One significant distinction between certain members of the dispersed spider hacking community and their ransomware counterparts is their accent.
The scattered spiders are connected to the cyberattacks on the British retailer Marks & Spencer. Unlike typical ransomware attackers, the individuals involved seem to be native English speakers, rather than hailing from Russia or former Soviet nations.
This linguistic advantage supports one of their techniques, which Russian hackers may find difficult to emulate. They can infiltrate systems by calling company desks and impersonating employees or by contacting employees while posing as someone from their company desk.
“Being a native English speaker can foster immediate trust. Even internal staff and IT teams may let their guard down slightly due to perceived familiarity,”
Last November, the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on some suspected spider members by charging five individuals for targeting an unidentified American firm through a phishing text message.
The DOJ alleged that the accused sent fraudulent texts to employees, tricking them into divulging sensitive information, including company logins. This breach resulted in the theft of sensitive data, including intellectual property, and significant sums of cryptocurrency from digital wallets.
All the accused were in their 20s at the time of the allegations, with four of them aged between 20 and 25, and Tyler Buchanan, 23, from Scotland, who was extradited from Spain to the U.S. last week. He is set to appear in court in Los Angeles on May 12th.
The U.S. Cybersecurity Agency detailed the scattered spider IT desk strategy in an advisory released in 2023.
Notable ransomware victims of scattered spider attacks include casino operators MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment, which were targeted in 2023. Following the attacks, the West Midlands police arrested a 17-year-old in Walsall last year. They have been contacted for further updates on this incident.
The scattered spider was identified as responsible for the M&S breach by BleepingComputer, a high-tech news platform. The report indicated that the attackers employed malicious software known as Dragonforce to compromise parts of the retailer’s IT network.
These incidents are categorized as ransomware attacks because the attackers typically demand substantial payments in cryptocurrency to restore access to compromised systems. Leveraging ransomware from other gangs is a common occurrence, known as the model of ransomware-as-a-service.
Analysts from cybersecurity firm Recorded Future remarked that “scattered spiders” is more of an “umbrella term” rather than a specific group of financially motivated cybercriminals. They noted it stemmed from “The Com” rather than “monolithic entities,” and is engaged in various criminal activities, including sextortion, cyberstalking, and payment card fraud.
“We operate within a channel and affiliate marketing framework, primarily on platforms like Discord and Telegram, mostly in exclusive invitation-only channels and groups,” stated the analyst.
Ciaran Martin, former head of the UK’s National Cybersecurity Centre, remarked that scattered spiders are “unusual” given their non-Russian origins.
“The vast majority of ransomware groups originate from Russia. [Scattered Spider] seems to have utilized Russian code for this attack with Dragonforce, but notably, they appear to be based here and in the U.S., which may facilitate their arrest.” Martin, now a professor at Brabatnik Government School at Oxford University, added:
Martin further emphasized that the youthful infamy of scattered spiders should not diminish the threat they pose. “They are indeed a rare but quietly menacing group,” he noted.
The new Sky Glass Smart TV version brings all-in-one functionality, making Pay TV quicker, clearer, and free from satellite use, proving to be one of the top models available compared to its predecessors.
The Sky Glass Gen 2 serves as the direct successor to the initial 2021 model, which introduced Sky’s broadband-based TV service, eliminating the need for satellite dishes. Available in three sizes, the smallest being 43 inches, it can be purchased with a one-time payment over four years, after which you fully own it.
Starting at £15 per month for Sky Essential TV Packs, a Sky subscription is necessary for full access. While you can’t use the TV without a subscription, should you decide to cancel in the future, it functions as a basic smart TV with access to streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, equipped with a basic aerial and multiple HDMI inputs.
The Gen 2 is available in three colors, complete with a matching remote control. Photo: Sky UK
From the front, the Gen 2 closely resembles its predecessor, featuring a sleek, monolithic design with an aluminum body, a slim bezel, and a soundbar cleverly concealed behind a mesh that matches the bottom colors. The voice-activated microphone responds to “Hello Sky.” Although the Glass Gen 2 is thinner and lighter than the previous model, it remains on the heavier side compared to newer models. The 43-inch version weighs 14.7kg, while the larger 55-inch and 65-inch variants necessitate the assistance of two people for safe handling.
The newly designed stand simplifies setup, even for the tested 65-inch model, as the TV easily slots into two prongs and requires a stable mount secured with screws and tools. For internet connectivity, a power cable and WiFi or Ethernet connection are essential. Wall brackets are sold separately.
The TV detects movement and powers on/off as needed, displaying full-screen recommendations for the latest shows and movies. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The vibrant 4K LCD display is notably brighter than the previous version, with improved black depths and significantly reduced halo effects. The screen’s automatic brightness adjustments can make content look overly dark in rooms that aren’t brightly lit, but turning this feature off enhances viewing.
Sky has included an automatic image optimization mode that detects content types such as entertainment, sports, and movies. Additionally, modes like manual, vibrant, and film are available for those who prefer more intense colors. The entertainment mode can make skin tones appear overly warm, while I found the film mode to be more balanced, also offering a custom mode for personalized adjustments.
The screen’s capabilities shine when displaying HDR content, be it films, shows, or sports. The Premier League looks crisp and lively, while titles like Mad Max: Fury Road in Dolby Vision are particularly impressive. However, this TV isn’t the most suitable option for gaming on consoles like the Xbox or PS5, as it lacks variable refresh rates up to 120Hz, which are advantageous for console games.
Impressive Sound and Clarity
The speakers are positioned on the grill at the top and the fabric strip at the bottom of the screen. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A significant benefit of Sky Glass over conventional TVs is the built-in speaker soundbar. Vocals maintain clarity at nearly all volumes, sidestepping the common lip-sync issues found with external soundbars. Even without an additional subwoofer or rear speakers, it impressively delivers substantial sound.
However, it struggles to produce deep, rich bass, and while the sound has impressive width, virtual surround effects are limited, necessitating more complex systems with additional speakers to achieve this.
The TV also features night mode, audio enhancement, and bass boost settings. The night mode is especially handy for lowering loud sounds while ensuring dialogue remains comprehensible, making it ideal for late-night screenings without disturbing others.
Enhanced Sky Over Broadband
To stream HD, a minimum of 25Mbps is required; for UHD broadcasts, 30Mbps is necessary, but Sky’s broadband service does not need to operate at these levels. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Since the original Glass launched in 2021, the robustness of the Sky OS service has greatly improved. It still offers excellent search capabilities and advanced playlist features, alongside multiple user profiles that allow each family member to maintain their own lists and recommendations, including children’s profiles.
The playlist feature automatically tracks new episodes from shows or movies you are interested in, directing you to a “Continue Watching” section, making it easy to return to the content you’ve already begun.
Features like live TV, pause, and rewind function seamlessly. Recent reductions in broadcast delays greatly enhance the experience, ensuring thrilling moments aren’t missed for friends relying on satellite or aerial feeds.
On-demand content from the Sky Platform works effectively, and third-party services like BBC iPlayer, ITV X, and Channel 4 have seen significant enhancements compared to previous reliance on recordings. While not quite as seamless and speedy as local recordings on Sky Q and similar PVRs, most apps launch quickly, perform well, and lead directly to the desired episode from your playlist or search result.
It supports most leading on-demand services, including My5, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Discovery+, and others, allowing for all content to be easily accessed in one location.
Voice control is operational via remote buttons, though the TV’s voice activation is somewhat unpredictable, comprehending commands about 60% of the time. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Sustainability
The TV is designed for repair, featuring 22% recycled materials, such as aluminum, fabric, tin, and plastic. The manufacturer also recycles old devices and packages the TV using plastic-free materials.
Pricing
The price for Sky Glass Gen 2 is £699 for the 43-inch model, £949 for the 55-inch model, and £1,199 for the 65-inch model, with no-interest payment plans available for either 24 or 48 months for all models.
The 24-month plans for Sky Essential TV start at £15 monthly; Sky Ultimate TV begins at £22 per month; UHD with Dolby Atmos costs an additional £6, along with options to skip ads. Other available add-ons include Sky Sports starting from £31 monthly, TNT Sports from £31, Sky Cinema from £13, and Sky Kids at £8. Discounts are possible with certain combinations, although pricing varies for different packages every 31 days.
Conclusion
While the first generation of Glass needed refinement, the Gen 2 addresses many of its shortcomings effectively.
It offers a brighter, faster display with higher contrast and impressive handling. Additionally, it boasts the best sound quality among available TVs. It remains competitive in the mid-range market, although aesthetically pleasing screens can be found at similar price points without a soundbar. For those in search of the absolute finest display, alternatives are available.
The Sky OS service has advanced significantly to reach performance levels comparable to the leading competitors in the sector. Live broadcasts work smoothly, whether from satellite or cable. Sky’s on-demand offerings are just as effective as local recordings, while third-party apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX have reached acceptable performances. Featuring robust search and playlist capabilities that support all major streaming services makes content discovery effortless.
Ultimately, the convenience of the Glass Gen 2, providing an all-in-one solution with solid sound and a unified remote for all TV functions, is a major draw.
Pros: All-in-one streaming and pay TV device, remarkable sound quality, no need for satellite or cable, excellent remote control functionality, robust search and playlist features, improved apps, enhanced display with excellent HDR, customizable image modes, and integrated voice control.
Cons: Image quality not as strong as some competitors, certain image modes need improvement, auto brightness settings can be bothersome, gaming consoles lack faster refresh rates, heavier and bulkier design, no Chromecast support, and some third-party on-demand services remain subpar.
The Power and Microphone Mute buttons are conveniently positioned on the right side of the TV. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Recent research by Curtin University reveals that an ancient influence, previously believed to have occurred 1.2 billion years ago, actually took place 990 million years ago, leading to the formation of the STAC FADA member. This discovery corrects the dating of some of the UK’s oldest non-marine microfossils and their significance in the timeline of eukaryotic colonization on land.
STAC FADA member. Image credit: Tony Prave.
“We utilized small zircon crystals as geological ‘time capsules’ to accurately date the impact at 990 million years ago,” stated Professor Chris Kirkland from Curtin University.
“These tiny crystals recorded precise moments of impact, some transforming into the rare mineral Reidite, which forms under extreme pressure.”
“This provided irrefutable evidence that the meteorite strike initiated the STAC FADA deposit.”
“When a meteorite strikes, it partially resets the atomic clocks within the zircon crystal. Although these ‘broken clocks’ can’t generate dates, they developed a model to reconstruct timing, affirming the impact’s occurrence 990 million years ago.”
The impact events coincided with the earliest emergence of freshwater eukaryotes, the ancient precursors to plants, animals, and fungi.
“The new date indicates that these life forms in Scotland appeared roughly at the same time as the meteorite impact,” Professor Kirkland remarked.
“This presents intriguing questions about whether significant impacts could have affected environmental conditions, potentially influencing early ecosystems.”
“The impact crater has yet to be located, but this study has gathered additional clues that may eventually uncover its position.
“Understanding the timeline of meteorite impacts will enable us to explore their potential effects on Earth’s environment and the diversification of life beyond the oceans.”
The team’s findings will be published in the journal Geological.
____
CL Kirkland et al. The impact of Scottish meteors 100 million years ago. Geological Published online on April 28, 2025. doi: 10.1130/g53121.1
A recent study conducted by the Florida Museum of Natural History reveals that this apex predator is a type of Cebucid crocodile with origins in South America.
The Cebushid crocodile ruled the South American landscape after the dinosaurs vanished, remaining dominant until roughly 11 million years ago. Image credit: Jorge Mackey.
The sebecids were the last survivors of notosuchia, a large and varied group of extinct crocodiles with fossil records that trace back to the era of dinosaurs.
Notosuchians exhibited a wide range of sizes, diets, and habitats, distinguishing themselves from their alligator relatives, as most inhabited terrestrial environments.
The Sevecid behaved like a carnivorous dinosaur, sprinting with four long, agile limbs and tearing flesh with its notorious teeth.
Some species were equipped with protective armor made of bone plates embedded in the skin, reaching lengths of up to 6 m (20 feet).
The catastrophic mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, which eradicated non-avian dinosaurs, also nearly led to the extinction of the notosuchians.
In South America, only the Sevecids survived post-dinosaurs, quickly ascending to the role of apex predators.
The open waters separating the Caribbean islands from the South American mainland posed significant challenges for the Sevensids when it came to swimming.
In a new research effort, paleontologist Jonathan Bloch and his colleagues from the Florida Museum of Natural History analyzed vertebrae from fossilized teeth and spinal vertebrae dating back six million years, collected from the Paleopoultry 1 site in Savanna Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic.
“Our first question upon discovering these teeth in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean islands was: what could they be?” Dr. Bloch mentioned.
The team also examined 18 million-year-old teeth found in Cuba and 29 million-year-old specimens from Puerto Rico.
“The fossils suggested evidence supporting the Girllandia hypothesis,” they noted.
This theory posits that a temporary land bridge or chain of islands enabled the migration from South America to the Caribbean.
“If the serrated teeth found in other Caribbean islands also belong to the Sevecid, the history of these giant reptiles stretches beyond just the Dominican Republic.”
“They would have played a significant role in shaping the ecosystems of this region for millions of years. However, today, evidence of large terrestrial predators is scarce.”
“In their absence, smaller endemic predators like birds, snakes, and crocodiles have evolved to fill gaps in the food chain,” he added.
“We could not have predicted this just by studying modern ecosystems,” Dr. Bloch remarked.
“The presence of large predators greatly differs from our previous assumptions, and it’s thrilling to explore what further discoveries might await in the Caribbean fossil record.”
The team’s paper was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
____
Lázaro W. Viñola López et al. 2025. The South American Sevecid from the Miocene of Hispaniola documents the presence of apex predators in the ecosystems of the Early West Indies. Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2045): 20242891; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2891
A British court has approved the extradition of an Israeli individual charged by a New York prosecutor in a case involving an operation dubbed “hacking fatalen,” aimed at environmental organizations.
According to prosecutors, the company operated by 57-year-old Amit Forlit allegedly earned over $16 million by hacking more than 100 victims and stealing confidential data while working for major oil companies on behalf of a lobbying firm.
In a court submission from January, Forlit’s attorneys identified the company as ExxonMobil. Exxon is currently facing lawsuits from Democratic lawyers and local officials regarding its role in climate change, with claims that it has concealed knowledge about climate change for decades to maintain its oil sales. The lobbying firm mentioned in the filing is known as DCI Group.
Exxon has stated that it was not involved in and had no knowledge of the hacking activities, emphasizing, “If hacking is involved, we will condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
A spokesman for DCI, Craig Stevens, stated that the firm has instructed its employees and consultants to follow the law and asserted that none of DCI’s guidance was linked to the hack that allegedly occurred a decade ago.
DCI also referred to “numerous billionaire donors still benefiting from the fossil fuel legacy,” describing them as “financiers of radical anti-oil activists and their billionaire backers.”
This remark hinted at the Rockefellers’ involvement in supporting organizations pursuing climate change litigation. The Rockefeller heirs, who amassed oil fortunes over a century ago, lead the Rockefeller Family Fund, which plays a significant role in the movement to sue oil companies over climate change. Lee Wasserman, its director, has reported being targeted in a hacking initiative.
Last year, Forlit was arrested in connection with a major trial in New York for allegedly committing wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and hacking offenses that could lead to lengthy prison sentences. His legal team contended that he should not be extradited due to concerns about a fair trial in the U.S., given the political climate surrounding climate change litigations.
They argued that “one motive for the prosecution appears to be an effort to advance political agendas against ExxonMobil, with Forlit being collateral damage.”
