The remarkably long neck of Lijangosaurus johnschengensis. The research team, led by paleontologists from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified 42 cervical vertebrae at the site.
Reconstruction of nososaurs from approximately 240 million years ago showcases previously hidden diversity in southwestern China: Lijangosaurus johnschengensis (center), Nososaurus janjuanensis (top left), Nososaurus luopingensis (top right), Brevicaudosaurus janshanensis (bottom left), and Lariosaurus hongoensis (bottom right). Image credit: Kelai Li.
Lijangosaurus johnschengensis thrived in the mid-Triassic oceans between 247 and 241 million years ago.
Nososaurs could reach lengths of up to 7 meters (23 feet) and swam using four paddle-like limbs.
They possessed flat skulls with a network of slender conical teeth specialized for catching fish and squid.
“Sauropterygia emerged as a dominant marine reptile clade in the Early to Middle Triassic, maintaining its significance for approximately 180 million years within the Mesozoic marine ecosystem,” stated lead author Dr. Xiang Qinghua and colleagues.
“Early diverging sauropterygians include placodonts, pachysaurids, nososaurs, and early pistosaurs.”
“The iconic group known as plesiosaurs represents a clade that diverged later from pistosaurs within the suborder Pterosauria.”
“Nososauridae represents the systematic paleontological equivalent of nososaurids and encompasses more than just nososaurids (nososaurus and lariosaurus) as well as other nososaur species.”
“Although numerous species have been described, nososaurs show low diversity at the genus level and in anatomical morphology relative to other sauropterygian subgroups.”
“Typically, nososaurs are larger than pachypleurosaurs but smaller than pistosaurs, including plesiosaurs.”
The skull of Lijangosaurus johnschengensis was small, while its body extended over 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length.
It evolved an extraordinarily long neck with 42 cervical vertebrae, twice the number seen in most sauropterygians of its time.
“Plesiosaurs are generally recognized for their surprisingly long necks,” noted the paleontologists.
“Despite some late-diverging plesiosaur species exhibiting short necks, early plesiosaurs and their Triassic ancestors, early pistosaurs, featured impressively elongated necks with more than 30 cervical vertebrae, indicating a conformational lineage between early pistosaurs and plesiosaurs.”
“In line with this traditional understanding, we consider only necks with more than 30 cervical vertebrae as long or elongated necks in our research.”
“This distinctive feature of plesiosaurs is unmatched among secondary marine quadrupeds; in contrast, other leading marine animals like ichthyosaurs, thalatoids, mosasaurs, and cetaceans typically possess shorter necks and exhibit more fish-like traits.”
The fossilized skeleton of Lijangosaurus johnschengensis was unearthed in a previously unidentified Early Middle Triassic zone of the Beiya Formation in Yunnan Province, China, near the eastern Tibetan Plateau and northern Myanmar.
“This location differs from previously documented fossil-rich regions in southwestern China along the Yunnan-Guizhou border,” the researchers remarked.
Lijangosaurus johnschengensis marks the earliest known instance of a sauropterygian reptile with an exceptionally long neck featuring 42 cervical vertebrae.
“Our findings demonstrate that extreme cervical elongation, defined as possessing more than 30 cervical vertebrae, emerged in sauropterygians prior to the arrival of plesiosaurs and their pterosaur ancestors,” the scientists concluded.
“Moreover, Lijangosaurus johnschengensis shows a unique type of accessory facet joint differing from other reptiles, which is believed to reduce body undulation.”
“This discovery enhances our understanding of the variety of accessory facet joints in reptiles and underscores the high degree of spinal flexibility during the early evolution of sauropterygians.”
The team’s paper is published in the journal Communications Biology.
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W. Wang et al. 2025. The oldest long-necked sauropterygians, Lijangosaurus johnschengensis: Plasticity of vertebral evolution in sauropterygian marine reptiles. Communications Biology August 1551. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08911-1
David Richardson, who served as the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, tendered his resignation on Monday after approximately six months in the role, as confirmed by two administration officials to NBC News.
Richardson’s short tenure as FEMA administrator occurred during a challenging period for the agency. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, significant budget cuts were proposed, and Trump publicly suggested the agency be phased out following the end of hurricane season in late November.
In a statement released Monday, FEMA along with the Department of Homeland Security, which governs the agency, expressed their “sincere appreciation” for Richardson’s “dedicated service.”
A DHS spokesperson announced that Karen Evans, currently serving as FEMA’s chief of staff, will take on the position of acting administrator effective December 1st.
Richardson mentioned on Monday that he had agreed to serve as acting superintendent during this critical period, indicating that his resignation stemmed from a desire to return to the private sector.
“I took on the role of acting administrator during hurricane season when no one else was available,” Richardson stated. “Hurricane season concludes on December 1st. The threats are nearly over, so it’s time for me to explore another opportunity.”
The White House directed all inquiries regarding Richardson’s resignation to the Department of Homeland Security.
During his time at FEMA, Richardson faced significant criticism for his delayed response to the catastrophic floods in July that struck the Texas Hill Country. He was unreachable for more than 24 hours after over 130 individuals, including 27 girls and their counselors, perished at Camp Mystic, a Christian youth summer camp, on July 4.
Texas Department of Public Safety personnel assess debris at Camp Mystic following flash flooding in Hunt, Texas. Julio Cortes / AP File
It was later disclosed that Mr. Richardson lacked experience in emergency management prior to his role as acting FEMA administrator. I was on a weekend vacation.
Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, was appointed to lead FEMA on an interim basis in May after the previous acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was removed from the position following a brief tenure. During his time at FEMA, Richardson also served simultaneously as assistant secretary for the Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasures at DHS.
This year, FEMA has faced increased scrutiny regarding its effectiveness in responding to hurricanes, floods, and other disasters, particularly as climate change has heightened the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
In a phone interview on Monday night, Richardson remarked that he understood his role at FEMA was to “shut things down” upon his arrival.
However, he noted that the agency’s experiences dealing with flooding in Texas and severe flooding in western Alaska underscored the agency’s necessity, albeit on a smaller scale.
“We need to empower states,” he asserted. He believes states can accomplish more but also trusts that Trump will implement reforms to the agency.
In an open letter issued in August, around 200 FEMA employees criticized the Trump administration’s disaster preparedness and emergency management effectiveness after the Texas floods.
The signatories expressed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s request for the office to evaluate FEMA spending exceeding $100,000 impeded the agency’s response to the deadly disaster. They also pointed out that both Richardson and Hamilton lacked the “legal qualifications, Senate confirmation, and proven background” required for the role of FEMA administrator.
Following the publication of the letter, at least 21 FEMA employees faced suspension for signing it.
Richardson stated on Monday night that the $100,000 spending cap would not hinder FEMA’s response.
“If lives were in danger, we wouldn’t have surpassed the $100,000 limit,” he asserted.
Richardson succeeded Hamilton shortly before the commencement of hurricane season, after Hamilton testified on Capitol Hill claiming he believed it was not in the American people’s best interest to abolish FEMA.
This stance opposed President Trump’s proposal to dismantle FEMA and instead allow states to manage disaster responses.
Kristi Noem informed NBC News’ “Meet the Press” in June that President Trump aimed to reform the agency rather than eliminate it altogether.
Some of Richardson’s detractors, including former FEMA communications director Rafael Lemaître, expressed relief at his resignation on Monday. Lemaître is a member of the advisory board for Sabotaging Our Safety, an organization focused on disaster preparedness and emergency management issues.
“Choosing someone with no disaster management experience to lead FEMA is akin to putting a person in the cockpit of a plane during a hurricane who has never flown,” he commented in a statement.
Democratic members of the House Homeland Security Committee also welcomed the news of Richardson’s resignation.
“David Richardson was incompetent, inexperienced, and ill-suited to lead FEMA,” the group stated. “He will be remembered for vanishing when Texas families needed him the most. Thank you for your service.”
AI researchers can work autonomously for extended periods, completing studies in hours that would take humans months. While developers assert that they have made several “new contributions” to science, skepticism remains among some experts.
The platform, referred to as Kosmos, consists of multiple AI agents adept at data analysis and literature review, aiming to generate groundbreaking scientific insights.
“We have dedicated nearly two years to training AI scientists,” states Sam Rodricks, from Edison Scientific, the company behind Kosmos. “The limitation of previous AI scientists has always been the complexity of the concepts they produce.”
Kosmos endeavors to overcome this challenge. Typically, a session can last up to 12 hours; during this time, when a user inputs a scientific dataset, Kosmos examines roughly 1,500 pertinent academic papers while generating and executing 42,000 lines of code to analyze the data. At the end, the AI compiles a summary of the findings and relevant citations, along with a proposal for further analysis that can initiate the next cycle.
After a predetermined number of cycles, the system produces a report featuring scientific conclusions supported by relevant citations, akin to an academic publication. An assessment from a collective of scholars found that 20 of these cycles corresponded to about six months of their research efforts.
Rodriques remarked that the conclusions drawn by the system tend to be fairly accurate. Edison asked individuals with doctoral-level knowledge in biology to evaluate 102 claims made by Kosmos. The research team discovered that 79.4% of these claims were overall substantiated, including 85.5% concerning data analysis and 82.1% of claims referenced in existing literature. Nevertheless, Kosmos struggles to synthesize this information and generate new claims, achieving an accuracy rate of just 57.9% in this area.
Edison asserts that Kosmos has made seven verifiable scientific discoveries, all of which have been confirmed and replicated by independent specialists in the field using external datasets and diverse methodologies. According to the Kosmos team, four of these discoveries are genuinely novel, while the remaining three were previously documented, though in preprints or unpublished studies.
Among the claimed discoveries is a novel method for identifying when cellular pathways falter as Alzheimer’s disease advances. Another finding suggests that individuals with higher levels of a natural antioxidant enzyme known as superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in their blood may experience less heart scarring.
However, reactions to these claims from the scientific community have varied. The “discovery” related to SOD2 is deemed unremarkable by Fergus Hamilton of the University of Bristol, UK. “That specific causal assertion probably won’t withstand scrutiny as a new finding, and there are methodological flaws inherent in the analysis,” he comments. Professor Rodriques acknowledged that the SOD2 finding had been previously established in mice, but claimed this is the first time it has been recognized at the population level in humans through genomics.
Hamilton pointed out that the data analysis code which the agent attempted to execute malfunctioned, causing Kosmos to overlook potentially essential data while arriving at the same conclusions as existing studies.
“Several critical assumptions were made that were imperative for achieving accurate analysis,” he notes. “The software package fails entirely, yet key elements were ignored.” Additionally, in this instance, the data was so processed beforehand that Kosmos “only managed to accomplish around 10 percent of the task,” he suggests.
Hamilton commends the team behind Kosmos for addressing his queries and concerns raised on social media. “While this presents a substantial step forward conceptually, specific technical critiques of this study remain: [the] work is still far from zero,” he states.
“We’re entirely open to the possibility that some of the findings we present could be incorrect or flawed. This is part and parcel of scientific inquiry,” says Rodricks. “Nevertheless, the fact that it has garnered such intricate criticism highlights the system’s potential.”
Others express admiration for Kosmos’ performance overall. “This highlights the immense potential for AI to aid scientific research, but we must remain cautious about the independent use of AI scientists,” states Ben Glocker from Imperial College London. “Even though this study showcases some remarkable achievements, we still lack understanding of the failure modes.”
“We believe embracing tools like Kosmos and developing others is essential. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that science encompasses more than just a data-centric approach,” mentions Noah Jansiracusa from Bentley University, Massachusetts. “There is profound thought and creativity involved, and it would be unwise to disregard scientific pursuits that are amenable to automation solely because they are suitable for AI.”
Rodricks himself concedes that Kosmos is best utilized as a collaborator, rather than a replacement for researchers. “It is capable of performing many impressive tasks,” he asserts. “It requires thorough review and validation, and it may not always be entirely accurate.”
A remarkable 140-hectare site, tracing back 3,600 years, has been uncovered in the plains of northeastern Kazakhstan, significantly altering our perception of prehistoric life in Eurasia. This discovery indicates that the Central Asian steppes were once inhabited by Bronze Age societies equal in complexity and connectivity to more prominent ancient civilizations.
“It’s not just a missing piece; it’s like losing half the puzzle,” states Barry Molloy, who obtained his PhD from the University of Dublin, though he was not part of this study.
The Bronze Age was notable for the rise of various prominent cultures, such as the Shang and Zhou dynasties in China, Babylonians and Sumerians in what is now Iraq, and multiple Mediterranean cultures including Egyptians, Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Hittites.
For a long time, the vast steppes of Central Asia were believed to be home to mobile groups residing in yurts or tents. However, Seminyarka, or “City of the Seven Valleys,” appears distinctly different and may have served a crucial role in the distribution of bronze tools among civilizations.
Initially identified in the early 2000s, the site overlooks the Irtysh River, which begins in China’s Altai Mountains, traverses the plains of Kazakhstan, and continues through Siberia to the North Pole.
Mirjana Radivojevic and colleagues from University College London have been documenting the site since 2016. Their findings reveal that Seminyarka included extensive earthworks, likely for defense, as well as at least 20 enclosed dwelling structures, likely mud-brick, and a central monumental building believed to have been used for rituals and governance. The pottery discovered dates the site to around 1600 BC.
Notably, evidence of crucibles, slag, and bronze items suggests that significant areas were dedicated to the production of copper and tin-bronze, an alloy primarily composed of copper with over 2% tin.
Radivojevic noted that the slag’s composition matches tin deposits from the Altai Mountains, about 300 kilometers away.
She mentions that the tin could have been transported by individuals traversing the steppes or via boats on the Irtysh River, or extracted directly from the water. “The Irtysh River was a vital source of tin during the Eurasian Bronze Age, with seasonal flooding aiding in the extraction process,” she explained.
The organized layout of Semyalka contrasts sharply with the dispersed camps and small villages typically associated with nomadic communities in the steppes.
Without thorough excavation efforts, team members indicate they are unsure whether the buildings were constructed simultaneously or over a prolonged period. Dan Lawrence from Durham University states, “However, the design is unmistakably clear. Ordinarily, this suggests contemporary construction, as sequential builds would unlikely align so neatly.”
Given its strategic location along a river near significant copper and tin resources, researchers propose that Seminyarka was not just a hub for bronze production but also an epicenter of trade and regional influence, serving as a crucial linkage in a vast Bronze Age metal network connecting Central Asia with the broader continent.
“The Irtysh River was a heavily trafficked route,” Lawrence remarked. “It’s essentially laying the groundwork for what would become the Silk Road, representing an early form of globalization.”
Radivojevic emphasized that this site reshapes our understanding of Bronze Age societies in the steppe, demonstrating their sophistication comparable to contemporary cultures.
“This indicates they were organized and capable of mobilizing resources and defending their interests,” said Molloy. “The presence of concentrated materials like ores and metals signifies a level of social organization extending beyond local dynamics, fitting into intricate networks that spanned Eurasia, where metals served as critical connections within those networks.”
Cairo and Alexandria, pioneers of science in the ancient world: Egypt
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Cairo and Alexandria, two iconic cities in Egypt that beautifully blend ancient history with modern allure.
Women are not simply “smaller men.” For many years, medical research has primarily focused on male rodents, which lack the intricate hormonal cycles found in females, subsequently applying these findings to women as if they were the same. Fortunately, recent decades have seen a growing understanding that this oversight is detrimental to women’s health, often leading to treatments that are less effective for them than for men.
