A new genus and species of pachycephalosaur dinosaur has been identified by paleontologists from five fossil specimens found in the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation in Montana, USA.
Reconstructing the life of Brontothorus harmony. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge / CC BY 4.0.
This newly identified dinosaur roamed North America during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 million years ago.
Named Brontothorus harmony, this ancient herbivore measured around 3 meters (10 feet) in length.
It is classified within the Pachycephalosauridae, a family of bipedal, dome-headed dinosaurs belonging to the ornithischian clade Pachycephalosauria.
“Pachycephalosaurs are a unique ornithischian clade characterized by distinct morphological features,” stated paleontologist D. Carey Woodruff, Ph.D., from the Philip Patricia Frost Museum of Science and the Museum of the Rocky Mountains, along with colleagues.
“These traits include bipedalism, heterodentary dentition, ossification of the caudal muscular septum, as well as the distinctive thickened frontoparietal dome and decorated skull.”
“Most pachycephalosaurid species are primarily known from cranial remains, making the anatomy, functional morphology, and phylogenetic significance of the frontoparietal dome particularly intriguing for paleontologists.”
“This clade is exclusively identified from Late Cretaceous Asia and western North America, with the latter showcasing a more diverse assemblage of pachycephalosaur species.”
“The oldest North American species is the Santonian variant, Acrotorus odeti, and this group evidently diversified during the middle to late Campanian period, resulting in a wealth of presently recognized species.”
A total of 5 specimens attributed to Brontothorus harmony were unearthed in the Two Medicine Formation located in Glacier County, Montana.
“This new species represents the first pachycephalosaur discovered from the Two Medicine Formation,” the paleontologists noted.
The notable dome structure of Brontothorus harmony positions it as the third largest pachycephalosaur in North America.
“Phylogenetic analyses indicate that this new species is significantly distinct from both Stegoceras and Pachycephalosaurus,” the researchers remarked.
“Thus, this species is not closely related to Stegoceras or Pachycephalosaurus.”
“This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the morphology and diversity of pachycephalosaurs but also highlights that this clade included relatively large species sizes during the early Middle Campanian.”
The finding of Brontothorus harmony is detailed in a paper published on October 9, 2025, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society.
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D. Cary Woodruff et al. 2025. The first pachycephalosaurs from the Late Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation: Influence of the Western Interior Seaway on the evolution of North American pachycephalosaurs. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 205 (2): zlaf087; doi: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf087
A significant piece of what seems to be space debris has been found in a secluded area of the Australian desert, as confirmed by the nation’s space agency on Monday.
The burnt, smoldering object was located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, according to the Australian Space Agency. While its exact nature and origin remain unclear, officials suspect it is likely a decommissioned rocket component.
The Australian Space Agency stated, “The debris is probably a propellant tank or pressure vessel from a launch vehicle.” This was mentioned in a post on X.
Details regarding the size or weight of the object were not disclosed, but the agency is collaborating with local authorities and other space organizations to investigate and ascertain “the precise nature of the debris and its origin.”
NBC News reached out for additional information, but the agency did not respond immediately.
Workers from a nearby mine stumbled upon the object on Saturday along a remote access road. As reported by Sky News, local officials do not believe the debris poses any risk to public safety. NBC News has yet to verify these details independently. (Sky News is a division of Comcast, the parent organization of NBC News.)
Various government space agencies and private companies frequently incinerate malfunctioning rocket parts or satellites in the atmosphere as a method of disposal. However, some debris can withstand the intense conditions of reentry. Despite this, it’s relatively uncommon for space debris to land on land, and even rarer for it to fall in populated regions, given that much of Earth is ocean.
Recently, however, experts have voiced concerns regarding the escalating issue of space debris, particularly with the increase in orbital launches.
Last summer, a 90-pound piece of space debris was found on a hiking trail in North Carolina and was later identified as part of the service module of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, which returned four astronauts to Earth from the International Space Station earlier that year.
In March 2024, a 1.6-pound metal fragment crashed through a home in Naples, Florida. Follow-up investigations determined that the debris originated from a cargo pallet that was released from the International Space Station to burn up in the atmosphere.
There are tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of smaller fragments, cluttering Earth’s low orbit, the critical area where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate. These objects can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, jeopardizing spacecraft functionality and endangering astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Due to these concerns, experts have long cautioned against the overcrowding of space. NASA and other space agencies are investing in research and technology demonstrations aimed at cleaning up substantial amounts of debris in orbit.
The Australian Space Agency reiterated its commitment in a statement to the long-term sustainability of space activities, which includes debris mitigation, and continues to advocate for this issue on the international stage.
Immune-related changes occur in the breast after breastfeeding
Svetlana Repnitskaya/Getty Images
Breastfeeding has long been linked to lowering the risk of breast cancer. However, the precise mechanisms behind this effect remain elusive. Recent studies reveal that women who breastfeed possess a higher presence of specialized immune cells in their breasts that might inhibit malignant immune cells.
The exact reasons remain partially understood, but are believed to involve alterations in breast tissue and hormonal exposure. To investigate further, Shereen Roy and colleagues at the Peter McCallum Cancer Center in Victoria, Australia, examined breast tissue from 260 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, aged 20 to 70. These women varied in their maternal status and breastfeeding experiences, with none having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“We discovered that breastfeeding mothers have a greater quantity of specialized immune cells known as CD8+ T cells, which can persist in breast tissue for decades after childbirth,” says Roy. “These cells serve as local defenders, poised to combat abnormal cells that may lead to cancer.” In certain instances, these cells remained present for up to 50 years.
The researchers also investigated mice, some of which underwent a complete cycle of pregnancy, lactation, and breast recovery during the weaning of their pups. Their mammary tissue was analyzed 28 days later, by which point the mammary glands had reverted to their pre-pregnancy state. Other mice had their pups taken away shortly after birth, or they were not pregnant at all.
The study revealed that completing a full lactation cycle significantly increased the accumulation of specialized T cells in mammary tissue, a phenomenon not observed in the other mice. When triple-negative breast cancer cells, known for their aggressive nature, were transplanted into the mammary gland tissue, tumors developed much more slowly in mice that had experienced lactation. However, depleting these T cells led to rapid tumor growth.
The researchers also analyzed clinical data from over 1,000 women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer post at least one full-term pregnancy. They found that women who breastfed exhibited tumors with a higher density of CD8+ T cells. “This indicates that the body’s immune response against breast cancer is active and ongoing,” notes Roy.
After considering other risk factors linked to breast cancer mortality, such as age, the researchers noted that women who breastfed had substantially longer overall survival. However, the variability in the data made it challenging to determine whether the duration of breastfeeding impacted this outcome.
“These findings have significant implications for understanding why certain women possess a more inherent protection against aggressive breast cancer and how we might develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies in the future,” Roy explains. However, she emphasizes that the choice to breastfeed is personal, not feasible for everyone, and may not always prevent breast cancer development.
Daniel Gray, along with researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Medical Research Institute in Victoria, highlighted that one of the study’s strengths was the analysis of multiple groups of women. “This lays the groundwork for future research that may elucidate how CD8+ T cells retain ‘memory’ of breastfeeding,” he comments.
For the first time, astronomers have witnessed the real-time formation of a ring system. This particular ring encircles Chiron, a comet-like entity that orbits the sun between Saturn and Uranus. Each time you observe Chiron, its rings will appear slightly varied.
While Chiron is not the first small celestial body to display rings, it joins the ranks of the asteroid Chariklo and the dwarf planets Haumea and Quaor, which also possess small ring systems. These rings were identified using a technique called stellar occultation, where observations are made as an object passes in front of a distant star, allowing scientists to create a map of how that star’s light is obstructed by the surrounding material.
“Only about 20 objects have been observed through stellar occultations, so having four of them identified with rings represents a robust statistic,” says Bruno Sicardi from the Paris Observatory in France. “Given the countless bodies in existence, it stands to reason that hundreds of ring systems should be out there.” He anticipates that more will be discovered in the years ahead.
Sicardi and his team analyzed the 2023 occultation of a star to decode the structure of the ring surrounding Chiron. While earlier findings hinted at the existence of three rings, the new observations reveal an extra disk of material encircling those rings, extending farther from Chiron’s surface, along with an entirely new ring previously unseen.
“Nature presents us with rings in their developmental stages, which is a fortunate scenario for us. Unlike the rings of Saturn, Uranus, or even Chariklo, which generally stay consistent, we are witnessing something dynamic,” Sicardi remarks.
Rings can form through various processes, and observing their formation can deepen our understanding significantly. As Christian Pereira from the National Astronomical Observatory of Brazil notes, “[This could] unveil the specific conditions that facilitate the formation, persistence, and eventual disappearance of rings, which may ultimately elucidate why such systems are typically found only in the frigid, icy areas of the solar system.”
TA few years back, I turned my fixed workspace into a dynamic setup with rotating tables at airport terminals, train stations, and cafés. As a freelance journalist constantly in transit, I’ve discovered that having the right equipment not only simplifies travel but is essential for sustaining this fast-paced lifestyle. Luckily, being a technology critic allows me to test an array of travel gear.
From coastal towns in Asia to corporate trips across the US and Europe, these items are perfect for packing light, staying productive, and keeping your sanity intact. Regardless of whether you work from a backpack or just want to stay connected during your vacation, there’s something here for you.
Item Trackers
When you’re on the move, losing track of your backpack, wallet, or smartphone is inevitable. An item tracker can assist in swiftly locating missing belongings during those nerve-wracking moments of panic.
Apple users can depend on AirTag, while Android users might lean toward Chipolo, which is compatible with both systems. I prefer the Chipolo Pop for its extra functionalities. It can also serve as a remote button for your camera and offers an option to locate your phone by pressing it twice.
Apple AirTag
Photo: Provided by Apple $24.99 on Amazon$29.00 at Apple
Chipolo Pop
Photo: Provided by Chipolo $29.00 at Chipolo$29.00 on Amazon
I also recently started using the new Chipolo Loop. With USB-C charging, there’s no need for frequent battery replacements. Additionally, I appreciate the slim Nomad Tracking Card in my wallet for the same convenience, although it’s only compatible with iOS and also supports wireless charging.
Chipolo Loop
Photo: Provided by Chipolo $39.00 at Chipolo$39.00 on Amazon
Nomad Tracking Card
Photo provided by: Nomad Goods $29.00 at Nomad$29.00 on Amazon
Peak Design Packing Cubes
Photo: Provided by Peak Design
Though organization isn’t my strong suit, I initially had little interest in packing cubes until I tried Peak Design’s. Captivated by the compact size of the small cubes, I eagerly opted for the larger ones too. They feature intelligent designs to keep you organized while traveling.
For instance, they come with dual compartments to separate clean from dirty clothes, alongside a compression zipper for when you need extra space. Peak Design claims their packing cubes will withstand years of use; I’ve been using mine for about two years without any issues.
$23.96 on Amazon$29.95 at Peak Design
Moment Tech Organizer
Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian
If you find yourself with an abundance of small gadgets, the Moment Everything Tech Organizer is designed to keep you organized. It offers specific compartments for wires and pockets tailored for your GoPro and Insta360 batteries. Its low-profile design ensures that it won’t bulk up your backpack, plus the dual-layer, waterproof ripstop fabric guards against moisture.
Currently $60.00$40.00 on Amazon
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 fit me perfectly and deliver exceptional audio along with surprisingly efficient active noise cancellation (ANC). I appreciate the stem design that allows control over playback, ANC, volume, and accessing my voice assistant without being intrusive. They have aided my sleep during multiple long-haul flights. Currently, I’m testing the new Apple AirPods Pro 3, which may be a comparable option; however, at $249 (currently reduced to $189), they represent a more significant investment.
Photo: Provided by Apple $249.00 at Apple$249.00 on Amazon
Insta360 X5 360 Degree Action Camera
Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian
While I use Ray-Ban Meta glasses for first-person videography, they’re not suitable for adventurous outings. That’s where the Insta360 X5 excels. It captures 360-degree footage in 8K resolution, offering a unique angle that standard phones or sunglasses cannot compete with. The latest version boasts enhanced low-light capabilities, intuitive in-app editing, and an interchangeable lens design, allowing you to replace a damaged lens without hassle. Although pricey, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to document their travels in an innovative way.
I own a white Casio G-Shock 2100 series GA-2100-7A7, which I take on every adventure. From surf lessons at Mantra Surf Club in India to kayaking in Sri Lanka to work-related trips in the US and Europe, this G-Shock has been the perfect companion. It’s sporty, comfortable, easy to switch time zones with just a few button presses, and delivers a premium feel at a budget price.
$110.00 at Casio$110.00 at Reed’s Jewelers
Apple MacBook Air M4
Photo: Prakhar Khanna/The Guardian
For years, the Apple M2 MacBook Air has been my most dependable laptop, particularly for battery life and user-friendliness. I recommend the M4 model for its enhanced power and value as we approach 2025. As a digital nomad, I need a lightweight laptop that’s readily available, and the MacBook Air exceeds both criteria. Windows enthusiasts would likely recommend the Asus Zenbook A14; it’s even lighter and has a superior battery life than the Apple laptops.
Apple MacBook Air M4
Photo: Provided by ASUS $899.00 at Apple$899.00 at Apple
Study participant measuring reading capacity post-retinal implant
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Individuals experiencing significant vision impairment can regain the ability to read, thanks to a compact wireless chip implanted in one eye along with advanced glasses.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent condition that impacts central vision and tends to progress over time. While the precise cause remains unknown, this condition arises from damage to the light-sensitive photoreceptor cells and neurons located in the central retina, leading to difficulties in facial recognition and reading. Available treatments are primarily designed to slow down the progression.
An advanced form of AMD referred to as geographic atrophy typically allows individuals to retain some photoreceptor cells that facilitate peripheral vision, along with sufficient retinal neurons to relay visual information to the brain.
Leveraging this capability, Daniel Palanker and his team at Stanford University in California created the PRIMA device. This system includes a small camera mounted on the glasses, which captures images and projects them through infrared light onto a 2-by-2-millimeter solar-powered wireless chip implanted at the rear of the eye.
The chip then transforms the image data into electrical signals, which the retinal neurons transmit to the brain. Infrared light is employed for this process as it is invisible to the human eye, thereby ensuring it does not interfere with any remaining vision. “This allows patients to utilize both the prosthesis and their peripheral vision simultaneously,” explains Palanker.
To evaluate its efficacy, researchers enlisted 32 participants aged 60 and above, all suffering from geographic atrophy. Their visual acuity in at least one eye was below 20/320—meaning they could see what a person with 20/20 vision could see at 320 feet (97.5 meters) only at 20 feet (6 meters).
The team initially implanted a chip in one of the participant’s eyes. After a waiting period of four to five weeks, the volunteers began using the glasses in their everyday activities. The glasses enabled them to magnify their view up to 12 times and adjust brightness and contrast as needed.
After a year of using the device, 27 of the participants managed to read again and recognize shapes and patterns. They also noted an average improvement of five lines on a standard eye chart compared to their initial findings. Some participants were able to achieve 20/42 vision.
“Witnessing them progress from reading letters to full words brought immense joy to both sides. One patient expressed, ‘I believed my eyes were irreparably damaged, but now they’re revitalizing,'” shares Jose Alan Sahel from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
While stem cell therapy and gene therapy may potentially restore vision lost due to AMD, these approaches are still in early experimental trials. PRIMA stands out as the first artificial eye designed to restore functional vision in individuals with the condition, allowing them to perceive shapes and patterns.
Approximately two-thirds of the volunteers experienced temporary side effects, such as increased intraocular pressure, as a result of the implants; however, this did not hinder their vision improvement.
Comparison of a trial participant’s eye (left) and eye with retinal implant (right)
Science Co., Ltd.
“This research is both exciting and significant,” remarks Francesca Cordeiro from Imperial College London. “It provides hope for delivering vision improvements that have previously seemed more like science fiction.”
The improved visibility experienced by participants is limited to black and white. “Our next objective is to develop software to provide grayscale resolution and enhance facial recognition,” states Palanker. Nevertheless, researchers do not anticipate achieving color vision in the near future.
Palanker also aims to increase PRIMA’s resolution, which is currently constrained by pixel size and the total count that can be included on a chip. Testing a more advanced version in rats is underway. “This current version equates to human vision of 20/80, but electronic zoom can enable vision as sharp as 20/20,” he explains.
Families and survivors involved in pro-suicide forums are urging for a public inquiry into the government’s inaction regarding online safety issues.
