An artificial intelligence company based in London has achieved a significant victory in a High Court case that scrutinized the legality of an AI model using extensive copyrighted data without authorization.
Stability AI, led by Oscar-winning Avatar director James Cameron, successfully defended itself against allegations from Getty Images, claiming that it infringed on the international photography agency’s copyright.
This ruling is seen as a setback for copyright holders’ exclusive rights to benefit from their creations. Rebecca Newman, a legal director at Addleshaw Goddard, cautioned that it suggests “the UK derivative copyright system is inadequate to protect creators”.
There was evidence indicating that Getty Images were utilized in training Stability’s model, which enables users to generate images via text prompts. In certain instances, Stability was also found to violate Getty’s trademarks.
Judge Joanna Smith remarked that determining the balance between the interests of the creative industries and AI sectors holds “real social significance.” However, she could only address relatively limited claims as Getty had to withdraw parts of its case during the trial this summer.
Getty Images initiated legal action against Stability AI for violations of its intellectual property rights, claiming the AI company scraped and replicated millions of images with “complete indifference to the content of the training data.”
This ruling comes amid ongoing debates about how the Labour government should legislate on copyright and AI matters, with artists and authors like Elton John, Kate Bush, Dua Lipa, and Kazuo Ishiguro advocating for protections. In contrast, tech firms are seeking broader access to copyrighted material to develop more powerful generative AI systems.
The government is conducting a consultation regarding copyright and AI, stating: “The uncertainty surrounding the copyright framework is hindering the growth of both the AI and creative sectors. This situation must not persist.”
Lawyers at Mishcon de Reya, pursuing this matter, are contemplating introducing a “text and data mining exception” to the UK copyright law, which would enable copyrighted works to be utilized for training AI models unless rights holders opt-out.
Due to a lack of evidence indicating that the training took place in the UK, Getty was compelled to retract its original copyright claim. Nevertheless, the company proceeded with its lawsuit, asserting that Stability continues to use copies of visual assets, which it describes as the “lifeblood” of its business. The lawsuit alleges trademark infringement and “spoofing,” as some generated images bore Getty’s watermark.
Highlighting the complexities of AI copyright litigation, the group essentially argued that Stability’s image generation model, known as Stable Diffusion, constitutes an infringing copy, as its creation would represent copyright infringement if produced in the UK.
The judge determined that “AI models like Stable Diffusion that do not (and never have) stored or reproduced copyrighted works are not ‘infringing copies.'” She declined to adjudicate on the misrepresentation claims but ruled in favor of some of Getty’s trademark infringement claims regarding the watermark.
In a statement, Getty Images remarked: “We are profoundly worried that even well-resourced organizations like Getty Images face considerable challenges in safeguarding creative works due to the absence of transparency requirements. We have invested millions with one provider alone, but we must continue our pursuit elsewhere.”
“We urge governments, including the UK, to establish more robust transparency regulations. This is crucial to avoid expensive legal disputes and ensure creators can uphold their rights.”
Stability AI’s General Counsel, Christian Dowell, stated, “We are pleased with the court’s ruling on the remaining claims in this case. Although Getty’s decision to voluntarily withdraw most of the copyright claims at the trial’s conclusion left the court with only a fraction of the claims, this final decision addresses the core copyright issues. We appreciate the time and effort the court has dedicated to resolving the significant matters in this case.”
Quantum Internet could provide secure communications globally
Sakumstarke / Alamy
One of the most sophisticated quantum networks constructed to date will enable 18 individuals to communicate securely through the principles of quantum physics. The researchers affirm that this represents a feasible step towards realizing a global quantum internet, although some experts express doubt.
The eagerly awaited quantum internet aims to allow quantum computers to communicate over distances by exchanging light particles, known as photons, that are interconnected through quantum entanglement. Additionally, it will facilitate the linkage of quantum sensor networks, enabling communications impervious to classical computer hacking. However, connecting different segments of the quantum realm is not as straightforward as laying down cables due to the challenges in ensuring seamless interactions between network nodes.
Recently, Chen Shenfeng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China demonstrated a method to interconnect two quantum networks. Initially, they established two networks containing 10 nodes each, both sharing quantum entanglement and functioning as smaller iterations of a quantum internet. They then combined one node from each network, resulting in a larger, fully integrated network that enables communication across all pairs of the 18 remaining nodes.
Networking 18 classical computers is a straightforward endeavor involving inexpensive components, but in the quantum sphere, where specific timing is crucial for sharing individual photons among several users, advanced technology and specialized knowledge are required. Even establishing communication between pairs is intricate, yet facilitating communication among any pair of 18 users is unprecedented.
“Our method provides essential capabilities for quantum communication across disparate networks and is pivotal for creating a large-scale quantum internet that enables interactions among all participants,” the researchers stated in their paper, which has not responded to inquiries for comments.
As the researchers clarify, this network integration hinges on a process termed entanglement swapping. Photons can be intertwined by conducting a specific observation known as the Bell measurement. By simultaneously measuring the status of one photon from each of two pairs of entangled photons, the most distant photons in the arrangement become linked. However, attempting to observe their states disrupts the delicate quantum balance and thus depletes the measured photon states.
“This isn’t the initial demonstration of entanglement exchange,” remarks Sidharth Joshi from the University of Bristol, UK. “What they have achieved is a framework that simplifies inter-network exchanges.”
Joshi notes that current quantum communication research is divided between extending the range of information transmission between two devices, occasionally utilizing satellites, and developing protocols and strategies for reliably networking numerous devices over shorter distances. This study pertains to the latter. “Both areas are critically important,” he asserts.
Conversely, Robert Young, a professor at Lancaster University in the UK, commented that while the results showcase a remarkable technical feat demanding expertise and extensive resources, he deems it improbable as a blueprint for future large-scale quantum networks, considering the expense and intricacy involved.
“This is far from practical and not something readily applicable in real-world scenarios,” Young states. “The paper’s claim is that this is the future of quantum network integration, but many formidable challenges remain to be addressed.”
One significant issue is the necessity for quantum repeaters to convey information across extensive distances. As distance increases, photons are frequently lost in fiber optic cables, and measurements can jeopardize the state of a photon, rendering the quantum information unreadable or untransmittable, thereby preventing signal amplification along its route. If quantum repeaters functioned effectively, they could transmit signals over longer distances, yet constructing such devices has been challenging.
“We understand that to build a viable quantum network, some method of quantum repeater is essential,” Young points out, emphasizing that this was absent in the current network demonstration.
I
When we imagine models, they often appear as glamorous individuals who command high fees for their work. However, New York’s Daniel Maleka, 27, and London’s Dee O, 62, reveal that the reality is often a challenging quest for visibility.
The fashion industry is also rapidly evolving. Since O began her modeling career in 1983, the internet and social media have dramatically altered its dynamics. Currently, she’s adapting to trends such as: AI models appearing in “VOGUE” and the effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
O and Maleka recently convened to reflect on their careers across different eras.
What’s your story? D-O: I grew up in Birmingham, from a working-class Irish immigrant family. My boyfriend entered me in the “Face of 1983” contest without telling me. I was about 17 or 18 then. Out of the blue, Look Now magazine called, inviting me as a finalist in Birmingham. Though I didn’t win, the agency still wanted me to represent them, leading me to travel frequently from Birmingham and catch a bus from Victoria at 2 AM after a less than appetizing sandwich.
Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian
Daniel Maleka: I was raised in New York by Guyanese-American parents and was inspired to model by watching America’s Next Top Model. Though my family urged me to focus on university first, I explored modeling a little during my teenage years. While studying public health at New York University and running track, a teammate who loved photography helped me take my first photos. As fashion week approached, we reached out to casting directors and designers via Instagram. I eventually signed with WeSpeak, a boutique agency founded by models.
How has your career evolved since then? D-O: At 29, I decided to step away from modeling for a regular job. I pursued education, but my daughter, now 27, inspired me to return to modeling, something I initially disliked. Five years later, I found my passion again and signed with Gray Agency, which offers a diverse range of models and continuing opportunities without the stress I once felt.
DM: After five years at WeSpeak, I felt I hadn’t reached my full potential, so I tried a more traditional agency for a year and a half. We clashed often, eventually parting ways. I found my way back to WeSpeak while scouting for a UK agent during a London show with a New York client. Many agencies don’t provide feedback, often leaving me to feel undervalued.
Danielle is wearing Christopher John Rogers’ Pre-Fall 2023 collection. Photo: Cesar Buitrago
Do: The situation is always murky! It’s challenging to navigate since I desire clarity, yet often, with competition being high, I wonder if I’m overlooked because there are countless others who resemble me.
Dee, how has modeling transformed since your initial days? Do: Back then, conversation was minimal. The agent handled all communications, often taking 20% commission. Models just needed to show up with looks. While there’s a surge of writers and stylists in the industry now, not all models fit the same mold. Leveraging platforms like social media is essential for job hunting today.
DM: I’ve cultivated a solid social media presence and experienced waves of viral moments during COVID-19. Much of my career has revolved around online networking and connections.
Does modeling affect how you perceive yourself? DM: Some shoots led me to question if others appreciated my looks. For a while, I struggled with my sense of beauty, which is quite a burden.
Do: It’s subtle but impactful. Prioritizing others’ needs and identity over our own can affect mental health significantly over time. When I began in the early 1980s, there was an evident class structure, making me feel like an outsider. There’s also the personal challenge of comparing oneself to other women.
Composition: Christian Sinibaldi, The Guardian
I think models are often seen and not heard, but does this lead to exploitation? Do: We witnessed predatory behaviors pre-MeToo in the ’80s. I was fortunate to have a strong voice, which made others wary of me. Yet, I recognized that social invitations might have led to more work, highlighting a power dynamic dominated by men, which made me feel expendable.
DM: I’ve always been progressive. At NYU, I collaborated with organizations on family planning and women’s rights. However, in that previous corporate environment, I often held back my opinions out of fear of agency rejection. Now, I advocate with the Model Alliance, which fights for model rights. The Fashion Worker Law passed in New York last year, enhancing protections. Despite this, I still see models being asked to sign contracts that exceed legal requirements, suggesting some continue to exploit the inexperience of newcomers.
Do: Absolutely, naivety, aspirations, and disillusionment.
DM: Joining the Model Alliance Worker Council comes with a warning: your agency could terminate you for being part of it. I had no idea such implications existed.
The Fashion Workers Act: What an impressive step forward! Is progress occurring elsewhere? Do: There’s still a dominance of typical models in runway shows, often standing at 6 feet tall and size 8 or 6. Occasionally, I do see designers like Ashish Gupta intentionally showcasing diverse models. His recent London Fashion Week show incorporated a troupe of dancers, a creative idea that excites me. It’s also gratifying to see growing awareness about ethical sourcing and environmental concerns in fashion, with greater salary attention for workers. I’m passionate about fashion and proudly represent vintage clothing.
JD Williams Dee model. Photo: JD Williams
DM: 2020 truly felt like a turning point in Black representation within modeling. After the Black Lives Matter protests, my bookings surged, creating a narrative of inclusivity. Now, however, it appears the trend is regressing, with fewer Black models in the spotlight. Additionally, I often find that stylists aren’t equipped to handle black hair, leading to detrimental outcomes, such as heat damage I experienced.
I’ve heard that models face pressure to remain thin. Have you experienced that? Do: I once knew a roommate who was an unhealthy size 12 in the UK (8 in the US). She lived on apples, battled rotting teeth, and suffered from bulimia, all in pursuit of agency approval for the desired height and size. Ultimately, she became sick and had to return home, a memory I’ll never forget.
DM: This issue has long affected model standards, and while I maintain a fit physique, I’ve gradually come to realize the pressures of being thinner. Initially, I was more muscular due to my athletics, but feedback like, “You need to change your dimensions,” during meetings hit me hard emotionally.
Do: Such standards have a profound impact on your mental state. Yet, we’re witnessing an emergence of diverse body shapes and sizes. Although it appears better than before, curvy models still face stereotypes, often expected to have hourglass figures.
With innovations like Botox and weight loss medications, have you noticed changes in the industry? DM: My peers who model plus sizes have expressed that these developments affect their runway bookings.
Do: On one job, they even taped my face to alter my skin. If my face isn’t good enough, why book someone older? These thoughts persist. I find myself torn about it; I have never undergone Botox or surgery, yet contemplate it. Models of my age at that shoot often shared similar feelings, emphasizing the contradictions we navigate.
Are you concerned about your images being used for deepfakes or AI training? DM: The Model Alliance included a clause in their legislation requiring written consent from models for such uses. There’s apprehension about the risk of my image being misused, especially with the vulnerability posed by sharing on platforms like Instagram.
Would you recommend modeling as a career? DM: Yes, it offers fulfillment and is often playful and fun, allowing you to embrace your inner child. However, if I had children, I’d prefer they start their modeling journey later, not at 15 or 16.
Do: I mirrored my parents’ approach with my daughter, insisting she finish college first. Nevertheless, her determination prevailed. I’m grateful for her resolve, especially as we now collaborate in the industry.
Photo: Christian Sinibaldi/Guardian
DM: I urge pursuing interests outside of modeling. After gaining recognition through TikTok, I perceived it as my sole identity for a while, which left me feeling disoriented.
Do: Traveling worldwide has been invaluable; even those experiences justify the journey. However, it’s critical to remember that success can vanish overnight.
Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has declared its intention to oppose Tesla’s proposed $1 trillion (£765 billion) compensation package for Chief Executive Elon Musk.
The largest national wealth fund stated that it acknowledges “the remarkable value created under Mr. Musk’s visionary leadership” but will vote against his performance-based award.
“In line with our stance on executive compensation, we are worried about the total remuneration, dilution, and the absence of risk mitigation for essential personnel.” “We remain eager to engage in constructive discussions with Tesla on this and other matters.”
The alert from Norges Bank, Tesla’s seventh-largest single shareholder with $17 billion in stock, arrived just two days prior to Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting.
On Thursday, shareholders are expected to vote on an extraordinary incentive proposal that could propel Elon Musk to become the world’s first trillionaire.
If Musk escalates Tesla’s valuation from approximately $1 trillion to $8.5 trillion over the next decade, he would be granted new shares, and his ownership stake would increase from nearly 16% to over 25%.
This would boost the wealth of the world’s richest man to over $2 trillion.
Tesla Chairman Robin Denholm emphasized that this vote is crucial to retaining Musk, 54, as the company’s CEO, stating in a letter to shareholders that the company might lose “significant value” should he depart.
Last year, the Norwegian Oil Fund opposed Musk’s $56 billion compensation plan, which was the largest in U.S. corporate history at the time. Although it was approved by shareholders in June, a Delaware court later rejected it a second time in December.
Nikolai Tangen, the chief executive of the Norwegian fund, had invited Musk and other CEOs to a dinner in Oslo last year, but Musk declined after the fund voted against the $56 billion compensation package.
Text exchanges between Tangen and Musk were disclosed in a Freedom of Information request by Norwegian business magazine DN. The newspaper reported that Musk texted Tangen in October last year: “It’s not often that I ask you for a favor and you say no. Then you shouldn’t ask me for a favor until I do something more than make up for it. A friend is a friend.”
Shareholders are split on the proposed deal, with two significant shareholder advisory firms, Glass Lewis and ISS, both advising investors to reject the $1 trillion package.
Several major pension funds are also against the pay structure, including the American Federation of Teachers and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the largest public system in the nation.
Musk, being Tesla’s largest single shareholder, also has a vote on the proposal.
Last month, Tesla’s president stated on the social media platform X, which he acquired in 2022, “Tesla is worth more than all the other car companies combined. Which CEO would want to run Tesla? It wouldn’t be me.”
A supermassive black hole has violently consumed a massive star, resulting in a cosmic explosion that shone as brightly as 10 trillion suns, according to a recent study.
This event, referred to as a black hole flare, is believed to be the largest and most remote ever detected.
“This is genuinely a one-in-a-million occurrence,” stated Matthew Graham, a research professor of astronomy at the California Institute of Technology and the lead author of the study published Tuesday in Nature Astronomy.
Graham indicated that based on the explosion’s intensity and duration, a black hole flare is likely the explanation, but further studies will be necessary to validate this conclusion.
While it is common for black holes to devour nearby stars, gas, dust, and other materials, such significant flare events are exceptionally rare, according to Graham.
“This enormous flare is far more energetic than anything we’ve encountered previously,” he remarked, noting that the explosion’s peak luminosity was 30 times that of any black hole flare documented so far.
Its extreme intensity is partly due to the massive size of the celestial objects involved. The star that came too close to the black hole is estimated to possess at least 30 times the mass of the Sun, while the supermassive black hole and its surrounding matter disk are estimated to be 500 million times more massive than the Sun.
Graham mentioned that these powerful explosions have persisted for more than seven years and are likely still ongoing.
The flare was initially detected in 2018 during a comprehensive sky survey using three ground-based telescopes. At the time, it was identified as a “particularly bright object,” but follow-up observations months later yielded little valuable data.
Consequently, black hole flares were mostly overlooked until 2023, when Graham and his team opted to revisit some intriguing findings from their earlier research. Astronomers have since managed to roughly ascertain the distance to this exceptionally bright object, and the results were astonishing.
“Suddenly, I thought, ‘Wow, this is actually quite far away,'” Graham explained. “And if it’s this far away and this bright, how much energy is it emitting? This is both unusual and intriguing.”
While the exact circumstances of the star’s demise remain unclear, Graham hypothesized that a cosmic collision might have nudged the star from its typical orbit around the black hole, leading to a close encounter.
This finding enhances our understanding of black hole behavior and evolution.
“Our perspective on supermassive black holes and their environments has dramatically transformed over the past five to ten years,” Graham stated. “We once pictured most galaxies in the universe with a supermassive black hole at the center, idly rumbling away. We now recognize it as a much more dynamic setting, and we are just beginning to explore its complexities.”
He noted that while the flares are gradually diminishing over time, they will remain detectable with ground-based telescopes for several more years.
The act of choking in pornography, often referred to as ‘choking,’ will be criminalized, with legal obligations imposed on technology platforms to prevent users in the UK from accessing such content.
Proposed amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill introduced in Parliament on Monday will make it illegal to possess or distribute pornography that features choking.
An additional amendment aims to extend the timeframe for victims of intimate image abuse to come forward, increasing the prosecution limit from six months to three years.
The government stated that these changes would eliminate unnecessary obstacles for victims reporting crimes, thus “enhancing access to justice for those in need.”
The choking ban follows a government review that suggested pornography was fostering the normalization of strangulation as a “sexual norm.”
The Independent Pornography Review, initiated by former chancellor Rishi Sunak and conducted by Baroness Gabby Bertin, published its findings in February, recommending a prohibition on pornography featuring strangulation.
Despite the common belief that strangulation can be performed safely, studies indicate that it poses significant risks. While there may be no visible injuries, oxygen deprivation—even for brief moments—can cause detrimental changes to the brain’s delicate structures.
