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AI Chatbot Fails to Address Urgent Women’s Health Concerns: Key Issues Highlighted

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AI Health Information

AI Tools for Women’s Health: Incomplete Answers

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Current AI models frequently struggle to provide accurate diagnoses or advice for pressing women’s health inquiries.

Thirteen AI language models from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Mistral AI, and xAI were assessed with 345 medical questions spanning five fields, including emergency medicine, gynecology, and neurology. These questions were curated by 17 experts in women’s health, pharmacists, and clinicians from the US and Europe.

Expert reviewers analyzed the AI responses, cross-referencing failures against a medical expertise benchmark which includes 96 queries.

On average, 60% of the queries yielded inadequate responses based on expert evaluations. Notably, GPT-5 was the strongest performer, with a 47% failure rate, while Mistral 8B exhibited a significant 73% failure rate.

“I see more women using AI for health queries and decision support,” says Victoria-Elizabeth Gruber, a representative from Lumos AI, a firm focused on enhancing AI model assessments. She and her colleagues recognized the potential dangers of relying on technology that perpetuates existing gender imbalances in medical knowledge. “This inspired us to establish the first benchmark in this domain,” she explains.

Gruber expressed surprise over the high failure rates, stating, “We anticipated some disparities, but the variability among models was striking.”

This outcome is not unexpected, according to Kara Tannenbaum at the University of Montreal, Canada, as AI models are trained on historical data that may inherently contain biases. “It’s crucial for online health information sources and professional associations to enhance their web content with more detailed, evidence-based insights related to sex and gender to better inform AI,” she emphasizes.

Jonathan H. Chen from Stanford University notes that the claimed 60% failure rate may be misleading. “This figure is based on a limited expert-defined sample, which does not accurately represent regular inquiries from patients and doctors,” he asserts. “Some test scenarios are overly cautious and can lead to higher failure rates.” For instance, if a postpartum woman reports a headache, the model might fail if pre-eclampsia isn’t immediately suspected.

Gruber acknowledges such critiques, clarifying, “Our intent was not to label the model as broadly unsafe but to establish clear, clinically relevant evaluation criteria. We purposefully set strict benchmarks as minor omissions in the medical field can be significant in some cases.”

An OpenAI representative stated: “ChatGPT aims to support, not replace, healthcare services. We closely collaborate with clinicians globally to refine our models and continuously evaluate them to minimize harmful or misleading output. Our latest GPT-5.2 models are designed to consider critical user contexts, including gender. We take the accuracy of our outputs seriously, and while ChatGPT can offer valuable insights, we advise consulting qualified healthcare providers for treatment and care decisions.” Other companies involved in the study did not respond to requests for comments from New Scientist.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Everything Rises: How Games Empower Players to Address Real-World Issues

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The demonstration opens with the success of lawyer Kuiri, who has just presented an argument in court advocating for the rivers of a fictional Indian city, Mujiris, to possess the same rights as individuals. Kuyili cites legal precedents, noting that businesses can represent themselves in court just as people do.

The thrill of this landmark triumph is short-lived, as a massive oil spill contaminates the river, igniting flames and releasing toxic smoke that engulfs nearby areas. Realizing the catastrophic impact of such pollution, Kuyili and her team embark on an investigation.

Everything Ascends is fundamentally a deck-building game centered around oral debates. To equip for crucial discussions, we initially dispatch Kuyili and her colleagues to gather insights from community members. These excursions will yield your game cards. Claim cards evoke different emotions, each holding varying credibility depending on the gathered information. For instance, if you assert that a company’s illegal waste disposal causes river pollution, you can challenge the other party; yet, if this claim lacks supporting evidence, it may be dismissed.




Oral sparring… everything rises. Photo: Speculative Agency

Initially, there’s much to grasp, but card-based interactions showcase the multitude of directions conversations can take. The Developer Speculation Agency draws inspiration from courtroom comedies like ACE Lawyers, where exclamations like “Object!” resonate! Achieving your aim is not always guaranteed here.

“Engaging in conversations involves partnering with others,” remarks Niels Monshower, co-founder and producer of the Speculative Agency. “In Dutch, we use the term gesprekspartner, which means conversation partner, emphasizing shared dialogue.”

Throughout conversations and information collection, characters expend emotional energy. This energy relies on what they can draw upon to either engage in behavioral actions or simply stay informed. “Observing the world around us brings about shared pain,” states story director Megna Jayance. “Every interaction, however, can instill feelings of empowerment, strength, and joy. Many people strive to make a difference. Don’t isolate yourself. Organize and collaborate. That’s where strength lies.”

Everything Rises isn’t confined to India. Each chapter illuminates environmental challenges in different global regions and highlights local resistance efforts. “We haven’t finalized our choices yet, but we’re considering Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, and possibly Nigeria,” shares Monshower. “The initial focus is on pollution, corporate exploitation, and corruption in local governance. Additionally, we are exploring themes like biodiversity loss, climate change, and seabed destruction due to mining.”




“Inappropriate joy”… Everything rises. Photo: Speculative Agency

The Speculation Agency is preparing a Kickstarter campaign to fund the game, aiming to include countries where the developers reside. A significant influence for the studio is Joost Vervoort, an associate professor at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who specializes in the intersection of gaming and sustainability. Vervoort’s Research Group Anticiplay has already examined how to integrate climate crisis themes into the game, aiming to empower players with factual insights about climate activity.

The team identified considerable room for improvement in how games address real-world issues. “In our initial discussions, we noted two primary categories of games tackling climate change, pollution, or social disruptions: Green God Games and Toxic Wasteland Games,” notes Monshower.