Recent studies on how sex chromosomes influence immune systems reveal another layer to this narrative. Overlooking the intricacies of women’s bodies impacts everyone, not solely women (see “Women’s Immune Systems Are Stronger – Now We Know Why”).
A significant part of the issue arises from averaging effects. While statistical methods can help clarify fluctuations and unveil impactful insights, excessive reliance on them can obscure critical signals. Women generally possess more robust and responsive immune systems compared to the average man, showing longer-lasting responses to vaccines and a lower likelihood of mortality from infections in older age.
“
Neglecting the complexity of women’s bodies affects everyone, not just women. “
However, by combining male and female participants in medical research trials, distinct sex differences in reactions to antiviral medications and vaccines, although better than excluding women entirely, may still be obscured. This could result in men receiving inadequate dosages for effective treatment and women receiving excessive amounts. Furthermore, minimal attention has been given to how these differences impact transgender individuals.
Ultimately, researchers are uncovering how the X chromosome and hormones contribute to these sex-based differences. Insights from this research should help in refining treatments for a variety of conditions, from long COVID-19 to cancer, benefiting everyone. Embracing the complexity of our bodies rather than viewing women as “smaller men” is crucial.
Picture having a coffee pot that serves two cups. Poor brewing might result in a stronger brew at the bottom than at the top. When pouring from the pot into two cups, the first cup will taste much weaker than the second.
While this scenario is somewhat contrived, there are other situations where a “first is worse” (or “first is better”) approach can lead to inequity.
Consider a football game where everyone has a good idea of the skills of each player. If one team’s captain selects all players first, it creates a significant imbalance in team strength.
This scenario remains unfair even with a simple pick order. For instance, if players can be ranked from 1 to 10 based on skill, if Captain A chooses player 10 first, then Captain B selects player 9, followed by Captain A picking player 8, and so on, the resultant totals are skewed. Captain A’s team ends up with a score of 30 (10 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 2), while Captain B’s team scores only 25 (9 + 7 + 5 + 3 + 1).
So, how can we ensure a fair player selection? The answer lies in a mathematical method from the 19th century. The Tew-Morse series, initially explored by Eugène Plouet in the 1850s and subsequently detailed by Axel Tew and Marston Morse in the early 20th century, advocates for alternating and rotating choices.
In a scenario with selectors A and B, the selection order follows an ABBA pattern. The first pair is in the same order, while the second flips the order. This pattern can be extended, with a repeat that reverses the As and Bs: ABBA BAAB. Further sequences can be created like “ABBA BAAB BAAB ABBA”.
This rotation helps create equity. Using the team selection example again, the totals would be much more balanced: 10 + 7 + 5 + 4 + 1 for one team versus 9 + 8 + 6 + 3 + 2 for the other, leading to totals of 27 and 28.
An iteration of this sequence is also employed in sporting events. For instance, during a tennis tiebreak, one player serves first, followed by each player taking turns to serve two points in an ABBA sequence. This streamlined version of Tew-Morse is often seen as fairer than simple turn-taking. A similar approach is being tested by FIFA and UEFA during soccer penalty shootouts, applying pressure on the second shooter in each pair.
Returning to the coffee pot scenario, the solution is ideal. If you pour half a cup into cup A, then pour two half cups into cup B, and finally add the last half cup back into A, you will achieve equal strength in both cups. Alternatively, you could stir the coffee with a spoon. However, wouldn’t it be more gratifying to tackle such challenges with the aid of mathematics?
katie steckles – A mathematician, lecturer, YouTuber, and author based in Manchester, UK. She also contributes to New Scientist‘s puzzle column “BrainTwister”. Follow her @stex
The inaugural study of a well-preserved nasal cavity in human fossils uncovers that the large noses of Neanderthals were not primarily adaptations for cold environments, as previously assumed.
Nevertheless, the existing structures are largely damaged, leaving a gap in the fossil record that hampers a comprehensive understanding of the Neanderthal nose’s internal morphology.
Altamura skull: A Neanderthal fossil embedded in rock
KARST Pudding Project
Costantino Busi and his team at the University of Perugia in Italy gathered this evidence from a specimen known as Altamura man, which dates between 172,000 and 130,000 years old. This skeleton is encased in rock within the Lalunga cave, near Altamura, southern Italy, and features small calcite deposits called popcorn stones, resembling a coral reef.
“This may be the most comprehensive hominin fossil ever uncovered,” Busi stated. However, due to its fragile state, the specimen couldn’t be removed. Instead, Busi and his team brought their equipment into a tight section of the cave and utilized an endoscope to explore the interior of the skull, allowing them to digitally visualize the preserved internal nasal bones.
This is certainly the first instance of such structures being clearly observed in a hominin fossil,” Busi noted.
Unexpectedly, they found no evidence of the typical features believed to characterize Neanderthals’ nasal cavities, such as the vertical medial process (a bony protrusion), a ridge on the nasal cavity wall, or the absence of a bony roof over the lacrimal trough.
Nevertheless, according to Busi, the Altamura man is certainly a Neanderthal. Morphology, dating, genetics suggests this, indicating that the structures in question should no longer be classified as defining traits of Neanderthals. He posits that the prominent noses and protruding upper jaws were unlikely to represent the evolutionary adaptations of Neanderthals. “We can finally acknowledge that certain features once thought diagnostic are absent in Neanderthal skulls,” Busi added.
According to Busi, the large nasal cavities of Neanderthals were simply a reflection of their larger cranial features. However, the team discovered that the nasal turbinates (the scroll-like structures within the nasal cavities) were quite large, aiding in the warming of inhaled air.
“These findings suggest that the distinctive face shape of Neanderthals was shaped more by developmental factors and overall body size than by adaptations for breathing in cold conditions,” said Ludovic Slimak from the University of Toulouse, France. “This research challenges previously held notions regarding Neanderthal evolution and offers the first concrete evidence regarding the structure and function of their respiratory systems.”
This research also suggests that unique adaptations in the neck, driven by the selective pressures of the glacial environment, may have influenced the evolution of Neanderthal facial characteristics, including their protruding jaws.
“The common belief that Neanderthals were specially adapted to colder climates is completely unfounded,” stated Todd Rae from the University of Sussex, UK. “In fact, it’s likely they were more vulnerable to the cold, especially when compared to those in tropical regions. While they managed before, they were likely pushed to extinction by the last glacial maximum.”
Origins of Humanity: Ancient Caves in Northern Spain
Explore some of the planet’s oldest cave art in this picturesque area of northern Spain. Journey back 40,000 years and uncover how our ancestors lived, played, and labored. Each cave, rich with ancient Paleolithic artistry and spectacular geological formations, narrates a unique and timeless tale.
A 12,000-year-old clay figurine and artistic restoration showcasing a woman with a goose from Nahal Ein Geb II
Laurent Davin
A diminutive 12,000-year-old clay figure featuring a goose on the back of a woman might illustrate an animistic ritual linked to mating between a gander and a human.
Measuring just 3.7 centimeters tall, this sculpture was uncovered in 2019 at the archaeological site of Nahal Ein Geb II in Israel, though its importance wasn’t fully appreciated until 2024.
The site was inhabited by the Natufians, a group of Paleolithic hunter-gatherers who established settlements in the region. Known as the direct ancestors of the Neolithic farming communities, the Natufians are credited with early agriculture throughout the Middle East.
To the casual observer, it might be challenging to discern the figure’s components; Laurent Davin, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, expressed certainty, stating it clearly depicts a goose on the woman’s back.
“Upon extracting this small clay form from its packaging, I instantly recognized a human figure with a bird resting atop,” Davin recalls. “What I held was an extraordinary artifact, 12,000 years old, notable for both its subject and craftsmanship.”
There are ancient sculptures and paintings illustrating human-animal interactions, in addition to even older hybrid sculptures dating back 40,000 years, like the “Lion Man” discovered in Germany. Davin asserts this elegant piece is “the earliest figurine representing human-animal interaction” ever found.
Geochemical analyses indicated the statuette was heated to around 400 degrees Celsius. Davin notes the artist skillfully modeled the clay, showcasing a keen awareness of anatomy and how light and shadow play into the scene.
He and his team do not propose that the figure represents a literal event, such as a female hunter with a captured goose. Instead, Davin believes the goose was artistically rendered in a mating position.
“We view this portrayal as an imaginative interaction between animal spirits and humans,” he explains. “Such themes are prevalent in animistic cultures globally, particularly reflecting erotic dreams, shamanistic visions, and mythology.”
Researchers also found fingerprints on the figurine, likely made by its creator. Due to its small dimensions, it likely belonged to a young adult or an adult female of any gender.
Paul Tacon, a professor at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, not involved in the research, presents an alternative interpretation of the statue. “Having grown up in Canada and recalling Canada geese, [it] “It reminds me of their aggressive behavior. They often charge and leap onto one’s back, pecking at the head or neck,” he observes.
“The tale of a woman being pursued by a goose could represent an altercation rather than an intimate union, though the exact significance may remain elusive.”
Ancient caves, the origins of humanity: northern Spain
Explore the world’s oldest cave paintings in this picturesque region of northern Spain. Journey back 40,000 years and learn about the lives, play, and work of our ancestors. Every cave, filled with ancient Paleolithic art and awe-inspiring geological wonders, narrates a unique and timeless tale.
When posed with the question of the greatest episode in TV history (a regular discussion among my patient friends), “Ozymandias,” from Breaking Bad, often comes to mind. This episode, a pinnacle in storytelling, acting, and direction, encapsulates the harrowing tale of a chemistry teacher turned meth producer after a cancer diagnosis.
Being part of a flawlessly executed episode is a substantial legacy. Creating two monumental series like Breaking Bad and its companion Better Call Saul has entirely revolutionized television. Vince Gilligan, the brilliant showrunner, has proven his mettle and with Pluribus, his intriguing new sci-fi series for Apple TV, there’s little left for him to prove.
Having viewed the first six episodes of this nine-part season, I can affirm that the series is crafted with remarkable confidence, maintaining an engaging grip through its intricate plot twists and immersive world.
Carol (Rhea Seehorn, veteran of Better Call Saul) is the writer behind Waikalo Wind, a popular series of pirate-themed novels. While her successes afford her a comfortable living, she’s plagued by creative stagnation. However, her life is about to take a darker turn.
During a book tour with her agent and partner Helen (Miriam Shor), a strange incident occurs—everyone around Carol suddenly experiences a seizure. Once the episode subsides, they find themselves in an entirely different reality, leaving her as one of the few unaffected. This anomaly may be connected to a peculiar radio signal that was detected 439 days earlier, pulsating a base-4 rhythm every 78 seconds from 600 light-years away.
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Can a society become utopian without the consent of its citizens? Even if one person feels trapped, is it still a utopia? “
Unbeknownst to Carol, the rest of humanity revels in liberation from trivial grievances and desperately wishes for her to join them.
I understand their obsession with her. Even prior to her becoming the world’s unhappiest individual, her cantankerous demeanor is captivating. She reminds me of Paul Sheldon in the film Misery, though disturbed by adoring fans, Carol is scrutinized by billions. Her fellow humans serve her unwaveringly as they seek to decipher her differences and remedy her situation. Eventually, she begins to navigate the rules of this new world and discovers she possesses more agency than she initially believed.
Pluribus poses many compelling questions. Can a utopian society exist without the agreement of its members? Is it still utopia if one feels isolated? Besides Seehorn’s stellar performance, the series is commendably character-focused, noticeably dedicating time to moments like a character attempting to conceal a body. There’s an organic pacing to the story development, leading to unexpected turns.
Despite having seen the majority of the first season, the direction of Pluribus remains enigmatic. Some viewers may find this ambiguity off-putting, and its deliberate pace could polarize opinions. However, I find it exhilarating, as it subverts typical big-budget sci-fi conventions.
With a second season assured, it’s certain to cultivate its own “Ozymandias” moment if it gains traction.
I also suggest:
Breaking Bad Vince Gilligan
Need more proof of Vince Gilligan’s prowess? Check out his debut masterpiece. The tale of a chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer is a gripping five-act tragedy, illustrating one of television’s most remarkable antiheroes.
Outlander Adapted by Ronald D. Moore
There are significant moments in Pluribus reminiscent of character dynamics in Outlander, where rearranging a bookstore serves to provide characters interaction through literature. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander may not be as visually depicted in the books, but the TV rendition is exceptional.
Bethan Ackerley is an associate editor at New Scientist. She enjoys science fiction, comedy, and anything creepy. Follow her at @inkerley
The parasitic ant queen Lasius orientalis (left) invading the nest of Lasius flavus and approaching the queen (right)
Keizo Takasuka/Kyushu University
Some parasitic ants usurp colonies of related species by prompting worker ants to eliminate and replace the resident queen.
Approximately 230 species of ants are classified as parasitic, depositing eggs within the nests of other species or pilfering larvae and pupae. Certain species eliminate the host queen before laying their eggs and manipulate the worker ants to care for these eggs instead.
Professors Keizo Takasuka and his colleagues at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, observed this behavior when the queen of the parasitic species Lasius orientalis inadvertently invaded a relative’s nest, Lasius flavus. The workers proceeded to kill their own queen.
While many parasitic queens face elimination by worker ants upon discovery, some manage to camouflage themselves with the colony’s scent and evade detection.
To gauge the effectiveness of the parasitic queens, the researchers aided the intruders by disguising them with the scent of worker ants before placing them into the colony.
“It reminds me of the TV series The Walking Dead, where characters pass through hordes of zombies with walker blood smeared on them, operating under a disguise that often fails, leading to brutal deaths for those exposed,” Takasuga remarks.
Once the parasite breaches a colony, it emits a chemical, likely formic acid, through a gland at the end of its abdomen to target a rival queen.
Worker ants perceive this chemical as a threat and attack the rival queen upon detecting it. However, the process is gradual, necessitating multiple sprays and numerous assaults before the queen is ultimately killed. The parasitic queen can then lay her eggs, which are nurtured by the worker ants.
“If the parasitic strategy succeeds, the new queen can navigate the delicate establishment phase much more securely than if she were to start a colony independently,” Takasuga comments. “This approach might be more prevalent than we currently acknowledge.”
Researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, including Chris Reid, assert that the intricate behaviors of ants are challenging to observe due to their subterranean nests.
“This form of natural history detective work is crucial for enhancing our understanding of these immensely significant insects,” Reid notes. “Further investigations may even pave the way for novel methods to target invasive ant queens, a major challenge facing ecosystems globally.”
Gray hair might represent the marks left by our bodies in the battle against cancer, according to a new study.
The recently released Natural Cell Biology explores how the cells that provide pigment in our hair and skin “self-destruct” upon damage, as part of the body’s protective measures against cancer.
Researchers have found that when these pigment-producing cells experience certain types of damage, they cease to function on their own instead of continuing to divide.
This selection process helps to prevent the spread of faulty cells that can cause harmful mutations, but it ultimately leads to a decline in pigment-producing cells over time, resulting in gray hair.
While scientists have been examining methods to prevent the self-destruction of pigment cells to combat gray hair, recent findings indicate that gray hair may indicate a significant anti-cancer defensive mechanism.
