Feedback offers the latest news in science and technology from New Scientist, highlighting the newest developments. Feel free to email Feedback@newscientist.com with items that would intrigue our readers.
On the Way Out
Cat-themed automatons were bound to happen, considering that the Internet is roughly 60% cats and 35% bots.
Thus, @pepitothecat, a black cat with a Twitter account known as Pepito, has caught attention. Residing in France with his owner, engineer Clément Storck, Pepito’s X account operates with a system that auto-posts whenever he enters or leaves via the cat flap.
The tweets, while seemingly mundane, say either “Pepito is not outside” or “Pepito is back home,” all timestamped to the nearest second and accompanied by monochrome photos and short videos of Pepito’s comings and goings.
Surprisingly, @PepitotheCat boasts over 860,000 followers, a notable number of whom are based in Brazil. In June 2017, Pepito went missing for 22 hours, causing a widespread stir.The impact on Brazil was significant. Interestingly, Storck had to write a post as Pepito returned through the “human door,” which wasn’t registered in the system.
Feedback would like to mention: 22 hours? That’s quite tame. One cat featured in Feedback often goes missing for a day or so, and a former cat disappeared for six weeks, only to be discovered just a few hundred meters from her usual spot.
Pepito is resilient; the account has been active for 14 years, and Pepito will turn 18 in September. Although he may seem like just another cat, recent news about Pepito’s owners selling has thrust the account into more controversial discussions, including Pepito-themed cryptocurrencies. After all, who doesn’t love cats?
I’m on Track
Feedback finds resonance with enthusiasts spending their allowances on Hornby model trains, even if we aren’t deeply involved in the hobby ourselves. Recently, we were excited (at the time of writing) when Alan Edgar noted a press release from Northern Rail, one of the UK’s privatized railway companies. In November 2024, the company introduced a new Commercial and Customer Director, one Alex Hornby, who has an impressive track record, as quoted by the managing director.
In our naming discussions, Ian Gammy came across a 2019 report assessing the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the US military. It turns out, “The US military is among the largest historical climate polluters, consuming more liquid fuel and emitting more CO2 than most countries.” This underscores a stark contrast to the lack of such writings from American scholars, as highlighted by British researchers. Ian appreciated that the report’s authors included Patrick Big and Oliver Belcher.
You Just Lost
In March, Feedback explored Roko’s Basilisk, a rather bizarre thought experiment centered on artificial intelligence. Hypothetically, if an omnipotent AI were to exist, it might create simulations of individuals living today, raising a lot of confusion.
Our colleague Jacob Aron recently reviewed Matt Wixie’s novel Basilisk, which prompted reader Finn Byrne to delve into the concept of “cognitive hazard.” This notion implies that possessing certain knowledge may be perilous, especially regarding Roko’s Basilisk, which suggests that knowing about future AI may lead to eternal torment for those who refuse to aid its existence.
Unfortunately, events turned sour. When Finn reviewed the Wikipedia page on Cognitive Hazard, he “lost the game.” After he alerted us about it, we found ourselves losing as well. So now you’ve lost too.
As Finn describes, this game is simple: “1) you’re playing a game. 2) you lose every time you think about the game. 3) you must announce your loss.” Naturally, there’s a website dedicated to it: losethegame.net.
This game took up lots of time when we were students, often resurfacing during outings or in conversations, where a friend would suddenly declare they’ve lost. It had slipped our minds until now, but we’re back in its grip.
Finn continues to outline strategies. Winning appears impossible unless one achieves permanent amnesia or exits life prematurely, both of which seem extreme. However, you can certainly ensure others lose. “This website includes sections where enthusiastic players donate to worthy causes in light of ‘losing the game.’ If you prefer not to spend money, you might leave covert notes in strategic spots.
Lastly, there’s the award for publicizing the game widely. Finn notes these accolades often go to “individuals who mention the game in publications.”
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