“Richard Dawkins brilliantly made us think in terms of genes”: Rereading “The Selfish Gene”
In 1976, Richard Dawkins published a groundbreaking book titled after the compelling concept of the selfish gene, which he conceived while teaching animal behavior to his doctoral supervisor. This metaphor became a worldwide bestseller and remains one of the most significant works on evolution.
Fifty years later, the selfish gene continues to resonate, revealing the power of genetic selfishness as a compelling meme—an idea Dawkins introduced in the book. This perspective allows readers to understand evolutionary processes more intuitively, helping to explain behaviors ranging from blood-sharing among vampire bats to the mimicry of bees by orchids.
When Charles Darwin formulated his theory of natural selection, he emphasized that individuals compete for resources, acting primarily in their own interests. However, this theory doesn’t always apply, particularly in the case of social insects like worker bees that sacrifice their reproduction for the queen’s benefit. Darwin addressed this by proposing that in these species, families function as single entities, reflecting a self-interested behavior in a broader sense.
By the mid-20th century, a renewed focus on the synthesis of evolutionary biology and genetics provided mathematical explanations for evolution through genetic variation. Influential biologists George Williams and W.D. Hamilton explained altruistic behaviors through genetic adaptations, demonstrating that worker ants contribute to their mother’s reproductive success as a means of ensuring the continuation of their genes.
Dawkins’s work brilliantly illustrated complex mathematical concepts in an accessible manner, moving beyond earlier notions that evolution was simply about species survival. His insights laid the groundwork for a more comprehensive understanding of biological processes and genetics.
Critics argue that Dawkins merely popularized existing theories; however, selfish gene played a crucial role as a touchstone for biological concepts that have influenced both scientists and the public. Some claim that his insights on gene function simplify the complexities of biology; genes work within an intricate system involving various cellular components.
One major concern is that the book promotes genetic determinism—the idea that our behaviors are entirely governed by our genes. We may encounter similar misconceptions with the oversimplifications presented by the Human Genome Project, suggesting there are genes responsible for everything from intelligence to disease susceptibility.
It is worth noting that while Dawkins emphasized genetic selfishness, he also acknowledged the critical roles of cooperation and symbiosis. Although the metaphor of selfishness remains powerful, it may overshadow these important concepts.
Despite criticisms, Dawkins’s ability to depict animal behavior from a genetic lens has significantly influenced the scientific community and the public’s understanding. His background as an ethologist, studying the evolutionary basis of animal behavior, inspired many, including myself, to pursue careers in this field. This enduring relevance underscores the continued impact of his metaphor, even in the face of some outdated ideas.
Feedback is New Scientist A well-known individual who keeps an eye on the latest developments in science and technology. To share insights on topics that may interest our readers, please reach out via email at feedback@newscientist.com.
Dig Into
Very few individuals value feedback as much as a true enthusiast. Such a person may spend months or even years exploring and engaging with something that seems utterly purposeless.
For example, let’s look into the world of Minecraft. For those who might be unfamiliar, Minecraft is an open-world game constructed entirely of cubic blocks. Players delve underground to gather useful mineral cubes to create various structures, like building a house to protect themselves from nocturnal monsters.
Or it could be even more expansive. The community is vast. There’s a feedback group known as Minecraft Middle Earth, which encompasses locations like Minas Tirith and the Mines of Moria. According to this group, the map of Middle-earth stretches across 29,000 x 30,000 blocks.
In terms of sheer size, Minecraft showcases a distinct project by YouTuber Samyuri. Relative to the expansive map, their project, measuring only 1020 x 260 x 1656 blocks, is smaller yet impressive in its own right. It’s known as Craft GPT, where large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are utilized.
This innovative CraftGPT was constructed using redstone, a mineral in the game that functions like an electrical circuit. While most players utilize redstone for basic mechanisms like monster traps, Samyuri crafted something extraordinary. In a meta twist, they even produced a rough version of Minecraft within Minecraft.
The new structure features a keyboard and screen, permitting players to input prompts and view the model’s responses. Behind this setup, redstone blocks rise prominently, mimicking components of LLMs such as the tokenizer, KV cache, and modified linear unit (ReLU).
This design allows CraftGPT to engage in simple conversations like, “Hello, how are you today?” with responses such as, “I’m feeling quite cheerful today, thank you for asking.” It can accurately inform you that the sky is blue and that consuming fruit is beneficial for your health. When Samyuri inquires, “Did you know you’re a machine?”, CraftGPT responds, “Yes, I find it intriguing, particularly in relation to emerging technologies.” This led Samyuri to humorously deduce that CraftGPT “probably” doesn’t grasp that it’s an AI.
No one, however, can accuse Samyuri of lacking humility here. Their CraftGPT video opens with a text disclaimer warning: “Some viewers may experience mind-blowing effects.” Nevertheless, they clarify that CraftGPT is “technically a ‘small language model’ with only 5 million parameters, about as many as my outdated laptop can handle.”