Forlit’s attorneys also expressed concerns about his safety at the Metropolitan Detention Center, New York’s only federal prison, which has been criticized for violence and dysfunction. High-profile detainees have included individuals such as Luigi Mangione, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Shawn Combs (Puff Daddy/Diddy).
The Westminster Magistrate’s Court dismissed these worries, but Forlit has the option to appeal. His attorney did not immediately respond to inquiries for comments.
One targeted entity was a coalition of concerned scientists who have extensively researched the fossil fuel industry’s influence on climate science disinformation. This group also engages in source attribution science, estimating how specific companies contribute to global warming effects like rising sea levels and wildfires. Their findings support lawsuits against the oil sector.
The organization became aware of hacking attempts following a 2020 report from Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity watchdog from the University of Toronto, which revealed that hackers were targeting American nonprofits working on the #ExxonKnew campaign.
A coalition of concerned scientists has received suspicious emails in which hackers attempted to extract passwords or deploy malicious software. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York have initiated an investigation.
One of Forlit’s associates, Aviram Azari, pleaded guilty in New York to charges including computer breaches, wire fraud, and identity theft, receiving a six-year prison sentence.
Forlit manages two Israel-registered security and intelligence newsletter firms, one of which is registered in the U.S. His clientele includes a lobbying firm representing “one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies” involved in ongoing climate change litigation. Exxon has its historical roots in Irving, Texas.
The lobbying firm selected targets for Mr. Forlit, who then passed the list to Azari. Azari, who owned another Israeli-based company, employed individuals from India to gain illegal access to accounts. This information was reportedly utilized to gather documents from oil companies and the media, allegedly undermining the integrity of the civil investigation, according to the filings.
Microplastics are not merely present on the ocean’s surface. A comprehensive study on small particles has shown their widespread presence throughout the water column, potentially impacting the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
“There are countless entities like this all across the ocean’s interior,” states Tracy Mincer from Florida Atlantic University.
Mincer and his team analyzed microplastic data collected over the last decade from nearly 2,000 global locations. While many assessments concentrate on shallow ocean surfaces, their dataset incorporated samples from various depths, including some of the ocean’s deepest regions.
The researchers found microplastics documented precisely where research efforts were focused. This includes the Mariana Trench, where more than 13,000 microplastic particles were recorded, nearly 7 kilometers per cubic meter.
They were taken aback by the uniform distribution of the smallest particles throughout the water column. “While we anticipated finding plastics at both the ocean’s surface and its depths, they were unexpectedly widespread,” remarked Aron Stubbins from Northeastern University, Massachusetts.
Additionally, these plastic polymers contribute significantly to the carbon particles present in the water. At a depth of 2,000 meters, an area less biologically active than the surface, they account for 5% of the carbon content.
The ecological ramifications of these findings are not yet fully understood. One major concern is that buoyant plastics consumed by plankton may decrease the amount of carbon that is effectively transported to deeper layers through fecal pellets and carcasses. This could impede the ocean’s biological carbon pumps, says Stubbins. However, he emphasizes that quantifying the impact of this phenomenon remains a challenge. “We are uncovering a variety of plastics throughout the ocean,” he notes.
“We can no longer afford to overlook the insights of chemists and biologists in understanding how vast ocean systems operate,” stated Douglas McCauley from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He believes this research will clarify the discrepancies between estimates of millions of tons of plastic entering the oceans and the actually measured quantities. “Sadly, it’s not vanishing. Instead, it has dispersed throughout the water as microplastics,” he adds.
A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that Apple must ease its control over the App Store and cease collecting fees for app sales. This decision wraps up a five-year antitrust lawsuit initiated by Epic Games, aimed at redefining Apple’s substantial influence within the digital economy.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California criticized Apple for trying to obstruct the previous court ruling and indicated that the company should refrain from appealing further. She specifically condemned Apple CEO Tim Cook and other executives for providing false testimony.
In a prior ruling, Judge Gonzalez Rogers instructed Apple to allow apps to process payments directly, enabling them to provide external links to users and circumvent the 30% fee levied by Apple, potentially resulting in lower costs for consumers.
However, on Wednesday, Judge Gonzalez Rogers asserted that Apple had established a new framework that would mandate external sales apps to pay a 27% commission to the company. Apple also implemented a pop-up notification that warned customers against making payments outside the App Store, suggesting that such transactions might be insecure.
“Apple has attempted to protect billions in revenue by directly opposing this court’s injunction,” Judge Gonzalez Rogers stated.
In response, she indicated that Apple would no longer be able to collect commissions from transactions made outside of the App Store. She also mentioned that she could impose restrictions on developers from creating buttons or links for payments outside the store, and could not issue warnings that deter users from making purchases. Furthermore, Judge Gonzalez Rogers urged federal attorneys to investigate possible criminal actions within the Northern District of California.
This ruling marks a significant shift in the app economy, potentially decreasing costs for Apple while increasing earnings for developers. The App Store, a core element of Apple’s business model, remains a primary venue for downloading mobile games and various applications.
“This opens up opportunities for developers to negotiate better deals, resulting in advantages for consumers as well,” stated Epic CEO Tim Sweeney. “Today is a momentous occasion for everyone involved.”
Apple may contest the ruling. The company has not yet commented, and its stock fell by 1.5% in after-hours trading.
Epic, the developer of Fortnite, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple in 2020. Apple was accused of coercing app developers into using its payment system for App Store access, which is the sole channel for distributing apps on iPhones. This policy enabled Apple to garner as much as 30% from numerous transactions.
The App Store contributes significantly to Apple’s annual service revenue, which is nearly $100 billion.
In a ruling two years later, Judge Gonzalez Rogers stopped short of declaring Apple a monopoly in the mobile gaming sector, thus protecting the company from the most severe consequences of the lawsuit. However, she did find that Apple violated California’s unfair competition laws by hindering developers from providing users with alternative payment methods.
Last year, Epic contended that Apple was not adhering to the ruling due to the implementation of new fees and regulations for developers. The judge mandated that Apple submit documentation clarifying the reasoning behind its revised system.
Internal documents from Apple revealed attempts to obstruct alternative payment options while preserving as many of the traditional 30% fees as possible. During a meeting in July 2023, Phil Schiller, who managed the App Store, asserted that Apple would not charge commission, while Apple’s finance chief, Luca Maestri, defended the newly established 27% fee. Reports indicated that Cook supported Maestri’s position.
Cook also instructed that a “fear” notification be displayed, stating that “Apple privacy and security standards do not apply to purchases made via the web” when a user clicks an external payment link.
“Apple clearly understood its actions and consistently chose the most anti-competitive options,” Judge Gonzalez Rogers remarked.
She accused Apple executives of “lying under oath,” further asserting that “Cook made misguided choices.”
Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis and cancer
3dmedisphere/shutterstoc k
Currently, common medications used for treating obesity and diabetes are showing promise in combating life-threatening liver diseases.
Semaglutide, marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovi, mimics the hormone GLP-1, which aids in weight loss and regulates blood sugar levels, helps suppress appetite, and promotes insulin secretion. Researchers have now found that this drug therapy can halt or even reverse a condition known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
“This could offer a groundbreaking way to manage this condition,” says Philip Newsom from King’s College London. “It’s incredibly promising for patients.”
MASH, formerly known as NASH, is a severe version of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease marked by inflammation, fibrosis (scar tissue formation), and excessive liver fat accumulation, occasionally leading to cirrhosis and cancer. MASH is commonly linked to obesity and often coexists with type 2 diabetes.
A study conducted in 2020 involving 320 participants revealed that daily semaglutide injections led to a reduction in liver fat and inflammation in 59% of those with MASH. However, a more recent investigation involving 71 patients found no benefits from the weekly dosage.
For a broader perspective, Newsom and Arun Sanyal from Virginia Commonwealth University initiated a larger trial involving 1,195 MASH patients across 253 clinical sites in 37 countries. Participants averaged 56 years old with a body mass index of 34.6, and about 50% had type 2 diabetes.
The physician prescribed each participant a weekly semaglutide injection for four and a half years, gradually increasing the dose to 2.4 milligrams over the first four months, mirroring those used in Wegovy based on prior test findings. Participants also received lifestyle counseling to encourage a healthier diet and exercise.
While the full study is ongoing, results from biopsies taken 72 weeks later revealed that among the first 800 patients, including 266 receiving a placebo, 62.9% of those on semaglutide showed significant reductions in liver fat and inflammation, compared to 34.3% in the placebo group. Improvements in fibrosis were observed in 36.8% of the treatment group versus only 22.4% for the placebo group. About one-third of all treated patients and 16.1% of placebo patients experienced these benefits.
Weight loss alone could explain some of these improvements, as patients in the treatment cohort lost an average of 10.5% of their body weight, while those on the placebo lost only 2%. Although further research is needed to fully uncover the mechanisms behind the treatment, it may also directly target the processes driving the disease.
“It’s not yet established, but part of the efficacy of GLP-1-like drugs might be due to their effects on immune cells and reduction of inflammation,” notes Newsom.
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<div data-testid="companionColumn-0"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Meta <a class="css-yywogo" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meta-reports-first-quarter-2025-results-302443250.html" title="" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">announced</a> on Wednesday that it anticipates significant revenue growth in its advertising sector in the upcoming months, despite the challenges posed by President Trump's tariffs on the global economy.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">The Silicon Valley giant, owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, also reported an uptick in both revenue and profits for the first quarter, bolstered by advertising on Instagram and Facebook. However, it noted that it is keeping an eye on a "dynamic regulatory environment" that includes legal issues in both the European Union and the United States.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Data from market analytics firm Factset revealed that revenues for the first quarter reached $42.3 billion, marking a 16% increase from the previous year, outpacing Wall Street's estimate of $41.3 billion. Profits were reported at $16.6 billion, a 35% boost from last year's $12.4 billion, also exceeding the forecast of $13.6 billion.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">For the current quarter, Meta anticipates revenues to range between $42.5 billion and $45.5 billion, with the expected figure of $43.8 billion surpassing Wall Street's projections. The company's stock increased by over 5% in after-hours trading.</p></div><aside class="css-ew4tgv" aria-label="companion column"/></div><div data-testid="companionColumn-1"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">"We’re off to a strong start in a critical year. Our community is expanding, and our business is performing exceptionally well," stated Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Meta's business has shown consistent growth in recent years as it invests in artificial intelligence to provide a diverse array of posts, videos, and advertisements for its users. Zuckerberg indicated that these investments have led to increased engagement with Meta's app and a rise in clicks on relevant ads.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Nonetheless, the company faces new hurdles in the Trump era. President Trump's tariffs pose a potential threat to Meta’s significant initiatives, including a multi-billion dollar investment in infrastructure projects such as data centers, which depend on raw materials affected by these tariffs.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Meta plans to amplify its spending on infrastructure investments. On Wednesday, it adjusted its capital expenditure forecast for the year upwards from $640 billion to $72 billion, reflecting an increase from $6 billion to $65 billion.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Meta confronts critical revenue challenges, as it sells digital advertising to a variety of brands and retailers, both large and small. The more tariffs impact small businesses, the less they may invest in Facebook and Instagram ads.</p></div><aside class="css-ew4tgv" aria-label="companion column"/></div><div data-testid="companionColumn-2"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Trump has imposed the highest tariffs on imports from China, heavily impacting Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Tem, which are crucial for Meta's revenue streams. In 2023, Chinese companies constituted 10% of Meta's total revenue.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Additionally, Meta is embroiled in an antitrust trial in Washington regarding whether it unlawfully stifled competition in the social networking space by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp when it was still a startup. The outcome of this multi-week trial, the first significant tech case initiated by the current Trump administration, could reshape the US antitrust landscape and the broader Silicon Valley ecosystem.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Last week, the European Union imposed a 200 million euro ($230 million) fine on Meta for violating the Digital Markets Act, a 2022 legislation aimed at fostering competition in the digital economy.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Wednesday's revenue figures indicate no immediate fallout from advertising related to the tariffs announced in April, which expire in March. The company’s financial outlook implies that brands may keep investing in Facebook and Instagram advertising.</p><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">In contrast, advertisers might cut back on ad spending on smaller platforms such as Reddit, Snapchat, and Pinterest, noted Minda Smiley, a senior social media analyst at eMarketer. She expressed uncertainty about future revenue trajectories.</p></div><aside class="css-ew4tgv" aria-label="companion column"/></div><div data-testid="companionColumn-3"><div class="css-53u6y8"><p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">"Current business operations are stable," Smiley remarked. "However, there remains uncertainty about the potential impacts in the upcoming quarter."</p></div><aside class="css-ew4tgv" aria-label="companion column"/></div>
Stepping into the Royal Society of London, the UK’s foremost National Academy of Sciences, you’ll encounter a three-word phrase: Nullius in Verba. This motto, held for over 350 years, translates to “I accept no one’s word.” Essentially, trust in science must be based on empirical evidence.
But what qualifies as evidence? This aspect becomes a bit more nuanced. The assertion that the sky is blue can be easily substantiated by anyone who can see it; therefore, little further proof is necessary. However, if someone claims the sky is purple, we’d need a robust explanation for our apparent oversight.
Another famous saying, attributed to astronomer Carl Sagan, encapsulates the demand for solid evidence: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” This issue highlights several notable recent examples that fall short of that standard.
The first example resonates strongly with Sagan’s perspective. Recently, astronomers proposed they detected gases potentially indicative of extraterrestrial life in distant exoplanets, but subsequent analysis suggests they may have found nothing. There’s also a significant backlash from biotechnology firm Colossal against the International Union for Conservation of Nature, alleging it “clears” threats to the wolf population.
The work of science is, as always, to dig deeper in hopes of revealing the truth.
There is considerable excitement surrounding these claims, with many hoping they prove true, but unfortunately, they do not hold up. We are committed to accurately reporting substantial claims, as seen in our discussion about the assertion that light is not subject to wave-particle duality, but consists solely of quantum particles.
This is indeed an extraordinary claim, challenging a century of established physics. As we explore, the evidence to substantiate this notion is currently lacking, though physicists remain intrigued enough to pursue further investigation. Without clear evidence disproving the claim, the essence of scientific inquiry remains: to dig deeper in hopes of uncovering the truth or, at the very least, our best approximation.
Following the launch of the ChatGpt Chatbot in 2022, Microsoft has been pouring substantial funds into developing a data center, as highlighted by one industry analyst. Dubbed “Constructing the largest infrastructure ever created by humanity.”
Nevertheless, the company has put the brakes on spending after 10 consecutive quarters marked by increased investment in artificial intelligence, as indicated in the financial results released Wednesday.
In the first quarter of 2025, Microsoft allocated $21.4 billion toward capital expenses, which is over $1 billion less than the previous quarter.
The organization intends to invest more than $80 billion in capital expenditures for the current fiscal year, which concludes in June. However, these pullbacks suggest that, even if marginally, the tech sector’s enthusiasm for AI spending might not be limitless.
Overall, Microsoft’s results showcased unexpected strength in its operations. Revenue surpassed $70 billion, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Profits rose by 18% to reach $25.8 billion. These results significantly exceeded Wall Street’s forecasts.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, stated, “The cloud and AI are fundamental components for every business aiming to enhance efficiency, lower expenses, and boost growth.”
Following the announcement, Microsoft’s stock surged by over 5% in after-hours trading.
The company is aggressively expanding, and in the last quarter, Microsoft noted that sales would have been even greater if additional data centers were operational to meet the demand for cloud computing and AI services from its clients.
Sales for Azure, Microsoft’s premier cloud service, increased by 33% during the quarter, greatly surpassing Wall Street’s expectations, with nearly half of that growth attributed to AI services.
