The quest for extraterrestrial life intensified this year when scientists detected intriguing signals from exoplanets containing molecules associated with life on Earth. Although subsequent attempts to confirm these findings were unsuccessful, exoplanet researchers believe the resulting discussions provided valuable insights for future alien detection efforts.
In April, Nick Madhusudan and his team at the University of Cambridge announced they observed “the first hints of another world, possibly inhabited.” These signals originated from K2-18b, an exoplanet approximately eight times the mass of Earth and located 124 light-years away within its star’s habitable zone, as observed with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
The infrared radiation emitted by K2-18b suggests its atmosphere may contain dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a molecule known to be produced solely by living organisms, particularly marine phytoplankton, here on Earth.
As expected, this discovery generated significant buzz within both media and the scientific community. However, many researchers advised caution, emphasizing that the DMS signal was weak and required additional observations and rigorous analysis for confirmation.
Now, several months later, most astronomers concur that there is currently no evidence of DMS or any biomolecules in K2-18b’s atmosphere. Should they exist, they remain undetectable. “We only know for certain that methane and carbon dioxide are present in the atmosphere of this planet,” explains Lewis Wellbanks from Arizona State University.
Claims of discovering extraterrestrial life were premature, according to Wellbanks. “It’s been shown repeatedly that this information is inaccurate. New observations indicate that those gases are not present,” he asserted.
Yet, the data spike initially attributed to DMS still requires clarification, says Jake Taylor at Oxford University. “We observed a spike—a physical phenomenon. At this point, we still don’t know what it signifies.”
Identifying the molecules responsible for these spikes requires further exploration planned for the JWST next year. Scientists can only ascertain what’s present in a planet’s atmosphere by analyzing the starlight filtering through it during the planet’s transit across its host star. This occurs four times each Earth year.
Despite the controversy surrounding this discovery, Taylor notes it also fostered positive outcomes. “This has been a significant learning experience for the entire exoplanet community. We are reassessing our definitions and statistical methods, which has been tremendously beneficial,” he states.
“This experience teaches us to calibrate our expectations,” says Wellbanks. “It’s a reminder that relying on data manipulation to validate a claim is challenging. As one wise person noted, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics. This whole DMS saga falls into that category.”
Explore the Mysteries of the Universe in Cheshire, England
Join some of the brightest minds in science for a weekend spent exploring the universe’s mysteries. The program features an exciting tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.
I It was a thrilling November for the Diamond family. All My favorite sequel has finally launched! The original Outer Worlds mesmerized us with its Art Nouveau hues, engaged us with clever dialogue, and drew us into a classic puzzle-solving adventure in a world of “dwarves versus malevolent corporate overlords,” which remains my top choice since Deus Ex. While the combat wasn’t groundbreaking, that hardly mattered. It was evident that a passionate team had carefully crafted this narrative, and we all became enchanted by it.
When I say “all of us,” I refer to myself and my three kids. My wife skipped out on playing The Outer Worlds because Crash Bandicoot didn’t feature in it. But the rest of us thoroughly enjoyed it, and the kids found it especially amusing that after struggling for half a day, I fled from the final boss fight and declared, “I did it.” Pretty much summed up the gaming achievements of a father with other responsibilities.
My son completed Outer Worlds 2 first. “What did you think?” I inquired.
“You’re going to hate it,” he responded.
What? How dare he assume he knows my gaming likes! If it weren’t for me, these kids wouldn’t even be into gaming. It’s bad enough they crush me in Mario Kart. Now they might take away my potential fun. I’ve decided to prove him wrong and give The Outer Worlds 2 a shot.
Reader: I didn’t enjoy it.
Much of the dialogue is filled with complaints about bosses… The Outer Worlds 2. Photo courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment
The combat is impressive, the character skill trees shine, and the speed and fluidity (on Xbox Series) are commendable.
However, the initial hour was packed with dull factional politics that make The Phantom Menace’s opening crawl seem engaging. Most characters lament their employers and personal mistakes. Everything feels broken; people suffer, are in dire straits, and medical resources are scarce. It’s practically 2025 but set in space, and the clunky, tedious dialogue reads like a LinkedIn comment.