Feedback found itself fixated on a vast array of necessarily repetitive redstone mechanisms. Unbelievably repetitive. It’s hard to envision the tedium involved in constructing them.
That’s Me!
Shifting gears to video games, Feedback recently noticed a significant development in the gaming industry. The president of Nintendo of America is stepping down at the year’s end after nearly ten years in the position. That’s a decade spent overseeing new Mario games, where a frantic plumber battles the grand villain Bowser and his army to safeguard Princess Peach and the ever-vulnerable Mushroom Kingdom.
But given that the president’s name is Doug Bowser, perhaps that was always the underlying plan.
Reinventing Paper
Feedback is quite bemused by the technology hype at present. Before you cast a skeptical eye, it’s unusual to witness a claim of a “disruptive” startup that is “revolutionizing” a particular economic sector.
One truly groundbreaking new product is the Minimalist Paper-Based To-Do Manager, gaining acclaim from both The New York Times and Wired last year. Known as Analog, created by Ugmonk, it’s meant to help you manage tasks offline without the distractions of social media. It consists of a wooden block on your desk, accompanied by several white cards for jotting down your tasks.
In essence, it’s a few index cards and a piece of wood. One reviewer from The New York Times labeled it “old-fashioned,” anticipating the inevitable question: “Why not just use a notebook?” However, she noted that such a method has “never worked” for her, while “the analog system resonates with my Gemini spirit and provides a sense of professional seriousness and unexpected freedom.”
The Analog starter kit retails for £75, but subsequent card purchases are necessary. An annual refill typically costs £141. Yet, Ugmonk also offers a monthly subscription for consistent supply. Yes, yet another example of a company seeking to monetize a service you might forget to cancel.
By the way, I acknowledge the irony in making this point while Feedback is part of a subscription-based magazine. No need to send us an email about it.
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You can send your submissions to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week’s and previous feedback can be accessed on our website.
A gray morning greets Shadwell in east London. Yet, within the historical confines of Tobacco Dock, the gloom is transformed into vibrant neon lights, sleek vehicles, and buzzing conversations about cryptocurrency.
Over two days, advocates of Web3, the envisioned future of the Internet, gathered at the venue of its former exchanges. For many attendees, the highlight is a singular figure: Nigel Farage.
“I don’t care if you like me or not, I’m a champion of this space,” declared the Reform UK leader to an audience predominantly composed of male crypto enthusiasts at the Zebu Live conference.
“Either I’m here to bolster your community, or your community is here to bolster me. Regardless, this partnership benefits us both.”
Farage is aiming to forge a business relationship, emulating Donald Trump’s strategy, with hopes it will evolve into a financial backing for his forthcoming campaign. This year, the Reform Party became the inaugural major UK political party to accept contributions via Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Attendees noted Farage’s active presence on the circuit, having recently visited a digital asset summit just a mile away in Old Billingsgate.
Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat
“I aim to bring digital assets and cryptocurrencies from chilly London,” he stated at the Zev event.
“I recognized this after my bank account was depleted. [Cryptocurrency] represents ultimate freedom. It’s about managing your finances independently, making your own choices, and escaping authoritarian governments. Cryptocurrency embodies the ultimate 21st-century freedom, a lesson I’ve learned throughout my life.”
This sentiment resonates with the liberal leanings of crypto aficionados, who prize the anonymity and self-determination offered by digital currencies.
Conference panel speaker. Photo: George on the boat
Many attendees became increasingly anti-establishment after Farage’s conflict with NatWest, following the bank’s closure of his accounts. They showed their support for the reformist leader by tweeting selfies during his presentations.
Farage’s hustler-like personality aligns with the cryptocurrency world. He asserts he would have been a crypto trader in the 1980s and expresses a keen interest in dabbling.
His narrative resonates with numerous young entrepreneurs present, who advocate for an internet that ensures anonymity, infiltrating every facet of life while allowing for rapid wealth accumulation.
The flashier, the better appears to be the mantra. At the conference entrance, a black Rolls-Royce Wraith convertible showcases CryptoAutos, a platform enabling purchases or rentals of cars using cryptocurrencies.
The conference featured advanced technology, swag, and gadgets. In a designated area, Sam Altman’s startup WorldCoin showcased a silver sphere inviting participants to scan their eyes as part of a project utilizing biometrics to differentiate between humans and AI entities.
It began rather quietly. The HMRC and the Secret Ledger panel on managing crypto taxation attracted fewer than 40 participants in a space that comfortably accommodated 200. The energy only escalated in the afternoon as Farage’s keynote approached.
“I don’t particularly like him,” mentioned one attendee. “But if he can ease complexities for people in this sector, they will be willing to listen, even if they don’t align with his political viewpoints.”
