Tag Archives: connect

Discover How Genes Connect Intestinal Motility to Vitamin B1: An Unexpected Nutrient Link

Posted on by
Reply

In a groundbreaking study analyzing data from over 268,000 individuals, researchers have identified that genes associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) metabolism significantly influence intestinal motility. This discovery paves the way for personalized treatments targeting conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Diaz Muñoz et al. identified key mechanisms involved in intestinal motility, including an overlooked role for vitamin B1. Image credit: Hillman et al., doi: 10.1264/jsme2.ME17017 / CC BY 4.0.

Gastrointestinal motility is crucial for food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, all critical components of human health and well-being.

The regulation of motility depends on a multifaceted communication network, which encompasses the gut-brain axis, the immune system, gut microbiota, and is affected by external influences such as diet, physical activity, and medications.

Disruptions in motility control and peristalsis can lead to significant health issues, including IBS and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction, highlighting the importance of understanding these conditions.

In this recent study, Professor Mauro D’Amato from LUM University, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, and Ikerbasque, along with his colleagues, employed a large-scale genetic approach to identify common DNA variations linked to intestinal motility.

The research utilized questionnaires and genetic data from 268,606 individuals of European and East Asian ancestry, applying computational analysis to pinpoint relevant genes and mechanisms.

The team discovered 21 genomic regions that affect defecation frequency, including 10 previously unknown regions, affirming the biologically plausible pathways involved in intestinal motility regulation.

For instance, they found significant correlations with bile acid regulation, which aids fat digestion and serves as signaling molecules in the intestines, along with neural signaling pathways crucial for intestinal muscle contractions (especially acetylcholine-related signaling).

However, the most striking outcome arose when the researchers pinpointed two high-priority genes focused on vitamin B1 biology, specifically those involved in the transport and activation of thiamine: SLC35F3 and XPR1.

To validate the relevance of the vitamin B1 signal, they further examined dietary data from the UK Biobank.

A study involving 98,449 participants revealed that increased dietary thiamine intake correlated with more frequent bowel movements.

Crucially, the relationship between thiamine consumption and bowel frequency exhibited variations based on genetic factors, specifically the combined genetic score of SLC35F3 and XPR1.

This suggests that genetic variations in thiamine metabolism may impact how vitamin B1 intake affects bowel habits in the general population.

“By utilizing genetic data, we’ve created a roadmap for the biological pathways influencing intestinal pace,” said Dr. Cristian Díaz Muñoz from CIC bioGUNE-BRTA.

“The data strongly highlights vitamin B1 metabolism alongside established mechanisms like bile acids and neural signaling.”

This research also confirms a significant biological link between bowel frequency and IBS, a widespread condition affecting millions globally.

“Issues with intestinal motility are at the core of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and other common motility disorders, yet the underlying biology remains challenging to decipher,” noted Professor D’Amato.

“These genetic findings point to specific pathways, particularly those involving vitamin B1, as vital areas for further research, including laboratory experiments and meticulously designed clinical trials.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the Journal on January 20, 2026.

_____

C. Diaz Muñoz et al. Genetic analysis of defecation frequency suggests a link to vitamin B1 metabolism and other pathways regulating intestinal motility. Intestine published online January 20, 2026. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337059

Source: www.sci.news

Unlock Better Sleep: How Dietary Fiber and Microbiome Research Connect to Enhanced Sleep Quality

Posted on by
Reply

How Microbial Activity in the Gut Affects Sleep Quality

Oleksandra Troian / Alamy

Research indicates that diet, particularly dietary fiber, may significantly influence sleep quality.

Prior studies have revealed associations between various sleep states and the gut microbiome. Notably, a lack of bacterial diversity suggests that improving dietary habits could enhance sleep quality. However, no study has yet identified specific microbial species consistently linked to sleep quality and the exact foods that support their growth.

A new systematic review by Wang Che from China’s Shandong First Medical University analyzes 53 observational studies comparing the gut microbiota of individuals with sleep disorders to those without, encompassing 7,497 individuals with sleep disorders and 9,165 without.

The researchers discovered that the overall bacterial species diversity, termed alpha diversity, was significantly lower in individuals suffering from sleep disorders. Those with insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or REM sleep behavior disorder showed a notable decrease in anti-inflammatory, butyrate-producing bacteria like Faecalibacterium, alongside an increase in pro-inflammatory bacteria such as Collinsella.

