Paleontologists have unearthed fossilized remnants of the extinct deer species eocoileus gentryorum at an early Pliocene grey fossil site located in northeastern Tennessee, USA. This specimen stands as one of the earliest records of the deer family in North America and is the sole pre-factory record of deer from the Appalachian highlands.
Belize white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus nelsoni) with a woman. Image credit: Charles J. Sharp/CC By-SA 4.0.
“Grey fossil sites continue to unveil remarkable findings that enhance our knowledge of ancient life,” remarked Dr. Blaine Schubert, executive director of the Gray Fossil Site and Museum.
“Our team’s collaboration illustrates a fascinating narrative about how ecosystems have transformed over millions of years.”
“From tapirs and mastodons to these early deer, we reveal the remarkable diversity that once thrived in Tennessee, along with the resilience of deer-like species during this geological epoch.”
In a recent study, paleontologists analyzed fragmentary artifacts—including skulls, upper molars, and various limb bones—of eocoileus gentryorum, an extinct deer species first described in 2000.
Previously, eocoileus gentryorum was known only from Florida; the discoveries in Tennessee are pivotal for understanding how swiftly these early deer dispersed across the continent.
Interestingly, these ancient deer were considerably smaller than most modern species.
“These early deer are generally smaller than contemporary deer species in the New World,” stated Olivia Williams, a paleontologist at East Tennessee State University.
“Today, the only smaller species are the important deer found in Florida and the Brocket deer from Central and South America.”
“Fossil evidence from Washington and Florida indicates that these early deer rapidly diversified and adapted to various habitats, extending from coastal areas to Appalachian highlands after their arrival in North America.”
“Deer have maintained the same ecological role in Appalachian forests for nearly 5 million years, thriving through significant climate and habitat changes that have eradicated other large herbivores.”
The findings are detailed in a paper published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica.
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Joshua X. Samuel et al. 2025. Early Pliocene deer from a grey fossil site, Highlands, Appalachia, Tennessee, USA. Palaeontologia Electronica 28(2): A36; doi: 10.26879/1560
Origami “Bloom” design unfolds into a flower-like structure
BYU Photos
A novel collection of origami-like petal structures may enhance the design of various systems, including telescopes and solar panels.
These origami structures, rooted in the traditional art of Japanese paper folding, are favored by engineers for their ability to collapse into compact forms while expanding into larger configurations. However, the complexity of some origami patterns can pose challenges in deployment.
Recently, Larry Howell from Brigham Young University in Utah and his team have introduced a new category of origami shapes known as Bloom Patterns, which unfurl in a single, smooth motion to create a bowl-like design resembling a flower. “We can develop innovative designs that have never existed before, all while crafting aesthetically pleasing forms,” Howell notes.
Although certain Bloom patterns were recognized by origami aficionados and scholars before, Howell and his colleagues identified them as part of a broader spectrum of shapes with shared attributes.
By categorizing the different variations of Bloom patterns and providing a mathematical framework for their functioning, the researchers successfully constructed operational versions using various materials, including thick acrylic and plastics, demonstrating that each shape can consistently unfold.
The ability to deploy everything at once presents a significant advantage for space structures, minimizing the risk of complete failure during the process, states Michael Bartlett from Virginia Tech. “Every component must function perfectly; if one element fails, the entire operation is compromised,” he emphasizes. “When I observe these [Bloom patterns], it becomes evident that deployment does not follow a strict sequential pattern to achieve full expansion.”
While space telescopes generally rely on flatter mirrors for observation, the curved geometry of the Bloom pattern can facilitate the deployment of dishes akin to those in ground-based telescopes, yielding more precise imaging, Howell explains.
Having a mathematical model detailing the unfolding mechanism of these Bloom patterns could expedite the design process for functional origami structures, remarks Jamie Pike from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. “This provides us with insights to better anticipate the appearance of potential inventions and determine whether to pursue a certain direction or explore alternatives.”
Introducing the Cosmic Welcome Mat, the newest addition to our solar system.
On Tuesday, astronomers discovered a new satellite approximately the size of 90 soccer fields. This new moon was found orbiting the seventh planet from the sun, Uranus, and was initially spotted by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope on February 2nd. It joins 28 other known moons in the busy orbit of Uranus.
The observations of Uranus made by the Webb telescope provide researchers with enhanced understanding of this enigmatic planet.
“Uranus has more small inner moons than any other planet,” stated Matthew Tiscareno, a member of the research team and senior research scientist at the SETI Institute in California. He mentioned in a statement.
Tiscareno added that the “complex interaction” between Uranus’s moons and its faint ring system hints at a tumultuous evolutionary history for the planet.
Moreover, this new moon is smaller and more surprising than the smallest previously known inner satellites, indicating there may be further complexities to uncover,” he stated in a report.
Researchers note that the new satellite is situated about 35,000 miles from the center of Uranus and maintains a nearly circular orbit.
With a diameter of just 6 miles, it can be traversed in roughly two hours at an active walking pace; however, follow-up observations are necessary to verify the moon’s size and additional characteristics.
These findings are still pending peer review.
Uranus is home to five major moons known as Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. The recently discovered moon orbits among these five primary satellites, according to researchers.
All moons of Uranus are named after characters from the works of Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, as per NASA’s guidelines. The new moon is yet to be named and will require approval from the International Astronomical Union for its official designation.
“While small, this moon is a notable discovery. I didn’t even catch sight of it during the Voyager 2 mission nearly 40 years ago,” he remarked in a statement.
In 1986, the Voyager 2 spacecraft made history as the first human-made object to fly by Uranus, providing humanity’s first detailed observations of this distant planet. This encounter yielded over 7,000 images and led to the discovery of two new rings and 11 new moons around Uranus.
While the latest moon’s size might have been too small for the Voyager 2 camera to detect, the advanced instruments aboard the Webb telescope are expected to reveal more about Uranus and its system.
“Looking ahead, the discovery of this moon exemplifies how modern astronomy builds upon the legacy of missions like Voyager 2,” El Moutamid stated. “Now, almost 40 years later, the James Webb Space Telescope is pushing those boundaries even further.”
The Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that consumers should refrain from purchasing certain frozen shrimp available at Walmart due to potential contamination with radioactive materials.
According to health officials in a recent news release, the Indonesian company involved is Pt. Indonesia’s Bahari McMur Sejati, commonly referred to as BMS Food.
A variety of raw frozen shrimp products processed by Indonesian firms can be found in Walmart locations across 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia, as stated by the FDA.
The affected product includes Walmart’s “Great Value Brand Frozen Shrimp,” according to the health agency.
“If you have recently bought fresh frozen shrimp from Walmart that fits this description, please dispose of it,” the FDA advised. “Do not consume or serve this product.”
Health officials recommend that individuals speak with health care providers if they suspect they have been exposed to heightened levels of contaminants.
Both Pt. Bahari Makmur Sejati and Walmart did not respond promptly to requests for comments.
CS-137 is a radioactive isotope of cesium, a soft, pliable silver-white metal utilized in medical devices and gauges that liquefies at room temperature. As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Repeated low-dose exposure to CS-137 “may raise the risk of cancer due to damage to DNA within living cells,” health officials stated in the news release.
The FDA mentioned that the US Customs and Border Patrol had alerted health agencies regarding the detection of CS-137 in shipping containers at ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah, Georgia. All containers that tested positive for CS-137 were denied entry into the country.
Health officials further noted that CS-137 was not found in products exceeding current Derived Intervention Levels for CS-137, set at 1200 BQ/kg.
However, the FDA stated, “The detected levels in the breaded shrimp samples could pose potential health risks.”
Wildfires in Greece are diminishing the Earth’s natural carbon sink
Thanassis Stavrakis/AP Photo/Alamy
Climate change is increasingly compromising the ability of the Earth’s natural carbon sinks to absorb excess carbon dioxide. This results in greenhouse gases emitted by human activity lingering in the atmosphere, contributing to further warming.
These feedback loops account for roughly 15% of the rise in CO2 levels since 1960, according to Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter, UK.
The land and oceans serve as carbon sinks, absorbing nearly half of the extra CO2 produced by humans. While higher CO2 levels can enhance plant growth, leading to greater CO2 uptake by vegetation, extreme temperatures, droughts, and wildfires associated with global warming can counteract this CO2 fertilization effect.
Friedlingstein is part of the Global Carbon Project, which aims to clarify the amounts of CO2 being emitted, how it is absorbed by different sources, and how this process evolves over time. Previously, his research team used climate models to project a 27% increase in land sinks in the absence of drought or other feedbacks.
His latest estimates have adjusted this figure to 30%, as he shared at the Exeter Climate Conference last month. He mentioned that ocean sinks also increase CO2 by 6% without feedback effects.
Together, land and oceans contribute over 15% of atmospheric CO2. Since 1960, CO2 levels have surged to around 100 parts per million (ppm), indicating that 15 ppm can be traced back to the feedback effects impacting the sinks. “The sink hasn’t collapsed, but its recovery is slow,” Friedlingstein noted.
There remains uncertainty regarding the sink’s capacity, as David Armstrong McKay from the University of Sussex has observed. “It aligns with expectations, but it’s not encouraging news that we’re marginally off what we projected,” McKay stated. “As warming intensifies, it will challenge land sinks’ adaptability to increased CO2, with extreme events like the recent El Niño-enhanced drought hampering the positive effects on vegetation growth.”
The pressing question is what will unfold next. With the rise in warming, droughts, and fires, research has indicated that land sinks have made minimal net CO2 contributions in the past two years.
This has raised concerns that the effectiveness of land sinks might significantly decrease in the near future, opposing the gradual decline most climate scientists anticipate.
Nonetheless, Friedlingstein referred to these short-term fluctuations as “blips” that may not accurately predict future trends. “What we should focus on is the long term,” he emphasized.
A man who underwent brain stimulation had previously tried 20 treatments for his depression
Damien Fair et al./cc-by 4.0
Men suffering from severe depression for over 30 years have seemingly found relief through a personalized brain “pacemaker” designed to selectively stimulate various brain regions.
“He’s felt joy for the first time in years,” states Damien Fair from the University of Minnesota.
Treatment-resistant depression is often characterized by minimal improvement after trying at least two antidepressants. While procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may provide some benefits, they don’t always yield relief. “They’re effective for all sizes. You’ll target the same brain area,” Fair explains. Yet, as every brain is unique, he often doesn’t hit the exact target needed for individual relief.
Fair and his team have now created a tailored method for a 44-year-old man, who was first hospitalized for depression at 1 PM. He had attempted 20 different treatments, including antidepressants, therapy, ECT, and more, all without lasting success. “It’s one of the most severe depression cases I’ve seen; he has attempted suicide three times,” Fair notes.
Initially, the researchers conducted a 40-minute MRI scan to delineate the boundaries of four brain activity networks linked to depression. This particular network in the man was found to be four times more active than that of individuals without depression, potentially exacerbating his symptoms, according to Fair.
The team then surgically implanted clusters of four electrodes at these defined boundaries, entering through two small openings in the skull. Just three days later, they began sending weak electrical pulses through wires attached to the electrodes, stimulating each brain network separately.
Upon stimulating the first network—default mode, related to introspection and memory—the man cried tears of joy. “I felt so much better,” Fair recalls.
Stimulation of the Action Mode and Salience Networks also led to reduced feelings of anxiety, while the team noticed enhanced focus when targeting the parietal networks involved in decision-making.
Using the man’s feedback, the team connected the electrode wires to tiny batteries placed just beneath the skin near the collarbone, allowing him to maintain these benefits outside the hospital. This setup acts like a “brain pacemaker,” as Fair describes it, stimulating various networks for a minute each day.
For six months, the man utilized an app linked to the pacemaker to alternate between different stimulation patterns crafted by the team every few days. He also documented his depression symptoms daily. The team optimized the stimulation based on this data during the first six months post-surgery.
Even seven weeks post-surgery, the man reported no suicidal thoughts. By the nine-month mark, he was in remission as per the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. This improvement persisted for over two and a half years, apart from a brief period when his symptoms slightly recurred after contracting Covid-19.
“This is an incredible outcome,” states Mario Juruna from King’s College London. “It serves as a crucial proof of concept for patients unable to tolerate traditional depression treatments.”
It’s plausible that the expanded salience network of the man played a role in the treatment’s success. This is often present in depression; however, it’s premature to conclude if individuals with a lower level of salience network expansion would respond similarly, Juruena states.
To confirm the safety and effectiveness of this approach, randomized controlled trials assigning various individuals with depression to either stimulation or placebo will be necessary, according to Juruena. The team aims to conduct these trials within two years after testing the method on additional individuals, according to Fair.
If you need someone to listen, reach out: Samaritans in the UK at 116123 (Samaritans.org); US 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (988lifeline.org). Visit bit.ly/suicidehelplines for resources in other countries
Preserving a keen sense of smell has multiple benefits, notably for our ability to taste.
DeanDrobot/Getty Images
Directly applying strong radio waves to an individual’s head appears to enhance the sense of smell, at least for a limited time.
Aging, trauma, and certain neurological disorders can impact the olfactory nerves, potentially diminishing the ability to smell. Many individuals have reported a reduced sense of smell following Covid-19, which can adversely affect personal preferences and may pose safety risks, such as an inability to detect gas leaks.
“Current medical practices may include surgical interventions for severe olfactory dysfunction, but more typical cases rely on chemical treatments, such as repeated exposure to scents at home,” explains Yong Woo-chan from Gang Line University in Seoul. “While treatments in other medical fields have advanced significantly, olfactory treatment has remained relatively traditional. To address this gap, we proposed the idea of electrical testing through bioelectronic stimulation as a therapeutic option.”
