Picture having a coffee pot that serves two cups. Poor brewing might result in a stronger brew at the bottom than at the top. When pouring from the pot into two cups, the first cup will taste much weaker than the second.
While this scenario is somewhat contrived, there are other situations where a “first is worse” (or “first is better”) approach can lead to inequity.
Consider a football game where everyone has a good idea of the skills of each player. If one team’s captain selects all players first, it creates a significant imbalance in team strength.
This scenario remains unfair even with a simple pick order. For instance, if players can be ranked from 1 to 10 based on skill, if Captain A chooses player 10 first, then Captain B selects player 9, followed by Captain A picking player 8, and so on, the resultant totals are skewed. Captain A’s team ends up with a score of 30 (10 + 8 + 6 + 4 + 2), while Captain B’s team scores only 25 (9 + 7 + 5 + 3 + 1).
So, how can we ensure a fair player selection? The answer lies in a mathematical method from the 19th century. The Tew-Morse series, initially explored by Eugène Plouet in the 1850s and subsequently detailed by Axel Tew and Marston Morse in the early 20th century, advocates for alternating and rotating choices.
In a scenario with selectors A and B, the selection order follows an ABBA pattern. The first pair is in the same order, while the second flips the order. This pattern can be extended, with a repeat that reverses the As and Bs: ABBA BAAB. Further sequences can be created like “ABBA BAAB BAAB ABBA”.
This rotation helps create equity. Using the team selection example again, the totals would be much more balanced: 10 + 7 + 5 + 4 + 1 for one team versus 9 + 8 + 6 + 3 + 2 for the other, leading to totals of 27 and 28.
An iteration of this sequence is also employed in sporting events. For instance, during a tennis tiebreak, one player serves first, followed by each player taking turns to serve two points in an ABBA sequence. This streamlined version of Tew-Morse is often seen as fairer than simple turn-taking. A similar approach is being tested by FIFA and UEFA during soccer penalty shootouts, applying pressure on the second shooter in each pair.
Returning to the coffee pot scenario, the solution is ideal. If you pour half a cup into cup A, then pour two half cups into cup B, and finally add the last half cup back into A, you will achieve equal strength in both cups. Alternatively, you could stir the coffee with a spoon. However, wouldn’t it be more gratifying to tackle such challenges with the aid of mathematics?
katie steckles – A mathematician, lecturer, YouTuber, and author based in Manchester, UK. She also contributes to New Scientist‘s puzzle column “BrainTwister”. Follow her @stex
When posed with the question of the greatest episode in TV history (a regular discussion among my patient friends), “Ozymandias,” from Breaking Bad, often comes to mind. This episode, a pinnacle in storytelling, acting, and direction, encapsulates the harrowing tale of a chemistry teacher turned meth producer after a cancer diagnosis.
Being part of a flawlessly executed episode is a substantial legacy. Creating two monumental series like Breaking Bad and its companion Better Call Saul has entirely revolutionized television. Vince Gilligan, the brilliant showrunner, has proven his mettle and with Pluribus, his intriguing new sci-fi series for Apple TV, there’s little left for him to prove.
Having viewed the first six episodes of this nine-part season, I can affirm that the series is crafted with remarkable confidence, maintaining an engaging grip through its intricate plot twists and immersive world.
Carol (Rhea Seehorn, veteran of Better Call Saul) is the writer behind Waikalo Wind, a popular series of pirate-themed novels. While her successes afford her a comfortable living, she’s plagued by creative stagnation. However, her life is about to take a darker turn.
During a book tour with her agent and partner Helen (Miriam Shor), a strange incident occurs—everyone around Carol suddenly experiences a seizure. Once the episode subsides, they find themselves in an entirely different reality, leaving her as one of the few unaffected. This anomaly may be connected to a peculiar radio signal that was detected 439 days earlier, pulsating a base-4 rhythm every 78 seconds from 600 light-years away.
“
Can a society become utopian without the consent of its citizens? Even if one person feels trapped, is it still a utopia? “
Unbeknownst to Carol, the rest of humanity revels in liberation from trivial grievances and desperately wishes for her to join them.
I understand their obsession with her. Even prior to her becoming the world’s unhappiest individual, her cantankerous demeanor is captivating. She reminds me of Paul Sheldon in the film Misery, though disturbed by adoring fans, Carol is scrutinized by billions. Her fellow humans serve her unwaveringly as they seek to decipher her differences and remedy her situation. Eventually, she begins to navigate the rules of this new world and discovers she possesses more agency than she initially believed.
