What truly drives the increase in blood fats? It seems our cholesterol levels are more influenced by our digestive processes than by our actual diets.
The Joy of Others
If you consistently agree when you’d prefer to decline, you might be a people-pleaser. Prioritizing others can sometimes detrimentally affect your well-being and relationships. Esteemed health journalist Amy Arthur delves into the psychology behind this phenomenon and offers guidance on escaping the people-pleasing cycle.
The Microbiome
Our gut is inhabited by countless bacteria, both alive and deceased. Surprisingly, it’s the dead bacteria—known as postbiotics—that have scientists intrigued. These postbiotics may significantly impact our gut health more than was previously understood. Strategies exist to leverage this knowledge for better health.
Preparing for Cold and Flu Season
Being stuck in bed during the holiday season is never enjoyable. Thankfully, there are proactive measures you can adopt to reduce the risk of getting sick. This issue debunks three prevalent myths surrounding cold and flu prevention. Discover what truly works (and what doesn’t).
Plus
Type 1.5 Diabetes: 14% of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have a rare autoimmune condition. An in-depth analysis of its long-standing concealment and guidance on identification.
Ferrari Goes Electric: The anticipated EV version of this iconic vehicle could redefine the electric car landscape. Automotive reporter Quentin Wilson investigates this groundbreaking model.
Q&A: Your most intriguing inquiries answered. Topics include how the brain forms a sense of self, the deepest submarine dive, mechanisms behind hula hoop lifting, the number of electrons in the universe, gender-switching in animals, best air-purifying houseplants, longest-lived insects, and more.
Don’t forget that BBC Science Focus is also accessible on all major digital platforms. You’ll find it available on Android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers, and the iOS app for iPad and iPhone.
Claire North’s ‘Slow Gods’ tracks deep space pilots
Shutterstock/Vadim Sadovski
If you aim to stay updated on the fresh wave of science fiction hitting bookstores this November, you’ll need to be quick. New Scientist columnist Emily H. Wilson emphasizes the necessity of reading Claire North’s Slow Gods, and I’m inclined to trust her judgment (look for her review in next week’s edition). Additionally, I’m bracing myself for Rebecca Thorne’s chilling tale of a zombie-like virus aboard a submarine (talk about claustrophobia!). Grace Walker’s Merge has a central theme that terrifies me. This feels like a spooky month in the sci-fi realm. Yet, I also anticipate a poignant read about the extinct Great Sea Cow titled Sea Beasts, described as heart-wrenching and beautiful, devoid of any supernatural terror.
Emily H. Wilson has expressed her strong appreciation for this sci-fi novel. In my experience, it’s rare to encounter a science fiction columnist advocate for a book so passionately. This story illustrates the death and rebirth of deep space pilot Maukana na Vdnadze, exploring a supernova that “obliterated planets and devastated civilizations.” As Emily notes in her upcoming column, “Read this book. If you enjoy science fiction, it’s essential.” She consistently emphasizes value, and so do I.
Sea Beasts Written by Iida Turpeinen, translated by David Huxton
While not precisely science fiction, this tale delves into fictional interpretations of science. My fascination with sea cows began in childhood through Willard Price’s Adventure. The narrative kicks off in 1741, with naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller embarking on an expedition to identify a sea route between Asia and America, where he discovers the Steller’s sea cow. Then, in 1859, the governor of Alaska dispatched men to unearth the skeleton of a massive marine mammal that vanished a century earlier, with restoration efforts beginning in 1952.
Illustration of an extinct giant sea cow
FLPA/Alamy
Though it may seem to tiptoe into the realm of fantasy, the publisher has likened it to a novel by Karian Bradley known for its time travel elements. The narrative unfolds within a library named “Jikoku,” filled with books containing the memories of individuals traversing the timelines between the post-war and Cold War periods in the U.S. At just 11, Lisavette finds herself trapped there, maturing into a world learned solely through the memories of the deceased. It becomes clear that government agents are infiltrating these times to eradicate memories that counter the official narrative…
We previously covered this novel during its self-publication in 2022, when our then-sci-fi columnist Sally Addie expressed enjoyment. Now endorsed by a major publisher, it seems laden with thrilling prospects and just the right amount of scare for the Halloween season, prompting me to finally dive in. A force known as the Anti-Meme preys on the book’s characters’ most treasured memories, covertly robbing them of their experiences while they remain unaware of the looming conflict.
Ice Written by Jacek Dukaj, translated by Ursula Phillips
Following the asteroid Tunguska’s 1908 impact, Russia unravels in a deadly winter. As the land succumbs to freezing temperatures, inhabitants flock to cities for survival. This extreme cold catalyzes a transformation of natural elements into bizarre new forms, spawning unique laws of physics.
Frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia
Shutterstock/Mura Tart
Amelia’s mother, Laurie, is battling Alzheimer’s disease. As her condition deteriorates, Amelia opts into the world’s first experimental fusion treatment designed for Alzheimer’s patients. Laurie’s consciousness merges with Amelia’s, creating a singular identity. Together with other participants, they are placed in a luxurious rehabilitation facility known as The Village…yet all is not as it appears. Frankly, the notion of treatment options alone is unsettling.