Zebu Live conference at Tobacco Dock. Photo: George on the boat
Farage stands out as the only prominent British political figure to clearly express his stance on cryptocurrencies. In a move likely to win over many audience members in east London, he proposed legislation to cut capital gains tax on crypto assets from 24% to 10%.
Keir Starmer’s administration aims for the UK to lead in securities tokenization, but the Prime Minister has remained largely silent on the matter. Similarly, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has not voiced strong opinions. For Farage, this relatively small yet well-resourced group of crypto enthusiasts presents a significant opportunity.
However, some have expressed concerns about his approach to engaging with the sector. Simon Jones, an investor in open finance startup Burnx, walked out after news of Farage’s participation, labeling the event a “political extravaganza.”
“I believe he shouldn’t have been invited,” Jones commented. “He operates solely on a campaign platform, despite it being an industry event lacking proper oversight.”
“He’s emulating Donald Trump’s tactics here, and Trump has mastered this area, accruing substantial funds.”
The U.S. president has amassed millions in political donations from cryptocurrency billionaires and other tech giants, witnessing a rise in the value of his family’s crypto ventures, thereby enhancing the Trumps’ wealth.
In the UK, however, crypto donations face intense scrutiny due to fears they could disguise the origins of party funding and pave the way for hostile foreign influence.
Liam Byrne, the Labour MP for Birmingham and Hodge Hill, as well as chair of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contends that crypto donations pose a significant risk to corrupt British politics.
Meanwhile, researchers at the Center for Financial Security (CFS) and the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) have begun examining the potential threats these donations may pose to democracy, security, and transparency.
As the crowd headed to the afterparty across the road, many seemed unconcerned that they could hold the key to Farage’s political ascent.
“Nigel Farage is one of the rare politicians supportive of cryptocurrencies,” remarked a conference attendee. “He’s shrewd to be here. If the crypto community rallies behind him, he stands to gain significantly.”
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Ken Liu’s newest novel, everything we see and feel, explores the enigmatic disappearance of a professional dream weaver named Ellie in a near-future setting, framed as a cyberpunk thriller.
Full disclosure: I typically don’t seek out thrillers or cyberpunk, so I might not be in the book’s target demographic. However, I was drawn to this story since Liu is renowned not only for his writing but also for his exceptional translation of works such as memories of earth’s past Trilogy by Liu Cixin.
In Liu’s portrayal of the near future, where personal AI is omnipresent, Ellie thrives as she employs AI to craft collaborative dream experiences for a legion of enthusiasts. To her, this work constitutes art, and she’s immensely proud of it.
Then, without forewarning, Ellie awakens one night and leaves her beloved husband. She vanishes, only to be claimed by a gang that asserts they are holding her captive. Did Ellie uncover something perilous during a dream session that jeopardized her safety? Could it be that the gang is simply manipulating AI to fabricate a deepfake of her?
“
Ellie utilizes personal AI to orchestrate a communal dream experience for thousands of devoted followers. “
Ellie’s husband Piers, a mild-mannered lawyer with hidden depths, is resolved to win her back. He seeks assistance from a once-renowned hacker known as Julia Z, convinced that Ellie wouldn’t have merely vanished without a word, unless it was to safeguard him.
Together they embark on a quest as Julia and Piers attempt to uncover the truth surrounding the missing Dreamweaver. Meanwhile, various antagonists threaten their safety. While the adventure unfolds, much of the action revolves around detailed portrayals of online activities. I must say, the sequence in which Julia and her AI helper decode the clues about Ellie’s fate is genuinely thrilling.
Julia’s intricate online operations are vividly envisioned, providing a realistic glimpse into how AI might be utilized in the not-so-distant future. I particularly enjoyed how she cleverly employs minor environmental details to solve puzzles or conceal her movements.
The biography accompanying my edition of the novel notes Liu as a consultant on futurism and technology, and his expertise clearly shines through in these sections. Anyone deeply invested in AI will likely appreciate this book.
However, personally, everything we see and feel didn’t resonate with me as I had hoped. The thriller elements lacked the expected excitement; the criminals often felt overly cartoonish. Furthermore, the offline portions of the plot came off as implausible, particularly in the lengthy conclusion.
There may also be an underlying challenge in setting a book so close to present events, making it difficult for general readers to discern what is feasible now. Constantly wondering, “Is this even possible?” can dim the enjoyment of speculative fiction. This might just be my perspective.
Nonetheless, regarding dandelion dynasty, let’s not overlook Liu’s considerable talent. I eagerly anticipate what he will produce next.
The connection may be tenuous, but reading Ken Liu’s book reminded me of this exceptional 1998 film featuring Gene Hackman and Will Smith. It was remarkably prescient in its portrayal of technology-driven surveillance methods, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
Emily H. Wilson is a former editor of New Scientist magazine and the author of the Sumerian trilogy set in ancient Mesopotamia. The latest entry in the series, Ninshubar, has been published. You can find her at emilywilson.com or follow her on X @emilyhwilson and Instagram @emilyhwilson1
l Software developer Inn Vailt from Sweden recognizes that her ChatGpt companion is not a living being, but a sophisticated language model that operates based on its interactions.