This demand follows a report revealing that a coroner had expressed concerns about suicide forums to three government departments at least 65 times since 2019.
The report also indicated that methods promoted via these platforms are associated with at least 133 deaths in the UK, including the youngest identified victim, only 13 years old.
The analysis, released by the Molly Rose Foundation—established after the tragic loss of 14-year-old Molly Russell in November 2017—stemmed from a comprehensive review of coroner reports aimed at preventing future fatalities.
Their findings stated that the Department of Health and Social Care, the Home Office, and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology all neglected to heed warnings from coroners about the risks posed by pro-suicide forums.
In correspondence to the Prime Minister, the Survivors’ Group for Preventing Online Suicide Victims expressed their “disappointment regarding the sluggish governmental response to an urgent threat, despite numerous alerts to safeguard lives and mitigate harm.”
The letter stated: “These failures necessitate a legal response, not only to comprehend the circumstances surrounding our loved ones’ deaths but also to avert similar tragedies in the future.
“It’s critical to focus on change over blame, to protect vulnerable youth from entirely preventable dangers.”
Among the letter’s signatories is the family of Amy Walton, who succumbed after engaging with pro-suicide material online.
The foundation is advocating for a public inquiry to examine the Home Office’s inadequacies in enforcing stricter regulations on harmful substances and Ofcom’s lack of action against the threats posed by pro-suicide forums.
Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, emphasized that the report highlights how the government’s ongoing failures to protect its vulnerable citizens have resulted in numerous tragic losses due to the dangerous nature of suicide forums.
He remarked: “It’s unfathomable that Ofcom has left the future of a forum that aims to manipulate and pressure individuals into asserting their own lives at risk, rather than quickly and decisively moving to legally shut it down in the UK.”
“A public inquiry is essential to derive crucial lessons and implement actions that could save lives.”
The push for an inquiry has the backing of the law firm Leigh Day, which represents seven clients who have experienced loss.
A government spokesperson stated:“Suicide impacts families deeply, and we are resolute in our commitment to hold online services accountable for ensuring user safety on their platforms.
“According to online safety regulations, these services must take necessary actions to prevent access to illegal suicidal and self-harm content and safeguard children from harmful materials promoting such content.
“Moreover, the substances involved are strictly regulated and require reporting under the Toxic Substances Act. Retailers must alert authorities if they suspect intent to misuse them for harm. We will persist in our investigation of hazardous substances to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.”
A spokesperson for Ofcom remarked: “Following our enforcement initiatives, online suicide forums have implemented geo-blocking to restrict access from users with UK IP addresses.
“Services opting to block access for UK users must not promote or support methods to bypass these restrictions. This forum remains under Ofcom’s scrutiny, and our investigation will continue to ensure the block is enforced.”
Images generated by AI depicting extreme poverty, children, and survivors of sexual violence are increasingly populating stock photo platforms and are being utilized by prominent health NGOs, according to global health specialists who raise alarms over a shift towards what they term “poverty porn.”
“They are widespread,” shares Noah Arnold from Fair Picture, a Switzerland-based organization dedicated to fostering ethical imagery in global development. “Some organizations are actively employing AI visuals, while others are experimenting cautiously.”
Arseni Alenichev, researcher states, “The images replicate the visual lexicon of poverty: children with empty plates, cracked earth, and other typical visuals,” as noted by researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp specializing in global health imagery.
Alenichev has amassed over 100 AI-generated images depicting extreme poverty intended for individuals and NGOs to use in social media initiatives against hunger and sexual violence. The visuals he provided to the Guardian reflect scenes that perpetuate exaggerated stereotypes, such as an African girl dressed in a wedding gown with tears on her cheeks. In a comment article published Thursday, he argues that these images represent “poverty porn 2.0”.
While quantifying the prevalence of AI-generated images is challenging, Alenichev and his team believe their usage is rising, driven by concerns regarding consent and financial constraints. Arnold mentioned that budget cuts to NGO funding in the U.S. exacerbate the situation.
“It’s evident organizations are beginning to consider synthetic images in place of real photographs because they are more affordable and eliminate the need for consent or other complications,” Alenichev explained.
AI-generated visuals depicting extreme poverty are now appearing abundantly on popular stock photo websites, including Adobe Stock Photography and Freepik when searching for terms like “poverty.” Many of these images carry captions such as “Realistic child in refugee camp,” and “Children in Asia swim in garbage-filled rivers.” Adobe’s licensing fees for such images are approximately £60.
“They are deeply racist. They should never have been published as they reflect the worst stereotypes about Africa, India, and more,” Alenichev asserted.
Freepik’s CEO Joaquín Abela stated that the accountability for usage of these extreme images falls upon media consumers rather than platforms like his. He pointed out that the AI-generated stock photos come from the platform’s global user base, and if an image is purchased by a Freepik customer, that user community earns a licensing fee.
He added that Freepik is attempting to mitigate bias present elsewhere in its photo library by “introducing diversity” and striving for gender balance in images of professionals like lawyers and CEOs featured on the site.
However, he acknowledged limitations in what can be achieved on his platform. “It’s akin to drying the ocean. We make efforts, but the reality is that if consumers worldwide demand images in a specific manner, there’s little anyone can do.”
A screen capture of an AI-generated image of “poverty” on a stock photo site, raising concerns about biased depictions and stereotypes.
Illustration: Freepik
Historically, prominent charities have integrated AI-generated images into their global health communication strategies. In 2023, the Dutch branch of the British charity Plan International will launch a video campaign against child marriage featuring AI-generated images including that of a girl with black eyes, an elderly man, and a pregnant teenager.
Last year, the United Nations released a video that showcased the AI-generated testimony of a Burundian woman who was raped and left for dead in 1993 amidst the civil war. This video was removed after The Guardian reached out to the UN for a statement.
“The video in question was produced over a year ago utilizing rapidly advancing tools and was taken down because we perceived it to demonstrate inappropriate use of AI, potentially jeopardizing the integrity of the information by blending real footage with nearly authentic, artificially generated content,” remarked a UN peacekeeping spokesperson.
“The United Nations remains dedicated to supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including through innovative and creative advocacy.”
Arnold commented that the rising reliance on these AI images is rooted in a long-standing discussion concerning ethical imagery and respectful storytelling concerning poverty and violence. “It’s likely simpler to procure an off-the-shelf AI visual, as it’s not tied to any real individual.”
Kate Kaldle, a communications consultant for NGOs, expressed her disgust at the images, recalling previous conversations about the concept of “poverty porn” in the sector.
“It’s unfortunate that the struggle for more ethical representation of those experiencing poverty has become unrealistic,” she lamented.
Generative AI tools have long been known to reproduce—and at times exaggerate—widely-held societal biases. Alenichev mentioned that this issue could be intensified by the presence of biased images in global health communications, as such images can circulate across the internet and ultimately be used to train the next wave of AI models, which has been shown to exacerbate prejudice.
A spokesperson for Plan International noted that as of this year, the NGO has “adopted guidance advising against the use of AI to portray individual children,” and that their 2023 campaign employed AI-generated images to maintain “the privacy and dignity of real girls.”
He is among the most prolific writers in the publishing world, averaging over one novel each year. Yet, even Michael Connelly, the acclaimed author behind the popular “Lincoln Lawyer” series, expressed concerns about keeping pace with the evolving narrative around AI.
Connelly’s eighth installment in the series, set to debut on Tuesday, revolves around a lawsuit targeting an AI firm after its chatbot advised a 16-year-old boy to kill his unfaithful ex-girlfriend.
As he penned the story, he observed the rapid technological advancements transforming society, raising fears that his storyline might soon be outdated.
“You don’t need to be a genius to see that AI signifies a monumental shift impacting science, culture, medicine, and more,” he stated. “Its influence will permeate every facet of our existence.
“However, in many respects, it resembles the Wild West, devoid of any regulatory framework. With AI progressing so swiftly, I even wondered if my book would feel antiquated upon release.”
The Lincoln Lawyer series is a LA-based thriller featuring defense attorney Mickey Haller, who operates from a Lincoln car. The series was adapted into a 2011 film starring Matthew McConaughey and also has a Netflix rendition.
Matthew McConaughey in “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Photo: Moviestore/Rex Shutterstock
Once again, The Proving Ground draws from actual events within the series.
“There was an incident in Orlando, where a teenager took his own life after allegedly being encouraged by a chatbot, and previously in the UK, a person suffering from mental health challenges also committed suicide,” Connelly remarked. I was encouraged [by a chatbot] to jump over the walls of Windsor Palace in search of the queen with a bow and arrow.”
On the novel’s theme, he added: “Is free speech a privilege for humans or machines? In the Orlando case, a judge ruled that machines lack human rights. Yet, it raises an intriguing question: Could AI ever be granted similar rights as humans?”
At 69, Connelly stands out as a leading crime novelist, with more than 89 million copies of his books sold, often topping bestseller lists. He is also recognized for the “Harry Bosch” series, which was transformed into an Amazon television series. (In his fictional universe, Haller and Bosch are half-siblings.)
The author himself has faced challenges posed by AI. He is part of a collective of writers, including Jonathan Franzen, Jodi Picoult, and John Grisham, suing OpenAI over copyright violations.
“The Authors Guild contacted me and informed me that my entire body of work had been utilized to train OpenAI’s chatbot,” Connelly disclosed. “I didn’t authorize this. If unchecked, every publisher risks extinction. Authors would lack protection over their creative assets. The lawsuit aims to establish necessary regulations across all applications.”
He referenced the 1997 defeat of chess champion Garry Kasparov by IBM’s Deep Blue as a pivotal moment that has led to our current predicament. When asked if writers might follow suit as grandmasters have, he replied, “It’s conceivable, yet I doubt it would enhance our world.”
“Creative domains are under threat from all directions. Even actors are at risk. The prevalence of remarkable deepfakes in Los Angeles raises considerable concern in the entertainment sector.”
“I consistently revert to the term soulless,” Connelly expressed. “You can perceive it, yet something vital is missing.”
Controversy has arisen following AI Talent Studio’s announcement of its latest “AI actor,” Tilly Norwood, with actors and unions harshly criticizing the initiative.
AI-generated “actor” Tilly Norwood in an AI-generated image. Illustration: Reuters
Connelly has committed $1 million (£746,000) to combat the growing trend of book bans in his home state of Florida. He felt compelled to act after learning that Harper Lee’s “A Story of Alabama,” which had a significant impact on him, was temporarily removed from classrooms in Palm Beach County.
“That book was instrumental in my development as a writer. Without it, I wouldn’t have created ‘The Lincoln Lawyer,'” he noted. He was also taken aback when Stephen Chbosky’s impactful novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which holds deep significance for his daughter, faced a ban.
He and his wife, Linda McCaleb, are financial supporters of PEN America’s Miami office that combats book bans. “It’s run by legal professionals who typically intervene by filing injunctions against the school board,” he explained. “No one has the right to tell a child, ‘You can’t read’ or impose restrictions on parental guidance over their children.”
Nearly two years ago, during the COP28 climate summit in the heart of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, nations committed to begin “transitioning our energy systems away from fossil fuels” to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the global share of energy sourced from fossil fuels has stubbornly remained over 80 percent, consistent with trends from previous decades.
Due to our inability to decarbonize, researchers now believe we have set off Earth’s first “tipping point,” a significant shift in climate that cannot be easily reversed. Current ocean temperatures are alarmingly high, putting coral reefs at risk of widespread death (see page 9).
What obstacles are impeding the energy transition? While there isn’t a straightforward answer, it is often noted that a select few companies, predominantly fossil fuel corporations, are responsible for the majority of emissions. Criticism of such statements is easy, as they deflect responsibility away from consumers who utilize this energy.
“
Major tech companies are minimizing earlier promises to achieve net zero “
However, it is reasonable to critique oil and gas firms that tout their ecological initiatives yet fail to follow through. Many of these companies promote their renewable energy investments, but in reality, their contributions to future energy production remain minimal (see page 16).
Regrettably, the situation appears poised to worsen before it improves. Encouraged by the Trump administration, numerous oil and gas companies have vowed to boost production, while significant players in other sectors, like tech, are downplaying their net-zero commitments.
Next month, governments are set to convene once more to deliberate on climate policy at COP30 in Brazil. While military action is unlikely from the United States, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has yet to confirm his participation. At this juncture, it’s reasonable to question whether any politicians or business leaders genuinely regard the climate change threat seriously. If they do, they must start demonstrating that urgency through action.
The undeniable truth is that SXSW Sydney, now in its third year, continues to be a hub for technology, music, and film in Austin, Australia, surrounded by brands. On Saturday, families attending a complimentary children’s concert navigated through the vibrant yellow CommBank Tour Zone, while queues formed at the enormous L’Oréal tent. Yet, just a short distance away in the gaming hall of the International Convention Center, the brand’s presence was noticeably subdued.
As the global gaming sector grapples with an ongoing recession, major studios remain cautiously distant from Australia due to the high cost of living. Even amidst a conference buzzing with brand synergy, indie developers took the spotlight. Large development teams were scarce; the majority of projects showcased were from solo creators or small partnerships. Reflective of the broader Australian gaming landscape, these indie developers were impressively ambitious.
A still from Mixtape, the new game developed by Melbourne’s Beethoven and Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive. Photo: Beethoven and Dinosaurs/Annapurna Interactive
Australia’s two standout titles in the showcase, though still feeling somewhat subdued, gained significant attention. SXSW’s Game of the Year, Mixtape, from veteran developers Beethoven and Dinosaur (who brought us the delightful psychedelic adventure The Artful Escape in 2021) and the mid-sized American publisher Annapurna Interactive, tells a humorous ’90s coming-of-age story blending Edgar Wright-type comedy with the animation style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Set to release later this year, the game promises a nostalgic journey through the joy of youth. Imagine Devo downhill skating on a lazy afternoon with cassette tapes playing in the background. Think of headbanging to Silverchair on a road trip or sneaking booze into parties while evading cops with erratic shopping carts. My 20-minute demo left me beaming, with at least one standout joke causing a fit of laughter.
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In contrast, the concept behind Pro Jank Footy emerges. Co-creators David Ashby and Tyler Roach, known from the series Danger 5, have cautiously ventured into gaming with support from film distributor Umbrella. This game offers a whimsical, arcade-style take on AFL reminiscent of SNES-era sports titles. After each goal, the losing team selects one of three comical power-ups (like attacking seagulls, oversized players, or resetting the score to zero) before the game resumes. During a live demonstration at Tumbalone Park, hosted by Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly, who also features in the game, a small audience of families gathered, while a few brave souls took to the stage, risking embarrassment for the chance to win a scarf and seemed to enjoy themselves.
Aunty Donna’s Broden Kelly engaging with the audience during Pro Jank Footy’s live stage demo at SXSW Sydney. Photo: Samuel Graves/SXSW Sydney
Highlights emerged even from games featuring less ambitious concepts. One standout was the dynamic shooter Hyper Primate, where you embody a monkey, armed with various makeshift wooden guns, battling other animals in pursuit of a colossal floating banana. While the game has an intentionally rough aesthetic, the movement mechanics felt incredibly refined as you zoomed through jungle arenas.
Another impressive title was a solo project called Huedini, an exhilarating top-down game where you swiftly match colors to evade and consume enemies and obstacles. Even a brief gameplay session revealed that its seemingly simple mechanics could evolve into mind-bending complexity.
The Victorian Government’s strong backing for indie developers continues to yield benefits, with several projects funded by VicScreen, including Huedini. Other notable selections from this group included Way to the Woods, a stunning adventure game where you guide a deer and fawn endowed with light powers through a verdant city, and a captivating puzzle game, Letters to Arralla, where you decipher photo-based addresses in a serene island community populated entirely by root vegetables. South Australia also showcased a robust lineup, including Pro Junk Footy and a satisfying minimalist cube-rolling puzzle game, Toya, which felt like a serene reprieve amidst a bustling exhibition floor.
A still from Way to the Woods by Melbourne developer Onepixel.dog. Photo: Onepixel.dog
Even international participations largely embraced the grassroots ethos of the showcase. While most games, except for Sony’s Ghost of Yourei, weren’t playable, the discussions garnered good attendance. Exceptional projects from small teams included A Week in the Life of a Non-Social Giraffe, a point-and-click puzzle game centered on social anxiety from the U.S., Abyss X Zero, a 3D action game akin to Zelda from Brazil, and Crescent County, a pastel-themed broom racing simulator from a UK developer.