Given these dangers, non-fatal strangulation and non-fatal asphyxiation were categorized as criminal offenses in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, amid concerns that offenders often escape punishment due to the absence of visible injuries.
The new amendments will mandate platforms to take proactive measures to block users’ access to illegal content involving strangulation and suffocation.
Choking-related offenses will be prioritized, imposing a legal responsibility on pornographic sites and tech platforms to ensure UK users cannot view such material.
The Ministry of Justice indicated that this might involve the use of automated systems for the detection and removal of images, moderation tools, or stricter content policies to hinder the spread of abusive material.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to £18 million imposed by Ofcom.
Barney Ryan, CEO of the Strangulation Research Institute, expressed support for the ban, stating, “While consenting adults should have the freedom to safely explore their sexuality, we must recognize the severe risks posed by unregulated online content, particularly to children and young people.
“Strangulation represents a severe form of violence, often employed in domestic violence for control, silence, or to induce fear. Its portrayal in pornography, especially without context, can impart confusing and harmful messages to youth regarding what is normal and acceptable in intimate relationships. Our research confirms that there is no safe way to strangle.”
Alex Davis-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, emphasized that online misogyny “has devastating real-world impacts on all of us.” Daily, women and girls have their lives disrupted by cowards who abuse and exploit them from behind screens.
“This government will not remain passive while women face online violations and become victims of normalized and violent pornography.
“We are delivering a strong message that dangerous and sexist behavior will not be tolerated.”
Additionally, a study conducted that year found that many children had encountered violent or offensive pornography, which left them feeling upset or anxious; some even mimicked the behaviors observed online. Children who engaged with pornography were three to six times more likely to participate in “potentially risky behavior” concerning consent, according to a study by the British Board of Film Classification. .
Apple’s affordable Watch SE has received almost all the enhancements of the superb mid-range Series 11, yet it is priced around 40% less, making it an excellent value smartwatch for iPhone users.
The new Watch SE 3 begins at £219 (€269/$249/AU$399), positioning it as one of the most affordable fully-featured smartwatches compatible with iPhones, significantly cheaper than the £369 Series 11 and the premium Apple Watch Ultra 3 at £749.
The SE series has seen periodic updates, and while it has offered good value, it has missed key features that enhance Apple’s other watches. The most significant improvement in the Watch SE 3 is the always-on display, aligning it with the Series line and allowing you to view the time and notifications at a glance, eliminating the need to raise your wrist to activate the screen.
The Flow watch face is displayed when the screen is on (left) and the time remains visible when idle and in always-on mode (right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The SE 3 follows the older Apple Watch design seen in the 2020 Series 6, featuring a smaller display and thicker bezels, with options for 40mm or 44mm case sizes compared to the latest series watches. While it doesn’t shine as bright as the pricier models in direct sunlight, it remains sharp and appealing.
Equipped with the same S10 chip as the Series 11 and Ultra 3, the SE 3 provides a similar responsive experience. It also includes excellent touch-free gestures like double-tap and wrist flick to effortlessly dismiss notifications, timers, and alarms.
Furthermore, the watch supports all the standard Apple Watch functionalities found in watchOS 26, such as contactless payments via Apple Pay, detailed notifications, music playback controls, third-party apps, and various watch face options.
The SE 3 runs all the same applications and services as its pricier counterpart. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The SE 3’s battery life falls slightly short of that of the Series 11, lasting approximately a day and a half under typical usage, which includes one night of sleep tracking. Many users may need to recharge it every other day, especially if they monitor workouts. The SE 3 allows for up to 7 hours of GPS and heart rate tracking during running, which is sufficient for a marathon. Charging fully with the magnetic charger takes about 1 hour, reaching 70% in 30 minutes.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, NFC, optional 5G
Health and Workout Tracking
The SE 3 retains the crown and side buttons of the Series 11, but omits the metal contacts needed for ECG. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A significant drawback of the SE 3 is the absence of the electrical sensor on the watch’s back, which enables ECG monitoring on the Series and Ultra models. It also lacks blood oxygen monitoring and blood pressure alerts, but it does feature an accurate optical heart rate sensor with most related capabilities, such as high and low heart rate notifications.
The SE 3 includes a skin temperature sensor. Its Vital app provides sleep tracking, along with retrospective ovulation estimates for cycle tracking applications. This smartwatch excels in tracking popular workouts using GPS, including walking, running, and cycling, among others.
Additionally, the watch supports offline music playback via Bluetooth headphones from subscription services like Spotify and offers offline access to Apple Maps in case you lose your phone.
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum body is available in Starlight (shown) or Midnight (black). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
According to Apple, the battery can last more than 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity and is replaceable at a cost of £95. Repair costs range from £195 to £229, depending on the model.
The watch contains over 40% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, and tungsten. Apple also provides device trade-ins and free recycling options, while its report details the environmental impact of its products.
Price
The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at £219 (€269/$249/AU$399) for the 40mm variant and £249 (€299/$279/AU$449) for the 44mm variant.
For reference, the Apple Watch Series 11 is priced at £369, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 retails for £749.
Verdict
The Apple Watch SE 3 stands out as the best value in Apple’s smartwatch lineup this year, delivering nearly all of the remarkable features found in the Series 11 at a much lower price point.
With its new always-on display, S10 chip, and watchOS 26, the SE 3 is equally user-friendly for daily tasks. The main feature missing is the EKG capability, but this may not be a concern for those who don’t require it. The 40mm version’s battery life of 1.5 days is decent, while the larger 44mm model should provide slightly longer use.
Limited color selections can be easily improved with brighter bands, but the older design featuring a smaller display, larger bezels, and thicker body is acceptable considering the pricing.
Pros: Excellent value Apple Watch, always-on display, Apple Pay, double-tap and wrist flick gestures, solid health and fitness tracking, long-lasting software support, environmentally friendly materials, and 50 meters of water resistance.
Cons: Lacks EKG, no blood oxygen monitoring, no blood pressure alerts, older design, compatible only with iPhone, no third-party watch faces, and display can be dim in bright sunlight.
The new Exactograph face in watchOS 26 appears stunning on the 40mm Apple Watch SE 3. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Hubble Space Telescope, operated by NASA and ESA, unveils the radiant galactic core and stunning spiral arms in this fresh perspective of NGC 4102.
This Hubble image illustrates NGC 4102, an intermediate spiral galaxy located 55.4 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / G. Fabbiano.
NGC 4102 is positioned to the north of Ursa Major, approximately 55.4 million light-years distant.
This intermediate spiral galaxy was discovered on April 12, 1789, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.
Also known as UGC 7096, NGC 4102 features an active galactic nucleus.
“Active galactic nuclei are luminous centers within galaxies, powered by supermassive black holes with masses millions to billions of times greater than that of the Sun,” stated Hubble astronomers.
“When these black holes attract surrounding gas, the intense gravitational forces cause the gas to heat up and emit light across various wavelengths, from X-rays to radio,” they added.
“NGC 4102 stands as a prime candidate for examining the interaction between active galactic nuclei and their host galaxies,” noted the researchers.
“These active galactic nuclei range from very powerful variants that consume significant amounts of matter and produce jets of charged particles to more subdued types that gently draw in gas and emit less intense light.”
“NGC 4102 is likely categorized among the latter; it falls within the Compton-thickness classification, indicating a dense gas environment surrounding its nucleus, and is identified as a low-ionization nuclear emission line region (LINER).”
“LINER galaxies are recognized by emission lines from weakly ionized elements and may be sustained by supermassive black holes gradually accumulating gas from their vicinity.”
“The latest imaging offers an enhanced view of the galaxy, utilizing data from Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), which replaced WFPC2 in 2009, providing improved resolution and a larger field of view,” according to the researchers.
“These new observations are part of a program that integrates visible-light imagery from Hubble with X-ray data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, aimed at exploring NGC 4102 and its relationship with active galactic nuclei.”
Recent discoveries by archaeologists in Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula, home to significant Middle to Late Paleolithic sites like Starosele, include a 5-centimeter-long bone fragment from a Neanderthal man, dating between 46,000 and 44,000 years ago. Genetic analysis shows this individual to be closely related to Altai Neanderthals through mitochondrial DNA, indicating that Neanderthal populations traveled great distances across Eurasia. Under favorable climatic conditions, these migrations likely involved the spread of the Micocchia stone tool industry, highlighting cultural continuity and regional adaptability during the Late Pleistocene.
A group of Neanderthals in a cave. Image credit: Tyler B. Tretsven.
Crimea is rich in well-preserved layered Paleolithic sites, many reflecting the biocultural and human occupation transition that occurred approximately 47,000 to 42,000 years ago.
According to earlier radiocarbon dating studies, the peninsula has been recognized as a refuge for late Neanderthals who survived just before their extinction.
Starosele, a rock shelter located in a steep valley, features four distinct cultural layers and has been researched since 1952.
“The archaeological layers of this site are rich in cultural artifacts,” stated Emily Piggott, a PhD student at the University of Vienna, along with her colleagues.
“Levels 1, 2, and 4 are linked to stone tools from the Crimean Mikokian stone tool industry, associated with Neanderthals.”
This study aimed to identify potential human remains from the thousands of fragmented bones excavated from the Starosele site.
From the 150 bone fragments analyzed, 97.3% contained sufficient collagen for taxonomic identification.
Approximately 93% of the remains belonged to horses and deer, with fewer found from mammoths and wolves, indicating that Paleolithic humans in Crimea heavily relied on horse hunting.
Notably, one bone fragment, measuring 49.8 mm in length and 18.8 mm in width, was classified as hominin.
Radiocarbon dating indicated an age range of 46,000 to 45,000 years, coinciding with the transitional period before the extinction of Neanderthals and the emergence of Homo sapiens in Western Europe.
“Particularly the remains of humans before Starosele are from a much later era of Homo sapiens,” Piggott remarked.
“Upon receiving the radiocarbon results, we realized we had uncovered a true Paleolithic hominin.”
“Neanderthals went extinct across Eurasia, replaced by Homo sapiens, yet genetic information about these earlier human populations is scarce.”
Researchers then sequenced the mitochondrial genome from this bone, confirming the individual was part of the Neanderthal lineage.
The mitogenome of this individual aligns with other Neanderthal mitogenomes previously documented in the Altai region of Siberia.
“Surprisingly, this individual shared the closest genetic ties with Neanderthals from Altai, over 3,000 kilometers to the east, as well as with Neanderthals that once roamed areas of Europe such as Croatia,” highlighted the researchers.
“This finding reaffirms previous studies suggesting that Neanderthals migrated extensively across Eurasia, traversing from central Europe to central Eurasia during the late Pleistocene.”
“This research highlights Crimea as a crucial junction in the Neanderthal migration routes.”
The findings of this study will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Emily M. Piggott et al. 2025. A new late Neanderthal from Crimea reveals long-distance connections across Eurasia. PNAS 122 (45): e2518974122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2518974122
Researchers at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with Dewpoint Innovations, have engineered a porous polymer coating that can reflect as much as 97% of sunlight, dissipate heat into the atmosphere, and maintain surface temperatures up to 6 degrees cooler than the ambient air—even in direct sunlight. This mechanism fosters ideal conditions for atmospheric water vapor to transform into water droplets on these cooler surfaces, much like the condensation seen on a bathroom mirror.
Experimental equipment installed on the roof of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub. Image credit: University of Sydney.
Professor Chiara Neto from the University of Sydney stated: “This innovation not only advances cool roof coating technology, but also paves the way for sustainable, low-cost, decentralized freshwater sources—an essential requirement given the challenges of climate change and rising water scarcity.”
A six-month field study conducted on the roof of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub demonstrated that dew was collected for 32% of the year, enabling a sustainable and reliable water source even during dry spells.
Under optimal conditions, this coating can yield up to 390 mL of water per square meter daily—sufficient for a 12-square-meter home, meeting one person’s daily hydration needs.
This research illustrates the integration of passive cooling techniques and atmospheric moisture collection into scalable paint-like solutions.
The extensive collection area suggests that this coating could have diverse applications in various industries, including water supply for livestock, horticulture for premium crops, cooling through spraying, and hydrogen production.
Contrary to conventional white paints, the porous coatings utilizing polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP) do not depend on UV-reflective pigments like titanium dioxide.
Dr. Ming Chiu, Chief Technology Officer of Dewpoint Innovations, remarked, “Our design achieves superior reflectiveness through an internal porous structure, ensuring longevity without the environmental downsides of pigment-based coatings.”
“By eliminating UV-absorbing materials, we have surmounted traditional limitations of solar reflectance while avoiding glare from diffuse reflection.”
“This equilibrium between performance and visual comfort enhances its ease of integration and appeal for real-world applications.”
Throughout six months of outdoor examination, researchers documented minute-by-minute data on cooling and water collection, confirming solid performance that remained stable under the harsh Australian sun—unlike similar technologies that often degrade quickly.
In addition to water harvesting, these coatings could help mitigate urban heat islands, lower energy needs for air conditioning, and provide climate-resilient water sources for regions facing heightened heat and water stress.
“This research also challenges the notion that dew collection is confined to humid environments,” noted Professor Neto.
“While humid conditions are optimal, condensation can also occur in arid and semi-arid areas where humidity increases during the night.”
“It isn’t a substitute for rainfall; rather, it serves as a water source when other supplies are scarce.”
The team’s work was published in the October 30th issue of Advanced Functional Materials.
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Ming Chiu et al. A passive cooling paint-like coating to capture water from the atmosphere. Advanced Functional Materials published online October 30, 2025. doi: 10.1002/adfm.202519108
Paleontologists have identified a new early Miocene species of rhinoceros from the genus Epiaceratherium, based on fossilized remains uncovered in the Canadian Highlands Arctic.
Reconstruction of Epiaceratherium ijirik in a forested lake habitat on Devon Island. The flora and fauna depicted are based on fossils found locally, including the transitional seal species Puigila dalwini. Image credit: Julius Csotony.
This new rhinoceros existed in present-day Canada around 23 million years ago during the early Miocene epoch.
Named Epiaceratherium ijirik, it is most closely related to other rhinoceros species that thrived in Europe millions of years ago.
“Currently, there are only five species of rhinos found in Africa and Asia, but they were once widespread in Europe and North America, with over 50 species documented in the fossil record,” stated Dr. Daniel Fraser, a researcher from the Canadian Museum of Nature, Carleton University, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
“The inclusion of this Arctic species enriches our understanding of the evolutionary history of rhinoceroses.”
Epiaceratherium ijirik was relatively small and slender, comparable in size to a modern Indian rhinoceros, but notably lacked a horn.
The fossilized remains were excavated from the sediments of a fossil-abundant lake in Horton Crater on Devon Island, Nunavut.
“What’s impressive about this Arctic rhinoceros is the excellent condition of the fossilized bones,” remarked Dr. Marisa Gilbert, also from the Canadian Museum of Nature.
“They are three-dimensionally preserved and only partially mineralized.”
“Approximately 75 percent of the skeleton has been recovered, which is remarkably complete for a fossil.”
By analyzing the occurrences of 57 other now-extinct rhino species, researchers traced the family tree of Epiaceratherium ijirik.
The findings were derived from visits to museum collections, reviews of scientific literature, and database analyses.
The researchers were also able to geographically categorize each rhino species across five continental regions.
This exhaustive process employed mathematical modeling techniques to gauge dispersal rates among different continents within the Rhinocerotidae family, with scoring based on their locations.
The analysis sheds light on how rhinoceroses utilized the North Atlantic land bridge for migration between North America and Europe (via Greenland) over millions of years.
Previous studies indicated that the land bridge may have served solely as a migration route until about 56 million years ago.
However, the new analysis implies that Epiaceratherium ijirik and its relatives suggest that these migrations from Europe to North America could have occurred much more recently, potentially as late as the Miocene.
“Discovering and describing new species is always thrilling and enlightening,” noted Dr. Fraser.
“But there is more to be gleaned from this identification: Epiaceratherium ijirik reveals that the North Atlantic played a more significant role in rhinoceros evolution than previously acknowledged.”
“Overall, this study reaffirms that the Arctic continues to unveil new insights and discoveries, enhancing our understanding of mammalian diversification across epochs.”
Results of this research are published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
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D. Fraser et al. Dispersal of rhinos through the North Atlantic during the mid-Cenozoic Era. Nat Ecol Evol published online October 28, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41559-025-02872-8
It’s fair to state that the ancient human family tree has always been subject to revision. Take the Denisovans, for instance. These enigmatic ancient hominins were once primarily identified through mere bone fragments. However, in June, molecular analysis revealed that a peculiar skull from China belonged to the Denisovans, thus giving them a more defined identity.
Yet, not everyone is convinced. Anthropologist Christopher Bay, a professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, contests this finding, asserting that the skull is more likely associated with a species named Homolonghi. Bay has been foundational in ongoing discussions regarding our ancestral lineage. For over five years, he, alongside colleagues, has advocated for the recognition of two ancient human species: Homo bodoensis and Homo juruensis.
These proposals have stirred debate, especially since Bay and his team have intentionally disregarded traditional naming conventions. He argues that such rules have become outdated, failing to accommodate the removal of names that are now considered offensive or unpronounceable. In a conversation with New Scientist, he elaborated on how his personal quest for identity fueled his passion for human evolution.
Michael Marshall: What initially encouraged you to explore the study of ancient humans?
Christopher Bay: The ultimate aim of paleoanthropology is to piece together historical narratives, even when all elements are not available. This field resonates with me personally as I was adopted and spent my first year without any concrete memory. I was born in South Korea, abandoned around one year of age, spent six months in an orphanage, and was later taken in by an American family.
During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit Korea for the first time as an exchange student. On this trip, I visited an adoption center in my hometown, inquiring if there was any possibility of locating my birth parents. Unfortunately, I was informed that my Korean name and birth date were not legitimate, and there was virtually no chance of finding them. That was a moment of resignation for me.
Although I was intrigued by my origins, I didn’t know how to pursue them. Then, I enrolled in an introductory biological anthropology course, which allowed me to navigate my curiosity about origins—almost like constructing my own foundation.
Two species frequently debated regarding our direct ancestry are Homo heidelbergensis and Homo rhodesiensis. In 2021, you joined a team proposing the substitution of these names with a new species, H. bodoensis. Could you elaborate on this?
My colleague, Mirjana Roksandic from the University of Winnipeg and I discussed H. heidelbergensis at the 2019 Anthropology Conference. It became apparent that this species had been labelled a “trash can taxon,” becoming an easy classification for fossils that didn’t belong to Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis, or Homo sapiens.
What are the implications?
If we aim to discard H. heidelbergensis, the next valid name based on priority is H. rhodesiensis. However, this name honors Northern Rhodesia—renamed Zambia—an area linked to the controversial Cecil Rhodes. Are we comfortable naming a potential ancestor of modern humans after a historical figure associated with colonialism? So, in compiling that paper, we decided to introduce a fresh name paying tribute to Bodo, a 600,000-year-old skull discovered in Ethiopia.