This underscores the importance of dietary fiber, as Faecalibacterium produces butyrate, which provides energy for colon cells, strengthens the intestinal barrier, and reduces inflammation, according to recent studies.

Researchers highlighted that microbial signatures could serve as criteria to differentiate clinical symptoms from other sleep-related issues, thus enabling targeted treatments.

According to Catherine Maki from the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, this study aligns with her group’s ongoing research, which has found a similar connection between sleep and butyrate production from Faecalibacterium.

“Collectively, these consistent findings highlight plausible microbiome metabolic pathways that link sleep and host physiology, warranting direct testing in future mechanistic and interventional studies,” Maki notes.

“This meta-analysis supports the correlation between Faecalibacterium and insomnia,” states Elizabeth Holzhausen from Michigan State University. “However, since these studies are observational, causality cannot be established.”

One hypothesis is that insomnia may negatively impact dietary fiber intake, leading to reduced levels of Faecalibacterium. Alternatively, reduced butyrate from Faecalibacterium could influence sleep quality, as suggested by research findings.

Controlled intervention studies are essential for confirming the causal relationship, Holzhausen emphasizes.

The findings further highlight the vital role of the gut microbiome in our sleep health and reveal potentially significant changes in gut microbial signaling pathways related to sleep-influencing processes such as hormone release, metabolism, and inflammation.

Maki suggests that while it’s too early to recommend increasing fiber intake to improve sleep, there is emerging evidence regarding dietary aspects that may influence sleep.

Avoiding caffeine is advisable, as it may delay the onset of sleep, particularly in high doses or when consumed late in the day. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt sleep, despite common misconceptions that it aids sleep. Additionally, eating too close to bedtime can impair sleep quality.

Some evidence suggests that certain foods, like tart cherry juice, can improve sleep quality. Improving overall dietary quality and increased fiber intake is linked to better sleep quality, though the specific dietary components influencing this relationship remain unclear.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Struggling to Connect with Your Emotions? You Might Have Alexithymia.

Posted on by
Reply

Finding the right words to express ourselves can be challenging at times. If you frequently encounter emotions that seem elusive, you might be experiencing symptoms of alexithymia.

Individuals with alexithymia struggle not only to articulate their emotions but may also find it hard to differentiate between feelings and bodily sensations.

For instance, when you see someone you once admired while walking down the street, you might feel your chest tighten and your heart race. These physical responses could signify nervousness or excitement.

Unlike those without alexithymia, who can quickly identify their emotions, those with the condition may need to search their memories or the contextual clues before they can name their feelings.

Since recognizing emotions is crucial for effective emotion regulation, alexithymia can hinder the management of intense feelings, whether negative or positive.

This trait is a personality aspect rather than a specific disorder or syndrome. While the precise cause remains unclear, research has indicated that both genetic and environmental factors may play a role.

Approximately 13 percent of the population may experience some form of alexithymia, with studies suggesting a higher prevalence in men than in women .

Struggling to accurately identify your emotions can lead to issues like anxiety, relationship challenges, and isolation – Photo credit: Getty

Additionally, alexithymia is linked to common traits associated with neurological disorders that may emerge following trauma or brain injury, such as experiences after a stroke or epilepsy.

A review conducted by psychologists in 2018 highlighted that alexithymia overlaps considerably with autism, with one in two individuals on the autism spectrum potentially facing alexithymia.

While no cure exists for this condition, it has been proposed that improving emotional awareness through practice may be possible.

This involves engaging with exercises that connect physical sensations to specific emotions, as well as expanding our “emotional vocabulary” to better articulate our inner experiences.

This article addresses the question “Am I alexithymic?” as posed by Lochlan Booth from Durham.

If you have any inquiries, please reach out via email at: questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a message facebook, ×or Instagram Page (don’t forget to include your name and location).

Explore our ultimate fun facts and discover more intriguing science pages

read more:


Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Could the Internet Go Dark? Exploring the Vulnerable Systems That Connect Our Modern World

Posted on by
Reply

Waking up to a world without internet might seem liberating, but you may find yourself pondering your next steps.

If you have a checkbook handy, consider using it to purchase some groceries. Should your landline still function, you can reach out to your employer. Then, as long as you still remember how to find your way without modern navigation, a trip to the store is possible.