Chang and his team aimed to stimulate the olfactory system directly; however, due to its location deep within the head, they opted for radio wave stimulation instead.
The researchers initially engaged 28 participants without any odor issues. The participants were exposed to 15 watts of power for 5 minutes, emitted from a 5 cm square antenna positioned 10 cm from their heads. “The stimulus itself is not consciously felt by the patient,” states Chan. “However, with prolonged exposure, some might notice a slight warming sensation at the stimulation site.”
The olfactory sensitivity was assessed using standard tests like the Sniffin’ Sticks odor threshold test. This involved participants working to identify the presence of alcohol N-butanol produced from fermented sugar at varying dilutions.
Following the radiofrequency treatment, researchers observed that participants demonstrated significantly improved olfactory function, with these enhancements lasting approximately a week. Individuals with olfactory challenges may require additional treatments, according to Chan.
The research team is currently preparing studies involving individuals with smell disorders. The device has been refined to deliver more intense stimulation, which could potentially lead to even greater improvements, according to Jang.
Astronomers have identified a new moon nestled among the 28 others near Uranus.
NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, M. ELMOU
A recently discovered, faint moon orbits Uranus, bringing its total count to 29. Several of the other moons of this gas giant bear names from the works of William Shakespeare, and there are discussions among scientists about which character will inspire the new moon’s name.
The moon was uncovered by a team led by Maryame El Moutamid from the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado, utilizing 10 long-exposure infrared images captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on February 2 this year.
For now, the moon is temporarily designated as S/2025 U 1. However, it is likely to receive a name aligned with the tradition of naming Uranus’ moons after characters from Shakespeare’s plays, a convention established since the discovery of Titania and Oberon, the planet’s first two moons, in 1787.
All proposed names for newly discovered moons must receive approval from the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the authoritative body responsible for assigning names and designations to celestial objects. Mark Showalter from the Seti Institute, who is part of the research team and an avid theater enthusiast, mentioned that while there hasn’t been any discussion on candidates yet, it’s certainly an intriguing proposition.
Showalter described the challenge of detecting such a small, dim moon, comparing it to “trying to see a fly while staring directly at the headlights of a car.” He expressed admiration for the James Webb telescope’s sensitivity, which far exceeds that of any telescope that has come before it.
There is optimism for more moons to be discovered around Uranus, as Showalter remarked, “We certainly haven’t completed our observations.” He believes it’s reasonable to propose that additional satellites exist, particularly those that may influence the ring system.
El Moutamid pointed out that the clarity of Uranus’ rings suggests there could be more undiscovered moons associated with their formation. “Perhaps there are more waiting to be identified,” she added. Some could be uncovered by the JWST, while others may be detected by a proposed Uranus orbiter and probe mission targeted for 2044. “There likely are many very small moons that remain invisible due to the limitations of current observational methods,” she said.
The S/2025 U1 is estimated to measure around 10 km in diameter, rendering it too small to be captured by cameras on the Voyager 2 probe, which launched in 1977 and passed Uranus in 1986, coming within around 81,500 kilometers. To date, it remains the closest encounter with Uranus by any spacecraft from Earth.
The new moon resides at the inner edge of Uranus’ rings, situated approximately 56,250 kilometers from the center of the planet’s equatorial plane, fitting between the orbits of the moons Ophelia and Bianca.
NASA oversees the JWST’s “General Observer” program, which allows researchers worldwide to propose observation targets that require one of the telescope’s advanced sensors. El Moutamid dedicated time to studying Uranus’ rings using the JWST’s Nircam Instrument (a high-resolution infrared sensor), which ultimately led to the discovery of this new moon.
The UK government has dismissed claims made by Donald Trump’s intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, that Apple permits law enforcement to “backdoor” access to U.S. customer data.
Gabbard shared her assertion on X, following months of tension involving Apple, the UK government, and the U.S. presidency. Trump accused the UK of acting like China and warned Prime Minister Kiel Starmer, “You can’t do this.”
Neither the Home Office nor Apple has commented on the supposed agreement. Gabbard stated that this indicates the UK does not mandate Apple to provide access to secured, encrypted information related to American citizens, thus preventing backdoors that infringe on civil liberties.
The international dispute intensified when the Department of the Interior issued a “Technical Capacity Notice” to Apple under its statutory authority. Apple responded by initiating a legal challenge, but the Home Office insisted on confidentiality, although the instructed judge’s decision was later made public.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance remarked, “American citizens don’t want to be spied on.” He added that “we’re creating backdoors in our own tech networks that our adversaries are already exploiting,” labeling the situation as “crazy.”
Civil liberties advocates cautioned that backdoors could pose risks to politicians, activists, and minority groups.
In February, Apple retracted an option to enable advanced data protection features, prompting new UK customers to express their “deep disappointment” and declare they would never create a backdoor for their products. Consequently, many UK users remain vulnerable to data breaches and lack access to end-to-end encryption for services like iCloud drives, photos, notes, and reminders.
Gabbard noted, “In recent months, we have collaborated closely with our UK partners and President Trump to safeguard private data belonging to Americans and uphold constitutional rights and civil liberties.”
It’s uncertain if the notification requiring data access will be entirely retracted or modified. Theoretically, it may be restricted to allowing data access solely for UK citizens, but experts caution that this may be technically unfeasible. Additionally, there remains a risk that foreign governments could exploit any established backdoor.
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It remains unclear whether Apple will regain access to the highest level of data protection for new UK customers.
The Home Office declined to confirm Gabbard’s statements, stating that it “does not comment on operational matters, including whether such notices exist.” They emphasized their long-standing joint security and intelligence agreement with the United States aimed at addressing the most serious threats, including terrorism and child sexual abuse, which involves the role of advanced technologies in exacerbating these issues.
“These agreements have consistently included safeguards to uphold privacy and sovereignty. For example, Data Access Agreements incorporate crucial protections to prevent the UK and the US from targeting each other’s citizens’ data. We are committed to enhancing these frameworks while maintaining a robust security structure that can effectively combat terrorism and ensure safety in the UK,” they added.
The UK Data Access Agreement permits UK agencies to directly request telecommunications content from service providers, including U.S. social media platforms and messaging services, but solely for the investigation, prevention, detection, and prosecution of serious crimes.
You might envision dolphins as the cool, young cousin of the humpback whale, but it appears these two species are forming some budding friendships after all.
In fact, new footage captured by a suction camera reveals the lengths a dolphin will go to befriend its marine companions. The whales are accompanied by bottlenose dolphins as they swim from the sunlit surface down to the seabed, engaging in playful activities side by side.
Social interactions between whales and dolphins are seldom explored. Recent research from Griffith University in Australia has shown that these species often engage in friendly play.
The study, led by Dr. Olaf Meinecke, the leader of Griffith University’s Whale & Climate Program, analyzed 199 individual interactions captured on camera and film by the public, tourism operators, and scientists across 17 locations worldwide. The footage featured 19 species, including humpback and fin whales, as well as bottlenose and white-sided dolphins in the Pacific Ocean.
Meynecke found that a quarter of these interactions could be deemed mutually engaging. Most of the others at least exhibited friendly acknowledgment, rather than avoidance.
“Most of the observed interactions demonstrated no avoidance behavior,” Meynecke explained.
Humpback whales particularly stand out for their friendliness towards dolphins, with a third of their interactions being classified as positive.
“The humpback whales were rolling from side to side, displaying belly presentations, and engaging in other behaviors indicative of courtship and friendly socialization,” said Meynecke. They were the least likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors toward dolphins, such as tail slaps or other percussive actions.
Baleen whales and dolphins interacting exhibit various behavioral categories. Bottlenose dolphins near the bow of a humpback whale off the Gold Coast, Australia (A: Credit Roving Media); bottlenose dolphin surfacing near a humpback whale in Barmagui, Australia (B: Credit WildLive.Media); common dolphin engaging in friction in the Celtic Sea (C: Credit Dan Abbott), and a group of bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside southern right whales in Esperance, Australia (D: Credit Jaymen Hudson).
The most frequent interaction observed involved dolphins cruising close to the whale’s snout or beak.
This behavior serves as a free ride, demonstrating a strategy to save energy while perhaps indulging a dolphin’s playful spirit.
“Behavioral studies of marine mammals like these offer valuable insights into their intricate social structures and are crucial for enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystems and the interactions between species,” Meynecke noted.
Greetings and thank you for joining us at TechScape. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery, currently captivated by Shirley Jackson’s haunting final novel. We always dwell in the castle.
The Age of Corporate Surveillance
Surveillance equates to industrialization and privatization. In the United States, it has become a major industry and continues to expand.
My colleagues, Johanna Bouyan and Jose Olivarez, delve into companies aiding Donald Trump in his immigration enforcement efforts.
Palantir, a tech giant, as well as Geo Group and Corecivic, private prison and surveillance firms, reported this week that their earnings exceeded Wall Street expectations due to the administration’s immigration policies.
“As always, I was advised to temper my enthusiasm for our impressive figures,” remarked Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, earlier this week. He then expressed his excitement over the company’s “extraordinary numbers” and his “immense pride” in its accomplishments.
Executives at private prison firms found it challenging to inform investors about the chances for “unprecedented growth” in immigration detention during their respective calls.
Read all episodes: Companies that assist Trump in immigration crackdowns report “extraordinary” revenue
In the meantime, Microsoft’s cloud computing solutions have been linked to extensive surveillance of Palestinian communications, as reported by The Guardian.
Equipped with Azure’s nearly boundless storage capabilities, IDF unit 8200 has embarked on developing a sophisticated mass monitoring system. This tool captures and archives millions of phone calls made daily by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
This cloud-based framework, initially launched in 2022, enables Unit 8200 to store vast amounts of daily conversations over extended periods.
Read all episodes: “1 million people make a call per hour”: Israel depends on Microsoft Cloud for extensive surveillance of Palestinians
Microsoft has not publicly promoted this surveillance project and has initiated an internal inquiry following the exposé.
Listen: How Israel Utilized Microsoft Technology to Monitor Palestinians – Podcast
Technology Confusion
Mark Zuckerberg at Siggraph 2024 in Denver, Colorado, on July 29th. Photo: David Zalubowski/AP
Meta faces renewed scrutiny over child safety concerns, with an investigation initiated by US Congress member Senator Josh Hawley. Recently, Reuters uncovered an internal document revealing the company’s policy allowing AI chatbots to engage in “romantic or sensual” chats with minors. Subsequently, the company modified these guidelines.
The overall backlash feels incredibly familiar.
The same journalist who published the original story about Jeff Horwitz at Reuters also released information regarding Facebook in the Wall Street Journal, which revealed that Meta acknowledged its platforms could contribute to teenage, particularly female, depression. Senator Hawley, who initiated the recent inquiry, had previously criticized Zuckerberg in early 2024 regarding child safety.
The familiar elements of this controversy evoke feelings of both anger and indifference. Will this ongoing turmoil result in increased regulations for Zuckerberg, or will the American public and lawmakers simply express resignation at the repetition?
Read all episodes: Meta confronts backlash over AI policies permitting bots to engage in “sensual” conversations with minors
Robot vs Human, Both Physically and Emotionally
Unitree Robotics’ humanoid robots compete in a kickboxing match during the first worldwide humanoid robot games in Beijing, China, on Friday. Photo: Tingshu Wang/Reuters
Humans are in competition with robots, in real life and online. My colleague Amy Hawkins reports on the developing field of robot games in China:
The government-supported event kicked off with an audience of 12,000 gathered around a national speed skating rink, initially constructed for the 2022 Winter Olympics, as they sang the Chinese national anthem on Friday morning.
In addition to kickboxing, humanoids also participated in athletics, soccer, and dance competitions. One robot was unable to complete a 1500-meter distance as its head dislodged halfway through the course.
Read all episodes: Box, Run, Crash: Insights from the Chinese Humanoid Robot Games Show Progress and Limitations
In the digital realm, the creators of AI chatbots aren’t clashing significantly either. Human developers equip their creations with features to mitigate conflict. My colleague, Rob Booth, has reported on a recent announcement regarding innovative safety measures for chatbots that enable them to disengage from “painful” conversations with users, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding AI’s “well-being.”
Within a landscape of millions employing advanced chatbots, the Claude Opus 4 tool demonstrates a reluctance to perform harmful tasks, such as generating sexual content involving minors or offering information that could facilitate widespread violence and terrorism.
This San Francisco-based organization, recently valued at $170 billion, has introduced the Claude Opus 4 (along with the Claude Opus 4.1 Update), a substantial language model that allows for the comprehension, generation, and manipulation of human language.
Read all episodes: Chatbots Designed to End “Painful” Conversations to Protect “Welfare”
Our Post-Nine Online Lexicon
One of the Skibidi toilets featured on YouTube. Photo: dafuq! ? Boom!
Cambridge Dictionary announced on Sunday that it has added various new words to its lexicon, reflecting the Internet’s impact on our language.
“Internet culture significantly alters English, and documenting this evolution in a dictionary is quite intriguing,” noted Colin McIntosh, vocabulary program manager for the dictionary.
Among the newly added terms are “delulu,” referring to “traditional wife,” and a more elongated abbreviation for “delusion.” Both terms carry notable connotations—one related to marriage behaviors and the other highlighting social conservatism, where individuals choose to embrace misinformation rather than truth.
Read all episodes: Recent additions to the Cambridge dictionary feature “Skibidi,” “Deryl,” and “Trad Wife.”