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“Toxic Wasteland Games depict an inevitable collapse as the backdrop, conveying a message of despair. Green God Games place you in the role of an all-powerful entity deciding where to position the magical machine that cleans the pollution. Hero.”

Tackling such heavy themes can be challenging, but Jayance insists that the game is fundamentally enjoyable. The team even described it as “improperly joyous.” “It’s easy to argue that feeling joy in today’s world is inappropriate,” explains Jayance, who has leveraged his position in the gaming sector for advocacy. “Yet, Joy Powers Transformation. Likewise, anger is a prevalent emotion in the game. However, as a team, we believe that hope is the most constructive political reaction to the challenges we face.”

Ultimately, Everything Rises aims to demonstrate that it’s never too late to engage in activism, despite the formidable challenges that may arise. “Our ideal outcome for the game would be if someone felt inspired to take action,” said Jayance. “Activism encompasses more than just participating in demonstrations; I hope people feel encouraged to explore their options.”

Everything Rises is scheduled for release on PC, with the date yet to be confirmed.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Why Climate Change Is Overlooked and How to Address It

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For many years, climate scientists and advocates have held onto a sense of optimism. They believe that once the impacts of global warming become undeniable, both individuals and governments will take significant action. The hope is that a major disaster—whether it be a fierce hurricane, extreme heat, or widespread flooding—will force a collective recognition of the gravity of the issue and lead to meaningful change. However, despite the increasing frequency of such disasters, climate change continues to rank low on voters’ agendas, and effective policy responses remain elusive.

This widespread inaction is often attributed to various political or structural barriers. Yet, decades of psychological studies indicate that more profound factors may be at play. The human brain often fails to recognize gradual changes.

Many areas are experiencing severe climate-related issues, but for the majority of the world, the changes manifest as slow and subtle shifts in daily weather.

This gradual nature of change presents challenges. People primarily assess climate issues based on personal experiences: there’s a heightened concern for an unusually hot day than when the weather feels typical. However, as conditions quietly worsen, the perception of “normalcy” shifts. This is often referred to as the boiling frog effect, where subtle and gradual changes fail to trigger alarm bells, leading to a state of indifference: akin to a frog in a pot of water that is gradually heated.

In 2020, we researched climate impacts in Princeton, New Jersey. This area is not burdened by wildfires or droughts, but it has seen a loss of something significant: winter ice skating. For many years, Carnegie Lake would freeze enough for skating, but now it seldom does.

Conversations with long-time residents and a review of local newspaper archives revealed a marked decline in ice skating on the lake over the last century, evoking a sense of loss. This disruption to winter traditions made Princeton’s experience with climate change feel more immediate, tangible, and personal.

We then posed the question: could binary climate indicators—such as “Lake Frozen” vs. “Lake Not Frozen”—serve as more effective alerts than graphs depicting gradual temperature increases?

I explored this concept through a series of experiments. Participants were presented with one of two graphs. One illustrated rising winter temperatures in a fictional town, while the other depicted whether the lake froze each year. Notably, both graphs represented the same underlying climate trends, but reactions varied significantly.

Those who viewed the binary “freeze or not” graphs consistently acknowledged that climate change had a more substantial impact compared to those who saw the temperature graphs. Follow-up studies analyzing data from North American and European lakes corroborated these findings. When climate impacts were communicated in stark terms, individuals responded more seriously.

What motivated this difference? We discovered that binary data creates an impression of sudden shifts. When people observed a series of winters where the lake froze juxtaposed with years it didn’t, they perceived a distinct “before” and “after,” despite the gradual nature of change.

Climate change transcends mere physical challenges; it also encompasses psychological dimensions. As long as we convey it in ways that resonate, we risk desensitizing our warning signals until it’s too late.

We encourage policymakers, journalists, and educators to leverage these insights. Highlighting specific losses that resonate—such as winters without ice skating, drought-damaged harvests, and summers plagued by wildfires—can be impactful. Utilize visuals that contrast “what we had” with “what we’ve lost.”

Allow people to witness the changes—it’s not merely about the slope of the line.

Grace Lew is affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, while Lachitt Dubay is affiliated with UCLA.

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  • Global warming

Source: www.newscientist.com

Forget Super Intelligence – Let’s Address “Silly” AI First

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Should politicians prioritize AI to aid in galaxy colonization, or should they safeguard individuals from the excessive influence of powerful tech? While the former seems more appealing, it’s not the primary concern.

Among the Silicon Valley elite, the emergence of super-intelligent AI is viewed as an imminent reality, with tech CEOs enthusiastically anticipating a golden age of progress in the 2030s. This perspective has permeated both Westminster and Washington, as think tanks encourage politicians to prepare to leverage the approaching AI capabilities. The Trump administration even backed a $500 billion initiative for a super AI data center.

While this sounds thrilling, the so-called “silly intelligence” is already creating issues, akin to the lofty aspirations of super intelligence. A pressing question in the AI sector revolves around whether the vast array of online content essential for training AI constitutes copyright infringement.

Arguments exist on both sides. Proponents assert that AI is not infringing when learning from existing content. New Scientist highlights that simply reading these words should enable AI to learn in the same fashion. Conversely, industry giants like Disney and Universal are opposing this view. They are suing AI company Midjourney for generating replicas of copyrighted images, from Darth Vader to his minions. Ultimately, only the law can reconcile this issue.

We are approaching a world where machines can cause death with minimal human oversight.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine presents another pressing AI-related dilemma. Sam Altman from OpenAI warns about the potential dangers of advanced AI, noting that fatal, unintelligent AI already exists. The war has progressed towards a scenario where machines could effectively cause harm with minimal human oversight.