“I was right, wasn’t I?” my son asked triumphantly as I conceded defeat after 20 hours on the third planet I explored.
“How do you know?” I challenged.
“Since playing FIFA online, I’ve never heard so much swearing during a game.”
“How did they miss the mark, son?” I probed.
“There’s no real passion or depth. They narrated the story over the phone.”
Thus began a meaningful discussion about role-playing games. We debated what succeeds and what falls flat, and what differentiates the engaging from the tedious. We concurred that a compelling RPG hinges on the storyteller’s commitment. This genre draws on the essence of Dungeons & Dragons, where imagination fuels incredible tales. For players, it can become mere number-crunching, but for storytellers, it’s pure artistry. World-building is equally vital, as seen in the sweeping vistas of Skyrim, the shadowy streets of Deus Ex, and the technomagical dystopia of Gaia in Final Fantasy VII.
Just like in tabletop D&D, graphics aren’t paramount. Years ago, I relished a month in a chaotic post-apocalyptic saga called Shin Megami Tensei, immersed in an entire world brought to life by tiny pixels on a Game Boy Advance screen.
My weak bladder and need for sleep were the only things separating me from the inhabitants of The Witcher 3. Photo: CD Projekt RED
There are bound to be characters within that world who pique your interest. My weak bladder and unfortunate need for sleep were the only barriers between me and the characters of The Witcher 3. Yet, they all felt eerily familiar. The unnecessarily dense and dreary dialogue distracted me from engaging with the game for more than five minutes outside of combat.
In today’s chaotic world, where “truth” is dictated by the wealthiest deceivers, and fairness is increasingly elusive, striving for success feels daunting. That’s why the true meritocracy present in RPGs appeals to me. In all video games, progress can depend on skill, but RPGs allow even those lacking natural talent to level up and earn achievements through hard work. In contrast with a harsh reality, where millions lag behind while a few thrive, RPGs present a vision of what a fairer world could look like, complete with shields, armor, and ideally, fast-travel points.
The Outer Worlds 2 was a letdown for me, but instead of escaping into the enthralling RPG I had hoped for, I found solace in an enriching exchange with my son about the game. I was reminded of the profound impact games have on our lives and how they strengthen our connections. Sometimes, even lackluster dialogue in games can inspire captivating conversations in the real world.
In 2023, UK viewers aged 55 and above consumed almost double the YouTube content compared to the previous year, with 42% tuning in via television, as revealed by a survey from the Communications Regulator Ofcom.
Here, we explore why six individuals over 50 prefer YouTube over traditional broadcast television that they grew up with.
“YouTube feels very personal and engaging.”
YouTube is filled with hidden gems, featuring numerous videos created by everyday people. It offers a plethora of content that surpasses many other streaming services and broadcast channels. Currently, I enjoy reaction videos immensely. One of my favorites is Regeneration Nation TV, where an American duo reacts to music and classic shows like Fawlty Towers. They’re entertaining, and you really feel part of it. This may also be beneficial for those experiencing loneliness; it feels like the people in these videos are right there with you. As a former Samaritan volunteer, I understand loneliness, and YouTube meets a need that others don’t. It’s incredibly personal, allowing you to discover anything and often serving as the best source for what you seek. Lloyd, 62, disabled and unemployed, Kent
“Terrestrial TV feels outdated.”
YouTube provides a vast array of content tailored to my interests and hobbies like music, photography, science, and film critiques. Everything is on demand, with many videos lasting just 15-20 minutes. While we use streaming platforms for dramas and films, I truly appreciate the wealth of live music performances on YouTube, which can’t be matched by traditional television. The niche subjects available, like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop tutorials, are simply not found on broadcast TV. Occasionally, I miss live events (like women’s soccer or Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral), but I don’t feel deprived. Steve, 50s, Customer Service Manager, Gloucestershire
“I appreciate the brevity of YouTube content.”
