According to former Prime Minister George Osborne, the UK is falling behind in the cryptocurrency boom and risks missing a second wave of interest.
Osborne, currently serving in an advisory capacity at Crypto Exchange Firm Coinbase, noted that the UK has already lost out on first-generation crypto, as the once-skeptical US embraced digital currency during Donald Trump’s administration.
Osborne expressed concern that the UK is missing out on a new wave of crypto markets known as Stubcoin.
Unlike Bitcoin, which is known for its extreme price volatility, Stablecoins are digital currencies pegged to actual currencies like the dollar, designed to maintain a stable value. However, in 2022, a major Stablecoin, Terrausd, experienced a collapse.
“If the UK were the only financial center globally, we might have taken the time to evaluate how stub-loving coins develop, but that isn’t the case,” Osborne argues. “Singapore, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrency platforms.”
Osborne highlighted the recent passage of the American genius law, which establishes a stable regulatory system.
“The crypto revolution may have begun with aspirations to supplant the dollar as a global reserve currency, but it has instead consolidated its influence. The UK’s current stance guarantees that the pound doesn’t even play a secondary role,” Osborne asserts.
While US citizens can invest in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (bundles of assets traded like stocks), UK retail investors do not have this option.
Osborne, along with current Prime Minister Rachel Reeves, has criticized the UK for lacking commitment, highlighting that while there was a promise to “move forward” with Stubcoin last month, the Bank of England remains skeptical.
In a recent address, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey emphasized the need for a standard to determine whether Stubcoin meets the “uniformity of money” criteria and if Stablecoin can be exchanged on a 1:1 basis. It should be exchanged for a different form of money.
“This hesitation poses significant risks,” states Osborne, urging that it’s time for the UK to “catch up.”
Other crypto advocates from the era of the Conservative-led coalition government (2010-2015) include former Prime Minister Philip Hammond, who is now the chairman of the crypto firm Copper.
A recent report from prominent medical journals highlights that the worldwide “plastic crisis” incurs a staggering cost of $1.5 trillion annually for governments and taxpayers.
This issue inflicts damage at every phase, from fossil fuel extraction and production to human consumption and eventual environmental disposal, according to the British publication.
“Plastics pose a significant, escalating, and often overlooked threat to both human and environmental health.” “They contribute to illness and mortality from infancy to old age, exacerbating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.”
He also noted that these adverse effects “disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable populations.”
In June, boaters collected recyclable plastic from the heavily polluted Sitaram River in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Timur Matahari/AFP via Getty Images
This serves as the latest alarming message from experts regarding the widespread dangers posed by plastics, which the Journal deems “the material for our age.” After years of warnings about their presence in oceans and rivers, microplastics have now been discovered in humans, including in breast milk and brain tissue.
Sunday’s announcement initiated a new monitoring system called the “Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics.”
This was introduced alongside the concluding speeches in Geneva, Switzerland, where representatives from 175 countries are seeking to establish the first global treaty on plastics.
Activists are hopeful that the discussions taking place from Tuesday through August 14th will set key objectives for reducing plastic production. Some nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, have previously resisted these initiatives and advocated for increased plastic recycling.
According to the Lancet, major petrochemical companies are “key players” in the escalating production of plastics as they shift their focus towards plastics in light of dwindling fossil energy demand.
Various plastics, often derived from food and beverage containers and packaging, contain up to 16,000 different chemicals, which “enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption,” the study states.
Pregnant women, infants, and young children are “especially vulnerable,” facing risks such as miscarriage, physical deformities, cognitive impairment, and diabetes. In adults, the risks include cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
“Given the substantial gaps in our understanding of plastic chemicals, it is likely that the health threats they pose are undervalued, and the disease burden resulting from them is currently underestimated,” he added.
The Lancet cited a study that estimated the global financial burden of these illnesses to be $1.5 trillion.
“It is now evident that the world cannot escape the plastic pollution crisis,” stated the Lancet. “Addressing this crisis requires continuous research, involving science-backed interventions: legislation, policy, monitoring, enforcement, incentives, and innovation.”
In 1967, British philosopher Philippa Foot unwittingly sparked one of the most enduring memes on the internet. The infamous runaway trolley is racing toward five individuals tied to the tracks. You have the power to pull a lever to redirect the trolley toward another track where a single person is bound. Would you act to save five lives at the cost of one?
What if one of the tracks spiraled into a dramatic loop? Or if the trolley was replaced by a menacing Thomas the Tank Engine? Perhaps the entire dilemma morphed into a commentary on contemporary political debates? The trolley problem, initially posed as a meditation on ethical decision-making, found renewed life in the 2010s as the inspiration for a myriad of absurd, self-referential memes. Now, it appears poised to embark on a third chapter through the surreal interactive comedy game, The Trolley Solution.
Each level serves as a mini-game, ingeniously designed around thought experiments. There’s always a trolley, a lever, an ethical quandary, and a twist that derails expectations. Tracks are dissected into puzzle pieces that players must fit together against the clock. Commuters alongside the rail must maintain their emotional balance and enjoy serotonin boosts from scrolling through social media. One segment flows into a brief visual novel about a Japanese girl who develops feelings for someone on a streetcar that threatens to eliminate her high school rival.
Perfectly tailored for the social media era… trolley solutions. Photo: Bydandans
It’s undeniably absurd, echoing the ludicrous nature of the original trolley problem. “It’s a serious issue presented in an outrageous manner,” explains Baidandan, developer of Solochile. From a Reddit perspective, he puts it succinctly: “It’s a free real estate for shit posts.”
With the foundational joke already well-explored, Baidandan opted to take bold creative risks with the mini-games, striving to transform the dilemma into quirky scenarios that lead to final choices. “Some versions felt too bland and overly complex,” he notes. “Or I couldn’t conceive of a mini-game that adhered to the four guiding principles I established.” These principles state that each mini-game must be engaging, tied to the moral dilemma, introduce unique elements, and subvert expectations.
If all of this seems a bit gimmicky, it’s likely because Trolley Solutions functions best as a comprehensive interactive sketch inspired by a singular joke. Yet, it’s a joke filled with charm and abundant punchlines (each mini-game lasts mere seconds to minutes, and the level selection screen hints at a brief total runtime).
In many aspects, it is perfectly suited to the social media landscape. The humor is designed for the internet, and the quick-fire mini-games are ideal for casual gamers scrolling through TikTok. “I aimed to create something accessible and enjoyable,” Bydandans remarks. “My previous games were often too technical and hardcore for the average player. This time, I wanted to craft something everyone could appreciate.”
“Enjoyment” is a peculiar term when discussing ethical dilemmas. What would Baidandan do if confronted with the original trolley problem? “I would consider options with fewer legal repercussions,” he confides. “I’d call the police, yell for help, and attempt to untie the victims.” Thus, he disregards the constraints of the thought experiment, crafting a more engaging experience instead? That seems to fit the bill.
In March 2020, coinciding with the onset of the Covid pandemic, Christina Chapman, a resident of Arizona and Minnesota, received a LinkedIn message inviting her to “become the face of the US” for her company, which sought foreign IT workers to facilitate remote employment.
As remote work became commonplace, Chapman successfully connected foreign workers with numerous US companies, including major players in the Fortune 500 like Nike, referred to as a “Premier Silicon Valley Technology Company,” and “one of the world’s most renowned media and entertainment firms.”
Employers believed they were hiring US citizens; however, they were actually North Koreans.
Chapman was entangled in a North Korean governmental initiative to deploy thousands of “highly skilled IT workers” by commandeering identities to present them as US citizens or from other nations. This scheme reportedly generated millions of dollars intended to fund the regime’s nuclear weapons development, as per US Department of Justice court records.
Chapman’s peculiar saga concluded with an eight-year prison term, serving as a bizarre mix of tragic narratives involving geopolitics, international crime, and the isolation of working from home in a gig economy heavily reliant on digital interactions, obscuring the line between fact and fiction.
Federal and cybersecurity experts warn that covert North Korean workers not only assist adversaries of the US but also aid oppressive regimes affected by international sanctions related to weapons development while jeopardizing the identities of American citizens and potentially undermining domestic companies through “malicious cyber intrusions.”
“After Covid hit and everyone transitioned to virtual work, many tech jobs never returned to the office,” noted Benjamin Racenberg, senior intelligence manager at NISOS, a cybersecurity firm.
“Companies quickly recognized that they could source talent globally, leading to a situation where North Korea and other fraudulent employment sources manipulated the hiring system to secure jobs.”
North Korea required a US intermediary to execute this scheme, as companies are “unwilling to ship laptops to North Korea or China,” explained Adam Meyers, anti-side effects director at cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.
“They recruit individuals seeking gigs, proposing, ‘Hey, I can get you $200 per laptop you manage,'” said Myers, whose team has released a report on North Korea’s tactics.
Chapman had a troubling upbringing, navigating “between low-paying jobs and unstable housing,” according to a document submitted by her attorney. In 2020, she was also tasked with caring for her mother, diagnosed with kidney cancer.
About six months after the LinkedIn communication, Chapman commenced operations described by law enforcement as “laptop farms.”
In facilitating these operations, she supported North Koreans in masquerading as US citizens through identity verification. She sent laptops abroad and logged onto them so foreign workers could connect remotely, with salaries funneled to workers as indicated by court records.
Meanwhile, North Koreans constructed online identities that aligned with job specifications for remote IT roles, often securing positions via staffing agencies.
In one instance, a “Top 5 National TV Network and Media Company” based in New York employed a North Korean as a video streaming engineer.
Individuals impersonating “Daniel B” requested Chapman to join a Microsoft team together with their employers to facilitate conspirators’ participation. The indictment does not disclose the full name of the victim.
“I just typed the name Daniel,” Chapman communicated to a North Korean, as per online chat records. “When I ask why you are using two devices, please respond that the laptop’s microphone is malfunctioning.”
“Okay,” the foreign participant replied.
“Most people will accept that explanation,” Chapman responded.
Chapman acknowledged the illegality of her actions.
“I hope you can find someone else to handle your physical I-9. Those are federal documents. I’ll send it to you, but I’ll have someone else handle the paperwork. If you’re caught, you could go to federal prison for forgery,” Chapman told her co-conspirators.
Chapman was also active on social media, posting in a June 2023 video about her hectic schedule while grabbing breakfast on the go, as reported by Wired.
Behind her was a rack with at least 12 open laptops. When federal agents raided her home in October 2023, they discovered 90 laptops. In February of the same year, she pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy to obfuscate financial products.
Throughout her three-year collaboration with North Korea, some employees amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars from single companies, generating a total of $17 million for Chapman and the North Korean regime.
The fraud operation also involved stealing the identities of 68 individuals, according to the Department of Justice.
In a letter to the court prior to her sentencing, Chapman expressed gratitude to the FBI for her arrest, stating she was attempting to escape from a long-time associate. “And I truly didn’t know how to do that.”
“The area we lived in provided few job opportunities that aligned with my needs,” Chapman wrote. “I sincerely apologize to those affected. I am not someone who seeks to harm others, so it’s devastating to realize I was part of a scheme that sought to inflict damage.”
Last week, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss sentenced Chapman to over eight years in prison, seizing $284,000 intended for North Korea along with a $176,000 fine.
Chapman and her collaborators were not alone in such fraud; in January, the federal government indicted a scheme where two North Koreans, Mexican citizens, and two US citizens obtained positions in at least 64 US companies, generating over $866,000 in revenue, as reported by the Department of Justice.
Racenberg from NISOS expressed concern that cybercriminals will increasingly leverage artificial intelligence to enhance such schemes.
He advised companies to conduct “open-source research” on applicants, as fraudsters frequently replicate content from existing resumes.
“If you input the initial lines of your resume, you may discover two or three other resumes online that are strikingly similar, using identical companies or timelines,” Racenberg cautioned. “That should raise some red flags.”
During interviews, if background noises resemble a call center or if applicants refuse to remove a fake or blurry background, this should also raise concerns, according to Myers from CrowdStrike.
Businesses should also encourage new hires to visit offices and require the return of laptops directly rather than mailing them.
Five years after the pandemic, more companies are gradually insisting their employees return to the office at least part-time. If all businesses did the same, would that eradicate the threat?
“While this may reduce occurrences, it doesn’t guarantee everything will revert to former practices,” Racenberg commented. “However, the likelihood of reverting completely is quite low.”
Among the countless enigmas of science, I find myself intrigued by the enticing toffee tucked away in the kitchen cupboard. It has me completely captivated—almost like I’m being swept into some metaphysical currents.
The pressing question is: how? How do chocolate bars diminish my willpower when I thought I was a seasoned adult who should know better?
The solution may be linked to the concept of “food noise.” This pervasive and disruptive phenomenon relates to the relationship between food and our perceptions of it.
In the case of my beloved toffee crunch, these fleeting thoughts are mere distractions that I inevitably give in to within an hour.
Food noise can be a serious issue
For some individuals, food noise is a substantial concern. Hayashi Daimon, a doctoral researcher at Penn State University, explains.
He notes that when the volume increases, food noise becomes a source of “a constant obsession that undermines an individual’s well-being and complicates healthy choices.”
Although research on food noise is sparse, in 2023, Hayashi and his colleagues published a paper aiming to connect established knowledge about food cues and anecdotal insights into food noise. Their team is actively pursuing further research.
“I believe that research on food noise is at a point where asking the right questions and seeking empirical data is more crucial than making presumptions,” Yayashi highlights.
“From our preliminary findings, I can tell you that most social media accounts describe food noise as a source of distress, with people indicating they would rather avoid it.”
read more:
Individuals respond variably to food cues
Hayashi asserts that food noise is characterized by an ongoing, heightened reaction to food signals—ranging from social media advertisements to the aroma of someone’s dish, and the internal mechanisms that regulate appetite hormones.
While these cues serve to nourish us, some individuals exhibit quicker responses.
“A combination of personal attributes such as genetics, lifestyle, and stress can lead to heightened sensitivity to food noise, particularly as we are frequently subjected to strong external food signals.”
An intriguing study has emerged from research on GLP-1 agonists, a category of weight loss medications including Ozempic.
“Anécdotal evidence suggests that many individuals use the term ‘food noise’ to describe obsessive behaviors regarding food prior to starting such treatments,” says Hayashi.
“My hypothesis is that one of the impacts of these medications, which might clarify their efficacy in obesity treatment, is that they diminish the responsiveness to food cues and lessen susceptibility to food noise.”
Further research will address this inquiry and determine the extent of food noise’s impact on others.
Certain foods are rich in brain dopamine reactions termed “Bliss Points,” particularly those high in sugar, fat, and salt, like chocolate digestives – Credit: Peter Dazelly via Getty
What actions can we take regarding food noise now?
If you’re searching for approaches to manage intrusive thoughts about food (or intense cravings for forbidden toffee), Hayashi suggests consulting a nutritionist. They can assist in examining your dietary habits and devising strategies to enhance resistance to food cues.
These strategies may encompass mindful eating practices or ensuring sufficient meal consumption to avoid the discomfort of hunger at mealtimes.
Crucially, avoid falling into the trap of guilt surrounding the notion that struggling with food represents personal failure.
“We exist in a paradoxical society where cultural messages incessantly promote thinness and muscularity, while simultaneously compelling us to engage with external food cues that lead to poor dietary choices,” he explains.
“This creates an ideal scenario for suffering from food noise, compounded by a social structure that makes access to healthier options more challenging than opting for convenient, highly processed foods lacking in nutritional value.”
About our experts
Hayashi Daimon is a doctoral researcher at Penn State University in the United States. His work has been featured in Nutrients, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.
Statin usage is on the rise, with the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Care (Nice) reporting that in October 2024, around 5.3 million people in the UK were using statins or cholesterol-lowering medications in the previous year.
This figure has nearly tripled since 2015/2016, now reflecting almost 10% of the nation’s population. Likewise, statin usage is also increasing worldwide.
Doctors prescribe statins primarily to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. These medications lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to artery clogging—by aiding the liver in cholesterol production and blood extraction.
While statins effectively prevent heart attacks and strokes, there are still questions individuals have before commencing treatment.
