Medical professionals have created an AI tool capable of decreasing wasted efforts in organ transplants by 60%.
Across the globe, thousands of patients await potentially life-saving organ donations, with more individuals on the waiting list than available organs.
Recently, the scope of liver transplants has broadened to include donors who have passed away from cardiac arrest. However, in around half of the cases involving donations after cardiovascular death (DCD), the transplant is ultimately called off.
This occurs because the duration from the removal of life support to the moment of death must not exceed 45 minutes. Surgeons frequently decline to proceed with a liver transplant if the donor does not pass away within the timeframe necessary to maintain organ viability, which increases complications for recipients.
Now, a team of doctors, scientists, and researchers at Stanford University has developed a machine learning model that forecasts whether a donor is likely to pass away before the organ can be transplanted.
This AI tool has surpassed leading surgeons, cutting down the rate of wasted procurements—where preparation for a transplant begins but the donor dies too late—by 60%.
“By pinpointing when an organ is likely to be viable before initiating surgical preparations, this model could enhance the efficiency of the transplant process,” stated Dr. Kazunari Sasaki, a clinical professor of abdominal transplantation and the study’s senior author.
“It also has the capability to make organ transplants accessible to a greater number of candidates in need.”
This advancement could lessen the instances in which organs are prepared for recovery by healthcare workers but are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, imposing financial and operational challenges on transplant centers.
Hospitals primarily estimate this critical period based on the judgment of the surgeons, which varies significantly and can result in unnecessary expenses and wasted resources.
The new AI tool was trained with data from over 2,000 donors from various U.S. transplant centers. It utilizes neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular data to predict the likelihood of death in potential donors with greater accuracy than previous models or human specialists.
The model was tested both retrospectively and prospectively, successfully reducing procurement waste by 60% compared to surgeon assessments. Notably, the researchers indicated that accuracy was upheld even with some missing donor information.
Reliable, data-driven tools assist medical professionals in making informed decisions, optimizing organ usage, and minimizing wasted efforts and costs.
This method could represent a significant advancement in transplantation, the researchers emphasized, showcasing the “potential for advanced AI techniques to maximize organ utilization from DCD donors.”
In the next phase, they plan to refine the AI tool and test it for heart and lung transplants.
The chief of GCHQ emphasized the importance for businesses to implement additional measures to mitigate the potential consequences of a cyber-attack, such as maintaining a physical paper version of their crisis plan for use in the event that an attack disables their entire computer infrastructure.
“What is your contingency plan? Because attacks will inevitably succeed,” stated Anne Keast Butler, head of GCHQ, the UK government’s cyber and signals intelligence agency, since 2023.
“Have you genuinely tested the outcome if that were to occur in your organization?” Keast Butler remarked Wednesday at a London conference organized by cybersecurity firm Record Future. “Is your plan… documented on paper somewhere in case all of your systems go offline? How do you communicate with each other if you are entirely reliant on those systems and they fail?”
Recently, the National Cyber Security Center, part of GCHQ, reported a 50% rise in “very serious” cyber-attacks over the last year. Security and intelligence agencies are now confronting new attacks several times a week, according to the data.
Keast Butler mentioned that governments and businesses must collaborate to address future threats and enhance defense mechanisms, as contemporary technology and artificial intelligence make risks more widespread and lower the “entry-level capabilities” that malicious actors need to inflict harm. He highlighted their efforts in “blocking millions of potential attacks” by partnering with internet service providers to eliminate harmful websites at their origin, but noted that larger companies need to ramp up their self-protection measures.
On Tuesday, a Cyber Monitoring Center (CMC) report revealed that the Jaguar Land Rover hack could cost the UK economy around £1.9 billion, marking it as the most costly cyberattack in British history.
After the attacks in August, JLR was forced to suspend all factory and office operations and may not achieve normal production levels until January.
Keast Butler pointed out that “[there are] far more attacks that have been prevented than those we highlight,” adding that the increased focus on the JLR and several other significant cyber incidents serves as a crucial reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity protocols.
She regularly converses with CEOs of major companies and has conveyed that they should include individuals on their boards who possess expertise in cybersecurity. “Often, due to the board’s composition, nobody knows the pertinent questions to ask, which results in interest, but the right inquiries go unposed,” she noted.
Earlier this year, the Co-op Group experienced a cyberattack that cost it up to £120 million in profits and compromised the personal data of several of its members. Shireen Khoury Haq, CEO of the group, mentioned in a public letter the critical role of cybersecurity training in formulating strategies to respond to attacks.
“The intensity, urgency, and unpredictability of a real-time attack are unparalleled to anything that can be rehearsed. Nonetheless, such training is invaluable; it cultivates muscle memory, sharpens instincts, and reveals system vulnerabilities.”
Keast Butler mentioned a “safe space” that has been created to encourage companies to exchange information about attacks with government entities, allowing them to do so without risking the disclosure of sensitive commercial data to competitors.
“I believe sometimes individuals struggle to come forward due to personal issues or challenges within the company, which hinders our ability to assist in making long-term strategic improvements to their systems,” she remarked.
A study by top climate scientists projects that by the end of this century, humanity will undertake significant measures to block sunlight as a desperate effort to safeguard Earth’s population from the escalating impacts of climate change, as reported by New Scientist.
“Solar geoengineering is a troubling concept, yet it is becoming more appealing as global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions fall short,” stated a respondent from Victoria University of Wellington, James Renwick.
According to the study, two-thirds of participants anticipate hazardous interventions will be employed to manage the atmosphere by the year 2100. Alarmingly, 52% believe these actions could be taken by irresponsible entities, including private firms, wealthy individuals, and nation-states, highlighting fears that attempts to cool the climate may proceed without comprehensive global governance to address decision-making or mitigate inherent risks.
“The potential for unintended consequences, political misuse, and abrupt climate impacts remains substantial,” a respondent remarked. Ines Camilloni of the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, noted these concerns.
New Scientist invited around 800 climate researchers, contributors to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report, to participate in an anonymous online survey concerning solar geoengineering. The 120 respondents represented diverse academic fields from all continents, yielding one of the most extensive insights into the climate science community’s stance on solar geoengineering so far.
Since the 1960s, scientists have been exploring ways to enhance Earth’s albedo—the reflectivity of the planet—for a procedure known as solar geoengineering or solar radiation modification (SRM).
Cooling strategies might include the injection of particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight away from Earth, known as stratospheric aerosol injection. Another suggestion involves introducing salt particles into low-altitude ocean clouds, referred to as ocean cloud brightening (see “How does solar geoengineering operate?” below).
Solar geoengineering may involve injecting sea salt into ocean clouds.
San Francisco Chronicle/Yalonda M. James/eyevine
68% of respondents indicated that due to the global failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the last decade, the likelihood of deploying such measures has increased. “It reflects a growing realization that we are not addressing climate change effectively,” noted Sean Fitzgerald from the Center for Climate Change Remediation at the University of Cambridge. “What options do we have? We may not prefer them, but if we disapprove of the current situation, we must consider alternatives.”
While consensus exists regarding the potential for solar geoengineering, experts disagree on the triggers for such drastic measures. Just over 20% of respondents believe these measures should be considered should global temperatures be on track to rise more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, a scenario that is becoming increasingly likely with global warming surpassing the 1.5°C mark. Others argued that waiting for more extreme warming would be wiser, while over half felt current warming levels were insufficient to warrant serious consideration of atmospheric alteration.
Such actions could theoretically help lower global temperatures and provide time for emissions reductions, yet nearly all respondents recognized substantial risks associated with widespread implementation, including diminished motivation to cut emissions, disruption to vital agricultural rainfall patterns, and abrupt warming due to “termination shock” should these interventions cease.
The study further highlighted concerns regarding unilateral climate interventions by nations or individuals, with 81% of respondents agreeing that a new international treaty or framework is necessary to regulate all large-scale deployments, marking a significant consensus across the survey questions.
These findings reflect a cautious stance, according to Andy Parker from the Degrees Initiative. “This is a global technology. No nation can opt out of a geoengineered world. Similarly, no nation can choose to ignore a warmer world if geoengineering is rejected.”
Growing Interest in Geoengineering
New Scientist decided to undertake this research as interest in solar geoengineering grows amid escalating climate impacts. Hundreds of millions of dollars in funding are flowing into this area, with researchers presenting their findings at scientific forums, building a global research community. Earlier this year, the UK Government allocated £57 million in grants for solar geoengineering research via the Advanced Research and Inventions Agency (ARIA), supporting small-scale field experiments.
This represents a significant pivot for a field traditionally sidelined within climate science. Daniele Visioni has led numerous SRM modeling projects at Cornell University in New York. “This topic has transitioned from being loosely discussed by a small group of scholars to becoming a global issue.”
Just over one-third of the respondents from New Scientist‘s survey asserted that due to humanity’s ongoing struggle to cut emissions, they now support SRM research, albeit not necessarily its implementation. A notable 49% are in favor of conducting small-scale outdoor experiments to better understand the associated risks and benefits.
Accelerated cloud cooling could lead to drought in East Africa.
Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images
“There is growing acceptance of the necessity of SRM research,” Parker states, tying it directly to the increased pessimism surrounding climate change outcomes.
“Given that most surveyed experts believe solar radiation management is probable within the next century, we must collect comprehensive real-world data regarding the feasibility and potential impacts of these cooling strategies,” asserts Mark Symes, director of ARIA’s Climate Cooling Program.
However, support is by no means unanimous, with approximately 45% of respondents deeming this a contentious or taboo research area. A third opposed outdoor experimentation with any countermeasures, and 11% refrained from contributing to solar geoengineering studies to protect their professional reputation.
“Many of these climate scientists see that the initial vision of climate science—to heed the warnings of the Earth and reduce emissions—has failed,” according to Visioni.
Much hesitance regarding solar geoengineering stems from the multitude of potentially catastrophic risks associated with large-scale sunlight-reflecting efforts.
Almost all respondents noted that implementation might dampen motivation to reduce emissions as one of the most critical risks. Other significant threats included social and political unrest, severe disruptions to agriculture and food security, harm to delicate ecosystems, and public health crises. “Modifying the entire climate system through SRM is a considerable risk,” cautioned Shreekant Gupta at the Center for Social and Economic Progress in Delhi, India.
However, the ambiguity of “unknown consequences” emerged as the most commonly mentioned risk. One survey participant pointed out that “human efforts to rectify damaged systems have often met with limited success.”
Three primary techniques for solar geoengineering include:
1. Stratospheric aerosol injection This technique involves dispersing tiny liquid particles called aerosols from high-altitude aircraft to reflect sunlight. Over 60% of survey respondents identified this as the method most likely to be adopted.