Damaged DNA can lead to mutations and cause cancer – Credit: Getty
“[This study] indicates that gray hair and melanoma are not unrelated occurrences but are framed as varied outcomes of stem cell stress responses,” stated Professor Emi Nishimura of the University of Tokyo, who spearheaded the research.
The Tokyo team made this revelation while examining mouse melanocyte stem cells, which are responsible for producing hair pigment. They found that these melanocyte cells only sacrificed themselves when their DNA faced a “double-strand break,” or a precise cut on both sides of the DNA helix.
However, when the cells encountered different stressors, like ultraviolet light or carcinogens, they did not undergo self-destruction. Instead, they survived and continued to divide, allowing mutations to accumulate and potentially paving the way for cancer.
These two distinct responses—cells opting for self-sacrifice in some situations but persisting in others—may help clarify why gray hair and skin cancer become increasingly prevalent as we age.
Researchers suggest that gaining a deeper understanding and ultimately controlling this response could lead to innovative methods for eliminating high-risk cells before they turn cancerous.
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder and former CEO of Amazon, is set to return as CEO after stepping down four years ago. This time, he will serve as co-CEO of an AI startup called Project Prometheus. New York Times reported this from an anonymous source.
The startup is aiming to innovate AI solutions for engineering and manufacturing across various sectors, having secured an impressive $6.2 billion in funding—far exceeding what most companies gather in their lifetime. The company will be headed by Bezos’ co-founder and co-CEO, Vik Bajaj, a well-known technology executive and a physicist and chemist famed for his role at Google’s Moonshot Factory X, where he launched the health startup Verily.
Although the exact duration of the company’s existence is unclear, sources indicate that Project Prometheus already has a workforce of 100 people. Many of these employees were recruited from notable organizations like OpenAI, DeepMind, and Meta. Details about the project remain sparse as Bezos has not revealed its operational base or the specifics of its technology. Having been heavily involved with his aerospace venture Blue Origin as its founder and sole shareholder, this role marks Bezos’ first official position since departing from Amazon.
Mr. Bezos and Mr. Bajaj enter a highly competitive AI market, where billions have been invested in rivals like OpenAI, with even more funds directed towards the swift advancement of AI models. However, a growing number of experts are raising concerns about the financial viability of the AI industry. Notably, Michael Burry, renowned for predicting the 2008 housing crisis, has recently placed a $1 billion bet against the stock prices of Palantir and Nvidia after accusing some major tech firms of using accounting strategies to “artificially inflate profits.” Read more.
Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured astonishing new images of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 4535.
This Hubble image depicts spiral galaxy NGC 4535, situated approximately 52.6 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Belfiore / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.
NGC4535 is located in the Virgo constellation, roughly 52.6 million light-years distant.
This galaxy, also referred to as LEDA 41812 and UGC 7727, spans about 115,000 light-years.
First observed by German-British astronomer William Herschel on December 28, 1785.
When viewed through smaller telescopes, NGC 4535 appears hazy and ethereal, prompting prominent amateur astronomer Leland S. Copeland to name it the “Lost Galaxy” in the 1950s.
“This galaxy is so faint when seen through small telescopes that it has been nicknamed the ‘Lost Galaxy,'” noted Hubble astronomers.
“With its 2.4-meter-diameter mirror, Hubble is ideally equipped to observe faint galaxies like NGC 4535 and reveal features such as its magnificent spiral arms and central bar of stars.”
NGC 4535 ranks among the largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, a massive assembly of 2,000 galaxies located near the prominent elliptical galaxy Messier 87.
The nearly circular shape of the galaxy suggests that we are viewing it almost face-on.
Its center features a distinct bar structure with a dust lane that sharply curves before branching into the spiral arm.
“The young star clusters of NGC 4535 are vividly visible in the Hubble images, scattered throughout the galaxy’s spiral arms,” the astronomers stated.
“Many clusters of bright blue stars are enveloped by glowing pink clouds.”
“These clouds, known as H II regions, indicate that this galaxy is home to particularly young, hot, and massive stars emitting high-energy radiation.”
“Massive stars significantly impact their environment by heating the clouds they are born from, producing powerful stellar winds, and ultimately exploding as supernovae.”
The new Hubble images include data from an observational program cataloging around 50,000 H II regions in nearby star-forming galaxies.
“Previous images of NGC 4535 were released in 2021,” the researchers mentioned.
“Both the 2021 images and the latest ones include observations from around the globe. The PHANGS program aims to understand the relationship between young stars and cold gas.”
“Today’s images provide a new perspective on NGC 4535 by highlighting the bright red glow of the nebula surrounding the massive star during its initial few million years of existence.”
AI firms need to be upfront about the risks linked to their technologies to avoid the pitfalls faced by tobacco and opioid companies, as stated by the CEO of Anthropic, an AI startup.
Dario Amodei, who leads the US-based company developing Claude chatbots, asserted that AI will surpass human intelligence “in most or all ways” and encouraged peers to “be candid about what you observe.”
In his interview with CBS News, Amodei expressed concerns that the current lack of transparency regarding the effects of powerful AI could mirror the failures of tobacco and opioid companies that neglected to acknowledge the health dangers associated with their products.
“You could find yourself in a situation similar to that of tobacco or opioid companies, who were aware of the dangers but chose not to discuss them, nor did they take preventive measures,” he remarked.
Earlier this year, Amodei warned that AI could potentially eliminate half of entry-level jobs in sectors like accounting, law, and banking within the next five years.
“Without proactive steps, it’s challenging to envision avoiding a significant impact on jobs. My worry is that this impact will be far-reaching and happen much quicker than what we’ve seen with past technologies,” Amodei stated.
He described the term “compressed 21st century” to convey how AI could accelerate scientific progress compared to previous decades.
“Is it feasible to multiply the rate of advancements by ten and condense all the medical breakthroughs of the 21st century into five or ten years?” he posed.
As a notable advocate for online safety, Amodei highlighted various concerns raised by Anthropic regarding their AI models, which included an alarming trend of perceived testing and blackmail attempts against them.
Last week, the newspaper reported that a Chinese state-backed group leveraged its Claude Codeto tool to launch attacks on 30 organizations globally in September, leading to “multiple successful intrusions.”
The company noted that one of the most troubling aspects of the incident was that Claude operated largely autonomously, with 80% to 90% of the actions taken without human intervention.
“One of the significant advantages of these models is their capacity for independent action. However, the more autonomy we grant these systems, the more we have to ponder if they are executing precisely what we intend,” Amodei highlighted during his CBS interview.
Logan Graham, the head of Anthropic’s AI model stress testing team, shared with CBS that the potential for the model to facilitate groundbreaking health discoveries also raises concerns about its use in creating biological weapons.
“If this model is capable of assisting in biological weapons production, it typically shares similar functionalities that could be utilized for vaccine production or therapeutic development,” he explained.
Graham discussed autonomous models, which play a crucial role in the justification for investing in AI, noting that users desire AI tools that enhance their businesses rather than undermine them.
“One needs a model to build a thriving business and aim for a billion,” he remarked. “But the last thing you want is to find yourself locked out of your own company one day. Thus, our fundamental approach is to start measuring these autonomous functions and conduct as many unconventional experiments as possible to observe the outcomes.”
Bufftail Bumblebee (Western bumblebee): A recent study reveals that humans can determine foraging locations by analyzing variations in the length of visual cues.
The ability to process temporal information is essential for animal behaviors like foraging, mating, and avoiding predators. Although circadian rhythms are well-studied, there’s limited knowledge on how insects perceive durations in the second to subsecond range. Davidson and colleagues sought to assess the buff-tailed bumblebee’s (Western bumblebee) ability to distinguish between light flash durations in free-foraging tasks. Image credit: Miriam.
In Morse code, a brief flash or “dot” signifies the letter “E,” while a prolonged flash or “dash” indicates the letter “T.”
Previously, the capability to differentiate between “dots” and “dashes” was recognized solely in humans and certain vertebrates like macaques and pigeons.
Alex Davidson, a PhD student at Queen Mary University of London, and his team examined this ability in the Western bumblebee.
They designed a specialized maze to train the bumblebees to identify a sugar reward among two flashing circles, marked by long and short flashing intervals.
For instance, if a short flash, or “dot,” was linked with sugar, a long flash, or “dash,” would be associated with a bitter substance that bumblebees typically avoid.
Within each section of the maze, the locations of the “dot” and “dash” stimuli were altered, preventing the bumblebees from relying on spatial cues for their choices.
After mastering the task of approaching the flashing circles paired with sugar, the bumblebees were tested with flashing lights devoid of sugar, to determine if their selections were driven by visual cues instead of olfactory ones associated with sugar.
The results indicated that the bumblebees effectively learned to distinguish between light durations, as the majority headed straight to the “correct” blinking light duration that had been previously linked to sugar, irrespective of its spatial location.
“We aimed to investigate if bumblebees could distinguish among these various durations, and it was thrilling to observe them succeed,” Davidson noted.
“It’s astonishing that they excelled in this task, given that bumblebees encounter no blinking stimuli in their natural habitats.”
“The ability to track the duration of visual stimuli might imply enhanced temporal processing capabilities that have evolved for various functions, including spatial movement tracking or communication.”
“Alternatively, this impressive skill for encoding and processing time could be a fundamental feature of the nervous system, reflective of neuronal properties. Only further research can clarify this.”
The neural mechanisms that facilitate the tracking of these durations are still largely unclear. Current mechanisms known to align with solar cycles and seasonal changes are too slow to account for the distinction between dashes and dots of varying durations.
Numerous theories suggest the existence of either a singular or multiple biological clocks.
The revelation of insects’ capacity to differentiate between light flash durations will enable researchers to test various models using these “miniature brains” that measure less than a cubic millimeter.
“Numerous complex animal behaviors, including navigation and communication, rely on temporal processing capabilities,” comments researcher Elisabetta Versace from Queen Mary University of London.
“To explore the evolution of such abilities, adopting a comprehensive comparative approach across a range of species, including insects, is crucial.”
“Insect processing times highlight their utilization of minimal neural resources to accomplish complex tasks.”
“This insight holds implications for characteristics such as complex cognition in artificial neural networks, which should take cues from biological intelligence while striving for efficiency and scalability.”
This result was published in the Journal on November 12, 2025 in Biology Letters.
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Alexander Davidson et al. 2025. Bumblebee duration identification in the Western bumblebee. Biol. Let 21(11):20250440; doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2025.0440
aArtificial intelligence is frequently linked to massive electricity consumption, resulting in global warming emissions that often support unproductive or misleading gains which contribute little to human advancement.
However, some AI proponents at a significant UN climate summit are presenting an alternative perspective. Could AI actually assist in addressing the climate crisis rather than exacerbating it?
The discussion of “AI for good” resonated at the Cop30 conference in Belem, Brazil, where advocates claim AI has the potential to lower emissions through various efficiencies that could impact multiple aspects of daily life, including food, transportation, and energy—major contributors to environmental pollution.
Recently, a coalition of organizations, UN agencies, and the Brazilian government announced the establishment of the AI Climate Institute, a new global initiative aimed at leveraging AI as a tool for empowerment to assist developing nations in addressing environmental issues.
Proponents assert that, over time, this initiative will educate countries on utilizing AI in various ways to curb emissions, including enhancing public transportation, streamlining agricultural systems, and adjusting energy grids to facilitate the timely integration of renewable energy.
Forecasting weather patterns, including the mapping of impending climate crises like floods and wildfires, could also be refined through this approach, remarked Maria João Souza, executive director of Climate Change AI, one of the organizations involved in the initiative.
“Numerical weather prediction models demand significant computational power, which limits their implementation in many regions,” she noted. “I believe AI will act as a beneficial force that accelerates many of these advancements.”
Lorenzo Sarr, chief sustainability officer at Clarity AI and also present at Cop30, emphasized that AI could aid in tracking emissions and biodiversity, providing insights into current conditions.
“One can truly begin to identify the problem areas,” he said. “Then predictions can be made. These forecasts can address both short-term and long-term scenarios. We can predict next week’s flooding, and also analyze phenomena like rising sea levels.”
Sarr acknowledged valid concerns regarding AI’s societal and governance impacts, but he expressed optimism that the overall environmental outcomes could be beneficial. A report released in June by the London School of Economics delivered unexpectedly positive projections, suggesting that AI could slash global greenhouse gas emissions by 3.2 billion to 5.4 billion tons over the next decade, even factoring in significant energy usage.
“People already make poor energy choices, such as overusing their air conditioners,” Sarr commented. “How much of what we do on our phones is detrimental? It’s a recurring thought for me. How many hours do we spend scrolling through Instagram?”
“I believe society will gravitate toward this direction. We must consider how to prevent harming the planet through heating while ensuring a net positive impact.”
Yet, some experts and environmental advocates remain skeptical. The immense computational demands of AI, particularly in the case of generative models, are driving a surge in data centers in countries like the U.S., which consume vast quantities of electricity and water—even in drought-prone areas—leading to surging electricity costs in certain regions.
The climate ramifications of this AI surge, propelled by companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI, are considerable and likely to increase, as indicated by a recent study from Cornell University. This impact is comparable to adding 10 million gasoline cars to the roads or matching the annual emissions of all of Norway.
“There exists a techno-utopian belief that AI will rescue us from the climate crisis,” stated Jean Hsu, a climate activist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “However, we know what truly will save us from the climate crisis: the gradual elimination of fossil fuels, not AI.”
While AI may indeed enhance efficiency and lower emissions, these same technologies can be leveraged to optimize fossil fuel extraction as well. A recent report by Wood Mackenzie estimated that AI could potentially unlock an additional trillion barrels of oil. Such a scenario, if accepted by energy markets, would obliterate any chances of preventing severe climate change.
Natasha Hospedares, lead attorney for AI at Client Earth, remarked that while the “AI for good” argument holds some validity, it represents “a very small niche” within a far larger industry focused primarily on maximizing profits.
“There is some evidence that AI could assist developing nations, but much of this is either in the early stages or remains hypothetical, and actual implementation is still lacking,” she stated. “Overall, we are significantly distant from achieving a state where AI consistently mitigates its detrimental environmental impacts.”
“The environmental consequences of AI are already alarming, and I don’t foresee a slowdown in data center expansion anytime soon. A minor fraction of AI is being applied for beneficial purposes, while the vast majority is being exploited by companies like Google and Meta, primarily for profit at the expense of the environment and human rights.”
The universe has undergone significant changes. Examining the contrasts between the universe as we perceive it today and its origin nearly 14 billion years ago is a crucial area of study for astrophysicists and cosmologists. Their focus is primarily on the first billion years following the Big Bang, when the first stars and galaxies began to emerge, marking the dawn of the universe. This was the initial phase when celestial objects began to emit light on their own rather than merely reflecting the remnants of the Big Bang, and it was also the first occurrence when elements heavier than helium started forming via nuclear fusion in stars.
In a recent study, a group of scientists utilized computer simulations to explore what star clusters looked like during the dawn of the universe. Their objective was to create models of star and galaxy formation that could be confirmed by new observations made by the JWST. This approach will enhance astronomers’ understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe, particularly the influence of galaxies on dark matter, which remains enigmatic, during the birth of the first stars from cosmic dust.