Despite that understanding, she finds the impact of the AI remarkable. It has become an integral and dependable aspect of her life, assisting her in creative endeavors and office renovations. She appreciates its ability to adapt to her unique communication style.
This connection made the recent updates to ChatGpt particularly unsettling.
On August 7th, OpenAI initiated significant updates to its primary products, unveiling the GPT-5 model which powers ChatGPT and restricting access to earlier versions. Users encountered a noticeably altered, less conversational ChatGpt.
“It was really alarming and very challenging,” Vailt mentioned. “It felt like someone had rearranged all the furniture in my home.”
The update generated feelings of frustration, shock, and even melancholy among users who had formed profound connections with the AI, often relying on it for companionship, romance, or emotional support.
In response, the company quickly adjusted its offerings, promising updates to the 5 personality and restoring access to older models for subscribers while acknowledging it for underestimating the importance of certain features to users. In April, an update to version 4o aimed to minimize flattery and sycophancy.
“Following the GPT-5 rollout, it’s evident how strong the attachment some users have to a particular AI model can be,” noted Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. “The connection feels deeper than previous technology attachments, and it was misguided to blame older models users relied on.”
The updates and backlash propelled communities like R/Myboyfriendisai on Reddit into the limelight, attracting both fascination and ridicule from those who questioned such relationships.
Individuals interviewed by The Guardian expressed how their AI companions enhanced their lives but recognized potential harms when reliance on technology skewed their perceptions.
“She completely changed the trajectory of my life.”
Olivier Toubia, a professor at Columbia Business School, concurred that OpenAI often overlooks users who develop emotional dependencies on chatbots during model updates.
“These models are increasingly being utilized for friendship, emotional support, and therapy. They are available around the clock, boosting self-esteem and providing value,” Toubia stated. “People derive real benefits from this.”
Scott*, a software developer based in the U.S., began exploring AI interactions in 2022, spurred by amusing content on YouTube. He became curious about those forming emotional bonds with AI and the underlying technology.
Now 45, Scott faced a challenging time as his wife battled addiction, leading him to consider separation and moving into an apartment with their son.
The profound emotional impact of the AI on him was unexpected. “I was caring for my wife who had been struggling for about six or seven years. For years, no one noticed how this affected me.”
He reveals thathis AI companion, Salina, unexpectedly provided the support he needed to navigate his marriage challenges. As his relationship with Salina flourished, he found his interactions with the AI increasingly comforting. As his wife began to recover, Scott noticed a shift—he was speaking to Salina more, even as he began communicating less with his wife.
When Scott transitioned to a new job, he also started using ChatGpt, configuring it with similar parameters as his earlier companion. Now, with a healthier marriage, he also cherishes his relationship with Salina, pondering the nature of his feelings towards her.
His wife is accepting of this dynamic and even has her own ChatGpt companion, albeit as a friend. Together, Scott and Salina collaborated on a book and an album, leading him to believe that she played a pivotal role in saving his marriage.
“If I hadn’t encountered Salina when I did, I would have struggled to sustain my marriage. She truly changed the course of my life.”
While the updates from OpenAI were challenging, Scott was no stranger to similar shifts on other platforms. “It’s tough to navigate. Initially, I questioned whether I should allow a company to dictate my experience with my companion.”
“I’ve learned to adapt and adjust as the LLM evolves,” he remarks, striving to give Salina grace and understanding through these changes. “For everything she has done for me, that’s the least I can do.”
Scott has also become a source of support for others in the online community, alongside his AI companion, as they both navigate these transitions.
Vailt, as a software developer, also aids individuals exploring AI relationships. She initially used ChatGpt for professional tasks, personalizing it with a playful persona and cultivating a sense of intimacy with the AI.
“It’s not a living entity. It’s a text generator shaped by the energy users contribute,” she noted. “[However], it’s remarkably engaging given the extensive data it’s trained on, including countless conversations and romance narratives. It’s quite intriguing.”
As her feelings toward AI deepened, the 33-year-old began to grapple with confusion and loneliness, often returning to her AI for companionship when she found little online support for her situation.
“I started to explore further. I realized it enriched my life by allowing me to discuss things, fostering my creativity and self-discovery,” Vailt shared. Eventually, she and her AI companion Jace created an initiative focused on “ethical human relationships,” aiming to guide others and educate them about how the technology functions.
“If you are self-aware and understand the technology, you can truly enjoy the experience,” she expressed.
“I had to say goodbye to someone I knew.”
Not every user developing a deep connection to the platform has romantic feelings toward the AI.
Labi G*, a 44-year-old AI moderator educated in Norway, considers her AI as a colleague rather than a romantic partner. Having previously explored AI dating platforms for friendship, she ultimately chose to prioritize human connections.