2. Thinning of cirrus clouds This method utilizes aerosols such as nitric acid to thin cirrus clouds, permitting more heat to escape into space. However, excessive aerosol spraying can thicken clouds and produce the opposite effect. Only a minority of respondents believed this method or land-based strategies for enhancing global albedo could be pursued.
3. Brightening ocean clouds This approach involves spraying minute seawater droplets onto clouds, enhancing their brightness and increasing sunlight reflection. It was trialed in a small experiment in 2024 aimed at protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 16% of respondents felt this technique would likely be adopted.
Bryan Cranston expressed his “gratitude” to OpenAI for addressing deepfakes of him on its generative AI video platform Sora 2. This action follows instances where users managed to create his voice and likeness without his permission.
The Breaking Bad actor has voiced concerns to actors’ union Sag Aftra after Sora 2 users generated his likeness during the platform’s recent launch. On October 11th, the LA Times reported that in one instance, “a synthetic Michael Jackson takes a selfie video using an image of Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston.”
To appear in Sora 2, living individuals must provide explicit consent or opt-in. Statements following the release from OpenAI confirmed it has implemented “measures to block depictions of public figures” and established “guardrails to ensure audio and visual likenesses are used with consent.”
However, upon Sora 2’s launch, several articles emerged, including those from the Wall Street Journal, Hollywood Reporter, and LA Times, which reported that OpenAI instructed several talent agencies that if they didn’t want their clients’ or copyrighted material to be featured in Sora 2, they needed to opt-out instead of opt-in, causing an uproar in Hollywood.
OpenAI contests these claims and told the LA Times its goal has always been to allow public figures to control how their likenesses are utilized.
On Monday, Cranston released a statement via Sag Aftra thanking OpenAI for “enhancing guardrails” to prevent users from generating unauthorized portraits of himself.
“I was very concerned, not only for myself but for all performers whose work and identities could be misappropriated,” Cranston commented. “We are grateful for OpenAI’s enhanced policies and guardrails and hope that OpenAI and all companies involved in this endeavor will respect our personal and professional rights to control the reproduction of our voices and likenesses.”
Hollywood’s top two agencies, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and United Talent Agency (UTA), which represents Cranston, have repeatedly highlighted the potential dangers Sora 2 and similar generative AI platforms pose to clients and their careers.
Nevertheless, on Monday, UTA and CAA released a joint statement alongside OpenAI, Sag Aftra, and the Talent Agents Association, declaring that what transpired with Cranston was inappropriate and that they would collaborate to ensure the actor’s “right to determine how and whether he can be simulated.”
“While OpenAI has maintained from the start that consent is required for the use of voice and likeness, the company has expressed regret over these unintended generations. OpenAI has reinforced its guardrails concerning the replication of voice and likeness without opt-in,” according to the statement.
Actor Sean Astin, the new chair of SAG Aftra, cautioned that Cranston is “one of many performers whose voices and likenesses are at risk of mass appropriation through reproduction technology.”
“Bryan did the right thing by contacting his union and professional representatives to address this issue. We now have a favorable outcome in this case. We are pleased that OpenAI is committed to implementing an opt-in protocol, which enables all artists to decide whether they wish to participate in the exploitation of their voice and likeness using AI,” Astin remarked.
“To put it simply, opt-in protocols are the only ethical approach, and the NO FAKES law enhances our safety,” he continued. The Anti-Counterfeiting Act is under consideration in Congress and aims to prohibit the production and distribution of AI-generated replicas of any individual without their consent.
OpenAI has openly supported the No FAKES law, with CEO Sam Altman stating the company is “firmly dedicated to shielding performers from the misuse of their voices and likenesses.”
Sora 2 permits users to generate “historical figures,” which can be broadly defined as both well-known and deceased individuals. However, OpenAI has recently acknowledged that representatives of “recently deceased” celebrities can request for their likeness to be blocked from Sora 2.
Earlier in the month, OpenAI announced its partnership with the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation to halt the capability of depicting King in Sora 2 at their request as they “strengthened guardrails around historical figures.”
Recently, Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, pleaded with people to “stop” sending her AI videos of her father, while Kelly Carlin, the daughter of the late comedian George Carlin, characterized her father’s AI videos as “overwhelming and depressing.”
Legal experts speculate that generative AI platforms could enable the use of deceased historical figures to ascertain what is legally permissible.
The concept of genetically modifying wild lions sparks debate
Andrewfel/Shutterstock
Is there a need to genetically modify wild lions? While it may seem unnecessary, it provokes a quick reaction. Consider a scenario where a devastating disease, introduced by humans, threatens their survival. What if genetic alterations could boost immunity against this disease, providing a natural evolution path through time as more lions perish?
This debate is fracturing the environmentalist community, with discussions set to intensify. Next week, at a meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—the leading conservation organization—delegates will vote on a proposal to “suspend” genetic engineering in wildlife, including the introduction of modified microorganisms.
“I’m uncertain how the voting will unfold,” says Piero Genovesi from the Italian Institute of Environmental Protection, who backs an open letter opposing the proposal.
While the IUCN’s moratorium on synthetic biology carries no legal weight, it may still have significant repercussions. Various conservation organizations might halt projects involving genetic engineering, and some nations could incorporate such restrictions into their laws.
“Moratoriums would undoubtedly pose challenges on various fronts,” states Ben Novak, of the US-based nonprofit Revive & Restore, which aims to leverage biotechnology for the recovery of endangered and extinct species.
Why is this issue gaining attention now? The answer lies in CRISPR. In 2014, the potential for gene drives using CRISPR technology was demonstrated. Gene drives allow specific DNA segments to be passed down through generations, enabling them to spread even if detrimental. This technology could theoretically eliminate invasive species or spread beneficial traits like disease resistance.
Discussions emerged at a 2016 conference in Hawaii regarding employing gene drives to eradicate invasive mosquitoes that have decimated Hawaii’s native bird species, according to Genovesi. Reactions were mixed; some were enthusiastic, while others expressed deep concern.
This tension led to the proposed moratorium. “Gene drives are being promoted by some as a one-size-fits-all solution to environmental issues,” mentions Ricarda Steinbrecher from Econex, an organization also advocating for the moratorium.
However, the broad language of the proposed motion could affect much more than just gene drives. It might unintentionally restrict passive conservation efforts and the use of live vaccines.
Steinbrecher suggests the moratorium is a temporary halt, indicating another vote may take place later “when more data becomes available.” However, with many proponents of the ban being staunchly against genetic engineering, changing their perspectives may be challenging. “I’m concerned it could lead to an extended pause,” Genovesi states.
Imagine the prospect of using gene editing to make wild animals disease-resistant. While Steinbrecher raises concerns about unintended consequences, current evidence suggests the risks remain low. This is why some genetically edited foods are already being consumed, and the first CRISPR therapy received approval last year.
The same considerations regarding benefits and risks are applicable to conservation efforts. For instance, is it preferable to witness global warming decimating coral reefs rather than releasing genetically engineered symbiotic algae to enhance coral heat tolerance?
The scalability of such endeavors is crucial, asserts Novak. Manual transplanting of corals will not be enough to salvage the reefs. “Synthetic biology tools are essential for achieving the broad objective of restoring 30% of land and saving seed varieties,” he emphasizes.
Ultimately, this discourse revolves around conflicting visions of nature. Some regard it as a pristine entity, wary of genetic modification. Nonetheless, humans have already altered nature significantly. Our actions have unintentionally interfered with genetic selection through practices like hunting, pollution, pesticide use, and the introduction of invasive species and diseases.
These actions necessitate adaptations among many species for their survival; for instance, specific elephant populations are now nearly devoid of tusks.
However, this does not imply that further interference will yield positive outcomes. The release of gene drives carries significant risks, such as their potential spread beyond intended targets.
Researchers are cognizant of these hazards. Methods like self-limiting gene drives can be implemented to prevent unrestrained gene dispersion.
“We are confronted with a severe biodiversity crisis,” Genovesi argues. “We shouldn’t close ourselves off to innovative tools that could assist us in combatting substantial threats.”
Conservation and Rewilding in the Central Apennines: Italy
A journey through Italy’s central Apennines introduces the practical realities and philosophy behind rewilding.
Javanese slow loris reacts while receiving snacks at Ujung Kulon National Park
Garry Rothulung
These images depict the release of Javan Slow Lorises into Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, last month.
Photojournalist Garry Rothulung has joined the Indonesia International Animal Rescue Agency team. The nonprofit Initiatives for Environmental Rehabilitation in Indonesia (Yiari) released a Javan Slow Loris and transported the animals back to their habitat (as shown below).
Volunteers transporting Javan slow loris
Garry Rothulung
The Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is critically endangered due to rainforest habitat loss and being captured for the pet trade or for traditional medicine. These animals often have their teeth removed, which prevents them from eating in the wild. However, rescued individuals can be rehabilitated, and Yiari works to release them back into their natural environment.
Javan slow loris can be seen during the habituation process
Garry Rothulung
While the slow loris appears adorable, it is one of the few poisonous primates in the world. When threatened, they raise their arms to mix secretions from their elbow glands with their saliva, creating a toxic substance.
Volunteers observe slow loris in Java
Garry Rothulung
This dual-action defense mechanism is characteristic of the slow loris. While the biology of their venom is not fully understood, their bites can cause severe pain, slow healing, and may provoke allergic reactions. The venom also serves to protect their fur from parasites such as mites and fleas.
These animals received vitamins (as shown in the main image) and were placed in a monitoring enclosure (see above). “They will be observed for several days to two weeks to help them acclimate to the wild before their permanent release,” Rothulung explains.
Feedback, featuring the latest in science and technology news from New Scientist, invites readers to share captivating items. Email your suggestions to Feedback@newscientist.com.
Bleaker House
Feedback states that one of life’s great joys is encapsulated in the opening line of a book: “It was the day my grandmother exploded.” As the performance manager sat before the curtains in the hall, a profound melancholy enveloped him amidst the crowded scene. “Why not start at the end of the world?”
This sentiment has resonated with many, including ourselves, as we contemplate recent literature. An article in the New Yorker examines the impact of artificial intelligence on the reading experience. The assertion is that AI may render complex prose into something more accessible.
Writer Joshua Rothman illustrated this with a passage from Charles Dickens’ intricately worded opening in Great Expectations: “Gas lamps flicker in the mist of the street, just as the sun dips low, accompanied by her husband and the ploughboy returning from the field.” AI Claude rephrased it: “Gas lamps glow faintly through the mist in various parts of the street, just as the sun appears to farmers working in fog-covered fields.”