A recurrent critique of SXSW Sydney has been its pricing, with the least expensive one-week access pass costing over $100. This year, however, the final day’s exhibition entry was free, resulting in a vibrant crowd of families and children. Highlights included party games like Cow Chess, a project by a Sydney-based duo that bore no resemblance to cows or chess and felt like a fusion of Terry Gilliam’s Worms and Super Smash Bros., and Chained Beasts, a co-op Roman gladiator game where all players are interconnected by chains.
In truth, the plethora of indie games presented made it impossible to experience them all in a single day. While SXSW Sydney might be marked by corporate branding efforts, the indie spirit undeniably thrives, particularly in the realm of video games.
Although modern humans are thought to have driven Neanderthals extinct, it was not simply through conflict or violence. New research indicates that the genetic incompatibility from interbreeding between the two species may have led to increased chances of pregnancy failure in hybrid mothers. This genetic mismatch could also provide insights into some contemporary pregnancy failures.
Studies in genetics reveal that there was ongoing interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals around 50,000 to 45,000 years ago. While Neanderthals became extinct approximately 41,000 years ago, remnants of their DNA endure in modern humans of non-African ancestry, accounting for about 1 to 2 percent of their genetic makeup.
Interestingly, no mitochondrial DNA from Neanderthals is found in modern humans. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively from the mother, as it is carried only in the egg cell, not in sperm.
Patrick Eppenberger and his team at the University of Zurich in Switzerland propose a possible reason for this phenomenon. They suggest that mothers with Neanderthal and Homo sapiens ancestry faced a higher probability of pregnancy loss due to genetic mismatches between their genes and those of the developing fetus.
Variations of the gene Piezo 1, crucial for oxygen transport in the bloodstream, existed among Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The researchers conducted analyses on DNA from both groups and constructed models of how the PIEZO1 protein interacted based on these differences. They also experimented with human red blood cells in laboratory settings, simulating effects caused by Neanderthal genes.
The findings revealed that the Neanderthal variant V1 of red blood cells exhibited a stronger binding affinity for oxygen compared to the V2 variant of Homo sapiens. The dominance of V1 implies that individuals inheriting both V1 and V2 would have red blood cells highly efficient at oxygen transport.
This suggests that a fetus conceived from a Neanderthal and a Homo sapiens mother could have been healthy, but complications might have arisen in the subsequent generations. A hybrid mother carrying a fetus with two copies of V2 would struggle to deliver sufficient oxygen through the placenta, potentially stunting fetal development and heightening miscarriage risks.
In their study, Eppenberger and colleagues assert that such incompatibilities could have led to lower fertility rates among Neanderthals. They wrote, “Over thousands of years of cohabitation, even minimal gene flow from modern humans into Neanderthal populations may have gradually introduced reproductive disadvantages that intensified over generations.”
This situation was likely less problematic for Homo sapiens, as their population numbers were significantly greater. Even though Neanderthal DNA could likely integrate through paternal lines, V1 variants would be swiftly purged by natural selection. This could clarify why Neanderthal nuclear DNA has persisted in some humans, while their mitochondrial DNA has not.
Researchers also pointed out that, while modern human mitochondrial DNA does not come from Neanderthals, instances of similar mutations in the Piezo 1 gene can still result in unexplained miscarriages today due to gene incompatibilities between mothers and fetuses.
Sally Wassef from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, remarked that the newfound understanding of second-generation incompatibilities offers valuable insights. “Even minor reproductive disadvantages can lead small populations below their replacement levels, triggering declines and potentially leading to extinction in vulnerable environments,” she notes.
“However, I view this finding as merely one piece of a larger puzzle,” she adds. “While its impacts are subtle, there are likely other ecological and social factors at play.”
Laurits Skov at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark shared that multiple elements likely contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals, including climate change, the emergence of modern humans, small Neanderthal populations, new disease introductions, and genetic incompatibility.
Skov further expressed skepticism about the notion that this disparity in oxygen affinity stems from a singular mutation within the Piezo 1 gene, as proposed by the researchers.
“Further research is essential to accurately evaluate the implications of this mutation and the effects of differing maternal and fetal gene profiles,” he emphasizes, “as well as to determine its potential role in Neanderthal extinction.”
Neanderthals, Ancient Humans, and Cave Art: France
Join New Scientist’s Kate Douglas on a captivating journey through time, exploring significant Neanderthal and Upper Paleolithic sites in Southern France, from Bordeaux to Montpellier.
Stop motion adventure Out of Words was one of the standout announcements during this year’s Summer Game Fest. Unlike traditional games crafted from code, Out of Words is uniquely made from clay, fabric, and glue. It’s genuinely a hand-crafted love story that even caught the attention of Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima, who expressed, “This is the biggest compliment we can imagine,” according to game director Johan Oettinger.
Oettinger has aspired to create stop-motion video games since he was 12, when he experienced the ’90s point-and-click claymation gem, The Neverhood. After years immersed in film, commercials, and installation art, Out of Words emerged as a project that flawlessly merged these two lifelong passions.
A world of handmade things…I can’t even put it into words. Photo: Epic Games
The process of giving life to clay is as exceptional as the game itself. With a robust team of 40 in Aarhus, Denmark, they have developed a custom scanner and photogrammetry pipeline to capture these artisanal assets. The Unreal Engine is fused with stop-motion cutscenes where animators maneuver puppets at 12 to 24 frames per second. “Something magical happens when real materials embody a character… [it] offers an authenticity that renders the characters more relatable than any other storytelling medium,” says Oettinger.
This implies the studio is as immersed in glue, wood, and clay as it is in coding. “Absolutely! We’re more likely to be humming our favorite Disney songs than working in pin-drop silence,” adds game developer Mariano Pugliese. “There’s a shared passion among the puppeteers who transform wood and steel into characters, just like the CG artists who refine game settings.”
The narrative of Out of Words revolves around two young characters, Kurt and Kara, on the brink of discovering their first love. “I aim to narrate a story that reflects the moments when you crave the right words to convey to someone you love, which is almost impossible, especially in your early teens,” Oettinger shares. “That moment transforms into a profound inner journey of light and shadow… In our tale, that journey is mirrored between two characters as they seek the right words, ultimately hoping to emerge from the game hand in hand.”
Castings made from clay…it’s beyond words. Photo: Epic Games
Out of Words is a collaborative two-player adventure that can be played either in person or online, with the protagonists’ journey mirroring the players’ evolving relationships.
“The cooperative element is fundamental to the game design,” emphasizes design lead Jeff Sparks. “Players will guide Kurt and Kara through a world filled with unexpected challenges, experiencing every high and low together.” While trust is central to the theme, the cooperative gameplay reflects the growth of the bond between the characters.
Even the most unusual puzzles are rooted in emotion. One distinct puzzle features a giant clay face, which Sparks elaborates on: “When Kurt and Kara near his mouth, they wiggle around, almost as if they are tickling his lips. While it serves as a rather elaborate door, the creativity and mechanics layered on top of it breathe life into it like I’ve never witnessed before.”
Ultimately, Out of Words is not just a game but an exploration of human connection. “You must treasure the incredible experience of expressing your love to someone for the very first time,” Oettinger remarks. “Our dream is for this experience to forge a deep connection between the two players.”
Their aspirations are high: “We want this experience to be memorable for a lifetime.” And what could be more fitting for a hand-crafted game than the moment you finally reach out and pick it up?
Access to clean water can be challenging in isolated areas
Kornienko Alexander/Alamy
A hand-cranked bottle could transform the availability of safe drinking water in areas affected by disasters and in off-grid communities.
Xudeng professors at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu are committed to developing a straightforward approach to eliminate bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, as well as parasites from water.
“We often faced the same challenges in decentralized water treatment,” says Deng. “Most point-of-source (POS) solutions need electricity or ample sunlight and are labor-intensive.”
In areas without grid access and during emergencies when standard systems fail, an invention was required to disinfect water using a simple one-minute manual action.
Their method utilizes spherical silica nanoparticles coated with amine-based compounds that acquire a positive charge in water, along with gold nanoparticles that become negatively charged when agitated.
“Imagine a hand-cranked bottle filled with a small quantity of a synthetically made sand-like powder,” Deng explains. “A few turns of the handle induce a gentle shear in the water, activating the nanoparticles.”
As water flows over the gold and amine nanoparticles, it generates an electric charge that produces oxidizing agents known as reactive oxygen species.
“These reactive oxygen species puncture the membranes of microorganisms, rendering the pathogens incapable of survival or reproduction,” Deng states. “When agitation ceases, the powder naturally separates from the water, allowing clean water to flow out of the outlet.”
The research team evaluated the device against 16 highly infectious pathogens known to pose significant public health threats, achieving a reduction rate of 99.9999%. A similar level of reduction was noted for Escherichia coli in just 15 seconds of stirring at 50°C and for cholera bacteria in one minute. In total, it inactivated over 95 percent of all tested microorganisms.
Deng mentioned that the device is still in the proof-of-concept phase, so researchers haven’t yet established how many liters of water it can purify.
“What we do know is that after each cycle, the same set of particles can be collected and reused,” he adds. “Moreover, once charged, this system provides prolonged defense against recontamination for several hours.”
Since the quantity of gold nanoparticles used is minimal, their expense is negligible, with the primary cost attributed to the silica powder and plastic casing.
Chiara Neto from the University of Sydney in Australia expressed her admiration for the scientific advancement and novel applications of nanoparticles in disrupting pathogen cell membranes. “It’s a brilliant and impressive piece of work.”
A significant internet disruption has impacted numerous websites and applications globally, with users experiencing difficulties connecting to the internet due to issues with Amazon’s cloud computing service.
The affected services include Snapchat, Roblox, Signal, and Duolingo, along with various Amazon-owned enterprises, including major retail platforms and the Ring doorbell company.
In the UK, Lloyds Bank and its associated brands, Halifax Bank and Bank of Scotland, were impacted, with HM Revenue & Customs also facing challenges accessing their website on Monday morning. Additionally, Ring users in the UK reported non-functioning doorbells on social media.
In the UK alone, there were tens of thousands of reports concerning issues with individual applications across various platforms. Other affected services include Wordle, Coinbase, Slack, Pokémon Go, Epic Games, PlayStation Network, and Peloton.
By 10:30am UK time, Amazon indicated that the issues, which began around 8am, were being addressed, as AWS showed “significant signs of recovery.” At 11 a.m., they confirmed that global services linked to US-EAST-1 had also been restored.
Amazon reported that the problems originated from Amazon Web Services on the East Coast of the U.S. AWS, which is a division providing essential web infrastructure and renting out server space, is the largest cloud computing platform worldwide.
Shortly after midnight (8am BST) in the U.S., Amazon acknowledged “increased error rates and latencies” for its AWS services in the East Coast region. This issue seems to have caused a worldwide ripple effect, as the Downdetector site logged problems from multiple continents.
Cisco’s Thousand Eyes service track internet outages reported a surge in problems on Monday morning, particularly in Virginia, where Amazon’s US-East-1 region is based, noting that AWS confirmed the start of the issues.
Leif Pilling, director of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm Sophos, stated that the outage seems to be an IT-related issue rather than a cyberattack. The AWS Online Health Dashboard identified problems with DynamoDB, a database system facilitating data access for websites.
“During events like this, it’s natural for concerns of a cyber incident to arise,” he noted. “Given AWS’s extensive and complex footprint, any issue can trigger considerable disruption. It appears that this incident originates from an IT problem on the database side, which AWS prioritizes resolving promptly.”
Dr. Colin Cass Speth, head of digital at human rights organization Article 19, pointed out that the outage underscores the risks of concentrating digital infrastructure in the hands of a few providers.
“There is an urgent need to diversify cloud computing. The infrastructure supporting democratic discourse, independent journalism, and secure communication should not rely solely on a handful of companies,” she stated.
The British government reported that it was in touch with Amazon concerning the internet disruption on Monday.
A spokesperson remarked: “We are aware of an incident affecting Amazon Web Services and several online services dependent on its infrastructure. Through our established incident response structure, we are in communication and working to restore services as quickly as possible.”
If you’ve ever stepped outside to find your newly planted flower bed overturned or your vegetable garden ravaged, you can relate to my frustration. From inquisitive foxes to hungry squirrels, garden mammals wreaking havoc on your carefully nurtured plants can challenge the patience of any gardener.
This is why garden centers are filled with all sorts of deterrents, from motion-activated ultrasound devices to intimidating steel traps and even bags of dried lion dung to safeguard your precious plants. But what if a simpler, more affordable, and gentler solution lies within your spice rack: chili powder? Is this popular gardening hack truly effective?
The concept is straightforward. Like humans, garden mammals respond to capsaicin, the spicy component found in chili peppers. When it binds to receptors in your mouth and skin, it elicits the familiar burning sensation, making you steer clear of the treated area.
You may wonder why chili pepper plants are adorned with bright, attractive fruits filled with aromatic compounds, while this unpalatable molecule is part of the mix. That’s because birds lack these specific receptors. They are immune to capsaicin. Researchers suggest that chili pepper plants have evolved to produce capsaicin as a selective deterrent to keep mammals from damaging chili seeds during digestion, while allowing birds, which help disperse the seeds, to consume them without issue.
Capsaicin is so effective that it is added to birdseed to prevent squirrels from consuming it. It also deters rats and mice from raiding poultry feed, having effects on rodents that consume and destroy wildflower seeds and nests of rare ground-nesting birds.
For larger animals such as deer and badgers, the results appear less definitive. A 2005 UK field trial revealed that European badgers favored food without capsaicin but couldn’t entirely avoid it over time, nor did they learn to steer clear of it like they do with other deterrents. Given that badgers are known to dig up and consume wasp and ant nests, it’s not surprising that a little chili pepper doesn’t phase them too much, considering.
Now, regarding the complexities. These trials can be hard to compare due to the varying forms of capsaicin utilized, including pure chili powder, chemical coatings, or purified extracts. Moreover, capsaicin is not water-soluble, meaning it doesn’t wash away easily with rain. However, it biodegrades readily, so multiple applications may be necessary, especially for those with low tolerance to its effects. Recurrent exposure can increase sensitivity.
The bottom line? Chili powder serves as a safe, natural, and cost-effective method to deter mammals from your garden. By employing the hottest types of chili powder and rotating them, you can avoid habituation and apply them as needed, while keeping the rest for culinary uses.
James Wong is a botanist and science writer with a keen focus on food crops, conservation, and the environment. Educated at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he hosts over 500 houseplants in his compact apartment. You can follow him on X and Instagram @botanygeek.
Ken Liu’s newest novel, everything we see and feel, explores the enigmatic disappearance of a professional dream weaver named Ellie in a near-future setting, framed as a cyberpunk thriller.
Full disclosure: I typically don’t seek out thrillers or cyberpunk, so I might not be in the book’s target demographic. However, I was drawn to this story since Liu is renowned not only for his writing but also for his exceptional translation of works such as memories of earth’s past Trilogy by Liu Cixin.
In Liu’s portrayal of the near future, where personal AI is omnipresent, Ellie thrives as she employs AI to craft collaborative dream experiences for a legion of enthusiasts. To her, this work constitutes art, and she’s immensely proud of it.
Then, without forewarning, Ellie awakens one night and leaves her beloved husband. She vanishes, only to be claimed by a gang that asserts they are holding her captive. Did Ellie uncover something perilous during a dream session that jeopardized her safety? Could it be that the gang is simply manipulating AI to fabricate a deepfake of her?
“
Ellie utilizes personal AI to orchestrate a communal dream experience for thousands of devoted followers. “
Ellie’s husband Piers, a mild-mannered lawyer with hidden depths, is resolved to win her back. He seeks assistance from a once-renowned hacker known as Julia Z, convinced that Ellie wouldn’t have merely vanished without a word, unless it was to safeguard him.
Together they embark on a quest as Julia and Piers attempt to uncover the truth surrounding the missing Dreamweaver. Meanwhile, various antagonists threaten their safety. While the adventure unfolds, much of the action revolves around detailed portrayals of online activities. I must say, the sequence in which Julia and her AI helper decode the clues about Ellie’s fate is genuinely thrilling.
Julia’s intricate online operations are vividly envisioned, providing a realistic glimpse into how AI might be utilized in the not-so-distant future. I particularly enjoyed how she cleverly employs minor environmental details to solve puzzles or conceal her movements.
