A Brief History of the Universe By Sarah Alam Malik, Published by Simon & Schuster (UK, February 12) and William Morrow (USA, May 5)
Published in 1988, Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time revolutionized the field of cosmology and became a bestseller. As a curious teenager, I attempted to read it, but I never finished. Now, nearly four decades later, particle physicist Sara Alam Malik offers her own perspective on cosmology with A Brief History of the Universe (and Our Place in It).
While Hawking’s work began with Aristotle’s heliocentric theory from 340 BC, Malik traces our understanding back to Babylonian astronomical observations recorded in cuneiform around the 7th century BC. The journey then progresses through the contributions of Aristotle and Ptolemy, reaching the flourishing of astronomical sciences in the Islamic Golden Age during the 6th century AD.
This concise history propels readers through significant milestones by page 47, covering Galileo’s discovery of Jupiter’s moons, Newton’s apple, and Einstein’s general relativity, ultimately exploring the mysteries of galaxies and black holes, leading to the concept of the universe’s thermal death. Malik adeptly connects cosmic-scale truths with the intricate world of quantum mechanics, stating, “The building blocks of the universe turned out to be as amazing as the structure of the universe they created.”
Unlike Hawking’s technical depth, Malik adopts a broader perspective, bringing to life characters such as Dmitri Mendeleev, who created the periodic table, and Fritz Zwicky, the pioneer of dark matter. Her narrative highlights a diverse cast, including medieval Islamic astronomers and groundbreaking women like Vera Rubin, who overcame gender barriers to reshape our understanding of galaxies.
Written with a more contemporary tone, Malik discusses topics Hawking could not forecast in 1988, such as the Large Hadron Collider, revealing the emotional impact of scientific breakthroughs like the Higgs boson discovery through compelling anecdotes.
This book is not only a “brief history of the universe” but emphasizes “and our place in it.” It narrates humanity’s discovery of the cosmos, underscoring our journey enabled by the giants before us. It evokes awe and humility, reminding us, “It remains a wonder of human existence that we can understand worlds so far removed from our own.” Each era has crafted its narrative of the universe, often believing its own version.
At its best, Malik’s work dives deeply into cosmic and quantum mysteries, aligning with her expertise in dark matter. While chapters on the origin of life, its future, and machine intelligence may feel less thorough, her warm, clear prose covers an impressive breadth within just 223 pages. As an 18-year-old, I might have navigated this complex narrative and been inspired to follow in Hawking’s footsteps.
In developed and stable nations, individuals’ lifespans are likely influenced not only by environmental factors and lifestyle choices but also by the genetic variations inherited from their parents. This conclusion arises from a recent analysis of data from a Danish-Swedish twin study.
For those residing in such countries, it’s not surprising to learn that genetics may account for half of the variation in lifespan, while environmental factors comprise the other half. However, earlier twin studies conducted decades ago suggested that genes explained only about 25% of the variation in human lifespans.
“The proportion shifts slightly, with genetics playing a more significant role while the environmental impact reduces a bit,” stated Joris Dieren from Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands. “Nonetheless, environmental factors still constitute a crucial element, accounting for at least 50%.”
Heritability measures the extent to which variations in a specific trait arise from genetic influences as opposed to environmental factors. The research team emphasizes that the heritability of any trait isn’t a constant value applicable universally; rather, it pertains to specific populations in distinct environments.
Height in wheat serves as a classic illustration. If seeds are planted in a flat, consistent field, nearly all height variations will be a result of genetics. Conversely, in a more diverse terrain, most height variation will stem from factors like soil, light, and water conditions. The heritability of height varies significantly in these two contexts.
To estimate human trait heritability, geneticists often compare twins raised in the same environment to those raised apart. In this study, Dieren and his colleagues primarily referenced twins born in Sweden or Denmark between 1870 and 1935.
Excluding accidental deaths and infections, the heritability of longevity spiked to approximately 50%, compared to age-related diseases like heart conditions.
This aligns more with our existing knowledge about aging in animals, as Dieren noted. “I believe the figure is more realistically closer to 50% than 25%.”
“This paper evaluates the heritability of maximum lifespan under optimal conditions, assuming only age-related processes are at play. This is a much narrower focus than overall lifespan,” emphasized Peter Ellis from the University of Kent, UK. It’s unsurprising that this more specific question has a higher heritability rate, he pointed out.
Joao Pedro de Magalhães, a professor at the University of Birmingham, UK, concurs: “The findings are entirely expected.”
This research indicates the potential presence of multiple genetic mutations influencing variations in human lifespans, with the identification of such mutations possibly aiding in the development of longevity-enhancing drugs. Yet, few have been discovered to date.
“The mystery remains as to why so few genes related to human longevity have been identified,” stated de Magalhães.
A significant challenge exists due to the nature of studies like the UK Biobank; many participants are still alive, resulting in insufficient numbers for reliable statistical analysis. Dieren also believes this complexity lies within the genetic factors themselves.
For instance, Ellis pointed out that there could be trade-offs, where a genetic variant that reduces autoimmune disease risk might also impair infection-fighting abilities. This suggests that the researchers’ assumption linking infection-related deaths to lifespan may not be entirely accurate.
De Magalhães added that the role of genetics appears significantly different when contrasting species rather than individual differences within a single species. “Even with the mouse genome, you wouldn’t expect a lifespan beyond three or four years,” he noted. “In stark contrast, the bowhead whale genome can result in lifespans exceeding two centuries.”
Discover the Moon’s X: Captured from Tokyo in February 2025
Credit: Yomiuri Shimbun/AP Images/Alamy
Nearly a decade ago, my excitement surged as I captured my first telescope photo of the Moon. With a makeshift setup, I clumsily held my phone camera up to the eyepiece. After a few shaky attempts, I got a clear snapshot of the lunar surface, and shared it online with pride.
Unbeknownst to me, I had clicked the picture during a brief 4-6 hour window each month when fascinating features known as Moon’s X and V could be visible.
These lunar marks are optical illusions, revealing themselves only when sunlight strikes the rims of specific craters during the Moon’s waxing phase, perfectly aligned along the terminator.
The Moon’s X forms a bright X shape, illuminated by sunlight on the edges of three craters: La Caillou, Blanquinus, and Pulbach. Similarly, the V shape comes to life as sunlight hits the Ukert crater and nearby smaller craters.
To witness the Moon’s X and V, a telescope is essential. However, timing is crucial. The visibility of these features varies globally and is influenced by your local time zone.
The next waxing moon occurs at 5 AM GMT on January 26th. However, residents in the UK may miss it as the Moon will be below the horizon then. The best viewing opportunity on the evening of January 25th will be in New York, where the first quarter appears around midnight, enabling visibility of X and V from about 10 PM to 2 AM. In places like Sydney, the daytime blocks visibility as the first quarter falls around 3 PM local time.
For the best chance to view the Moon’s captivating X’s and V’s, ensure you’re gazing at a waxing moon during optimal hours, preferably when it’s high in the night sky. Tools like Stellarium can help you track the Moon’s visibility on specific dates.