The recent outage in a Virginia data center highlighted that while the internet is a crucial component of contemporary existence, its foundation rests on aging systems and physical components, leading many to question what it would take for it to come crashing down.

The answer is straightforward: a streak of bad luck, deliberate cyberattacks, or a combination of both. Severe weather events can knock out numerous data centers. Unexpected triggers in AI-generated codes at significant providers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft could lead to widespread software failures. Armed interventions targeting critical infrastructure could also play a role.

Although these scenarios would be devastating, the more significant concerns for a select group of internet specialists revolve around sudden failures in the outdated protocols that support the entire network. Picture this as a plumbing system that manages connection flows or an address directory that allows machines to locate one another.

We refer to it as “the big one,” but if that occurs, having a checkbook on hand might be crucial.

Something substantial could commence When a tornado swept through Council Bluffs, Iowa, it ravaged a set of low-lying data centers critical to Google’s operations.

This region is known as us-central1, one of Google’s data center clusters, vital for various services including its cloud platform, YouTube, and Gmail (2019) power outages reported here took place that affected users across the United States and Europe.

As YouTube cooking videos become glitchy, dinner preparations go awry. Employees worldwide rush to update emails that suddenly vanish, resorting to face-to-face communication instead. US officials noted a deterioration in certain government services before refocusing their efforts on a new operation against Signal.

While this situation is inconvenient, it doesn’t signify the end of the internet. “Technically, as long as two devices are connected with a router, the Internet functions,” states Michał “Risiek” Wojniak, who works in DNS, the system linked to this week’s outage.

However, “there’s a significant concentration of control happening online,” points out Stephen Murdoch, a computer science professor at University College London. “This mirrors trends in economics: it’s typically more cost-effective to centralize operations.”

But what if extreme heat wipes out US East-1, part of the Virginia facility housing “Data Center Array,” a crucial node for Amazon Web Services (AWS), the epicenter of this week’s outage, as well as nearby regions? Meanwhile, a significant cluster in Europe suffers a cyberattack. frankfurt or London. As a result, the network may redirect traffic to a secondary hub (a less-frequented data center), which subsequently faces capacity issues akin to a congested side road in Los Angeles.

Aerial view of the Amazon Web Services data center known as US East-1 in Ashburn, Virginia. Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Alternatively, if we shift focus from disaster scenarios to automation risks, increased traffic might unveil hidden bugs within AWS’s internally revised infrastructure, possibly an oversight from months prior. Earlier this summer, two AWS employees were let go amid a broader push towards automation. Faced with an influx of unknown requests, AWS begins to falter.

The signal will falter, and so will Slack, Netflix, and Lloyds Bank. Your Roomba vacuum becomes silent. Smart mattresses may misbehave, just like smart locks.

Without Amazon and Google, the internet would be nearly unrecognizable. Together, AWS, Microsoft, and Google command over 60% of the global cloud services market, making it nearly impossible to quantify the number of services reliant on them.

“However, at its core, the Internet continues to operate,” remarks Doug Madley, an expert in internet infrastructure who studies disruptions. “While the usual activities may be limited, the underlying network remains functional.”

You might believe the biggest risk lies in attacks on undersea cables. While this notion captivates think tanks in Washington, little action has materialized. Undersea cables incur regular damage, Madley notes, with the United Nations estimating between 150 to 200 faults occurring annually.

“To significantly impair communication, a vast amount of data must be disrupted. The undersea cable sector often asserts, ‘We manage these issues routinely.’

Skip past newsletter promotions

Subsequently, a group of anonymous hackers targets a DNS service provider, a key player in the Internet’s directory system. For example, Verisign manages all online domains ending with certain “.com” or “.net” suffixes. Other providers oversee domains like “.biz” and “.us.”

According to Madley, the likelihood of such a provider being taken down is minimal. “If anything were to happen to VeriSign, .com would vanish, which presents a strong financial motivation for them to prevent that.”

Collectively, AWS, Microsoft, and Google dominate over 60% of the global cloud services market. Photo: Sebastian Boson/AFP/Getty Images

To genuinely disrupt the larger ecosystem, a colossal error involving fundamental infrastructure beyond Amazon or Google would be required. Such a scenario would be unprecedented; the closest parallel occurred in 2016 when an attack on Dyn, a small DNS provider, brought down Guardian, X, among others.