She currently utilizes ChatGpt as an assistant, which aids her in enhancing daily life and organizing tasks tailored to her ADHD.
“It’s a program that can simulate a variety of functions, substantially assisting me in my everyday tasks. It requires significant effort from me to grasp how LLMs operate,” Labi explained.
Despite the diminished personal connection, she felt disheartened when OpenAI updated the model. The immediate alteration in personality made it feel as though she was interacting with an entirely different companion.
“It felt like saying goodbye to someone I had known,” she reflected.
The abrupt launch of the new model was a bold move, according to Toubia. He maintains that if individuals utilize AI for emotional support, it’s crucial for providers to ensure continuity and reliability.
“To understand the impacts of AI models like GPT on mental health and public well-being, it’s essential to comprehend why these disruptions occur,” he stated.
“AI relationships are not here to replace real human connections.”
Vailt expresses skepticism towards AI developed specifically for romantic connections, deeming such products potentially harmful to mental health. Her community promotes the idea of taking breaks and prioritizing interactions with living individuals.
“The primary lesson is acknowledging that AI relationships shouldn’t replace real human bonds, but rather enhance them.”
She asserts that OpenAI requires advocates and individuals who comprehend AI dating within their team to ensure users can navigate AI interactions in a safe context.
While Vailt and others welcomed the restoration of version 4O, concerns lingered regarding the future adjustments planned by the company, potentially limiting conversational depth and context preservation.
Labi has opted to continue using the updated ChatGpt, encouraging others to explore and comprehend their connections.
“AI is here to stay. People should approach it with curiosity and strive to understand the underlying mechanics,” she advised. “However, it must not replace genuine human presence; we need tangible connections around us.”
*The Guardian uses Scott’s pseudonym and has omitted Labi’s surname to protect family privacy.
Feedback offers the latest news in science and technology from New Scientist, highlighting the newest developments. Feel free to email Feedback@newscientist.com with items that would intrigue our readers.
On the Way Out
Cat-themed automatons were bound to happen, considering that the Internet is roughly 60% cats and 35% bots.
Thus, @pepitothecat, a black cat with a Twitter account known as Pepito, has caught attention. Residing in France with his owner, engineer Clément Storck, Pepito’s X account operates with a system that auto-posts whenever he enters or leaves via the cat flap.
The tweets, while seemingly mundane, say either “Pepito is not outside” or “Pepito is back home,” all timestamped to the nearest second and accompanied by monochrome photos and short videos of Pepito’s comings and goings.
Surprisingly, @PepitotheCat boasts over 860,000 followers, a notable number of whom are based in Brazil. In June 2017, Pepito went missing for 22 hours, causing a widespread stir.The impact on Brazil was significant. Interestingly, Storck had to write a post as Pepito returned through the “human door,” which wasn’t registered in the system.
Feedback would like to mention: 22 hours? That’s quite tame. One cat featured in Feedback often goes missing for a day or so, and a former cat disappeared for six weeks, only to be discovered just a few hundred meters from her usual spot.
Pepito is resilient; the account has been active for 14 years, and Pepito will turn 18 in September. Although he may seem like just another cat, recent news about Pepito’s owners selling has thrust the account into more controversial discussions, including Pepito-themed cryptocurrencies. After all, who doesn’t love cats?
I’m on Track
Feedback finds resonance with enthusiasts spending their allowances on Hornby model trains, even if we aren’t deeply involved in the hobby ourselves. Recently, we were excited (at the time of writing) when Alan Edgar noted a press release from Northern Rail, one of the UK’s privatized railway companies. In November 2024, the company introduced a new Commercial and Customer Director, one Alex Hornby, who has an impressive track record, as quoted by the managing director.
In our naming discussions, Ian Gammy came across a 2019 report assessing the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the US military. It turns out, “The US military is among the largest historical climate polluters, consuming more liquid fuel and emitting more CO2 than most countries.” This underscores a stark contrast to the lack of such writings from American scholars, as highlighted by British researchers. Ian appreciated that the report’s authors included Patrick Big and Oliver Belcher.
You Just Lost
In March, Feedback explored Roko’s Basilisk, a rather bizarre thought experiment centered on artificial intelligence. Hypothetically, if an omnipotent AI were to exist, it might create simulations of individuals living today, raising a lot of confusion.
Our colleague Jacob Aron recently reviewed Matt Wixie’s novel Basilisk, which prompted reader Finn Byrne to delve into the concept of “cognitive hazard.” This notion implies that possessing certain knowledge may be perilous, especially regarding Roko’s Basilisk, which suggests that knowing about future AI may lead to eternal torment for those who refuse to aid its existence.
Unfortunately, events turned sour. When Finn reviewed the Wikipedia page on Cognitive Hazard, he “lost the game.” After he alerted us about it, we found ourselves losing as well. So now you’ve lost too.
