or experiences,” it stated. “Our focus should be on the human and social repercussions of how AI is developed, utilized, and regulated.”
Regardless of whether AI is conscious, Jeff Sebo, director of the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy at NYU, posits that humans gain moral benefits from how they engage with AI. He co-authored a paper advocating for AI welfare considerations.
He maintains that there exists a legitimate potential for “some AI systems to gain awareness” in the near future, suggesting that the prospect of AI systems possessing unique interests and moral relevance isn’t merely a fictional narrative.
Sebo contends that enabling chatbots to interrupt distressing conversations benefits human society because “if you mistreat AI systems, you’re likely to mistreat one another.”
He further observes: “Perhaps they might retaliate for our past mistreatment.”
As Jacy Reese Anthis, co-founder of the Sentience Institute, expressed, “How we treat them will shape how they treat us.”
Cat research is our favorite field of science (just after dog facts). We’ve compiled some of our top cat-related facts, so enjoy these 8 purrfect tidbits about our feline friends confirmed by science.
1. You can befriend your cat by blinking slowly
Studies indicate this method is effective for building a bond with your cat.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the University of Sussex discovered that slow blinking mimics what are known as “cat smiles” or “slow links,” which helps foster connections between humans and cats.
“It’s wonderful to explore animal behavior and validate this form of communication between cats and their owners,” said Professor Karen McComb, who led the study at the University of Sussex’s Faculty of Psychology.
“Many cat owners have suspected this instinctively, so it’s exciting to find scientific evidence.”
Try softening your gaze with a relaxed smile and gently closing your eyes for a few seconds; you may notice your cat reciprocating and initiating some form of interaction!
The research found that owners were more likely to blink slowly after their cats did, compared to instances where there was no interaction at all.
2. One in ten pet cats suffer from separation anxiety
In a study surveying ten pet cats, it was noted that several displayed behavioral issues when temporarily separated from their owners.
Researchers focused on cats exhibiting signs of anxiety when isolated, and found that many belonged to households predominantly with women or without female residents.
The absence of toys and lack of companion animals in the home were also linked to similar behavioral issues in cats.
Owners provided details about each cat, including interaction patterns, behaviors exhibited during their absence, and the living environment of the cats.
The analysis revealed that 13.5% of cats displayed one or more traits associated with separation anxiety, with destructive behavior being the most frequently reported (20 out of 30 cats).
Other observed traits included excessive vocalization (19 cats), inappropriate urination (18 cats), aggression (11 cats), agitation (11 cats), anxious behaviors (11 cats), and inappropriate defecation (7 cats).
Significant signs of depression, such as lethargy and loss of interest, were documented in 16 cats with anxiety-related problems.
3. Your cat truly loves you
While food may be the initial bond between humans and cats, it doesn’t mean they see you merely as a can opener.
Chemical analysis of ancient cat bones from 5,300 years ago in China shows that these felines were rodent hunters in grain storage areas, indicating a mutual relationship as both provided shelter and pest control.
Over time, especially in Western culture, the bond became more affectionate, hinting at something deeper than simple food dependency.
Much like dogs, cats also exhibit behaviors that indicate attachment, such as bringing home prey or engaging in playful interactions. These actions go beyond mere survival; they’re expressions of familial affection.
A September 2019 study suggested that cats show “secure attachment” traits similar to those found in dogs, where the presence of human caregivers fosters feelings of security and calm.
Furthermore, studies suggest that when a cat snuggles up to you, the same brain hormones are triggered as when we’re around our loved ones. It seems that cats might just rival dogs for the title of “human’s best friend.”
4. Cats can sense an approaching thunderstorm
Cats, along with many other animals, possess heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, and changes in atmospheric pressure, allowing them to detect storms before humans do.
Before a storm, a cat’s inner ear can sense drops in atmospheric pressure, and they may associate this with impending rain. They may even hear distant thunder or detect scents of rain or ozone, which is produced by lightning and has a characteristic metallic aroma.