Investors have experienced fluctuations in infrastructure spending following reports from analysts at TD Securities in late February that Microsoft had exited several data center contracts. Analysts suggested that Microsoft is linked to a project intended to develop advanced AI systems, in collaboration with partner OpenAI. OpenAI is currently planning to partner with Oracle under the Stargate Project.
Microsoft has acknowledged a slowdown in projects in Ohio and Wisconsin, mentioning the suspension of “early stage projects” as part of its Refinement Process.
(The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement related to AI system-generated news content. Both companies have denied the allegations.)
Analysts at Raymond James reported last week that they have not yet noticed significant reductions in spending from Microsoft’s Enterprise Cloud customers. However, they expressed concerns that tariffs and economic uncertainty could prompt customers to cut back on growth initiatives and focus more on maintaining operations.
Microsoft’s personal computing segment grew by 6%, reaching $13.4 billion, while commercial sales of productivity tools for businesses, including Excel, Teams, and Word, increased by 15%.
Microsoft’s results would have shown even greater performance if revenues exceeded $1 billion and profits had not been impacted by over $400 million due to the depreciation of the US dollar.
For example, NHS England advises healthcare workers to wash uniforms at 60°C for a minimum of 10 minutes to eliminate nearly all microorganisms, according to Katie Laird from De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. “However, it’s unclear what the machine is truly accomplishing.”
Laird and her team examined six models of home washing machines to evaluate how effectively they cleaned contaminated fabric samples, specifically testing for Enterococcal feces, known to cause various infections, including urinary tract infections.
Their findings revealed that half of the washing machines tested failed to adequately disinfect clothing, reducing bacteria levels by at least 90% in only the rapid cycles; one-third of machines did not achieve sufficient breakdown even in standard cycles.
“This is primarily because most machines either don’t maintain or reach the expected temperature, particularly in shorter cycles,” notes Laird. “In one instance, we found a machine operating at just 20°C (68°F), which the user was unaware of.”
After analyzing bacteria across multiple washes, Laird’s team discovered that microorganisms began developing resistance to detergents. DNA sampling indicated that these microorganisms were acquiring genes that enabled their survival.
The findings suggest that utilizing home washing machines to launder medical uniforms could inadvertently facilitate the spread of infections and antibiotic resistance within hospital settings, Laird pointed out.
To reduce bacteria and viruses in household washing machines, Laird recommends regularly using a machine sanitizer, conducting 90°C (194°F) cleaning cycles, and employing descaling solutions to prevent the build-up of scale that may impair the heating elements’ function.
Researchers at the University of Florida have successfully generated a chromosomal-scale genomic assembly for the spinless tetraploid blackberry BL1, which is primocanfluting. Their findings are expected to serve as crucial resources for accelerating genetic analysis in blackberries and fostering the development of new, enhanced varieties that improve horticultural and nutritional attributes.
blackberries. Image credit: Lin Animalart.
Blackberries belong to the genus Rubus, subgenus Rubus (formerly subgenus Eubatus) within the Rose family.
These fruits are noted for their rich dark purple to deep black colors, complex fruit structures, and a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.
Blackberry fruits are a significant source of anthocyanins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, offering numerous health benefits to consumers.
In the last two decades, a surge in consumer interest has greatly expanded the market for fresh and processed blackberries in the United States and internationally.
As the fourth most economically significant berry crop in the U.S., the nation produced 16,850 metric tons of processed blackberries and 1,360 tons of fresh blackberries in 2017.
In 2021, the U.S. imported 122,873 metric tons of fresh blackberries and 16,738 tons of frozen blackberries, valued at $519 million and $43 million, respectively.
Global blackberry production is estimated to exceed 900,000 metric tons, playing a crucial role in the international berry market.
The ongoing development and introduction of improved varieties continue to drive consumer demand and enhance blackberry production worldwide.
“This new research not only deepens our understanding of blackberry genetics but also lays the groundwork for significant advancements in blackberry breeding techniques,” says Dr. Zhanao Deng, PhD, in the journal Horticulture Research.
“The ultimate goal is to create a superior, more resilient blackberry variety that benefits both growers and consumers globally.”
Utilizing a comprehensive collection of DNA sequences from the experimental BlackBerry BL1, Dr. Deng and his team meticulously calculated and reconstructed the original sequences across the blackberry genome.
It begins with recognizing that BL1 is a tetraploid fruit, which derives from a plant possessing four copies of each chromosome within its cells.
This characteristic results in twice as many chromosomes compared to typical diploid plants such as raspberries.
“Working with tetraploids is more complex than with diploids,” Dr. Deng remarked.
“The release of the tetraploid blackberry genome can facilitate more efficient and targeted breeding, ultimately enhancing fruit quality and leading to the creation of new varieties resilient to critical diseases.”
“The reference genome derived from this study will serve as a powerful tool for researchers working with blackberries.”
The genome assembly also unlocks insights into key traits such as the cultivation of spinless blackberry plants and the processes behind anthocyanin production, which influences the color and health benefits of the fruit.
“This discovery helps us understand why blackberries attain their distinctive deep purple/black hues over time and how we might potentially improve this process for more nutritious berries,” Dr. Deng added.
The team’s research is published in the journal Horticultural Research.
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Dev Paudel et al. 2025. Chromosomal scale and haplotype-resolved genome assembly of tetraploid blackberries (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson). Horticultural Research 12 (6): UHAF052; doi: 10.1093/hr/uhaf052
The prevailing belief regarding these egg sales has been that both species descend from land-dwelling ancestors. While the ancestors of the platymonds became semi-aquatic, Echidna remained terrestrial. However, a detailed examination of a humerus bone from Kryoryctes cadburyi, a prehistoric monotreme that lived in Victoria, Australia, during the early Cretaceous period, indicates that Echidna evolved from semi-aquatic ancestors, suggesting that the lifestyle of modern paddy field amphibians originated over 100 million years ago.
Artist’s impressions of Kryoryctes cadburyi. Image credit: Peter Schouten.
“Approximately 30 examples of mammals have evolved to live entirely or partially in water, such as whales, dolphins, dugongs, seals, otters, and beavers,” says Professor Suzanne Hand, a paleontologist from the University of New South Wales.
“However, it is exceedingly rare to observe mammals evolving in the opposite direction.”
“We are discussing semi-aquatic mammals that transitioned to a land-based existence. Such an event would be quite unusual, but I believe that’s what occurred with echidnas.”
In their recent study, Professor Hand and her team analyzed a single humerus bone of an ancient monotreme, Kryoryctes Cadbury.
Using CT scans and other techniques, they investigated the internal microstructure of the specimen.
“The external structure of bones allows for direct comparisons with similar animals to clarify relationships, while the internal structure offers insights into the beast’s lifestyle and ecology,” Professor Hand explained.
“Thus, while the internal structure might not reveal the animal’s identity, it can inform us about its environment and living conditions.”
Living in southern Victoria about 108 million years ago, Kryoryctes cadburyi and its relatives dominated the Australian mammalian fauna.
“Mesozoic mammals from Australia are uncommon and primarily known through their teeth and jaws,” states Professor Michael Archer from the University of New South Wales.
“Currently, Kryoryctes cadburyi is known solely from limb bones.”
“This humerus presents an extraordinary chance to gain insight into the lifestyles of Australian mammals, revealing a considerable story, perhaps one we weren’t initially anticipating.”
Researchers were taken aback when they discovered that the internal structure of the ancient humerus differed from that of modern Echidna bones.
“The internal structure shows that the bone wall of platymonds is quite thick with a narrow bone marrow cavity, while Echidna has a much thinner bone wall,” they noted.
“The fine structure of the Kryoryctes cadburyi humerus resembles that found in lizards, with its dense bone serving as ballast, aiding its ability to dive for food, a trait noticed in other semi-aquatic mammals.”
There are also peculiar traits in modern Echidna that might hint at an ancient semi-aquatic ancestry.
“It’s well established that the platypus bill contains numerous highly sensitive receptors that detect slight currents created by prey,” Professor Hand remarked.
“Although Echidna’s snouts have fewer receptors, it’s thought these might be remnants of their aquatic manipulative capabilities, along with traces of platypus-like features found in the embryos of echidnas.”
“Another characteristic inherited from their aquatic ancestors is the backward orientation of Echidna’s hind legs, similar to the rounded feet of the platypus when swimming.”
“In Echidnas, however, this trait is utilized for digging.”
“Our research has shown that echidnas exhibit diving reflexes when submerged in water, which assist in conserving oxygen and prolonging breath-holding capabilities. Studies on a respiratory protein called mammalian myoglobin further suggest echidna’s semi-aquatic ancestry.”
“The positive charge on myoglobin’s surface correlates with enhanced muscle capacity to retain oxygen, thereby extending the duration mammals can dive.”
“This is more prominent in platypuses, but even among burrowing mammals, echidnas show a higher than expected capacity.”
Survey results were published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Suzanne J. Hand et al. 2025. Bone microstructure supports the Mesozoic origin of monotremes’ semi-aquatic lifestyle. PNAS 122 (19): E2413569122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2413569122
While the nature of consciousness may remain elusive, neuroscientists have made significant strides in understanding it. The journey is far from over.
“Numerous theories exploring consciousness exist, so further theories may be superfluous,” states Oscar Ferrante, a neuroscientist at the University of Birmingham.
If you seek an explanation for how our brains create subjective experiences, you might explore adaptive resonance theory or dynamic core theory. Additionally, the theory of primary expression and semantic pointer competition should not be overlooked. A 2021 survey identified 29 distinct theories of consciousness.
Dr. Ferrante is part of a group aiming to consolidate this proliferation of theories. Yet, they face challenges due to the typical approach scientists take towards consciousness studies. They propose theories, conduct experiments, gather evidence, and often claim their theory reigns supreme.
“We are discouraged from abandoning our ideas,” remarked Lucia Meloni, a neuroscientist at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt, Germany.
Seven years ago, Dr. Meloni and 41 other scientists launched an extensive study on consciousness to break this cycle. Their goal was to unite rival groups to design an experiment that would assess the predictive power of both theories regarding conscious experiences in the brain.
The Cogitate Consortium team recently published their findings in Nature. However, this study encountered the same contentious conflicts they aimed to avoid.
Dr. Meloni and like-minded colleagues started planning their research in 2018, adopting a strategy known as hostile collaboration—where scientists with opposing theories partner with neutral researchers. They selected two theories for examination.
The first, known as the Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, was introduced in the early 2000s by Collège de France’s Stanislas Dehaene. This theory posits that our conscious experiences arise when key brain areas distribute sensory information across the brain.
The second theory, Integrated Information Theory, developed by the University of Wisconsin’s Giulio Tononi, does not link consciousness to specific brain regions. Instead, it begins with essential characteristics of conscious experience, such as feeling unique and possessing rich, coherent details. Madeleine.
Researchers then examined which physical networks, such as the brain, could facilitate this experience. They concluded that a substantial amount of information must be processed across various networks and integrated to form a cohesive experience.
The Cogitate Consortium’s experiment aimed to potentially test both theories, garnering support from proponents of both.
“This collaboration was significant as it was the first attempt to reconcile differences rather than engage in isolated pursuits,” noted Dr. Meloni.
However, they knew that hostile collaboration would require substantial effort. They enlisted many young researchers, including Dr. Ferrante, and spent two years designing experiments and setting up lab equipment. By the latter half of 2020, they began scanning the brains of 267 volunteers across eight labs in the US, Europe, and China.
Volunteers played video games designed to gauge their conscious perception. In one game, participants were tasked with catching a colored disc when it changed to striped. Occasionally, blurred faces appeared on the screen, prompting volunteers to indicate what they had noticed.
To capture data comprehensively, researchers employed three distinct methods to measure brain activity.
Some volunteers who had undergone surgery for epilepsy consented to have electrodes temporarily placed in their brains. The second group utilized fMRI to assess blood flow in the brain, while a third group underwent magnetic EEG testing to record the brain’s magnetic field.
By 2022, the researchers shifted focus to data analysis. The three techniques produced consistent results. Both theories made accurate predictions regarding brain activity during conscious experiences, but also had incorrect predictions.
“Both theories are incomplete,” remarked Dr. Ferrante.
In June 2023, Dr. Meloni presented the findings at a New York conference, and the Cogitate Consortium submitted their results for publication, hoping to see their work in print.
Hakwan Lau, a neuroscientist at Sungkyunkwan University, was invited to review the paper but made a critical assessment. He believed the consortium failed to clearly outline where in the brain they would test predictions for each theory.
“Making a compelling case that the project tests theories meaningfully is challenging,” Dr. Lau stated in a July review.
Having developed his own consciousness theory, Dr. Lau published an evaluation online in August, and later co-authored an open letter criticizing both the Cogitate experiments and Integrated Information Theory. A total of 124 experts endorsed the letter.
The group labeled “IIT agree” directed much of its critique at integrated information theory, calling it pseudoscience in a recent analysis.
Critics highlighted that Integrated Information Theory extends beyond just a brain function theory—implying that a system capable of integrating information, even a plant, may possess some level of consciousness.
Critics contended that the Cogitate Consortium’s experiment failed to address the foundational aspects of the theory, thereby not adequately challenging its claims. “As researchers, we must safeguard the public from scientific misinformation,” Dr. Lau and his colleagues asserted.
Their letter, published online in September 2023, ignited a flurry of debate on social media. The authors later provided a commentary to elucidate their concerns, which was featured the following month in Nature Neuroscience.
In response, Dr. Tononi and his colleagues, in a published letter defended IIT, claiming that the critics’ letters were “full of enthusiasm and lacking in facts,” and asserting that the new commentary merely aimed to reshape the discussion.
Meanwhile, the Cogitate Consortium paper continued through the peer review process. Upon its release on Wednesday, it drew a spectrum of responses.
Anil Seth, a neuroscientist at the University of Sussex, expressed admiration for the study’s scale and the identification of shortcomings in both theories. “I’m pleased to see that,” he remarked. “That’s an impressive achievement.”
However, some critics of IIT continued to voice concerns. Joel Snyder, a psychologist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, noted that the predictions from each team might have been generated by alternative theories, indicating the experiment wasn’t a true test of either.
“This is likely to cause confusion,” Dr. Snyder commented.
Dr. Lau reflected in an email that the recent research does not appear to have narrowed down the numerous theories of consciousness. “Recent discussions leave me with the impression that these issues haven’t significantly advanced any theory,” he wrote.
Nonetheless, Dr. Seth acknowledged the value of testing competing theories, even if scientists are reluctant to discard their ideas. “The best outcome of a successful hostile collaboration is that it may lead others to reconsider their views,” he stated.
What happens to an 18-foot long, 2,000-pound body?
This question perplexed divers and photographers who frequently explore the waters off San Diego’s coast.
The saga began this spring when Doug Bonhouse took advantage of the mild weather to scuba dive at Scripps Canyon. As he submerged, a large mass caught his eye beneath him.
At just 115 feet below the surface, he discovered the body of a juvenile gray whale.
Whale carcasses are typically not encountered by human divers; they are usually found by remotely operated vehicles at depths exceeding 3,000 feet.
Local marine biologists speculated about the origins of the gray whale calf. The creature, which was suited to the seabed, had been sighted near La Jolla Shores, desperately searching for its mother. In its final moments, it appeared to approach a boat, as if pleading for assistance.
Other divers quickly made their way to the site, as it was the first opportunity for access during the autumn. Among them was underwater photojournalist Jules Jacobs, who documented his exploration for the New York Times.
By late January, the whale’s resting place was in a canyon valley that required careful navigation to reach. This challenge left Jacobs feeling both anxious and mentally drained.