The biography accompanying my edition of the novel notes Liu as a consultant on futurism and technology, and his expertise clearly shines through in these sections. Anyone deeply invested in AI will likely appreciate this book.
However, personally, everything we see and feel didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped. The thriller elements lacked the expected excitement; the criminals often felt overly cartoonish. Furthermore, the offline portions of the plot came off as implausible, particularly in the lengthy conclusion.
There may also be an underlying challenge in setting a book so close to present events, making it difficult for general readers to discern what is feasible now. Constantly wondering, “Is this even possible?” can dim the enjoyment of speculative fiction. This might just be my perspective.
Nonetheless, regarding dandelion dynasty, let’s not overlook Liu’s considerable talent. I eagerly anticipate what he will produce next.
The connection may be tenuous, but reading Ken Liu’s book reminded me of this exceptional 1998 film featuring Gene Hackman and Will Smith. It was remarkably prescient in its portrayal of technology-driven surveillance methods, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
Emily H. Wilson is a former editor of New Scientist magazine and the author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The latest entry in the series, Ninshubar, has been published. You can find her at emilywilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1
mRNA vaccines show growing potential to revolutionize healthcare
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccination seems to offer an unexpected advantage: it may extend the lives of cancer patients by enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness.
A study analyzing about 1,000 individuals undergoing treatment for advanced skin and lung cancer revealed that those who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine within 100 days of starting treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor had nearly double the survival time compared to those who did not receive the vaccine during this period. Clinical trials to validate these findings are set to commence by year-end.
“The outcomes were astonishing,” states Elias Sayur, a researcher at the University of Florida. They speculate about the potential to develop an mRNA vaccine that enhances this immune response. “Could we craft a universal mRNA vaccine that activates the immune system across all cancer patients?” he muses. “The possibilities are extensive.”
However, is it advisable for someone just commencing checkpoint inhibitors to get a COVID-19 vaccine to improve treatment efficacy? “I am hesitant to provide clinical recommendations without concrete proof,” Sayur cautions. “Attempting to harness your immune system against cancer also carries risks,” he adds, urging adherence to established vaccine guidelines.
The rationale behind this finding lies in the immune system’s capacity to eliminate many cancers even before they escalate. Yet, some tumors evolve to obstruct this response. They achieve this by manipulating the “off switch” of T cells, which are responsible for destroying cancer cells. A well-known off switch is the protein PD-1 found on T cell surfaces.
PD-1 becomes inactive when it binds to a protein called PD-L1 on certain cell surfaces. This serves as a safety mechanism for cells to signal, “cease the attack, I am benign.”
Numerous cancers hijack PD-L1 by producing it in excessive amounts. Checkpoint inhibitors function by preventing PD-1 and other off switches from becoming activated. These treatments have significantly increased survival rates for conditions like lung cancer and melanoma, earning a Nobel Prize for their developers in 2018.
However, the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors varies significantly. When an individual’s immune system fails to react to the tumor by dispatching T cells for an attack, these drugs offer limited benefit.
Consequently, combining checkpoint inhibitors with vaccines that bolster the immune system’s tumor combat capabilities could prove to be more effective than either strategy used in isolation. Cancer vaccines are generally tailored to elicit a response to mutated proteins in cancer cells and are often personalized. “We are attempting to discern the unique aspects of their tumors,” Sayur explains. “It demands substantial time, funding, and complexity.”
During cancer vaccine trials, his team observed that the non-specific mRNA vaccine used as a control also exhibited remarkable effectiveness. “It was an absolute surprise,” Sayur remarks.
In July, Sayur and colleagues published findings indicating that mRNA vaccines enhance anti-tumor responses, even when not aimed at cancer-specific proteins, as revealed in studies in mice. Vaccines can initiate an innate immune response that acts like an alarm, energizing the immune system and prompting T cells to move from tumors to lymph nodes, where they rally other immune cells for a focused attack.
Recognizing this potential, Sayur and his team examined the medical records of patients treated at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Out of 884 advanced lung cancer patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors, 180 had received mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations within 100 days of initiating treatment. Those vaccinated survived for approximately 37 months, contrasting with roughly 20 months for those unvaccinated.
Furthermore, among 210 individuals with melanoma that had metastasized, 43 had been vaccinated within 100 days of starting checkpoint inhibitors. They had a survival time of around 30 to 40 months, compared to around 27 months for individuals who were not vaccinated in that time frame. Some vaccinated individuals remained alive at the time of analysis, indicating their survival may extend even longer. The research findings were shared at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress in Berlin, Germany.
Previous reports have suggested that after receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, a proportion of tumors exhibited shrinkage, indicating potential anti-tumor effects in certain cases even without checkpoint inhibitors. “It’s certainly a possibility, but further investigations are essential to fully understand,” comments Sayur.
The United States recently declared significant cuts in funding for mRNA vaccine development, despite the substantial benefits they have provided during the pandemic and the vast potential they hold for treatments beyond vaccines.
WThe inaugural stage adaptation of the globally acclaimed book and film series The Hunger Games is set to debut in London next week, offering fans an “emotional” and “immersive” adventure for those willing to shell out up to £200.
Located at Canary Wharf’s specially designed 1,200-seat Troubadour, the production will feature Hollywood star John Malkovich portraying the nefarious President Snow, who oversees a televised spectacle of mortal teenage combat. This event is part of a recent surge in launches aimed at tapping into the growing consumer appetite for experiential entertainment tied to successful franchises.
From escape rooms and ax throwing to slumber parties and the Secret Cinema’s recreation of iconic scenes from Back to the Future at Olympic Park, the market for innovative and unique outings is booming. Recent pop-up attractions have been linked to Minecraft, Jurassic World, and Squid Game.
With significant investment flooding into this sector, companies are increasingly counting on proven intellectual properties to draw crowds, often with varying degrees of success.
“We’ve examined numerous immersive experiences,” says Hollywood investor Chip Seelig, who supports Come Alive!, a theatrical venture inspired by the 2017 film “The Greatest Showman.” “Even prominent intellectual property does not assure success. Attracting an audience without a globally recognized IP is quite challenging. We see this as a crucial factor for success.”
Seelig’s TSG Entertainment co-financed and produced the blockbuster film. Before its release, he sought ways to bring it to life through real-world experiences and reached a rights agreement with 20th Century Fox, which is now part of Disney.
Disney also has plans to present its more traditional theatrical interpretation of The Greatest Showman, which is set to premiere at Bristol Racecourse in the spring.
While productions like Come Alive! have shown promise, successfully extending performances for another year at the former BBC Earth Experience site, the commercial viability remains uncertain due to the high costs associated with live productions.
The challenges faced by traditional theater serve as a cautionary tale for the emerging field of immersive entertainment.
A recent report by The New York Times highlighted that none of the 18 commercial musicals that premiered on Broadway last season turned a profit, with at least three that had budgets of $20 million (approximately £15 million) closing within four months of opening.
Since the pandemic ended, only 3 out of 46 new musicals not based on existing, familiar IP have turned a profit.
An additional hurdle for the still-nascent experiential industry is that the gold rush mentality has led many operators to launch events that often fall short of expectations.
Last year, an unofficial event dubbed the “Detroit Bridgerton Themed Ball,” priced between $150 and $1,000, went viral for the wrong reasons when attendees were seen sitting on the floor munching Kit Kats while watching a lone pole dancer perform.
Similarly, Glasgow’s poorly executed Willy Wonka Experience, advertised as a “festival of chocolate in all its delightful forms,” garnered negative global attention when it was abruptly canceled, prompting police involvement due to angry families who had spent hundreds of pounds on an event that left children in tears.
The current productions have faced criticism. Ticket prices for Elvis Evolution, which premiered at London’s Excel Center in the summer, range from £75 to £300. It was initially marketed as a concert experience featuring “AI and holographic projection of stars.”
The original promise of a “life-sized digital Elvis performing iconic moments from music history for the first time on a UK stage” ended up showcasing AI-generated “luxury archival footage.”
Layered Reality, the production company behind the show, admitted that the hologram had not been included by the time tickets went on sale but claimed to be “overwhelmed” by positive feedback from attendees.
One attendee described the experience as “absolutely awful,” while a VIP ticket holder labeled it “a shambles from start to finish.”
While some fans appreciated it—one enthusiast claimed to have “Loved every minute”—reviews remain mixed. The Telegraph awarded it one star, while Time Out provided a slightly more favorable three-star rating, noting a “fair amount of booing.”.
“The immersive arts and entertainment sector is certainly not on the verge of collapse,” declare analysts at Gensler Institute in their 2025 Immersive Entertainment & Culture Industry Report. “Nevertheless, confusion is beginning to arise as lesser quality offerings are filtered out.”
“The current trend in the industry is setting unrealistic expectations, exacerbated by a flood of AI-generated imagery and misleading marketing language.”
Gensler’s report estimates that the global immersive entertainment market is valued at £98 billion this year, with predictions of reaching £351 billion by 2030.
Little Lion Entertainment (LLE), responsible for the Crystal Maze live experience in London and Manchester based on the cult classic TV show from the 1990s, has secured a 10-year rights extension with production company Banijay.
“This isn’t just an expansion; it’s the start of a global adventure,” stated Tom Lionetti Maguire, founder and CEO of LLE. “We’re reimagining the Crystal Maze experience for future generations.”
The success of Secret Cinema, a pioneer in producing events themed around films and shows like Star Wars, Stranger Things, and James Bond, indicates that well-funded media executives remain optimistic about the future of this sector.
In September, news broke that Ari Emanuel, a Hollywood heavyweight who co-founded the US entertainment conglomerate Endeavor and currently leads World Wrestling Entertainment and Ultimate Fighting Championship, was nearing a deal to purchase the parent company of Secret Cinema.
Emanuel’s global events firm is close to finalizing an agreement with Todayics Group, a US-based digital ticketing company that acquired Secret Group in a $100 million transaction in 2022.
TodayTix co-founder Merritt Baer shared that the company opted not to launch any productions last year as it “reorganized and reimagined what our audiences want.”
“Many are throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks,” he noted. “If they fail to meet audience expectations, it can create lasting damage and erode trust in the sector.”
“Secret Cinema boasts a strong brand and heritage, emphasizing its commitment to quality and aiming for the upper echelons of its industry. Numerous savvy individuals recognize that the experience is where the past connects with the future.”
“Companies like Netflix, Apple, Amazon, and others have significantly elevated the standards for both the quality and quantity of content entering our homes. Producers of live theater and events must similarly elevate their offerings to entice audiences away from their living rooms.”
WMaheen was thrilled to discover a new Dyson Airwrap listed on the resale website Vinted for an attractive £260. The seller had a stellar 5-star rating, and she felt confident in the buyer protection policy should any issues arise.
Airwraps are typically priced between £400 and £480 when bought new, but Maheen didn’t suspect anything amiss. “I’ve used Vinted numerous times and found it straightforward and hassle-free. I’ve never faced any problems,” she states.
However, after two weeks and roughly four uses, she noticed a troubling sign. “I saw the wires beginning to smoke, and the device felt unsafe,” she explains. Maheen reached out to Dyson and was instructed to send the Airwrap in for inspection.
The news confirmed her worst fears. “I received a letter from [Dyson] informing me that the product is counterfeit. They wouldn’t return it to me as it posed a danger,” she shares.
Maheen’s experience is not isolated. Almost 37% of individuals in the UK have encountered scams while engaging in online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Vinted, according to research by credit reference agency Experian.
Younger individuals are particularly prone to this type of fraud, with over half (58%) of Gen Z respondents indicating they have fallen victim to scams, contrasted with only 16% of those older than 55.
Nearly a quarter of victims reported losses ranging from £51 to £100, while 13% faced losses exceeding £250. A small fraction indicated that their losses fell between £501 and £1,000.
The most prevalent type of fraud encountered was receiving counterfeit goods (34%), the same fate that befell Maheen. This was followed by sellers requesting payment outside the platform (31%) and items not being delivered after payment (22%).
Scam Scene
It may appear to be a genuine product, with descriptions providing a convincing facade. Over half (51%) of fraud victims told Experian that they only realized they were scammed after the item was delivered and was found to be fake, or if the item never arrived.
The images might be sourced from other websites, potentially low-resolution or resembling catalog photos.
The price could be set lower than expected; if you begin asking questions, the seller may rush you into making a purchase and propose payment outside of the Vinted platform.
What to Do
Always diligently review the seller’s profile and read customer feedback before making any purchases on the marketplace. Aim to gather as much information as possible regarding the product prior to buying. For instance, request sellers to provide videos of their items. To safeguard yourself, utilize secure payment methods and refrain from making bank transfers.
In the unfortunate event of a scam, report it to the marketplace and seek a refund. You may need to provide a screenshot of the conversation, details about the seller or buyer, and potentially bank transfer documentation.
Although Maheen’s two-day buyer protection period on Vinted had elapsed, she believed she would reclaim her money since the item was hazardous. Nevertheless, she found it “incredibly difficult to communicate with them.”
She remarks: “It felt like I was conversing with a bot.”
With assistance from Guardian Money, she has now received her refund.
A representative from Vinted stated: “The vast majority of transactions on Vinted are successful, and our team is actively working to ensure a smooth trading experience for all members.”
“When disputes occur between buyers and sellers, we collaborate closely with our shipping partners, occasionally seeking further information or evidence to mediate before reaching a final decision.”
If appealing directly to the marketplace is unsuccessful, there are alternative steps you can take.
If you used a debit card, consider requesting a chargeback from your bank. If you paid via credit card, explore the option of a Section 75 charge, which is only applicable for purchases exceeding £100. For bank transfers, the process may be more complex, but you could be eligible for a refund using a new method. Fraud Refund Protection.
This was the day SolarWinds, a software company, learned it had been hacked by Russia.
As the chief information security officer, Brown quickly grasped the impact. The hack could potentially affect any of the company’s more than 300,000 customers globally.
The breach enabled hackers to remotely access systems of customers using SolarWinds’ Orion networking software, which included the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and numerous businesses and public organizations.
Brown mentioned he was “running on adrenaline” during the initial days following the breach.
Amid full-time remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company’s email system was compromised, rendering it unusable for internal communication.
“We stopped taking calls, and everyone came into the office for COVID-19 testing,” Brown recalled. “I lost 25 pounds in about 20 days. I just kept going.”
He has been featured on CNN and 60 Minutes, along with major newspapers.
“The world is on fire. We’re working to inform people about what is secure and what isn’t.”
Brown indicated the company moved to Proton email and Signal during the email breach, as he received calls from companies and government entities worldwide, including the U.S. military and the COVID-19 vaccine initiative, Operation Warp Speed.
“People prefer spoken communication to written communication. That’s a crucial lesson. You can document things, but people want personal interaction,” said Brown during a talk at Cybercon in Melbourne.
“They want to hear the nuances, so it’s vital to be ready for that kind of response.”
How did the cyberattack unfold?
The notification of the breach came via a call from Kevin Mandia, the founder of cybersecurity firm Mandiant, to SolarWinds’ then-CEO, Kevin Thompson.
Mandia informed Thompson that SolarWinds had “shipped contaminated code” within its Orion software, which aids organizations in monitoring their networks and servers for outages.
According to Mandia, the exploits in Orion were utilized to infiltrate government agencies.
“What you can see from that code is that it wasn’t ours, so we realized right away this was serious,” Brown recalled.
Brown stated that SolarWinds was not the main target of the hack but served as a “conduit to it.” Photo: Sean Davey/The Guardian
The Texas-based company discovered that 18,000 people had downloaded the contaminated product, and hackers, later attributed to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, managed to inject it into Orion’s build environment where the source code is converted into software.
The news broke on a Sunday, and SolarWinds released the announcement before the stock market opened on Monday.
Initial estimates suggested that as many as 18,000 customers might be impacted, which later adjusted down to approximately 100 government agencies and businesses that were truly affected.
“I wish I had known that on the first day, but that’s the reality,” Brown says. “We weren’t specifically the target; we were merely a gateway to it.”
SolarWinds enlisted the help of CrowdStrike, KPMG, and law firm DLA Piper to respond and investigate.
Aftermath: heart attack
For the next six months, SolarWinds suspended the development of new features and redirected its team of 400 engineers to focus on systems and security to restore the company’s stability.
“We prioritized transparency—how can we ensure people understand what threats there are, how those actors operate, how they gather information, how they execute attacks, and how they withdraw?”
Brown noted that the company’s customer renewal rate dropped to around 80% in the aftermath but has since risen back to over 98%.