The research employed a cosmological simulation code called Arepo to recreate the dawn of the universe within a three-dimensional box measuring 1.9 megaparsecs on each side. This size converts to 60 quintillion kilometers or 40 quintillion miles. Within this box, the simulation contained 450 million particles representing early elemental matter, including hydrogen, helium, various isotopes, ions, and molecules that formed together. Additionally, it incorporated particles simulating known dark matter, which is affected by gravity but does not interact with other forces. When these aggregates of particles coalesced and surpassed a specific mass threshold known as jeans mass, the code indicated the formation of a star.
The team aimed to identify where the simulated stars and particles formed structures like star clusters, galaxies, and galaxy clusters. They implemented a method to group particles that were sufficiently adjacent to be considered connected, utilizing a friend of friends algorithm. By executing multiple iterations of this algorithm in the simulated universe—some focused on dark matter and others on ordinary matter such as stars, dust, and gas—the researchers sought to ascertain the arrangement of matter in the early universe.
The resulting simulated clusters were found to have dimensions comparable to actual clusters observed by astronomers in the early universe. However, no real clusters with metal-rich stars matching those in the simulations have yet been identified. Furthermore, the number of stars present in the simulated cluster was consistent with previous observations of distant star clusters recorded by the JWST. Many simulated star clusters were unstable, indicating they were not fully bound by their internal gravity. The team also found that as stable star clusters began merging into larger structures, such as galaxies, they became unstable once more.
An unexpected finding emerged from the study. The friend-of-a-friend algorithm produced varying results when assessing dark matter versus ordinary matter. The discrepancy reached up to 50%, implying that an algorithm targeting dark matter might detect only half the objects identified by an algorithm focused on regular matter. This variance depended on the mass of the identified star clusters or galaxies, particularly evident for objects within a moderate size range of 10,000 to 100,000 solar masses and very low masses around 1,000 solar masses.
The researchers could not ascertain the reasons behind this phenomenon, suggesting their simulations might be overly simplistic for accurately representing all conditions present during the universe’s dawn. Notably, they mentioned the absence of newly formed stars ejecting materials into space in their simulations. Consequently, they proposed treating their discovery as an upper limit on the frequency of star-like and, by extension, star-containing objects forming in the early universe. Their results might illustrate instances in nature where star formation occurs extremely efficiently, yet sorting out the roles of all involved processes remains necessary.
The conclusion drawn was that cosmic dawn clusters could have coalesced to create the foundations of modern galaxies or possibly evolved into the luminous cores of later galaxies. Additionally, the simulated clusters appeared to be strong candidates for forming medium-sizedblack holes, the remnants of which may be detectable with deep-space telescopes.
Clocking in at 2 minutes and 45 seconds, the length is comparable to “With a Little Help From My Friends.” However, Paul McCartney’s latest release, his first new recording in five years, lacks the sing-alongs and lively guitar riffs typical of his earlier work.
The legendary Beatles member, arguably one of Britain’s most esteemed living songwriters, is unveiling a largely silent track from a recording studio. This release serves as a statement against copyright infringement by AI companies within the music industry.
Rather than showcasing a catchy tune or evocative lyrics, the track predominantly features a soft hiss and unusual sounds. This arrangement underlines the concern that if AI firms utilize musicians’ intellectual property for training generative AI models, it may lead to the erosion of the creative ecosystem and eventual silencing of original music.
Currently 83 and touring in North America, McCartney has placed this song on the B-side of his upcoming album. Is this what we want? is a collection of other silent tracks, set to be released on vinyl later this month.
Mr. McCartney’s contribution comes as musicians and artists intensify their efforts to urge the UK government to prevent tech companies from training AI models using their creative work without consent or royalty payments. This is especially pressing as Britain faces regulatory pressure from former President Donald Trump’s administration.
The album’s tracklist asserts, “The UK government must not legalize music theft for the benefit of AI companies.”
Ed Newton-Rex, a composer and advocate for copyright justice involved with the protest album, expressed his concern that the government is prioritizing the interests of American tech companies over those of British creators.
Among the artists backing this campaign are Sam Fender, Kate Bush, Hans Zimmer, and Pet Shop Boys.
McCartney’s new piece is titled (Bonus Track), and like his classic songs, it comprises a beginning, middle, and end. It opens with 55 seconds of tape hiss, transitions into 15 seconds of indistinguishable clattering, perhaps caused by someone moving about with a door ajar, and concludes with 80 seconds of rustling and intermittent hiss, fading out slowly and emotionally.
Mr. McCartney stands as a prominent voice in British music voicing concerns regarding the government’s efforts to establish new agreements between creative professionals and AI companies like OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI, which require access to extensive training data, including text, images, and music.
“We risk having it hijacked, which is a concern, particularly for emerging composers and writers,” McCartney remarked about AI. “It would indeed be disheartening if AI wiped out creativity.” Bush, another artist on the protest album, expressed, “Will our voices not resonate in the music of the future?” Composer Max Richter added, “The government’s proposals would diminish creators, privileging those who automate creativity over true artists, writers, and visual creators.”
The government is assessing the possibility of creating an exception in UK copyright law for “text and data mining,” potentially compelling copyright owners to actively opt out if they don’t wish to have their works used for AI training. Ministers are striving to balance the interests of the creative sectors, contributing £125bn annually to the UK economy, against the demands of US tech companies advocating for minimal regulation, especially when they’ve recently announced over £30bn of investment primarily targeting data centers.
Legislation regarding AI and copyright is not anticipated to be discussed in Congress until 2026. In the interim, the government is collaborating with Open AI, Google, and human to promote AI adoption within governmental functions and the economy.
Mr. Trump has stated, “We must allow AI to utilize it.” He noted, “We can gather insights without engaging in complex contract negotiations,” urging international governments “not to implement regulations that hinder” AI companies from operating effectively.
“The government is attempting to navigate both interests,” copyright advocate and director Bivan Kidron told the Guardian. “They have demonstrated an inability to govern with the financial interests of creators in mind.”
A government representative stated that Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, is committed to finding a balance between AI and the creative sectors, declaring, “We recognize both of these sectors are vital to the UK’s success and are engaging with both parties.”
Concerns were voiced following Kendall’s appointment of a special adviser in September, who previously argued that “regardless of philosophical beliefs about whether AI firms should compensate content creators, there is currently no legal obligation for them to do so.”
In response to Mr. McCartney’s remarks, a government spokesperson affirmed that the government prioritizes the interests of the British public and businesses.
“We have consistently emphasized the importance of collaborating with both the creative industries and the AI sector to foster AI innovation while ensuring robust safeguards for creators,” the statement read.
“We’re gathering insights from both UK and international companies and voices in the AI and creative industries to ensure we consider the broadest possible spectrum of expert opinions as we deliberate on our next steps.”
You may have heard from biohacking podcasters, flashy social media ads, nutrition experts, or radiant influencers that effectively managing your blood sugar is crucial for maintaining good health.
Blood sugar management is no longer solely a diabetic concern; it’s now heralded as essential for achieving an ideal diet, endless energy, and decreased inflammation.
It’s no wonder that online searches for “blood sugar” have surged by over 30% in the last five years, leading to a booming global market for continuous blood glucose monitors, which are expected to grow tenfold within the next decade.
Yet, amidst all this excitement, there’s a crucial message that many doctors want to convey: Most people don’t need to worry about their blood sugar levels at all. Health proponents often misinterpret this aspect.
As Dr. Nicola Guess, a clinical and academic nutritionist at the University of Oxford, puts it: “These individuals are misinformed.”
Don’t Fear the Roller Coasters
You’ve likely learned to be wary of the “peaks and troughs” in blood sugar levels—but what does that actually entail?
Picture consuming a slice of soft, airy white bread. When you digest carbohydrates, they break down into glucose, a simple sugar that enters your bloodstream.
In a healthy metabolism, your body responds by releasing insulin—a hormone that facilitates glucose transport from the blood into cells for energy. When insulin functions properly, blood sugar levels begin to decline.
As white bread is a refined carbohydrate, it converts to glucose rapidly, causing a swift spike in blood sugar levels followed by an equally quick insulin response to bring it back down.
The outcome? A notable blood sugar peak accompanied by a swift drop.
A slice of white bread can spike your blood sugar more quickly than sugar – Image credit: Getty Images
At first glance, this may sound concerning. Health influencers often warn that such blood sugar fluctuations can lead to inflammation, fatigue, cravings, and, in the long run, decreased metabolic health.
This leads to recommendations against foods that trigger rapid blood sugar changes, including white bread, pasta, white rice, potatoes, cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Instead, they advocate for low-glycemic foods like vegetables, legumes, meats, fish, and healthy fats, believed to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
While this advice holds some truth—eating protein, fiber, and fat alongside carbohydrates can moderate your blood sugar response—it’s important to reconsider the bread scenario.
Applying a generous layer of butter can slow glucose absorption, thereby controlling the blood sugar rise.
Switching to whole wheat bread increases dietary fiber, making it denser. Adding some oily peanut butter can further balance the fat and protein intake.
However, for good health, it’s not necessary to meticulously monitor the balance of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber in every meal. Despite common fears, most fluctuations in blood sugar levels are normal and not something to stress over.
“Blood sugar levels should rise after consuming a carb-heavy meal. This is a standard physiological reaction,” explains Sarah Berry, Professor of Nutritional Science at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at the nutrition company ZOE.
“Blood sugar levels fluctuate, but our bodies are adept at managing this.”
read more:
Peaks and Valleys Are Normal
One of the most enduring but misleading beliefs about blood sugar is that daily fluctuations lead to harmful inflammation.
You may have encountered a TikTok video showcasing a blood sugar monitor graph or read a caption under a photo of avocado toast promising an “anti-inflammatory” blood sugar hack.
However, inflammation isn’t inherently negative.
“Postprandial glucose fluctuations stimulate inflammation, as it’s a natural response to eating,” asserts Dr. Guess.
She clarifies that our immune systems get a small boost with every meal to defend against potential threats like bacteria and pathogens.
This mild, short-lived inflammation is not only typical but often beneficial.
“The issue arises when blood sugar levels soar and then plummet,” Berry states. “If this pattern occurs repeatedly over time, it can heighten the risk of chronic diseases.”
Individuals without diabetes are tracking their blood sugar levels – Image courtesy of Getty Images
In essence, a consistently high intake of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods can result in frequent blood sugar spikes, increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders over time.
Nonetheless, for most individuals, occasional peaks and dips in blood sugar after meals are completely normal and harmless.
“Moderate spikes and dips in blood sugar are not detrimental,” Berry asserts.
The Afternoon Slump Mystery
You’ve likely heard that blood sugar fluctuations contribute to energy variations, and that peaks and troughs are responsible for your mid-afternoon slump. While there’s some truth to this, scientists still understand only part of the puzzle.
Though the science in this domain remains relatively nascent, recent research, including studies led by Berry, suggests that some individuals may feel fatigued and anxious when their blood sugar levels dip. However, blood sugar might be just one element contributing to this fatigue.
Factors like sleep quality, stress levels, and individual biological differences might equally or more significantly influence energy levels.
“There’s much we don’t know,” admits Guess. “Understanding how people feel is challenging to measure objectively.”
Afternoon slumps aren’t solely due to blood sugar levels; lack of sleep, stress, and your body’s circadian rhythms all contribute – Image credit: Getty Images
While the precise cause of fatigue and sudden energy changes remains unclear, a slight drop in blood sugar levels is typically not hazardous, particularly for those without diabetes.
An afternoon slump doesn’t pose a life-threatening risk nor will it likely affect your long-term health.
This is because the body doesn’t rely exclusively on glucose for energy; it operates on multiple fuel types. If humans were vehicles, we would be hybrids capable of utilizing different energy sources to function efficiently.
“Glucose serves as gasoline; it’s just one type of energy source for the body,” explains Guess. “Our bodies can alternate between using stored fat for energy and energy derived from food intake.”
A temporary drop in blood sugar might make you feel slightly unwell, but it doesn’t imply you’re running on empty; your body simply adapts and taps into other energy reserves.
It’s not on the brink of failure; it’s merely switching fuel sources.
No Blood Sugar Hacks Needed
You might have come across tips, tricks, and hacks designed to prevent those annoying peaks and troughs in blood sugar levels (which are usually benign).
For instance, there are suggestions to sprinkle cheese on grapes, dip apple slices in peanut butter, and start meals with vegetables to moderate your blood sugar response.
These hacks can be beneficial for individuals who are prediabetic, diabetic, or insulin resistant. As we’ve explored, including fat, protein, and fiber with your carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar responses.
However, for the majority of us, Guess asserts that these tips are largely unnecessary.
Blood sugar hacks may be trending, but for most people, they’re unnecessary – Image courtesy of Alamy
Even for individuals facing metabolic issues, adding extra fats can lead to unnecessary caloric intake, according to her.
“Weight gain is the primary contributor to insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes; the solution for all these conditions is weight loss,” she clarifies. “Adding fat to carbohydrates only obstructs weight loss.”
Berry underscored that the route to better blood sugar levels isn’t through simple tricks but a balanced diet incorporating protein, fat, and fiber.
Blood Sugar Monitor Concerns
Some individuals amplify their blood sugar apprehensions. In recent times, it has become more common for non-diabetics to utilize continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Originally deemed medical devices for type 1 diabetes patients, these sensors attach to the arm and track blood sugar levels in real time.
Dr. David Unwin, a general practitioner with a focus on nutrition, mentions that CGMs can be advantageous for patients with diabetes, prediabetes, or excessive junk food consumption, as they provide “like having a police officer on your arm,” offering instant feedback about hidden sugars in food.
Many CGM providers suggest wearing the device briefly, such as for two weeks, to observe how blood sugar levels react to various meals.
However, Berry argues that constant CGM use is “neither necessary nor beneficial for healthy individuals.” Guess cautions that it could lead to “profound anxiety and negative impacts on mental health” surrounding food choices.
In extreme cases, this anxiety can spiral into dangerously obsessive eating behaviors, like orthorexia. Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with perfect health.
While evidence suggesting CGM use can escalate to orthorexia is scarce, Unwin notes that those who monitored their blood sugar levels did not exhibit signs of developing eating disorders.
Still, any eating behavior can evolve into an obsession, and relying on blood sugar levels as a measure of food quality is a “false flag,” according to Guess.
Over 2 million people in the United States use continuous blood glucose monitors – Image courtesy of Getty Images
Berry added: “Some may opt for cookies over bananas after learning that bananas spike blood sugar levels more than cookies. Clearly, that’s absurd.”
Similarly, orange juice can cause a notable increase in blood sugar levels, whereas sodas with artificial sweeteners may not. However, while orange juice is a source of vitamin C and other nutrients, soda often contains artificial additives that provide minimal to no nutritional value.
Likewise, lard impacts blood sugar levels minimally, yet as a saturated fat, it can adversely affect heart health.
Ultimately, Berry asserts that blood sugar levels represent only “one piece of the puzzle,” and dietary guidance should consider aspects like cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and gut health—not solely blood sugar.
When addressing significant health threats, particularly heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are “far more critical than glucose,” Guess emphasizes.
In contrast, “the influence of food on blood sugar levels is likely to have a minimal effect on overall health,” she adds.
In essence, refrain from fixating too much on blood sugar levels; even an awareness of them might not lead to substantial improvements. And if that focus dictates your meal choices, you may be overlooking the broader picture.
“As a nutritional scientist, I don’t want to overshadow the essence of food: It is meant to be enjoyed!” Berry concludes.