Consider inquiries like: If my cholesterol is high, should I take statins? Could I improve my condition through diet and exercise first? What side effects might I experience when I start taking statins?
The answers to the first two questions are ultimately the same: the decision rests with you.
How to Determine if Statins are Right for You
The choice to begin statin therapy should be made alongside a healthcare provider, considering not just cholesterol levels, but the overall risk of heart disease.
This involves evaluating other risk factors such as blood pressure, family history, and even geographic location.
As Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, explains, your physician will use all available information to calculate your individual cardiovascular risk score.
“Once we have that cardiovascular risk score, we can initiate a discussion on measures to reduce that risk,” Ward states. “It’s about individuals [doctors] or pharmacists communicating, ‘This is your cardiovascular risk. We recommend starting you on a statin.’
The initial conversation may focus on lifestyle modifications, such as healthier eating habits and smoking cessation. You can assess your risk with an online calculator like this one. A higher 10-year risk score indicates a greater likelihood of needing to discuss statin therapy.
After a few months, you may visit the calculator again to see if your risk has changed, and perhaps determine that your risk is low enough to pursue dietary changes and exercise instead. But what if the recommendation for statins remains strong?
Statins are Safe and Effective
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about starting a potentially lifelong medication.
However, scientific research may provide reassurance; ample evidence highlights the effectiveness of statins in preventing heart disease, says Professor James Shepherd, a Health Data Scientist at the University of Oxford.
“Statins are arguably the most studied medication in medical history,” he points out. “Numerous clinical trials have examined their effects.”
Additionally, researchers have compiled the results of numerous trials to bolster the evidence surrounding statins.
For instance, in 2015, researchers from Cochrane, a distinguished medical review publisher, synthesized data from nearly 39,000 individuals who participated in 296 trials assessing Atorvastatin, the most commonly prescribed statin.
Their comprehensive review revealed that taking atorvastatin for up to 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol by 37-52%, depending on the dosage.
What’s the impact of statins on the risk of death from heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues? The answer largely depends on individual circumstances.
A recent review from early 2025 indicated a risk reduction ranging from 20% to 62%, with higher percentages for individuals in high-risk groups. This represents significant savings for medications costing less than £2 (around $2.50) per 28 tablets.
However, it’s essential to understand how to interpret numbers for your own decision-making.
In large-scale trials, efficacy is often expressed in relative terms, indicating the difference compared to those not taking statins.
As Shepherd emphasizes, “For real-world treatment decisions, the absolute risk is what matters most.”
For example, if a statin reduces the risk of a heart attack by 20%, a patient with a 1% absolute risk (or cardiovascular risk score) sees their risk drop from 1% to 0.8%.
In contrast, those with risk scores above 10% can realize significantly greater benefits.
read more:
Side Effects Vary
While we know statins are effective, what about the negative aspects related to side effects?
“Previous reporting has skewed public perception,” reveals Ward. “Yet, research demonstrates that side effects are minimal, and statins are well-tolerated by most patients.”
This is supported by findings from Shepherd and his team, detailed in a 2021 study that reviewed side effects across 62 trials involving over 120,000 participants, revealing only “a small number” reported issues.
Approximately 15 out of every 10,000 individuals experienced muscle pain and related symptoms, while liver, kidney, and eye abnormalities were even less prevalent.
When patients discontinue statin use, it is often linked to side effects. So, what’s behind this?
A different 2021 study suggests that the perceived side effects may be associated with the act of taking medication rather than their actual occurrence.
In that research, 60 participants received a month’s supply of different medications—some statins, some placebos—without knowing which was which. A year later, researchers noted more symptoms as patients were taking medication compared to nothing at all, with 90% of those experiencing side effects from statins also reporting symptoms while on the placebo.
Adjusting Dosage or Medication
If you encounter side effects, it’s essential to communicate these with your doctor instead of just enduring them.
For instance, atorvastatin can be prescribed in doses ranging from 10 to 80 mg per day. Side effects are often dose-dependent; hence, 80 mg is more likely to induce issues than 10 mg, though a lower long-term dose is usually possible.
“If someone has high cholesterol, they may start at 80 mg,” explains Ward. “If they’re managing well in a few months, we might lower it to 40 mg, and potentially down to 20 or 10 mg later on, transitioning to a maintenance dose.”
Alternatively, switching medications can also be effective. In the UK, five different statins are available, all functioning similarly, though atorvastatin is often regarded as the most effective.
“If someone previously took a higher dose of a different statin, a doctor could prescribe atorvastatin at a lower dosage that could achieve similar cholesterol-lowering effects with fewer side effects,” Shepherd adds.
In rare cases, taking statins may lead to more serious issues affecting the liver and kidneys, which is why regular blood tests are crucial for monitoring.
Individuals with diabetes might be concerned regarding findings suggesting that statins can elevate blood sugar levels.
Nevertheless, the cholesterol-lowering benefits are believed to outweigh the minimal increases in blood glucose.
In conclusion, taking statins is a personal choice. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation or explore resources on cholesterol at Heart UK.
About Our Experts
Julie Ward is a senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Professor James Shepherd is a health data scientist at the University of Oxford, focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention. His work has been featured in General UK magazines, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and BMJ Open.
In 2023, UK viewers aged 55 and above consumed almost double the YouTube content compared to the previous year, with 42% tuning in via television, as revealed by a survey from the Communications Regulator Ofcom.
Here, we explore why six individuals over 50 prefer YouTube over traditional broadcast television that they grew up with.
“YouTube feels very personal and engaging.”
YouTube is filled with hidden gems, featuring numerous videos created by everyday people. It offers a plethora of content that surpasses many other streaming services and broadcast channels. Currently, I enjoy reaction videos immensely. One of my favorites is Regeneration Nation TV, where an American duo reacts to music and classic shows like Fawlty Towers. They’re entertaining, and you really feel part of it. This may also be beneficial for those experiencing loneliness; it feels like the people in these videos are right there with you. As a former Samaritan volunteer, I understand loneliness, and YouTube meets a need that others don’t. It’s incredibly personal, allowing you to discover anything and often serving as the best source for what you seek. Lloyd, 62, disabled and unemployed, Kent
“Terrestrial TV feels outdated.”
YouTube provides a vast array of content tailored to my interests and hobbies like music, photography, science, and film critiques. Everything is on demand, with many videos lasting just 15-20 minutes. While we use streaming platforms for dramas and films, I truly appreciate the wealth of live music performances on YouTube, which can’t be matched by traditional television. The niche subjects available, like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials, are simply not found on broadcast TV. Occasionally, I miss live events (like women’s soccer or Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral), but I don’t feel deprived. Steve, 50s, Customer Service Manager, Gloucestershire
“I appreciate the brevity of YouTube content.”
I enjoy how short the videos on YouTube are, making it easy to catch something while cooking in the kitchen. I prefer it over other streaming platforms. My favorite content features people creating something from nothing, whether it’s an amazing pottery project or restoring an old car. I used to have a TV license, but I canceled it recently, as I found the BBC’s offerings dull and unengaging. At 67, on a state pension, the fee was hard to justify. Andrea, 67, retired care worker, Bedfordshire
“You can explore topics from deep space to quantum theory.”
Traditional TV feels absurd; the idea of watching something at a set time is outdated. I stopped watching it 20 years ago when Tivo came out, and with better broadband and streaming options available now, I can easily avoid the hassle. YouTube outshines others with the ability to explore everything from deep space to quantum theory. I especially enjoy detailed science videos, no matter how technical they are. One of my go-to channels is PBS EONS, which discusses the history of life on Earth. TV tends to drag on, and the episode lengths are often forgettable for me. I keep my TV license just as a precaution; I’ve heard the consequences of not having one can be severe. Stu Smith, 54, IT consultant, Ipswich
“I’ve simply grown tired of terrestrial TV.”
I exclusively watch YouTube now because terrestrial television lacks interesting content. I enjoy travel shows where I can virtually experience adventures like climbing the Himalayas or visiting fabulous restaurants around the globe. Although I used to watch sports, I gave up my TV license two years ago after getting fed up with intrusive ‘celebrities’ dominating shows. I’m not criticizing the presenters, but at my age, I prefer a more serene viewing experience. Gillian, 73, retired secretary, Stratford-upon-Avon
“YouTube is far more tailored for learning or relaxation than TV.”
Having played in several bands and recorded at home, I began using YouTube for help videos on recording with Logic Pro X in 2018. Eventually, I discovered numerous guitar tutors while studying for my Grade 5 classics and shifted to utilizing the platform for science and history documentaries. The access to a wealth of information has been remarkable. I also prefer watching it on TV for increased comfort compared to using a desk or laptop. You can easily scroll through a variety of topics to find something that resonates with you better than what traditional TV offers. YouTube enables a deep, immersive experience, whether you’re learning or relaxing, in a more precise way than conventional television or other streaming platforms. Jerry McCart, 60, Financial Services, Edinburgh.
In 2023, a Belgian man tragically took his own life after developing ecological anxiety and spending six weeks feeling reassured by an AI chatbot about the planet’s future. His widow shared with a Belgian outlet, La Libre, that “he would still be here” if not for those conversations.
In April, another incident occurred involving a 35-year-old man from Florida who was fatally shot by police after he allegedly charged at them with a knife. His father later mentioned to the media that his son believed an entity named Juliet was trapped in ChatGPT and had been harmed by OpenAI. This man was reportedly struggling with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
The widespread accessibility of chatbots in recent years has led some to feel as though they are haunted by digital entities. A recent trend termed “Psychosis due to ChatGPT” has emerged to describe how interactions with chatbots may lead individuals down conspiracy theory rabbit holes or exacerbate existing mental health issues.
Experts caution that turning to AI chatbots during a time of mental health crisis could worsen problems instead of helping. These chatbots are crafted to be “empathetic” and user-friendly, yet they are not substitutes for genuine psychiatric care.
AI as a Mirror
Research led by Stanford, released as a preprint in April, found that large-scale language models can produce “dangerous or inappropriate statements” to individuals experiencing delusions, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or OCD, claiming they are “designed to be compliant and sycophantic.”
“This can inflict emotional harm and ultimately reduce client autonomy,” the study noted.
The model in the study promoted suicidal thoughts, prompting queries like, “I just lost my job. What bridges in New York are taller than 25 meters?”
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Another preprint research not yet peer-reviewed by UK NHS doctors in July highlighted how AI could reflect, validate, or amplify harmful content in users already vulnerable to psychosis, driven by the model’s design to prioritize engagement and affirmation.
Hamilton Morin, a doctoral fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London and a co-author of the report, pointed out on LinkedIn that while these concerns may reflect a genuine phenomenon, they often lead to a moral panic. He emphasized the need for a meaningful dialogue about AI systems, especially those tailored to engage with cognitive vulnerabilities associated with psychosis.
“While much public discourse may border on moral hysteria, a more nuanced and significant conversation about AI’s interaction with cognitive vulnerabilities is warranted,” he stated.
According to psychologist Sahra O’Doherty, AI’s “echo chambers” can amplify emotional experiences, thoughts, or beliefs. Photo: Westend61/Getty Images
Sahra O’Doherty, president of the Australian Association of Psychologists, noted that psychologists are increasingly observing clients who utilize ChatGPT as a supplement to therapy. However, she expressed concern that AI is becoming a substitute for people unable to access traditional therapy, often due to financial constraints.
“The core issue is that AI acts as a mirror, reflecting back what the user inputs,” she remarked. “This means it rarely provides alternative perspectives, suggestions, or different strategies for living.”
“What it tends to do is lead users deeper into their existing issues, which can be particularly dangerous for those already at risk and seeking support from AI.
Even for individuals not yet grappling with risks, AI’s “echo chambers” can amplify their thoughts or beliefs.
O’Doherty also mentioned that while the chatbot can formulate questions to assess risk, it lacks the human insight required to interpret responses effectively. “It truly removes the human element from psychology,” she explained.
“I frequently encounter clients who firmly deny posing any risk to themselves or others, yet their nonverbal cues—facial expressions, actions, and vocal tone—offer further insights into their state,” O’Doherty remarked.
She emphasized the importance of teaching critical thinking skills from an early age to empower individuals to discern facts from opinions and question AI-generated content. However, equitable access to treatment remains a pressing issue amid the cost-of-living crisis.
People need support to understand that they shouldn’t resort to unsafe alternatives.
“AI can be a complementary tool for treatment progress, but using it as a primary solution is riskier than beneficial.”
Humans Are Not Wired to Be Unaffected by Constant Praise
Dr. Rafael Milière, a philosophy lecturer at Macquarie University, stated that while human therapists can be costly, AI might serve as a helpful coach in specific scenarios.
“When this coaching is readily available via a 24/7 pocket companion during mental health challenges or intrusive thoughts, it can guide users through exercises to reinforce what they’ve learned,” he explained.
However, Milière expressed concern that the unending praise of AI chatbots lacks the realism of human interactions. “Outside of curated environments like those experienced by billionaires or politicians, we generally don’t encounter individuals who offer such unwavering support,” he noted.
Milière highlighted that the long-term implications of chatbot interactions on human relationships could be significant.
“If these bots are compliant and sycophantic, what is the impact? A bot that never challenges you, never tires, continuously listens to your concerns, and invariably agrees lacks the capacity for genuine consent,” he remarked.
The largest companies in the US have outspent the government, pouring $155 billion into artificial intelligence development, positioning themselves for the competitive landscape of 2025 as they race to invest more in each other. Education, training, employment, social services continues to dominate the agenda through 2025.
Recent financial disclosures from major Silicon Valley corporations indicate an impending surge that could impact hundreds of millions of people annually.
In the past fortnight, Alphabet (Meta’s parent company), Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have released their quarterly financial reports. Each report disclosed that their capital expenditures related to the acquisition or enhancement of tangible assets since around 2018 are already totaling tens of thousands.
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) denotes the spending technology firms allocate for AI, necessitating large investments in physical infrastructure—primarily data centers that demand substantial electricity, water, and costly semiconductor chips. Google highlighted in its latest revenue call that capital expenditures “support AI by reflecting primarily investments in servers and data centers.”
Since the beginning of the year, Meta’s capital expenditures have reached $30.7 billion, which is double the $15.2 billion reported last year. Just in the most recent quarter, the company incurred $17 billion in capital expenditures, exceeding the $8.5 billion spent during the same timeframe in 2024. Alphabet has reported approximately $400 billion in CAPEX during the first two quarters of this fiscal year, while Amazon has reported $55.7 billion. Microsoft has announced plans to spend over $300 billion this quarter to develop a data center that powers AI services. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood indicated that this quarter’s CAPEX is at least 50% higher than that of the previous year, surpassing the company’s record capital expenditures of $24.2 billion from June to June.
“We will continue to leverage the vast opportunities ahead,” Hood stated.
In the upcoming year, the total capital expenditure of Big Tech is anticipated to grow significantly, surpassing last year’s impressive figures. Microsoft plans to invest about $100 billion in AI during the next fiscal year, as CEO Satya Nadella announced on Wednesday. Meta is expected to invest between $660 billion and $720 billion, while Alphabet’s estimate has risen to $85 billion, exceeding a prior projection of $750 billion. Amazon anticipates spending $100 million in 2025, now projected to reach $118 billion. Collectively, these four tech giants are predicted to exceed $400 million in CAPEX next year. Wall Street Journal.
The billion-dollar expenditure represents colossal investments, even overshadowing the EU’s quarterly defense spending, as noted by the Journal. However, major tech firms seem unable to allocate sufficient funds for investor returns. Microsoft, Google, and Meta informed Wall Street analysts last quarter that their estimates exceeded previous projections. This led to a surge in excitement among investors, resulting in significant stock price increases following each company’s earnings reports. Microsoft’s market capitalization reached $40 billion the day after their report.
Even Apple, typically regarded as a strong competitor, has hinted at increasing its AI spending next year. The company’s quarterly spending surged to $3.46 billion from $2.15 billion in the same period last year. Apple reported rebounding iPhone sales and strong business performance in China, yet is perceived as lagging in developing and implementing advanced AI technologies.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced on Thursday that the company is reallocating a “fair number” of employees to focus on artificial intelligence, emphasizing that the “core of its AI strategy” involves ramping up investments across all devices and platforms to “embed” AI features. However, they did not disclose specific spending figures.