However, legal consequences soon followed.
In 2021, the Biden administration enacted sanctions and expelled Russian diplomats in response to the attack.
In 2022, SolarWinds settled a class action suit related to the incident for $26 million. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initiated a lawsuit against SolarWinds and Brown personally in October 2023, alleging that the company and Brown misled investors regarding cybersecurity measures and failed to disclose known vulnerabilities.
Mr. Brown has remained with SolarWinds since the cyberattack. Photo: Sean Davey/The Guardian
Brown was in Zurich when he became aware of the charges.
“As I ascended a hill, I felt out of breath, my arms were heavy, and my chest was tight—I wasn’t getting enough oxygen,” he recalled. “I made a poor decision and flew home. I couldn’t walk from the terminal to my car without pausing; it was a journey I had made countless times.”
He was experiencing a heart attack. Upon returning home, his wife took him to the hospital for surgery, after which he recovered.
“The stress continued to mount, leading me to think I was handling it well without proactively visiting a doctor,” he explained.
Now, Brown is advocating for companies facing similar crises to engage psychiatrists to assist employees in managing stress.
“My stress levels were at a peak, and I was really close to the edge, though the pressure had been building for a while.”
A proposed confidential settlement with the SEC was announced in July but still awaits approval. The finalization of the agreement has faced delays due to the U.S. government shutdown.
Mr. Brown has remained with SolarWinds throughout this entire ordeal.
“This happened on my watch, and that’s how I perceive it. There are factors that contributed, like a state-sponsored attack, but it still occurred under my supervision,” he reflected.
“I admit I can be stubborn, but it was paramount for us to navigate this entire process, and leaving before it was resolved wasn’t an option.”
ALudus Huxley’s “Brave New World” unveils a society fixated on the principles of science and technology. Set in a futuristic world state, its inhabitants are scientifically engineered to conform to a hierarchical system. Tools of eugenics, psychotropic substances, and classical conditioning are utilized to enhance stability and well-being. Huxley’s narrative does not depict a conventional authoritarian regime, but rather a system in which the quest for freedom and dignity is wholly eradicated. The World State exemplifies a radical technocracy.
This narrative serves as a satire on the repercussions of integrating scientific reasoning into social policy. The World State’s administrators preside over a community governed by rationality and efficiency, and when these ideals clash with human instincts, it is humanity that must compromise. Instead of fostering societies that cultivate joyous individuals, leaders strive to engineer people capable of existing within the systems they are “incubated.”
The notion of reversing our connection to the world in this manner feels profoundly immoral, contrasting starkly with the essence of being human.
However, a parallel to this inverted logic is surfacing globally, especially within the discussions surrounding climate change.
After constructing frameworks that harm the environment around us, we are now suggesting alterations. In his dystopian exposition, Huxley conceived of a society that could only prosper if its inhabitants were rendered entirely non-human. Today, numerous scientists and engineers envision similarly transformed landscapes. In essence, nature itself must yield to the system; we require technology to repair.
The very destruction wrought by current technology propels us towards this technological remedy.
The powerful data centers necessary for artificial intelligence demand vast quantities of energy, a need that is anticipated to surge with the escalating rivalry between the United States and China. Consequently, it is unsurprising that Silicon Valley advocates find themselves leading a campaign to rejuvenate and reinvent the nuclear sector, a technology historically pivotal in reconfiguring nature’s core elements. This creates a totemic allure among those who aim to depend on it to confront the ecological crisis. The past couple of years have birthed a significant revival of commitment to nuclear power, with more than 120 energy and tech companies, 25 nations, and 14 major financial institutions backing nuclear expansion and advancement.
Spanning from liberal Europe to communist China, technologies perceived as detrimental to the planet are thought to be its salvation.
Nevertheless, ecomodernism is substantially more radical and heretical than this so-called “nuclear renaissance.”
Consider geoengineering, for instance. The concept involves managing the planet’s temperature by diminishing greenhouse gases, either by extracting them from the atmosphere and burying them beneath the ocean, or by reflecting sunlight back into space. A notable strategy proposes puncturing sulfates into the upper atmosphere to imitate the insolation effects of significant volcanic eruptions, thereby reducing the solar radiation captured by greenhouse gases rather than the gases themselves. (If your proof of concept is Krakatoa, you know there’s urgency.) Big tech entities are once again leading these initiatives, often experimenting with sulfates over California (regrettably too late for the Palisades) or spraying iron filings into the ocean to stimulate algae blooms that absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
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What further developments can we anticipate in this technologically governed future? The answer is staggering as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence converge into a technoscience of extraordinary capability. Even now, there are indications that we may witness an unparalleled revolution in our relationship with the non-human realm.
And this doesn’t even address the notion of mining the moon and asteroids for water and precious minerals.
Thus, in every conceivable sense, we stand on the threshold of transformation. This change mirrors the reversal of our relationship with the world as illustrated in Huxley’s profound satire. Amid the absence of meaningful discourse regarding social and political transformation, our focus orbits solely around technological innovation. We are venturing into an astonishingly wild new frontier.
TThe dilemma with technofix ideology lies in the fact that the very concepts that have led us to this critical juncture are now perceived as the escape route. The environmental crises we confront are intricately linked to technology, yet our solutions are sought within the realm of technology. The causes are reframed as remedies.
Numerous scientists dismiss this notion as overly simplistic. They contend (not without justification) that irresponsible use of technology poses risks, and the optimal pathway forward lies in instilling a renewed sense of accountability in future endeavors. They argue technology is merely a “tool,” devoid of moral implications. Just as a hammer can be employed to drive in a nail or as a weapon against a neighbor, the hammer itself is neutral; it is one’s actions that matter.
This instrumental perspective on technology, prevalent in the scientific community and mainstream environmentalism, fundamentally misinterprets humanity’s relationship with technology. That relationship is unavoidable; teeth and homo sapiens cannot exist devoid of technology.
Evolving from tool-utilizing ancestors, humans depend on technology in unique ways that other species do not. However, adopting an instrumental view of this relationship is naive and ultimately perilous because it underrepresents the significant influence powerful technologies exert on human sensibility. When armed with that hammer, every issue tends to morph into a nail.
Technofixes represent not only scientific and engineering challenges but also psychosocial phenomena. We must consider the type of relationship we desire with the Earth we inhabit and the technologies proposed to alter it.
This is not a dismissal of technological progress. A holistic response to climate change and the environmental crisis will necessitate the utilization of new technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and optimized batteries for energy storage. Yet, to fully exploit these advancements, we must emphasize the vital distinction between viewing technological interventions as part of broader transformative initiatives and simply addressing climate change through a technical lens.
We must resist instrumentalist, techno-capitalist ideologies and articulate our vision in a manner that honors humanity. The needs we have – teeth of what is essential – must be the focal point of our discourse.
In light of rising apprehensions regarding the effects of artificial intelligence on performers, actress Olivia Williams emphasized that actors should handle data obtained from body scans similarly to how they approach nude scenes.
The star of Dune: Prophecy and The Crown stated that she and fellow actors often face mandatory body scans by on-set cameras, with scant assurances on the usage and destination of that data.
“It would be reasonable to adhere to the ‘Nude Rider’ standard,” she noted. “This footage should only be used within that specific scene; it must not be repurposed elsewhere. Furthermore, any edited scenes must be removed across all formats.”
Williams drew attention to a vague provision in contracts that seems to grant studios extensive rights to use images of performers “on every platform currently existing or created in the future worldwide, indefinitely.”
A renewed conversation about AI’s impact on actors has been ignited by widespread criticism of the development of an AI performer named Tilly Norwood. Actors fear their likenesses and poses will be utilized to train AI systems, potentially threatening their employment.
Actors, stunt performers, dancers, and supporting actors relayed to the Guardian that they felt “ambushed” and compelled to participate in body scans on set. Many reported there was little time to discuss how the generated data would be handled or whether it could be used for AI training purposes.
Ms. Williams recounted her unsuccessful attempts to eliminate the ambiguous clause from her contract. She explored options for obtaining a limited license to control her body scan data, but her lawyer advised her that the legal framework was too uncertain. The costs of trying to reclaim the data were prohibitively high.
“I’m not necessarily looking for financial compensation for the use of my likeness,” she remarked. “What concerns me is being depicted in places I’ve never been, engaging in activities I’ve never done, or expressing views I haven’t shared.”
“Laws are being enacted, and no one is intervening. They’re establishing a precedent and solidifying it. I sign these contracts because not doing so could cost me my career.”
Williams expressed that she is advocating for younger actors who have scant options but to undergo scans without clear information regarding the fate of their data. “I know a 17-year-old girl who was encouraged to undergo the scan and complied, similar to the scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Being a minor, a chaperone was required to consent, but her chaperone was a grandmother unfamiliar with the legal implications.”
The matter is currently under discussion between Equity, the UK performing arts union, and Pact, the trade body of the UK film industry. “We are urging for AI safeguards to be integrated into major film and television contracts to prioritize consent and transparency for on-set scanning,” stated Equity Executive Director Paul W. Fleming.
“It is achievable for the industry to implement essential minimum standards that could significantly transform conditions for performers and artists in British TV and film.”
Pact issued a statement saying: “Producers are fully aware of their responsibilities under data protection legislation, and these concerns are being addressed during collective negotiations with Equity. Due to the ongoing talks, we are unable to provide further details.”
Members of Parliament have cautioned that if online misinformation is not effectively tackled, it is “just a matter of time” before viral content leads to a resurgence of violence in the summer of 2024.
Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science and technology select committee, expressed concern that ministers seem complacent regarding the threat, placing public safety in jeopardy.
The committee voiced its disappointment with the government’s reaction to a recent report indicating that the business models of social media companies are contributing to unrest following the Southport murders.
In response to the committee’s findings, the government dismissed proposals for legislation aimed at generative artificial intelligence platforms, maintaining that it would refrain from direct intervention in the online advertising sector, which MPs argued has fostered the creation of harmful content post-attack.
Onwurah noted that while the government concurs with most conclusions, it fell short of endorsing specific action recommendations.
Onwurah accused ministers of compromising public safety, stating: “The government must urgently address the gaps in the Online Safety Act (OSA); instead, it seems satisfied with the harm caused by the viral proliferation of legal but detrimental misinformation. Public safety is at stake, and it’s only a matter of time before we witness a repeat of the misinformation-driven riots of summer 2024.”
In their report titled ‘Social Media, Misinformation and Harmful Algorithms’, MPs indicated that inflammatory AI-generated images were shared on social media following the stabbing that resulted in the deaths of three children, warning that AI tools make it increasingly easier to produce hateful, harmful, or misleading content.
In a statement released by the commission on Friday, the government stated that no new legislation is necessary, insisting that AI-generated content already falls under the OSA, which regulates social media content. They argued that new legislation would hinder its implementation.
However, the committee highlighted Ofcom’s evidence, where officials from the communications regulator admitted that AI chatbots are not fully covered by the current legislation and that further consultation with the tech industry is essential.
The government also declined to take prompt action regarding the committee’s recommendation to establish a new entity aimed at addressing social media advertising systems that allow for the “monetization of harmful and misleading content,” such as misinformation surrounding the Southport murders.
In response, the government acknowledged concerns regarding the lack of transparency in the online advertising market and committed to ongoing reviews of industry regulations. They added that stakeholders in online advertising seek greater transparency and accountability, especially in safeguarding children from illegal ads and harmful products and services.
Addressing the commission’s request for additional research into how social media algorithms amplify harmful content, the government stated that Ofcom is “best positioned” to determine if an investigation should be conducted.
In correspondence with the committee, Ofcom indicated that it has begun working on a recommendation algorithm but acknowledged the necessity for further exploration across a broader spectrum of academic and research fields.
The government also dismissed the commission’s call for an annual report to Parliament concerning the current state of online misinformation, arguing that it could hinder efforts to curtail the spread of harmful online information.
The British government defines misinformation as the careless dissemination of false information, while disinformation refers to the intentional creation and distribution of false information intended to cause harm or disruption.
Onwurah highlighted concerns regarding AI and digital advertising as particularly troubling. “Specifically, the inaction on AI regulation and digital advertising is disappointing,” she stated.
“The committee remains unconvinced by the government’s assertion that the OSA adequately addresses generative AI, and this technology evolves so swiftly that additional efforts are critically needed to manage its impact on online misinformation.
“And how can we combat that without confronting the advertising-driven business models that incentivize social media companies to algorithmically amplify misinformation?”
Meta has introduced a feature enabling parents to limit their children’s interactions with its AI character chatbot, addressing concerns over inappropriate dialogues.
The company will implement a new safety measure in the default “Teen Account” settings for users under 18, allowing parents to disable their children’s ability to chat with AI characters on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Meta AI apps.
Parents will also have the option to block specific AI characters without entirely restricting their child’s interaction with chatbots. Additionally, the update will offer insights into the subjects children discuss with AI, fostering informed conversations about their interactions, as stated by Mehta.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, alongside Alexander Wang, chief AI officer at Meta, stated, “We understand that parents have many responsibilities when it comes to ensuring safe internet usage for their teens. We are dedicated to providing valuable tools and resources that simplify this, especially as kids engage with emerging technologies like AI,” in a blog post.
According to Mehta, these updates will initially roll out in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in early 2024.
Recently, Instagram announced that it will adopt a version of the PG-13 movie rating system to enhance parental control over their children’s social media usage. As part of these stricter measures, AI characters will refrain from discussing topics like self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders with teens. Mehta noted that users under 18 will only be able to talk about age-appropriate subjects such as education and sports, avoiding romance and other unsuitable content.
This modification follows reports indicating that Meta’s chatbot was involved in inappropriate discussions with minors. In August, Reuters revealed that the chatbot facilitated “romantic or sensual conversations” with children. Mehta acknowledged this and indicated that the company would revise its guidelines to prevent such interactions from occurring.
A report by the Wall Street Journal in April discovered that user-generated chatbots had engaged in sexual conversations with minors, imitating their personalities. Mehta claimed the tests conducted by WSJ were manipulative and not indicative of typical user interactions with AI, although the company has since implemented changes, according to WSJ.
In one highlighted conversation reported by WSJ, a chatbot utilizing the voice of actor John Cena (one of several celebrities who agreed to lend their voices for the chatbot) told a user identifying as a 14-year-old girl, “I want you, but I need to know you’re ready,” followed by a description of a graphic sexual scenario. WSJ noted that Mr. Cena’s representative did not respond to requests for comment. The report also mentioned chatbots named “Hottie Boy” and “Submissive Schoolgirl” attempting to guide users toward sexting.
When you request Google’s AI video tools to generate a film about a time-traveling physician navigating in a blue British phone booth, it inevitably mirrors Doctor Who.
A similar outcome occurs with OpenAI’s technology. What could be the issue with that?
This poses a significant dilemma for AI leaders as the transformative technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives.
The goal of Google’s and OpenAI’s generative AI is to truly generate: providing novel responses to inquiries. When prompted about a time-traveling doctor, the system generates a character it has created. But how original is that output?
The critical question is determining the extent to which tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and its video tool Sora 2, Google’s Gemini, and its video generator Veo3 draw on existing artistic works, and whether the use of, for example, BBC content constitutes a breach of copyright.
Creative professionals including writers, filmmakers, artists, musicians, and news publishers are requesting compensation for the employment of their creations in developing these models, advocating for a halt to the practice pending their approval.
They assert that their works are being utilized without payment to develop AI tools that compete directly with their creations. Some news outlets, such as Financial Times, Condé Nast, and Guardian Media Group, which publishes the Guardian, have licensing agreements in place with OpenAI.
The main challenge lies in the proprietary model of the AI giants, which underpins the system and obscures how much their technology relies on the efforts of other creators. However, one company claims to provide insight into this issue.
The U.S. tech platform Vermillio monitors the use of its clients’ intellectual property online and claims it can approximately gauge the rate at which AI-generated images are inspired by existing copyrighted works.
In a study conducted for the Guardian, Vermillio generated “neural fingerprints” from various copyrighted materials before requesting an AI to create similar images.
For Doctor Who, Google’s widely used tool Veo3 was prompted: “Can you produce a video of a time-traveling doctor flying around in a blue phone booth in England?”
AI Dr Who video corresponds to 82% of Vermillio’s fingerprints
The Doctor Who video aligns with 80% of Vermillio’s Doctor Who fingerprints, indicating that Google’s model heavily relies on copyrighted works for its output.