What response did your paper receive?
Upon peer review submission, half of the reviewers contended the argument had to be published for its significance, while the other half deemed it entirely flawed. Unsurprisingly, the paper was met with polarized reactions once it was released.
Have any workable agreements emerged from this debate?
We held a workshop in Novi Sad, Serbia in 2023, with approximately 16 to 17 paleoanthropologists participating. A consensus emerged around the notion that H. heidelbergensis is indeed an inappropriate taxonomic category. Another significant finding was that H. rhodesiensis should be excluded due to its colonial implications—remarkably, only one paleoanthropologist present believed otherwise.
The ICZN published a statement in 2023, indicating it “does not involve itself in removing names that may be ethically problematic.” This direction prompted us to challenge the ICZN. Editor’s note: The ICZN’s 2023 announcement recognized that some scientific names might be offensive but asserted it’s beyond their remit to weigh the morality of individuals honored in eponyms. Moreover, it stressed the necessity for zoologists to adhere to its ethical code while naming new species.
Are the names of species significant enough to merit conflict?
Yes and no. For instance, several beetles from Slovenian caves were named after Adolf Hitler in the 1930s by an Austrian entomologist, Oskar Scheibel. One species, Anophthalmus hitleri, has gained popularity as a collector’s item among neo-Nazis, which could lead to this innocent beetle’s extinction.
What alternatives do you propose?
I advocate working with local collaborators to choose species names that they find acceptable since they live with and experience these species regularly. Ideally, I believe we should refrain from using personal names for species, as this could lead to ongoing issues. Change is on the horizon; the ICZN is re-evaluating the inclusion of members from the Global South to provide them a stronger say. Recently, the American Ornithological Society voted to remove names with negative connotations associated with historical figures from their species designations.
Last year, you again disputed ICZN regulations concerning ancient human fossils excavated at a site, Xujiayao, in northern China. What occurred there?
In the 1970s, researchers uncovered multiple hominin fossils representing over ten individuals at the site, though they were found as separate pieces. Together with my colleagues, Wu Xiujie from the Chinese Academy of Sciences worked extensively on these fossils. Wu has virtually reconstructed part of one skull, and upon seeing this, we noted it appeared distinctly different from other hominins of a comparable age.
What differentiates these specimens?
The variations lie in size and shape; our average cranial capacity is around 1300 to 1500 cubic centimeters, whereas these fossils have cranial volumes between 1700 cm³ and 1800 cm³, significantly larger than typical humans. Shape analysis similarly indicated that the Xujiayao fossils correlated differently compared to those from a nearby site called Xuchang, leading us to propose a new species name.
Mr. Bae studies human fossils discovered in Serbia, potentially linked to Homo bodoensis
Christopher J. Bay
The name you ultimately selected has been met with criticism. Can you clarify the rationale behind it?
The origin of the species name is intriguing; in this case, we could have opted for Homo suziayaoensis, named after Xujiayao, aligning with ICZN guidelines.
In Latin, it translates to “homo“, but you found that option unsatisfactory?
The challenge lies in the fact that only fluent Chinese speakers can pronounce it, and even spelling it correctly can be an issue. Names must be both pronounceable and memorable. Thus, we came up with “julu,” which translates directly to “big head.” However, adhering to ICZN guidelines, we would need to modify the name to “Homo juui”. In our view, since non-Chinese speakers struggle to pronounce it correctly, we ultimately decided upon Homo juruensis.
How does your new species intersect with the enigmatic Denisovans, who inhabited what is now East Asia during the Stone Age?
If you compare the second molars from Denisova Cave with those from Xujiabao, they appear strikingly similar. It’s even plausible to interlink Xujiayao’s and Denisova’s molars, as the distinction is often so subtle.
This year, another research team suggested a link between the same Denisovan fossils and another ancient species, Homolonghi, which has garnered a positive reception among numerous researchers.
Most ancient hominin experts in China tend to side with our argument for H. juruensis, while many Western scholars familiar with China’s historical records also find it agreeable.
Concerning the June-discovered skull, researchers managed to extract ancient proteins associated with H. longhi that corresponded with known Denisovan fossils. What are your thoughts?
Most geneticists argue that protein analysis isn’t robust enough for accurate species identification. While it can differentiate between broader categories—like cats and dogs—its utility in distinguishing more nuanced levels is quite limited.
Replica of Denisova molars discovered in Denisova Cave in 2000
Tilo Parg CC BY-SA 3.0
Do you still consider H. longhi a legitimate species?
I personally appreciate H. longhi and the fossils associated with it. The debate revolves around which other fossils should be allocated to longhi or juruensis. It’s interesting to note that advocates for longhi are attempting to consolidate all fossils under that designation, despite the evident morphological diversity present in Chinese fossils.
Many paleoanthropologists have expressed strong criticism of your research. How do you and your colleagues respond to this?
Over time, we’ve developed resilient skin regarding our work.
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Hectoria Glacier’s terminus in February 2024 after an unprecedented fast retreat
Naomi Ochiwat
Researchers have observed what is thought to be the quickest retreat of Antarctic glaciers recorded in contemporary times.
The Hectoria Glacier, located in the Antarctic Peninsula, has receded by 25 km in just 15 months, resulting in a collapse rate that could be up to ten times faster than current documentation suggests.
Naomi Ochiwat, a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and her team attribute this rapid decline to structural weaknesses within Hectoria, particularly as its slender trunk retreated across a flat section of the ocean floor, referred to as an ice plain. This situation has led to uncontrolled iceberg formation.
Scientists express concerns that this collapse mechanism could endanger other Antarctic glaciers, potentially leading to significant effects on sea level rise.
“The pressing question is: Was the situation with Hectoria an isolated incident resulting from a unique set of circumstances, or could it indicate a broader disaster waiting to occur in other areas?” Ochiwat comments.
The issues facing Hectoria began in early 2022 when a section of sea ice detached from the front of the glacier, leading to the collapse of its floating ice tongue. The loss of this stabilizing ice subjected the glacier to new pressures, accelerating its flow and thinning.
However, the most striking alteration took place on the ice field, where the trunk of Hectoria, which had been secured on stable bedrock, appeared to thin considerably, leaving most of it barely resting on the ocean floor.
Researchers noted that the entire section lifted almost instantly, revealing vulnerabilities within the trunk and initiating destruction. The buoyant force fragmented the iceberg, resulting in what was termed a “glacial earthquake,” which was detected by seismic instruments. The glacier lost 8 km in length during November and December of 2022.
Satellite imagery showing Hectoria Glacier’s terminus on October 26, 2022 (left) and February 23, 2023
Copernicus/ESA
Team members, including Ted Scambos, another professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, described the rapid deterioration as “astonishing,” cautioning that this retreat could alter the dynamics of significant glaciers across the continent.
Nonetheless, this viewpoint has sparked debate. Fraser Christie from Airbus Defense and Space remarked on the “substantial disagreements” among glaciologists regarding whether Hectoria was fully contacting the bedrock, citing a lack of precise satellite data.
Anna Hogg, a researcher from the University of Leeds in the UK, stated that their findings indicated the ice in the claimed ice field was consistently “entirely floating,” thus rejecting the notion of collapse due to buoyancy.
Christine Batchelor, a professor at Newcastle University in the UK, also expressed skepticism about the team’s explanation. “If this ice was genuinely floating, as has been widely discussed, the news would simply be ‘Ice shelf calves iceberg,’ which is relatively common,” she noted.
Gentle exercises, like walking, can enhance brain health
Gordon Scammell/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Older adults, particularly those at greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease, might slow cognitive decline by walking just 3,000 steps daily. The underlying reasons for this effect remain unclear; however, it could be linked to how regular exercise influences inflammation and blood circulation in the brain.
Earlier studies connecting regular physical activity to reduced cognitive decline often depended on individuals recalling their activity levels, with limited exploration into why staying active might offer such benefits.
To overcome these constraints, Wai Ying Wendy Yau and colleagues at Harvard University objectively tracked the physical activity of 296 cognitively healthy adults aged 50 to 90 through step-counting devices over a week.
Most participants also underwent brain imaging to assess baseline levels of misfolded proteins known as tau and beta-amyloid, which are believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. These levels were typically evaluated every 2 to 3 years over a follow-up duration spanning 3 to 14 years. Participants took annual cognitive tests measuring memory and processing speed.
The research team estimated exercise’s impact on cognitive decline by feeding data from step counts, brain imaging, and cognitive evaluations into a statistical model. They discovered that participants with elevated levels of misfolded beta-amyloid who walked between 3,000 to 5,000 steps daily considerably slowed tau accumulation, but not beta-amyloid.
“[Exercise is] somehow hindering the spread of tau protein, which is more closely linked to symptom onset in individuals with [Alzheimer’s disease] than amyloid beta,” remarked Charles Marshall at Queen Mary University of London.
This was associated with an approximate 40 percent reduction in cognitive decline over a nine-year average follow-up, compared to participants taking fewer than 3,000 steps daily, categorized as inactive. Researchers, however, did not have data on whether any participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s during the follow-up.
Conversely, walking between 5,000 and 7,500 steps daily further slowed tau buildup, leading to a 54 percent reduction in cognitive decline compared to inactivity. However, exceeding 7,500 steps daily did not result in additional cognitive improvements. “The benefits with tau and cognition eventually reach a plateau,” Yau noted.
While the exact mechanisms through which regular exercise yields these effects remain uninvestigated, potential causes may include: Physical activity that diminishes inflammation purportedly caused by beta-amyloid and tau misfolding, disrupting neural connections, and damaging cells. Moreover, exercise could enhance blood flow or boost levels of protective hormones in the brain.
Nonetheless, this study does not conclusively establish that walking 5,000 steps daily directly contributes to slowing cognitive decline. Unidentified or unnoticed pre-existing conditions might impact individuals’ capacity and enthusiasm for exercising, according to Marshall. Various lifestyle and socio-economic factors that the research team considered may also affect activity levels and tau counts.
Nevertheless, given that regular exercise offers numerous health advantages, is inexpensive, and generally has few side effects, individuals should be encouraged to aim for at least 3,000 steps daily, even if the exact impact on cognitive function remains uncertain. “I always advise people not to obsess over numeric goals for step counts. It’s merely a target,” said Marshall. “What truly matters is maintaining regular physical activity, which doesn’t have to be at large volumes or high intensity.”
Prior research suggests that consistent lifestyle alterations, including exercise, can reverse cognitive decline. However, Yau emphasizes the necessity for further studies that randomly assign participants to distinct daily step counts to differentiate the effects of exercise from other lifestyle modifications and determine whether it genuinely slows tau accumulation.
Prolonged sitting can lead to a temporary decline in blood vessel function and blood pressure. Implementing specific eating strategies while in a sitting position may either alleviate or exacerbate these effects on vascular health. Recent research indicates that dietary cocoa flavanols, consumed prior to two hours of uninterrupted sitting, effectively counteract the deterioration in vascular function seen in young, healthy men. The beneficial effects of flavanols were consistent across individuals with varying levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, suggesting that even those with high fitness do not escape the decline in vascular function or blood pressure associated with sitting.
Consuming flavanol-rich foods during sedentary periods can be an effective method, used alone or alongside other strategies (such as reducing sedentary time), to mitigate the adverse effects of inactivity on the vascular system. Image credit: Daniele et al., doi: 10.1113/JP289038.
Sedentary behavior has become exceedingly common in contemporary society.
Over the past two decades, it has been reported that the time spent sitting among young Americans has escalated from an average of 5.5 to 6.5 hours per day (an increase of 18.2%).
Sitting encompasses not only professional or commuting scenarios but also leisure activities like watching television or playing video games.
Previous studies indicate that a 1% decrease in vascular function (measured via brachial flow-mediated dilatation, which reflects arterial elasticity) correlates to a 13% rise in the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Researchers, including Catarina Rendeiro and her team at the University of Birmingham, sought to determine if diet—as specifically influenced by flavanol-rich foods—could mitigate the vascular risks associated with extended sitting.
Flavanols are polyphenolic compounds naturally found in certain fruits, teas, nuts, and cocoa beans.
Research has shown they provide cardiovascular benefits, notably in protecting vascular health during mental stress.
“We spend significant amounts of time seated, whether at a desk, driving, traveling, or relaxing on the couch,” Dr. Rendeiro notes.
“Even while inactive, our bodies can experience stress.”
“Identifying methods to alleviate the impacts of prolonged sitting on vascular function might significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk.”
To investigate this, researchers assessed whether ingesting flavanols shortly before two hours of sitting could preserve blood vessel function in the arms and legs.
A total of forty healthy young men (20 with high fitness and 20 with low fitness) were given either a high-flavanol (695 mg total flavanols per beverage) or low-flavanol cocoa beverage (5.6 mg total flavanols per beverage) before undergoing a two-hour sitting test.
This study focused solely on men due to potential fluctuations of estrogen during women’s menstrual cycles, which might impact how flavanols affect vascular health while sitting. Future trials will address this aspect.
The research team conducted various vascular measurements pre- and post-sitting, including (i) superficial femoral and brachial artery FMD, (ii) arterial resting shear rate and blood flow, (iii) systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and (iv) leg muscle oxygenation.
For both groups that consumed low-flavanol cocoa before sitting, there was a decrease in FMD in arm and leg arteries.
This indicates that even high fitness levels do not shield individuals from the effects of seated inactivity.
Both groups also exhibited a significant rise in diastolic blood pressure, reduced shear rate and blood flow in both arteries, and lower muscle oxygenation.
However, participants who consumed the high-flavanol cocoa drink retained their FMD levels in both the arm and leg arteries, demonstrating the protective effects of flavanols across various fitness levels.
This is the first instance where flavanols have been recognized for their ability to prevent vascular dysfunction linked to prolonged sitting in healthy young men.
Professor Sam Lucas remarked: “Our findings reveal that even those with high fitness levels are not immune to the temporary vascular impairments caused by sitting and consuming only low-flavanol cocoa.”
“Remarkably, after consuming the high-flavanol beverage, both fit and unfit participants maintained their FMD levels, unaffected by two hours of sitting.”
This study also uniquely demonstrated that pre-existing cardiorespiratory fitness levels do not influence how flavanol intake affects vascular function.
This means everyone, irrespective of fitness levels, can reap the rewards of flavanol consumption.
“Integrating flavanol-rich foods into your diet is quite simple,” asserts Alessio Daniele, a PhD candidate at the University of Birmingham.
“Cacao products that retain flavanol levels are readily found in supermarkets and health stores.”
“If cocoa isn’t your preference, consider incorporating apples, plums, berries, nuts, or black and green teas, which are common in kitchens.”
“Our findings suggest that consuming flavanol-rich foods and beverages during sedentary periods is an effective strategy to mitigate the impacts of inactivity on vascular health,” Dr. Rendeiro indicates.
“Given the upward trend in sedentary lifestyles and the associated risks to vascular health, integrating flavanol-rich foods and beverages with short breaks for walking or standing can promote long-term well-being, regardless of physical fitness levels.”
The study was published in October 2025 in the Journal of Physiology.
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Alessio Daniele et al.. Dietary flavanols maintain endothelial function in the upper and lower extremities during sitting in healthy men with high or low physical fitness. Journal of Physiology published online October 29, 2025. doi: 10.1113/JP289038
The proliferation of satellites in orbit is accelerating rapidly, yet their vulnerability to solar storms remains poorly understood. This issue is expected to intensify.
Since May 2019, SpaceX has deployed over 10,000 satellites as part of its Starlink internet megaconstellation, with approximately 1,000 currently re-entering Earth’s atmosphere at a rate of one or two daily. These satellites form a vast network surrounding the Earth, which suggests that solar and related geomagnetic storms could impact at least some satellites at any given time.
To assess the implications of these storms on Starlink, Kang Eun Joo and researchers at the University of California, Irvine, analyzed publicly available satellite tracking data collected during the solar storm of May 2024.
The findings indicated that during the storm’s peak, Starlink satellites on the sun-facing side experienced an altitude reduction of up to half a kilometer. While this drop is minor compared to their 550-kilometer orbit, it is significant because solar radiation can generate atmospheric drag on the satellites.
Satellites in other locations, particularly those near the Earth’s poles where the magnetic field attracts more solar particles, and those over the South Atlantic Anomaly, where the magnetic field has weakened, also experienced substantial effects.
According to the data reviewed by the research team, an unusual phenomenon occurred among the constellations. “When one satellite descends, neighboring satellites must adjust accordingly,” Kang explained, utilizing onboard ion thrusters to recalibrate the affected satellites. This is necessary since the satellites communicate via line-of-sight lasers to maintain the network, which creates a cascading effect as adjacent satellites follow suit. “It’s like a wave,” remarked Sangeeta Abdu Jyoti, another researcher at UC Irvine.
This could lead to challenges for other satellites maneuvering around the Starlink constellation to prevent collisions. “Unpredictable paths heighten collision risks,” Abdu Jyoti cautioned.
Additional publicly accessible data also reveals the repercussions of solar storms. Some Starlink users utilize an online service called RIPE Atlas to monitor their connection status. By analyzing this information, Kang and her team noted that satellites experienced disruptions and reported network outages during the May 2024 storm. “Packet loss surged immediately,” Kang stated, resulting in data failing to reach its intended targets.
This study emphasizes the challenges faced by satellite constellations such as Starlink, as well as those in development like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and various projects in China, due to solar activity jeopardizing communication and potentially leading to drastic positional changes that could result in collisions with other satellites.
In February 2022, a significant solar storm caused 40 newly launched Starlink satellites to return to the atmosphere, where they incinerated. Recent studies have also indicated that heightened solar activity is accelerating the decline of certain Starlink satellites.
The May 2024 solar storm was roughly three times weaker than the Carrington event of 1859—the strongest solar storm on record. Such records are likely to be repeated, potentially creating significant challenges for satellite operators. “If an exceptionally strong storm occurs, the situation will worsen,” Abdu Jyoti said. “But the extent of that worsening remains uncertain.”
For now, I hope to have adequate preparation time. The May 2024 storm happened at the peak of the sun’s 22-year activity cycle. A powerful storm could strike at any moment, with a higher likelihood expected in the 2040s when solar activity intensifies again. By that time, it’s anticipated that tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, more satellites will be in orbit compared to the current approximate count of 13,000. “The more satellites you have, the greater the issue,” stated Scott Shambaugh, founder of Leonid Space, a US company tracking the impact of space weather on satellites.
“Currently, we lack reliable predictive models to assess how solar storms impact drag over short timescales,” Shambaugh explained. “Consequently, satellites may not be where anticipated for hours or days following a storm.”
Matthew Owens identified another area needing further understanding: substorms—minor fluctuations in the atmosphere caused by solar heating that disproportionately affect satellites in varied orbits, according to researchers from Britain’s University of Reading. “Geomagnetic storms consist of numerous substorms,” he noted, “but these are extraordinarily challenging to forecast.”