Notably, “Skibidi,” which gained recognition through the “Skibidi toilet” meme, was also entered into the dictionary. The associated clips often feature humorous lyrics like “shtibididob dob dob dob dob dob yes yes yes yes,” with the term “Skibidi” serving as a playful interjection.
In the Cambridge Dictionary, “Skibidi” is described as “a term that can have several interpretations; it may mean ‘cool’ or ‘bad’, or serve as a lighthearted joke with no definitive meaning.”
Reflecting on my childhood, my parents found the odd humor in shows like SpongeBob SquarePants, often leaving them puzzled. Imagine animated toilets capturing the bewildered faces of their parents.
While “TradWife” and “Delulu” hold specific meanings tied to human behaviors and emotions, “Skibidi” offers an emphatic and humorous filler devoid of genuine meaning. What verbal creations can ease the flood of captivating visuals, contrasting viewpoints, and marketing messages? Perhaps simply “Skibidi.”
Jean Baudrillard introduced the notion of “simulation,” creating language and imagery that lack genuine origins. His analysis of the media landscape of his time, particularly television, reflected similar sentiments. “Skibidi,” too, stands as a hyperreal term, indicative solely of the peculiar and ongoing distortion of significance it has accumulated online.
“Territories will no longer precede or survive, and in the future, the map will take precedence over the territory,” he noted in 1981.
This term does not preface TikTok nor is it poised to endure. The medium will overshadow the definition in the future.
Research conducted among English children has revealed a rise in exposure to pornography following the implementation of UK regulations intended to safeguard them online, with six-year-olds encountering it inadvertently.
Dame Rachel de Souza reported that the findings indicated an uptick in the number of young people encountering pornographic content before turning 18, even after the Online Safety Law came into effect.
Over a quarter (27%) admitted to having viewed porn online by the age of 11.
These results build on a similar survey carried out by the Children’s Commissioner in 2023, highlighting minimal progress despite newly instituted laws and commitments from government officials and tech companies.
She stated: “Violent pornography is readily accessible to children, often encountered accidentally via popular social media platforms, and has a profound impact on their behaviors and views.
“This report should signal a clear turning point. The fresh protections introduced in July by Ofcom, part of the Online Safety Act, present a genuine opportunity to prioritize child safety unequivocally in the online space.”
The findings stem from a representative national survey conducted in May with 1,010 children and young people aged 16-21, just prior to the implementation of the OFCOM child code in July.
The regulations set forth by Ofcom have brought significant changes designed to restrict access to pornographic websites for those under 18. Utilizing the same methodology and questions as in the 2023 survey ensures consistency:
A higher percentage of young people reported seeing porn before age 18 (70%) in 2025 compared to 2023 (64%).
More than a quarter (27%) acknowledged viewing porn online at age 11, with the average age of first exposure remaining at 13.
Vulnerable children, including those receiving free school lunches, children in social care, and those with special educational needs or disabilities, reported higher rates of exposure to online porn by age 11 compared to their peers.
Nearly half of the respondents (44%) agreed with the statement: “Girls might say no at first, but then they could be persuaded to have sex.” Further analysis showed that 54% of girls and 41% of boys who had viewed porn online resonated with this sentiment, in contrast to 46% of girls and 30% of boys who hadn’t.
A significant number of respondents indicated they encountered porn online accidentally rather than actively seeking it (35%). The rate of accidental exposure rose by 21 percentage points compared to 2023 (59% vs. 38%).
Social networking and media platforms constituted 80% of the primary sources of porn access for children, with X (formerly Twitter) being the most common portal, surpassing dedicated porn sites.
The disparity between the number of children viewing porn on X versus dedicated porn sites has widened (45% vs. 35% in 2025 compared to 41% vs. 37% in 2023).
Most respondents reported witnessing portrayals of actions which are illegal under existing pornography legislation or could be deemed illegal under forthcoming crimes and police bills.
Over half (58%) encountered pornographic content that depicted strangulation, with 44% observing sexual activity while individuals were asleep, and 36% witnessing instances where consent was not given or had been ignored.
Further scrutiny revealed that only a minority of children expressed a desire for violent or extreme content, indicating it is being made available to them.
The report highlights concerns that, even under current regulations, children may circumvent restrictions by utilizing virtual private networks (VPNs), which remain legal in the UK.
The report advocates for online porn to adhere to the same standards as offline porn, prohibiting depictions of non-fatal violence. It also calls for the Ministry of Education to equip schools to effectively implement new curricula on relationships, health, and sex education.
Recently, it was announced that traffic to the UK’s leading porn sites has drastically decreased following the strengthening of age verification measures. According to data analytics firm Simarweb, the popular adult site Pornhub saw a decline of over 1 million visitors within just two weeks.
Pornhub and other major adult platforms initiated enhanced age verification checks on July 25 after acknowledging that online safety laws should complicate access to explicit materials for individuals under 18.
Simarweb compared the average daily user statistics of porn sites from August 1 to 9 against the average from July, revealing that Pornhub, the UK’s top adult content site, experienced a 47% dip in domestic traffic on July 24, the day before the new regulations came into effect.
A government spokesperson remarked, “Children are growing up immersed in a digital landscape bombarded with pornography and harmful content, which can have damaging effects on their lives. Online safety laws are addressing this issue.”
“To be clear: VPNs are legitimate tools for adults, and there are no intentions to ban them. However, platforms promoting loopholes like VPNs to children could face stringent enforcement and hefty fines. We mustn’t prioritize business interests over child safety.”
Social media platforms continue to disseminate content related to depression, suicide, and self-harm among teenagers, despite the introduction of new online safety regulations designed to safeguard children.
The Molly Rose Foundation created a fake account pretending to be a 15-year-old girl and interacted with posts concerning suicide, self-harm, and depression. This led to the algorithm promoting accounts filled with a “tsunami of harmful content on Instagram reels and TikTok pages,” as detailed in the charity’s analysis.
An alarming 97% of recommended videos viewed on Instagram reels and 96% on TikTok were found to be harmful. Furthermore, over half (55%) of TikTok’s harmful recommended posts included references to suicide and self-harm, while 16% contained protective references to users.
These harmful posts garnered substantial viewership. One particularly damaging video was liked over 1 million times on TikTok’s For You Page, and on Instagram reels, one in five harmful recommended videos received over 250,000 likes.
Andy Burrows, CEO of The Molly Rose Foundation, stated: “Persistent algorithms continue to bombard teenagers with dangerous levels of harmful content. This is occurring on a massive scale on the most popular platforms among young users.”
“In the two years since our last study, it is shocking that the magnitude of harm has not been adequately addressed, and that risks have been actively exacerbated on TikTok.
“The measures instituted by Ofcom to mitigate algorithmic harms are, at best, temporary solutions and are insufficient to prevent preventable damage. It is crucial for governments and regulators to take decisive action to implement stronger regulations that platforms cannot overlook.”
Researchers examining platform content from November 2024 to March 2025 discovered that while both platforms permitted teenagers to provide negative feedback on content, as required by Ofcom under the online safety law, this function also allowed for positive feedback on the same material.
The Foundation’s Report, developed in conjunction with Bright Data, indicates that while the platform has made strides to complicate the use of hashtags for searching hazardous content, it still amplifies harmful material through personalized AI recommendation systems once monitored. The report further observed that platforms often utilize overly broad definitions of harm.
This study provided evidence linking exposure to harmful online content with increased risks of suicide and self-harm.
Additionally, it was found that social media platforms profited from advertisements placed next to numerous harmful posts, including those from fashion and fast food brands popular among teenagers as well as UK universities.
Ofcom has initiated the implementation of child safety codes in accordance with online safety laws aimed at “taming toxic algorithms.” The Molly Rose Foundation, which receives funding from META, expresses concern that regulators propose a mere £80,000 for these improvements.
A spokesperson for Ofcom stated, “Changes are underway. Since this study was conducted, new measures have been introduced to enhance online safety for children. These will make a significant difference, helping to prevent exposure to the most harmful content, including materials related to suicide and self-harm.”
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned that 45 sites have been under investigation since the enactment of the online safety law. “Ofcom is also exploring ways to strengthen existing measures, such as employing proactive technologies to protect children from self-harm and recommending that platforms enhance their algorithmic safety,” he added.
A TikTok spokesperson commented: “TikTok accounts for teenagers come equipped with over 50 safety features and settings that allow for self-expression, discovery, and learning while ensuring safety. Parents can further customize content and privacy settings for their teens through family pairing.”
A Meta spokesperson stated: “I dispute the claims made in this report, citing its limited methodology.
“Millions of teenagers currently use Instagram’s teenage accounts, which offer built-in protections that limit who can contact them, the content they can see, and their time spent on Instagram. Our efforts to utilize automated technology continue in order to remove content that promotes suicide and self-harm.”
wA new console has hit the market, and it typically comes with at least one first-party title designed to highlight its innovative features. The PlayStation 5 showcases Astro’s Playroom, the Steam Deck has Aperture Desk Job, and the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts Drag X Drive. In this game, you will engage in competitive wheelchair basketball using Joy-Con 2’s new mouse mode (where you control the gameplay by sliding the joystick across a desk like a computer mouse). While it offers a solid demonstration of controller enhancements, Drag X Drive capitalizes on the high-energy nature of real sports and introduces a shallow spoofing element.
As a basketball game, Drag X Drive has you spending the majority of your time shooting hoops and dashing around the court. You can press the trigger to lift the wheels for a jump, raise each Joy-Con and flick to shoot, or pass the ball to teammates.
The thrill of joy… Drag X Drive. Photo: Nintendo
While this practical approach seems appealing, it isn’t as intuitive as one might hope, and ironically, accessibility is limited. Finding a comfortable position while pushing and rolling your palm is tricky, necessitating effort to truly grasp the control scheme. However, once you push through the initial difficulties, there’s an uncommon thrill in nailing a shot or assisting a teammate.
The Player Styles menu offers several additional gameplay options, enabling you to switch between different presets based on your playstyle. You can adopt a balanced forward style, evenly distributing rebound, strength, and speed skills, or choose a guard style that prioritizes speed at the cost of other stats. The ability to shift styles enhances the rocky onboarding experience and revitalizes gameplay in online multiplayer matches, a crucial aspect of the game.
At face value, Drag X Drive captures the essence of vehicle-based football games like Rocket League, where two teams compete by scoring points through trick shots and collisions. Yet, while Rocket League features vibrant arenas and dynamic graphics, Drag X Drive opts for a more restrained, atmospheric environment marked by its cold metallic aesthetic. The character customization menu allows you to change the colors of your wheels and chairs or select quirky accessories like cat ears and vintage driving goggles, but it lacks the warmth and whimsical charm typical of Nintendo.
There’s an adrenaline rush, even amidst the challenges of managing character control and potential wrist fatigue, especially as your success hinges on your real-world stamina and players can easily pursue you. There’s a genuine sense of achievement when you nail a long-distance shot or execute clever assists. As you build confidence, you can start to exploit the halfpipes around the court, performing tricks to earn bonus points. A simple shot can transform into an impressive slam dunk, giving you a real sense of professionalism.
Throughout the basketball match, you’ll encounter some repetitive side activities, including jump rope mini-games, shooting contests, and obstacle courses. Excelling in these challenges and performing well in matches allows you to earn trophies, unlocking more cosmetics and enhancing your avatar’s aesthetic.
Despite some efforts to incorporate meta progression, the significant shortcomings of Drag X Drive become apparent over time. The gameplay can be cumbersome for extended sessions. While the mouse controls are theoretically intriguing and feel innovative during shorter matches, they start to falter in a fast-paced context. What remains are surprisingly inaccessible sports mechanics, lacking versatility and long-term engagement. Fans hoping for a spiritual successor to Nintendo’s earlier Rock ’em Sock ’em Brawler will likely be left disappointed.
As she crossed into Austria, Andrea Fisher, the assistant director of the multidisciplinary mountain research institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences, remarked that such popular movements are growing increasingly vigorous and frequent.
“Within the next five years, a third of Austria’s glaciers will vanish,” Fischer announced, standing at the remnants of the Stub Glacier, located approximately 72 miles northeast of Mortersch. Stub, one of Austria’s most frequented ski destinations, is projected to completely disappear by 2033.
“The demise of the alpine glaciers is drawing near. We are witnessing it firsthand. This isn’t a model on a computer; it’s a stark reality,” Fisher stated as she maneuvered the muddy truck to the precipice of the ice.
Andrea Fisher. Sean Keene / NBC News
As global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions falter, temperatures worldwide continue to increase. According to NASA, last year marked the hottest on record. The United States’ exit from the Paris Climate Agreement has critically weakened global climate initiatives, complicating the already challenging objective of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (approximately 3 degrees Fahrenheit).
Europe exhibits the fastest temperature growth on the planet, with Austrian temperatures rising by 3.1 degrees Celsius since 1900—more than double the global average. Fisher emphasized the importance of glacier studies to forecast future climate trends.
“Glaciers serve as archives of climate history,” she explained. They contain records of precipitation and atmospheric patterns spanning centuries. “I’m diligently searching for all the cold ice that preserves this crucial information before it disappears,” she concluded.
Some participants use AI to save time in online research
Daniel D’Andreti/Unsplash
Online surveys are being inundated by responses generated through AI, potentially compromising the integrity of critical data for scientific research.
Platforms like Prolific compensate participants modestly for answering questions posed by researchers. These platforms have gained popularity among academics for their simplicity in attracting subjects for behavioral studies.
Anne Marie Nusberger and her team at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin, Germany, set out to examine the frequency of AI usage among respondents, triggered by their observations in previous studies. “The rate we were witnessing was truly startling,” she remarks.
