Humpback Whales Collaborate to Catch Fish Using Bubbles
Jen Dickey/North Coast Cetacean Society
Innovative foraging behaviors are rapidly spreading among humpback whales in the fjords of western Canada, showcasing how cultural knowledge contributes to the survival of marine populations.
Bubble net feeding is a coordinated hunting method where humpback whales expel bubbles to encircle fish, then all rise simultaneously to feed.
According to Ellen Garland from the University of St. Andrews, “This is a collaborative activity characterized by a high degree of coordination and division of labor.”
This remarkable behavior has been observed for decades among humpback whales (Megaptera novaengliae) in Alaskan waters, with recent observations detailing their activities in the northeastern Pacific off Canada’s coast.
However, determining whether such complex behaviors stem from social learning or independent discovery among individuals remains a challenge for researchers.
In a comprehensive study, Edyn O’Mahony and a team from the University of St. Andrews analyzed field observation data from 2004 to 2023, focusing on 526 individuals in British Columbia’s Kitimat Fjord System, part of Gitga’at First Nation Territory.
Using distinct images of each whale’s tail fin, researchers identified 254 individuals engaging in bubble net feeding, with approximately 90% of these activities occurring in a cooperative setting.
This behavior surged post-2014, aligned with a significant marine heatwave in the Northeast Pacific that diminished prey availability.
“As heatwaves decrease prey availability, the whales’ adaptability in their feeding techniques is crucial for maintaining their caloric intake,” stated O’Mahony.
Whales are more likely to adopt bubble net feeding when they interact with individuals already using this technique. While bubble net feeding likely spread to the region from migrating whales, the current prevalence indicates stable groups or influential individuals spreading this knowledge through local social networks.
“After several years post-heatwave, we observe that whales previously not participating in bubble net feeding are now present in this area,” O’Mahony added.
The ability of humpback whales to share knowledge within social groups could be vital for their survival, implying that our understanding of their culture is essential for conservation efforts.
According to Ted Cheeseman, co-founder of the citizen science platform Happywhale, who did not participate in the study, “The key question is not just about the number of whales remaining but also whether the social behaviors crucial for population cohesion are restored.”
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A recurring question for progressives is how to create a straightforward and impactful message regarding the economy. A Labor MP discovered the solution through a few bags of M&S biscuits.
Gordon McKee, who represents Glasgow South, shared: Over 3.3 million views on X. In a brief 101-second video, he employs a stack of custard creams and chocolate bourbons to represent Britain’s debt-to-GDP ratio.
While this may not appear to be a monumental achievement, it’s worth noting that some of the world’s most prominent politicians (such as Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, and Zoran Mamdani) have effectively utilized well-crafted short videos to disseminate their campaign messages.
Yet, within the Parliamentary Labor Party, Mr. McKee stands out as a pioneer— the only backbencher known to have enlisted digital content creators.
This choice proved fruitful, as a series of professionally produced videos utilizing the popular Grubby analogy were crafted to achieve viral status. In recent weeks, several of his colleagues, including Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, have begun to follow his lead.
“I feel like I owe an apology for starting this!” McKee remarked humorously, asserting that digital communication and campaign strategies are now essential for politicians.
He aims to release several such videos each week, focusing on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube shorts. Unlike X, these platforms can engage audiences beyond the politically active.
“Last week I spoke at a local high school and asked how many read a daily newspaper; only one hand went up. When I asked how many used Instagram, every hand shot up,” he noted.
“While there’s been a significant shift in how people consume information in the last decade, the communication methods of politicians and MPs with their constituents have not kept pace.”
Signs indicate that the Labor machinery is gearing up. On November 21, Keir Starmer emailed Labor MPs to announce the party’s “significant investment” in a “new comprehensive training program” for digital campaigning.
Internally, the party unveiled what it dubbed a “second phase strategy” to modernize its campaigning using social media and an app called Labor One, acknowledging that “the way we campaigned in 2024 isn’t enough to secure victory in 2029.”
Diet members have started taking initiative as well. Burgon employed 200 packs of Sainsbury’s Fusilli to show how £1 billion compares to the UK average salary of £33,000. His video garnered around 650,000 views on X.
“This past weekend, while touring church fairs in my district, I was surprised by how many people had seen this video,” Burgon stated. “I’ve been advocating for a wealth tax for some time and thought this would be a creative way to spread the message.”
The 106kg pasta mountain purchased by Mr. Burgon’s parliamentary team was donated to a London food bank after it became impractical to transport it to Leeds.
Loughborough MP and economist Jieven Sander noted: We produced a James Bond-themed video during Budget Week to discuss the various factors influencing government bond interest rates. “I’d love it if people read my 2,000-word essays, but they don’t. I need to find a way to make them engaging,” he expressed.
He relies on his existing parliamentary staff equipped with smartphones and a ring light mounted on a tripod in his office to create online content. Social media planning features in their regular weekly status meetings.
When asked whether the government should take more steps to motivate MPs to modernize their communications, Mr. Sander expressed concerns about potential restrictions.
“When communication is more organic and people comprehend the government’s message in diverse ways, it tends to work better,” he pointed out. “If there’s a unified vision, everyone should be able to understand the script.”
Several incoming ministers are also branching out on social media, including Treasury Secretary Dan Tomlinson, who recorded a casual pre-Budget video while heading to Greg’s for donuts. Westminster Underground Station. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan filmed a video with my iPhone discussing the advancement of technology in the UK.
Some ministers are also engaging in this trend. Housing Secretary Steve Reid held an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit concerning plans to reopen local pubs in September. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a long-time enthusiast of vertical videos, stated: Used ASMR to promote a government announcement about small modular reactors (SMR).
“During the general election, we had a significant team to support individuals in these efforts, but now they must undertake it within their own offices,” a Labor source remarked. “It’s more challenging when you’re not on the offensive and need to defend or create a positive narrative. This is why creativity is essential. It’s a tough skill to master, but it’s absolutely crucial.”
Mr. Mackie argued that this challenge is particularly pronounced for the left because right-wing figures like Mr. Farage and shadow attorney general Robert Jenrick excel at telling very clear and straightforward stories across various platforms.
“The task for progressives is to convey complex arguments that are realistic, aspirational, practical, and attainable, while doing so in a captivating and engaging manner,” he commented.
Video games have evolved significantly since their rise in popularity in the 1970s, leading to a remarkable surge in players. Today, there are around 3 billion gamers globally, with estimates indicating that over 90% of Gen Z engage in gaming for more than 12 hours a week. Contemporary gaming blockbusters are vibrant and imaginative, immersing young people in dynamic and expansive worlds they can explore and influence.
This burgeoning creative talent has caught the attention of criminals, who target children and teenagers within popular online games, transforming them into skilled hackers.
The financial and societal repercussions of cybercrime are staggering. It is predicted that global costs of cybercrime will reach: 12 trillion dollars by 2025. Moreover, research indicates that 69% of youth in Europe report having engaged in some form of cybercrime. In the UK, the last statistics released by the National Crime Agency in 2015 revealed that the average age for cybercrime suspects is 17, which is notably younger than for other criminal activities like drug offenses (37 years old).
“If you’re facing arrest at 17, it likely began around age 11,” states Fergus Hay, co-founder and CEO of The Hacking Games, an initiative aimed at helping young individuals channel their coding talents into legitimate paths. “This transition doesn’t happen instantly. Games are often the gateway that enables skill development and experimentation in a controlled setting. These young hackers are continually modifying and hacking games to exploit vulnerabilities.”
He further noted that social media platforms are integral, offering tools and steps for hacking while also fostering a desirable lifestyle and community belonging.
This challenge coincides with a notable uptick in serious cyber-attacks within the UK. The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) recently reported a historic surge in large-scale cyber assaults. In the year leading to August 2025, GCHQ categorized 204 incidents as being of ‘national significance,’ an increase from 89 the prior year.