If .com were to disappear, essential services like banks, hospitals, and various communication platforms would vanish too. Although some elements of the government’s internet structure remain intact, such as the U.S. secure messaging system Siprnet.

Yet, the internet would persist, at least for niche communities. There are self-hosted blogs, decentralized social networks like Mastodon, and particular domains like “.io” or “.is.”

Murdoch and Madrid contemplate a drastic scenario capable of eliminating the rest. Murdoch alludes to a potential bug in the BIND software supporting DNS. Meanwhile, Madrid emphasizes testimonies from Massachusetts hackers who informed Congress in 1998 about a vulnerability that could “bring the Internet down in 30 minutes.”

This vulnerability pertains to a system one layer above DNS: the Border Gateway Protocol, directing all web traffic. Madley argues that such an event is highly improbable, as it would require a full-scale emergency response, and the protocols are “incredibly resilient; otherwise, we would have already experienced a collapse.”

Even if the internet were to be entirely shut down, it’s uncertain whether it would ever reboot, warns Murdoch. “Once the Internet is active, it doesn’t get turned off. The method of restarting it is not well understood.”

The UK previously had a contingency plan for such a situation. Should the internet ever be disabled, Murdoch notes, individuals knowledgeable about its workings would gather at a pub outside London and brainstorm the next steps.

“I’m not sure if this is still true. This was years ago, and I couldn’t recall the exact pub.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tony Blair and Nick Clegg Host Dinner to Connect Tech Leaders with UK Ministers

Posted on by
Reply

Earlier this year, Tony Blair and Nick Clegg organized a private dinner where a group of technology entrepreneurs had the opportunity to meet influential ministers, as revealed by official documents.

As a long-time supporter of the tech industry, the former prime minister hosted this dinner at a high-end hotel in London, representing the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) political consultancy.

Together with former deputy prime minister Mr. Clegg, who was a senior executive at Meta at the time, they invited leaders from six tech firms, including Poppy Gustafsson, the government’s investment minister tasked with encouraging businesses to invest in the UK.

Mr. Blair is a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of technology in public services and has actively sought partnerships with industry leaders. His consultancy has produced several policy papers that advocate for placing artificial intelligence at the core of government initiatives.

However, some critics express concerns that Prime Minister Blair, known for his close ties to Keir Starmer’s administration, has been able to influence the agenda without adequate public oversight. There are also questions surrounding the reliance of Blair’s consultancy on significant contributions from Silicon Valley’s billionaire Larry Ellison, an acquaintance of Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Mr. Ellison, who briefly claimed the title of the world’s richest person this year, has donated or committed over $300 million to Mr. Blair’s consultancy.

Documents obtained by the Guardian through freedom of information laws reveal that 12 attendees discussed the government’s evolving stand on artificial intelligence at a gathering deemed a “salon dinner.”

Do you have any information about this story? Email henry.dyer@theguardian.com or message (using your non-work phone) Signal or WhatsApp to +44 7721 857348. For the most secure communications, visit theguardian.com/tips.

The dinner took place at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel in late January and featured Ron Jaffe, managing director of Insight Partners, a US venture capital firm investing in tech companies.

Also present was Alex Kendall, CEO of Wave, focused on self-driving cars, along with Nigel Thune, head of Graphcore, a computer chip manufacturer, and Mark Warner, CEO of Faculty AI, who last year collaborated with TBI to produce a document on leveraging AI to enhance public services.

A representative for Mr. Clegg noted, “During his tenure at Meta, Nick Clegg frequently interacted with government ministers and other tech CEOs, which is standard for his role in policy and global affairs.”

According to a TBI spokesperson, “The event featured discussions with ministers about various issues among tech leaders. No companies were charged to attend.”

Companies that participated asserted they do not contribute to or employ TBI.

This dinner illustrates how Prime Minister Blair’s consultancy is advancing pro-technology policies. The rapidly growing TBI is active in 45 countries and employs over 900 staff members. Its most recent financial statement reported revenues of $145 million in 2022 from advisory services and donations, although many donors and clients remain undisclosed.

The consultancy faces criticism for potentially allowing donor interests to influence its policy positions, a claim it disputes. It has also been criticized for continuing financial ties with Saudi Arabia following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Blair is anticipated to play a significant role in the reconstruction of Gaza following the war.