Pluribus poses many compelling questions. Can a utopian society exist without the agreement of its members? Is it still utopia if one feels isolated? Besides Seehorn’s stellar performance, the series is commendably character-focused, noticeably dedicating time to moments like a character attempting to conceal a body. There’s an organic pacing to the story development, leading to unexpected turns.
Despite having seen the majority of the first season, the direction of Pluribus remains enigmatic. Some viewers may find this ambiguity off-putting, and its deliberate pace could polarize opinions. However, I find it exhilarating, as it subverts typical big-budget sci-fi conventions.
With a second season assured, it’s certain to cultivate its own “Ozymandias” moment if it gains traction.
I also suggest:
Breaking Bad Vince Gilligan
Need more proof of Vince Gilligan’s prowess? Check out his debut masterpiece. The tale of a chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer is a gripping five-act tragedy, illustrating one of television’s most remarkable antiheroes.
Outlander Adapted by Ronald D. Moore
There are significant moments in Pluribus reminiscent of character dynamics in Outlander, where rearranging a bookstore serves to provide characters interaction through literature. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander may not be as visually depicted in the books, but the TV rendition is exceptional.
Bethan Ackerley is an associate editor at New Scientist. She enjoys science fiction, comedy, and anything creepy. Follow her at @inkerley
Actor Orlando Bloom recently made headlines when it was reported that he was compensated a staggering £10,000 ($13,600) for the removal, separation, and filtration of his blood.
This dramatic treatment underscores the escalating concern surrounding a disquieting reality. It’s not solely about evading these minuscule particles.
Research indicates that microplastics are prevalent from the heights of Mount Everest to the depths of our brains. Their omnipresence, including in the media, raises pressing public scientific concerns regarding the safety of having microscopic plastic flakes adrift on our bodies.
Once thought of as harmless, microplastics are now linked to various illnesses. Should we be testing at this nascent stage and worrying about their impact on our bodies, especially considering the lack of scientific consensus? And are we really justifying lining up to “clean” our blood?
Plastic Proof
The term “microplastic” refers to plastic particles or fibers smaller than 5mm (0.19 inches). These particles are often minuscule, necessitating a microscope for proper observation.
Scientists also use the term “nanoplastic” for particles smaller than 0.001mm (39.4 microinches), which are difficult to detect even with advanced microscopy. Evidence suggests they can be released from plastic materials and disseminate into their environments.
My research group focuses on quantifying plastic and other particles in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. In London, we have observed that airborne microplastics can penetrate deep into our lungs.
read more:
To determine the presence of microplastics in the body, whole tissues or blood fragments are processed and filtered to concentrate the microplastic content. Analysis is conducted using chemical techniques that quantify plastic in a sample, or through physical and chemical methods, which count the number of plastic particles (along with their size and shape).
Each method has its merits, but they all share similar drawbacks. Modern laboratories are rife with microplastic pollution, laden with plastic consumables and the personnel that handle them.
This means that the very process of extracting and testing microplastic samples can lead to contamination. Consequently, samples often reveal microplastic particles that were previously considered too large to be absorbed and distributed throughout the body.
Some reports indicate that humans might consume an equivalent of one teaspoon of plastic daily.
Generally, particles smaller than 0.001mm (39.4 microinches) can traverse the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This occurs through the thin alveolar tissue in the lungs that separates the air-filled alveolar sacs from the small surrounding capillary blood vessels.
In the intestines, these minute particles can enter the lymph system, the bodily waste removal network. From there, the tiniest particles may enter the bloodstream and become larger aggregates trapped in the intestinal lining.
Thus, lab contamination may account for the larger plastics detected within the body.
Another complication arises because some biological components within samples emit signals resembling those of plastic. Specifically, fat can distort the signals from polyelectrolytes and polychlorinated compounds. If samples are not meticulously processed, this could lead to exaggerated estimates of the plastics present.
Taking all of this into account, the assumed high levels of microplastics in our bodies may be overstated. Variations in estimates range from nanograms to milligrams, influenced by factors like study methodology, location, tissue type, and analysis techniques.
Recent stringent research suggests an estimated 0.15µg (0.00000015g) of plastic per milliliter in our blood, amounting to less than the weight of a single human hair.
Moreover, this study predominantly focuses on polystyrene, the easiest microplastic to analyze.
Plastic People
Considering these levels, it may be more critical to focus on where microplastics accumulate in our bodies rather than their sheer quantity.
Nonetheless, accurately measuring microplastic accumulation in various body parts presents challenges. A recent study posits that the brain is a notable accumulation point, averaging around 4.5 bottle caps.
Not only are these levels considerably high, but the detected plastics largely consist of polyethylene, which poses complications in measurement due to its interaction with fat.
Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic are produced annually – Pexels
Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic globally, with approximately 120 million tons manufactured each year, representing 25% of all plastics. Thus, it’s logical to find a higher concentration of this type in our bodies. However, the brain is composed of adipose tissue, making false positives a potential concern.
Furthermore, the research suggests that plastic levels in the brain surpass those in the liver, an organ responsible for cleansing blood. Expecting a high concentration of plastic in the body’s filtration organ would be reasonable.
Most studies investigating microplastics in human tissues focus on broad tissue-wide samples. This results in a lack of critical context regarding whether microplastics are embedded within cells or merely passing through.
Plastic Pure
Regardless of the exact measurements, public anxiety about microplastics remains high. Around two-thirds of 30,000 survey respondents from 31 countries express concern about microplastics in their bodies.
If you aim to minimize exposure to microplastic contamination, consider adopting a few lifestyle changes. Opt for natural fiber-based textiles in your home and clothing, avoid plastic packaging whenever feasible (especially when heat is involved), and refrain from running along quiet streets to dodge tire wear particles from traffic.
However, projections indicate that microplastic releases may rise 1.5-2.5 times by 2040. It’s likely that technology will soon emerge, claiming to eradicate microplastic invaders from our bodies.
Therapeutic apheresis — a medical process that separates blood and selectively removes harmful substances before returning the cleaned blood to the patient — has recently been commercialized for the removal of microplastics from the bloodstream.
However, there is scant public documentation on this microplastic removal method. A German study indicated that “microplastic-like” particles were detected in a patient’s plasma following the procedure. Without adequate lab controls and details regarding detected particle sizes, interpreting the significance of these findings is challenging.
Additionally, our understanding of the specific behavior of microplastics within the body remains limited. We lack clarity on whether they circulate freely in our plasma, adhere to red blood cells, or are contained within immune cells in the bloodstream.
In the absence of concrete evidence on the types of microplastics in our bodies, their pathways, or their interactions within the body, evaluating the health implications of these “blood-cleaning” efforts becomes nearly impossible.
Moreover, additional concerns may arise during treatment. One study documented 558 microplastics released from the cannula over a 72-hour period.
With all this taken into account, I intend to steer clear of the SF blood washing service in Hollywood until further studies emerge to clarify the impact of microplastics on our bodies and provide insight into their locations and functions.
How many times have you checked your phone today? Or do you find yourself opening it and getting sidetracked by something else?
If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t realize just how much time gets consumed. The smartphone’s algorithms are designed to capture our attention and keep it, but there’s a new book by scholars aiming to help individuals reclaim that control.
I dedicated a week to testing some of the recommendations from this book.
The first step in overcoming this addiction is to recognize its presence and understand its implications. In her book, Smartphone Nation, Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr encourages readers to maintain a “phone usage journal” for several days to reflect on their activities, locations, time spent, and feelings during these sessions.
As I attempted to log the minutes spent on phone-related activities, I often found myself unaware of being sidetracked, making it quite challenging. However, over time, I’ve begun to notice these patterns more swiftly. My excessive phone usage seems to fall into two primary categories.
The first, which I refer to as “intentional procrastination,” occurs when I face a mentally demanding task. To avoid it, I find myself checking an app instead.
According to my journal, I excel in the art of procrastination, especially when fatigue sets in. I also seem to push challenging tasks to later in the day, particularly in the morning when I feel more awake.
“This technologyaims to facilitate seamless transitions between tasks and prolong time spent in a given application,” Dr. Regehr remarks. Photo: Adrian Sherratt/The Guardian
The second concerning habit I’ve identified, which I’ve dubbed the “whirlwind of forgetfulness,” often leads me to open my phone for one purpose, only to find myself immersed in random videos minutes later.
A word of caution: beware of distractions within the first 30 minutes of waking up! Just last Tuesday, while preparing snacks for school and ushering teenagers out the door, I emerged from this vortex only to find beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall sharing highlights from her recent trip to the hairdresser.
As per Regehr, who is an associate professor at Digital Humanities University College London, this embodies classic algorithm manipulation.
“This technologyis designed to ensure you transition seamlessly from one task to another application, keeping your attention focused there for as long as possible. Advertisers pay for this attention, but I’ve realized this week just how it operates.”
Regehr notes that aimless scrolling is not inherently detrimental. “Sometimes a break is essential, but she encourages reflection on how the content impacts your emotions.”
Some of the content I consume makes me feel inadequate or unfulfilled—ads for intermittent fasting and skincare products are only some that target me based on my age and browsing habits.
Regehr advocates for unfollowing individuals and brands that no longer inspire or educate and suggests curating what you wish to engage with.