I enjoy how short the videos on YouTube are, making it easy to catch something while cooking in the kitchen. I prefer it over other streaming platforms. My favorite content features people creating something from nothing, whether it’s an amazing pottery project or restoring an old car. I used to have a TV license, but I canceled it recently, as I found the BBC’s offerings dull and unengaging. At 67, on a state pension, the fee was hard to justify. Andrea, 67, retired care worker, Bedfordshire
“You can explore topics from deep space to quantum theory.”
Traditional TV feels absurd; the idea of watching something at a set time is outdated. I stopped watching it 20 years ago when Tivo came out, and with better broadband and streaming options available now, I can easily avoid the hassle. YouTube outshines others with the ability to explore everything from deep space to quantum theory. I especially enjoy detailed science videos, no matter how technical they are. One of my go-to channels is PBS EONS, which discusses the history of life on Earth. TV tends to drag on, and the episode lengths are often forgettable for me. I keep my TV license just as a precaution; I’ve heard the consequences of not having one can be severe. Stu Smith, 54, IT consultant, Ipswich
“I’ve simply grown tired of terrestrial TV.”
I exclusively watch YouTube now because terrestrial television lacks interesting content. I enjoy travel shows where I can virtually experience adventures like climbing the Himalayas or visiting fabulous restaurants around the globe. Although I used to watch sports, I gave up my TV license two years ago after getting fed up with intrusive ‘celebrities’ dominating shows. I’m not criticizing the presenters, but at my age, I prefer a more serene viewing experience. Gillian, 73, retired secretary, Stratford-upon-Avon
“YouTube is far more tailored for learning or relaxation than TV.”
Having played in several bands and recorded at home, I began using YouTube for help videos on recording with Logic Pro X in 2018. Eventually, I discovered numerous guitar tutors while studying for my Grade 5 classics and shifted to utilizing the platform for science and history documentaries. The access to a wealth of information has been remarkable. I also prefer watching it on TV for increased comfort compared to using a desk or laptop. You can easily scroll through a variety of topics to find something that resonates with you better than what traditional TV offers. YouTube enables a deep, immersive experience, whether you’re learning or relaxing, in a more precise way than conventional television or other streaming platforms. Jerry McCart, 60, Financial Services, Edinburgh.
fDuring the 10-day span of summer 2006, I handed in my resignation from my first job at a gaming magazine and returned to Scotland to start college. My life revolved around eating, sleeping, and losing myself in an Xbox 360. That was my entire existence. I played as a Khajiit thief, resembling a dark Mankilion in sleek black leather armor, boasting impressive pickpocketing skills. One afternoon, I decided to attempt stealing every item in the quaint town of Bravil, only to be apprehended by the guards for hours. I found myself running around, dropping random planks, cheese wheels, and trails of doublets.
Many of you may share similar experiences in Bethesda games—if not forgetting, perhaps in Skyrim or Fallout 3. Explore as you wish! Experiment with bizarre spells and test your luck against thieves! Venture into caves to battle necromancers, only to be ambushed by vampires! While open-world games like these may seem exhausting now, Forgetfulness was my introduction to gaming. Following Bethesda’s surprise release of a remake last Friday, I’ve been indulging in it nonstop.
It was indeed a surprise. The Oblivion Remake/Remaster is one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets, second only to the Switch 2, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating it for months. Over the last 20 years, Oblivion has gained notoriety for its technical quirks and amusing glitches, alongside its groundbreaking design. I was relieved to discover that Bethesda chose not to fix these quirks. Characters remain stuck in walls, reciting Asinine’s dialogue repeatedly. The facial animations still miss the mark. The game crashed mere minutes after Patrick Stewart’s opening line as the Emperor of Cyrodiil, and I found myself falling through the world, twice. Oddities happen so often that they’re rarely intentional. They are preserved in the Notorious voice-activated blooper, a perfect time capsule of ’00s accidental gaming comedy, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Game of choice without consequences… Elder Scroll: Forget.
Photo: Bethesda Game Studios
While Cyrodiil felt vast and picturesque, adorned with gentle, mystical ruins and rivers reflecting the light, by 2025’s standards, it feels quaint, resembling perhaps just the opening section of a much larger game map. (I’m particularly reminded of Avowed. It’s akin to a recent Elder Scroll offering from Microsoft Studio Obsidian.) The grand imperial city at the center feels more like a small village with interconnected districts housing around 30 characters. I still don’t understand how I spent over 100 hours in such a compact space as a teenager, but during a recent playthrough, I was astonished to find I remembered many details and had encounters with new characters from quests I’d not thought of in years.