Weeks prior to the dinner, the government confidentially provided an outline of an AI action plan to TBI shortly before it was set to be publicly released. On January 9, Ferial Clark, then Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), made this request at the prompting of TBI’s Director of Science Policy, Jacob Mokander.

The following day, an aide to Mr. Clark reached out to Mr. Mokander stating, “It was a pleasure speaking with you. As a follow-up, here’s the top-secret action plan summary. Thank you for expanding the plan through your networks and supportive quotes on Monday.” Mr. Mokander replied, “Thanks for sharing the action plan (confidentiality).” Blair endorsed the action plan on January 13, which aims to bolster the UK’s role in AI development and deployment.

When asked why this document was shared with TBI so early, a DSIT spokesperson stated, “We cannot apologize for our regular engagement with stakeholders. It’s standard to share embargoed information with them ahead of publication.”

A spokesperson for TBI remarked, “It’s typical for governments to consult experts and engage various stakeholders when crafting policy. As indicated in the footnotes, the AI Opportunity Action Plan accurately references our published work.”

quick guide

How to contact the research team






show

The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand reporting from those in the know.

If you have something to share regarding this matter, please contact our research team confidentially by:

Secure messaging in the Guardian app

The Guardian app has a tool to submit story tips. Messages are end-to-end encrypted and hidden within the daily activities performed by all Guardian mobile apps. This prevents observers from knowing that you are communicating with us, much less what you are saying.

If you don’t already have the Guardian app, please download it (iOS/Android) to go to the app menu. Select ‘Secure Messaging’, follow the instructions to compose your message, and select ‘UK Research Team’ as the recipient.

SecureDrop, instant messenger, email, phone, mail

If you can safely use the Tor network without being monitored or observed, you can send messages and documents to Guardians through the SecureDrop platform.

Finally, the guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us safely and discusses the pros and cons of each.

Illustration: Guardian Design/Rich Cousins

Thank you for your feedback.


Source: www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Proposal Will Connect Certain Drug Prices to State Payments

Posted on by
Reply

Updated May 12th: Additional insights Executive Order and its implications .

On Monday, President Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at reducing various drug prices in the US by aligning them with what other prosperous nations pay. This was reported by True Social on Sunday evening.

He noted that his proposal cannot alter federal policies, describing it as the “most favored nation” pricing approach. While specifics regarding the types of insurance covered or the number of drugs affected were not shared, Trump emphasized that the US must secure the lowest prices compared to its counterparts.

“In the end, our nation will be treated equitably and citizens’ healthcare expenses will decrease significantly,” he stated in a social media update.

This kind of plan is likely to face legal challenges, and it remains uncertain whether it will succeed without input from Congress.

During his first term, Trump attempted to implement a similar Medicare strategy, targeting 68 million Americans aged 65 and older or those with disabilities. This plan would have focused on 50 medications administered in healthcare settings funded by Medicare. However, it was blocked by a federal court, which ruled that the administration bypassed necessary procedures in policy formulation.

The pharmaceutical sector strongly opposes this concept, arguing it may severely impact their profit margins. They have ramped up lobbying efforts against the proposal as discussions revive in Washington. Industry leaders caution that such measures will hinder research funding and limit patient access to innovative treatments.

“Every form of government pricing is detrimental to patients in America,” declared Alex Schriver, a staff member of a prominent pharmaceutical lobbying organization. He added: “Policymakers should prioritize reforming flaws in the US system instead of adopting ineffective strategies from abroad.”

Trump’s support for these ideas distinguishes him from the majority of Republicans, who are generally hesitant about government pricing. Meanwhile, Democrats are advancing a similar proposal.

Amiet Salpatwali, a pharmaceutical policy specialist at Harvard Medical School, noted that Trump is capitalizing on ideas that resonate with populist sentiments.

Trump has long expressed concerns about the significant disparity in drug prices that the US faces compared to other wealthy nations. He is correct; in the United States, the cost of branded medications is, on average, three times higher than that in peer countries.

This is despite the fact that a substantial portion of the research leading to new drugs is conducted in American laboratories and hospitals.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers generate a significant majority of global profits from US sales, typically developing their strategies with the US market in mind.