In response to these threats, Hay initiated the Hacking Games and collaborated with John Madeline, a cybersecurity expert, to realize a vision of “cultivating a generation of ethical hackers who will enhance global safety.”
“This is a generation of inherent hackers. They can either serve society positively or become a liability. If we can engage them, we can guide them towards becoming ethical rather than criminal hackers,” Madeline emphasizes.
The Hacking Games recently unveiled the HAPTAI platform, which assists in creating hacking aptitude profiles for youths by evaluating their performance in popular games and aligning those results with psychometric data. Subsequently, candidates are matched with suitable job roles and teams where they can flourish.
The projected global average annual cost of cybercrime is $23 trillion by 2027, fueled by threats from state entities and organized crime groups worldwide. These groups often seek out young individuals, steering them towards criminal activities.
For youths approached by these “cyber Fagins,” there is a lure of significant financial gain. Initial payments often come in the form of virtual currencies for gaming but can escalate to tens of thousands in real money or its virtual equivalent.
They approach young hackers and offer payment for their abilities, often using cryptocurrencies. Composite: Stocksy/Guardian Design
“When they identify talent displaying genuine hacking or game modification skills, they engage them under the guise of another youth, asking, ‘How would you utilize cryptocurrency?'” Hay explains. “Many are exceptionally bright, sometimes neurodivergent, employing games as a medium to push creative boundaries. They do not inherently possess a criminal mindset.”
The scale of the cybercrime issue in the UK has become increasingly evident over the past year, with businesses experiencing significant disruption and monetary loss. Major corporations, including Co-op, have reported losses amounting to millions due to hacking incidents, one of which saw four arrests as part of an ongoing investigation by the National Crime Agency.
Social Issues Behind Crime
As a socially conscious organization, Co-op is dedicated to community enhancement and has partnered with The Hacking Games to mitigate future cyber threats and foster opportunities for vulnerable youth.
“When they experienced a cyberattack, Co-op sought to understand the nature of the issue. Upon discovering underlying societal factors, they recognized their responsibility to grasp the root causes impacting youth and to collaborate with us to address these challenges, not just the technical aspects,” Madeline clarifies.
The Co-op has a longstanding tradition of community initiatives addressing issues like social mobility and isolation. Together, Co-op and The Hacking Games aim to establish a pilot program within the Co-op Academies Trust across Northern England. Sponsored by Co-op Group, the Trust encompasses a network of 38 academies with around 20,000 students, including primary, secondary, special schools, and universities, dedicated to guiding aspiring hackers towards legitimate career trajectories.
For this pilot, students will be selected based on their interests in gaming and technology. Through interactive and creative sessions, participants will delve into the principles of ethical hacking and understand its crucial role in cybersecurity. The program will also highlight career education, with reputable industry partners introducing talented youths to the vast prospects available in this rapidly expanding domain.
“Our academy students’ curiosity about technology-related roles is on the rise, yet there is scant data regarding their home gaming environments and whether these interests extend to hacking,” remarks Joe Sykes, careers director at Co-op Academies Trust. “As educators, we must confront these challenges directly—this initiative will undoubtedly provide fresh perspectives and foster insights for students eager to explore these pathways.”
Hay and Madeline aspire to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap by showcasing the potential of gifted young developers. Composite: Stocksy/Guardian Design
A Path to a Legitimate Career
Young gamers may find themselves simply altering game experiences without authorization or creating cheat codes to sell them on the dark web.
Some parents associated with The Hacking Games have only discovered their child’s online activities when asked about tax implications after their digital wallets reached $400,000 (£298,000).
“For the youth unsure about further education, many are starting to realize that substantial earnings can come from just a few keystrokes,” explains Madeline.
According to Hay and Madeline, it’s essential to engage young individuals before they stray too far, to identify their skills, recognize their potential, and integrate these into an educational framework that aims to fill the cybersecurity skills gap in the UK and globally—a concept Hay refers to as “intergenerational opportunities.”
“Many of these youths have felt marginalized in school and, at times, victimized. They possess a deep disdain for wrongdoers and bullies. If you understand their motivations, you can channel that into something positive,” he concludes.
Increasing concerns have been raised regarding the federal government’s need to tackle the dangers that children face on the widely-used gaming platform Roblox, following a report by Guardian Australia that highlighted a week of incidents involving virtual sexual harassment and violence.
While role-playing as an 8-year-old girl, the reporter encountered a sexualized avatar and faced cyberbullying, acts of violence, sexual assault, and inappropriate language, despite having parental control settings in place.
From December 10, platforms including Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and Kick will be under Australia’s social media ban preventing Australians under 16 from holding social media accounts, yet Roblox will not be included.
Independent councillor Monique Ryan labeled this exclusion as “unexplainable.” She remarked, “Online gaming platforms like Roblox expose children to unlimited gambling, cloned social media apps, and explicit content.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that platforms would be examined based on their “singular and essential purpose.”
“Kids engaging with Roblox currently utilize chat features and messaging for online gameplay,” she noted. “If online gameplay were to vanish, would kids still use the messaging feature? Likely not.”
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“If these platforms start introducing features that align them more with social media companies rather than online gaming ones, we will attempt to intervene.”
According to government regulations, services primarily allowing users to play online games with others are not classified as age-restricted social media platforms.
Nonetheless, some critics believe that this approach is too narrow for a platform that integrates gameplay with social connectivity. Nyusha Shafiabadi, an associate professor of information technology at Australian Catholic University, asserts that Roblox should also fall under the ban.
She highlighted that the platform enables players to create content and communicate with one another. “It functions like a restricted social media platform,” she observed.
Independent MP Nicolette Boere urged the government to rethink its stance. “If the government’s restrictions bar certain apps while leaving platforms like Roblox, which has been called a ‘pedophile hellscape’, unshielded, we will fail to safeguard children and drive them into more perilous and less regulated environments,” she remarked.
Communications minister spokesperson Annika Wells mentioned that excluding Roblox from the teen social media ban does not imply that it is free from accountability under the Online Safety Act.
A representative from eSafety stated, “We can extract crucial safety measures from Roblox that shield children from various harms, including online grooming and sexual coercion.”
eSafety declared that by the year’s end, Roblox will enhance its Age Verification Technology, which restricts adults from contacting children without explicit parental consent and sets accounts to private by default for users under 16.
“Children under 16 who enable chat through age estimation will no longer be permitted to chat with adults. Alongside current protections for those under 13, we will also introduce parental controls allowing parents to disable chat for users between 13 and 15,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Should entities like Roblox not comply with child safety regulations, authorities have enforcement capabilities, including fines of up to $49.5 million.
eSafety stated it will “carefully oversee Roblox’s adherence to these commitments and assess regulatory measures in the case of future infractions.”
Joanna Orlando, an expert on digital wellbeing from Western Sydney University, pointed out that Roblox’s primary safety issues are grooming threats and the increasing monetization of children engaging with “the world’s largest game.”
She mentioned that it is misleading to view it solely as a video game. “It’s far more significant. There are extensive social layers, and a vast array of individuals on that platform,” she observed.
Green Party spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the government for “playing whack-a-mole” with the social media ban.
“We want major technology companies to assume responsibility for the safety of children, irrespective of age,” she emphasized.
“We need to strike at these companies where it truly impacts them. That’s part of their business model, and governments hesitate to act.”
Shadow communications minister Melissa Mackintosh also expressed her concerns about the platform. She stated that while Roblox has introduced enhanced safety measures, “parents must remain vigilant to guard their children online.”
“The eSafety Commissioner and the government carry the responsibility to do everything within their power to protect children from the escalating menace posed by online predators,” she said.
A representative from Roblox stated that the platform is “dedicated to pioneering safety through stringent policies that surpass those of other platforms.”