In Oblivion, character development hinges on your actions. There’s no need to strictly choose between magic, stealth, or strength. Simply pick up a Great Sword and start using it. (The trick back then was to crouch in sneak mode, use a rubber band to hold the analog stick on the controller, and spin it until your stealth stats maxed out.) This mechanics creates a buffet-like experience where you can become a Battle Arena Champion all at once. It’s a game of choice without consequences, both forgiving and abundant, where a compact world unfolds around you.
I theorize that Bethesda RPGs offer only one immersive experience. You savor one life with Elder Scrolls, and each subsequent playthrough feels like an echo of the previous one. I spent numerous years playing Skyrim and Fallout 3, yet neither was completed. It turns out that Forgetfulness remains my game; newer, more refined open-world titles can often overwhelm me and push my patience to the limit. I still cringe at the hellish landscape of Forgetfulness, where battling the devil can feel like an eternity in a tower adorned with a flaming corpse. Its atmosphere recalls ’00s metal album art. Yet, the beauty of such a game is its ability to let you abandon the plot and explore carefree.
The Oblivion Remaster illustrates that older games don’t always need fixing—they may look different, but they retain their original soul. I believe my teenage self would agree.
What to do
One of the best puzzle games I’ve ever played… Blue Prince.
Photo: Dogubomb/Raw Fury
If you haven’t yet played Blue Prince, stop what you’re doing and download it immediately. You play as a teenage heir to a sprawling mansion, but there’s a catch: to keep it, you must uncover the secret 46th room. The mansion resets each time you sleep, making the routes different each day, and you’re left to discover randomly generated rooms you’ve never encountered before.
I played this with my eldest son. Memo Taker is the most captivating puzzle game I’ve experienced. Even upon discovering Room 46, there remains a deep mystery to explore. Several acquaintances I know have become completely engrossed in it. Its calming pace and intellectual challenges make it perfect for when you’re recuperating. Your reward for playing is always greater knowledge.
Available on: PC, Xbox, PS5 Estimated playtime: Over 30 hours
What to read
Fun and strange… split fiction.
Photo: Electronic Arts
Sydney Sweeney stars in the film adaptation of the Hazelight cooperative game Split Fiction. What do you think? Are you planning to work on it? My partner and I are currently midway through the game, and it’s a blast—odd and enjoyable, yet the plot and character development are… not particularly complex.
According to Video Game Chronicle, in October they shared details about The Ghost of Yotei, a sequel to the visually stunning, yet bloated, Ghost of Tsushima. “Players will pursue Yotei Six, a group of warriors responsible for devastation in Japan,” they reported. “As players hunt them down, the sash worn by the main character Atsuu will present the names of the Yotei Six being sought,” reminiscent of Arya Stark.
Call of Duty’s Warzone has gained fame for its quirky celebrity appearances, enabling players to take down a host of famous figures, including Nicki Minaj and Lionel Messi. The latest addition? Seth Rogen, as part of the new (Heaven help us) “Weed-themed Content Package.”
Divergence… Isabela Merced and Bella Ramsey from Season 2, our final episode 3.
Photo: Warner Bros Discovery
This week’s question comes from reader Toby:
“All video game movies and TV shows seem cursed, and I want to understand how adaptations of Our Last of Us Part II turn out in the end. I really feel that the interactive medium enhances that sentiment and theme. Can a story still carry the same impact when adapted to a passive medium? Which great video game narratives do you think cannot be adapted effectively into movies or shows?”
Having just watched the third episode of Season 2 of Our Last of Us, it’s evident that this season deviates more from the game’s plot compared to Season 1. As you’ve noted, the emotional depth of the game hinges on experiencing it from multiple perspectives, thus necessitating a different approach. Nevertheless, the first game’s emotional weight came from Joel’s actions, whether you agreed with them or not. The series couldn’t replicate that dynamic, so they introduced fresh perspectives and expanded on existing narratives, showcasing the practical, even if less engaging, aspects. I’m particularly drawn to the remarkable episodes featuring Bill and Frank. This embodies the essence of adaptation: offering something novel.