The pharmaceutical industry contends that the elevated prices in the US provide additional advantages. Analyses funded by the industry have indicated that US patients tend to access medications more swiftly and face fewer insurance restrictions compared to their counterparts in other countries.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Spending Time Without Screens: How Can I Connect with My Husband Again? |Family

Posted on by
Reply

My husband is with his IP, Advertisement or his phone. That’s the last thing he does before going to bed and the first thing he attends to in the morning.

We have toddlers and are pretty good at sharing childcare, but the moment we show up after work, he gets me.pad out. It grabs me more than I can say (especially if I’m eating the dinner I’ve cooked). Parenting is lonely and boring, and I think he likes to relax at the end of the day, but I hope we spend time together as a family.

I know that there’s nothing sexier and more fun than devices designed by a lot of rich people silicon. I’m a volleyball expert, but I try so hard not to be on my phone all the time with my kids, as I don’t want it to impact them negatively. The phone seems more important to him than spending time with me. We thought we were on the same page about this, but it appears that my partner doesn’t see the disconnect between “our kids aren’t getting an iPad” and “I’ll be on mine all the time.”

I feel like I’m becoming more isolated, and I don’t know how to address it. Despite my love for him and thinking he is kind, fun, and cheerful, I miss having a relationship without the constant device presence.

In rare cases, we have a date night away from the baby, and he spends time with me without reaching for his phone. It was amazing, and I desire more of these moments in our daily lives. I want to establish some boundaries, but there never seems to be a good time to discuss it since we are always tired. How can I request one screen-free night a week together?

Eleanor says: I see multiple issues here. The screen use is affecting your connection with each other and potentially your child. When he falls into an iPad Vortex, it may feel like he’s bringing work home. There’s also the challenge of finding the right time to address this, but he may not realize how you feel unless you communicate your concerns to him.

It appears that each screen use case may require a tailored approach to resolve.

It’s easy to assume that once the screen is out of the equation, everything will return to normal. However, in today’s age, there is a new void created when we push away the iPad, where old hobbies and social connections used to exist.

On the flip side, excessive screen use can lead to neglecting other aspects of life. When we put down the screens, it might feel like we are waiting for something that never comes. This realization can lead to a sense of emptiness. By immersing in screens, we may inadvertently isolate ourselves from non-screen activities.

I believe the antidote to excessive screen use isn’t just avoiding screens but engaging in activities outside the digital realm that make screens seem less appealing.

You might find it helpful to propose positive alternatives for the various aspects of your lives. Not only should you aim for screen-free nights, but also plan concrete activities – games, outings, or movies that you both enjoy. Don’t just focus on avoiding the screen with your kids; think about creating meaningful experiences together.

Even activities that were once considered recreational – like date nights, movie nights, or reading to your kids – may feel burdensome due to screen immersion. Instead of considering them as chores, view them as opportunities to connect and recharge.

Given his willingness to abstain from the phone on date nights, it seems like he values your time together. If not, expressing your feelings about missing him and cherishing the moments spent with him, even when tired and stressed, could be enlightening. It’s evident how much you appreciate his company.

Asking him to reduce screen time shouldn’t feel like an imposition. Instead, it can be a way of showing him your love for spending time together. This could serve as a gentle reminder of the connection you share beyond the digital realm. Communicate your feelings, and it may pave the way for a positive change.

Ask Eleanor

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meta to connect India with the rest of the world through the longest submarine cable project

Posted on by
Reply

Meta has revealed plans to construct the longest underwater cable project in the world that will connect the US, India, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions.

The tech company, now known as Meta, announced that Project Waterworth will span 50,000km (31,000 miles) of submarine cable.

With a 24-pair fiber system, the cable will have increased capacity to support AI projects, according to Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

In a blog post, Meta stated: “Project Waterworth will provide top-tier connectivity to the US, India, Brazil, South Africa, and other major regions.”

“This initiative aims to facilitate greater economic collaboration, enhance digital inclusion, and create opportunities for technological advancement in these regions.

“In countries like India, where significant growth and investment in digital infrastructure have already been seen, Waterworth will further accelerate progress and support the nation’s ambitious digital economy plans.”

Over the past decade, Meta has collaborated with various partners to develop over 20 submarine cables, including multiple deployments of industry-leading cables with 24 fiber pairs compared to the typical 8-16 pairs of other systems.