As Jacobs navigated through the darkness with a team of five divers, the beam from his dive light suddenly illuminated the object of his search: a fragile calf with spotted skin. Its eyes had succumbed to the elements, frozen in an expression of sorrow.
“It’s humbling to swim through a whale’s carcass when only its tail is as large as your body,” Jacobs remarked.
Jacobs planned further dives to study the remains. On his second visit a week later, however, he discovered that the tail was missing, likely taken by scavenger sharks like Seven Gill and Mako.
After a series of spring storms, Jacobs descended again in late February. Gripping his camera gear so tightly that his knuckles turned white, he awaited the sight of the decaying creature.
He was met only by an empty seabed.
The calf was gone.
Adult gray whales can grow to about 45 feet and are known for their extraordinary migrations from the warm waters of Baja, California, to high-latitude feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean. It’s likely that the calves and their mothers headed north before becoming separated. At this vulnerable point in their journey, the calves would have faced starvation after not eating for six months.
Gray whale populations experience cycles of boom and bust, recovering from significant declines, sometimes losing up to a quarter of their numbers within just a few years.
However, the population has failed to rebound for about six years, mirroring previous downturns. Scientists link this decline to climate change, which accelerates warming in the Arctic and disrupts the whales’ prey availability. Additionally, ship strikes and entanglements further exacerbate mortality rates.
“We are observing a significant increase in fatalities among gray whales,” stated Joshua Stewart, an assistant professor at the Marine Mammal Research Institute at Oregon State University. He anticipates more whale deaths along the West Coast.
Nevertheless, the death of a whale does not necessarily signify an end. Instead, it often triggers new beginnings.
Life flourishes from the remains of whales. Their meat nourishes scavengers, bones become habitats for microorganisms and insects, while the curved vertebrae provide a new foundation for flourishing coral reefs.
“Whale falls are ecological bonanzas, capable of providing sustenance for up to 200 years, as they typically reach the ocean floor,” remarked Craig Smith, professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii. “Ironically, we understand more about deep-sea whale falls and associated communities than we do about shallow-water ecosystems.”
Whale decay occurs in three distinct ecological stages. Initially, scavengers like sharks, crabs, and hagfish consume the soft tissue. Next, worms thrive in the nutrient-rich, vibrant masses surrounding the carcass, as Dr. Smith notes; this phase can last up to seven years and is termed an enrichment stage by scientists.
Ultimately, bacteria deep within the bones produce hydrogen sulfide, fueling chemically-chemosynthetic bacteria that thrive symbiotically with the animal hosts and chemically synthesized bacteria on the bone’s surface. This final stage can endure for decades, supporting over 200 marine species within the ecosystem generated by a single whale fall.
However, the calf and its remains had vanished. Was something or someone responsible for preventing the whale fall that would support life?
Gregory Rouse, a marine biology professor at the Scripps Marine Research Institute, considers the matter less enigmatic. He explained that during the whale fall, decomposition within the body cavity can generate gas, causing the body to rise again after initially sinking.
On Wednesday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed a federal judge, stating that the government’s plan to dissolve the company would significantly obstruct its operations as it seeks to implement changes to remedy alleged illegal monopolies in online search.
Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled last year that Google had violated laws to sustain its search monopoly. This month, he held a hearing to establish a remedy for addressing these unlawful practices.
As the company’s second witness, Pichai argued against aggressive governmental solutions, including the sale of Google’s widely-used Chrome web browser and mandates to share data with competitors. He expressed concern that such proposals would force the company to scale back on investments in new technologies in order to redistribute profits to rivals with minimal fees.
“No combination of bailouts can replace what we have invested in R&D over the past three decades and our ongoing innovation to enhance Google search,” he stated, referring to research and development.
Pichai is expected to testify throughout a landmark three-week hearing. The tech industry is currently racing to develop internet products powered by artificial intelligence, and new restrictions on Google’s business could energize its competitors and hinder its own progress.
This case against Google marks the first substantial examination of the U.S. government’s efforts to rein in the extensive power held by commercial entities in the online information landscape. Recently, a federal judge in Virginia concluded that Google also holds a monopoly over various online advertising technologies.
The Federal Trade Commission is engaged in a legal battle with Meta, scrutinizing whether the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp unlawfully diminished competition. Additional federal antitrust actions against Apple and Amazon are anticipated in the coming years.
The Justice Department initiated a lawsuit against Google regarding search practices during President Trump’s first term in 2020.
At the 2023 trial, government attorneys contended that Google has effectively highjacked other search engines by compensating companies like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla to ensure that its search engine appears as the default on browsers and smartphones. Evidence submitted indicated that this amounted to $26.3 billion in payments in 2021.
In August, Judge Mehta expressed opposition towards the company. Last week, he conducted a three-week hearing aimed at determining an appropriate relief strategy.
The Department of Justice’s suggestions are extensive. The government has asserted that Google must divest Chrome since user queries are automatically directed to its search engine.
During approximately 90 minutes of testimony, Pichai emphasized the company’s significant investments in Chrome, citing its effectiveness in safeguarding users against cyber threats. When government attorneys probed whether future browser owners would manage cybersecurity, Pichai responded assertively, drawing on his deep knowledge of the field.
“Based on my extensive expertise and the understanding of other companies’ capabilities regarding web security, I can confidently discuss this,” he noted.
The government also desires that Google provide search result data to its rivals, a move that would grant other search engines access to information about user searches and clicked websites.
Pichai criticized the proposal for mandatory data sharing, suggesting it effectively threatens the company’s intellectual property, enabling others to reverse-engineer its comprehensive technology stack.
In contrast, Google’s proposal is more limited. He stated that the company should be permitted to continue compensating other businesses for search engine placements, with some arrangements open for annual renegotiation. He also emphasized that smartphone manufacturers should have greater autonomy in selecting which Google applications to install on their devices.
Judge Mehta inquired how other search engines might compete with Google.
“We can hardly rely on the notion that ‘the best product wins,'” Pichai later remarked.
Horses have honed their abilities, such as running, jumping, and pulling, as humans have bred and trained them for various purposes over thousands of years. The 151st Derby, the most-watched horse racing event, not only highlights the skills of these animals but also raises concerns about their treatment and well-being. Advocates have long voiced worries about injuries and fatalities, especially after twelve horses died at Churchill Downs two years ago.
There’s no doubt that the relationships between humans and horses have transformed warfare, agriculture, and society.
Timothy Winegard, a historian at Colorado Mesa University and author of the recent book, The Horse, remarked, “We’ve combined our intellect with the horse’s size, strength, stamina, and speed to create the most unstoppable animal coalition.”
Why Are Horses So Powerful?
The horse’s heart and lungs contribute significantly to its remarkable power.
Hearts typically weigh between 10-12 pounds (4.5-5.4 kg), roughly 1% of the horse’s body weight, compared to about 0.5% for a typical human heart. The famous horse Secretariat, who won the Triple Crown in 1973, was later found to have a heart weighing over 20 pounds (9.1 kg).
A horse’s heart is designed for exercise, with a resting heart rate around 34 beats per minute that can rise to 220 or 240 during a race—much faster than a human’s maximum during intense exertion.
Derma Sotogake training on the mornings of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Andy Lions/Getty Images
“One unique aspect of horses is their incredible capacity to circulate blood throughout their bodies. They can achieve high heart rates while remaining safe,” explained Sarah Reed, a researcher at the University of Connecticut.
Additionally, horses possess a lung capacity of 60 liters, ten times that of a human.
“This extensive lung capacity allows oxygen to efficiently transfer from the air to the blood, which is essential for sustaining aerobic energy,” noted Farmer.
Recent research published in the journal Science indicates that genetic mutations enable horses to mitigate the adverse effects associated with ultra-high energy production.
“Horses are exceptional athletes because they can deliver significantly more oxygen to their muscles than elite Olympic athletes. They have larger energy reserves and more efficient systems…and these mutations play a role in both aspects.”
What Contributes to a Horse’s Speed and Skills?
Various biological characteristics enhance a horse’s abilities.
Horses store excess red blood cells in their spleens, which are released to enhance oxygen transport during intense exertion.
“During exercise, adrenaline triggers the spleen to circulate these excess red blood cells,” said veterinarian Hillary Clayton. “Essentially, what a horse accomplishes is a form of ‘natural blood doping.’”
Honoring Marie at Churchill Downs in 2024. Charlie Riedel / AP
Furthermore, a horse’s brain is adept at processing sensory information and reacting swiftly. Although their frontal lobe—the section associated with thinking and planning—is proportionally smaller than that of humans, horses are hardwired for play and independent running without fear, as explained by Dr. Scott Bailey, a veterinarian at Clayborne Farm. This focus is critical for athletic performance.
The bone structure and muscle makeup are also advantageous. The ligaments and tendons in their hind legs function like springs, and as Farmer noted, like other large prey animals, they possess “long, slender legs designed for running.”
What Are the Risks for Horses?
Adjustments that enhance a horse’s speed also increase the risk of injuries. Their slender legs endure the impact of each stride, and over time, repetitive stress during racing and training can lead to tendon and ligament damage, Reed stated.
In 2023, fatalities occurred not only at Churchill Downs but also at other major racecourses, affecting public perceptions of the sport and prompting changes. No specific cause of death was identified. However, in 2024, Churchill Downs improved the equipment used on its racing surfaces and added a veterinarian dedicated to horse safety and integrity.
“It was utter chaos,” remarked Inigo, a physician at a hospital in northern Spain.
Since losing power on Monday afternoon, he noted that emergency generators were reserved for critical areas. This meant a lack of access to patient records, disrupted phone connectivity and email, and colleagues unable to carry out their responsibilities, leading to severe communication breakdowns.
Inigo explained that the hospital’s backup generator was intended to keep surgeries ongoing. However, operations had to be cancelled due to the challenges of safely managing orders and moving patients. “This incident made us realize just how reliant we are on technology,” he said.
On that Monday, about 55 million individuals found themselves thrust back into a pre-electric era as significant blackouts swept through Spain, Portugal, and southern France, marking one of the worst outages in recent European memory. Mobile signals vanished, traffic lights failed, supermarkets fell into darkness, digital payment systems froze, and many found themselves stranded away from home as a prolonged power outage occurred.
Last month, EU residents were advised to prepare with 72 hours’ worth of essential supplies, but this blackout underscored the susceptibility many have to widespread disruptions.
After service was restored, the Guardian spoke with individuals reflecting on the incident and its implications for future preparedness and resilience.
For Inigo, despite the disruption feeling like a “total disaster” at the moment, he appreciated in retrospect that there were no physical injuries. “Moving forward, we should invest in more backup generators and fuel to ensure smoother operations,” he suggested.
Beibei in Barcelona. Photo: Beibei/Guardian Community
Initially, Beibei, 41, in Barcelona, found the power cut to be “very thrilling.” However, concern set in when a neighbor knocked on her door with her four-month-old baby, saying, “I know it’s affecting all of Europe.” “I could see the anxiety on her face,” Beibei shared.
She needed to pick up her six-year-old son from school but had to first find food. “In the dimly lit shop, the cashier was turning away customers who couldn’t pay with cash,” explained Beibei, who is a climate activist and has lived in Spain since the pandemic hit. She collected some essentials but anxiously noticed other shoppers with full carts, fearing she wouldn’t have enough.
On her second trip with her neighbor, she found their nearest supermarket had stopped admitting customers. At another store, Beibei faced an alarming situation. “The cashier unloaded items from my basket when I realized I didn’t have enough cash. Just as the last light went out, she announced, ‘I can’t accept any payments now.’
After reuniting with her sons, Beibei expressed a newfound appreciation for everyday conveniences. “I’ve ensured I have cash ready for next time,” she mentioned.
“This experience has shifted my perspective on what truly matters in life—the nourishment we often take for granted, the presence of loved ones, and the ease of cooking and cleaning with modern appliances. I will never overlook these miracles again.”
The outage also led to passengers being trapped in underground subway tunnels and trains, compelling many to walk long distances and remain stationary for hours.
Doug Crave, 60, from Brighton, boarded a train in Madrid at 9:57 a.m. to visit a friend in Barcelona. However, before reaching his destination, the train experienced a shudder. With no mobile signal, the doors remained sealed for nearly two hours until authorities finally arrived to open them and distribute bottled water.
Police officers distributing water to passengers caught inside a high-speed train. Photo: Doug Craib/Guardian Community
He recounted that a woman experienced a panic attack lasting about six hours. “It felt stifling and humid in the carriage,” he said. Eventually, police led passengers off the train using flashlights at night, escorting them to Barcelona where they boarded a bus that arrived around midnight.
Passengers disembarking from the train hours later, heading to the bus for transport to Barcelona. Photo: Doug Craib/Guardian Community
Crave noted that the ordeal prompted him to reconsider the increasing reliance on digital transactions, as many were unable to buy food or water during the outage.
“In every conversation I had in Barcelona regarding hotels, taxis, and restaurants, there was a common concern about the increasing trend of going cashless,” he reported. “All payment systems failed, leaving cash as the only option, yet most people were unprepared, and ATMs were non-functional.”
Katarina, a 24-year-old engineer from Porto, was in her office when the power went out. Upon returning home, she filled containers with water in case her pump stopped working. She tuned into updates via a battery-operated radio she bought after the EU’s emergency advice last month.
Katarina in Porto stayed updated on the news using a battery-operated radio and prepared water supplies. Photo: Katarina/Guardian Community
“Nobody had any idea of what to do or where to go or how long it would take,” she recalled.
“On one hand, there’s a lot of discourse about how technology has disconnected us, yet yesterday proved that we remain human. People helped one another, stepped outside, and acted as a community once more.”
With her power still out by 5 p.m. on Monday, Katarina took a stroll with her boyfriend. She observed cars halted due to the absence of traffic lights, orderly bus lines, gardens filled with readers, athletes, and families barbecuing, as well as residents chatting with passersby from their doorways.
“It was quite remarkable,” she said. “It really restored my faith in humanity to witness how quickly people banded together and supported each other despite the chaos around us.”
Eighty million years ago, the formidable 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex ruled the earth. Now, it may soon inspire a new kind of wallet.
A team of British researchers and bioengineers is working on high-end clutches and totes made from T. rex skin, cultivated from the fossilized remains of ancient carnivorous creatures.
Their goal is to create sustainable leather by extracting collagen from this colossal dinosaur, known to have roamed North America and Asia about 68 million years ago. If they succeed, it would mark the first instance of leather derived from an extinct species.
The project’s developers assert that their lab-grown materials will be entirely biodegradable and structurally identical to conventional leather. Choi Conon, a professor of tissue engineering at Newcastle University, commented on the initiative.
Conon is also associated with a Biotechnology Company. Lab-grown leather is in collaboration with the Dutch creative agency VML and the genomic engineering firm The Organoid Company.
“This opens the door to designing leather from prehistoric origins,” stated Connon, a key leader in the project.
While Connon and his team are targeting the fashion sector, market data providers Fortune Business Insights predicts that the global leather goods market, valued at $500 billion, could reach $85.5 billion by 2032.
However, experts caution that immediate results may not be forthcoming. The commercialization of lab-grown T. rex leather could be financially prohibitive.
According to Tom Ellis, a professor of synthetic genomic engineering at Imperial College in London, the “gimmick” is still “very early.” He noted, “Our understanding of dinosaur evolution may not be sufficient to design collagen genes specifically from T. rex.”
Ellis emphasized that producing authentic T. rex leather is still a long way off, suggesting that any collagen derived from the project would likely resemble that of cows and chickens.
This means the end product may resemble other alternative leathers. “We’ll offer something unique enough to justify a significantly higher price,” he added.
In theory, scientists can extract collagen gene sequences from various animals, as collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals. Companies like Gelter and modern pastures are already crafting leather-like materials from genetically engineered collagen, producing small batches of premium products.