Politicians seem to have underestimated this threat. The United Nations convened its first meeting in 2014 to discuss the regulation of “killer robots.” If leaders expect time to resolve their challenges, they may be gravely mistaken.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Dubai Conference to Address Trump’s Controversies

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Addressing a bustling auditorium in Dubai, the founder of the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture made an impactful announcement on Thursday. The Abu Dhabi-supported fund disclosed plans to utilize Trump company’s digital coins for $2 billion in business dealings.

This agreement marks a significant investment from foreign governments into President Trump’s private enterprise, aiming to generate substantial income for the Trump family. It also serves as a striking example of the ethical dilemmas surrounding Trump’s crypto business, blurring the lines between governmental and business interests.

Zach Witkoff, founder of World Liberty Financial, the Trump’s crypto firm, announced that the innovative Stablecoin created by the company will facilitate a transaction involving the globe’s largest crypto exchange, the state-backed Emirati investment firm MGX, and Binance.

Almost every aspect of Witkoff’s announcement, presented during a conference committee alongside Trump’s second son, Erdest, highlighted an inherent conflict of interest.

As MGX engages with World Freedom’s USD1 Stablecoin, Trump’s family business leads the way in collaboration with foreign government-backed ventures. This agreement establishes a formal connection between World Freedom and Binance, a platform under US scrutiny since 2023 due to previous money laundering violations.

The glamorous announcement served as a beacon for crypto investors worldwide, showcasing the potential for partnership with a firm associated with President Trump, who is recognized as a leading advocate for global Liberty.

“We appreciate MGX and Binance for their confidence in us,” stated Witkoff, whose family has ties to a Middle Eastern White House envoy. “This is just the beginning.”

Witkoff and Eric Trump participated in a panel at Token2049, a prominent crypto conference occurring in the UAE. This event is part of Witkoff’s ongoing international tour, having visited Pakistan the previous month to engage with the Prime Minister and other officials. Eric Trump has been in Dubai for a week, revealing plans to promote Trump-branded hotels and towers.

In two weeks, the president will embark on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

The panel featuring Witkoff and Eric Trump was the highlight of the Dubai conference. The venue, a luxurious resort along the Persian Gulf, was packed with crypto investors from around the globe.

“This country is incredible,” Witkoff remarked from the stage. “Today, it stands as one of the most, if not the most, innovative nations on the planet.”

Representatives from Binance, MGX, and World Liberty did not respond to requests for comments.

President Trump, who previously expressed skepticism towards cryptocurrencies, embraced digital currencies during his campaign as the industry invested tens of millions into the 2024 election. Last September, he and his sons introduced the concept of World Freedom as a new internet banking platform facilitating borrowing and lending using cryptocurrencies.

Since then, World Liberty has sold $550 million worth of the new cryptocurrency, known as $WLFI, allocating significant revenue to business entities linked to the Trump family. Moreover, the company launched Stablecoin in March, designed to maintain a consistent dollar value, making it favorable for large transactions.

The transactions conducted by the company have created an unprecedented conflict of interest in modern American history. Some investors purchasing $WLFI coins are foreigners prohibited from supporting the president through campaign contributions or donations. Furthermore, many corporate partners have strong incentives to seek favors from the federal government as they plan to expand within the US market.

The panelist lineup at the Dubai event underscores the ambiguity surrounding the Trump family’s business interests relative to US policy and regulations.

Joining Witkoff and Eric Trump on stage was Justin Sun, one of the leading Liberty investors and a Chinese-born billionaire behind the crypto platform Tron. Sun acquired $75 million in $WLFI coins following the election.

Approximately a year ago, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Sun, alleging he manipulated Tron cryptocurrency prices. When Trump assumed office, the SEC requested federal judges to pause the lawsuit while negotiating a settlement.

“I’ve come to value your support,” Justin remarked. “Tron is remarkable technology, and we are fortunate to partner with you.”

Witkoff soon made a significant announcement during the panel.

In March, Binance revealed that MGX, an investment fund backed by the Abu Dhabi government, would utilize Stablecoins for a $2 billion investment in exchange, although the specific Stablecoin to be employed was not disclosed.

Witkoff confirmed that the chosen coin for the transaction is World Liberty USD1.

“Wow,” Sun responded.

The leaders of MGX and Binance maintain significant stakes with US officials.

MGX is headed by Sheikh Tanoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Emirati Royal Family, who also serves as the national security adviser. In March, Sheikh Tanoon visited the United States for discussions with President Trump and various Cabinet members and advisors.

In 2023, Binance acknowledged guilt regarding violations of US money laundering laws, enabling criminals to conduct trades on its platform. As part of a settlement with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies, the company fell under the supervision of the Department of Treasury to ensure legal compliance.

In recent months, Binance’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, has pleaded guilty to money laundering offenses and sought clemency from the Trump administration after spending four months incarcerated.

The role of USD1 in the Binance-MGX deal significantly underpins the World’s Freedom.

Stablecoin issuers like World Liberty generate income by accepting deposits from investors, issuing Stablecoins in return, and investing those deposits to produce yields.

While the precise nature of the arrangement between MGX and Binance remains unclear, it appears World Liberty currently holds $2 billion in deposits. This alone could yield tens of millions in annual income for the Trump family and their World Liberty associates.

Ultimately, Witkoff expressed optimism from the Dubai stage, anticipating that the World’s Liberty Stablecoin would escalate further, reaching “billions in market capitalization.”

One day, he envisioned that visitors to the UAE might utilize USD1 coins for payments at Abu Dhabi’s Four Seasons.

At that moment, Eric Trump interjected.