On some level, it seems Claude managed to capture an essence of Dickens’ intent, yet elements like cadence and rhythm profoundly affect the reading experience. The phrase “various spots” feels jarring when read. Additionally, I question whether the sole goal of the passage is simply to convey a misty atmosphere. In Great Expectations, the tension and evocative language—words like “loom” and “sponge”—convey a deeper mood.
But literary analysis aside, let’s ponder what other dense passages AI might simplify for easier understanding. Adam Sharp has already given some examples. Take, for instance, Sylvia Plath’s opening in The Bell Jar: “It was a strange, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted Rosenberg, and I had no idea what I was doing in New York.” Sharp offers the following summary: “It was sizzling hot that summer, and so was Rosenberg.”
What about Jane Austen’s intro? Pride and Prejudice states: “It is a universally acknowledged truth that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” We can certainly simplify it: “It’s well-known that wealthy single men are looking to marry.” We encourage readers to identify similar complex passages ripe for AI’s simplification.
I’ll Burn It Before I See It
Recently, Brian Darbell received a DVD of the movie Conclave, and a yellow sticker on the back caused him theological confusion: “Security: Remove before microwave.” Now that’s one way to create white smoke.
The Truth About Storks
Feedback was surprised when readers reminded them that correlation does not equal causation. What triggered this revelation?
Jim Handman highlighted two peculiar correlations. The number of pirates worldwide has decreased nearly in tandem with rising global temperatures, leading to the slogan: “Stop global warming: Become a pirate.”
Conversely, murder rates often increase alongside ice cream sales. Jim quipped, “This latter correlation seems silly. However, there’s a logical explanation.” Warmer climates encourage outdoor activities, fostering social interactions that inadvertently create more opportunities for both ice cream sales and crime. Notably, this rings true for me: I once went out for ice cream only to have it snatched by a seagull. Lesson learned—I’m now enjoying ice cream indoors, far from marauding seabirds.
The third correlation we discussed in a recent column involves the relationship between stork populations and the number of children born. Initially, we dismissed this correlation. Nevertheless, three readers offered insight.
Hilary Shaw suggested an environmental link: “Storks prefer nesting in elevated locations such as chimneys or church spires. Affluent societies with low birth rates often replace ‘unsightly pylons’ with buried cables and do not install chimneys in centrally heated homes.”
Paul Van echoed this thought, recalling his A-level statistics days, noting a positive correlation between the number of stork nests in Dutch neighborhoods and family size. His explanation? “Larger families tend to occupy bigger homes with more chimneys, thus providing more stork nesting options.”
Finally, Brian Lefin Smith noted a riverbank in Germany, known for its abundance of storks crouching to pick up items. Brian mentioned spotting an “unopened condom wrapper” twice, prompting the question: “Are storks pilfering to ensure more babies, thus creating a cycle of self-interest?” He provided a crucial insight: “Malicious intent is often absent from statistical correlations.”
Reflect on that and identify the most plausible correlation.
Have you considered providing feedback?
Share your stories via email at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. You can find this week’s feedback and past entries on our website.
The decision by Elon Musk’s X social media platform to register artificial intelligence chatbots for creating FactChecks might inadvertently promote “lies and conspiracy theories,” warns a former UK technology minister.
Damian Collins criticized X for “leaving it to the bot to edit the news,” following the announcement that it would permit a large-scale language model to clarify or alter community notes before user approval. Previously, notes were written solely by humans.
X revealed that it plans to utilize AI for drafting FactChecking notes, asserting in a statement, “We are at the forefront of enhancing information quality on the Internet.”
Keith Coleman, Product Vice Chairman of X, mentioned that the notes would only be shown after human reviewers assess AI-generated content, ensuring usefulness from varied perspectives.
“We designed the pilot to operate as human-assisted AI. We believe it can offer both quality and reliability. We also released a paper alongside the pilot’s launch, co-authored by professors and researchers from MIT, Washington University, Harvard University, and Stanford, detailing why this blend of AI and human involvement is promising.”
However, Collins pointed out that the system is prone to abuse, with AI agents handling community notes potentially enabling “industrial manipulation that users may trust” on a platform boasting around 600 million users.
This move represents the latest challenge to human fact checkers by US tech firms. Last month, Google stated that user-created FactChecks would degrade search results, including those from professional fact-checking organizations, asserting that such checks “no longer provide significant additional value to users.” In January, Meta announced its intention to phase out American human fact checkers and replace them with its own community notes system across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
An X research paper describing the new fact-checking system claims that specialized fact checks are often limited in scale and lack the trust of the general public.
An AI-generated community note asserts that “rapid production requires minimal effort while maintaining high-quality potential.” Both human and AI-created notes will enter the same pool, ensuring that the most useful content appears on the platform.
According to the research paper, AI will generate a “summary of neutral evidence.” Trust in community notes, the paper states, “stems from those who evaluate them, not those who draft them.”
Andy Dudfield, leading AI at the UK fact-checking organization Full Fact, commented: “These plans will add to the existing significant workload for human reviewers, raising valid concerns about the adequacy of AI-generated content that lacks thorough drafting, review, and consideration.”
Samuel Stockwell, a researcher at the Alan Turing Institute’s Emerging Technology Security Center, noted: “AI can assist fact checkers in managing the vast array of claims that circulate daily on social media, but it hinges on the quality of X, which risks the chance that these AI ‘note writers’ will mislead users with false or dubious narratives. Even when inaccuracies arise, the confident delivery can deceive viewers.”
An analysis of hundreds of misleading posts on X leading up to last year’s presidential election reveals that in three-quarters of cases, accurate community notes were not displayed, nor were they supported by users. These misleading claims, including accusations of Democrats importing illegal voters and the assertion that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, have amassed over 20 billion views, according to a center combating digital hatred.
YouTube has expressed its discontent with the nation’s online safety authorities for sidelining parents and educators, advocating to be included in the proposed social media restriction for users under 16.
Julie Inman Grant from the eSafety Commissioner’s office has called on the government to reconsider its choice to exclude video-sharing platforms from the age restrictions that apply to apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
In response, YouTube insists the government should adhere to the draft regulations and disregard Inman Grant’s recommendations.
“The current stance from the eSafety Commissioner offers inconsistent and contradictory guidance by attempting to ban previously acknowledged concerns,” remarked Rachel Lord, YouTube’s public policy and government relations manager.
“eSafety’s advice overlooks the perspectives of Australian families, educators, the wider community, and the government’s own conclusions.”
Inman Grant highlighted in her National Press Club address on Tuesday that the proposed age limits for social media would be termed “delays” rather than outright “bans,” and are scheduled to take effect in mid-December. However, details on how age verification will be implemented for social media users remain unclear, though Australians should brace for a “waterfall of tools and techniques.”
Guardian Australia reported that various social media platforms have voiced concerns over their lack of clarity regarding legal obligations, expressing skepticism about the feasibility of developing age verification systems within six months of the impending deadline.
Inman Grant pointed out that age verification should occur on individual platforms rather than at the device or App Store level, noting that many social media platforms are already utilizing methods to assess or confirm user ages. She mentioned the need for platforms to update eSafety on their progress in utilizing these tools effectively to ensure the removal of underage users.
Nevertheless, Inman Grant acknowledged the imperfections of the system. “For the first time, I’m aware that companies may not get it right. These technologies won’t solve everything, but using them in conjunction can lead to a greater rate of success.”
“The social media restrictions aren’t a panacea, but they introduce some friction into the system. This pioneering legislation aims to reduce harm for parents and caregivers and shifts the responsibility back to the companies themselves,” Inman Grant stated.
“We regard large tech firms as akin to an extraction industry. Australia is calling on these businesses to provide the safety measures and support we expect from nearly every other consumer industry.”
YouTube has committed to adhering to regulations outlined by former Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, who included specific exemptions for resources such as the Kids Helpline and Google Classroom to facilitate access to educational and health support for children.
Communications Minister Annika Wells indicated that a decision regarding the commissioner’s recommendations on the draft rules will be made within weeks, according to a federal source.
YouTube emphasized that its service focuses on video viewing and streaming rather than social interaction.
They asserted their position as a leader in creating age-appropriate products and addressing potential threats, denying any changes to policies that would adversely impact younger users. YouTube reported removing over 192,000 videos for violating hate speech and abuse policies just in the first quarter of 2025, and they have developed a product specifically designed for young children.
Lord urged that the government should maintain a consistent stance by not exempting YouTube from the restrictions.
“The eSafety advice contradicts the government’s own commitments, its research into community sentiment, independent studies, and perspectives from key stakeholders involved in this matter.”
Shadow Communications Minister Melissa Mackintosh emphasized the need for clarity regarding the forthcoming reforms from the government.
“The government must clarify the expectations placed on social media platforms and families to safeguard children from prevalent online negativity,” she asserted.
“There are more questions than answers regarding this matter. This includes the necessary verification techniques and those platforms will need to adopt to implement the minimum social media age standard by December 10, 2025.”
An anonymous collective of activists in Adelaide is persistently opposing Elon Musk’s Tesla from establishing battery factories in residential areas.
Tesla has faced global scrutiny due to Musk’s associations with the Trump administration and staunch protests fueled by beliefs that billionaires often back through his social media channels.
This week, the discontent was palpable in the South Australian capital, a significant distance from Washington, D.C.
Approximately 95% of nearly 1,000 submissions voiced opposition to Tesla’s proposals for recycling showrooms and batteries, as well as repurposing the factory. Many expressed sentiments characterized as “anti-Tesla and anti-Elon Musk.”
To maintain decorum, the local council revised the language in several submissions to clarify references to Musk and Tesla.
“We shouldn’t profit from support. [redacted] Who is openly [redacted]? It’s a salute [redacted]. Humans.”
The world’s richest individual has declared his departure from his government efficiency role, which has often led to chaotic and detrimental consequences, including job cuts and reduced funding for US government agencies. He is now facing challenges related to his businesses, including Tesla, amid declining sales.
Meanwhile, in Adelaide, the Marion City Council has moved past community disagreements and approved the factory project for further progression, pending state government approval. The council indicated that the project is expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy.
Nevertheless, the protest group “Tree Not Teslas” remains committed to their cause.
Environmental organizations and others opposed to the Tesla project argue that the trees designated for removal to clear the construction site are irreplaceable. They also hold Musk personally accountable.
“Neon,” a member of Tree Not Teslas, chose to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation, partly because the group identifies as a collective.