“We utilize AI to scrutinize games for violating content prior to publication, we prohibit users from sharing images or videos in chats, and we implement sophisticated text filters designed to prevent children from disclosing personal information,” they elaborated.
dungeons & Dragons serves as a vibrant arena for extraordinary tales where valiant knights, spellcasters, and elves confront formidable foes for unimaginable rewards. Alternatively, you might end up spending an evening frustrating your dungeon master by eliminating key characters, obsessing over trivial items, and enhancing your own lackluster journeys. This is often where the most compelling narratives emerge, inspiring delightful chaos.
Blending elements of a Tabletop Game and RPG, you assume the role of a cleric tasked with investigating the destruction of a tea house in the city, all while preparing for an election scheduled in five days. You’ll engage in conversations (and occasional battles) with locals, uncover truths, and influence the election’s outcome. Or perhaps you’ll simply need to fend off a few seagulls. The path you choose is yours to determine, but akin to D&D, your success hinges on the roll of the dice, and failure comes with consequences.
“I wanted to do something completely different”…an esoteric decline. Photo: Christoffer Bodegård
“The available options in the game met my expectations,” shares writer and developer Christopher Bodegaard. This is especially noteworthy as every interaction feels delightfully open-ended, even within the game’s confined spaces. All dialogue choices and interactions with random objects have been carefully crafted by Bodegaard to impart a sense of freedom in a limited environment. The essence of D&D, where players undertake unexpected actions, beautifully intertwines within the game.
As a cleric, while you may have detective duties, you also possess the ability to cast spells to read minds, gain advantages, and even communicate with the dead to unveil alternate investigation paths. Your character is entirely customizable, allowing you to personalize accessories and traits using classic D&D attributes like charisma and strength. You can enhance your power, but remember: success in battle relies on more than just might; if your intellect is lacking, you may struggle to procure truthful answers.
“I reached a point where I played so many D&D sessions. Why not create my own setting?” Bodegaard reflects. “I aimed to offer something entirely unique. It’s about taking D&D and shaping it into a nuanced world of decline, viewed through a peculiar, almost realistic lens—as if those spells truly existed.
On the surface, Norvik may appear as a compact medieval city, yet it genuinely comes to life through meticulous attention to how various factions and citizens interact. The only fantastical element involves monsters working in shops. Bodegaard emphasizes his dedication to enriching the setting and diversifying interaction choices, stating, “As long as I enjoy what I’m writing, I can continue; otherwise, boredom halts the process.”
wSpending a week during the summer holidays in schools across the UK often sparks curiosity about how many parents are feeling anxious as they opt to move their children away from screens. When my son was younger, I used to envision idyllic trips to the seaside filled with treasure hunts in the garden, paddling in rivers, and visiting family. However, reality hit me with work commitments and the short attention span of my son. In just a few hours, our home was a mess with muddy footprints from various activities, half-finished craft projects, and tired grandparents. It was challenging, and eventually, we permitted some Fortnite time just to catch our breath.
There’s immense pressure and guilt surrounding kids and gaming, particularly during extended school breaks. It’s essential to reevaluate our social perspectives. I cherish the delightful memories of gaming with my sons on warm August days, gradually constructing absurd mansions in Minecraft and engaging in silly antics in Goat Simulator. We established a holiday routine where, during our evening meals, my wife and I could relax with a glass of wine while the boys played Super Mario together. We still found time to build sandcastles, swim, and discover new towns, but gaming offered a route to unwind and enjoy familiar leisure.
Keeping it in the family… Keith Stuart and his son Zach have shared video gaming experiences for many years. Photo: Morag Stuart/The Guardian
During their visits to their grandparents, they also indulged in gaming. My mother owned a Nintendo Wii, which she claimed was solely for entertaining her grandchildren. It was heartwarming to see my sons patiently explaining Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn to her. I fondly recall playing Commodore 64 games at my kitchen desk, often trying to lure my dad into playing hooky games while he was meant to be cooking. I’m grateful that my children can share their skills and enthusiasm, whether through playing guitar after discovering instruments via rock bands, or catching Jigglypuffs in Pokémon Go.
It’s a cliché to say “everything in moderation,” but it rings true. There’s excessive discourse about screen time being an indiscriminate evil. When kids engage in video games and become adept in that realm, summer breaks offer an opportunity to evaluate what they are experiencing, who they’re playing with, and what they’re gaining from it. Is it truly detrimental for them to spend an hour or two in Fortnite each night? Or are they making friends, sharing laughs, and creating in creative mode? Gaming can serve diverse purposes. Although you might prefer they don’t game on the beach, those in-between moments—like long travels or rainy afternoons—can be incredibly enriching, and parents shouldn’t feel guilty about that. For many Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids, gaming forms a vital part of their everyday experiences, much like I had records or comics at their age.
Just this week, I took one of my sons, now 17, to London. While I met a friend, he explored the city solo. On our coach journey to Somerset, we had little chance to chat, so we played Mario Kart together. We set up the console on a small tray in front of us as the coach rumbled along, often swaying for my benefit. It was enjoyable—laughing, comparing strategies, and intermittently looking up as the evening sun illuminated the fields outside. I believe I’ll cherish that bus ride much more than any other part of that day. Despite a screen between us, we were together.
What to Play
A wild and carefree thrill… Fumes. Photo: Fumes Team
Car Battle Games thrived in the mid-90s, with titles like Twisted Metal, Carmageddon, and Demolition Derby encouraging players to smash cars into one another while unleashing rocket launchers.
The newcomer Fumes brings back those thrilling days. This single-player, open-world game invites players to explore a vast Mad Max landscape, upgrading muscle cars to obliterate foes. With a slightly retro aesthetic and a guitar-laden soundtrack reminiscent of the original PlayStation era, it features a loose and reckless arcade handling. It’s currently in Early Access on Steam, and a free demo is available.
Available on: PC Estimated Playtime: Over 10 hours
What to Read
Controversial… Motiram’s Light. Photo: Polaris Est
As reported by IGN among other sources, Sony is suing Chinese game publisher Tencent for copyright and trademark infringement, claiming that Tencent’s upcoming game Motiram’s Light bears a striking resemblance to Sony’s successful Horizon series, where young girls battle giant robotic dinosaurs in a vast open world. Tencent has yet to comment on the allegations.
Diversity has revealed that a Wolfenstein TV series is under development at Amazon MGM Studios. Penned by Patrick Somerville (known for Station Eleven and Maniac), it will feature Gustafsson from MachineGames as executive producer. This shooter, which features a narrative of defeating Nazis, aims to draw in young viewers who prefer streaming over superhero content.
Falmouth University developers are collaborating with local teens to craft video games that address adverse childhood experiences. The game, titled Heart’s Ace, focuses on themes like grief and poverty, encouraging players to engage in dialogue about their experiences. Learn more on the BBC News website.
Team Player… Gaming can foster identity and connection among youth. Photo: Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images
Timeless questions from Andy via email:
“In Gareth Southgate’s Richard Dimbleby lecture, he mentioned that he fears young men are spending too much time gaming, gambling, and consuming adult content. He believes this oversimplifies the nature of gaming. The time dedicated to “good games” should be seen positively. I often contemplate this, as I’m genuinely interested in how gaming shapes young people’s identities and cultures.
The challenge of Toxic Communitiesin games is well-documented, yet there are many uplifting examples too. Personally, I’ve encountered kindness and inclusiveness in communities centered around specific games, especially simulation games about space exploration. Titles like Deeprock Galactic and No Man’s Sky and in creative genres like Minecraft foster environments where players appreciate each other’s skill sets. Minecraft has also nurtured a strong accessibility community, exemplified by Autcraft, which runs a server for neurodivergent players, enabling friendships to form in meaningful ways. Streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, such as Aimsey, Springsims, and Xchocobars, cultivate communities that offer fans a sense of identity and belonging. I appreciate how certain games promote communities where creativity and inclusivity extend beyond the gameplay experience itself, whether through creative events centered around League of Legends cosplay or fan fiction groups for Life is Strange. Video games, akin to music and film, serve as mediums for fandoms to express their identities and explore their passions. For many young individuals, navigating the complexities of contemporary life feels nearly impossible without these communal spaces.