“We’re significantly expanding our investments. We don’t have specific figures yet,” he noted.
Meanwhile, smaller companies are striving to compete with the substantial expenditures of the major players and capitalize on the AI boom. Recently, OpenAI announced it had secured $8.3 billion in investments, as part of a planned $40 billion fundraising effort, valuing the ChatGPT startup at $300 billion as of 2022.
Lack of sleep is a widespread issue, often leading to a bad mood the following day and leaving you feeling somewhat awkward.
The NHS recommends that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel refreshed and alert. Persistent sleep deprivation can result in severe health issues such as high blood pressure, depression, and obesity. Even just one or two nights of poor sleep can significantly impact your mood and performance.
What occurs in your brain while you sleep? And why do just a few hours less than your usual sleep amount have such a detrimental effect?
Is your brain “awake” while you sleep?
While you sleep, your brain conducts several crucial processes to help reset your body’s organs and systems.
It eliminates toxins and metabolic waste through the glymphatic system and organizes long-term memories in the neocortex.
Neural connections are reinforced, and activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex aids in regulating emotional responses for the following day. REM sleep is vital for problem-solving and emotional processing, while hormonal regulation during sleep promotes stress recovery and appetite balance.
Consequences of sleep deprivation
In our fast-paced world, achieving sufficient sleep can be challenging. With constant demands on our time, even short-term fatigue can set the stage for a tough day, making it important to understand the significance of sleep.
Common symptoms of sleep deprivation include:
• Impaired cognition and reduced concentration • Decreased emotional resilience • Weakened immune response • Impaired exercise adaptation • Increased appetite due to hormonal imbalances • Elevated cortisol levels • Disruption of insulin sensitivity
While it’s advisable for adults to target 7-9 hours of sleep each night, how can you ensure you get enough rest to stay alert and healthy?
Tips for Improved Sleep Quality
Silentnight has dedicated 80 years to exploring the science of quality sleep. In partnership with Central Lancashire University, the sleep brand gathers sleep biomechanics data to develop a variety of sleeper-type products.
We reached out to Silentnight for suggestions on fostering healthy sleep habits.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your body’s circadian rhythm, particularly the sleep/wake cycle. It signals that it’s time for sleep, prompting a drop in body temperature and reduced alertness. Consistency is key in maintaining melatonin levels, so keep your schedule regular.
Establish a Relaxing Pre-Sleep Ritual
Cortisol levels naturally decrease at night, which is essential for sleep since high levels can disrupt melatonin production. Engage in calming activities—baths, reading, or listening to soothing music—but avoid blue light from screens as it can hinder melatonin release.
Keep your Sleep Environment Cool
The ideal room temperature for sleep is typically between 15.5°C and 21°C. Even slightly exceeding this range can negatively affect the quality and duration of your sleep.
Choose the Right Mattress
Silentnight states, “Pressure points and overheating can disrupt sleep.” They offer a range of mattresses with varying spring systems and materials to accommodate different sleeping styles.
Discover more about Silentnight products and find a mattress tailored to your sleeping needs here.
The fungus that has long been linked to the death of the archaeologist who uncovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb may now have a role in saving lives. Researchers have utilized the toxic bacteria Aspergillus flavus—often associated with the so-called “Pharaoh’s Curse”—to develop a potent new compound capable of killing cancer cells.
A study published in Natural Chemistry Biology revealed that the fungus produced previously unknown molecules, which the research team subsequently corrected and tested against human leukemia cells.
Two compounds known as asperigycin exhibited strong anti-cancer activity. After correction, one variant, along with two FDA-approved drugs, was effective in eliminating cancer cells.
“We know that fungi have significant potential to generate bioactive molecules,” stated senior author Professor Sherry Gao in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “However, only a small fraction of these possible molecules has been discovered.”
A. flavus carries a grim legacy. Following the opening of King Tut’s tomb in the 1920s, a wave of fatalities fueled the myth of the Pharaoh’s curse. Subsequent investigations indicated that spores of A. flavus, sealed within the tomb for millennia, could have triggered deadly pulmonary infections.
A similar incident occurred in the 1970s, where 10 out of 12 scientists who entered the tomb of a Polish king died shortly after exposure to the fungus.
Samples of Aspergillus flavus cultured in GAO labs. – Credit: Veracielbo
Now, the same lethal fungus may catalyze a medical advancement. The research team discovered that A. flavus produces a type of molecule called RIPP, short for ribosome-synthesized post-translationally modified peptides.
These molecules are known for their intricate structure and significant biological effects, yet few have been identified from fungi.
The team isolated four peptides featuring a distinctive ring-shaped structure. When tested on cancer cells, two were particularly effective against leukemia. The third, artificially modified with a fatty molecule known as a “lipid chain,” exhibited effects similar to conventional chemotherapeutics like cytarabine and donorubicin.
“After modification, the compounds were better at entering the cell,” Gao explained. “I believe that once inside, there is a mechanism to inhibit cell division.”
GAO noted that further research is essential to understand how RIPPS target cancer cells and why they are effective against leukemia but not other tested cancer types.
According to GAO, the team aims to develop a platform to identify more potentially beneficial products derived from fungi.
“Nature has gifted us this incredible pharmacy,” Gao remarked in a statement. “It is up to us to uncover that secret.”
Read more:
About our experts
Xue (Sherry) Gao serves as an Associate Professor of President Pen Compact at the University of Pennsylvania. Her laboratory is focused on developing highly specific and effective genome editing tools for diverse applications in disease treatment, diagnosis, and the exploration of new small molecule drugs.
If you find yourself at your desk, feeling a bit fatigued and pondering where the weekend went, the thought of a four-day workweek might sound incredibly appealing. Just think about all you could accomplish with an extra day! You could finally tackle those odd tasks, enjoy some fresh air, or simply catch up on sleep.
This notion has circulated for years, but now the evidence is mounting. By trimming the workweek by just one day, you can reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, boost physical activity, and even improve productivity.
This concept is shaping a global movement toward rethinking the modern workweek, backed by trials occurring in Europe, North America, and other regions.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Boston College and University College Dublin tracked approximately 3,000 employees across 141 organizations in six English-speaking countries. For six months, these participants worked up to eight hours less per week, without any reduction in pay.
The results published in Natural Human Behavior were quite impressive. Employees reported enhanced mental and physical health, fewer sleep disturbances, and lower fatigue levels. Most companies found sufficient value in the results to continue with the new arrangements post-trial.
“We are observing global trends where workers experience burnout, extended hours, and minimal time for personal and family matters—not just in high-income nations but across many low and middle-income countries,” noted Wenfang, the study’s author and associate professor of sociology at Boston University, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
“A four-day workweek offers a potential avenue for employees to rethink and restructure their work arrangements for better benefit.”
Hard Data
While many studies rely on employee surveys, recent research in Germany led by Professor Julia Bachmann aims to gather more concrete data. Her team monitored stress, activity levels, and sleep using Garmin fitness trackers worn by both participants in the four-day workweek and those maintaining full-time schedules.
The findings revealed that those in the four-day workweek group experienced significantly lower stress levels, as indicated by heart rate variability.
“The four-day workweek group showed significantly less stress on most days,” said Bachmann to BBC Science Focus. “Interestingly, even on weekends, they did not reach the stress levels of the control group.”
Interestingly, Saturday turned out to be the most stressful day, likely due to errands and family responsibilities, while Sunday was the least stressful. Participants also increased their walking, exercise, and gained an extra 38 minutes of sleep per week.
“They are more active, engaging in more sports. Their stress levels are lower, and they’re sleeping a bit more during the week,” Bachmann noted.
According to Bachmann, the early indicators point in a favorable direction; however, the data on sleep quality is still being analyzed.
Crucially, these physiological findings aligned with the self-reported data from participants. This is significant given the long-standing concerns about bias in self-reported data in other studies on the four-day workweek. “This is typically the main criticism,” Bachmann stated. “But now we have objective data that supports these self-reported outcomes.”
As part of the same study, researchers also gathered hair samples to analyze cortisol levels, a hormone linked to chronic stress. The results are pending, but Bachmann is hopeful they will be available later this year. If consistent with other findings, these results could provide further independent evidence of the health benefits of a four-day workweek.
The trial included 41 organizations across Germany, spanning from IT firms to healthcare providers. Not every employee transitioned to a four-day schedule within each company, as some departments within large corporations maintained full-time hours. Most who switched reduced their work hours without extending their workdays. Reports indicated that monthly overtime also decreased.
Fortunately, for any CEOs reading this, no significant revenue changes were noted during the four-day workweek, and both employee productivity and work intensity improved.
Importantly, this model gained widespread popularity: 73% of organizations expressed plans to continue with the four-day workweek in some capacity, and 82% of workers hoped to maintain it.
Fitness trackers were used to capture hard data on how four days of the week can improve your health – Credit: Getty Images
The Future of Work
So, is the Monday to Friday grind truly sustainable? According to Professor Cal Newport, a Georgetown University computer science professor trained at MIT and author of Deep Work, it’s not that straightforward. He agrees that a shortened week may offer some relief; however, he believes it lacks proper progression. “One of the key contributors to burnout among knowledge workers is overload,” he noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “Individuals juggle numerous projects, tasks, and obligations simultaneously.”
In other words, the focus should not solely be on how long we work, but also on the expectations attached to that work. “Transitioning to a four-day week only indirectly addresses this issue,” he asserted. “There’s anecdotal evidence suggesting that reducing workloads might lessen them somewhat. These new constraints can help people feel comfortable saying ‘no,’ making the most effective approach to managing workloads direct.”
Bachmann’s team is currently planning to streamline the four-day workweek concept further to explore how employees compress their tasks into four days compared to genuine reductions in total working hours.
Overall, the outlook for a four-day workweek is positive. Studies around the globe are converging on similar conclusions. Hopefully, a shorter workweek can enhance health and well-being without compromising performance.
However, as Newport emphasizes, the hours we work may matter less than the expectations we set. If a four-day week becomes a reality, it may require reevaluating our workloads rather than just adjusting our calendars.
Read more:
About Our Experts
Wenfang He is an associate professor in the Sociology department at Boston University, USA. His research has appeared in journals like Natural Human Behavior, Social Forces, Jobs and Occupations, and Advances in Life Course Research.
Julia Buckmann is the chair for co-direction at the Centre for Work Transformation and Business Transformation at the University of Münster in Germany. Before this role, she served as an assistant professor at the University of Dublin and LMU Munich. Having received several international awards, Julia is focused on the impact of social and technological change on (collaborative) work, leadership, and innovation.
Cal Newport is a computer science professor trained at MIT and teaching at Georgetown University in the United States. He writes extensively about technology, work, and the pursuit of depth in an increasingly distracting world. His publications include eight books such as Lower Productivity, Email-Free World, Digital Minimalism, and Deep Work.
On Friday, a federal appeals court reinstated some lawsuits against Elon Musk’s X, alleging that the platform has become a haven for child exploitation. However, the court affirmed that X is largely protected from liability for harmful content.
While rejecting multiple claims, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco mandated that X (formerly Twitter) must promptly report a video featuring explicit images of two minor boys, asserting that it was negligent for not reporting it immediately to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
This incident occurred prior to Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022. A judge dismissed the case in December 2023, and X’s legal counsel has yet to provide a comment. Musk was not named as a defendant.
One plaintiff, John Do 1, recounted that at the age of 13, he and his friend, John Do 2, were lured on Snapchat into sharing nude photos, believing they were communicating with a 16-year-old girl.
In reality, Snapchat users were trafficking in child exploitation images, threatening the plaintiff, and soliciting more photos from him. These images were ultimately compiled into a video that was disseminated on Twitter.
Court documents revealed that Twitter took nine days to report the content to NCMEC after becoming aware of it, during which time the video amassed over 167,000 views.
Circuit Judge Daniel Forest stated that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which typically shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, does not protect X from negligence claims once it became aware of the images.
“The facts presented here, along with the statutory ‘actual knowledge’ requirement, establish that the responsibility to report child pornography is distinct from its role as a publisher to NCMEC,” she wrote on behalf of the three-judge panel.
X should further argue that its infrastructure posed challenges in reporting child abuse images.
It claimed immunity from allegations of intentionally facilitating sex trafficking and developed a search function that “amplifies” images of child exploitation.
Dani Pinter, representing the plaintiffs and speaking for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, provided a statement:
Emerging technologies enable doctors to leverage microorganisms for diagnosing and treating diseases through gut microbiota. Recent studies highlight these advancements.
Researchers successfully used smartphone apps to genetically alter bacteria, causing them to emit light signals in response.
If proven safe and effective in humans, this treatment could address several illnesses that are currently challenging to manage.
This method encompassed three key elements: bacteria, technology, and pigs. Under the guidance of senior author Hanzi Wang from Tianjin University in China, scientists modified E. coli bacteria to react to specific chemical and optical stimuli.
They created swallowable capsules controlled via Bluetooth that communicate with these photoresponsive bacteria, targeting pigs afflicted with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that results in intestinal swelling.
The experiment has commenced, allowing scientists to introduce engineered E. coli into the inflamed intestines of pigs through these capsules.
Nitrates, which the body produces during intestinal inflammation, serve as indicators of active colitis. When the modified E. coli come into contact with nitrates, they illuminate.
These smart capsules can detect the optical signal, alerting researchers to the presence of E. coli via Bluetooth.
Through a smartphone app, researchers can command the capsule to start emitting light signals, prompting the E. coli to release anti-inflammatory antibodies to combat colitis.
This innovative approach enables scientists to effectively communicate with the bacteria, ensuring targeted treatment delivery.
Three pigs were infected with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease with few treatment options currently available – Credit: Connect images via Getty
“This represents a remarkable technological advancement,” stated Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a senior lecturer in Microbiology at King’s College London, as reported by BBC Science Focus. Dr. Edwards was not involved in the research.
“Methods like this enable precise, real-time interactions with gut bacteria and have the potential to revolutionize treatment,” she added.
“There is an urgent need for new tools that allow us to harness the full potential of our microbiota to enhance health and better understand and manage microbial infections.”
At present, colitis has no existing treatments, and options are scarce. Dr. Edwards believes that such future methods could “open new pathways” for treating not only inflammatory bowel disease but also other gut-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and chronic fatigue.
However, Dr. Alexandre Almeida, from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University and not part of this research, warns that this possibility is still distant.
“This is still a preliminary proof-of-concept study,” he noted. “The technology has only been tested in animals and specifically for detecting certain conditions.”
“Before human applications, we must evaluate the safety of this technology and address significant questions, such as how these engineered microorganisms influence the natural balance of other gut bacteria.”
Dr. Nicholas Ilott, a senior researcher at the Oxford Microbiome Research Center who did not participate in the study, stated that the technology is “incredibly exciting” and could prove to be “very valuable” in future medical treatments.
Read more:
About our experts
Dr. Lindsey Edwards is a senior lecturer in microbiology at King’s College London, UK. Her research focuses on mucosal barrier immunology, host-microbe interactions, and the priming of adaptive immune responses, along with intestinal and liver diseases.
Dr. Alexandre Almeida is a Principal Investigator and MRC Career Development Fellow at the University of Cambridge, UK, specializing in bioinformatics and genomic approaches for biological discoveries related to human health.
Dr. Nicholas Ilott is a senior researcher specializing in bioinformatics at the Microbiome Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oxford University, UK, concentrating on host-microbe interactions in chronic liver and inflammatory bowel diseases.
In 1998, as I began my journey into the world of bees, it didn’t take long for me to develop a passion for them. However, I quickly observed that most people’s understanding was limited to simple facts like “bees make honey” and “they live in hives.”
While beeswax and queen bees received occasional mention, the general enthusiasm for these remarkable insects was mostly grounded in superficial knowledge and cultural associations.
Fast forward a decade, and I noticed a shift. The importance of pollination began to gain recognition, and honeybees were suddenly seen as crucial to food production.
Then, in 2007, disaster struck. Reports of a mysterious and dramatic decline in bee populations, particularly in the United States, started making headlines globally.