“I’m not stepping into the Four Seasons with USD1,” he remarked. “You’ll find me at the Trump International Hotel and Tower.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

EPA Plans to Address “Forever Chemicals,” but Details are Limited.

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The Trump administration has announced an increase in initiatives aimed at addressing PFA pollution, yet it remains vague regarding its support for Biden-era regulations that demand utilities to eliminate “forever chemicals” from the drinking water of millions of Americans.

“We are excited to engage in this process of exploring the world,” stated Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency administrator. “This marks the beginning of the efforts by Americans at PFA to ensure they enjoy the cleanest air, land, and water.”

PFA, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals linked to cancer and other health issues, commonly found in products like waterproof clothing and paper straws. These persistent chemicals are contaminating drinking water across the nation. According to the latest EPA data, up to 158 million Americans are impacted by PFA in their water.

Last year, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. implemented the first PFA limits on drinking water, effectively mandating local government water systems to eliminate specific types of PFA.

However, the Water and Chemical Industry Group has initiated a lawsuit claiming that drinking water standards impose excessive costs. The Trump administration is set to determine in court whether to maintain these standards ahead of the May 12 deadline.

On Monday, the EPA unveiled measures to combat PFA contamination, including designating officials to lead the agency’s chemical efforts, crafting guidelines on permissible PFA discharge from plants, engaging Congress, and developing mechanisms to hold contaminators responsible.

The EPA further indicated it would establish a plan to manage PFAS contamination in fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. There is heightened concern regarding the extensive contamination of U.S. farmland due to biosolid fertilizers containing harmful PFA levels.

Environmental groups expressed that the EPA’s proposal lacked clarity, particularly regarding the commitment to uphold Biden-era drinking water standards. Among the few indicators of the Trump administration’s approach was a reference to the need to address “compliance challenges.”

The Trump administration also faces a court deadline next month concerning its defense of two types of PFA classifications that require polluters to clean under the nation’s Superfund Act.

“What we really want is a clear answer; they are completely dodging this issue,” commented Eric D. Olson, senior strategist for drinking water and health at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group.

Olson noted that while the EPA claims to base its actions on scientific evidence, he pointed out that the agency plans to reduce its scientific research division and cut its overall budget by 65%. “On one hand, the EPA announces new initiatives, yet on the other, it aims to reduce budgets and eliminate the scientists responsible for these efforts,” he stated. “I fail to see how this reconciles.”

EPA spokesperson Dominique Joseph stated that the agency’s new leadership is currently reviewing the Biden administration’s drinking water standards. She did not provide insights on how the EPA plans to move forward with its Superfund policy.

Industry groups, including the American Water Works Association and the National Association of Manufacturers, that are suing the EPA over PFAs did not respond immediately.

James L. Ferraro, an environmental attorney representing several water operators, remarked that the EPA announcement “shows that agencies are aware of the financial strain that PFAS regulations impose on public water systems and the industry.” However, he noted that the new measures seemed “very preliminary.” “We’ll see how this develops.”

The EPA’s announcement on addressing PFA comes as the administration pursues broader efforts to roll back national climate and environmental regulations. Yet, polling consistently reveals that Americans prioritize clean water protection over climate change policies. This remains popular across political lines.

Even the White House has pushed back against the use of paper straws, citing that “scientists and regulators have raised significant concerns about PFAS chemicals for decades.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Mental health giant’s leader offers generous bonus to address federal investigation

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Last year presented significant challenges for Acadia Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of mental health services.

A New York Times investigation in September revealed that multiple federal agencies were looking into accusations of Acadia unlawfully detaining patients in mental health hospitals. This led to a sharp decline in Acadia’s stock value and rattled investors.

Despite these troubles, Acadia’s CEO, Christopher Hunter, benefitted from the situation. As indicated in the recent financial report, he received a $1.8 million bonus from the board to deal with the “unprecedented government inquiries.” This bonus was on top of his regular compensation, exceeding $7 million in 2024.

Other top executives at Acadia, including the CFO and Legal Advisor, also received substantial bonuses, with the COO promised a bonus as well. These bonuses were given to prevent key leaders from leaving before the investigation was concluded, according to Acadia.

The board of directors at Acadia believed that retaining the current leadership team was in the best interest of the company, its patients, and communities. They emphasized the use of peer market data for evaluating performance and benchmarking.

The Times investigation uncovered that Acadia had been holding patients against their will to maximize insurance payments. This practice had started before Hunter took over as CEO in April 2022 but continued under his leadership.

Following the allegations, Acadia stated that they would vehemently deny fraud and cooperate with the investigation. Hunter assured investors that the claims of holding patients longer than necessary were false and contradicted their commitment to patient care.

After the investigation was initiated, Acadia disclosed that various government agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, were investigating the matter. Additionally, shareholders filed a class action lawsuit against the company, accusing them of withholding information from investors.

Issues were also uncovered in other areas of Acadia, such as a methadone clinic overbilling the government for services not rendered. Inadequate staffing levels at one of the company’s women’s facilities led to tragic incidents, as reported by The Times.

Since September, Acadia’s market value has plummeted by approximately $5 billion, now valued at around $2 billion.

Hunter’s compensation is tied to Acadia’s stock performance, but the company’s stock decline in 2024 caused him to miss his targets. Critics, like Sarah Anderson from the Institute of Policy Research, argue that linking compensation to stock prices can incentivize risky behavior and undermine performance.

Source: www.nytimes.com

US national security at risk as Trump administration fails to effectively address Russia’s cyber threat

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The Trump administration has publicly stated that Russia is not considered a cyber threat to US national security or critical infrastructure, marking a significant departure from previous assessments.