If you have a question or feedback regarding the newsletter, please reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
Carbon dioxide monitoring at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii may be discontinued due to US budget cuts
noaa
Scientists from various countries are urged to prepare for the potential takeover of the major carbon dioxide monitoring services currently operated by the US, according to climate experts.
The monitoring efforts could be terminated next year if budget cuts proceed, leading to the loss of vital data. “At this moment, no one is stepping forward to say, ‘We can take that responsibility,'” states Pierre Friedlingstein from the University of Exeter, UK. “It’s imperative that we do.”
Friedlingstein leads the Global Carbon Budget, an international initiative focused on accurately assessing carbon emissions and absorption by land and oceans, which is essential for understanding global temperature trends.
This work heavily relies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), whose budget cuts are proposed by the Trump administration. A 2026 budget document suggests eliminating funding for climate and weather research and decreasing the workforce by over 2,000 employees. Furthermore, it plans to close labs, including the Mauna Loa Observatory, a key CO₂ monitoring site.
“NOAA GML [Global Monitoring Laboratory] is essential for the Greenhouse Gas Program, which supports multiple functions,” says Ralph Keeling from the California Institute of Oceanography.
NOAA directly measures gas levels, including CO2, at various sites and aids in monitoring at additional locations worldwide. According to Friedlingstein, this includes calibrating measurements with samples sent from different areas.
The agency compiles and evaluates global data, leveraging subtle variations in CO2 levels across locations, combined with knowledge of atmospheric circulation, to trace CO2 flows accurately.
“NOAA provides critical baseline data,” Keeling noted. “If NOAA’s efforts cease, our ability to monitor CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions globally will diminish.”
“All of these responsibilities must be assumed by other organizations,” Friedlingstein observes.
However, exchanging the loss of monitoring sites and NOAA records for new data poses challenges. “This is where maintaining long-term consistency becomes crucial,” Keeling explains. “It can’t simply switch from one data set to another; this would compromise the reliability of trend analysis.”
There is particular concern regarding ongoing monitoring at Mauna Loa, which has been conducted since 1957, providing the longest continuous CO₂ record from a single location. NOAA supports the Scripps-led monitoring efforts.
“Without NOAA’s involvement, continuing nearby measurements becomes challenging, although not impossible,” Keeling states.
He also expresses worry about Scripps-led monitoring in Antarctica, which currently depends on NOAA personnel from the US Bureau. The site’s funding, sourced from the National Science Foundation, is also at risk.
“Antarctica represents the most significant long-term station in the Southern Hemisphere. Establishing a reliable long-term global average is just as critical as the Mauna Loa data, particularly for tracking variations between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres through large-scale carbon flows,” says Keeling.
CO₂ levels can also be monitored using certain satellites, which, according to Friedlingstein, measure CO₂ not just at the surface but throughout the entire atmospheric column up to the satellite.
When asked whether there’s a plan to substitute NOAA’s functions, the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service New Scientist reached out to the European Commission’s Defense Industry and Space Administration (DEFIS). DEFIS did not reply before the deadline for this article.
In 2014, a team of researchers from Harvard and the University of Virginia invited participants to spend 15 minutes alone with their thoughts, with the only option for interaction being a button that delivered a painful electric shock. Almost half of the participants chose to press that button. One individual pressed it 190 times despite previously expressing a desire to avoid the shock. The study’s authors concluded that “people prefer thinking,” even when the alternative is discomfort. This might be because, when left to our own devices, our minds often wander to unwelcome thoughts.
Since the widespread use of smartphones, many have carrying the psychological equivalent of the electric shock button in their pockets. This device can quickly alleviate boredom, even though it may not be beneficial for us. During quiet or solitary moments, we often reach for our phones or use them to distract ourselves from unsettling late-night thoughts. Every time this occurs, it reinforces unhealthy patterns, making it easier to evade unwanted thoughts. It’s significant to note that most individuals become distracted through similar screen-based methods.
Smartphones amplify the expectation to use our time efficiently, pushing us to optimize every moment. For instance, if a commuter on a Harley Reed must look out the window or read a book on the train, they may check emails to avoid feelings of guilt and inefficiency. Doing nothing is often regarded as time wasted, disregarding the fact that during such moments, we engage in profound thinking. What becomes of the complex thoughts that arise right before we reach for our phones again?
Psychologists who specialize in boredom acknowledge its discomfort yet recognize its value. Similar to hunger and loneliness, it signals our need for change or novelty. Erin Westgate, a psychology professor at the University of Florida, explains that we feel bored when something fails to capture our attention or is deemed meaningless. However, this does not imply that engaging activities must always be significant. For example, while Sudoku is engaging, it lacks true meaning, unlike mundane tasks like watching paint dry.
When boredom strikes, it should ideally inspire us to pursue something more meaningful or captivating. If we fail to address our boredom or are unable to find something engaging, we risk slipping into chronic boredom. As noted in research, this condition is linked with various issues including depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, poor academic outcomes, substance abuse, and reckless behavior, among others.
Evidence indicates that persistent boredom is becoming increasingly prevalent, coinciding with the rise of smartphones. In a study published last year, researchers stated that the percentage of students in China and the US describing themselves as bored has steadily climbed since 2010. Why does digital media contribute to this trend? Research suggests that we often reach for our phones to alleviate boredom, yet this behavior can actually exacerbate it. For instance, one study revealed that those bored at work were more inclined to use their smartphones, leading to even greater boredom later on.
While checking your phone may address certain immediate needs when boredom arises, digital devices excel at capturing and retaining attention. Most online interactions are designed for engagement and monetization rather than meaningful connection. With the myriad of notifications and distractions, it’s all too easy to plan for just a quick five-minute check lasting two hours. The average American spends over 4 hours a day using their smartphones, accumulating to more than 7 hours of screen time daily. This translates to 17 years of life spent online as an adult—a reality that even the most ardent tech enthusiasts would likely view with concern.
The allure of mobile phones can quickly overshadow important messages we might need to contemplate, such as “Why am I feeling like this?” or “What do I truly need?” It’s essential to pause and ask ourselves these questions instead of being swayed by technology. When faced with boredom, we should resist the impulse for immediate relief and take time to reflect. Embracing boredom, even briefly, may paradoxically lead us to more meaningful and creative experiences in life.
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt noted that the issue in the UK is that “there are many ways for people to decline.”
However, some critics of the Labour government argue that it struggles to say “yes.”
Schmidt made these comments during a Q&A with Keir Starmer at a major investment summit last October, where the presence of influential tech leaders underscored the sector’s significance for governments prioritizing growth.
Major US tech firms like Google, Meta (founded by Mark Zuckerberg), Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Palantir, alongside other data intelligence firms co-founded by Peter Thiel, significantly impact the UK landscape.
For governments aiming to stimulate growth, it’s challenging to overlook companies boasting trillions in market value.
This influence offers immediate access, according to a former employee from Big Tech familiar with how major US firms advocate for their interests in the UK.
“I had no trouble navigating Whitehall corridors, claiming to create thousands of jobs for the economy. The government adores job announcements,” the ex-employee remarked.
In this light, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has engaged with tech sector representatives nearly 70% more than his predecessor, Michelle Donnellan, including multiple discussions with firms like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple.
Ukai, the UK’s leading trade body for the AI sector, expresses concern over the marginalization of smaller players.
“We worry about the significant imbalance in policy influence between a handful of global giants and the multitude of businesses that comprise the AI industry in the UK. We’re not being heard, yet the economic growth the government seeks will originate from these companies.”