Featuring themes of zombies, submarines, and maritime horror, Nix and Kessandra delve into a massacre in an underwater city. As they descend, Kessandra unveils the truth: a disease has triggered the massacre, transforming individuals into mindless killers, and it’s on the rise…
Within this narrative lies an interdimensional conflict described as “one of the most savage the multiverse has confronted” (and it indeed is brutal). We follow Beth, a teacher-turned-rebel, alongside a keen gun-slinging hero, Wakeful Slim. Unlike prior tales in Pandominion’s universe, this story stands alone, crafted by the author of The Girl with All the Gifts (a must-read zombie novel).
An extradimensional war is occurring on Outlaw Planet by MR Carey
Shutterstock/Framestock footage
This monumental sci-fi narrative, Sun Eater, follows Hadrian Marlowe as he navigates life on the run from the Extrasolarians and the Soran Empire, whom he betrayed.
While not a new release, this 10th anniversary edition of humanity’s struggle for survival on a terraformed planet includes a special short story by Tchaikovsky, providing both enjoyment for fans and a perfect refresher for those new to the tale.
Described as an online cult phenomenon, this marks its inaugural English print edition. The narrative examines “the potential and pitfalls of human evolution,” delving into the author’s insights on genetic manipulation and the effect of colonizing Mars, accompanied by illustrations from Kosemen. Tchaikovsky himself described it as “a remarkable blend of scientific acumen and creativity.” Quite intriguing.
This thrilling high-concept story promises excitement. In a world governed by AI, everything comes to a halt right after your loved ones reveal their darkest secrets.
This compilation of Shusterman’s short stories boasts a stunningly surreal cover and introduces readers to a realm where bats block the sun and a glacial life force resurrects the dead.
When I began my career in gaming journalism three decades ago, I missed the chance to review my favorite console, the Sega Mega Drive. While a few titles were still being launched in 1995, Games Magazine World dominated the headlines, and everyone was eager to hear about the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It felt like a painful setback.
Fast forward to 2025, where there’s a renewed enthusiasm for creating new games for classic home computers and consoles, highlighted by Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition, which is part of the Agricultural SIM series for Mega Drive. This passion project, developed by Renzo Thönen, the lead-level designer and co-owner of Agricultural Simulation Studio Giants Software, was made using the open-source Mega Drive Development Kit and produced in a limited run of authentic Mega Drive cartridges. When I inserted this new title into my father’s old Mega Drive II console, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Yet, I soon realized I had underestimated it.
Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit Edition features a steady cycle of sowing, harvesting, and selling within an isometric environment, populated with essential buildings like fuel depots, seed stores, and garages. You start with a basic tractor and harvester, but by diligently farming the land, you can upgrade your equipment and acquire more powerful vehicles as you cultivate and market wheat. Eventually, you’ll generate enough revenue to unlock a new farming area, although the core gameplay remains unchanged. As the seasons progress, you slowly navigate the tractor over the fields, sowing and harvesting meticulously.
In this simplified format, the farming simulator’s tranquil pace may seem tedious and repetitive. All that’s required is to efficiently manage tasks, with complex, detailed 3D graphics, real-time weather systems, and extra activities stripped away. Again and again. Let’s be real: modern, intricate 3D simulations were being designed for consoles released concurrently with the advent of the World Wide Web, and the initial mass-produced Nokia phone still poses a technical challenge.
Nostalgic Journey…Sega Mega Drive running an Agricultural Simulator: 16-bit version. Photo: Keith Stuart/Guardian
Yet somehow, the system still resonates. Perhaps it’s the charming chug of the tractor’s sound effect, or the slightly erratic steering that frequently leads to crashes into trees. Or maybe it’s just the pure nostalgia evoked by rugged 2D graphics. I can’t quite place it. I found myself engrossed in play. Longtime Mega Drive users might reminisce about the thrill of games set in deserts, jungles, or city environments, or the chaotic isometric strategies that defined the era. But can you imagine experiencing today’s genres on this vintage hardware, and how might they score in contemporary gaming publications like Sega Power or Mega?
Perhaps there are other Mega Drive enthusiasts out there who share a thrill for reinventing something familiar, akin to watching 4K Blu-ray movies on a Toshiba VCR. With only 1,000 units produced, safeguarding this gem may prove challenging. However, Giants Software has previously launched a Commodore 64 version of the game, Farming Simulator C64, which is now accessible on PC. Maybe this emulated edition will find a way onto modern platforms.
Nevertheless, akin to a deluxe remaster of a cherished vinyl record, the format itself carries emotional significance. This is why Giants Software isn’t the only one reviving classic cartridges for retro consoles. The fantastic puzzle platformer Tanglewood made its debut on the Mega Drive a few years back, and Limited Run Games continues to produce an extensive array of new SNES cartridges for classic titles.