If achieved, sustainably crafted animal leather could have notable environmental advantages. Currently, most leather is a byproduct of the cattle industry, contributing to deforestation in regions like the Amazon. Additionally, many synthetic and vegan leathers are made from fossil-fuel-derived plastics that are not biologically sustainable. According to the World Wide Fund.
As scientists ponder the potential for dinosaur wallets, fashion enthusiasts should take a moment to consider whether they should indulge in such products.
wImmersive Sims are a unique realm in gaming, often subjected to gamer gatekeeping. From the classic PC title System Shock to the Dickensian world of Dishonored 2, this genre is akin to avant-garde electronica or Darren Aronofsky films—beloved by critics and genre enthusiasts, yet somewhat alienating to the broader audience. Like similar fandoms, the most ardent fans of immersive sims often regard linear blockbusters with disdain. So, sorry Assassin’s Creed players, this is a club you can’t join.
While larger games like Tears of the Kingdom have recently experimented with genre elements, truly accessible, immersive sims are still scarce. Enter Deep Skin by Blendo Games—an attempt to cozy up the genre. With a premise lifted straight from a 2000s web comic, you take on the role of Nina Pasadena, an insurance commando determined to protect a kitty fleet from a pirate siege. Responding to the increasingly urgent distress signals from the anxious Tabby, Nina stealthily approaches the besieged vessel, strategizing to save the feline clientele.
Steal your prey with anything at hand: books and writers? …Deep Skin. Photo: Annapurna Interactive
The narrative is delightfully absurd, but the intriguing mechanics of the collision system deserve recognition. While pilfering supplies with unconventional items, I release a cloud of sanitizers, then knock out a pirate using a hefty novel. Before he can retaliate, I swiftly maneuver away, blending into a shimmering cloud to engulf adversaries in a spectacular explosion. This whimsical, slapstick style truly shines in Deep Skin, presenting a playground that revels in the absurdity of simulation.
However, not all aspects are flawless; Blendo Games introduces its own quirky gameplay twists. Pirates can respawn after being incapacitated, their “skull saber” desperately hovering back to their lifeless bodies. Nina must act quickly to dispose of the screaming heads before they seek revenge. One creative solution involves launching the skulls into space through shattered windows, while flushing the screams down a space toilet—an inventive way to bin each nuisance. The Duper Gun replicas allow players to sneak up on guards and instantly copy items in their possession, whether weapons or keys—vital for those kittens.
A manga-like playground… Deep Skin. Photo: Annapurna Interactive
With fully detailed ship environments, players can exit through airlocks and scale the exteriors, searching for sneaky entry points. In one mission, I crash through an exterior window, landing dramatically and removing a shard of bloody glass from my foot before tossing it into a pirate’s face, channeling my inner cat-loving John McClane.
Blendo Games recognizes that the finest immersive Sims often function as whimsical playgrounds. Every element feels like a sandbox, a tool for mischief. From tossing a pepper at a guard to watch him sneeze uncontrollably, to riding on a pirate’s back and charging into a wall, the delightful chaos of Deep Skin truly embraces its playful nature.
Unfortunately, I hoped for a more serious narrative tone. The liberated cube cat bursts from its cage with sparkling flair, prompting me to respond to Paw-Penned’s request for an elusive VHS tape. Although the humor of Skin Deep may appeal to some, the incessant cat puns and overly zany tone became exhausting, eliciting more grimaces than laughs.
If the cat-centric concept appeals, be mindful that Skin Deep utilizes Doom 3’s 2004 ID Tech Engine. Picture your nostalgic PC classic’s dimly lit corridors replaced with vibrant colors. Aimed deliberately at hardcore gamers, it sounds great on paper, but the outdated aesthetic doesn’t quite deliver the intended retro-chic vibe, often appearing quite primitive.
Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of quirky experiences, this colorful and refreshing entry into a notoriously challenging genre is worth your time. Ultimately, it offers a unique simulator filled with slapstick humor, although it may not cater to seasoned genre aficionados or entice complete newcomers. Perhaps not a breakthrough title, but if you can appreciate the whimsy of Deep Skin, you may find 10 hours of futuristic cat-themed fun ahead.
Hinesville, Ga. — From an elevation of 9,000 feet, NASA researchers observed extensive areas of prescribed burns at Fort Stewart Army Base this month, actively monitoring the flames and engaging with the landscape.
This burn is intentional and controlled, conducted as part of “prescription burns” to clear specific regions. The study, part of NASA’s FireSense project, aids firefighters in combating actual wildfires and may even help land managers avoid unnecessary ignitions.
However, initiatives like FireSense may face challenges as reports suggest significant budget cuts for NASA and other federal agencies under the Trump administration.
Last year, the U.S. experienced nearly 9 million acres consumed by wildfires, according to the National Interagency Fire Centre. Their annual report noted that wildfires and burned acreage in 2024 were “significantly higher than the five- and ten-year averages.”
Research indicates that climate change not only increases the frequency of wildfires but also exacerbates their destructiveness.
“The situation is deteriorating,” stated Michele Steinberg, director of the Wildfire Division at the National Fire Prevention Association. “We are witnessing fires in areas previously unaffected, burning hotter than ever.”
Severe wildfires pose substantial health, financial, and environmental threats, highlighting the importance of safeguarding lives and livelihoods through research.
NASA is not the only agency focused on wildfire issues. The U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Land Management are among the key federal entities engaged in wildfire response and prevention. What sets space agencies apart is their application of advanced technologies, including tools used in space, to bridge existing knowledge gaps.
“FireSense emerged from NASA’s recognition of wildfires as a significant issue. We are leveraging our expertise to assist the government in improving its wildfire management efforts.”
Project scientists will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as academic partners, to enhance understanding of fire behavior, air quality concerns during and after wildfires, and ecosystem recovery post-ignition. Researchers are also exploring ways to manage vegetation in at-risk areas to minimize wildfire risks and curb rapid spread.
“Our objective is to adopt innovative technology, work closely with Wildland Fire Managers, and ensure this technology is accessible for wildfire situations,” explained Jacquelyn Shuman, a NASA Firesense project scientist.
The project employs equipment designed similarly to instruments used in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, providing detailed and accurate metrics to assist firefighters and land managers before, during, and after major fires.
At Fort Stewart, scientists monitored the prescribed burns, documenting the spread and mapping the flames with advanced infrared instruments known as Aviris-3 (short for Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 3). The fire ultimately consumed around 700 acres.
NASA scientists are studying prescribed burns at Fort Stewart on April 14th. Milan P. Leikono / NASA
Researchers closely monitored fire spread, its ground position, and temperature variations.
Prescription burns are intentionally ignited to manage ecosystems that rely on regular fires for health. They also help diminish dry, combustible vegetation that could ignite uncontrollably.
These burns are meticulously planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to control their spread; they also serve as scientific experiments for wildfire researchers, according to Harrison Raine, a former elite firefighter and current project coordinator for FireSense.
“We’re aiming to integrate all aspects of the fire lifecycle and utilize scientific understanding to address ongoing issues,” said Raine, who has extensive wildfire experience across multiple states.
“This is a profoundly personal issue for me,” he shared. “Coming from Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed the devastation firsthand, and I am committed to tackling this critical challenge. It requires all available tools, and science is crucial.”
NBC News correspondent Jacob Soborov (left) visits FireSense burns with Department of Defense employees. Milan P. Leikono / NASA
Nevertheless, the future of FireSense may be uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding funding for NASA and other federal programs.
“Funding decisions have not yet been finalized,” stated Rachel Courley, a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget. NASA declined to comment and referred questions about the budget to OMB.
As the administration gears up to unveil its budget proposals shortly, concerns about possible cuts intensify.
“As a former NASA leader, I take pride in the agency’s comprehensive efforts to monitor and respond to wildfires,” remarked Sen. George Whiteside (D-Calif) in a statement. “Cutting essential wildfire programs like FireSense poses a risk to rebuilding communities like mine after devastating fires in Southern California.”
Stanford University’s Wara emphasized the far-reaching consequences of NASA’s wildfire research, noting that space agencies have significantly contributed to contemporary wildfire models and fire-related data.
“There’s no doubt that FireSense has considerably enhanced our understanding of fire behavior and risk,” he commented. “Losing this initiative would be detrimental, as regaining that knowledge is exceedingly challenging.”
Amazon’s Kuiper Broadband Internet Constellation successfully launched its first 27 satellites into space from Florida on Monday, marking the beginning of a significant rollout of space-based internet networks, comparable to SpaceX’s Starlink.
These satellites are the initial part of a larger plan to deploy 3,236 at low Earth orbit as part of Project Kuiper. Launched in 2019, this billion-dollar initiative aims to deliver beam broadband internet globally to consumers, businesses, and government entities. SpaceX has been a notable client in this competitive landscape due to its robust Starlink operations.
Launched aboard the Atlas V rockets from Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s Joint United Launch Alliance, the batch of 27 satellites lifted off at 7 PM EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The initial launch attempt on April 9th was postponed due to bad weather.
Project Kuiper represents Amazon’s largest venture into the broadband sector, entering the fray against Starlink and established telecom providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. The company aims to enhance connectivity in rural areas where access is limited or absent.
The deployment of the first operational satellite faced delays exceeding a year, with Amazon initially targeting early 2024 for its first batch. The Federal Communications Commission has set a deadline for Amazon to launch 1,618 satellites by mid-2026, prompting the company to likely seek an extension.
Following the launch, Amazon anticipates publicly confirming initial contact with the satellites from its Mission Operations Center in Redmond, Washington, within hours or days. If successful, the company expects to commence customer service later this year.
According to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, five more Kuiper missions can be launched this year. Amazon indicated in its 2020 FCC filing that it could start service with some of its 578 satellites in the northern and southern regions, gradually extending towards the equator as more satellites are deployed.
As an ambitious initiative in a market primarily dominated by SpaceX, Project Kuiper reflects Amazon’s extensive experience in consumer products and established cloud computing services, positioning itself as a competitor to Starlink.
In 2023, Amazon successfully launched two prototype satellites, paving the way for further developments. The program had maintained a lower profile until unveiling its initial Kuiper launch plans earlier this month.
SpaceX enjoys a unique advantage, serving as both a satellite operator and launch provider with its reusable Falcon 9 rockets, having placed over 8,000 Starlink satellites into orbit since 2019. Monday marked the 250th dedicated Starlink launch, with a rapid deployment schedule of at least one mission per week to enhance network bandwidth and replace outdated satellites.
This accelerated pace has led to SpaceX acquiring over 5 million internet users across 125 countries, boosting the global satellite communications market while supporting military and intelligence operations through Starlink’s advanced capabilities.
Amazon’s executive chair, Jeff Bezos, expressed optimism regarding Kuiper’s competitive potential against Starlink, noting to Reuters in a January interview that there is “an insatiable demand.”
“There’s a lot of room for winners there. Starlink expects it will continue to succeed, and Kuiper expects it will succeed,” Bezos stated.
“It will be primarily a commercial system, but these LEO constellations have defensive applications as well,” he added, referring to low Earth orbit.
In 2023, Amazon unveiled the Kuiper Consumer terminal, a compact antenna the size of an LP record that connects with overhead Kuiper satellites, along with a small terminal comparable to Kindle e-readers. The company aims to produce devices for tens of millions of users, each costing less than $400.
In 2022, Amazon secured 83 rocket launches from French Arianespace and Blue Origin ULA.
This month, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared the government’s latest findings on autism, presenting a stark and controversial viewpoint.
The notion that severe autism symptoms are on the rise lacks scientific backing. In fact, a recent study presented at the International Association for Research on Autism in Seattle indicates that the percentage of autism cases characterized by moderate to severe symptoms remained relatively stable from 2000 to 2016.
In recent weeks, Kennedy has consistently described autism as an “explosion,” attributing it to an increase in serious cases of intellectual disability.
“This trend is unprecedented. It raises alarms about community dynamics,” he told Fox News earlier this month. “This is effectively invalidating these children for their entire lives.”
Kennedy’s claims have drawn criticism from parents, advocates, and health professionals who argue that he represents a limited data set to generalize the autism spectrum.
According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 children receives an autism diagnosis by age eight, though it did not distinguish between mild and severe cases.
During the briefing on April 16, Kennedy estimated that a quarter of diagnosed children were non-verbal or required assistance with toileting. A previous CDC study indicated that nearly 27% of individuals with autism are non-verbal or have an IQ below 50. Many researchers, however, suggest that the actual rates may be lower.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it encompasses a range of symptoms, from mild to more pronounced, influencing how individuals socialize, communicate, learn, and behave.
A new study released this week highlighted that only mild cases increased between 2000 and 2016.
This study analyzed data from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disorder Surveillance Network, tracking autism cases across the United States. The researchers assessed adaptive test scores (evaluating children’s social, communication, and daily living skills) in contrast to IQ scores that indicate intellectual disability to determine case severity.
Co-author Maureen Durkin, a professor of population health sciences at Wisconsin-Madison, stated:
David Mandel, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that he wasn’t involved in the analysis but remarked that adaptive scores were intended to capture severe cases like those described by Kennedy. Compared to IQ scores, adaptive scores better reflect how children with autism function in real life, including their ability to interact with others, manage self-care, and use the toilet independently.
The analysis indicated that in 2016, 1.2 out of every 1,000 children were diagnosed with moderate to severe autism, while mild cases surged by 139% in the same period, from 1.5 out of 1,000 in 2000.
“The rise is primarily among children without severe disabilities, and it would be beneficial for the current HHS secretary to be aware of that,” said Marianne Burton, a clinical professor of psychological science at the University of Connecticut.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
One potential reason for the increase in mild cases is improved identification by healthcare professionals. Developmental screening became increasingly common during the study period, and in 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending universal autism screenings.
Additionally, the diagnostic criteria for autism were revised in 2013 to include mild cases, such as those previously classified as Asperger’s syndrome.
“We’re witnessing a significant expansion of diagnostic criteria that now encompasses individuals who wouldn’t have qualified for an autism diagnosis 50 years ago,” Mandel explained.
Dr. Alex Collebzon, clinical director of the Seaver Autism Center at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, mentioned the analysis relied on health and educational records, potentially including children with mild symptoms who may not have undergone direct diagnostic assessments.
“Assessing this cohort, I believe they are likely quite confident in their diagnosis, but we are not observing an increase in prevalence,” he stated.
Kennedy rejects the notion that the rise is due to improved diagnostic practices, suggesting that only a “small fraction” of the increase in cases can be attributed to this.
“The media has perpetuated myths in this industry, promoting the idea that autism is more prevalent simply because we are identifying more cases,” he told Fox News host Sean Hannity this month.
Instead, Kennedy unfoundedly claims that environmental toxins are the primary drivers behind increasing cases and has tasked CDC scientists with identifying the source by September.
Kolevzon acknowledged that environmental factors could exacerbate underlying genetic risks for autism, but existing research has yet to pinpoint any specific causative agents.
“We are unlikely to uncover widespread environmental factors that would fully explain the rising prevalence,” he concluded.
The media landscape is experiencing a significant transformation, with numerous traditional publications fading away, while various YouTube channels assert their influence rivals that of conventional television networks.
A former newspaper editor and current presenter, engaged in fundraising efforts to expand his YouTube venture, anticipates that more prominent media figures will migrate to this increasingly impactful streaming platform as viewer preferences continue to evolve.
“It’s similar to the shift from vinyl to digital music,” he noted. “People believed it would take ages, but the change happened swiftly.”
“In the UK, specific newspapers are disappearing. Which will still have a print edition in a decade? Observing younger demographics shows that those under 45 rarely purchase print newspapers.”