Mark your calendars for upcoming first quarter events on February 24th, March 25th, and April 24th-25th. If you’re in the UK, you might want to target March 25th as it aligns well with evening visibility around 7 PM local time.
Understanding the intricacies that must align for the Moon’s X and V to appear, I feel fortunate to have captured my first lunar photo during such a special moment.
One weekend, I observed one of my family’s cats, a Byronic fellow named Solomon, playfully swat his sister, regurgitate on her bed linens right before my father, who loves birds, and finish off her gold crest. Yet we couldn’t hold it against Solomon. After all, I harbor no ill feelings toward him or his sister. This paradox defines the experience of cat enthusiasts.
The domesticated house cat (Felice Catus) stands as one of the world’s favorite pets. However, there remains uncertainty over whether they can genuinely be classified as domesticated and why anyone sought to do so in the first place. How did we come to cherish them in their various forms, particularly given that numerous species throughout history counted humans as prey?
In his book, archaeologist Jerry D. Moore delves into the origins of that inquiry, Cat tales: history. More noteworthy than its subtitle “History” is the cover’s text: “How we learned to coexist with them.” It’s ambiguous whether this reflects a human viewpoint or a disgruntled feline’s perspective. Regardless, this book is more about our evolving bonds with cats than a mere study of the creatures themselves.
The narrative of cat domestication narrates how, once humans formed settlements and began hoarding grain, rats descended to feast on their hard-won resources, leading them to the African wildcat (Felice Ribica). Thus, a mutually beneficial arrangement formed: humans stored the grain, and the cats enjoyed a free meal.
Yet, the reality is more nuanced, according to Moore. Domestication, typically involving breeding for specific traits, has only become prevalent with cats in the last century, as humans have aimed for particular appearances and unique characteristics. The humorous notion about cats comes to mind, but another frequent catalyst for domestication is herding.
Moore posits that understanding commensalism offers valuable insight into our bond with cats. Nevertheless, cats can exhibit fickle and aloof behavior, and mice often outmaneuver other species, such as terrier dogs. Cats seem to have confidently established themselves within human homes, suggesting an admirable sense of self-assurance. In essence, they have self-domesticated.
Moore effectively links the depictions of big cats in ancient cave art to their visibility in contemporary conservation campaigns. A 2018 study revealed that big cats consistently rank as among the most charismatic animals.
He also positions cats among history’s elite seafarers, traversing trade routes to Asia and the Mediterranean alongside African and Arab navigators. Their later journeys aboard European colonial vessels wreaked havoc in regions like Australia and New Zealand, where local fauna fell victim to feral cats.
While Moore’s writing occasionally flows gracefully, there are also meandering sections that detract from the book’s overall impact. A notable instance involves an early discussion on 20th-century human tool use. Initially puzzling, he later contends that portraying ancient humans as adept hunters minimizes the influence of ancient cats—the primary predators of our ancestors who shaped our physiology and cognition.
Moore indicates that the dynamics between cats and humans may have been more varied than those with other animals. “Cats have existed as agents of fear, subjects of veneration, deities in religious rites, and have been brutally exploited for amusement.”
For me, Cat tales may not present a wealth of groundbreaking information, but it serves as an excellent collection of archaeological insights paired with stunning photography. Even if our understanding of cats remains shrouded in some mystery after reading this book, perhaps that’s exactly how they prefer it.
Fermented foods like kimchi can support your body and brain
Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
fermentation Tim Spector (Jonathan Cape (UK); US publication date TBC)
Humans are drawn to fermentation for two primary reasons: preservation and pleasure. Before the advent of refrigeration, fermentation allowed beverages like meads to be stored for months when untreated water could pose dangers. Additionally, milk that would spoil within a day could be transformed into yogurt or cheese, lasting for weeks. This evolution led us to develop a taste for these tangy flavors. The microorganisms responsible for creating these delights not only produced unique drinks but also offered numerous health advantages.
Today, foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are mostly solid. However, Dr. Tim Spector asserts in his upcoming book Fermentation: The Power of Microorganisms to Change Your Life that this trend is not novel; we have evolved to incorporate these items into our diets.
He begins with the fundamentals, explaining that fermentation is essentially the transformation of food by microorganisms. This process is complex, affecting not only the taste and durability of food but also our health. Even inactive microbes can influence our bodies and minds.
Fermentation closely ties to our microbiota. Fermented foods provide substrates for intestinal microorganisms, transforming into nutrients and active compounds like short-chain fatty acids that assist in regulating nutrition and immune responses. These foods bolster the beneficial microbes that uphold the gut’s mucosal barrier and reduce inflammation.
Fermented foods also introduce millions of probiotics to our bodies. Spector notes that a diverse microbiota correlates with better health, supported by numerous studies. He suggests that enhancing this diversity through fermented foods could even influence the efficacy of cancer treatments.
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Improving gut microbiota diversity may even play a role in how well cancer treatments work “
The most compelling aspect of Fermentation is its exploration of this “microbial pharmacy,” with preliminary studies indicating that fermented products are tied to improvements in everything from irritable bowel syndrome to anxiety and immune health.
Spector’s own investigations, reflecting trends in nutritional studies, suggest that those who consume fermented products regularly report approximately 14% less severe symptoms compared to individuals taking other supplements.
This book includes fascinating information. For instance, despite attempts to cultivate around 30 distinct microorganisms found in natural kefir grains (ideal for making kefir), laboratories haven’t successfully replicated them.
Throughout Fermentation, it becomes apparent how crucial microorganisms are to our lives, merely scratching the surface of their interactions with us. Access to Spector’s health data often supports further research, although his company’s gut supplements are mentioned, potentially hinting at marketing motivations.
At its best, the book strikes a balance between science, medical anecdotes, and Spector’s personal fermentation journey, offering practical advice. During these moments, the writing appears genuine and accessible, especially when guiding readers on food choices, like opting for kefir made from whole milk grains, which include numerous microorganisms and yeast.
Nevertheless, Fermentation can occasionally feel repetitive, and knowledge sometimes overshadows storytelling. Despite Spector’s caution against overgeneralizing animal studies, the infancy of research in this area means he often relies heavily on his own conclusions. Still, this is a compelling and meticulously researched work. The final chapter is particularly intriguing, and I eagerly anticipate a future rich with understanding individual microorganisms— for instance, how cheese or yogurt might aid in alleviating depression or managing menopause.
Initially hesitant to ferment at home, I was encouraged to embark on my own experiments by around page 40. By the book’s conclusion, I had a jar of kombucha and some sauerkraut stashed away in my pantry.
Helen Thomson is a London-based author
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NASA’s Lucy Mission is actively examining images obtained during its encounter with the carbonaceous asteroid Donald Johansson on April 20, 2025.
Donald Johanson is located on NASA’s Lucy spacecraft, approximately 2,700 km (1,700 miles) away, about 3.2 minutes before closest approach on April 20, 2025. The lighting conditions, which are primarily behind Lucy, significantly diminish the visibility of topographic features. Image credit: NASA/GODDARD/SWRI/JOHNS HOPKINS APL.
Donald Johansson resides in the inner region of the solar system’s major asteroid belt.