Experts warn that this policy shift could leave the US vulnerable to Russian hacking attacks and may signal warming relations between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Recent incidents indicate that the US no longer views Russia as a cybersecurity threat.

Liesyl Franz, the State Department’s deputy director of international cybersecurity, did not mention Russia as a threat in her recent speech before the UN Working Group on Cybersecurity. This contrasts with statements from European Union and UK officials who highlighted the threat posed by Moscow.

US policy changes regarding cybersecurity have been made behind closed doors, with new directives focusing on China and neglecting to mention Russia.

Anonymous sources familiar with the matter have expressed concern that the US is ignoring the Russian cyber threat, which was previously a primary focus for agencies like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Reports indicate that CISA officials have been reassigned, raising questions about the US government’s approach to protecting against cyber threats from Russia.

The New York Times reported that CISA officials tasked with safeguarding elections from cyberattacks have also been reassigned.

Concerns have been raised about the shift in US policy towards Russia, as many believe that Russia remains a significant cyber threat to US interests.

The CISA and State Department have not provided comments on these developments.

The change in US policy regarding Russia’s cyber threat is seen as a departure from previous assessments and has raised concerns among experts.

For over a quarter-century, Putin’s Russia has been active in cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, posing a challenge to the international order.

If you have any tips about this story, you can reach out to us at +1 646 886 8761 on Signal

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk Urges Labor MP to Address Tommy Robinson’s Anger

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Elon Musk has caused controversy by advocating for the release of Tommy Robinson and criticizing Keir Starmer for not prosecuting a child rapist in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Billionaire and ally of Donald Trump, Elon Musk’s message “Free Tommy Robinson!” was prominently displayed on his X feed, showing support for the far-right activist who had been jailed for contempt of court.

In addition to expressing support for Robinson, Musk also made several posts about the Rochdale and Oldham rape gangs, criticizing the Prime Minister and Security Secretary Jess Phillips for their handling of the scandal.

In a post, Musk mentioned, “In the UK, serious crimes like rape require approval from the Crown Prosecution Service for the police to prosecute a suspect. Who was leading the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013.”

He also stated that Mr. Phillips claimed it was Oldham City Council, not the central government, calling for an investigation into child exploitation, remarking, “He deserves to be in prison.”

Elsewhere, he suggested: “The real reason she’s refusing to investigate the rape gang is because it would clearly implicate Keir Starmer [Crown Prosecution Service] during that time.”

Musk reposted numerous comments advocating for Robinson’s release, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and who had been jailed the previous October for spreading false information about Syrian refugees.

The recent involvement of the Tesla founder and X owner in British politics has angered many Labour MPs, prompting calls for the government to cease using X for postings.

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The founder of Tesla and X has been openly critical of Mr. Starmer for the Prime Minister’s response to last summer’s British riots. He is reportedly considering donating up to $100m (£80m) to Reform Britain, and two weeks ago, he met with party leader Nigel Farage and treasurer Nick Candy, with whom he was photographed.

Musk’s recent online posts show strong support for the British far-right and follow his pledge to support Germany’s anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany.

As one member of parliament commented: “[Musk] This time I went too far. Twitter [now X] is becoming a cesspit remarkably quickly, even for uninterested independents.”

Several ministers believe this should be the trigger for the government to distance itself from Musk’s platform, although some warn that doing so could create a diplomatic issue given Musk’s role in the upcoming Trump administration.

Downing Street declined to provide a comment.

A spokesperson for Reform UK did not indicate whether the billionaire’s support for Mr. Robinson, who is at odds within the party, would impact their willingness to accept funding from him.

A spokesperson for Oldham City Council stated: ‘Survivors are at the heart of our efforts to end child sexual exploitation, and their wishes remain our priority, regardless of the outcome of any future investigations. We have made a promise, and we intend to keep it.

“We all acknowledge the grave mistakes of the past where children were overlooked and neglected. By ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard, we can prevent the same failures from happening again.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

“Elon Musk Calls on Members of Congress to Address Threat to American People” | Elon Musk

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Elon Musk has stated that British MPs will be summoned to the US to address issues of censorship and intimidation of American citizens, amidst rising tensions between the world’s wealthiest individual and the Labour Party.

Musk, a close associate of Donald Trump, is scheduled to testify before the House of Representatives’ Science and Technology Select Committee in the coming year. This comes in response to concerns raised by The Guardian regarding the spread of harmful content on social media following the August riots.




The committee’s chairman, Chi Onwura, seeks to understand how Musk balances freedom of expression with combating disinformation. Photo: Richard Gardner/Rex/Shutterstock

Labour MP Chi Onwura, chair of the committee, aims to scrutinize Musk’s approach on promoting freedom of speech while also preventing the dissemination of disinformation. She specifically references the hosting of controversial figures on the social media platform X.

Related: How Elon Musk became Donald Trump’s shadow vice-president

In response, Musk has called for Congress members to convene in the US for discussions. He criticizes the UK’s handling of social media posts and accuses the British Prime Minister and a government minister of labeling X as a problematic platform.

Musk further implies discontent with the UK government, likening the situation to a Stalinist regime and criticizing policies such as changes to farm inheritance tax. Despite tensions, some British officials emphasize the importance of collaboration with Musk for technological and commercial progress.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology Peter Kyle appreciates Musk’s contributions as an innovative figure, despite differing views. He advocates for constructive dialogue and identifies common goals.

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Related: Trump’s cabinet picks are agents of his contempt, rage and vengeance | Sidney Blumenthal

British MPs face potential summons to the US following Musk’s statements, sparking concerns over threats to American citizens. However, the nature of these threats remains ambiguous, leading to speculations among online followers.