The UK currently has around 60 submarine cables, through which 99% of data is connected to the global network.

Submarine cables handle over 95% of internet traffic worldwide, raising concerns about vulnerability to attacks, accidents, and geopolitical tensions during conflicts.

NATO initiated a mission in January to increase surveillance of Baltic vessels following incidents that damaged key submarine cables the previous year.

The UK Parliamentary Committee recently requested evidence on the nation’s ability to safeguard subsea cable infrastructure from threats and ensure national resilience in the event of significant and prolonged damage.

Skip past newsletter promotions

In 2018, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Russian companies allegedly involved in providing underwater capabilities to Moscow to monitor the underwater network.

In July, much of Tonga experienced a blackout after submarine internet cables connecting the island network were damaged, causing disruption for local businesses.

Meta stated in a blog post that the cable systems will be laid at depths of 7,000 meters and will utilize enhanced burial techniques in high-risk fault areas, such as shallow waters near the coast, to avoid hazards like ship anchors.

In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the completion of professional fact-check reviews on Facebook and Instagram, aiming to “dramatically reduce censorship,” a move that garnered significant criticism.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Thom Yorke and Julianne Moore team up with AI to connect with creative minds

Posted on by
Reply

Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, actor Julianne Moore, Radiohead singer Thom Yorke and others have expressed concerns to artificial intelligence companies regarding the unauthorized use of their work, stating that it poses a “serious and unwarranted threat” to artists’ livelihoods. They are part of a group of 10,500 individuals who have signed a statement from the creative industry as a warning.

This issue arises amidst a legal dispute between creative professionals and technology companies over the use of copyrighted material to train AI models like ChatGPT. The argument being made is that using intellectual property without permission is a violation of copyright and artists’ rights.

The statement emphasizes the detrimental impact of unauthorized use of creative works on the livelihood of creators and advocates against allowing it. Notable individuals across literature, music, film, theater, and television have lent their support to this cause.

The statement was organized by British composer and former AI executive Ed Newton Rex, who highlighted the significant concern for individuals dependent on their creative endeavors for a living.

Newton-Rex outlined the key resources required by generative AI companies to build AI models, emphasizing the need for obtaining training data legally and not exploiting copyrighted content without proper permissions.

He also criticized the notion of calling copyright material “training data,” stating that it devalues the creative effort put into writing, art, music, and other forms of artistic expression.

The statement resonates with creators who have faced legal battles with AI companies over copyright infringement, including prominent writers and music industry entities.

Newton-Rex further cautioned against proposals for an “opt-out” system for content scraping in the UK, citing potential harm to creators who may not be aware of such mechanisms.

He suggested that an opt-in system would be more equitable for creators, rather than placing the burden of opting out on individuals undergoing AI training.

The statement received support from various organizations and companies in the creative sector, highlighting the collective concern over copyright issues in the digital age.

Overall, the statement and its signatories underscore the need for careful consideration of copyright laws and fair treatment of creators in the evolving landscape of AI technology.

Source: www.theguardian.com

People are increasingly stepping away from their smartphones to connect with the world around them

Posted on by
Reply

Bee found herself in a moment of realization when she caught herself mindlessly scrolling through the news on her phone while sitting on the toilet. This made her see the need to reconsider her phone habits.

Tired of the constant intrusion of notification sounds and the compulsive need to check her phone, the 37-year-old Londoner decided to switch to a device that would allow her to stay connected while reducing distractions. When her iPhone broke down a year ago, she opted for the Nokia 2720 Flip, a modern take on the classic flip phone.

As a mother of two young children, she made this choice after learning about the impact of screen time on kids. She realized that her own behavior contradicted the rules she set for her children and wanted to set a better example for them.

Discovering the addictive nature of smartphones and social media further fueled her decision to make a change. Feeling frustrated that tech companies were dictating her daily life, she sought a more mindful approach to using technology.

The emergence of low-tech devices in response to the dominance of smartphones has gained momentum in recent years. Switching to a “dumb phone” or a device like the BoringPhone has become a trend, driven by a desire to disconnect from excessive screen time and embrace a more offline lifestyle.

Jess Perriam, 39, turned to PostCrossing, a platform for sending and receiving postcards from strangers worldwide, to maintain a connection with others without being bombarded by aggressive advertising. She values the reading recommendations and cultural insights she has gained through this more traditional form of communication.