Based on this: No great video game stories cannot be transitioned to film or television by a skilled and insightful writer. The critical terms here aren’t simply related to literal translation; movies and shows need to provide new interpretations and viewpoints. However, many games with weak narratives could make engaging TV shows or films, given that a true visionary is at the helm.
If you have questions for the question block or anything else you’d like to share regarding the newsletter, feel free to hit reply or email us at butingbuttons@theguardian.com.
IIn the early 00’s, off-beat sports games were king. From the slam dunking shenanigans on NBA Street to the absurdity that stops the Mario Striker show, once serious competition has been rethought as a surprising, stupid grim match. But with the arrival of the era of live services, Sports Sims was not about playing pulse pumps, but about collecting more and more expensive virtual trading cards.
Please enter a rematch. This is a refreshing action-packed rethink of a beautiful game. Channel the crude thrills of five sides of the Power League and rematch tactics focused on FIFA teams and put you in a single player studded boot. With third-person action game-like controls, developer Sloclap has guided the channel to create heavy, skill-driven soccer, with martial arts-heavy experiences in previous titles SIFU and Absolver. It’s wonderfully agile, fast, and ferocious. The pass is delivered manually, the shot is curled in the heat of the moment, and the goalkeeper sprints down the half-hearted line, as Oliver Kahn owns. Free slide tackles and bike kicks are the order of the day, and I can’t stop grinning as I win my teammates and each half-line screamer.
“FIFA is a football simulation, and the rematch is a football player simulation,” says Pierre Tarno’s creative director. “In the game, there is no more kick action to pass to this type of pass, so “Let’s make it happen!”
Reflex test… a rematch. Photo: Sloclap
Sifu has also recursively tested the gameplay of the recursive test to kickabout, where you knocked out 7 shades from many martial arts masters. Thanks to high levels of player control, the match is surprisingly quick. Without the other 10 controllable players, the rematch is a game of constant movement. Sprints take valuable stamina and keeping the “Do” button at all times is always a quick way to FIFA. Thankfully there is a hidden trick underneath the knee pads. The tap on the bumper allows for a sudden, fast-speed explosion. Tied to another meter, this emergency boost is perfect for chasing a striker in a box or for throwing away a defender snapping on his heel. Immediately, I balance my midfield and defensive play and charge my goalmouse scramble in a true, crude way.
Sport the art style, a Breath of the Wild, some French Impressionism, and animated speed lines, and sprint through each rendered pitch. Scoring the goal will distort the virtual environment around you, change the Smash Bros style that has changed the background of the stage, and align the main team’s home stadium as the ball hits the back of the net with an explosion of color.
According to Tarno, Rematch’s visuals were an attempt to recreate the soft, dreamy look of paintings inside an immersive 3D stadium. But despite its charming cartoonish look, there is a welcome lack of feats against the super’s movements and gravity that fills the screen. “We once built up running the wall into the game,” he says.
A game of constant movement… a rematch. Photo: Sloclap
This is a world with a bright aesthetic and outlook. Instead of taking place within the normal Grimm Dark Dystopia of video games set in 2065, Sloclap offers a refreshing optimistic view of the future. The environment focuses on renewable energy and natural landscapes. One stadium is wrapped in a dam that generates hydraulic power, while another sees a match unfolding under the hillside with rotating wind turbines.
“We wanted to dream of a world where humanity made the right choice. It’s worth sharing cooperation and resilience on and off the pitch,” Tarno says. “It’s really about the joy of playing with friends.”
When the control finally clicks, you’ll be fully invested in the Ramshackle team. Just like Sloclap’s previous output, the rematch is about mastery. This is a game where the avatar begins with high power. In the world of Rematch, offsides, fouls, and merciless, Var is a thing of the past, and futuristic footies can’t slow the action. “I think players who are not soccer fans will be surprised that they can still enjoy football games because it’s so intense and dynamic,” Tarno says.