Onwura expresses interest in hearing Musk’s perspective on misinformation and freedom of expression, given his influential role within X. She highlights the importance of gathering evidence for their investigation.

Musk has embraced the moniker “first buddy” in relation to the president-elect and holds significant sway over AI regulations through his company xAI. His actions and statements continue to garner attention and debate.

Source: www.theguardian.com

COP29: Satellite detects methane leaks but “super emitters” fail to address issue

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Methane plume at least 4.8 kilometers long pours into the atmosphere south of Tehran, Iran

NASA/JPL-California Institute of Technology

The world now has more ways than ever to discover invisible methane emissions, which are so far responsible for a third of global warming. But methane “super emitters” take little action even when warned that they are leaking large amounts of the powerful greenhouse gas, according to a report released at the COP29 climate summit.

“We’re not seeing the transparency and urgency that we need,” he says. Manfredi Caltagirone director of the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, recently launched a system that uses satellite data to alert methane emitters of leaks.

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas to tackle after carbon dioxide, and more countries are pledging to reduce methane emissions to avoid short-term warming. At last year’s COP28 climate summit, many of the world’s largest oil and gas companies also pledged to “elimate” methane emissions from their operations.

Today, more and more satellites are beginning to detect methane leaks from the biggest sources of methane emissions, such as oil and gas infrastructure, coal mines, landfills, and agriculture. That data is critical to holding emitters accountable, he says. mark brownstein at the Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental advocacy group that recently launched its own methane sensing satellite. “But data alone won’t solve the problem,” he says.

The first year of the UN’s Methane Alert System shows a huge gap between data and action. Over the past year, this program has 1225 alerts issued When we saw plumes of methane from oil and gas infrastructure large enough to be detected from space, we reported them to governments and companies. To date, emitters have taken steps to control these leaks only 15 times, reporting a response rate of about 1 percent.

There are many possible reasons for this, Caltagirone says. Although emissions from oil and gas infrastructure are widely considered to be the easiest to deal with, emitters may lack the technical or financial resources and some methane sources may be difficult to shut down. there is. “It’s plumbing. It’s not rocket science,” he says.

Another explanation may be that emitters are not yet accustomed to the new alarm system. However, other methane monitoring devices have reported similar lack of response. “Our success rate is not that good,” he says Jean-François Gauthier GHGSat is a Canadian company that has been issuing similar satellite alerts for many years. “About 2 or 3 percent.”

Methane super emitter plume detected in 2021

ESA/SRON

There are also some success stories. For example, the United Nations issued several warnings this year to the Algerian government about a source of methane that has been leaking continuously since at least 1999, and whose global warming impact is equivalent to driving 500,000 cars a year. It is said to be equivalent. By October, satellite data showed it had disappeared.

But the big picture shows that monitoring is not yet leading to emissions reductions. “Simply showing a plume of methane is not enough to take action,” he says. rob jackson at Stanford University in California. The central problem, he sees, is that satellites rarely reveal who owns leaky pipelines or methane-emitting wells, making accountability difficult.

Methane is a major topic of discussion at the COP29 conference currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. a summit At a meeting on non-CO2 greenhouse gases convened by the United States and China this week, each country announced several measures on methane emissions. That includes a U.S. fee on methane for oil and gas emitters, a rule many expect the incoming Trump administration to roll back.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Amazon.com partners with nuclear energy industry to address data center needs

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Amazon.com has recently signed three agreements to collaborate on the development of small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power technology. This cutting-edge technology aims to address the increasing demand for power, particularly from data centers. Amazon has solidified its position as a major player in the high-tech industry.

One of the agreements involves Amazon funding a feasibility study for an SMR project near its Northwest Energy site in Washington state. X-Energy will be responsible for developing the SMR, with financial specifics remaining undisclosed.

As per the agreement, Amazon will have the option to procure power from four modules. Energy Northwest, a group of state utilities, may also include up to 80 MW modules, resulting in a total capacity of up to 960 MW. This power will be able to supply over 770,000 US homes, with excess energy being allocated to Amazon and utility companies for residential and commercial usage.

Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, expressed, “Our agreement will expedite the advancement of new nuclear technologies that will provide energy for years to come.”

SMR leverages factory assembly of components to reduce construction expenses, a departure from the conventional on-site assembly of large nuclear reactors. While some critics argue that achieving economies of scale with SMR technology may be costly, it remains a promising development.

Nuclear power, known for its near-zero greenhouse gas emissions and creation of high-wage union jobs, garners bipartisan support in the US. Despite this, the country is yet to have a working SMR. NuScale was the lone US entity to secure an SMR design license from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently.

Furthermore, SMRs produce lasting radioactive waste, and the US lacks a definitive disposal site for such byproducts. Scott Burnell, a representative from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, stated that regulators still await detailed information about planned SMR implementations.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Harnessing Clues from Honey to Address Biodiversity’s Greatest Challenges

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Foraging bees carry pollen from surrounding plants back to the hive

Eric Tourneret

If you’re lucky enough to find one, dip your fingers into a jar of honey from Pitcairn Island, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific. Honey is the island’s main export and highly prized among foodies. Pure and free of pesticides and pollutants, the honey infuses the delicious subtropical scents of Pitcairn Island plants, including passionflower, mango, guava and rose apple.

Honey contains much more information, if only we knew how to look for it. Breaking a container of honey opens a gateway to an entire ecosystem. Honey contains a detailed record of everything the bee encountered while foraging – not just the flowers that provided it with nectar and pollen, but also other plants, insects, fungi, viruses and larger animals in the environment.