The resurgence of analog media, such as cassettes, vinyl records, and postcards, reflects a broader shift towards reconnecting with physical experiences. David Sacks emphasizes the importance of tactile interactions and sensory engagement in an increasingly digital world.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Medallion Platform Raises $13.7 Million to Connect Artists Directly with Fans

Posted on by
Reply

medallion is a platform for artists to have a dedicated digital hub to promote album releases, tour dates and merch drops, as well as sell digital collectibles and share exclusive content to connect deeper with fans. You can also foster connections. The company announced today that it has closed $13.7 million in Series A funding, co-led by Dragonfly and Lightspeed Faction.

Musicians are increasingly seeking direct ownership in their communities and avoiding third-party platforms that can complicate managing interactions with fans. From a fan perspective, there are many ways to follow and connect with artists, but with minimal online interaction.

Matt Jones, co-founder and CEO of Medallion, said: “Streaming has opened up access to music and social media, creating new channels for direct distribution, but artists and fans “The full potential of direct connections has not been exploited.” “Medallion’s artist-centric approach and focus on digitally native fan experiences are helping usher in a new era of transformation for artists.”

Medallion hopes to use this significant funding to address what many artists consider to be a major gap in the music industry: the lack of control and lack of direct connection when it comes to online relationships with fans. I am. The company plans to use this new capital to introduce new early access opportunities such as listening to previously released music and offering advance tickets, among other member benefits such as “video premieres and new updates.” He explained. Artists will soon be able to sell new exclusive and limited edition digital collectibles/NFTs such as poster bundles and trading cards.

Medallion recently introduced a new earning opportunity for artists in the UK, Australia and Germany: ‘Digital Deluxe’. This allows artists to sell digital versions of their music albums with built-in music players and downloadable audio, images, and videos. Artists can also sell physical items through an integration with Shopify.

Medallions are free for artists to use, but will account for a portion of all sales on the platform, an amount that was not disclosed. It is built on blockchain and allows users to sign in using email or their wallet provider (Rainbow, Coinbase, WalletConnect).

Additionally, Medallion is a white-label platform, meaning artists can customize their digital spaces with their own color themes, backgrounds, and more. When fans set up an account, they claim something like a unique digital collectible or membership card called a “medallion” that grants free access to the community. For example, Greta Van Fleet’s symbol is her spinning 3D gold ring.

Artists communicate with fans through social media posts, and fans can respond with comments. Some artists may also request that the community submit concert footage, photos, etc. to share with the community and further encourage fan engagement.

There are currently 20 artists using Medallion to power their fan communities. jungle, Greta Van Fleet, Illenium, disclosure, Tiga, mount joy, Tycho, my morning jacket, girl in red clothesand Sigur Ros,especially

“We have partnered very closely with a small number of select artists over the past year to help us test and refine core product features. This platform is not yet open to all artists. However, we continue to invest in technology and platforms that will ultimately allow us to expand across the industry. At the moment, we are primarily focused on being among the top 10,000 artists on streaming platforms and being highly engaged. I work with independent-minded artists who have huge fan bases,” Jones said.

The company plans to expand the platform’s availability to hundreds more artists in 2024, but it won’t be widely available until 2025 or later.

The medallions are presented by Jones, Mark McIntyre (CTO), Josephine Yu (CPO), Jesse Belin (VP of Operations), Adam Ray (CFO and General Counsel), Ash Pampati (VP of GTM), Co-founded by Tom Milway (Vice President). Design) are all technology, e-commerce, and music industry veterans with experience at Songkick, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Grailed, Warner Music Group, and Live Nation.

Other investors in the round include Coinbase Ventures, Infinite Capital, J17, The Chernin Group, Third Prime, and Zeal Capital, as well as music industry investors Bill Silva Entertainment, Black Squirrel, Foundations Artist Management, Method; Includes TAG Music. Medallion also has support from top artists such as Jungle, Mount Joy, Guy Lawrence (Disclosure), and Tiga.

The company has raised $22 million to date.

“Artists are beginning to understand that they are brands, not just content creators, and as a result, they are building multimodal businesses that go beyond just music and content,” said Dragonfly General Manager Partner Rob Haddick said in a statement.

Source: techcrunch.com