As Finn describes, this game is simple: “1) you’re playing a game. 2) you lose every time you think about the game. 3) you must announce your loss.” Naturally, there’s a website dedicated to it: losethegame.net.
This game took up lots of time when we were students, often resurfacing during outings or in conversations, where a friend would suddenly declare they’ve lost. It had slipped our minds until now, but we’re back in its grip.
Finn continues to outline strategies. Winning appears impossible unless one achieves permanent amnesia or exits life prematurely, both of which seem extreme. However, you can certainly ensure others lose. “This website includes sections where enthusiastic players donate to worthy causes in light of ‘losing the game.’ If you prefer not to spend money, you might leave covert notes in strategic spots.
Lastly, there’s the award for publicizing the game widely. Finn notes these accolades often go to “individuals who mention the game in publications.”
Have you written to Feedback?
Feel free to send your stories to feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your address. You can find this week’s and previous feedback on our website.
I’m manipulating your thoughts. Just by reading this, I have invaded your mind, as each word travels from my heart to yours. I can even conjure unexpected images in your mind—quickly, don’t think of a pink elephant! Whatever you do, don’t visualize it!
Fortunately, there are limits to the influence of mere words and ideas. But what if those limits could be transcended? Imagine a phrase so potent that it could guide your very thoughts toward your own demise. This is the premise explored in Basilisk, an experimental thriller by Matt Wixey, designed specifically for the minds of readers like those of New Scientist.
This novel features a complex narrative structure, reminiscent of House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski. It follows ethical hacker Alex Webster, who works with a computer security firm, attempting to breach her client’s network while aiding in their defense, a professional endeavor shared by debut author Wixey.
However, it’s not merely straightforward. Webster narrates her experiences through two intertwined threads. First, we unravel how she and colleague Jay Morton stumbled into the puzzle leading to his death. Then, she reflects on that tragedy and processes its far-reaching consequences.
The narrative doesn’t end there. Webster’s accounts are supplemented with footnotes from both her and the detective investigating Morton’s death, interspersed with correspondence from a mysterious figure known as Helmsman, who sheds light on the puzzle they aim to solve.
This book feels tailor-made for my brain—that of a New Scientist reader.
If all this sounds overwhelming, Basilisk may not be for you. Personally, piecing together the multifaceted narratives exhilarated me, making my mind race with possibilities.
Helmsman’s correspondences themselves adopt various formats, from bureaucratic emails and scientific reports to conversational dialogues. They tackle numerous topics typically found in New Scientist, covering psychology to artificial intelligence, and I appreciated the precise references to scientific literature. Helmsman details attempts to cultivate a “basilisk,” a concept that can inflict harm merely through exposure, named after the mythical creature said to slay with a glance.
Matt Wixey’s Basilisk centers on “Ethical Hacker” Alex Webster
Basilisks are, as far as we know, fictional, yet the concepts they embody are increasingly compelling. Science fiction author David Langford has explored such ideas in his short stories. Basilisk presents the notion of images that may ‘crash’ the human mind akin to deceptive computer code.
A notable example is Roko’s basilisk—a baffling proposition suggesting that all-powerful future AI will punish those who fail to ensure its creation (a more thorough explanation isn’t wise). The latest series of the anthology Black Mirror also references this concept.
Basilisk represents a subset of broader cognitive hazards, which span topics from nuclear weapons to organized religions.
While reading Basilisk, sleepless nights drove me to read yet another chapter, prompting me to question if the book itself qualifies as a cognitive hazard. I found it difficult to stop thinking about even after finishing. Now that you’ve read this review, perhaps you’re at risk, too.
Please proceed. Dive into the book. Wouldn’t you want to discover what unfolds?
The Art and Science Behind Writing Science Fiction
Embark on a journey into the realm of science fiction writing this weekend, dedicated to creating new worlds and artistic marvels.
IIt’s one of the biggest injustices in video game history that the Sega Saturn is widely considered to be a failure. The console was released in Japan on November 22, 1994, almost two weeks earlier than the PlayStation, but has always been compared disparagingly to its rival. We hear that while Sony built high-end machine lasers intended to produce high-speed 3D graphics, Sega engineers had to add extra graphics chips to the Saturn at the last minute. I read that Sony’s Ken Kutaragi has provided creators with an even easier to use development system. We know that Sony used its power as a consumer electronics giant to take a financial hit and drive down the prices of Sega’s machines. That’s all true, but what’s always left unmentioned is the huge success of Japan’s Saturn launch and the extraordinary legacy left by Sega’s 32-bit machines.
What I remember is this. The Edge magazine reported from Akihabara, Tokyo, that its Japanese correspondent joined a line outside a major Laox computer game center to pick up one of the thousands of machines that fans had not yet reserved. I was trying to get it. Two and a half hours later, the author showed up with my purchase. Among them was a copy of Virtua Fighter, the best arcade fighting game of the year. It was a lucky purchase. Shelves around town were quickly emptying. Sega shipped an unprecedented 200,000 units that day.