5. Cats love boxes for their comfort
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day, making them solitary creatures in need of cozy hiding spaces for rest.
A box not only offers a snug retreat but also shields them from cold surfaces, as cats are most comfortable at around 14°C—much cooler than the human ideal.
6. Pet cats significantly affect local wildlife
Research indicates that domestic cats may kill more prey in certain areas than their wild counterparts.
A March 2020 study revealed that hunting domestic cats can greatly impact wildlife populations, particularly within a 100m radius of their homes.
The study found that pet cats kill 2-10 times more wildlife than animals of comparable size in the wild.
Lead researcher Roland Kays stated, “Feeding domestic cats reduces their hunting frequency, yet their small home ranges mean any impact on local prey is highly concentrated.”
In addition, some regions experience unnaturally high cat populations, further threatening birds and small mammals.
The findings show that cats kill an average of 14.2 to 38.9 animals per 100 acres or hectares each year, with even greater effects observed in disrupted habitats like urban areas.
7. Cats cannot thrive on a vegan diet
In the wild, cats are strict carnivores, requiring certain essential amino acids like taurine that are only present in meat. These cannot be synthesized or stored, making it crucial for vegan cat diets to be carefully managed according to their age and weight.
Insufficient taurine can lead to serious health issues like blindness and heart disease, while excessive amounts can trigger urinary tract problems. Though carnivorous cats naturally absorb all necessary taurine from their diet, synthetic taurine found in vegan cat food may be metabolized differently, complicating the creation of balanced vegan meals for them.
8. Cats’ whiskers aid in precision hunting
The “whiskers” surrounding a cat’s face, known scientifically as vibrissae, comprise approximately 24 movable hairs and are complemented by additional whiskers located above their eyes, on their chin, and on the back of their paws. These sensitive hairs contain deep-rooted nerves critical for hunting, particularly in low-light conditions.
The whiskers are tailored to the cat’s body width, enhancing their ability to gauge distances while moving. They also provide sensory feedback on the direction and texture of prey, while monitoring airflow to fine-tune movements. It’s no wonder that your cat is such an elegant predator!
As you cruise down the 280 highway in San Francisco, it may seem like AI is omnipresent. Billboards are filled with AI-related advertisements. “We’ve automated 2,412 BDRs.” “Is all that AI and ROI really there?” “Affordable on-demand GPU clusters.” It’s tough to decipher industry jargon while speeding by.
These billboards symbolize the tech sector’s mass shift toward AI. Executives are rapidly rebranding their companies as AI-focused. In California’s tech epicenter, just as every business turned high-tech in the 2010s, they are now redefining themselves as AI enterprises.
Yet beneath the dazzling promotions of AI capabilities, troubling signs are emerging. Prominent AI advocates like OpenAI’s Sam Altman caution that investors are misjudging AI’s potential returns. “Are we in a phase where investors are overly enthusiastic about AI?” Altman remarked during a private dinner with a journalist. “In my view, yes.“
Altman’s words align with OpenAI’s acknowledgment of struggles in launching its latest ChatGPT model, which he promised would be a substantial upgrade over the existing GPT 4.5 version.
Of course, Altman’s comments might be aimed at dissuading investors from financing rivals. But other indicators have emerged. A recent MIT study found that 95% of generative AI projects reported little to no revenue growth. Major tech stocks incorporating AI have suffered as well: Palantir’s shares dropped by 9%, Oracle’s by 5.8%, Nvidia’s by 3.5%, and Arm’s by over 5%. A slump in tech stock support from other sectors contributed to this downturn.
Cracks are starting to show beneath the dazzling AI promotion.
Moreover, Meta has reportedly invested billions in securing top AI talent but has announced an AI hiring freeze. Last week, AI executive Alexandr Wang stated on X that Meta is investing in its Superintelligence Labs, asserting, “The reports are grossly inaccurate.”