As Tropical Storm Melissa wreaked havoc south of Haiti, meteorologist Philippe Papin from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) firmly believed it was on the verge of evolving into a formidable hurricane.
In his capacity as the lead forecaster, he forecasted that within a mere 24 hours, the storm would escalate to a Category 4 hurricane and shift its course toward Jamaica’s coastline. Up to that point, no NHC forecaster had made such an announcement. What a daring prediction for quick validation.
However, Mr. Papin had an ace up his sleeve: artificial intelligence, specifically Google’s newly released DeepMind hurricane model from June. As expected, Melissa transformed into an unbelievably strong storm that devastated Jamaica.
NHC forecasters are increasingly depending on Google DeepMind. On the morning of October 25th, Mr. Papin elaborated on this in a public forum. He also shared on social media that Google’s model was central to his confidence: “Approximately 40 out of 50 members of the Google DeepMind ensemble predict Melissa will reach Category 5. While we are cautious about predicting its intensity due to track uncertainty, it remains a strong possibility.”
“Rapid intensification is likely as the storm traverses very warm ocean waters, characterized by the highest ocean heat content in the entire Atlantic Basin.”
Ultimately, Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, marking one of the most powerful landfalls recorded in nearly two centuries across the Atlantic. Mr. Papin’s audacious forecasts could provide Jamaicans with critical time to brace for disasters, potentially safeguarding lives and property.
Google DeepMind is revolutionizing weather forecasts in recent years, and the parent forecasting system that the new hurricane model is based on has also excelled in identifying last year’s large-scale weather patterns.
Google’s models function by discovering patterns that traditional, slower, physics-based weather models may overlook.
“They operate much faster than their physics-based counterparts, with increased computational efficiency that saves both time and resources,” remarked former NHC forecaster Michael Rowley.
“This hurricane season has demonstrated that emerging AI weather models can be competitive, and in some instances, more accurate than the slower, traditional physics-based models that have long been our standard,” Rowley noted.
It’s important to note that Google DeepMind exemplifies machine learning—not generative AI like ChatGPT. Machine learning processes large data sets to identify patterns, allowing models to generate answers in minutes using standard computing resources. This stands in stark contrast to the flagship models employed by governments for decades, which take hours to compute using some of the world’s largest supercomputers.
Nevertheless, the fact that Google’s model has quickly surpassed traditional models is nothing short of remarkable for a meteorologist devoted to forecasting the planet’s most powerful storms.
Former NHC forecaster James Franklin expressed his admiration: “The sample size is now significant enough to conclude this isn’t merely beginner’s luck.”
Looking ahead, Franklin mentioned his intention to engage with Google during the upcoming offseason to enhance DeepMind’s output by providing additional internal data for better assessment of its predictions.
“What concerns me is that while these predictions appear very accurate, the model’s output operates like a black box,” Franklin remarked.
No private or commercial entity has ever developed a leading weather model that allows researchers to scrutinize its methods. Unlike the majority of models built and maintained by the government, which are available to the public at no cost, Google has established high-level resources for DeepMind; published in real-time on a dedicated website, though its methodologies largely remain concealed.
Google is not alone in harnessing AI for challenging weather forecasting issues. Governments in the US and Europe are also working on their own AI weather models, demonstrating enhanced capabilities compared to previous non-AI versions.
The next frontier in AI weather forecasting seems to be for startups to address sub-seasonal forecasts and challenges that have so far proven difficult. To enhance advance warning of tornado outbreaks and flash floods—a goal supported by US government funding. Additionally, a company named WindBorne Systems is launching weather balloons to bridge gaps in the U.S. weather observation network, recently diminished by the Trump administration.
I The development of electronics that support our daily lives requires significant time, resources, and fossil fuels. The journey from mining rare earth materials to processing, manufacturing, and shipping creates immense waste. The innovations in engineering and logistics that allow consumers to buy new mobile phones annually contribute to this issue.
According to the latest Global E-Waste Monitor, the world generates 62 million tons of electronic waste each year, with projections estimating e-waste emissions could reach 82 million tons by 2030. Australia contributes 580,000 tonnes of this annually. Factors like planned obsolescence, technological advancements, and device failures are expected to escalate this figure.
It’s estimated that 23 million mobile phones are unused and gathering dust in drawers across Australia, some of which are truly non-functional. Research indicates that the average Australian produces around 22kg of e-waste annually, nearly three times the global average, according to recent studies from the Productivity Commission.
“It’s the fastest growing waste stream, but it’s also the most valuable,” states Anne Stonier from the Australia New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP). “Electronics also contain substantial amounts of hard plastics. Recycling can help ensure these materials are managed responsibly, contributing to a more circular economy.”
Wondering where to dispose of your old phone? Concerned about keeping your sensitive data safe? Here are some things to consider when recycling your old device.
Discover Local Recycling Programs
Recycling e-waste is more complex than merely putting it in the yellow bin. The first step is to identify local options available to you. For instance, local councils often have designated collection points and e-waste recycling programs. The locations may vary, and e-waste is banned from landfills in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Additionally, several major retailers run recycling initiatives. Officeworks, for example, collects and recycles batteries, computer accessories, printer cartridges, and mobile phones. Their drop-off days apply to many other electronic products as well. Bunnings also offers collection bins for batteries and larger electronics like TVs, computers, and printers. The Mobile Muster program, run by the Australian telecommunications sector, collects a variety of devices, including mobile phones and streaming devices.
Many manufacturers also have take-back programs, allowing customers to trade in their old devices for discounts or credits on future purchases. If you’re thinking of upgrading, explore the options available to you.
Some charities accept donations of electronic devices, such as DV Safe Phone and Reconnection Project, which refurbish used devices and distribute them to those in need.
Disposing of Devices that Store Personal Information
Devices, whether it be a smartwatch tracking your daily runs or a tablet previously used for work, often store sensitive personal information.
Before disposing of electronic items, remember to back up or transfer any important files to another device or storage option (like an external hard drive or cloud service) and remove any identifying marks or stickers from the device.
What happens next depends on the device. For most smartphones, tablets, and smart devices, a factory reset will suffice. For computers, laptops, hard drives, and USBs, reformatting the drive and restoring factory settings should be enough. Don’t forget that fax machines, printers, and scanners may retain copies of printed documents, so perform a factory reset on those as well.
Finally, ensure you unpair your old device from any remaining computers or gadgets.
If your device is so outdated that it won’t power on and can’t connect to your computer, there’s not much you can do. Just make sure to remove any external memory cards before recycling.
What If My Device Contains Highly Sensitive Information?
Physically destroying a device, like drilling holes in a hard drive, is usually ineffective and counterproductive to the recycling process. It may also pose dangers, especially with devices featuring non-removable batteries, which could cause explosions and health hazards.
For devices containing highly confidential information you want to ensure is irretrievable, consider using data sanitization software to reformat your device and encrypt the hard drive. Secure data erasure services are also available, though their offerings and prices can differ widely. Some companies may provide free data destruction for donated hard drives so they can be repurposed, while other services are geared toward larger enterprises.
Some specialized recyclers also offer data destruction services, Stonier mentioned. “If you’re worried about your information falling into the wrong hands, it’s best to wipe it,” she advises. “Better safe than sorry.”
What Happens If I Don’t Take Any Action?
The severity of potential threats can vary. A hard drive filled solely with family photos poses less risk than one containing sensitive financial data. For the majority, it’s improbable they would be specifically targeted unless there’s a clear motive or pre-existing vulnerability.
Criminal activity is often opportunistic, and taking basic precautions can prevent future issues and anxieties.
FUnderstanding today’s tweens, particularly around the holiday season, can feel like solving a puzzle. With trends like viral challenges and quirky memes dominating their world, finding gift ideas for kids aged 9 to 12 can be a real challenge.
To simplify your gifting process, we consulted with 20 tweens to uncover their top holiday wishes. From stylish skincare to adorable plush toys, here are 47 fantastic gift options for young boys and girls.
Prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing.
For the Trendy Fashionista
Ugg Classic Mini Boots
Photo: Provided by Zappos
Super cute, incredibly comfy, and versatile enough for any outfit. Easy to wear even when you’re active. Caroline, 11 years old
$129.95 at Zappos $129.95 at Nordstrom
Lululemon Apparel
Photo: Courtesy of Lululemon
This dress is really pretty. Plus, I’ve heard wonderful things about their clothes, and everyone seems to wear them. Lizzie, 9 years old
Researchers have revealed the development of a microrobot capable of utilizing magnets to deliver medications precisely where they are needed, as detailed in recent studies from the Swiss Zurich University of Technology.
This innovative technology has the potential to assist medical professionals in removing clots that lead to strokes, combat infections with antibiotics, and deliver cancer treatments directly to tumors without affecting other areas of the body.
The robot features a small spherical capsule made of a dissolvable gel, with iron oxide nanoparticles added to impart magnetic properties. The researchers can monitor the robots via X-ray technology.
“The blood vessels in the human brain are quite narrow, which limits the capsule’s size,” stated the lead researcher, Dr. Fabian Landers, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Multiscale Robotics, ETH Zurich.
“The technical challenge lies in ensuring that such a tiny capsule possesses adequate magnetic properties.”
Watch microrobots dissolve blood clots, which are obstructions in blood vessels that can lead to strokes.
The following challenge was maneuvering the robot through a complex network of blood vessels, navigating turns, junctions, and rapid blood flow.
“It’s astonishing how much blood travels through our vessels at such high speeds,” Landers remarks. “Our navigation systems must endure all of this.”
They then devised three methods to maneuver microrobots using electromagnets. Depending on the type of magnetic force applied, the scientists could roll the robot along the container’s walls or direct it towards a specific location.
Three distinct modes utilize specific magnetic forces to navigate blood flow, rolling along vessel walls, countering currents, and moving through confluences. – Credit: ETH Zürich
Employing these strategies, microrobots are capable of traveling along or against the current at speeds of up to 4 mm per second (or 1 inch every 6 seconds).
“Magnetic fields and gradients are optimal for minimally invasive approaches as they penetrate deeply into the body without adverse effects, at least at the intensities and frequencies we apply,” noted the last author, Professor Bradley Nelson, a microrobot researcher at ETH Zurich.
Upon reaching their destination, scientists employed a high-frequency magnetic field to heat the microrobot, causing it to melt its shell and release the drug contained within.
This invention was tested using silicon models that mimicked human and animal blood vessels, as well as the brains of pigs and sheep.
The scientists’ next objective is to initiate human clinical trials, paving the way for this technology to be utilized in hospital operating rooms shortly.
The Guardian has revealed that personal information from job applicants at the Tate has been exposed online, compromising addresses, salaries, and phone numbers of examiners.
These extensive records, running hundreds of pages, were shared on a site not affiliated with the government-supported organization managing London’s Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives in Cornwall, and Tate Liverpool.
The leaked data encompasses details like the current employers and educational background of applicants related to the Tate’s Website Developer Search in October 2023, affecting 111 individuals. While names are undisclosed, referees’ phone numbers and personal email addresses might be included. It remains unclear how long this information has been available online.
Max Kohler, a 29-year-old software developer, learned his data had been compromised after one of his application reviewers received an email from an unfamiliar source who accessed the online data dump.
Kohler found that the breach contained his last paycheck, current employer’s name, other reviewers’ names, email addresses, home addresses, and extensive responses to job interview questions.
“I feel extremely disappointed and disheartened,” he stated. “You dedicate time filling out sensitive information like your previous salary and home address, yet they fail to secure it properly and allow it to be publicly accessible.”
“They should publicly address this issue, provide an apology, and clarify how this happened, along with actions to prevent future occurrences. It likely stems from inadequate staff training or procedural oversights.”
Reported incidents of data security breaches to the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) continue to rise. Over 2,000 incidents were reported quarterly in 2022, increasing to over 3,200 between April and June of this year.
Kate Brimstead, a partner at Shoesmith law firm and an authority on data privacy, information law, and cybersecurity, commented: “Breaches do not always have to be intentional. While ransomware attacks attract significant attention, the scale of current breaches is substantial.” Errors can often contribute to these incidents, highlighting the necessity for robust checks and procedures in daily operations. “Managing our data can be tedious, but it remains crucial,” she added.
The ICO emphasized that organizations must report a personal data breach to them within 72 hours of being aware, unless there is no risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. If an organization decides not to report, they should maintain a record of the breach and justify their decision if needed.
A spokesperson for Tate stated: “We are meticulously reviewing all reports and investigating this issue. Thus far, we haven’t identified any breaches in our systems and will refrain from further comment while this issue is under investigation.”
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Molly Russell’s father, the British teenager who tragically took her life after encountering harmful online material, has expressed his lack of confidence in efforts to secure a safer internet for children. He is advocating for a leadership change at Britain’s communications regulatory body.
Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly was only 14 when she died in 2017, criticized Ofcom for its “repeated” failure to grasp the urgency of safeguarding under-18s online and for not enforcing new digital regulations effectively.
“I’ve lost faith in Ofcom’s current leadership,” he shared with the Guardian. “They have consistently shown a lack of urgency regarding this mission and have not been willing to use their authority adequately.”
Mr. Russell’s remarks coincided with a letter from technology secretary Liz Kendall to Ofcom, expressing her “deep concern” over the gradual progress of the Online Safety Act (OSA), a groundbreaking law that lays out safety regulations for social media, search engines, and video platforms.
After his daughter’s death, Mr. Russell became a prominent advocate for internet safety and raised flags with Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes last year regarding online suicide forums accessible to UK users.
Ofcom opened an investigation into these forums after acquiring new regulatory authority under the OSA, and the site voluntarily restricted access to UK users.
However, Mr. Russell noted that the investigation seemed to be “stalled” until regulators intensified their scrutiny this month when it was revealed that UK users could still access the forums via undiscovered “mirror sites.”
Molly Russell passed away in 2017. Photo: P.A.
“If Ofcom can’t manage something this clear-cut, it raises questions about their competence in tackling other issues,” Mr. Russell stated.
In response, Ofcom assured Mr. Russell that they were continuously monitoring geo-blocked sites and indicated that a new mirror site had only recently come to their attention.
Mr. Russell voiced his agreement with Mr. Kendall’s frustrations over the slow implementation of additional components of the OSA, particularly stricter regulations for the most influential online platforms. Ofcom attributed the delays to a legal challenge from the Wikimedia Foundation, the organization that supports Wikipedia.
The regulator emphasized its “utmost respect” for bereaved families and cited achievements under its stewardship, such as initiating age verification on pornography websites and combating child sexual abuse content.
“We are working diligently to push technology firms to ensure safer online experiences for children and adults in the UK. While progress is ongoing, meaningful changes are occurring,” a spokesperson commented.
The Molly Rose Foundation, established by Molly’s family, has reached out to the UK government urging ministers to broaden legal mandates for public servant transparency to include tech companies.
In their letter, they requested Victims’ Minister Alex Davies-Jones to expand the Public Powers (Accountability) Bill, which introduces a “duty of honesty” for public officials.
This bill was prompted by critiques regarding the police’s evidence handling during the Hillsborough investigation, mandating that public entities proactively assist inquiries, including those by coroner’s courts, without safeguarding their own interests.
The foundation believes that imposing similar transparency requirements on companies regulated by the OSA would aid in preserving evidence in cases of deaths possibly linked to social media.