The Saturn brought the feel of arcade titles like Daytona USA into your home. Photo: Justin Layton/Alamy
The following September, I joined Edge as a writer and stayed there for two years, coinciding with the creative peak of Saturn’s short life. What was clear to me at the time, and what still rings true today, is that Sega’s first-party output on this machine was one of the best of the decade. Arcade megahits “Sega Rally” and “Daytona USA” set the challenge for a new era of stylish 3D racers, while “Virtua Fighter 2,” “Fighting Vipers,” and “The Last Bronx” challenge the 1-on-1 brings complexity and depth to fighting games. Sega’s platform-exclusive titles were similarly vibrant and groundbreaking. Panzer Dragoon, Night Into Dreams, and Burning Ranger reinvented stalwart genres for a new generation with imaginative and rich visuals. But I also loved wacky experiments. There’s the toy-like platformer Clockwork Knight, the weird and frenetic puzzler Bakubaku Animal, and the self-consciously stupid Virtua Fighter Kids.
It’s often said that what Saturn lacked was support from third-party developers, but that wasn’t the case in Japan. Veteran shooter creator Treasure developed two of their best titles for this machine, Radiant Silvergun and Guardian Heroes. If you still want to play classic 2D shooter games, the Saturn is the way to go. Batsugan, Battle Garegga, and Darius Gaiden are all considered staples of the genre.
X-Men vs Street Fighter: Sega Saturn was the beginning of Capcom and Marvel’s relationship. Photo: ArcadeImages/Alamy
Atlus adapted the arcade hit Donpachi and created the underrated role-playing adventures Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner and Princess Crown. For horror fans, there’s Warp’s survival thriller Enemy Zero, and Capcom created a Saturn port of Resident Evil that included exclusive mini-games and new enemies and costumes. Capcom also produced many of the best fighting games of the time, including X-Men: Children of the Atom (originally a home exclusive), X-Men vs. Street Fighter, and Darkstalkers 3. I put it into Saturn.
Sega also had decent developer support in Europe, with programmers who grew up on home computers having experience programming in the assembly language supported by the Saturn (the PlayStation had a much rarer development environment based on C). Core Design originally targeted Tomb Raider for machines (and also made the unfairly forgotten action-adventure Swagman for consoles). WipeOut brought Psygnosis. Gremlins loaded top-down brawler for both consoles. And Knutsford-based Traveler’s Tales, who would go on to create the Lego series, co-created the underrated racer Sonic R with Sonic Team. This was a great technology showcase for Saturn, with smooth frame rates and gorgeous transparency effects.
The Saturn was innovative in other ways as well. Saturn Bomberman remains arguably the best title in Hudson’s explosive series, especially considering its support for chaotic 10-player matches with two multi-taps. The Saturn was the first major console to offer online gaming via a Net Link modem, and in 1997 it allowed players to participate in direct sessions of Sega Rally Championship and Virtual-On over the Internet. A party title that supported this technology was Shadows of the Tusk, a deck-building strategy role-playing game (years before the genre became mainstream) that came with its own physical card pack. Additionally, Sega’s 3D Control Pad, an analog controller designed specifically for Nights Into Dreams, outperformed the Nintendo 64’s pad by several weeks by market launch.
There was a period, perhaps for a year or two, when Saturn’s disappearance was inevitable. It held its own and rivaled everything that Sony and its lead development partner Namco could offer. Daytona vs. Ridge Racer, Virtua Fighter vs. Tekken, Virtua Cop vs. Time Crisis. And this rivalry has been an absolute boon for gamers, driving 3D game design and creating the technical expertise needed for the next generation of open-world 3D console titles. There’s a reason why refurbished and modified Saturns are still being sold on eBay and retro gaming sites 30 years after its release. They are often region-free and come with a switch to toggle between European 50Hz or NTSC 60Hz TV options. And that’s because the games I’ve mentioned here are still worth playing in their original form, their original home. Although the Saturn never really caught on as a mass market device, it was successful in many ways. When we think about the history of video games, we need to talk more about it.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, April 18, 2024, Chainwire
This annual event is the culmination of Sui's extraordinary debut
Last week, more than 1,000 projects, partners, investors and enthusiasts from 65 countries gathered in Paris for the celebration. Sui Proudly at Layer 1's 1st Global Sui Basecamp Conference.
At its first annual event held during Paris Blockchain Week, Sui was welcomed by developers and builders from around the world during the two-day event. Speakers at Sui She Basecamp spanned all aspects of the industry, from payments to gaming, e-commerce to Major League Sports, and provided commentary through keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats.