“You might conclude: ‘I want enjoyable scrolling, but I’d prefer a more purposeful approach to what occupies my time.’ The algorithm doesn’t just select what feeds you.”
Dr. Regehr suggests visually enhancing your phone to make it less appealing. Photo: Adrian Sherratt/The Guardian
That’s sound advice, though this digital decluttering must wait for a less hectic moment. Regardless, I am eager to test another one of her techniques: switching my phone to grayscale mode via accessibility settings.
Dr. Alex Taylor, a marketing instructor at Newcastle Business School in Australia, endorses this approach. “One clear reason smartphones vie for our attention is the level of stimulation they deliver. Reducing this stimulus through limiting exposure to high-definition images is a sensible step.”
Indeed, I’m finding it challenging to locate apps without the colorful icons that enticingly beckon me from my display. The reduced visual stimulation means less temptation, but it can also complicate navigation. When necessary, it’s not the most convenient option.
Despite tracking my smartphone usage, I believe I’ve only captured a fraction of the distractions I face.
Dr. Maxi Heitmayer, a human-computer interaction researcher at the London School of Economics, shares this perspective. In one study, Heitmayer observed that when 41 participants were equipped with wearable cameras and checked their phones without unlocking them, these brief checks, while seemingly insignificant, were still disruptive.
“I discovered that whenever I had a brief pause in an activity, like flipping through a book or chopping vegetables, I would end up checking my phone,” Heitmayer shares.
Breaking this cycle is challenging. More recent research by Heitmayer indicates that keeping a phone out of reach reduces usage, but often, users shift that distraction to a desktop screen instead.
He suggests keeping my phone in another room as a method to capture my attention each time I feel the urge to check it. Frequently, this urge arises to check messages, explore random ideas online, or simply follow established habits.
And our phones are certainly convenient. Just the other day, when I called up to check something, I missed a call from my daughter’s school regarding her lunch account. When I eventually saw that message, I promptly opened the app to make a deposit, but the grayscale effect was frustrating.
Nonetheless, my digital detox has encouraged me to be more mindful of my smartphone interactions. Since starting my journal, I’ve noticed that I no longer get sucked into the whirlwind of forgetfulness as much. Although I still engage in procrastination, I’m striving to fill these intentional breaks with apps and feeds that genuinely bring me joy.
This mini digital detox is shifting my aimless browsing into purposeful usage, increasing my awareness of my phone habits.
Regehr and her team suggest a tiered approach to digital engagement, akin to a healthy eating pyramid. The base represents essential habits, while the apex is reserved for indulgent treats. For her, the digital equivalent of these ‘cupcakes’ includes a vintage thrift shopping app.
I’m not yet perfect, but I’m learning to reshape my smartphone habits. And yes, as long as I choose to tune in, I consider the occasional Trinny Woodall video a worthy indulgence.
Tips for a Healthy Digital Diet
Cultivating a healthier relationship with your smartphone doesn’t necessarily mean going cold turkey or stashing your device away. Rather, regaining a sense of control involves simple modifications. Dr. Kaitlyn Regehr recommends these strategies:
Establish app limits on frequently used platforms—not just mentally, but also through your phone’s settings.
Reflect on who truly deserves your attention: Who do you genuinely want to hear from? Consider silencing unwanted notifications and setting unique ringtones for different contacts.
Alter your temptation by relocating social media apps off your main screen or deleting them entirely, allowing access only via a browser.
Experiment with greyscaling your phone; you may find that the allure of Instagram and TikTok diminishes without vibrant colors luring you in.
Use varied browsers to limit targeted ads related to shopping and chatting, or activate Incognito mode to avoid cookie tracking.
Implement tangible boundaries by designating screen-free zones and times, such as no phones on the dining table and digital curfews before bedtime.
Smartphone Nation (Pan Macmillan, £22) by Kaitlyn Regehr. To support the Guardian, please order a copy Guardianbookshop.com. Shipping charges may apply.
I distinctly recall the moment I discovered it. Back in university, seated in a plush auditorium that felt slightly uncomfortable. Ping. A notification from Messenger: “Now with LOL,” my best friend texted from 14 kilometers away, without incurring any student debt. I clicked the link.
It was then that I stumbled upon one of the most significant social media communities ever. The Facebook group, simply titled “Drag Name!!!!!,” was vibrant and inviting.
The exuberance in the names and exclamation points speaks volumes. It’s a gathering space for thousands who revel in sharing the cleverest drag queen names.