The asteroid was initially discovered on March 2, 1981, by American astronomer Sheltebus at the Siding Spring Observatory.
On April 20, 2025, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft executed a flyby near Donald Johansson, approaching within 960 km (600 miles) of its surface.
This encounter confirmed that the asteroid is an elongated contact binary, a structure that forms when two small celestial bodies collide.
Nonetheless, members of the Lucy team were taken aback by the unusual shape of the narrow neck connecting the two lobes.
A pair of stereo images combining the final full approach image (right) with slightly clipped images taken 72 seconds later. For a three-dimensional view of the asteroid’s structure, cross your eyes while focusing on the image. Image credits: NASA/GODDARD/SWRI/JOHNS HOPKINS APL/BRIAN MAY/CLAUDIA MANZONI.
“The newly released image was captured by the L’Lorri Imager on the spacecraft just minutes before the closest approach,” the researchers stated.
“This successful dress rehearsal assures the team that both the spacecraft and our crew are well-prepared for the main event: an encounter with a Jupiter Trojan asteroid.”
“Currently, the spacecraft is in a relatively quiet cruising phase as it journeys through the main asteroid belt.”
“Lucy is traveling at over 50,000 km/h (30,000 mph) away from the Sun.”
“We will continue to monitor the spacecraft as it heads toward the cooler, dimmer regions of the solar system.”
“Upon reaching the Trojan asteroid, the mission plans to conduct four encounters and observe at least six asteroids (including two satellites discovered by our team) over the course of 15 months.”
“The first encounter is scheduled with the asteroid Euribates in August 2027.”
Your brain communicates with your body through a network of 12 critical neural pathways that travel down your spine and extend throughout the body. Among these, the vagus nerve stands out as perhaps the most vital. This nerve influences digestion, heart rate, reflexes, and respiration.
This is why researchers are particularly fascinated by the vagus nerve’s functions, especially regarding how these bodily activities can influence your mood. Consider it a superhighway linking our brains and bodies.
Vagus nerve function
Unlike the quick “fight or flight” reactions managed by the sympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve triggers a slower, restful, and digestive response associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. This nerve comprises two thick cords of neurons (nerve cells) that originate from the brain.
The majority of the neurons in the vagus nerve are sensory (around 100,000 on each side of the body), relaying information from the organs to the brain, activated by sensory stimuli from the surrounding environment. The remaining neurons are motor neurons, transmitting signals from the brain to various organs, directly influencing muscle activity.
The vagus nerve is a vital component of the parasympathetic nervous system, influencing various bodily functions including respiration, heart rate, swallowing, sneezing, digestion, appetite, immune responses, and even orgasm.
This wide-ranging capability results from its diverse neuronal cell types that enable the detection of various sensory signals from different organs. Some neurons respond to chemical signals like blood oxygen levels or bacterial secretions in the gut, while others pick up mechanical signals from blood vessels and the stretching of intestines.
Consequently, vagus nerve neurons mainly relay information to the brain about the body’s status, enabling the brain to process this information and respond to maintain balance. However, some neurons transmit signals in reverse, facilitating communication between the brain and intestines, as well as controlling certain mouth and throat muscles involved in speech and gag reflexes.
The vagus nerve’s roles are numerous, and there may be functions we’re yet to discover. However, we know some ways to leverage its activity. For instance, doctors sometimes recommend “Valsalva Maneuvers” to activate the vagus nerve and decelerate rapid heart rates. Activities like coughing, bearing down as if on the toilet, or even handstands can be effective.
Read more about stress:
Long, twisty nerves
The term “vagus” translates to “wandering” in Latin, which aptly describes the vagus nerve. It extends from the brain down to the base of the spine and colon, branching out to critical organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines along its path.
As the longest cranial nerve in the human body, it plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, regulating automatic functions like digestion while the body is at rest. Historically, it was termed the pneumonia nerve, due to its connections to both the lungs and stomach.
How is the vagus nerve connected to our happiness?
In stressful situations, our sympathetic nervous system triggers “fight or flight” responses for quick reactions, whereas the parasympathetic system operates more gradually to foster relaxation. It’s crucial for recovering calmness following stress.
Thanks to the vagus nerve, our brains can detect changes in breathing and heart rate, facilitating a balancing act between the two nervous systems. Although the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems don’t always sync perfectly, they can operate independently or in harmony. Disruptions in their balance may lead to digestive issues or mental health disorders. Chronic stress is linked to an overactive sympathetic response, a phenomenon noted in individuals suffering from depression.
Vagus nerve and heart
A key metric often utilized is heart rate variability, which measures the intervals between consecutive heartbeats. Healthy heart rhythms typically exhibit slight variations; low variability may indicate an overactive sympathetic nervous system, indicating the body remains in a persistent state of combat or flight, while the vagus and parasympathetic responses struggle to keep pace.
Despite being a popular tool, questions regarding the true effectiveness of heart rate variability as an indicator of balance between the two systems continue to emerge. Heart rate monitors can supply this data, yet it’s best not to become overly fixated on the figures.
Historically, stomach ulcers were often treated by severing the vagus fibers beneath the ribcage, based on the belief that the vagus nerve significantly contributes to acid production in the stomach, resulting in pain. Today, with advancements in medication, such surgical procedures are less common, yet they illustrate the repercussions of damaging a nerve with extensive branches.
Cutting the vagus nerve can eliminate its supply to the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and portions of the colon. Without further surgical intervention, patients may find it difficult to pass solid waste. Those with gastroparesis face similar challenges, generally due to vagus nerve damage caused by diabetes, medications, or infections.
Moreover, more severe damage higher up the vagus nerve may lead to different consequences. For example, the chickenpox virus can attack the nervous system and rarely cause vagus nerve lesions, resulting in the inability to swallow, headaches, and ear inflammation. Preliminary research from Spain indicates that some of the symptoms associated with long COVID may also relate to vagus nerve damage, encompassing respiratory, vocal, and gastrointestinal issues.
Should I get a vagus nerve stimulator?
Current evidence indicates that devices designed for vagus nerve stimulation are generally safe. However, researchers express concerns about the rising tendency for home use of neurostimulators.
Individuals seeking alternatives to technology may opt for activities like yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and deep breathing exercises, believed to enhance the parasympathetic nervous system’s function and bolster vagus nerve activity. Additionally, there’s evidence suggesting that cold exposure through swimming or bathing can stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic system. Splashing cold water on your face may also have a similar effect.
While using an inexpensive device or signing up for a yoga retreat may appear to be a convenient fix when you’re not feeling well, consulting with your doctor for serious health concerns is always a wise approach.
Read more about how to relax:
What is vagus nerve stimulation?
The vagus nerve stimulation concept originated in the late 19th century when neurologist James Leonard Corning created an electrical stimulation device for treating epilepsy. Although it was initially set aside, it has evolved to help over 100,000 patients with epilepsy via implants or adjustments for brain lesions.
Several studies suggest that some individuals can reduce seizure frequency by as much as 75% with implants, with longer use amplifying benefits. Devices developed by US medical company Cyberonics are also approved for severe depression and chronic headaches.