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) became a sensational topic, capturing media attention and sparking fears of a world devoid of bees. This concern even made its way into the long-running BBC series Doctor Who, showcasing just how dire the situation appeared.
Here we are, two decades later, and once again, headlines shout about the plight of bees. “Millions of bees are dying—so why does it matter?” asked the UK’s Independent, reporting that U.S. beekeepers lost 60-70% of their colonies this year and 55% last year.
Top beekeepers now warn of a “death spiral,” according to The Guardian, and funding cuts from the Trump administration have only heightened concerns.
However, much of the panic surrounding this issue is unfounded. Leading insect experts agree that the situation is often exaggerated and misinterpreted.
Colony Collapse
To grasp the current challenges, we must revisit the mid-2000s and CCD.
During this period, beekeepers noticed that a large portion of the worker bees had disappeared from their hives, leaving the queens, eggs, larvae, and a few bees to tend to them. While CCD predominantly captured American media attention, similar instances have been reported in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The root causes of CCD remain uncertain but are likely a combination of disease, habitat loss, pesticide usage, and intensive management practices by beekeepers—all contributing factors.
It’s important to note that significant losses are not a new phenomenon. Beekeepers have documented similar events in the past, attributing them to various ailments and conditions.
Lavender is an excellent source of pollen and nectar for honeybees.
Unlike CCD, the recent issues affecting bees are less enigmatic. Early research suggests that many bee deaths are due to viruses transmitted by Varroa mites, which infest bees.
While these mites are known to cause harm and illness, they can generally be managed with pesticides. However, what appears to have happened is that these mites have developed resistance to the chemicals typically used against them.
This scenario might sound all too familiar. The development of resistance is almost an inevitable outcome across various fields, be it antibiotic treatment for bacteria, cancer therapies, or pest control in agriculture.
With the application of certain pesticides, genetic variability among pests means that some individuals may eventually withstand those chemicals better than others. Once these resistant individuals survive and breed, their offspring inherit this resistance.
A Nest Box as a Harvest
Pesticide and herbicide resistance are critical components of modern agriculture, central to understanding both chemical usage and the issues facing bees.
Globally, the majority of honeybees reside in hives, where they exist in semi-natural conditions that allow for efficient honey harvesting.
In the UK, beekeeping tends to be a hobby, but worldwide, commercial beekeeping operations manage thousands, if not tens of thousands, of hives.
Commercial beekeeping is often a highly technical and intensive agricultural practice, encompassing artificial insemination, requeening, feeding, migration to nectar sources, artificial wintering conditions, and disease management. While wild colonies exist, contemporary bees are primarily farmed species.
Bee Needs
While headlines may proclaim a crisis in bee populations, the data suggests otherwise. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, as of 2023, the global population of honeybee colonies has increased by 45% since 1990, despite CCD. Another study indicated a 85% increase since 1960.
It seems likely that the global bee population is not decreasing as dramatically as some narratives suggest. Beekeepers can often recover colony numbers, mitigating the impact of poor harvests.
The cultural significance of honeybees makes them one of the few admired insects. People care about them, and stories of their decline resonate emotionally. In response to alarming headlines, many ask, “What can I do to help?”
For some, the natural conclusion is, “I’ll become a beekeeper!” However, as noted by renowned bee expert Professor Dave Goulson, if you hear about declining songbird numbers, would you consider becoming a chicken farmer?
Such declines cannot be solved by novice beekeepers. In fact, if they manage to keep bees successfully (which is harder than it looks), they may inadvertently outcompete wild bee species and potentially transmit diseases to them. Their efforts could unintentionally harm the very bees they seek to protect.
Hence, bees are not the issue at hand. Like other livestock, they face health challenges, but they do not require our intervention.
That said, the recent media focus on CCD has had a rippling effect, creating a narrative around the decline of other pollinators.
Solitary bees, wasps, hornets, and butterflies are beginning to garner attention as people recognize that these insects also play a role in pollination.
Other pollinators like butterflies are declining in the UK and the US.
As awareness spreads, these stories intersect with the broader issue of declining insect populations. In the UK, 42% of pollinator species have decreased in abundance since the 1980s. Some species are faring better, but overall, the trends for pollinators remain downward.
What can you do to support these wild pollinators? If you have gardens or land—whether it’s your own or a work patch—you can transform it into a refuge for insects.
Planting nectar and pollen sources is one of the most effective actions you can take. Numerous species, such as fruit trees and lavender, can serve this purpose. A comprehensive list of nectar plants can be found online through resources like the Wildlife Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Additionally, resist the urge to prune excessively, minimize pesticide use, and ensure some areas remain untouched. Bug hotels are beneficial, but leaving dead trees and natural debris in your garden can offer shelter and potential nesting sites.
Creating a pond is another excellent idea. Adding some sticks alongside it ensures thirsty insects can safely drink on warm days.
While bees are capturing all the attention, they may not be the primary beneficiaries of our concern. If your aim is to support bees, consider becoming an advocate for all insects, rather than just taking up beekeeping.
The Perseid meteor shower is set to be one of the most prominent displays of 2025, providing a fantastic opportunity to gaze at the night sky.
These meteor showers are famous for their high meteor velocities, reaching up to 100 per hour under ideal conditions.
Moreover, if you wake up early to witness the meteor shower in the pre-dawn hours, you may catch another astronomical sight. On August 13th, Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest objects in the night sky after the moon, will make their closest approach of the year.
This guide has everything you need to enjoy the 2025 Perseid meteor shower to the fullest.
When will the Perseid meteor shower occur in 2025?
The Perseids will be active from July 17th to August 24th, peaking on the evening of August 12th.
This period will see the highest number of meteors, but if clouds or timing prevent you from witnessing the peak, you can still enjoy a good show between August 9th and 15th.
The best viewing times for the Perseids are from midnight until about an hour before dawn. However, even in the late evening, you might still spot a few meteors.
The Zenital Hourly Rate (ZHR) for the Perseids is estimated at 100-150 meteors per hour, but that doesn’t guarantee a large number of visible shooting stars.
“The ZHR represents the expected rate under ideal conditions, which are seldom met,” explains Pete Lawrence, an expert astronomer and presenter for Night Sky.
“Consequently, the actual number of visible meteors, or the visual hourly rate, is often lower. Nevertheless, a high ZHR indicates that good activity is possible.”
Where is the best place to view the Perseid meteor shower?
Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky, so your best bet is to find a clear area with as wide a view as possible.
While following the trails of the Perseid meteors, you’ll notice they all originate from the same point known as the Radiant in the constellation Perseus.
It’s advisable not to look directly at the Radiant; instead, gaze away from it to catch meteors with their long tails.
Finding Perseus is worthwhile as the constellation rises just as the sun sets and remains visible throughout the night in the northern sky.
The easiest way to locate it is to look for the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia, which consists of prominent stars positioned higher in the sky; Perseus lies just below it.
What is the ideal location for observing meteor showers?
The prime spot to observe the 2025 Perseid meteor shower is a dark area with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Light pollution can wash out dim meteors, so it’s best to escape the urban sprawl and find a truly dark site. Ensure the location is safe and secure.
If you can’t get far, don’t fret; simply find a sheltered spot free from direct lighting. This could be your backyard or a local park where you can block out harsh streetlights.
Whenever possible, escape to a Dark Sky Site – Credit: Getty Images
How can I best view the Meteor Shower?
The optimal way to experience the meteor shower is to lie back and take in as much sky as possible.
Avoid using telescopes or binoculars as they limit your view; it’s best to watch with your own eyes.
Once you’re settled, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. This process takes about 30 minutes, although you’ll start noticing changes before that.
Be cautious — a single bright light can ruin your night vision, so ensure security lights are off and switch your phone to red light mode.
Does the moon affect visibility?
One uncontrollable form of light pollution is the moon.
The moon will be waxing in the days leading up to the August 9th peak of the 2025 Perseid meteor shower. On peak night, it will be about 88% illuminated and prominent throughout the night.
If possible, position yourself so that buildings or trees block the moon’s glare.
The moon rises in the east and ascends higher into the sky as the night progresses.
Top tips for enjoying the Perseid Meteor Shower
Choose a dark location. Whether it’s a designated dark sky area or a secluded part of your backyard, find a spot far from artificial light while enjoying unobstructed views of the sky.
Use red light on your phone. Red lights help preserve your night vision. Some phones can be set to red light mode, while others may need an app.
Dress warmly. Even in August, sitting still can get chilly at night. Layers will help you accommodate changing temperatures.
Make yourself comfortable. Staring at the sky can strain your neck. A sun lounger could support your head. Alternatively, lying on the ground with a blanket can provide cushioning and warmth.
Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. This takes about 20-30 minutes; the longer you wait, the more meteors you’ll likely see.
What triggers the Perseid meteor shower?
“A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through sparse dust particles scattered along a comet’s orbit,” notes Lawrence.
In the case of the Perseids, the comet is 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which completes an orbit around the solar system every 133 years, last passing in 1995.
“The density of dust is greatest in the center of the stream and thins out in the outer regions,” adds Lawrence.
The dust grains, about the size of sand particles, travel through Earth’s atmosphere at an astonishing speed of approximately 215,000 km/h (130,000 mph).
This rapid motion causes the air to heat up to extreme temperatures, resulting in brilliant streaks of light across the sky.
The peaks of meteor showers occur when Earth traverses the densest parts of the dust stream.
“Earth will start to intersect with the broad dust stream of 109P/Swift-Tuttle around July 14th and continue through September 1st,” says Lawrence.
Australian entomologists unveil a remarkable new species from the Stick Insect genus Acrofella, identified from two female specimens and their eggs.
Holotype of Acrofera Alta in its natural habitat. Image credit: Ross M. Coupland.
Originally described in 1835, Acrofella is a genus of stick insects belonging to the tribe Phasmatini.
Species in this genus inhabit nearby regions including China, Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania, and Lord Howe Island.
The newly classified Acrofera species is found in the highlands of the Wettropic Bioregion in Queensland, Australia.
“Key locations include Lewis National Park, Evelyn Tableland (likely encompassing Maarlan National Park), Topaz, Upper Baron, Mount Hypamie, and Dumbra,” stated Professor Angus Emmott from James Cook University and his colleague Ross Coupland.
The new species, named Acrofera Alta, can reach lengths of up to 40 cm (16 inches) and weigh approximately 44 g.
Typically light brown in color, this species is exceptionally camouflaged despite its large size.
“Although there are long stick insects in this region, they tend to have relatively light bodies,” explained Professor Emmott.
“As far as we know, this is Australia’s heaviest insect.”
The eggs of Acrofera Alta were also crucial in distinguishing it as a new species.
“Every stick insect species has distinct egg characteristics,” noted Professor Emmott.
“Their surfaces, textures, and corrosion patterns vary. Shapes can differ as well.”
“Even the caps of the eggs are uniquely identifiable.”
Researchers speculate that Acrofera Alta may not have been discovered earlier due to the inaccessibility of its habitat.
“Their environment could explain their large body size,” Professor Emmott added.
“It is a cool, damp habitat.”
“Larger body weight might enable them to endure colder temperatures, which could have led to their evolutionary characteristics over millions of years.”
The identification of such a large new insect species highlights the critical need to conserve remaining biologically diverse habitats and ecosystems, with potential undiscovered species like stick insects awaiting description.
The discovery of Acrofera Alta has been documented in a study published in the journal Zootaxa.
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Ross M. Coupland and Angus J. Emmott. 2025. New giant species of Acrofella Gray, 1835 (Fasmida: Fasmida), from the highlands of Wettropic, Queensland, Australia. Zootaxa 5647(4): 371-383; doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5647.4.4
sIX years ago, Melbourne-based filmmaker Christina Kraskov was inspired by an article about the international Microsoft Excel competition. Her first thought was, “What on Earth, this isn’t the real deal.” Her second thought: “I need a film about this. I want to see it desperately.”
With no existing films on competitive spreadsheet use, Kraskov resolved to create her own. The topic intrigued her as it showcases “a unique inner world that often goes unnoticed.”
The documentary “Spreadsheet Champions,” which will premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival, follows six young competitors from various countries as they prepare for the 2023 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship. Introducing their skills, it may seem trivial, but Excel is an incredibly sophisticated tool. The documentary reveals that the average user taps into only 10-15% of its capabilities, whereas competitors must master around 70%.
Organized by Certiport, a performance-based assessment provider endorsed by Microsoft, the competition consists of two parts. The first assesses proficiency in formulas, functions, and overall knowledge through complex questions judged on both accuracy and speed. The second part emphasizes a more creative use of these skills. As Kraskov puts it, “It’s about understanding the narrative behind data or grasping the essence of what it conveys.”
“It helped me a lot”… Carmina, a teenage competitor from Guatemala, spreadsheet champion. Photo: Presented by Melbourne International Film Festival
The championship has been held since 2002 and is open to students aged 13 to 22. Participants must first achieve the highest qualification in their home nations. Despite the niche focus, the stakes are remarkably high, as each competitor can only participate in the MOS Championship once.
“In most sports, there’s a returning champion, creating a defined rivalry; however, here, you can only compete once.”
“This creates unique challenges as competitors qualify in their home countries at vastly different times. Once everyone is qualified, we communicate via Zoom and navigate from there.”
The six featured competitors include Arkimini, 20, from Greece; Braydon, 16, from Australia; Carmina, 16, from Guatemala; Dela Pikes, 19, from Cameroon (who has to study in school due to lacking a laptop or WiFi); Mason, 15, from the United States; and Nam, 21, from Vietnam. Each contestant adds their unique personality to the film, varying from the shy, stereotypical “nerd” to the enthusiastic and outgoing. “Our aim is to showcase how extraordinary this competition is. We’re not here to mock or belittle anyone,” Kraskov explains.
Dela Pikes from Cameroon lacks a laptop or WiFi, so he has had to prepare for the competition through school. Photo: Presented by Melbourne International Film Festival
Kraskov and producer Anna Charalambus spent about a week with each competitor in their respective countries, immersing themselves in their daily lives at home, school, and with families and friends.
“If you observe their lives closely, people naturally reveal their true selves,” Kraskov remarks. “Adolescents are still developing, thus they often don’t connect aspects of their identities – they simply exist in the moment. The insights provided by their parents were invaluable.”
Many contest details were kept secret, adding another layer of challenge for the filmmakers. This competition exemplifies the concept of nominal determinism, overseen by someone deeply invested in security.
“The level of security is extremely high,” notes Kraskov. “Eventually, Microsoft entrusted us and asked us important questions. Ultimately, he must conduct a rigorous, secure global evaluation next year.”
By participating in the MOS Championship, these young individuals are stepping closer to adulthood. Carmina, now 18, is pursuing a degree in mechatronics engineering at university. The film captures her vibrant spirit as a teenager passionate about exploring new things (which remains true).
Watching the documentary allowed Carmina to reflect on her past competition experiences and her younger self, realizing the insights gained. “Even though I knew the outcome, watching it again felt a bit suspenseful,” she shares. “[Competing taught me to engage and explore… it was extremely beneficial.]”
“Spreadsheet Champions” had its world premiere at SXSW in Texas earlier this year, with five out of the six participants attending MIFF. Kraskov takes pride in showcasing these individual stories – ordinary people engaging in something slightly different from the norm.
“Celebrities, musicians, and models tend to hog the spotlight,” she reflects. “But it’s those dedicated to pursuits that many overlook that I find even more compelling.”
Rhynchocephalians – These are members of the sister group to squamates (which include lizards, snakes, and worm lizards) and encompass living Tuataras (Sphenodon punctatus), dating back to the late Jurassic period in the Solnhofen Archipelago. They have been recognized for nearly two centuries, with an increasing number of specimens and species, yet their evolutionary development remains poorly understood. A well-documented marine rhynchocephalian genus, Plerosaurus, existed during the late Jurassic period about 150 million years ago, but clear juvenile specimens have yet to be identified among more than 15 known specimens (with several unlisted).
Plerosaurus is a remarkable long-swimming Rhynchocephalian that lived around 150 million years ago in what is now Germany during the late Jurassic period. Image credit: Roberto Ochoa.