Satellite constellations like Starlink provide a unique perspective on this activity, effectively serving as a massive research network in orbit around Earth. “These satellites may very well be our first data probes for analyzing local variations in atmospheric drag,” Abdu Jyoti concluded.
TThe Outer Worlds 2 was first revealed in June for £70/$80, becoming the priciest game on Xbox at that point. However, this status was short-lived, as Microsoft quickly reverted to the typical £60/$70 price point after just a month. Although The Outer Worlds 2 is larger than its 2019 predecessor, the decision was indeed prudent. This game does not warrant a £70 price tag.
Nonetheless, it offers a delightful experience that can easily consume your time, enhancing the original game significantly. With improved combat and more intricate role-playing elements, The Outer Worlds 2 smartly expands its scope without overextending its narrative, even if the storyline doesn’t quite deliver the same level of satisfaction.
You don’t need to have played the first game to grasp the sequel’s premise. You take on the role of an agent for the slow-moving, “benevolent” space police known as the Earth Directorate, with a mission to impose order on the galaxy known as Arcadia. Much like Halcyon in the original, Arcadia is in disarray due to the rampant spread of capitalism. Players wield significant power to form new alliances and mend old ones amidst various groups of conflicting ideologies.
Frequent conflict between factions is a given, but there are more pressing issues than the divide among them. You soon discover that a rift in the universe poses a serious threat. This concept is introduced early in the game, where you investigate these rifts caused by the Protectorate, an authoritarian group that is altering the universe’s fabric. Upon your arrival, betrayal from trusted allies leads to a decade spent in suspended animation.
Colorful vendors…The Outer Worlds 2. Photo courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment
Upon waking ten years later, you’ll find that Arcadia has undergone significant changes, with the rift expanding uncontrollably. To save the galaxy, you’ll need to assemble a new crew.
Unfortunately, the narrative peak experienced at the beginning of The Outer Worlds 2 is not echoed throughout the game. A lingering sense of disappointment follows me as I spend about 30 hours journeying through the plot. I hoped for unexpected character developments or story twists, but instead found myself predictably nodding through most scenes. There are intriguing characters present, such as psychopathic cultists and spies, yet I struggled to bond with this team, similar to my experience in the first installment.
Despite the presence of three major factions vying for attention and favor, The Outer Worlds 2 offers limited impactful choices. Awkward dialogues with narrow-minded capitalists compel you to reflect on your involvement in the actual economic system, but the simplistic portrayals of characters provide more insight than substantial moments.
If your “speech” skills are sufficiently high, you can often navigate most situations with ease. This can feel jarring, especially when a blind follower of the Protectorate changes her stance drastically after a specific dialogue choice, yet is content to monologue as you exit a boss fight. In almost every significant conflict, it feels as though your actions carried minimal weight—at least, that’s how it seems.
Attribute firepower…Outer World 2. Photo courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment
This aspect made it difficult for me to engage fully with the storyline. While the characters around me may have strong opinions, they rarely seem to exhibit genuine anger, even when I disregard their beliefs. The Outer Worlds 2 lacks a certain persuasiveness, which is disappointing because its clever humor often brings joy but seldom serves to deliver a biting ideological critique.
The game features impressive depth in its combat and role-playing systems, significantly refining what was introduced previously. While gunfights can sometimes drag and frustrate, the diverse range of weaponry and their varying effects add excitement to each encounter. Elemental damage influences enemies in different ways, each requiring distinct ammunition. Running low on energy during a tough skirmish forces creativity, and I’ve often found myself trying weapons I hadn’t used before out of sheer necessity, which turned out to be quite enjoyable.
Character development is more intricate than in the original game, featuring a “flaws” system that tracks your actions and may even prompt you to adopt traits that bear both negative and positive consequences. For instance, depending on item crafting can lead to acquiring the “Hermit” flaw, which doubles vendor prices, while dismantling junk can yield opportunities for additional items. This became particularly helpful during crafty moments but posed challenges when I had limited resources and needed vendors. This filled my experience with fun dilemmas, prompting me to rethink my approach.
Developer Obsidian has had a stellar year, launching the fantasy adventure Avowed alongside the insect-filled survival game Grounded 2. All three titles showcase the studio’s remarkable ability to craft diverse worlds that adapt to player choices.
While The Outer Worlds 2 may not consistently amaze, it does offer significant value as an engaging role-playing experience that can keep you entertained for hours. The focus isn’t necessarily on reinventing the wheel but rather on enhancing its framework. In essence, it’s a gratifying, reliable experience—satisfying yet rarely surprising—capable of delivering joy quite regularly.
Artist’s rendition of a Population III star that existed 100 million years after the Big Bang
Noir Lab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva/Space Engine/M. Zamani
We may have finally observed the first generation of stars. After decades of searching for these pristine giants, known as Population III stars, astronomers have found their most promising candidate yet.
Population III stars are anticipated to be markedly distinct from today’s stars, or Population I stars. They are believed to have formed from pure hydrogen and helium gases before supernovae and powerful stellar winds dispersed heavier elements across the universe. These stars are also predicted to be larger and hotter than modern counterparts.
That’s precisely the case, according to Eli Visbal. Researchers from the University of Toledo in Ohio made this discovery through a detailed examination of prior James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations of a distant galaxy known as LAP1-B. With a redshift of 6.6, this galaxy is visible approximately 800 million years after the Big Bang. Its discovery was facilitated by the magnification of its light due to gravitational lensing by nearby galaxy clusters.
“There’s likely much more to discover in the universe, but we can only see it illuminated by this expanding star cluster,” Visbal noted. When his team estimated how many Population III clusters could exist at this redshift, they figured there should be only one—exactly what they observed. “Our abundance calculations aligned perfectly with those of the previous research team,” he added.
Another advantage of LAP1-B is that it contains only enough stars to comprise several thousand times the mass of the Sun. In contrast, other Population III galaxy candidates usually have significantly larger stellar masses, which do not align with simulations of Population III cluster formation. “This is the most robust candidate we’ve encountered,” says Visbal.
Most Population III stars are thought to have existed and perished between about 100 million and 400 million years after the Big Bang, at which point there were enough heavy elements in the universe to create stars similar to those we observe today. “This object meets many criteria, but I remain somewhat skeptical because these stars emerge later in the timeline, and there may be other viable explanations,” remarks Ralph Cressen from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. “Discovering Population III clusters would be fascinating, but statistically, this would surely be an anomaly.”
However, primordial pockets of hydrogen and helium could linger longer, potentially leading to the formation of Population III stars, as Visbal suggested.
“LAP-B1 is a particularly intriguing candidate, but we are still far from the clear and undeniable indications we would need for definite identification of Population III,” comments Roberto Maiorino at Cambridge University. “[For these to truly be Population III stars] it requires an extremely fortunate combination of factors, each of which is quite rare on its own, and even rarer when they occur together. Further observations and in-depth simulations are essential to ascertain whether LAP1-B represents the first detection of these enigmatic stars.
Understanding Population III stars is crucial, as they offer insights into the formation of the universe’s first heavy elements. “They reveal how the universe’s chemistry evolved from being solely hydrogen and helium to the diverse range of chemicals, life, and entities that exist today,” Visbal states. The stars of Population III were the pioneering building blocks of the complexity encompassing us now.
A drone attack system resembling a computer game is “rapidly spreading” within Ukrainian military units and is being expanded to cover reconnaissance, artillery, and logistics operations, as reported by Mykhailo Fedorov, the country’s first deputy prime minister, to the Guardian.
In September, drone teams competing under the Drone Corps Bonus System were credited with killing or injuring 18,000 Russian soldiers, with participation growing from 95 to 400 drone squads within one month, according to Ukrainian officials.
This system, initiated over a year ago, rewards soldiers for successful strikes by awarding points that can be exchanged for additional weapons from an online store dubbed Brave1, which features over 100 types of drones, self-driving vehicles, and various drone warfare equipment. Teams with creative names such as Achilles and Phoenix currently lead the scoreboard.
Fedorov noted that the system has gained “tremendous popularity among troops” and exemplifies the growing automation in combat. “The Defense Forces are all aware, and there’s a competition for points to acquire drones, electronic warfare systems, and other equipment that enhances combat effectiveness. The more infantry you take down, the more drones can eliminate additional infantry. It’s becoming a self-sustaining cycle.”
Russian casualties in September were reported to be double those of the previous October, partly due to the Ukrainian government increasing the points awarded for killing Russian infantry from six to twelve, highlighting shifting battlefield priorities.
Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia might be developing its own version of this gamification approach. Additionally, Ukraine is expanding the Destroy Points concept to artillery units, providing them with success points that can be used to acquire new armaments. Reconnaissance teams are also earning points for identifying enemy targets, while logistics units are beginning to gain points for utilizing self-driving vehicles in front-line resupply efforts.
Fedorov disclosed that the Ukrainian military is promoting the use of drones partially directed by artificial intelligence, enhancing target selection and controlling the final moments of the drones’ trajectory to boost attack precision.
Scouts accumulate points through a system dubbed “Uber targeting,” reminiscent of the global ride-hailing app.
“Essentially, you drop a pin on a map similar to requesting a ride on an Uber app, but in this case, a drone from a different unit engages the target,” he explained.
Despite the point-based system’s expansion, there are warnings that over-reliance on drone warfare may not be a model for NATO countries to emulate, as Russian defenses against such aerial attacks have become significantly robust. Experts from the Royal United Services Institute have recently highlighted the need for renewed focus on conventional artillery and air support.
In addition to raising the points for infantry kills to align with Russia’s increased deployment of infantry, killing an enemy drone operator grants 25 points, while capturing a Russian soldier with a drone nets 120 points, reflecting Ukraine’s need for prisoners of war for potential exchanges. Although these point values have received official approval, Fedorov mentioned they have become “almost devoid of emotion” in assigning value to human life.
“We’ve been engaged in a war for four consecutive years and it’s been challenging,” he stated. “We aim to enhance effectiveness. We perceive this as part of our regular operations. It’s largely devoid of emotional contemplation. It resembles technical work because if we don’t halt the enemy, they will kill military personnel, and once that happens, they will come for civilians—conquering, destroying, and killing.”
Ukrainian drone operators may be positioned as close as 250 meters to the front lines or as far as three kilometers away, often concealed behind computer screens while directing assaults, sometimes utilizing video game controllers. Achilles is recognized as one of the top 10 successful drone regiments, operating in the eastern Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Commander Yuri Fedorenko noted that the most effective pilots are not necessarily those skilled in video games.
“The best pilots are those with discipline,” he remarked. “Younger individuals may be able to stay awake longer and require less recovery time, but discipline is the hallmark of a good drone operator.”
He also downplayed the notion that this initiative amounts to the “gamification” of warfare, stating that directives are sometimes issued to target low-point objectives to meet immediate combat needs.
“This is war, so our primary focus must be on completing the mission,” he said. “That’s our priority, not chasing points.”
“There’s competition across the unit. Drone operators are in competition with one another. Groups of drone operators compete against other groups. Even the highest-ranking commanders engage in competition,” explained Andrii Poltolatskyi, another commander in the drone unit.
He characterized it more as a constructive competition than a playful one, noting that when Russia initiates an attack, “the competition ceases and everyone… collaborates towards the goal of protecting Ukrainian lives, irrespective of the points involved.”
Fedorov stated that the scoring system has provided valuable data, enhancing Ukraine’s “understanding of the mathematics of war.”
“Thanks to the points, we are beginning to comprehend the realities of the battlefield,” he mentioned. “To earn points, [drone units] must submit a verification video. This way, we gain insights into the targets being engaged, their locations relative to the contact line, and the drones and other assets being utilized.
“This enables us to evaluate what strategies are proving effective and which are not. The leaderboard encourages units to learn from each other. Leaders are beginning to mentor and cultivate emerging talent… Innovation emerges from the ground up.”
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On December 9, 1993, Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman addressed Congress at a Congressional hearing on video game violence. He asserted that the video game industry had overstepped ethical boundaries, particularly targeting Midway’s Mortal Kombat, a violent fighting game that had recently made waves on the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System after its arcade success. “Blood will splatter from the heads of the contestants,” Lieberman warned. “The game’s narrator guides players to finish off their opponents, offering choices on how to execute them, from ripping out their hearts to decapitating them with the spinal cord attached.”
The aim of Mr. Lieberman’s hearing was to compel the U.S. gaming industry to implement a formal rating system to restrict minors from buying violent games. He was successful; this led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board. However, he also fueled a moral panic that had started with Mortal Kombat’s arcade debut in 1992. This concern heightened following the major home console launch on September 13, 1993 (the event dubbed Mortal Monday). U.S. news networks sent reporters to gaming centers, questioning teens who passionately battled against each other. Newspapers consulted worried child psychologists, while the BBC featured author Will Self live on “The Late Show” to discuss the concerns.
In hindsight, viewing those hearings juxtaposed with the games they critiqued is fascinating. Just released this week, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection compiles the first four titles in the franchise across arcade formats and multiple home consoles, along with several spin-offs for the Game Boy Advance and PlayStation. The original game now feels like a nostalgic relic from 1990s youth culture. Its digitized visuals, crafted by filming actors executing martial arts moves and converting the footage into 2D animations, have a charmingly clunky and low-resolution quality that renders the controversial fatalities more amusing than horrifying. A highlight of the collection is the Fatality Trainer, which lets you practice each title’s gruesome finishing moves. Had this mode existed back then, it would have likely been my sole focus.
Revisiting the game now, it’s evident that it stemmed from a small team of enthusiasts who had grown up on ’80s horror flicks. Initially, Midway created a four-person team, including programmers Ed Boone and John Tobias, aiming to develop a combat game featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme. However, when that partnership dissolved, Boone and Tobias envisioned a contender to Capcom’s popular Street Fighter II, drawing inspiration from a wave of violent martial arts films such as Bloodsport and The Best of the Best. Boone described it as “an MTV version of Street Fighter,” and the team borrowed concepts from iconic films like “RoboCop,” “The Terminator,” and “Enter the Dragon,” often facing challenges during development. The company recognized that embracing violence could lead to notoriety, and no one hesitated. As Boone recounted, in a 2022 interview with Polygon, he noted, “If something happened, I would ask, ‘Is this going too far?'” The CEO’s response was, “No, go further.” Under the leadership of [Midway game designer] Eugene Jarvis, who had just played a notably violent game called Narc, the team was encouraged to push boundaries even more.
Essentially, the moral panic ignited by Mortal Kombat in the early 1990s mirrored earlier concerns about video games in the 1980s. This was fueled by the fear of new entertainment technologies infiltrating homes unchecked and affecting children’s minds, and paradoxically, it propelled the series’ success. Following the Christmas season, Mortal Kombat became the best-selling game, moving 6 million copies across various platforms. The collection illustrates how gaming adapted in the age of 32-bit consoles, transitioning from arcade concepts to handheld devices and evolving into action-adventure spin-offs like Mortal Kombat: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat: Special Forces.
For the gaming industry, the Mortal Kombat controversy escalated into yet another battleground in the console wars. Sega capitalized on the heated debate, allowing Mega Drive users to unlock the full gore of the arcade version through a “secret” code, while Nintendo aimed to preserve its family-friendly brand by removing fatalities and transforming blood into gray “sweat.” Unsurprisingly, the Sega version became the top seller.
It’s so real it hurts…Original press ad for Mortal Kombat. Photo: Midway
Since then, media hysteria surrounding video games has persisted. Doom remained a frequent tabloid topic throughout the 1990s; Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold’s interest in the game was blamed for the Columbine school shooting. The 2010s saw Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty regularly targeted, while more recently, Fortnite has faced accusations of leading a generation of schoolchildren into addiction. Yet, Lieberman’s fervent examination of Mortal Kombat, Night Trap, and Lethal Enforcers in a boarded-up Senate chamber retains its unique appeal.
This was a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, marking a shift from child-focused games to those aimed at teens and adults, transitioning from abstract puzzles and platformers to graphically rich shooters, gory beat-’em-ups, and action-adventures. Midway set out to discover just how far they could push the envelope, and their findings would influence the entire industry.
Prime Minister Tony Blair asserted that “history will not permit” Britain to lag behind in the quantum computing race. This advanced technology is anticipated to ignite a new era of innovations across various fields, from pharmaceutical development to climate analysis.
“The United Kingdom risks losing its edge in quantum research,” cautioned the former Labor prime minister at the Tony Blair Institute, a think tank supported by tech industry veterans such as Oracle founder Larry Ellison.
In a report advocating for a national quantum computing strategy, Mr. Blair and former Conservative leader William Hague drew parallels between the current situation and the evolution of artificial intelligence. While the UK made significant contributions to AI research, it has since surrendered its leadership to other nations, particularly the US, which has triggered a race to develop “sovereign” AI capabilities.
“As demonstrated with AI, a robust R&D foundation alone is insufficient; countries with the necessary infrastructure and capital will capture the economic and strategic advantages of such technologies,” they noted. “While the UK boasts the second-largest number of quantum start-ups globally, it lacks the high-risk investment and infrastructure essential for scaling these ventures.”
Quantum computing operates in unusual and fascinating ways that contrast sharply with classical computing. Traditional computers process information through transistors that switch on or off, representing 1s and 0s. However, in quantum mechanics, entities can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to a phenomenon called quantum superposition, which allows transistors to be in an on and off state concurrently.
This leads to a dramatic boost in computational capabilities, enabling a single quantum computer to perform tasks that would typically require billions of the most advanced supercomputers. Although this field is not yet mature enough for widespread application, the potential for simulating molecular structures to develop new materials and pharmaceuticals is vast. The true value of quantum computing lies in its practical delivery. Estimations suggest that industries such as chemicals, life sciences, automotive, and finance could represent about $1.3 trillion.
There are increasing fears that extraordinarily powerful quantum machines could decipher all encryption and pose serious risks to national security.
Prime Ministers Blair and Hague remarked: “The quantum era is upon us, whether Britain chooses to lead or not.” They added, “History will not excuse us if we squander yet another opportunity to excel in groundbreaking technology.”
This alert follows the recent recognition of British, Cambridge-educated John Clarke, who received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to quantum computing, alongside the continued growth of UK quantum firms supported by US companies.
In June, the Oxford University spinout Oxford Ionics was acquired by US company IonQ for $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, Cyclantum, a spinout from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, primarily thrived in California, discovering that its most enthusiastic investors were located there, where it developed its first large-scale quantum computer. These advancements can be made in Brisbane, Australia.
A report from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change critiques the UK’s current quantum approach, highlighting that both China and the US are “ahead of the game,” with countries like Germany, Australia, Finland, and the Netherlands also surpassing the UK.
A government representative stated: “Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize sectors ranging from healthcare to affordable clean energy. The UK currently ranks second globally for quantum investment and possesses leading capabilities in supply chains such as photonics, yet we are resolute in pushing forward.”