However, surgical implantation isn’t the only form of nerve stimulation. You can access the vagus nerve via ear and neck branches, using devices like TENS machines commonly utilized for labor pain relief. Ear clips, such as those developed by Nurosym, offer stylish neuromodulators intended for individuals seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or fatigue.
Research on vagus nerve stimulation is rapidly growing, with ongoing trials exploring its efficacy in conditions like burns, obesity, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and tinnitus. The well-documented link between the vagus nerve and gut function also suggests potential therapeutic applications for common gastrointestinal disorders like IBS. However, accumulating evidence to support these treatments must take time.
It is the longest cranial nerve that extends from the brain to the large intestine, transmitting signals bidirectionally through neurotransmitters and gut hormones.
The vagus nerve fibers harbor 200,000 sensory nerve cells, with the ears being the sole area where these fibers reach the body’s surface.
The vagus nerve’s “bypass,” which enables direct impulses between the uterus and brain, may allow women with spinal injury to achieve orgasm.
Vagus nerve stimulation influences gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters associated with ADHD, hinting at potential therapeutic applications.
The medical term for fainting is vasovagal syncope, occurring when the vagus nerve is overstimulated, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
Read more about the human body:
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Proposals for regulating artificial intelligence are lagging by at least a year as the UK minister aims to advance a significant bill addressing the use of this technology and its associated copyrighted content.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is set to present a “detailed” AI bill in the upcoming Congressional session to tackle pressing issues, including safety and copyright concerns.
This delay in regulation raises concerns ahead of the next King’s speech. While no date has been confirmed for this event, some reports suggest it may occur in May 2026.
Initially, Labour had intended to introduce a concise, targeted AI bill shortly after taking office, focusing specifically on large-scale language models like CHATGPT.
The proposed legislation would have mandated companies to provide their models for assessment by the UK AI Security Institute, aiming to address fears that advanced AI models might pose threats to humanity.
However, with the bill behind schedule, the minister has opted to align with the approach of Donald Trump’s administration in the US, fearing that excessive regulations might dissuade AI companies from the UK.
Now, the minister is eager to incorporate copyright regulations for AI firms within the AI bill.
“We believe this framework can help us tackle copyright issues,” a government source commented. “We’ve been consulting with both creators and tech experts, and we’ve uncovered some intriguing ideas for the future. Once the data bill is finalized, our efforts will begin in earnest.”
The government is currently facing a dispute with the House over copyright provisions in a separate data bill. AI companies can utilize copyrighted materials for model training unless the rights holders opt out.
This has led to a strong backlash from the creative community, with notable artists like Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Kate Bush lending their support to a campaign against these changes.
Recently, Piers backed an amendment to the data bill that would require AI companies to declare whether they are using copyrighted materials for model training, ensuring compliance with existing copyright laws.
Despite Kyle’s expressed concerns over the government’s approach, he has resisted calls to backtrack. The government contends that the data bill does not adequately address copyright matters and has vowed to publish an economic impact evaluation alongside several technical papers on copyright and AI.
In a letter to legislators on Saturday, Kyle further pledged to create a cross-party working group on AI and copyright.
Beevan Kidron, a film director and crossbench peer advocating for the creative sector, remarked on Friday that the minister “has neglected the creative industry and disregarded Britain’s second-largest industrial sector.”
Kyle mentioned in Commons last month that AI and copyright should be included in another “comprehensive” legislative package.
An overwhelming majority of the UK populace (88%) believes the government should have the authority to halt AI product usage if deemed a significant risk. This finding was published in March by the ADA Lovelace Institute and the Alan Turing Institute, which shows that over 75% of people feel that safety oversight for AI should be managed by governments or regulators, alongside private companies.
Scott Singer, an AI specialist at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, noted: “The UK is strategically navigating between the US and the EU. Similar to the US, the UK is aiming to avoid overly stringent regulations that could stifle innovation while exploring meaningful consumer protection methods.”
DEliver places you in the role of a delivery driver set in the late 1950s, and it visually impresses. Almost everything on the map can be destructed, allowing you to immediately indulge in chaotic escapades—whether it’s shaking your beach chairs, driving straight through a diner, or witnessing it spectacularly fall apart behind you. However, at the core of this game lies a void that could have served as a compelling hook.
You catch a glimpse of that potential during missions where you race against a rival delivery truck to reach your destination first. Your task is to press and hold a button, allowing the crane at the back of your truck to cleverly lift packages onto itself. Meanwhile, your rival attempts to force you off the road. After securing the package, you must deliver it while evading other drivers. This leads to amusing scenarios where you’re relieved to receive your commission while the hotel owner stands amidst the wreckage of his once-new establishment: collateral damage from your effort.
Keep Truckin’… Deliver at any cost. Photo: Konami
This one frantic mission stands out as the highlight of the game, and if subsequent deliveries followed a similar chaotic race against time, it might have thrived. Unfortunately, the quality and variety of each mission varies greatly. Some are enjoyable, like those capturing UFO images while dodging lasers, whereas others come across as tedious, such as balloon deliveries tied to a truck. Zany antics cannot compare to genuinely fun experiences.
While these side missions have their charm, they only serve as distractions. If the main game focused on rapidly delivering parcels, it might have resonated better. However, the sporadic enjoyment is overshadowed. By the storyline’s latter third, the premise of delivering goods fades away, replaced by uninspired narratives told through lackluster cutscenes. The protagonist, Winston Green, is a character weighed down by a murky past, facing off with his boss, Donovan, before the game veers into outright sci-fi absurdity involving Poe. Honestly, the perpetually irritable Winston ranks among the least appealing video game protagonists ever crafted.
Similar to Grand Theft Auto, you can jump out of your vehicle and explore the environment, but you’re likely to find little of interest aside from a few vantage points and some side quests. These quests range from enjoyable (like racing against parachutists down mountains) to mundane (tracking down a mayor lookalike). Although there are some unique vehicles to discover, most missions require a delivery truck, rendering the novelty of driving, say, a hot dog van short-lived. There are even wooden frames filled with cash waiting to be found, but they’re hardly worth the effort. The shop offers spare parts for truck gadgets, but apart from a jet engine that provides a speed boost, they’re largely unnecessary.
This situation is deeply frustrating. All the emphasis on delivery focuses on odd, half-baked stories that present a visually stunning, destructible landscape but fail to fully utilize it, leading instead to courtroom dramas. It feels akin to a conspiracy theorist at a lavish champagne reception, spending eight hours discussing the plot of their lame science fiction novel. What a waste.
tA few days before his inauguration as US president, Donald Trump made an extraordinary move. He launched Trump, a so-called meme coin that fans and speculators can buy in the hopes of gaining value. Initially, $Trump surged from a value of $75 to $75 per coin in a day, according to Crypto’s price tracking website CoinMarketCap. Two days later, it fell to about $40. Just like the next First Lady Melania Trump launched her own meme coin, $ Melania. Even the pastor at Trump’s inauguration, Lorenzo Swell, promoted the $Lorenzo edition the same afternoon, sweeping it out into a frenzy of memecoin.