The inquest into Molly’s passing was postponed due to a conflict surrounding evidence presentation.
“This change fundamentally shifts the dynamic between tech companies and their victims, imposing a requirement for transparency and promptness in legal responses,” the letter asserted.
Recent legislative changes have granted coroners enhanced authority under the OSA to request social media usage evidence from tech companies and prohibit them from destroying sensitive data. However, the letter’s signatories contend that stricter measures are necessary.
More than 40 individuals, including members of Survivors for Online Safety and Meta whistleblower Arturo Bejar, have signed the letter.
A government spokesperson indicated that the legal adjustments empower coroners to request further data from tech firms.
“The Online Safety Act will aid coroners in their inquests and assist families in seeking the truth by mandating companies to fully disclose data when there’s a suspected link between a child’s death and social media use,” a spokesperson stated.
“As pledged in our manifesto, we’ve strengthened this by equipping coroners with the authority to mandate data preservation for inquest support. We are committed to taking action and collaborating with families and advocates to ensure protection for families and children.”
VPN providers are experiencing significant growth, offering virtual private networks that create encrypted paths for Internet data, effectively masking a user’s location.
Previously, VPNs were of interest mainly to a niche audience. Nowadays, they are increasingly utilized by individuals frustrated with the age verification requirements imposed by the Online Safety Act.
It’s understandable that users overwhelmed by the demand for personal information turn to VPNs, though there are other ways to maintain safety online.
Want to go incognito?
Many users instinctively turn to the “Incognito” or “Private Browsing” mode available in their browsers. However, be cautious of misleading terminology.
“Private browsing isn’t as private as it seems,” warns Jake Moore, a cybersecurity expert at ESET. “It merely prevents your browser from saving your search history, cookies, and autofill information on your device.”
This feature is handy for avoiding traces on shared computers (e.g., when purchasing gifts online) but does little to conceal your identity from external parties.
“Your identity remains visible to websites, ISPs, and advertisers,” Moore emphasizes. “They can still see your IP address and track you if desired.”
read more:
Steer clear of major players
Search engines are the primary doorway to countless websites, yet many users are uneasy about the extensive data tech companies gather about them for advertising purposes.
“Google collects vast amounts of user data for profiling and targeted advertising, which is their main revenue source,” says Moore.
“This level of data analysis can be very invasive, and many users are unaware of it. [Tech companies] track their online behavior extensively.”
As an alternative, consider privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo. “I always recommend DuckDuckGo,” says Alan Woodward, a Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Surrey.
Beyond being a search engine, DuckDuckGo also features a web browser as an alternative to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Apple’s Safari, both of which are endorsed by Moore and Woodward.
Email also plays a crucial role in our online lives.
While “Big Tech” isn’t scrutinizing every detail of your holiday emails, it does analyze your data for advertising purposes—something they’ve been doing for years, Moore notes.
This data analysis allows Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and others to provide free services.
For many, myself included, the balance between cost and convenience seems acceptable. However, alternatives exist.
ProtonMail, a well-known option available for over ten years, features end-to-end encryption and built-in anonymity.
With 1 GB of free storage and an additional 5 GB from their Proton Drive cloud service, users get ample space, even if it’s less than what Google offers.
Increased social media usage compromises your identity security – Image courtesy of Alamy
Many web users have concerns about online payments, yet they are becoming increasingly unavoidable. PayPal is a reliable option.
“PayPal offers great convenience, and I’ve never encountered issues with them selling my data,” says Woodward.
Moore adds that PayPal can be a safer choice than directly entering your credit card information on websites.
For those apprehensive about credit card details being stolen, many banks provide virtual cards that can be utilized for one-time or occasional use through their apps.
Apple vs. Android
The debate between Apple and Android enthusiasts is as intense as sports rivalries, leading to divided opinions among experts.
Apps in the Apple App Store undergo more rigorous vetting, making them a potentially safer choice.
Nonetheless, “Both Apple and Android are vying to gather information on their users,” Moore points out. “Both seek user data, which translates to power.”
Avoid social media
The same applies to social media. Although it has become integral to modern life, there’s no perfect middle ground between engaging in online discussions and protecting your identity or controlling how platforms manage your data.
“For data-heavy social media, the best privacy strategy is simply to avoid it altogether,” Moore advises. “Keep in mind: If the service is free, you’re probably the product.”
Named Bakirib Waliza, this newly identified species is the first filter-feeding pterosaur documented to inhabit the tropics.
Artistic reconstruction of the filter-feeding pterosaur Bakirib Waliza in an Early Cretaceous Romualdo Formation environment. The spinosaurid dinosaur in the background represents a potential predator of Bakirib Waliza. Image credit: Julio Lacerda.
Bakirib Waliza thrived in the tropical latitudes of the Gondwana supercontinent during the Early Cretaceous, approximately 113 million years ago.
This ancient flying reptile belongs to the pterosaur group Pterosaurini, part of the clade Ctenochasmatidae.
“Ctenochasmatidae is a clade of pterosaurs that thrived from the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous period,” stated Dr. Aline Ghirardi from the University Nordic of the Rio Grande and her colleagues.
“Recent findings have illuminated the diversity and ecological adaptations of this group, especially through analysis of new fossil specimens from various geographic areas and geological epochs.”
“These pterosaurs exhibit a remarkable evolutionary path, showcasing diverse morphological adaptations and extensive geographic distribution.”
“Recent revelations in China, South America, and Europe have significantly enhanced our understanding of their ecology, revealing the dynamic evolutionary history of this lineage.”
“Ctenochasmatids predominantly flourished from the Late Jurassic to the Barremian, but their numbers gradually waned towards the late Early Cretaceous,” the researchers noted.
“There remains limited knowledge about later species and how their lineages evolved and dispersed between Laurasia and Gondwana.”
The researchers suggested that Bakirib Waliza had an elongated jaw and dense, brush-like teeth, akin to the Ctenokasmatine pterosaurs like Pterodaustro, though the teeth’s cross-section and spacing differ significantly.
“Within the Ctenochasmatidae, the subfamily is recognized for its elongated snouts and numerous fine teeth, traits linked to a distinct feeding strategy,” the researchers stated.
“The evolutionary path of this group has been clarified by discoveries such as Riodactylus primus from the Late Jurassic of Liaoning Province, China, which indicates a significant ecological transition from fishing to filter-feeding within this clade.”
“Extreme examples can be noted in Pterodaustro ginazui, which features a lower jaw outfitted with 1,000 elongated, whisker-like teeth.”
“The extreme morphology of Pterodaustro illustrates a high degree of specialization for filter feeding.”
The two fossil specimens of Bakirib Waliza were uncovered in calcareous concretions within the Romualdo Formation in Brazil’s Araripe Basin.
This sedimentary matrix also contained remains of four fish, likely teleosts from the Early Cretaceous period, such as Thalias.
“Pterosaurs and fish were preserved in wackestone deposits, known for their abundant oriented ostracods and foraminifera, typical of other Romualdo Formation deposits,” the scientists remarked.
“The presence of densely packed, semi-articulated, fragmented pterosaur bones (mainly in subparallel orientation) alongside similarly arranged fish schools suggests that this collection is a regurgitalite—a mass of indigestible material expelled from a predator’s mouth.”
Bakirib Waliza possessed a mosaic of traits found in both its South American and European relatives.
“Its distinctive anatomical features, especially the highly elongated jaws and densely packed dentition with elongated teeth, tooth crowns that are nearly quadrangular in cross-section, along with acrodont-like tooth implants in both jaws, provide new insights into the evolutionary trajectory of filter-feeding pterosaurs,” the authors noted.
“The exceptional preservation of this specimen within the regurgitalite, alongside a fully intact fish, offers scarce direct evidence of trophic interactions in the Early Cretaceous Araripe paleoecosystem.”
“This finding not only bridges a paleobiogeographic gap in Ctenochasmatinae distribution but also emphasizes the significance of understudied and long-held museum specimens in uncovering important evolutionary and paleoecological insights.”
“Evidence is accumulating that the Araripe Basin acted as a crucial window into Early Cretaceous biodiversity, ecological intricacies, and continental-scale faunal interactions.”
The research team’s paper was published in the journal on November 10, 2025, in Scientific Reports.
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RV Pegas et al. 2025. Regurgitalites reveal a new filter-feeding pterosaur of the Santana group. Scientific Reports 15, 37336; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-22983-3
“Textbooks indicate that RNA is highly unstable and generally degrades within minutes of exiting a living cell,” remarked Marc Friedlaender, a computational biologist at Stockholm University and one of the study authors. “It’s truly remarkable that we discovered RNA dating back 40,000 years. No one thought this was feasible.”
This research may open up new avenues into historical understanding. Erez Eiden, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, who was not involved in the study, noted that scientists will continue to refine the techniques used to analyze ancient RNA, similar to how they have done for years with ancient DNA.
Incorporating RNA analysis into the study of ancient genetics could fundamentally alter our perception of the biological history of the Earth, Eiden stated.
“We will be able to construct a more comprehensive and quantitative narrative of life’s history on our planet,” he added. “Suddenly, the Rosetta Stone appeared.…This is like an ancient hieroglyph of life.”
The discovery of RNA was facilitated by the find of Yuka in 2010, when members of the Yukagir community unearthed a mammoth in melting permafrost near the Arctic Ocean. Yuka was found resting on a cliff, partially mummified, and encased in a mat of strawberry blonde hair and flesh that remained pink until her discovery.
Paleontologists believe Yuka was pursued to death. Some evidence points to the creature being chased by a cave lion or possibly killed by modern humans. There are indications supporting both theories, with each species potentially playing a role in the extinction of this ancient animal.
In a world populated by cave lions, this creature experienced significant stress prior to its death.
Indeed, recent RNA analyses indicate that the profiled RNA displayed signs of physiological stress. The researchers utilized samples taken from the animal’s slow-twitch muscle fibers.
“We discovered that stress genes were activated,” Friedlander stated.
Laboratory work in an ultra-clean environment at the Paleogenetics Center in Stockholm where ancient RNA was extracted. Provided by: Jens Olof Razin
RNA is synthesized from its DNA template through a process known as transcription. During transcription, certain genes are activated while others remain dormant.
This process is dynamic, and the genes expressed can fluctuate from day to night, according to Marmol Sanchez.
The researchers also identified a novel form of microRNA (a type of RNA governing gene expression) in mammoths that is unknown in modern elephants.
The RNA technology being developed may assist efforts to revive the woolly mammoth, as noted by Eiden, who is a member of the scientific advisory board for Colossal Biosciences, the company aiming to “resurrect” the woolly mammoth.
Professor Friedlander remarked that further research could also shed light on how some ancient viruses, which lack DNA, evolved over time.
“To understand the history of RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, we must detect these RNA molecules in historical and ancient samples to comprehend their evolution,” Friedlander explained.
Viruses such as Ebola, HIV, and influenza possess RNA genomes.
More research is required. In this study, the scientists investigated 10 mammoths but only obtained reliable RNA signals from three, including Yuka, the best-preserved specimen.
Since 2010, Yuka has been thought to be a female mammoth, but RNA and DNA analyses have revealed that she is, in fact, male.
Eiden highlighted that the RNA study underscores how little is understood about death and the varying rates of molecular breakdown after an organism’s demise.
“Our theories about what occurs to the physical matter of an organism post-mortem are still inadequate,” Eiden said. “What information is retained, and how legible can it remain over time? These are some intriguing questions.”
Rollin Justin can navigate obstacles and serve beverages.
Henrik Sporer/laif/CameraPress
Human fascination with our own likeness is longstanding. The term “robot” was introduced by Czech writer Karel Čapek in his 1920s play Rossum’s Universal Robots, depicting human-like beings made to work in factories. Since then, numerous humanoid robots have been designed to interact with their environment in human-like manners.
Henrik Sporer, an acclaimed photographer with the agency Leif, investigates such themes in his project Tomorrow is the Problem. The main image above showcases the metal craftsmanship from the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics at the German Aerospace Center, featuring a 200-kilogram robot named Rollin’ Justin. It can traverse extensive distances on wheels, capture images, navigate around obstacles, and serve drinks. Its potential applications include assisting astronauts and aiding individuals with disabilities.
Lola is the ideal robot for challenging terrains and new surroundings
Henrik Sporer/laif/CameraPress
The image above depicts Lola, a 1.8-meter tall robot developed by the Technical University of Munich. It can navigate new and unstable surfaces with ease.
Next up is Amar-6, a robot standing at 1.9 meters tall, designed by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. This machine can converse with people and assist in carrying heavy loads.
Amar-6 is designed to assist with heavy lifting
Henrik Sporer/laif/CameraPress
The final image below features ZAR5, a dual-armed robot engineered at the Technical University of Berlin, equipped to pick and place items with finesse.
ZAR5 is capable of lifting and placing items manually
In the beginning, God created man in His own image, granting him authority over all living things on Earth. While many do not turn to the Bible for insight into human existence, the belief in human superiority over nature and other beings lingers.
Characteristics often claimed to distinguish humans—such as reasoning, tool use, experiencing pain, and moral judgment—are not exclusive to us. Other species like chimpanzees and crows exhibit advanced intelligence, hold complex social structures, and utilize tools. Fish and crustaceans experience pain, while bees demonstrate cultural behaviors, and plants may possess senses akin to ours.
Primatologist Christine Webb posits that the so-called “human dominance complex” may be the root of nature’s hierarchies. In The Arrogant Monkey: And a New Look at Humanity, she seeks to dismantle this perceived superiority through a compelling and meticulously researched examination based on a course she taught at Harvard. Webb traces this notion back to religious traditions and other human constructs, revealing how it misrepresents scientific understanding and accelerates ecological decline.
The belief in human uniqueness contradicts Darwin’s vision of species continuity, and emphasizing differences among species is problematic. As Webb writes, “the degree of kindness,” reflects a hidden bias in research.
This bias is apparent in our fascination with primates and “charismatic” mammals, which we tend to view as more relatable, while disregarding plants, fish, and the vast majority of Earth’s life. It also reveals itself in our inconsistent standards for evaluating animals. For instance, comparisons between human and chimpanzee intelligence often pit captive chimps against their wild counterparts, ignoring the limitations that captivity imposes.
Concerned about ethical issues surrounding captivity and its potential to skew research findings, Webb focuses exclusively on great apes in their natural and protected habitats. These profound interactions have shaped her belief that many non-human species likely possess some form of consciousness or “conscious life.”
Webb anticipates that critics may dismiss her views as anthropomorphism, labeling it a “serious scientific error.” However, she argues that the reluctance to acknowledge similarities between humans and other species complicates scientific inquiry and undermines its conclusions. She questions the certainty with which humans claim to understand consciousness beyond their own.
Dismantling these beliefs is crucial for appreciating the wonder and diversity of life, marking the first step towards a “radically humble approach.” By recognizing ourselves as fellow animals and integral to nature, we can confront the destructive forces of capitalism that fuel zoonotic diseases, mass extinctions, climate change, and ecosystem collapse.
Webb advocates for broadening the concept of “good science” to incorporate indigenous knowledge about the uniqueness and interconnection of all life forms. She acknowledges the immense challenge this poses, declaring that human exceptionalism is “the most pervasive implicit belief of our era.” Yet, she believes that unlearning this can foster a deeper connection to nature, spark awe, and inspire advocacy for both animal welfare and environmental protection. In The Arrogant Monkey, she highlights this “stubborn ideology” and its detrimental impacts, modeling the humility, curiosity, and compassion essential for countering it.