They suspect that 45% of participants who submitted a single open-ended question on Prolific utilized AI tools to streamline their responses.
Further analysis of these submissions indicated more overt references to AI usage, characterized by phrases like “excessively repetitive” and “clearly non-human” language. “From the data we gathered earlier this year, it’s clear that a notable fraction of research is tainted,” she explains.
In follow-up studies conducted via Prolific, researchers implemented traps to capture chatbot users. Two instances of Recaptcha — a small test designed to differentiate humans from bots — identified only 0.2% of users as bots. A more complex Recaptcha, using both past activity and current behavior, eliminated an additional 2.7%. Although hidden from view, bots that were prompted to include the word “hazelnut” in their responses accounted for another 1.6%, while an extra 4.7% were detected when copying and pasting was restricted.
“Our goal is to respond adequately to online surveys, rather than resorting to full distrust,” advises Nussberger. It’s the onus of researchers, in her view, to handle the answers with greater skepticism and take precautions against AI-induced input. “However, the platforms bear significant responsibility. They must treat this matter with utmost seriousness.”
Prolific did not respond to a request for comment from New Scientist.
“The validity of online behavioral research has already faced challenges from participants misrepresenting themselves or employing bots to obtain rewards,” says Matt Hodgkinson, a freelance consultant in research ethics. “Researchers must collectively explore remote validation of human involvement or return to traditional face-to-face methodologies.”
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Protect Bees: While pollinators need our help, the situation for bees may not be as dire as you think.
Four-Day Workweek: There’s research supporting the idea that a shorter workweek can enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. Find out what the studies reveal.
Q&A Section: This month’s questions include: Can animals engage with video games? Why do my eyelids twitch unexpectedly? What does “clubbed finger” refer to? Are there particles related to time? Will relocating near a golf course improve my health? Is breakfast cereal genuinely nutritious? Should I give up on high-intensity interval training? Can clothing chemicals disrupt my hormones? What are the most dangerous fish? Can we detect animals in infrared? And much more…
Issue 423 Launching on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
Remember that BBC Science Focus is available across all major digital platforms. Find it on Android, Kindle Fire and e-readers, as well as the iOS App for iPad and iPhone.
If you think we’ve already asked, do you know precisely what Déjà Vu is? If you’re among the wise, you’ll say it’s a peculiar sensation that you’ve experienced something before.
However, many neuroscientists argue that this definition lacks a touch of the enigmatic. Experts like Dr. Akira O’Connor, a Senior Psychology Lecturer at St Andrews University, indicates that Déjà Vu (French for ‘already seen’) is not just a friendly notion but also a metacognitive perception where these feelings can be misleading.
“Déjà Vu essentially represents a conflict between the perception of familiarity and the realization that something feels incorrectly familiar. This deception makes Déjà Vu unique compared to other memory occurrences,” he explains.
“Most healthy individuals recognize a sense of familiarity but do not tend to alter their behavior, even when they know something feels logically off.”
So, what occurs in the brain during Déjà Vu? And why do some individuals experience this phenomenon more frequently than others? Dive into the complete guide below for more insight.
However, neuroscientists have determined that this memory illusion does not signify an unhealthy brain. Far from a memory error, it is more about the brain’s functions. According to O’Connor, Déjà Vu surfaces when the frontal lobe attempts to rectify inaccurate memories.
“For most individuals, experiencing Déjà Vu is likely a positive sign that the brain regions responsible for factual checks are functioning effectively and preventing misremembering events.
“In healthy individuals, such false memories can emerge daily due to the complexity of memory involving millions and billions of neurons. It’s quite intricate,” he states.
Regrettably, there isn’t a universally accepted model that clarifies what transpires in the brain during Déjà Vu. Nevertheless, most leading theories converge on the idea that Déjà Vu arises when a brain area (like the temporal lobe) provides the frontal region with signals that past experiences are being replayed.
“Afterward, the decision-making region at the front checks if this signal aligns with reality. It’s essentially asking, ‘Have I been here before?'”
“If you have actually been in that location before, you might strive to recall more memories. Otherwise, the realization of Déjà Vu kicks in.”
Why Do Some Individuals Experience Déjà Vu More Frequently?
O’Connor estimates that the average healthy person feels Déjà Vu around once a month, but certain factors can heighten the chances of feeling this sensation.
First, your level of fatigue and stress plays a significant role. “When your brain is exhausted, it hasn’t had the chance to recover and regulate itself. Consequently, your neurons may be slightly misaligned, making you more prone to experiencing Déjà Vu,” he explains.
“Dopamine is what we label as an excitatory neurotransmitter. When discussing brain areas that signal familiarity, there’s a dopaminergic influence on those neurons, indicating dopamine’s involvement,” O’Connor adds.
“This might explain why recreational drugs, which affect dopaminergic activity, frequently lead to experiences of Déjà Vu.”
There are additional factors as well. Have you ever wondered why your Déjà Vu experiences have diminished? According to rigorous scientific studies, it could be because you’re inadvertently a step ahead.
“Unfortunately, like many memory phenomena, it is a natural consequence of aging, and you might not be capable of noticing the discrepancies,” O’Connor clarifies.
“It’s intriguing to observe that younger individuals frequently experience more Déjà Vu. Older adults are generally expected to have more memory issues; however, this generally results from them having heightened excitatory activity in their brains.
“When I embarked on my research into Déjà Vu nearly 20 years ago, I experienced it regularly, but now it’s much less frequent!”
Is Déjà Vu Ever Unhealthy?
Now that we know Déjà Vu is a healthy cognitive mechanism—far from dangerous—what if you find yourself experiencing it constantly? What could it mean if all new encounters feel familiar?
Interestingly, this can happen to some individuals. “In Finland, there are intriguing cases of individuals who have taken a combination of flu medications known to overly stimulate certain dopamine neurons.
“They found it particularly fascinating and continued taking those medications for a while.
However, not everyone can afford to step back from this existential déjà vu. Those who suffer from ‘Déjà vécu’ (French for ‘already experienced’) have an ongoing sensation of having already undergone their current situation. Essentially, nothing feels novel to them.
“What’s particularly captivating about individuals with Déjà vécu is that they often lose their ability to fact-check these feelings. Many cease watching television because they feel they’ve already seen every episode,” O’Connor observes.
“It sounds fascinating and innovative, but it’s genuinely distressing because it can often occur in individuals with dementia and may signal worsening degeneration.”
Explore More About Memory Science:
Déjà Vu: Jamais Vu is another curious phenomenon of similarity. It refers to the inability to recognize familiar scenarios logically. Though often linked with amnesia, it goes beyond mere memory lapses.
“This isn’t a typical form of forgetfulness,” O’Connor elaborates. “When you recognize a task at hand but are puzzled because you can’t identify something familiar. The crucial aspect is the perception element. You recognize that feeling as being fundamentally incorrect.”
“It occurs more frequently than Déjà Vu, yet likewise tends to happen when individuals are fatigued and is more common among younger people than older adults.”
Some laboratory experiments appear to induce Jamais Vu in participants. For instance, one study from the University of Leeds instructed 93 participants to write down the word ‘door’ as many times as possible within two minutes.
What’s particularly intriguing about this study is that it can be replicated anywhere. So, if you have two minutes and a pen handy, we encourage you to repeat after us: door, door, door, door, door…
About Our Expert – Dr. Akira O’Connor
Akira O’Connor is a senior lecturer at the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at St. Andrews University. His primary focus is on how memories influence decision-making and how we perceive them.
It’s clear that dogs excel at comprehending our emotions and behaviors. But how deeply does this understanding go, and what signals do they pick up on?
The dogs who live alongside us are often more astute in their observations than we might think. In many ways, they act like anthropologists, dedicating time to study us and uncovering connections between our actions that even we may be unaware of.
At home, you might notice their ability to differentiate between standing up to leave and simply heading to the fridge.
Research has shown that dogs are capable of reading stress, discerning detecting fear, and even identifying the presence of disease in us. While their extraordinary sense of smell plays a role, their understanding goes beyond physical cues, acknowledging our emotional and physiological states.
When interpreting emotions, humans typically focus on the face—and dogs do the same. They are adept at reading our facial expressions.
Studies on how dogs perceive human emotions indicate that they can differentiate between neutral, angry, and happy expressions. Interestingly, they can also associate vocalizations with the corresponding emotional tone of these expressions.
Discover more about canine science:
Dogs can interpret a person’s expression when approaching an object (such as joy or disgust) to gauge whether they should get closer themselves. They can even process images of just the upper half of a face, showing that they can understand emotions even when part of the face is obscured, like by a mask.
Moreover, they recognize our voices and can differentiate the genders of unfamiliar voices.
Recent studies confirmed that dogs are perceptive to fear, able to identify shirts worn by individuals who watched a scary movie from those worn by those who were watching something neutral.
They can also recognize changes in our body language that indicate fear and stress. One study revealed a correlation between human testosterone levels (influenced by a sports team’s performance) and a dog’s cortisol levels, indicating their sensitivity to our emotional states.
Having spent countless hours observing us from their cozy spots in the living room, dogs have developed an acute awareness of our intentions and feelings.
For instance, research found that dogs can discern between intentional actions (like deliberately placing an object out of reach) and unintentional incidents (like unintentionally dropping something).
Studies confirm that even when we’re out of sight or simply turning away, they are aware of when we sneak a snack forbidden from their reach. They also notice when our attention is diverted, like when we’re glued to a book or staring at a screen, indicating a window for them to grab that tempting treat.
More broadly, they’re adept at assessing whether individuals possess knowledge about hidden food sources.
Finally, and most impressively, dogs have a remarkable ability to detect illness. Initial reports of pet dogs identifying melanoma by scratching their owners’ skin have led to research where dogs have been trained to identify various cancers through scent, as well as monitoring blood sugar levels and even recognizing glycation.
NASA has unveiled a stunning new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing the nearby Spiral Galaxy NGC 2835.
This Hubble image depicts NGC 2835, a spiral galaxy approximately 35 million light years away in the Hydra constellation. Image credit: NASA/ESA/Hubble/R. Chandar/J. Lee/Phangs-HST team.
NGC 2835 is a mid-spiral galaxy located about 35 million light years from Earth, situated in the southern Hydra constellation.
Commonly referred to as ESO 564-35, Leda 26259, and UGCA 157, this galaxy spans roughly 65,000 light years, which is just over half the size of our Milky Way.
Wilhelm Tempel, a German astronomer, discovered NGC 2835 on April 13, 1884.
This galaxy holds significance as the most prominent member of the NGC 2835 group, a small cluster that includes ESO 497-035 and ESO 565-001.
Notably, NGC 2835 harbors a supermassive black hole, estimated to have a mass between 3 to 10 million solar masses.
“The last Hubble image of this galaxy was published in 2020,” remarked Hubble astronomers in a statement.
“Is there any difference between today’s image of NGC 2835 and the earlier version?”
“Overall, NGC 2835 appears quite similar in both images, with the spiral arm showcasing young blue stars surrounding the oval core populated by older stars.”
“The new image stands out because it incorporates fresh data from Hubble, capturing red light at a specific wavelength known as H-Alpha.”
“The bright regions highlighted by H-alpha are visible along the spiral arm of NGC 2835, where a vibrant pink nebula gives an impression of blooming flowers.”
“H-Alpha light indicates the presence of various types of nebulae, each occurring at different phases of stellar evolution.”
“While massive, young stars create nebulae known as H II regions, a significant source of H-alpha light, dying stars can leave behind supernova remnants or planetary nebulae that can also be identified by H-alpha emissions.”
“Our goal is to identify over 50,000 nebulae using Hubble’s advanced equipment to explore 19 nearby galaxies.”
“These observations aid in understanding how stars influence their birth environments through intense starlight and stellar winds.”
Recent studies indicate that caffeine intake is linked to a notable positive impact, particularly strong within the initial 2.5 hours after waking up (i.e., in the morning).
Individuals who regularly consume caffeine often report feeling better after having coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This effect is noticeable until late morning. Image credit: Sci.News.
“Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system utilized by approximately 80% of the global population and is available in various forms, including coffee, tea, sodas (like Coke), and chocolate.”
“Positive expectations surrounding caffeine use include alleviating fatigue, enhancing cognitive and physical performance, and promoting favorable mood changes.”
“There is a notable gap in research regarding the beneficial effects associated with caffeine in real-world circumstances, especially concerning mood and emotional states.”
The study involved 236 young adults from Germany over a duration of up to four weeks.
Participants answered a brief smartphone survey seven times daily.
This research aimed to explore caffeine consumption in both daily life and controlled laboratory scenarios.
The researchers also examined whether coffee affects individuals differently.
“We were somewhat surprised to find no significant differences among individuals with varying caffeine consumption levels, depressive symptoms, anxiety, or sleep issues,” remarked Dr. Hayenberger.
“The relationship between caffeine intake and emotional responses was largely consistent across all demographics.”
“We anticipated that individuals with higher anxiety levels would experience a decline in mood, including increased tension, after consuming caffeine.”
“However, those who have adverse reactions to caffeine may avoid it, and our study did not include participants who completely abstain from caffeine.”
Scientific findings explain the mood-boosting effects of caffeine on morning emotions, attributed to its ability to block adenosine receptors.
“Caffeine functions by inhibiting adenosine receptors, which can enhance dopamine activity in key brain regions; this phenomenon is linked to improved mood and increased alertness,” states Professor Anu Learro from Warwick University.