Since rematches are only online, the ball call system allows players to raise their hands as they scream and ask for the ball. Rematch’s futuristic footy has more to do than the touch of an Overwatch. I find the squad-driven approach and accurate manual aim as satisfying as setting goals as it scores. The rematch also shares the sense of Rocket League and Arcade relatives, but the rematch delivers a more reasonable approximation of the game, as Psyonix’s unstoppable hit watch players launch Hot Wheels-like vehicles into comical, big football.
The rematch is full of fun player customizations and you can design everything from choosing avatar earrings from your home or away kit. There are even vitiligo selectors and options for customizable prostheses for players to match a more comprehensive vision of the future. The rematch is a paid release, with additional items being sold in in-game currency, which is said to result in roughly half of the cosmetic items being unlocked through play.
Regardless of price range, Tarno is keenly aware that only one is really important. “There is no secret formula in game development,” he says. “The only way to achieve commercial success is to make a very good game. It’s more true about gaming than any other entertainment industry… Gamers are very discerning viewers. They are often very analytical, and the mechanisms and what works and what doesn’t work… If the game isn’t good enough, it simply doesn’t succeed.”
This month’s open beta is essential for a tweak rematch. That was promising in the first half, at least so far. I went into the demo, hoping for disposable fun like a Mario striker, leaving me with sweaty hands. Sloclap’s mission is to bring the pleasant sensation back to virtual football, and based on what he’s banded about this colorful pitch so far, the rematch has the depth to reach the big leagues.
Camels are not your typical finicky herd animals anymore. They are gaining popularity in the world of agriculture.
While the idea of incorporating camel milk into your diet may seem odd to some in Europe or the United States, it has been a dietary staple for many communities for years. Now, camel products are making their way to shelves worldwide.
Currently, it is the United Nations’ international year of the camel, celebrating camels, alpacas, and llamas. Events like the big camel parade in Paris aim to raise awareness about these animals.
Camels already contribute 8% of sub-Saharan Africa’s milk production and are expected to see a significant increase in global trade, reaching $13 billion by the end of the decade.
Experts like Dr. Ariel Ahern from the University of Oxford point out the rapid growth in camel farming, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. They predict that by 2050, camel products may become more common even in western countries like the UK.
Camels are gaining popularity due to their ability to thrive in harsh environments, making them a sustainable alternative in the face of climate change. Their high efficiency in converting food and water into meat and dairy products makes them a valuable resource in regions facing food and water scarcity.
With the potential environmental benefits of camel farming, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional livestock farming, the shift towards camels in agriculture seems promising.
Why are we seeing a shift towards camels?
The International Year of the Camel aims to raise awareness about the importance of camels in the future food chain. As climate change threatens traditional food sources, camels offer advantages in adapting to dry climates and maximizing resource efficiency.
A group of camels feeding in the desert, shot from directly above, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Image credit: Getty
Camels’ resilience to extreme conditions, lower resource requirements, and lower environmental impact make them a promising option for sustainable agriculture.
Is it time to add camel to your diet?
Camel products like milk and meat offer nutritional benefits and can be suitable alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Camel milk, in particular, is rich in vitamin C and iron, making it a healthy option for many.
Studies show that camel milk can help lower blood sugar levels and boost immunity, while camel meat is leaner and higher in iron compared to traditional meats like beef or lamb.
Camel: Coming to a farm near you?
While camel farming is on the rise, experts caution against industrialized models and advocate for more sustainable practices. Free-range, nomadic farming models that allow camels to graze naturally may offer a greener alternative to traditional agriculture.
By utilizing the unique traits of camels, such as their ability to thrive in arid environments and their resource efficiency, we can create a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future.
About our experts
Ariel Ahearn is a lecturer at the University of Oxford, specializing in human geography and rural development. Dr. Ahearn has extensive experience working with nomadic communities in Mongolia and advocating for sustainable land use practices.
Ilse Köhler Rollefson is a German scientist known for her work with camel herders in India and her advocacy for pastoralism and sustainable farming. She is a co-founder of Camel Charisma, promoting eco-friendly camel products.
For more information on camel farming and its potential impact on agriculture, read on.