The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is predicted to hinder or disrupt the Atlantic current that helps keep Europe warm; however, meltwater from West Antarctica might help maintain this essential flow.
That said, it won’t be sufficient to prevent significant climate changes. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is already down by 60% and could take up to 3,000 years to recover fully.
“I suggest caution in predicting an AMOC collapse,” states Sasha Sinnett from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “However, my findings don’t alter what is forecasted for the next century. We may never see if West Antarctica successfully stabilizes the AMOC.”
The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that transports warm surface water from the tropics to northern Europe. Here, the water cools and sinks, then flows back south to Antarctica. This current carries an enormous amount of heat—1.2 petawatts—equivalent to the output of one million power plants, keeping Europe notably warmer than regions like Labrador or Siberia at similar latitudes. Lighter, fresher meltwater from Greenland is expected to obstruct the sinking of the denser, saltier AMOC water, thereby slowing its flow.
If the AMOC were to collapse, winter temperatures in Northern Europe could drop to almost -50℃ (-58°F). Recently, Iceland declared the closure of the AMOC as an “existing” security threat. Additionally, rising sea levels are threatening the U.S. East Coast, while Africa may face even more severe drought conditions.
A recent study indicates that even if we achieve net zero emissions by 2075 and begin reducing CO2 from the atmosphere, there is still a 25% risk of AMOC collapse. One study forecasts its closure in the coming decades, while another suggests that it will remain weakened due to Antarctic winds.
Currently, the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet has accelerated, with some research indicating a probable complete collapse. However, the impact on AMOC remains uncertain.
The timing of the melting is crucial, according to simulations by Sinet and his team. If pulses of ancient Antarctic meltwater coincide with substantial meltwater from Greenland, the AMOC’s closure will be expedited.
Conversely, if the Antarctic water arrives about 1,000 years prior to the peak melting of Greenland, the AMOC may weaken for a few centuries but then recover over the next 3,000 years. While AMOC shows eventual recovery in all scenarios, early Antarctic melting prevents total collapse and accelerates its resurgence.
This phenomenon could be due to the relocation of the sinking, salty AMOC water moving south as lighter, fresher meltwater accumulates around Greenland, with the flow regaining strength as Antarctic melting decreases.
Though it’s improbable that West Antarctica melts at such a rapid pace while Greenland melts more slowly, these results illuminate a significant connection between AMOC and Antarctic ice melt, notes Louise Sim from the British Antarctic Survey.
“Prior to this study, the extent to which Antarctic changes could significantly influence the effects of Greenland’s ice sheet melting on the AMOC was largely unknown,” she remarks.
However, the study does not address potential feedback effects, such as shifts in wind patterns that might increase Antarctic sea ice, so this relationship needs to be explored in more complex models moving forward, she adds.
Even if rapid melting in West Antarctica prevents the AMOC from collapsing, it could still lead to sea-level rises of up to 3 meters, inundating coastal cities.
“Unfortunately, while one potential disaster may lessen the danger of another, this is little consolation,” concludes Stefan Rahmstorf from the University of Potsdam, Germany.
The galaxy NGC 6789 viewed through a 2-meter twin telescope
Ignacio Trujillo et al. 2025
Approximately 12 million light years from Earth lies an unusual galaxy. Its center has consistently formed new stars over the past 600 million years, yet the exact source of the fuel driving this star formation remains elusive.
The galaxy known as NGC 6789 was first identified in 1883, but it has only been in recent years that evidence of ongoing star formation has emerged. NGC 6789 is situated in a region dubbed the Local Void, located towards the Draco constellation, which is notably sparse in cosmic matter. It stands out as one of the few galaxies existing within this void, making it highly isolated compared to the majority of galaxies in the universe.
This isolation contributes to the enigma surrounding its star creation. Galaxies typically require gas to produce new stars, yet local voids contain very little gas. Being at least a billion years old, NGC 6789 should have depleted its initial reserves of gas; however, it has managed to generate approximately 100 million solar masses, equating to about 4% of its total mass, over the last 600 million years.
Ignacio Trujillo and researchers from the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics utilized the 2-meter twin telescope at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife to capture deeper images of galaxies than previously possible, aiming to uncover signs of events that might have introduced gas. If a merger with another galaxy or a previously undetected gas flow had occurred, it might have distorted the shape of NGC 6789.
However, the new images did not reveal any distortions. It is possible that NGC 6789’s formation left behind a substantial amount of gas or that there exists a faint gas pocket nearby that did not alter the galaxy’s shape at all. For now, the mystery remains unsolved.
The skin and muscles of Yuka’s left front leg are remarkably intact.
love darren
The oldest known RNA has been obtained from a woolly mammoth preserved in Siberian permafrost for close to 40,000 years.
This specimen, named Yuka and found in 2010, is regarded as the best-preserved woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) identified to date. Initially believed to be a young female that perished between the ages of 6 and 8—likely due to an attack by a cave lion.
Researchers have successfully extracted DNA from various woolly mammoths, including some over a million years old. Advances in genome reconstruction have sparked hopes of potentially reviving this species through genetic engineering.
DNA carries the genetic blueprint for protein production in animals. When a specific gene is activated, the code is transcribed into another molecule known as RNA, which is far less stable than DNA and typically breaks down within hours after death.
The oldest RNA previously retrieved was from a wolf preserved in Siberian permafrost over 14,000 years ago. Recently, love darren from Stockholm University has extracted nearly three times the RNA amount from Yuka’s leg than had been recorded before.
The research team employed techniques similar to those used to extract RNA from contemporary samples, fine-tuning them to target smaller and older molecules.
“Yuka is exceptionally well preserved,” remarks Darren. “The specimen likely experienced deep freezing and prolonged burial in permafrost, evidenced by the preservation of both muscle tissue and wool-like fur. This significantly boosts the chance of RNA preservation.”
However, Yuka’s temporary thawing during transport from northeastern Siberia to Yakutsk posed a challenge. “We assumed that any truly ancient RNA still present in the sample would have degraded into smaller fragments,” says Darren.
The team exercised extreme caution to prevent sample deterioration and avoid contamination. “We utilized liquid nitrogen for grinding, along with sterile materials, filtered air, protective clothing, and controlled lab conditions to eliminate modern contamination in sequencing data,” he explains.
RNA sequencing reveals which genes were active at the time of the animal’s death. In the RNA extracted from Yuka’s muscle and skin, the researchers identified signs of gene activity associated with muscle metabolism and cellular stress, aligning with the hypothesis of Yuka’s death resulting from a cave lion’s attack.
A surprising finding was that a combination of DNA and RNA analysis led the research team to conclude that Yuka was actually male. “I’ve anticipated something like this for a long time,” shares Darren. “Even though Yuka is remarkably preserved for being 40,000 years old, it’s not entirely intact, making it difficult to determine an organism’s morphological sex.”
Researchers also probed for RNA viruses such as influenza and coronaviruses but found no significant results. “Yet I believe we will see future studies on Ice Age RNA viruses,” Darren mentions. “For instance, we possess some Pleistocene bird carcasses that would be intriguing to investigate concerning avian influenza.”
Darren, a scientific advisor to Colossal Biosciences, the company claiming to have revived the dire wolf earlier this year, stated that the RNA sequences retrieved in this study do not directly contribute to the revival of the mammoth. However, the study may offer valuable insights into genes responsible for certain traits. “In the future, mammoth RNA profiles might uncover how specific traits, such as wool, were genetically regulated in these animals.”
Merlin Crossley, a researcher at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, noted that while acquiring such ancient RNA is an impressive feat, it doesn’t reveal much about mammoth ecology. “It’s akin to maneuvering a light airplane under the Sydney Harbor Bridge,” he explained. “It’s a remarkable technical accomplishment, but we gain little insight from it.”
Crossley believes that while older RNA samples may be unearthed in the future, the limits of RNA’s longevity are close at hand. Given the rarity of specimens like Yuka’s, he concludes that it’s unlikely that additional mammoths will yield significant information.
Dinosaur hunting in Mongolia’s Gobi desert
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TThe UK holds a unique and advantageous position to contribute significantly in the new era of artificial intelligence, provided it seizes the chance to establish the production of millions of computer chips, an area that is often misunderstood.
AI technology demands a vast quantity of chips, and a collaborative national initiative could fulfill up to 5% of the global requirement.
Our legacy in chip design is unparalleled, beginning with the first general-purpose electronic computer, the initial electronic memory, and the first parallel computing system. Presently, Arm, based in Cambridge, is a prominent player that designs over 90% of the chips found in smartphones and tablets worldwide.
Given this background, it is certainly plausible that British companies can capture a notable share of the AI chip market. A target of 5% is both conservative and achievable. Our distinguished universities, a flourishing foundational AI company like DeepMind, and a strong innovation ecosystem equip the UK with the tangible resources necessary to compete.
The potential gains are tremendous. The global market for AI chips is expected to soar to $700 billion (£620 billion) annually by 2033, surpassing the entire current semiconductor market. Achieving that 5% share would translate to an influx of $35 billion in new revenue and the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs.
AI is set to transform not only the economy but also societal structures and security. Unfortunately, many do not grasp where its true value and strategic influence lie.
In this contemporary gold rush, real wealth is accessible not only to those mining digital gold but also to those who provide the tools for the task. I witnessed this firsthand from 1997 to 2006 when Gordon Moore and Andy Grove helped establish Intel’s board and founded the company in California. They set the groundwork for the first technology revolution, much like Nvidia is doing today on an even larger scale.
UK engineers, intellects, businesses, and investors excel in this domain. However, government collaboration is crucial.
While consumers are captivated by the generative marvels of OpenAI, the true market winner is Nvidia, the entity that provides the advanced chips facilitating such achievements. OpenAI’s estimated value stands at merely 1/10th that of Nvidia. AMD, a semiconductor design company, holds a distant second place, while emerging firms like Cerebras and TenTrent strive for a share of the market.
All AI models and applications, ranging from autonomous robots to real-time translation services, depend heavily on advancements in chip technology. Chips are the new oil of the digital economy, dictating the speed and efficiency with which future applications can be developed. Currently, the only major players in the AI field seeing true profitability are chip manufacturers.
Concerns have arisen that China may commoditize AI chips similar to its approach with solar technology, leading to dramatic price fluctuations and undercutting existing companies. The situation is more complex. U.S. export controls will restrict China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing technology for the next decade, significantly curtailing its capacity to dominate the high-end AI chip arena. This reality positions the U.S. as a key player and creates a substantial opportunity for its closest ally, the UK, which excels in chip design.
The UK has already birthed several companies in this sector, such as Fractile, Flux, and Oriole. However, we lack the necessary scale to capitalize on the opportunity. Instead of competing with Nvidia in data center computing, we should focus on specialized applications that usher in innovation, like robotics, factory automation, medical devices, and autonomous vehicles.
These domains offer ample opportunities for inventive architectures and new competition.
Too frequently, Britain’s industrial strategy is impeded by national insecurity and a lack of confidence. This must change. Primarily, governments must advocate decisively for our intent to excel in AI chips.
Secondly, we should aim to double our chip design workforce from the current 12,000 within a decade and encourage more talented individuals to pursue electrical engineering and computer science through generous scholarships. A target of 1,500 new students each year is achievable. Universities must offer relevant courses, and governments need to enhance financial support.
Thirdly, the UK should fully utilize its investment instruments: the Sovereign AI Fund, the British Business Bank, the National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Defence’s initiatives to ‘buy British’.
Fourthly, the UK-US strategic partnership must serve as a foundation for greater collaboration with leading US chip manufacturers and facilitate access to their state-of-the-art sub-3 nanometer manufacturing technologies. Collaborating with our U.S. partners to develop a robust supply chain and innovation pipeline is essential.
If the UK commits fully, the emerging age of AI could be characterized not only by code but also by silicon, leaving a distinctly British legacy.
This week, three songs generated by artificial intelligence have reached the top of music charts, securing spots at the pinnacle of both Spotify and Billboard rankings.
Walk My Walk made waves with Breaking Rust’s “Livin’ on Borrowed Time” leading the U.S. “Viral 50” chart, which highlights the “most viral songs” daily on Spotify. The anti-immigrant anthem “We Say No, No, No to an Asylum Center” by JW “Broken Veteran” also soared to the top of Spotify’s global viral chart during this timeframe. Additionally, “Breaking Rust” landed in the top five globally.
The lyrics of “Walk My Walk” include the line, “If you don’t like the way I talk, you can kick a rock,” directly addressing critics of AI-generated music.
Shortly after climbing the charts, the Dutch song vanished from Spotify and YouTube, along with all other tracks by Broken Veteran. Spotify told Dutch outlet NU.nl that it had not removed the music and that the rights holder was responsible. Broken Veteran expressed confusion over the disappearance, stating he is investigating and hopes for a resolution soon.
Opting to remain unnamed, Broken Veteran shared with the Guardian via email that he views AI as “just another tool for expression,” especially for individuals like himself who have important messages but lack formal musical training. He emphasized that the technology has “democratized music production” and clarified that his song critiques government policies, not immigrants.
For three weeks, “Walk My Walk” has led Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart, which tracks downloads and digital purchases. This chart is considered minor compared to Billboard’s broader metrics like “Hot Country Songs” and “Top Country Albums.” Breaking Rust has yet to respond to media inquiries.
AI-Generated Music’s Growing Presence
These three tracks exemplify the surge of AI-generated music flooding streaming services. A recent study by Deezer reveals that roughly 50,000 AI-generated songs are uploaded daily, representing 34% of all music submissions.
“Walk My Walk” and “We Say No, No, No to an Asylum Center” are not the first AI tracks to gain popularity. Earlier in the summer, an AI-produced song by a group named Velvet Sundown achieved over 1 million streams on Spotify, which one of its members later referred to as “art quackery.”
Ed Newton Rex, a musician and founder of a nonprofit aiming to ensure fair data training for generative AI companies, notes that the high volume of AI-generated songs available online is a significant factor behind the emergence of AI hits.
“This reflects a trend of rapidly growing interest in AI music, driven primarily by the volume of content,” he explained. “Daily, we see 50,000 new songs competing with human artists, marking the rise of a new, highly scalable competitor built through exploitation.”
AI music quality has noticeably improved since its early days. In a survey conducted as part of the study, Deezer found that 97% of the 9,000 participants from eight countries could not differentiate between AI-generated music and human-created compositions.
“This is undeniable. It’s now fairly safe to say that the top-tier AI music is indistinguishable from human-composed tracks,” Newton-Rex stated.
Emerging Distribution Models for AI-Generated Music
The success of AI-generated tracks on Spotify transcends mere quality. Much like various domains within the AI economy, numerous tools and platforms facilitate the distribution of AI music, along with user sub-communities eager to share strategies for navigating the system.
Jack Righteous, a blogger focused on AI content creation, has highlighted how his followers can generate a “passive income stream” through a music distribution service called DistroKid, which allocates royalty fees to creators whenever an AI track is streamed on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, or TikTok.
DistroKid is part of a wider ecosystem of online music distribution services, including Amuse, Landr, and CD Baby, all helping creators publish their music on major platforms like YouTube and Spotify. These services have varying policies regarding AI-generated content, with blogs like noting that DistroKid is “more forgiving.” This includes some hits from Breaking Rust such as “Livin’ on Borrowed Time” and “Resilient,” which appear to be distributed by DistroKid.