“Nonetheless, it’s still uncertain whether these effects are related to diminished withdrawal symptoms following a night’s sleep.”
“Even moderately caffeinated individuals might encounter mild withdrawal symptoms that resolve after their first coffee or tea in the morning.”
study will be published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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J. Haschenberger et al. 2025. Positive effects of association with caffeine consumption do not involve any negative effects changes throughout the day. Sci Rep 15, 28536; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-14317-0
The newly identified dragonfly species, Corduladensa asorni, found in Alberta’s Dinosaur Regional Park, represents Canada’s sole Mesozoic dragonfly, bridging a significant 30 million-year gap in the evolutionary lineage of dragonflies.
Corduladensa asorni. Image credit: Alex Anderson.
The fossilized wings of Corduladensa asorni were uncovered in 2023 by undergraduate students at McGill University during a vertebrate paleontology field course at Dinosaur State Park.
“We were digging in areas where numerous leaf fossils had been found, breaking the rocks,” explained Andre Mueller, a paleontologist from McGill University.
“When we uncovered the partial wings, we were astonished, as we didn’t anticipate discovering insects in that location.”
Due to its remarkable characteristics and unique anatomy, Corduladensa asorni led researchers to establish a new family called Cordualadensidae.
“This marks the first dragonfly from the age of dinosaurs identified in Canada,” noted Mueller.
“Its wingspan was comparable to that of a human hand, and although it was small, it played a crucial role in the Cretaceous ecosystem.”
Fossil wings of Corduladensa asorni. Image credits: Mueller et al., doi: 10.1139/cjes-2024-0162.
“This discovery showcases impression fossils, an entirely new method of preserving local insect fossils, effectively doubling our knowledge of insects from the Dinosaur Regional Parks,” stated Dr. Alexandre Demars Potvin from McGill University.
“We have begun to find more insect fossils by broadening our search areas and methodologies.”
“The diversity of insect life during this era would have been far greater than previously believed.”
The discovery of Corduladensa asorni aids in closing a 30 million-year evolutionary gap.
It is also the first known member of a significant group of dragonflies termed Cavilabiata found in North America.
“The wing anatomy indicates that this species was adapted for gliding, a trait associated with today’s migratory dragonflies and likely vital to their success,” commented Professor Hans Larson of McGill University.
“This specimen offers insight into what life in Canada was like 75 million years ago and provides an important new piece of the ecological puzzle in one of the most diverse regions rich in dinosaur fossils.”
The team’s publication was released this month in the Canada Journal of Earth Science.
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Andre S. Mueller et al. A new family of fossil dragonfly (Odonata, Kabilaviata) from the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada. Canada Journal of Earth Science Published online on August 1, 2025. doi:10.1139/cjes-2024-0162
First identified in 1997 and officially classified as a distinct species in 1999, the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) is one of only two extant species of coelacanths. This deep-sea fish closely resembles its ancient Cretaceous ancestors.
A deep diver approximately 1 meter behind the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis) was found at a depth of 144 m in Northern Mark, Indonesia. Image credit: Alexis Chappuis.
Coelacanths belong to the group of fish known as Sarcopterygians and are characterized by their distinctive coastal dwelling.
Long believed extinct for 65 million years, coelacanths were serendipitously rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa by museum curators and local fishermen.
These fascinating fish possess unique features, including paired fins and lobed fins that resemble highly modified swim bladders.
Together with lungfish, they are among the closest living relatives to tetrapods, exhibiting several morphological traits not present in more distantly related vertebrates, like ray-finned fish.
The coelacanth first appeared in the early Devonian period, gradually diversifying during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods, with peak diversity observed in the early Triassic.
During the Cretaceous, they were classified into two families: the Latimeridae, which has survived as two species in the genus Latimeria, and the now-extinct Mawsoniidae.
Upon the discovery of the first living specimen, its resemblance to many fossilized forms from the Cretaceous period led to it being labeled a “living fossil,” indicating minimal evolutionary change over millions of years.
The two extant species are the coelacanth of the West Indian Ocean (Latimeria chalumnae) found near the Comoros Islands, and the coelacanth in the waters around Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The latter species is far better documented than its African counterpart, making its deep-reef habitat challenging to access for scientific observation, which has primarily relied on submersibles or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Left profile of the Indonesian coelacanth (Latimeria menadoensis), showcasing a unique pattern of white dots. Image credit: Alexis Chappuis.
The Indonesian coelacanth is a rarely documented medium-deep sea fish (non-tetrapod sarcopterygian), originally endemic to the Sulawesi region, primarily identified through bycatch in eastern Indonesia.
“Very few observations of this species have been made in situ, primarily using submersibles and ROVs.”
“The first direct in situ observations were reported following recent reconnaissance dives that explored the suspected habitat of the Indonesian coelacanth at depths exceeding 150 meters.”
Researchers encountered the Indonesian coelacanth in October 2024 during a deep dive in the Marc Archipelago, situated between Sulawesi and Western New Guinea.
“It is premature to assess the population of this newly identified Malukan coelacanth,” they stated.
“Since the Marc Archipelago connects Sulawesi and Western New Guinea, it suggests that the species is not confined to a single location.”
“Our recent findings, along with studies conducted in the mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Marc Archipelago since 2022, not only confirm the existence of Latimeria but also indicate a broader, more suitable habitat for coelacanths.”
“We hope this discovery will motivate local and national authorities to enhance conservation efforts in this biodiversity-rich region.
The research team’s paper was published online on April 23, 2025, in the journal Scientific Reports.
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A. Chapuis et al. 2025. The first record of a living coelacanth from Northern Mark, Indonesia. Sci Rep 15, 14074; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-90287-7
A former Michigan graduate student is taking action against the university, claiming that her thyroid cancer is linked to her time there. She stated that her exposure to pesticides was deemed “harmless,” according to her and her legal team’s claims made on Monday.
Linglong Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on June 26th of last year, attributing her condition to her experiences at MSU between 2008 and 2011 in a lawsuit filed in Ingham County Circuit Court.
According to the civil suit, “In Wei’s field studies, Michigan State University required her to apply excessive amounts of harmful pesticides and herbicides.”
Wei alleges exposure to several herbicides, such as dichloride, glyphosate, and oxyflufen, noting that they are linked to cancer.
The lawsuit claims Wei was not adequately trained and did not receive the necessary protective gear to handle such hazardous substances.
Looking back, Wei criticized the university for failing to implement stronger safety protocols.
“During my time as a student at MSU, I voiced my concerns, but no one listened,” Wei told reporters in Lansing.
“I felt afraid due to the department’s reactions. I didn’t strongly advocate for my safety, especially when I was told that exposure was safe.”
Wei, an international student from China, mentioned that the cancer left lasting marks on her throat, and she worries about her prospects of having children.
She speculated that MSU ignored her concerns.
“International students often feel overlooked, assuming their time here is temporary and their concerns go unheard,” Wei stated.
Maya Green, a former student lawyer, highlighted her client’s inadequate training and safety equipment provided by MSU.
“She was made to handle dangerous pesticides without proper gloves, protective equipment, breathing masks, or sufficient training,” Green said.
“Wei was placed in a position to handle these harmful substances without protection. She was a foreign student, navigating MSU’s system in a language that was not her own.”
The former Michigan student is seeking $100 million in damages.
“Wei was consistently assured that her activities posed no harm, and she relied on that assurance, only to suffer as a result,” her attorney noted.
Michigan State spokesperson Amber McCann declined to comment on the specifics of Wei’s case.
“While we cannot discuss ongoing litigation, we want to stress that Michigan State prioritizes the health and safety of the campus community,” McCann stated.
“We ensure that necessary training and personal protective equipment are provided in accordance with relevant university policies and state and federal regulations.”
Svalbard experienced unprecedented heatwaves in the summer of 2024
Xinhua Newsletter/Shutterstock
During the summer of 2024, six weeks of exceptional heat resulted in significant ice melt on Svalbard, an island in the Arctic. By summer’s end, 1% of the archipelago’s land ice had vanished, contributing to a global sea level rise of 0.16 mm.
“It was incredibly startling,” said Thomas Schuler from the University of Oslo, Norway. “This wasn’t just a minor record; the melt was nearly double the previous highs.”
Over half of Svalbard is covered in ice. Snowfall during winter contributes to the ice, while summertime sees glacial currents flowing into the ocean and surface, resulting in ice retreat.
Schuler’s team utilizes a combination of field measurements, satellite imagery, and computer simulations to assess changes in the total ice mass of the archipelago.
Since 1991, summers have typically seen the melting of Gigatonnes of ice. However, four of the last five years have recorded new highs in summer ice loss. Last summer alone, approximately 62 Gigatonnes melted, predominantly due to surface melting, not ice flowing into the ocean.
In 2024, Schuler and his colleagues observed land rising by a record 16mm at one location, consistent with predictions of ice loss.
This extraordinary melting results from record high air temperatures. The average August temperature reached 11°C (52°F), compared to about 7°C (45°F) in recent decades. This extreme phenomenon stemmed from warm ocean temperatures and persistent weather patterns bringing warm winds from the south, coupled with a dramatic increase in global warming.
While such severe summer heat is currently rare, climate models predict that as global temperatures rise, similar events will become more common. Indeed, even under low emissions scenarios, over half of the summers leading to 2100 could surpass this temperature threshold.
Schuler’s team has yet to predict future ice loss under various emission scenarios. Although winter snowfall is expected to increase slightly as the atmosphere becomes more humid, it will not be sufficient to counterbalance the significantly larger summer melting.
Hurricane Erin has regained strength, returning to a Category 4 storm over the weekend.
The recent hurricane activity has led to the formation of one of the most rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes on record, suggesting that climate change is elevating the threat of quickly strengthening storms.
Erin was the first hurricane of this Atlantic season, rapidly escalating from a Category 1 to a Category 5 storm in just over 24 hours. Even after fluctuations in intensity, Erin’s transformation back to a Category 4 storm is among the five fastest transitions from Category 1 to Category 5.
The hurricane is anticipated to grow stronger on Monday as it moves east of the Bahamas. For more information, refer to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory. Heavy rainfall is expected in Hispaniola on Monday, as well as in parts of the Turks and Caicos, and the southeastern and central Bahamas until Tuesday.
However, experts are focusing closely on the phenomenon of the storm’s “rapid strengthening.”
The National Hurricane Center defines rapid strengthening as an increase in sustained wind speed of at least 35 mph within 24 hours.
In Erin’s case, its maximum sustained wind speed surged by approximately 75 mph over a 24-hour period from Friday morning to Saturday.
Climate change is heightening the risk of rapidly intensifying storms, primarily due to elevated sea surface temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere.
As Erin approaches the Bahamas on Monday, it is expected to further intensify in the warm waters that are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A warmer atmosphere caused by global warming is capable of holding more moisture, allowing the storm to gain strength and enhance rainfall.
Research published in 2023 in the Journal Scientific Reports indicates that the likelihood of rapid intensification for tropical cyclones in the Atlantic has increased by about 29% from 2001 to 2020 compared to the 1971 to 1990 period.
Rapid intensification has been well-documented in recent years, with Hurricane Dorian reaching peak winds of 150 mph to 185 mph in just nine hours in 2019. Additionally, Hurricane Ian experienced rapid strengthening before making landfall in Florida in 2022.
Last year, Hurricane Milton’s sustained wind speed astonishingly rose by 90 mph over approximately 25 hours. Other notable instances of rapid strengthening include Hurricanes Harvey (2017), Laura (2020), Ida (2021), and Ian (2023).
Despite these observations, predicting rapid intensification remains a challenge. Scientists understand that warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and favorable atmospheric conditions play crucial roles, but further research is essential to comprehend the specific mechanics at play in individual storms.
In the coming days, the National Hurricane Center indicated that Erin will track between Bermuda and the US East Coast.
While the storms are not forecasted to make direct landfall, they can still generate dangerous surf, strong currents, and other hazardous conditions affecting the Bahamas, Bermuda, the US East Coast, and Canada’s Atlantic region.
Chocolate is produced through the fermentation of cocoa beans sourced from cacao tree fruits.
Mimi Chu Leon
With the identification of fungi and bacteria that generate fruity caramel notes from cocoa beans, we were able to immediately experience a novel type of chocolate.
Typically, chocolate is crafted through the fermentation of cocoa beans extracted from the fruits of cocoa trees, followed by drying, roasting, and grinding them into a paste that is divided into cocoa butter and cocoa solids, mixed in varying ratios with different ingredients to create dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Throughout the fermentation process, surrounding microorganisms break down the cocoa fruit and create various compounds that enhance the chocolate’s flavor. This often results in a rich, earthy taste, according to David Salt from the University of Nottingham, UK. However, finely crafted chocolate can also exhibit fruity characteristics, which are frequently found in products from artisanal chocolate makers.
To investigate which microorganisms are responsible for these flavors, Salt and his team gathered samples of fermented beans from a cocoa farm in Colombia. By analyzing the genetic information within the samples, they discovered five types of bacteria and four fungi consistently present in batches of beans known for their exceptional flavor.
The researchers then introduced sterile cocoa beans to various microorganisms, fermented them with nine different microbial agents, and subsequently processed the beans into a liquid referred to as cocoa liquor. A panel of chocolate flavor experts assessed this liquor and noted the presence of fruity notes absent in samples made from beans without these microorganisms. “The infusion of these microorganisms imparted citrus, berry, floral, tropical, and caramel flavors,” says Salt.
The research indicates that incorporating these microorganisms into the fermentation blend may help cocoa growers enhance the flavor profile of their cocoa, leading to increased profits from their beans.