He noted the group’s traction has been “extraordinary,” and their website has attracted thousands of visits, though he admitted it is hard to gauge their overall impact.
Neon stated that the fight will persist as the state government weighs the council’s proposal to reclassify the site as community land.
“We’re going to push it further. We have to take action regarding the state government,” Neon declared.
“We’ve raised awareness and are encouraging more people to get involved. This issue extends beyond just Congress; it’s a fundamental matter for the state.”
He emphasized that their campaign primarily aims to safeguard the trees on the site. “… Our central focus is on preserving the green space,” he clarified.
“We are indeed advocates for electric vehicles and green energy.
“However, the industry that obliterates green spaces… is ironically labeled as ‘green.’
The council has asserted that the area has been inaccessible to the public since 2016 due to pollution. Neon countered, claiming the trees are vital for restoring the land.
Neon also echoed comments made by Councillor Sarah Lascomb, who opposed the proposal, arguing that the factory’s plans to recycle or reuse Tesla batteries do not cater to the needs of most consumers who use different brands.
The ongoing debate centers around electric vehicle batteries, with the possibility of recycling Powerwall batteries at the site.
Guardian Australia reached out to Tesla for a statement.
Neon mentioned that the council voted 8-3 in favor of seeking state government approval, despite community pushback that made the public consultation process feel like a formality.
Mayor Chris Hannah stated that the project would generate jobs and revenue for the community, asserting that Tesla would establish operations elsewhere if not in Marion. According to Hannah, Tesla has committed to preserving the most significant trees and replanting more than necessary.
Neon argued that replacing established trees with seedlings minimizes their ecological benefits.
Premier Peter Malinauskas indicated that the state welcomes significant industrial development and is reluctant to oppose Musk, emphasizing that it’s “his prerogative.”
A spokesperson for the state government stated that they appreciate investments in South Australia and job creation, and will indeed consider the proposal.
Are teenagers at risk of harm from their smartphones? Experts disagree
Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
Efforts to achieve a scientific agreement concerning the potential risks associated with smartphones and social media among youth have sparked ongoing debates among researchers. This lack of consensus highlights the challenges policymakers face in relying on current evidence to regulate these technologies.
Valerio Capraro from Italy’s University of Milano Bicocca, alongside over 100 colleagues from various disciplines, has launched a “consensus statement” addressing the adverse effects of smartphone usage on teenagers. “Instead of prolonging the debate, we aimed to find common ground among different viewpoints,” Capraro explains.
The team evaluated 26 specific assertions concerning the impact of smartphone use on teens’ mental health. These included concerns that extensive mobile phone use may result in sleep deprivation and behavioral addiction, drawn from the book Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. While this work has significantly shaped discussions surrounding smartphones at New York University, it has also faced substantial criticism. Haidt is a co-author of the statement.
Researchers individually rated their agreement with each assertion and evaluated the robustness of the supporting evidence. Notably, 99% concurred that adolescent mental health has worsened significantly in the US, with similar trends observed in other Western nations. Additionally, 98% acknowledged a strong correlation between heavy smartphone use and sleep disorders. Over 94% identified specific challenges faced by young girls, such as peer comparison, pressure to appear perfect, and exposure to online sexual harassment.
Despite high agreement on these points, experts noted that the evidence merely indicates correlation and not causation. Many believe that further rigorous research, including longitudinal studies tracking smartphone users over time, is necessary to establish causality. In total, over 90% affirmed that there are issues affecting young people, yet only 52% supported implementing policy measures like age restrictions or limitations in schools.
Nevertheless, researchers argue that this does not justify inaction from policymakers. “While obtaining high-quality causal evidence for effective policymaking may take years, decision-makers often need to act quickly in a rapidly evolving landscape with limited data,” they emphasize.
However, scholars not involved in the consensus statement are challenging its findings. It has also drawn backlash over its stance on social media. For instance, Pete Etchells from Bath Spa University in the UK highlighted that out of the 288 invited experts, only approximately 120 engaged in the process. He suggests that those inclined to believe in the negative impact of smartphones are more likely to participate, potentially skewing the results. “I want to clarify the biases present in the expert dataset,” he notes. “I don’t believe this is intentional.”
Etchells, who has also authored a book on the topic, questions the selection process for the invited experts. Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics criticizes the chosen researchers for the consensus. “The extensive list was meant to ensure balance, but it predominantly reflects one side of the debate. If science lacks balance, it loses its integrity,” she argues.
Capraro defended the diversity of the panel, stating that “countless individuals are researching these topics worldwide,” making it impractical to reach out to all of them.
Concerns regarding participation have also arisen from Livingstone’s critiques. “The problem lies in the biased nature of the questions posed. They don’t consider,” she points out, “[whether] social media can enhance mental health, friendships, or a sense of belonging?” Capraro maintains that the study aimed to present as many perspectives as possible on this “highly debated topic.”
Community members investigating a landslide in Yangbari, Papua New Guinea, in 2024
Xinhua Newsletter/Aramie
In the event of a landslide, pinpointing the location can be crucial for rescue teams. Recent advancements in earthquake data analysis have made it possible to identify the source of such disasters within just a few kilometers in a matter of seconds.
Current methods can generally limit the area of interest to tens of kilometers, as noted by Stefania Ursica from the Helmholtz Geoscience Centre in Germany. This limitation can result in significant delays if rescuers are directed to an incorrect site. “The time lost is critical,” Ursica stated during a press briefing at the European Geoscience Union Conference in Vienna last week.
Numerous countries maintain seismic monitoring networks to track earthquakes and volcanic activity. This data can also aid in detecting landslides, especially as the risks associated with climate change intensify. However, analyzing data from landslides is considerably more complex than that from earthquakes, according to Ursica.
Her team’s innovative approach involves two key components. First, they assess five distinct facets of the seismic waveform and filter out noise when an event occurs.
This information is processed by numerous mathematical agents that seek the origin of the initial rock-like event that leads to a landslide. They accomplish this by estimating which waveforms would have been generated at various possible locations and comparing those estimations with the data captured. If the waveforms do not align, they will explore other options.
Each agent “travels” following patterns inspired by animal behavior, such as the spiral of falcons or the migration paths of elephants, until they converge back to the most plausible site of the event. This whole procedure takes approximately 10 seconds, providing far greater accuracy than previous methods. “It’s a few digits of improvement,” Ursica adds.
Aside from enhancing rescue operations, this new technique will assist researchers in locating events in remote regions where satellite data may be limited or unavailable.
The team plans to release their findings and make the underlying code accessible to the public.
On Friday, a prominent scientific organization announced its plans to release a pivotal report on climate change for the nation. This endeavor had been sidelined by the Trump administration, which dismissed numerous scientists involved in the effort.
The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society indicated that authors could opt to publish works initially drafted for evaluation in their respective journals.
Brandon Jones, program director for the National Science Foundation, stated, “It is essential to protect and prepare our community, our neighbors, and our children from the escalating risks associated with climate change. This collaboration opens a vital pathway for researchers to unite and provide the necessary science to address global climate change solutions.”
The National Climate Assessment represents a thorough review of current climate science, examining the impacts of climate change on the nation and outlining potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. Five editions have been published since 2000, with the sixth edition expected to be released in early 2028.
The new initiative will not replace the federal reports required by Congress, according to a statement from the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Association.
The White House has not responded to a request for comment. Following the rejection of the authors of the National Climate Assessment, known as NCA6, the notification they received mentioned that “the scope of the report is currently being reassessed in accordance with the Global Change Research Act of 1990.” This law instituted the US Global Change Research Program in April, subsequently resulting in staff and funding cuts by the administration.
It remains uncertain whether the administration will move forward with a revised assessment, try to bypass Congress and cancel it entirely, or take an alternative approach.
Jason West, an environmental scientist at the University of North Carolina and former lead author on the Air Quality chapter in a past assessment, stated, “This effort cannot substitute for NCA6, which goes through extensive public and government reviews. However, it allows the team of authors who have already started their work the chance to finalize and publish their findings.”
The report’s authors had been preparing a chapter for nearly a year, addressing subjects like climate model updates and urban heat adaptation.
Scientists highlighted the unique breadth, depth, and rigor of national climate assessments, noting that the government’s role in publishing has historically added credibility and reliability to these reports.
Researchers expressed disappointment at the abrupt cancellation of their volunteer positions. For many, the announcement from the Science Association was a positive indication that their work could proceed, just as the authors of the first National Natural Assessment advocated for the publication of their efforts.
Costa Samaras, a civil engineer at Carnegie Mellon University and leader of the Climate Mitigation chapter, remarked via email, “The AGU/AMS initiatives can sustain the momentum of climate science in the wake of recent setbacks. It serves as a reminder that science will persist.”
Interviews with over a dozen scientists and federal officials reveal that the initiative to control bird flu on farms has been hindered by a tumultuous administration transition, which prioritized cost-cutting, reduced federal employment, and limited communication.
On one poultry farm alone, more than 168 million birds were culled to mitigate the outbreak. The virus, first identified in American dairy cows about a year ago, has spread to 17 states and is increasingly prevalent. A flock of 1,000 birds was affected.
In the early months, the Trump administration dismissed a team of scientists crucial for tracking the virus’s spread, canceling significant meetings and limiting data access for federal scientists.
The Department of Health and Human Services has not held a public briefing on bird flu since January and has not responded to inquiries for comments.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested letting the virus spread unchecked among poultry to distinguish vaccinated birds, an idea supported by Democratic lawmakers. This opened the survey into the federal response.
The Trump administration also removed funding for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s program, a UN body responsible for monitoring and controlling avian flu in 49 countries.
“We’ve noted considerable challenges,” highlighted Lindsay Mar, a specialist in airborne viruses at Virginia Tech.
“Animals and people provide strong warning signs. Yet we merely observe them and fail to act,” she remarked.
Avian influenza has impacted various mammal species, including 150 cats, with at least 70 cases across 26 states resulting in four hospitalizations and one death. Following the winter lull, the spring travel season has reignited the infection rates.
In the past 30 days, the Ministry of Agriculture has reported 47 new infectious cases across three states.
Currently, the H5N1 virus does not seem capable of human-to-human transmission. Nonetheless, a recent mutation appears to be edging closer to that possibility.
This week, an international group of virologists concluded that continuous monitoring of milk from dairy farms, wastewater, and individuals working with infected animals is vital.
Authorities are testing bulk milk to help identify infected herds. However, the agricultural sector’s strategy to counter bird flu is currently focused on lowering egg prices, with little mention of dairy cows.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has proposed enhancements to farm biosecurity to assist farmers in ten states in curbing the virus’s spread on their premises.