I often imagine my father reviewing this recent release of the last console we enjoyed together. Given his fond memories of summer farming, I’m certain he would have relished this game. For now, I’m content to cultivate these fields, sell a bounty of wheat, and appreciate the serene cycle of nature, depicted through this outdated yet endearingly charming medium.
According to Italian newspapers, it is the world’s first fully produced version created by artificial intelligence.
Il Foglio, a conservative liberal newspaper, is conducting a month-long experiment to showcase the impact of AI technology on our work and time, as stated by Claudio Cerasa, the newspaper’s editor.
The four-page IL Foglio AI is included in the Slim Broadsheet edition of the newspaper and can be found on newsstands. Online starting Tuesday.
Cerasa mentioned that Il Foglio AI will be the world’s first daily newspaper fully created using artificial intelligence, covering everything from writing, headlines, quotes, summaries, and even sarcasm. Journalists will have a limited role in questioning and reading the responses generated by the AI tool.
This experiment coincides with global news organizations exploring the use of AI. The Guardian recently reported that BBC News will utilize AI for more personalized content delivery.
The debut edition of Il Foglio AI features stories on US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with various other topics.
Cerasa emphasized that Il Foglio Ai represents traditional newspapers but also serves as a testing ground for understanding the impact of AI on the creation of daily newspapers.
“Do not consider Il Foglio as an artificial intelligence newspaper,” Serasa stated.
I I'm at a stage in my life where my options are limited when it comes to the job I dreamed of as a child. I'm too old to play football for Scotland, and I have no intention of owning a brewery or becoming an astronaut. (In hindsight, it was a bit ambitious to aspire to a job that combined all three.) Also, in this economy, many people are willing to take a job without knowing if the new job will work out. It is dangerous to abandon it. Luckily, video games allow you to try it out before you take the plunge. Besides, you're never too old to be a gangster, right? That's why I started playing Mafia: Definitive Edition.
I played a little bit of the original version from 70 billion years ago. But it didn't last long. Because there were driving sections that were as unintuitive and poorly controlled as the buggy on Mars.
For me, the dream of becoming a gangster was less about murder and extortion, and more about the social aspect of just hanging out with guys and yelling abuse. This is more than fully expressed in this game. Guys tell me “always soft when it comes to broads” as soon as I start taking an interest in the bar owner's daughter. Hey, does that Jabroni really have my number!
The story of the main character Tommy is how I imagine his path into the mafia. I was born on the east coast of Scotland of Polish descent, so I couldn't trace my family back to Sicily and had no blood ties to any of my five families. Like Tommy, I started out as a taxi driver, and one night I picked up some injured people from a rival gang and did a job of such high quality that I was invited to do more work for them. I imagined it would be. This is the mob equivalent of a 5-star review on Uber.
It's not Goodfellas or The Godfather, but it's solid… Mafia: Definitive Edition. Photo: Hangar 13
With the updated version, you don't actually have to do much driving. You can skip between destinations with the press of a button, but this means you'll miss out on the chat throughout the journey that helps explain the story in more detail. And that's a good story. It's not Goodfellas or The Godfather, but I thought it was solid and the voice actors did a pretty good job.
The script is full of clichés, but they remind me of the mafia movies I grew up loving, so they put me at ease. Politicians are always “taking action.” Gangs always want to “legalize” eventually. It's not about saving lives, it's about saving “donkeys.” you don't thing“Do what needs to be done.'' You are not brave, you have a “real set of balls”. That's not all Any It's a set of balls, but it's a set that frequently requires commentary and praise. My boss, Don Salieri, kept saying to his co-workers, “Look at this kid's set of balls.” Isn't it strange that the mafia doesn't have a human resources department? After one meeting, everyone leaves the room, leaving not one but two cigars burning in the ashtray. Therefore, I don't think much about safety and health in this workplace either.
Some things are a little silly. My character is still called “The Kid” even though he's 30 years old. Maybe they're bootlegging an elixir of life with bourbon. To get the weapon, you have to go see a man named Vincenzo. I am often told that he has just what I need. Most often it will be a baseball bat. I could have bought it at Toys R Us.
However, I find this game very comfortable to play in a predictable and undemanding way. Most of the time it's like settling down with a cozy crime thriller or potato-based soup, but there are some very difficult levels. Completely unforgiving races, bike chases with no room for error, and a level where you have to shoot down a plane, not only did you have to dial down the difficulty to make it easier, but you turned down the controller sensitivity so much that the sights It moved like an ocean tanker. (Thanks to Reddit for the last tip. Also, thanks for the comments from other people who suffered at that level. It was like a video game PTSD group.)
But as I feel comfortable in this nice mafia job with prohibitions and big money, one character gets bored and tired of this life. “I get rusty because we sit there and crush balls for six months. Then I'm fighting to stay awake while Don tells me stories.” he says.
I think mafia, like any other job, gets boring after a while.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