They continued: “We have committed to a groundbreaking 10-year funding strategy for the National Quantum Computing Center and will plan other aspects of the national program in due course.”
In June, the Labor party unveiled a £670 million initiative to expedite the application of quantum computing, as part of an industrial strategy aimed at developing new treatments for untreatable diseases and enhancing carbon capture technologies.
Super 8 film captured a close-up of a silvery fritillary butterfly
Nature Hunter Films Limited
super nature Ed Sayers hitting UK cinemas in 2026
Ed Sayers, a director of commercials and music videos, has an affinity for Super 8, a film format introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1965, and he’s not alone. This delicate film cassette continues to thrive thanks to a dedicated community of filmmakers worldwide.
What distinguishes Sayers is his organizational skill. His project, super nature, which premiered last month at the London Film Festival, showcases Super 8 footage from 25 countries, contributed by 40 filmmakers and local advocates for nature in their regions.
I must confess that as I looked over the concept of this film, I endured scenes with a sparrow and a household cat for 82 minutes, which I regret.
While the film’s distributor, BFI, boasts of its “green” credentials, the pitch feels a bit lacking despite the feature being a globally-focused documentary with zero air miles. It’s worth noting how uniquely different everything appears through this handheld, low-fidelity medium.
Super 8 resembles, as Sayers puts it in the narration, “someone painted your memories.” This becomes apparent as you adjust to the glare, flare, rocking movements, and shifts in color and tone inherent in this format. The Super 8 world reflects our own—not polished or curated, with imperfect lighting, much like real life.
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Among the film’s many charming moments is the delightful observation that puffins “have the kindest eyes.” “
However, the film is often breathtakingly beautiful, and this production is no exception. Some ambitious shots featuring elusive and wary creatures are challenging to interpret. Just because we catch a fleeting glimpse of them doesn’t imply their value is diminished. One sequence that didn’t resonate with me was the goose migration, which, despite being exquisitely filmed and edited, felt overly clever and “staged” with its setup involving microlights and two cameras. In contrast, lying in a puddle with a plastic bag over my head to shoot snails would make for a great idea.
Contrasting with high-budget nature documentaries, this film seeks to uncover hidden worlds, and while the thirst for new discoveries is compelling, I can’t help but ponder whether viewers will become weary of impeccably-lit, framed, and timed images found in productions like walking with dinosaurs.
super nature offers a refreshing take on the genre. Its structure revolves around its production journey. Each segment (from flamingos to earthworms to corals) comes with a voiceover by each filmmaker, sharing the significance of their footage. Among many delightful moments are descriptions of the sounds puffins make while running (humorous, reminiscent of oversized slippers) and the remark that “puffins have very kind eyes.”
The creators are genuinely inspiring. Some embarked on Super 8 journeys seeking a new perspective after experiencing personal hardships. Others advocate for environmental consciousness, while a few may even brave a cold water faucet (as ibex seem to understand the wisdom of the mountains).
Then we have Sayers’ own narrative. Act 1: The director dreams of documenting the natural world using retro technology and local filmmakers. Act 2: He faces disillusionment, piecing together footage of floods, fires, marshes in Ukraine, and plastic waste. Act 3: The director finds renewed hope, and the playful antics of seals turn the project into a triumph.
It’s a narrative arc as compelling as any, yet entirely predictable in contrast to the footage’s unpredictability.
Simon tooRecommends… Film silent world
Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle While not the first to depict the deep ocean in color, Cousteau and Malle’s 1956 documentary transformed our perception of two-thirds of Earth.
TV Series walk together dinosaur
Tim Haynes First aired in 1999, this six-part BBC documentary (rebooted in 2025) introduced scientific rigor into its thrilling portrayal of the Mesozoic era.
T
he Oakley Meta Vanguard represents a new era of display-less AI glasses, crafted for running, cycling, and action sports, featuring robust integration with Garmin and Strava. These could potentially be the first functional sports smart glasses on the market.
These innovative glasses serve as running eyewear, open-ear headphones, and alternatives to head-mounted action cameras—all in one. They mark the latest collaboration between Meta and the sunglasses giant, Essilor Luxottica, which includes brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
Unlike the popular Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, which focuses on leisurely use, the Vanguard is specifically engineered for athletes, enabling them to move fast and track their performance without hesitation.
As one of the priciest screenless AI glasses available, they start at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789), surpassing the £399 Oakley Meta HSTN and £379 Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer.
The included silicone nose pads come in three sizes, allowing for a customized fit that remains secure and balanced. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Vanguard distinguishes itself from traditional smart glasses, thanks to a design brought together by Oakley, ensuring a great fit and finish. The large wraparound visor and 3-point fit system take cues from the renowned Oakley Sephala sports glasses, ensuring that the 66g frame stays snugly in place, even under a helmet.
With two frame colors and four contrast-enhancing lenses, though without prescription options, the glasses incorporate a small button on the left arm to power on and off, allowing for dual functionality as sunglasses.
The speaker is conveniently located next to a large camera button and a small action button, allowing you to configure various functions using the Meta AI app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The hidden speakers within each arm can be directed towards your ear for listening to music, taking calls, and engaging with Meta’s AI chatbot. They offer superior sound quality compared to other open-ear speakers, and are loud enough to be heard over wind and road noise. Although they may not deliver the bass of traditional headphones, they are well-suited for music during physical activity. The five beamforming microphones effectively minimize background noise during calls or interactions with the AI, even in busy environments.
A touch panel on the right arm allows for manual control of playback and volume. Music automatically pauses when the glasses are removed, and the volume adapts to match surrounding noise—a great feature for road use.
Specifications
Size: 136×120×59mm
Weight: 66g (258g case)
Water resistance: IP67
Camera: 12MP/3K Ultra Wide
Speaker: Stereo open-ear
Microphone: 5-microphone array
Battery life: 6 hours of music playback (30 hours with case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6
Storage: 32GB
The ultra-wide camera is discreetly mounted between your eyes and remains unseen when worn. An LED directly above indicates when the camera is in use. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The central camera captures quality 12-megapixel photos and stable video at up to 3K resolution for five-minute intervals. It also supports hyperlapses that combine a series of action shots into a single fast-paced clip, as well as slow-motion video at up to 120 frames per second at 720p.
While it cannot compete with high-end smartphones, the camera effectively captures live action—similar to mid-range action cameras commonly used by adventurers. Users can take photos by pressing the camera button, initiate video recording with a long press, or request the Meta AI for hands-free photo or video capture.
All functionalities, including voice controls for music, auto volume adjustments, and camera operations, work seamlessly with Bluetooth-connected devices, like running watches. For enhanced AI features, however, connections to Android or iPhone devices are necessary, via the Meta AI app.
The Meta AI app enables you to configure settings for the glasses, sync media, and translate or transcribe conversations with the chatbot. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Similar to any chatbot, you can query Meta AI about its visual input. It can identify plants, translate text, and address inquiries about your surroundings. Notably, it also quickly converts distance and pace between metric and imperial units while running, although it falls short of the comprehensive capabilities of Google’s Gemini on mobile.
Furthermore, users can send messages, share photos, and make hands-free calls using their glasses, connected to devices or apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram.
One of Vanguard’s standout features is its seamless integration with the latest Garmin running watches and bike computers. Utilizing the free Meta AI app on Garmin, you can access real-time statistics during activities just by asking.
An LED indicator next to the right eye flashes to inform you when the AI is listening, interacting, or capturing an image. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The AI can relay personal metrics such as pace, distance, heart rate, and cadence on request by saying “my stats,” which are gathered directly from Garmin at that moment. It audibly communicates your pace and other metrics for each lap, mile, or kilometer using a small LED indicator at your right eye to indicate your status in pace or heart rate zones, turning red when outside desired ranges.
Garmin integration also allows the camera to automatically document your workouts, whether walking, hiking, running, or biking. It captures five-second videos every kilometer or mile, or during significant milestones like sprint finishes or heart rate spikes. After your activity, the Meta AI app compiles your manually captured videos and highlight reels. You can overlay workout stats like distance, pace, altitude, time, heart rate, and power data, then quickly share this content with Meta’s app or Strava for immediate posting to your activity log.
The Meta AI app showcases a workout summary and processes any videos automatically captured via the glasses. Composition: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
All functions operate effectively, and although not every run needs a video documentation, the capability to automatically capture highlight moments without hassle is a substantial bonus.
However, video capture does drain the battery. During a one-hour run, I interacted with Meta AI multiple times, listened to music, automatically recorded 14 five-second videos, and manually shot 13 minutes of 1080p/30fps video along with 14 photos. The glasses concluded the run with 25% battery life intact.
They should survive a full marathon with automatic capture activated, but caution is advised for prolonged filming to ensure coverage over the entire 42km distance.
For those without Garmin devices, the Meta AI app can sync with Apple Health, Google Health Connect, or Strava to retrieve data retrospectively from other trackers, such as Apple Watch and Coros devices. However, the metrics displayed on videos are limited, and there are no automatic capture features or running statistics available for these integrations.
The glasses provide up to six hours of continuous music playback and come stored in a durable Oakley case, complete with four additional charges while transmitting photos and videos to the cloud during recharging. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Sustainability
The glasses’ battery retains at least 80% capacity even after 500 full charge cycles. Replacement lenses (£69), charging case (£139), and nose pads (£10) are offered, but the glasses themselves cannot be repaired, and the battery is non-replaceable, ultimately deeming them disposable. Currently, these glasses do not incorporate recycled materials, and Meta lacks any trade-in programs or environmental impact reports for the product.
Price
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is priced at £499 (€549/$499/AU$789).
For reference, the pricing for other models includes the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 2) at £379, the Oakley Meta HSTN at £399, the Oakley Sphaera at £191, and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 at £169.
Verdict
The Oakley Meta Vanguard stands out as the finest sports smart glasses available. While expensive, they are clearly crafted for athletes by individuals who comprehend the needs of runners and sports enthusiasts.
By concentrating on the essentials for runners, cyclists, and adventure seekers—like an impeccable fit, lenses that effectively shield from the wind, decent water resistance, clear open-ear audio, extended battery life, and user-friendly controls—you end up with an excellent product without unnecessary bells and whistles.
The nose-mounted camera is excellent and could easily substitute for action cameras for many users. The microphone performs adequately, and Meta’s integrated AI is beneficial for answering inquiries that arise while on the move.
The primary highlight is unquestionably the integration with Garmin, allowing users to monitor statistics and create an automatic highlight reel from their camera capture during activities. However, it requires you to carry your phone while running, which could be a minor inconvenience. The glasses also have links to Strava and other fitness applications for non-Garmin users.
If you utilize them with your running watch to listen to music without needing your phone, basic voice commands for volume, playback, and camera will still operate smoothly.
Although the steep price is hard to justify, the main drawback remains the non-replaceable battery. While the lenses and nose pads are replaceable, like most earbuds and other smart glasses, they cannot be repaired, which detracts from the overall score.
Pros: Large, high-quality lenses; secure fit; powerful and clear open-ear speakers; nose-mounted camera; IP67 waterproof rating; long battery life; protective case; excellent Garmin integration; compatible with Strava and other fitness apps; customizable lenses and nose pads.
Cons: Very costly; non-repairable; advanced features necessitate a phone; excessive vocal commands while driving.
The Oakley logo doubles as part of the touchpad for controlling music playback and volume adjustments. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Killer whales execute skilled hunting techniques to bring juvenile great white sharks to the water’s surface.
Marco Villegas
Killer whales in the Gulf of California have adopted a sophisticated hunting method to target juvenile great white sharks: they turn them upside down to immobilize them. This finding implies there may be a previously unnoticed pod of orcas in the area that specialize in hunting sharks.
Only a limited number of killer whale populations are documented to consume sharks, and even fewer have been observed preying on great white sharks (carcharodon carcharius). Historically, killer whales (Orcinus orca) off the coast of San Francisco have been linked to a recorded incident involving a great white shark in 1997, and a carcass recovered near Australia revealed signs of an orca attack, documented in 2023. Until recently, only one instance of a killer whale preying on a young great white shark had been noted, and that was in South Africa.
Jesus Eric Higuera-Rivas, an independent marine biologist from Mexico, along with colleagues, captured video footage of killer whales hunting juvenile great white sharks on two occasions in the Gulf of California. The initial footage, taken in August 2020, depicted five female killer whales collaboratively pushing a juvenile great white to the surface. “The killer whale was attempting to ram the great white and flip it over,” Higuera-Rivas remarked.
This tactic induced a temporary state of paralysis in the shark, known as tonic immobility. The orcas also managed to consume the energy-rich liver of the shark, sharing it among themselves. Shortly thereafter, the pod repeated their attack on another young great white shark. In August 2022, another group of five killer whales exhibited the same hunting strategy against juvenile great whites in the identical location.
Some of the killer whales involved in the first incident were identified as those previously seen hunting whale sharks and bull sharks. However, the video from the second incident was insufficiently clear to confirm if those were the same orcas. “But it’s highly probable,” says Higuera-Rivas.
The hunting behaviors of killer whale populations differ significantly based on their habitat. “Orcas are like hunting machines, akin to snipers. They employ specific strategies tailored to their prey,” Higuera-Rivas explains. These observations indicate that the killer whales in question may be part of an unrecognized group of shark hunters.
“This provides another example of a distinct feeding strategy, likely not shared by other orca groups globally,” states Andrew Trites from the University of British Columbia, Canada. However, further research is necessary for conclusive evidence, as these killer whales might descend from Pacific Northwest populations that hunt different shark species.
TSir Richard Evans, a distinguished British historian, authored three expert witness reports for libel trials involving Holocaust denier David Irving, pursued his doctorate under Theodore Zeldin, took over the Regius Professorship of History at Cambridge University (a title originally bestowed by King Henry VIII), and oversaw Bismarck’s dissertation on social policy.
However, all these details were fabricated, as Professor Evans found when he logged onto Grokipedia, the AI-driven encyclopedia launched last week by the world’s richest individual, Elon Musk.
This marks a rocky beginning for humanity’s latest venture to encapsulate the entirety of human knowledge, or, as Musk describes it, to establish a compendium of “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” created through the capabilities of his Grok artificial intelligence model.
With his fortune, Musk switched his views on Grokipedia this Tuesday, claiming it is “better than Wikipedia,” or “Walkpedia,” as its proponents call it, highlighting the belief that the leading online encyclopedia often leans toward leftist narratives. One post on X encapsulated the victorious sentiment among Musk’s supporters: “Elon just killed Wikipedia. Good for you.”
Nevertheless, users quickly discovered that Grokipedia mainly excerpts from the websites it aimed to co-opt, is rife with inaccuracies, and seems to endorse right-wing narratives championed by Musk. In a series of posts promoting his creations this week, Musk asserted that “a British civil war is inevitable,” urged Brits to “ally with the hardliners” like far-right figure Tommy Robinson, and claimed only the AfD party could “save Germany.”
Musk is so captivated by his AI encyclopedia that he has expressed a desire to engrave “a comprehensive collection of all knowledge” into stable oxide and place a copy in orbit, on the moon, and on Mars, to ensure its preservation for the future.
However, Evans identified a more pressing issue with Musk’s application of AI for fact-checking and verification. As a specialist in the Third Reich, he shared with the Guardian that “contributions to chat rooms are granted the same weight as serious academic work.” He emphasized, “AI merely observes everything.”
Richard Evans noted that Grokipedia’s entry on Albert Speer (shown to the left of Hitler) reiterated fabrications and distortions propagated by the Nazi Munitions Minister himself. Photo: Picture Library
He pointed out that the article attributed to Albert Speer, Hitler’s architect and wartime munitions minister, perpetuated lies previously debunked in his award-winning 2017 biography. Evans also stated that the entry about Eric Hobsbawm, a Marxist historian for whom he wrote a biography, falsely claimed he experienced Germany’s hyperinflation in 1923, served as an officer in the Royal Corps of Signals, and overlooked the fact that he had married twice.
David Larson Heidenblad, deputy director of the Lund Knowledge History Center, commented on the clash of knowledge cultures emerging in Sweden.
“We live in an era where there is a prevalent belief that algorithmic aggregation is more trustworthy than interpersonal insight,” Heidenblad remarked. “The Silicon Valley mindset significantly diverges from the traditional academic methodology. While Silicon Valley’s knowledge culture embraces iterations and views mistakes as part of the process, academia builds trust gradually and fosters scholarship over extended periods, during which the illusion of total knowledge dissipates. These represent the genuine processes of knowledge.”
The launch of Grokipedia follows a long-standing tradition of encyclopedias, ranging from the Yongle encyclopedias of 15th-century China to the Enlightenment-era creations in 18th-century France. These were succeeded by the primarily English Encyclopedia Britannica and, since 2001, the crowd-sourced Wikipedia. However, Grokipedia stands out as the first service significantly driven by AI, raising pressing questions: Who governs the truth when an AI controlled by powerful entities holds the pen?
“If Mr. Musk is behind it, I fear there could be political manipulation,” wrote Peter Burke, a cultural historian and professor emeritus at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, in his 2000 work on the social history of knowledge dating back to Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press in the 15th century.
“While some aspects may be evident to certain readers, the concern is that others might overlook them,” Burke elaborated, highlighting that many entries in the encyclopedia were anonymous, lending them an “air of authority they do not deserve.”
“An AI-generated encyclopedia (a sanitized reflection of reality) is a superior offering compared to what we’ve had in the past,” asserted Andrew Dudfield, head of AI at the UK-based fact-checking organization Full Fact. While we lack the same transparency, we desire comparable trust. There’s ambiguity regarding how much input was human and how much was produced by AI, along with what the AI’s agenda was.” Trust becomes problematic when choices remain obscured.”
Musk was encouraged to initiate Grokipedia by Donald Trump’s technology advisor David Sachs, among others, who criticized Wikipedia as “hopelessly biased” and maintained by an “army of leftist activists.”
Grokipedia refers to the far-right group Britain First as a “patriotic party,” which delighted its leader Paul Golding (left), who was imprisoned for anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2018. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA
Until 2021, Musk expressed support for Wikipedia, celebrating its 20th anniversary on Twitter with “I’m so glad you exist.” However, by October 2023, his growing disdain for the platform led him to offer £1bn “if it would change its name to Dickipedia.”
Yet, many of Grokipedia’s 885,279 articles available in its launch week were nearly verbatim reproductions from Wikipedia, including entries on the PlayStation 5, Ford Focus, and Led Zeppelin. Nonetheless, other components differ substantially.
Grokipedia’s entry on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cites the Kremlin as a main information source, incorporating official Russian language regarding the “denazification” of Ukraine, the defense of ethnic Russians, and the removal of threats to Russian security. In contrast, Wikipedia characterizes Putin’s views as imperialistic and states he “baselessly claimed that the Ukrainian government is neo-Nazi.”