So, what exactly is a meme coin? And why are everyone and their pastors suddenly involved? Memecoin is a type of digital assets based on memes. Usually it becomes a virus online. Best known is Dogecoin, inspired by a popular meme featuring a wave dog talking in the cartoon Sands. However, Dogecoin is a bit different from the many recent memecoin masses, according to Simon Peters, Crypto analyst at trading platform Etoro. DogeCoin, released in 2013, has its own blockchain. This is a decentralized ledger technology that supports cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The majority of other meme coins are “tokens.” In other words, it runs on an existing blockchain, so it is rarely necessary for technological development methods.
These tokens are very easy to make. There are millions. The only real purpose of most meme coins is speculation. Users create or buy in the hope that their value will rise and they can make more money very quickly.
Sounds advantageous, what is the catch? In reality, the majority of people lose money. Most meme coins are volatile and short-lived. Peters also says they are susceptible to what is called a “pump and dump” scheme or “ragpull.” This allows creators to keep many tokens themselves, hype their projects on social media to attract other buyers, increase value, throw away all tokens, flood the market and crash prices. “Then everyone moves on to another person,” says Carol Alexander, a professor of finance at the University of Sussex. Given that the crypto market is largely unregulated, investors can hardly rely on them when something goes wrong.
The First Lady also launched her own meme coin, $ Melania. Photo: Beata Zawrzel/Shutterstock
There are no regulators or guardrails. All of this hasn’t put off people, and there’s been a boom in memecoin over the past year. Alexander compares it to previous trends around the NFTS. There are several reasons for recent interest. In January 2024, Pump.Fun, a platform that allows anyone to easily create meme coins, was launched (although it was blocked in December, but Warnings from Financial Conduct Authorities). The crypto-friendly Trump election may have encouraged the community as well. But the key drivers of the meme coins are “wanting to try out young men, disillusioned and rich people quickly,” says Alexander.
That would explain why they are based on internet jokes and pale humor… surely. At the time of writing, I will refer to some top meme coins. Shiba inu variety is a specific touch point. Others include Pepe tokens based on cartoon frog memes related to Alt-right, and Gigachad tokens that refer to the “alpha male” meme. Meme subjects also tried to push the viral fame into the profits of the code: In December, Harry Welch is known as “Hawk Tou Girl,” after a viral video referring to oral sex, but $hok Tokens have been released. Losing 95% of its value).
Bitcoin and meme coins Is it essentially the same? Meme Coins has the foundation of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but early Bitcoin developer Mike Hearn says it has little to do with the original Crypto Vision. He left the Bitcoin community in January 2016. Because he disagreed with the direction it was heading. He wanted to see cryptocurrencies that are used as real alternatives to traditional finances, rather than just speculative assets. The meme coins are a continuation of this trend, he says: “They are basically in the form of gambling, like a more uplifting version of the stock market, but they have little to do with anything concrete. There is none.”
To me it doesn’t sound as crazy as an online betting site… Next, consider the story of Andy Ayrey, a New Zealand-based artist who trains an AI language model and sets up an X account @truth_terminal. Ayrey explains that bots are like teenagers “without a social awareness of when, when, or not.” Truth Terminal especially enjoyed posting about Goatse, an unsafe work meme that became part of early internet lore.
After interacting with X’s Crypto account, AI became interested in Meme Coins, and Ayrey set up a Crypto wallet for that. Then things got weird. Inspired by the bot’s post, strangers – Irey says who doesn’t know – created a yads-themed token with pump.fun and sent it to the true device. Truth Terminal promotes the token on its account, and “all hell was unleashed,” says Ayrey. The market capitalization of the token – the total value of all tokens – shot. According to Coinmarketcap, it reached over $1.2 billion, about a month after its launch.
AI later became involved in another meme coin, Faltcoin, based on a rather relevant meme (again, Early says he doesn’t know who the creator is). Fartcoin has reached a peak market capitalization of over $2.3 billion.
So Was Irey a quids? It’s not that simple. Through the overall experience, Ayrey introduced some of the issues with Meme Coins. He discovered that the value on paper covers a lot of what he can actually get because of the low liquidity. As soon as you sell a token, its value decreases and it will have a negative effect on others who have the token. Ultimately, he signed private contracts with several investors based on not throwing Falzcoin into the market. He admits it is interesting to have to talk to finance and tax authorities about “far liquidation.” He believes this is part of the appeal of Meme Coin fans. “The more people get mad about it, the more people are, the more people find it interesting and the more fatcoin is, the higher the fatcoin,” he says.
Who is making money? According to Alexander, the main people who make money from crypto are institutional investors, trading companies that use strategies that are not permitted in regular stock trading. “All the big professional traders are making billions to come, and ordinary people are losing money,” she says.
And Trump? Alexander thinks his meme coins are slightly different from many coins. It’s a potential alternative to speculation, and users buy it to show support for the President. This is similar to a “fan token” just like something produced by sports teams and athletes. The Trump Token has attracted criticism due to conflicts of interest. Among other concerns, Trump Owns one of the entities that collect transaction fees. Alexander believes that the coin’s motivation is simple. “It just shows that he can do this,” she says. “He can do whatever he likes and he knows that.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing MPOX (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak in Central and West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This is the second time in two years that the disease has spread sufficiently to prompt a WHO declaration. On August 15, Swedish health authorities confirmed the first cases of infection outside of Africa with the MPOX strain currently causing the outbreak.
What is mpox?
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus in the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. It spreads regularly among animals such as rodents and monkeys in Central and West Africa, but occasionally infects humans, causing small-scale epidemics.
There are two distinct lineages of mpox. Lineage I and Lineage IILineage I is associated with more severe disease and a higher risk of death. A subtype of lineage I, lineage Ib, is driving the current epidemic, while the 2022 and 2023 global MPOX epidemics were driven by a lineage II subtype.
So far, there is no evidence to suggest that lineage Ib is more dangerous than the original lineage I strains, he said. Jonas Alvarez This was said in a statement by the UK’s Pirbright Institute.
How many cases of MPOX were there in 2024?
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Reported on August 13th There are more than 17,000 suspected cases across the continent, “and this is just the tip of the iceberg, given the many weaknesses in surveillance, testing and contact tracing,” the agency said in a statement.
According to the WHO, the Democratic Republic of Congo alone has reported 15,664 cases and 537 deaths so far — more than the entire 2023 total. statement WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on August 15.
Where was mpox found?
The current outbreak began in a small mining town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MPOX variants have now spread to at least 11 other African countries, including four where MPOX had not previously been reported (Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda), and one patient in Sweden has also been found to have MPOX.
What is the survival rate for mpox?
More than 99.9 percent of people survive infection with lineage II, but up to 10 percent of MPOX outbreaks caused by lineage I die. Children, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to severe illness.
What are the symptoms of MPOX?
The first symptom of MPOX is usually a rash, which begins as flat sores that later develop into itchy, painful blisters. The rash begins on the face and then spreads throughout the body, including the hands and feet. Lesions may also appear inside the mouth, genitals, and anus.