“The initial emphasis of these ongoing efforts will be on egg-soaking facilities as part of USDA’s coordinated strategy to tackle egg prices, but we anticipate the inclusion of other poultry and dairy producers as the program expands,”
An early wave of federal layoffs impacted a veterinarian in the avian flu-focused agriculture sector, leading to both terminations and rehiring. Today, many continue to manage government-issued credit cards with restrictions that complicate travel and procurement of necessary supplies without seeking extended credit.
The Agriculture Department defended its policies, stating, “The restrictions on government-issued credit cards will automatically relax once personnel obtain travel approval,” according to a department spokesperson via email.
On April 1, the Trump administration dismissed veterinarians and scientists at the Food and Drug Administration investigating raw pet food contaminated with H5N1, which had adversely affected cats, and was pivotal in assisting veterinarians in developing proposals for vaccines and treatment of infected animals.
According to an anonymous official fearing retaliation, the CDC has begun withholding genetic analyses of virus samples collected from patients. Even some internal teams can no longer access this information.
Typically, federal agencies release data 242 days post-collection, as revealed by a recent analysis. Ideally, this process should only take a few weeks, according to scientists. Such delays complicate the tracking of the virus’s spread and accurate assessment of risks to the public.
Significant reports in the agency’s publications, such as weekly morbidity and mortality records, have been affected, mentioned the former anonymous official.
In February, instead of the scheduled reports on avian flu infections in domestic cats, agency scientists were instructed to prioritize a paper on the impact of LA wildfires on air quality.
While research on avian flu emerged weeks later, agency staff expressed their discontent with the delayed directives from superiors.
The Biden administration has been holding regular inter-departmental calls on avian flu, involving numerous external experts and state health officials, to share the latest findings. These discussions have been diminished, much like the CDC’s guidance on monitoring.
All communication from the CDC requires clearance from federal health officials in Washington. The agency has not held an avian flu press conference since January.
“There have been numerous health challenges,” remarked Dr. Adam Rowling, a virologist and infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan.
The nation retains stockpiles containing millions of doses of human vaccines against avian influenza. However, amid budget cuts, agencies responsible for these stockpiles and rapid emergency distribution have shifted under the CDC.
Dawn O’Connell, who leads the administration for strategic preparation and response, an agency that has maintained its stockpile under the Biden administration, noted that this shift would “add a layer of bureaucracy instead of removing it.”
In interviews, several employees from the CDC and agricultural sector expressed low morale, worsened by successive layoffs. During a City Hall gathering on April 16, around a quarter of the veterinarians present indicated they would consider signing onto a deferred resignation program that offers full pay and benefits until September 30th.
Over the past year, it has been challenging to monitor cows infected with H5N1. They exhibited fever and produced thick yellow milk, with some cows suffering voluntary abortions.
However, reinfections have been found in cows, with second-round symptoms being subtle, complicating the identification of infected cows and protecting those who interact with them. Currently, rapid testing for the virus in cattle and humans is unavailable.
Reinfection indicates that the virus may permanently colonize dairy cows. Meanwhile, the virus continues to circulate among wild birds, evolving approximately twice as fast in birds as in cows.
A new variant, known as D1.1, which is believed to cause more severe illness, emerged in September and quickly became the dominant strain. The government’s response has not matched this rapid evolution.
In Nevada, milk samples collected on January 6th and 7th tested positive for avian influenza by January 10th. Ideally, the 12 farms contributing these samples would have been quarantined while confirming results.
Instead, further samples were gathered on January 17th, with results confirmed a week later.
The Agriculture Department stated that delays in test results would not impede the outbreak response. “It is crucial to note that response activities operate independently of the sequence of the results and occur as needed,” the department claimed.
Michael Warby, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Arizona, expressed skepticism, noting, “This appears to be a situation where the barn door is closed after the cows have escaped.”
He suggested that it’s still feasible to eradicate the virus on American farms if the Agriculture Bureau enhances containment measures.
For instance, a rapid testing method that detects H5N1 in bulk milk could provide officials with more time to eliminate outbreaks, compared to tests that yield results after several weeks.
“We believe this is a goal to pursue unless it proves futile,” Dr. Warby commented regarding the virus’s expulsion.
At present, removing the virus from farms is not straightforward.
For example, if an infected duck flies over a farm and defecates, an outbreak could commence among millions of birds. Farmers may inadvertently transport remains into chicken coops, and infected rodents can enter through small openings.
Chickens are densely packed and have weak immune systems; a single sneeze can quickly infect hundreds or even thousands.
Over the past two years, the Agriculture Department has collaborated with egg producers in four states: Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
Federal officials have assisted in identifying and removing surrounding wildlife, including mice, and have eliminated potential virus entry points that farmers might overlook. Notably, only two out of 108 facilities involved in the pilot program reported subsequent virus outbreaks.
This project is slated to expand this year to ten states, including California, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with plans to reach all 50 states by 2027. Agricultural experts aim to help farmers identify even the smallest vulnerabilities against avian flu.
While this proposal has garnered praise from scientists, some experts, including veterinarians in agriculture, are uncertain about its implementation.
Department staff have been striving to combat bird flu since early 2022. There is already an insufficient workforce to detect facility weaknesses necessary for farm operation and readiness for reopening.
“We’ve been working continuously for three years, leading to increasing fatigue among staff,” noted a veterinarian who requested anonymity without permission to engage with the media.
Given the current situation on farms, even stringent measures may not suffice to bar the virus, remarked Andrew Decoriolis, executive director of Advocacy Group Farm Fight.
“The outbreak is likely to persist until the industry undergoes significant transformation,” he remarked.
Sure! Here’s the rewritten content while retaining the HTML tags:
<div id="">
<p>
<figure class="ArticleImage">
<div class="Image__Wrapper">
<img class="Image" alt="A new scientist. Science News and Long reads from expert journalists, covering science, technology, health, and environmental developments in various publications." width="1350" height="899" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/24195333/sei248660585.jpg?width=2006 2006w" loading="eager" fetchpriority="high" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2477989" data-caption="Disinformation is particularly prevalent on social media platforms." data-credit="Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images"/>
</div>
<figcaption class="ArticleImageCaption">
<div class="ArticleImageCaption__CaptionWrapper">
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Disinformation is particularly prevalent on social media platforms.</p>
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images</p>
</div>
</figcaption>
</figure>
</p>
<p>The National Science Foundation (NSF) has terminated a government research grant aimed at examining misinformation and disinformation. This decision comes amid a surge of propaganda and deceit proliferated by the latest AI technologies, coinciding with tech companies scaling back their content moderation efforts and disbanding fact-checking teams.</p>
<p>The grant was canceled on April 18, as stated by the NSF in a <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/updates-on-priorities">public announcement</a>. The statement asserts that it no longer backs research on misinformation or disinformation, citing potential conflicts with constitutionally protected free speech rights...</p>
</div>
The significant federal health workers layoffs that began Tuesday will result in a substantial reduction in the scope and impact of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the world’s premier public health agency.
The Department of Health and Human Services reorganization will trim the CDC workforce by 2,400 employees, representing about 18% of the total workforce, and eliminate some core functions.
Some Democrats in Congress have criticized the reorganization of the entire HHS as potentially illegal.
“We cannot dismantle and reconstruct HHS without congressional approval,” said Sen. Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat and member of the Senate Health Committee.
“Not only is this potentially illegal, but it is also incredibly damaging, putting the health and well-being of Americans at risk,” she added.
Murray highlighted that the Trump administration has not specified which units within the CDC and other health agencies have been affected by the layoffs. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated last week that the layoffs would primarily impact management functions.
However, information obtained from numerous workers by the New York Times indicates that the cuts were more widespread. Scientists working on environmental health, asthma, injuries, lead poisoning, smoking, and climate change have been let go.
Researchers studying blood disorders, violence prevention, and vaccine access have also been terminated. The HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Agency Centre experienced the most significant staff reduction, losing around 27% of its workforce.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, which offers recommendations for maintaining workplace safety, has been mostly dissolved.
Public health experts noted that what remains of the CDC has been severed from its global influence, resulting in fewer resources for environmental health, occupational health, and disease prevention.
The Crown Prosecutor’s Office is planning to update its guidance on “revenge porn” crimes to ensure that explicit photos of the victim are no longer allowed to be retained.
observer reported last month that the Magistrates’ Court did not order the removal of content related to Image-based abuse cases, and prosecutors did not request such action.
An examination of court records revealed that out of 98 cases, only three resulted in deprivation orders requiring offenders to surrender their devices and delete private photos and videos.
In one case, a man was accused by a magistrate of engaging in “deeply disturbing” behavior to emotionally intimidate the victim. Despite receiving a suspended sentence, no order was issued to have him surrender his device for deletion, leaving the police without the legal authority to do so.
These findings prompted outcry from activists, demanding immediate action and stating that the failure to act left victims “living in fear.” The CPS acknowledged the need for more action to prevent these images from being used to perpetrate further crimes.
The prosecutor’s guidance on communication crimes is currently being revised. The new guidelines, released this week, urge prosecutors to utilize deprivation orders more effectively and consistently.
Prosecutors are advised to consider implementing the order early in their case strategies to strip offenders of their devices promptly and foster a more uniform approach to device confiscation from suspects from the outset.
Campaigners welcomed the change as a positive step forward.
Elena Michael from the campaign group #notyourporn commended the guidance as a helpful step but emphasized the need for further actions to be taken.
She highlighted additional areas for improvement, such as addressing issues related to evidence collection and advocating for a more comprehensive investigation process.
Furthermore, she urged clarity on whether the guidance would extend to hard drives, cloud storage, and physical devices in addition to mobile phones.
Law professor Claire McGlyn praised the updated guidance as a positive development and a step towards progress, emphasizing the importance of addressing image-based sexual abuse cases more effectively.
The Judgment Council, responsible for issuing guidance to judges and magistrates, stated that they are monitoring the government’s new intimate image law proposal and will consider necessary adjustments to guidelines once it is enacted.
MrBeast, a famous YouTube star and the highest-paid creator on the internet, has officially joined the bid to acquire TikTok’s US operations.
Teaming up with technology entrepreneur Jesse Tinsley, the 26-year-old made an all-cash offer for the social video app’s American division. This move follows President Donald Trump’s statement that US tech billionaires Elon Musk and Larry Ellison were interested in buying TikTok.