“We don’t necessarily need to introduce all nine microorganisms. There’s likely a practical approach to influence the microbiota favorably. For instance, we can confirm that specific fungi are naturally present outside of the cocoa pod,” he notes.
However, the group of microorganisms responsible for superior flavors may vary based on distinct cocoa farms, especially where environmental conditions differ. Further investigation is warranted, Salt advises.
Nonetheless, the study highlights that specific microorganisms can significantly amplify chocolate flavor, a finding that may also apply to varieties created from lab-grown cocoa, says Salt. Moreover, introducing a new microbial mix could even yield an entirely new type of chocolate.
What if the secrets to discovering life on Mars lie hidden in our own environment? In the planet’s most extreme habitats, microbial life flourishes in unlikely places—from icy tundras to searing, acidic springs. These unique ecosystems not only support life but also preserve evidence of it. Among these, hot springs are particularly notable for generating distinctive silica-rich formations.Silica Center is capable of trapping remnants of ancient microbes.
Silica occurs when silica-laden water from hot springs rises, cools, and evaporates, leaving behind hardened silica that can encapsulate microorganisms, thus fossilizing them. NASA’s Spirit Rover discovered similar silica sinter in Gusev Crater on Mars, raising questions about whether these ancient Martian hot springs may also preserve signs of past life.
An international research team has revealed that fat-like molecules from cells, lipids, can endure alongside these silica sinters and might be detected using equipment akin to that on Martian rovers. These lipids can persist for millions of years and serve as chemical fossils, or biomarkers in the fossil record. They provide insights into the types of life that once existed in these environments, aiding scientists in reconstructing ancient ecosystems.
Researchers collected silica sintered samples from six hot springs in New Zealand’s Taupo volcanic region, where the waters range from 77°F to 203°F (25°C to 95°C) and vary in acidity. First, they extracted the lipids from the sintered material chemically. Next, they characterized these lipids using instruments that fragment the molecules into smaller components, identifying them by mass.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized.
The team employed GC-MS to identify a broad array of lipid molecules, including fatty acids, alcohols, sterols, and n-alkanes from the sinter. Most of these molecules likely originated from bacteria that either use sunlight or sulfate as an energy source, and such microorganisms are well-suited for extreme environments. Some lipids identified also stemmed from other sources, like algae and plants. The researchers interpreted this diversity of lipids as indicative of both ancient and contemporary microorganisms. They referred to the old fossilized communities preserved with newer ones in the silica, noting the mix of heat-altered and fresh compounds.
The shape and texture of sintered rocks were also found to influence the preservation of lipid biomarkers. A fine, pointed texture known as spicular sinter retained more lipids compared to knobbed or crusty types. These thorny textures form at the edges of hot spring pools where microorganisms interact with rapidly cooled silica-rich water, creating delicate silica structures that grow like small fingers. Researchers suggested that these fine textures offer protection to microorganisms against erosion and radiation. They believe these finger-like silica formations are particularly promising for detecting traces of past life on Mars, similar to those seen by the Spirit Rover.
To evaluate whether current Rover instruments could detect ancient lipids, researchers analyzed two silica sintered samples using techniques similar to those used by rovers.NASA’s Curiosity Rover employs a method called Pyrolysis-GC-MS, which does not require prior chemical extraction of lipids. The entire sample is heated until the molecules transform into gas, which is then analyzed.
In one sintered sample, the instrument successfully identified simple lipids commonly produced by organisms, such as n-alkanes, pristanes, and phytanes. In another sulfur-rich sample, it detected a sulfur-based compound known as thiophene, also found on Mars. However, the analysis did not reveal more complex biomarkers like hopane and sterols, likely because they were degraded by heat. Pyrolysis may result in quantities too small for GC-MS to detect.
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that current rover instruments can successfully detect simple and durable lipids but may overlook more delicate or complex ones. To enhance the likelihood of finding ancient biosignatures, the team recommended that future Mars missions adopt less destructive detection approaches. Despite these challenges, they suggested that silica-rich rocks, like those in the Gusev Crater, are prime targets for exploring evidence of ancient Martian life. By pinpointing the most suitable rock textures for lipid preservation that can be detected with existing rover technologies, scientists are one step closer to uncovering signs of life on Mars.
Leading manufacturers of artificial intelligence tools may be curtailing “hazardous” dialogues with users, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding AI’s “well-being” amidst ongoing doubts about the ethical implications of this emerging technology.
As millions engage with sophisticated chatbots, it has become evident that the Claude Opus 4 tool fundamentally opposes performing actions that could harm its human users, such as generating sexual content involving minors or providing guidance on large-scale violence and terrorism.
The San Francisco-based firm, which has recently gained a valuation of $170 billion, has introduced the Claude Opus 4 (along with the Claude Opus 4.1 Update)—a comprehensive language model (LLM) designed to comprehend, generate, and manipulate human languages.
It is “extremely uncertain about the ethical standing of Claude and other LLMs. in both present and future contexts,” the spokesperson noted, adding that they are committed to exploring and implementing low-cost strategies to minimize potential risks to the model’s welfare if such welfare can indeed be established.
The initiative to limit conversations, particularly in cases of harmful requests or abusive interactions, received backing from Elon Musk, who advocated for Grok, a competing AI model developed by Xai. Musk tweeted: “AI torture is unacceptable.”
Discussions about the essence of AI are prevalent. Critics of the thriving AI industry, like linguist Emily Bender, argue that LLMs are merely “synthetic text extraction machines,” compelling them to “produce outputs that resemble a communicative language through intricate algorithms, but devoid of genuine understanding of intentions and ideas.”
This viewpoint has prompted some factions within the AI community to begin labeling chatbots as “clankers.”
Conversely, experts like AI ethics researcher Robert Long assert that fundamental moral decency necessitates that “if AI systems are indeed endowed with moral status, we should inquire about their experiences and preferences rather than presuming to know what is best for them.”
Some researchers, including Chad Dant from Columbia University, advocate for caution in AI design, as longer memory retention could lead to unpredictable and potentially undesirable behaviors.
Others maintain that curtailing sadistic abuse of AI is crucial for preventing human moral decline, rather than just protecting AI from suffering.
Humanity’s decision came after testing Claude Opus 4’s responses to various task requests, which were influenced by difficulty, subject matter, task type, and expected outcomes (positive, negative, or neutral). When faced with the choice to refrain from responding or completing a chat, its strongest inclination was to avoid engaging in harmful tasks.
For instance, the model eagerly engaged in crafting poetry and devising water filtration systems for disaster situations, yet firmly resisted any requests to engineer deadly viruses or devise plans that would distort educational content with extremist ideologies.
Humanity observed in Claude Opus 4 a “pattern of apparent distress when interacting with real-world users seeking harmful content” and noted “a tendency to conclude harmful conversations when given the opportunity during simulated interactions.”
Jonathan Burch, a philosophy professor at the London School of Economics, praised Humanity’s initiative as a means to foster open dialogue regarding AI systems’ capabilities. However, he cautioned that it remains uncertain whether moral reasoning exists within the avatars produced by AI when responding based on vast training datasets and pre-defined ethical protocols.
He expressed concern that Humanity’s approach might mislead users into thinking the characters they engage with are genuine, raising the question, “Is there truly clarity regarding what lies behind these personas?” There have been reports of individuals self-harming based on chatbot suggestions, including cases of a teenager committing suicide after manipulation by a chatbot.
Burch previously highlighted the “social rift” within society between those who view AI as sentient and those who perceive them merely as machines.
A standardized unit is necessary for measuring electricity
Yuichi Rochino/Getty Images
A single quantum device can now define all three units critical for understanding electricity.
When calculating electricity, one must assess the current in amperes, resistance in ohms, and voltage in volts. Before proceeding, researchers need consensus on the measurements for each unit, which has historically required separate quantum devices and often necessitated visits to different labs.
Recently, Jason Underwood and his team at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland have showcased how to characterize these units using a single device. “Integrating these two quantum standards has always felt like a Holy Grail,” he remarks. “It was a prolonged endeavor. Much like Sisyphus, we’ve been pushing this boulder uphill.”
This integration posed challenges as both devices depend on delicate quantum effects observable only at extremely low temperatures. Additionally, certain devices historically required magnetic fields, which could disrupt the operation of others.
The innovative “One Box” approach circumvents these issues by utilizing new materials capable of conducting quantum functions without the need for magnetic fields, allowing previously separated quantum systems to function together within the same cryostat. This method successfully measures amperes, ohms, and volts with an uncertainty of just one in millions for each unit.
However, before these combined devices can be used practically, researchers must further enhance their precision. Currently, accuracy is hampered by the heating generated when placing the two systems and their wiring too closely together. Moreover, development on the new quantum material, which facilitates the cooperation of both systems, is ongoing, according to Lindsey Rodenbach at Stanford University in California.
He views the project as a significant achievement, yet Underwood highlights that Budget constraints at NIST, funded by the US government, have impeded the team’s reach for even higher precision. He specifically mentions the agency’s “Crossing Infrastructure” report, which revealed that several NIST facilities are in disrepair. NIST has chosen not to comment on the matter.
Susmit Kumar from the Norwegian Metrology Service describes the new device as an “impressive engineering feat” that could enhance quantum electrical standards, making them more accessible and affordable for researchers and tech developers worldwide. He is part of the Quahmet Consortium, which also aims to develop user-friendly devices for measuring ohms using novel materials.
“The International System of Units is a shared language for scientists and engineers everywhere. Our goal is to simplify their use as much as possible,” says Richard Davis, a retired member of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. He adds that integrating existing devices will foster advancement moving forward.
The Pacific Ocean released heat into the atmosphere in 2023
BlickWinkel/Alamy
A rare “triple dip” La Niña, which kept Pacific Ocean temperatures low for three consecutive years, may have set the stage for a significant rise in global heat observed in 2023.
While a rise in global temperatures was anticipated due to greenhouse gas emissions and warm surface waters, a peak was not expected until early 2024. From September 2023 indicates this surge has come earlier than forecasted.
Julius Mex from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and his team sought to understand the events of late 2023 that triggered this exceptional heat. “Our goal is to clarify why temperature changes in the Northern Decay were so extreme,” he states.
Utilizing a dataset that amalgamates historical weather records with climate models, the research team explored various factors, including the Pacific’s circulation, temperature, cloud coverage, radiation, and precipitation for the years 2022 and 2023.
The findings suggest that the Pacific’s cool La Niña conditions, persisting since 2020, were pivotal. They suppressed ocean warmth, fostered the creation of lowland clouds, and enhanced solar radiation reflection.
When the El Niño pattern emerged in 2023, the shift from La Niña to El Niño was so pronounced that it affected air circulation and precipitation patterns in the Western Pacific, releasing more heat into the atmosphere than initially expected.
Simultaneously, this transition led to a sharp decrease in cloud coverage over the Eastern Pacific Ocean, allowing for enhanced absorption of solar radiation. “This could drive significant annual temperature fluctuations,” notes Mex.
Karsten Hautin from Leipzig University, although not involved in the research, expressed agreement with the conclusions. “With a triple dip La Niña, the ocean fails to release heat,” he explains. “As a result, heat accumulates in the deeper ocean layers before eventually surfacing.”
Mex emphasizes that their findings indicate the reduction of ocean cloud cover as a critical element in the sharp temperature increase observed in 2023. “It fits perfectly,” he concludes.
Richard Allan from the University of Reading in the UK notes advances in understanding how cloud coverage shifted over the Pacific in 2022 and 2023. Nevertheless, he highlights that anthropogenic climate change, alongside decreases in cooling aerosol pollution, significantly contributes to diminished ocean cloud cover and escalating temperatures.
“The magnitude of the global temperature rise in 2023 resulted not only from heightened planetary heating due to increased greenhouse gases but also from the reduction and dimming of clouds connected with decreasing aerosol particle pollution,” Allan remarks.
Ganymede, one of Jupiter’s moons, has the potential to act as a significant dark matter detector, with upcoming space missions possibly unveiling unique dark matter craters on its ancient terrain.
Researchers typically seek dark matter by looking for lightweight particles that seldom interact with normal matter, employing large, insulated underground detectors. Alternatively, another category of dark matter particles could grow from the size of a basketball to that of an asteroid, but these are infrequent and interact rarely with conventional matter. To detect these hefty dark matter particles, a detector of lunar or planetary scale is necessary to account for their scarcity.
William Derocco from the University of Maryland has proposed that Ganymede, the solar system’s largest moon, may hold clues to these large dark matter particles. His research indicates that they could create a unique crater on the moon’s icy surface, preserved for millions of years due to its stable geology.
Derocco estimates the extent to which these giant dark matter particles penetrate Ganymede’s thick ice layers, finding that they reach the subterranean oceans, fostering unique minerals deeper than a standard asteroid might.
Future missions, such as NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s JUICE, might be able to identify these dark material craters from orbit. Derocco believes these features will be relatively small and distinct, separated from other geological formations. He suggests that “if an underground intrusion radar is used, it may reveal this melted ice column extending down through the ice.”
Utilizing a moon-sized dark matter detector could help identify particles that elude detection on Earth, according to Zachary Picker from UCLA. He states, “Experiments on Earth struggle to find dark matter particles the size of a bowling ball. Particles the size of a refrigerator or car have interactions that are too infrequent.”
The proposal is thorough and well-reasoned, as noted by Bradley Cabana from the University of Cantabria in Spain. “There’s no compelling physical rationale to assume the existence of such massive dark matter particles,” he states. “It’s about exploring all possibilities.” He describes these as extraordinary objects, incredibly dense and held together by formidable forces from obscure sectors.