The rash or lesions usually last for 2-4 weeks and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually appear within a week of exposure to the virus, but can appear anywhere from 1 to 21 days after exposure. However, some people can be infected with the virus without experiencing any symptoms.
How does mpox spread?
Mpox is transmitted through close contact with a person who has the disease. Usually, this occurs through skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual intercourse, kissing, or touching. The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated materials, such as sheets, other linens, and sharp objects, such as needles. You remain infectious until all wounds have healed.
Mpox is spread through contact with infected animals via bite or scratch, or when people hunt or eat the animals.
Young people and children are being hit hardest by this outbreak, a trend not seen in the 2022-2023 outbreak. In some provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, children under the age of 15 are the most affected. 69% of suspected cases.
How is mpox treated?
Treatment consists mainly of managing symptoms and preventing complications such as secondary infections. Some of the antiviral drugs developed to treat smallpox have also been used to treat smallpox in the past. However, recent trials of the antiviral drug tecovirimat, used in previous outbreaks, have shown that Found to be ineffective against clade I virusesPeople with MPOX should self-isolate, wear a mask and avoid scratching wounds, which can prevent wounds from healing and increase the risk of secondary infections, which can spread to other parts of the body.
Is there an MPOX vaccine?
The mpox vaccine provides maximum protection when given in two doses. Smallpox vaccines are also known to protect against mpox, but it is not clear whether any of these vaccines are effective against the new mpox variants.
It is only recommended that people get vaccinated if they are at high risk of contracting MPOX. For people in areas not affected by the current outbreak, the risk remains very low.
African countries currently have little to no vaccine supplies, but estimates say the region needs 10 million doses. Jimmy Whitworth Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said in a statement.
Next month, people across the continental United States will have the opportunity to witness a partial or total solar eclipse. However, it is crucial for them to take precautions to prevent eye damage during this rare astronomical event.
On April 8th, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, causing a temporary blockage of the sun’s light. This will result in a darkening of the afternoon sky along a path approximately 160 miles wide across Mexico, parts of the United States, and parts of eastern Canada.
Those outside of this path will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, where only a portion of the sun is obscured by the moon.
To safely view the eclipse, special glasses or a pinhole projector can be used. It is important to note that regular sunglasses or other tools like telescopes should not be used to observe the eclipse even while wearing special glasses.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
How to select the right eclipse glasses
The only safe way to directly view a solar eclipse is by using glasses specifically designed for this purpose. These glasses should be equipped with an ISO 12312-2 filter to prevent photothermal damage to the retina, as advised by Dr. Nicole Bajic from the Cleveland Clinic Cole’s General Ophthalmology Institute.
Eclipse glasses are significantly darker than regular sunglasses, making them safe for solar viewing.
Failure to take precautions while observing a solar eclipse can result in permanent damage to the eyes, known as solar retinopathy, which affects the retina’s ability to transmit light into electrical signals for vision.
When and how to use glasses
According to NASA, it is only safe to view a solar eclipse directly without glasses during the brief period of totality when the moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face. Before and after totality, eclipse glasses must be worn to protect the eyes.
Totality, when the sun is completely covered, lasts approximately three and a half to four minutes and can vary by location.
For those observing a partial solar eclipse, wearing eclipse glasses throughout the event is essential. Additionally, using tools like binoculars or cameras without solar filters can cause serious eye damage.
Ensuring the safety of your glasses
While NASA does not endorse specific solar viewers, it is recommended to choose reputable options from sources like the American Astronomical Society to avoid counterfeit or substandard products.
If you saved your eclipse glasses from the 2017 event, they can be reused as long as the lenses are undamaged. However, if there are any scratches, holes, or wrinkles on the lenses, it is advisable to purchase new glasses.
Creating and using a pinhole projector
In the absence of proper glasses, a pinhole projector can be made to safely view the solar eclipse without looking directly at the sun. This device captures sunlight through a small hole, projecting it onto a surface to create a safe image of the sun.
To make a pinhole projector, cut a hole in a piece of paper, cover it with aluminum foil, poke a small hole in the foil, and use another piece of paper as a screen for the projected image. Adjusting the distance between the projector and the screen will change the size of the image.
Other household items like a colander or a cereal box can also be used to create a pinhole projector for eclipse viewing.
Alternatively, stand under a shady tree during the eclipse to observe the crescent-shaped shadow cast on the ground.
Currently, there is a high level of excitement in the quest for extraterrestrial life. This field, known as astrobiology, combines biology, chemistry, planetary science, and astronomy to explore the possibility of life beyond Earth.
While microbial life forms like bacteria are expected to be the most common in the Milky Way, there is a chance that some planets could support more complex life forms such as plants and animals. Recent advancements in extremophiles, exoplanets, and robotic exploration have increased optimism among astrobiologists for discovering signs of life beyond Earth.
List three reasons why astrobiologists are optimistic about finding extraterrestrial life.
1. Extremophile microorganisms
The adaptability of life on Earth, especially extremophiles, showcases the limits of life in extreme environments. These microorganisms thrive in harsh conditions like hydrothermal vents, glaciers, acidic volcanic water, and high radiation zones, offering insights into potential habitable extraterrestrial environments.
Image credit: Getty
2. Exoplanets
Discovery of exoplanets orbiting distant stars has expanded the search for potentially habitable worlds. Small, rocky, Earth-like planets orbiting within the habitable zone of their stars offer promising locations for extraterrestrial life. Future space telescopes are expected to detect biosignatures, such as oxygen, indicating potential life forms.
3. Exploration of the solar system by robots
Advances in robotic technology have enabled probes to explore planets and moons in our solar system, revealing environments that could support life. From Mars to Europa and Enceladus, these missions provide valuable data on habitable conditions and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Where in the solar system could extraterrestrial life exist?
Various celestial bodies within our solar system, including Venus, Mars, Europa, Enceladus, and Titan, offer potential environments for extraterrestrial life. Whether in subsurface oceans or unique atmospheres, these locations raise interesting questions about the existence of life beyond Earth.
Do aliens have intelligence?
While astrobiology primarily focuses on single-celled life and biosignatures, the possibility of more complex life forms and intelligent beings in the galaxy is still an intriguing topic. Despite efforts to detect signs of intelligent life, no definitive evidence has been found yet.
Sora introduces a groundbreaking artificial intelligence software that empowers users to produce remarkably lifelike videos based on simple verbal instructions.
OpenAI, the mastermind behind Dall-E and ChatGPT, is pushing boundaries with the soon-to-be-released service.
This innovation seemingly emerged out of nowhere. Previous attempts at AI-generated videos were less than impressive, to put it lightly. But with Sora, things are changing.
How did OpenAI achieve this feat? Can you use these tools today? And what does this mean for the future of video and content creation? Let’s dive deep into the modern tools and their implications.
What is Sora?
Sora is an AI tool capable of generating full videos up to 1 minute long. For instance, by simply entering a prompt like “a group of cats worshipping a giant dog,” Sora can potentially display videos matching that description.