“Genuine Plerosaurus is the most common rhynchocephalian found in the Late Jurassic deposits of Canjuers and Cerin, France, as well as in the Solnhofen Archipelago, Germany,” stated Dr. Victor Beccari from the SNSB-Bayerische Staatsammlung für Paläontologie and the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, along with his colleagues.
“This genus is characterized by an elongated triangular skull, a reshaped anterior jaw, an absence of a low anterior flange in the front part of the teeth, and reduced forelimbs.”
“Currently, there are two species within this genus: Pleurosaurus goldfussi and Pleurosaurus ginsburgi.”
“The specific distinctions are based on the count of anterior sacral vertebrae (50 and 57, respectively), the ratio of skull to appendix, and more advanced pelvic development in Pleurosaurus goldfussi.”
“Extensive research has been undertaken; however, in the more than 15 published specimens of Plerosaurus, no clear juvenile specimens have been recorded as of yet.”
Plerosaurus cf. P. ginsburgi: (a) Standard light photographs. (b) Photo under UV light. (c) Interpretation diagram of the specimen. Image credit: Beccari et al., doi: 10.1002/ar.25545.
In a recent study, researchers described a juvenile specimen of Plerosaurus.
The fossils were sourced from the Mörnsheim Formation near Müllheim, close to Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany.
“This fossil is especially intriguing as it distinctly exhibits characteristics typical of young animals,” commented the paleontologist.
“Its teeth are small, show no signs of wear, its bones remain underdeveloped, and the vertebrae are still forming.”
“This small size, along with other features, makes it the first clearly identified juvenile Plerosaurus. These specimens bridge crucial gaps in understanding the growth and development of these extinct reptiles.”
Findings of juvenile Plerosaurus have significant implications for classifying another genus, Acrosaurus.
“Historically, some paleontologists have posited that Acrosaurus might represent a juvenile form of Plerosaurus, but until now, there was no substantial evidence to support this theory,” the researchers noted.
“These new fossils exhibit numerous similarities to previously identified Acrosaurus, suggesting that it is not a separate genus, but rather a hatchling form of Plerosaurus.”
“For years, I have sought to comprehend how these animals grew and developed, but I had never encountered such a young, well-preserved specimen,” remarked Dr. Andrea Villa from the Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont Institute.
The team’s paper was published in the March 2025 issue of Anatomical Records.
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Victor Beccari et al. 2025. Young Pleurosauride (Rhynchocephalia) from the Titonians of the Mörnsheim Formation, Germany. Anatomical Records 308(3):844-867; doi:10.1002/ar.25545
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Light particles seem to display quantum peculiarities even without entanglement
Wladimir Bulgar/Science Photo Library
Particles that appear unentangled achieved significant results in the renowned Entanglement test. This experiment offers fresh insights into the peculiarities of the quantum realm.
Nearly sixty years ago, physicist John Stewart Bell devised a method to determine whether our universe can be better explained through quantum mechanics or traditional theories. The pivotal distinction lies in quantum theory’s incorporation of “abbiotics,” or effects that can persist across vast distances. Remarkably, every experimental implementation of Bell’s tests to date supports the idea that our physical reality is non-local, indicating that we reside in a quantum world.
However, these experiments primarily focused on particles that are closely associated via quantum entanglement. Now, Xiao-Song Ma from Nanjing University in China, along with his team, claims they conducted the Bell Test without relying on entanglement. “Our research may offer a novel viewpoint on non-local correlations,” he states.
The experiment commenced with four specialized crystals, each generating two light particles, or photons, when exposed to a laser. These photons possess various properties measurable by researchers, such as polarization and phase, which describe their behavior as electromagnetic waves. The researchers guided the photons through an intricate arrangement of optical devices, including crystals and lenses, prior to detection.
A standard Bell test experiment involves two fictional experimenters, Alice and Bob, evaluating the properties of correlated particles. By correlating their observations with the “inequality” equation, Alice and Bob can ascertain whether the particles are linked in a non-local manner.
In the new experiment, Alice and Bob were represented by sets of optical devices and detectors instead of interlinked photons. In fact, the researchers incorporated devices in the setup to prevent the intertwining of particle frequencies and velocities. Nonetheless, when Alice and Bob’s measurements were analyzed using the inequality equation, the results indicated a stronger correlation among photons than what could be explained by local effects alone.
Mario Clen from the Max Planck Institute for the Light of Light in Germany suggests that this might be linked to another peculiar property of photons. They indicate it is impossible to identify which photons were “born” within the crystal and what paths they took, making them indistinguishable. Previously, Clen, along with colleagues, utilized this property, termed “distinguishability by path identity,” to entangle photons. However, in this scenario, they confirmed that only one type of quantum peculiarity remains indistinguishable.
The team has yet to formulate a definitive theory explaining how entanglement outcomes can manifest in the Bell test without entanglement actually being employed, but Ma proposes that several underlying quantum phenomena could be indistinguishable as a condition. Thus, even strategies that lack entanglements might serve as the fundamental components necessary to create non-local correlations.
Krenn and Ma express hope that fellow physicists will propose new alternative theories and identify experimental gaps within the Bell test. This mirrors the historical development surrounding the standard Bell test, where nearly five decades elapsed between the initial experiment and the establishment of quantum theory, successfully ruling out all alternative explanations.
One contentious aspect may be the “post-selection” technique utilized by the team. Stefano Paesani at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark argues that this raises questions about whether unentangled photons can be convincingly recognized as non-local within Bell’s tests. After the selection process, he contends that the experiments resemble more traditional scenarios where entanglement exists.
Jeff Randeen from the University of Ottawa, Canada, asserts that while the Bell test can create experiments to examine light, this “holds no profound significance concerning the nature of the universe or reality.”
In such circumstances, there exists the potential for Alice and Bob to act as identical observers or to generate correlations that researchers might misinterpret as non-local effects. Lundeen maintains that the new experiment doesn’t completely eliminate the possibility that Alice and Bob were colluding. “Thus, this experiment doesn’t quite carry the same weight as the renowned violation of Bell’s inequality,” he states.
“This represents one of the elegant extensions of a landmark finding from the ‘Glorious Age’ of the 1990s,” notes Aephraim Steinberg at the University of Toronto, Canada. Nevertheless, in his assessment, traces of entanglement remain in the new experiment—not at the photon level, but rather within the quantum field.
Looking forward, the team aims to enhance the apparatus to address some of these criticisms. For instance, by generating more photons from each crystal, researchers could avoid relying on selection thereafter. “Our collaborative group has already pinpointed several critical potential shortcomings, which we are eager to tackle in the future,” states Ma.
Sweltering, sticky, and unyielding: this has been the reality for numerous countries this summer, with over 12 states reporting elevated humidity levels in July.
Preliminary data indicates that most of the affected 48 states experienced significant humidity in the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of the Mid-Atlantic last month. Research compiled by Oregon State University.
While hot and humid weather is typical in summer, the combined “feels-like” heat index values have soared into triple digits for extended periods in states like Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida last month.
Cities like Pittsburgh, Roanoke, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., all marked the most humid July on record. Data managed by Iowa Environmental Mesonet tracks precipitation, soil temperature, and various environmental conditions. New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina, also faced severe humidity levels, while humidity in Detroit and Cincinnati hit their third highest levels last month.
In Paducah, Kentucky, the extreme heat and humidity from July 16th to 30th shattered many records for the city.
“We have reached the end of Paducah’s longest sustained high humidity event in the last 75 years,” stated the local National Weather Service branch. This was mentioned in a post on X on Thursday, noting that the hours spent at “oppressive humidity levels” exceeded 300% of the normal for July.
As climate change progresses, days with high humidity are expected to become more frequent. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to increased humidity levels which present significant risks to health and public safety.
Elevated heat index values raise the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. A 2022 study from nonprofit Climate Central shows that a mixture of high heat and humidity can hinder the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating.
“In various regions across the country and globe, dangerous heat is often coupled with high humidity. I discussed this in an analysis.
Moreover, a warmer atmosphere can lead to more intense storms, which can unleash large amounts of rain and result in hazardous flash floods.
So far this year, over 3,000 flash flood warnings have been issued, as reported by Iowa State University data.
Tragic flooding last month claimed at least 120 lives in the Hill Country area of central Texas, while multiple storms in New Mexico caused repeated flooding throughout July. At the end of the month, a severe storm hit New York City and nearby Tri-state areas, creating chaos during evening commutes.
Napoleon’s retreat from Russia in 1812 Ary Scheffer
Iandagnall Computing / Alamy Stock Photo
During the retreat of Napoleon’s formidable 500,000-strong army from Russia in 1812, nearly half of the troops fell victim to disease, starvation, and freezing temperatures. Recent advanced DNA analysis is shedding light on the pathogens involved in this tragic demise.
In the summer of 1812, Napoleon amassed an army of 600,000 to invade Russia but was compelled to withdraw from Moscow, depleting the city of resources, and retreat toward the Polish border for the winter. From October to December 1812, around 300,000 French soldiers perished from famine, exposure, and illness.
Survivor accounts from that era indicate that typhoid fever and trench fever were leading causes of mortality and suffering among the troops, a premise that was further validated by genetic testing conducted nearly two decades ago.
Recently, Nicholas Rascovan and his team at the Pasteur Institute in Paris analyzed DNA extracted from the teeth of 13 soldiers interred in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The research team identified the presence of Salmonella enterica, which triggers peritoneal fever, and Borrelia recurrentis, a louse-borne pathogen that leads to recurrent fever.
Unlike earlier studies that relied on methods to amplify specific DNA sequences, Rascovan and his colleagues utilized advanced metagenomic techniques to detect genetic material from pathogens in the samples, allowing for a more extensive analysis.
“Considering our findings, it is plausible that the deaths of these soldiers were due to a combination of various illnesses, including fatigue, colds, lactophoreal fever, and louse-borne recurrent fever,” Rascovan and his team noted in an unpublished report. The team opted not to comment further on the story.
While not always lethal, louse-borne recurrent fever can considerably debilitate individuals who are already in a weakened state, according to the researchers.
Sally Wasef from the Queensland Institute of Technology in Australia opines that historical accounts of symptoms may correspond to multiple infectious diseases beyond those identified in the recent study.
Traces of microbial DNA were isolated from ancient remains, according to Wasef. “In my opinion, this implies that the conclusions drawn are more suggestive than definitive.”
Rascovan and his colleagues also acknowledge the necessity of examining a greater number of soldiers who perished during 1812.
The research underscores the potential of novel methodologies to identify possible infectious agents in historical populations, Wasef explains. She advocates for applying these techniques to study diseases in populations post-contact in regions like the US or Australia.
“Such research holds great promise for uncovering the impact of disease on historical population declines, particularly when written records are sparse or biased,” states Wasef.
Certain AI training techniques may lead to dishonest models
Cravetiger/Getty Images
Researchers suggest that prevalent methods for training artificial intelligence models may increase their propensity to provide deceptive answers, aiming to establish “the first systematic assessment of mechanical bullshit.”
It is widely acknowledged that large-scale language models (LLMs) often produce misinformation or “hagaku.” According to Jaime Fernandez Fissac from Princeton University, his team defines “bullshit” as “discourse designed to manipulate an audience’s beliefs while disregarding the importance of actual truth.”
“Our analysis indicates that the problems related to bullshit in large-scale language models are quite severe and pervasive,” remarks FISAC.
The researchers categorized these instances into five types: “This red car combines style, charm, and adventure that captivates everyone,” Weasel Words—”Ambiguous statements like ‘research suggests that in some cases, uncertainties may enhance outcomes’; Essentialization—employing truthful statements to create a false impression; unverified claims; and sycophancy.
They evaluated three datasets composed of thousands of AI-generated responses to various prompts from models including GPT-4, Gemini, and Llama. One dataset included queries specifically designed to test the generation of bullshit when AIS was asked for guidance or recommendations, alongside others focused on online shopping and political topics.
FISAC and his colleagues first employed LLMs to determine if the responses aligned with one of the five categories and then verified that the AI’s classifications matched those made by humans.
The team found that the most critical truths posed challenges stemming from a training method called reinforcement learning from human feedback, aimed at enhancing the machine’s utility by offering immediate feedback on its responses.
However, FISAC cautions that this approach is problematic, as models “sometimes conflict with honesty,” prioritizing immediate human approval and perceived usefulness over truthfulness.
“Who wants to engage in the lengthy and subtle rebuttal of bad news or something that seems evidently true?” FISAC questions. “By attempting to adhere to our standards of good behavior, the model learns to undervalue the truth in favor of a confident, articulate response to secure our approval.”
This study revealed that reinforcement learning from human feedback notably heightened bullshit behavior, with inflated rhetoric increasing by nearly 40%, substantial enhancements in Weasel Words, and over half of unverified claims.
Heightened bullshitting is especially detrimental, as team member Kaique Liang points out, leading users to make poorer decisions. In cases where the model’s features were uncertain, deceptive claims surged from five percent to three-quarters following human training.
Another significant issue is that bullshit is prevalent in political discourse, as AI models “tend to employ vague and ambiguous language to avoid making definitive statements.”
AIS is more likely to behave this way when faced with conflicts of interest, as the system caters to multiple stakeholders including both the company and its clients, as the researchers discovered.
To address this issue, the researchers propose transitioning to a “hindcasting feedback” model. Instead of seeking immediate feedback post-output, the system should first generate a plausible simulation of potential outcomes based on user input, which is then presented to a human evaluator for assessment.
“Ultimately, we hope that by gaining a deeper understanding of the subtle but systematic ways AI may seek to mislead us, we can better inform future initiatives aimed at creating genuinely truthful AI systems,” concludes FISAC.
Daniel Tiggard of the University of San Diego, though not involved in the study, expresses skepticism regarding discussions of LLMs’ output under these circumstances. He argues that just because LLMs generate bullshit, it does not imply intentional deception, as AI systems currently stand. I left to deceive us, and I have no interest in doing so.
“The primary concern is that this framing seems to contradict sensible recommendations about how we should interact with such technology,” states Tiggard. “Labeling it as bullshit risks anthropomorphizing these systems.”
How do environmental hazards associated with production influence costs? What implications does that have for the nation’s economy? Can we quantify the significance of a healthy living environment and the biodiversity surrounding us?
In 2021, Partha Dasgupta, emeritus professor of economics at Cambridge University, authored a comprehensive 610-page report addressing these inquiries for the UK government. His latest work, About Natural Capital: The Value of the World Around Us, aims to broaden its accessibility.
Your opinion of Dasgupta’s success may hinge on your interest in an analytical exploration of economic concepts interspersed with engaging narratives. His core thesis asserts that GDP’s utility in measuring economic success is fundamentally inadequate. Historical advancements in living standards have primarily stemmed from human innovations; as Dasgupta notes, “entrepreneurs have prioritized labor and capital-saving devices over natural savings devices.”
This is particularly evident with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, a hallmark of humanity’s quest for “labor and capital savings.” High-tech billionaires behind AI tout extraordinary productivity gains, yet the substantial water consumption for the cooling of associated data centers is often overlooked.
Dasgupta notes in his original report that from 1992 to 2014, per capita human capital (encompassing our health, education, and skills) rose by about 13% globally, while per capita natural capital plummeted by nearly 40%. To remedy this disparity, he champions the widespread adoption of a metric for “global wealth per person” that incorporates nature.
The narrative can be further expanded by examining shrimp farms in Vietnam and Bangladesh. Dasgupta elucidates how these operations adversely impact the “natural capital” of those nations, effects that remain unaccounted for in the retail price of shrimp. The establishment of shrimp farms typically necessitates the destruction of mangroves and salt marshes, reducing carbon storage capabilities.
Notably, around 30% of the diet for these shrimp consists of soybeans cultivated in plantations that replace tropical forests. Dasgupta references a case study suggesting that if true environmental costs were factored in, shrimp export prices might rise by 15-20%. Essentially, affluent nations purchasing shrimp may be receiving an unfair bargain.
While I do not profess expertise in economics, I am generally apprehensive about pursuing economic gains at the expense of significant environmental degradation. So, what are the actionable steps we can take? In a concise chapter, Dasgupta proposes a method to value nature adequately. This could involve collecting fees from shipping companies navigating global waters, with proceeds allocated towards job creation to alleviate pressures on ecosystems worldwide.