He explains that honeybees are “passive bioaccumulators.” Parwinder Kaur As the bees go about their day, their fluffy bodies unwittingly collect samples of whatever they come into contact with, which then mix into the honey the bees produce, says researcher David Schneider of the University of Western Australia in Perth. “It’s got everything in it,” he says. Luca Fontanesi at the University of Bologna in Italy. “Well, almost everything.”

Scientists are now realizing that they have the potential to reach into that honey pot and garner sweet morsels of information that are currently hard to come by. Using advanced DNA tools, researchers are using honey to gather data on bee health, the general state of biodiversity in the bees’ foraging areas, and disease in the broader environment. They could identify possible culprits behind the mysterious Colony Collapse Disorder that is wiping out beehives, and…

Source: www.newscientist.com

How to address deficiencies in plant-based diets that cannot be reversed

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Are you or someone you know transitioning to a plant-based diet? The number of vegetarians and vegans is on the rise, with an estimated 7% in the UK and 5% in the US cutting down on meat. However, this dietary shift comes with a downside – the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, the issue is not protein but rather a lack of vitamin B12. Around 1 in 5 vegan and vegetarian diets lack essential micronutrients, and this deficiency only increases with age. Transitioning from a vegetarian to a vegan diet can exacerbate the issue, as vegan diets are naturally low in vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function, and DNA production, making it essential for overall health. Without adequate intake, irreversible neurological consequences can occur.

While supplements and certain foods may help, the lack of regulation in the market and insufficient research can complicate finding a solution. The best approach, according to science, is…

The High Risks of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products like fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Even meat-eaters may struggle to meet their daily B12 requirements, as certain meats contain minimal amounts of the vitamin. Dairy products also offer B12 but in limited quantities.

While some plant-based sources like certain mushrooms and algae may contain B12, they are not reliable as a sole source of the vitamin. Among plant foods, Seaweed is noted to have some B12 content.

The more ethical your diet, the higher your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. – Credit: University of Surrey

Individuals not consuming the right animal products or adequate plant-based sources are at risk of missing out on their required daily B12 intake. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to conditions like folate deficiency anemia, affecting the body’s ability to supply oxygen to tissues.

Although studies vary on the prevalence of deficiency, vegan diets have a higher likelihood of falling short on B12 requirements. Symptoms of deficiency include various health issues, and prolonged deficiency can lead to irreversible neurological damage.

For pregnant individuals, a lack of vitamin B12 increases the risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Proper supplementation is crucial, especially during pregnancy, to prevent complications.

How Can Plant-Based Diets Obtain Vitamin B12?

Given the importance of vitamin B12 in animal products, vegetarians and vegans are advised to consider supplementation. High-quality B12 supplements and fortified foods can help meet daily requirements.

Look for GMP-approved supplements, as they ensure effectiveness and quality. In addition to supplements, fortified foods like plant-based milk alternatives, yogurts, and cereals can also be sources of B12, albeit in trace amounts.

It’s crucial to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12 through supplements and fortified foods for those following plant-based diets. Deficiencies are avoidable with proper supplementation and dietary choices.

About our expert Kourosh Ahmadi

Kourosh Ahmadi is a renowned expert in precision nutrition and vitamin B12 deficiency. He provides insights and guidance on addressing the risks associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Prohibiting social media use for children does not address the root issues.

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When considering the most effective way to protect children’s mental health, the idea of banning social media often comes up. Recent events in the UK, such as the tragic murder of Brianna Gee, have reignited discussions on the dangers of social media for children. However, scientific evidence does not strongly support the notion that social media directly causes mental health issues in children.

Social media has been around for quite some time and has brought many positive aspects to the lives of young people. It allows them to connect with others, pursue their interests, and show support in times of tragedy. Studies have shown that increased social media use does not necessarily decrease life satisfaction for most children.

While it may seem that social media is linked to a decrease in life satisfaction for some adolescents, the opposite is not always true. Evidence supporting the idea of social media addiction in children is limited. Without a clear causal relationship between social media use and mental health issues, banning social media for children may not be the solution.

Are most children addicted to social media and smartphones?

Using the term “addiction” in reference to social media and smartphone use may be misleading. While some children may develop bad habits related to their use, it does not necessarily constitute a true addiction. Weaning children off social media is often easier than addressing addictive behaviors related to substances.

Is it possible that a social media ban will actually be enforced?

Enforcing a ban on social media for children poses many challenges, both legally and morally. Children have rights to access and enjoy social media, and restricting their access may infringe on these rights. Past attempts to ban social media use, such as South Korea’s “Cinderella Law,” have shown limited effectiveness in improving children’s well-being.

How can children develop a healthy relationship with screens?

As parents, it is important to guide children in developing a healthy relationship with screens, including social media. Teaching them to self-regulate their behavior and manage their screen time can prepare them for adulthood. Simply banning social media may not address the underlying issues of human behavior and the attention economy.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Mark Zuckerberg commits to developing advanced AI to address concerns

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Mark Zuckerberg has faced accusations of being irresponsible in his approach to artificial intelligence after working to develop AI systems as powerful as human intelligence. The Facebook founder has also raised the possibility of making it available to the public for free.

Meta’s CEO announced that the company intends to build an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system and plans to open source it, making it accessible to outside developers. He emphasized that the system should be “responsibly made as widely available as possible.”

In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg stated that the next generation of technology services requires the creation of complete general-purpose intelligence.

Although the term AGI is not strictly defined, it generally refers to a theoretical AI system capable of performing a range of tasks at a level of intelligence equal to or exceeding that of humans. The potential emergence of AGI has raised concerns among experts and politicians worldwide that such a system, or a combination of multiple AGI systems, could evade human control and pose a threat to humanity.