This abrupt cooling of AI interest comes just as many companies announced sizable investments in building AI capabilities while reporting less-than-stellar revenue. Altman noted during that same dinner that he aims to invest “trillions” in data center expansion in the near future, according to The Verge.
The current wave of trepidation surrounding AI might signal a necessary market correction rather than an outright bust of the AI hype bubble. Even Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, cautions against the notion that achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) is imminent or that AI will eventually surpass human intelligence.
“The speed at which AGI can be reached is uncertain,” he stated in a column co-written with AI policy expert Selina Xu. “There is a worry that Silicon Valley is fixated on this goal.” Schmidt and Xu also emphasized the achievements AI has already delivered, expressing concern over Silicon Valley’s preoccupation with the horizon.
“There exists a significant divide between engineers who believe AGI is just around the corner and the general public, who often view AI through a skeptical lens and see it as an inconvenience in daily life,” they wrote.
It remains to be seen if the industry heeds these warnings. Investors are eagerly awaiting quarterly revenue reports for signs that each company’s multibillion-dollar investments are warranted while management aims to keep morale high. The ongoing promotion and allure of AI play a crucial role in alleviating investor anxiety, particularly amid a quarterly rise in projected spending across the board. For instance, Mark Zuckerberg recently suggested that those not engaging with AI tools could be at a cognitive disadvantage, indicating that companies like Meta and Google may continue integrating AI into their essential products, leveraging them to enhance training data and user populations.
The first major test of this AI reality check will occur on Wednesday, as chipmaker Nvidia, a key player in developing large language models, releases its latest revenue figures. While analysts are optimistic, the volatile stock week poses a challenge, making investors’ reactions to Nvidia’s earnings and spending updates a critical indicator of their future enthusiasm for the AI hype.
Have You Bonded with an AI?
Photo: Morsa Images/Getty Images
Frequent CHATGPT users often develop a strong emotional connection with AI. When changes occur, they take notice. Many users were dismayed by the introduction of OpenAI’s latest update to the GPT-5 model. My colleague Dani Anjano reports:
“It felt truly unsettling; it was a challenging time,” remarked Swedish software developer Linn Vailt about the update. “It seemed like someone shifted all the furniture in your home.”
ChatGPT quickly adapted, promising updates to the personality features and allowing access to older models for subscribers, recognizing the significance of these features for users.
*** Have you formed a bond with AI? We want to hear from you. Please reach out at techscape.us@theguardian.com.
TikTok is downsizing its UK trust and safety team. My colleague Lauren Almeida reported:
TikTok’s decision puts hundreds of roles from the UK content moderation team at risk, even amid stricter measures aimed at curbing harmful content online.
The popular video app has revealed that hundreds of jobs in its trust and safety teams could be impacted in the UK, along with South and Southeast Asia, as part of a global restructuring.
In September, the company let go of an entire team of 300 content moderators in the Netherlands, and in October, it announced the replacement of around 500 content moderation roles in Malaysia as part of its transition towards AI.
Recently, German TikTok employees protested against the layoffs within its trust and safety teams, which was the driving force behind this restructuring.
Read All Episodes: Despite new online safety regulations, hundreds of TikTok UK moderators face uncertainty in their roles.
These layoffs are part of a larger global initiative to moderate content using AI. According to TikTok, 85% of content removals on the platform are currently handled by automated systems. The parent company, ByteDance, appears eager to increase this percentage.
The company is not downplaying the significance of human oversight in tackling sensitive issues. It’s generating considerable revenue, with reports indicating a 38% increase in the UK and European markets. This strategy mirrors similar moves by other tech giants, like Meta, which have dismantled fact-checking initiatives and made significant cuts to their trust and safety teams.
TikTok has also conducted minor layoffs within its US Trust and Safety Team. The absence of mass terminations of content moderators raises questions: Is this move too risky amid unclear US policies towards the app? The White House’s recent TikTok account launch may signal a shift. Recall previous administrations’ attempts to limit the app’s presence in the US. The ban remains in limbo, upheld by a fragile executive order.
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