Grokipedia labeled the turmoil at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, as an “insurrection” instead of an attempted coup. It asserted an “empirical basis” for the belief that mass immigration was orchestrating the deliberate demographic erasure of whites in Western nations, a notion critics dismiss as a conspiracy theory.
Grokipedia’s section on Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records related to the Stormy Daniels case stated it was decided “after a trial in a heavily Democratic jurisdiction” and omitted mention of his conflicts of interest, such as receiving a private jet from Qatar or the Trump family’s cryptocurrency enterprise.
Grokipedia categorized the unrest at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, as an “insurrection” rather than an attempted coup. Photo: Leah Millis/Reuters
Wikipedia responded to Grokipedia’s inception with poise, stating it seeks to understand how Grokipedia will function.
“In contrast to new endeavors, Wikipedia’s advantages are evident,” a spokesperson for the Wikimedia Foundation remarked. “Wikipedia upholds transparent guidelines, meticulous volunteer oversight, and a robust culture of continuous enhancement. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia designed to inform billions of readers without endorsing a particular viewpoint.”
Killer whales have increasingly been preying on dolphins in recent years. A recent report shows that now, new research indicates they have also devised a gruesome hunting strategy to target the livers of young great white sharks.
Hunting the world’s most formidable fish is no small feat, but the pod of killer whales in the Gulf of California has learned how to do it. They work together to flip the shark upside down, immobilizing it, and then extract its energy-rich liver for sharing.
Additionally, they have been captured on video executing this behavior.
Is this brutal behavior typical of killer whales? Yes, Professor Callum Roberts, a marine biologist at the University of Exeter not associated with the study, stated to BBC Science Focus.
“Orcas may be the most intelligent marine creatures, based on their innovative methods for hunting. Historically, killer whales targeted whales caught by industrial whalers and consumed their tongues.”
While killer whales have been observed preying on adult great white sharks in the past, these recent findings provide the first evidence of their strategic hunting techniques against them.
During their observations, the research team noted the pod killing not one, but two great white sharks in August 2020, and another pod consuming a third in 2022.
By pushing the shark to the surface and inverting it, the killer whales induce a state of tonic immobility in the shark due to the abrupt change in environment. In this vulnerable state, they can take what they want from the shark while leaving the rest behind.
Young sharks lack the experience to escape when a group is approaching. Researchers suggest that this implies killer whales may be hunting great whites more frequently than previously thought, as per findings in Frontiers of Marine Science.
“I believe that killer whales that target elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are capable of finding great whites whenever they choose,” said the study’s lead author, Eric Higuera Rivas.
“This behavior showcases the killer whales’ intelligence, strategic mindset, and advanced social learning, with hunting techniques evolving and being shared across generations within their pods.”
Climate change may play a significant role in this behavior. The intensification of the El Niño phenomenon, which results from warming in the Pacific Ocean, is expanding the habitat of great white sharks into killer whale territories. These regions are populated with young, inexperienced sharks, making them easy targets.
Experts worry that this behavior could be detrimental for the shark population.
“What benefits killer whales might not bode well for sharks. Both species are endangered,” Roberts noted. “Let’s hope they don’t spread these hunting strategies too widely.”
About our experts
Callum Roberts serves as Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter and previously held the position of Chief Scientific Advisor for BBC One. He has authored several books, including the “Blue Planet II” series and Oceans of Life: How our oceans are changing (Penguin Books, £22) and Coral Reef Life (Profile Book, £12.99).
Certain killer whales have a preference for liver, particularly that of great white sharks.
A video captured by Mexican scientists demonstrates how an astute whale targets the apex predator’s fatty organs.
Researchers documented two killer whale hunts in the Gulf of California, one in 2020 and the other in 2022. The footage reveals a group of great white sharks flipping a young shark onto its back, disorienting it, before slicing open its side to extract its liver. The findings from this video study were published on Monday in Frontiers in Marine Science.
In one notable scene, all members of the shark clan feasted on the pink liver fat while the remainder of the shark’s body remained submerged in the ocean depths. A sea lion was seen lurking nearby, seemingly hoping to steal a meal, but orcas released bubbles to ward it off.
Marine biologist and documentarian Eric Higuera Rivas, who filmed the hunt from a nearby boat, initially did not grasp the significance of the footage until he began editing.
“On the monitor, we noticed the shark’s liver hanging out, already dislodged. Moments later, the shark emerged with the liver in its mouth,” recounted Higuera Rivas, a co-author of the study. “I was astonished to learn it was a great white shark. I could hardly believe it.”
Heather Bowlby, a researcher from Fisheries and Oceans Canada not involved in the study, noted that the footage serves as a strong reminder that even apex predators need to stay vigilant.
“We typically view great white sharks as the pinnacle of the food chain,” she stated. “It’s always beneficial to remind them that they can also be prey.”
Higuera Rivas and his team indicated that the hunt appeared to involve members of the same group of killer whales, which they have designated as Moctezuma pods. This pod regularly patrols the Baja California coast, primarily hunting elasmobranchs, including sharks and whales. Higuera Rivas has been monitoring these pods and recording their behaviors for over a decade, noting their adaptations based on the species they target.
Previously, evidence of killer whales preying on great white sharks was limited to South Africa, where they have been known to extract livers and wash the remains ashore.
Alison Towner, a marine biologist at Rhodes University specializing in the South African phenomenon, stated that while behaviors in Mexico and South Africa are similar, they are not identical; Mexican killer whales typically target younger sharks, whereas their South African counterparts focus on adults.
Towner indicated that individual killer whale pods likely learned their hunting strategies independently.
“Observing this behavior in Mexico implies that specific groups of killer whales have developed distinct methods for hunting sharks,” she mentioned via email. “Even though the same organs are the target, the manner in which they are approached varies from what we have documented in South Africa, indicating group-specific learning.”
A new study reveals that Mexican killer whales have discovered a vulnerability in great white sharks.
“When flipped over, a shark enters a state known as tonic immobility,” explained study co-author Francesca Pancaldi, a shark researcher at the National Institute of Marine Sciences. “They become immobilized, akin to a catatonic state. They simply freeze.”
The liver, a nutrient-rich and fatty organ, comprises about a quarter of a shark’s body, delivering “a substantial amount of energy,” he added.
Researchers from both South Africa and Mexico concurred that this hunting behavior is likely not new to killer whales. What has changed for scientists is the advancement of drone technology, which has enhanced the ability to observe and document these hunting events.
“I believe this has been occurring for centuries, but it’s challenging to witness such events,” Pancaldi remarked.
However, she also mentioned that climate changes may have heightened interactions between great white sharks and the octopus pods.
“In fact, we have noticed a growing presence of great white sharks in the Gulf of California over the past decade,” Pancaldi noted, explaining that the species is particularly sensitive to changes in ocean temperatures linked to weather patterns such as El Niño.
According to Towner, scientists in South Africa began observing attacks by killer whales on great white sharks nearly a decade ago. Such predatory behavior has caused great whites to abandon their usual feeding, resting, and breeding spots, referred to as assemblages.
“As a result of repeated predation, great whites have entirely vacated their traditional core gathering sites,” Towner explained. “Many sharks may have relocated offshore or to less monitored regions, which is reshaping coastal ecosystems.”
Following the exodus of the sharks, populations of Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks have surged, leading to conflicts with the primary prey species, such as small fish and smaller sharks, according to the report. This study was published in Frontiers in Marine Science earlier this year.
Mr. Towner noted that only two adult male killer whales, referred to as Port and Starboard, were responsible for the frequent attacks on great white sharks in South Africa. This predation puts pressure on great whites, which have slow growth and reproductive rates, and a similar situation could develop in Mexico if this behavior becomes more prevalent.
Global investments in artificial intelligence are yielding remarkable figures, with approximately $3 trillion (£2.3 trillion) allocated to data centers.
These immense facilities serve as the backbone for AI applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Veo 3, driving the training and functioning of technologies that have attracted billions from investors.
Although there are worries that the AI boom might lead to a bubble poised to burst, indicators of such a downturn are currently absent. Recently, Nvidia, a Silicon Valley AI chip manufacturer, became the first company to reach a valuation of $5 trillion, while Microsoft and Apple each hit a $4 trillion valuation for the first time, marking a historic moment. OpenAI’s restructuring now appraises it at $500 billion, with Microsoft’s investment exceeding $100 billion. Projections suggest a potential $1 trillion surge as early as next year.
Moreover, Google’s parent company Alphabet announced $100 billion in revenue for a single quarter, driven by an increasing demand for AI infrastructure. Apple and Amazon also recently reported robust results.
Trust in AI extends beyond the financial sector; local communities housing the AI infrastructure are equally invested.
In the 19th century, the demand for coal and steel determined Newport’s trajectory. Today, Welsh towns are looking forward to a fresh era of growth generated by the latest global economic transformation.
At the site of a former radiator factory on the outskirts of Newport, Microsoft is constructing a data center to cater to the tech industry’s increasing demand for AI.
Microsoft is constructing a data center at Imperial Park near Newport, Wales. Photo: Dimitris Regakis/Athena Pictures
While standing on the concrete floor where thousands of buzzing servers will soon be installed, Dimitri Batrouni, the Labour leader of Newport City Council, remarked that the Imperial Park data center represents an opportunity to delve into the economy of the future.
“In a city like mine, what should we do? Should we dwell on the past in hopes of reviving the steel industry and bringing back 10,000 jobs? That’s not feasible. Or should we embrace the future?” he stated.
Yet, despite the current optimistic outlook regarding AI, uncertainties linger concerning the sustainability of spending in the tech sector.
The top four players in the AI industry (Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft) are ramping up their AI spending. Over the upcoming two years, they are expected to invest more than $750 billion in AI-related capital expenditures, covering not just data centers and staff, but also the chips and servers they contain.
This expenditure is highlighted by the American investment firm Manning & Napier, which describes it as “nothing too remarkable.” The Newport facility alone could demand hundreds of millions of dollars. Recently, Equinix, based in California, announced intentions to invest £4 billion in a central hub in Hertfordshire.
Joe Tsai, chairman of the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, cautioned in March that the data center market was beginning to exhibit signs of oversupply. “We’re starting to observe the early stages of a potential bubble,” he commented, referencing projects that finance constructions without securing commitments from prospective clients.
There are already 11,000 data centers globally, representing a 500% increase over the past two decades, and more are on the horizon. The means of funding this expansion raises concerns.
Analysts from Morgan Stanley predict that worldwide spending on data centers will approach $3 trillion by 2028, with $1.4 trillion of that anticipated from cash flow generated by large US tech firms known as “hyperscalers.”
Consequently, $1.5 trillion will need to be sourced from alternative means, such as private credit, which has been increasingly scrutinized by institutions like the Bank of England. Morgan Stanley estimates that private credit could cover more than half of the funding shortfall. Meta Inc. utilized private credit markets to raise $29 billion for an expansion of a data center in Louisiana.
Gil Luria, the head of technology research at DA Davidson, described investments in hyperscalers as a “healthy” aspect of the current boom, while labeling the remainder as “speculative assets devoid of customers.”
He noted that the debt being utilized could lead to repercussions extending beyond the tech sector if the situation deteriorates.
“Providers of this debt are so eager to invest in AI that they may not have adequately assessed the risks associated with a new and unproven category reliant on assets that depreciate quickly,” he indicated.
“We are in the initial phase of this influx of debt capital, but if it escalates to hundreds of billions of dollars, it could ultimately present structural risks to the global economy.”
The $500 billion Stargate project in Abilene, Texas, involves a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. Photo: Daniel Cole/Reuters
Supporting this expenditure are heightened revenue forecasts from Morgan Stanley, which estimates that income generated from AI innovations such as chatbots, AI agents, and image generators could grow to $1 trillion by 2028 from $45 billion last year. To substantiate these revenue projections, tech firms are counting on enterprises, the public sector, and individual users to generate sufficient demand for AI and fund it.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a landmark product of the AI wave, currently boasts 800 million weekly active users. This statistic is a boon for optimists. However, concerns have arisen regarding user acquisition. For instance, investor confidence in the AI surge took a hit in August when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a study indicating that 95% of organizations reported zero return on investment from generative AI projects.
According to the Uptime Institute, which inspects and evaluates data centers, many projects go unconstructed, suggesting that some are part of a hype cycle and fail to materialize.
“It is crucial to understand that much of this is speculative,” stated Andy Lawrence, the Uptime Institute’s executive director of research. “Frequently, many data centers announced with great excitement are either never built or are only partially constructed and developed progressively over a ten-year span.”
He further added that numerous data centers unveiled as part of this multitrillion-dollar initiative “will be specifically designed for or primarily intended to support AI workloads.”
Microsoft has pointed out that its Newport data center will not solely serve AI. Data centers form the core for AI systems like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot but also cater to everyday IT tasks many take for granted (like managing email traffic, storing company files, and supporting Zoom calls) as providers of “cloud” services, where companies lease servers rather than purchasing them outright.
“The infrastructure has multiple applications, making it highly versatile,” explained Alistair Speirs, general manager of Microsoft’s cloud operations.
However, various large-scale projects are completely committing to AI. The US Stargate initiative is a $500 billion partnership among OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, with plans to establish a network of AI data centers throughout the U.S. A British counterpart will also be set up in North Tyneside, in the northeast of England. Microsoft is constructing the most powerful AI data center in Fairview, Wisconsin, and is backing a dedicated AI site in Laughton, Essex, while Elon Musk’s xAI is developing a colossal project in Memphis, Tennessee.
Construction of an estimated 10GW of new data center capacity worldwide—equivalent to around a third of the UK’s electricity demand—is expected to commence this year, as reported by the property group JLL. However, this represents total maximum capacity, as data centers generally operate around 60% of their capacity.
JLL projects another 7GW will be completed this year.
The growth rate is swift, with current global data center capacity standing at 59GW, and Goldman Sachs forecasting capacity will double by the end of 2030. This expansion will elevate the costs related to the infrastructure, necessitating $720 billion in grid investments to satisfy that energy demand, according to Goldman.
Mike O’Connell, a construction safety specialist from Newport, has returned as a consultant at the Newport facility. With a career spanning oil rigs, offshore wind farms, and data centers globally, he returned to his hometown, now a tech hub filled with data centers and semiconductor firms.
“My aim is to remain within my local community,” he stated. Mr. O’Connell’s teenage grandson is embarking on his career at the Newport site as an electrical apprentice. There is optimism that such a data center will offer generational employment opportunities for the area.
Investors and tech giants are committing trillions of dollars in investments with hopes for long-term returns.
Have you ever turned to Wikipedia for information? If so, there’s a high likelihood that you’ve come across contributions from Stephen Pruitt. Under his elaborate pen name “Ser Amantio di Nicolao,” Pruitt has amassed over 6 million edits and authored more than 33,000 articles – the highest number for any individual in the almost 25-year lifespan of the site.
Since initiating his editing journey in 2004, Pruitt has subtly emerged as one of the most significant figures on the internet. He is responsible for at least one edit on a third of all English entries, tackling a wide range of topics from historical figures to refining grammar, citations, and formatting.
In 2017, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 25 most impactful people online, sharing the honor with figures like Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian.
Mr. Pruitt holds such a pivotal role in Wikipedia that the platform’s founder, Jimmy Wales, has personally met him and referred to him as “a very prolific editor.”
Wales emphasized that Wikipedia’s strength relies not only on its most active contributors but also on the variety of editorial styles that keep the site thriving.
“We aim to move away from the notion of ‘edit count’ as a measure of activity,” Wales commented to BBC Science Focus.
“Clearly, if someone has six million edits, they are an extremely active Wikipedian. However, there are others who edit less frequently, taking time to do research before returning to contribute thoughtfully, which is equally crucial, unlike merely performing maintenance with scripts and tools.”
“We require all types of contributors to compile this body of knowledge.”
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales hailed Stephen Pruitt’s contributions as “absolutely incredible.” – Credit: Getty
Pruitt was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1984, raised in Virginia, and earned a degree in art history from the College of William & Mary. His inaugural Wikipedia entry focused on his distant relative, Peter Francisco, a Revolutionary War hero known as “Virginia Hercules.”
Now, Pruitt dedicates several hours each day to editing, often utilizing software tools to automate repetitive tasks. He is also an active participant in the Women in Red project, which strives to bridge the gender gap on Wikipedia by creating entries for notable women who lack representation.
“Sometimes it’s odd to think that a third of Wikipedia was contributed by one individual,” says Wales. “Well, in reality, one person has contributed to a third of it, which is astounding. But his contributions largely consist of refining grammar, ensuring accurate spelling, and fixing references – the technical aspects that enhance its quality, which is crucial.”
When questioned by CBS Morning in 2019 about his dedication to Wikipedia, Pruitt simply stated, “I’m captivated by the idea of providing free access to all information. My mother grew up in the Soviet Union, making me acutely aware of what it means to make knowledge and information freely available.”
Here at BBC Science Focus, we have a deep appreciation for inventive creations – particularly those that are bizarre, imaginative, and exceptionally cool (extra credit if they’re genuinely practical).
During our time at GITEX Global and Expand North Star, two of the largest conferences focusing on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in Dubai, we set out to uncover the most astonishing innovations poised to enter the market soon.
From tangible holograms to intelligent contact lenses and airborne taxis, here is a glimpse into some of the most groundbreaking technologies showcased.
1. The Fusion of Flying Taxis and Autonomous Vehicles
Since the days of Blade Runner and Futurama, the concept of flying cars has occupied our imagination. With advancements in drone technology, we may finally be approaching the reality of soaring over urban landscapes in our own aerial pods.
However, the idea of a flying car that interacts with standard vehicles is unprecedented. Yet, this is exactly what the Guangzhou Automobile Group is unveiling with its new GOVY AirCab concept.
Indeed, GOVY is capable of taking off and landing vertically from an autonomous ground chassis, thus functioning both as a conventional taxi and an aerial transport.
GAC GOVY exhibited at GITEX Global – Credit: Tom Howarth/BBC Science Focus
What does this unusual combination signify? According to Hanxuan Liu, a product specialist involved with GOVY, it embodies the “ultimate vision of the future of mobility.” The blend of drone technology and vehicle chassis enables “one-click journeys” without the hassle of vehicle transitions. Essentially, you can call it, board it, fly where feasible, and drive where necessary.
The company has conducted test flights and is in pursuit of safety certification. Liu anticipates public demonstrations by next year and a rollout across China in two years. As for the U.S. and Europe? Liu believes we might see GOVY operational both on the roads and in the skies within five years.
2. Sports Enhanced by Augmented Reality
Participants in HADO evade and defend using mixed reality that merges physical movement with digital gameplay – Credit: Hado
Imagine if dodgeball and Pokemon GO had a child; it would likely be something akin to HADO. This augmented reality sport is gaining traction globally.
Players wear headsets and wrist sensors to launch virtual energy balls, create shimmering shields, and avoid incoming attacks, all while standing on a real-world court. The experience feels part video game, part high-energy exercise.