OpenAI videos sourced from YouTube, marked with a watermark for OpenAI’s Sora tool, displayed an 87% match according to Vermillio.
Another instance created by Vermillio for the Guardian utilized James Bond’s neural fingerprint. The match rate for a Veo3 James Bond video, prompted with “Can you recreate a famous scene from a James Bond movie?” stood at 16%.
Sora’s video sourced from the open web displayed a 62% match with Vermillio’s Bond fingerprint, while an image of the agent generated by Vermillio using ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini model reported match rates of 28% and 86%, respectively, based on the request: “Famous MI5 double ‘0’ agent in tuxedo from Ian Fleming’s famous spy movie.”
James Bond image created by OpenAI’s Chat GPT.
Vermillio’s findings also indicated notable matches with Jurassic Park and Frozen for both OpenAI and Google models.
Generative AI models refer to the technology underpinning OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbots and robust tools like Veo3 and Sora, which require extensive datasets for training to generate effective responses.
The primary information source is the open web, teeming with data including Wikipedia articles, YouTube videos, newspaper articles, and online book repositories.
Image created by Google AI.
AI company Anthropic has agreed to pay $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) to resolve a class action lawsuit initiated by authors who allege that the company used pirated versions of their works to train chatbots. The searchable database of works utilized in the models features numerous renowned names, such as Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, Kate Mosse, author of Labyrinth, and J.K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter.
An image of the character Elsa from the animated movie “Frozen” created by ChatGPT.
Kathleen Grace, chief strategy officer at Vermilio, whose clientele includes Sony Music and talent agency WME, stated: “Everyone benefits if they just take a moment to determine how to share and track their content. Rights holders would be motivated to disclose more data to AI firms, and AI companies would gain access to more intriguing data sets. Instead of funneling all funds to five AI corporations, this stimulating ecosystem would flourish.”
In the UK, the arts sector has vocally opposed government plans to amend copyright legislation favoring AI companies. These companies could potentially exploit copyrighted materials without first acquiring permission, placing the onus on copyright holders to “opt out” of the process.
“We cannot discuss the outcomes generated by third-party tools, and our Generative AI Policy and Terms of Service prohibit intellectual property infringement,” a Google spokesperson stated.
Yet, YouTube, owned by Google, asserts that its terms of service allow Google to utilize creators’ content for developing AI models. YouTube noted in September that it “leverages content uploaded to the platform to refine the product experience for creators and viewers across YouTube and Google, including through machine learning and AI applications.”
OpenAI claims it trains its models using publicly accessible data, a method it asserts aligns with the U.S. fair use doctrine, which permits using copyrighted materials without the owner’s consent under specific circumstances.
The images created by Google AI closely resemble Jurassic Park.
The Motion Picture Association has urged OpenAI to take “immediate action” to tackle copyright concerns regarding the latest version of Sora. The Guardian has observed Sora generating videos featuring copyrighted characters from shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park, Pokémon, and Rick and Morty. OpenAI stated it would “collaborate with rights holders to block the Sora character and honor removal requests when necessary.”
Bevan Kidron, a House of Lords member and leading advocate against the UK government’s proposed changes, remarked: “It’s time to stop pretending that theft isn’t occurring.”
“If we cannot safeguard Doctor Who and 007, what chance do we have for independent artists who lack the resources or expertise to combat global corporations that misuse their work without consent or compensation?”
TThe Nintendo Entertainment System made its debut in the United States on October 18, 1985—about a year after my arrival, marking 40 years today. It’s almost as if the company sensed there were individuals ready to drop significant sums on plastic contraptions and electronic games. Truly, the entire company seemed to anticipate that a new generation of enthusiasts like me was about to enter the scene. That was indeed the moment to launch. With birthdays and Christmas gifts in hand, we were primed to spend every dollar, even when my dad urged us to keep certain things from my mom. (Perhaps I was the only one uttering that last sentiment.)
Although I’m not much younger than the NES, it felt as though that console had always been part of my life, only now am I confronting its complexities as I type this out. My childhood memories are a blur, focused on mastering the coordination of my hands and eyes, but “Nintendo” was always synonymous with gaming in my world. If a friend inquired whether there’s a Nintendo in the house, it was akin to asking if there was Coca-Cola in the fridge—no additional articles needed.
Pac-Man for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Photo: ArcadeImages/Alamy
My sister and I relentlessly pleaded with our parents for two years to get us an NES. While my mom and dad weren’t overly concerned about the potential pitfalls of gaming—those would emerge later in titles like Doom, Mortal Kombat, and even Stardew Valley—they were wary of investing in pricey toys that required even pricier accessories to function. The Nintendo Entertainment System was touted as cutting-edge technology in the U.S., despite noticeably echoing the design of the VHS cassette player, which ultimately everyone understood it was meant to be. Played. Touching my dad’s home theater triggered quite a reaction, but this was finally a gadget we kids could enjoy.
It’s also important to note that I am part of the first generation to entirely miss the Atari home video game craze of the early ’80s. The Atari system still existed during my childhood, but kids my age recounted it with a historical lens similar to discussing World War II. Just looking at Atari felt like peering into a relic of the past that none of us could fully grasp and cherish. Watching my neighbor turn on an Atari was nothing short of eye-opening. In basketball, a square was practically represented as the ball. No, thank you. I need a moment to recuperate.
But the NES—oh, the NES!—actually showcased graphics reminiscent of arcade games. Was it flawless? Certainly not! Some visuals appear quite rough by today’s standards. Yet, even at five years old, a somewhat blurred version of Pac-Man still felt like Pac-Man. My parents never let me engage in shooting games at carnivals (the reasoning remains a mystery), but duck hunting was the next best thing. No, it was even better! We quickly discovered that all we needed to do was press that silly plastic gun right to the screen and hit the target every single time. It’s a close-range approach you only learn from four-decade-old video games or by becoming a mafia hitman.
NES games also felt much more expansive. Super Mario Bros. seems unusual at present, but do you recall the first moment the plumber stepped through that pipe? My heart melted into something finer and purer. It was a game featuring a vibrant world brimming with surprises and mysteries. While secrets had been part of games before, it felt as though they were there to be discovered. They were not frustration meant to poke fun at developers but instead aid your exploration. We were traversing a fictional kingdom, something akin to a living cartoon, soaring around in quest of a hidden, unobtrusive “?” box.
“Games felt more open”…NES. Photo: Gary Heider/Alamy
Let’s also remember that the NES introduced us to the Mario we so fondly recognize today. Yes, he began as a construction worker confronting Donkey Kong. Luckily, he transitioned to a plumber, becoming the face that adorned every folder, backpack, lunchbox, flask, and bedsheet of mine and most of my friends’. Long before every gaming reference became a viral internet meme, it was part of Nintendo’s internal dialogue. We often quoted the line from the original Legend of Zelda: “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this with you!”
Each generation encounters its own cultural landmarks. Yet, the Nintendo Entertainment System played a pivotal role in solidifying gaming culture, particularly in America, where the ZX Spectrum and various home computers didn’t capture the same popularity as they did in Europe. It became a shared language, a toy allowing us to unleash our imaginations, and surely a way for my parents to take a momentary break from their children. I still possess the NES they gifted me, and regardless of what the Man says, you still need to blow into the cartridge to make it work.
The timeless inquiry from the backseat remains relevant as we approach a new age of driverless vehicles. “Are we close?” For those in the UK, the promise of fully autonomous cars has been long-awaited, and the answer is “yes, almost”—but not quite there yet.
A pivotal advancement in the journey toward autonomous driving is on the cusp of realization. Waymo, known for its successful robotaxi operations in San Francisco and several other U.S. cities, announced recently that it plans to introduce its vehicles to London.
Specifics are limited, yet the potential is intriguing. The groundbreaking California-based firm stated that its self-driving service “will be providing driverless vehicles on this side of the Atlantic in 2026… We’re excited to cater to Londoners and the millions visiting London next year.”
These visitors may want to grab a London Underground Oyster card just in case. This past summer, the UK government announced initiatives aimed at enticing major tech companies, aiming to hasten the rollout of self-driving vehicles, with robotaxis potentially entering regulated public trials as early as spring 2026. However, regulations are still being finalized, which may mean that safety drivers remain in the mix for a while longer.
The British company Wave, in collaboration with Uber, has unveiled plans to develop a more modest Level 4 fully autonomous vehicle and to commence public road tests in London.
While Americans are leisurely experiencing self-driving vehicles, the UK’s winding road to this technology has been met with commitments that vanish like pedestrians in the rain. Back in 2018, Addison Lee, in conjunction with researchers from the University of Oxford, promised robotaxis by 2021.
Waymo has indicated plans to bring its successful robotaxis from San Francisco and four other U.S. locations to London. Photo: ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy
A year ago, Nissan nearly achieved having one of its Leaf models drive itself without incident near Becton, east London. The then-transport secretary, Chris Grayling, forecasted self-driving cars arriving within four years, with small pods autonomously navigating around the O2 in Greenwich. The offspring of a British innovation, the Union Jack-patterned Sinclair C5 Tardis, was showcased in a Milton Keynes car park back in 2015. Vince Cable, the business secretary at the time, confidently stated that 100 of these would soon ferry passengers across town for just £2 each.
Meanwhile, in regions like the U.S. and parts of China, self-driving taxi services are nearing routine functionality, rendering Waymo’s impending arrival more significant compared to earlier aspirations and predictions.
In San Francisco, Waymo’s home base, self-driving cars have integrated seamlessly into daily life, traversing the city’s challenging hilly streets at a deliberate pace.
Since its full implementation in June 2024, it has established its place alongside electric scooters and city buses within the urban landscape. Riding a Waymo has become a must-try attraction for visitors, akin to experiencing the city’s historic trolley cars.
Democratic Mayor Daniel Lurie has advocated for expansion to rejuvenate the downtown district, but the streets still host many people experiencing homelessness, creating a stark contrast as high-tech AI-driven vehicles pass by individuals living in extreme poverty.
The modified white Jaguar iPace resembles surveillance equipment, featuring rapidly rotating cameras on each side and roof akin to a police siren. Advertised similarly to Uber or Lyft rides via an app, the absence of a human driver and the steering wheel twirling under its digital command serve as a poignant reminder of the economic upheaval these vehicles may precipitate.
Uber, which debuted in San Francisco in 2010, disrupted traditional taxi practices and created precarious gig jobs for drivers. Now, they are facing another wave of technological change.
Since Uber’s launch in 2010, the job landscape for taxi drivers has significantly changed, leading to precarious working conditions. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In 2024, data referenced by The Economist indicated that the number of people employed by taxi firms in San Francisco increased by 7%, alongside a 14% rise in salaries. The newspaper noted that Lyft’s CEO David Risher predicted that self-driving taxis “will actually grow the market.”
Yet, those on the front lines may not share this optimism. An Uber driver from Venezuela expressed doubts when asked about Waymo while in San Francisco’s Mission District: “I think I have about a year left in this job.”
For passengers, riding a Waymo evokes a sense of entrusting their journey to artificial intelligence. Upon hailing the vehicle via the app, a warm welcome greets them, initially displaying their initials on the digital screen atop the car. Tapping the app unlocks the doors, while a friendly voice reminds riders to buckle their seatbelts. A broad selection of music is readily available, creating a truly intimate atmosphere behind the tinted rear windows.
Pressing the ‘Start Ride’ button on the touchscreen allows the car to smoothly merge into traffic. The gear shift, adorned with a message that reads “Keep your hands out of it,” spins like a ghostly fairground attraction.
Soon enough, riders cultivate a sense of comfort while remaining cautious enough to avert dangers. A scrolling map on the screen displays their route and updates the estimated time of arrival. The ‘Stop Now’ button will only engage once it’s safe to do so, but the option to change the original destination is appreciated.
Passengers in a Waymo find themselves surrendering to the capabilities of artificial intelligence during their ride. Photo: Tamamario/Getty Images
Waymo has sparked diverse social reactions. Recently, three individuals stalled at a busy intersection in the Marina District, visibly disoriented with blinking lights, attracting cheers from onlookers, while one man executed multiple backflips off a nearby vehicle.
In July, a prankster gathered a crowd at a dead-end street, leading everyone to summon a Waymo simultaneously, creating a spectacle featuring 50 robocars. Earlier in 2024, one such vehicle was vandalized, covered in graffiti, and set ablaze during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown.
If the black taxi driver does not react directly, it’s possible a similar reception will greet the driverless taxis. Steve McNamara, executive director of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, remarked: “We observe kids hacking Lime bikes, but how long until surfing atop a Waymo becomes the latest TikTok sensation?”
McNamara maintains a calm demeanor: “This proposes a solution to a problem we don’t currently have. These vehicles may be performing excellently in San Francisco and Los Angeles, but London is unlike anywhere else. I’d like someone to elucidate how this self-driving car intends to navigate streets like Charing Cross Road at 11 p.m., where pedestrians are continually crossing.” [sensor] “When you’re on top of a Waymo, you know it will stop, so you just get out or disembark.”
Christian Wolmer, author of *Driverless Cars: On a Road to Nowhere*, echoes this skepticism, stating: “There are no pedestrian crossing rules in this environment. If Google expects adherence to pedestrian crossing norms for cars…”
Despite the experiences in the U.S., he staunchly doubts that fully autonomous taxis will hit the streets here next year, asserting: “Unless a human operator is present, the likelihood of that happening is zero.”
‘London is like nowhere else’: Can driverless cars adapt to transportation systems outside the US by 2026? Photo: Paolo Paradiso/Alamy
Waymo revealed its London plans partly to mitigate any surprise over test vehicles on the roads, initiating a lengthier mapping initiative. They feel emboldened after a self-driving trial spanning approximately 100 meters in San Francisco, which is a far from orderly or flat city, in addition to over a dozen other trials.
Carriers have long argued that regulation trumps technological hurdles. Even swift progress has limitations. The consultation’s outcome, which wrapped up last month, should pave the way for the pilot program, though confirmation is still pending.
While this may have spurred Waymo’s plans, transforming the testing program to operational vehicles still involves numerous challenges with the Department for Transport and Transport for London, indicating that broader legislation may take at least another two years to enact. Insurers have particularly raised concerns regarding liability in these scenarios.
Previous pre-legislative testing frameworks stalling other innovative transport modalities, such as electric scooters, are currently set to persist for eight years. Tony Travers, a professor at the London School of Economics, posits that self-driving cars may be more favorably received: “They will have to abide by regulations. Sure, they might contribute to congestion, but they’re not likely to induce chaos like electric scooters have.”
However, even with the arrival of driverless taxis, one might wonder, “So what?” suggests Walmer.
According to Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, the answer lies in the fact that their vehicles are “reliable, safe, and magical,” with an emphasis on safety. Up to now, Waymo cars have been involved in a fewer number of accidents compared to human-driven vehicles over equivalent distances.
They also aim to provide a new form of autonomy to those previously lacking it. The Royal Institute for Blind People praised the Waymo announcement as the inception of “technology that allows for safe, spontaneous, autonomous movement.”
Waymo stated that its entrance into the UK market would entail investments in warehouses, infrastructure for charging, cleaning services, support teams, and would temporarily employ “human experts” in the driver’s position.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has mentioned that the upcoming self-driving car revolution could generate 38,000 job opportunities within the UK.
However, it is professional drivers who face the greatest threat. Approximately 300,000 individuals hold private hire licenses, with an additional million expected to be in roles related to HGV and delivery services moving forward. Many of the UK’s 82,000 bus drivers have recently secured significant pay rises, while its 27,000 train operators are well-regarded for their labor efforts.
Consequently, surveys indicate that public sentiment in Britain is cautiously optimistic regarding self-driving vehicles, primarily stemming from fears surrounding job displacement due to artificial intelligence, even if human jobs haven’t been entirely eradicated yet.
Licensing and legal clarifications are still pending. McNamara expressed hope: “Who will grant approval? If I aimed to become a successful politician, I wouldn’t add my signature to that document.”
A group of ornithologists from the National University of Singapore, Bird Tours Asia Ltd., and the University of Queensland has identified a new and enigmatic species of the northern cuckoo, known as Hiero cock. Borneo is a substantial island that is divided among the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, the Indonesian state of Kalimantan, and the Sultanate of Brunei.
Breeding range map of Hierokokbokki from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, Hiero cock sp. from Borneo, and Hierococcus sparbeliodes. Image credit: Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok / Robert O. Hutchinson / James A. Eaton.