Echoing the sentiments of a former Big Tech employee, Flagg emphasizes that large tech firms have the means to cultivate and sustain political relationships.
A source familiar with the industry’s interactions with the government noted that these large tech companies leveraged their resources before the general election and established relationships remained intact following the Labour landslide.
Another discussion regarding the “extraordinary” access to the Tony Blair Institute, which is financially backed by tech billionaire Larry Ellison, highlights its role as a key voice in AI policy debates, maintaining what it claims to be “intellectual independence” in policy work.
Critics of the government’s dealings with major tech entities cite proposed copyright law reforms as reflective of these imbalanced relationships. The Minister suggested that AI firms should utilize copyrighted works without permission to create products.
A source close to Kyle indicates that the opt-out option is no longer favored, with significant repercussions underway. The opposition to this proposal includes prominent figures from the UK’s robust creative sector, ranging from Paul McCartney to Dua Lipa and Stone Port.
While technology is posited as a solution to the government’s economic growth dilemma, AI is central to this strategy and serves as a barometer of economic efficiency. However, misguided copyright policies result in PR disasters when juxtaposed with celebrity-driven narratives. News Media Associations, representing organizations like the Guardian, also contest the proposal, as do ChatGPT developers Google and OpenAI.
A former government advisor who was involved in technology policy suggests that diluting copyright protections—often referred to as the “lowest hanging fruit” in policy discussions—will not be the “key solution” to leading in global AI advancements.
“By taking this route, the governments are jeopardizing the worst aspects worldwide. This approach does not lead to the necessary actions to truly support the leading sectors and establish the UK as an AI superpower.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology stated that there is “no apology” for their engagements with a sector employing 2 million in the UK, emphasizing that “regular interaction” with tech companies of all sizes is crucial for driving economic growth.
During his conversation with Schmidt, Starmer posed the vital question about future policy: “Does this promote growth or hinder it?” The tech industry is positioned at the core of this inquiry, although the copyright discussion may undermine vital relationships in other areas.
something exciting is coming to Grand Theft Auto Universe next year. This isn’t just about stunning graphics or uncharted territories in Rockstar’s version of the US; it goes much deeper. If you caught the recently released second trailer for GTA6, it was unveiled mercilessly just days after the announcement that the game won’t be available until May next year. What’s new is romance.
The main characters in this latest gangster saga are Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, two young lovers from rough backgrounds. He’s a former attire turned drug runner, while she’s just out of prison and determined to create a better life for herself and her beloved mother. Their paths cross as they devise plans to escape their gritty surroundings. However, when a seemingly straightforward robbery takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves entangled in a sprawling criminal conspiracy. If Rockstar is telling a love story, you can bet it includes an Underworld Kingpin, gang members, conspiracy theorists, and a horrifying array of corrupt politicians.
Slazy Rider…Grand Theft Auto 6. Illustration: Rockstar Game
But how do writers create a couple that resonates with the series’ tone and lore? Traditionally, it has focused on deeply flawed, solitary characters like the PTSD-afflicted veteran Nico Bellic and the volatile Trevor Phillips. There was a brief romantic subplot in previous games—Mercedes Cortes, CJ’s short affair, the entanglements of Catalina in San Andreas, and the flirtations woven throughout Tommy Vercetti’s escapades. Even Trevor’s odd interactions with Patrice in GTA5 featured sparse love stories filled with Stockholm syndrome. Yet, in these narratives, emotional dynamics often took a backseat to violent heists and adrenaline-fueled car chases. The GTA universe has been largely nihilistic, emphasizing individualism often accompanied by a façade of camaraderie before brutal betrayal. However, the new GTA trailer hints at a fresh integrity. “Rather than superficial fantasies, Lucia is prepared to seize control. A life with Jason could lead her to new horizons.”
Writers still look to cinema for inspiration. With its themes of violence and luxury cars under the sun, Vice City drew from Scarface and Miami Vice. GTA: San Andreas channeled the cinematic essence of early ’90s South Central LA through films by John Singleton and the Hughes brothers. GTA 4 took cues from French crime dramas and Russian gangster films. Already, GTA6 is drawing comparisons to Bonnie and Clyde, another tale of troubled lovers willing to risk everything for love. Yet, Rockstar seems to have delved deeper, studying the true romance depicted in Sam Peckinpah’s classics and Terrence Malick’s Badlands—a story of a thrilling but ultimately discontent couple. Even Natural Born Killers may provide surreal inspiration for this new arc.
Regardless, this is timely. With all its satire and moral ambiguity, GTA titles have often lacked subtlety. Relationship dynamics have traditionally been tied to the honor code of dysfunctional families and the hypermasculine gangland ethos. This series has never featured a female lead protagonist until now. We’re witnessing the emergence of new dynamics.
Perhaps GTA will approach romance similarly to how it has explored friendship in the past. Take Roman and Nico in GTA 4, who embody contrasts of darkness and violence alongside meaningful risks. Expect minimal player influence in the relationship’s development since GTA isn’t a strict role-playing adventure. Story progression hinges more on actions rather than dialogue. However, I’m curious about what the writers have observed about human behavior from the increasingly popular multiplayer spinoff, GTA Online, where dedicated role-playing servers have fostered virtual relationships.
In any case, I’m rooting for Lucia and Jason. They represent some of the most intriguing characters we’ve seen in the series—already generating buzz online as fans have shipped them. While Rockstar’s art team typically depicts characters as reflections of internal decay, these two are undeniably attractive and share a strong chemistry. Perhaps Rockstar recognizes that the current state of the world—and perhaps our desires—yearns for genuine romantic connection. Next May, expect both love and bullets to fly.
nThe original Donkey Kong Arcade machine, Mint Condition Outrun Race Simulation Game, Esterified between Gamer Cube and Nintendo 64-wired booths, Luke Malpass, engineer dismantling a broken Nintendo Wii.
I brought old game consoles to the house for repairs and fixes, and there was a steady stream of people, a retro gaming arcade of elephants and castles, transformed into a gaming clinic for two days.
Gabriella Rosenau, 35, brought in a broken Wii that had been in the garage “for years.” “I'm still playing my older brother, my older Nintendo 64, and I love it, but I really want to get it [the Wii] Repaired. “
“I've done something weird about Call of Duty and PlayStation, but I'm more interested in retro games,” she adds.
Rosenau is part of a growing community that has abandoned modern video games and picked up consoles since or before childhood. According to a Pringles investigation, Gen Z Gamers are proceeding with lawsuits, with 24% owning retro consoles.
What began as a Malpas passion project, restoring the consoles of its former glory quickly evolved into a full-time business. During the peak during lockdown, his company Retrosix hired 16 people to deal with demand. He places this, in part, on people stuck at home. “People were bored, they were finding things at home and looking for things online.
“We originally only sold on eBay and didn't even have a site. eBay was limiting sales because they thought it was fraudulent,” he says. “It literally took over.”
Luke Malpass modify consoles from the 80s to the 2000s. Photo: Teri Pengilley/The Guardian
Retrosix receives hundreds of requests each month from people who want their console to be fully functional, playable or upgraded. This is “stable,” says Malpas, but the community is still expanding.
“There are a lot of people who are obsessed with this right now. The older generations than me tend to be PC-based for Amigas and Commodores, in their late 40s and early 50s. And then my age, so 30 People in the world are very interested in Game Boys, Mega Drive, Super Nintendo's entertainment system, such as.
“And there's a younger generation that's either one. [the] Nintendo DS, what they've played is beginning to be retro or really hooked on the whole retro. So you get people in their 20s who are more obsessed with than we do.
Malpass has gained massive supporters on social media, with 44,100 followers and 61,700 subscribers on its YouTube channel, Angelsix and Tiktok on Retrosix.
Young people engaged online say they reach for retro games for unique gameplay, and for the opportunity to “switch off,” Malpass says.