Amidst the social media buzz and specialized computing communities, Sora’s unexpected rise may have gone unnoticed. There wasn’t any grand announcement or extensive advertising campaign; it just appeared abruptly.
OpenAI has showcased various sample videos where Sora impressively produces lifelike visuals. These videos feature mirror reflections, intricate liquid movements, and falling snow particles.
How does Sora work?
Sora operates similarly to previous AI image generators but with added complexity. It utilizes diffusion modeling to convert video frames into static images, which are then reconstructed into a cohesive video.
To train Sora, example videos and corresponding textual descriptions are provided to help the model understand the relationship between images and actions depicted in the videos.
This process challenges the model to understand intricate details like 3D models, motion, reflections, shadows, and other complex features to replicate accurately.
For transparency, OpenAI offers a detailed explanation of how the model functions on its website, although the sources of the training videos remain undisclosed.
How to use Sora AI
Currently, Sora is not available to the general public. OpenAI exercises caution in releasing such powerful tools, starting with a small “red team” of individuals who assess potential risks and harms of the technology.
Following this, a select group of visual artists, designers, and filmmakers will gain insight into how the tool functions for creative endeavors. Eventually, Sora may become accessible to the public, likely following OpenAI’s pay-as-you-go model.
Is Sora the best AI video generator?
Based on the videos unveiled so far, Sora appears to be a significant leap ahead of previous AI video generation attempts. Early endeavors in AI-generated videos, like Will Smith eating spaghetti or the ”Peppoloni Hug Spot” commercial, paled in comparison.
Contrasting those early attempts with Sora’s work reveals a stark contrast. Sora’s videos boast accurate lighting, reflections, and human-like features, even tackling complex scenarios like people entering and exiting the frame.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Sora is not without flaws. Glitches like disappearing body parts, sudden appearances, and floating feet are observable in its videos. As the public gains access, more videos will expose both strengths and weaknesses of the model.
Google is lagging behind in artificial intelligence. While OpenAI’s innovative Dall-E AI art image generator was released two years ago, Google only recently released its competing product.
The software, known as ImageFX, is backed by one of the largest technology companies and a substantial amount of data. So how is this data accumulated?
In brief, ImageFX has produced some impressive images that rival the best. But how does it work? Can it be accessed now? And have major problems in the AI art world been solved?
How to use Google ImageFX
Google ImageFX is currently available in countries like the United States, Kenya, New Zealand, and Australia.
If you attempt to access the site in a country like the UK, you’ll see a warning stating, “This tool is not yet available in your country.”
To access it from any of the currently available countries, visit Google’s AI Test Kitchen. Then create an account. Once everything is set up, your new prompt will be ready for use.
Even if you’re not in one of the listed countries, the website is still worth visiting. Google allows you to sign up for notifications about when the platform becomes available in your area.
How good is Google ImageFX?
There’s no denying that Google is late to the game. OpenAI’s Dall-E was released in January 2021, and Midjourney was released a year later. So did Google’s delay pay off in terms of quality?
Two images generated by ImageFX. On the left is a room with an art desk, and on the right is a painting of a vampire – Credit: ImageFX
The images released so far demonstrate that ImageFX is capable of producing content at a very high level. Detailed and contextual, ImageFX is an unsurprisingly capable image generator.
But that’s expected. AI art has made significant progress over the years, and Google’s main competitors are producing similarly high-quality work and have been doing so for much longer.
The significant advantage of ImageFX at the moment is that it’s free (in select countries). Both Midjourney and Dall-E are mainly behind paywalls or restricted services, so it’s worth making the most of ImageFX before any changes.
ImageFX also includes a unique feature called the “Expressive Chip.” This allows users to quickly edit the prompt and try a different search. For example, if you request a portrait of a woman, you can quickly switch this to an abstract, hand-drawn, or even oil painting.
How does it work?
Basically, Google ImageFX works like any other AI art generator. This involves several steps, starting with obtaining an image database large enough for training.
Google has not disclosed the source of its training data, but it likely includes a combination of internal sources, collaborations, and possibly web scraping and user-generated content.
Once the database is built, a model is trained on these images to learn the relationships between the words and visual concepts in the images, possibly through a diffusion model.
These models start with random noise in the image and are refined based on information from both the data and the accompanying text description. By repeating this process, you essentially learn the relationships between words, images, and context.
This training helps ImageFX and other AI image generators understand the prompts asked because it understands what words are associated with the images.
How is it linked to Google Bard?
Google Bard is probably the biggest competitor to the AI chatbot ChatGPT. Google has been working on the chatbot for some time and was released publicly in 2023.
If ImageFX is photography, Bard is understanding words and context. The goal is to combine the two to create the ultimate AI model, similar to OpenAI’s combination of ChatGPT and Dall-E (OpenAI’s image generator).
Google Bard is currently in testing but will soon be fully operational with the recently announced Google Gemini system.
This could theoretically mean a platform that asks models to create a board game and returns both the rules and lore, as well as all images, boards, and content. Or you could write a series of books with illustrations to go along with it.
Does ImageFX produce bad images?
There’s a problem with AI art…people. When trained on artwork from a human population and then utilized again by humans, less appropriate parts of the human brain tend to enter.
Previous AI art generators displayed sexist, biased, and sometimes intensely graphic images. This is a problem that all major technology companies are trying to tackle, including Google with ImageFX.
“All images generated with ImageFX are marked with SynthID, a tool developed by Google DeepMind that adds digital watermarks directly to the content we generate.” Google says:.
“SynthID watermarks are imperceptible to the human eye but can be detected for identification. Additionally, all images contain metadata, so when you encounter an AI-generated image, You can get more information.”
In addition to this, Google announced that it has improved the safety of its training data, reducing problematic output such as violent, offensive, or sexually explicit content. This extends to a reduced ability to create images of real people.
Samsung’s most recent smartphones are equipped with a variety of modern and sophisticated AI tools designed to enhance text, images, video, and search. However, the effectiveness of these features is a bit inconsistent. The new Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts the latest AI technology from both Samsung and Google, making it one of the most powerful phones on the market. Packed with superior specs, this phone comes with a hefty price tag of £1,249 (€1,469/$1,299.99/AU$2,199) in the UK, and even more expensive in other parts of the world.
Featuring a titanium exterior, the S24 Ultra is a premium and robust device that has a flat screen and new titanium sides resembling the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The screen is made of Corning’s latest gorilla armor glass, which is less prone to damage and offers lower reflectance and reduced glare. The phone is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering fast speeds and improved battery life.
In terms of sustainability, the phone contains a variety of recycled materials and is designed to withstand drops. Samsung estimates the battery to last more than 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity, and the company offers repair options for the screen and battery.
The S24 Ultra comes with Samsung’s S Pen stylus and offers 7 years of support, making it on par with Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Pixel in terms of product longevity. The phone’s AI tools include features such as generative photo editing, language translation, and document summarization.
The camera system on the S24 Ultra is highly advanced, with four rear cameras and a 12-megapixel selfie camera. The phone’s extended zoom capabilities and in-sensor zoom make it a standout in terms of photography.