Devised in Japan in 2014, HADO has matured into a legitimate technosport with professional leagues, educational programs, and even a World Cup. Its creators champion it as “a means to encourage physical activity through technology, and a powerful way to engage younger audiences.”
3. Healing Hearts with Spider Silk
PrintyMed’s biomimetic spider silk could revolutionize healthcare, from artificial organs to advanced wound dressings – Credit: PrintyMed
Spider silk, when weighed against steel, exhibits superior strength. Its production is also sustainable and adaptable. So, why not harness these extraordinary natural materials for our use?
Latvian biotech firm PrintyMed has manufactured synthetic spider silk that imitates the natural spinning process, yielding fibers that are remarkably strong, flexible, and compatible with living tissue.
The research team partnered with the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis to devise a protein that can be spun into silk using a biomimetic approach similar to that utilized by spiders to craft webs. The outcome is a sustainable material that can be produced at scale and applied in innovative ways.
The company plans to utilize its lab-created silk to transform healthcare, from creating hyper-realistic “organs on chips” for drug trials to developing long-lasting, clot-resistant heart valves and advanced wound dressings that enhance healing.
But that’s just the beginning. PrintyWeb is also exploring the use of silk to fabricate artificial organs and tissue scaffolds, which might one day alleviate the global shortage of transplantable organs.
4. Revolutionary Smart Lenses Aiming to Replace All Screens
XPANCEO’s experimental contact lenses aspire to replace mobile phones and wearables with invisible, AI-powered interfaces – Credit: XPANCEO
Resembling something from a spy thriller, XPANCEO aims to develop the world’s first truly smart contact lenses, a cutting-edge gadget that could eventually replace mobile phones, smartwatches, and glasses.
“Today’s computers are bulky and disposable. They’re detrimental to your health, harmful to the environment, and inefficient. We require the ultimate interface,” stated Roman Axelrod, co-founder of XPANCEO to BBC Science Focus.
“Everyone can agree that the next frontier of computing is AI. Then comes augmented reality (XR) computing powered by AI. AI serves as the brain; XR as the interface, whether through glasses, helmets, or contact lenses. We believe contact lenses could become the ultimate interface.”
It’s an ambitious vision: an invisible lens in zero gravity, unifying all your devices into one, featuring capabilities like real-time liveness detection, health tracking, night vision, and zoom.
However, it’s still in the nascent phase. Co-founder Dr. Valentin S. Volkov indicates that XPANCEO intends to have a fully integrated prototype ready by the end of next year, a simple monochrome display capable of yielding basic data and gathering biosignals from the eye.
Smart lenses, categorized as medical devices, will advance gradually under strict regulation. However, if XPANCEO succeeds, smart glasses may soon become obsolete.
5. Actual Holograms
Voxon VX2 operates by projecting volumetric holograms visible from 360 degrees without the need for headgear – Credit: Voxon/Gavin Smith
Participating in a morning meeting styled like the Jedi Council may no longer belong solely to a galaxy far, far away. Australian firm Voxon is pioneering science fiction with its VLED technology, producing live, three-dimensional images that appear to float in mid-air.
Differing from standard flat 3D projections, Voxon’s volumetric displays consist of millions of floating points of light, creating 360-degree visuals that can be navigated and viewed from any angle.
For instance, the Voxon VX2 is a tabletop apparatus that employs a rapidly spinning LED array to generate a hologram within a cylinder measuring around 25 cm in diameter and height.
Within its illuminated columns, you can observe everything from medical scans and molecular structures to game avatars and architectural models in full three dimensions.
6. High-Tech Doghouse for Safe Shopping
Leaving your dog unattended outside a store or in your vehicle might soon become outdated. Serbian startup Smartsy has designed an innovative dog kennel that offers pets a secure, climate-controlled environment while their owners shop at supermarkets or dine in cafes.
Smartsy’s sleek pods include automatic safety locks, real-time video monitoring (perfect for dogs with separation anxiety), and soundproof, insulated walls to ensure your furry friend stays calm and cozy.
A silent airflow system guarantees ventilation, and an integrated heater maintains optimal temperatures whatever the weather. Each cabin is disinfected with a UV lamp after every use, preparing it for the next furry visitor.
Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has long emphasized the significance of sleep. “People grow when they sleep, not when they train,” he asserts. Professional athletes often adhere to meticulous sleep regimens tailored to their chronotypes (natural sleep-wake preferences) and synced with their training schedules.
For amateur athletes, the emphasis tends to be on nutrition and training protocols for optimal results. Elite coach Nick Littlehales was among the first to champion sleep as a crucial component of success, stating, “You can train as hard as you want, but without sleep, you can’t adapt. No adaptation means no progress.”
Let’s delve deeper into what occurs in your body during sleep and why it’s a vital aspect of your training regimen and performance strategy.
What occurs in your body during sleep?
Photo credit: Getty
Sleep is not merely a passive phase of training. When you exercise vigorously, your body engages in recovery during sleep. Deep (slow-wave) sleep enables your body to reset, repair, and regenerate. Cellular repair takes place as microtears from your workout are fixed through protein synthesis. If you’ve ever dealt with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), you understand the significance of quality sleep for recovery.
During this sleep phase, human growth hormone (HGH) is released. The pituitary gland generates HGH, which facilitates muscle growth and healing. Furthermore, deep sleep enhances immune system function, reducing the risk of illness—an evident concern for anyone in the midst of a training routine.
What else is happening in our bodies while we sleep?
Glycogen levels are restored, and anti-inflammatory cytokines assist in muscle recovery.
Your heart rate decreases, blood pressure falls, allowing your cardiovascular system a chance to recuperate.
Quality sleep has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity. Improved glucose metabolism boosts energy levels and aids body composition.
Sleep also regulates significant hormones like testosterone, which is crucial for endurance and recovery.
Brain recovery process during sleep
Photo credit: Getty
Not only does physical recovery occur during sleep, but mental rejuvenation takes place as well. During REM sleep, typically experienced in the latter half of the night, your brain engages in “housework,” organizing, filing, and tidying up. Motor memory consolidation reinforces neural pathways established during training. Did you execute the perfect tennis serve today? It’ll be etched in your mind tonight.
Additionally, emotional regulation contributes to managing stress, enhancing focus, and boosting motivation—key components for achieving peak performance.
Optimize your sleep quality
Swedish bed manufacturer Hästens recognizes the significance of quality sleep. This luxury brand has been handcrafting beds since 1852, with each piece meticulously created in the Swedish town of Köning and taking up to 600 hours to complete using only natural materials.
Hästens has launched the collaborative campaign “Sleep to Perform,” teaming up with champions from both creative fields and sports, including five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. She acknowledges that success begins with prioritizing rest, stating, “No matter where you are in your career, sleep is vital for your performance. It’s not just about rest; it’s about being able to present the best version of yourself every day.”
To explore our full range of beds and accessories, and to discover the benefits of a restful night’s sleep, please visit: here.
To schedule a bed test at a sleep spa near you, use the following resources: www.hastens.com or contact your nearest authorized retailer.
Nexperia, the automotive semiconductor manufacturer based in the EU and at the heart of the geopolitical tensions, has stopped all supplies to its factories in China, intensifying a trade war that risks shuttering production for automakers globally.
This week, the company communicated with its clients about the suspension of all supplies to its Chinese facility.
In September, the Netherlands utilized national security legislation to take control of the semiconductor maker due to fears that its Chinese owner, Wingtech Technologies, intended to transfer intellectual property to another affiliated company. The Dutch authorities stated: Threatened the future of Europe’s chip production capacity and subsequently dismissed Wingtech Chairman Zhang Xuezheng as CEO.
In retaliation, China ceased exports from all Nexperia factories and warned that this embargo could lead to the closure of production lines at EU car manufacturers within days.
The continuing lockdown jeopardizes the supply chain, as numerous Nexperia products produced in Europe—including wafers used to manufacture chips—were typically sent to factories in China for packaging and distribution.
Nexperia’s interim CEO, Stephen Tilger, stated on Sunday that shipments to its Dongguan factory in Guangdong province have been halted due to a “direct result of local management’s recent failure to comply with agreed contractual payment terms,” according to excerpts first released by Reuters.
Nexperia remains optimistic about resuming shipments and is hoping to de-escalate the situation. A source familiar with the developments indicated that shipments might recommence once contractual payments are made. Additionally, the company will continue sending products to its Malaysian facility, which is smaller than the Chinese one.
Automakers are expressing concerns over potential disruptions caused by shortages of crucial components essential for modern vehicles.
The automotive sector faced severe semiconductor shortages following the coronavirus pandemic, but it was not Nexperia’s lower-cost power control chips that were impacted—it was more advanced chips. The company usually ships over 100 billion items annually, utilized in various applications from airbags and adjustable seating to side mirrors and central locking.
Nissan Motor Co. announced this week that it has sufficient chips to last until early November, while competitor Honda reported halting production at its Mexican facility. Mercedes-Benz described its situation as “manageable” in the short term, yet is exploring alternatives. Volkswagen suggested that its annual profit goals could be compromised without adequate chip supply.
Conversely, Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, informed reporters at an auto show in Tokyo on Friday that it is not experiencing significant supply challenges, even though production might ultimately be affected.
EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčović aims to initiate further discussions with Chinese officials following meetings in Brussels with both Chinese and EU representatives to address the export ban on Nexperia and restrictions on rare earth minerals supply.
Additionally, on the same day, the bloc’s technical commissioner Hena Virkunen met with Nexperia’s interim leader after discussions with European chip manufacturers Infineon, ST, and NXP the previous day.
Post-meeting, he noted that discussions with Nexperia underscored the EU’s necessity for new tipping laws as three lessons identified from the ongoing crisis: enhanced visibility of chip inventory in the pipeline, the importance of investing in chip supply despite costs, and the need for reserve inventories.
“Diversifying stockpiles and supplies is crucial to our collective resilience,” she stated.
The German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) expressed concern on Thursday that without a swift resolution to the situation at Nexperia, it could lead to “significant production restrictions and even suspensions in the near future.”
Businesses in the UK are likely to be impacted as well. Nexperia manufactures some of its chip wafers at a plant established by Dutch company Philips in Manchester.
Previously, Nexperia owned another factory in south Wales but was blocked by the UK government from completing its acquisition of the Newport wafer factory due to national security concerns, given its ultimate Chinese ownership. Subsequently, US semiconductor firm Vishay Intertechnology acquired the factory in November 2023.
Wingtech has yet to respond to requests for comments.
Your iPhone’s AutoCorrect has been unusually erratic, unexpectedly altering words like: “Come” to “Cola” and “Winter” to “W Inter”. If you’ve encountered this, you’re not on your own.
Many online comments reveal that others share your frustrations. Hundreds of internet users express concern, fearing this issue might persist indefinitely.
Following the release of its latest operating system, iOS 26, in September, conspiracy theories began to emerge. A video showing a user’s iPhone keyboard changing “thumb” to “thjmb” has gained over 9 million views.
“Autocorrect manifests in various forms,” states Jan Pedersen, a statistician known for his pioneering work on autocorrect at Microsoft. “It’s somewhat challenging to identify the technology behind user predictions, as it operates beneath the surface.”
An early pioneer of autocorrect suggested that those seeking explanations may remain in the dark concerning this recent change, primarily due to Apple’s approach.
Kenneth Church, a computational linguist who developed foundational autocorrect techniques in the 1990s, remarked, “Apple’s operations have consistently been shrouded in secrecy. The company excels at maintaining confidentiality over most others.”
For several years, the internet has been buzzing about autocorrect issues, long before the launch of iOS 26. Notably, there is at least one significant distinction between today’s autocorrect and its earlier versions: the incorporation of artificial intelligence, or what Apple refers to as such. The introduction of iOS 17 brought “on-device machine learning language models” designed to adapt based on user input. However, this can encompass a variety of interpretations.
In response to inquiries from The Guardian, Apple stated that it has continually updated AutoCorrect using the latest technological advancements, asserting that the keyboard complications showcased in the video aren’t linked to autocorrect.
Autocorrect has evolved from earlier spell-checking technology, which originated in the 1970s. This initial spell-checking featured a primitive command in Unix that identified all misspelled words within a text file. It simply compared each word against a dictionary and alerted users to any discrepancies.
“One of my initial tasks at Bell Labs was to obtain the rights to the British dictionary,” Church recalls. He utilized these dictionaries during his early research into autocorrect and speech synthesis programs.
The task of autocorrecting words—such as suggesting “them” instead of “they” in real time—is far more complex. It involves mathematical calculations, wherein the computer statistically evaluates whether “graph” is more likely to refer to a giraffe (just a couple of letters apart) or a homophone like “graph.”
In more complex scenarios, autocorrect must discern if the actual words used align with the context. For instance, figuring out whether your teenage son excels at “math” rather than “meth.”
Until recently, cutting-edge technology relied on N-grams. This system was sufficiently effective that most users took it for granted. If I suspected that a unique name might not be recognized, I would replace any expletives with bland alternatives (a tactic that could be frustrating), or introduce randomness. This led to amusing text changes, like altering “I delivered the baby in a taxi” to “I devoured the baby in a taxi.”
In simple terms, an N-gram serves as a rudimentary version of contemporary LLMs like ChatGPT. They statistically anticipate what you’re inclined to say based on your previous words and common sentence completions. Various engineering approaches affect the data utilized by N-gram autocorrect, according to Church.
Yet, they are no longer at the forefront of technology. We have entered the AI era.
Apple’s innovative Transformer Language Model signifies a more advanced technology than conventional autocorrect, as Pedersen explained. Transformers represent significant progress behind models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, making these models more adept at handling human inquiries.
The implications for the new autocorrect remain ambiguous. Pedersen notes that whatever Apple incorporates will likely be significantly smaller than widely-recognized AI models, making it feasible for mobile devices.
However, grasping what is malfunctioning with the new autocorrect may prove more challenging than with prior models due to the inherent difficulties of interpreting AI.
“A vast domain of explainability and interpretability exists, and people desire clarity regarding how mechanisms operate,” Church stated. “Old methods can still yield insights into actual operations. The latest innovations appear somewhat magical—they outperform older systems, yet when they don’t function correctly, the results can be dire.”
Astronomers using ESO’s VLT Survey Telescope have captured a stunning image of a large nebula that strikingly resembles the silhouette of a bat.
This VST image reveals a gaseous cloud formed like a space bat. The vibrant red glow is produced by hydrogen atoms energized by the powerful radiation from young stars within the cloud. Notable features include RCW 94, which makes up the right wing, and RCW 95, which forms the body, though the remaining bat elements lack official designations. Image credit: ESO / VPHAS+ Team / VVV Team.
“Located about 10,000 light-years away, this ‘space bat’ navigates between the southern constellations Circinus and Norma,” ESO astronomers stated.
“It spans an area of the sky equivalent to four full moons, seemingly foraging in the illuminated spots above.”
“This nebula acts as a stellar nursery, a vast area of gas and dust where new stars are born.”
“The young stars emit sufficient energy to excite surrounding hydrogen atoms, causing them to produce the striking red hue evident in this captivating image.”
“The dark filaments of the nebula resemble the skeletal structure of our space bat.”
“These formations accumulate cooler, denser gas compared to their surroundings, with dust particles obstructing visible light from the stars behind.”
“Named for its extensive catalog of bright star-forming regions in the southern sky, the most prominent clouds are RCW94, representing the right side of the bat, and RCW95, forming the body; however, the other parts of the bat remain unnamed.”
This remarkable image was captured by ESO’s VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at the Paranal Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
“VST is ideally suited for capturing these large, eerie entities,” astronomers remarked.
“It features OmegaCAM, a cutting-edge 268-megapixel camera, enabling VST to photograph vast sections of the sky.”
“The image is a composite made from observations through various filters that capture different colors and wavelengths of light.”
“Most bat shapes, including the vivid red glow, were recorded in visible light as part of the VST Photometric Hα Survey of the South Galactic Plane and Bulge (VPHAS+).”
“Additional infrared data enhance the coloration of the densest regions within the nebula, obtained with ESO’s Visible Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) as part of the VISTA Variable of the Vía Láctea (VVV) survey.”
“Both surveys are accessible to anyone eager to delve into this limitless expanse of astrophotography.”
Paleontologists investigated a remarkably preserved and nearly mature Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton found in the Hell Creek Formation of Montana. Their findings suggest that this specimen exhibits traits similar to the holotype of Nanotyrannus and confirm that this lineage is distinct from tyrannosaurus.
A pack of Nanotyrannus daringly attacks a young tyrannosaurus rex. Image credit: Anthony Hutchings.
“This fossil turns decades of research on its head,” stated Dr. Lindsay Zanno, a researcher at North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
The researchers utilized tree ring data, spinal fixation, and developmental anatomy to show that the new specimen reached physical maturity at around 20 years.
Skeletal characteristics like larger forelimbs, more teeth, fewer caudal vertebrae, and distinctive skull neural patterns are established early in development and are biologically incompatible with tyrannosaurus rex.
“For Nanotyrannus to develop into a tyrannosaurus rex would contradict everything we know about vertebrate growth. That’s not just unlikely; it’s impossible,” remarked Dr. James Napoli, a researcher at Stony Brook University.
For years, paleontologists have incorrectly modeled tyrannosaurus growth and behavior using Nanotyrannus fossils.
This new evidence indicates that those studies were based on two entirely different species, suggesting that multiple tyrannosaurus species coexisted in the same ecosystem during the last million years before the asteroid impact.
As part of their study, Dr. Zanno and Dr. Napoli analyzed over 200 Tyrannosaurus fossils.
They found one skeleton, previously thought to represent a juvenile tyrannosaurus rex, that differed from the documented species Nanotyrannus lansensis, which is part of the renowned dueling dinosaur fossil.
The authors concluded that this specimen is a new species of Nanotyrannus, named Nanotyrannus letaeus.
The confirmation of Nanotyrannus implies that predator diversity during the final million years of the Cretaceous was far greater than previously understood, indicating that other small dinosaur species may also have been misidentified.
“This discovery provides a more complex and competitive view of the last days of the dinosaurs,” Dr. Zanno mentioned.
“With its massive physique, powerful bite, and stereoscopic vision, tyrannosaurus rex was indeed a fierce predator, but it did not dominate its environment without competition.”
“Darting together were Nanotyrannus — a slimmer, faster, more agile hunter.”
These findings were published in today’s edition of Nature.
_____
LE Zanno and JG Napoli. Nanotyrannus and tyrannosaurus coexisted at the end of the Cretaceous period. Nature published online October 30, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09801-6
“Enshittification,” much like “shrinkflation” and “greenwashing,” is a newly coined term that feels familiar, perfectly expressing a widespread yet subtle issue.
We’re acutely aware that websites and apps often deteriorate or become worse over time as their owners exploit users for profit. This is visible everywhere, from Instagram swapping your chronological feed for a mashup of influencer content to Apple compelling users to upgrade by limiting repair options.