Morgan holds the rights to his YouTube channel, *Piers Morgan Uncensored*, having acquired them from the Rupert Murdoch empire after his previous agreements with News UK, which totaled £50 million over three years, ended. Now over 60, he acknowledges that his transition is a “learning curve,” yet he champions YouTube for its flexibility and low cost.
He emphasized that his decision to fully embrace the streaming service was influenced by his four children. “All of them are watching YouTube,” he remarked. “I rarely watch traditional TV, aside from live sports. Until last year, I was part of the outdated, structured 8PM live news format.”
While Morgan is known for his sharp commentary, his shift to YouTube reflects a broader trend where media personalities, especially within the U.S. conservative landscape, amass millions of subscribers. Morgan aims to replicate the success of DailyWire, a conservative American media outlet co-founded by commentator Ben Shapiro, which includes Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson.
YouTube wields significant influence in the media sphere, with various content originating from networks like ITV and Channel 4. Podcasters continue to enhance their presence, contributing considerable financial strength. In just the first quarter of 2025, YouTube’s ad revenue exceeded $8.9 billion (£6.644 billion), marking a growth of over 10% from the previous year. Meanwhile, Channel 4’s total revenue for all of 2023 hovered around £1 billion, a figure available for the most recent year.
Morgan cited last year’s U.S. election, mentioning that YouTube reported over 45 million views on election-related content on Election Day. In contrast, 42.3 million viewers tuned into 18 cable and broadcast networks that night. Although the figures aren’t directly comparable, Morgan stated:
“Prominent journalists have reached out to me, inquiring about a shift to my platform. I believe legacy media companies need to analyze why individuals like myself are venturing out into this realm,” he said. “More will be inspired to follow my lead, and I’m receiving intriguing inquiries from journalists.”
Morgan plans to emulate Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger Productions, which has produced successful podcasts in the UK. He envisions creating channels under uncensored brands that cover various genres, including true crime, history, and sports, with a direct focus on the U.S. and global audiences rather than just the UK.
“Look at what Gary Lineker achieved; he’s a close friend and with Goalhanger in the UK, he’s the first to credit his success. [podcast for Goalhanger] In terms of revenue, it’s substantial in America, but that’s just the beginning,” he stated. “It’s not solely about football; it’s about history. They travel to America and stage large live shows, which is massively successful there.”
“I seldom cover British news. We didn’t even discuss the final election results because my scope is broader: ‘Is this of interest to viewers in the Middle East? What about in Australia?’
Morgan shared his vision of decreasing reliance on his brand, aspiring to build something sustainable and independent. Though he considers it an “early era,” he is optimistic about attracting investors, as his venture is already profitable.
“We don’t require funding,” he stated. “With nearly 4 million subscribers, my inquiry to investors isn’t, ‘Just give me your money.’ It’s ‘What value do you bring to the table?’ ”
Headphones are common accessories for many people, but they have also become a prime target for thieves. Whether they’re snatched from your head or taken from your bag, here’s how to handle it.
What to Do If Your Headphones Are Stolen?
Check the headphone management app on your phone. Many have features that show where the headphones were last connected, allowing you to track them down.
Be sure to check Bluetooth models like Apple’s AirPods, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, and Google’s Pixel Buds. They often have a “find my device” option, in case someone finds them.
Report the theft to the police using the non-emergency number 101, providing details such as make, model, color, and serial number.
Reach out to your insurance company to find out if your headphones are covered under any policy.
What to Do As Soon As You Get a New Pair
Getting replacements or new headphones can alleviate concerns about future theft or loss.
Install a headphone management app on your phone and enable location tracking.
Add your headphones to the “find my” feature on Apple or Google if they’re compatible.
Consider using Bluetooth trackers like Apple’s AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag with your headphones or their case.
Note down your headphones’ make, model, and serial number, keeping this information safe along with your proof of purchase.
Think about having your headphones engraved with your name; this option is often available at the time of purchase.
Explore where to wear your headphones and utilize noise-cancelling features that might help you notice if a thief tries to take them while you’re using them.
This summer, while traveling to Asia, I have decided to leave my iPhone behind. Instead, I will be taking an alternate phone that doesn’t have essential apps like Instagram, Slack, Signal, and others. It won’t even access my work email.
To clarify, I’m not aiming for a digital detox. My personal device holds sensitive information that I prefer to keep private, particularly from entities like US border officials. Hence, I’ve opted for a burner phone for my travels.
For over ten years, the federal government has had the authority to conduct border searches on travelers’ personal electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets. These searches have been on the rise, yet only a minor percentage of travelers experience them upon entering the US.
Last year, the US Customs and Border Protection Agency reported conducting roughly 43,000 electronic searches, which is an increase from about 38,000 earlier.
I may come off as particularly cautious due to my profession as a journalist, always striving to protect sensitive sources. Thus, the burner phone seems like an extreme but necessary measure for some.
Recently, travelers have faced denial of entry into the US due to data on their phones, including social media content. Posts related to protests have also been scrutinized.
“A significant concern is the government’s ability to select individuals for searches,” explained Esha Bandari, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. “There are instances of more intense searches at the border, affecting not just ordinary travelers but also lawyers protecting client confidentiality and those perceived as dissenters.”
While the rules for entering the US remain unchanged, the enforcement frequency may be increasing. Both leisure and business travelers need to be mindful of the data on their devices.
There’s no universal solution; the best strategy is contingent on your lifestyle and profession. Here’s how to navigate this.
Evaluate Your Risk
Cybersecurity expert Jeremiah Grossman suggests starting by evaluating who you are, your professional role, and how you use your devices.
For instance, if you’re a retired US citizen with holiday pictures or casual texts with friends, your data might not pose a significant concern. However, if you’re a visa student involved in government protests, your phone might contain information that could lead to complications.
“If law enforcement has full access to your phone’s contents, is it detrimental to you?” Grossman questioned.
From there, judge whether the risk is high or low to determine your strategy.
Low Risk: Use a Passcode and Remove Some Apps
If you’re slightly apprehensive about data searches, disable biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition and rely solely on your passcode for unlocking your device.
For iPhones, go to the Settings app, tap Face ID & PassCode, enter your passcode, and turn off Unlock iPhone.
For Android devices, the steps may vary by model, but generally, you can find the option to turn off face unlock and fingerprints in the Settings menu.
Using only a passcode is a smart strategy for US citizens, as it can make it legally more challenging for officials to compel you to unlock your phone, Bandari noted.
While citizens can refuse to share a passcode, visa holders and tourists could face entry denial if they refuse compliance, so it’s wise to uninstall apps with sensitive information, like Instagram, Signal, and others.
Medium Risk: Backup and Purge Data
If you suspect a moderate likelihood of a government search, consider backing up all your data and cleaning your device before heading back to the US, Grossman advises.
For convenience, back up your data to an online service, like iCloud for iPhones or Google Drive for Android devices. This ensures that you can easily restore your data later by logging in to your account.
To back up your iPhone data to iCloud, go to the Settings app, tap on your name, then iCloud, select iCloud Backup. Enable Back up this iPhone and then tap Back up now. To erase iPhone data, use the Settings app, tap General, select Transfer or Reset iPhone, and tap Erase All Content and Settings, then follow the prompts.
For backing up your Android device to Google, go to the Settings app, tap on Google, and then select Backup. To purge data from Android, the steps will vary based on your phone model, but you can typically find the option for Factory Reset in the Settings.
After erasing the device and crossing the border, you’ll be able to restore the device from your backup during setup by entering your account credentials. (Make sure to note your password securely.)
High Risk: Use a Burner Phone
If you believe there’s a significant chance that US border officials will request to see your phone, the safest route is to leave your personal device at home and travel with a burner phone designated solely for your trip.
Here’s my plan:
I will bring an inexpensive Android smartphone loaded only with travel-related apps, such as navigation and transportation apps.
I’ll log into a separate email account created specifically for the trip to keep my itinerary and other travel information.
Upon arrival, I’ll use eSIM technology to connect to a temporary mobile plan on a local network, which can be set up via apps like Nomad, Airalo, or Gigsky. (I’ve previously written a guide on using eSIM technology.)
After returning home, I’ll transfer all my vacation photos from the burner phone to my iPhone and stash the burner away until my next journey.
For many years, studies have illustrated that people’s happiness over their lifetime typically follows a U-shaped trajectory. It tends to peak in youth, dip during middle age, and then increase again in older age.
However, recent surveys indicate that young adults today are experiencing less happiness than previous generations, signaling a flattening of this U-shaped curve.
This trend is further supported by a new research published in the journal Nature Mental Health. These initial findings stem from global prosperity research conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard and Baylor University.
Data collected by Gallup in 2023 revealed insights from over 200,000 respondents across 20 countries. On average, individuals aged 18 to 29 report challenges not only in happiness but also in physical and mental health, self-esteem, life meaning, relationships, and financial stability. The research combines these factors to assess whether participants achieve a state of prosperity.
The study found that participants reported generally low levels of prosperity until the age of 50, a trend observable in nations like the UK, Brazil, and Australia. Notably, the disparity between younger and older adults was most pronounced in the United States.
“It’s a rather bleak situation,” commented Tyler J. Vanderwielle, the lead author and director of Harvard’s Human Prosperity Program. These findings prompt critical reflections on whether we are sufficiently investing in the well-being of our youth.
Young adulthood has traditionally been viewed as a time of freedom and opportunities, yet research suggests this ideal may not align with the reality faced by many.
According to a 2023 report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, young adults aged 18-25 in the U.S. reported double the levels of anxiety and depression compared to teenagers. Furthermore, perfectionism has surged among college students. Participation in community organizations, clubs, and religious organizations is declining, leading to increased loneliness among young people, reminiscent of trends seen in older populations.
“Post-study findings indicate that social connections are crucial for happiness, yet young people today spend less time with friends than they did a decade ago,” explained Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast. “Additionally, like individuals of all ages, young people are contending with a myriad of global issues, from climate change to economic and political divisiveness.”
The Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley recently announced Emiliana R. Simon Thomas as its science director.“We need to cultivate happiness without limiting ourselves.”
She believes the prosperity data reflects “the long-term impacts of prioritizing status and power” in the U.S., rather than our role in the broader community.
Dr. Vanderwielle emphasized the complexity of the research, which was conducted across varied economic, political, and cultural contexts. While the study’s geographical scope is broad, current analyses do not include mainland China due to delays in data collection. Moreover, low-income nations are underrepresented.
Not all countries show increased prosperity with age. In some places, such as Poland and Tanzania, prosperity has declined with age, while others, like Japan and Kenya, display a more conventional U-shaped pattern.
Nevertheless, in the majority of Western countries, and many others, young adults do not seem to be flourishing. Global Prosperity Research plans to continue data collection until 2027 to further elucidate these issues, according to Dr. Vanderwielle.
“We recognize that young people are in distress,” said David G. Blanchflower, an economics professor at Dartmouth who was not involved in the prosperity research; his research illustrates a similar trend.
Dr. Blanchflower has collaborated with the United Nations to facilitate discussions at Dartmouth, allowing experts to share insights on addressing these concerning trends.
Numerous theories exist regarding why young individuals are facing such troubles. He suggests that the problems may not solely arise from their constant engagement with screens.
“They’re not alone at home,” he remarked, invoking the dangers of social isolation, a theme explored in a seminal book by Robert D. Putnam published 25 years ago. “In fact, they’re not engaging socially at all.”
I“I’ve spent over 15 years in the gaming industry, and one of the most frustrating aspects is explaining it at social gatherings. People frequently respond with, ‘Oh, I’m not really into gaming.’ I don’t particularly enjoy croissants, but that’s not the first thing I mention to a pastry chef I meet.”
One of the highlights of publishing my debut novel last year was the chance to sidestep that entirely and say, “Oh, I’m a writer.” I penned a novel. I’m currently working on another project. Now that you’ve wrapped up with work, we can continue our conversation. Nobody says, “Oh, I’m not really reading a book,” which is at least somewhat unlikely to be true.
It’s become evident that I’m not alone in transitioning between these two mediums. Why is that? For many, it boils down to finances. Writing novels is notoriously challenging as a source of income, and novelists have traditionally depicted careers across various fields. A 2022 report by the Author’s License and Collection Association (ALCS) revealed that professional authors earn a median of £7,000 annually from writing. Romance author Mallory Marlowe, whose debut love story became a bestseller last year, notes that her day job in video games supports her writing endeavors. “Fortunately, I receive a steady paycheck,” she states.
At the same time, game writers are facing their own struggles. GDC’s 2025 Game Industry Report indicates that one story designer and writer was let go last year. Naturally, some game writers are now exploring opportunities in other sectors.
Scottish science fiction…like. Photo: Harry Josephine Giles
Occasionally, writers create a direct connection between the two mediums, allowing them to influence one another. Written in both Scottish and English, Harry Josephine Giles’ “Game Like” serves as a precursor to her book “Deep Wheel Orcadia,” a poetry novel capably expressed in the 2022 Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Orkney dialect. Meanwhile, John Ingold, co-founder of Narrative Game Studio Inkle (known for “80 Days!”), has released two novels set within the studio’s “Game Heaven Vault” universe. Ingold self-published these works. For him, writing them was a means to immerse himself more in the gaming world, but he remarked that “the novel’s plot proved challenging to construct. The main character consistently hesitates to abandon things.”
When I inquire about the primary differences in form from fellow novelist game writers, I’m often surprised by the diversity of responses. For some, it relates to the creative process. The act of writing a novel can serve as an escape from collaborative compromises, while games require immersive teamwork. Joe Dunthorne (author of “Submarine,” “The Tullterants”) has written novels, poetry, and most recently, a memoir titled “Radium’s Child.” Despite setbacks in the gaming industry, he commented, “After the solitude and madness of novel writing, I found relief going into the office each day. Collaborating with game designers was especially inspiring; I marveled at their ability to conceptualize complex, dizzying structures.”
Apocalypse mystery… Salt Sea Chronicle. Photo: Digoot Fabric
Sharna Jackson creates children’s novels, including high-rise mysteries and nine-night quests. She has also contributed to the audio experiences of Die Gute Fabrik’s post-apocalyptic mystery games “Saltsea Chronicles” and “Yoto.” For her, the crucial difference lies in the volume of text available in games: “Many words remain unread or unheard, depending on the player’s choices within the experience.” Some of the most rewarding moments result in “rare occurrences and Easter eggs” that only a select few players may discover. Mallory Marlowe emphasizes the “strange independence” afforded to writers in gaming, yet acknowledges that novelists might take time to adapt to crafting narratives for players who approach story engagement with varying levels of commitment. “Some people just want to press a button and cause chaos,” she points out. “Others dive deep into the narrative.”
Ultimately, nearly everyone I converse with raises the distinct cultural status disparity between games and literature. Jim Munroe (author of “We Are Raccoons,” “Unmanned”) has been crafting games and books for over 25 years. He notes that books are culturally revered in a way that games are not. “Creators are engaged in gaming, despite its lower status,” he observes. Naomi Alderman, author of “Disobedience” and “Future,” echoes these sentiments. During a week when both her novel “The Power” and the game “zombies run!” (a co-creation involving six individuals) garnered awards, her book received attention on the front page of India’s Times, while “zombies run!” barely made a ripple within the specialized gaming press.