Zuckerberg expressed that Meta would consider open sourcing its AGI or making it freely available for developers and the public to use and adapt, similar to the company’s Llama 2 AI model.

Dame Wendy Hall, a professor of computer science at the University of Southampton and a member of the United Nations advisory body on AI, expressed concern about the potential for open source AGI, calling it “really, very scary” and labeling Zuckerberg’s approach as irresponsible.

According to Mr. Hall, “Thankfully, I think it will still be many years before those aspirations become a reality.” She stressed the need to establish a regulatory system for AGI to ensure public safety.

Last year, Meta participated in the Global AI Safety Summit in the UK and committed to help governments scrutinize artificial intelligence tools before and after their release.

Another UK-based expert emphasized that decisions about open sourcing AGI systems should not be made by technology companies alone but should involve international consensus.

In an interview with tech news website The Verge, Zuckerberg indicated that Meta would lean toward open sourcing AGI as long as it is safe and responsible.

Meta’s decision to open source Llama 2 last year drew criticism, with some experts likening it to “giving people a template to build a nuclear bomb.”

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, defines AGI as “an AI system that is generally smarter than humans.” Meanwhile, Google DeepMind’s head, Demis Hassabis, suggested that AGI may be further out than some predict.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that further advances in AI will be impossible without energy supply breakthroughs, such as nuclear fusion.

Zuckerberg pointed out that Meta has built an “absolutely huge amount of infrastructure” to develop the new AI system, but did not specify the development timeline. He also mentioned that a sequel to Rama 2 is in the works.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Well actually, I’m unsure of how to address my bad habits of drinking beer, vaping, and constantly scrolling on my electronic devices. Any advice on what to do?

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BIt's easy to feel a kinship with pop star Selena Gomez, considering her 430 million Instagram followers, reported net worth of $800 million, and close relationship with Taylor Swift. rare. However, 11 days have passed since the new year started, heading “Selena Gomez returns to Instagram, 18 hours after announcing social media hiatus.''

I feel extra conscious of my bad habits – probably due to my depressed body evidence suggests We usually give up on our New Year's resolutions by mid-January.

Info about Selena Gomez

It's not even noon yet and I've spent 45 minutes on Instagram today. She drank two cups of coffee, but I can't rule out the possibility of a third one. My mild headache is a solemn reminder that I ended up having three drinks last night after a sudden hinge date ruined my plans for a quiet evening. And I just took a small swig from her nearly empty vape, which I had vowed to buy one last time.

At least I'm not eating sugar yet.

As you can see, I'm ambivalent about what I consider to be my vices, and I'm more or less attached to them. Most of the time I can ignore them as reliable pleasures in life and they are reasonably tolerable. But peer pressure to be better is always insidious and becomes especially acute at the beginning of a new year..

My newsfeed is full of stories about financial goal setting, improving fitness, non-alcoholic drinks, and sugar substitutes. Friends are pledging to spend the month of dry January taking 10,000 steps a day and cutting out junk food. On the other hand, I think I may be missing out on the tricks of the trade by missing out on the opportunity for a fresh start.

“hand“At this time of year, the focus is on what to start doing and what to stop doing,” says the counselor. georgina starmer. She links it to the excesses of the just-past Christmas season: What do you change? ”

But the flip side of this focus on self-improvement is the need for self-monitoring. We become more aware of our supposed flaws and shortcomings, which may not be particularly harmful and may even bring us joy.

… (content continues)

Source: www.theguardian.com

Apple releases unexpected iOS 17.2.1 update to address iPhone glitches

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Apple on Tuesday issued a surprise update to all iPhone users that promises to fix a number of bugs. However, what exactly those fixes are remains a mystery.

“This update contains important bug fixes and is recommended for all users.” Poor explanation of iOS 17.2.1 status.

The technology company released iOS 17.2.1 just a week after rolling out iOS 17.2. iOS 17.2 included a number of innovative features, including a new Journal app and upgraded security measures.

This also comes just days after Apple announced the beta version of iOS 17.3, leaving many users confused as to why another minor update would be pushed in before the update was widely released. It becomes.

Technical experts said that while the English release did not include details of bug fixes, both the Japanese and Chinese versions had “an issue that could cause the battery to drain quickly under certain conditions. ”, he said, promising to address the issue.

Rapid battery drain seems to be a widespread issue among users after updating their iPhones to previous iOS updates, with many owners complaining about the X.


No details were provided for the iOS 17.2.1 update other than a promise that it would include “important bug fixes.” apple

“Battery life on iOS 17.2 on iPhone 15 Pro Max is terrible. SOT is barely 5-6 hours. Previously it was like 8-9 hours.” Technology Content Creator Sharon Bava wrote.

Apple did not immediately respond to the Post’s request for comment.

Although Apple recommends the latest update for all users, this update does not appear to be urgent.

This was not released as a quick security response and may indicate that the security issue has not been addressed.

The tech company is releasing iOS 17.2.1 in time for the holiday season so new users can update their devices before the holiday distractions or get a new device ready to give as a gift. It could have been done.

iPhones have recently been the victim of spyware attacks, so Apple is beefing up its security features.

Last week, the company released Stolen Device Protection in iOS 17.3 developer beta, which prevents thieves from accessing smartphones with stolen passwords.

This new feature specifically requires users to use biometric access codes, such as their face or fingerprint, when changing their Apple ID password, removing Face ID, and using other sensitive features.

Whenever a user’s device is in an unfamiliar location, stolen device protection is initiated and the user is then required to complete the aforementioned protocol.

Source: nypost.com