“You're turning on the console at the top and playing games. No stress. There's no internet. You're not competing with the world. You have your own in the game, you're going to go I feel a sense of accomplishment in, and that was what you used to do,” he says.
“I think the younger generation is feeling more stressed they are now. Growing up in the world of social media is very mentally challenging. [Retro video gaming] It's their safe place. It's like their escape,” he says.
Matthew Dolan, a software developer in his 40s, brought some of his game gear consoles. His passion for retro games and technology comes from nostalgia and childhood memories, playing games his father wrote for him at BBC Micro. “It was a great introduction to technology,” he says.
“You get all that joy from playing it literally. You go through the battery and plan a long, long car journey,” he says. “They don't rely on equally flashy graphics. [as contemporary games]. ”
Going it a step further, Dolan says he revised and adapted the console, spending £7,000 on his hobby last year. “We've regained some of it from selling things, but it's not cheap.”
He got stuck trying to repair some of the game gear chips and needed Malpas' expertise. Retrosix's repaired Prestige Edition Game Gear Console is £298.80. The LED edition costs £334.80, and mods or services on the console start at £36.
Popular retro consoles
game boy
A handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan in 1989 and in Europe in 1990. It is estimated that over 118.7 million Game Boys and Game Boy colors are available for sale all over the world, making it one of the most successful handheld consoles of the era. Its compact design and affordable price.
SNES
Super Nintendo's entertainment system, also known as Super NES, was Nintendo's second home video game console to release internationally. It was first released by Nintendo, Japan in 1990 and arrived in Europe in 1992. It is estimated that SNES sold 49.1m units worldwide when it was cancelled in 2003.
Xbox Original
The Xbox console was Microsoft's first gaming console offering and the first installment payment for the consoles of the Xbox series, which was first released in Europe in 2002. The second generation Xbox 360 was released in 2005.
Amiga
A series of personal computers created by Commodore International from 1985 to 1994. Other companies continued to produce Amiga after this. The Amiga 1000, also known as the A1000, was the first personal computer released by Amiga Line's Commodore International. It was known for its advanced graphics and sound. Popular games include Alien Breed, Syndicate, Wise Football, and Eye viewers.
Game Gear
A handheld game console was released by Sega in Japan in 1990 and released in Europe the following year. Game Gear competed mostly with Nintendo's Game Boy, Atari Links and NEC's Turbo Experez. In 1991, around 520,000 game gear was sold in Europe, of which over 130,000 were sold in the UK.
I“I’ve always hated getting up in the winter. As a kid, I threw a Harkle Darkle at me while I watched my uniform warm up with the radiator. Recently, I had a few minutes of smartphone alarms. I set it up continuously. It’s too dark and I’m too groggy.
I’ve heard a sunrise alarm clock before the filterI was asked to review them, but I didn’t think they could solve my awakening anguish. Essentially, they are a combination of an alarm clock and a light therapy device that will glow as the brightness increases as your wake-up time approaches. Light interacts with our circadian rhythms, just like when the sun rises, so we wake up biologically prepared for the day.
How a sunrise alarm clock made my morning better
As a tech-interested author, I often review attractive and useful gadgets, from electric heaters to ERMs to cat smart drinking fountains. It’s fun, but in the long run, only a few products will change my lifestyle. Sunrise alarm clocks were quickly proven to fall into this exclusive category. Throughout the majority of winter, I woke up in the darkness so that my organs probably cannot receive signals from my brain and prepare for the day.
My Top Sunrise Alarm Clock Picks – Lumi Body Cooks Park 100 and Philips Smart Sleep Wake Light – have changed the equation clearly. I wake up, feel more energetic, less grogled and mentally sharp.
What’s important about sunrise alarm clocks
All sunrise alarm clocks I tested had strengths such as alarm sounds, soothing design and useful features, but only certain models have a brightness threshold that appears to wind a circadian clock. The value exceeded. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) lamps are often advertised with Lux ratings for brightness, but this important statistic tends to be absent in the sunrise alarm spec sheet. One great indicator is whether it is certified as a medical device, as is present in the Body Cooks Park 100.
How these devices play in a healthy sleep
Sleep is personal and there is no device suitable for all slingers. For me, the sunrise alarm clock benefited my sleep and wake cycle more than any other product. It probably excludes my memory foam mattress. Very good models like the Lumie Sunrise alarm can be purchased for under £40. So if you find dark mornings difficult, it’s definitely worth a try.
An important advantage of sunrise alarm clocks is that your phone no longer includes your morning waking up. Stopping the alarm on your smartphone means your day starts with your on-screen eyes. And the path from here to Doom scroll is the length of Thumbprint. With all sorts of alarm clocks, you can start without a smartphone in the morning.
If you’re still waking up on the other side of your bed, you can find additional recommendations for the best mattresses, sleep AIDS and electric blankets in the filter guide. The mornings are made by people who are not born.
This week’s pick
Editor’s Pick
Ella Foot will be testing a cold-water swimsuit at Lago di Nenbia in Trentino, Italy. Photo: Ella Foot
Guardian readers are no strangers to cold water dips. I also include myself. So we thought it was time for the filter to put some outdoor swimming kits at that pace.
Luckily, a new kind of thermal swimsuit (not wetsuits) is available in the market designed for colder temperatures. So, we’re still deep into the cold-water swimming season, but we asked experienced outdoor swimmers and writer Ella Hoot to test these swimsuits. She also rounded up her favorites wisely. hat, glovesthe flask and other items will warm up afterwards.
Hannah Booth Editor, filter
Just in case you missed it…
The elements are ready… a guide to waterproof jacket. Photo: Thomas Eversley/Alamy
If you’re keen to get wet outdoors, strictly tested waterproof jackets for men and women will keep you dry even in the most fierce downpours. Paddy Maddison and Sian Lewis of Keen Hikers have gone hundreds of paces over the years and know what to look for in high-performance jackets. It could be a valuable investment in a country that rains more than 150 days a year.
Please participate
thank you! Tell us how you can make things last longer. Photo: Uchida Kyoko/alamy
Do you have something that isn’t doing the job at all? It could be an expensive suitcase with unstable wheels, a beloved armchair with hanging springs, or your favorite jumper is a tattered jumper. If so, we’d love to hear a new advice column from you. I also want to hear how you see yours, from shoes to coffee machines, to make yours last longer.
Reply to this newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com.
EElectronic shelf labels, return machines, robotic bagging machines and even self-service tills are just some of the many technologies UK retailers are adopting to solve the problem of rising labor costs.
Big retailers have been releasing a flurry of festive deals in recent weeks as they face rising labor costs from April following increases in the national minimum wage and employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs). , investment in automation has always been active.
The investment could boost productivity in an industry that has long relied on cheap labor – a key goal of the government. But they will also replace entry-level jobs and reduce the number of roles in the sector, which is Britain's biggest employer.
When the British Retail Consortium asked finance chiefs at major retailers how they would respond to the impending increase in employer NICs, almost a third said they would make greater use of automation, but this Hours of what's behind the hike, head office job cuts, and reductions in working hours.
So what innovations are they considering and whose jobs might they impact?
electronic shelf price labels
Electronic shelf labels are already common in some other countries, and could be on UK high streets in the blink of an eye by 2025. One retailer's manager told the Guardian that NIC's rising labor costs suddenly made the switch economically viable.
Change prices with the push of a button, saving staff time removing and replacing hundreds of small paper labels. Electronics chain Currys plans to introduce electronic pricing to 100 of its 300 UK stores by the end of this year after trials in stores in Northern Europe, with supermarket groups Sainsbury's and Co-op also experimenting.
self service
Shopper-operated checkouts are widespread in supermarkets, and we expect to see more of them in fashion and home goods retailers this year.