Naomi Alderman won the 2017 Bailey Women’s Award for her novel The Power. Photo: Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images
Conversations often circle back to the contrasting societal roles of gaming and literature, with varying responses to this reality. Munroe suggests that the gaming industry often attracts those with a penchant for independence. Marlowe appreciates the curiosity and confusion surrounding the notion of writing for games, cherishing the subsequent discussions. For Harry Josephine Giles, the unique space gaming occupies brings her joy; she underscores that games, being a newer form, have less rigid conventions. Early English novelists like Aphra Behn and Laurence Sterne disrupted norms, fundamentally altering the landscape, while today, only the most experimental novels enjoy similar flexibility. Games—carrying a lower cultural status—remain adaptable. As Dunthorne puts it, “Writing is often a lower priority in game design, and that’s alright. Games aren’t novels.”
Clearly, a new wave of young writers has emerged who grew up as native gamers, seamlessly transitioning between the two cultural forms without perceiving one as inherently superior to the other. Indeed, even in gaming, one might still encounter individuals at social events declaring, “Oh, I’m not really into them.” However, this might simply indicate the opportunity to create something extraordinary and unique while remaining unnoticed.
Deepfake technology—a method for digitally altering a person’s face or body to impersonate someone else—is advancing at an alarming rate.
This development is discussed in a recent study published in the journal Frontiers of Imaging, which facilitates the creation of some of the most cutting-edge deepfake detectors. These detectors analyze a consistent pattern of blood flow across the face, which has proven to be an unreliable method, complicating the search for harmful content.
Deepfakes are typically generated from “driving videos,” which utilize real footage that artificial intelligence modifies to completely alter a person’s representation in the video.
Not all applications of this technology are harmful; for instance, smartphone apps can age your face or transform you into a cartoon character, showcasing the same underlying techniques for innocent fun.
However, at their most malicious, deepfakes can be used to create non-consensual explicit content, disseminate false information, and unjustly implicate innocent individuals.
Experts caution that deepfakes of figures like Donald Trump could spread misinformation, undermining public opinion and trust in genuine media – Photo credit: Getty
In this study, researchers utilized cutting-edge deepfake detectors based on medical imaging methods.
Remote Photoplethysmography (RPPP) measures heartbeats by detecting minute variations in the blood flow beneath the skin, similar to pulse oximeters used in healthcare settings.
The accuracy of the detector is remarkable, with only a 2-3 beats per minute variance when compared to electrocardiogram (ECG) records.
It was previously believed that deepfakes couldn’t accurately replicate these subtle indicators enough to fool RPPP-based detectors, but that assumption has proven incorrect.
“If the driving video features a real person, this information can now be transferred to deepfake videos,” stated Professor Peter Eisert, a co-author of the research, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “I think that’s the trajectory of all deepfake detectors. As deepfakes evolve, detectors that were once effective may soon become ineffective.”
During testing, the team found that the latest deepfake videos often displayed a remarkably realistic heartbeat, even when deliberately included.
Future deepfakes may convincingly depict actions or statements that individuals never made, potentially leading a large segment of the public to believe them unquestioningly – Source: Getty
Does this mean we are doomed to never trust online videos again? Not necessarily.
The Eisert team is optimistic that their new detection approach will prove effective. Rather than simply measuring overall pulse rates, future detectors may track detailed blood flow dynamics across the face.
“As the heart beats, blood circulates through the vessels and into the face,” Eisert explained. “This flow is then distributed throughout the facial region, and the movement has a slight time delay that can be detected in genuine footage.”
Ultimately, however, Eisert is skeptical about winning the battle solely with deepfake detection. Instead, he advocates for the use of “digital fingerprints” (encrypted evidence that video content remains untampered) as a more sustainable solution.
“I fear there will come a time when deepfakes are incredibly difficult to detect,” Eisert remarked. “I personally believe that focusing on technologies that verify the authenticity of footage is more vital than just distinguishing between genuine and fake content.”
About our experts
Peter Isert is the head of the Vision & Imaging Technologies Department and chair of visual computing at Humboldt University in Germany. A professor of visual computing, he has published works in over 200 conferences and journals, and also serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Image and Video Processing while sitting on the editorial committee for the Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation.
Upon witnessing wild baboons in Kenya, Matsumotoda Ogawa, an evolutionary biologist and primate researcher at the University of Lycys in Japan, observed firsthand the violence among these creatures, particularly among the males.
“The frequency of injuries was striking,” she remarked.
In contrast to her experiences with Nick and Kat, the healing abilities of baboons appeared almost superhuman.
In a study published in the Royal Society B, Dr. Matsumoto and her team examined healing rates in humans, chimpanzees, monkeys, and mice. They discovered that human wounds heal more than twice as slowly as those of other mammals. This slower recovery may stem from evolutionary trade-offs dating back to when we lost our fur for naked, sweat-producing skin that helps us regulate temperature.
Researchers aimed to study healing in a more chaotic environment beyond what wild baboons provide.
To assess human healing, they enlisted 24 patients recovering from skin tumor removals at Lycys University Hospital. For chimpanzee data, considered one of our closest animal cousins, the researchers studied five captive chimpanzees at the Kumamoto Reserve of the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center, where animals previously used in drug studies reside. Injuries in chimpanzees, akin to those of wild baboons, primarily resulted from conflicts among the animals.
Other primate subjects were housed at the Kenya Primate Research Institute. The researchers anesthetized the monkeys, induced surgical wounds, and monitored their recovery. “As an outdoor researcher, I believe invasive procedures should be minimized,” emphasized Dr. Matsumoto Oda, noting that the wounds from wild baboons are often similar in size to those inflicted surgically but deeper.
Finally, to compare distantly related mammals with humans and primates, the team anesthetized and surgically wounded mice and rats.
Drawing from her field observations, Dr. Matsumoto-Oda expected humans to exhibit slower healing than other species, noting that the 24 participants regenerated their skin at an average rate of about a quarter millimeter per day.
What astonished Dr. Matsumoto-Oda even further was the uniformity of healing rates among the animal subjects, including chimpanzees. There were no significant differences in the rapid regeneration of skin across the different primates, averaging about 0.62 mm of new skin daily, unlike humans, who were clear outliers.
Elaine Fuchs, a stem cell biologist at Rockefeller University who focuses on skin growth and repair and was not involved in the new research, expressed that the findings aligned with her expectations. This is largely because skin healing is influenced by hair.
Every hair grows from a follicle containing stem cells. Typically, these stem cells produce more hair. However, when necessary, they can facilitate new skin growth. “When the epidermis sustains damage, such as from scratches and scuffs, it’s the hair follicle stem cells that perform the repairs,” Dr. Fuchs explained.
Furry animals are covered in follicles, enabling quicker wound closure in mice and monkeys. In contrast, “human skin has a much lower density of hair follicles,” Dr. Fuchs noted. Our ancestors lost many of these follicles, replacing them with sweat glands. Although sweat glands also contain stem cells, they are significantly less effective at wound repair, according to Dr. Fuchs.
Why did we choose to evolve in this manner, sacrificing hair and its protective benefits? The glands responsible for producing watery, salty sweat that moistens our shirts on hot days are known as eccrine glands. Most furry mammals have them in limited areas, primarily on their feet. Conversely, early human ancestors were adaptations to sweating—modern humans possess millions of sweat glands, with a density ten times greater than that of chimpanzees.
“Many have enjoyed the benefits,” remarked Daniel Lieberman, an evolutionary biologist at Harvard University. Our extensive sweat glands and lack of fur enabled our ancestors to thrive in physically demanding, hot environments, aiding in cooling our larger brain functions, Dr. Lieberman stated.
The advantages of sacrificing hair for sweat appear to outweigh the downsides. Dr. Matsumoto-Oda and her colleagues theorize that social support among early humans may have helped those with injuries survive despite their slower healing process. (Or perhaps there were methods to treat wounds, akin to practices seen in orangutans and chimpanzees.)
“The drawback of evolution is that wound healing is slower,” Dr. Fuchs observed, yet humans have gained significant evolutionary advantages from losing their fur.
“If you wish, you can always wear a coat,” she added.
Human wounds take nearly three times longer to heal compared to those of other mammals, including chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. While the exact reason remains unclear, it may relate to an evolutionary adaptation linked to body hair reduction.
Human healing is slower in comparison to other animals. To investigate this, Matsumoto Akira, Oda from the University of Lycys in Japan, along with her colleagues, studied four other primate species: Chlorocebus pygerythrus, Sykes’ monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis), olive baboon (Papio anubis), and chimpanzees (Pantroglodytes).
The researchers anesthetized at least five individuals from each primate species, shaving a small patch of hair to create a 40 mm circular wound.
Photographs and wound measurements taken every few days showed that the healing rate averaged about 0.61 mm per day across all species.
Subsequently, Matsumoto-Oda and her team observed 24 patients at Lukyus University Hospital following skin tumor excisions.
The researchers also conducted studies on mice and rats, finding similar healing rates as those of non-human primates. This suggests that many mammals may have an evolutionary optimal healing rate, according to Matsumoto-Da.
“Crucially, we found that chimpanzees displayed the same wound healing rate as other non-human primates, indicating that the slow healing seen in humans likely evolved after our divergence from a common ancestor with chimpanzees,” she noted.
While the exact cause remains unknown, Matsumoto speculates it may relate to how humans adapted to hot environments. “The slower healing in humans might be connected to evolutionary changes, such as hair loss,” she explains. “Denser hair could correlate with higher stem cell counts, leading to faster healing.”
She also notes that social support — through food sharing, nursing, and medicinal care — may have compensated for the disadvantages of slower healing times.
Climate change contributes to events like the Marshall Fire in Colorado, which devastated 1,000 homes in December 2021
Jim West/Alamy
The Trump administration has dismissed nearly 400 researchers involved in the forthcoming US national climate assessment. This action may delay the completion of a critical report detailing the impacts of climate change on the nation.
“The Trump administration has carelessly undermined a vital US climate science report by prematurely discarding its authors without justification or a plan,” said Rachel Cleetus, representing the concerned coalition of scientists.
This move significantly hampers progress on the sixth National Climate Assessment, designed to inform federal and state governments about climate change risks and their implications. A law enacted by Congress in 1990 mandates that these assessments be produced every four years.
Although the next report isn’t due until 2027, extensive work has already begun, and the document may exceed 1,000 pages. The latest review, published in 2023, discussed the increasing difficulty of ensuring safe homes, healthy families, dependable public services, sustainable economies, and thriving ecosystems amidst climate challenges.
In early April, the Trump administration terminated a contract with a consulting firm responsible for coordinating research for upcoming assessments under the US Global Change Research Program. This follows numerous cuts at scientific institutions contributing to these efforts, as well as other actions restricting climate and weather research.
Despite the challenges, the report’s authors (mostly volunteers) were eager to collaborate, according to Dustin Mulvaney, who was focused on the Southwest section of the report at San Jose State University. “Many of us thought, ‘We can still do this!'”
However, with all the authors now released, completing the report appears unlikely.
A NASA spokesman, responsible for the global change research program, chose not to comment. Yet, some report authors stated to New Scientist that they received a brief notification indicating that all authors had been dismissed as agents assessed the “scope” of the evaluations.
The notification mentioned “future opportunities” for contributions. Ultimately, Congress legally requires these assessments, and the administration can still appoint new authors. Earlier reports emphasized climate risks, while new analyses will likely focus more on how the US is responding to climate change through reduced emissions and infrastructure adaptation.
Even if the report is eventually published, it may lack the rigor and reliability found in previous assessments, according to Mijin Cha, who was working on emission reductions at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “Now they’ve completely compromised it.”
“I think everyone is really disheartened by this situation,” she expressed.
The Environmental Health Perspective is widely regarded as the premier magazine in the field, announcing its suspension of new research submissions due to uncertainties surrounding federal funding cuts.
For over 50 years, this journal has been supported by the National Institutes of Health to evaluate research on the impacts of environmental toxins, including persistent chemicals and air pollution, publishing findings at no cost.
Joel Kaufman, the journal’s editor-in-chief, opted to halt new submissions because of the “lack of confidence” regarding the funding of critical expenses such as copyediting and updating editing software.
He refrained from providing comments on the publication’s future outlook.
“If the journal were to disappear, it would be a tremendous loss,” stated Jonathan Levy, Chair of the Department of Environmental Health at Boston University. “It diminishes access to crucial information needed for insightful decision-making.”
The NEJM editor referred to the letter as “blushy threats.” Recently, the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, reported receiving similar letters.
Scientific journals have been under scrutiny from leading health officials during the Trump administration.
In a book published last year, Dr. Martin A. McCurry, the newly appointed FDA commissioner, indicated that the Editorial Committee of “Gatekeeping” will only disseminate information that aligns with “groupthink narratives.”
“If you don’t establish a plan to publish credible science now, I will find a way to sue you,” he warned.
Still, the uncertainty surrounding EHP has left researchers perplexed. They noted that funding cuts seem to conflict with the Trump administration’s declared priorities.
For instance, Kennedy has consistently highlighted the significance of investigating environmental factors in chronic diseases. The new administration has also shown interest in transparency and public access to scientific journals, a principle EHP pioneered.
EHP was among the first “open access” journals, accessible to anyone without a subscription, and unlike many other open access journals that impose substantial fees, EHP’s federal backing allowed researchers at smaller institutions to publish without financial concerns.
“There are several layers of irony in this situation,” Dr. Levy remarked.
EHP isn’t the only journal affected by funding cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services.
A draft budget obtained by The New York Times suggests that two journals published by the CDC—Emerging Infectious Diseases and Chronic Diseases—may face cuts. Both are available at no cost to authors and readers and are among the leading journals in their fields.
HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon stated that there was “no final decision” on the forthcoming budget.
Published monthly, Emerging Infectious Diseases provides state-of-the-art insights on global infectious disease threats.
Jason Kindrachuk, a virologist at the University of Manitoba, who has published studies on Marburg and MPOX in the journal, noted its importance in shaping response strategies during outbreaks.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advised new parents to “conduct their own research” prior to “conducting their own research” during a television interview regarding infant vaccinations.
In a conversation with talk show host Phil, Kennedy stated that aired on Merritt on Monday, the 100th day of the Trump administration. He reiterated his stance, saying, “To prevent the spread of measles, getting the vaccine is your best option.”
However, Kennedy maintained that the choice rests with individuals. By suggesting that the vaccine poses risks, he undermines decades of guidance from public health professionals, including officials from the CDC.
“We live in a democracy, and part of being a responsible parent is to do your own research,” he replied to questions from women in the audience regarding vaccine safety advice for new parents. “You should investigate strollers, the food they consume, and the medications they receive.”
The phrase “I did my research” has emerged as a significant cultural and political term during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pro-vaccination advocates have criticized individuals primarily from the political left who opted out of vaccination. This expression evolved into a meme and has appeared in mock gravestones at Halloween-themed cemeteries in liberal areas.
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
Kennedy’s remarks were made amidst the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. in nearly 25 years, which has resulted in the deaths of two young children and one adult.
Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine authority at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital, remarked that while he often disagrees with Kennedy, “it’s perfectly reasonable to be skeptical about a vaccine.” However, parents who wish to research should be mindful of their information sources.
“When you talk about doing your own research, it’s important to consult individuals with expertise in the area, or at least seek information from credible online sources. This doesn’t mean relying solely on chat rooms or social media,” said Dr. Offit. He emphasized that while good information exists, “many poor sources can mislead you about your options, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exemplifies that.”
Another vaccine specialist, Dr. Peter Hotez from Baylor School of Medicine, contended that Kennedy was being misleading. “He claims people are doing their own research—what parents often download is a flood of misinformation, steering away from expert health advice toward dubious influences.”
Kennedy further suggested that measles vaccinations could lead to various illnesses without substantiation. “Would you like to stop measles?” he inquired. “Certainly, but does it cause other issues like seizures or autoimmune diseases? We don’t know. No one can answer that.”