Music can stimulate emotions such as joy, sadness, and anger
Tim Roberts/Getty Images
Scientists have discovered musical patterns that can make our hearts beat faster or make our stomachs feel like they're doing somersaults.
When a chord sequence of three or more notes played at the same time goes in a different direction than we expect, it seems to cause a strong sensation around the heart, but it follows an easily predictable pattern. The thing causes strong sensations around the heart. As if it hit us directly in the gut.
“Music has a unique power to stir emotions that cannot be expressed in words,” he says. Tatsuya Daikoku at the University of Tokyo in Japan. “It's not just an auditory experience, it's a physical experience. Sometimes when music comes on, my body shivers or I feel a warmth around my heart, and that's a feeling that's hard to describe in words.”
Researchers have already shown that music can evoke strong emotional responses, but pianist and composer Daikoku and his colleagues want to know where in the body people feel those emotions. I thought. To find out, they first used analysis and statistics software to analyze his 890 songs from the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The software determined that the song's chord-to-chord sequences were various variations with high or low levels of both surprise and uncertainty. For example, in some sequences, a low surprise, low uncertainty code may be followed by a low surprise, low uncertainty code, or a low surprise, low uncertainty code may be followed by a low surprise, low uncertainty code. , there are also sequences of codes with low uncertainty but high surprise.
From this, the researchers created 92 musical segments consisting of four chord sequences. Each segment represents one of eight different combinations of surprise and uncertainty. He then asked 527 volunteers to listen to various sets of all eight chord patterns while viewing a silhouette of a human body online.
Listeners were instructed to click where they felt a physical reaction within 10 seconds of listening to the music. They then completed an online survey about the emotions they felt when they heard the chords.
The researchers found that if the first three chords followed an easily predictable pattern, the main difference in physical sensation had a lot to do with what happened on the fourth chord. If that fourth chord follows the expected pattern, people will feel it in the abdomen, but if it deviates from the expected pattern, they will feel it around the heart.
Regarding emotions, participants reported greater feelings of calm, relief, contentment, nostalgia, and empathy when chord progressions followed a predictable pattern. If his first three chords were predictable and his fourth chord unsurprising, even if it was relatively difficult to predict, it was generally less awkward and less predictable compared to other chord arrangements. Feelings of anxiety were reduced.
The results of this study “revealed how music affects not only our ears, but also our bodies and minds,” Daikoku said. “Music has the power to elicit these strong, embodied emotions, leading us to understand our inner emotional landscape in a way that words cannot.” With this understanding, someday That could lead to better mental health interventions, he says.
Europe’s longest Hyperloop test line opening has once again sparked hopes for a future that combines maglev and vacuum tube transportation technologies.
Operators believe that this facility will demonstrate the feasibility of Hyperloop, paving the way for a high-speed tube network spanning 6,200 miles (10,000km) across the continent by 2050.
Currently, the testbed at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam is a 420-meter-long bifurcated white pipe running alongside a track and road, not yet transporting people in the Netherlands.
The test pipe, constructed from 34 connected 2.5-meter-wide prefabricated steel cylinders, partially funded by the EU, falls short of the envisioned two-mile track for 2020 due to speed limitations. The goal is to achieve the required 620 mph (1,000 km/h) in the future.
Test track at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam. Photo: Hollandse Hoogte/Rex/Shutterstock
The Vandeem pipe’s fork will be instrumental in testing “lane switching” during high-speed vehicle course changes, with initial tests conducted by Hard Hyperloop in the Netherlands.
The center’s director, Sacha Lam, hailed this development as a pivotal moment, envisioning a pan-European network with infrastructure branching to various destinations like Paris and Berlin.
The concept of the Hyperloop was introduced by Elon Musk in 2013, proposing a line between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This innovative transportation method could revolutionize travel speed and efficiency.
Despite past setbacks, such as Hyperloop One’s bankruptcy, proponents like Sacha Lam see a bright future where a European Hyperloop network could become a reality within decades, offering a cleaner, quieter, and faster mode of transportation.
This innovative technology could help Europe catch up with pioneering developments in China, where a “low-vacuum pipeline magnetic levitation technology” test track was unveiled in 2022.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