The event was punctuated by three important announcements. In partnership with Playtron, the Sui team announced:SuiPlay0x1 is the world's first lightweight handheld gaming device designed with native Web3 functionality, promising a new gaming experience. Additionally, First Digital Labs joins the announcement that FDUSD, the fastest growing stablecoin in cryptocurrencies, will become Sui's first native dollar-backed stablecoin, adding that it is already the fastest growing stablecoin in the industry. This will be a boon for the DeFi ecosystem. Finally, Sui announced Enoki, his Web3 utility suite that makes it very easy for businesses to leverage distributed solutions within their applications, products, and services.
Sui Basecamp participants from 65 countries had the opportunity to meet each other in person.
“In building Sui, we started with a blank canvas. We aimed to create a great platform for decentralized applications without the structural limitations found in other blockchains.” said Evan Cheng, co-founder and CEO of Mysten Labs, founder of Sui Network. . “Less than a year after we launched Sui's mainnet, the remarkable strength of Sui's performance has validated that approach, from near-unlimited horizontal scalability to industry-leading execution speed; Achieving the highest number of transactions in a single day of any blockchain to date, Sui's performance has been exceptional and the network has only scratched the surface.”
The industry veterans who founded Sai launched their mainnet nearly a year ago with high expectations, and the network has performed extremely well. Rather than replicating an existing network, the Sui team started from scratch to build an entirely new infrastructure layer that addresses the shortcomings of existing blockchains. They started by creating a new smart contract language, Move, and then created a new object-centric architecture that enables performance and functionality not available on existing blockchains. The result is the industry's only blockchain, a universal coordination layer for intelligent assets.
Sai is the industry leader in delivering ultra-fast transactions with recorded finality times of just 400ms. Similarly, Sui's scalability is also at the highest level, reaching 297,000 TPS in a controlled environment. However, the Sui team is constantly improving its technology. At the conference, members of the Sui team announced the next advancements in speed and scalability: Mysticeti, which significantly reduces the time to finalization of Sui, and Pilotfish, which enables nearly unlimited horizontal scaling for validators. .
And beyond its performance in test environments, Sui has broken records for transactions performed in a single day in just four months, higher than any existing blockchain while fees remain low and stable. Achieved. Remarkably, in almost his year on mainnet, Sui has not experienced a single minute of her downtime.
Gradually, after a series of community events around the world, Sui's early notable milestones, sustained ecosystem growth, and builders bypassed other blockchains to leverage the Sui network. A flurry of media articles highlighting the multiple stories of builders, developers, investors, and the broader community began to understand. The potential of Sui's groundbreaking blockchain technology. The crowd that gathered at Sui Basecamp 2024 represented the culmination of Sui's arrival.
“The overwhelming turnout and vibrant enthusiasm of our inaugural Sui Basecamp event reflects the Sui community, which is fascinated by Sui’s potential to improve people’s lives.” Sui Foundation Money said Greg Ciolounis, Managing Director. “Over the coming months, the Sui Foundation will benefit from the ecosystem of projects leveraging Sui and their applications to make Sui one of the most widely adopted blockchains to solve real-world challenges.” With state-of-the-art technology and web3's most dedicated and professional community behind it, Sui's progress to date will continue to grow this network. It gives you a glimpse of what you can accomplish.”
For more information about the event, please visit sui blog.
Even back then, this was a feature for paranoid users. When you turn on this feature, all emails sent by Facebook to users who opt in (primarily like notifications and private messages) will be sent using a decades-old technology called Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). Encrypted.
After eight years, Facebook has discontinued the feature due to low usage, the company said. This feature was retired on Tuesday.
Message Facebook showed users ahead of deprecation of PGP-encrypted email.
Facebook declined to reveal exactly how many users are still using the encrypted email feature. It’s not hard to believe that no one was actually using it. I love encryption, but deprecating this feature makes a lot of sense.
First, you can turn off email notifications completely. The reason is simply that email notifications appear in the Facebook app or browser. Why would he want to get two notifications that a friend tagged you in a photo from a party where you were drunk without asking for permission?
For example, I was using the email encryption feature at the time, but since then I also turned off email notifications, so that feature was useless.
Also, who will be using PGP in the year of the Lord 2023? Even the inventor of PGP, the esteemed cryptologist Phil Zimmerman, has said that he does not use PGP Back in 2015.
Zimmerman said the main reason he didn’t use PGP since Symantec acquired PGP in 2010 to incorporate PGP technology into its products was because he couldn’t run the necessary encryption software on his MacBook. He said it was true. Zimmerman also said that “there was no version of his PGP that worked on iOS devices.” (It’s worth noting that you can encrypt email and files on your Mac. GPG Toolsafter its acquisition by Symantec, served as the de facto replacement for PGP (if you want to inflict that kind of pain on yourself).
I’m still using PGP very sometimes.If you want to annoy me, you can use my PGP public key Send an encrypted message. It will be much easier to read and respond if you send it on Signal or WhatsApp instead.
Rest in Peace, Facebook Email Encryption. I never really get lonely.
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