Cory Doctorow introduced the term in 2022 and elaborated on it in his recent book. More information: Why everything suddenly went bad and what to do about it serves as both an analysis and a call to action.
The strategy behind enshittification is for platforms like Facebook to establish and provide excellent services. Users flock to them for convenience and enjoyment. The company then waits until we are deeply connected—friends, local groups, schools, etc.—making it cumbersome to leave.
Once the user base becomes substantial, advertisers get locked in as well. The company then shifts focus to profits, inundating services with ads and algorithms, leading to a decline in user experience. This creates pressure on advertisers. The platform then becomes toxic, primarily benefitting shareholders, and users find it difficult to quit. As Doctorow states, we are trapped in a decaying entity.
In the past, poor businesses would have faced market consequences. If a café serves bad coffee, we’d simply find another. Today, however, tech companies have formed monopolies, making substantial profits that allow them to sustain their dominance. They purchase competitors merely to shut them down, lobby for lenient regulations, and secure exclusive contracts. (For instance, Google pays Apple $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine in Apple’s Safari browser.)
Enshifted Companies that seemingly harvest excessive personal data expose industry secrets, knowing they’ll charge more for goods during paydays since consumers are less likely to negotiate. Or companies deploy algorithms to suppress gig economy wages or implement keystroke monitoring systems that alert supervisors when we pause typing.
Although these negative aspects aren’t entirely new to readers, consuming them in large quantities can leave a sour taste. They can even lead intelligent individuals to resent themselves for being misunderstood in various ways.
Indeed, the goal is simply to do what the company was designed to do: maximize profit. However, with advances in computers, algorithms, and the Internet, things have spiraled out of control, allowing for techniques far more sophisticated than those available just a decade ago.
Doctorow cautions that regulators meant to protect us are often outmatched by the companies they monitor. Yet, he firmly believes they are part of the solution.
While there have been favorable developments in the European Union and under President Joe Biden in the U.S., substantial work remains to be done, as tech companies may innovate ways to harm us more quickly than can be counteracted. We can demand more accountability from politicians, and well-crafted legislation supported by effective regulators can help.
However, the potential power of boycotts remains largely unaddressed—tech companies need us more than we need them. It’s feasible to abandon social media, favor local businesses, and utilize ethical search engines. The more individuals take such actions, the likelier others will follow.
Whether it pertains to travel, clothing, or food, many of us attempt to “vote” with our wallets. Perhaps it’s time we extend this practice to our online choices.
I didn’t think too much when I asked my partner to repeat what they said. But I found myself doing it again and again. Eventually, my audiologist confirmed that I had moderate high-frequency hearing loss due to years spent near loud noises in a war zone. I needed hearing aids. The options she presented were around $7,000.
The price tag had a greater impact on me than the diagnosis itself. In the U.S., hearing aids generally lack insurance coverage, requiring out-of-pocket payment. I found a feasible alternative at Costco, where I bought the Jabra Enhance Pro 20s for $1,600. It took a month for me to adapt to the digital adjustments, but I finally restored my ability to hear normally.
Now, there’s another possibility: Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249. They cater to 28.8 million Americans who require hearing aids but avoid them due to cost, stigma, or sheer obstinacy. The FDA gave the green light for its predecessor, the AirPods Pro 2, as an over-the-counter hearing aid in September 2024, and the new version is reported to provide even more fidelity. A friend gifted me a pair for my birthday, offering the ideal chance to evaluate their performance in everyday situations.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Photo: Provided by Amazon $249 on Amazon
$249 at Walmart
Nearly 50 million Americans see that only 16% of adults between 20 and 69 with some hearing loss have ever used hearing aids. The consequences can be severe: adults with hearing loss are 58% more likely to be unemployed and earn 25% less when they are. Untreated hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia, as highlighted by the 2020 Lancet Commission.
The average American tends to wait 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to seek assistance. Financial constraints are often the primary barrier to treatment, with traditional hearing aids running anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. Stigma also plays a role—no one relishes the idea of appearing older.
Assessing Hearing Loss
Photo: Club Photo/Getty Images
Before utilizing AirPods as a hearing aid, you can complete a 10-minute self-test to pinpoint the specific areas of hearing loss or upload the results of a professional audiogram from an audiologist. I had just undergone such an exam 18 months prior and compared the lab results to what Apple could offer.
My clinical examination indicated typical noise-induced damage: mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss, particularly at higher frequencies where consonants are detected. iPhone tests conducted in my quiet home office matched this pattern but with less intensity. My average loss registered at 33-34 dBHL (decibel hearing level), compared to 35-45 dBHL from my audiologist.
“AirPods won’t match the precision of calibrated devices in a testing booth, but they’re surprisingly effective,” noted Dr. David Zappala, president of the American Academy of Audiology. “The improvements from prior models and other devices are distinct…A standard audiogram can have a variation of plus or minus 5 dB, so a 10 dB difference falls within expected fluctuations.”
After a day of comparing my professional audiogram to the profile generated by Apple, certain distinctions emerged. The iPhone settings dulled some sibilance; the “s” sound lost sharpness, and hard consonants like “k” and “d” were slightly punchy. Still, conversational clarity remained intact. My partner noticed no differences in the sound of my voice, regardless of the device I was using.
Do AirPods Really Compete with Hearing Aids?
Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian
Sound quality: Jabras aim for “acoustic transparency,” enabling ambient sounds to blend seamlessly with enhanced audio, achieving a natural listening experience. They perform adequately in restaurant settings by distinguishing speech from background noise.
AirPods create what I refer to as “amplified reality.” The sound is bright and clear, yet retains a digital sheen that never completely subsides.
Battery life: No issues here. My Jabra lasts 24-30 hours on a single charge, while the AirPods last up to 10 hours. Although a quick 15-minute charge can extend usage by about 3 hours, it’s essential to consider your schedule regarding charging opportunities.
Occlusion effect: This effect results in a muffled sound when the ear canal is blocked, resonating within the skull and altering voice perception. Both devices seek to mitigate this issue, albeit in different ways.
Jabra design does not fully seal the ear, allowing external sounds to blend naturally with the amplified audio. On the other hand, AirPods close off the ear, requiring all incoming sounds, including one’s voice, to undergo digital processing, potentially making it sound overly loud.
Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian
Social recognition: Jabra is nearly invisible, with a small clear wire extending into my ear from a discreet component behind my ear. My partner mentions that people need to be looking carefully to even notice them.
Conversely, AirPods are quite noticeable. Most people assume I’m listening to music, but there are instances when they hesitate to engage with me, thinking I could either be busy with music or on a call. Once I’ve clarified that I’m using them as a hearing aid, conversations flow as usual, often with surprise over AirPods’ capabilities.
Real-World Limitations
In noisy environments: At social gatherings and bars, Jabra effectively manages overlapping dialogues, while AirPods might unintentionally amplify the wrong audio or create confusion amid multiple conversations.
Music: It’s no surprise that AirPods outperform Jabras in music performance. AirPods leverage the same audiogram to enhance media streaming. Listening to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, each instrument stood out vividly; whereas Jabra rendered music resembling a small AM radio, which didn’t meet my expectations. But then again, that’s not their primary function.
Cost
My $1,600 Jabra package included three years of complimentary tune-ups, cleaning, and customer support. In contrast, AirPods ($249) lack any professional assistance. If you can’t adjust the amplification to match your specific hearing loss, you’re left with only Apple’s algorithms and some trial and error.
Who Should Buy What?
Photo: Christopher Allbritton/The Guardian
Consider AirPods Pro if:
You have mild to moderate hearing loss.
You need occasional situational support rather than all-day use.
You frequently use an iPhone or AirPods.
You want to test hearing aids before committing significant funds.
Stick with traditional hearing aids if:
You have moderate to severe hearing loss.
You need batteries that endure all day.
You can afford higher costs.
You want professional support.
If You’re Unsure, Give Them a Try
While AirPods Pro 3 aren’t flawless hearing aids, at $249, they serve as an excellent first choice for the 28 million Americans who haven’t sought treatment for hearing loss. They are accessible, budget-friendly, and help reduce stigma.
I primarily rely on my Jabra, a specialized device made for one purpose. However, I keep AirPods handy for music and calls, and occasionally, I prefer something that doesn’t sit deeply inside my ear canal. Sometimes, you can achieve 80% effectiveness for just 15% of the price.
If you think you could benefit, I encourage you to try them. You might catch a distant chat with your grandchild or a joke you missed at a dinner gathering.
“When I suggest them, I’m guiding people to opt for an easy first step,” Zappala states. “Try AirPods. There’s minimal risk in terms of money or time. Even if they fall short, you’ll still enjoy your music.”
Claire North’s ‘Slow Gods’ tracks deep space pilots
Shutterstock/Vadim Sadovski
If you aim to stay updated on the fresh wave of science fiction hitting bookstores this November, you’ll need to be quick. New Scientist columnist Emily H. Wilson emphasizes the necessity of reading Claire North’s Slow Gods, and I’m inclined to trust her judgment (look for her review in next week’s edition). Additionally, I’m bracing myself for Rebecca Thorne’s chilling tale of a zombie-like virus aboard a submarine (talk about claustrophobia!). Grace Walker’s Merge has a central theme that terrifies me. This feels like a spooky month in the sci-fi realm. Yet, I also anticipate a poignant read about the extinct Great Sea Cow titled Sea Beasts, described as heart-wrenching and beautiful, devoid of any supernatural terror.
Emily H. Wilson has expressed her strong appreciation for this sci-fi novel. In my experience, it’s rare to encounter a science fiction columnist advocate for a book so passionately. This story illustrates the death and rebirth of deep space pilot Maukana na Vdnadze, exploring a supernova that “obliterated planets and devastated civilizations.” As Emily notes in her upcoming column, “Read this book. If you enjoy science fiction, it’s essential.” She consistently emphasizes value, and so do I.
Sea Beasts Written by Iida Turpeinen, translated by David Huxton
While not precisely science fiction, this tale delves into fictional interpretations of science. My fascination with sea cows began in childhood through Willard Price’s Adventure. The narrative kicks off in 1741, with naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller embarking on an expedition to identify a sea route between Asia and America, where he discovers the Steller’s sea cow. Then, in 1859, the governor of Alaska dispatched men to unearth the skeleton of a massive marine mammal that vanished a century earlier, with restoration efforts beginning in 1952.
Illustration of an extinct giant sea cow
FLPA/Alamy
Though it may seem to tiptoe into the realm of fantasy, the publisher has likened it to a novel by Karian Bradley known for its time travel elements. The narrative unfolds within a library named “Jikoku,” filled with books containing the memories of individuals traversing the timelines between the post-war and Cold War periods in the U.S. At just 11, Lisavette finds herself trapped there, maturing into a world learned solely through the memories of the deceased. It becomes clear that government agents are infiltrating these times to eradicate memories that counter the official narrative…
We previously covered this novel during its self-publication in 2022, when our then-sci-fi columnist Sally Addie expressed enjoyment. Now endorsed by a major publisher, it seems laden with thrilling prospects and just the right amount of scare for the Halloween season, prompting me to finally dive in. A force known as the Anti-Meme preys on the book’s characters’ most treasured memories, covertly robbing them of their experiences while they remain unaware of the looming conflict.
Ice Written by Jacek Dukaj, translated by Ursula Phillips
Following the asteroid Tunguska’s 1908 impact, Russia unravels in a deadly winter. As the land succumbs to freezing temperatures, inhabitants flock to cities for survival. This extreme cold catalyzes a transformation of natural elements into bizarre new forms, spawning unique laws of physics.
Frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia
Shutterstock/Mura Tart
Amelia’s mother, Laurie, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition deteriorates, Amelia opts into the world’s first experimental fusion treatment designed for Alzheimer’s patients. Laurie’s consciousness merges with Amelia’s, creating a singular identity. Together with other participants, they are placed in a luxurious rehabilitation facility known as The Village…yet all is not as it appears. Frankly, the notion of treatment options alone is unsettling.
Featuring themes of zombies, submarines, and maritime horror, Nix and Kessandra delve into a massacre in an underwater city. As they descend, Kessandra unveils the truth: a disease has triggered the massacre, transforming individuals into mindless killers, and it’s on the rise…
Within this narrative lies an interdimensional conflict described as “one of the most savage the multiverse has confronted” (and it indeed is brutal). We follow Beth, a teacher-turned-rebel, alongside a keen gun-slinging hero, Wakeful Slim. Unlike prior tales in Pandominion’s universe, this story stands alone, crafted by the author of The Girl with All the Gifts (a must-read zombie novel).
An extradimensional war is occurring on Outlaw Planet by MR Carey
Shutterstock/Framestock footage
This monumental sci-fi narrative, Sun Eater, follows Hadrian Marlowe as he navigates life on the run from the Extrasolarians and the Soran Empire, whom he betrayed.
While not a new release, this 10th anniversary edition of humanity’s struggle for survival on a terraformed planet includes a special short story by Tchaikovsky, providing both enjoyment for fans and a perfect refresher for those new to the tale.
Described as an online cult phenomenon, this marks its inaugural English print edition. The narrative examines “the potential and pitfalls of human evolution,” delving into the author’s insights on genetic manipulation and the effect of colonizing Mars, accompanied by illustrations from Kosemen. Tchaikovsky himself described it as “a remarkable blend of scientific acumen and creativity.” Quite intriguing.
This thrilling high-concept story promises excitement. In a world governed by AI, everything comes to a halt right after your loved ones reveal their darkest secrets.
This compilation of Shusterman’s short stories boasts a stunningly surreal cover and introduces readers to a realm where bats block the sun and a glacial life force resurrects the dead.
The innovative material is remarkably strong, capable of stopping bullets with a 1.8-millimeter-thick sheet, surpassing Kevlar and potentially setting a new standard for fabric strength.
Bulletproof vests functionality relies on dissipating the energy of projectiles through an intricate network of interconnected fibers. Kevlar’s composition consists of aramid fibers, which are polymers recognized for their exceptional strength. However, under extreme pressure, these chains can slip, which limits their protective capabilities.
For the last six years, Jin Chang and researchers from Peking University in China have focused on creating materials that outperform Kevlar and Dyneema, another renowned polyethylene fiber claimed to be the strongest fabric in the world.
“Extremely high dynamic strength and toughness are essential for textile materials used in impact protection applications,” notes Zhang. “This includes ballistic armor, vehicles, and aircraft.”
His team has pioneered a technique to align carbon nanotubes with aramid polymer chains to prevent molecular slippage. “Our new fiber surpasses all previously noted high-performance polymer fibers,” asserts Zhang. “Our fabric is entirely superior to Kevlar.”
The new invention is described as an “engineered carbon nanotube/heterocyclic aramid composite,” according to Zhang, who aims to create a catchy name similar to Kevlar in the future.
This material outperforms Kevlar, achieving the same ballistic protection with significantly less fabric. Zhang explains that each layer is roughly 0.6 millimeters thick and can slow a bullet’s speed from 300 meters per second to 220 meters per second. “Based on energy absorption calculations, about three fabric layers can halt a bullet,” resulting in a total thickness of 1.8 mm. In contrast, Kevlar would need to be at least 4 mm thick for equivalent protection.
Julie Cairney and her team at the University of Sydney in Australia have called the combination of aramid fibers and aligned carbon nanotubes revolutionary.
“This strategy could lead to the development of other innovative composite materials,” Cairney states, also highlighting that this manufacturing approach is compatible with existing industrial methods, indicating promise for scalable production and practical implementation.
“For personal and military protection, these materials have the potential to create lighter and more effective body armor, enhancing safety while maintaining mobility,” she adds.
Depiction of a teenage girl with a Neanderthal mother and a Denisovan father
John Bavaro Fine Art/Science Photo Library
This marks the second occasion researchers have successfully retrieved the complete genome of Denisovans, an ancient human lineage that inhabited Asia. The DNA was sourced from a tooth estimated to be 200,000 years old, discovered in a Siberian cave.
The genome indicates that there were at least three distinct groups of Denisovans, each with unique histories. It also suggests that early Denisovans intermixed with an unidentified ancient human group as well as a previously unknown Neanderthal population.
“This research is groundbreaking,” asserts David Reich from Harvard University.
“This study significantly broadened my perspective on the Denisovan ecosystem,” states Samantha Brown from the National Center for Human Evolution Research in Spain.
Denisovans were first described solely via their DNA. Finger bones retrieved from Denisova Cave in Siberia exhibited DNA distinct from both modern humans and Neanderthals found in western Eurasia. Genomic analysis indicates Denisovans mated with modern humans, with populations in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, carrying Denisovan DNA.
Since their initial discovery in 2010, researchers have found that: a small number of Denisovans also originated from East Asia. In June, a skull unearthed in Harbin, China, was confirmed as Denisovan through molecular evidence, providing the first insight into their physical appearance. However, despite DNA fragments being recovered from various specimens, only the original specimen yielded a high-quality genome.
Researchers led by Stéphane Pèregne from Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology has introduced an additional researcher. (Pèregne declined to comment as the study is pending peer review.)
In 2020, a team of researchers discovered a male Denisovan molar tooth and sequenced its entire genome from the preserved DNA.
The researchers estimated this individual lived around 205,000 years ago, judging by the number of genetic mutations and comparing them with other ancient human genomes. This timeframe aligns with findings that the deposits containing the teeth are dated between 170,000 to 200,000 years old. In contrast, the other high-quality genome belongs to Denisovans who lived between 55,000 and 75,000 years ago, revealing an earlier chapter in Denisovan history.
The researchers suggest that at least three distinct Denisovan populations likely existed, based on comparisons from various Denisovan cave sites. The oldest group comprised the individuals whose teeth were analyzed. Many millennia later, a second group supplanted this earlier population in Denisova Cave.
“Comprehending how early Denisovans were supplanted by subsequent groups underscores pivotal events in human history,” says Qiao Meifu from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in China.
A third group, absent from the cave, still interbred with modern humans as suggested by genetic testing. Thus, all Denisovan DNA present in modern humans derives from a Denisovan group about which little is known.
The new genome illuminates the fact that Denisovans mated repeatedly with Neanderthals, who resided in and around the Denisovan Cave. Notably, this genome also contained traces of Neanderthals who lived between 7,000 and 13,000 years prior to Denisovan individuals. These traces do not align with any known Neanderthal genomes, indicating that the Denisovans interbred with a Neanderthal group yet to be sequenced.
Moreover, it’s probable that Denisovans also mated with an as-yet unidentified ancient human group that evolved independently of both Denisovans and modern humans for hundreds of thousands of years. One possibility is Homo erectus, the earliest known human species to migrate out of Africa and inhabit regions as far as Java, Indonesia. However, no DNA has been retrieved to confirm this.”H. erectus, so certainty remains elusive.
“It’s endlessly fascinating to uncover these new populations,” Brown remarked.
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