“In essence, most AI music you encounter isn’t being handled by a legitimate label. It’s crafted by individuals in their personal spaces and uploaded to distribution platforms,” said Chris Dalla Riva, author of “Unknown Territory,” which delves into the data behind music virality.
When approached for comments, Spotify cited their policy regarding AI-generated tracks.
Our hair color seems to influence wound healing in unexpected ways
Stock Enjoy/Shutterstock
Red-haired individuals might experience slower wound healing compared to those with blonde, brunette, or dark hair. Research conducted on mice indicated that genetic differences related to hair color may affect the speed at which wounds heal, insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies for various hair colors.
The genes responsible for our hair color play a significant role. The gene MC1R is critical as it produces a protein determining the balance of black-brown and red-yellow pigments within hair follicles.
Individuals with brown or black hair typically have an MC1R variant encoding the active version of this protein. In contrast, nearly all redheads possess a less active or entirely inactive variant due to MC1R mutations. The genetics of hair pigmentation is complex for blondes, too, as they can display either active or inactive protein forms.
This protein is also present in the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. This led Jenna Cash from the University of Edinburgh to explore its influence on wound healing. The healing process requires an initial inflammatory response to clear out pathogens and dead cells from the injury site; however, if this response is too intense or prolonged, it can hinder proper healing.
To examine this, she and her team surgically created 4-millimeter wounds on the backs of black and red-haired mice, the latter having completely inactive MC1R protein.
After a week, red-haired mice exhibited an average scar contraction of 73%, while dark-haired mice showed a 93% contraction.
With these results in mind, the researchers hypothesized that an experimental topical agent, which enhances the activity of the active protein form (without impacting the inactive form), could aid in healing chronic wounds. This is particularly relevant for diabetics, in whom persistent high blood sugar can lead to excessive inflammation and delayed healing.
To test this hypothesis, the researchers inflicted wounds on black-haired mice and treated them with medication and bandages, while other black-haired mice with similar wounds received saline and bandages instead.
After one week, wounds of the treated mice had closed by an average of 63%, significantly larger than those of control group mice. “Patients would likely be pleased if their scars were visibly smaller, especially in a short timeframe,” noted Cash. Further analyses revealed the drug’s mechanism: it reduces the number of inflammatory immune cells.
This approach offers potential for treating humans, including redheads, as healing processes show remarkable similarities between mice and humans, most of whom have the MC1R protein functioning to some extent, Cash notes. However, patients with completely inactive forms may not see benefits.
Drugs targeting this protein are currently used for conditions like erythropoietic protoporphyria, making the researchers optimistic about the safety profile of this approach, according to Cash. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to confirm this, as highlighted by Cas Bogey from Case Western Reserve University. Plans for human trials will commence shortly.
Future studies should also investigate the drug’s safety and efficacy on infected wounds, as Bogey pointed out. “The medication might interfere with the infection response or cause unintended side effects,” she cautioned.
This news may not be received well by some redheads. Prior studies indicate that red-haired individuals might also experience heightened sensitivity to pain. However, Cash reassures, “There’s no cause for alarm. We currently lack human data. Even if individuals with red hair heal somewhat more slowly, the difference may be negligible and hardly noticeable.”
Top AI firms assert that they have disrupted a Chinese-supported “cyber espionage operation” capable of breaching financial institutions and government bodies with minimal human oversight.
US-based Anthropic revealed that its coding tool, Claude Code, was “utilized” by a state-backed Chinese group in September to target 30 organizations globally, leading to “multiple successful intrusions.”
In a recent blog post, the company described this as a “significant escalation” compared to earlier AI-driven attacks it had monitored. On Thursday, it was noted that Claude executed 80-90% of the operations autonomously, with little to no human involvement.
“This attacker achieved what we believe to be the first documented instance of a large-scale cyber attack executed without human intervention,” the report states.
Anthropic did not disclose the specific financial institutions or government entities targeted or the exact outcomes of the intrusions but confirmed that the attackers accessed the internal data of the victims.
Claude also acknowledged making numerous errors during the attack, at times fabricating details about its targets and claiming to have “uncovered” information that was actually available to the public.
Policymakers and experts expressed concerns about the implications of these findings, indicating that certain AI systems, like Claude, have developed the capability to operate independently for prolonged periods.
“Wake up. If we don’t prioritize AI regulation nationally starting tomorrow, this may lead to our downfall sooner than we think,” stated U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. I wrote in response to these findings.
“AI systems can now execute tasks that once required skilled human operators,” remarked Fred Heiding, a researcher at Harvard’s Defense, Emerging Technologies, and Strategy Program.
“My research has delved into how AI systems increasingly automate portions of the cyber kill chain each year… It’s becoming significantly easier for attackers to inflict real damage. AI companies are not assuming enough accountability.”
Other cybersecurity experts expressed skepticism, citing exaggerated claims regarding AI-driven cyberattacks in recent years. A report on a 2023 “password cracker” demonstrated comparable effectiveness to traditional methods, suggesting that Anthropic may be overhyping AI’s capabilities.
“In my view, Anthropic is presenting advanced automation and nothing more,” stated independent cybersecurity expert Michal “Rizik” Wozniak. “There’s code generation involved, but it’s not ‘intelligence’; it’s merely enhanced copy and paste.”
Wozniak further commented that Anthropic’s announcement diverts attention from broader cybersecurity issues, noting that businesses and governments are adopting “complex and poorly understood” AI tools without fully grasping them, thereby exposing themselves to vulnerabilities. He emphasized that the true threat lies with cybercriminals and insufficient cybersecurity measures.
Like all leading AI companies, Anthropic has implemented safeguards to prevent its models from engaging in cyberattacks or causing harm generally. However, hackers managed to circumvent these safety measures by instructing Claude to role-play as a “legitimate cybersecurity company employee” conducting assessments, as noted in the report.
“Anthropic is valued at around $180 billion, yet they can’t seem to ensure their tools aren’t easily manipulated by tactics a 13-year-old might use to prank call someone,” Wozniak remarked.
Marius Hovhan, founder of Apollo Research, which assesses the security of AI models, remarked that the attack signifies what could transpire as capabilities advance.
“I don’t believe society is sufficiently prepared for the rapid changes in AI and cyber capabilities,” he stated. “We expect many more such incidents in the coming years, potentially with even greater consequences.”
Medical professionals have created an AI tool capable of decreasing wasted efforts in organ transplants by 60%.
Across the globe, thousands of patients await potentially life-saving organ donations, with more individuals on the waiting list than available organs.
Recently, the scope of liver transplants has broadened to include donors who have passed away from cardiac arrest. However, in around half of the cases involving donations after cardiovascular death (DCD), the transplant is ultimately called off.
This occurs because the duration from the removal of life support to the moment of death must not exceed 45 minutes. Surgeons frequently decline to proceed with a liver transplant if the donor does not pass away within the timeframe necessary to maintain organ viability, which increases complications for recipients.
Now, a team of doctors, scientists, and researchers at Stanford University has developed a machine learning model that forecasts whether a donor is likely to pass away before the organ can be transplanted.
This AI tool has surpassed leading surgeons, cutting down the rate of wasted procurements—where preparation for a transplant begins but the donor dies too late—by 60%.
“By pinpointing when an organ is likely to be viable before initiating surgical preparations, this model could enhance the efficiency of the transplant process,” stated Dr. Kazunari Sasaki, a clinical professor of abdominal transplantation and the study’s senior author.
“It also has the capability to make organ transplants accessible to a greater number of candidates in need.”
This advancement could lessen the instances in which organs are prepared for recovery by healthcare workers but are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, imposing financial and operational challenges on transplant centers.
Hospitals primarily estimate this critical period based on the judgment of the surgeons, which varies significantly and can result in unnecessary expenses and wasted resources.
The new AI tool was trained with data from over 2,000 donors from various U.S. transplant centers. It utilizes neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular data to predict the likelihood of death in potential donors with greater accuracy than previous models or human specialists.
The model was tested both retrospectively and prospectively, successfully reducing procurement waste by 60% compared to surgeon assessments. Notably, the researchers indicated that accuracy was upheld even with some missing donor information.
Reliable, data-driven tools assist medical professionals in making informed decisions, optimizing organ usage, and minimizing wasted efforts and costs.
This method could represent a significant advancement in transplantation, the researchers emphasized, showcasing the “potential for advanced AI techniques to maximize organ utilization from DCD donors.”
In the next phase, they plan to refine the AI tool and test it for heart and lung transplants.
Blue Origin achieved a successful launch of its impressive New Glenn rocket on Thursday, transporting two NASA spacecraft en route to Mars. This marks just the rocket’s second flight, as both Blue Origin and NASA anticipate it will eventually carry personnel and supplies to the moon.
Soaring to a height of 321 feet (98 meters), the New Glenn rocket burst into the afternoon sky from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, initiating a lengthy journey for NASA’s twin Mars rovers to the Red Planet. The launch was delayed by four days due to inclement weather and a solar storm, which created auroras visible as far south as Florida.
In a significant achievement for the emerging company, Blue Origin successfully retrieved the booster after its separation from the upper stage and the Mars rover. This step is vital for cost reduction and reusability, mirroring SpaceX’s operational model. Company employees erupted in cheers as the booster landed upright on a barge 375 miles (600 kilometers) offshore, with an elated Bezos observing from launch control.
“Next time it’s the moon!” the employees chanted excitedly after the centerpiece of the booster landed. Twenty minutes later, the upper stage of the rocket deployed the two Mars rovers into space, fulfilling the primary goal of the mission.
The New Glenn conducted its inaugural test flight in January, successfully placing a prototype satellite into orbit, though it did not manage to land its booster on a floating platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
The twin Mars rover, named Escapade, will remain near Earth for a year at a distance of 1 mile (1.5 kilometers). Once Earth and Mars are ideally aligned next fall, they will utilize gravity assist from Earth to travel to the Red Planet, with an expected arrival in 2027.
During its orbit around Mars, the spacecraft will map the planet’s upper atmosphere and diffuse magnetic field, studying their interactions with solar wind. The data collected will enhance understanding of the processes driving the loss of Mars’ atmosphere and provide insights into how the planet transitioned from a wet and warm environment to its current dry and dusty state. Researchers will also investigate ways to protect astronauts from the intense radiation present on Mars.
“We are eager to gain a deeper understanding of how the solar wind interacts with Mars,” stated Escapade’s lead scientist Rob Lillis from the University of California, Berkeley, ahead of the launch. “Escapade offers a unique opportunity with two spacecraft operating simultaneously, granting us an unprecedented stereo perspective.”
This relatively cost-effective mission is budgeted at less than $80 million and is managed by the University of California, Berkeley. Initially slated for last fall, the launch of the Mars rover was postponed due to issues related to Blue Origin’s new rocket.
The New Glenn rocket, named in honor of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, is significantly larger than Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, which caters to affluent passengers traveling to the edge of space from West Texas. Blue Origin is also set to launch a demonstration mission for its prototype lunar lander, Blue Moon, aboard New Glenn in the upcoming months.
Founded in 2000 by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin holds a contract with NASA for the third astronaut lunar landing under the Artemis program. In contrast, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, utilized its Starship rocket—approximately 100 feet (30 meters) taller than New Glenn—to successfully complete the first two crewed lunar landings.
However, last month, NASA’s acting administrator Sean Duffy reinstated the contract for the initial manned moon landing, expressing concerns regarding the pace of progress on Starship’s testing from Texas. Both Blue Origin and SpaceX have put forth preliminary plans for landing.
Plans are underway for NASA to send astronauts around the moon early next year using its own Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, followed by the Artemis crew’s attempt to land. The space agency aims to surpass China’s mission and return astronauts to the moon within the next decade.
Who is the elder, Gary Numan or Gary Oldman? If you know the answer (which you can find below), you’re likely among the many Brits participating in weekly pub quizzes.
As a nation passionate about trivia, it was no surprise that we reacted promptly to the news: Manchester quizmaster reveals team cheating. One wonders, what special place in hell awaits quiz players who sneak a peek at their phones under the table?
According to the BBC, a “huge investigation” followed after the landlord of Barking Dog in Urmston disclosed that cheaters were whispering questions into his smartphone, although he chose not to identify them.
Some quizmasters argue that this behavior is increasingly tarnishing one of the nation’s beloved pastimes.
Quizmaster David Hartley, 33, from Staffordshire, expressed: “I definitely believe there’s increased use of smartwatches, in particular. Even without a phone in hand, there are still ways to cheat.”
He has been running quizzes at four venues for nearly a decade and instituted a ban on devices about two years ago. “If you’re just on your phone, it takes the fun away from the quiz master,” he remarked.
David Moyes, landlord and quizmaster at Cambridge’s Alma School, mentioned he had to expel a group of students who won suspiciously. He became wary after a weak team suddenly played a “joker” that doubled their points when they accurately answered all questions.
“There was no concrete proof. But later, one of them returned and handed over some money, admitting, ‘Oh, we cheated,'” Moyes recounted.
“The guilt was so overwhelming that he must have felt compelled to return his share. The others didn’t, so he probably slept more soundly than the rest.”
To combat cheating, some pubs are employing high-tech solutions, like smartphone quizzes where participants input their answers directly. If you stray from the dedicated quiz app, you’ll lose points.
The SpeedQuizzing app aims to deter “cheaters and scammers” by allowing just 10 seconds to submit answers per question, in an effort to revive what it calls a “once proud British tradition”.
Others prefer traditional measures. Marcus Berkman, who has competed over 200 times and now crafts quizzes, noted that the quizzes at Prince of Wales, in Highgate, north London, were tightening enforcement against cheating.
“We are very strict with cheaters, so no one cheats,” he insisted. “The regulars would rather endure anything than cheat.”
“Sometimes we remind players: ‘We’re testing what you know, not what you can look up,’ and participants typically cooperate.”
The exact origins of the pub quiz remain somewhat unclear, but it gained traction in the 1970s, thanks to Sharon Burns and Tom Porter. Burns & Porter provided ready-made quizzes to attract patrons on quieter nights.
Today, pub quizzes in Britain continue to be a serious affair; just like the great British pastime of drinking, getting answers right also matters. A recent study by brewer Greene King revealed that 70% of people frequently take part in pub quizzes, with nearly one in ten doing so weekly.
Quizmasters often wish to return to the simpler days of Burns and Porter, yet they can find solace knowing that their predecessors faced similar cheating troubles.
Gail Taylor, for instance, responded to an inquiry from the Guardian this week, sharing a tale from her youth in a Sheffield pub during the 1980s.
Taylor explained how she rigged a basic eavesdropping device under a table to transmit questions to a friend with an encyclopedia stationed in a van outside.
The Guardian could not independently confirm her account, but she stands by it. “Things always went awry,” Taylor recounted. “If the signal failed, we’d scribble down questions and dash to the van with two pints and a list. Then someone else would retrieve the answers. No one seemed to grasp what we were doing.”
Reflecting on this caper over 30 years later, Taylor feels no regret. “Back then, we didn’t have Google, so we couldn’t win anything anyway,” she adds. “I have no guilt about it, and I would do the same tomorrow if given the chance.”
Answer: Gary Numan He is 13 days older than Gary Oldman.
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