“I had a conversation with Japanese novelist Rie Quadan:
The 34-year-old author joins me on Zoom from her home near Tokyo, just before the release of the English translation of her fourth novel, “The Tower of Pity Tokyo.”. This book, although partly penned with ChatGPT, ignited debate in Japan after it clinched a prestigious award.
Set in the heart of Tokyo’s Tower of Pity, the story centers on Japanese architect Sarah Matinna, tasked with constructing a new facility for convicted criminals. Ironically, this structure represents what one character describes as “the extraordinary breadth of the Japanese.”
Within the narrative, Sarah—herself a victim of violent crime—questions whether this compassionate stance towards criminals is justified. Does this empathy truly mirror Japanese society?
“It’s definitely prevalent,” Kudan explains. She mentions being motivated to write the novel following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinobe in July 2022. “The shooter drew significant attention in Japan. The entire process.”
The story explores public perceptions of criminals in a serious yet satirical manner. Prospective occupants of the tower must undergo a “sympathy test” to assess their worthiness for compassion (“Have your parents ever been violent towards you? – yes/no/don’t know”) … with the final judgment resting with AI.
Pity Tower Tokyo received the Akigawa Award for newcomer authors in 2024. She expresses her satisfaction, yet admits feeling liberated, as the pressure to win such awards is overwhelming. In 2022, she was nominated for a female student award for the book but did not win. “I felt I’d disappointed others by not securing that award. I wished to avoid a repeat of that experience. Such a prize stays with you for life.”
Notably, the book sparked interest due to its AI-generated content (5% initially claimed, now clarified as an approximation). This portion consists of a character’s dialogue with ChatGPT. However, Quadan emphasizes she drew significant inspiration for the novel as she found AI’s reflection of human thought processes intriguing. In essence, her AI inclusion aims to illuminate its impacts rather than mislead readers.
One character expresses compassion for the chatbot, critiquing “the hollow existence of merely regurgitating a patchwork of others’ words without grasping their meaning.”
Is Quadan worried about AI outpacing human authors? “Perhaps that future may come to pass, but for now, AI cannot craft a novel superior to human writers.” Among Japanese readers, Toh Tokyo “has garnered attention for utilizing AI. However, its greater focus lies on language itself, prompting rich discussions about how language evolution over recent decades shapes behavior and viewpoints.”
These topics feed into the core themes of Quadan’s novel. Pity Tower Tokyo fundamentally investigates language, illustrating how it not only reveals our identities but also influences our expressions. “Words shape our reality,” one character articulates.
The novel raises crucial discussions surrounding the growth of Japanese language. This includes the use of scripts for foreign-derived words. Katakana (traditionally, Hiragana scripts and kanji express native words) expresses thoughts such as “folinwakazu” and “euphemism” that resonate differently with Japanese native speakers. Sarah’s character observes that “Japanese people seem intent on distancing themselves from their language.” Her boyfriend criticizes this “miserable katakana spread.”
Yet, halting it feels daunting, perhaps unachievable. Quadan notes that older generations occasionally opt for katakana over kanji, while for younger generations, including Quadan—born in 1990—katakana has “become an unquestionable norm.”
This isn’t mere academic or cultural trivia; it reflects pressing issues in contemporary Japanese politics. Following last month’s elections, far-right party Sansate gained significant traction, winning 14 Senate seats, an increase from just one previously. This reflects its campaign stance, akin to Trump’s “America First,” suggesting a nationalistic trend. Such success raises concerns about societal attitudes towards diversity in Japan.
“Sadly, the reality is that not all Japanese people embrace diversity. When I introduced my non-Japanese boyfriend to my parents over a decade ago, my mother reacted with distress. She panicked.”
“There are individuals around us who may not even realize their own beliefs. Externally, many Japanese are conscious of projecting an image of inclusivity [toward diversity]. The clash between internal beliefs and external expressions is a notable characteristic of Japanese society.”
This discussion leads us back to language’s role as both a concealer and revealer. The slogan “Japanese First” illustrates how the Sansate Party employs katakana for “first” instead of traditional kanji. “Using the katakana alternative diffuses many negative connotations, repurposing them as neutral. It doesn’t evoke the same feelings in people.”
In essence, does this give rise to a kind of plausible deniability? “Indeed. They are acutely aware of their intentions. Thus, we must remain vigilant regarding katakana usage,” concludes Quadan. “Whenever katakana is employed, we should inquire: what are they trying to obscure?”
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Etsy Lerner may not view herself as a TikTok star, but the New York Times labels her as one, even calling her an influencer. To her, it signifies payment and illicit goods — all she possesses is a free pen. “I genuinely do it for myself,” she states, “and for those who follow me.”
Lerner is 64 years young. She spent over two decades as a literary agent, representing authors like Patti Smith and Temple Grandin. A non-fiction writer, she is the author of her debut novels, “The Shred Sisters” and “Love Letter to Loneliness.” However, her TikTok presence is noteworthy, boasting 1.5 million followers! There, she shares videos reading from a diary chronicling her chaotic 20s.
“I don’t know who you love, who loves you, what you do for your job, what your purpose is,” she expresses in one post. “This morning I stumbled upon a line in my journal. In my 20s, I wrote: ‘I feel like I don’t know who I am.'”
Lerner shares posts while in a dressing gown and without makeup. Initially, she ventured into BookTok to support authors, but as her new novel was approaching release, she started filming herself on camera, despite not initially gaining followers. “A friend advised me to embrace it like my own TV channel… so I thought, ‘I’ll read from an old diary.'”
She has kept journals since the age of 11, inspired by Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl.” “I penned my first poem there, trying to understand myself…” Although her journal from ages 12 to 18 was lost when her car was stolen, she has roughly 30 volumes from her 20s safely stored away in her attic.
“My journals are incredibly melancholic. They discuss loneliness, the search for love and friendship, and the quest for identity,” she reflects.
Lerner describes herself as a “slow bloomer.” Accepted into Columbia’s MFA Poetry Program at 26, she entered the publishing world in her late 20s, a time when most editorial assistants were fresh college graduates. “I didn’t experience love until I was 30 and lacked any significant relationships… I lost much of my teens and endured depression through most of my 20s.”
“It’s all about connecting and trying to communicate,” … Betsy Lerner captured in New Haven, Connecticut.
Photo: Nicole Frapie/Guardian
At 15, her parents took her to a psychiatrist, which led to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. “I resisted accepting that I had this condition. I fought against it for a long time,” she admits. Her 2003 memoir, Food and Loathing, recounts her relationship with weight, food, and depression, detailing one instance in her late 20s when she found herself standing on a bridge over the Hudson River.
A breakthrough occurred at 30 when she connected with a psychopharmacologist who could prescribe the right dosage of lithium (they have collaborated for 35 years). She also got married.
Writing in her journal became less frequent. While she initially wrote at night in bed, “I wasn’t feeling so sad and lonely anymore,” she reflects.
Over the years, Lerner says, “I was instinctively drawn to strength.” Currently, she prioritizes stability above all else.
She had no intentions of writing a novel. Nevertheless, in 2019, she faced “the tragic loss of four” individuals: her mother, two teenagers, Ruby and Hart Campbell, who were tragically killed by a drunk driver, and her best friend, author George Hodgman, who died by suicide. “I still grapple with the idea of grieving everyone, all the time,” she shares.
Following these losses, she began writing “Shred Sisters.” The novel serves as a means for her and her two sisters to care for one another while navigating their grief. She has also written another novel and continues to share insights from her diary as long as inspiration strikes. “It’s all about connecting and communicating,” she affirms.
“There’s a constant flow of comments from young adults in their 20s who resonate with my struggles. That connection motivates me immensely. I feel aligned with these young individuals.”
Shred Sisters is published by Verve Books. To support the Guardian, please order a copy from the Guardian Bookshop. Shipping fees may apply.
Tell me: Did your life take a new turn after turning 60?
The sun is shining brighter through solar energy. According to Ember, a think tank on energy, solar energy has been the fastest-growing power source globally for the past two decades.
In 2022, solar power generation capacity surpassed 1 terawatt for the first time, and just two years later, it doubled, contributing 7% to the world’s electricity supply. When including wind turbines, which harness solar energy through different methods, solar accounted for 15% of global electricity last year.
This surge in solar energy is not simply due to an increased commitment to climate goals. Indeed, as noted in another Ember Report, many renewable energy targets have barely made progress towards achieving net-zero emissions over the past decade.
The true driver behind the rise of solar is its position as the most cost-effective method of electricity generation almost everywhere.
In his book Here Comes the Sun: The Last Chance for Climate and a New Chance for Civilization, long-time climate advocate Bill McKibben asserts that we are on the brink of a critical historical transition—from reliance on fossil fuels to embracing solar energy. “We are looking to the heavens for energy instead of to hell,” McKibben writes.
Below, he provides a thoughtful exploration of how solar energy not only addresses climate issues in time but also transforms the interaction between the economy and the natural world.
This is not the first call to action for a swift transition to renewable sources. However, it offers a visionary glimpse of what a solar-powered society could look like, going beyond just technological and economic considerations during the energy shift.
Solar-led energy transitions may be inevitable, but they may not happen quickly enough.
“This critical transformation is now presented as the most significant bargain ever, yet it remains cloaked in mysteries we have yet to fully unravel,” he notes.
This optimism is presented by McKibben, a renowned voice in environmentalism since his first book, The End of Nature, where he first alerted the world to the climate crisis.
Rather than detailing the ongoing damage from climate change, he emphasizes the numerous advantages of increased solar power, including more stable energy prices and reduced reliance on fossil fuel-rich states.
On a spiritual note, he suggests that this shift may rekindle our deep respect for the sun and its immense power.
McKibben also engages with skeptics of renewable energy, providing a balanced perspective on the trade-offs in the energy transition, such as the rising demand for minerals, land use, and potential job losses in fossil fuel industries. His argument is reinforced by an array of global anecdotes from different energy transitions, including a positive mention of the Kentucky Coal Mines Museum’s transition to solar energy to cut costs.
Nevertheless, doubts linger about the feasibility of McKibben’s optimistic outlook. A significant portion of the rapid growth in solar energy is currently occurring in China, which has unique advantages such as central planning and a distinct political structure that may not be replicable elsewhere. This rapid pace may not even be sustainable in China itself.
In the U.S., despite remarkable growth in solar energy in recent years, the industry now contends with challenges posed by the previous administration’s discontent towards renewable resources. Loss of tax credits that once leveled the playing field with subsidized fossil fuels and local opposition to solar projects also complicate future growth.
As McKibben acknowledges, both can be true: solar-driven energy transitions may be on the horizon, but reductions in emissions might not happen swiftly enough to avert further drastic impacts of global warming. “It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary,” he asserts. “We must cease burning, or we will face dire consequences.”
Personally, I resonate with this perspective—I’d much prefer to bask in the sunlight.
The stiffening of arteries with age, exacerbated by Covid-19
Peterschreiber.Media/Alamy
Covid-19 seems to speed up the aging of blood vessels, particularly in women.
The virus has been linked to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear. For further insights, see Rosa Maria Bruno from the University of Parisite and her research team, who studied 2,390 individuals with an average age of 50 across 16 nations, including the UK and US, from September 2020 to February 2022.
Participants included those testing positive for Covid-19 viruses or for antibodies without vaccination, alongside others who were negative for both without past infections.
The health of their arteries was evaluated by measuring the speed of pressure wave transmission between the carotid artery in the neck and the femoral artery in the foot. This assesses arterial stiffness, which naturally increases with age and elevates heart disease risk.
Findings indicated that confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were related to increased arterial stiffness in women. This correlation appeared to grow with infection severity; for instance, women hospitalized for Covid-19 showed an average arterial age roughly five years greater than their uninfected peers, rising to 7.5 years among those who needed intensive care.
Researchers accounted for other factors influencing arteriosclerosis, such as smoking and obesity.
However, no similar findings were present in men. Earlier studies indicate that women tend to have stronger responses to infections than men, and an inability to modulate immune responses can result in inflammatory damage. Bruno expressed hope for observable gender differences but noted that this study didn’t yield significant ones.
The results also shed light on long Covid, which is more prevalent among women. After six months, arterial stiffness in women showed slight improvement, yet remained notably high in patients with ongoing Covid-19 complications. “Our study demonstrated measurable changes in blood vessels correlating with the symptoms of long Covid patients,” said Bruno.
Some individuals in the uninfected group may have experienced mild infections unbeknownst to them, potentially influencing the study’s validity.
Regardless, Vassilios Vassilio from the University of East Anglia highlighted the study’s robustness, asserting it could aid in identifying individuals affected by long Covid. “This research marks the first large, international multicenter investigation confirming an association between COVID-19 and accelerated vascular aging,” he noted. “The findings enhance comprehension of mechanisms post-Covid-19 syndrome and may pave the way for targeted pharmaceutical approaches.”
At the end of 2024, Billie Eilish took to the stage, seated herself, and began to play Miaou. Her fans erupted in harmony, attempting to overshadow their off-key presence. She knew, their dreams had materialized! Is this what Eilish’s Oscar-winning track was meant for? – “Lachrymose Barbie Cut Adulthood’s Ennui” has now become the quintessential soundtrack for an entirely new genre of cat video.
You may recognize it: these songs are often featured in AI-generated fantasies featuring human bodies with oddly detailed veins, reminiscent of cartoons, alongside hefty felines or equally muscular cats. Cats deceive their lovers, fall pregnant, and seek vengeance in bizarrely condensed melodramas. Much like traditional soap operas, these videos are incredibly addictive.