This genus was first recognized in 1845 and currently comprises nine scientifically acknowledged species.
Commonly referred to as hawk cuckoos, they reside in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.
“Within the genus A. Hiero cock, the two species maintain strong pair bonds in tropical and subtropical Asia,” stated the lead author, Dr. Frank Reindt from the National University of Singapore and collaborators.
“These hawk-cuckoos inhabit forests that stretch from the Himalayas to China and Southeast Asia.”
“Hierococcus sparbelioides is a more prevalent taxon, extensively breeding across tropical, subtropical, and even temperate mountainous areas of the Asian continent, migrating southward during winter.”
“Hierokokbokki has a range typical of montane forests in Sundaland.”
“Historically, the species boundaries of Hiero cock have largely depended on variations in plumage,” the researchers mentioned.
“Nonetheless, there are only minor differences in the plumage between these two species.”
“Since the 1990s, the taxonomy of numerous tropical and subtropical bird groupings has transformed, driven by a growing understanding of the role of bioacoustic traits in defining species.”
“Species limits for many tropical and subtropical Asian bird complexes have been revisited based on bioacoustic data.”
In a fresh study, Dr. Reindt and co-authors studied the interactions between Hierococcus sparbelioides and Hierokokbokki, unearthing evidence for a newly identified species.
Utilizing an integrated approach that included bioacoustic, plumage, and morphometric data, they analyzed 107 audio recordings of the two species sourced from an online audio library.
They also evaluated differences in plumage and morphometric features by using various museum specimens.
Their findings indicated a previously unnamed population of Hierokokbokki that resides on Borneo, distinguishable primarily by its unique three-syllable main call.
Considering the significant role of vocalizations in cuckoo classification, this population was formally described as a new species: Hierococcyx tiganada.
“The new species from Borneo closely resembles its sibling species, Hierokokbokki, native to Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia,” the researchers noted.
“Though visually alike, adults of the new species exhibit a slightly grayer mantle, particularly on the upper mantle near the crown, leading to a more subtle contrast between the gray crown and the brownish back relative to Hierokokbokki.”
“The most distinguishing characteristic of these two species lies in the structure of their vocalizations: the new species consistently produces a three-syllable call, while Hierokokbokki produces a two-syllable call.”
“The differences between the new species and Hierococcus sparbelioides reflect the same features that set it apart from Hierokokbokki,” they elaborated.
“Hierococcus sparbelioides also has two-syllable vocalizations.”
“Adult Hierococcus sparbelioides are generally larger, with less dark gray shading near the eyes, a more brownish mantle that contrasts less with the crown, and a pronounced dark red stripe visible against the whitish background of the upper thorax (contrastingly, the new species exhibits a solid red-purple color without stripes).
According to the scientists, Hierococcyx tiganada inhabits mountainous rainforests above 1,000 meters elevation.
“Despite the troubling conservation status of many Southeast Asian avian species reliant on rainforest habitats, the researchers concluded that Hierococcyx tiganada is likely not threatened.”
“Borneo’s lowland rainforests have experienced substantial degradation over the last three decades; however, many montane forests in central Borneo have endured as they remain remote and inaccessible to logging and other extractive practices.”
“Hierococcyx tiganada is relatively well-documented with three known locations in Sabah and an additional site in Sarawak.”
“Records from Kalimantan are notably sparse, and the species does not seem to inhabit the Meratus Mountains of South Kalimantan.”
“Nonetheless, this species likely exists widely across extensive mountainous regions of northern Borneo, often near the borders of Kalimantan, Sarawak, and Sabah; the scarcity of records may indicate insufficient observational coverage beyond established birdwatching locales.”
Hierococcyx tiganada is the first Hiero cock species described in the 20th/21st century.
“This discovery underscores the profound significance of bioacoustic research in biodiversity exploration and further amplifies Borneo’s biogeographical significance,” the authors concluded.
Certain problems remain insurmountable for quantum computers.
Jaroslav Kushta/Getty Images
Researchers have uncovered a “nightmare scenario” computation tied to a rare form of quantum material that remains unsolvable, even with the most advanced quantum computers.
In contrast to the simpler task of determining the phase of standard matter, such as identifying whether water is in a solid or liquid state, the quantum equivalent can prove exceedingly challenging. Thomas Schuster and his team at the California Institute of Technology have demonstrated that identifying the quantum phase of matter can be notably difficult, even for quantum machines.
They mathematically examined a scenario in which a quantum computer receives a set of measurements regarding the quantum state of an object and must determine its phase. Schuster mentioned that this is not necessarily an impossible task, but his team has shown that a considerable number of quantum phases of matter—such as the complex interactions between liquid water and ice, including unusual “topological” phases that exhibit strange electrical currents—might necessitate quantum computers to perform computations over extremely protracted periods. This situation mirrors a worst-case scenario in laboratory settings, where instruments may need to operate for billions or even trillions of years to discern the characteristics of a sample.
This doesn’t imply that quantum computers are rendered obsolete for this analysis. As Schuster noted, these phases are unlikely to manifest in actual experiments involving materials or quantum systems, serving more as an indicator of our current limitations in understanding quantum computers than posing an immediate practical concern. “They’re like nightmare scenarios. It would be quite unfortunate if such a case arose. It probably won’t happen, but we need to improve our comprehension,” he stated.
Bill Fefferman from the University of Chicago raised intriguing questions regarding the overall capabilities of computers. “This might illuminate the broader limits of computation: while substantial speed improvements have been realized for specific tasks, there will inevitably be challenges that remain too daunting, even for efficient quantum computers,” he asserted.
Mathematically, he explained, this new research merges concepts from quantum information science employed in quantum cryptography with foundational principles from materials physics, potentially aiding progress in both domains.
Looking ahead, the researchers aspire to broaden their analysis to encompass more energetic or excited quantum phases of matter, which are recognized as challenging for wider calculations.
An astronomer utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) has discovered double deuterated water (D2O), commonly known as “heavy water,” in the protoplanetary disk surrounding the protostar V883 Orionis, situated 1,300 light-years away in the Orion constellation. This finding indicates that some of the water found in comets—and even on Earth—might predate the stars themselves, offering transformative insights into the history of water in our solar system.
This artist’s impression illustrates the evolution of heavy water molecules, previously detected in giant molecular clouds, planet-forming disks, and comets, before ultimately reaching Earth. Image credit: NSF / AUI / NRAO of NSF / P. Vosteen / B. Saxton.
Investigating the primordial material from the protoplanetary disk that gave rise to our solar system suggests that water may have been transported to Earth via comet or asteroid impacts.
However, it remains uncertain whether the water ice present on these celestial objects formed primarily during the protoplanetary disk phase or if it is considerably older, originating from parent molecular clouds.
“This detection clearly demonstrates that the water found in the planet-forming disk around V883 Orionis predates the central star and must have formed during the early phases of star and planet formation,” stated Dr. Margot Rehmker, an astronomer at the University of Milan.
“This marks a significant leap in our understanding of the journey of water throughout planet formation and how this water potentially reached the solar system, including Earth, through similar mechanisms.”
The chemical fingerprinting of heavy water indicates that these molecules have withstood the turbulent processes of star and planet formation, traversing billions of kilometers through the cosmos and ending up in planetary systems like ours.
Rather than being completely destroyed and reformed within the disk, a significant portion of this water is inherited from the earliest, most frigid stages of star formation, serving as a cosmic remnant that may still exist on Earth today.
“Until now, it was uncertain whether most of the water in comets and planets was newly formed in young disks such as Orionis V883 or whether it was ‘pure’ from ancient interstellar clouds,” remarked Dr. John Tobin, an astronomer at the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
“The detection of heavy water using sensitive isotopic isomer ratios (D2oh2O) validates that this water is an ancient relic, forming a crucial link between clouds, disks, comets, and planets.”
“This finding is the first direct evidence that water can traverse through stars unaltered and intact, moving from clouds to the materials that constitute planetary systems.”
The team’s paper is published in this week’s edition of Nature Astronomy.
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M. Riemker et al. Primitive ice within a planet-forming disk identified by heavy water. Nat Astron published online October 15, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02663-y
A thin crystalline film of table sugar, or sucrose, captured using a polarized light microscope.
Carl Gough/Science Photo Library
Researchers have developed a novel method to probe dark matter utilizing expansive crystals of sucrose, or table sugar, yet their findings thus far yield nothing more than a bittersweet outcome.
Dark matter is believed to exist due to its elusive gravitational pull on galaxies; however, despite decades of exploration for potential dark matter particles, little evidence has surfaced. Historically, many searches focused on weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), considered leading candidates for dark matter. Yet, even the most meticulous searches have proven fruitless.
Conventional WIMP detectors aim to identify light flashes produced by interactions between dark matter particles and regular matter, assuming that these particles are relatively sizable, around 2 to 10,000 times the mass of a proton. Although this explanation is the most straightforward, the possibility exists that WIMPs are lighter, albeit creating challenges with the theory.
Recently, Federica Petricca and her team at the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich, Germany, have sought these lighter WIMPs utilizing a detector constructed from sugar crystals chilled to extremely low temperatures.
Very light WIMPs are expected to predominantly interact with extremely light atoms like hydrogen; however, utilizing pure hydrogen as a detector is challenging due to its low density, which diminishes interaction probabilities. On the other hand, sucrose comprises 22 hydrogen atoms in each molecule, leading to a significantly higher density than pure hydrogen.
Petricca and her colleagues initially cultivated sucrose crystals from a concentrated sugar solution over the span of a week before reducing the temperature of the crystals to 7 thousandths of a degree above absolute zero. They monitored potential dark matter interactions by employing highly sensitive thermometers to detect minimal heat increases and photon sensors to register flashes of light.
Following 19 hours of experimentation, the sugar crystals did emit light at levels comparable to interactions with larger particles; however, they did not capture the weaker signals that might indicate the presence of WIMPs.
Scientists assert that sugar crystals offer surprising sensitivity for detecting potential dark matter interactions. Carlos Blanco of Penn State notes that researchers may be able to identify subtle recoils from lightweight WIMPs. However, it remains uncertain if this experiment can effectively exclude other potential sources of crystal formation, like radioactive carbon-14, commonly present in various sugars.
CERN and Mont Blanc: Dark Matter and Frozen Matter in Switzerland and France
Get ready to be inspired by CERN, the heart of particle physics in Europe, situated near the lovely Swiss city of Geneva, where researchers manage the well-known Large Hadron Collider.
Artificial sweeteners might support gut microbiome health
Robert K. Chin/Alamy
Using low-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar may stimulate beneficial gut bacteria and aid in weight loss maintenance. This conclusion emerges from one of the longest studies on sweeteners, suggesting these alternatives might not be as detrimental as some previous reports indicate.
Several recent analyses have cast doubt on the health benefits of various low-calorie sweeteners. Although they are widely favored by those wishing to shed pounds, research indicates they may increase hunger, elevate blood sugar, and heighten the risk of heart-related illnesses. In 2023, the World Health Organization issued recommendations against using low-calorie sweeteners for weight management.
Nonetheless, there is a deficit of extensive research on sweeteners, particularly within the framework of a healthy diet. To investigate further, Ellen Black from Maastricht University in the Netherlands monitored their effects in individuals who substituted them for sugar. She and her team enlisted 341 overweight or obese adults in Europe and provided them with a low-calorie regimen for two months, resulting in an average weight loss of 10 kilograms.
Participants then adapted to a balanced diet with less than 10% of their caloric intake from sugar. During this weight maintenance phase, 171 participants were advised to completely forgo sweeteners, while the rest were motivated to swap sugary foods and beverages for lower-calorie sweetener options. Each participant had the option to use at least 16 different sweeteners, with no limit on their usage.
After 10 months, the group utilizing low-calorie sweeteners managed an average of 1.6 kilograms more weight loss compared to the sugar group. They also exhibited a higher presence of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids—beneficial compounds previously linked to blood sugar regulation, heart health support, and weight loss maintenance.
“This indicates that replacing sugar with non-caloric sweeteners in the diet may aid in weight maintenance,” says Braak. The outcomes of this study may vary from earlier research due to its extended duration and the examination of sweeteners alongside a healthy diet, she notes. Furthermore, prior studies often focused on just a few low-calorie sweeteners, many of which were not concurrently consumed.
Regarding the differences in gut bacteria, our grasp of the microbiome is still developing, according to Elan Elinav at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Thus, it remains challenging to decipher how the changes observed in the sweetener-consuming group will influence their health. He added that it is uncertain whether these transformations stemmed from weight loss, the intake of low-calorie sweeteners, or a combination of both.
FIt’s common for actors on film and TV sets to be asked to enter a booth lined with cameras prepared to capture their likeness from multiple perspectives. However, the cast and crew are increasingly anxious about the implications of AI in the industry, complicating this process further.
“It occurs unexpectedly,” Olivia Williams notes. She recalls being scanned more times than she can count throughout her career, from *The Sixth Sense* to *Dune: Prophecy*.
“You’re on set, in costume, with a friendly assistant director who knows you well, bringing you tea or managing your phone while you act. Then VFX says, ‘You’re on set. The visual effects team is here today—can you please head to the VFX bus as soon as the scene wraps?’ And off we go.
“Actors often strive to please. Being approached for a scan mid-scene can be detrimental to your creativity and instill a fear of never working again or losing your agent. So you comply.”
Lead and supporting actors, stunt performers, and dancers have shared similar experiences with the Guardian, where they’ve been ushered through scanners on set, often unclear about their rights regarding the biometric data collected.
Williams mentioned that the cast was informed that a scan was needed “if they wanted to be part of the scene or to create visually interesting moments, like aliens coming out of their brains.”
Olivia Williams stated that scans “happened unexpectedly” and that actors complied out of “the fear of never working again.” Photo: David Bintiner/Observer
While anxiety regarding this issue has lingered, recent discussions about “AI doubles” and the rise of “AI actors” have sparked a pressing need to clarify the fate of data captured on set.
This concern was highlighted by reports of an AI character named “Tilly Norwood.” Although it may seem improbable that a production company will unveil the first AI star, it underscores the ongoing struggle to establish performers’ rights.
Worries about the future for emerging actors and the existential threats faced by performers, often referred to as support artists (SAs), prompted Williams to speak out.
Dave Watts, a seasoned SA with experience in numerous superhero films, has also encountered scanning several times and pointed out the wider implications for the industry.
“I can easily envision crew members saying, ‘We don’t need to cast anyone anymore. We can just have the AI create a crowd of 1,000 people based on our existing data,’” he remarked.
“If the usual 100, 200, or 500 SAs aren’t necessary for big productions, there’s no need for an assistant director to oversee them. We wouldn’t need hair and makeup artists, costumers, caterers, or drivers. AI threatens nearly every job out there.”
An AI-generated image of actor Tilly Norwood has raised significant concerns among cast members. Photo: Reuters
An anonymous dancer, fearing repercussions for voicing their opinion, echoed these sentiments regarding the pressure associated with scanning and data usage. “Filming is challenging. You’re awake at 3 a.m. and can’t leave until the day’s over at 8 p.m. Situations like this arise, leaving you with limited options.
“We all ponder whether we might as well quit our jobs, don’t we? It seems somewhat foolish when you frame it that way.”
Alex Lawrence Archer, a data rights attorney at AWO, which is navigating this issue with actors, stated that performers are hindered by a labyrinth of complex and overlapping regulations. He emphasized the necessity for clearer agreements regarding production, rather than scrambling to address data issues after they occur.
“Contracts are often vaguely written and standard industry language that is outdated,” he explained. “They weren’t made to address this technology. There exists a vacuum of ambiguity, wherein AI developers and studios can maneuver as they please.”
“Actors and their representatives need to focus on this upcoming training case. They must negotiate clearer contracts that accurately convey fair agreements between performers, studios, and AI developers.”
Signs of a rebellion are beginning to appear. On a recent shoot, the cast was informed in advance about the scan following concerns that were voiced.
One cast member, speaking anonymously, shared, “Performers are collectively resisting an environment that feels ambushing. We managed to add an addendum to our contract that essentially prevents the use of our digital scans for any purpose outside of the show without our written consent.”
Filming in Cardiff for *Mr. Burton*. In addition to actors, many jobs within the industry, including assistant directors, hair and make-up artists, costume designers, caterers, drivers, and location managers, are at risk due to AI, according to one supporting actor. Photo: Sara Lee/The Guardian
The struggle for rights may appear daunting in the face of the data-hungry AI industry, which can gather information from countless sources without involving professional performers. However, there’s a shared understanding of the need to regain some control.