Primark is rolling out the service in 41 stores in the UK and plans to expand to at least five more this spring, while Next is piloting it in one branch.
Inditex, owner of Japanese fashion chains Uniqlo and Zara, has led the way with technology that allows customers to recall entire baskets of goods without having to scan them with wireless tags. Marks & Spencer is experimenting with this approach for customers purchasing non-food items.
Grocery stores are also continuing to innovate. Co-ops are testing hybrid checkouts that can be operated by self-service or staff, and some supermarkets have added larger self-checkouts suitable for handling full carts.
Self-scanning systems, such as Sainsbury's SmartShop and Tesco's Scan as you Shop, where shoppers use a handheld device or smartphone app to recall prices, are also on the rise. Sainsbury's said 30% of the groceries it sold during the peak holiday season were processed through SmartShop, leading to “lower costs and faster checkouts”.
Automated return machines have also been introduced, allowing shoppers to drop off unwanted items by simply swiping a QR code. John Lewis is testing the product at three Waitrose stores.
But the idea of leaving stores completely unmanned has been questioned. Amazon's “Just Walk Out” store, where shoppers sign in through an app and technology automatically monitors and charges their purchases, hasn't been a huge success. The company has 21 stores in the UK, with one store opening in north London in November after several closures in 2023 and 2024. Tesco only has four GetGo self-service stores, the first of which opened in 2021, while Aldi only has one such store in the UK.
Retailers have been gradually increasing automation in their warehouses for years, but rising labor costs are accelerating that trend.
Sales of assembly line robots to food and drink, logistics and consumer goods companies rose 31% in the first nine months of last year, according to industry body Automate UK. This number does not include autonomous mobile robots, which move and complete tasks without a human operator and are becoming increasingly popular.
For example, Amazon and John Lewis use autonomous robots to move goods around their warehouses and bring them to the humans who pack them. Ocado's entire business model is based on the use of warehouses run by robots, but the company has expanded its use to go beyond just picking products out of crates and putting them into shoppers' bags and into vans. It's starting to expand.
One Irish retailer recently introduced a robot that patrols its stores to monitor out-of-stock items and mispricing, according to the Institute of Grocery Distributors (IGD), and a U.S. retailer is also rolling out the same technology. It is said that they have been able to increase their inventory level to 98.5%.
artificial intelligence
IGD also cited AI-powered cameras, which check shelf gaps in real time and monitor how shoppers interact with products, as one of the key technologies to improve store operations this year. There is. Last year, Morrisons added cameras to supermarket shelves that allow customers to reorder stock if needed.
Retailers also want to reduce waste and improve marketing efforts by using AI to analyze vast amounts of data and handle simple, repetitive tasks.
Sainsbury's has introduced an AI-enabled predictive tool to ensure it has the right amount of products on its shelves as part of a £1bn cost-cutting plan. Waitrose uses this technology to schedule the right workers for deliveries from stores and analyze food trends for product development. Meanwhile, M&S uses the technology to create product descriptions online and advise shoppers on clothing choices based on their body type and style preferences.
Tesco uses AI to make purchasing decisions and optimize routes for delivery drivers. The supermarket's CEO Ken Murphy said customer interactions will be “truly enhanced and driven by AI in almost every aspect of our business.”
He uses this to analyze shoppers' loyalty card data and learn how to save money and take care of their health by not buying too much (or perhaps too much) of certain products. suggested it could provide “relevant inspiration and ideas for shoppers and their families.” .
“Hello again!” Pigeons remember individual human faces
Martin Parr/Magnum Photo
Recently, when I was walking in the park with some friends, they pointed out the pigeons and told me I was looking at their favorite bird. I couldn’t believe it. Pigeon? That winged pest? My friend responded with this perverse logic. It makes a lot of sense that pigeons are our favorite birds because they’re always fun.
I was momentarily confused and wondered if anyone could really be so obsessed with pigeons. As it turns out, the joke was on me. I talked to other friends and co-workers, and a surprising number of them loved the humble Pidge. one new scientist An anonymous colleague confessed to having a secret dove tattoo. I also saw a news report that A couple with their adopted pigeon sleeping on their bed.
After doing a little reading, I found that pigeons have a lot to recommend. In addition to their well-known homing abilities, they are intelligent to say the least. Although they are not mammals, they do produce a type of milk. They kiss each other and praise themselves after sex, recognize individual people (And you can remember the person who was mean to you). All this put together made me think that I might be able to love this seemingly ordinary bird after all. So, armed with curiosity and a bag of oatmeal, I set out to do just that.
A little bird watching
I wanted to conduct my research with at least a sense of scientific integrity, so I came up with the idea of an “experiment.” First of all, I…
BOf them, the Australian online personality who took to the stage at the annual TikTok Awards on Wednesday has more than 100 million followers. But if you're over 30, you've probably never heard of them.
This year's TikTok Awards received approximately 3.4 million public votes and recognized top creators in categories such as beauty, fitness, food, comedy, and music. Almost everyone who attended the invite-only event achieved fame in a particular field. Among the online stars in attendance were: quartet of brothers People who perform highly choreographed dances in public (160,000 followers); gay couple A woman who constantly redecorates her home (3.4 million followers) and a woman who is growing her following. About having very long hair (Australian Rapunzel, 1.3 million followers). Another woman posted a video that garnered 1.5 million followers. Ask a stranger if they're on their period. These are people who are regularly stopped on the street by fans and have large enough followings that they can make a living doing business with brands.
American singer JoJo Siwa greeted fans outside the TikTok Awards on Wednesday. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage
The ceremony, held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, was a safe space for hyper-online people. The brand activation encouraged guests to pose in elaborate photo settings. Creators in the audience brought portable ring lights and live-streamed TikTok from their seats throughout the night. That meant crowds were often uncomfortably quiet during awards ceremonies, as it was difficult to clap and hold a cell phone at the same time. It was impossible to use the bathroom without accidentally crashing a TikTok being filmed in the mirror.
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“The main advice I have to give is to stay true to yourself and hit the posts,” TikToker Leah Hulton said at the venue while accepting the award for 12-second video of the year. . lip sync video It has been viewed 939 million times. “I don't know where they're taking me.”
Throughout the night, entertainment ranged from the flamboyant to the absurd. american pop star jojo siwaperformed her song “Karma” and presented her with the Music Artist of the Year award (which went to Loyle Otis, who was absent). Beatmaker Cyril Riley has tapped Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Knoll for a song. Host Robert Irwin brought out a live snake. Branded T-shirts were airgunned into the crowd. The night's skincare sponsors had performers dressed as bottles of their products dance to a jagged electronic track while a DJ delivered unspecific spoken word sound bites like “dermatologist recommended.” did. On stage, there were references to memes that have become popular on TikTok this year, such as the Four Seasons Orlando Baby.
But the audience wasn't entirely Internet native. In attendance was 76-year-old TV chef Ian “Huey” Hewitson, who was nominated in the food category, and was awkwardly seated at the same table as fellow nominees in their 20s and 30s. (Finally, michael finchformer beauty vlogger turned viral chef). Also in attendance was Dr. Karl Krzelnicki, who won the High Quality Content Creator category for his research on topics such as: Why does drinking coffee make you poop?.
Colombian Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Márquez, who spent some of his happiest years documenting life in Caracas, once declared journalism “the best job in the world.”
But that’s not the case when it comes to covering Venezuela today, where journalists are feeling the pressure as the South American country slides toward full-on dictatorship under President Nicolas Maduro.
Four weeks into Venezuela’s disputed elections, local journalists have developed a uniquely 21st century tactic to avoid arrest for covering the election. Socialism in the 21st Century: Using artificial intelligence avatars to report all news that the Maduro regime deems unsuitable for print.
In their daily broadcasts, the AI-created news anchors have updated the world on the president’s post-election crackdown on opponents, activists and the media, without putting reporters at risk.