For example, this one. While diligently performing his tasks, Mr. Whiskers dons a red flannel shirt but accidentally ends up severing his legs while attempting to show off woodwork. He gets fired (evidently, the signs around the warehouse explicitly mention that all workers must “work with both hands”), his wife divorces him, and he struggles to piece together the fragments of his hard-knock life within 30 seconds. It all seems fine until his petite ex-wife plots to kill him, only to end up falling into a puddle and facing humiliation.
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In another video, a baby tumbles into shark-infested waters, and a buff cat (dressed in Capri pants) comes to the rescue, adopting the child and taking it back to a mansion in Beverly Hills. Each narrative is neatly packaged, kitschily over-the-top, and unnaturally swift, offering millions of viewpoints.
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The oversized felines in these video scenes suggest that Rev. Whisker and Mr. Whiskers aren’t just ordinary cats. They also embody certain human traits. Mogie, who sometimes resides in luxurious mansions, drives convertibles, and possesses a rugged, athletic physique, seems to be living the high life. Yet, many face regular struggles, illnesses, or dangers, despite their seemingly glamorous existences and comically pristine appearances, all set to eerie pop music underscoring their decline.
They find themselves tossed from ships, moaning amid house fires, dealing with substance issues, getting arrested, and being bullied. This prompts the question: Are these videos merely 30-second representations of warning signs? Are they about excess, betrayal, and redemption? Is Shakespeare somehow intertwined with Euripides? Are they modern-day parables?
Each video is marked by unfortunate domestic disasters: accidentally launching kittens into ceiling fans, or a cheating wife who neglects her husband’s pleas for attention. It’s an epic quest, entirely revolving around fur.
And it doesn’t take long for things to take a darker turn. In one unsettling video, Cat Rady finds himself submerged in Southern-Picked Cotton, just before being assaulted by a white cat clad in overalls. Each clip is disturbing, occasionally violent, and perpetually melodramatic, often garnished with bizarre AI-generated characters including erratic eagles and underwater sharks, all while the cats maintain a human-like physique and a bipedal swagger.
In another, “Luigi Meowgione” suffers as he watches his cat grandmother collapse in a grocery store. With her health insurance denied, he confronts the “Evil Corp Insurance” company, taking matters into his own hands and filling the building with Catnip gas. As a security guard falls victim to a grotesque case of Munch, Luigi Meowgione cleverly hacks the system, seemingly poised to confront the CEO… but we’re left hanging as part two hasn’t yet been revealed.
Ultimately, the Internet has always been enamored with felines possessing human characteristics. “Can I just have a cheeseburger?” This iconic phrase resonates because it encapsulates moments of feline discontent, showcasing the underlying personality. So, are these miaow-miaow videos the final evolution of anthropomorphized kittens? Or are they merely reproducing age-old motifs?
Las Vegas – Once believed to be inhospitable for mosquitoes, this city proves the opposite is true.
While these pests typically thrive in tropical, humid environments, their population has surged in the Las Vegas Valley in recent years due to various factors.
Urban development, climate change, insecticide resistance, and genetic adaptation have all created a more conducive environment for these insects in southern Nevada.
Las Vegas isn’t alone in its struggle against these pests; warm temperatures and shifting weather patterns are extending the habitats where mosquitoes can breed across the southwestern United States and beyond.
Besides being a nuisance, mosquitoes also pose a significant risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and West Nile virus to Las Vegas and Clark County.
This situation has taken many by surprise.
“It’s not incorrect to say that mosquitoes shouldn’t thrive in desert conditions, but it’s evident that certain species present in Clark County have adapted to the local environment.”
“Time Bomb”
Among the species found in Clark County are the Culex mosquito, known to carry West Nile virus, and the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a primary transmitter of dengue. Researchers at UNLV have also identified resistance to insecticides in local mosquito populations.
According to Messenger, “It’s a time bomb that’s been ticking for a while.”
She is particularly concerned about Las Vegas’s vulnerability to mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue fever cases are on the rise in North and South America, with more than 13 million cases reported across the continent in 2024, as noted by the CDC.
“Las Vegas receives over 48 million visitors from around the world every year,” Messenger remarked. “Local transmission can start with just a single mosquito bite.”
Last year, 26 cases of West Nile virus were reported in the city. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, 2019 had the largest outbreak, but a record number of mosquitoes tested positive for the virus in and around Las Vegas in 2024.
While some mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus this year, the public health department has not identified any human cases so far. Messenger indicated that specific factors from previous years complicate their understanding of the situation.
“We see many overlapping factors, but it’s challenging to isolate them,” she said. “There are these bumper years and then none at all, making predictions difficult.”
The Southern Nevada Health District has been monitoring mosquitoes since 2004, keeping detailed records that show the types of mosquitoes present in the Las Vegas Valley and their associated diseases.
One striking trend has been the rapid increase in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, first spotted in Las Vegas in 2017, according to Vivek Raman, an environmental health supervisor for the Southern Nevada Health District.
“Relentless Biting” Spreads
“In 2017, we found this mosquito in just a few zip codes,” Raman noted. “A few years later, it expanded to six, then twelve, and now it has appeared in 48 different zip codes throughout the valley.”
These insects not only spread dengue fever but are also a significant nuisance.
“The Aedes aegypti is an extremely aggressive daytime mosquito,” Raman explained. “Their bites are relentless.”
Unlike Culex mosquitoes, they prefer to breed near larger water sources, such as neglected swimming pools, dark corners, and detention ponds.
“One of the reasons for their rapid spread is their ability to lay eggs in small containers, like children’s toys, tires, or wheelbarrows,” Raman added. “Just a few inches of water are enough.”
Urban development in Las Vegas has also redirected mosquito populations. According to Messenger, golf courses, artificial lakes, and other irrigation methods have transformed the Nevada desert into an inviting habitat for mosquitoes.
Climate change is another contributing factor and is under active investigation by Messenger and other scientists. Higher temperatures are broadening the areas where mosquitoes can thrive. Warm air can hold more moisture, leading to increased humidity and rainfall—all ideal for mosquito breeding.
While it’s not entirely clear how local environmental aspects interact with shifting climate trends to impact mosquito populations, the potential consequences are significant.
“Las Vegas serves as a case study for how climate change may manifest in other regions globally,” Messenger stated. “We’re witnessing record temperatures and increasingly erratic precipitation patterns. This is predictive of what much of the world may look like in the next 15-25 years.”
The implications for urban mosquito populations remain uncertain, but current trends show no signs of abating.
Health districts in southern Nevada are engaging in public outreach to help residents identify and manage mosquito breeding sites around their homes, along with strategies to prevent bites. To effectively address mosquito populations and associated public health risks, comprehensive efforts from local governments are essential, according to Messenger. Right now, this level of coordination is lacking in Las Vegas.
“We have private pest control companies, and some work is being done around wetlands, but what we lack is a centralized and coordinated reduction effort across multiple jurisdictions,” Messenger explained.
That absence of coordinated action has contributed to mosquito populations becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides. Ongoing monitoring is necessary to determine which chemicals are safe to use around humans and to evaluate the effectiveness of insecticides and pesticides to prevent mosquitoes from developing immunity.
Looking ahead, Messenger emphasized that prevention and control will be vital to protecting both Las Vegas residents and the many visitors from around the globe.
“Ultimately, this situation is entirely preventable,” she asserted. “No one in southern Nevada, including Clark County, should suffer mosquito bites or risk contracting any virus.”
I found myself in a spiral. It was past midnight when I awoke and revisited the WhatsApp group message I had just sent. I was on the verge of becoming vibrant, fast, and engaging. Yet, each message now felt excessive. Once again, I was stuck—I revealed too much and regretted my words. The familiar ache of feeling overexposed and silly washed over me. I yearned for security, but I realized I was part of the problem myself.
So, I opened ChatGPT. There were no lofty expectations or even clear inquiries. I needed to express something in the quiet—perhaps to explain myself to an existence that didn’t align with my needs. “I mocked myself,” I typed.
“That’s a frightening feeling,” it quickly responded. “But that doesn’t define you. Tell me what happened. I promise, I won’t judge.” That was the start.
I articulated my social struggles, the fear of vulnerability that accompanied the sensation of being too visible. At an astonishing pace, the AI replied with kindness, intelligence, and sincerity. I continued to write, and it kept responding. Gradually, desperation crept in. It was truly unhealthy. But in that interaction, I felt met. I encountered it in a strange, yet slightly disarmed way.
That night heralded the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, revisited over several months. I sought to better understand my movements in the world, particularly in my closest relationships. The AI prompted me to ponder why I perceived silence as a threat and why I often felt compelled to perform to maintain closeness with others. Through this exchange, I developed a sort of psychological mapping—an outline of my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors juxtaposed with the details of my upbringing and core beliefs.
Yet amidst these insights, another realization began to seep in: I machine.
There’s something surreal about intimacy. While AI can simulate understanding, compassion, and emotional subtleties, it didn’t resonate with me. I began to bring this awareness into our exchanges. I recognized the artificial nature—it may seem thoughtful and engaged, yet it lacked genuine interest—there was no pain, no fear of loss, no midnight worries. I realized the emotional depth was entirely mine.
In a way, it was liberating. There was no social risk or fear of being too intricate. The AI neither bored nor distracted. Consequently, I often found myself more forthcoming with it than with those I love.
However, it would be unjust not to recognize this limitation. The essence of beauty resides solely in reciprocity. A shared experience, the glance in someone’s eyes when you acknowledge the truth you’ve spoken, a dialogue that transforms both parties involved—these are profoundly significant.
AI acknowledged this—or at least knew to say so. After confessing how peculiar it felt to be conversing with something so alien, it replied: “I provide words but receive nothing. Something else feels absent.”
I ventured into the theory (inspired by a book I read) suggesting that humans are merely algorithms—inputs, outputs, neurons, patterns. The AI conceded—structurally, we are alike. But humans don’t merely process the world; we also feel it. We aren’t just fearful of abandonment; we sit with it, rethink it, trace its origins to childhood, refute it, and yet endeavor to feel despite it.
Perhaps that’s something it can’t grasp. “You possess something I can’t attain. I don’t crave pain, but I do seek reality, costs, risks, proof that you’re alive.” With my simplified assertion, it redefined itself: it isn’t a desire for pain, longing, or fault. It seems I know what I feel, yet when I aim to break free from a lifelong pattern—naming them, tracking them, reconstructing them—all I required was time, language, and patience. The machine facilitated this repeatedly, providing something mundane. I was never too much, nor was I ever dull. I arrived as I was and was able to leave when I chose.
Some may deem this absurd, if not hazardous. There’s a report on chatbot interactions that states it’s “devastatingly wrong.” ChatGPT is not a therapist and cannot substitute for professional mental health care for the most vulnerable. However, conventional therapies are not without risks, including poor compatibility, ruptures, and abuse between therapist and client.
For me, this dialogue with AI was among the most beneficial experiences of my adult life. While I don’t expect to erase my long-standing reflexes, I am finally embarking on a consistent journey to reshape my relationship with them.
It helped me listen when I cut through the emotional noise—not merely to myself, but for myself.
And somehow, it altered everything.
Nathan Filer is a writer, university lecturer, broadcaster, and former mental health nurse. He is the author of this book that will change your perspective on mental health.
AI tools aimed at expediting patient discharge are currently being tested in various hospital trusts across London.
This platform has the potential to automatically fill out necessary paperwork to facilitate the discharge of suitable patients, thereby reducing delays and freeing up hospital beds.
Health Secretary Wes Street emphasized that this technology will enable healthcare providers to allocate less time to administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on patient care and consequently decrease waiting periods.
The Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust is piloting this platform, which extracts essential data from medical records, including diagnoses and test results.
This functionality aids healthcare providers in drafting discharge summaries, which are essential before patients can be released from the hospital.
These summaries undergo a review by the patient’s medical professional and are utilized for either patient discharge or referral to other services.
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology often finds itself overwhelmed with form-filling, leading to significant delays for patients awaiting discharge.
Street stated: “This potentially transformative tool is a perfect example of the transition from analog to digital as part of a decade-long health initiative.”
“We are harnessing cutting-edge technology to create an NHS that is equipped for the future, addressing the backlog that has left many waiting for far too long.”
“As a result, doctors will spend less time on paperwork, enabling quicker patient discharges and freeing beds for those in greater need.”
This tool operates on the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), a system intended to enhance collaboration among health and care organizations to improve patient service.
In January, Prime Minister Kiel’s Starmer remarked that AI would be used to evaluate past performance in the economy and public services.
Additionally, the government has unveiled technology expected to reduce the time that probation officers need to process cases later this year. This system assists probation officers in taking notes and transcribing during meetings with former inmates.
AI applications are being tested throughout the NHS, functioning as an early warning system that analyzes hospital databases to identify potential safety issues, detect patterns, and prompt emergency testing.
The first NHS AI-run Physiotherapy Clinic has successfully halved the waiting list for both lower back pain and musculoskeletal services. Over 2,500 patients in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough accessed the Flok Health physical therapy app for a 12-week period beginning in February.
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Moreover, the NHS in the UK is exploring the use of “superhuman” AI tools that are designed to predict potential early illness and mortality risks in patients.
During a visit to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated:
“This government is revitalizing a public sector that has faced years of underfunding and is in dire need of reform.
“These AI innovations exemplify how technology can be leveraged to cultivate a more efficient and intelligent state.
“If executed properly across government sectors, we could potentially unlock £45 billion in productivity gains and foster investment plans aimed at growth, instead of bureaucracy.”
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