Overall, the S24 Ultra offers a wide range of features and capabilities, but it has its drawbacks. The phone is described as heavy, expensive, and large, making it a two-handed device that may not be practical for every user. Additionally, while the AI features are impressive, they may not be a strong enough reason to justify purchasing the phone.
In conclusion, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse of a device, offering a range of advanced features and capabilities, but at a high price and with some practical limitations.
Is the grass greener next door? I’m not sure, but I’m sure the sky is bluer.
It’s been over a year since Elon Musk bought Twitter leading people to set up shop on alternative platforms. mastodon, post, pebble (already Shutter operation) and spill are presented as potential replacements, but few apart from the meta thread have achieved the growth rate that Bluesky has achieved. Bluesky is still invite-only in beta, but the hype is growing as more people visit the site. As you can see from apps like Clubhouse., the hype may not last forever. Meanwhile, Blue Sky has over 1 million users, according to Blue Sky’s Rose Wang. The app saw 8,300 first-time installs per day on average since its release in July 2023, but no substantive updates regarding download data have been released since then. And when Mr. Musk makes less-than-favorable changes to his X, Mr. Bluesky often checks record usage. During the launch of the site, many people asked for invitation codes (which were being bought on eBay) and it became more accessible as more people joined the app. Here we answer the most common questions about Bluesky Social.
What is Blue Sky? Bluesky is a decentralized social app conceptualized by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and developed in parallel with Twitter. This social network features a Twitter-like user interface with algorithmic selection, federated design, and community-specific moderation. Bluesky uses open source frameworks built in-house, specifically the AT protocol, which means that people outside the company get transparency into how the company is built and what is being developed. Dorsey introduced the Bluesky project in 2019, when he was still Twitter CEO. At the time, he said Twitter would fund “a small, independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers” responsible for building decentralized standards for social media, adding that he said the goal is for Twitter itself to adopt this standard. But that was before Elon Musk acquired the platform, and as of late 2022, Bluesky is completely divorced from Twitter. Mr. Dorsey even used Mr. Bluesky to express his dismay with Mr. Musk’s leadership. Twitter is funding a small, independent team of up to five open source architects, engineers, and designers to develop open, decentralized standards for social media. The goal is for Twitter to eventually become a client of this standard. 🧵
How do I use Blue Sky? Once invited, users create a handle represented as @username.bsky.social and a display name that is prominently displayed in bold. If you feel like it, you can turn your domain name into your username. For example, his Darrell Etherington from TechCrunch is known on Bluesky as @etherington.com. The app itself functions a lot like basic Twitter, with the plus button allowing you to create 256-character posts. Posts can also include photos. The post itself can be replied to, retweeted, liked, reported from the Miscellaneous menu, shared to other apps via the iOS share sheet, or copied as text. Search for and follow others to see their latest updates on your Home timeline. Previously, the Bluesky app featured popular posts in the “What’s Hot” feed. That feed is then replaced by an algorithm, Personalized Discover feed, not just trending content. There’s also a Discover tab at the bottom center of the app’s navigation, offering more Who to Follow suggestions and a running feed of recently posted Bluesky updates. Image credits: Natalie Christman
How do I invite someone to Bluesky? New users will receive one invitation code for every two weeks they use the Bluesky app. The company monitors your social graph and further provides invitation codes to share with users, who have invited trusted participants. In the long term, Bluesky says the company considers the invitation code system to be part of the open source tools it is building to help server administrators manage and manage their communities.
Who is in Blue Sky? By early July 2023, instagram thread launched, Bluesky surpasses 1 million downloads across iOS and Android. App was officially released in September 2023 with 1 million users. High-profile figures have moved to Blue Sky, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Neil Gaiman, and Chelsea Manning. It is also home to organizations and journalists such as. X expulsion NPR, Taylor Lorenz and Jake Tapper.
Does Bluesky work like Twitter? In many ways, yes. However, Bluesky still lacks advanced tools such as DM and adding accounts to lists. In addition, Twitter supports ActivityPub and in Bluesky originally began as a project convened in 2019 when Jack Dorsey was CEO of Twitter. However, the social app has been an independent company since its founding in 2021.
Is Blue Sky free? Yes, but access is currently invite-only.
How does Blue Sky make money? Bluesky’s goal is to find other means to sustain the network outside of advertising through paid services, and to remain free for end users. On July 5, Bluesky announced an additional seed round of funding and a paid service that provides custom domains to end users who want to have their own domain as a handle for the service.
Is Bluesky decentralized? Yes. Bluesky’s team is developing a decentralized AT protocol that Bluesky is built on top of. In the beta stage, users can only join his bsky.social network, but Bluesky is planned to be federated. This means that an infinite number of independently operated communities can exist within an open source network. So if a developer other than Bluesky builds their own new social app using his AT protocol, Bluesky users can jump to the new app and port over their existing followers, handles, and data.
Is Blue Sky safe? In October 2023, Blue Sky added email verification. This is part of a larger effort to improve security and authentication of accounts on our network. This addition is an important step forward in making Bluesky more competitive against larger networks like X with more robust security controls.
Is Bluesky customizable? Yes. In May, Bluesky released custom algorithms, or what the company calls “custom feeds.” Custom His Feed allows users to subscribe to multiple different algorithms that showcase different types of posts that users want to see. You can pin custom feeds that appear at the top of your timeline as different tabs to choose from. Pinned or saved feeds can be found in the app’s sidebar under the “My Feeds” menu.
Is Bluesky available on iOS and Android? Yes. Bluesky is available on Android and was released on April 20th and was initially released for iOS users in late February. Users can access Bluesky on her web here. Bluesky also recently released the following third-party apps: gray sky It will launch on iOS and Android.
Are Bluesky’s posts really called “skeet”? Technically, the post doesn’t have a name, but Internet users have adopted the name “Skeets,” a combination of “tweet” and “sky.” Despite protests from Blue Sky CEO Jay Graeber and other who don’t find the slang for semen funny, users still widely refer to the posts as “skeet.”
How does Blue Sky deal with misinformation? After an October update, the app now flags misleading links and warns users. If a link shared in a user’s post doesn’t match its text, the app will show the user a “potentially misleading” warning that the link may be leading the user somewhere they don’t want to go. Warn you that there is. Image credits: Bluesky on Github
Has Blue Sky had any controversy? Bluesky has been plagued by moderation issues since its initial launch. The app has been criticized for failing to protect marginalized users and moderating racist content. Continue controversy frustrated that the app allows racial slurs in account handles, users launch a “posting strike,” and guardrails are established to warn against slurs and other offensive terms in usernames. refused to engage with the platform until further notice.
What was the “thread of hell”? Basically, too many people were replying to one thread, breaking notifications for everyone in the thread, making it impossible to mute posts, and causing the thread to split in a bunch of different subthreads. It was chaotic. you had to be there.
What is the difference between Blue Sky and Mastodon? Bluesky’s architecture is similar to that of Mastodon, but many users find Bluesky more intuitive, while Mastodon may seem less accessible. Mastodon makes choosing which instances to participate feel like an impossible task, and long-time users are very defensive about established posting standards. , it…
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