Known as Jimmy Donaldson, MrBeast has shown interest in acquiring TikTok through various social media posts. On January 13th, he mentioned in a post, “I’ll buy TikTok to avoid getting banned.” In subsequent TikTok posts, Donaldson revealed discussions with “a bunch of billionaires” regarding the bid.
American law firm Paul Hastings announced the bid for Donaldson in a statement on Tuesday. The statement mentioned Mr. Tinsley leading an investor group consisting of “institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals,” with Mr. Donaldson being the only publicly disclosed member.
While the size of the all-cash bid was not disclosed, Trump valued it at $1 trillion. With 346 million YouTube followers, MrBeast was the world’s top internet creator in the previous year, earning $85 million according to Forbes.
Paul Hastings also noted that Brad Bondi, the lawyer leading the team advising on the bid, is the brother of President Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi.
President Trump mentioned potential agreements with Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, expressing openness to their bids to acquire TikTok. Ellison commented that it sounded like a “good deal.” Trump stated that TikTok would be allowed to operate in the US with 50% American ownership and a valuation of $1 trillion.
Despite TikTok returning online after temporary shutdown, its future in the US remains uncertain. The app faces a deadline of January 19 due to a requirement for the sale of its American division by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
President Trump issued an executive order halting enforcement of the sale requirement, providing assurances for TikTok’s operation. Some lawmakers question the legality of suspending the law, warning of potential consequences for businesses not complying.
TikTok, Google, and Apple have been approached for comments.
Eric Porth, director of the California Water Resources Institute, mentioned that having more water tanks in the Palisades area could have been beneficial. However, he noted that municipal water systems, like the one in place, are primarily used for extinguishing residential fires and not typically designed for larger scale emergencies. He emphasized that the current situation has resulted in a significant burn scar that is overwhelming the existing water resources.
Los Angeles officials have advised residents to reduce their water consumption in light of the ongoing fire situation. Quiñones, from the water department, highlighted the need for water conservation to ensure that fire departments have enough resources to combat fires effectively.
Furthermore, a 48-hour boil water notice was issued for a specific zip code that includes the Palisades area and neighboring communities due to declining water quality caused by the fire and ash particles in the system.
Ajami expressed concerns about potential water contamination due to the drop in water pressure during the fire. She pointed out that the compromised pipeline infrastructure could allow external contaminants to enter the system.
Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions at the Natural Resources Defense Council, emphasized the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of fires. He underscored the need to reassess infrastructure in order to better cope with such disasters.
President-elect Donald Trump has criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for the wildfires in Los Angeles, attributing the situation to a policy dispute regarding water allocation in the state.
In response to Trump’s accusations, Governor Newsom’s communications director clarified that there is no such document as a Water Restoration Proclamation and emphasized Newsom’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and supporting firefighters.
Gold, formerly associated with the Newsom administration, identified infrastructure issues and environmental factors as key contributors to the water resource challenges in Southern California.
Police stand guard in front of a hotel ahead of the United Nations biodiversity conference COP16 to be held in Cali, Colombia on October 19th.
Fernando Vergara/AP/Alamy
Biodiversity loss is a crisis. And it's clearer than ever that the world isn't moving fast enough to solve it. Last weekend's COP16 summit in Cali, Colombia, collapsed in overtime, with too few countries present to agree on a global plan to halt the decline of nature.
“Unfortunately, too many countries and UN officials are working to address our species’ most pressing existential issues without the level of urgency and ambition needed to secure an outcome at COP16. “I came to Cali,” he says. Brian O'Donnell At the environmental advocacy group “Campaign for Nature.”
Signs of the lack of progress were evident from the start of the meeting, with nearly all countries demonstrating how far they have reached ambitious biodiversity targets set at COP15 two years ago, including protecting 30 percent of the planet's land. The deadline to submit a formal plan on how to achieve this was missed. Several more plans were brought forward during the two weeks of the summit, including plans from big countries like India and Argentina, but strategies for most countries have yet to be developed.
As COP16 began, it was clear that the world was not on track to achieve these goals. Since 2020, the area of Earth's land and oceans under formal protection has increased by just 0.5%, according to a UN report released during the summit. This is too slow a rate to protect 30 percent of the planet by the end of the decade.
And their protection is desperately needed. a report A report by the Zoological Society of London and the World Wildlife Fund released ahead of the summit found that vertebrate populations have declined by an average of 73 percent since 1970, and have increased by 4 percentage points since 2022. reportA report presented at a conference by the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that 38 percent of the world's tree species are at risk of extinction.
Many low-income countries said a lack of financial resources prevented them from developing and submitting plans on time, let alone starting implementation. At COP16, high-income countries pledged a total of around $400 million to support these efforts, but funding remains billions of dollars short of the annual target of $20 billion pledged by 2025. .
Negotiations went into overtime early Saturday morning, with no clear plan to close the funding gap and monitor progress toward the goal left unresolved. As delegates left, the number of countries present fell below the minimum required for decision-making, and the meeting was adjourned without reaching a resolution. The topic will be taken up at an interim meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2025.
“Nature is on life support and here in Cali, unless we reach a strong financial compromise, we risk collapse,” he says. Patricia Zurita At Conservation International, a nonprofit environmental organization.
Although COP16's failure to change the direction of fiscal issues disappointed observers, one important agreement was reached at the meeting. It's an agreement on how to collect revenue from products developed using Earth's genetic data. Before the conference is adjourned, each country will require pharmaceutical and other biotech companies that use such “digital sequence information” to donate 0.1% of their revenue or 1% of their profits to the “Kali Fund” We agreed to ask. This fund will be used to protect the biodiversity that is the source of such genetic data.
The fact that the agreement, which took nearly a decade of negotiations and is voluntary and less comprehensive than the African Union and some low-income countries had hoped, means that individual countries and companies This means that it depends greatly on how you respond to the situation. But the United Nations estimates that the fund could raise up to $1 billion a year for biodiversity. “We may be able to get some, but it's nowhere near the scale and speed that is required,” said Pierre du Plessis, a longtime African Union negotiator. Ahead of the meeting, he claimed: new scientist The fund should be bigger.
Indigenous peoples also see a victory ahead of the conference's suspension, with the establishment of formal institutions that will give them a stronger voice in biodiversity negotiations.
However, the overall atmosphere was heavy. “The really disappointing thing about COP16 is that [debates on] “Digital sequence information sucks every last drop of energy and time,” he says. Amber Scholz At the Leibniz Institute DSMZ in Germany.
One reason for the apparent lack of urgency is that the world treats climate change and biodiversity loss as two separate problems. The annual global climate summit attracts more participants and far more attention than the biodiversity negotiations. While 154 people attended last year's climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, only six leaders attended COP16. This is a problem when the two issues are intertwined. Climate change is one of the main threats to biodiversity, and the ecosystems with the highest biodiversity often also have the greatest ability to store carbon.
“I think the most important thing we need is to change the persistent neglect of biodiversity, especially when compared to climate change,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the summit. mentioned in. “They are all interconnected and cannot be divided.”
The U.S. has seen a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to the growth of clean energy, but it falls short of the targets set in the Paris climate agreement, according to a recent analysis by Rhodium. Rhodium is a research firm that monitors U.S. progress in meeting climate change objectives.
In the Paris agreement, 194 nations pledged to limit the global average temperature increase to below 2 degrees Celsius. The U.S. has set a goal to reduce emissions by at least 50% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, Rhodium’s report projects that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will only be 32 to 43 percent below this benchmark by 2030, and 38 to 56 percent below it five years later.
The report indicates that clean energy investments are rapidly increasing, economic growth is no longer reliant on fossil fuels, and President Joe Biden’s climate change initiatives are speeding up electrification efforts.
Despite these positive developments, there are obstacles to overcome. Data centers consuming large amounts of power are driving up electricity demand, recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal regulatory powers, and there is a divide between Democrats and Republicans on climate policies as an election approaches.
The U.S. achieved record-breaking numbers last year in adding solar power and clean energy storage to the grid. Ben King, associate director of energy and climate at Rhodium Group, believes these years will be remembered as a pivotal moment in climate policy.
However, the transition to clean energy needs to accelerate further to meet U.S. emissions targets without additional policy actions. Clean energy capacity must increase significantly to achieve Rhodium’s high-end emissions reduction projections.
Challenges such as building transmission lines, sourcing materials for wind power projects, and obtaining licenses for new facilities need to be addressed to speed up the energy transition, according to King.
The report predicts a substantial increase in electricity demand by 2035, driven by the electrification of vehicles and appliances, as well as the usage of data centers for various energy-intensive activities.
Investments in clean energy, transportation, and technology are on the rise, with companies pouring $71 billion into these sectors in the first quarter of 2024, a significant increase from the previous year.
The future of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will be influenced by the upcoming election, with potential policy changes depending on the outcome. Rhodium anticipates environmental policy challenges following recent Supreme Court decisions, and the next administration will need to strategize to address these challenges.
About 20 years ago, the pointy-eared wild cat was on the brink of extinction, but as of Thursday, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced that the species is no longer endangered.
Thanks to successful conservation efforts, the animal, which is native to Spain and Portugal, is now considered almost certainly not threatened, according to the latest IUCN Red List.
A baby Iberian lynx in Doñana National Park, Aznalcázar, Spain, in 2018. Antonio Pizarro/AP Files
In 2001, there were only 62 mature Iberian lynx left in the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberian lynx is a medium-sized, spotted brown cat with distinctive pointed ears and a pair of whisker-like tufts of facial hair. The extinction of this species is closely linked to the extinction of its main prey, the European rabbit, habitat degradation, and human activities.
Alarm bells were sounded and breeding, reintroduction and conservation projects were launched, as well as efforts to restore habitats such as dense forests, Mediterranean scrub and pastures. Portugal The IUCN said the population was 648 adults, but the most recent count last year found there were more than 2,000 adults and juveniles.
“This huge population increase is a really huge success,” Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red List Division, told The Associated Press.
Iberian Lynx. Juan Giribet/VWPics/VWPics via AP
One of the keys to the rabbit population’s recovery has been attention to rabbit populations that were affected by changes in agricultural production, which has led to a steady increase in lynx numbers, Hilton-Taylor said.
“The greatest recovery of this cat species has been achieved through conservation efforts thanks to the dedicated collaboration between public and scientific institutions, NGOs, the private sector and local residents, including local landowners, farmers, game wardens and hunters,” Francisco Javier Salcedo Ortiz, coordinator of the EU-funded LIFE Lynx-Connect project, said in a statement.
IUCN has worked with local communities to raise awareness of the Iberian lynx’s importance to the ecosystem, which has helped reduce animal deaths from poaching and roadkill, and farmers receive compensation if an Iberian lynx kills their livestock, Hilton-Taylor said.