Directed by Carlos Eduardo Huertas ConnectorsThe Colombia-based Journalism Platform, which is coordinating the effort, said the use of AI is not just a gimmick but a response to “the increasing persecution and repression suffered by our colleagues in Venezuela, where uncertainty grows by the hour regarding the safety of carrying out their work.”
Opposition politicians Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia ride in a truck during mass protests against the Maduro government in Caracas. Photo: Matthias Delacroix/AP
Huertas said that with the increasingly authoritarian atmosphere under Maduro’s government, “it’s no longer wise to be in front of the camera.”The solution was to create virtual journalists to hide the identities of the real reporters reporting the news.
The initiative involves around 20 Venezuelan news and fact-checking media outlets and around 100 journalists who will share content and present it as a daily news show presented by avatars called La Chama and El Pana (roughly translating as “best friend” and “partner”).
in First broadcast This month, Besti, a female presenter, explained that she wants to spread awareness of “what is really going on in Venezuela.”
“But before we go any further, if you haven’t noticed, we’re not real,” the avatar added, before releasing the latest, all-too-real statistics on Maduro’s campaign to eliminate opposition: “In less than two weeks, more than 1,000 people have been detained during protests and at least 23 killed,” Besti said. The number of people detained now stands at more than 1,400.
The name of the AI journalism project, “Operación Retuit” (Operation Retweet), is in part a satirical reference to the name given by the Maduro regime to its harsh crackdown on dissent, “Operation Tun Tun” (Operation Knock Knock).
The prisoners include at least nine journalists, according to Venezuela’s journalists union, SNTP. One of them, 26-year-old sports reporter and photographer Paul Leon, was picked up by police while photographing a peaceful protest and later charged with terrorism offences that carry up to 30 years in prison.
On Sunday, Carmela Longo, a prominent entertainment journalist, was taken by police from her home in Caracas after being fired by the pro-government newspaper Altimas Noticias.
Caracas police detained journalist Carmela Longo after searching her home. Photo: Jesus Medina Ezzane/Reuters
The need for virtual reality news anchors is easy to understand, given the political chill that has prevailed in Venezuela since Maduro was first elected president in 2013 and has only worsened in recent days.
“Sources won’t talk. Journalists are forced to work anonymously, sometimes going into hiding and hiding their identities for fear of government retaliation. Social media accounts are silent… Essential parts of the news ecosystem like X Blocked“The Venezuela-focused website Caracas Chronicles reported last week.”
This month, Vladimir Villegas, former president of state broadcaster VTV, Claimed Around 100 employees of the company were fired after messages deemed hostile to the government were found in WhatsApp chats.
of Episode 2 The retweet campaign tackled an especially dangerous topic given the government’s stringent crackdown: It questioned the government’s attempts to blame many of the post-election deaths on the opposition, which Maduro has accused of plotting a fascist coup.
Contrary to government claims, a collective investigation of Operation Retweet suggested that state security forces were primarily responsible for the increased death toll.
Relatives of people detained during anti-government protests wait outside Tocuito prison for news of their loved ones. Photo: Juan Carlos Hernandez/Reuters
“All of the victims were killed by gunfire and witnesses said the suspects were police officers, soldiers or groups known in Venezuela as paramilitary groups. Colectivos” Buddy, the male avatar, told viewers.
The female presenter said most of the victims were under 30, with some as young as 15 killed. “They came from working-class backgrounds and had normal jobs – barbers, caregivers, students, construction workers, hawkers, motorbike taxi drivers and sports coaches,” the avatar added. “At least 15 children were left orphaned in just a few days.”
Colombian journalist Huertas likened his Venezuelan colleagues to firefighters risking their lives for democracy.
“If there’s a fire, you want to see firefighters on the scene. Well, there’s a fire right now. [in Venezuela] “Many firefighters are also present,” he said, praising Venezuela’s capable and dedicated press corps.
Despite the danger,[they] They are on the front lines doing work that society needs,” Huertas said.
Hearing the vendor hype, enterprise buyers might think they’re all in when it comes to generative AI. But as with any new technology, large companies tend to tread carefully. Throughout this year, CIOs have been paying attention as vendors have eagerly announced new generation products powered by his AI.
Some companies are actually looking at reducing spending, or at least smoothing out spending, and are not necessarily looking for new ways to spend. The big exception is when technology allows companies to operate more efficiently and accomplish more with less.
Generative AI certainly has the potential to do that, but it either increases the cost of these features in a SaaS product or the cost of using a large language model API if you build your own. It also comes with its own costs, such as how much it costs. Software internally.
Either way, it’s important for those implementing the technology to understand whether they’re getting a return on their investment. Many companies are proceeding cautiously, with 56% of respondents reporting that generative AI is impacting their investment priorities, according to a July Morgan Stanley survey of CIOs of large companies. However, only 4% of people actually launched any significant projects. In fact, most were still in the evaluation or proof-of-concept stage. This may be a rapidly changing area, but it’s also consistent with what we heard in our conversations with CIOs.
That said, similar to the consumerization of IT a decade ago, CIOs are under pressure to deliver the kind of experience people see when they play ChatGPT online, says Madrona Ventures Partner says Jon Turow.
“I think it’s undeniable that all of our corporate employees, who are internal customers of CIOs and CTOs, have tried ChatGPT and know how great it is. , and know where the great words are. So CIOs are under pressure to achieve that level,” Turow told TechCrunch.
Particularly where some of the pressure may be coming from the CEO, the desire to please internal customers and potentially transformative things like generative AI. There is also a tension between CIOs’ natural tendency to act cautiously. Jim Rowan, a principal at Deloitte, said that making this happen requires building some structure and organization over time, and how to build generative AI across the enterprise in an organized way. He said he is working with customers.
“A lot of the way we work with companies is to think about what infrastructure they need to be successful. Infrastructure doesn’t necessarily mean technology, but people. Who is that, what is the process and governance…and giving them the ability to set it up,” Rowan said. A big part of that is talking about use cases and how the technology can be used to address specific problems.
This is consistent with how the CIOs we spoke to are implementing this in their organizations. Monica Caldas, her CIO at insurance company Liberty Mutual, started with a proof of concept for a few thousand people and is looking for ways to scale it at her 45,000-employee company.
“We know that generative AI will continue to play a critical role in virtually every part of our company. We are investing in use cases to further develop and refine them,” she said. she said.
Mike Haney, CIO of Battelle, a science and technology-focused company, is also exploring generative AI use cases this year. “So we’ve been working on advancing AI for the past six to nine months, and we’re currently building out specific use cases for different teams and functions within the company.” Although it is still early and they are still exploring ways in which it can help, they caution that so far the results have been good in terms of providing more efficient methods.
Kathy Kay, executive vice president and CIO of financial services firm Principal Financial Group, says her company started from scratch with a research group. “So we opened it up to any employee with an interest or passion, and the number grew to about 100 people. It’s a combination of engineers and business people, and now she’s probably working on 25 use cases. of which she plans to put three into production. [soon],” she said.
Sharon Mandel, Juniper Networks CIO, said her company is participating in an early pilot with Microsoft for Copilot for Office 365, and anecdotally, some people like Copilot and others are less impressed. says they’ve heard mixed feedback. Measuring productivity gains remains a challenge, he said, even though Microsoft has started offering dashboards that at least show levels of adoption and usage.
“The difficult thing about this is that we don’t have data on people’s productivity levels. So no matter what, we want to make sure that we have a good understanding of Microsoft’s dashboards that show how our users are using them. Until then, we will be using somewhat anecdotal information,” she said.
When companies hear about the potential power of generative AI, it’s no surprise that they want to learn more about it and leverage it to make their organizations run more efficiently, but at the same time, executives are becoming somewhat cautious. Of course. We recognize that these are still in their early stages and we need to learn through experimentation whether this is truly a revolutionary technology.
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