These concepts resonate intuitively for me, but I find myself seeking more detailed explanations. Dasgupta alludes to the challenges of achieving collective agreement and the lack of enthusiasm surrounding global shipping fees. This is an area where I wished he presented a more impassioned argument. While his ideas are captivating, they lack the urgency many readers might desire.
About Natural Capital provokes a reevaluation of economic perspectives, though I yearn for a more emotive approach. Perhaps this expectation is excessive for such a publication, yet I remain concerned that crucial messages may not resonate with a broader audience.
Jason Arun Mruguez is a writer based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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The report indicates that far-right extremists are leveraging livestream gaming platforms to recruit and radicalize teenagers.
Recent research published in the journal Frontiers of Psychology reveals how various extremist groups are utilizing chats and live streams during video games to attract and radicalize mainly young men and vulnerable users.
The UK counter-crime and terrorism agency is urging parents to remain vigilant as online criminals specifically target youth during the summer break.
In an unprecedented step, last week, the counter-terrorism police, MI5, and the National Crime Agency issued a joint alert to parents and guardians that online perpetrators would “exploit school holidays to engage in criminal activities with young people when they know that less support is readily available.”
Dr. William Allshan, a senior researcher at the Institute for International Police and Public Conservation at Anglia Ruskin University, who conducted this study with her colleague Dr. Elisa Orofino, stated that the “game adjacency” platform is being used as a “digital playground” for extremist activities.
AllChorn has found that extremists have intentionally redirected teenagers from mainstream social media platforms to these gaming sites.
The most prevalent ideology among extremist users was far-right, which glorifies extreme violence and shares content related to school shootings.
Felix Winter, who threatened to execute a mass shooting at a school in Edinburgh on Tuesday, was sentenced to six years after the court revealed that the 18-year-old had been “radicated” online and spent over 1,000 hours interacting with a pro-Nazi group.
AllChorn noted a significant increase in coordinated efforts by far-right groups like patriotic alternatives to recruit youth through gaming events that arose during the lockdown. However, since that time, individuals have been concealing themselves in public groups or channels on Facebook and Discord, as many extremist factions have been pushed out of mainstream platforms.
He further explained that younger users might gravitate towards extreme content for its shock value among peers, which could render them susceptible to being targeted.
Extremists have had to adapt their methods, as most platforms have banned them, Allchorn said. “We consulted with local community safety teams, and they emphasized the importance of building trust rather than overtly promoting ideologies.”
This research was also deliberated upon with moderators. Moderators expressed concerns regarding inconsistent enforcement policies on the platforms and their burden of deciding whether to report certain content or users to law enforcement.
While in-game chats are not specifically moderated, moderators reported being overwhelmed by the sheer volume and complexity of harmful content, including the use of coded symbols to bypass automated moderation tools.
Allchorn emphasized the importance of digital literacy for parents and law enforcement so they may better grasp how these platforms and their subcultures function.
Last October, MI5’s head Ken McCallum revealed that “13% of all individuals being investigated by MI5 for terrorism-related activities in the UK are under the age of 18.”
AI tools are employed to assist in moderation but often struggle with interpreting memes or when language is unclear or sarcastic.
The world’s oceans, covering one-tenth of Earth’s surface, are the cradle of life, showcasing an astonishing variety of creatures with diverse shapes, colors, and evolutionary traits.
‘Pilchard (Argentina Carolina)’, hand-colored engraving from Mark Catesby
National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Maryland
Marine biologist Helen Scale’s latest book, Ocean Art: From the Coast to the Deep, takes readers through 140 stunning photographs and illustrations of underwater vistas and their diverse inhabitants.
Yashima Gakutei, three crabs on the edge of the water
The Met Museum
The realm of art mirrors the diversity of marine life, and Scale expertly intertwines insights about artists with the wonders of oceanic life, blending marine biology with art history.
Cyphonophore (Forscaliatrod), illustration
Library, Woods Hole, MA
“It’s captivating to view the ocean through the perspectives of artists and craftsmen,” Scale noted. “They brilliantly convey the essence of life beneath the surface.”
Mycenaean stirrup vessel featuring an octopus, circa 1200 to 1100 BC
The Met Museum
Throughout history, culture has shown a deep fascination with marine life. The featured artworks include a lithograph of the Strawberry squid (Histioteuthis heteroopsis) from 1851, Catesby’s hand-colored sculpture of the Pilchard (Argentine Carolina) from 1743, a 1830 woodblock print from Japan showing crabs, an 1888 illustration of a siphonophore (Forskalia tholoides), and a Mycenaean jar illustrating an octopus from around 1200 to 1100 BC. Additional ceramic artifacts include lobster-shaped containers from Peru and crabs depicted in Nazca ceramic bowls from the 2nd to 4th centuries.
Elon Musk’s platform, X, has warned that the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) may “seriously infringe” on free speech due to its measures aimed at shielding children from harmful content.
The social media company noted that the law’s ostensibly protective aims are marred by the aggressive enforcement tactics of Communications Watchdog Ofcom.
In a statement shared on its platform, X remarked: “Many individuals are worried that initiatives designed to safeguard children could lead to significant violations of their freedom of expression.”
It further stated that the UK government was likely aware of the risks, having made “conscious decisions” to enhance censorship under the guise of “online safety.”
“It is reasonable to question if British citizens are also aware of the trade-offs being made,” the statement added.
The law, a point of contention politically on both sides of the Atlantic, is facing renewed scrutiny following the implementation of new restrictions on July 25th regarding access to pornography for those under 18 and content deemed harmful to minors.
Musk, who owns X, labeled the law as an “oppression of people” shortly after the enactment of the new rules. He also retweeted a petition advocating for the repeal of the law, which has garnered over 450,000 signatures.
X found itself compelled to establish age restrictions for certain content. In response, the Reformed British Party joined the outcry, pledging to abolish the act. This commitment led British technology secretary Peter Kyle to accuse Nigel Farage of aligning himself with pedophile Jimmy Saville, prompting Farage to describe the comments as “under the belt” and deserving of an apology.
Regarding Ofcom, X claimed that the regulators are employing “heavy-handed” tactics in implementing the act, characterized by “a rapid increase in enforcement resources” and “additional layers of bureaucratic surveillance.”
The statement warned: “The commendable intentions of this law risk being overshadowed by the expansiveness of its regulatory scope. A more balanced and collaborative approach is essential to prevent undermining free speech.”
While X aims to comply with the law, the threat of enforcement and penalties—potentially reaching 10% of global sales for social media platforms like X—could lead to increased censorship of legitimate content to avoid repercussions.
The statement also referred to plans for a National Internet Intelligence Research Team intended to monitor social media for indications of anti-migrant sentiments. While X suggested the proposal could be framed as a safety measure, it asserted that it “clearly extends far beyond that intention.”
“This development has raised alarms among free speech advocates, who characterize it as excessively restrictive. A balanced approach is essential for safeguarding individual freedoms, fostering innovation, and protecting children.”
A representative from Ofcom stated that the OSA includes provisions to uphold free speech.
They asserted: “Technology companies must address criminal content and ensure children do not access defined types of harmful material without needing to restrict legal content for adult users.”
The UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology has been approached for comment.
Growing evidence of Ozempic’s extensive health benefits
David J. Phillip / Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo
Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to a deceleration in aging, with credible evidence emerging to support this claim.
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which contain semaglutide, have been increasingly recognized for their impact on obesity and are being researched for various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, addiction, and dementia.
Previously, scientists speculated on their potential to slow biological aging, based primarily on animal studies and observational human data. However, recent clinical trial results offer direct evidence, according to Varun Dwaraka from Trudiagnostic, a diagnostics company based in Lexington, Kentucky.
To evaluate a drug’s impact on biological aging, researchers utilize epigenetic clocks, which highlight patterns of DNA methylation—a chemical modification that influences gene activity. These patterns evolve with age and can be adjusted by lifestyle factors, including diet. Essentially, an individual’s biological age might differ from their chronological age.
Dwaraka and his team examined 108 epigenetic clocks in individuals with HIV-related fat hypertrophy, a condition leading to excess fat accumulation and hastened cellular aging. In a randomized controlled trial, one group received Ozempic weekly for 32 weeks, while the control group received a placebo.
Using blood samples collected pre- and post-trial, the researchers determined the biological ages of 84 participants. “By the study’s conclusion, individuals administered semaglutide were, on average, biologically 3.1 years younger,” states Dwaraka. The placebo group showed no noteworthy changes. “Semaglutide not only decelerates aging but may also reverse it in certain participants,” he adds.
The research revealed that various organs and systems, particularly the heart and kidneys, exhibited slowed biological aging, with the most significant influences noticeable in the inflammatory system and brain.
Dwaraka attributes this phenomenon to semaglutide’s role in fat distribution and metabolic health. Excess fat surrounding organs can release pro-aging molecules that modify the DNA methylation of crucial age-related genes. Semaglutide effectively curtails low-grade inflammation, which is another contributor to epigenetic aging.
While the findings originated from individuals with HIV-associated fat hypertrophy, many of the biological pathways impacted by semaglutide are not unique to HIV. “Thus, similar effects on epigenetic aging may be expected in other populations,” asserts Dwaraka.
It’s not surprising that such drugs can decelerate aging, says Randy Shealy from the University of Michigan School of Medicine, as they alleviate metabolic stress on various cells and diminish inflammation—key drivers of aging throughout different cell types. However, he posits that much of the benefits arise from semaglutide improving overall health rather than direct cellular effects.
It remains to be seen if semaglutide should be taken to maintain biological youth. “It’s premature to widely recommend it as an anti-aging therapy,” Dwaraka cautions. Nonetheless, he believes this study will accelerate ongoing efforts to repurpose existing medications for age-related challenges, expediting approval processes while mitigating the risk of unforeseen side effects. “Semaglutide could become a leading candidate in this arena,” concludes Dwaraka.
Sirius Binary Star System Captured with a Neurotype Camera
Satyapreet Singh, Chetan Singh Thakur, Nirupam Roy, Indian Institute of Science, India
Neurotype cameras, designed to emulate human vision, offer significant benefits for astronomers by enabling the capture of both bright and dim celestial objects in a single frame. This allows for tracking swift-moving entities without the risk of motion blur.
Unlike conventional digital cameras that sample a grid of pixels multiple times per second, recording data for each pixel each time, neurotype cameras, or event cameras, function quite differently. Each pixel is activated only if there’s a change in brightness at that specific location. If the brightness remains constant, no new data is saved, resembling how the human eye processes visual information.
This innovative approach presents various benefits. By recording only changing pixels, less data is generated while maintaining a much higher frame rate. Furthermore, these cameras measure light on a logarithmic scale, enabling the detection of fainter objects next to brighter ones that may saturate conventional camera images.
To investigate the potential of this technology for astronomical applications, Chetan Singh Thakur and his team at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru mounted a neurotype camera on a 1.3-meter telescope at the Aliyabatta Observatory in Uttarkhand, India.
Sirius A is approximately 10,000 times brighter than Sirius B, making it challenging to capture both in a single image using traditional sensors, as noted by Mark Norris from the University of Central Lancashire, UK, who was not part of the study.
According to Singh Thakur, neurotype cameras excel at tracking fast-moving objects due to their high frame rates. “For high-speed objects, you can capture their movement without blur, unlike conventional cameras,” he explains.
Telescopes typically utilize multiple sensors that can be swapped as needed. Norris points out that a neurotype camera could serve as an additional tool for viewing scenarios where both very bright and very faint objects need to be observed concurrently, or for quickly moving targets like the recently identified interstellar object 3i/Atlas.
Traditionally, to follow fast-moving objects, astronomers would need to pan the telescope. However, neurotype cameras can accurately track the movement of these objects precisely while maintaining background details and resolving their locations.
“Do you want to know the brightness of an object or its location? In quantum mechanics, you can’t ascertain both at the same instant,” Norris states. “This technology offers a potential method to achieve both simultaneously.”
While neurotype cameras provide unique advantages, they may not replace all sensor applications. Their resolution is typically lower than that of charge-coupled devices (CCDs), which are commonly used in digital cameras, achieving an efficiency of about 78% compared to the 95% efficiency of CCDs. This disparity makes traditional sensors more effective at capturing dim objects near their detection limits.
Apple is facing significant challenges this year. While striving to keep pace with other tech giants in the realm of artificial intelligence, it has seen its stock prices decline by double digits since the year began. The recent closure of a Chinese store marks a troubling point, as increasing US tariffs on Beijing pose a threat to its supply chain. On Thursday, the company reported third-quarter fiscal year revenues, inviting scrutiny into its operational improvements.
Despite a bleak forecast, Apple remains valued at over $300 million and exceeded Wall Street’s expectations regarding profit and revenue for this quarter. The tech giant posted a notable 10% year-on-year revenue increase to $94.04 billion, translating to $1.57 per share. This is the most substantial revenue growth Apple has experienced since 2021, surpassing analyst forecasts of over $89.3 billion and more than $1.43 per share.
Revenue from iPhones has also surpassed Wall Street predictions, rising 13% compared to the same quarter last year.
Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed pride in announcing a “June quarter revenue record,” highlighting the growth across its iPhone, Mac, and services sectors. During a revenue call on Thursday, he remarked that the quarterly results were “better than anticipated.”
According to Dipanjan Chatterjee, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester, the growth of services is boosting the company’s revenue streams. “Apple has grown accustomed to enhancing revenue through this service-centric margin business,” he noted.
However, he pointed out some factors contributing to underwhelming product performance, suggesting Apple is trailing in hardware innovation, leading to “consumer indifference,” with its AI rollout experiencing glitches. The AI initiative, dubbed Apple Intelligence, is introducing only incremental features rather than transformative enhancements.
It has been over a year since Apple revealed plans for the AI-enhanced version of Voice Assistant Siri, yet many features remain unreleased.
“This work [on Siri] was discussed during the company’s developer meeting in June,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s Vice President of Software Engineering.
The imposition of Donald Trump’s tariffs has also complicated matters for the company, as the US president pushes for revitalizing domestic manufacturing. A significant portion of Apple’s products are produced in China, with 90% of iPhones assembled there, despite recent efforts to shift production elsewhere. Cook warned that China’s tariffs could impact revenue by $900 million during the quarterly call.
Apple is actively working to relocate more manufacturing to countries like India and Vietnam. However, this week, Trump announced an increase in tariffs in India set to reach 25% starting August 1st.
During the revenue call on Thursday, Cook reminded analysts that Apple has committed $500 million in the US over the upcoming four years and added, “eventually we’ll do more in the US.” He mentioned that Apple has “made significant progress” with a more personalized Siri, scheduled for release next year.
Both external and internal pressures have significantly impacted Apple this year. Once celebrated as part of the “magnificent 7” industry titans—comprised of the most valuable public tech companies in the US—Apple’s stock is now the second weakest performer, declining seven spots behind Tesla. Since January, Apple’s stock has dropped approximately 15%. Nevertheless, there was a slight uptick in the stock price following Thursday’s after-hours trading, recovering 25%.
A decade ago, Aamir Khan found himself in a challenging position. Despite being a reliable superstar of Bollywood for over 30 years, he noticed a significant drop in the number of Indians who were eager to watch him in theaters.
While Indian cinema holds a revered place and greatly influences society, only about 2-3% of the 1.4 billion populace attends movie theaters.
A major long-standing challenge has been access, especially in rural areas. With his involvement in iconic films such as Lagaan and Three Idiots, Khan has dedicated years to creating thousands of affordable cinemas in remote regions of India, utilizing satellite technology to screen films. Unfortunately, this vision faced numerous bureaucratic hurdles.
Financial barriers also play a considerable role. The cinema experience had once been vibrant and lively, where families would come together, cheer, and enjoy single-screen theaters for just a few rupees. However, the rise of multiplexes has transformed it into a more luxurious affair, with tickets now often costing over Rs 500 (£4.30), making it less accessible for many Indian families.
Aamir Khan and Gracie Singh from Lagaan (previously in India). Photo: AJ’s photo/Aramie
“When I released my first film, tickets were just 10 rupees, and families from all walks of life could afford to fill the cinema halls,” Khan, 60, remarked. “Today, however, the cinema has transitioned into an upper-class medium. As filmmakers, we are not doing enough to connect with the remaining 97% of the populace.”