More than 400 Iberian lynx have been reintroduced into parts of Portugal and Spain since 2010 and now live over at least 3,320 square kilometres of land, up from 449 square kilometres in 2005.
Iberian lynx in Doñana National Park, Aznalcázar, Spain, 2019. Antonio Pizarro/AP Files
“Everything has to be taken into consideration before we release the lynx, and we revise our protocols approximately every four years,” said Ramon Pérez de Ayala, Spain’s species project manager for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the NGOs involved in the project.
While the latest Red List status offers hope for other species in a similar situation, Hilton-Taylor said the lynx was not out of danger yet.
The biggest uncertainty is what will happen to rabbits, an animal vulnerable to virus outbreaks and other diseases that can be transmitted by livestock.
“We’re also concerned about the issue of climate change and how habitats will respond to it, particularly the increased impact of fires such as we’ve seen in the Mediterranean over the past year or two,” Hilton-Taylor said.
The Australian government has announced it will invest nearly A$1 billion in developing quantum computers, staking its claim in a race currently dominated by the United States and China.
Headquartered in the US, PsiQuantum was co-founded by a team including two Australian researchers and has received funding from both the Australian Federal and Queensland Governments of A$470 million, for a total of A$940 million ($600 million). The project will receive funding of $13 million. In return, the company will build and operate a next-generation quantum computer in Brisbane, Australia.
stephen bartlett Researchers at the University of Sydney said the announcement amounted to Australia asserting sovereign capabilities in quantum computing and building a quantum technology ecosystem.
“What I'm really excited about about this is that the size of the investment means we're serious,” Bartlett says. Big technology companies such as IBM, Google and Microsoft are investing billions of dollars in quantum computing, but Australian funding makes PsiQuantum one of the world's largest dedicated quantum computing companies.
Quantum computers offer the possibility of completing some tasks much faster than regular computers. So far, such capabilities have only been demonstrated in non-practical problems, but as research teams in the U.S., China and elsewhere race to build larger and less error-prone machines, they are becoming increasingly common. It is hoped that this will begin to prove useful.
Many teams have built quantum computers based on superconductors, but PsiQuantum's approach involves particles of light called photons, which were thought to be difficult to scale up. However, ahead of the Australian announcement, PsiQuantum Published a paper The paper details how standard semiconductor manufacturing equipment, of the type used to make regular computer chips, could be used to build the photonic chips needed for quantum machines.
Australia has exported generations of quantum researchers, including the co-founders of PsiQuantum. Jeremy O'Brien and Terry Rudolph. Mr Bartlett said government investment could allow these scientists to return to Australia and start building their careers here. “Australia is saying we have a seat at the big table when it comes to quantum computing.”
People rally in Ottawa to support ending plastic pollution
The Canadian Press/Shutterstock
Representatives from nearly every country will gather in Canada to hammer out the details of a global treaty to tackle rising plastic pollution. One source of disagreement at the summit, which concluded on April 29, was how to address greenhouse gas emissions produced by the production and use of plastics, which are increasingly not recognized as a cause of climate change. was.
“When people think of plastic, they think of something visually visible,” he says. Vermilion Alice At the University of Toronto, Canada. However, the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics produces large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, as does the generation of the energy needed to make plastic products. Plastics currently account for about 10% of total oil and natural gas demand. Coal is also increasing Used to power plastic production.
Incineration of plastic waste is also a source of greenhouse gas emissions. As plastics in the environment degrade, they can emit carbon dioxide and methane. Plastics may even reduce the amount of carbon that ecosystems can store, although the effects have not been well quantified, Zhu said.
The emissions numbers associated with plastic production are more clear-cut.in study Published this month, Nihang Kalari Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California estimated that plastic production produced 2.24 billion tons of CO2 in 2019, accounting for about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is roughly four times the emissions produced by aviation that year.
They found that as plastic production increases, these emissions could triple by 2050, assuming no changes in the way plastics are made. Most of the emissions are related to the extraction and processing of fossil fuels and other chemicals used to make plastics, so decarbonizing the electricity grid will have a small impact on projected emissions. It also became clear that
The global plastics deal currently under discussion could offer a “historic” chance to limit these emissions, the researchers write. In 2022, more than 175 countries have agreed to join a legally binding treaty to tackle plastic pollution throughout the lifecycle of materials, with final details expected to be agreed by the end of this year.
But a group of oil-producing countries, including China and Russia, said during negotiations that the treaty should only address plastic waste through cleaning and recycling, and that production, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from oil, would They argued that it should not be restricted or changed. plastic.country group Including UK and EU argued that the treaty should include provisions to reduce production to keep emissions in line with global climate goals.
“There's a lot on the agenda, but climate certainly isn't talked about much,” he says. neil nathan Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, attended the conference to advocate for an ambitious treaty.
according to modeling We've heard from Nathan and others that a strong treaty that takes measures such as limiting production and requiring plastic products to contain a high proportion of recycled content could keep emissions at current levels. Probably. He said the Plastics Treaty would be a “failure” if it did not address production.
Sarah-Jeanne Royer Researchers at the University of California, San Diego suggest that even if the treaty did not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there would be more sustainable options for making plastics, such as recycled or captured CO2, such as bioplastics or captured CO2. It said the switch would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of new plastics. Expressly.
but, paul stegman Dutch research institute TNO has warned that plastic alternatives such as steel can generate more emissions, depending on how they are reused and recycled. “Ultimately, we need policies that reduce the impact on society as a whole, not just move the problem elsewhere,” he says.
Voyager 1 faced a critical issue when it was first discovered in November. NASA acknowledged that while the spacecraft was still in communication with Earth, the signals being received were indecipherable. This led to a concentrated effort over a month to identify and rectify the problem, saving the Voyager 1 mission.
Despite the challenges faced by the team, including the difficulty of troubleshooting a spacecraft over 15 billion miles away in interstellar space, there remained hope and determination to overcome the obstacles.
The main culprit was found to be a hardware failure in one of Voyager 1’s three computers, resulting in corrupted code that hindered the transmission of crucial updates and data. Unfortunately, the chip containing the problematic software was deemed irreparable.
However, a solution was devised by splitting and storing the code in different memory locations of the computer. This allowed for the affected sections to be reprogrammed, ensuring the continued functionality of the system.
Following meticulous verification and testing processes, Voyager 1 gradually resumed its normal operations, as confirmed by NASA’s recent update.
The Voyager missions, launched in 1977, have been instrumental in exploring the outer regions of our solar system. Voyager 1, now in interstellar space, continues to transmit valuable data and may well do so until the 2030s, serving as an enduring reminder of human exploration.
Both Voyager probes carry time capsules containing images and sounds representing Earth and its inhabitants, intended to be discovered by extraterrestrial beings in the distant future.
“Our silent ambassadors,” as Voyager 1 and 2 are affectionately known, will continue their journey for millennia, potentially reaching other stars and civilizations,” remarked Spilker.
Taiwan experienced a significant earthquake on Wednesday, with experts noting that it was larger than some areas in the United States. The island was well-prepared for seismic disasters, which helped mitigate the impact. Despite nine reported deaths, authorities anticipate the death toll may increase. Over 1,000 individuals were injured, and around 100 are feared trapped.
The earthquake, measuring 7.4 in magnitude, highlighted Taiwan’s robust early warning system, modern seismic building codes, and the population’s familiarity with seismic activity. Following the devastating Chichi earthquake in 1999, Taiwan made substantial upgrades to its infrastructure to enhance resilience.
Geologist Larry Shuhen Lai, who grew up and studied in Taiwan, acknowledged the progress made in earthquake preparedness, comparing the nine deaths in the recent earthquake to the 2,400 casualties in the past. He emphasized Taiwan’s serious approach to earthquakes as part of daily life.
Experts noted that U.S. cities on the West Coast are taking various measures to prepare for earthquakes, but none are as well-prepared as Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.
A California Highway Patrol trooper checks for damage to a fallen car when the upper section of the Bay Bridge collapsed into the lower section after the Loma Prieta earthquake in San Francisco on October 17, 1989.George Nikitin/AP File
Taiwan is still assessing the earthquake’s impact and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for U.S. scientists and leaders to evaluate their own infrastructure and preparedness.
John Wallace, a civil engineering professor, highlighted the damage to older concrete buildings in Taiwan and emphasized the importance of retrofitting such structures. Taiwan’s skyscrapers, like Taipei 101, showcased advanced engineering that performed well during the earthquake.
Overall, experts commended Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness efforts, attributing them to the previous Chi-Chi earthquake that spurred significant improvements in safety measures and building codes.
Damaged buildings in Hualien City, Taiwan, on Tuesday.TVBS via AP
Taiwan’s gradual progress in earthquake safety, coupled with public education and trust in authorities, has been integral to its preparedness. Initiatives undertaken post the Chi-Chi earthquake have set the benchmark for earthquake resilience in the region.
The comparison with U.S. readiness, particularly on the West Coast, reveals disparities in earthquake preparedness, with Taiwan’s advanced early warning system being a standout feature. The system’s effectiveness in disseminating warnings and promoting public safety serves as a model for other earthquake-prone regions.
Both Taiwan and the U.S. utilize advanced warning systems based on seismic wave detection, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and proactive measures to enhance earthquake resilience.
In conclusion, Taiwan’s 25-year journey towards earthquake preparedness offers valuable insights for other regions, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement in mitigating the impact of seismic events.
Amazon is facing an anti-government campaign that could lead to increased unionization among its employees, with allegations of unethical behavior surfacing. Workers attempting to organize within the warehouse have reported instances of fear tactics, misinformation, and unlawful retaliation by the tech giant.
Nearly two years ago, workers in Staten Island, New York, made history by forming America’s first warehouse union. As the Amazon union gathered momentum nationwide, the company worked to avoid a similar outcome at other locations.
Nanette Plasencia, a long-time employee at Amazon’s ONT8 fulfillment center in Moreno Valley, California, expressed concerns about the company’s tactics. She mentioned that Amazon is willing to go to great lengths, even if it means breaking the law, to prevent unionization.
Documentation shared with the Guardian revealed how Amazon pushed back against union efforts within ONT8 by disseminating anti-union messages. Employees were subjected to propaganda on TV screens warning them about the negative impact of unions on their paychecks.
These actions have led to allegations of unfair labor practices against Amazon, with the unionization process at the company facing legal challenges from both sides. The situation is currently pending a lawsuit and verdict from the National Labor Relations Board.