“When you play with these words, you can almost sense the formation of new gray matter”: A typical post from the Facebook group. Photo: Facebook
It’s organized this way: every day (or whenever creativity strikes), members toss a theme into the mix. Think “biscuits,” “afterlife,” or “unethical.” Then, names start rolling in. For “chocolate,” one participant might suggest Emmanem, another offers Lindor Evangelista, and a particularly clever entry could be she/her.
I felt an immediate spark of inspiration. That day, during the lecture, I realized that no idea of mine could rival the boundless creativity of a 55-year-old man from Missouri.
Some contributions are instantly recognizable. For instance, a photo-inspired name could be Paula Lloyd. Breakfast might yield Shak Shuker, and a humorous take could be Dee Parton for the deceased.
Others require a moment of reflection, and their brilliance becomes even more rewarding. “The Merciful Drug Name” encompasses options like Hildadropen, Karen’s Attention, and Maya L Pue.
Hilda Dooropen, Karen Atterness, Maya L Pugh…, Linda Helping Hand. Photo: Facebook
I now see clever names everywhere. I sipped my coffee, recalling my favorite: flat white. When writing, I think of myself as a young journalist: Page Turner. After brewing, I might refer to myself as Anita Dump. In this world of words, I can almost feel new gray matter forming, as beneficial to my brain as learning new languages.
A few years back, I had the chance to interview pop sensation Dua Lipa during her visit to Australia for World Pride. I had to ask—did she come up with a drag name for the occasion? If not, how about Duo Apple?
Drag your name!!!!!! It’s a celebration of camp creativity, a blend of humor and joyful expression. The only guideline is to ensure that the name you propose hasn’t been shared before. This allows members to dive into an imaginative realm where they uncover the most delightful creations.
Unlike many groups, this one seems to be devoid of internal conflicts. There’s little risk of harmful disagreements; if they arise, they’ll likely spark even more fantastic names. Try the DEE platform.
Here, individuals from all backgrounds unite around a shared goal: to invent the most captivating names imaginable. Other online communities often lack this spirit of support.
Perhaps drag names embody true community spirit and joy—and what I dare to say is the essence of life? Call me a modern-day Hemingway, as the people truly are the gospel.
About 10,000 years ago, a handful of woolly mammoths washed up on an island off the Siberian coast in the Russian Arctic. Over the next few thousand years, this small group of perhaps eight animals grew into a stable population of 200-300 animals before going extinct about 4,000 years ago. These mammoths are the last known population of woolly mammals on Earth, and may have survived into modern times but for some bad luck.
The history of these mammoths has been clarified through genetic research. Love Darren A team from Stockholm University in Sweden and their colleagues looked at DNA from 14 mammoths from Wrangel Island and seven from the mainland, dating back to before melting ice sheets caused sea levels to rise and isolate them, covering a combined genetic history of 50,000 years.
The researchers’ analysis found that despite the small population, inbreeding wasn’t the cause of the mammoth’s extinction: While small genetic mutations accumulated, Dallen said, the population was good at eliminating larger, harmful ones.
“We can demonstrate that it’s unlikely that inbreeding or genetic disease caused the population to slowly decline and go extinct,” he said. “Despite the inbreeding, the population did well.”
Mammoth tusk found on Wrangel Island
Love Darren
But the team found that individual mammoths were affected by genetic diseases, and that this negative impact at the individual level had been ongoing for thousands of years. “This means that today’s endangered species, which in most cases were at risk of extinction until very recently, are likely to continue to suffer from genetic diseases for hundreds of generations to come,” says Dallen.
Dallen points to the Tasmanian devil as an example of a species that became isolated on a large island after mainland populations became extinct, leading to reduced genetic diversity. This in turn affects the immune system, Dallen says, which puts the species at greater risk of population decline when faced with new pathogens, such as the facial tumour disease that attacks Tasmanian devils.
“Natural selection appears to have been effective in eliminating potentially lethal mutations, but other, less severe mutations gradually increased,” they said. Adrian Lister At the Natural History Museum, London.
“We’re not sure whether this led to eventual extinction, but it’s possible that, combined with environmental changes, it did,” Lister said. “There are lessons here for monitoring the genetic health of endangered species today.”
The exact cause of the mammoths’ extinction is unknown, but interestingly, Wrangel Island contained freshwater lakes and rivers, which suggests that the mammoths may have been able to survive longer than similarly isolated groups that became extinct 5,600 years ago due to drought.
“Diseases, short-term weather events, tundra fires — all of these are thought to be random events,” Dallen says. “Because they’re random, they’re not inevitable. So if they hadn’t happened, the mammoths might have survived to this day, assuming humans hadn’t killed them when they arrived on Wrangel Island.”
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.
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