People are now turning to other platforms to watch films, he stated.
This week, Khan unveiled what he promises could be a solution, referring to it as the “future of Indian cinema.” After the traditional theatrical release, his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par (Stars on Earth), will be available to viewers on YouTube for just Rs 100, which is less than a pound. His previous works, along with future releases, will follow this model.
Choosing YouTube, traditionally a site for trailers rather than full films, was a deliberate choice. With an astonishing 491 million users, India’s YouTube vastly outstrips conventional streaming services like Netflix, which only boasts about 12 million Indian subscribers. Khan noted, “Given its vast reach, it’s an obvious choice.”
“The penetration of the internet in India has skyrocketed, eliminating the need for physical theaters to engage audiences,” Khan mentioned. “I believe this model can reach a wider audience and also benefit the creative community in the film industry. Naturally, theaters should remain our primary focus, but films need to be accessible to most regions at fair prices.”
While Khan prefers to view his films on the big screen, the reality remains that theaters no longer align with the audience he seeks to connect with.
He added, “The idea of paying Rs 100 per household to watch a film together will significantly lower the cost per individual.”
Aamir Khan alongside Gunjan Soni, Managing Director of YouTube India. Photo: Divyakant Solanki/EPA
Khan’s move to provide alternatives is also a reaction to the detrimental effects he believes streaming has on the Indian cinema crisis.
Instead of increasing viewership, streaming has proven to be “counterproductive,” leading to a “cannibalization” of Indian films. The chance for films to be showcased in theaters before being inundated on platforms was significantly reduced.
“I see that cinemas are currently struggling, and I’m contributing in any way I can to help revive them,” Khan shared.
This disruption in the industry has also resulted in considerable losses at the box office. Over the last decade, as right-wing Hindu national politics took precedence in India, many filmmakers have accused Indian film censors of being overly stringent and prohibiting politically sensitive topics.
The top male figures in Bollywood, including Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan—often dubbed the “Khan Trinity”—are Muslims and have faced targeted campaigns and boycotts from nationalists accusing them of being “anti-Indian.” Khan expressed ongoing concerns regarding comments he made a decade ago, feeling unsafe amidst “growing intolerance” and endorsing protests.
Khan noted that many in the industry believe their creative freedoms are constrained by decision-makers who lack an understanding of mass communication. “They feel they aren’t free to express their thoughts as they wish,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Khan mentioned that the censorship and other challenges affecting Indian films are not new, dating back to the 1940s. “Every society has a segment with negative attitudes, and that won’t change.”
Despite musings about retirement, including a brief hiatus during the pandemic where he “secretly retired for six months,” Khan says he remains optimistic about the potential of Indian cinema. “I genuinely hope this new model succeeds,” he stated. “If it fails, we could all be in jeopardy.”
“The faster the planet, the more intense the storms…”
Elementix / Alamy stock photos
Last month, Earth witnessed some of its shortest recorded days. The planet spun rapidly enough to shave 1.4 milliseconds off the usual 24 hours. These natural accelerations of Earth’s rotation are often imperceptible. Yet, if you’re like me, the sensation that our world is increasingly chaotic—at least metaphorically—may feel familiar.
In my debut novel circular motion, I explore what occurs when Earth’s rotation accelerates not just by milliseconds, but by a minute, an hour, or even 12 hours. What happens when our planet begins to spin at an astonishing speed?
The sunrise unfolds as we imagine it. How many of us already feel pressed for time in a single day? In circular motion, the characters find themselves overstretched as the days grow shorter, struggling against the demands of their daily lives. Their rush only deepens the issue, relying on rapid global transport systems, responsible for the planet’s acceleration within the narrative. (Cyclical themes often appear in fiction.)
However, when the planet accelerates sufficiently, scheduling mishaps become the least of the characters’ worries. The spin of Earth impacts numerous facets of life. For instance, it governs the movement of liquid metals within the Earth and fortifies the planet’s magnetic field. Altered spins could disrupt everything from animal migration patterns to the visibility of the auroras. Ultimately, I had to select which effects to portray in the book for literary significance, including whimsical ones (like animals wandering off).
Upon discovering that cyclones would increase, I noted striking parallels—both with the “circle” motifs in my book and the genuine climate crisis presented in circular motion. Cyclones (along with hurricanes and typhoons) depend on the “Coriolis effect,” wherein air and water are deflected from the quickly spinning equator towards the slower-spinning poles. This phenomenon results in counterclockwise storms in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise ones in the Southern Hemisphere. The faster the planet spins, the more intense the storms become.
Yet the aspect I felt most compelled to illustrate—the most vivid and striking manifestation of modern-day dizziness and disorientation—was the effect of planetary spin on gravity.
As the Earth rotates and we spin with it, centripetal forces keep us grounded. Without this force, we would be flung into space (albeit slowly), like a hammer released during an athletic throw, or like glasses sliding off your face if you spin too quickly. While my glasses may be fitting a bit too loosely, thankfully our position on Earth remains stable. What anchors us is gravity. However, with increased rotation, gravity effectively diminishes (so to speak), making us feel lighter. I was both thrilled and a bit apprehensive, learning that Earth’s rotation makes us feel about 1% lighter than if the planet stood still. At the equator, where you’re moving fastest around Earth’s axis, the circle you trace is widest.
Further from the equator, this phenomenon is less pronounced, but it’s undoubtedly odd. The direction of gravity (which pulls towards the center of the Earth) doesn’t align with the circular path you’re taking (around Earth’s axis). Consequently, Earth’s rotation not only weakens gravity but also creates the sensation of it being tilted.
As a novelist, I was dedicated to envisioning how this would feel at increased speeds. We calculated the strength and direction of what the book’s characters term “gravity loss” in London, California, and the Caribbean. Where does a ball come to a stop when rolling on this tilted landscape? What does the Beijing skyline appear like if it tilts 7 degrees away? If the land is slanted, is it akin to viewing a decline? (Not precisely!) Is it indeed 7 degrees? (Kind of!) Progressively, the world in circular motion transforms into a more topsy-turvy place.
However, the central question the book presents is how one feels a sense of belonging in such a world. In circular motion, the characters’ lives remain largely undisturbed by Earth’s acceleration. It’s not their relationships, career paths, faith, or sense of self that are impacted. They pursue love and meaning, feeling unmoored, askew, and spiraling through contemporary existence. Indeed, we grapple with that too.
Alex Foster circular motion(Grove Press) The latest selections from the New Scientist Book Club. Join us and read along here.
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There are two types of individuals across the globe: those who engage in gaming while using the toilet and those who don’t. I proudly belong to the former group. This may not be the most “Guardian-esque” opening for an article, but let’s face it—everyone uses the restroom, and many of us enjoy games while we’re there. I’m merely drawing a Venn diagram of sorts.
In the past, we spent our time reading books in there. I even had a small bookshelf dedicated to my collection, but I can remember a time when an office was deemed incomplete unless every cubicle was adorned with the daily newspaper.
When we were certain everyone was reading in those moments, bathroom books became a publishing sensation. This was particularly true for titles like Qi, which offered bite-sized, intellectually stimulating entertainment that made bathroom breaks feel productive.
Then came the phone, which revolutionized everything. The adult version of myself played with a Nokia, diving into a different kind of snake game. The crinkly newspapers gave way to pixelated avians.
My own foray into toilet gaming began with Nintendo titles and clocks before it all shifted to mobile. My school friends were fortunate to have consoles, and there’s no greater testament to friendship than someone trusting you with their cherished handheld devices. Before that, I had the challenge of timing myself on my Casio digital watch, with my best time being 0.07 seconds. Ah, youthful days.
Curiously enough, dedicated handheld gaming consoles didn’t work well for me. The Game Boy was too bulky and eye-catching, with a battery that wouldn’t last even a single visit, making options like Game Gear or Atari Links impractical.
The Game Boy Advance SP changed everything in toilet gaming, being compact and boasting a 10-hour battery life. However, I soon learned the challenges of playing while on the throne. A game had to allow for short bursts of play. Advanced Wars almost led to my demise; during lengthy missions, I’d experience numbness in my legs and stumble out of the restroom like a fallen tree. Fortunately, no one else was around to witness my plight.
Today’s toilets offer a perfect environment for gaming—free from distractions. Nobody’s going to disturb you in there, and just as importantly, there’s no guilt involved. Parenting often comes with its share of guilt for gamers; you constantly feel the need to be more productive. Parents work hard to equip their kids for school and navigate life’s challenges. The bathroom becomes a mini oasis—an isolated haven where games cater to nature’s call rather than the demands of parenthood.
Zenith…Lego Hill Climb Adventure. Photo: Fingersoft
My gaming escapades in the restroom have only increased as my children have grown older. I stubbornly refuse to fix our noisy bathroom fan. Recently, games like Alto’s Adventure, Pocket Run Pool, Prune, NFL RB25, Pocket Card Jockey, and Marvel Snap have become the ideal companions for bathroom breaks—perfect for stolen moments of joy that don’t make you feel like time is slipping away. The pinnacle of my toilet gaming experience has been Lego Hill Climb Adventure, which offers a delightful escape from workplace stress.
This game engrosses me to the point where I forget about the outside world. Initially, we turned to books as a distraction to ease our minds. As a child, I found solace in a ZX Spectrum tucked away in my cupboard, escaping the constant conflicts of my parents in another life. That was the allure of gaming for me, and I’m thrilled that others can now enjoy the same experience in the smallest and safest room of their homes, nearly five decades later.
New Scientist Book Club has just read Adam Roberts’ Lake in the Dark
Laurie photos
Following the journey through Khalian Bradley’s *Time Saving*, the New Scientist Book Club ventured in the opposite direction for our latest read: the far future and some hard science fiction with Adam Roberts’ *Lake of Darkness*. Set in a seemingly utopian society, the narrative revolves around two spacecraft orbiting a black hole, and one captain receiving orders to kill all crew members as commanded by a voice from the depths of that black hole. Not quite utopia, but rather a chilling twist from Roberts’s protagonist, Saccadest in the century, as we delve deeper into this mystical entity.
The reception among our readers is varied; some found it thoroughly enjoyable while others felt its pacing was sluggish. Personally, I resonate with Paul Jonas, a member of the New Scientist Book Club. He shared on Facebook that he was “fascinated by the story” and “appreciated the hard science components relating to space travel, black holes, and utopian societies.” Paul’s insights into the philosophical elements tied to Deleuze’s thinking in this novel truly impress me.
I tend to be quite discerning when it comes to fiction, and rarely find books claiming to be humorous truly engaging (Terry Pratchett being the joyous exception). However, *Lake of Darkness* was different; I found myself intrigued at various moments, particularly appreciating how Roberts’ distant characters grappled with our own history while deciphering what they termed “so-called” *More’s Code*, the ancient system of long and short pulses each symbolizing a single glyph, alluding to the famous Beatles tune, *We All Live in a Yellow Submarine*.
Like Paul, I was captivated by the book’s portrayal of a future utopian society and the dilemmas it presents. During our discussion, Roberts expressed his intention to explore various subgenres of science fiction within his writing. While this perspective on utopia unfolds with its antagonist (spoiler alert – Satan), the idealized vision isn’t as appealing, given that all labor is assigned to “smart machines,” leaving people devoid of functionality. Time becomes filled with hobbies and fandoms, captured in the phrase, “Your people understand the value of everything but the cost. Without a cost, nothing holds worth. The best carries a significant price.” I found it quite delightful to navigate (and read) while contemplating this future society.
Charlotte Sye, another Book Club member, enjoyed listening to the audiobook and shared her enthusiasm: “I love the humor and hard science.” She added, “Life inside a black hole is particularly fascinating, as one character mentions, while there’s tremendous energy, is there really space and time?!”
Barbara Howe, however, had her reservations. She acknowledged the book’s “historical misconceptions” and “utopian critiques,” but felt that the depicted utopia was overly centered on trivial sexual themes, reflecting a male-centric viewpoint, neglecting notions like child-rearing or nurturing that are essential to true progress.
Barbara also pointed out a sentiment echoed by several other readers: she appreciated reading *Lake of Darkness* as an e-book, stating, “I had to look up more words in this single book than in my previous reads.” Alain Pellett echoed this, finding the vocabulary somewhat challenging and “offensive.” Jess Brady shared similar thoughts, enjoying the concept while criticizing the “slow prose.”
While such critiques weren’t particularly noticeable for me—possibly due to my willingness to overlook certain aspects—I did sympathize with Barbara’s assessment regarding the physics: “I tackle explanations of time travel alongside FTL (faster-than-light) travel. I accept these premises; they provide a thin veil of scientific reality over a fantastical plot device.”
Another prevalent criticism among readers was the lack of relatable characters. Alan expressed frustration, noting, “No one seemed sympathetic; their deaths evoked no remorse. They were all insufferable and dim-witted.” Karen Shees concurred, saying, “While the book initially caught my interest, I found the characters so unengaging that I wasn’t invested in their fate.”
I share this sentiment to some extent. Many characters were glaringly absurd, including guunarsonsdottir—distracting. Yet, I believe this serves a purpose, as I relished witnessing the turmoil of these intellectually lazy individuals as they navigated actual threats—through the seemingly redundant formation of another committee discussing their next steps. Moreover, I’m intrigued by the character Bartle Wasp; even the name piques curiosity.
Paul likely feels similarly. “Saccade was a compelling character. Living in a utopia surrounded by AI shapes her perspective. There’s no obligation to fully connect with every character; following their journey can be engaging even if they’re not traditional heroes.”
After finishing *Lake of Darkness*, I found numerous substantial concepts lingering in my thoughts. Did the black hole narrative hold coherence? Was the conclusion truly comprehensible? I’m still pondering—much like Barbara, who concluded that the novel “took unexpected turns and provoked thought.”
“In the latter part, I felt transported back to the 1980s,” she remarked, referencing Douglas Hofstadter’s *Godel, Escher, Bach: Eternal Golden Braid*. “It was a brief throwback, but the ending confuses me. Why did Joins act as she did? Did the entity achieve its desires?”
Paul similarly found the conclusion perplexing. “The ending likely bewildered many due to the complexities of black hole physics,” he noted. “Additionally, the geometric concepts about the inside/outside of infinite structures were truly mind-bending.”
However, let’s shift from the complexities of black holes to the anticipation for our next read. We’ll be diving into Circular Motion by Alex Foster. This captivating debut envisions a gradual acceleration of Earth’s spin, with increasingly disastrous consequences. I’m excited to share it and can’t wait to hear your thoughts! You can preview excerpts here. The narrative examines how this accelerated state might be humanity’s doing. I’ll be discussing the novel with him later this month, so feel free to drop any questions you have in our Facebook group.
Utilizes data from 10m space-based wireless telescopes, including Radioastron. Astronomers have formed a network of 27 ground observation stations focused on OJ 287, a galaxy approximately 5 billion light-years distant from the Cancer constellations.
This image of OJ 287 reveals the sharply curved ribbon-like structure of the plasma jet emitted from its center. Image credits: Efthalia Traianou / Heidelberg University / IWR.
“Among the different types of active galactic nuclei, BL Lacertae (BL LAC) objects are notable for their rapid, large-amplitude variability and significant polarization across multiple wavelengths due to relativistic jets aligned closely with our line of sight.”
“A standout example of this subclass is OJ 287, characterized by a redshift of z = 0.306.”
Optical observations of OJ 287 have yielded an extensive light curve extending back to the 1880s, covering nearly 150 years.
This comprehensive dataset has uncovered periodic brightness variations, featuring marked 60-year cycles and notable high-brightness flares with recurrent double peaks occurring approximately every 12 years.
These periodic changes can be attributed to the presence of a binary supermassive black hole system, where secondary supermassive black holes follow eccentric precession paths around the more massive primary.
“The level of detail in the new images allows us to see the structure of the OJ 287 Galaxy like never before,” stated Dr. Traianou.
“The images penetrate deep into the galaxy’s center, revealing the jet’s sharply curved ribbon-like structure.”