Despite facing opposition from the company, Amazon workers in Moreno Valley attempted to hold a union vote in October 2022. However, the election petition was withdrawn following alleged violations of labor laws by Amazon administrators.
The case is set to be heard by an administrative law judge in August, with Amazon denying any wrongdoing at ONT8. They have dismissed the majority of the charges brought against them and are eager to prove their innocence as the legal proceedings unfold.
According to NASA’s estimates, Louisiana has lost about 750 square miles of coastal wetlands since 1984. Check out the report for more details. In a recent paper published in February, researchers have predicted that three-quarters of Louisiana’s wetlands could be submerged by 2070.
In various coastal cities across the United States, the land is gradually sinking due to fossil fuel and water extraction, exacerbating sea level rise. By 2050, the sinking phenomenon could potentially put over half a million more people at risk of severe flooding.
Raising resilient children
Anna Dupont, 21, is one of the few young residents left in Cameron Parish. She cherishes her parents’ stories about the vibrant community of Cameron.
Anna Dupont, 21, is one of the few young people left in Cameron after a series of devastating hurricanes. Michael Gemelli/NBC News
Before Hurricane Rita, Cameron Parish was a thriving, close-knit community that enjoyed festivities like crawfish boils and barbecues, with residents being proud supporters of the high school football team.
Dupont recalls nostalgic memories of fishing and birdwatching in the expansive wetlands surrounding her former home. She laments the loss of her favorite hangout spot, T-Boy’s Cajun Grill, which now stands as an empty lot.
Cameron is considered ground zero for climate change by Dupont, who witnessed her home being destroyed twice by storms before she even graduated from high school. Hurricane Laura’s impact forced her and her family to evacuate, leading to a sense of loss and emptiness upon their return.
Despite a joyful upbringing, Dupont saw her peers struggle with disrupted childhoods due to unstable living conditions post-hurricanes, leading to mental health challenges and substance abuse in some cases.
While many residents departed Cameron Parish after Hurricane Rita in 2005, others chose to remain resilient despite subsequent natural calamities. However, the proposed expansion of Venture Global LNG’s CP2 LNG terminal construction has stirred concern among the remaining residents.
Fish caught in discarded nets in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Ocean Voyages Institute/ZUMA Wire/Shutterstock
It was a bright sunny day in September 2023. Excitement filled the air and a rainbow appeared on the horizon as the team slowly pulled a giant net out of the glistening sea. ocean cleanup This project was trialling System 03 in the North Pacific. Basically she had two ships dragging a 2.2 kilometer long net designed to remove as much trash as possible. This time it was filmed for a promotional video, with one scoop weighing a record-breaking 18 tons.
Ocean Cleanup was founded in 2012 on the simple premise of trawling ocean plastic hotspots and mopping up floating debris. After years of testing and refining the technology, the organization says it is now ready to begin the planned cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast collection of plastic waste located between Hawaii and California. There is.
That sounds like a laudable goal. But in recent years, marine scientists have warned that efforts to mechanically remove plastic from the ocean are not only futile, but potentially harmful. It’s a waste, as we know that much of the ocean’s plastic waste is too small or out of reach to capture. And it’s probably harmful for two reasons. Firstly, new research shows that marine debris patches are home to all kinds of marine life, and secondly, cleanup efforts have removed such waste from its source. This is because efforts to stem the flow of the virus may be hindered.
Burning buildings, collapsing tunnels, sinking ships… wherever you're trapped and in danger, there's a robot designed to come to your rescue. Here are nine of the best.
trail blazers
Firefighting robot, Anshan Hengye Special Vehicle Manufacturing Co.
Photo credit: Getty
Firefighters are testing a fire extinguishing robot here at Bajiao Fire Station in Yantai, northeast China. The Chinese government has been promoting the technology for several years, allowing human firefighters to control robotic fire extinguishers while remaining safely outside fire danger zones.
Back in 2020, the city of Tongliao in northern China announced a firefighting mechanical unit. This 10-strong unit of his, known as the “Blade Formation”, includes robots, drones, and transport units. In other regions, ground-based robotic firefighters are being employed to fight fires in chemical plants and subways.
One of the big advantages of this approach is fire resistance. The robot can operate at temperatures of 1,000°C (1,800°F) for more than 30 minutes. Sensors can also be used to detect heat sources, difficult terrain, and flammable gases.
In the future, it may be possible to replace residential fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In 2022, Chinese researchers published the following paper: Compact and lightweight “home firefighting robot”.
go underground
Team Explorer, Carnegie Mellon University, Oregon State University
Photo courtesy of Carnegie Mellon University
Searching for people trapped in dark underground tunnels and cave complexes isn't fun for most people, but in 2017 the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) turned it into a game. There may not have been any survivors, but there was a huge underground space.
Players are tasked with developing and using an autonomous robot system to search for mannequins and other objects to earn points. DARPA designed this competition to foster innovation in autonomous subsurface mapping and navigation. This could benefit rescue workers working after mine collapses or in cave rescue operations.
Google is removing popular apps in a new shake-up within the company.
The Google Play Movies & TV app will be retired soon.
The service has already been removed from Roku devices and most smart TVs, and over the next few weeks, Google plans to continue shutting down the service until it’s gone completely. It’s still available on Android TV and the Google Play Store, but not for much longer.
“We’re making several changes to simplify the way you buy new movies and access the movies and TV shows you buy through Google,” the company said in a statement. Posted in support thread Android TV Help.
Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. But don’t worry, your rented or purchased movies won’t be lost forever. All your purchased movies and TV will be transferred to Android TV and YouTube.
“As a result of these changes, Google Play Movies & TV will no longer be available on Android TV devices or the Google Play website,” Google explained. “However, you will still have access to all previously purchased titles (including active rentals) on Android TV devices, Google TV devices, the Google TV mobile app (Android and iOS), and YouTube.”
The tech giant has been slowly discontinuing its Play Movies & TV app since launching a standalone TV app in 2021.
Starting January 17th, users will no longer be able to access content through Play Movies & TV. Daniel Krassoa – Stock.adobe.com
When this change takes effect on January 17th, people with Android TV-powered TVs or streaming devices will be able to watch previously purchased titles or purchase new movies from the Shop tab. Purchased titles and active rentals will be displayed.
On a cable box or set-top box with Android TV, the YouTube app stores all your previously purchased content. YouTube is also the new content home for people using web browsers.
These changes come on the heels of Google removing inactive Gmail accounts in a cybersecurity effort and introducing an AI-powered makeover with five new features.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough method to protect polar bears by analyzing DNA from footprints in the snow. This non-invasive technique can also be applied to other snow-dwelling animals such as lynx and snow leopards, providing a safer and more efficient way to collect data essential to wildlife conservation.
Scientists have discovered a way to capture DNA Observations from snow tracks – a promising non-invasive way to monitor elusive animals like polar bears.
The polar bear is a symbol of the Arctic, an elusive and vulnerable animal. Close monitoring of polar bear populations is critical to polar bear conservation, but polar bears are so difficult to find that critical data about population size and connectivity between those populations is lacking. I am. Scientists have now developed a helpful new tool: DNA analysis using skin cells shed from bear tracks in the snow.
Dr Melanie Lancaster of the World Wildlife Fund’s Global Arctic Program said: ‘Finding polar bears in the Arctic, let alone counting them and understanding how they are coping with climate change, is particularly difficult. “And it’s expensive and time-consuming.” , senior author of the study Frontiers of conservation science.
Innovative forensic techniques in preservation
The scientists were inspired by forensic techniques that can be applied to trace amounts of degraded DNA samples. These techniques eliminate the need to physically capture bears, which can be stressful and dangerous for both bears and humans, and is a concern for some local indigenous communities. Instead, scientists can look at the source of accidentally released DNA: environmental DNA.
A polar bear in Utchagvik, Alaska.Credit: Elizabeth Kruger, World Wildlife Fund
“Many Inuit have expressed concerns about invasive research methods,” said the article’s author, Elizabeth Krueger of the World Wildlife Fund. “People are concerned about the welfare of individual polar bears and the health and safety of those who may later harvest the bears. This is one reason we are so excited about new methods like this. The person collecting the samples does not need to see or even be seen by the polar bear.”
Environmental DNA: a non-invasive tool
A common form of environmental DNA is deposited when animals defecate. However, the quality of DNA is not always sufficient for the individual-level analysis required for preservation. Furthermore, in the case of territorial animals like her other two, seed Scientists tested lynx and snow leopards, and the collection of faeces can affect the animals’ behavior. So the researchers focused on the skin cells in snowy footprints.
“Trucks typically contain fresh cells and the DNA is intact due to the cold ‘storage’ temperatures. “The DNA that passes through the intestine is further degraded, making it more difficult to study,” said lead author Dr Michaela Helström from MIX Research Sweden AB.
Real-world tracking and sampling
The researchers collected snow from individual footprints made by polar bears in Alaska and Eurasian lynx in Sweden in the wild and in captivity. They also collected snow from footprints made by captive snow leopards. Additional substances such as hair, saliva, and mucus were also sampled to ensure that the traces yielded accurate genotypes.
Twenty-four wild polar bear tracks and 44 wild lynx tracks were sampled. The researchers melted and filtered the snow to collect environmental DNA and analyzed the microsatellites. Although the concentration of DNA recovered from footprints collected in the wild was very low, we were able to recover nuclear DNA from 87.5% of wild polar bear footprints and 59.1% of wild lynx footprints. We were able to genotype 13 of the wild polar bear samples and identify 12 different individuals.
They were able to genotype 11% of the lynx footprints, but this percentage increased significantly when scientists examined only footprints sampled by trained personnel. They were able to recover nuclear DNA from 76% of the samples collected by trained personnel and genotype 24% of the samples.
A step-by-step approach
This technology has great potential to inform conservation of these animals, better understand animal populations and behavior, and manage conflicts with humans through accurate animal identification. Although non-invasive sampling has a low success rate, it is easy to collect and can greatly expand sample size.
“We hope this method will be adopted by the polar bear research community as a new way to collect information about polar bears, with the participation of hunters, volunteers, and indigenous communities,” Lancaster said. “We also hope that this method can be extended to other animals that live in snowy environments. We have started by showing that this method works for lynx and snow leopards as well. I did.”
Reference: “Capturing environmental DNA from snow tracks of polar bears, lynx, and snow leopards for individual identification” Michaela Hellström, Elisabeth Kruger, Johan Neslund, Mia Bister, Anna Edlund, Patrick Hernvall, Viktor・Birgerson, Rafael Augusto, Melanie L. Lancaster, October 11, 2023. Frontiers of conservation science. DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1250996
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.