In reality, studies indicate that with rare exceptions, vaccinated individuals are less likely than those infected to develop autoimmune illnesses, concluding that vaccines “not only shield patients from infections but also from complications, including autoimmune symptoms.”
Kennedy’s statements in the interview were generally flawed. He proclaimed, “New medications are approved by external panels, not by the FDA or CDC.”
This is inaccurate. While external expert panels advise the FDA on controversial drug approvals, only the FDA holds the authority to sanction or reject new medications, vaccines, and treatments; the CDC does not partake in this process.
“Kennedy must understand the role of the FDA in drug development and marketing decisions,” asserted Dr. Robert Califf, the FDA’s commissioner under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Kennedy also erroneously asserted that vaccines were not subjected to safety evaluations prior to or following approval. “There is no initial safety research, and there’s no monitoring system afterward,” he claimed. “Vaccines are the only medical products exempt from pre-licensure safety assessments.”
In fact, the FDA licenses vaccines after an extensive year-long process involving thorough lab and animal testing, followed by human trials. Rigorous research on vaccine safety and efficacy is mandated. Typically, thousands participate in large clinical trials, as emphasized by Dr. Peter Marks, head of the vaccine division, who recently announced his resignation.
“I am uncertain about the origin of this misconception,” remarked Dr. Marks, critical of Kennedy. “Vaccines undergo extensive safety evaluations. Since they are administered to healthy individuals, safety is of utmost importance.”
Upon licensing, vaccines are monitored through various databases. Vaccine Safety Data Links employ electronic health records nationwide to detect unusual side effects, including rare myocarditis cases reported in young men post-COVID-19 vaccination.
Another system, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, established in 1990 as the “National Early Warning System,” relies on reports from both patients and healthcare providers. Many vaccine skeptics, including Kennedy, have cited Vaers data to argue that vaccines are harmful, but it is not intended to ascertain causality regarding health issues; rather, it flags potential concerns for further investigation.
The FDA operates an additional safety monitoring program known as BEST, focusing on biologics effectiveness and safety initiatives.
Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Infectious Diseases Committee, stated that it is incorrect to assert that federal officials do not surveil vaccine safety. “I am uncertain about the source of this claim,” he noted.
He added, “We recognize various rare adverse events. If it becomes evident that the risks approach or surpass the benefits, the vaccine will be withdrawn from the market.”
Shortly after President Trump issued an executive order to expedite submarine mining efforts, the US government received its first permission application. This initiative is championed by notable supporters within the metal industry.
On Tuesday, CEO Gerald Baron was present in Washington for a controversial hearing before the House Committee on Natural Resources. He likened the beginning of this process to a “starting gun” signaling a race to extract minerals like cobalt and nickel from nodules situated 2.5 miles deep on the ocean floor.
Debate erupted among committee members from both parties regarding the environmental implications of this mining practice. The Trump administration indicated it would contemplate permits for mining activities within US jurisdiction and international waters.
Other nations have accused the US of attempting to bypass international law, arguing that the waters designated for submarine mining should come under the governance of an independent international authority.
To date, no commercial submarine mining has been conducted.
California leader Jared Huffman, a ranking Democrat on the committee, criticized both the Metals Company and Trump for advancing undersea mining in “reckless cowboy fashion.” Democrats raised concerns over the financial viability of mining cobalt and nickel, citing major electric vehicle manufacturers’ shift towards alternative battery materials.
“The financial model of the industry is based on overly optimistic assumptions and does not reflect the realities and volatility of the global mineral market,” remarked Oregon Democrat Maxine E. Dexter.
The Metals Company attempted to reassure the committee, arguing that the potential harm to the seabed would outweigh the limited job creation and that accessing these minerals could reduce dependence on Chinese sources. They stated that a decade of extensive environmental studies supports their position.
Trump’s order follows years of delays by international authorities in establishing a regulatory framework for submarine mining. The authorities, established under United Nations auspices decades ago, are likely to miss another deadline this year for finalizing these regulations.
Baron informed the committee that it took him 14 years to draft the mining code, describing it as a “deliberate strategy” to slow undersea mining.
He further claimed that a polymetallic nodule extracted by his company is now on President Trump’s desk in the Oval Office.
According to the US Geological Survey, it is estimated that nodules within the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Eastern Pacific contain more nickel, cobalt, and manganese than all terrestrial reserves combined. This proposed mining zone spans half the size of the US between Mexico and Hawaii.
Committee Chair Paul Gosar, a Republican from Arizona, insisted that subsea mining is essential for liberating the US from China’s “supply chain control.”
China has recently placed export restrictions on several rare earth elements, raising concerns that American companies may face shortages in producing advanced electronic devices.
The House Committee also considered a study discussing the impact of submarine mining on the seafloor conducted by Thomas Peacock, a mechanical engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, partially funded by metal companies.
Dr. Peacock indicated that there may be countless undiscovered species in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, suggesting that certain areas should be off-limits for mining. However, he noted that the anticipated environmental impacts of nodule mining might not be as severe as speculated.
He specifically minimized the risk of mining causing plumes of sand and debris that could harm seabed life, comparing the fragments to “grains of sand in a fishbowl.”
In attendance with Mr. Baron was the CEO of Impossible Metals, a future deep-sea mining company. Unlike other companies that use vacuum-like extraction technologies along the ocean floor, Impossible Metals claims to have developed machines that can collect nodules selectively without disturbing the seabed.
“Our underwater robots hover to gather mineral-rich nodules from the seabed through AI-guided selective harvesting,” explained Oliver Gunasekara, CEO of Impossible Metals. “We avoid all visible marine life and leave 60% untouched.”
The company has reapplied for permission to conduct operations in US Samoa. Gunasekara noted that their previous applications were rejected during the Biden administration, but with new leadership in both American Samoa and Washington, he is optimistic about gaining approval.
The former athletic director, charged with using artificial intelligence to generate racist and anti-Semitic audio clips, also allegedly impersonated the school’s principal, as indicated by prosecutors.
Dazon Darien, 32, the former director, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and a disturbing charge related to school activities, according to the Baltimore County State Law Office. He previously faced additional allegations including theft, stalking, and witness retaliation.
As reported by the Associated Press, Darien pleaded guilty to charges of intrusive school management while maintaining innocence under an Alford plea.
Darien, who previously served as athletic director at Pikesville High School, produced an audio clip containing derogatory comments about “ungrateful black kids” and light jabs at Jewish students. Police records revealed that the audio aimed to discredit the school principal, Eric Eiswart.
In a statement of fact, Eiswart mentioned having “discussions” with Darien regarding his contract renewal, citing “poor performance, inadequate procedures, and reluctance to follow the chain of command” as concerns. Darien’s troubles began in late 2023, which led to the audio’s release, according to the statement.
The attorneys representing Darien did not return calls or messages on Tuesday. The Baltimore County Public Schools District declined to comment on the situation, and attempts to reach Mr. Eiswart on Tuesday were unsuccessful.
Manufactured recordings shared on Instagram in January 2024 quickly circulated, impacting Baltimore County Public Schools, which serves over 100,000 students. Eiswart, who withheld comment during the investigation, has received multiple threats to his safety, according to police. He has also been placed on administrative leave by the school district.
Police records indicated that Darien expressed dissatisfaction with Eiswart in December after the principal initiated an investigation into him. It was revealed that Darien had allowed roommates to pay the district $1,916, falsely claiming the roommate was an assistant coach for the Pikesville Girls’ soccer team.
Shortly thereafter, police reported that Darien utilized the district’s internet services to explore artificial intelligence tools, including OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT chatbots, and Microsoft’s Bing Chat.
(The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft in December 2023 for copyright infringement concerning news content related to AI systems.)
Creating realistic, manufactured videos, often referred to as deepfakes, has become increasingly simple. Previously, one required sophisticated software, but now many of these tools are available through smartphone apps, raising concerns among AI researchers regarding the potential dangers posed by this technology.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla remarked on Tuesday that uncertainties surrounding President Donald Trump’s Drug Tariff are hindering the company’s ability to pursue further investments in U.S. manufacturing and R&D.
During the company’s Q1 Revenue Call, Bourla responded to inquiries about Pfizer’s expectations regarding tariff negotiations, emphasizing the need for increased investments in the U.S.
“If there’s a guarantee of no tariffs… significant investments could be made in both R&D and manufacturing here,” Bourla stated, emphasizing the company’s desire for “certainty.”
“In times of uncertainty, everyone is focused on minimizing costs, as we are, leading to frugal investment practices. We are poised to allocate funds; that’s what I hope to see,” Bourla commented.
He highlighted that the current tax climate, which previously favored overseas manufacturing, is “undergoing significant changes” with the establishment of a global minimum tax around 15%. Bourla expressed concerns that these changes alone do not necessarily make the U.S. a more appealing investment destination without added tariff incentives or clarity.
“I spoke with [Trump], and I believe he aims to modify the existing tax framework, particularly for domestically produced goods,” Bourla said, indicating that further reductions could incentivize U.S. manufacturing.
In contrast to other companies navigating shifting trade policies, Pfizer did not alter its full-year forecast on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the company noted in a revenue statement that its guidance “currently does not account for any potential impacts related to future tariffs or trade policy changes, which remain unpredictable.”
In the revenue call, Pfizer executives mentioned that the guidance reflects $150 million in expenses attributed to Trump’s existing tariffs.
“The guidance we didn’t address today includes some of the current tariffs,” stated Pfizer CFO Dave Denton over the phone.
“We believe we are still trending towards the upper end of the guidance range, even with these costs this year,” he added.
President Trump’s 100th day in office commenced with what seems to be a rapidly developing dispute between the White House and Amazon.
During a press conference on Tuesday morning, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took a strong stance. Amazon had accused the administration of being “hostile and political” following a report from Punchbowl News claiming that the online retail giant’s products reflected an increase in tariff-related prices.
Displaying import fees would have clarified to American consumers that they bear the costs of Trump’s tariff policy, rather than China.
Following the report, Trump reportedly spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos over the phone, as confirmed by three sources familiar with the conversation. An Amazon spokesperson quickly denied that any such policy was active, and by Tuesday afternoon, Trump was back to complimenting Bezos.
“Jeff Bezos is really good,” Trump told reporters during a trip to Michigan for a rally celebrating the first 100 days of his second term. “He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing. He’s a good guy.”
The relationship between Trump and Bezos seemed to shift dramatically in just a few hours. Bezos, one of the billionaires aligning with the White House, was courted by Trump due to his business acumen. Yet the administration was quick to publicly challenge Bezos when it appeared his business interests could potentially undermine Trump’s political position.
This strategy appeared effective.
Leavitt criticized Amazon on Tuesday morning while standing beside Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent. She mentioned her recent phone conversation with the president regarding the Punchbowl report and questioned why Amazon didn’t react similarly to price increases during the Biden administration amid inflation.
Leavitt referred to a 2021 Reuters article declaring, “Amazon is affiliated with Chinese propaganda arms,” stating it was “not a surprise.”
An Amazon spokesperson later indicated that while they acknowledged some points from the Punchbowl report, the new feature Amazon Haul—aimed at competing with Chinese retailer Temu—would display “import fees” to eliminate customs loopholes.
“The team is always discussing ideas,” said spokesperson Ty Rogers in a statement. He clarified that this concept has not been contemplated for the main Amazon site, adding, “This will never be approved and will not happen.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared on social media that this development was “good news.”
Trump’s assertive tariffs on Chinese goods initiated an escalating trade war, despite his administration withdrawing from wider global negotiations, citing talks with numerous countries regarding new trade agreements.
Leavitt’s criticisms of Amazon were particularly significant given Bezos’ long-standing efforts to curry favor with the White House. Amazon contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund and reserved prime seating for Bezos and his wife.
Before the election, Bezos canceled editor support for Kamala Harris at the Washington Post. Recently, Amazon Prime has added multiple seasons of “Apprentice” to its lineup and struck deals with the Trump family for a documentary about Melania Trump.
In December, Bezos discussed the move to Trump at the New York Times Dealbook Summit, commenting, “What I’ve seen so far is that he’s calmer compared to his first term.”
He remarked, “I’m very hopeful. He seems to have a lot of energy in reducing regulations.”
When asked about his relationship with Bezos in a recent Cover Story in Atlantic Magazine, released Monday, Trump stated, “He’s 100%. He was amazing.”
However, when Levitt was posed a question on Tuesday morning about whether Bezos would still be seen as a Trump supporter, she deflected.
“Look, I’m not going to discuss the president’s relationship with Jeff Bezos,” Levitt replied.
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<img class="Image" alt="" width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29124741/SEI_249299022.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2478323" data-caption="The logo of the social media platform Reddit" data-credit="Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Image"/>
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<p>Users of Reddit unknowingly participated in AI-driven experiments conducted by scientists, raising concerns about ethical practices in such research.</p>
<p>The platform is organized into various "subreddits," each catering to specific interests, moderated by volunteers. One notable subreddit, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/changemyview/">R/ChangeMyView</a>, encourages discussions on controversial topics. Recently, a moderator informed users about unauthorized experiments conducted by researchers from the University of Zurich, using the subreddit as a testing ground.</p>
<p>The study involved inserting over 1,700 comments into the subreddit, all produced by different large-scale language models (LLMs). These comments mimicked individuals posing as trauma counselors who had experienced abuse. An <a href="https://osf.io/atcvn?view_only=dcf58026c0374c1885368c23763a2bad">explanation of the comment generation process</a> indicates that researchers instructed AI models to disregard ethical concerns, claiming users had provided consent to use their data.</p>
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<p>A <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eo4SHrKGPErTzL1t_QmQhfZGU27jKBjx/view">draft version</a> of the research findings revealed that AI-generated comments were found to be three to six times more persuasive than those authored by humans, based on how often they swayed opinions. The authors noted that users on <em>R/ChangeMyView</em> did not express concerns regarding AI involvement in the comments, suggesting a seamless integration of AI bots into the community.</p>
<p>Following the revelation of the experiment, subreddit moderators raised complaints with the University of Zurich. Despite the project's prior approval from the Ethics Committee, moderators did not disclose researchers' identities but informed the community about the alleged manipulation.</p>
<p>This experiment drew criticism from fellow academics. "At a time when criticism is prevalent, it is crucial for researchers to uphold higher standards and respect individuals' autonomy," stated <a href="https://www.hertford.ox.ac.uk/staff/carissa-veliz">Carissa Veliz</a> from Oxford University. "In this instance, the researchers fell short."</p>
<p>Scholars must demonstrate the ethical basis of research involving human subjects to university ethics committees before proceeding, and the study received approval from the University of Zurich. Veliz has contested this decision, stating, "The study relied on manipulation and deception involving non-consenting subjects, which seems unjust. It should have been designed to prevent such misrepresentation."</p>
<p>"While research may allow for deceit, the reasoning behind this particular case is questionable," commented <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthodgkinson">Matt Hodgkinson</a>, a member of the Council of Publication Ethics Committee, albeit in a personal capacity. "It's ironic that participants need to deceive LLMs to assert their agreement. Do chatbots have higher ethical standards than universities?"</p>
<p>When <em>New Scientist</em> reached out to the researchers through an anonymous email provided by a subreddit moderator, they declined to comment and called for a press conference at the University of Zurich.</p>
<p>A university spokesperson stated, "The researchers are accountable for conducting the project and publishing results," adding that the ethics committee acknowledged the experiment was "very complex" and that participants should be "informed as much as possible."</p>
<p>The University of Zurich plans to implement a stricter review process moving forward and aims to work more closely with the community on the platform before undertaking experimental research, the spokesperson reported. The investigation remains ongoing, and researchers have opted not to publish the paper formally, as confirmed by a spokesperson who declined to identify specific officials.</p>
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