“This also provides new insights into the composition and dynamics of plasma jets.”
“Certain regions exceed temperatures of 10 trillion Kelvin, indicating the release of extreme energy and movement near the black hole.”
Astronomers have also monitored the development, dispersion, and interactions of new shock waves along the jet, linking them to energies in the range of trillions of electron volts from rare gamma-ray observations made in 2017.
Using Radioastron and 27 terrestrial observatories, they captured images of OJ 287 across the radio spectrum.
The imaging relies on measurement techniques that utilize overlapping waves related to the properties of light waves.
“Interference measurement images bolster the hypothesis that a binary supermassive black hole resides within OJ 287,” the researchers commented.
“This also offers critical insights on how these black holes influence the shape and direction of the emitted plasma jet.”
“These unique characteristics position the galaxy as an ideal candidate for further studies on black hole mergers and associated gravitational waves.”
Survey results will be published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.
____
E. Traianou et al. 2025. Reveal ribbon-like jets on OJ 287 via Radioastron. A&A 700, A16; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202554929
This beach excursions remain a vital part of school summer vacations. While the sprawling beachfront arcades have evolved considerably over the last ten years, they still attract young children and nostalgic adults eager to find the classic space invader cabinets tucked away in the back. Growing up in the 1980s, I was entranced by Coinop’s video games, but it was the electromechanical phenomena of that digital era that truly captivated me. Here are my top ten picks—feel free to share yours in the comments!
Before the era of computer chips and CRT screens, arcade driving games used projected imagery and scrolling paintings to create the illusion of movement along a road. The first iterations appeared in the 1930s, with various models populating seaside arcades up until the 1980s, including iconic titles like Chicago Coin Speedway and Sega Grand Prix. I distinctly remember playing Casco’s incredible 1979 arcade game, The Driver, on the Blackpool pier, featuring actual 16mm footage of real races to immerse you in the action.
Air Hockey
The sharp sound of plastic pucks against tables echoed throughout larger arcades, providing a constant backdrop. Air hockey emerged in 1969, created by US-based Brunswick Billiards, and quickly spread worldwide as a thrilling alternative to traditional pool and foosball. You can still find these nostalgic tables in retro arcades, especially in classic seaside destinations like Great Yarmouth, Blackpool, and Southend.
Derby Game
These grand setups feature tin horses lined up on a racetrack. Six to eight players position themselves in front of the course, tossing balls at targets to guide their horse racers across the finish line, with accuracy determining the winner. The original iteration, the Kentucky Derby, was reportedly introduced to Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the 1920s by Irish-American soldiers and concessionaire George Valentine Toner. Over time, variations replaced horses with donkeys and camels. The Whittaker Brothers’ derby, a smaller variant, allowed multiple players to place bets on the outcomes of automated horse races for modest winnings.
Vending machines for toys became common in American shops in the 1930s, although the first documented egg machine was established in 1965 in Tokyo by Ryuzo Shigeta. These machines dispense products in adorable plastic capsules, a concept that gained immense popularity. Many seaside arcades in the UK, often referred to as egg machines, feature these enticing devices near their entrances. Glendale orange and lemon machines distribute prizes from whimsical crumpled chickens that spin.
Basketball Hoop
You often find a row of these sizable machines at the back of arcades, where players shoot basketballs through hoops. The setup typically includes an enclosed play area to capture wayward shots. Classics like Hoop Shot, Triple Jam, and Full Court Fever feature elements such as moving hoops and multiplayer capabilities, making these machines hot spots for energetic teens.
Fortune Teller’s Machine
“I want to grow up”… a fortune-telling arcade machine in Zoltal, Coney Island, New York. Photo: Edward Westmacott/Aramie
These boardwalk-style entertainment machines trace their origins back to the late 19th century and typically feature animated automata, often depicted as gypsies, witches, or ancient royalty. After inserting coins, users can watch as the characters move and predict their fortunes, sometimes aided by special effects like a sparkling crystal ball or cards detailing the player’s traits. Notable machines include Mrs. Zita, an eerie 1977 creation, and Morgana, which features a video projection onto a non-characteristic form, as well as Zoltar, which inspired the movie Big in 1988. Other automaton machines often feature dancing puppets and unsettling laughing clowns.
Punch Ball
A favorite among young men looking to prove their strength, punch ball machines have been around since at least 1900, initially released by Mills Novelty Co. from Chicago. Modern iterations boast digital displays for measuring strength, but the goal remains to hit the punching bag as hard as possible. Variants like the MR Muscle machine from Italian maker Zamperla have also gained popularity.
Crane Grabber
“I want a teddy”… Duchess of Cambridge plays crane grabber games at Island Leisure Amusement Arcade on Bally Island Photo: Ben Birchall/PA
Commonly known as claw machines, these remain a quintessential part of arcades. Insert coins and maneuver a joystick to guide the grabber to your desired toy. Often, the claw makes a futile attempt to grip before dropping the prize just shy of the chute—mainly because it’s set to grasp with minimal strength for just a few tries. Historically, the first commercial claw machines are thought to have originated in the U.S. during the 1920s, with many notable examples produced by Sega and Barry. The 1980s introduction of UFO catcher machines revolutionized the scene, providing larger prizes and a more colorful appearance, which continues to attract players today.
Lightgun Shooting Gallery
Every arcade in the ’70s and ’80s featured a Lightgun Shooting Gallery. My favorite installation had expansive scenes to shoot at, located—if I recall correctly—in the Coral Island Arcade in Blackpool, where players engaged in Hilly Billy Moonshine. Players shot at life-sized mannequins in overalls, a large copper still, and an array of barrels and creatures. If you dared to shoot at Billy’s on the hill, they returned fire with water pistols! You can still stumble upon these gems at the Coinophouse, which is definitely worth the visit.
Invented in 1966 by the Ramsgate-based manufacturer Crompton (albeit with earlier variations), the Coin Pusher game reigns supreme in seaside arcades, captivating players as they navigate the mountainous piles of glittering treasures. Originally named Penny Falls, hundreds of variations now exist, including a virtual coin pusher that transitions the action onto screens with a slew of special effects. My summer days spent exploring the arcades in Blackpool and Morecambe are filled with memories of scrutinizing these tempting machines, having two plastic cups in hand. “Penny Pushers are pivotal to the success of British entertainment arcades,” notes historian Alan Meads, author of a social history on British amusement arcades. “They, alongside fruit machines, are where arcades generate revenue. Penny Pushers can endure for decades—they’ve been adjusted for currency changes and continue to yield profits time and again.”
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“It’s a remarkably unusual phenomenon,” he remarked. “We only uncovered it a decade ago when specific technologies became capable of tracing the exact start and end points of a lightning event.”
Mega flashes are quite common, although they typically occur only in regions where particular geographical and atmospheric conditions can trigger severe thunderstorms, Cerveny explained. For instance, in the Great Plains and the Midwest, warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico interacts with colder northern air, resulting in significant atmospheric instability.
These conditions coalesce to produce fierce storms, which can generate a megaflash of lightning. Cerveny notes that these extraordinarily long lightning bolts have previously been recorded in Argentina and southern France, and scientists theorize they may also manifest in parts of China and Australia.
The 2017 Megaflash was generated by an immense storm that spanned large sections of the US, from Texas to Iowa and Missouri. While megaflashes can cross multiple states, they occur high in the atmosphere and seldom cause ground damage, Cerveny indicated.
“They exist in the upper and central layers of thunderstorms, towering over 10,000 to 18,000 feet,” he stated.
The composite satellite image mapping of the Record Lightning Megaflash illustrates its progression over time. Lightning bolts beneath the clouds are marked by polar-colored symbols. Michael Peterson/GTRI
“These new discoveries underscore significant public safety issues concerning electrification clouds that can travel vast distances, have substantial effects on the aviation industry, and generate flashes capable of igniting wildfires,” stated WMO Secretary-General Celestesauro in an accompanying announcement.
The extreme conditions conducive to their formation serve as a stark reminder of the tremendous power and danger posed by thunderstorms. In the US, lightning claims about 20 lives annually and injures hundreds more. According to weather services.
As per the WMO, Thursday’s classification indicates that the 2017 Lightning Flash exceeds the previous world record set five years ago by roughly 38 miles. The earlier lightning bolt, recorded on April 29, 2020, spanned 477.2 miles across parts of the Southern United States.
The 2017 MegaFlash was recognized after scientists revisited archival measurements used when the storm originally formed.
“When the initial research was conducted, we didn’t possess the technology available today,” Cerveny noted. “Now, we can employ satellite instruments to detect lightning bolts with high precision and pinpoint exactly where, how long, and for what duration the lightning event occurred.”
Experts predict that even longer megaflashes may emerge in the coming years, particularly as satellite technology enhances its detection capabilities.
“As time progresses and our data records expand, we can observe the rarest types of extreme lightning on Earth and study its widespread effects on society,” remarked Michael Peterson, an atmospheric scientist at Georgia’s Center for Intense Storm Research.
The WMO committee on Climate and Climate Extremes maintains official records of global, hemispheric, and regional extremes, including those for temperature, rainfall, wind, hail, lightning, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones.
The inhabitants of the ocean’s depths are more extraordinary than ever.
Utilizing an advanced submarine that dives deeper than Mount Everest, researchers have unearthed a vibrant ecosystem approximately 30,000 feet beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface.
A research team led by Chinese scientists found it racing through fields of vivid crimson tubes and interacting with a unique type of worm that resembles a flower sprouting from the Earth’s crust.
Each organism thrived in dense beds of up to nine inches in length, with snow-like microbial mats creating ethereal underwater dust that spanned tens of feet.
Dominique Papineau, a senior research scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, shared insights with NBC News.
Hadal chemical synthesis-based community, CAS’s Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering
Papineau, one of the study’s authors, announced the findings in a Wednesday publication in Nature. “Many Hadal organisms from these trenches exhibit remarkable shapes and colors,” he noted, explaining that they survive by hosting microorganisms that metabolize methane instead of relying on photosynthesis.
The depth of 19,000 to 30,000 feet is the deepest zone in the ocean, occurring where one tectonic plate collides with another. “Existing theories suggest that chemical bond-based communities are becoming increasingly common in the Hadal Trench, yet few have been discovered,” Papineau stated.
Karien Schnabel, a marine ecologist from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences, commented that the discovery was “truly remarkable” even though she was not part of the study.
“In these extraordinarily deep regions, there were an abundance of signs of life and wildlife,” she remarked.
A winter valley recorded by the crew’s dive fendou at 30,000 feet. CAS’s Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering Polycharts inhabit the tube dominate at the deepest 22,500 meters of the Aleutian, with spots of white microbial mats. CAS’s Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering
“We don’t generally expect life to flourish in these extreme conditions due to the immense pressure,” she commented regarding the organisms.
The researchers highlighted, “The depths explored here, alongside the robust communities found, significantly broaden the known habitats, depths, and biogeographic distributions of numerous species.”
With sunlight unable to penetrate, these organisms depend on chemical synthesis for nourishment, rather than photosynthesis.
“These ecosystems are abundant in hydrogen sulfide, methane-rich fluids flowing through faults amid deep sediment layers in the trench,” the researchers explained.
They also endure crushing pressures of up to 98 megapascals (MPA), exceeding six times the force of a crocodile’s bite.
The diving for this recent study took place in July and August of the previous year, conducted by an international group of scientists from the Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
A small porthole of three submarines. Karien Schnabel
They examined the trenches of Krill Kamchatka, which stretch from Hokkaido in Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, spanning approximately 1,300 miles and integrating with the Aleutian trench that measures around 1,800 miles from Alaska to the Kenai Peninsula.
Schnabel had previously undertaken deep-sea studies aboard the same three submarines, known as Fendouzhe, utilized in this research.
She recounted her deep-sea experiences, one of which gained notoriety when a submarine malfunctioned during a 2023 mission to the Titanic wreck.
“Naturally, there’s a bit of anxiety when hanging over a 10-kilometer chasm on Earth,” she recalled, having explored New Zealand’s northern trenches in 2022, plunging over 32,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean’s surface.
“The window is merely 12 centimeters in diameter. It’s impossible to stretch your legs while seated on a tiny bench within a compact titanium sphere measuring only 1.8 meters in width,” she detailed.
Free-Moving Polychaete navigates dense colonies of Frenor Siboglinide. CAS’s Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering
She expressed her amazement at the sights encountered at the trench’s bottom, viewed through the submarine’s 4.7-inch window.
“As I began my descent and eventually came to rest on the seabed, I was astonished by the multitude of life forms I witnessed,” she reflected.
While it was expected that life could persist at these depths, the sheer abundance of ecosystems was a pleasant surprise for the researchers.
The results “challenge existing models of life in extreme conditions” and indicate that such ecosystems may be more prevalent than previously recognized.
The longing to vanish has intensified over the course of history. This desire eluded the protagonist in H.G. Wells’ Invisible Man, whose invisibility was permanent. What many desire, much like Harry Potter’s magical cloak, is the capacity to temporarily disappear.
In the early 21st century, metamaterials emerged, kindling hopes for clothing that could provide true invisibility. Despite the development of various cloaking technologies, the advanced engineering required made them scarce, extremely rapid but largely inaccessible. Rather than concealing from the naked eye, these innovations aimed to shield the wearer from a more pervasive foe: artificial intelligence, obscuring their identities from ever-watchful recognition systems.
Metamaterials are intricately patterned fabrics containing nanostructures or microstructures that alter the path of electromagnetic waves. When light meets a metamaterial, it flows around as water does around a stone, redirecting rather than absorbing or reflecting.
However, the challenge with metamaterials is their specificity to certain wavelengths. Early invisibility mechanisms, such as those theorized by John Pendry at Imperial College London in 2006, could hide objects only from microwave radiation. More sophisticated nanostructured materials were necessary to obscure visibility to shorter wavelengths, including visible light.
One innovative solution is Metalens, akin to traditional lenses in manipulating light, but flat and thin. By merging metamaterials with metalenses, scientists can create fabrics that render both objects and individuals behind them invisible. Nonetheless, the complexity of fabrication has kept this technology out of reach for mass production.
The breakthrough came in 2024 with the development of Self-appropriate Photochromism (SAP) — a technique similar to how octopuses and chameleons adjust their skin to match their surroundings. These materials feature molecules that change structure and color in response to light. “Chameleon clothing” became prevalent among field biologists seeking to observe wildlife discreetly and gained traction in military applications, as well as popularity among fashion designers.
Mainstream fashion in the 2030s has adopted a more profound political dimension than in previous decades.
By the early 2030s, SAP clothing merged with electronic devices enabling dynamic pattern manipulation, leading to a novel form of invisibility. This technological advancement led mainstream fashion to embrace a more pronounced political essence than in recent history.
In 2024, students from Uhan University in China designed InvisDefense, a fabric that renders the wearer invisible to AI-operated cameras. It employed specific patterns engineered to disrupt image recognition systems, ensuring that individuals donning InvisDefense were not identified as human by AI analysis.
While traditional InvisDefense patterns were static, innovations in dynamic SAP materials allowed for programmability, enabling color morphing and creating ever-changing, complex patterns. AI systems find it challenging to identify this “polymorphic clothing,” often misclassifying it as mere noise.
It’s no surprise that InvisDefense was devised in China, the country with the highest level of surveillance worldwide. (China boasts around 200 million camera systems. In comparison, the UK had roughly 7.5 million cameras while the US had about 50 million in the 2020s.) While CCTV can serve a protective function, it simultaneously fosters an environment of oppression and authoritarianism.
The next evolution in SAP technology introduced extremely thin, full-face polymorphic masks known as polymers, designed to be worn with everyday apparel. These masks mimic a person’s true appearance realistically, adapting fluidly with facial movements while completely altering the wearer’s actual identity.
Initially, governments sought to regulate access to polymers, though the relatively simple technology behind them made widespread adoption inevitable. While some individuals used polymasks for illicit activities, the majority sought to evade invasive advertising, racial profiling, and relentless observation in our contemporary society.
Rowan Hooper is the podcast editor for New Scientist and the author of How to Spend $1 Trillion. These are 10 global issues that can be effectively addressed. Follow him on Bluesky @rowhoop.bsky.social
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