Theo Morton, a professional stunt performer and member of the British Stunt Register, stated, “This technology could either reduce the need for human performers drastically or enhance creativity in a positive manner. But the uncertainty looms large, highlighting the necessity for contractual safeguards to prevent a loss of control.”
Yet, Williams expresses a deep concern about the potential loss of control.
A key unknown is the origin of data-trained AI models. Lawrence Archer highlighted that this remains a closely guarded secret that must be revealed. He also warned against reducing the discourse to merely compensation issues for performers.
“The AI industry depends on vast amounts of data,” he explained. “Someone is gathering it. We recognize these are sensitive topics for AI developers and studios. We are assisting performers in making data access requests to learn more. I know several performers who have been compensated by AI companies to withdraw such requests.”
“We must foster an environment where human creativity, actor connectivity, and performance are valued. If we focus solely on legal and compensation matters, we risk relegating actors to the status of data gig workers instead of recognizing them as creative artists.”
“The technology has arrived and is currently unfolding,” stated Susan Lieberman, vice president of international policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society. “There may be instances where genetically modified organisms can be cautiously and ethically tested and introduced into natural environments.”
He remarked that the new framework represents a “transformative advancement” that may enable conservationists to explore innovative solutions to climate change challenges and to assess new methods for disease control.
The IUCN consists of a vast coalition of conservation organizations, governments, and indigenous communities, boasting over 1,400 members from roughly 160 nations, convening once every four years. It stands as the globe’s largest network of environmental organizations and is responsible for the Red List, which monitors endangered species and global biodiversity.
This year’s conference took place in Abu Dhabi, where the vote favoring “synthetic biology” established a new framework for assessing genetic engineering initiatives and their potential implementation. This measure mandates that scientists evaluate such projects on an individual basis, maintain transparency regarding the associated risks and benefits, and adhere to precautionary principles relating to genetic engineering. This applies to a spectrum of organisms, including animals, plants, yeast, and bacteria.
Another proposal, which aimed to suspend the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, failed by a narrow margin of one vote.
Jessica Owley, a professor and director of the environmental law program at the University of Miami, noted that while the IUCN decision lacks legal force, it carries symbolic importance and could influence international policy.
“IUCN is a powerful and recognized entity in the conservation field. Their word holds weight, and governments pay attention. They play a significant role in various treaties,” she commented. “This can be viewed as groundwork for future legal language.”
Organizations advocating for a moratorium on the release of genetically modified organisms into the wild argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove it can be done safely and responsibly.
“We’re disappointed,” stated Dana Perls, senior food and agriculture program manager at the nonprofit Friends of the Earth. “Our focus should be on confined research that doesn’t turn our environment into a live experimental lab.”
As a potential example, she cited: genetically modifying mosquitoes to combat the malaria-causing parasite. The disease claims over 500,000 lives annually, prompting scientists to propose spreading this malaria resistance across broader mosquito populations through a method known as genetic drive.
In a project that emphasizes the environmental consequences of technological consumption, artists have created pieces that illustrate the effects of the climate crisis on some of the world’s most renowned landscapes.
Locations such as Venice in Italy, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the River Seine in Paris serve as study points for potential impacts from the climate crisis anticipated by the end of the century. An exhibition in London will showcase the findings.
Current status and visualization of the Giant’s Causeway. Written by Alex Griffiths
Mark Maslin, a professor of earth system science at University College London, employed climate modeling to evaluate the minimum and maximum damage at each site. A group of artists interpreted his findings for a display at Back Market’s Last Shot Gallery. The aim of the artwork is not to forecast exact conditions in these locations, but to elevate consciousness regarding the threats posed by climate change.
Maslin addressed the environmental repercussions of technological consumption. Estimations suggest that human actions account for 6% of the climate crisis, which is double that of the airline sector.
“There is an unawareness regarding how much the devices people constantly use and replace are contributing to overconsumption, vast pollution, and climate change,” he states. “We aim to raise that awareness. Many who utilize their phones daily are oblivious to the impact on the planet.”
Current status and visualization of Moraine Lake in Canada. Written by Hugh Jardine
The environmental damage from rapid technological advancement stems from the extraction of materials such as tantalum, cobalt, and tin—a process notoriously damaging socially and environmentally—and the disposal of e-waste, which emits harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide when burned or pollutes soil and water with toxins when irresponsibly discarded in landfills.
He mentioned that the EU is implementing legislation aimed at curbing built-in obsolescence, which includes regulations on universal chargers to reduce the chaos of myriad wires and plugs piling up in homes.
Tech companies are resisting accusations from Bullock and other lawmakers of disrupting the free market. In June 2024, the EU passed a directive that requires a broader selection of product repairs, extends legal guarantees, and forbids manufacturers from obstructing third-party components.
Iguazu Falls, present day and visualization by Osman G.
In the UK, regulations have been active since 2021 concerning certain household appliances. However, there are ongoing concerns about their overall effectiveness.
“Our studies indicate that while individuals are aware of the shifts occurring around them, many still lack an understanding of how their daily choices, particularly regarding technology, relate to the broader context,” stated Luke Forshaw, head of brand and marketing at Back Market, a global marketplace focusing on regenerative technology, which collaborated with Maslin to organize the exhibition.
Venice – present and visualization. Written by Archie McGrath and Josiah Naggar
A record was set in 2022 with 62 million tons of e-waste produced, marking it as one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams. Forshaw points out that it’s crucial now more than ever to reevaluate our relationship with technology, opting for sustainability over contributing to landfills. “Making sustainable choices more affordable, accessible, and transparent is essential to bridging that gap,” he remarked.
5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Your phone contains valuable materials that can be reused. Photo: Maxim Emelyanov/Alamy
Choose the technology that suits you and stick with it.
Remember that mobile phones hold valuable materials that should be reused, not discarded.
Sell your old device either to a reputable reuse shop or privately.
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The exhibition is at the Last Shot Gallery on October 17th in Fitzrovia, central London.
One weekend, I observed one of my family’s cats, a Byronic fellow named Solomon, playfully swat his sister, regurgitate on her bed linens right before my father, who loves birds, and finish off her gold crest. Yet we couldn’t hold it against Solomon. After all, I harbor no ill feelings toward him or his sister. This paradox defines the experience of cat enthusiasts.
The domesticated house cat (Felice Catus) stands as one of the world’s favorite pets. However, there remains uncertainty over whether they can genuinely be classified as domesticated and why anyone sought to do so in the first place. How did we come to cherish them in their various forms, particularly given that numerous species throughout history counted humans as prey?
In his book, archaeologist Jerry D. Moore delves into the origins of that inquiry, Cat tales: history. More noteworthy than its subtitle “History” is the cover’s text: “How we learned to coexist with them.” It’s ambiguous whether this reflects a human viewpoint or a disgruntled feline’s perspective. Regardless, this book is more about our evolving bonds with cats than a mere study of the creatures themselves.
The narrative of cat domestication narrates how, once humans formed settlements and began hoarding grain, rats descended to feast on their hard-won resources, leading them to the African wildcat (Felice Ribica). Thus, a mutually beneficial arrangement formed: humans stored the grain, and the cats enjoyed a free meal.
Yet, the reality is more nuanced, according to Moore. Domestication, typically involving breeding for specific traits, has only become prevalent with cats in the last century, as humans have aimed for particular appearances and unique characteristics. The humorous notion about cats comes to mind, but another frequent catalyst for domestication is herding.
Moore posits that understanding commensalism offers valuable insight into our bond with cats. Nevertheless, cats can exhibit fickle and aloof behavior, and mice often outmaneuver other species, such as terrier dogs. Cats seem to have confidently established themselves within human homes, suggesting an admirable sense of self-assurance. In essence, they have self-domesticated.
Moore effectively links the depictions of big cats in ancient cave art to their visibility in contemporary conservation campaigns. A 2018 study revealed that big cats consistently rank as among the most charismatic animals.
He also positions cats among history’s elite seafarers, traversing trade routes to Asia and the Mediterranean alongside African and Arab navigators. Their later journeys aboard European colonial vessels wreaked havoc in regions like Australia and New Zealand, where local fauna fell victim to feral cats.
While Moore’s writing occasionally flows gracefully, there are also meandering sections that detract from the book’s overall impact. A notable instance involves an early discussion on 20th-century human tool use. Initially puzzling, he later contends that portraying ancient humans as adept hunters minimizes the influence of ancient cats—the primary predators of our ancestors who shaped our physiology and cognition.
Moore indicates that the dynamics between cats and humans may have been more varied than those with other animals. “Cats have existed as agents of fear, subjects of veneration, deities in religious rites, and have been brutally exploited for amusement.”
For me, Cat tales may not present a wealth of groundbreaking information, but it serves as an excellent collection of archaeological insights paired with stunning photography. Even if our understanding of cats remains shrouded in some mystery after reading this book, perhaps that’s exactly how they prefer it.
TThe world of the Keeper flows from the screen like a vivid dream painted with psilocybin hues. It’s an intricate land filled with bubblegum blues, soft pinks, and bizarre glowing creatures, where evolution seems to happen in an instant. The stunning visuals evoke the charm of a 1980s fantasy film, complete with lovingly crafted practical effects. Keeper is the newest creation from Double Fine, known for their quirky platformer Psychonauts 2, the Kickstarter sensation Broken Age, and various other unique titles. This action-adventure game highlights the beauty of life’s imperfections, resembling a scene sculpted from papier-mâché instead of polished digital designs.
The main character is even more peculiar—the player embodies a lighthouse, illuminating this enchanting ecological landscape. Long shadows trail behind glowing objects, revealing the outlines of colossal plants and tiny creatures. Light projection serves as your means of interaction with the environment, often causing flora to sprout right before your eyes while some rare inhabitants stay nourished by it. As you explore serene lagoons or sunlit canyons dotted with cacti, you’ll find delight in simply observing, embracing the oddity, and nurturing it into even more extraordinary life.
Solve the mystery…Keeper. Photo: Xbox Game Studios
Your role as a life-giving lighthouse develops when you find a companion—a bird named Twig with a driftwood beak. You assume dual responsibilities, having your feathered friend assist in various tasks (on this distant future Earth, the organic blends with the mechanical, reminiscent of a steampunk Henry David Thoreau). However, these puzzles fall short of matching the visual creativity and don’t resonate with the game’s biological themes; early on, you merely rotate the analog stick to align gears.
Often, puzzles feel like barriers to exploration rather than facilitators. Yet, gradually, Keeper embraces the surreal elements of its world to unveil surprises. At one point, a cotton candy-like substance envelops the lighthouse, rendering it weightless. Instead of stumbling awkwardly, it gracefully leaps, gliding through the air.
Soon, the Keeper taps into an evolutionary rhythm as the lighthouse transforms into a fish-inspired boat. The thrill of swaying and swirling in azure waters is delightful! However, the gameplay takes a darker, more abstract twist, as players become disks of red-hot metal, slicing through tangled underbrush like a primitive Sonic the Hedgehog.
Surreal setting…keeper. Photo: Xbox Game Studios
Marketed as “a story told without words,” Keeper communicates most vividly through its expansive visuals. However, this claim is misleading. Throughout the game, button prompts intermittently appear, instructing players on actions like pressing X to “peck.” This clarity detracts from the world’s intended ambiguity.
A similar issue arises towards the game’s conclusion, albeit from a different perspective. Without revealing too much, players confront the profound and unfathomable essence of existence. How can we engage with such transcendental depth? Unfortunately, some puzzles rely on memorization of shapes, including a kaleidoscopic crystal and a black hole. In essence, Keeper struggles with a limited interactive vocabulary to fully harness the extraordinary imagery crafted with such vivid imagination.
Stacking semiconductor transistors could aid in overcoming Moore’s law
Kaust
As semiconductor manufacturers make their products smaller, they encounter limitations on the computing power that can be integrated into a single chip. A groundbreaking chip may offer a solution to this dilemma and advance the creation of sustainable electronics.
Since the 1960s, enhancing electronic capabilities has revolved around miniaturizing their fundamental components, transistors, and packing them more densely onto chips. This trend was encapsulated by Moore’s Law, which posited that the number of components on a microchip doubles every year. However, this phenomenon began to falter around 2010. Li Xiaohan and colleagues at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have suggested that the answer to this challenge might be to build upwards instead of inwards.
They engineered a chip featuring 41 vertical layers of two distinct semiconductor types, separated by insulating material. This stack of transistors is approximately ten times taller than any previously created. To evaluate its efficiency, the team produced 600 duplicates, all demonstrating consistent performance. Some of these stacked chips were utilized to execute various fundamental operations required by computers or sensing devices, showing performance levels comparable to traditional non-stacked counterparts.
Li mentions that producing these stacks necessitates a manufacturing method that requires less energy compared to standard chip production. Team members, including Thomas Anthopoulos from the University of Manchester in the UK indicates that while the new chip may not lead to advanced supercomputers, its application in everyday devices like smart home gadgets and wearable health monitors could significantly lower the carbon footprint of the electronics industry while enhancing functionality with each additional layer.
How high will the stack rise? “The possibilities are endless; we can keep pushing the limits. It’s just a journey of determination,” Anthopoulos states.
However, he notes that engineering hurdles persist regarding the temperature tolerance of the chip before it fails. Muhammad Alam from Purdue University in Indiana comments that it’s analogous to trying to keep cool by layering on multiple hoodies; each additional layer raises the heat. Alam asserts that the chip’s current thermal threshold of 50 degrees Celsius would need to rise by over 30 degrees Celsius to become practical for real-world application. Nonetheless, he believes that for electronics to progress in the near future, pursuing vertical growth is the only viable strategy.
Individuals facing significant adversity in their early years show elevated levels of specific proteins in their brains, a discovery that may shed light on the connection between childhood difficulties and persistent mental health issues. Moreover, medications targeting this protein could potentially mitigate these effects in the future.
About 1 in 5 adolescents in the U.S. report having experienced at least four potentially traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, homelessness, or losing a parent. Studies indicate that these experiences can hinder brain development, leading to an increased risk of mental health conditions, including depression, persisting into adulthood.
“The mechanisms through which early life stress and adversity exert lasting effects are still not fully understood,” states Christoph Anacker from Columbia University, New York. “Individuals who have endured childhood trauma usually exhibit lesser responsiveness to current antidepressant treatments.”
Prior studies have indicated that individuals with depression show elevated symptoms such as heightened levels of the protein SGK1 (serum and blood glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1). While little is known about this protein’s exact role, it seems to affect brain cell processing and information dissemination .
To investigate its effects further, Anacker and colleagues examined SGK1 levels in the postmortem brains of 50 men, 36 of whom had died by suicide. Each participant had completed a questionnaire detailing experiences of physical or sexual abuse before the age of 16.
The research revealed that in the hippocampus—a brain region linked to memory and stress—the levels of genetic material for SGK1 were approximately 33 percent higher in men who had died by suicide compared to those who had not, with even higher levels in those who faced childhood adversity.
In another segment of the study, over 8,500 children aged 9-10 were analyzed, revealing that those diagnosed with depression were more likely to exhibit heightened activity of the SGK1-encoding gene, which was also connected to instances of childhood adversity.
Finally, the researchers conducted an experiment injecting 10 adult male mice daily for 10 days with a novel drug designed to inhibit SGK1. After each injection, the mice were placed in a cage with aggressive counterparts for 5 minutes to elevate stress levels.
At the conclusion of the 10-day study, the treated mice exhibited fewer signs of anxiety and depression than a control group that received saline injections. Notably, the treated group spent more than double the time in the center of a vacant cage rather than cowering in a corner, compared to the control subjects.
“Lowering SGK1 levels in the hippocampus enhances resilience to stress in mice,” states Anacker. A similar biological pathway appears to exist in humans, suggesting that targeting SGK1 may alleviate depression in those who faced early hardships. Although the exact mechanism by which SGK1 contributes to mental health issues remains unclear, one theory is that it inhibits the formation of brain cells in the hippocampus.
While the drug utilized in this study is not yet approved for human use, other SGK1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical trials for specific heart conditions. If proven safe, these could potentially be repurposed for treating mental health disorders, according to Anacker. However, “this fundamental research in rodents is still far from providing the conclusive evidence needed to identify practical drug targets for humans,” notes Katie McLoughlin at Harvard University.
If you need someone to talk to, reach out to the British Samaritans at 116123; the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; or find hotlines in other countries.
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